cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of interface roughness on Auger recombination in semiconductor quantum wells

Auger recombination in a semiconductor is a three-carrier process, wherein the energy from the recombination of an electron and hole pair promotes a third carrier to a higher energy state. In semiconductor quantum wells with increased carrier densities, the Auger recombination becomes an appreciable fraction of the total recombination rate and degrades luminescence efficiency. Gaining insight into the variables that influence Auger recombination in semiconductor quantum wells could lead to further advances in optoelectronic and electronic devices. Here we demonstrate the important role that interface roughness has on Auger recombination within quantum wells. Our computational studies find that as the ratio of interface roughness to quantum well thickness is increased, Auger recombination is significantly enhanced. Specifically, when considering a realistic interface roughness for an InGaN quantum well, the enhancement in Auger recombination rate over a quantum well with perfect heterointerfaces can be app...
Defining the ecogeomorphic succession of land building for freshwater, intertidal wetlands in Wax Lake Delta, Louisiana

Abstract Land building in deltaic environments occurs when sediment discharged from a river mouth is deposited subaqueously and transitions to subaerial land. The transition from subaqueous deposition to subaerial land is a critical process that marks the creation of relatively stable land, yet it is unclear what controls the speed and style of this transition. We define how this transition, herein termed the land building succession, varies in time and space for the freshwater, intertidal wetlands in Wax Lake Delta, LA. Using remote sensing and field data we classify land cover into sediment, water, or vegetation classes at maximum and minimum biomass. We see two succession patterns within Wax Lake Delta. Deltaic islands near the apex are initially covered by sediment and open water. Through time, open water and sediment coverage decreases as vegetation coverage increases. On the other hand, distal islands show little sediment exposure through time. In both cases, all deltaic islands become covered with vegetation by 2015. As vegetation colonizes the island, the topography organizes into two platforms vertically separated by ∼0.35 m. The lower, intertidal platform occurs in the island interiors and is commonly inundated by water and dominated by subaqueous or floating vegetation. The upper, subaerial platform occurs along island edges and is dominated by a variety of vegetation species including Salix nigra, Colocasia esculenta, and Polygonum punctatum. It takes an average of ∼10 years for the intertidal platform to transition to the subaerial platform. These two platforms are separated by the tidal range measured in Atchafalaya Bay, and the different vegetation communities occupying each platform suggest they are a manifestation of multiple stable states and arise due to vegetation and sedimentation feedbacks.
Adapting Healthcare Quality Measures to Transgender Individuals.

Abstract The healthcare system's rapid shift toward value-based payment poses unique quality measurement challenges and new foci for researchers and policy makers. Quality measures that use sex-specific criteria may inappropriately include or exclude transgender individuals. More large-scale studies must be conducted to incorporate transgender individuals into measures that use sex-specific criteria, and “measure stewards” should consider the existing clinical guidelines and recommendations regarding transgender individuals when developing measures. Systems designed only for cisgender individuals will exacerbate existing transgender healthcare disparities unless they are revamped and flexible to transgender individuals' needs.
338 The role of tlr8 in lupus nephritis

Background and aims Lupus nephritis (LN) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. In recent systems biology work we found that renal macrophage functional pathways that link phagocytosis with activation of TLR pathways and disposal of excess cellular components are shared between mice and humans with lupus nephritis. Surprisingly we found that in two different lupus strains there is marked upregulation of renal TLR8 expression restricted to resident renal macrophages. Methods Because mouse TLR8 does not recognise ssRNA, we generated NZW/B6.Yaa mice expressing a functional form of human TLR8 as a BAC transgene to examine the effect of human TLR8 on systemic immunity and renal inflammation. TLR8 mRNA was quantitated by qPCR. Male and female mice were followed clinically for up to one year and harvested for flow cytometry analysis of spleens and kidneys. 24-week-old male mice were administered TL-506 subcutaneously for 4 weeks and harvested after 8 weeks. Results A single dose of human TLR8 in NZW/B6.Yaa mice did not exacerbate disease or accelerate disease or change the immune phenotype of the spleens or kidneys. However administration of a TLR8 agonist to male NZW/B6.Yaa mice appeared to enhance germinal centre formation and plasma cell generation in transgenic mice. Conclusions A single dose of human TLR8 is not sufficient to initiate or exacerbate lupus in NZW/B6.Yaa mice. Preliminary findings suggest that the mice may be hyperresponsive to a TLR8 agonist. Lupus mice with 2 copies of the human TLR8 transgene have been generated to determine whether an extra dose will affect lupus onset or phenotype.
Abstract 826: Nrf2 confers radioresistance by regulating cancer stem trait in lung cancer cells

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death accounting for more than 1.3 million deaths worldwide annually. Despite advances in treatment, the five-year survival rate is 2% if the cancer has metastasized to other organs. The major cause of poor prognosis of advanced lung cancer is multi-resistance to chemo/radio therapy. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms of chemo/radio resistance and develop therapeutic strategies to overcome the resistance. Transcription factor Nrf2 is a key regulator of cytoprotective genes which facilitate cellular defense against harmful insults. We found that Nrf2 and its downstream target NQO1 are highly upregulated in lung cancer patient tumor tissues as well as in lung cancer cell lines compared to adjacent normal tissues or normal cell lines. We hypothesized that the upregulated Nrf2 may be responsible for radio/chemo resistance and malignancy in lung cancer. RNA interference studies showed that knockdown of Nrf2 substantially increased the sensitivity of human lung cancer H460 and A549 cells to radiation-induced cell death. Knockdown of Nrf2 also decreased tumor sphere formation, suggesting its role in cancer stem cell (CSC) regulation which may be responsible for the radioresistance. Analyses of CSC markers including ALDH and Oct4 in control and Nrf2-knockdown H460 and A549 cells support this finding. Together, our results indicate an essential role of Nrf2 in the control and regulation of CSCs and radioresistance. Since CSCs are widely believed to be responsible for cancer chemoresistance and relapse, our novel finding on the role of Nrf2 in radiation resistance may aid in the design of novel therapeutic strategies for resistant cancers. Citation Format: Xiaoqing He, Alex Chi, Liying Wang, Yon Rojanasakul. Nrf2 confers radioresistance by regulating cancer stem trait in lung cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 826. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-826
Radiologic Imaging in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

The article reviews the multimodality (ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance [MR]) imaging appearance of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and discusses the radiologic diagnostic criteria as well as the sensitivity and specificity of these imaging methods. The authors review the role of both ultrasound and MR elastography for the diagnosis of fibrosis and for the longitudinal evaluation of patients following therapeutic intervention. Lastly, the authors briefly discuss the screening and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with NAFLD, as there are special considerations in this population.
Decline in soil organic carbon and nitrogen limits yield in wheat-fallow systems

This study evaluated long-term trends of soil organic carbon (SOC), soil total nitrogen (N), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield to glean information for improving the sustainability of dryland winter wheat-summer fallow (WW-SF) systems in the inland Pacific Northwest (IPNW). Effects of fall burn (FB), no burn (NB), manure application (MN), and pea vine incorporation (PV) treatments on SOC, N, and wheat grain yield from 1931 to 2010 were evaluated in an on-going Crop Residue Long-term experiment (CR-LTE). A medium tall wheat variety (Rex-M) was planted during 1931–1966 and several semi-dwarf varieties were planted since then. We observed a slight but gradual decrease in wheat yield in all treatments from 1931 to 1966 and in FB and NB from 1967 to 2010. Wheat yield in PV and MN increased until 1995 and decreased thereafter. The SOC and N content in 0–30 cm depth declined in FB, NB, and PV treatments with the highest rates of SOC and N loss under FB. The SOC content in 0–30 cm depth in MN was maintained. Growers should match organic matter and nitrogen (N) inputs to C and N loss to maintain SOC, N and crop yields, and improve the sustainability of dryland WW-SF systems.
Percutaneous Kirschner Wire Repair of Failed Digital Arthrodesis Using Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy

A case of a repaired failed toe arthrodesis is presented. A novel and previously unreported approach using a percutaneously placed Kirschner wire coupled with a pulsed electromagnetic field achieved healing of a painful pseudoarthrosis at 54 days. With a percutaneous technique, open debridement of the failed arthrodesis site can be avoided.
An Investigation on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hot Rolled Medium Manganese TRIP Steel

Microstructure and mechanical properties of hot rolled medium manganese TRIP steel were investigated in the present study. The heat treatment schedule was intercritical annealing at various temperature (640, 665 and 690 °C) for 1 h and water quenched. The results showed that an excellent combination of high strength and adequate ductility was obtained. As the intercritical annealing temperature increased, the ultimate tensile strength and strain hardening rate increased, while the total elongation increased firstly and then decreased. A large amount of austenite could be retained at room temperature by adopting the method of intercritical annealing. Austenite stability and initial microstructure before deformation played an important role in the mechanical properties and strain hardening rate.
Urban Morphology in Urban Design

Urban design engages urban morphology when the questions of where and why are paramount—that is, where and why a building or site needs to be designed, a landscape enhanced, a street calmed, or a garden planted. This framework for teaching and practicing urban design is fundamentally different from an orientation that stresses balance, texture, and composition, which are the pre-occupations of urban design that is more focused on a single block or specific site. This chapter explores the significance of urban morphology in the teaching and practice of urban design. It lays out examples of showing how urban morphology informs and improves urban design pedagogy, underlying an approach that is analytically straightforward, incremental in approach, and directed by sustainability principles.
University Facebook Pages: Engaging the Alumni Community in the Digital Era

This study examines how colleges and universities use social media in order to inspire higher levels of identification with the institution and build a sense of community within their alumni networks. Qualitative analysis of interviews with university social media managers is coupled with systematic content analysis of 66 university Facebook pages to propose a new model using four content themes to generate higher levels of engagement on social media: pride points , relevance, unifying imagery and nostalgia .
Invagination des Dickdarms

Die Invagination des Dickdarms tritt beim Erwachsenen in seltenen Fallen auf [1–5]. Die Atiologie ist dabei ganz anders als bei der Ileozokalinvagination, die hauptsachlich bei Sauglingen und Kindern auftritt, da diese Erkrankung bei Erwachsenen nahezu immer durch einen Tumor verursacht wird. Der Tumor ist in der Regel gutartig oder von niedrigem Malignitatsgrad, da der Mitbefall der muskularen Wand durch ein invasiv wachsendes Karzinom zu seiner Fixierung am parietalen Peritoneum fuhrt. Die haufigste Ursache fur eine Invagination sind Lipome der rechten Kolonflexur, es konnen jedoch auch Ileusadenome oder polypos wachsende Karzinome dazu fuhren. Unter ausergewohnlichen Umstanden kann ein Karzinom niederen Malignitatsgrades durch den Anus herausgeprest werden; in einem unserer Falle handelte es sich dabei um einen Tumor, der im Colon transversum wuchs.
Informatics Support of Outcome Measures

Outcome measures enable the comparison of a patient’s health status before and after an intervention. Such interventions can include surgical procedures, drug treatments, vaccines or changes in nursing care. Outcome measures are used heavily in support of quality improvement initiatives and comparative effectiveness research. Quality improvement involves the setting of goals and then comparing the performance of that organization (or clinic or provider) with those goals, identifying gaps in expectations. The knowledge of existing gaps is used to improve the processes of care. With comparative effectiveness research, the outcomes of several interventions are compared across large populations. Examples include the study of efficacy of two or more drugs and the comparison of frequency of adverse reactions to a drug in patients with different genotypes for drug metabolizing enzymes. To allow the widespread use of outcome measures in the age of the electronic health record, it is necessary to automate the process of computing them. This task is more challenging than it may seem. To accurately compute an outcome measure, it is necessary to create an operational definition that states precisely the algorithm used to compute the value of the measure. This involves the clear definition of specified data elements, data sources, and logic on how to handle unexpected conditions. It also involves close consultation with clinicians in order to ensure that the measure is actually calculating something meaningful. Only then will they be useful for quality improvement and comparative effectiveness research.
40-nm 64-kbit Buffer/Backup SRAM with 330 nW Standby Power at 65°C Using 3.3 V IO MOSs for PMIC less MCU in IoT Applications

An effective standby power reduction of buffer/backup SRAM in MCU is proposed for power module IC (PMIC) less edge system in IoT applications. The proposed SRAM macro is implemented using 3.3 V thick-gate-oxide IO MOSs for effectively reducing the leakage power with source bias control techniques. Four multiples interleave wordline circuitry is also introduced to reduce read and write operating power. A test chip with 64-kbit SRAM macro is designed and fabricated using 40-nm technology. The measured data show that the leakage power is 330 nW at 65°C (47 nW at 25°C), which is 1/140 of other works. The read/write power is reduced by 60% by interleave wordline circuitry.
Review of novel energetic polymers and binders - high energy propellant ingredients for the new space race.

Current solid rocket propellant formulations still employ traditional ingredients utilized since the 1960s, such as hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB). Recent advances in energetic polymer se...
Lesson Study Model of 4-H Professional Development: Data-Driven Improvements to Educator Practice

Educator professional development in the 4-H Youth Development Program needs improvement. Lesson study, an iterative and educator-centered approach to professional development, has proven to be effective in school-based settings; however, research on the model in youth development programs is limited. The present study investigated the use of lesson study with professional Cooperative Extension staff, adult 4-H volunteers, and teenage 4-H volunteers in different 4-H contexts in three state programs. Findings revealed improvements in educators’ data-driven decision-making, content knowledge, lesson planning and implementation, and social connections across all contexts. To work effectively within the 4-H context, however, some adaptations to the model were necessary.
On Westward Propagation of Sea-Surface Temperature Anomalies in the Equatorial Pacific

Sea-surface temperature anomalies in the tropical Pacific, both in the Eastern Pacific coastal areas and in the Central Pacific, have been the focus of much attention in recent years, the former because of impacts on South American fisheries and the latter as a possible modulator of the North American climate. The westward spreading of warm anomalies from the South American coast occurs at speeds of around three times the mean advection rate; the mechanics of this spreading must therefore be associated with dynamic phenomena which propagate westward substantially faster than the surface current. Moreover, the strength of the anomalies suggests that ocean-atmospher interactions cannot be ignored as a feature of the overall process. The westward spreading is discussed here is term of a simple mixed-layer model in the context, first, of a non-rotational equatorial channel model and, second, of the dynamics of the equatorial beta plane. Model results indicate substantial enhancement of westward propagation due primarily to the effect on the mixed layer of anomalous air-sea heat fluxes. Limitations and implications of the model are discussed, and the need for finite-amplitude (numerical) investigations is indicated.
Property of Fayard Hall: a pilot study on situational theft prevention on the university campus

For the past three decades, property crime has been the single largest form of victimization reported to campus police and security. While prior research has focused extensively on improving security in high-theft areas around campus, surprisingly little attention has been paid to efforts at fortifying the targets of theft themselves. To address this gap, the present study employed a completely randomized experimental design testing the effect of an anti-theft strategy against a control strategy on property loss among 22 university classrooms. Compared to classrooms receiving property labeled with an anti-theft message, classrooms receiving property without such labels were significantly more likely (OR 20.25; 95% CI 2.32–176.80) to have their property removed. While these results are still in the pilot phase, they suggest that universities and colleges should identify their property, indicating to whom it belongs, if they wish to reduce property loss.
Rapid Laser-Induced Temperature Jump Decomposition of the Nerve Agent Simulant Diisopropyl Methylphosphonate under Atmospheric Conditions

We present work detailing the destruction of the nerve agent simulant diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP) via rapid laser heating under atmospheric conditions. Following Nd:YAG laser ablation of l...
Riparian canopy openings on mountain streams: Landscape controls upon temperature increases within openings and cooling downstream

How much stream temperatures increase within riparian canopy openings and whether stream temperatures cool downstream of these openings both have important policy implications. Past studies of stream cooling downstream of riparian openings have found mixed results including rapid, slow, and no cooling. We collected longitudinal profiles of stream temperatures above, within, and below riparian forest openings along stream segments within otherwise forested riparian conditions to evaluate how sensitivity of stream temperatures to riparian conditions varied across landscape factors. We conducted these temperature surveys across openings in 12 wadeable streams within and near the Upper Little Tennessee River Basin in western North Carolina and northeastern Georgia. Basin areas ranged from 74 to 6,913 ha, and bankfull channel widths varied from 3.4 to 16.4 m. Stream temperatures were collected every 15 min using HOBO® data loggers for 2 weeks in each stream, repeated later in summer in some streams. Reference temperatures were highest in stream reaches at low elevations and with large drainage areas. Stream temperature increases in the middle of riparian gaps were highest when streams drained small high‐elevation watersheds, and increases at the end of openings were highest when the opening length was large relative to watershed size. Downstream from openings, cooling rates were greatest in small, high‐elevation headwater streams and also increased with larger increases in canopy cover. Stream segments that warmed the most within openings also featured higher cooling rates downstream. The data show that stream temperature sensitivity to canopy change is highly dependent on network position and watershed size. A better understanding of stream temperature responses to riparian vegetation may be useful to land managers and landowners prioritizing riparian forest restoration.
Target Localization with Visible Light Communication in High Ambient Light Environments

This paper builds on prior research that demonstrated how inexpensive commercial off-the-shelf lighting components and microcontrollers could be used to construct a solution for occupant and asset localization and tracking through visible light communication (VLC). A significant challenge encountered in the prior work was mitigating the effect of ambient light optical interference. This paper describes the implementation of several techniques to negate the effect of ambient light interference under varying conditions. The techniques involved modifications to the modulation scheme employed, redundant transmissions over multiple wavelengths, and an adaptive digital filtering technique. Furthermore, this paper discusses the challenges involved with implementation the approach on a severely resource constrained microcontroller and the optimization strategies employed. The overall effectiveness of the system is measured and discussed.
Chapter 5 – The z-Domain

Publisher Summary The z-domain is used to analyze digital controllers in much the same way that the s-domain is used to analyze analog controllers. Transfer functions of “z” are similar to those of “s,” in that both are usually ratios of polynomials. Aliasing is an undesirable effect that is seen in sampled systems. When the input frequency is greater than half the sample frequency, the sampled points do not adequately represent the input signal. Anti-aliasing can also be carried out with digital filters using a technique called over sampling. High-frequency components may be added to the command with electrical noise or interference (EMI) coupled from other equipment or from the controller's own power converter. z-Domain functions are implemented with computer algorithms just as s-domain functions are implemented with circuits. These algorithms are executed once each cycle of the controller after the input is sampled. Quantization is a nonlinear effect of digital control systems. It can come from the resolution limitations of transducers or of internal calculations.
Prenatal maternal C-reactive protein prospectively predicts child executive functioning at ages 4-6 years.

This prospective longitudinal study evaluated multiple maternal biomarkers from the preconception and prenatal periods as time-sensitive predictors of child executive functioning (EF) in 100 mother-child dyads. Maternal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C ), C-reactive protein (CRP), and blood pressure (BP) were assayed before pregnancy and during the second and third trimesters. Subsequently, children were followed from birth and assessed for EF (i.e. cognitive flexibility, response inhibition) at ages 4-6 years. Perinatal data were also extracted from neonatal records. Higher maternal CRP, but not maternal HbA1C or BP, uniquely predicted poorer child cognitive flexibility, even with control of maternal HbA1C and BP, relevant demographic factors, and multiple prenatal/perinatal covariates (i.e. preconception maternal body mass index, maternal depression, maternal age at birth, child birth weight, child birth order, child gestational age, and child birth/neonatal complications). Predictions from maternal CRP were specific to the third trimester, and third trimester maternal CRP robustly predicted child cognitive flexibility independently of preconception and second trimester CRP. Child response inhibition was unrelated to maternal biomarkers from all time points. These findings provide novel, prospective evidence that maternal inflammation uniquely predicts child cognitive flexibility deficits, and that these associations depend on the timing of exposure before or during pregnancy.
Bilateral epiretinal membrane formation following intravitreal injections of autologous mesenchymal stem cells.

Purpose The authors describe a case of new bilateral epiretinal membranes and vitreous cells following intravitreal and subTenon's injections of bone marrow-derived stem cells. Methods Case report of a 43-year-old man with OPA-1 autosomal dominant optic atrophy who self-enrolled in a stem cell therapy clinical trial and received simultaneous bilateral intravitreal and subTenon's injections of bone marrow-derived stem cells. Results Within one month of receiving the injections, the patient developed epiretinal membranes and vitreous cells in both eyes, seen with optical coherence tomography. Conclusion Stem cell therapy has been gaining popularity as a potential intervention for progressive retinal and optic nerve diseases; however, the mechanism of action of bone marrow-derived stem cells is still not well understood and may result in unintended cell differentiation.
Para além do gameplay: a compreensão dos jogos eletrônicos enquanto artefatos

Os jogos eletronicos fazem parte da cultura social. Neste artigo, identificamos as caracteristicas destes jogos a partir de uma pesquisa-acao realizada em contexto educacional, verificando neles a atribuicao do conceito de artefato conforme Rabardel (1995), refletindo sobre a seguinte problematica: Quais as caracteristicas dos jogos eletronicos que potencializam neles a condicao de artefatos? Assim, conceituamos artefato e contextualizamos as caracteristicas de interatividade, ludicidade, imersao e acao cognitiva nos jogos eletronicos a partir de tres jogos utilizados por estudantes do ensino fundamental. Concluimos com a identificacao de que tais caracteristicas desenvolvem a acao cognitiva dos jogadores em diferentes tempos e espacos na narrativa, configurando os jogos eletronicos como artefatos.
Adolescent Pregnancy: Where Do We Start?

Adolescent pregnancy is associated with many high-risk conditions. Some of these are amenable to nutritional support and interventions to reduce risk. Nutrients that have specific implications for adolescents are energy, protein, iron, calcium, folate, and fluids. This chapter addresses assessment and interventions specific to the adolescent including the above elements; weight gain in pregnancy; the use of groups to promote behavior change; Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program; and Internet and print resources that have been identified as helpful.
Character Education: A Role for Literature in Cultivating Character Strengths in Adolescence

The ability to know, measure and cultivate those elements that contribute to the flourishing life is transforming the world of education. The findings of positive psychology are being used to more effectively educate for psychological well-being alongside that of traditional academic learning. One crucial area of study in positive psychology is character strengths. Individuals who are not only cognizant of their strength profile but use their strengths daily are happier, higher achieving, more resilient and more satisfied with their lives. These findings give new life and scope to what schools might call “character education”. By cleverly capitalizing on the skills of regular classroom teachers all schools, regardless of their human and financial resources, location or demography, can begin embedding principles of positive psychology. We need to promote robust, cross-curricular learning in our students and better equip regular classroom teachers for the task; accessible, evidence-based and well-integrated curricula are needed. English literature, by virtue of its content and pedagogy, presents a rich opportunity for an innovative model. Learning about and cultivating character strengths through and in conjunction with literature can be achieved via robust classroom pedagogy that cultivates higher-order student understanding and personal reflection. However, more than exclusively achieving the agenda of positive education, the science of well-being has a great deal to offer our study of literature. Using character strengths in our literature study can enrich the analytical process. After providing an empirical and theoretical base, this chapter offers suggestions for activities on character education in the English classroom. Vitally, it demonstrates that a rich focus on well-being need not come at the expense of academic rigor, deep ethical and emotional competencies or analytical essay writing, all of which are an integral part of study in the literature classroom.
Diagnosis of Cat-Scratch Disease

To the Editor.— Perusing the scientific literature reveals, far too often, that even our most renowned journals unfortunately contain gross mathematical and language usage errors of statistical import.1-5 Examples of the former error include using a statistical procedure incorrectly to analyze data and even choosing the wrong statistical test with which to perform the analysis. Two illustrations of frequently appearing statistical language usage mistakes are the use of the word significant in medical writing without statistical support4 and the improper use of the terms sensitivity and specificity.5
On the complexity of non-adaptively increasing the stretch of pseudorandom generators

We study the complexity of black-box constructions of linear-stretch pseudorandom generators starting from a 1-bit stretch oracle generator G. We show that there is no construction which makes non-adaptive queries to G and then just outputs bits of the answers. The result extends to constructions that both work in the non-uniform setting and are only black-box in the primitive G (not the proof of correctness), in the sense that any such construction implies NP/poly ≠ P/poly. We then argue that not much more can be obtained using our techniques: via a modification of an argument of Reingold, Trevisan, and Vadhan (TCC '04), we prove in the non-uniform setting that there is a construction which only treats the primitive G as black-box, has polynomial stretch, makes non-adaptive queries to the oracle G, and outputs an affine function (i.e., parity or its complement) of the oracle query answers.
Model selection for probabilistic clustering using cross-validatedlikelihood

Cross-validated likelihood is investigated as a tool for automatically determining the appropriate number of components (given the data) in finite mixture modeling, particularly in the context of model-based probabilistic clustering. The conceptual framework for the cross-validation approach to model selection is straightforward in the sense that models are judged directly on their estimated out-of-sample predictive performance. The cross-validation approach, as well as penalized likelihood and McLachlan's bootstrap method, are applied to two data sets and the results from all three methods are in close agreement. The second data set involves a well-known clustering problem from the atmospheric science literature using historical records of upper atmosphere geopotential height in the Northern hemisphere. Cross-validated likelihood provides an interpretable and objective solution to the atmospheric clustering problem. The clusters found are in agreement with prior analyses of the same data based on non-probabilistic clustering techniques.
SU-E-J-127: Implementation of An Online Replanning Tool for VMAT Using Flattening Filter-Free Beams

Purpose: This is to report the implementation of an online replanning tool based on segment aperture morphing (SAM) for VMAT with flattening filter free (FFF) beams. Methods: Previously reported SAM algorithm modified to accommodate VMAT with FFF beams was implemented in a tool that was interfaced with a treatment planning system (Monaco, Elekta). The tool allows (1) to output the beam parameters of the original VMAT plan from Monaco, and (2) to input the apertures generated from the SAM algorithm into Monaco for the dose calculation on daily CT/CBCT/MRI in the following steps:(1) Quickly generating target contour based on the image of the day, using an auto-segmentation tool (ADMIRE, Elekta) with manual editing if necessary; (2) Morphing apertures based on the SAM in the original VMAT plan to account for the interfractional change of the target from the planning to the daily images; (3) Calculating dose distribution for new apertures with the same numbers of MU as in the original plan; (4) Transferring the new plan into a record & verify system (MOSAIQ, Elekta); (5) Performing a pre-delivery QA based on software; (6) Delivering the adaptive plan for the fraction.This workflow was implemented on a 16-CPU (2.6 GHz dual-core) hardwaremore » with GPU and was tested for sample cases of prostate, pancreas and lung tumors. Results: The online replanning process can be completed within 10 minutes. The adaptive plans generally have improved the plan quality when compared to the IGRT repositioning plans. The adaptive plans with FFF beams have better normal tissue sparing as compared with those of FF beams. Conclusion: The online replanning tool based on SAM can quickly generate adaptive VMAT plans using FFF beams with improved plan quality than those from the IGRT repositioning plans based on daily CT/CBCT/MRI and can be used clinically. This research was supported by Elekta Inc. (Crawley, UK)« less
BLOOD CARBONIC ANHYDRASE ACTIVITY IN NEWBORN INFANTS AND THEIR MOTHERS

Each ml.of erythrocytes of newborn infants exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity which, on the average, is approximately 40% of that found in the erythrocytes of adult subjects. The deficiency appears to vary with the maturity of the organism, either in or ex utero. It is not as great as that described by earlier workers who used methods of less validity. Moreover, the relative polycythemia of the newborn infant counteracts this deficiency, and accordingly the blood of these infants may exhibit carbonic anhydrase activity within or a little below the normal adult range. Transfusion into infants of adult blood increases the carbonic anhydrase activity. Mothers in whom blood hemoglobin levels are low show similar degrees of lowering of blood carbonic anhydrase activity. The functional significance of the changes found in the newborn infant is not known.
Ablation of mouse adult neurogenesis alters olfactory bulb structure and olfactory fear conditioning.

Adult neurogenesis replenishes olfactory bulb (OB) interneurons throughout the life of most mammals, yet during this constant fl ux it remains unclear how the OB maintains a constant structure and function. In the mouse OB, we investigated the dynamics of turnover and its impact on olfactory function by ablating adult neurogenesis with an x-ray lesion to the subventricular zone (SVZ). Regardless of the magnitude of the lesion to the SVZ, we found no change in the survival of young adult born granule cells (GCs) born after the lesion, and a gradual decrease in the population of GCs born before the lesion. After a lesion producing a 96% reduction of incoming adult born GCs to the OB, we found a diminished behavioral fear response to conditioned odor cues but not to audio cues. Interestingly, despite this behavioral defi cit and gradual anatomical changes, we found no electrophysiological changes in the GC population assayed in vivo through dendro-dendritic synaptic plasticity and odor-evoked local fi eld potential oscillations. These data indicate that turnover in the granule cell layer is generally decoupled from the rate of adult neurogenesis, and that OB adult neurogenesis plays a role in a wide behavioral system extending beyond the OB.
The Recline Exercise: Comparisons with the Head Lift Exercise in Healthy Adults

The aim of this investigation was to examine the comparative effectiveness of the new Recline Exercise (RE) and the traditional Head Lift Exercise (Shaker Exercise) on submental muscle activity, tongue strength, and perceived exertion in 40 healthy young adults (mean age = 24.5 years, SD 2.6 years). Both groups participated in a 6-week exercise regimen. Outcome variables evaluated pre- and post-exercise included: duration and peak amplitude of submental muscle activity during swallowing measured via surface electromyography (sEMG); anterior and posterior isometric lingual pressures measured with the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument; and perceived exertion levels measured with the Borg category-ratio scale of perceived exertion. Results indicated no significant pre-post differences within or between groups in swallow duration and peak amplitude. In addition, the RE group demonstrated significant post-treatment increases in anterior and posterior tongue strength [p = 0.009; p < 0.001]; however, these increases were of small magnitude (d = 0.132; d = 0.319). Both groups showed marked improvements in perceived exertion levels [p < 0.001]. Our findings indicate that healthy young adults who perform the RE or the HLE do not have significant swallow duration or amplitude gains, most likely due to the reduced need for such gains in the healthy head/neck musculature for submaximal tasks. Furthermore, the significant lingual strength gains seen with the RE indicate that additional musculature is being engaged during its completion. These results are encouraging; however, future research in older adults and patients with dysphagia with examination of swallowing biomechanics is needed to determine its full potential as a rehabilitative regimen.
Major publications of Gales and Seaton

(1945). Major publications of Gales and Seaton. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 31, No. 4, pp. 430-439.
Studying Individual Presidents: Truman, Eisenhower, Carter and Kennedy

Ambrose, Stephen E. Eisenhower: Soldier, General of the Army, President-Elect 1890-1952. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1983. Pp. 640. $19.95. Donovan, Robert J. Tumultuous Years: The Presidency of Harry S. Truman, 1949- 1953. New York: W.W. Norton, 1982. Pp. 444. $19.95 hardbound; $9.95 softbound. Glad, Betty. Jimmy Carter: In Search of the Great White House. New York: W.W. Norton, 1980. Pp. 546. $19.95. Wills, Garry. The Kennedy Imprisonment: A Mediation on Power. New York: Pocket Books (Simon and Schuster), 1982. Pp. 310. $2.95 softbound.
High Performance Computing Co-Design Strategies

The MEMSYS Call for Papers contains this passage: Many of the problems we see in the memory system are cross-disciplinary in nature -- their solution would likely require work at all levels, from applications to circuits. Thus, while the scope of the problem is memory, the scope of the solutions will be much wider. The Department of Energy's (DOE) high performance computing (HPC) community is thinking about how to define, support and execute work at all levels for the development of future supercomputers to run our portfolio of mission applications. Borrowing a concept from embedded computing, the DOE HPC community is calling our work at all levels co-design [1]. Co-design for embedded computing is focused on hardware/software partitioning of activities to execute a well-defined task within specific constraints. Co-design for general-purpose HPC has many dimensions for both the work to be performed and the constraints, e.g. hardware designs, runtime software, applications and algorithms. The subject of this extended abstract is a description of two alternative DOE HPC co-design strategies. While DOE co-design efforts include more than the memory system, as noted in the MEMSYS call, the memory system impacts applications, circuits and all levels between.
Urinary catecholamine levels in daily life are elevated in women at familial risk of breast cancer.

Abstract Recent experimental research has shown that women facing the chronic stress of being at familial risk of breast cancer have greater neuroendocrine reactivity responses to stressful laboratory tasks. Whether this enhanced stress response also occurs outside the laboratory under daily life conditions is unknown. In the present study, urinary epinephrine and norepinephrine excretion rates at work (e.g. 11:00 AM–3:00 PM), home (e.g. 6:00 PM–10:00 PM) and during sleep (e.g. 10:00 PM–6:00 AM) were compared between 73 employed women with family histories of breast cancer in first degree relatives (FH+; age=36.8±8.7) and 81 without such family histories (FH−; age=38.1±9.4). Differences in sympathetic adrenal medullary responses to an ordinary life stressor (work) were assessed in naturalistic settings. Repeated measures MANCOVA with family history group as a fixed factor, body mass index as a covariate and daily microenvironment (work, home and sleep) as a repeating factor were conducted to evaluate whether catecholamine excretion rates differed between FH+ and FH− groups. The results revealed that women with family histories of breast cancer had a higher rate of epinephrine excretion while at work ( p p
A Physical Model for Grain-Boundary-Induced Threshold Voltage Variation in Polysilicon Thin-Film Transistors

Grain boundaries (GBs) in the channel region of polysilicon thin-film transistors (poly-Si TFTs) lead to large variations in the performance of TFTs (delay and power). In this paper, we present a physical model to characterize the GB-induced transistor threshold voltage variations considering not only the number but also the position and orientation of each GB in 3-D space. The estimated threshold voltage variations show a good agreement with experimental data and simulations performed by a numerical 3-D drift-diffusion device simulator. Using the proposed model, the impact of GBs on TFTs for various grain sizes, device sizes, and source–drain voltages is discussed in detail. Specifically, when the grain size is comparable to the size of the device, we observed that threshold voltage $(V_{\rm th})$ variations significantly increase, and $V_{\rm th}$ -distributions are non-Gaussian. Finally, using our model, we predict and demonstrate the GB-induced variations under different crystallization methods, such as sequential lateral solidification.
Interfollicular smooth muscle in the skin of the domesticated pig (Sus scrofa)

An interfollicular smooth muscle that spans the triad of hair follicles has been identified in the skin of the domesticated pig (Sus scrofa). This muscle has been previously noted by other investigators and identified as an arrector pili muscle. However, it cannot be interpreted as such for the following reasons: (1) It lies opposite the arrector pili muscle on the follicle; (2) the orientation of its fibers is perpendicular to those of the arrector pili; (3) the two muscles are not continuous; their attachments are different; and (4) contraction of the interfollicular muscle would have little effect on erection of the hairs. Based on structural evidence, it is postulated that upon contraction the muscle draws the base of the three aligned follicles together into a triangular conformation. In so doing, it may rotate the outer two follicles of the triad. Its specific functional role is unknown.
The Efficacy of Amicar Versus Tranexamic Acid in Pediatric Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded Pilot Study

Abstract Study Design Single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blinded trial. Objectives To compare blood loss, allogenic transfusion requirements, and coagulation parameters between pediatric spinal deformity patients receiving aminocaproic acid (Amicar) or tranexamic acid (TXA) during posterior spinal fusion. Summary of Background Data Amicar and TXA have been shown to decrease blood loss in pediatric spinal deformity cases compared with controls. The difference in efficacy between these medications in this population has not been reported. Methods Enrolled patients were randomized to receive either Amicar or TXA during scoliosis surgery. Baseline demographic and deformity comparisons were collected. Intraoperative comparisons included estimated and calculated blood loss, number of levels instrumented, number of osteotomies, operative time, and allogenic transfusion requirements. Preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin, platelets, prothrombin time, partial prothrombin time (PTT), international normalized ratio (INR), and fibrinogen were recorded. Results A total of 47 patients were enrolled with data available for review (N = 25, Amicar; N = 22, TXA). No difference in cohorts was found in demographics, preoperative hemoglobin, platelets, prothrombin time, PTT, INR, initial Cobb angle, average number of: levels fused, patients with osteotomies and osteotomies, operative time, and final Cobb angles. Estimated blood loss was significantly less (about 221 mL) than the calculated blood loss in both groups (p = .003). Estimated blood loss (1,088 vs. 726 mL; p = .055) and calculated blood loss (1,366 vs. 903 mL; p = .13) trended higher in the Amicar group. Although no difference in allogenic transfusion rates (20% vs. 14%) was observed, average volumes transfused were significantly higher in the Amicar cohort (1,014 vs. 461 mL; p = .03). The TXA cohort demonstrated a statistically significant smaller change in INR, a lower PTT, and greater fibrinogen levels postoperatively. Conclusions Compared with Amicar, TXA use was associated with a lower allogenic transfusion requirement, less alteration in postoperative clotting studies, and a trend toward lower blood loss in pediatric posterior spinal fusion patients.
Robust estimation and testing for general nonlinear regression models

Abstract In this article, τ-estimates of parameters of general nonlinear models in finite dimensional spaces are derived. The method is highly insensitive to outliers. It can also be applied to solving a system of nonlinear equations. A probabilistic testing procedure is proposed and the method is supplemented by a numerical example.
Tumor histology during induction therapy in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma.

Background In high-risk neuroblastoma patients, response to induction chemotherapy is emerging as an important determinant of overall survival. We sought to determine whether histological changes in the primary tumor following induction therapy could be used as a marker of response. Procedure Second-look primary tumor specimens from 43 patients were reviewed according to specific morphological features. Results In the majority, induction therapy resulted in a shift from an intermediate/high to low mitosis-karyorrhexis index (MKI) (P = 0.0009) and from undifferentiated/poorly differentiated to differentiating tumors (P < 0.0001). Following induction therapy, persistence of intermediate/high tumor MKI and ≥90% persistent neuroblastic cells were predictive of a poor outcome (P = 0.001 and 0.03, respectively). Less than 10% tumor necrosis was associated with a trend towards lower survival. Conclusions High proliferative activity in the primary tumor following induction therapy portends a poor outcome in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. If confirmed in a larger cohort, tumor histology at second-look surgery could be used to define a subset of very high risk patients who would benefit from alternative therapies prior to myeloablative dose-intensive transplant. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:506–510. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.