cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving the temporal flexibility of position constrained metric temporal plans

In this paper we address the problem of post-processing position constrained plans, output by many of the recent efficient metric temporal planners, to improve their execution flexibility. Specifically, given a position constrained plan, we consider the problem of generating a partially ordered (aka "order constrained") plan that uses the same actions. Although variations of this "partialization" problem have been addressed in classical planning, the metric and temporal considerations bring in significant complications. We develop a general CSP encoding for partializing position-constrained temporal plans, that can be optimized under an objective function dealing with a variety of temporal flexibility criteria, such as makespan. We then propose several approaches (e.g. coupled CSP, MILP) of solving this encoding. We also present a greedy value ordering strategy that is designed to efficiently generate solutions with good makespan values for these encodings. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our greedy partialization approach in the context of a recent metric temporal planner that produces p.c. plans. We also compare the effects of greedy and optimal partialization using MILP encodings on the set of metric temporal problems used at the Third International Planning Competition.
How resting T cells deMURR HIV infection.

Murr1, a protein linked to copper homeostasis, is shown in a recent Nature paper to inhibit the degradation of IκBα. This unexpected action of Murr1, which blunts both basal and stimulus-coupled activation of the NF-κB transcription factor, is key in making resting CD4 T lymphocytes nonpermissive for HIV infection.
Gravitational Separation and Resistance Anomalies in Liquid Binary Alloys with Miscibility Gaps

The questions of anomalies in the electrical resistivity and meniscus motion near the critical point of a binary metallic liquid with a miscibility gap are investigated from an experimental standpoint as well as from a simple model calculation.
Identification of common transcriptional regulatory elements in interleukin-17 target genes.

Interleukin (IL)-17 is the founding member of a novel family of inflammatory cytokines. Although produced by T cells, IL-17 activates genes and signals typical of innate immune mediators such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β. Most IL-17 target genes characterized to date are cytokines or neutrophil-attractive chemokines. Our recent microarray studies identified an acute phase response gene, 24p3/lipocalin 2, as a novel IL-17-induced gene. Here we describe a detailed analysis of the 24p3 promoter. We find that, unlike cytokine or chemokine gene target genes, 24p3 is regulated primarily at the level of transcription rather than mRNA stability and that synergy between IL-17 and TNFα occurs at the level of the 24p3 promoter. Two key transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) were identified, corresponding to NF-κB and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP). Deletion of either site eliminated 24p3 promoter activity in response to IL-17. These findings were strikingly similar to the IL-6 promoter, where IL-17-mediated regulation of both NF-κB and C/EBP is essential. To determine whether joint use of NF-κB and C/EBP is common to all IL-17 target genes, we performed a computational analysis on 18 well documented IL-17 target promoters to assess statistical enrichment of specific TFBSs. Indeed, NF-κB and C/EBP sites were over-represented in these genes, as were AP1 and OCT1 sites. Moreover, these promoters fell into three definable subcategories based on TFBS location and usage. Analysis of IL-17 target gene regulation is key for understanding this important host-defense molecule and also contributes to an understanding of upstream signaling mechanisms used by IL-17, either alone or in concert with TNFα.
Self-Motivation Is Associated With Phosphorus Control in End-Stage Renal Disease.

Objective Hyperphosphatemia is common in end-stage renal disease and associates with mortality. Phosphate binders reduce serum phosphorus levels; however, adherence is often poor. This pilot study aims to assess patients' self-motivation to adhere to phosphate binders, its association with phosphorus control, and potential differences by race. Design and Methods Cross sectional design. Subjects were enrolled from one academic medical center dialysis practice from July to November 2012. Self-motivation to adhere to phosphate binders was assessed with the autonomous regulation (AR) scale (range: 1-7) and self-reported medication adherence with the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Linear regression models adjusting for age, sex, health literacy, and medication adherence were applied to determine associations with serum phosphorus level, including any evidence of interaction by race. Results Among 100 participants, mean age was 51 years (±15 years), 53% were male, 72% were non-white, 89% received hemodialysis, and mean serum phosphorus level was 5.7 ± 1.6 mg/dL. More than half (57%) reported the maximum AR score (7). Higher AR scores were noted in those reporting better health overall ( P = .001) and those with higher health literacy ( P = .01). AR score correlated with better medication adherence ( r = 0.22; P = .02), and medication adherence was negatively associated with serum phosphorus ( r = −0.40; P P = .01). Associations between AR score (β 95% confidence interval: −0.37 [−0.73 to −0.01]; P = .04), medication adherence (β 95% confidence interval: −0.25 [−0.42 to −0.07]; P = .01), and serum phosphorus persisted in adjusted analyses. Conclusions Self-motivation was associated with phosphate binder adherence and phosphorus control, and this differed by race. Additional research is needed to determine if personalized, culturally sensitive strategies to understand and overcome motivational barriers may optimize mineral bone health in end-stage renal disease.
α‐Cyanoacrylate adhesive bond strengths with proteinaceous and nonproteinaceous substrates

The higher n-alkyl α-cyanoacrylate homologs had been previously found to wet, spread, and rapidly polymerize on tissue substrates whereas the lower homologs do not wet and polymerize slowly. The reverse effect is noted on nonproteinaceous substrates such as distilled water and saline solution. Tissue bonds were prepared and tested in vivo in rats. Bonds prepared with the higher n-alkyl α-cyanoacrylate homologs were found to be stronger than those prepared with the lower homologs. The data are in general accord with the wetting and spreading characteristics of the n-alkyl α-cyanoacrylate homologs. On aluminum surfaces, the opposite effect was noted. Bonds prepared with the lower homologs were stronger than those prepared with the higher homologs.
Reorientation in a rhombic environment: No evidence for an encapsulated geometric module

Abstract Reorientation behavior of young children has been described as dependent upon a geometric module that is incapable of interacting with landmark information. Whereas previous studies typically used rectangular spaces that provided geometric information about distance, we used a rhombic space that allowed us to explore the way children use geometric information about angles. Reorientation was studied in manipulatory space (Experiment 1) and locomotor space (Experiment 2) in the presence and absence of a salient landmark. In the absence of salient landmarks, 4- to 6-year-olds used geometric features to reorient in both spaces. When a salient landmark was available in manipulatory space, 4-year-olds used the landmark and ignored the geometry. Five- and 6-year-olds used the geometry, but in combination with the landmark. In locomotor space, this combined use was already seen at age 4, and increased with age. Taken together, these results offer no support for the notion that reorientation behavior in young children depends on an informationally encapsulated geometric module.
Low Scaling Potential Horizontal Wells and Scale Inhibitor Treatment Strategy

Oil wells producing from carbonate formations generally experience chemical scaling (carbonates and/or sulfates) during some phase of their production history. In several Saudi Aramco vertical wells, production of formation water containing associated carbon dioxide gas has resulted in calcium carbonate scaling. Scaling potential studies have indicated the threshold level of an organic phosphonate scale inhibitor used to mitigate such scaling in these wells is less than one ppm. This low protection threshold allows considerable leeway in scale squeeze design for the problem wells. Phosphonate based scale inhibitor squeeze treatments provide the most common and effective means of preventing the scale formation in such fields. In vertical well applications, long squeeze lives of more than ten years have been observed in fields producing from carbonates. The residual inhibitor levels have fallen below 0.1 ppm in several of these wells without return of scale. The increased drilling of horizontal holes and inevitable increases in watercut in these wells have led to scale problems. The design of a viable and economic horizontal well scale squeeze treatment was called for. Considerable problems are, however, inherent in the development of such horizontal treatment strategies. Sorbie, et al., recently published a mathematical scale inhibitor squeeze model for use in horizontal well treatments. This model was used to evaluate several treatment options for horizontal wells having a low carbonate scaling potential. Simulated residual returns and squeeze life data were used for different stages and scenarios in Sorbie's model to arrive at the most optimistic squeeze strategy. Based on the information provided by the model and previous vertical well experience, a simple and inexpensive bullheaded squeeze resulted in a successful treatment. This resulted in a substantial economic savings over a coiled-tubing delivered treatment. The theory behind this simple strategy will be discussed. The results of two case studies will be presented.
Performance Limits, Design and Implementation of mm-Wave SiGe HBT Class-E and Stacked Class-E Power Amplifiers

Design equations and performance limits of Class-E power amplifiers at mm-waves, including the limitations imposed by active and passive devices in a given technology, are presented in this paper. A beyond nominal breakdown voltage Class-E design methodology for SiGe HBT power amplifiers is proposed to generate high output power while maintaining high Class-E efficiency. A mm-wave SiGe stacked Class-E architecture is also introduced to increase the overall voltage swing, with each series stacked device operating in the beyond nominal breakdown mode. The mm-wave beyond BVCEO operation of SiGe HBTs has been demonstrated experimentally in an integrated 45 GHz Class-E power amplifier fabricated in a 0.13 μm SiGe BiCMOS process with 20 dBm measured output power at 31.5% peak power-added efficiency (PAE). The series stacking of mm-wave Class-E power amplifier concept is also verified by fabricating double-stacked and triple-stacked SiGe HBT power amplifiers in 0.13 μm SiGe BiCMOS process which demonstrate a measured output power of 23.4 dBm at 41 GHz with peak PAE of 34.9%. High power, highly efficient, switching power amplifier unit cells presented in this paper can facilitate realization of efficient Watt-level mm-wave digital polar transmitters.
Pulmonary neuroendocrine cells in pediatric lung disease: Alterations in airway structure in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Despite four decades of investigation, the function of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (NEC) remains unclear. Since NEC secretory products may influence airway growth or differentiation or alter airway smooth muscle tone, increased numbers of NEC seen in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) may be partially responsible for the genesis of the structural and pathophysiological alterations seen in this disease state. Changes in airway structure were studied in six infants dying with BPD and six conceptional age-matched control infants dying of noncardiopulmonary disease. Changes in bombesin-, calcitonin-, and serotonin-immunoreactive NEC were quantified in lung specimens from three infants who died at 2 months of age with severe BPD and three conceptional age-matched controls. There were no differences in either bronchiolar or bronchial airway epithelial areas, but significant increases in bronchiolar (1.8-fold) (P < 0.001) and especially bronchial smooth muscle (2.5-fold) (P < 0.001) were documented in infants with BPD. Few bombesin-, calcitonin-, and serotonin-immunoreactive cells were identified in cartilaginous airways; however, there was a clear increase in the total number of bronchiolar immunoreactive cells in infants with severe BPD (28.5 +/- 11.2 cells/mm airway epithelium) compared to control infants (4.5 +/- 4.9) (P < 0.05). Our results confirm that airway wall composition does change in BPD, but there is either no or an inverse correlation between NEC number and airway epithelial and smooth muscle areas and cell numbers. The role of NEC secretory products in airway smooth muscle growth and function requires further investigation.
SIMBAS: a process-oriented simulation language

A process-oriented simulation language is described, which is an extension of BASIC, is implementable using an existing BASIC interpreter, and uses the general semaphore as a modeling primitive. Examples and a discussion of the implementation are included.
Evolutionary Relationships of Jumping Mice (Genus Zapus) of the Southwestern United States

The evolutionary relationships of three peripheral populations of jumping mice (genus Zapus ) in the southwestern United States were investigated using pelage, morphologic, and allozymic data. The three populations, previously regarded as Z. princeps luteus , are indeed a closely related assemblage, but are relictual isolates of Z. hudsonius , not of Z. princeps. They are herein considered as Z. hudsonius luteus Miller (new combination). An historical Zoogeographie scenario for the relictual populations is presented, and lines of ecological inquiry are suggested.
Anaesthesiological experiences with whole body hyperthermia.

Objective : In order to investigate the safety of whole body hyperthermia (WBH) within the context of systemic Cancer Multistep Therapy (sCMT) in patients with disseminated malignancies, cardiopulmonary changes and various organ functions were examined. Methods and procedures : Fifty-seven sCMT treatments were performed in 22 patients. WBH with a plateau phase of 1 h at 41.8°C was induced by an IRATHERM 2000 device. Cardiopulmonary parameters were measured at 37, 40, 41.8 and 39°C by use of a pulmonary artery catheter, femoral oxymetry and a radial artery catheter. Organ functions of the liver, kidney, cardiovascular and central nervous system were evaluated before and after treatment. Results : Compared with the initial values, significant alterations were found of most cardiopulmonary parameters in the sense of hypercirculation at 41.8°C. With the exception of extra vascular lung water index, all parameters showed a clear tendency towards the pre-treatment levels at 39°C. In eight out of 57 sCMT treatme...
Safety Evaluation and Management of Food Additives by FAO/WHO

Safety and management of additives used in food have become important issues of public and administrative concern. The most important thing to say is that the use of food additives should be controlled by law. An extensive evaluation on the safety of new additives must be carried out before they are allowed to use in food. This paper discusses the safety evaluation and management system for food additives adopted by the FAO/WHO Codex committees, introduces the internationally standards, guidelines, codes and recommendations established by the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme with the purpose of protecting the health of consumers and ensuring fair practices in the world food trade. The conclusion is that these international standards and codes have become the global reference for national food control agencies in performing their food additive supervision and management responsibilities on behalf of the consumers.
Neoplasia in Chronic Pancreatitis: How to Maximize the Yield of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration

When performing endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), identifying neoplasia in the setting of chronic pancreatitis can be technically challenging. The morphology of an ill-defined mass on sonography, presence of calcifications or intervening collaterals, reverberation from a biliary stent, low yield of tissue procurement, and interpretative errors in cytopathology can result in both false-negative and false-positive results. Although these challenges cannot be completely eliminated, elastography or contrast-enhanced imaging can aid in differentiating an inflammatory mass from a neoplasm. Also, performing more passes of FNA, procuring core biopsy material, performing rapid onsite evaluation, conducting ancillary pathology studies, and even repeating the procedure on a different day can aid in improving the diagnostic performance of EUS-FNA. This review provides a concise update and offers practical tips to improving the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA when sampling solid pancreatic mass lesions in the setting of chronic pancreatitis.
Separation of hexose phosphates by paper electrophoresis in borate buffers

Abstract A survey of various buffers as agents for the paper ionophoresis of hexose phosphate esters and inorganic phosphate has revealed 0.2 M borate buffer at pH 9.5 as the most suitable for separation of the phosphate compounds into four distinct groups. Variations in molarity and pH of the borate can be utilized to separate the three reducing aldohexoses not resolved by the above conditions. These procedures have been used to identify tentatively a previously unknown compound in potatoes as fructose 1-phosphate. The advantages of paper electrophoresis as well as correlation between movement and relative charge density are discussed.
Measuring soil disturbance effects and assessing soil restoration success by examining distributions of soil properties

Successful restoration of an ecosystem following disturbance is typically assessed according to similarity between the restored site and a relatively undisturbed reference area. While most comparisons use the average or mean parameter to represent measured properties, other aspects of the distribution, including the variance of the properties may assist in a more robust assessment of site recovery. Our purpose was to compare soil properties in different ages of reclaimed soils with those in reference areas by incorporating the potentially different distributions according to areas. On two sampling dates, in consecutive years, we examined soil properties on a chronosequence of reclaimed natural gas pipelines spanning recovery ages of <1–54 years, obtaining data on soil moisture, organic carbon, nitrogen, electrical conductivity, pH, and microbial abundance. To make the comparisons, we analyzed our data with a Bayesian hierarchical linear mixed model and obtained posterior predictive distributions for the soil properties. This allowed us to probabilistically quantify the extent to which a soil property from a reclaimed treatment was similar to that from an undisturbed reference. We found that the posterior predictive variance of most soil properties was particularly sensitive to disturbance and reclamation, especially, within the first few years of recovery. Response of this variance to disturbance, reclamation, and recovery was not necessarily accompanied by a shift in the posterior predictive mean value of the property. Patterns for all soil properties changed over time, with posterior predictive distributions of soil properties generally becoming more similar to those of the undisturbed reference sites as recovery time increased. We suspect these trends in altered variability coincide with the degree of spatial heterogeneity in soil properties that results following disturbance and reclamation, which is also coupled to patterns of vegetation recovery.
Cholinergic modulation of immunoglobulin secretion from avian plasma cells: the role of cyclic mononucleotides

Abstract The chicken Harderian (lacrimal) gland contains an abundance of plasma cells in the interstitium of the gland that secrete IgG, IgM, and IgA. In in vitro preparations of this gland, the cholinergic agonist carbachol causes a transient increase in the secretion rate of IgG above a basal level of secretion. We have investigated the effects of the cyclic mononucleotides cAMP and cGMP on this secretagogue response. Pretreatment with 20 μM forskolin or 1 mM dibutyryl cAMP abolished the carbachol-induced secretory response. When the gland was isolated in normal media and then treated with either forskolin or dibutyryl cAMP, there was no change in the baseline secretion rate. cGMP at either 10 μM or 1.0 mM did not affect the baseline secretion rate, nor did it have an effect on the carbachol response. We postulate that muscarinic receptor activation leads to a calcium influx that in turn leads to an increased secretion rate of IgG. The opposing effects of elevating cAMP and cGMP are discussed in the context of this model of cholinergic activation of avian plasma cells.
Parallel synthesis and biological evaluation of different sizes of bicyclo[2,3]-Leu-enkephalin analogues.

Parallel synthesis of peptides and peptidomimetics has been an important approach to search for biologically active ligands. A novel systematic synthesis of different size bicyclic dipeptide mimetics was developed on solid-phase supports. By taking advantage of the enantioselective synthesis of ω-unsaturated amino acids and their N-methylated derivatives, the hemiaminal problem was prevented in the pathway to thiazolidine formation. The bicyclic dipeptide was generated on the solid-phase support in three steps by an unconventional method. By inserting this bicyclic scaffold into the synthesis of a larger bioactive peptide, 11 different sizes of bicyclo[2,3]-Leu-enkephalin analogues were synthesized in a fast and efficient way. Modeling studies show that a reversed turn structure at positions 2–3 was favored when an L- and L-bicyclic scaffold was used, and that an extended conformation at the N-terminal was favored when a D- and L-bicyclic scaffold was inserted. Binding affinities and bioassay studies show ligands with micromolar binding affinities and antagonist bioactivities for the [6,5]- and [7,5]-bicyclo-Leu-enkephalin analogues. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci), 2005
Infectious disease issues in adoption of young children.

Purpose of reviewTo provide an update and overview of infectious disease issues in children of international adoption.Recent findingsInternational adoption by US families has decreased since 2004. Countries from where children are adopted have changed by 2011, with Ethiopia the second largest contri
Fabrication and characterization of xBiGaO3–(1−x)PbTiO3: a high temperature reduced Pb-content piezoelectric ceramic

Abstract Bismuth gallium based crystalline solutions, x BiGaO 3 –(1− x )PbTiO 3 (BG–PT), were studied as novel material group of low lead content perovskite ceramics. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was utilized to investigate the crystal structure and phase evolution. A pure perovskite phase with tetragonal symmetry was obtained for x ≤0.25. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that a first order solid-to-solid transformation occurs at 495 °C for x =0.2. The dielectric properties were investigated at room and elevated temperatures. Our results show that BG–PT is a good candidate high-temperature piezoelectric ceramic, with reduced lead content.
Unresponsiveness to conjugate Pneumococcal polysaccharides in children with recurrent respiratory infections

Abstract Rationale To establish the antibody response rate in children with recurrent infections and fully immunized with the Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate vaccine. Methods We have analyzed 39 patients referred to our clinic with recurrent infections despite complete immunization with the Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate vaccine for age, according to ACIP guidelines. We assessed the patients by checking their immunization status and the antibody titers to all 7 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes included in the vaccine (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, 23F) assessed by standardized ELISA. The patients were assembled into 3 groups, a non-immunized group with laboratory data prior to the vaccine, and an immunized group consisting of responders and non-responders according to their antibody titer (>1.3 or Results The mean age was 3.8 years for responders and 3.3 years for non-responders. There was no significant statistical difference between the groups regarding age, race and sex. Ten patients were identified who failed to respond to all 7 serotypes included in the Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate vaccine. There was no significant statistical difference between the non-immunized and the immunized non-responders to all 7 serotypes. Conclusions We have identified a special immunological phenotype of specific antibody deficiency (SAD) patients with normal total immunoglobulins and normal responses to protein antigens, but who failed to respond to conjugate pneumococcal polysaccharides.
Damage to the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus of newborn rats: growth, ingestion, and neuroendocrine dysfunction.

Abstract Newborn (24 ± 12 h postpartum) male or female albino rats sustained bilateral electrolytic destruction of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) or sham surgery. Compared with same-gender controls, all rats with VMH damage had growth, behavioral, and endocrine dysfunctions with the following features: (i) mild body weight deficits until 70 to 80 days of age and permanently elevated body weights thereafter, (ii) progressive obesity after 50 days of age, (iii) ingestive finickyness, and (iv) reduced adenohypophyseal TSH cell (thyrotroph) density and number. The VMH-damaged females tended to have greater disorders than males. The VMH-damaged rats normal linear growth and ad libitum daily food intake from 30 to 200 days of age. In conjunction with previous research, these results support three conclusions: (i) deficits of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroidal axis are probable etiological factors in the developmental obesity of rats that sustain ventrobasal hypothalamic damage during infancy, (ii) the VMH is involved in the regulation of body weight and adiposity from the day of birth in the rat, and (iii) both neuroendocrine and behavioral functions of the rat VMH undergo significant postnatal modification.
Computers, City and Suburb: A Study of New York City and Westchester County Public Schools

The purpose of this study is to provide a descriptive analysis of the use of computers for instruction in the public schools of a large, urban area, namely New York City; and to compare this with the public schools of a suburban area, namely Westchester County. Particular emphasis has been placed on the availability of hardware, the nature of the software used for instruction, and the perceived progress or problems encountered in integrating computers into the curriculum.
Mathematical modeling of induced foreign protein production by recombinant bacteria

A new generalized mathematical model for recombinant bacteria which includes inducer effects on cell growth and foreign protein production is developed. The model equation set was applied to a host-vector system, Escherichi coli D1210 and plasmid pSD8. Batch experiments were designed and performed in shake flasks to verify the model. A parameter estimation method was developed and proven to be efficient. Although simple, the model can effectively describe the dynamics of the production of foreign protein in recombinant bacteria and can be used for optimization and control studies to maximize foreign protein production.
InAs-Based p-n Homojunction Diodes: Doping Effects and Impact of Doping on Device Parameters

InAs heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) are promising candidates for low power and high frequency (THz) device applications due to their small bandgap, high electron mobility, and high saturation drift velocity. However, doping limits such as the trade-off between desired low intentional n-type concentrations and unintentional doping, and the realization of high p-type concentrations, must still be considered in device design and synthesis. In order to observe the impact of intentional and unintentional n-type doping on diode electrical properties, InAs-based homojunction diodes have been grown on InAs substrates by solid-source molecular beam epitaxy (SSMBE) and were subsequently fabricated and characterized.
Noise-induced hearing loss in agriculture: Creating partnerships to overcome barriers and educate the community on prevention

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a common and preventable injury for farmers. Farmers are frequently exposed to excessive noise, ranking among the top three occupations and industries with the highest risk for hearing loss. Use of hearing protection among farmers is not common. Although the age when NIHL begins among farmers is unknown, its prevalence is higher among male adolescents who live and work on farms. The purpose of this paper is to describe how NIOSH created partnerships to promote hearing conservation for this hard-to-reach population. Partnerships included organizations and individuals who were trusted sources of information for the target population, young farmers 14-35 years of age and their families, and those who had linkages in rural communities. NIOSH engaged partners through exhibits and train-the-trainer workshops at state or national conventions. NIOSH workshops included basic information on NIHL as well as information on free or low-lost resources that participants could use in training others at schools and community events. People with hearing conservation expertise have an important role and many opportunities to improve the knowledge and implementation of hearing conservation among those in agriculture.
Combinatorial matrix analysis: An overview

Abstract We survey recent work in some components of combinatorial matrix analysis, including qualitative matrix theory, matrix completion problems, bounding of matrix parameters, the role of the longest simple circuit, and attenuation of matrix products. Some definitional thoughts, historical perspectives, and unification challenges, etc. are offered. The style is informal, following the talk on which this writeup is based.
A 256-channel (element) correlator design based on an FPGA for X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy

In this work we have demonstrated a 256-channel(element) correlator array design based on a Virtex 6 FPGA for X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy that uses Dynamic Light Scattering to probe nanometer scale structures, where the channel here means one correlator element which could provide auto correlation functions for 36 lags. This design is incorporated along with a design consisting of a 64×64 pixel silicon detector array and a custom 3D integrated circuit called vertically integrated pixel imaging chip (VIPIC). The challenge was how to handle the large amounts of data from VIPIC while performing correlation analysis in a real time. Our design introduces an autocorrelator per pixel to address the per pixel momentum transfer. Initially the VIPIC collects the X-ray photon arrival events from the 64×64 pixels and transfers it over 16 serial buses to the data acquisition system. Timing information is provided by reading the detector contents every 10µs. Readout can be in one of two modes, a sparsified readout mode for low intensity applications where many pixels acquire no events, and an imaging mode in which all pixels are read out sequentially. The correlator design described here can handle either operating mode. This design provides many advantages over the existing commercial correlators as they are not able to meet the requirements of VIPIC. The commercial ones are limited to low intensity light correlation and a few simultaneous inputs. Besides, the large physical size of the commercial correlators makes the implementation of a system with several channels impractical. A multi-τ correlator design based on virtex 2 was addressed earlier but the practical realization was only ended up for one element of such muti-τ correlator. The correlator design discussed in this paper will provide a correlation dynamic range from 10us to 10.24ms for each of its 256 correlator elements. Our target for the design is to reach the minimum physical size, resource and power consumption costs based on the approach of using an 8 stage multi-τ design for each element and barrel shift DSPs and pipelined RAM block for the elements. We are planning to implement this design as the basis for a custom integrated circuit which implements 4×256 element correlator elements.
Reasoning about MDPs as Transformers of Probability Distributions

We consider Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) as transformers on probability distributions, where with respect to a scheduler that resolves nondeterminism, the MDP can be seen as exhibiting a behavior that is a sequence of probability distributions. Defining propositions using linear inequalities, one can reason about executions over the space of probability distributions. In this framework, one can analyze properties that cannot be expressed in logics like PCTL$^*$, such as expressing bounds on transient rewards and expected values of random variables, and comparing the probability of being in one set of states at a given time with that of being in another set of states. We show that model checking MDPs with this semantics against $\omega$-regular properties is in general undecidable. We then identify special classes of propositions and schedulers with respect to which the model checking problem becomes decidable. We demonstrate the potential usefulness of our results through an example.
Optical evidence for transient photoinduced magnetization in La 0.7 Ca 0.3 Mn O 3

Pump-probe Kerr spectroscopy reveals evidence for transient photoinduced magnetization (PIM) near ${T}_{c}$ in the colossally magnetoresistive manganite ${\mathrm{La}}_{0.7}{\mathrm{Ca}}_{0.3}\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. For temperatures above ${T}_{c}$, the PIM signature reaches full strength at the field-driven magnetic phase transition, while below ${T}_{c}$ it exhibits a magnetic activation threshold of $\ensuremath{\sim}0.5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{T}$. We compare the temperature dependence of the effect with diffuse spin scattering previously measured with neutrons and discuss these findings in the context of phase separation near ${T}_{c}$.
Minimally invasive ablative approaches in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma.

Ablative techniques for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are an extension of nephron-sparing surgery and include cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Although experimental, these are evolving treatment modalities. The widespread use of computed tomography scans, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging caused an increase in the diagnosis rate of small renal masses amenable to nephron-sparing surgery. The same imaging modalities permit interactive monitoring both during the delivery of ablative measures and at postoperative followup. Cryosurgery is the most studied of the ablative approaches, and clinical studies have demonstrated promising short-term results and a remarkable safety profile. Long-term studies, however, are needed in order to determine the appropriate selection criteria and to confirm a response as durable as that for partial and radical nephrectomy. More data are needed to evaluate the efficacy of RFA. Currently, preclinical results with HIFU do not justify its use for treating RCC in humans.
Does the interchromatin compartment contain actin

Abstract Transient blockage of transcription in chick liver by alpha-amanitin results in a temporary clearing of nucleoplasmic regions in affected nuclei and concurrent exposure in situ of a discrete interchromatin framework. This is accompanied by sharp decreases in total nuclear RNA (~28%) and nonhistone protein content (~18%). Electrophoretic analysis of matrix fraction proteins from such highly denuded nuclei shows a marked relative enrichment in actin and RNP-derived polypeptides. These observations suggest that actin is a real constituent of the interchromatin region and supports various reports that this protein may have a basic structural role in nuclei.
A general class of coupled nonlinear differential equations arising in self-similar solutions of convective heat transfer problems

We establish existence and uniqueness results for a general class of coupled nonlinear third order differential equations arising in flow and heat transfer problems. We consider solutions over the semi-infinite interval. As special cases, we recover the existence and uniqueness results of solutions for the following physically meaningful scenarios (among others): (i) flow and heat transfer over a stretching sheet, (ii) flow and heat transfer over a nonlinearly stretching porous sheet, (iii) linear convective flow and heat transfer over a porous nonlinearly stretching sheet and (iv) nonlinear convective heat transfer over a porous nonlinearly stretching sheet. In all the cases the effects of viscous dissipation and the internal heat generation/absorption on the flow and heat transfer characteristics are included. Moreover, the obtained results are applicable to several problems dealing with flow and heat transfer phenomena.
Nonlinear Dielectric Response and Thermodynamic Heterogeneity in Liquids

If large amplitude time-dependent fields (e.g., dielectric, magnetic, mechanical) are applied to a sample that displays relaxational modes, some energy of the external field is absorbed by the slow degrees of freedom. The weak coupling of these modes to the phonon bath leads to long persistence times of the resulting higher fictive temperature. Assuming heterogeneities regarding dielectric and thermal relaxation times, extremely strong nonlinear dielectric effects are predicted and experimentally verified. For glycerol at T = 213 K, the dielectric loss measured at 280 kV/cm increases by more than 6% over its low-field value. This nonlinearity shows a characteristic frequency dependence and implies that dielectric and thermal time constants are locally correlated in viscous liquids.
The equilibrium shape and surface energy anisotropy of clean platinum

Abstract We have measured the equilibrium shape of clean platinum by monitoring the changes in the shape of a series of micrometer-sized platinum droplets during annealing at 1200°C in 10−7 Torr of oxygen. The droplets start out with a rounded shape and a wavy surface. Upon annealing for 24 h or more, the particles are converted to nearly spherical shapes with distinct facets in the (100) direction and smaller facets in the (111) direction. At equilibrium, the facets only cover 16% of the particle's surface. The rest of the surface is stepped or kinked. The equilibrium particle shape is also independent of particle size for particles in the size range explored here (d > 1 micrometer). Initially, the particles show a series of hill and valley structures around the (100) facets. However, the hill and valley structures disappear after a long anneal. After a long anneal, the particles also assume an epitaxial relation with the support. From the data, we estimatethat the surface energy of platinum only varies by about 92 erg/cm2 with crystal face, with Pt(100) having the lowest surface energy, Pt(111) having a slightly higher surface energy, and all of the other faces of platinum having essentially the same surface energy. By comparison, previous workers have shown that heats of adsorption of simple gases often vary by 350 erg/cm2 with crystal face. The implication, therefore, is that in platinum the variations in surface energy with orientation are small enough that particle shape control in supported metal catalysis is feasible. Consequences to the stability of various single crystal faces are also discussed.
Specificity of metabolic and circulatory responses to arm or leg interval training.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate metabolic and circulatory responses to interval training of legs or arms during steady-state, submaximal cycling. 15 college males cycled on a bicycle ergometer twice with arms (63 and 83 W) and twice with legs (100 and 125 W) before and following 5 weeks of daily interval training. Seven subjects trained with arm cycling and eight with leg cycling. Significant post-training decreases in submaximal oxygen consumption (\(\dot V\)O2), heart rate (HR), and venous blood lactate (LAv) were noted when cycling with trained and untrained muscles with the magnitude of change significantly greater with trained muscles. These results indicate metabolic and circulatory adaptations to interval training that are mediated centrally and peripherally. With respect to HR, but not \(\dot V\)O2, training a larger muscle mass (legs) produced a greater central but lesser peripheral effect whereas the opposite was true for the smaller arm muscles. The data also suggested that the peripheral adaptation involves a common mechanism controlling both HR and LAv changes with a separate mechanism controlling \(\dot V\)O2.
Type-preserving garbage collectors

By combining existing type systems with standard type-based compilation techniques, we describe how to write strongly typed programs that include a function that acts as a t racing garbage collector for the program. Since the garbage collector is an explicit function, we do not need to provide a t rusted garbage collector as a runtime service to manage memory.Since our language is strongly typed, the standard type soundness guarantee "Well typed programs do not go wrong" is extended to include the collector. Our type safety guarantee is non-trivial since not only does it guarantee the type safety of the garbage collector, but it guarantees that the collector preservers the type safety of the program being garbage collected. We describe the technique in detail and report performance measurements for a few microbench-marks as well as sketch the proofs of type soundness for our system.
Room-Temperature Wet Etching of Polycrystalline and Nanocrystalline Silicon Carbide Thin Films with HF and HNO3

Polycrystalline 3C-SiC films deposited using low-pressure chemical vapor deposition from the precursors 1,3-disilabutane and dichlorosilane (DCS) are etched at room temperature in a mixed acid solution consisting of a 1:1 mixture of HF:HNO 3 . DCS flow rate fractions from 0 to 0.47, which yield a range of films with varying grain sizes, are examined. Etch rates vary from 50 A/min for smaller grained films to 0.1 A/min for larger grained films. A kinetic model of the etch rate with first-order dependence on free silicon concentration and inverse power-law dependence on grain size is developed that fits the data well. The change in roughness of most polycrystalline SiC films is nominal upon etching; however, films deposited with 0.16 DCS fraction exhibit an increase in roughness accompanied by the exposure of larger grains at the etched surface. Furthermore, films deposited without DCS exhibit an increase in roughness accompanied by the formation of 2-4 nm deep "nanocraters" on the surface of individual grains. The room-temperature wet-etch capability thus presented enables new process flows for the realization of micro- and nanoelectromechanical system devices for harsh environments.
On managing social data for enabling socially-aware applications and services

Applications and services that take advantage of social data usually infer social relationships using information produced only within their own context. We propose to combine social information from multiple sources into a directed and weighted social multigraph in order to enable novel socially-aware applications and services. We present GeoS, our early prototype of a geo-social data management service which implements a representative set of social inferences. We demonstrate GeoS' potential for social applications on a collection of social data that combines collocation information and Facebook friendship declarations from 100 students.
Single-Breath Retention of Acetaldehyde in Man

The single-breath retention of acetaldehyde vapor by the respiratory tract of human subjects was measured in this study. Experiments were performed in which the volume inhaled and duration of inhalation and exhalation were varied. Some experiments involved breath holding of various time intervals. A direct relationship was found to exist between the volume inhaled and the percent taken up. There was an inverse relationship between rate of inhalation and retention. At all inspiratory rates and tidal volumes, there was an increase in retention as breath-holding time became longer. The humidity of the inhaled vapor had no effect on acetaldehyde retention. Although several factors were found to affect uptake, it appears that the volume inhaled is the most important in determining single-breath retention.
A Preliminary Comparative Anatomical Study of the Mesothoracic Aorta of the Lepidoptera

The aortas of 58 lepidopterous species, representing 2 superfamilies of Rhopalocera and 7 superfamilies of Heterocera, were examined with the aid of vital staining. Two distinct types of mesothoracic aortal chambers were found. A vertical type with dorsal incurrent ostia and an associated accessory diaphragm occurred in members of the Tortricoidea, Geometroidea, Bombycoidea, Sphingoidea, and Noetuoidea; a horizontal type with lateral incurrent ostia was present in representatives of the Cossoidea, Hesperioidea, and Papilionoidea (except Papilionidae). No chamber was found in the Papilionidae or the Pyralidoidea; the latter probably exhibits the primitive condition of the aorta, while the absence of the chamber in the former may represent an instance of degeneration. The conformation of the lateral incurrent ostia, found in all horizontal chambers, is described. These ostia apparently function passively in response to differential haemolymph pressures. In the Rhopalocera, the entrance of the aorta into the mesothorax generally involves perforation of the second phragma; in the Hesperiinae, Papilioninae, and Lycaenidae, the aorta passes beneath the phragma and enters the region of the flight muscles anterior to it. Phylogenetic relationships proposed on the basis of the chamber type present (or on its absence) include: (1) The Pyralidoidea represent a branch of significantly earlier origin than the Tortricoidea and Cossoidea; (2) the Tortricoidea represent an offshoot from the main stem leading to the higher moths; (3) the base of the Cossoidea line lies between those of the Pyralidoidea and the Tortricoidea; (4) the Rhopalocera lie on the same stem as the Cossoidea; and (5) the Papilionidae probably show the most advanced condition of the aorta among the Rhopalocera.
Correlated Neutron-Proton Pairs from the High-Energy Photodisintegration of Helium and Lithium

Observations are made on the protons and neutrons simultaneously ejected from helium and lithium by 280 Mev bremsstrahlung. All photoprotons are found to be accompanied by a neutron. The results are interpreted in terms of Levinger's quasideuteron theory of photodisintegration. The results lead to a measurement of the low momentum spectrum in helium and lithium as well as identification of the high-momentum components of the momentum spectrum as due to two-particle interactions. (auth)