cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CMOS scaling beyond 0.1 /spl mu/m: how far can it go?

This paper discusses the issues, challenges, and possible directions for further scaling and performance gains beyond 0.1 /spl mu/m CMOS. Gate oxides, already down to a few atomic layers thick, will soon be limited by tunneling currents to a thickness of 15-20 /spl Aring/. A general guideline, based on 2-D effects in MOSFETs, is given for the length scaling of high-k gate dielectrics. A feasible design for 25 mm bulk CMOS is to use a highly abrupt, vertically and laterally nonuniform doping profile to control the short-channel effect. The effect of polysilicon-gate depletion on the performance of 25 nm CMOS is examined and quantified. Beyond conventional CMOS, the question whether any of the exploratory device structures, including ultra-thin SOI and double-gate MOSFET, can extend CMOS scaling to 10 nm channel length is addressed.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus comparison: divergent evolution on two continents.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a recently described arterivirus responsible for disease in swine worldwide. Comparative sequence analysis of 3′-terminal structural genes of the single-stranded RNA viral genome revealed the presence of two genotypic classes of PRRSV, represented by the prototype North American and European strains, VR-2332 and Lelystad virus (LV), respectively. To better understand the evolution and pathogenicity of PRRSV, we obtained the 12,066-base 5′-terminal nucleotide sequence of VR-2332, encoding the viral replication activities, and compared it to those of LV and other arteriviruses. VR-2332 and LV differ markedly in the 5′ leader and sections of the open reading frame (ORF) 1a region. The ORF 1b sequence was nearly colinear but varied in similarity of proteins encoded in identified regions. Furthermore, molecular and biochemical analysis of subgenomic mRNA (sgmRNA) processing revealed extensive variation in the number of sgmRNAs which may be generated during infection and in the lengths of noncoding sequence between leader-body junctions and the translation-initiating codon AUG. In addition, VR-2332 and LV select different leader-body junction sites from a pool of similar candidate sites to produce sgmRNA 7, encoding the viral nucleocapsid protein. The presence of substantial variations across the entire genome and in sgmRNA processing indicates that PRRSV has evolved independently on separate continents. The near-simultaneous global emergence of a new swine disease caused by divergently evolved viruses suggests that changes in swine husbandry and management may have contributed to the emergence of PRRS.
How hiring: Dogs and humans need not apply

This is a review of Hans Moravec‘s book, {\it Robot: Mere Machine to Transcendent Mind}. This review raises three categories of questions relating to Moravec‘s vision of the future. First, there are the ethical and social implications issues implicit in robotics research. Second, there are the soul issues, which especially relate to the prospect of the demoralization of human beings. Third, there is the issue as to whether a robot could ever be a sentient being.
DNA methylation in an enhancer region of the FADS cluster is associated with FADS activity in human liver (373.8)

Omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3), long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LcPUFAs) impact a wide range of biological activities ranging from immune signaling to brain function. Two desaturase steps ...
Circulating permeability factor suPAR: from concept to discovery to clinic

Kidney filtration functions through a hydrostatically driven multicellular barrier that includes visceral epithelial cells termed podocytes. These cells have delicate foot processes by which they ensure proper generation of urine. Most forms of chronic kidney disease start with disruption of podocytes, allowing for a breakdown of kidney barrier function and loss of plasma proteins from the blood into the urine (proteinuria). A classic podocyte disease is focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) which progresses from podocyte injury to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in a well-defined histopathological pattern. FSGS can recur after kidney transplantation in 30% or more cases, affecting both children and adults with rapid disease onset. This scenario has led credence to the concept that FSGS is caused by one or more circulating blood factor (s) that in turn cause podocyte injury. Decades of search for viable circulating permeability factor candidates have sparked research in this area. Recently, soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) was identified in a majority of patients with FSGS as a soluble factor that acts through binding to and activating podocyte beta 3 integrin. These observations show promise for novel therapeutic development to eliminate a portion of FSGS cases.
Legislative Term Limits and Fiscal Policy Performance

Do term limits impede the ability of legislators to effectively set fiscal policy? To address this question, I examine state bond ratings from 1996 to 2009. Bond ratings serve as a valuable indicator of a state's fiscal performance, gauging the risk and uncertainty that investors face when buying these bonds. In addition, bond ratings are important policy ends in themselves. High bond ratings make it easier for states to borrow and raise revenue, while lowering interest rates. Results from analyses of “Term-Limitedness” and legislator experience suggest that term limits negatively impact a state's fiscal performance, leading to lower bond ratings.
An Efficient Quantum Algorithm for the Hidden Subgroup Problem over Weyl-Heisenberg Groups

Many exponential speedups that have been achieved in quantum computing are obtained via hidden subgroup problems (HSPs). We show that the HSP over Weyl-Heisenberg groups can be solved efficiently on a quantum computer. These groups are well-known in physics and play an important role in the theory of quantum error-correcting codes. Our algorithm is based on non-commutative Fourier analysis of coset states which are quantum states that arise from a given black-box function. We use Clebsch-Gordan decompositions to combine and reduce tensor products of irreducible representations. Furthermore, we use a new technique of changing labels of irreducible representations to obtain low-dimensional irreducible representations in the decomposition process. A feature of the presented algorithm is that in each iteration of the algorithm the quantum computer operates on two coset states simultaneously. This is an improvement over the previously best known quantum algorithm for these groups which required four coset states.
Evaluation of the In-service Degradation of Steels of Gas Pipelines According to the Criterion of Mechanical Stability

We describe the specific features of the concept of mechanical stability of structural metals and alloys based on the use of parameters characterizing the physical nature of the embrittlement of materials. The proposed approach is used to the quantitative description of the embrittlement of steels of gas pipelines after their long-term operation. The elevated sensitivity of the parameters of mechanical stability to the in-service degradation of steels is indicated. We determine the residual mechanical stability of the metal after operation and predict a safe period of its operation for which brittle fracture is not expected.
Sensitization of BRAFi- and immune- dual resistant melanomas to immune effector cells through HDACi-mediated regulation of apoptotic machinery (TUM7P.940)

BRAFV600E-inhibitors (BRAFi; e.g., vemurafenib) and modern immune-based therapies such as PD-1/ PD-L1 and CTLA-4 checkpoints blockade and adoptive cell transfer (ACT) have significantly improved the care of melanoma patients. Having these two effective therapies raises the question whether there is a rational biological basis for using them in combination. We developed an in vitro model to determine whether tumor resistance mechanisms to a small molecule inhibitor of a driver oncogene, and to cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)- and natural killer (NK) cell-delivered death signals were exclusive or intersecting. We generated melanoma sublines resistant to BRAFi vemurafenib and to CTL recognizing MART-1 melanoma antigen. Vemurafenib-resistant (VemR) sublines were cross-resistant to MART CTL and NK cells indicating a common apoptotic pathway governing tumor response to both modalities was disrupted. Pretreatment of VemR melanomas with a histone deacetylase inhibitor restored sensitivity to MART CTL and NK apoptosis by skewing the apoptotic gene programs towards a proapoptotic phenotype. Our findings suggest that during the course of acquisition of BRAFi resistance, melanomas develop cross-resistance to CTL- and NK-killing. Further, aberrant apoptotic pathways, amenable by an FDA-approved chromatin modifier, regulate tumor resistance mechanisms to immune effector cells. These results provide rational molecular basis for further investigations to combine these therapies clinically.
Alcohol and Sleep Problems in Primary Care Patients: A Report from the AAFP National Research Network

PURPOSE Hazardous and harmful drinking and sleep problems are common, but their associations among patients seen in primary care have not been examined. We hypothesized that greater levels of alcohol consumption would be associated with several self-reported sleep problems. METHODS In a cross-sectional survey in primary care practices, 94 participat- ing clinicians recruited up to 30 consecutive adult patients, and both clinicians and patients completed anonymous postvisit questionnaires. Patients were asked questions on demographics, alcohol consumption, cardinal symptoms of alcohol use disorders, sleep quality, insomnia, sleep apnea, and symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Multivariate analyses explored the associations of drinking status (none, moderate, or hazardous) and sleep problems, adjusting for demographics and clustering of patients within physician. RESULTS Of 1,984 patients who responded, 1,699 (85.6%) provided complete data for analysis. Respondents' mean age was 50.4 years (SD 17.4 years), 67% were women, and 72.9% were white. Of these, 22.3% reported hazardous drink- ing, 47.8% reported fair or poor overall sleep quality, and 7.3% reported a diag- nosis or treatment of sleep apnea. Multivariate analyses showed no associations between drinking status and any measure of insomnia, overall sleep quality, or restless legs syndrome symptoms. Moderate drinking was associated with lower adjusted odds of sleep apnea compared with nondrinkers (OR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.38-1.00). Using alcohol for sleep was strongly associated with hazardous drink- ing (OR = 4.58; 95% CI, 2.97-7.08, compared with moderate drinking). CONCLUSIONS Moderate and hazardous drinking were associated with few sleep problems. Using alcohol for sleep, however, was strongly associated with hazard- ous drinking relative to moderate drinking and may serve as a prompt for physi- cians to ask about excessive alcohol use.
Effects of porcine sometotropin on calcium and phosphorus balance and markers of bone metabolism in finishing pigs.

Six sets of four littermate barrows initially averaging 75.5 kg BW were equally fed (within blocks) fortified corn-soybean meal diets (1.30% lysine) containing two concentrations of Ca (.50 and 1.00%) and P (.45% and .90%) in a 34-d test. One-half of the pigs were injected with 4 mg of porcine ST (pST)/d. Following a 7-d adjustment period, total collection of feces and urine was per- formed during two periods (d 1 to 10 and d 20 to 30) for the determination of Ca and P apparent digestibil- ity (absorption) and retention. Pigs were bled after each period (d 10, 20, and 30) for the determination of serum metabolites associated with Ca, P, and bone metabolism. Feed intake for the 30-d period averaged 2,020 g/d. There were no treatment × period interac- tions, so the absorption and retention data were pooled across periods. The absorption and retention of Ca and P were greater ( P < .01) in pigs fed the higher Ca and P levels. Within each Ca and P level, pST reduced ( P < .01) fecal Ca and P excretion. Adminis- tration of pST did not affect urinary P excretion, but it increased ( P < .03) urinary Ca excretion in pigs fed the low-Ca diet. The absorption and retention of Ca and P were increased ( P < .01) by pST; however, the increases in Ca retention and P absorption and retention on an absolute basis (g/d) were more pronounced in pST-treated pigs consuming the higher Ca and P diet (interaction, P < .10). Serum concentra- tions of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, osteocalcin, and IGF-I on d 10 and 30 were increased ( P < .07) with pST administration. However, the increases in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and osteocalcin in pST- treated pigs were more pronounced when the lower dietary Ca and P levels were fed (interaction, P < .08). Urinary excretion of hydroxyproline increased ( P < .01) with pST administration, but this effect was more pronounced in pST-treated pigs fed the lower Ca and P diet (interaction, P < .09). These results suggest that pST increases the absorption and reten- tion of Ca and P independent of dietary Ca and P level. However, serum measures associated with Ca, P, and bone metabolism in pST-treated pigs were dependent on the Ca and P content of the diet, suggesting an effect of pST on the homeostatic control of Ca, P, and bone metabolism.
Test Results of CCT1—A 2.4 T Canted-Cosine-Theta Dipole Magnet

A two-layer Canted-Cosine-Theta (CCT) superconducting dipole magnet was built and tested. The magnet's unique mandrel design uses machined channels and spars to guide the windings, intercept Lorentz forces, and circumvent tangential stress accumulation. The CCT magnet design provides a “near-perfect” current density distribution and requires minimal coil prestress. The CCT magnet design, with these inherent features, makes it a desirable option for a high field accelerator magnet. A two layer dipole (CCT1) using NbTi cable and a 50.8-mm clear bore was built and tested generating a 2.4 T dipole field. We report on the winding experience, measured field quality and quench history.
Local Aquifer Recharge to Stabilize Spring Discharges

The June 1989 article by Echelle, Echelle, and Edds, "Conservation genetics of a spring-dwelling desert fish, the Pecos gambusia, (Gambusia nobilis, Poeciliidae)" states that the overdrafting of ground water in their study area has been responsible for drying up springs in the past and threatens to dry up more springs in the future. These springs are habitats of the Pecos gambusia, as well as other endemic fish and invertebrates. The authors stated that agricultural use of ground water is a major reason for the lowering of the water table in many of their study areas. One alternative to prevent the lowering of the water table is to regulate pumping rates. However, regulation of pumping rates is very difficult because agriculture in the West is dependent on huge withdrawals of ground water. Even if a desert area is taken out of agriculture there are other threats to ground water supplies, e.g., the growth and sprawl of western cities (Swanson 1989). Another option to prevent the drying of springs is to recharge the aquifer to stabilize or raise the local water table. Pumping and recharge wells have been successfully used in hydrogeology to divert or contain contaminant plumes in ground water (Moz & Bell 1977; Atwood & Gorelick 1985; Aral 1989). However, this author is not aware of any attempts to modify the water table to protect a biotic community dependent on ground water discharges. Figure 1 is a schematic view of a simplified aquifer. The large withdrawals caused by agricultural, residential, and industrial use create a cone of depression that changes ground water flow and lowers the water table. Eventually, the spring presented in the diagram will dry
Targeting peptides for microglia identified via phage display

Abstract Screening with a 7-mer phage display peptide library, a panel of cell-targeting peptides for the murine microglial cell line, EOC 20, was recognized. A number of similar, but not identical, sets of sequences representing more than 75% of all the cell line-binding clones were identified. Comparative analysis indicated that motif S / T F T / X Y W is present in the vast majority of the binding sequences. The selectivity and specificity of the dominant peptide sequence identified for microglia was confirmed using both phage displaying the peptide and the synthetic peptide alone.
Utilization of Micro-Electronic-Machine Systems (MEMS) to Possible Future Use in the Enhanced Analysis of Safety in Nuclear Power Plants

The focal point of this paper is to go in-depth in to the potential utilization of MEMS to further enhance safety measures within nuclear power plants. Robots, which are being researched and developed in Sandia National Laboratories, sometimes built as small as the size of a pollen grain, can be utilized to constantly monitor the stress analysis within all aspects of running a Nuclear Power Plant. From cooling towers to detecting miniscule cracks within pipes, MEMS can be utilized to constantly detect and even possibly repair minor faults within the overall structure of a nuclear power plant. MEMS technologies provide the ability to reliably produce micro actuators and sensors to meet these mission requirements. MEMS technologies are also attracting an increasing interest from the commercial sector for various applications. Currently, Sandia National Laboratories has been developing MEMS technologies to support its core missions of weapon surety, stockpile maintenance, and national security interests. Already, the project has been responsible for numerous electromechanical systems in nuclear weapons, which ensure nuclear safety and provide reliable arming, fusing and firing. With these factors in consideration, the main idea of this paper is to present ideas for producing sensors and robots on a micro scale, which could be programmed to communicate and work within each other to have enhanced safety and efficiency within a nuclear power plant.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Endurance exercise training‐induced resting Bradycardia: A brief review

Endurance exercise training is associated with a reduction in resting heart rate. The mechanisms responsible for the training‐induced resting bradycardia remain unclear. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the literature and propose a model which analyzes the components contributing to the training‐induced resting bradycardia. In addition, important training principles required to obtain the training‐induced resting bradycardia are discussed. Our model suggests that a reduced intrinsic heart rate and an altered cardiac autonomic balance in favor of parasympathetic dominance contribute to the training‐induced resting bradycardia. The reduced intrinsic heart rate may be due to the effects of an increased mechanical force and/or an altered electrophysiological and metabolic environment at the sinoatrial node. Increased cardiac parasympathetic dominance is associated with an increased cardiac parasympathetic nerve activity and a decreased cardiac sympathetic nerve activity. These adaptations require a...
African and European American Women's Volunteerism and Activism: Similarities in Volunteering and Differences in Activism

This study focused on volunteerism and activism of African and European American women. This study explored potential differences in the level and nature of civic engagement between African and European American. Additionally, differences in those factors that determine civic engagement activities between the women were examined. African American and European American female participants in the 2000 Social Capital Benchmark Survey provided the data for this study (Saguaro Seminar, 2001). African and European American women did not differ in the extent to which they reported working on community projects and volunteering in their places of worship. However, their patterns of activism differed. Implications for social work practice were addressed.
Campus Safety: Perceptions and Experiences of Women Students

The purpose of this research was to examine the campus experiences of undergraduate and graduate women students at a research university. Although it has been more than 20 years since the term "chilly campus climate" was described in Hall and Sandler's (1984) seminal work, this study found such a climate, in terms of campus safety, still exists for women students. Across race, university classification, and level of involvement, the women students in this study reported a chilly campus climate that served to further perpetuate a culture of fear women students felt for their campus safety.
Incidence and importance of tree pollen hay fever with particular reference to Philadelphia and vicinity

T HE frequency with which allergic patients complained of so-called “spring colds” at or about the time that trees begin to pollinate, attracted our attention. The present studies were undertaken to determine whether these “colds” were in reality attacks of hay fever due to sensitivity to tree pollen, or whether they were dependent on some factor other than pollen. Since in the routine study of our patient it was our custom to test wit,h the nine tree pollens most common to this vicinity-namely, ash, beech, birch, elm, hickory, maple, oak, poplar, and sycamore-for our present purpose it, was deemed advisable to test wit,h the less common tree pollens as well. By so doing, the relative importance of t,he unusual tree pollens could be determined. Many species of the same tree family were included to ascertain whether or not an antigenic interrelationship existed,
Applications of the Adjoint Technique to Short-Range Ensemble Forecasting of Mesoscale Convective Systems

The feasibility of applying a mesoscale adjoint model to the creation of an ensemble for short-range simulations of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) is explored. Because past studies show that forecasters routinely improve upon numerical guidance and can identify mesoscale-sized areas of forecast concern with a high level of skill, it is clear that forecasters have insights into the daily weather forecast problems that exceed what can be provided by a numerical weather prediction model. Using an adjoint model, one could develop a system in which a forecaster identifies the area of forecast concern and then designs a set of rapidly produced sensitivity experiments that evaluate the influence of key atmospheric parameters on the model forecast. The output from these sensitivity experiments is then used to create ensemble members for a short-range operational ensemble forecast, which is specifically designed to investigate the forecast concern of the day. This adjoint ensemble approach is tested for the 48-h period beginning 1200 UTC 27 May 1985, in which a long-lived MCS developed underneath a large-scale ridge. A mesoscale adjoint model is used to define the alterations to the model initial conditions necessary to evaluate the influences of key mesoscale structures, which the authors believe have a large influence on later convective development in the model. Results indicate that the adjoint technique is effective in creating the proper directional response in the model simulation. When compared to initial condition and model physics ensembles of this event, the adjoint ensemble produces more variance than the initial condition ensemble and almost as much variance as the model physics ensemble. However, the values of the equitable threat score and the ranked probability score are better for the adjoint ensemble between 6 and 24 h than for either of the other two ensembles. These results suggest that further exploration of ensembles that incorporate the experience and expertise possessed by forecasters is warranted.
Ovarian thecal metaplasia of the adrenal gland in association with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an overgrowth syndrome associated with increased risk to develop malignancies including adrenocortical carcinoma. Ovarian thecal metaplasia of the adrenal gland is a rare tumor-like mesenchymal lesion in BWS patients that lacks detailed radiological description. We report a 17-year-old female patient with BWS, associated with bilateral Wilms tumor, hepatic hemangiomatosis, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, and a phyllodes tumor of the right breast. Surveillance abdominal ultrasound identified a right adrenal mass that was further characterized by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Radiologically, this mass displayed features that overlap with adrenocortical carcinoma and pheochromocytoma but after pathological examination this proved to be an ovarian thecal metaplasia of the adrenal gland. Adrenal masses in BWS should raise the suspicion for adrenocortical carcinoma though other adrenal tumors including ovarian thecal metaplasia can be seen in these patients.
LOW-RISK OBSTETRIC CARE FOR LOW-RISK MOTHERS

The perinatal and maternal complication rates of 500 births in an alternate birth centre (ABC) were compared with a similar number of apparently low-risk pregnancies cared for in standard labour and delivery rooms. For babies the complication rates were higher for those born in the delivery room, but for mothers the rates were higher for those in the ABC. Because of the apparently low incidence of complications among babies delivered in the ABC it may be safe and perhaps preferable not to use electronic fetal monitoring in truly low-risk gravidae. A safe ABC programme, however, requires rigid adherence to protocols by both the mother and centre staff.
The Diclique Representation and Decomposition of Binary Relations

The binary relation is often a useful mathematical structure for representing simple relationships whose essence is a directed connection. To better aid in interpreting or storing a binary relation we suggest a diclique decomposition. A diclique of a binary relation R is defined as an ordered pair (I, O) such that I × O ⊆ R and (I, O) is maximal. In this paper, an algorithm is described for determining the dicliques of a binary relation; it is proved that the set of such dicliques has a nice algebraic structure. The algebraic structure is used to show how dicliques can be coalesced, the relationship between cliques and dicliques is discussed, and an algorithm for determining cliques from dicliques is described.
Introduction to the special section on seeking new clinical research methods.

This Special Section introduces a new section of the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology that will be periodically offered in future issues under the title "Clinical Research Methods." This introduction describes (a) the section's goals, (b) a conceptual framework and potential areas of methodological development, (c) a summary of the articles in the current Special Section and their evaluation in terms of the conceptual framework, and (d) editorial policies and procedures used to foster innovative development of clinical research methods.
Transfer of nonassisted hatched and hatching human blastocysts after in vitro fertilization

Abstract Objective: To determine the feasibility of performing blastocyst transfer 6 days after oocyte insemination. Design: Retrospective clinical study. Setting: University-based IVF center. Patient(s): All cases of IVF over a 1-year span of time (June 1998–1999) in which seven 2PN embryos were available for transfer. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Implantation, pregnancy, and multiple pregnancy rates. Result(s): Transfer of blastocysts on days 5 and 6 resulted in implantation rates of 69% and 33% (P=0.0006), clinical pregnancy rates of 89% and 59% (P=0.05), and multiple pregnancy rates of 39% and 10% (P=0.03), respectively. In cases in which blastocysts were spontaneously hatching or hatched on day 6 (9% of embryos), implantation and pregnancy rates were 52% and 80%, respectively. Embryos were successfully frozen in the hatched or hatching state with resultant clinical pregnancies. Conclusion(s): Transfer of embryos can be delayed to day 6 after oocyte insemination at which time a small percentage of embryos will hatch. Hatching of embryos by day 6 is a favorable prognostic factor for IVF outcome. Embryos that fail to hatch by day 6 may have a lower implantation potential. Difficulty with hatching embryos sticking to the transfer catheter was not encountered. Furthermore, hatching and hatched embryos can be frozen and with subsequent transfer result in pregnancies.
Effect of pulsed ultraviolet light on quality of sliced ham

Abstract While the efficacy of PUV-light on microbial inactivation is well documented, its effect on product quality is not well studied. Thus the effect of PUV-light on color, texture and oxidative stability of ham was evaluated. Samples of 100 g raw ham (∼5 mm thick) were treated for 60, 90 and 120 s in a UV-light system. Another 100 g of untreated sample was used as a control. The distance from the lamp central axis was varied at 4.5, 8.3 and 14.6 cm. Results showed that the oxidative stability of the control, 4.5 cm/60 s, 4.5 cm/90 s, 4.5 cm/120 s, 8.3 cm/60 s, 8.3 cm/90 s, 8.3 cm/120 s, 14.6 cm/60 s, 14.6 cm/90 s, and 14.6 cm/120 s sample decreased by 21, 67, 53, 54, 39, 71, 75, 56, 58, and 55% respectively after 14 days of storage. Oxidative stability reduction was higher as treatment time was prolonged, but decreased with increased distance from the lamp. Overall, the color and texture of the samples were inversely affected by treatment time and distance of the sample from the lamp. Although PUV-light has a potential to decontaminate food products, this study demonstrated that quality of the product is concurrently compromised.
Bluish papule in a middle-aged man

A 47-year-old black woman presented with progressive asymptomatic skin lesions of more than 5 years’ duration. Physical examination revealed lax skin masses on her neck (Figure 1) and trunk, the upper part of both arms (Figure2), and the inner area of both thighs. There was a large indurated plaque on her abdomen and ulcerated tumoral lesions on her arms and legs. The lymph nodes were not enlarged. The results of routine laboratory tests (ie, complete blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, liver function, and serum amylase, lactate dehydrogenase, calcium, electrolyte, total serum protein, urea, and creatinine levels) and radiography of the chest were all within the normal range. A biopsy specimen was obtained from the right upper arm area (Figure 3 and Figure 4). What is your diagnosis?
Best interval lengths for boundary value problems for third order Lipschitz equations

For the third order differential equation $y''' = f(t,y,y',y'')$, where $| {f(t,y_1 ,y_2 ,y_3 ) - f(t,z_1 ,z_2 ,z_3 )} | \leqq \sum_{i = 1}^3 {k_i } | {y_i - z_i } |$ on $(a,b) \times {\bf R}^3 $, subintervals $(\alpha ,\beta )$x of $(a,b)$ of maximal length are characterized, in terms of the Lipschitz coefficients $k_i $, $i = 1,2,3,$ for the existence of unique solutions of certain two-point and three-point boundary value problems. The techniques for establishing best interval length involve applications of the Pontryagin Maximum Principle coupled with uniqueness implies existence arguments. For the case $k_i = 1$, $i = 1,2,3,$ comparisons are made with interval lengths obtained via standard applications of the Contraction Mapping Principle.
Gravitational theories with nonzero divergence of the energy-momentum tensor

Assuming that the divergence of the energy-momentum tensor is nonzero leads to a class of theories with consistent field equations and gauge conditions as well as compatibility with the Newtonian limit of the conservation laws. Both the Einstein and the Brans-Dicke theories are used as models, but the extension to other viable theories such as vector-metric and two-metric theories is possible. One particularly interesting theory emerges that agrees with the ordinary Brans-Dicke theory except for the post-Newtonian parameter zeta sub 2, which predicts nonconservation of total momentum. Unfortunately, no accurate experimental limits for this parameter are known. It thus remains for future experiments in lunar-laser ranging to test this theory.
Prognostic implications of genetic aberrations in acute myelogenous leukemia with normal cytogenetics

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous disease in which somatic mutations, that disturb cellular growth, proliferation, and differentiation, accumulate in hematopoietic progenitor cells. Cytogenetic findings, at diagnosis, have been proven to be one of the most important prognostic indicators in AML. About half of the patients with AML are found to have "normal" cytogenetic analysis by standard culture techniques. These patients are considered as an intermediate risk group. Cytogenetically normal AML (CN-AML) is the largest cytogenetic risk group, and the variation in clinical outcome of patients in this group is greater than in any other cytogenetic group. Besides mutation testing, age and presenting white blood cell count are important predictors of overall survival, suggesting that other factors independent of cytogenetic abnormalities, contribute to the outcome of patients with AML. The expanding knowledge at the genetic and molecular levels is helping define several subgroups of patients with CN-AML with variable prognosis. In this review, we describe the clinical and prognostic characteristics of CN-AML patients as a group, as well as the various molecular and genetic aberrations detected in these patients and their clinical and prognostic implications.
Modal analysis of nonlinear systems with classical and non-classical damping

Abstract In the dynamic analysis and design of structures and equipment, the behavior of various components beyond the linear range is often of interest. A nonlinear vibration analysis is time consuming, particularly if many configurations or loading conditions have to be considered in order to arrive at representative values for design. The selection of an efficient and yet accurate analysis procedure is therefore extremely important. Two mode-superposition procedures are presented for the dynamic analysis of nonlinear structures with classical (proportional) and non-classical (non-proportional) damping. The nonlinearity at each time step is treated as a pseudo force. Undamped eigensolution and complex modes are used to uncouple the equations of motion for classical and non-classical damping cases. A recursive procedure based on the exact solution of the differential equation is used to obtain the modal responses. The advantages of the proposed method of computing the response over the existing integration techniques are: (a) the simplicity of the procedure, (b) a substantial reduction in computational time, (c) the possibility of using fewer modes to achieve the desired accuracy, and (d) the adaptability of the procedure to parallel processing machines which will further reduce the computational time.
Translational and reverse translational research on the role of stress in drug craving and relapse.

Rationale and background High relapse rates during abstinence are a pervasive problem in drug addiction treatment. Relapse is often associated with stress exposure, which can provoke a subjective state of drug craving that can also be demonstrated under controlled laboratory conditions. Stress-induced relapse and craving in humans can be modeled in mice, rats, and monkeys using a reinstatement model in which drug-taking behaviors are extinguished and then reinstated by acute exposure to certain stressors. Studies using the reinstatement model in rats have identified the role of several neurotransmitters and brain sites in stress-induced reinstatement of drug seeking, but the degree to which these preclinical findings are relevant to the human condition is largely unknown.
Synthesis and controlled cross-linking of polymers derived from ring-opening metathesis-polymerization (ROMP)

The ROMP of 5-methacryloyl-1-cyclooctene and the copolymerization of this monomer with cyclooctadiene were investigated to produce polymers with cross-linkable side chains. The impact of concentration, monomer to catalyst ratio, and the amount of inhibitor in the polymerization was examined. These polymers were cross-linked through the methacrylate side chains with either thermal or photochemical initiation, and the incorporation of these polymers into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to produce AB cross-linked materials was accomplished. A comparison of the physical properties of PMMA and these new materials demonstrated that these materials had higher thermal stability and solvent resistance than pure PMMA.
Denjoy–Wolff theorems, Hilbert metric nonexpansive maps and reproduction–decimation operators

Let K be a closed cone with nonempty interior in a Banach space X. Suppose that f:intK→intK is order-preserving and homogeneous of degree one. Let q:K→[0,∞) be a continuous, homogeneous of degree one map such that q(x)>0 for all x∈K∖{0}. Let T(x)=f(x)/q(f(x)). We give conditions on the cone K and the map f which imply that there is a convex subset of ∂K which contains the omega limit set ω(x;T) for every x∈intK. We show that these conditions are satisfied by reproduction–decimation operators. We also prove that ω(x;T)⊂∂K for a class of operator-valued means.
An experimental evaluation of a nationally recognized employment-focused offender reentry program

The need for re-entry assistance is widely acknowledged, but specifics about what services actually lead to reduced recidivism are hard to find—at least among rigorous studies. This is a critical issue: at a time when there appears to be unprecedented support for expanding rehabilitative programs for offenders, there is a dearth of rigorously vetted program options from which to choose. Collaborating with a nationally known employment-focused reentry program in Southern California, the authors compared employment, housing, and recidivism outcomes of reentering offenders (n = 217) who were either randomized into the program or simply provided with a list of community resources. This approach was possible because the number of applicants at the time exceeded program capacity. Outcomes were based on self-report interviews conducted 1-year post-randomization and arrest records reflecting a 2-year follow-up period. The follow-up rate for interviews was 87 %. No significant differences were found for any of the between-group comparisons on any of the major intervention outcomes. Findings from the study suggest a greater need to apply randomized designs to more carefully evaluate current reentry efforts. Methodological challenges of field experiments are also discussed.
Measuring and mitigating inhibition during quantitative real time PCR analysis of viral nucleic acid extracts from large-volume environmental water samples

Naturally-occurring inhibitory compounds are a major concern during qPCR and RT-qPCR analysis of environmental samples, particularly large volume water samples. Here, a standardized method for measuring and mitigating sample inhibition in environmental water concentrates is described. Specifically, the method 1) employs a commercially available standard RNA control; 2) defines inhibition by the change in the quantification cycle (Cq) of the standard RNA control when added to the sample concentrate; and 3) calculates a dilution factor using a mathematical formula applied to the change in Cq to indicate the specific volume of nuclease-free water necessary to dilute the effect of inhibitors. The standardized inhibition method was applied to 3,193 large-volume water (surface, groundwater, drinking water, agricultural runoff, sewage) concentrates of which 1,074 (34%) were inhibited. Inhibition level was not related to sample volume. Samples collected from the same locations over a one to two year period had widely variable inhibition levels. The proportion of samples that could have been reported as false negatives if inhibition had not been mitigated was between 0.3% and 71%, depending on water source. These findings emphasize the importance of measuring and mitigating inhibition when reporting qPCR results for viral pathogens in environmental waters to minimize the likelihood of reporting false negatives and under-quantifying virus concentration.
Mulheres caribenhas escrevem a migração e a diáspora

O trabalho discute obras de escritoras caribenhas produzidas tanto em suas nacoes de origem quanto nos paises para os quais migraram. Ao identificar algumas das preocupacoes centrais das narrativas, busca delinear a experiencia dessas mulheres como um documento historico marcado pelo genero que permite compreender mais claramente os multiplos movimentos da diaspora caribenha
A Mindful Eating Group Intervention for Obese Women: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to: 1) describe the effect of an 8-week mindful eating intervention on mindful eating, weight loss self-efficacy, depression, and biomarkers of weight in urban, underserved, obese women; and 2) identify themes of the lived experience of mindful eating. A convenience sample of 12 obese women was recruited with data collected at baseline and 8 weeks followed by a focus group. Only self-efficacy for weight loss significantly increased over 8 weeks (t=-2.63, P=.04). Qualitative findings of mindful eating supported quantitative findings and extended understanding about the effect of the intervention.
Alterations in circulating T-cell lymphocyte populations in children with obstructive sleep apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Changes in lymphocyte phenotype and functionality have been described in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We hypothesized that OSA is associated with T lymphocyte alterations in children, particularly in T regulatory lymphocytes (T regs), and aimed to characterize circulating T lymphocyte subsets in children with OSA. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Kosair Children's Hospital (Louisville, KY, USA) and Comer Children's Hospital (Chicago, IL, USA). PARTICIPANTS Consecutively recruited children being evaluated for habitual snoring. INTERVENTIONS N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Overnight polysomnography (PSG) was performed and a fasting blood sample was obtained from the patients. Flow cytometry was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells stained for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25, FOXP3, interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and IL-17. Patients were divided into three groups based on their PSG: controls (apnea-hypopnea indices [AHI] < 1/h total sleep time [TST]), mild OSA (1 ≤ AHI < 5/hTST), moderate-severe OSA (AHI ≥ 5/h TST). The percentage of CD4+ and T reg lymphocytes differed across groups. Children with moderate-severe OSA had significantly reduced T reg than control children (median [interquartile range] 4.8 [3.8-5.7% CD4+] versus 7.8 [7.0-9.2% CD4+]; P < 0.001). There were also significant differences in the percentage of T helper 1 (Th1) lymphocytes and in Th1:Th2 ratios between groups. Children with moderate-severe OSA had increased Th1 cells (P = 0.001) and Th1:Th2 ratios (P = 0.0026) compared with children with mild OSA and control children. Associations between AHI and T reg (P = 0.0003; r = -0.46), CD4+ lymphocytes (P = 0.0047; r = -0.37), and Th1:Th2 ratios (P = 0.0009; r = 0.43) emerged. In addition, the percentage of T reg was inversely correlated with Th1:Th2 ratios (P = 0.029; r = -0.29). CONCLUSIONS Pediatric OSA is associated with reduced T reg population and altered Th1:Th2 balance toward Th1 predominance, suggesting a shift to a proinflammatory state. The changes in lymphocytic phenotypes associated with OSA may contribute to the variance in systemic inflammation and downstream morbidities associated with this condition.
Fiber Bragg grating sensors for seismic wave detection

The work presented in this paper demonstrates a sensing technology for unattended seismic sensors based on the optical fiber Bragg grating. This kind of sensor can perform accurate measurements of the seismic activity due to their high sensitivity to dynamic strains caused by small ground vibrations. One of the applications is its deployment in the battlefield remote monitoring system to track and geo-locate the presence of personnel, wheeled vehicles, and tracked vehicles. The experimental data of the field test are shown as well as the comparable result with commercial seismic sensors.
R-α-Methylbenzyl isothiocyanate, a new and convenient chiral derivatizing agent for the separation of enantiomeric amino compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography

R-α-Methylbenzyl isothiocyanate (R-AMBI), a commercially available chiral compound, was evaluated as a chiral derivatizing agent for the separation of enantiomeric amines by reversed-phase liquid chromatography. Ephedrine, propranolol, phenylglycine, phenylglycinol, phenylalanine methyl ester and 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)-2-aminopropane were derivatized with R-AMBI, and the derivatives chromatographed on octadecylsilane columns using aqueous methanol or acetonitrile as mobile phase. The separation factor, α, for the resolution of the enantiomers ranged between 1.05 and 1.24, and peak resolution, R, ranged between 1.29 and 3.28. In some applications, R-AMBI may have advantages over other similar reagents.
Abra delta and northward continuation of Philippine Great Fault

Abstract The Abra River of northwest Luzon appears to have built its delta into a fault trough that is located inside a shallow offshore bank, the latter continuing northwestward as a submerged ridge that dies out in Manila Trench. The faulted east margin of the bank is in line of continuation of the large Philippine Fault which crosses the Philippine Islands to the south. The Abra Delta front slope has close-spaced, relatively shallow submarine valleys cut into it as is usual of such slopes, and a turbidity current was discovered in one of these valleys.
Reduction of Roof Wind Loads by Architectural Features

The devastating impact of Hurricane Andrew on the low-rise buildings of southern Florida and coastal Louisiana [Refs. 1 and 2] illustrated that destructive winds may produce very high pressures at some specific locations on a domestic home or light industrial/commercial structure. This study shows that the use of vertical porous screens across the roof comers on this style of building will dramatically reduce the local and area-averaged uplift loads that have to be resisted by the roof. Full-scale and wind-tunnel modelling research is discussed which shows that the regions of extreme uplift on a roof are due to the corner vortices lying on the roof surface. The wind tunnel was then used to investigate the impact of various rigid gauze screens on the formation of these vortices. Ten screen shapes were investigated, each of which reduces the wind uplift loads to varying degrees and may also be an architecturally acceptable addition to the design of a low-rise building.
Synergism Between Vancomycin and Gentamicin or Tobramycin for Methicillin-Susceptible and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains

By the time-kill curve method, the combinations of vancomycin-gentamicin and vancomycin-tobramycin were shown to be synergistic against a majority of methicillin-susceptible and -resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus.