cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative modeling of trace element fractionation during incongruent dynamic melting

Abstract A recent significant achievement in trace element modeling is the development of the congruent (eutectic) dynamic melting (CDM) model where only melt is generated. However, melting reactions in the mantle and crust often produce not only melt but also minerals. By introducing melting reactions into the dynamic melting model, we present a series of equations for incongruent dynamic melting (IDM). We also compare IDM with incongruent batch melting (IBM) and CDM. The difference in calculation results between IDM and IBM is significant, particularly for incompatible elements in the residual melt and the total residue. The difference between IDM and CDM is noticeable when the fraction of the product minerals is significant and when the distribution coefficient of the product mineral is sufficiently different from those of the reaction minerals. More realistic but more complex IDM models are also derived to further account for the progressive changes in partition coefficients, the variations in the net fractional contribution of a phase to the total melt, and the consumption of a solid phase. Applications of IDM equations to model residual clinopyroxenes are illustrated. Distinctive rare earth element (REE) patterns with a middle REE hump in clinopyroxene can be produced by partial melting in garnet stability field. The IDM equations presented here are very useful in modeling partial melting of both the mantle and the crust.
The sequential probability ratio test applied to the design of clinical experiments.

IDEALLY, any experiment should be terminated as soon as sufficient data are at hand to warrant the acceptance or rejection of the proposed hypothesis at an acceptable level of statistical significa...
Abstract IA15: Role of PD-1 and LAG-3 in cancer immunotherapy.

PD-1 and LAG-3 are negative regulatory molecules expressed on the cell surface of “exhausted” or non-functional CD8 T cells in both cancer and in infectious disease. In several cancer models, blocking both molecules shows a synergistic anti-tumor effect, without overt signs of autoimmunity. In more recent studies, we have examined the role of LAG-3 and/or PD-1 blockade on memory induction in vivo. Interestingly, we found that a short course (1 week) of combined antibody blockade results in a significant increase in the frequency of memory T cells over 30 weeks later. Augmented CD8 T cell responses were not apparent in the secondary lymphoid organs, but rather manifested as an increase in tissue resident responses. Responding cells in the combined blockade group also showed an increase in polyfunctional cytokine production, confirming the potential for increased effector function. Taken together, these data support our previous studies implying that simultaneous blockade of multiple immune checkpoints may be required for optimal anti-tumor immunity. Citation Format: Charles G. Drake. Role of PD-1 and LAG-3 in cancer immunotherapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology: Multidisciplinary Science Driving Basic and Clinical Advances; Dec 2-5, 2012; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(1 Suppl):Abstract nr IA15.
Seasonal gas exchange characteristics of Schinus terebinthifolius in a native and disturbed upland community in Everglades National Park, Florida

Abstract Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Schinus) is an invasive exotic plant widely found in Florida and Hawaii. This species is found from the upland pinelands to the mangrove forests of Florida. Dense Schinus infestations have the capacity to displace native species, reduce species diversity and been shown to reduce faunal use of the community. The purpose of this study was to determine if gas exchange patterns of Schinus were significantly different from native species. This work was part of a larger study to determine if the exotic’s physiology contributed to its presence in two upland communities of South Florida. The first was an endemic rock pineland community and the second, a disturbed previously farmed area where Schinus was the canopy dominant. Schinus gas exchange, leaf nitrogen and carbon stable isotope contents were contrasted with four native species for one wet and dry season. Schinus tended to have higher assimilation (A), mesophyll conductance (gm), intrinsic water-use efficiency (WUE) and photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency (PNUE) than native species in the pineland site during the wet season but these differences were not statistically significant. There were also no significant differences in conspecific plant responses between the two communities. Seasonal differences were, however, significant for most of the gas exchange parameters at either one or both of the study sites. Wet season A, gm, nitrogen concentration ([N]), intrinsic WUE, PNUE and carbon stable isotope signatures (δ 13 C ) were higher than the dry season, most likely a consequence of greater water availability within the substrate. Although differences in gas exchange could contribute to the invasiveness of Schinus into native pineland and disturbed upland areas, other aspects of its autoecology also play an important role.
Computer modeling of particle pushing and clustering during matrix crystallization

Two-dimensional cellular automaton computer simulations were carried out to model the geometric interaction between mobile, equiaxed particles and growing matrix grains, thus simulating crystallization (respectively, recrystallization, phase transformation or solidification) of a matrix material containing a mobile second phase (e.g. solid particles, liquid droplets or gas bubbles). The model allows the study of particle pushing by growing grains, which leads to particle accumulation and clustering at grain boundaries and triple points, and concomitant particle depletion within grains. Parameters explored are particle area fraction, particle settling speed, particle cluster mobility and grain nucleation rate under continuous nucleation conditions. These parameters are found to strongly affect the particle spatial distribution and clustering during and after crystallization. Conversely, the particles have no measurable effect on the grain shape or size. Finally, site-saturated nucleation at the boundaries of the simulation field is investigated, simulating e.g. solidification from crucible walls or recrystallization from sample edges. Pronounced clustering of particles takes place at grain boundaries and is further accentuated by particle settling.
Serotonin, atherosclerosis, and collateral vessel spasm

Studies on animal models demonstrate that platelet products contribute to vascular spasm in ischemic syndromes and that this is reversible with administration of ketanserin and thromboxane synthesis inhibitors. Laboratory animals (dogs, rabbits, and rats) that had femoral artery ligations exhibited supersensitivity to serotonin within days in their collateral blood vessels. This supersensitivity lasted at least 6 months. The response to serotonin was reversed by ketanserin, but not by 5HT-1 antagonists. Supersensitivity does not extend to norepinephrine, and alpha blockers do not influence the response to serotonin. It appears that platelet activation by endothelial injury contributes to ischemia through blood vessel occlusion and vascular spasm. When platelet activation occurs in vivo, blood vessel occlusion and vascular spasm are reversible in part by using ketanserin or agents that block thromboxane synthesis or its action. Combining both classes of agents reverses spasm completely. These findings support existing evidence that platelet products contribute to vascular disease, and provide an approach to improved management with currently available pharmacologic agents.
Large-scale validation of a quantum mechanics based scoring function: predicting the binding affinity and the binding mode of a diverse set of protein-ligand complexes.

Computational methods to calculate binding affinity in protein−ligand interaction are of immense interest because of obvious practical applications in structure-based drug design. Scoring functions attempt to calculate the variation in binding affinity of ligands−inhibitors bound to protein targets at various levels of theory. In this study we use semiempirical quantum mechanics to design a scoring function that can calculate the electrostatic interactions and solvation free energy expected during complexation. This physically based approach has the ability to capture binding affinity trends in a diverse range of protein−ligand complexes. We also show the predictive power of this scoring function within protein targets and its ability to score ligand poses docked to a protein target. We also demonstrate the ability of this scoring function to discriminate between native and decoy poses and highlight the crucial role played by electrostatic interactions in molecular recognition. Finally we compare the perf...
The Cartesian Destiny of Form and Matter

It would seem that there are enormous differences between strict hylomorphism and Cartesianism on form and matter: (i) for a strict hylomorphist, matter and form cannot be separated, but for a Cartesian, matter and form are really distinct ; (ii) for a strict hylomorphist, form is the principle of being and matter the principle of individuation, but for a Cartesian, the mind-a form-is the principle of individuation for persons, if anything is. However, these breaks are not as severe as might have been thought, if seventeenth century scholastics are taken into account. For a variety of reasons, the late Aristotelians broke with Aristotle and accepted the reality of matter without form, form without matter, and form as the principle of individuation. In addition, the intellectual landscape of seventeenth century philosophy was not limited to the properly scholastic ; there were anti-Aristotelian options (some corpuscularian, others not) available before Descartes. Given that the gulf between the schoolmen and novatores like Descartes was not so great, the way was open for certain compromises. These were sought in a variety of scholastic restatements of Cartesianism from more or less Cartesian positions. Thus, it can be said that some varieties of Aristotelianism in the seventeenth century prepared the ground for the acceptance of Cartesianism and the eventual attempts at their reunification.
Venture capital for China: opportunities and challenges

Although many recognize China’s vast market potential, the challenges of doing business in an economy that was largely closed to market forces for a half century must be recognized. This paper examines the role of venture capital in China’s economic development. The potential impact of a healthy venture capital market is immense, but this healthy market is far from the reality in China. The major obstacles that must be addressed include the state control of vital institutions and regulation of economic activity, including restrictions on the flow of capital and currency.
Functional Visual Loss

Neurologists frequently evaluate patients complaining of vision loss, especially when the patient has been examined by an ophthalmologist who has found no ocular disease. A significant proportion of patients presenting to the neurologist with visual complaints have nonorganic or functional visual loss. Although there are examination techniques that can aid in the detection and diagnosis of functional visual loss, the frequency with which functional visual loss occurs concomitantly with organic disease warrants substantial caution on the part of the clinician. Furthermore, purely functional visual loss is never a diagnosis of exclusion and must be supported by positive findings on examinations that demonstrate normal visual function. The relationship of true psychological disease and functional visual loss is unclear, and most patients respond well to simple reassurance.
The effects of respiratory muscle training on respiratory mechanics and energy cost

Resistance respiratory muscle training (RRMT) increases respiratory muscle strength and can increase swimming endurance time by as much as 85%. The purpose of this study was to examine potential mechanisms by which RRMT improves exercise endurance. Eight healthy adult male scuba divers underwent experiments in a hyperbaric chamber at sea level (1 atmosphere absolute (ATA)), 2.7 ATA and 4.6 ATA, both dry and fully submersed. Subjects rested, exercised, and rested while mimicking their own exercise breathing (ISEV). Airway resistance (R(aw)), exhaled nitric oxide output (V˙(NO)), and respiratory duty cycle (T(I)/T(Tot)) were determined before and after four weeks of RRMT. RRMT decreased T(I)/T(Tot) (-10% at rest at 1 ATA), V˙(O2) (-17% at 2.7 ATA during submersed exercise), V˙(E) (-6% at 2.7 ATA during submersed exercise), and R(aw) (-34% inspiratory at 4.6 ATA submersed, -38% expiratory at 2.7 ATA dry), independent of changes in V˙(NO). Most importantly, respiratory muscle efficiency increased (+83% at 2.7 ATA submersed).
Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery for the Upper Urinary Tract: Awaiting Evidence

Changes in surgical techniques, purported advances in particular, have traditionally been poorly studied and nearly always reported as a retrospective experience, looking back over a series of cases in which a single surgeon or group of surgeons attempted something different that they believed provided an advantage. In this issue, Greco and colleagues provide a similar report about laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgical approachesused toaddress avarietyofbenign and malignant conditions involving the upper urinary tract and adrenal glands [1]. The authors make a valiant effort to condense their data into a cohesive paper evaluating risk factors thatmaypredict for difficulties encountered (conversions, additional ports) when applying this approach and associated adverse outcomes. The diversity of this experience, in truth, defies uniformity, and thus the use of a standardized reporting system for complications is somewhat inappropriate. What meaningfully can be learned from this study if we are interested in LESS surgery? How can we interpret complications unique to certain procedures (urinary leak, retained sponge) that would not be encountered in other procedures (adrenalectomy)? It is probably not possible to resolve these conflicts and biases here. Instead, I accept that the paper reports their various procedures with all the limitations associated with a retrospective physician-reported study. A greater question that remains is the issue of whether LESS or natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedures really represent a step forward in surgical practice or whether these endeavors are driven by some purpose other than improving patient outcomes. Despite the stated ‘‘proliferation’’ of these techniques, no reports have demonstrated better outcomes relative to other minimally invasive surgical options including standard laparoscopic and robotic techniques. Indeed, 40% of cases
The pupation rhythm in Aedes taeniorhynchus (Diptera: Culicidae). I. Introduction.

Under alternating light and dark, pupation in Aedes taeniorhynchus (Wiedemann) follows a diurnal rhythm with a period of about 22.2 hr, which may be truly circadian. The period of pupation rhythm is unaffected by temperature but may be lengthened by food deficiency, which prolongs development and may enhance the sharpness of the daily peaks. The emergence rhythm is dependent on the pupation rhythm, separated by an interval affected by temperature but not by photoperiod. Daily pupation episodes come to a peak between noon and midnight at a time set by temperature, diet, and time of hatching. An age threshold at each temperature can prevent the early part of the first pupation episode from expression, resulting in a small “advance peak” late in the day, separated from the next day's peak by less than the 22.2-hr regular period; these advance peaks average 83% males, and can comprise as much as ⅔ of an entire brood's males. The age threshold for pupation, set by the temperature, is nearly the same for both sexes. The 95% limits for a daily pupation increase from 8 hr at 32° to 21 hr at 22°, which indicates a breakdown in the rhythm at the colder temperatures. At full rations, the mean developmental retardation of the female behind the male increases from 5.3 hr at 32° to 14.5 hr at 22°, but only under conditions of food deficiency does it exceed a day. Larval developmental rate is directly related to temperature and amount of food available; it is lower in continuous light than in either continuous dark or alternating 12-hr periods of light and dark. The net effect of the diurnal rhythm of pupation is to reestablish for each experimental hatch group a synchrony of development lost to a remarkable degree in continuous light or dark.
Comparison of methods for retroviral mediated transfer of glucocerebrosidase gene to CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells

Gaucher disease is an excellent candidate for gene therapy by transduction of hematopoitic stem cells. In this study, we compared methods which allow an increase in transfer of the glucocerebrosidase gene to human hematopoietic progenitor cells. Several techniques were employed, including the use of cytokines, bone marrow stroma, fibronectin, centrifugal enhancement and in vitro long-term culture. The effect of prestimulation with cytokines interleukin-3 (IL-3), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and stem cell factor (SCF) on transduction of cord blood CD34 + cells was examined. The results suggest that 16-h prestimulation was sufficient for efficient transduction. We examined the effect of bone marrow stroma and fibronectin, both of which increased transduction efficiency up to 36% and 44%, respectively, as measured by PCR for the integrated GC-cDNA in clonogenic cells (9% without any support). Transduction efficiency of 83% was obtained using 2-h centrifugation. Combining centrifugation and in vitro culture in long-term bone marrow culture media containing cytokines (IL-3/IL-6/SCF), CD34 + cells from cord blood and peripheral blood of 3 Gaucher patients were transduced weekly for 21 d. The results of 6 separate experiments consistently demonstrated transduction efficiency of 100% after 7-d in vitro culture. This transduction protocol combining centrifugation and in vitro long-term culture is an attractive method and can be applied to clinical trials.
Relationships between Mössbauer magnetic resonance and optical spectroscopy

Abstract The possibility is discussed of performing double resonance experiments of the following types. (1) Mossbauer-nuclear magnetic resonance, (2) Mossbauer-electron spin resonance, and (3) Mossbauer-optical absorption. Some estimates of typical experimental parameters are given.
Screening Patterns in Patients with a Family History of Colorectal Cancer Often Do Not Adhere to National Guidelines

Currently, there are no data on adherence to guidelines for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in patients with a family history. We conducted a retrospective study to assess if such patients were being appropriately screened according to American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) guidelines. Two independent reviewers performed a comprehensive medical record review of family and CRC screening history on 362 adults with a family history of CRC in a first-degree relative who had recently undergone screening colonoscopy. The endpoint was appropriate initiation of screening and endoscopist-recommended subsequent screening intervals, as compared to AGA guideline recommendations. Of 362 subjects, only 146 (40.3 %) were screened appropriately; 213 (58.9 %) had late initiation of screening (i.e., screening was started ≥5 years later than the age recommended by guidelines) and three (0.8 %) had premature initiation (i.e., screening was started ≥1 year too early). Of cases involving delayed screening initiation, 126 were not under primary care at the time when screening was supposed to have started, while most of the remaining received either no or incorrect screening recommendations from their primary care provider. Of 270 subjects with no neoplasia found on initial screening, 112 (41.5 %) had endoscopist-recommended subsequent screening intervals that were ≥2 years shorter than that recommended by guidelines. Results were similar if American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy or American College of Gastroenterology guidelines were used. Patients with a family history often suffer from late initiation of screening and overly short endoscopist-recommended subsequent intervals for colonoscopy. Further education of patients and providers on screening recommendations may be helpful.
Analysis of the fluid–structure interaction in the optimization‐based design of polymer sheeting dies

A polymer-sheeting-die-design methodology is presented that integrates a simulation of the polymer melt flow and die-cavity deformation with numerical optimization to compute a die-cavity geometry capable of giving a nearly uniform exit flow rate. Both the polymer melt flow and sheeting-die deformation are analyzed with a general-purpose finite-element program. The approach includes a user-defined element that is used to evaluate the purely viscous non-Newtonian flow in a flat die. The flow analysis, which is simplified with the Hele–Shaw approximation, is coupled to a three-dimensional finite-element simulation for die deformation. In addition, shape optimization of a polymer sheeting die is performed by the incorporation of the coupled analyses in our constrained optimization algorithm. A sample problem is discussed to illustrate the die-design methodology. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3994–4004, 2007
Relationship between Mesozoic and Cenozoic tectonic features in west central Arizona and adjacent southeastern California

The Maria fold-and-thrust belt (MFTB) is a narrow belt of Mesozoic crustal shortening that trends east-west across west central Arizona and adjacent southeastern California. It is characterized by generally south vergent folds and thrusts that commonly displace Proterozoic crystalline rocks over deformed and metamorphosed Paleozoic and Mesozoic strata. The MFTB is cut by a south to southeast trending belt of mid-Tertiary extensional deformation. Extension was characterized by large displacements on low-angle normal faults, known as detachment faults, and by isostatic uplift of mylonitic midcrustal rocks now exposed in metamorphic core complexes. The geometry and style of extensional deformation change along the extensional belt and reveal the influence of the MFTB. Several extensional features are spatially coincident with the root zone of MFTB thrusts: (1) an areally extensive west-northwest trending belt of denuded Tertiary mylonitic fabrics in the Whipple and Harcuvar metamorphic core complexes, (2) a style of extension characterized by minimum extensional dismemberment of the upper plate and maximum denudation and uplift of deep-seated lower plate rocks, (3) an abrupt bend in the belt of arched, uplifted rocks below detachment faults, and (4) an abrupt bend in the trend of the breakaway zone of the detachment faults and an associated lateral ramp in the detachment fault system. The first two features may be the result of isostatic uplift of a crustal root (downward protruding Moho bulge) inherited from crustal thickening within the MFTB, and the other two features may reflect, at the time of detachment fault initiation, the influence of stresses in the crust associated with flexural support of the buoyant Mesozoic crustal root.
Toxicology information resources at the Environmental Protection Agency.

Abstract Article presents toxicology information resources available to the public from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This includes digital information directly usable or downloadable from their web site, or referrals as to where the resource can be obtained. Contents include advice on effective search strategies, a ‘guided tour’ of the web site and its main categories, and concludes with an extensive annotated bibliography of toxicological databases.
Empirically tested psychotherapies for youth internalizing and externalizing problems and disorders

This article is a review of specific psychotherapies that have been supported in clinical trials. Treatments that showed significant effects in studies published over a period of 4 decades were identified, with the goal of complementing the overall picture of treatment benefit provided in narrative reviews and meta-analyses with a detailing of the specific interventions that have shown significant effects. The article focuses on treatments for four broad clusters of problems and disorders that account for a very large proportion of youth mental health referrals: anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, and conduct.
Heating Up the Sources: Using Community Cookbooks in Historical Inquiry

Even after immigrant women had changed to American dress and began sending their children to public school, the last aspect of life to change was their foodways. One of the ways by which women could stay within their sphere and still find a public voice was through the compilation of a community cookbook that were compiled for the benefit of their churches and a myriad of community organizations. But they were far more than just collections of recipes. A careful examination of charity cookbooks shows how women defined their roles, disseminated hierarchy within their own groups, advised others, dispensed moral teachings to a broader audience, and preserved the best parts of their own heritage for future generations. And in the process, women who probably never would have been published or remembered beyond their family ties have produced artifacts worthy of continued inquiry.
How the Mind Works

Standard equipment thinking machines revenge of the nerds the mind's eye good ideas hotheads family values the meaning of life.
Fibrous monoliths of mullite-AlPO4 and alumina/YAG-alumina platelets

Abstract Two-layer, fibrous monolithic composites consisting of mullite-aluminum phosphate (AlPO 4 ) and 50 vol.% alumina:50 vol.% YAG in situ composite matrix–alumina platelet interphase components, were fabricated by a co-extrusion technique. The four powders were characterized for particle size, specific surface area, and SEM analysis. The mixing formulations for extruding the powders were developed using ethylene vinylacetate copolymer as a binder. The variation in the mixing torque, in a Brabender mixer, as a function of temperature was measured. The binder removal behavior of the mullite-AlPO 4 fibrous monolithic composite was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The AlPO 4 and alumina platelet interphase layers formed a porous and less porous interphase region, respectively, after sintering. The sintered mullite-AlPO 4 two-layer fibrous monolithic showed non-brittle fracture behavior. Its 3-point bend strength and work of fracture were 76 ± 5 MPa and 0.45 ± 0.02 kJ/m 2 , respectively.
Validation of postoperative nomograms in prostate cancer patients with long-term follow-up.

Objective To validate established postoperative nomograms in a patient population with long-term follow-up. There are well-documented risk factors that can help predict for failure after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. When combined together, the predictive power is greater than any single factor. It now appears that the most powerful tool in this regard is the nomogram because it considers the various factors as continuous variables. Materials and Methods The original postoperative nomogram was developed in 1999 and modified and updated in 2005. A slightly modified version was published in 2009. We evaluated these nomograms against a large (n = 715) post–radical prostatectomy patient population with long-term follow-up (median 9.4 years). Results The concordance index for the 1999, 2005, and 2009 nomograms was 0.7831, 0.7680, and 0.7859. From plots of the calibration curves in each nomogram, the nomogram underestimated the actual 10-year biochemical recurrence risk in our patient population. Conclusions Nomograms dynamically incorporate various risk factors and account for their interrelationships. Our findings confirm that the nomograms are predictive in an external patient population with an accuracy of >70%. The predictive ability of nomograms will be improved with the development of other predictive factors, which will most likely occur through the development of molecular markers.
How Do We Know the Value of Our Research

Research is vital to the progress of medicine. Patients depend on it to generate new knowledge that may improve their lives. Clinicians yearn for more effective tools and better guidance for themselves and their patients. Funders seek a substantial return on their investment, often in the form of a contribution to society. Researchers want their work to result in meaningful benefits for others. But how can we gauge the value of the information provided by our research? Some scientists have had the thrill of a breakthrough that definitively eradicates pain and suffering. These researchers, such as Salk and Fleming, have witnessed their efforts result in a fundamental change in the lives of patients. However, for most research, the benefit is less apparent. Perhaps we should be considering the value of information produced by the research. Value of information is an economic concept that quantifies how much we value certain types of information by determining what we might pay for it. We value some types of information highly. For example, we might have been willing to pay an extraordinary amount on September 10, 2001, for information about the …
Novel roles for the IgG Fc glycan

IgG antibodies trigger leukocyte activation and inflammation by forming immune complexes that crosslink activating Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). This is essential to combat infection, but detrimental if antibodies target or cross-react with autoantigens. The high specificity and long serum half-life of IgG antibodies confers tremendous therapeutic potential. Indeed, antibodies have been successfully employed to target cancers, autoreactive B cells, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, IgG antibodies can also initiate anti-inflammatory responses. In the form of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), IgGs are routinely administered to treat inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Importantly, the N-linked glycans on the IgG Fc are absolutely required for initiating these IgG effector functions. In fact, the Fc glycan composition dictates IgG affinity to individual FcγRs, and in a broader sense, binding to different FcγRs classes: activating, inhibitory, and anti-inflammatory (dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3 grabbing nonintegrin, DC-SIGN). The Fc glycan requirements to initiate and suppress inflammation will be discussed herein.
Delay Modeling and Statistical Design of Pipelined Circuit Under Process Variation

Under inter-die and intra-die parameter variations, the delay of a pipelined circuit follows a statistical distribution. This paper presents analytical models to estimate yield for a pipelined design based on delay distributions of individual pipe stages. Using the proposed models, it is shown that a change in logic depth and an imbalance between stage yields can improve the design yield and the area of a pipeline a circuit. A novel statistical methodology is developed to enhance yield of a pipelined circuit under an area constraint. Based on the concept of area borrowing, the results show that incorporating a proper imbalance among stage areas in a four-stage pipeline improves design yield up to 15.4% for the same area (and reduces area up to 8.4% under a yield constraint) compared with a balanced design
Towards a Theory of Sampled-Data Piecewise-Deterministic Markov Processes

The analysis and design of practical control systems requires that stochastic models be employed. Analysis and design tools have been developed, for example, for Markovian jump linear continuous and discrete-time systems, piecewise-deterministic processes (PDP's), and general stochastic hybrid systems (GSHS's). These model classes have been used in many applications, including fault tolerant control and networked control systems. This paper presents initial results on the analysis of a sampled-data PDP representation of a nonlinear sampled-data system with a jump linear controller. In particular, it is shown that the state of the sampled-data PDP satisfies the strong Markov property. In addition, a relation between the invariant measures of a sampled-data system driven by a stochastic process and its associated discrete-time representation are presented. As an application, when the plant is linear with no external input, a sufficient testable condition for the convergence in distribution to the invariant delta Dirac measure is given.
Microcapillary Supersonic Free-jet Injection: Plasma Diagnostics

Supersonic injection of a neutral, ground state gas through a microcapillary nozzle into a low density, weakly ionized, flowing plasma is employed to obtain information on the plasma characteristics. The “zone of silence” of the injected free-jet constitutes a pristine pocket of injected gas, adjustable in size by varying nozzle pressure and diameter of the injector. The shock waves bounding this region exclude massive particles yet transmit electrons, which excite the injected gas to yield radiative emission on lines specific to the gas. Other possible uses of microcapillary injection are discussed.
Long-term effects of progestin and RU 486 on prolactin production and synthesis in human endometrial stromal cells

Previous studies have shown that the production of prolactin (PRL) is increased in human endometrial stromal cells cultured with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for 3-5 days. In the present study the authors investigated the effect of prolonged treatment of progestin and antiprogestin RU 486 on the production and synthesis of PRL. Stromal cells were isolated from human endometrium obtained from nonpregnant women and cultured for 20-30 days in medium RPMI 1640 with 2% fetal calf serum or supplemented with MPA RU 486 alone or in sequence. The PRL content in medium was measured by radioimmunoassay. The production rate was estimated from PRL content in medium accumulated in 24 hours. The PRL production rate was progressively increased in stromal cells continuously treated with MPA for 30 days (>100-fold over the control value i.e. 0-0.01 mcg/0.1 cell DNA/day). RU 486 alone had no effect on PRL production. However the production of PRL was increased by MPA in stromal cells pretreated with RU 486 indicating that the effect of RU 486 is reversible. When stromal cells were treated with MPA and RU 486 sequentially RU 486 stimulated the PRL production (approximately 2-fold over the MPA-treated cells) for 2-3 days and then reduced basal levels over a 5-day period. The stimulatory and inhibitory effects of RU 486 on PRL production in stromal cells pretreated with progestin was also observed in the rate of synthesis of PRL estimated by incubating the stromal cells with [35S]methionine and immuno-isolating the [35S]PRL with anti-PRL. These results suggest that RU 486 exerts agonistic and antagonistic effects on PRL production at the translational level in endometrial stromal cells. (authors)
Repellency of Five Essential Oils to Linepithema humile (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract Laboratory bioassays were performed to test the repellent properties of 5 plant-extracted essential oils against the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr). Three concentrations (0.10%, 1%, and 10% in n-hexane) of peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, cinnamon and clove oils, as well as a negative control [n-hexane] and positive control [Cinnamite™] were evaluated in choice tests to evaluate repellency against Argentine ant workers by counting the number of ants entering a preferred harborage that was treated and then aged for 2 h (fresh) or 7 d (one-wk-old). When deposits were fresh, all oils at all concentrations were repellent, with repellency defined as statistically fewer ants in harborages compared with harborages treated with only solvent (hexane). After the deposits were aged for 7 d, 4 of the 5 oils formulated at the 0.10% concentration were no longer repellent, whereas only spearmint had retained its repellent property. At 1% and 10% oil concentrations all 5 oils were repellent, whereas...
Actionable = Cluster + Contrast?

There are many algorithms for data classification such as C4.5, Naive Bayes, etc. Are these enough for learning actionable analytics? Or should we be supporting another kind of reasoning? This paper explores two approaches for learning minimal, yet effective, changes to software project artifacts.
Third - Order Nonlinear Optical Properties of Polysilane Films

Results are presented from third harmonic generation, (THG), experiments on a number of polysilane films. The polymers studied include poly(di-n-hexylsilylene) PDHS, and copoly(di-n-hexyl, hexylmethylsilylene) PDHS / PHMS. These polymers exhibit positive thermochromism, where the transition temperature and spectral properties are dependent on the copolymer ratio. The nonlinear susceptibility, χ p (3) in the low temperature phase of the polymer increases by approximately 4–5 times that of the high temperature phase where the absorption maximum decreases by ~ 60 nm. The polymers are prepared as neat, solid films on fused silica substrates. Thickness and refractive index measurements of these polymers were made by UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy.
Effect of KIO3 on Electrochemical Mechanical Removal of Ta/TaN Films

This paper reports results obtained from the polishing of Ta and TaN films at low pressures (~0.5psi) in solutions containing 2,5 dihydroxy benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) as a tantalum complexant, potassium iodate (KIO3) as an oxidant and a small amount of silica particles (~0.1wt%), under galvanostatic conditions. Variables such as pH, KIO3 concentration and current density have been investigated to develop an optimized formulation. Solution containing 0.1M DBSA, 0.05M KIO3 and 0.1% silica particles removes tantalum and tantalum nitride at the rates of ~170Aa/min and ~200Aa/min, respectively at 1mA/cm2 current density. Under the same conditions, Ta/Cu selectivity of ~0.8:1 and TaN/Cu selectivity of ~0.9:1 were achieved.
Polloidal chains from self-assembly of flattened particles.

Chains of micrometer-size colloidal particles have been self-assembled that are flexible, mechanically stable, and observable in optical microscopy. The chains sometimes have more than 30 particles, and we call them “polloidal chains”. A key aspect of the work is the careful modeling of the interparticle forces between partially flattened polystyrene spheres. This modeling helped us to identify a narrow window of system conditions that produce interparticle physical bonds with a bond energy greater than 15kT, as well as a gap of fluid between particles that enables freely rotating bonds and flexible chains. The formation of the chains is well-modeled using linear condensation growth from classical polymer theory, suggesting that the chains might be used experimentally as large-scale, relatively slow moving models for polymer chains.
Studies on epidemiological and etiological features of mumps in Fujian in 2007-2011

Objective To study the epidemiological characteristics of mumps,and to provide scientific information for disease control and prevention,in Fujian from the year of 2007 to 2011.Methods A descriptive analysis was conducted on the data in National Notifiable Disease Reported System(NNDRS).Viruses were isolated,identified using RT-PCR and sequenced based on SH gene.Results A total of 38 151 cases were reported in Fujian province from 2007 to 2011 with the incidence rate increasing annually,which reached the highest of 42.23 per 100 000 population in 2011.The majority of patients were younger than 15,accounting for 83.84% of all cases.Although patients could be reported in every month,but most appeared during April to June and November to late January.Outbreaks all occurred in elementary and middle schools especially those from rural areas.From one of the outbreaks in 2011,the virus was found to be G genotype.Conclusions Mumps still occurs periodically,reaching it's high peak in every 4 or 5 years.In order to reduce the incidence,it is necessary to boost the routine immunization and to give a second shot to those in need,and to further strengthen the epidemiological and pathogenic surveillance.
Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in Hip Fracture Care.

Background Despite declines in both the incidence of and mortality following hip fracture, there are racial and socioeconomic disparities in treatment access and outcomes. We evaluated the presence and implications of disparities in delivery of care, hypothesizing that race and community socioeconomic characteristics would influence quality of care for patients with a hip fracture. Methods We collected data from the New York State Department of Health Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS), which prospectively captures information on all discharges from nonfederal acute-care hospitals in New York State. Records for 197,290 New York State residents who underwent surgery for a hip fracture between 1998 and 2010 in New York State were identified from SPARCS using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. Multivariable regression models were used to evaluate the association of patient characteristics, social deprivation, and hospital/surgeon volume with time from admission to surgery, in-hospital complications, readmission, and 1-year mortality. Results After adjusting for patient and surgery characteristics, hospital/surgeon volume, social deprivation, and other variables, black patients were at greater risk for delayed surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.42, 1.57), a reoperation (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.21; CI = 1.11, 1.32), readmission (OR = 1.17; CI = 1.11, 1.22), and 1-year mortality (HR = 1.13; CI = 1.07, 1.21) than white patients. Subgroup analyses showed a greater risk for delayed surgery for black and Asian patients compared with white patients, regardless of social deprivation. Additionally, there was a greater risk for readmission for black patients compared with white patients, regardless of social deprivation. Compared with Medicare patients, Medicaid patients were at increased risk for delayed surgery (OR = 1.17; CI = 1.10, 1.24) whereas privately insured patients were at decreased risk for delayed surgery (OR = 0.77; CI = 0.74, 0.81), readmission (OR = 0.77; CI = 0.74, 0.81), complications (OR = 0.80; CI = 0.77, 0.84), and 1-year mortality (HR = 0.80; CI = 0.75, 0.85). Conclusions There are race and insurance-based disparities in delivery of care for patients with hip fracture, some of which persist after adjusting for social deprivation. In addition to investigation into reasons contributing to disparities, targeted interventions should be developed to mitigate effects of disparities on patients at greatest risk. Level of evidence Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Replicative Bypass of O2-Alkylthymidine Lesions in Vitro

DNA alkylation represents a major type of DNA damage and is generally unavoidable due to ubiquitous exposure to various exogenous and endogenous sources of alkylating agents. Among the alkylated DNA lesions, O2-alkylthymidines (O2-alkyldT) are known to be persistent and poorly repaired in mammalian systems and have been shown to accumulate in the esophagus, lung, and liver tissue of rats treated with tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines, i.e., 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N′-nitrosonornicotine (NNN). In this study, we assessed the replicative bypass of a comprehensive set of O2-alkyldT lesions, with the alkyl group being a Me, Et, nPr, iPr, nBu, iBu, or sBu, in template DNA by conducting primer extension assays with the use of major translesion synthesis DNA polymerases. The results showed that human Pol η and, to a lesser degree, human Pol κ, but not human polymerase ι or yeast polymerase ζ, were capable of bypassing all O2-alkyldT lesions and extending the primer to generate full-...
RNA Remodeling Activity Reveals RNP Assembly Mechanism

DEAD-box RNA helicases play a central role in RNP biogenesis. We reported earlier that LAF-1, a DEAD-box RNA helicase in C. elegans, displays dynamic interaction with RNA that likely contributes to fluidity of RNP droplet. Here, we investigate the molecular basis of the interaction of RNA with LAF-1 and its homolog in human, DDX3X. We show that both LAF-1 and DDX3X, in low concentration, induce tight compaction of single strand (ss) RNA in monomeric form. In high concentration, multimer protein units exhibit dynamic interactions with RNA in an RNA length-dependent manner. Such dynamic LAF-1-RNA interaction stimulates RNA annealing activity, suggesting an enhanced interaction amongst protein-RNA complexes. Presence of ATP adversely impacts RNA remodeling ability of LAF-1 by suppressing affinity, dynamics, and annealing activity, reflecting a condition that may promote disassembly of RNP complexes. Based on our results, we postulate a plausible molecular mechanism underlying the dynamic equilibrium of RNP complex.
Predictors of Response in Emergency Department Patients Receiving Intravenous Opioids for Severe Pain.

The primary objective of this study was to identify significant environmental and patient characteristics of emergency department (ED) patients who responded to intravenous (IV) hydromorphone and IV morphine for severe pain. Secondary objectives were to investigate the individual effect of the significant environmental and patient characteristics of responders, and to assess the nature and strength of the correlation of initial dose and change in pain score from arrival to pre-administration. A retrospective chart review was performed in patients who received IV hydromorphone or morphine in the ED for severe pain. Key evaluated patient characteristics included patient demographics, recent opioid use, history of drug or alcohol abuse, and pain location, among others. Key evaluated environmental characteristics included initial opioid administered, time to first dose, initial pain score, and initial dose of opioid administered, among others. Environmental and patient characteristics associated with response to pain management were first identified using bivariate analyses and then entered into a multiple stepwise logistic regression mode. Patients were excluded if they were younger than 18 years, did not have a follow-up pain score within 2 hours of drug administration, or if they were discharged from the ED within 1 hour of administration. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were grouped into two cohorts based on response and lack of response to treatment. A total of 200 patients were included. A decrease in pain score from arrival until pre-administration pain score and an inactive tobacco history had a positive association with response (odds ratio [OR] 1.488, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.088-2.036, p=0.013, and OR 1.835, 95% CI 0.801-4.200, overall p=0.022, respectively). A higher initial dose and an active tobacco history had a negative association with response (OR 0.715, 95% CI 0.580-0.881, p=0.002, and OR 0.582, 95% CI 0.296-1.144, overall p=0.022, respectively). Two characteristics were associated with response to IV opioid pain management in the ED, inactive tobacco history and an increase in pain score from arrival until pre-administration, and two characteristics were associated with nonresponse to IV opioid pain management in the ED, active tobacco history and a higher initial dose. Previous literature supports both characteristics identified as risk factors but does not support either characteristic identified as protective factors, prompting the need for further research.
Vestibular vertical: a balancing act between the upper and lower limbs.

Our vertical bipedal posture is one of the defining traits that separates us from our phylogenetic peers. Not surprisingly, the mechanisms underlying how we maintain this orientation have come under intense scientific scrutiny. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved