cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complement receptor type 1 (C3b/C4b receptor; CD35) and complement receptor type 2 (C3d/Epstein-Barr virus receptor; CD21).

The primary sequence of the A allotype of CR1 has been deduced from the cDNA sequence and includes a 41-residue signal peptide, an extracellular domain of 1930 residues, a 25 amino acid transmembrane domain, and a 43 amino acid cytoplasmic region (WONG et al 1985; KLICKSTEIN et al. 1987,1988; HOURCADE et al. 1988) (Fig. 1). Thirty short consensus repeats (SCRs) similar to those present in other C3/C4 binding complement proteins comprise the extracellular domain. Each SCR has four cysteines which may be disulfide bonded in the pattern, cysteine-1 to cysteine-3 and cysteine-2 to cysteine-4 (LOZIER et al. 1984; Janatova et al. 1988). These disulfide bridges create three loops of 26-29 amino acids, 12-19 amino acids, and 12-16 amino acids, respectively, in CR1. The dimensions of each SCR in CR1, 2.9 x 2.8 nm, have been estimated by electron microscopy (BARTOW et al. 1989) and are comparable to those of the SCRs of C4 binding protein (C4-bp; PERKINS et al. 1986). The regions linking SCRs are short, ranging from three to five amino acids, except for that connecting SCR-28 to SCR-29 which is seven amino acids in length. This characteristic may limit the range of motion between SCRs, perhaps accounting for the filamentous appearance of CR1.
Quality Assessment of GPU Power Profiling Mechanisms

Accurate component-level power measurements are nowadays essential for the design and optimization of high-performance computing (HPC) systems and applications. Particularly, as more and more heterogeneous HPC systems are developed, the characterizations of GPU power profiles have become extremely crucial because, although GPUs provide exceptional performance, they do consume substantial amounts of power. Currently, there are various GPU power profiling mechanisms available; however, there is no standard way to assess the quality of such profiling schemes. To address this issue, in this paper, we develop an assessment methodology to rate the quality and performance of the profiling mechanism itself. Specifically, we present the assessments of four different GPU power profiling techniques: (i) Nvidia's NVML via Allinea MAP, (ii) Nvidia's NVML via direct reads, and (iii) Penguin Computing's PowerInsight (PI) via two vendor-provided drivers, and (iv) PowerInsight via Allinea MAP. In addition, we discuss the effects of moving-average filters to explain the slow variations of some of the measured power profiles. Based on our assessment, the GPU power profiling mechanism using PI device outperforms the other schemes by reliably measuring the ground-truth power profile generated by a GPU stress-test benchmark.
Local TV News Viewer Reactions to Weathercasters Reporting the Local Impacts of Climate Change

AbstractMost Americans misperceive climate change as distant risk; TV weathercasters can help correct this misperception by reporting on the current local impacts of climate change. Some weathercas...
Novel Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Safety Measures for Patients Receiving CAR T-Cell Therapy

Topic Significance & Study Purpose/Background/Rationale CAR T-cell therapy is a complex and novel treatment involving potentially significant safety risks to the patient. The manufacturing companies for each commercial product have stringent FDA mandated safety training and requirements for implementation. Institutions need to identify internal processes that maximize patient safety. Methods, Intervention, & Analysis We developed several electronic medical record (EMR) based processes to enhance safety for our patients. In the EMR, the administration of all CAR T-cell products is documented on a specific flow sheet. The administration flow sheet is included in a CAR T-cell synopsis report consisting of key laboratory tests and assessments. The administration flow sheet drives the patient's EMR header to display the CAR T-cell product's name and days post infusion. Patients who are outpatient receive education to call our on-call team and come to our 24/7/365 Treatment Center. However, if a patient comes to our Emergency Department (ED), we have developed several EMR tools to assist the ED and to notify the on-call team that a patient has presented to the ED. Upon admission to the ED, a banner displays in the ED module of the patient's EMR for patients who received CAR T-cells within the last 90 days. The banner notifies the ED staff to contact the on-call team and lists specific CAR T-cell side effects. At the same time, the on-call provider pool receives an automated in-basket message and pager alert via the EMR. Findings & Interpretation These EMR tools have helped identify patients who received CAR T-cell therapy at our institution. The ED automated alerts have fired four times since implementation. This has allowed the on-call team to meet the patient in the ED and assist the ED team to assess and care for the patient. Discussion & Implications CAR T-cell therapy presents unique side effects for patients that may mimic other medical conditions. Tools built into our EMR have enhanced safety for our patients and allows us to deliver extraordinary care to recipients of this novel therapy. These EMR processes would be helpful to other centers performing or considering CAR T-cell therapy.
Impact of climate change on food security of small islands: The case of Mauritius

This paper studies the implications of high food prices resulting from climate change on food security in small islands, using Mauritius as a case‐study. Climate change may adversely impact prices of agricultural commodities. The study derives and calculates the government costs and the welfare effects of an increase in the world price of rice on consumers in Mauritius. Using an equilibrium displacement model, this study finds that an increase in the price of rice by 35%, as predicted by the literature on climate change and rice prices, will result in an increase of 28.8% in government spending, representing the additional outlays to support the subsidy scheme for food security. Using 2012 as the baseline, the welfare analysis results suggest that consumer surplus for ration rice consumers increases by 626 million Mauritian Rupees (MUR) or US$18 million while consumer surplus decreases by MUR454 million (US$13 million) for basmati rice consumers.
Optimization of dimensions and layout of an array of wave energy converters

Abstract This paper explores optimal configuration of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) arrays allowing both dimensions of individual WECs as well as the array layout to vary. Cylindrical buoys are assumed in the array where their radii and drafts are optimization parameters. Genetic Algorithms are used for optimization. Three case studies are investigated of different array sizes: 3, 5, and 7 devices in the array. Two types of controls are assumed; the first is the standard impedance matching control while the second is a derivative control. The numerical test cases demonstrate that a higher q-factor is achieved when optimizing the buoys dimensions simultaneously with the array layout. In the test cases conducted in this paper, it is shown that optimizing the array layout can increase the q-factor on average by 39.21% when using an optimal control, and increase it on average by a factor of 8.87% when using a derivative control.
Rationality Problem for Classifying Spaces of Spinor Groups

We study stable rationality and retract rationality properties of the classifying spaces of split spinor groups Spinn over a field F of characteristic different from 2.
Assessment of tissue culture-derived ‘Gala’ and ‘Royal Gala’ apples (Malus × domestica Borkh.) for somaclonal variation

To assess somaclonal variation, ‘Gala’ and ‘Royal Gala’ trees obtained via axillary and adventitious bud formation were compared ex vitro to conventionally grafted trees. In general, tissue culture-derived trees were relatively erect in comparison to grafted trees. Their branch angles were narrower than those of grafted trees. All trees that flowered had pink blossoms. There were no obvious differences in flowering time or in floral morphology. Most of the seven-year-old grafted control trees produced more fruits than either axillary or regenerated trees. Although there were differences in the range of fruit color between ‘Royal Gala’ and ‘Gala’ apples in both the control and tissue culture-derived plants (the fruits of ‘Royal Gala’ were darker red and more striped than those of ‘Gala’) and also in the degree of pigmentation from tree-to-tree, none of the variation exceeded that observed among apples harvested from an individual ‘Royal Gala’ or ‘Gala’ control tree for either the plants derived from axillary buds or adventitiously. Since both ‘Gala’ and ‘Royal Gala’ axillary buds showed very little somaclonal variation for the morphological and reproductive traits we studied, it appears that tissue culture may be a useful way to propagate these cultivars.
Randomized prospective trial of fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for bevacizumab-resistant high-grade glioma

Outcomes for patients with recurrent high-grade glioma (HGG) progressing on bevacizumab (BEV) are dismal. Fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (FSRS) has been shown to be feasible and safe when delivered in this setting, but prospective evidence is lacking. This single-institution randomized trial compared FSRS plus BEV-based chemotherapy versus BEV-based chemotherapy alone for BEV-resistant recurrent malignant glioma. HGG patients on BEV with tumor progression after 2 previous treatments were randomized to 1) FSRS plus BEV-based chemotherapy or 2) BEV-based chemotherapy with irinotecan, etoposide, temozolomide, or carboplatin. FSRS was delivered as 32 Gy (8 Gy × 4 fractions within 2 weeks) to the gross target volume and 24 Gy (6 Gy × 4 fractions) to the clinical target volume (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery abnormality). The primary endpoints were local control (LC) at 2 months and progression-free survival (PFS). Of the 35 patients enrolled, 29 had glioblastoma (WHO IV) and 6 had anaplastic glioma (WHO III). The median number of prior recurrences was 3. Patients treated with FSRS had significantly improved PFS (5.1 vs 1.8 months, P < .001) and improved LC at 2 months (82% [14/17] vs 27% [4/15], P = .002). The overall median survival was 6.6 months (7.2 months with FSRS vs 4.8 months with chemotherapy alone, P = .11). FSRS combined with BEV-based chemotherapy in recurrent HGG patients progressing on BEV is feasible and improves LC and PFS when compared to treatment with BEV-based chemotherapy alone.
Flaring from Unconventional Oil and Gas Development and Birth Outcomes in the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas

Background: Prior studies suggest exposure to oil and gas development (OGD) adversely affects birth outcomes, but no studies have examined flaring—the open combustion of natural gas—from OGD. Objec...
Valuing Human Infrastructure: Protecting and Investing in Essential Workers during the COVID-19 Era

The United States requires an enormous class of workers to keep essential services online. The Department of Homeland Security uses a sweeping definition of such essential industries from grocery s...
Regge families and Lorentz symmetry

Some of the fundamental ideas of the conspiracy problem are discussed in a simple way. It is shown why we are forced to consider families of Regge poles. A model in which Regge families are characterized by representations of the homogeneous Lorentz group is also examined.
Epigenetic age acceleration is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors and clinical cardiovascular disease risk scores in African Americans

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality among US adults. African Americans have higher burden of CVD morbidity and mortality compared to any other racial group. Identifying biomarkers for clinical risk prediction of CVD offers an opportunity for precision prevention and earlier intervention. Using linear mixed models, we investigated the cross-sectional association between four measures of epigenetic age acceleration (intrinsic (IEAA), extrinsic (EEAA), PhenoAge (PhenoAA), and GrimAge (GrimAA)) and ten cardiometabolic markers of hypertension, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia in 1,100 primarily hypertensive African Americans from sibships in the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA). We then assessed the association between epigenetic age acceleration and time to self-reported incident CVD using frailty hazard models and investigated CVD risk prediction improvement compared to models with clinical risk scores (Framingham risk score (FRS) and the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk equation). After adjusting for sex and chronological age, increased epigenetic age acceleration was associated with higher systolic blood pressure (IEAA), higher pulse pressure (EEAA and GrimAA), higher fasting glucose (PhenoAA and GrimAA), higher fasting insulin (EEAA), lower low density cholesterol (GrimAA), and higher triglycerides (GrimAA). A five-year increase in GrimAA was associated with CVD incidence with a hazard ratio of 1.54 (95% CI 1.22–2.01) and remained significant after adjusting for CVD risk factors. The addition of GrimAA to risk score models improved model fit using likelihood ratio tests (P = 0.013 for FRS and P = 0.008 for ASCVD), but did not improve C statistics (P > 0.05). Net reclassification index (NRI) showed small but significant improvement in reassignment of risk categories with the addition of GrimAA to FRS (NRI: 0.055, 95% CI 0.040–0.071) and the ASCVD equation (NRI: 0.029, 95% CI 0.006–0.064). Epigenetic age acceleration measures are associated with traditional CVD risk factors in an African-American cohort with a high prevalence of hypertension. GrimAA was associated with CVD incidence and slightly improved prediction of CVD events over clinical risk scores.
Changing the System: The Adverse Drug Events Study

It was clear from the beginning of my investigation into the application of systems theory to error prevention in healthcare that however strong the theory and the evidence—and for me it was compelling—the idea of a systems approach to preventing errors would get little acceptance from physicians unless we could demonstrate that it actually worked in healthcare.
Characteristics of Registered Studies of Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapies: A Systematic Review.

Importance Hundreds of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapies are under investigation for hematologic malignant cancers and solid malignant tumors. As the field of modern CAR therapy enters its second decade, clinical trials that demonstrate the efficacy of CAR therapies using randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and/or investigate methods to optimize patient outcomes with commercially available CAR therapies are increasingly important. Objective To analyze the landscape of registered CAR-related trials with dual focuses on trial methods and intent. Evidence Review This systematic review identified 1304 ongoing or upcoming CAR-related trials registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as of December 22, 2020, and excluded 513 trials that did not pertain to cell-based therapy. Both CAR-related and trial-related variables, including target antigens and countries of origin, were recorded. Trials were categorized as non-RCTs that compared CAR with non-CAR therapies or RCTs in which every arm received CAR therapy. Trial intent was separately categorized as demonstrating the efficacy of a CAR therapy, optimizing patient outcomes with established CAR therapies using adjunctive non-CAR modalities, or miscellaneous. Findings Of 778 relevant trials, 587 (75%) involved blood cancers, whereas 182 (23%) involved solid tumor cancers; the remaining 9 (1%) involved nonmalignant diseases. A total of 433 trials (56%) were from China and 288 from the US (37%). Ten RCTs (1%) compared CAR therapies with non-CAR therapies, including phase 3 RCTs for 4 of 5 CAR therapies (80%) that are currently commercially available. Twenty-eight studies (4%) sought to optimize outcomes with established CAR therapies using non-CAR drugs or radiotherapy, whereas 3 studies (0.4%) sought to optimize supportive care during CAR therapy. Conclusions and Relevance This systematic review found that randomized and optimization-focused trials are comparatively rare within the landscape of ongoing and upcoming CAR-related trials. As the field of modern CAR therapy enters its second decade, additional studies of these characteristics are necessary to strengthen the evidence base for CAR therapy and improve patient outcomes.
PASCLex: A Comprehensive Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) Symptom Lexicon Derived from Electronic Health Record Clinical Notes.

Abstract Objective To develop a comprehensive post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) symptom lexicon (PASCLex) from clinical notes to support PASC symptom identification and research. Methods We identified 26,117 COVID-19 positive patients from the Mass General Brigham’s electronic health records (EHR) and extracted 328,879 clinical notes from their post-acute infection period (day 51-110 from first positive COVID-19 test). PASCLex incorporated Unified Medical Language System® (UMLS) Metathesaurus concepts and synonyms based on selected semantic types. The MTERMS natural language processing (NLP) tool was used to automatically extract symptoms from a development dataset. The lexicon was iteratively revised with manual chart review, keyword search, concept consolidation, and evaluation of NLP output. We assessed the comprehensiveness of PASCLex and the NLP performance using a validation dataset and reported the symptom prevalence across the entire corpus. Results PASCLex included 355 symptoms consolidated from 1,520 UMLS concepts of 16,466 synonyms. NLP achieved an averaged precision of 0.94 and an estimated recall of 0.84. Symptoms with the highest frequency included pain (43.1%), anxiety (25.8%), depression (24.0%), fatigue (23.4%), joint pain (21.0%), shortness of breath (20.8%), headache (20.0%), nausea and/or vomiting (19.9%), myalgia (19.0%), and gastroesophageal reflux (18.6%). Discussion and Conclusion PASC symptoms are diverse. A comprehensive lexicon of PASC symptoms can be derived using an ontology-driven, EHR-guided and NLP-assisted approach. By using unstructured data, this approach may improve identification and analysis of patient symptoms in the EHR, and inform prospective study design, preventative care strategies, and therapeutic interventions for patient care.
22µm-pitch 9-bit Column-Parallel Overlapping-Subrange SAR (CPOSSAR) ADC

The Column-Parallel Overlapping-Subrange Successive-Approximation-Register Analog-to-Digital Converter (CPOSSAR ADC) uses a 5-bit split capacitor DAC twice to achieve 9-bit resolution. Its total capacitor area is only 3% of a 9-bit binary weighted DAC and the average switching power is only 12% of a conventional 9-bit DAC. The ADC can perform a 9-bit conversion by first digitizing the 4 most significant bits (MSB) in a coarse conversion stage and then digitizing the 5 least significant bits (LSB) in a fine conversion stage. The accuracy requirement of the DAC is reduced by using overlapping subranges. The proposed ADC achieved an SFDR of 73.6dB and a SINAD of 55dB in post-layout simulation, corresponding to an ENOB of 8.8 bits. The design was fabricated in a TSMC's 0.35µm high-voltage process. The use of overlapping subranges reduced the DNL error from +5.14/-1 LSB to +1.27/-0.92 LSB, and improved the INL error from +5.35/-5.34 LSB to +3.17/-3.18 LSB. At a sampling rate of 1.1MS/s the ADC achieved 41.5dB SFDR, 34.2dB SINAD, and consumed 242µW/channel dynamic power. An individual ADC channel is only 22µm wide. COPSSAR ADCs are a factor of 4, 2, and 2.5 more area efficient than Multiple-ramp Single-slope ADCs, SAR ADCs, and Cyclic ADCs.
High Risk of Failure With Bimodular Femoral Components in THA

The bimodular femoral neck implant (modularity in the neck section and prosthetic head) offers several implant advantages to the surgeon performing THAs, however, there have been reports of failure of bimodular femoral implants involving neck fractures or adverse tissue reaction to metal debris. We aimed to assess the results of the bimodular implants used in the THAs we performed. We asked: (1) What is the survivorship of the PROFEMUR® bimodular femoral neck stems? (2) What are the modes of failure of this bimodular femoral neck implant? (3) What are the major risk factors for the major modes of failure of this device? Between 2003 and 2009, we used one family of bimodular femoral neck stems for all primary THAs (PROFEMUR® Z and PROFEMUR® E). During this period, 277 THAs (in 242 patients) were performed with these implants. One hundred seventy were done with the bimodular PROFEMUR® E (all are accounted for here), and when that implant was suspected of having a high risk of failure, the bimodular PROFEMUR® Z was used instead. One hundred seven THAs were performed using this implant (all are accounted for in this study). All bearing combinations, including metal-on-metal, metal-on-polyethylene, and ceramic-on-ceramic, are included here. Data for the cohort included patient demographics, BMI, implant dimensions, type of articular surface, length of followup, and C-reactive protein serum level. We assessed survivorship of the two stems using Kaplan-Meier curves and determined the frequency of the different modes of stem failure. For each of the major modes of failure, we performed binary logistic regression to identify associated risk factors. Survivorship of the stems, using aseptic revision as the endpoint, was 85% for the patients with the PROFEMUR® E stems with a mean followup of 50 months (range, 1–125 months) and 85% for the PROFEMUR® Z with a mean followup of 50 months (range, 1–125 months)(95% CI, 74–87 months). The most common modes of failure were loosening (9% for the PROFEMUR® E), neck fracture (6% for the PROFEMUR® Z and 0.6% for the PROFEMUR® E), metallosis (1%), and periprosthetic fracture (1%). Only the bimodular PROFEMUR® E was associated with femoral stem loosening (odds ratio [OR] =1.1; 95% CI, 1.04–1.140; p = 0.032). Larger head (OR = 3.2; 95% CI, 0.7–14; p = 0.096), BMI (OR = 1.19; 95% CI, 1–1.4; p = 0.038) and total offset (OR = 1.83; 95% CI, 1.13–2.9; p = 0.039) were associated with neck fracture. Bimodular neck junctions may be potentiated by long neck lengths, greater offset, and larger head diameters. These factors may contribute to bimodular neck failure by creating a larger moment about the neck’s insertion in the stem. The PROFEMUR® E implant is associated with high periprosthetic loosening. Based on our experience we cannot recommend the use of bimodular femoral neck implants. Level III, therapeutic study.
Hard Radiation Detection from the Selenophosphate Pb2P2Se6

The heavy metal selenophosphate, Pb2P2Se6, is a promising new material for cost-effective X-ray/γ-ray detection. Crystal boules of Pb2P2Se6 up to 25 mm in length and 15 mm in diameter are grown by a vertical Bridgman method. They are cut and processed into size-appropriate wafers for physical, photo-transport property studies, as well as γ-ray detector testing. The material is a semiconductor with an indirect bandgap of 1.88 eV and has electrical resistivity in the range of 1 × 1010 Ω cm. Pb2P2Se6 single crystal samples display a significant photoconductivity response to optical, X-ray, and γ-ray radiation. When tested with a 57Co γ-ray source, Pb2P2Se6 crystals show spectroscopic response and several generated pulse height spectra resolving the 122.1 and 136.5 keV 57Co radiation. The mobility–lifetime product of Pb2P2Se6 is estimated to be ≈3.5 × 10−5 cm2 V−1 for electron carriers. The Pb2P2Se6 compound melts congruently at 812 °C and has robust chemical/physical properties that promise low cost bulk production and detector development.
Delusional misidentification and dangerousness: a neurobiologic hypothesis

Delusional misidentification syndromes have intrigued this century's psychiatric researchers. More recently, the dangerousness posed by individuals suffering from these syndromes has been a subject of scientific inquiry. A series of five individuals suffering from delusional misidentification syndromes was studied from a phenomenologic and neuropsychologic perspective. Using this information, a hypothesis involving the psychobiological contributions to the dangerousness of delusional misidentification can be generated. This may further our understanding of the dangerousness posed by psychotic individuals.
Performance Analysis of Packet Schedulers in High-Speed Serial Switches

In this work we examine the performance of arbitration algorithms for core high-speed serial switches (HSSS). Taking Infiniband as an example, experimental results show that, for a homogeneous network load, the average queuing delay for the switch output ports under the weighted round-robin (WRR) algorithm defined for InfiniBand is similar to the average queuing delay resulting from the largest delay-first (LDF) or first-in-first-out (FIFO) algorithms. For a 4-port switch, when the average load is high (close to 95% of the network capacity) and unbalanced with respect to the WRR weights, the difference in average delay between WRR and LDF or FIFO is large. However, for a 20-port switch and the same high unbalanced average network load, this difference is less than half of that of the 4-port switch. Further, the average queuing delay difference between WRR and LDF or FIFO diminishes quickly as the average load decreases. Hence, even for a fairly high average load, LDF or FIFO can be suggested for arbitration in core HSSS.
Yielding of glassy polymers: Volume effects

A yield criterion is constructed for glassy polymers from results of constant strain-rate tests in different stress fields. A significant effect of hydrostatic pressure (or volume change) on the yield stress of polystyrene was found. Direct dilatometric measurements were made on polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), polycarbonate, and poly(vinyl formal) samples subjected to uniaxial compression. Both a volume contraction proportional to stress (Poisson's ratio effect) and a volume expansion, which depends on the extent and the history of plastic yielding, were observed. These results are discussed qualitatively in terms of structural models for the glassy state of amorphous polymers. Un critere de rendement est construit pour les polymeres vitreux au depart des resultats des tests de vitesse a tension constante pour differents champs de tension. Un effect significatif de la pression hydrostatique (ou variation de volume) sur la tension de rendement de polystyrene a ete trouve. Des mesures dilatometriques directes ont ete effectuees sur le polystyrene, le polymethacrylate de methyle, le polycarbonate et des echantillons polyvinyliques, soumis a une compression uniaxiale. On a observe a la fois une contraction de volume proportionnelle a la tension (effet du rapport de Poisson) et une dilatation de volume qui dependait du degre d'avancement et de l'histoire du rendement plastique. Ces resultats sont discutes qualitativement sur la base de modeles structuraux pour l'etat vitreux de polymeres amorphes. Ein Fliesskriterium fur Polymere im Glaszustand wird aus Ergebnissen von Versuchen bei konstanter Verformungsgeschwindigkeit in verschiedenen Spannungsfeldern abgeleitet. Es besteht ein signifikanter Einfluss des hydrostatischen Druckes (oder der Volumsanderung) auf die Fliessgrenze von Polystyrol. Direkte dilatometrische Messungen wurden an Polystyrol-, Polymethylmethacrylat-, Polycarbonat- und Polyvinylformalproben unter uniaxialer Kompression ausgefuhrt. Es wurden eine der Spannung proportionale Volumskontraktion (Effekt des Poisson-Verhaltnisses) und eine vom Ausmass und der Vorgeschichte des plastischen Fliessens abhangige Volumsexpansion beobachtet. Die Ergebnisse werden qualitativ an Structurmodellen fur den Glaszustand von amorphen Polymeren diskutiert.
Regulation of lifespan by sensory perception in Caenorhabditis elegans

Caenorhabditis elegans senses environmental signals through ciliated sensory neurons located primarily in sensory organs in the head and tail. Cilia function as sensory receptors, and mutants with defective sensory cilia have impaired sensory perception1,2. Cilia are membrane-bound microtubule-based structures and in C. elegans are only found at the dendritic endings of sensory neurons3. Here we show that mutations that cause defects in sensory cilia or their support cells, or in sensory signal transduction, extend lifespan. Our findings imply that sensory perception regulates the lifespan of this animal, and suggest that in nature, its lifespan may be regulated by environmental cues.
Emotion and Personality Development in Childhood

Various current directions in the study of emotions place increased emphasis on the significance and role of emotions in social functioning and personality development. This chapter provides state-of-the-art coverage of widely ranging research directions pertaining to advances in understanding of the role of emotions in children's development. The chapter begins by considering the role of emotion in children's individual development, including emotional expression and emotional understanding, emotional regulation and children's coping with stressful situations, and relations between emotional functioning and temperament, psychobiological functioning, and the development of personality. Next, relational influences on emotional and personality development are examined, including the influences of parent-child relationships, marital relationships, and familial and cultural influences. The chapter closes by considering normal and abnormal emotional and personality development from a developmental psychopathology perspective. This work is seen as calling special attention to the promise for future conceptual and clinical advances of investigating emotional and personality development from a process-oriented perspective. Keywords: emotional and personality disorders; functionalist perspective on emotions; relational influences on emotions; role of emotions in social and personality development; socio-emotional development; temperament
Theoretical Issues Concerning Protection In Operating Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter considers the problem of data protection in operating systems. It points out that modem computer systems contain important information and that unauthorized access can result in significant problems. This problem are treated theoretically from an operating systems point of view, and shows that there are certain inescapable conclusions which are not unlike the problems that one faces with respect to physical security. There is constant tension between the abilities of a potential criminal and the counter measures that can be taken. The chapter concludes that the best simple technique that one can utilize is encryption method. Furthermore, it states that as time goes by, it will be ever more essential to provide some sort of security mechanisms for commercial systems. The most important future theoretical research direction is to invent new models which combine natural modes of expression of operating system constructs with efficient or at least feasible algorithms.
Graph-Based Lexicon Expansion with Sparsity-Inducing Penalties

We present novel methods to construct compact natural language lexicons within a graph-based semi-supervised learning framework, an attractive platform suited for propagating soft labels onto new natural language types from seed data. To achieve compactness, we induce sparse measures at graph vertices by incorporating sparsity-inducing penalties in Gaussian and entropic pairwise Markov networks constructed from labeled and unlabeled data. Sparse measures are desirable for high-dimensional multi-class learning problems such as the induction of labels on natural language types, which typically associate with only a few labels. Compared to standard graph-based learning methods, for two lexicon expansion problems, our approach produces significantly smaller lexicons and obtains better predictive performance.
Broadening research consent in the era of genome-informed medicine

Genetic variant associations and advances in research technologies are generating an unprecedented volume of genomic data. Whole-genome sequencing will introduce even greater depth to current data sets and will propel medical research and development. Yet as one area of biomedical research evolves, another stagnates: informed consent. As presently employed, informed consent is not entirely attuned to the era of whole-genome sequencing. The greatest value of genomic data lays in its accessibility over time; the current model of informed consent restricts the use of data and does not readily accommodate prospective basic and clinical research, a priori research, or opportunities to act upon incidental findings. It also disengages the research participant from the discovery process, discouraging the provision of research results that may have clinical value to that individual. A revisited informed consent approach—the Informed Cohort Oversight Board (ICOB)—has been proven successful at consenting individuals to a model which facilitates the simultaneous construction of longitudinal data with the return of results to participants as scientific knowledge and technology allows. The opportunity to sequence once and consult often is cost-effective, encourages scientific innovation, and provides the opportunity to quickly translate genomics into better clinical care. Genet Med 2012:14(4):432–436
Thomas precession: a kinematic effect of the algebra of Einstein's velocity addition law. Comments on 'Deriving relativistic momentum and energy: II. Three-dimensional case'

The authors of a recently published paper (Sonego S and Pin M 2005 Eur. J. Phys. 26 851–6) have erroneously asserted that Einstein's velocity addition law is associative. Moreover, they have attributed the alleged associativity of Einstein's velocity addition law to 'The relativity principle[, which] requires that [Einstein's velocity addition] gives the composition law of a group'. Accordingly, we note that Einstein's velocity addition is non-associative and demonstrate that the breakdown of associativity and commutativity in Einstein's velocity addition law results from the presence of Thomas precession.
Fourier Transform Fabry-Perot Interferometer

We are developing a compact, rugged, high-resolution remote sensing instrument with wide spectral scanning capabilities. This relatively new type of instrument, which we have chosen to call the Fourier-Transform Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FT-FPI), is accomplished by mechanically scanning the etalon plates of a Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) through a large optical distance while examining the concomitant signal with a Fourier-transform analysis technique similar to that employed by the Michelson interferometer. The FT-FPI will be used initially as a ground-based instrument to study near-infrared atmospheric absorption lines of trace gases using the techniques of solar absorption spectroscopy. Future plans include modifications to allow for measurements of trace gases in the stratosphere using spectral lines at terahertz frequencies.
Nuclear power safety and the role of international organization

Sovereign states determine the health and safety regulation of nuclear power facilities almost exclusively. Yet the Soviet nuclear power accident at Chernobyl (April 1986) demonstrated that nuclear power can have significant health and political effects transcending state boundaries. Several meetings have been held at the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since the Chernobyl accident, with delegates seeking to find the proper balance between autonomous state decision-making and international or transboundary interests. This article examines the nuclear safety role of IAEA in the past, and comes to conclusions regarding its likely role in the future. I claim that IAEA is unlikely to become a powerful regulatory “watchdog,” but that incremental changes in the agency could, over time, create a significant international presence.
Centaur—The high-energy upper stage for space shuttle

Abstract General Dynamics is under contract with NASA to integrate the Centaur high-energy upper stage with the Space Shuttle. This powerful vehicle combination will deliver a Galileo spacecraft to Jupiter, launch the International Solar Polar mission, and have a 14,000-pound capability to geosynchronous orbit for large communication satellites.
Temperature interactions in the activated sludge process

Abstract The impact of temperature on biokinetic constants used in the design and operation of activated sludge treatment facilities is presented. Three temperatures (10° C, 20° C, and 30° C) are evaluated for their impact on substrate removal, biomass concentration, waste sludge production, and oxygen requirements. The biokinetic equations developed by Lawrence and McCarty (1970) are utilized.
Efficiently supporting fault-tolerance in FPGAs

While system reliability is conventionally achieved through component replication, we have developed a fault-tolerance approach for FPGA-based systems that comes at a reduced cost in terms of design time, volume, and weight. We partition the physical design into a set of tiles. In response to a component failure, we capitalize on the unique reconfiguration capabilities of FPGAs and replace the affected tile with a functionally equivalent tile that does not rely on the faulty component. Unlike fixed structure fault-tolerance techniques for ASICs and microprocessors, this approach allows a single physical component to provide redundant backup for several types of components. Experimental results conducted on a subset of the MCNC benchmarks demonstrate a high level of realiability with low timing and hardware overhead.
Translocational pale drosophilae and snaker mice, a semicentennial parallel.

Abstract It is pointed out that the case of Snaker in the mouse, recently reported by Cattanach 4 to represent a translocation which gives the appearance of mutation of a fixed kind recurring in lines directly descended from an individual carrying the given seemingly pre-mutational change, parallels in its essential features, and in the reasoning and genetic testing followed in diagnosing it, the case of Pale in Drosophila , diagnosed a half century ago by Altenburg . This case, long ago reported by Bridges 2 and by Morgan, Bridges and Sturtevant 9 , was the first known translocation. Altenburg termed the process transposition, and since it was later found to be of deletion-insertion type this term has been reverted to for translocations of that type. Snaker is not necessarily (although probably, we believe) a transposition. Three purely superficial differences between the two cases are pointed out. Preparatory ground for the interpretation and solution of Pale was, it is shown, provided by the slightly earlier diagnosing of the first known deficiency 1 , one of Bar eye in Drosophila . The history, previously unrecorded, of this diagnosing is briefly recorded here. The later contributions to such cases made by the salivary-chromosome technique are also reviewed briefly, as are uses to which Pale and similar cases have been put for throwing light on diverse other problems of genetics.
Thermodynamics of Densification: I, Sintering of Simple Particle Arrays, Equilibrium Configurations, Pore Stability, and Shrinkage

Equilibrium configurations for linear and closed arrays (rings and regular polyhedra containing a single pore) of identical particles (cylinders or spheres) were determined by minimizing the array's surface and grain-boundary energies with the assumption that each particle conserves its mass. The change in free energy between the initial and equilibrium configuration increases with dihedral angle (i.e., the equilibrium angle). More significantly, it is shown that pores will shrink to an equilibrium size if the number (n) of coordinating particles is greater than a critical value. The critical pore coordination number (nc) increases with the dihedral angle. Only pores with nnc are thermodynamically unstable during sintering. It is also shown that any mass-transport mechanism can lead to pore shrinkage while a connecting path to the pore surface remains open. The effective sintering “stress” (i.e., driving force) increases with the dihedral angle and decreases to zero as the equilibrium configuration is reached. Sintering stresses increase with decreasing coordination number. It is also shown that the shrinkage strain for closed arrays increases with the pore coordination number. Rearrangement phenomena within a powder compact are discussed with regard to resultant sintering forces on nonsymmetrically coordinated particles.
Luminescence and absorption in type III silica implanted with multi-energy Si, O and Ar ions

Abstract Some effects on the photoluminescence band at 4.4 eV and optical bands in the 4.8–5.2 eV range produced by multi-energy (highest energy 320 keV) Si and O implantations in (type III) silica have been measured. Samples were implanted with multi-energy Si ions, with O ions, and with Ar ions to form a region of constant concentration. The depth of this region was ∼600 nm with the transition region, from zero to constant concentration being ∼100 nm thick. Concentrations ranged from approximately 0.02–2.1 at.%. We propose that in these samples photoluminescence and absorption bands due to the various combinations of oxygen vacancies will increase with increasing Si concentration with related O related defects changing at much smaller rates. In the absorption spectra of samples implanted with O, bands associated with oxygen related defects increase with increasing concentration, while those due to various forms of O vacancies will change at much smaller rates. To test the hypothesis that the observed absorption bands in the 4.8–5.2 eV range are the source of the 4.4 eV luminescence band, we have compared the changes in the three absorption bands in the 4.8–5.2 eV range with changes in the luminescent intensity of the 4.4 eV band. Based on the intensity of the luminescence in the Si implanted samples compared to the intensity in the Ar and O implanted samples and the expectation that the Si implanted samples will have a preponderance of oxygen deficient sites, we conclude that the 4.4 eV emission is due to oxygen deficient defects. The changes in the amplitude of the 5.01 eV absorption band is more similar to the changes in the 4.4 eV emission than to any other band in the O samples. However, none of the bands have a convincing correlation with the 4.4 eV emission.
Detection of Apolipoprotein E/Dimeric Soluble Amyloid β Complexes in Alzheimer's Disease Brain Supernatants

The inheritance of the apolipoprotein (apo) E4 allele is an important risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). A major component of the Alzheimer's disease neuritic plaques is amyloid beta (A beta). We previously identified apoE/A beta complexes within neuritic plaques (1). It was not known if this interaction takes place before or after A beta peptides become incorporated into neuritic plaques. To address this question we sought evidence of apoE complexes with brain soluble A beta peptides in AD and control patients. In addition, numerous proteins have been shown to bind A beta peptides in vitro. It is not know if any of these bind brain sA beta in vivo. We found evidence for the presence of apoE/dimeric sA beta complexes in the AD brain and could not detect complexes with other A beta peptide binding proteins. The binding of sA beta to apoE may be one factor influencing its clearance from the brain and/or its conformational state.
Automated support for the enactment of rigorously described software processes

There are many advantages to developing rigorously described software processes. Certainly, they provide the basis for improved project visibility, communication, and coordination. If they are sufficiently rigorous they also provide the basis for effective analysis and error detection which can be used to improve processes. Of the many advantages, however, none strikes me as being more important than the opportunity which rigorous process specifications present for directing the coordination of human and computer resources in support of the effective enactment of software processes.A number of researchers, both at this Workshop and elsewhere, have recognized this opportunity and have begun to study ways of taking advantage of it. Most of this work has focussed on the development of software environments in which explicit software process representations are used to coordinate the application of software tools. As such, this work is forming an important bridge between our software process research community and the software environments research community.Most current research seems to be focussing on 1) what language should be used to express the process description, 2) what should the architecture of a process enaction support environment be like, and 3) what object management facilities should the environment have? In each of these three areas, there are important subissues which I believe are not receiving sufficient attention. In addition, it seems to me that the issues of 1) providing adequate user interfaces to such environments and 2) evaluating process descriptions and environments to support their enaction are both not receiving sufficient attention.
Development of Child- and Parent-Report Measures of Behavioral Avoidance Related to Childhood Anxiety Disorders

The current report describes 3 studies conducted to develop 8-item child- and parent-report measures to further the understanding of the role of behavioral avoidance in the development, maintenance, and treatment of childhood anxiety disorders. Participants included both clinical (N=463; ages 8 to 12) and community (N=421; ages 7 to 18) samples of children and their parents from primarily Caucasian intact families. Follow-up data were collected from 104 families in the community sample. Overall, the measures were internally consistent and related to anxiety, distress, and alternative measures of avoidance in both samples. Parent report of children's behavioral avoidance evidenced the strongest psychometric properties, differentiated among clinical and community populations, and most importantly, predicted children's anxiety at least 8 months later over and above initial anxiety ratings. Moreover, decreases in avoidance were associated with successful exposure therapy. These results are consistent with the role of behavioral avoidance in the development of anxiety and provide an efficient tool for assessing the role of avoidance in clinical and research settings.