cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pan-Caspase Inhibitor Prevents Anti-CD3 Mediated T-Lymphocyte Proliferation

BACKGROUND. Host defense requires the ability for upregulation and downregulation of lymphocyte responses. It is well known that proliferative responses can be seen in conjunction with subsequent cell death suggesting that the two processes are linked.(1) Caspases are constitutively expressed zymogens which, upon activation, participate in receptor and nonreceptor mediated apoptosis.(2) The purpose of this study was to assess whether caspase activity was required for the proliferation of splenic-derived T lymphocytes by using the nonspecific, irreversible inhibitor z-VAD-fmk. METHODS. Splenocytes from C57Bl/6 mice were passed over an antibody coated column (R&D) to obtain a >90% CD3+ population. Cells were stimulated to proliferate with immobilized monoclonal anti-CD3 (BD Pharmingen, 100µg/ml) in 10% MLC media. Proliferation was assessed by 3 H thymidine incorporation at time points with and without zVAD-fmk (Alexis, 100µM). Western Blot analysis was performed by SDS-PAGE and probed with polyclonal Caspase 3 antibody H-277 (Santa Cruz, 1:1000). Caspase 3-like activity was assessed by 100µM Ac-DEVD-pNA (Alexis) substrate followed by quantitation by spectrophotometry at 405nm. RESULTS. TCR stimulation of purified T lymphocytes at 72 hours resulted in proliferation 500 fold greater than unstimulated controls. Treatment of lymphocytes with zVAD inhibited CD3 mediated proliferation by greater than 99%. Delay in the administration of inhibitor after stimulation decreased the effect on proliferation (see Figure 1).
Reactions of Cobaloxime Anions and/or Hydrides with Enynes as a New, General Route to 1,3- and 1,2-Dienylcobaloxime Complexes

A new method for the preparation of dienylcobaloxime complexes which involves reactions of cobaloxime anions and/or hydrides with enynes is reported. This new dienyl complex preparative method leads to cobalt-substituted 1,3- or 1,2-dienes depending on the enyne substitution pattern chosen. Subsequent Diels−Alder reactions of the 1,3-dienyl complexes and demetalation reactions of cobalt-substituted cycloadducts are also reported.
The Relationship between the Active Cervical Range of Motion and Changes in Head and Neck Posture after Continuous VDT Work

This study investigated the relationship between the active cervical range of motion (ROM) and changes in the head and neck posture after continuous visual display terminal (VDT) work. Twenty VDT workers were recruited from laboratories. The active cervical ROM of the participants was measured and videotaped to capture the craniocervical and cervicothoracic angles using a single video camera before and after VDT work. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to quantify the linear relationship between active cervical ROM measurements and the changes in the craniocervical and cervicothoracic angles after continuous VDT work. Active neck extension (r=-0.84, p<0.01) was negatively correlated with the mean craniocervical angle, and active neck flexion (r=-0.82, p<0.01) and left lateral flexion (r=-0.67, p<0.01) were negatively correlated with the mean cervicothoracic angle.
Lactic acidosis as a predictor of downtime during cardiopulmonary arrest in dogs

Abstract Studies have shown that over 50% of cardiovascular deaths occur before hospitalization. A major factor associated with survival in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is the time from cardiovascular collapse to the initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or “downtime.” The purpose of this study was to determine whether blood lactate levels could be used to predict downtime in the canine cardiac arrest model. Femoral arterial and Swan-Ganz catheters were placed in 22 mongrel dogs, and ventricular fibrillation was electrically induced. The dogs remained in ventricular fibrillation without ventilation for 5, 10, 15, 30, or 60 minutes. After the predetermined fibrillation time, a left anterolateral thoracotomy was performed, and open-chest cardiac massage was begun. Arterial and mixed venous lactate levels were determined for every 5 minutes during 30 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The correlation coefficient between the mixed venous and arterial lactate levels was 0.96 or greater during all stages of resuscitation. Peak serum lactate level increased linearly in relation to downtime. The increase in lactate level was not evident until after CPR was begun, and it remained at peak levels or decreased insignificantly, despite optimal open-chest CPR. Linear regression analysis revealed that 84% of the variability in serum lactate levels could be explained by downtime differences. In this model, blood lactate level is a reliable and objective measure of downtime and may be a useful indicator of the adequacy of CPR if levels decrease or remain stable. The clinical implications of this study lie with the use of blood lactate levels in the emergency department to guide the aggressiveness of resuscitative efforts.
S100β correlates with neurologic complications after aortic operation using circulatory arrest

Abstract Background . Astrocyte protein S100β is a potential serum marker for neurologic injury. The goals of this study were to determine whether elevated serum S100β correlates with neurologic complications in patients requiring hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) during thoracic aortic repair, and to determine the impact of retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) on S100β release in this setting. Methods . Thirty-nine consecutive patients underwent thoracic aortic repairs during HCA; RCP was used in 25 patients. Serum S100β was measured preoperatively, after cardiopulmonary bypass, and 24 hours postoperatively. Results . Neurologic complications occurred in 3 patients (8%). These patients had higher postbypass S100β levels (7.17 ± 1.01 μg/L) than those without neurologic complications (3.63 ± 2.31 μg/L, p = 0.013). Patients with S100β levels of 6.0 μg/L or more had a higher incidence of neurologic complications (3 of 7, 43%) compared with those who had levels less than 6.0 μg/L (0 of 30, p = 0.005). Retrograde cerebral perfusion did not affect S100β release. Conclusions . Serum S100β levels of 6.0 μg/L or higher after HCA correlates with postoperative neurologic complications. Using serum S100β as a marker for brain injury, RCP does not provide improved cerebral protection over HCA alone.
Reactive Molecular Dynamics of Hypervelocity Collisions of PETN Molecules

Born−Oppenheimer direct dynamics classical trajectory simulations of bimolecular collisions of PETN molecules have been performed to investigate the fundamental mechanisms of hypervelocity chemistr...
L form of bacteria isolated from recurrent aphthous stomatitis lesions

Abstract Pure cultures of a transitional L form isolated from numerous lesions in three aphthous stomatitis patients examined suggest that a relationship exists between the L form of bacteria and the pathogenesis of this disease and that some cases of recurrent aphthous stomatitis may be infectious in nature. The “L form theory” presented proposes that the stable L form variant of pathogenic bacteria is the dormant-carrier agent in recurrent aphthous ulcerations.
The City as Subject Contemporary Public Sculpture in Berlin

Berlin, a city rich in public sculpture, is the site of a distinctive body of recent work in which artists use the physicality of the city itself to reflect on and draw from the history of Berlin as a city. These sculptures grow out of and respond to the critical processes of social-historical and urban-historical investigation by architects, planners, citizen—activists, historians, and others, undertaken in the 1960s and 1970s. They intervene in recent architectural debates to challenge currently dominant conceptualizations of the urban ground plan and to reimagine historical and spatial relationships parallel to the urban reunification process. This article examines selected examples that provide a sense of how the city is taken as contemporary sculptors’ subject in both direct and complex forms.
Locating Food Democracy: Theoretical and Practical Ingredients

ABSTRACT This research was designed to better understand the concept of food democracy through analysis of a particular community food initiative in Missoula, Montana. An analytical framework identifying some key dimensions of food democracy is posited and then examined through in-depth research into a partnership that involves university students working on a community farm to produce food for distribution to low-income people through the food bank and to members of a community supported agriculture arrangement. Organizations collaborate to affect change they could not achieve on their own and create opportunities for meaningful participation by individuals involved in various facets of the food initiative.
Meta-analysis of guided bronchoscopy for the evaluation of the pulmonary nodule.

Background The detection of pulmonary nodules (PNs) is likely to increase, especially with the release of the National Lung Screen Trials. When tissue diagnosis is desired, transthoracic needle aspiration (TTNA) is recommended. Several guided-bronchoscopy technologies have been developed to improve the yield of transbronchial biopsy for PN diagnosis: electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB), virtual bronchoscopy (VB), radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS), ultrathin bronchoscope, and guide sheath. We undertook this meta-analysis to determine the overall diagnostic yield of guided bronchoscopy using one or a combination of the modalities described here. Methods We performed a MEDLINE search using “bronchoscopy” and “solitary pulmonary nodule.” Studies evaluating the diagnostic yield of ENB, VB, R-EBUS, ultrathin bronchoscope, and/or guide sheath for peripheral nodules were included. The overall diagnostic yield and yield based on size were extracted. Adverse events, if reported, were recorded. Meta-analysis techniques incorporating inverse variance weighting and a random-effects meta-analysis approach were used. Results A total of 3,052 lesions from 39 studies were included. The pooled diagnostic yield was 70%, which is higher than the yield for traditional transbronchial biopsy. The yield increased as the lesion size increased. The pneumothorax rate was 1.5%, which is significantly smaller than that reported for TTNA. Conclusion This meta-analysis shows that the diagnostic yield of guided bronchoscopic techniques is better than that of traditional transbronchial biopsy. Although the yield remains lower than that of TTNA, the procedural risk is lower. Guided bronchoscopy may be an alternative or be complementary to TTNA for tissue sampling of PN, but further study is needed to determine its role in the evaluation of peripheral pulmonary lesions.
A new optimal policy for inventory control problem with nonstationary stochastic demand

This paper considers an inventory control problem with multiple-period replenishment lead time and nonstationary stochastic demand, and provides an optimal nonstationary (s, S) policy for this problem. Through analyzing the inventory relationship between consecutive periods, a stochastic dynamic programming model is established, then an optimal solution algorithm is developed, and the solution has the nonstationary (s, S) form. By simulation the performances of the proposed policy and current methods are computed, and the effectiveness of this policy is verified. Then this policy is applied to a real cases study, and application results are given.
Towards a discipline of mission-aware cloud computing

Even as cloud computing gains rapid traction in the commercial marketplace the twin concerns of availability and security remain paramount to potential customers, especially in the enterprise. Concurrently the vision of what cyber security means is itself changing. The US Department of Defense (henceforth DoD) has recently promulgated a new doctrine of mission assurance in contrast to the earlier approach of information assurance. We argue that this concept of mission assurance is equally applicable to the commercial sector, and has high relevance to the availability and security concerns of cloud computing. While the business community may prefer alternate terms such as "business application assurance," "business function assurance" or "mission effectiveness" we propose to stay with established DoD terminology. Our basic position is that in order to achieve mission assurance in the new paradigm of cloud computing we need to instrument the cloud with hooks and supporting protocols and mechanisms to enable deployment of mission-driven performance, resilience and security policies into the computing and communication infrastructure. The cloud must therefore evolve from its current mission-oblivious state to become mission-aware. This position paper speculates on the research challenges in making this happen.
A near-field to far-field transformation for spheroidal geometry utilizing an eigenfunction expansion

This work presents a near-field to far-field (NF-FF) transformation for antenna and scatterer radiation evaluation. The transformation allows practical computation by making use of a sampling surface in the near-field that is spheroidal in shape: namely a prolate or oblate spheroid. The resulting vector wave equation does not support orthogonal vector solutions in spheroidal coordinates and instead rectangular field components are solved for using the scalar wave equation in spheroidal coordinates. The new transformation only requires knowledge of the completely-specified near-field electric field along the spheroidal transformation surface and does not need any information associated with the corresponding magnetic field. The benefit of using a spheroidal near-field geometry is its ability to closely conform to both linear and planar radiating structures while still permitting evaluation of the full far-field radiation pattern. Our approach makes use of an eigenfunction expansion of spheroidal wave-harmonics to develop two distinct, yet closely related, NF-FF transformation algorithms for each type of spheroidal surface. The spheroidal NF-FF transformation is validated and performance assessed using a well-characterized radiation structure. By applying the prolate and oblate algorithms to a radiating structure with known analytical near- and far-field electric fields, viz., a filament dipole with sinusoidal current distribution, we are able to setup and conduct multiple numerical tests that serve as a proof-of-concept for the spheroidal NF-FF transformation.
Revascularization versus medical therapy for renal-artery stenosis. The ASTRAL Investigators. The New England Journal of Medicine 2009; 361: 1953—1962

Study objective: The objective of ASTRAL was to determine whether percutaneous revascularization combined with medical therapy compared to medical therapy alone improves renal function and other ou...
A Metric for Evaluating Design Commonality in Product Families

Many companies develop a market strategy built around a family of products. These companies regularly add new product variations to the family in order to meet changing market needs or to attract a broader customer base. Although the core functionality remains essentially unchanged across the products within a family, new functions, feature combinations and technologies are incorporated into each new product. If allowed to grow unchecked, these component variations, commonly referred to as “complexity”, can result in a loss of productivity or quality. The challenge lies in an effective management of product variations in the design studio and on the manufacturing floor. The key is to minimize non-value added variations across models within a product family without limiting customer choices. In this paper we discuss the factors that contribute to product complexity in general, and present an objective measure, called the Product Line Commonality Index, to capture the level of component commonality in a product family. Through our Walkman case study, we present a simple yet powerful method of benchmarking product families1. This method gauges the family’s ability to share parts effectively (modularity) and to reduce the total number of parts (multi-functionality). [S1050-0472(00)02704-5]
High Thrust to Weight Bipropellant Reentry Vehicle Thrust Vector Control Thru Micro-Miniaturization

Abstract : These briefing charts represent a speech given by the author at the AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference held in Huntsville, Alabama, on 20-23 2003. The speech covered the following topics: the high thrust-to-weight ratios achievable through micro-miniaturization; the two candidate microthrusters that were investigated in this study (the MIT MEMS gas turbine bipropellant engine and the AFRL micronozzle); issues that diminish performance at reduced rocket engine lengths; effects of air drag on launch vehicle performance; microthruster combustion residence time analysis; MIT combustion analysis results using ethanol and oxygen; AFRL bimolecular chemical kinetics combustion model; AFRL activation energy data match--activation energy versus combustion temperature for ethanol/oxygen; determining minimum chamber size with MIT data and PRST bimolecular chemical kinetics model; experimental measurement of characteristic velocity versus chamber pressure for MIT microrocket; MIT microrocket ignition results for methane and oxygen; minimum chamber length versus chamber pressure for complete combustion; specific impulse performance at reduced engine characteristic lengths; application of high-T/W ratio bipropellant TVC to reentry vehicles (RVs) through micro-miniaturization; simplified RCS total impulse analysis applied to a full-scale maneuvering RV and a small-scale nano RV; dead-band tolerance limit cycle analysis to determine RCS propellant consumption rate; RV dead-band motion; RV reaction control system forces and moments; dependence of the jet thrust amplification factor, K(sub f), on temperature and molecular weight; minimum obtainable microjet thrust versus chamber length; and RV RCS mission impulse requirements for dead-band targeting motion. The final charts provide conclusions, caveats for using MEMS combustion results, and ideas for future work.
Effect of the Supercooled Liquid Region on Al85Ni7Gd8 Metallic Glass Crystallization Products

The effect of the supercooled liquid region on the primary crystallization of Al85Ni7Gd8 metallic glass, which exhibits a clear glass transition before its primary crystallization, was evaluated systematically under different annealing conditions, including isothermal annealing at different temperatures and non-isothermal annealing employing different heating rates. It was found that isothermal annealing within the supercooled liquid region and non-isothermal annealing at small heating rates (≤ 5 °C/min) result in the co-precipitation of fcc-Al and Al compound(s). When isothermal annealing is done at temperatures where partial crystallization is involved, or non-isothermal annealing is carried out at a larger heating rate, the primary crystallization product is a single phase of fcc-Al. The effect of the supercooled liquid region on the crystallization product is discussed in detail.
Subject and object expression in Spanish heritage speakers: A case of morphosyntactic convergence

Many simultaneous bilinguals exhibit loss or incomplete acquisition of their heritage language under conditions of exposure and use of the majority language (Silva-Corvalan, 1994, 2003; Polinsky, 1997; Toribio, 2001; Montrul, 2002). Recent work within discourse-functional (Silva-Corvalan 1994) and generative perspectives (Sorace, 2000; Montrul; 2002; Tsimpli, Sorace, Heycock, Filaci and Bouba, 2003, in press) suggests that while syntax proper is impervious to language loss or attrition, syntax-related interfaces like lexical-semantics and discourse-pragmatics are not. This study investigates argument expression in adult simultaneous bilinguals who are heritage speakers of Spanish, because in this language subjects, direct, and indirect objects are regulated by syntactic, pragmatic and semantic factors. It was hypothesized that if language loss affects interface areas of competence more than the purely syntactic domains, then Spanish heritage speakers should display robust knowledge of null subjects as well as object clitics, but variable behavior in the pragmatic distribution of null vs. overt subjects, the a preposition with animate direct objects, and cases of semantically based dative clitic-doubling. Results of an oral production task administered to 24 intermediate and advanced heritage speakers and 20 monolinguals confirmed the hypotheses. With the erosion of pragmatic and semantic features, the grammars of the intermediate proficiency Spanish heritage speakers appear to display morphosyntactic convergence with English in the expression of subject and object arguments.
Computational Analysis of T Cell Receptor Signaling and Ligand Discrimination – Past, Present, and Future

Signaling through the T cell receptor for antigen (TCR) has been studied for years by conventional biochemical means. More recently, attempts have been made to develop computational models of signaling through this receptor, with a specific focus on understanding how this recognition system discriminates between closely related (self and non-self) ligands. Here we discuss recent advances centered on the role of feedback regulation, especially the key finding that a combination of digital and analog control circuits is fundamental to the discrimination properties of the TCR. We end by pointing to future, more biologically accurate models that incorporate spatial aspects of molecular organization in antigen-engaged T lymphocytes with this underlying biochemistry.
A delay distribution methodology for the optimal systolic synthesis of linear recurrence algorithms

A systematic methodology based on the concept of delay distribution to optimize the systolic scheduling of data flow graphs, which represent one-dimensional linear recurrence algorithms (LRAs) is introduced. Step-by-step examples are given to illustrate the procedure. It is shown that this procedure produces optimally scheduled data flow graphs (DFGs) for VLSI systolic implementation. The goal is to transform the DFG of a linear recurrence algorithm into an optimal form for VLSI systolic implementation. Considerable improvements have been achieved over previous works. Comparisons are made between the authors' and previous designs on the examples of infinite impulse response (IIR) filters and finite impulse response (FIR) filters. Finally, a generalization of the procedure to N-dimensional linear recurrence algorithms is given, using the one-dimensional case as its basis. >
Pathophysiologic basis for the medical management of portal hypertension

Background: Portal hypertension is a potentially life-threatening complication of cirrhosis, resulting from increased intrahepatic resistance and portal inflow. Objective: Given the complex nature of this disorder, a more complete understanding of the pathophysiology of portal hypertension is necessary to develop new therapies that target specific pathways that regulate portal pressure. Methods: This review is based on a literature search of published articles and abstracts on the pathophysiology of portal hypertension, its complications and its treatment. Results/conclusion: A number of therapies have been developed or are under investigation for the treatment of portal hypertension and its complications. These agents may reduce mortality and improve quality of life for patients with advanced liver disease.
Why "more work for mother?" Knowledge and household behavior, 1870-1945.

It is widely agreed that the burden of housework in the industrialized West did not decrease as much as might be expected since 1880, and may have actually increased for long periods. The article proposes a new explanation: that increases in knowledge on the causes and transmission mechanisms of infectious diseases persuaded women that household members' health depended on the amount of housework carried out. The article traces the origin of this knowledge in the scientific developments of the nineteenth century and describes the mechanisms by which households were persuaded to allocate more time and resources to housework.
Understanding Social Networks Properties for Trustworthy Computing

The ever-increasing popularity of social networks opens new directions for leveraging social networks to build primitives for security and communication, in many contexts. Such primitives utilize the trust in these social networks to ensure collaboration and algorithmic properties exhibited in such networks to argue for the effectiveness of such primitives. Despite the importance of such properties and their quality to the operation of these primitives, less effort is made to measure these properties and understand the relationship among them and to other characteristics of social networks. We extend our earlier results measuring the mixing time, to investigate a new property used for building Sybil defenses, namely the expansion of social graphs. We measure the expansion of social graphs, and show quantitatively that, with a few exceptions, it is sufficient to support Sybil defense mechanisms based on expansion. We relate the mixing time of social graphs to graph degeneracy, which captures cohesiveness of the graph. We experimentally show that fast-mixing graphs tend to have a larger single core whereas slow mixing graphs tend to have smaller multiple cores. While this study provides quantitative evidence relating the mixing time to coreness of the graph, it also agrees with our previous observations about the tight-knit community structure in slow mixing social graphs.
Urinary Isoflavone Concentrations Are Inversely Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk Markers in Pregnant U.S. Women

Some evidence suggests that phytoestrogens, such as soy-derived isoflavones, may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and glycemic control. These data are mainly limited to postmenopausal women or individuals at elevated cardiometabolic risk. There is a lack of data for pregnant women who have elevated estrogen levels and physiologically altered glucose and lipid metabolism. We analyzed data from 299 pregnant women who participated in the NHANES 2001–2008 surveys. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between urinary concentrations of isoflavonoids and cardiometabolic risk markers, adjusted for body mass index, pregnancy trimester, total energy intake, dietary intake of protein, fiber, and cholesterol, and demographic and lifestyle factors. Cardiometabolic risk markers were log-transformed, and geometric means were calculated by quartiles of urinary concentrations of isoflavonoids. Comparing women in the highest vs. lowest quartiles of urine total isoflavone concentrations, we observed significant, inverse associations with circulating concentrations of fasting glucose (79 vs. 88 mg/dL, P-trend = 0.0009), insulin (8.2 vs. 12.8 μU/mL, P-trend = 0.03), and triglyceride (156 vs. 185 mg/dL, P-trend = 0.02), and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (1.6 vs. 2.8, P-trend = 0.01), but not for total, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The concentrations of individual isoflavonoids, daidzein, equol, and O-desmethylangolensin were inversely associated with some cardiometabolic risk markers, although no clear pattern emerged. These data suggest that there may be a relation between isoflavone intake and cardiometabolic risk markers in pregnant women.
Beam modeling for a convolution/superposition-based treatment planning system

The basic relationships of the convolution/superposition dose calculation technique are reviewed, and a modeling technique is described that can be used to obtain a satisfactory beam model for a commercially available convolution/superposition-based treatment planning system. The objective of beam modeling is to build a model of the primary fluence that is incident on the patient which can then be used in the calculation of the dose deposited in the patient, by using the convolution superposition method.
Survival of Salmonella Montevideo on tomato leaves and mature green tomatoes.

Survival of Salmonella Montevideo on tomato leaf and mature green tomatoes was examined. When spiked on the surfaces of excised leaves from greenhouse tomato plants, Salmonella Montevideo survived poorly if the leaves were allowed to dry. After spot inoculation of 6.6 log CFU per leaflet and incubation for 48 h at 60% relative humidity, the leaflets were dried, and surviving Salmonella were reduced 2.8 to 3.7 log CFU per leaflet. However, when leaves spiked with Salmonella were supported on hydroponic nutrient medium and incubated at 100% relative humidity, there was no significant reduction of surviving bacteria for at least 6 days. Exposure of mature green tomatoes to ethylene (100 ppm at 100% relative humidity and 20°C for 6 days) did not significantly affect the survival of Salmonella on their surfaces. The significance of these data to pre- and postharvest safety of tomato is discussed.
Metabolomics Reveals that Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation by Environmental Chemicals Induces Systemic Metabolic Dysfunction in Mice.

Environmental exposure to dioxins and dioxin-like compounds poses a significant health risk for human health. Developing a better understanding of the mechanisms of toxicity through activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is likely to improve the reliability of risk assessment. In this study, the AHR-dependent metabolic response of mice exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) was assessed using global 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics and targeted metabolite profiling of extracts obtained from serum and liver. 1H NMR analyses revealed that TCDF exposure suppressed gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, stimulated lipogenesis, and triggered inflammatory gene expression in an Ahr-dependent manner. Targeted analyses using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry showed TCDF treatment altered the ratio of unsaturated/saturated fatty acids. Consistent with this observation, an increase in hepatic expression of stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase 1 was observed. In addi...
Non-Stack Single-Pass Simulation

The previous chapter dealt with stack-based single-pass simulation. Stack-based single-pass simulation permits the simulation of a range of cache configurations in a time and space efficient manner. All stack-based simulation algorithms maintain multiple caches in a stack, exploiting inclusion properties between caches. During simulation they do a sequential search down the stack examining, modifying and moving entries as appropriate. Stack-based single-pass simulation is elegant and efficient relative to performing the simulations one at a time. However, taking a step back we see that the essential idea exploited in stack-based single-pass simulation is one of reducing simulation effort by simulating multiple configurations together and exploiting relations between the configurations to reduce simulation effort. This idea may be exploited to develop efficient single-pass algorithms in situations where stack simulation is not applicable. Even in situations where stack simulation is applicable non-stack single-pass simulation algorithms can be more efficient by avoiding the sequential search of the stack. In this chapter we discuss single-pass simulation algorithms that are not stack-based.
The Electrostatic Force Between a Charged Dielectric Particle and a Conducting Plane

The electrostatic force between a uniformly charged dielectric particle and a conducting plane was carefully calculated including the effect of higher-order polarizations. The potential distribution problem was solved using spherical coordinates by considering the symmetry of the image and using a re-expansion technique of the Legendre functions. On the basis of the results, the electrostatic force was calculated using the orthogonality of the Legendre terms. In this method, numerical calculations are required for each condition, such as the contact gaps and the dielectric constants of the particle. This would be avoidable if an approximate formula was available. Thus, for convenience, an approximate formula was searched for by trial and error, and Fe=Fe(d=0)/{1+(d/a)α}β was found to be a good approximation. This was the simple expansion of the contact gap dependence of the particle with a relative dielectric constant e=1, i. e., with no effect of polarization.
Abstract B69: Potential cancer chemopreventive compounds from Oplopanax horridus, a native North American plant

Distributed throughout the west of North America, the plant Oplopanax horridus, or devil9s club, belongs to the genus Oplopanax, which consists of three species (O. elatus, O. japonicus and O. horridus). Although many studies on the other two species have been performed, phytochemical and pharmacological investigations on O. horridus have been limited, especially cancer chemopreventive studies. After comparing differences of antiproliferative potentials among different plant parts of O. horridus, the root bark was selected to perform further phytochemical isolation to prepare active anticancer fractionations and compounds. The hydrophobic fractions showed potent antiproliferative effects on human HCT-116 and SW-480 colorectal cancer cells. Subsequent isolation of the hydrophobic fractions gave six polyynes and one polyene; in which two novel compounds, Oplopantriol A and Oplopantriol B, were obtained and their absolute structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR techniques and chemical methods. The content of these seven compounds in the O. horridus root bark was determined using an on-line SPE-HPLC method. Pharmacological studies showed that two polyynes, including a novel compound (Oplopantriol A), possessed strong cancer cell inhibitory activities (P Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(12 Suppl):B69.
Changes in Resident Graduate Characteristics in a Large Pathology Training Program, 1994 to 2013.

The field of pathology has changed dramatically over the recent decades and has become more complex with emphasis toward subspecialization. These changes potentially influence resident training as ...
Growth Comparison among Eucalyptus Clones in Southern Guangxi

Study on the growth comparison among five 5-year-old Eucalyptus clones in the same site conditions was conducted in Qinzhou Region of Guangxi.The result showed that there were significant differences in tree height,DBH and the volume among 5 Eucalyptus clones.In terms of tree volume,E.wetarensis×E.camaldulensis NO.3 and E.saligna×E.exserta NO.9 were better than GL-9.The growth performance of 5 Eucalyptus clones was as follows: E.wetarensis×E.camaldulensis NO.3 E.saligna×E.exserta NO.9E.grandis×E.urophylla GL-9E.wetarensis×E.camaldulensis NO.1E.grandis×E.urophylla GL-5.
Application of GA in Three-line Hybrid Rice Breeding

GA is the widespread existence of a class of plant hormones. Application of GA is the common,critical and complex technical aspects in seed breeding. For the quantification of a specific species in a period of administration of GA,dose,times,can be determined for the administration of GA principle of flexibility appropriate early use,less appropriate dose,frequency appropriate to use,and it can be used separated day.
A Robustness Check on Debt and the Pecking Order Hypothesis with Asymmetric Information

Daniel and Titman (1995) examined the incentives of firms to signal their values prior to making a new equity offering. By analyzing this issue within a simple framework that encompasses a number of models in the literature, they were able to judge the relative efficiency of various signals that have been proposed. Although their analyses offer valuable insights, the robustness of their model has yet to be checked. This paper examines the parametric assumptions of their model in the section on debt and the pecking order hypothesis. We first generalize the assumptions in the example by Daniel and Titman (1995) to allow for continuous-state of nature. We then derive the resulting closed-form solution for the equilibrium payoffs to the original shareholders of both types firms under different beliefs. Although we only examine the robustness of a particular setting, our methodology can be applied to other settings.
A device for rapid collection of cells from radioactive medium

A device is described for the rapid collection of cells from a radioactive cell suspension by centrifugation. The device reduces loss of activity in cells used in metabolic studies. (C.H.)
Effects of herbivores on nitrogen fixation by grass endophytes, legume symbionts and free-living soil surface bacteria in the Serengeti

Abstract Grass roots can harbor abundant endophytic N 2 -fixing microbes (diazotrophs), but their abundance and activity compared to those on legumes and in soil crusts is still unknown. Here, in a natural ecosystem, the Serengeti of East Africa, we explored whether herbivores and soil nutrients limited grass root endophyte diazotroph abundance and their root mass-specific and area-specific N 2 -fixation, as they often do for diazotrophs symbiotic with legumes and those free-living in soil. N 2 -fixation and copy number of the nitrogenase gene nifH was measured with stable isotope and molecular methods, respectively, for the dominant grass Themeda triandra , and legume, Indigofera volkensii , and in the top 5 cm of soil in a 16-year herbivore exclosure experiment across four sites that varied in mean annual rainfall and soil N, P, and moisture. T. triandra nifH gene copy number was highly variable across sites and individuals but often approached or exceeded that of I. volkensii roots and soils. T. triandra roots generally exhibited lower root mass-specific N 2 -fixation (activity), which was not reduced by herbivores and increased in drier soils. In contrast, I. volkensii activity was only reduced by herbivores and soil diazotrophs were mostly inactive. T. triandra exhibited greater area-specific N 2 -fixation than I. volkensii , due to its much greater root biomass, but this difference was reduced by herbivores. Grass-associated endophytic diazotrophs may fix far more N 2 in natural systems than previously realized, and may be limited by different factors those affecting symbiotic legume and free-living soil diazotrophs.
Acute Viral Encephalitis

In a retrospective study of children with viral encephalitis admitted to the University Paediatric Unit, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, during the past 10 years, 57 satisfied the diagnostic criteria.
Factors contributing to poor satisfaction with sleep and healthcare seeking behavior in older adults

Abstract Objective To identify factors influencing older adults' poor satisfaction with sleep and their current healthcare seeking behaviors. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Pittsburgh Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center Community Registry. Participants Individuals aged 60 or older enrolled in the registry that completed a cross-sectional mailed survey (N = 1026). Measurements Participant demographics (age, gender, marital status, race, education), overall health (self-rated health, pain, and comorbidities), and health behaviors (physical activity, smoking, drinking behaviors) were collected from the registry database. A mail survey was used to collect self-report on sleep problems and their current healthcare seeking behaviors. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between variables. Results A total of 19.3% of participants reported being "dissatisfied" or "very dissatisfied" with their overall sleep quality. Participants who reported poor sleep satisfaction were more likely to be single and report poorer overall health compared to participants who were satisfied with their sleep quality. They were also more likely to report using over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription sleep medications, discuss sleep problems with a healthcare provider, and use strategies to improve their sleep ( P Conclusions These results underscore the possible linkage between poor satisfaction with sleep and older adults' current healthcare seeking behaviors and self-treatment methods, particularly using OTC medications to cope with sleep problems without consulting a healthcare provider.
Impact of universal screening of colorectal cancer (CRC) for detection of Lynch syndrome (LS) at a Hispanic-predominant county hospital.

199Background: Historically, the Amsterdam and Bethesda criteria were used to select patients (pts) for LS screening. In 2014, universal screening (US) for LS was shown to be cost effective. Thus, to increase LS screening, we implemented an algorithm for pathologists to reflex immunohistochemistry (IHC) on newly diagnosed CRC. Here, we evaluate the effectiveness of US program with reflex testing for LS for all new CRC. Methods: Retrospective analysis of new diagnoses of CRC (01/2012 – 04/2016): a county hospital with follow-up at NCI-designated CTRC. 3 patient cohorts: 1) PRE-intervention (01/2012–09/2014): screening ordered per old guidelines; 2) PERI (10/2014–02/2015): clinician education on new guidelines; 3) POST (03/2015–04/2016): after implementation. Endpoints: proportion of pts screened and time to screening, quality of family history (FHX) by clinicians, FHX of LS-related cancer, genetic counseling. Results: 381 patients: mean age (57): 69 pts age < 50; 312 pts age ≥ 50. Female 151/male 230; 238 ...
Integrals of eigenfunctions over curves in surfaces of nonpositive curvature

Let $(M,g)$ be a compact, 2-dimensional Riemannian manifold with nonpositive sectional curvature. Let $\Delta_g$ be the Laplace-Beltrami operator corresponding to the metric $g$ on $M$, and let $e_\lambda$ be $L^2$-normalized eigenfunctions of $\Delta_g$ with eigenvalue $\lambda$, i.e. \[ -\Delta_g e_\lambda = \lambda^2 e_\lambda. \] We prove \[ \left| \int_{\mathbb R} b(t) e_\lambda (\gamma(t)) \, dt \right| = o(1) \quad \text{ as } \lambda \to \infty \] where $b$ is a smooth, compactly supported function on $\mathbb R$ and $\gamma$ is a curve parametrized by arc-length whose geodesic curvature $\kappa(\gamma(t))$ avoids two critical curvatures $\mathbf k(\gamma'^\perp(t))$ and $\mathbf k(-\gamma'^{\perp}(t))$ for each $t \in \operatorname{supp} b$. $\mathbf k(v)$ denotes the curvature of a circle with center taken to infinity along the geodesic ray in direction $-v$.
When Traits Match States: Examining the Associations between Self-Report Trait and State Mindfulness following a State Mindfulness Induction.

Previous research has found inconsistent relationships between trait mindfulness and state mindfulness. To extend previous research, we sought to examine the unique associations between self-report trait mindfulness and state mindfulness by levels of meditation experience (meditation-naive vs. meditation-experienced) and by mindfulness induction (experimentally induced mindful state vs. control group). We recruited 299 college students (93 with previous mindfulness meditation experience) to participate in an experiment that involved the assessment of five facets of trait mindfulness (among other constructs), followed by a mindfulness induction (vs. control), followed by the assessment of state mindfulness of body and mind. Correlational analyses revealed limited associations between trait mindfulness facets and facets of state mindfulness, and demonstrated that a brief mindfulness exercise focused on bodily sensations and the breath elicited higher state mindfulness of body but not state mindfulness of mind. We found significant interactions such that individuals with previous meditation experience and higher scores on the observing facet of trait mindfulness had the highest levels of state mindfulness of body and mind. Among individuals with meditation experience, the strengths of the associations between observing trait mindfulness and the state mindfulness facets increased with frequency of meditation practice. Some other interactions ran counter to expectations. Overall, the relatively weak associations between trait and state mindfulness demonstrates the need to improve our operationalizations of mindfulness, advance our understanding of how to best cultivate mindfulness, and reappraise the ways in which mindfulness can manifest as a state and as a trait.
A new 1.8V fierce-gate crystal oscillator based on the constant cell in 28nm CMOS technology for automotive radar applications

The majority of analog and digital integrated circuits with built in crystal oscillator use the Gated Pierce design where the oscillator is built around a single CMOS inverting gate. In most applications that require a high level of precision and stability of the performances versus Process, Voltage and Temperature (PVT) variations, this design is not suitable. The inverter cell itself is very sensitive to PVT variations, negatively affecting the overall performances of a crystal oscillator. This paper shows a new Pierce-Gate crystal oscillator based on the constant gm cell, implemented in 28nm CMOS TSMC technology. The oscillator can work with any crystal frequency between 20 MHz and 100 MHz, the power supply is 1.8V and the output is a 50% duty cycle square waveform. Simulations and measurements show that the new designed crystal oscillator is superior in terms of phase noise performances (−123 dBc/Hz at 100 Hz offset at 60 MHz and −163 dBc/Hz at 1MHz offset at 60 MHz), phase noise variation over PVT, Power Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR), output frequency and output duty cycle stability, and input impedance with respect to the state of the art counterparts. The implemented crystal oscillator is very challenging and suitable for automotive radar applications.
“There is still peace. There are no wars.”: Prioritizing unity over diversity in Botswana’s social studies policies and practices and the implications for positive peace

Abstract This article examines the ways in which education policy and practice in Botswana negotiate tensions between assimilationist and multiculturalist approaches to ethnic diversity. We find that the curriculum, as written and as taught, is preoccupied with unity and the avoidance of armed conflict, goals that have perpetuated an assimilationist approach, normed around the culture and language of the Tswana ethnic majority. We argue that a multicultural approach could foster conditions of positive peace, including recognition and equality of opportunity across ethnic groups, which is more urgent today given the sustained absence of armed conflict. We offer strategies for how practitioners and policy makers might move forward in transforming existing multicultural policy discourse into multicultural school practices.