cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pharmaceutical Product Portfolios

Once the most profitable of all entities, the global pharmaceutical industry, is in the throes of change. The new millennium has ushered it into an era of shrinking product pipelines, heightened public scrutiny of common practices, and dwindling growth. The industry is reacting by adapting strategies that have a history of stability in mature markets, such as emphasizing the value of fundamental marketing and selling principles in making the most of available products and resources, seeking new markets overseas, and actively pursuing consolidations through mergers and acquisitions. One key outgrowth of this has been the creation of inefficient product portfolios (i.e. portfolios that contain products that have to compete with each other for resources and customers).
Molecular Cloning, Chromosomal Mapping, and Characterization of the Human Cardiac-Specific Homeobox Gene hCsx

Csx/Nkx2.5, a murine nonclustered homeobox gene expressed primarily in the heart, has significant sequence similarity to the Drosophila tinman gene. Tinman is essential for heart and gut formation in Drosophila. Targeted mutation in the mouse gene, Csx/Nkx25, arrests cardiac development during early embryonic stages, suggesting an evolutionary conservation in cardiogenesis. We have isolated and characterized a human homolog, hCsx, from an adult cardiac cDNA library. Northern blotting and ribonuclease protection was used to define the pattern of expression during normal development and in disease states. Chromosomal localization of the gene was determined by somatic cell hybrid analysis and fluorescent in situ hybridization. The predicted amino acid sequence of hCsx has 87% overall homology to the murine gene with 100% identity in the homeodomain. The homeodomain sequence of hCsx is 95% identical to its Xenopus homolog, and 65% to tinman. hCsx mRNA was detected exclusively in the heart. hCsx transcript was detected at 12 weeks in human embryonic heart, the earliest time point examined, and was up-regulated 5-fold between 12 and 19 weeks. There was no significant alteration of hCsx message level in the myocardium of 14 patients with end stage heart failure compared to a normal control. The human gene mapped to the distal portion of chromosome 5, the 5q34–q35 region. This defines a new synteny region between human chromosome 5q and the t-locus of mouse chromosome 17, where the mouse Csx gene is located. hCsx, the human homolog of Drosophila tinman, is expressed in heart in a tissue restricted manner. Distal 5q trisomies produce several phenotypic abnormalities, including a high incidence of congenital heart disease. Isolation of the hCsx gene will allow further studies of mutations in this gene and their potential associations with some forms of congenital heart disease in humans.
Phase Unwrapping Problems in Digital Holographic Microscopy of Biological Cells

Phase imaging of objects with optical height variation greater than the wavelength of light is ambiguous and causes phase wrapping. The unwrapping of those images is complicated by the presence of phase noise. Several unwrapping schemes are presented. The first technique is a digital holographic phase unwrapping method based on a comparison of phase images obtained by using various reconstruction distances. By utilizing information from multiple reconstruction planes, this method can effectively bypass the areas of phase noise. The second method is based on comparison of two phase images recorded at different wavelengths. These unwrapping methods are computationally fast and can process complex phase topologies. Also presented are methods to numerically compensate the wave front curvature mismatch between reference and object beams, which is particularly important for measurements of cellular volume. While being primarily developed to unwrap cellular images, these new methodologies are widely applicable to other phase imaging techniques.
Demand Response in Electricity Markets: Voluntary and Automated Curtailment Contracts

Demand response firms that offer curtailment contracts provide incentives for consumers to reduce consumption during peak demand events. The foregone consumption is sold as virtual supply on the electricity market. We explore two curtailment contract types: automated and voluntary. The automated contract requires set curtailment from enrolled consumers, whereas the voluntary contract allows curtailment to vary with the consumer's opportunity cost. In this paper we study the optimal choice of contract type, first from the firm's point of view and then from a social planner's perspective. We show how either contract type can be optimal depending on market/customer conditions. More specifically, when the supply curve for the wholesale electricity market has a steep slope, the firm would prefer to rely on automated contracts. On the other hand, if the cost of curtailment for the customer is highly variable, the firm might prefer to offer a voluntary contract. While the firm's optimal choice is not always welfare maximizing, we find that it does maximize curtailment and so can be viewed as consistent with the environmentally optimal choice. We demonstrate our theoretical findings using a case study from a curtailment service provider, EnerNOC, and data from the PJM electricity market.
Comparing the Teachings of ʿAbd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī and Abū Madyan

This study looks to identify commonalities between the ideas of the prominent sixth/twelfth-century mystics ʿAbd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī (d. 561/1166) and Abū Madyan (d. 594/1198). As will be shown, they not only overlap in their emphasis and interpretations of certain features of the mystical path, but in fact rely on a common basic understanding as regards mystical endeavors overall.
Clinical Pain-related Outcomes and Inflammatory Cytokine Response to Pain Following Insomnia Improvement in Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis.

Objectives Clinical insomnia is known to affect pain, but mechanisms are unclear. Insomnia can dysregulate inflammatory pathway, and inflammation plays a mediating role in pain. It is unclear whether insomnia-related alterations in inflammation can be modified with insomnia improvement, and if such alterations parallel improvement in pain. The current study objective was to provide proof of concept for the role of insomnia in inflammation and pain by testing whether improving insomnia would reduce pain and related physical function, and, concurrently, modulate inflammatory responses. Materials and methods Thirty adults with osteoarthritis knee pain and insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index >10) provided baseline measures of osteoarthritis and laboratory pain, and serial blood samples for inflammatory biomarkers, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α, before and after pain testing. To manipulate insomnia, participants were randomly assigned to a 6-week cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (n=16); or wait-list control (n=14). At 8-weeks (time 2), all measures were repeated. To directly test insomnia improvement effects, participants were grouped by insomnia status at time 2 after confirming baseline equivalency on all outcomes. Results Compared with those maintaining insomnia at time 2 (Insomnia Severity Index ≥8; n=18), those whose insomnia improved at time 2 (n=12) had significantly improved physical functioning, decline in knee pain during transfer activities, and attenuated increase in interleukin 6 and less decrease in tumor necrosis factor α across the pain testing session. Discussion These findings suggest further exploration of inflammatory pathways linking clinical insomnia, and its improvement, to chronic pain.
Ultrastructure of early stages of Rozella allomycis (Cryptomycota) infection of its host, Allomyces macrogynus (Blastocladiomycota).

Abstract This study reconstructs early stages of Rozella allomycis endoparasitic infection of its host, Allomyces macrogynus. Young thalli of A. macrogynus were inoculated with suspensions of R. allomycis zoospores and allowed to develop for 120 h. Infected thalli at intervals were fixed for electron microscopy and observed. Zoospores were attracted to host thalli, encysted on their surfaces, and penetrated their walls with an infection tube. The parasite cyst discharged its protoplast through an infection tube, which invaginated the host plasma membrane. The host plasma membrane then surrounded the parasite protoplast and formed a compartment confining it inside host cytoplasm. The earliest host-parasite interface within host cytoplasm consisted of two membranes, the outer layer the host plasma membrane and the inner layer the parasite plasma membrane. At first a wide space separated the two membranes and no material was observed within this space. Later, as the endoparasite thallus expanded within the compartment, the two membranes became closely appressed. As the endoparasite thallus continued to enlarge, the interface developed into three membrane layers. Thus, host plasma membrane surrounded the parasite protoplast initially without the parasite having to pierce the host plasma membrane for entry. Significantly, host-derived membrane was at the interface throughout development.
Early Events in Establishment of the Vertebrate Heart

In order to understand how the heart is formed in the embryo, it is essential to understand the cellular movements and interactions that are needed for heart formation. This is the domain of classical embryology studies. It is also important to understand the molecules that mediate these interactions and direct cellular differentiation. This is the domain of molecular biology. In isolation, neither of these fields of study will provide a complete picture of how a heart is formed. Recently, a combination of these approaches has greatly increased the general understanding of embryonic heart development. We wish to present an overview of heart embryology and also to show how current molecular results are enhancing our understanding of heart formation.
A new perspective on lone pair dynamics in halide perovskites

Halide perovskites form the foundation of an emerging class of materials for broad application in renewable and sustainable applications, including photocatalysis and solar energy harvesting. These materials exhibit beneficial photophysical properties, including bandgaps suitable for solar energy harvesting and efficient charge screening that underlies efficient charge carrier separation and resistance to defects. For organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites, these benefits are thought to arise, in part, from dipolar molecular cations that can reorient in response to charged particles and defects. In this work, we provide a similar perspective for inorganic metal halide perovskites, which do not contain molecular species with permanent dipoles. We discuss how lone pair electrons lead to dipolar ions that exhibit dynamics in analogy with traditional molecular plastic crystals and hybrid perovskites. We argue that further understanding these electronic plastic crystal motions with first principles simulations and synchrotron scattering can help create a basic understanding of photophysical properties of metal halide perovskites and inform the design of advanced functional materials.
Approaches to Teaching the Works of Amitav Ghosh: edited by Gaurav Desai and JohnHawley, New York: Modern Language Association, 2019. 246 pp; $24.00.

The MLA’s Approaches to Teaching World Literature series is a staple in many university libraries and personal book collections of literature professors. The series offers teachers a range of ideas...
Human papillomavirus vaccination coverage among men who have sex with men-National HIV Behavioral Surveillance, United States, 2017.

Abstract Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk for infections and diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), many of which are vaccine-preventable. In the United States, routine HPV vaccination has been recommended for adolescent males since 2011. This analysis evaluated self-reported receipt of ≥ 1 HPV vaccine dose by age group and HIV status among adult MSM using 2017 data from National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) and compared the proportion vaccinated to prior years. Among 10,381 MSM aged ≥ 18 years, 17.9% of MSM overall and 28.4% of MSM living with HIV reported any HPV vaccination. Among 2,482 MSM aged 18–26 years, 32.8% overall and 51.3% living with HIV reported HPV vaccination. Since 2011, the proportion of MSM aged 18–26 years reporting HPV vaccination has increased over six-fold. As vaccinated adolescents age into young adults, coverage will continue to increase overall, including among MSM.
Regime Map and Triple Point in Selective Withdrawal

Entrainment in selective withdrawal occurs when both the top and bottom phases are withdrawn through a capillary tube oriented perpendicular to a flat gravitationally separated liquid-liquid interface. The tube introduces two distinct features to the conditions for fluid entrainment. First, the ratio of the two phases being withdrawn is affected by the region of influence of the flow upstream of the tube's orifice. Second, a minimum withdrawal flow rate must be reached for entrainment regardless of the distance between the interface and the tube. We show that these phenomena can be understood based on the Reynolds number that governs the external flow field around the capillary tube and the capillary number that regulates the effect of the viscosity and capillarity.
Making Visible a Collage of Radical Scientists and Critics

Taylor proposes the question, “How do we make sense of radical scientists and critics of science in relation to their changing contexts?” After identifying individuals who came to STS after being i...
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Abstract Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) has been used in a number of applications for the diagnosis and management of patients with glioma. The water proton signal is suppressed to allow resolution of spectral signals for other molecules biochemically related to the biology of the tumor. Metabolites are identifiable by their resonance frequencies and typically include choline, creatine, N-acetylaspartate, lipid, and lactate. MRS images (also called chemical shift imaging) can be generated by integrating the signals beneath these metabolite peaks. Here we review the clinical applications and limitations of this technology, including tissue identification and neoplastic distinction, neoplasm grading, prognosis assessment, radiation planning, chemotherapy treatment response, drug delivery, and areas of developing clinical interest utilizing 1H MRS as well as MRS of other spectra.
Freud: From Youthful Dream to Mid-Life Crisis

Part I: Getting Ready. A Theory of Lives. The Stuff of Dreams: Cultural and Familial Threads. Dream Weaving (Birth to Age 17). Part II: Setting Sail. The Journey from Adolescence to the Adult World (Ages 17 to 22): A Second Element Added to the Dream. Entering the Adult World (Ages 22 to 28). The Age-30 Transition (Ages 28 to 33): From Student to Physician and Paterfamilias. Settling Down and Becoming His Own Man (Ages 33 to 40). Part III: The Mid-Life Transition. Losing the Way (Ages 40 to 43): The Initial Phase of the Mid-Life Transition. Lost (Ages 43 to 45): The Final Phase of the Mid-Life Transition. A Wider Realm (After Age 45): The Entry into Middle Age and Beyond.
MO-D-BRD-03: Radiobiology and Commissioning of Electronic Brachytherapy for IORT

Electronic brachytherapy (eBT) has seen an insurgence of manufacturers entering the US market for use in radiation therapy. In addition to the established interstitial, intraluminary, and intracavitary applications of eBT, many centers are now using eBT to treat skin lesions. It is important for medical physicists working with electronic brachytherapy sources to understand the basic physics principles of the sources themselves as well as the variety of applications for which they are being used. The calibration of the sources is different from vendor to vendor and the traceability of calibrations has evolved as new sources came to market. In 2014, a new air-kerma based standard was introduced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to measure the output of an eBT source. Eventually commercial treatment planning systems should accommodate this new standard and provide NIST traceability to the end user. The calibration and commissioning of an eBT system is unique to its application and typically entails a list of procedural recommendations by the manufacturer. Commissioning measurements are performed using a variety of methods, some of which are modifications of existing AAPM Task Group protocols. A medical physicist should be familiar with the different AAPM Task Group recommendations for applicability to eBT and how to properly adapt them to their needs. In addition to the physical characteristics of an eBT source, the photon energy is substantially lower than from HDR Ir-192 sources. Consequently, tissue-specific dosimetry and radiobiological considerations are necessary when comparing these brachytherapy modalities and when making clinical decisions as a radiation therapy team. In this session, the physical characteristics and calibration methodologies of eBt sources will be presented as well as radiobiology considerations and other important clinical considerations. Learning Objectives: 1. To understand the basic principles of electronic brachytherapy and the various applications for which it is being used. 2. To understand the physics of the calibration and commissioning for electronic brachytherapy sources 3. To understand the unique radiobiology and clinical implementation of electronic brachytherapy systems for skin and IORT techniques Xoft, Inc. contributed funding toward development of the NIST electronic brachytherapy facility (Michael Mitch).The University of Wisconsin (Wesley Culberson) has received research support funding from Xoft, Inc. Zoubir Ouhib has received partial funding from Elekta Esteya.
Impact of age on aortic wave reflection responses to metaboreflex activation and its relationship with leg lean mass in post-menopausal women.

Abstract Wave reflection (augmentation pressure [AP] and index [AIx]) is greater in older women than men. Resting AP is a better wave reflection index than AIx in older adults. The negative relationship between wave reflection and lean mass (LM) has been inconsistent. We investigated the impact of age and LM on aortic hemodynamic responses to metaboreflex activation in post-menopausal women. Post-menopausal women, younger and older (n = 20 per group) than 60 years, performed 2-min isometric handgrip at 30% of maximal force followed by 3-min post-exercise muscle ischemia (PEMI). We measured carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and femoral-ankle PWV (faPWV) at rest, and aortic systolic blood pressure (aSBP), pulse pressure (aPP), AP, AIx, and AIx-adjusted for heart rate (AIx@75) at rest and during PEMI using tonometry. Arm and leg LM were measured by DEXA. Resting cfPWV, aSBP, and aPP were higher, while AIx@75 and leg LM were lower in older than younger women. aSBP and aPP increased similarly during PEMI in both groups. Increases in AP ( P P P P P
A Cartesian Robot for RFID Signal Distribution Model Verification

In our previous research, we addressed the problem of automating the design of passive radio-frequency (PRF) services. An optimal PRF surface is one that offers a maximum probability of localization at a minimum instrumentation cost, i.e., a minimum number of surface-embedded passive RFID transponders. Our previous results were based on the assumption that the signal distribution model of an individual RFID transponder can be approximated as a circle. The problem of automated PRF surface design was then formulated as the problem of packing a surface with circles of a given radius. However, in practice, this approach leads to some loss of optimality: some areas of the surface may not be covered or too many transponders may be required. More exact methods are need for verifying and constructing signal distribution models of surface-embedded RFID transponders that can be used by surface packing algorithms to optimize the design. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a Cartesian robot for verifying and constructing signal distribution models of surface-embedded RFID transponders. A model is characterized by four high-level parameters: an RFID transponder, an RFID antenna, an RFID reader, and a surface type. The robot moves an RFID reader-antenna unit over a PRF surface, e.g. a carpet, and systematically collects readings for various antenna positions over the surface. The collected readings are subsequently processed to verify or construct signal distribution models. We describe experiments with the robot to verify the localization probability of automatically designed PRF surfaces. We also present experiments with the robot to verify and construct the signal distribution models of a specific RFID transponder.
The application of a liquid thermal bridge for improving the thermal performance of fluorescence fixtures

The application of a liquid thermal-bridge system for spot cooling of a fluorescent lamps inside fixtures is described. A thermal bridging system facilitates the convection of heat away from a small area on the lamp to the fixture housing, where is it dissipated to the plenum or surrounding ambient space. This results in reduced minimum lamp wall temperatures with a corresponding increase in light output and system efficacy. Experimental performance data for a range of ambient temperatures is presented, and the overall feasibility and application of using liquid heat sinks in fixtures are discussed. >
Effects of the Gβ5-RGS7 complex on muscarinic M3 receptor-induced Ca2+ signaling and insulin secretion (843.12)

The G protein subunit Gβ5 forms obligatory heterodimers with regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins of R7 family (RGS6, 7, 9 and 11). These complexes are expressed in neurons and glands. Previously, we showed that Gβ5-RGS7 attenuated signaling downstream of muscarinic M3 receptor, M3R. A predicted consequence of Gβ5 ablation on pancreatic beta cells would be an increase in insulin secretion. However, we found that Gβ5-R7 knockout strongly attenuated, while its overexperession in Min6 insulinoma cells enhanced M3R-induced insulin secretion. We studied isolated mouse islets, transfected Min6 and CHO-K1 cells, measuring insulin secretion and changes in intracellular Ca2+ in the presence of various pharmacological agents, muscarinic agonists and functional mutants of Gβ5-RGS7 and M3R. The results showed that Gβ5-RGS7 has a dual effect on M3R-mediated Ca2+ transients. While it attenuated Ca2+ release from internal stores, it stimulated Ca2+ influx across the plasma membranes. This pathway involves Gq...
Further simplifications in proactive RSA signatures

We present a new robust proactive (and threshold) RSA signature scheme secure with the optimal threshold of t < n/2 corruptions. The new scheme offers a simpler alternative to the best previously known (static) proactive RSA scheme given by Tal Rabin [36], itself a simplification over the previous schemes given by Frankel et al. [18,17]. The new scheme is conceptually simple because all the sharing and proactive re-sharing of the RSA secret key is done modulo a prime, while the reconstruction of the RSA signature employs an observation that the secret can be recovered from such sharing using a simple equation over the integers. This equation was first observed and utilized by Luo and Lu in a design of a simple and efficient proactive RSA scheme [31] which was not proven secure and which, alas, turned out to be completely insecure [29] due to the fact that the aforementioned equation leaks some partial information about the shared secret. Interestingly, this partial information leakage can be proven harmless once the polynomial sharing used by [31] is replaced by top-level additive sharing with second-level polynomial sharing for back-up. Apart of conceptual simplicity and of new techniques of independent interests, efficiency-wise the new scheme gives a factor of 2 improvement in speed and share size in the general case, and almost a factor of 4 improvement for the common RSA public exponents 3, 17, or 65537, over the scheme of [36] as analyzed in [63]. However, we also present an improved security analysis and a generalization of the [36] scheme, which shows that this scheme remains secure for smaller share sizes, leading to the same factor of 2 or 4 improvements for that scheme as well.
Does influenza transmission occur from asymptomatic infection or prior to symptom onset

A better understanding of transmission dynamics is essential in influenza pandemic planning. If a substantial proportion of transmissions were to occur during the presymptomatic phase or from asymptomatic individuals, then infection control measures such as contact tracing and quarantine of exposures would be of limited value. Infectiousness has been inferred based on the presence of influenza in the upper respiratory tract rather than from transmission experiments. Although asymptomatic individuals may shed influenza virus, studies have not determined if such people effectively transmit influenza. We performed a systematic review of published studies describing the relationship between viral shedding and disease transmission. Based on the available literature, we found that there is scant, if any, evidence that asymptomatic or presymptomatic individuals play an important role in influenza transmission. As such, recent articles concerning pandemic planning, some using transmission modeling, may have overestimated the effect of presymptomatic or asymptomatic influenza transmission. More definitive transmission studies are sorely needed.
Barrier height fluctuations in InGaN polarization dipole diodes

We present an analysis of the effects of lateral barrier height fluctuations on the transport properties of an InGaN polarization dipole diode (PDD). Typical diode analysis proceeds by performing a linear fit to the data contained in a Richardson plot in order to extract the zero-bias barrier height ( ϕB) and the Richardson constant ( A*). The experimental PDD Richardson plot, however, is highly nonlinear and we attribute this to a spatially nonuniform distribution of barrier heights. After modeling the barrier height distribution using a Gaussian, we fit the Richardson data with a modified, second-order function from which we extract the Richardson constant, mean barrier height, and standard deviation simultaneously. We propose that the physical cause of the observed barrier height inhomogeneity in the PDD is statistical nanoscale fluctuations in indium composition.
Abstract 395: Elevated Von Willebran Factor in an in vitro Model of Fabry Disease

Fabry disease is an X-linked disorder caused by a defect in the gene encoding the lysosomal hydrolase, alpha-galactosidase A (GLA). The loss in GLA function causes an age-dependent accumulation of globotriaosylceramide in the endothelial cells, which results in decreased nitric oxide bioavailability and premature mortality in the affected patients. Based on this, we hypothesized that GLA deficiency promotes endothelial inflammation. We observed a significant age-dependent increase in the plasma von Willebrand Factor (vWF) in Fabry mice compared to age-matched wild type mice (p=0.046 at 2 months and p=0.0004 at 17 months). To evaluate the molecular mechanisms of increased vWF in Fabry disease, small interfering RNA (siRNA) technique was used to knock-down GLA in EA.hy926 cells. Our initial studies with this cell line demonstrated that thrombin (2U/mL) induced a time-dependent vWF secretion into the cell culture medium with an 80-fold increase in the level of vWF after 90 min stimulation (p=0.001 compared t...
An eutectic bonding technology at a temperature below the eutectic point

The authors report a technique which needs only 240 degrees C to produce nearly eutectic Au-Sn bonding. After bonding, the device can take a postprocessing temperature of 250 degrees C without bonding degradation. The bonding medium consists of Au-Sn multilayer composite deposited directly on the object to be bonded. This technology also eliminates the preforms, reduces tin oxidation, and provides good control of bonding layer thickness. Results of bonding 2 mm*3 mm GaAs dice show that high-quality bondings are obtained, as evaluated by a scanning acoustic microscope. The specimens underwent 40 cycles of thermal shock test between -196 degrees C and 160 degrees C without bonding degradation and die cracking. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray studies reveal interesting characteristics of the bonding process. Melting point tests confirm that the bonding layer indeed has a melting temperature of 280 degrees C, higher than the 240 degrees C process temperature. >
Maximum weight basis decoding of convolutional codes

We describe a new suboptimal decoding technique for linear codes based on the calculation of maximum weight basis of the code. The idea is based on estimating the maximum number locations in a codeword which have the least probability of estimation error without violating the codeword structure. In this paper we discuss the details of the algorithm for a convolutional code. The error correcting capability of the convolutional code increases with the constraint length of the code. Unfortunately the decoding complexity of Viterbi (1967) algorithm grows exponentially with the constraint length. We also augment the maximal weight basis algorithm by incorporating the ideas of list decoding technique. The complexity of the algorithm grows only quadratically with the constraint length and the performance of the algorithm is comparable to the optimal Viterbi decoding method.
The growth and properties of LPE GaAs

Abstract Air leaks in the growth apparatus and impurities in the source material are the major sources of charged defect centers in LPE GaAs grown in rotary reactors from Ga solutions. With perfected apparatus and purified source material the residual acceptor concentration in n -type layers is routinely 10 14 cm −3 or less. Doping with Sn and Ge is studied and characterized by donor-acceptor partition ratios and segregation coefficients. Theory and experiment are compared for the dependence of the mobility of electrons and holes on concentration at 77°K and 300°K for 3 × 10 13 cm −3 ⩾ n ⩾ 3 × 10 16 cm −3 and 10 15 cm −3 ⩽ p ⩽ 10 19 cm −3 . Thickness and doping uniformity and reproducibility and surface morphology are characterized.
Entity resolution using search engine results

Given a set of automatically extracted entities E of size n, we would like to cluster all the various names referring to the same canonical entity together. The variations of each entity include acronyms, full name, and informal naming conventions. We propose using search engine results to cluster variations of each entity based on the URLs appearing in those results. We create a cluster C for each top search result returned by querying for the entity e ∈ E assigning e to the cluster C. Our experiments on a manually created dataset shows that our approach achieves higher precision and recall than string matching algorithm and hierarchical clustering based disambiguation methods.
From Charge State to Isosurfaces to Spectra: Unraveling the Mystery of Lys-Trp Dipeptide Fluorescence

The quest for factors controlling the partition of excitation energy between fluorescence and nonradiative processes in tryptophan is of perennial interest to spectroscopists because its fluorescence has distinct intensity, color and environmental sensitivity. Solving the relationship between specifics of molecular environment and characteristics of tryptophan fluorescence would provide the key for emission spectra interpretation of a wide variety of proteins. Our quantum mechanical calculations and molecular modeling reveal substantial differences in ground state isosurface charge distribution on the indole ring for Lys-Trp dipeptides when backbone and residue charge is varied. These isosurfaces represent the superposition of all ground state molecular orbital contributions to charge distribution and thereby provide a visual representation of the contributions of all relevant orbitals. Comparison of Lys-Trp species isosurfaces with experimentally derived quantum yields and fluorescence lifetimes reveals a correlation: high π-electron density on the indole ring is associated with high quantum yield and long average lifetime, both of which are found in the zwitterionic and anionic states. Conversely, low quantum yield and short average lifetime is associated with low, uneven π-electron density on the indole ring, which is found in the cationic and highly anionic state where the indole amine is deprotonated. This interpretation explains fluorescence results for tryptophan-containing proteins. Where x-ray crystal structures have shown proteinaceous tryptophans to be hydrogen bonded at the indole amine, very low quantum yields are observed, and isosurfaces resembling those with a deprotonated indole amine are anticipated. Thus isosurfaces reveal losses in π-electron density over the indole ring or a loss of aromaticity for low fluorescing tryptophans. Isosurfaces are the key to solving the relationship between molecular environment and tryptophan fluorescence.
Intrarace Differences Among Black and White Americans Presenting for Chronic Pain Management: The Influence of Age, Physical Health, and Psychosocial Factors

Objective. Emerging comparative literature documents significant racial differences in the chronic pain experience in terms of physical, psychological, and social well-being. However, the intrarace differences of chronic pain among black Americans and white Americans has not been extensively investigated. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the potential within-race-group differential effects and the psychosocial aspects of chronic pain in black and white Americans across age groups. Design. A retrospective study of patients presenting for chronic pain management. Setting. A tertiary care multidisciplinary pain center. Patients. Patients were younger (<50 years) (mean ± SD: 36.7 ± 8.4) and older (≥50 years) (60 ± 9.3) black Americans (N = 525), and younger (36.6 ± 8.1) and older (63 ± 9.8) white Americans (N = 5,298). Outcome Measures. Participants were measured on depressive symptoms, social functioning, pain intensity, pain-related disability, and physical comorbidities. Results. Younger black Americans reported more depressive symptoms, pain intensity, and were less successful at coping with pain when compared to older black Americans. Similar within-group differences were also observed for reports of depressive symptoms, pain intensity, and coping abilities among white Americans. Results further showed that younger white Americans also experienced more symptoms related to post-traumatic distress than older white Americans. Conclusion. Examining within-race-group variability suggests that chronic pain differentially affects the quality of life and health status of black Americans and white Americans across age groups. This study emphasizes the need for further chronic pain studies examining pain indicators within defined racial and ethnic groups.
Supernatural, social, and self-monitoring in the scaling-up of Chinese civilization

This commentary evaluates Ara Norenzayan's central thesis in Big Gods: How Religion Transformed Cooperation and Conflict, focusing on how it bears on the rise of early Chinese civilization. Discussion centers on three themes: supernatural monitoring, social monitoring, and self-monitoring.
A Bimodular Theory for Finite Deformations: Comparison of Orthotropic Second-order and Exponential Stress Constitutive Equations for Articular Cartilage

Cartilaginous tissues, such as articular cartilage and the annulus fibrosus, exhibit orthotropic behavior with highly asymmetric tensile–compressive responses. Due to this complex behavior, it is difficult to develop accurate stress constitutive equations that are valid for finite deformations. Therefore, we have developed a bimodular theory for finite deformations of elastic materials that allows the mechanical properties of the tissue to differ in tension and compression. In this paper, we derive an orthotropic stress constitutive equation that is second-order in terms of the Biot strain tensor as an alternative to traditional exponential type equations. Several reduced forms of the bimodular second-order equation, with six to nine parameters, and a bimodular exponential equation, with seven parameters, were fit to an experimental dataset that captures the highly asymmetric and orthotropic mechanical response of cartilage. The results suggest that the bimodular second-order models may be appealing for some applications with cartilaginous tissues.
Analysis of Gene Expression in Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) Using Quantitative Real Time-PCR

Emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis) is an exotic invasive pest, which has killed millions of ash trees (Fraxinus spp) in North America. EAB continues to spread rapidly and attacks ash trees of different ages, from saplings to mature trees. However, to date very little or no molecular knowledge exists for EAB. We are interested in deciphering the molecular-based physiological processes at the tissue level that aid EAB in successful colonization of ash trees. In this report we show the effective use of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to ascertain mRNA levels in different larval tissues (including midgut, fat bodies and cuticle) and different developmental stages (including 1st-, 2nd-, 3rd-, 4th-instars, prepupae and adults) of EAB. As an example, a peritrophin gene (herein named, AP-PERI1) is exemplified as the gene of interest and a ribosomal protein (AP-RP1) as the internal control. Peritrophins are important components of the peritrophic membrane/matrix (PM), which is the lining of the insect gut. The PM has diverse functions including digestion and mechanical protection to the midgut epithelium.
Emergent ad hoc sensor network connectivity in large-scale disaster zones

We introduce a disaster-zone-monitoring web-based application. While using this application, the user may simulate different large-scale disaster zones. He may use tools to define a disaster zone and its communication requirements. The web application uses the Google Earth infrastructure and is publicly available to use online during the conference from every computer connected to the Internet. The evolving deployment of nodes will be updated each second to reflect the current state of the entities residing within the monitored zone.The user will be able to navigate through the disaster zone to inspect the dynamically changed environment, and to learn about node deployment and the current network connectivity and service availability. He could ask the system to find the number of agents required to be deployed and present this deployment. The user also will be able to define the budget limitations. Thus, the system will derive the number of agents, their deployment, and the resulting system utility. Given a system utility, the user can decide whether to adopt the deployment even though it does not guarantee full coverage, or to increase the budget to improve system utility.
A scaled CMOS platform for photonics

CMOS photonics applications include medium reach links for data center backhaul, short reach links for optical backplanes, optical implementations of peripheral hardware bus (PCI-type), memory-to-core links, and core-to-core links. Here we consider one particular application - memory-to-core links required for the continued scaling of multicore microprocessors.
Correlating Circuit Board Deflection/Strain Measurements to BGA Solder Joint Dynamic Performance

Summary form only given. BGA solder joint reliability under flexure and shock environment is one of the main concerns for the electronic packaging industry. Direct stress measurement of solder joints for a BGA assembly in a dynamic impact event is not available at this time. However, many studies have clearly shown that BGA solder joint failure is more directly related to board deflection / curvature than acceleration. Furthermore, the mode in which the board deforms is an important factor. Board deflection and strain measurement has been adopted by the industry to indirectly correlate solder joint stress which cannot be directly measured. To investigate the correlation between board strain measurements and solder joint capability, a board "strain states" method is introduced. This method has proven indispensable in determining the root cause of dynamic failures, comparing design variation to achieve lowest solder joint stress and matching shock profile response between BGA package test vehicles and fully assembled boards and systems. This paper provides theory and specific examples on how the method is applied to a variety of real life scenarios. The examples will illustrate the use and interpretation of board deflection and strain measurements as applied to evaluation of electronic packaging under a dynamic bending event. This paper also discusses the FE model validation based on board deflection and strain measurements across the circuit board
“Who let the dogs out?”: A critique of the security for hire option in weak states

This study draws attention to one of the most significant but least examined aspects of the global security environment: the transnational private security business. The importance of private military companies (PMCs), which have tactical warfare capabilities equivalent to those of the militaries of developed countries, has increased since the inception of the Iraq War in 2003. The weakness of state security forces in countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan, combined with the need to downsize and outsource an already overtasked US military, has left security gaps in these countries. Some argue that filling these gaps with PMCs is an economically feasible, politically viable, and flexible option for US policymakers. Our study tests this argument by asking about the political effects of PMCs, profit-focused corporations that operate largely outside national and international law, on the sovereignty and legitimacy of the fragile states in which PMCs operate.
Subjective ratings of upper extremity exposures: Inter-method agreement with direct measurement of exposures

This study examined the agreement of subjective ratings of upper extremity exposures with corresponding direct measurements obtained simultaneously from workers. Psychophysical ratings of exposure, based on the Borg CR-10 scale, were obtained for the period of time in which direct measurements were acquired using electrogoniometers (wrist), electroinclinometers (shoulder) and electromyography (grip force). Subjects were selected from workers at two automobile manufacturing plants. Significant relationships between subjective ratings of wrist position and measured wrist posture or motion and between ratings of shoulder position and measured shoulder posture were not found. Ratings of manual effort were significantly correlated with directly measured grip force (% maximum voluntary contraction). Ratings of pace were significantly correlated with directly measured wrist motion and this relationship was strengthened with the addition of relative grip force as a covariate. Workers with hand/wrist symptoms provided ratings that were more strongly related to the directly measured exposures than those without symptoms. Self-report by workers is an alternative to more resource-intensive and invasive exposure assessment methods. However, the validity of workers' self-reported exposure assessments has been questioned. The objective of this study was to examine the agreement of selected questionnaire items with corresponding direct measurements from bioinstrumentation and to provide a better understanding of worker self-reports.
Spatial operators in natural language understanding: the prepositions

The paper describes the operation of a LISP program which accepts English sentences involving spatial prepositions and creates a three dimensional model of the objects described, with emphasis on the appropriate spatial relations between the objects. A sequence of such sentences can result in a fairly elaborate model. The program can then answer questions about the relationship of the objects, even though the relationship in question between two objects in the model may not have been explicit in the original description.
Development of a portable laser sheet

A portable laser sheet illumination source for flow visualization experiments has been developed utilizing fiber optic cable and standard optical bench components. This technique improves the convenience and safety aspects of using laser light by containing the concentrated laser energy inside a flexible and shielded fiber cable. Transmission efficiencies up to seventy-five percent have been obtained with a twenty meter long fiber cable and careful alignment of optical components. The current optical configuration can transmit a two-watt Argon-ion laser beam and produce a sheet one-half by one meter in size and approximately two to three millimeters in thickness.
Anticoagulation without monitoring.

The new oral anticoagulants dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban were developed and approved for use without the need for routine laboratory monitoring. With safety and efficacy profiles that are as good as or better than traditional anticoagulants that require monitoring, these medications are attractive alternatives for physicians and patients alike. The introduction of these new oral anticoagulants raises two important issues for the clinical laboratory: (1) under what clinical situations should plasma levels of these drugs be measured, and (2) how do we measure drugs designed to be used without monitoring when approved assays are not available and the need is for rapid turnaround times to help in the assessment of acute bleeding or thrombosis? This issue of the American Journal of Clinical Pathology contains two important review articles related to the pathologist’s and clinical laboratory’s roles regarding the new oral anticoagulants dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban.1,2 They describe methods used for measuring plasma levels, potential approaches to reversal, and types of consultations and questions that pathologists may face related to these medications. The first generation of anticoagulants, warfarin and unfractionated heparin, requires continuous monitoring to minimize the risk of bleeding and thrombosis. This is an early example of precision medicine and patient-specific adjustment of levels to optimize therapy. Warfarin is monitored primarily with the prothrombin time (PT)/international normalized ratio on a weekly to monthly basis. Unfractionated heparin was …
Research Synthesis: The State of the Art

The state of the art in research synthesis has advanced significantly in the last decade. Much of the improvement in research reviews is attributable to the application of rigorous scientific standards to the process of research synthesis. Three principal types of research syntheses are the narrative review, the replicated secondary analysis, and the meta-analysis or quantitative research synthesis. Each methodology has its strengths and weaknesses, but all have benefited from increased attention to procedural rigor. Modern methods for quantitative research synthesis have significant advantages in that they provide specific tests for the existence and consistency of relationships across studies.