cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-Stimuli Responsive Luminescent β-Diketones and Difluoroboron Complexes with Heterocyclic Substituents

Emissive β-diketones (bdks) and difluoroboron complexes (BF2bdks) exhibit multi-stimuli responsive luminescence, including solvatochromism, viscochromism, aggregation induced emission, thermal and mechanochromic luminescence, halochromism and pH sensing. In this study, a series of six-membered heterocycle-substituted (piperidine, morpholine, 1-methyl piperazine) bdk ligands and boron complexes were synthesized, and their luminescent properties were investigated. All the compounds exhibited red-shifted emission in more polar solvents due to intramolecular charge transfer as well as higher emission intensity in more viscous environments. In response to solubility changes in water/tetrahydrofuran mixtures, while the piperazine bdk ligand showed aggregation caused quenching, the piperidine and morpholine bdks displayed enhanced emission upon aggregation. In the solid state, all ligands exhibited mechanochromism. More dramatic halochromism was observed for the piperidine boron dye spin cast film. In solution, for the boron dyes under varying pH values (1-13), different protonated and deprotonated forms were analyzed according to the measured emission spectra. Graphical abstract Multi-stimuli responsive luminescent properties were investigated for the six-membered heterocycle-substituted β-diketone ligands and difluoroboron complexes.
On Bose-Einstein condensation in one-dimensional noninteracting Bose gases in the presence of soft Poisson obstacles.

We study Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) in one-dimensional noninteracting Bose gases in Poisson random potentials on $\mathbb R$ with single-site potentials that are nonnegative, compactly supported, and bounded measurable functions in the grand-canonical ensemble at positive temperatures in the thermodynamic limit. For particle densities that are larger than a critical one, we prove the following: With arbitrarily high probability when choosing the fixed strength of the random potential sufficiently large, BEC where only the ground state is macroscopically occupied occurs. If the strength of the Poisson random potential converges to infinity in a certain sense but arbitrarily slowly, then this kind of BEC occurs in probability and in the $r$th mean, $r \ge 1$. Furthermore, in Poisson random potentials of any fixed strength an arbitrarily high probability for type-I g-BEC is also obtained by allowing sufficiently many one-particle states to be macroscopically occupied.
Effects of Pokémon GO on Physical Activity and Psychological and Social Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Augmented reality (AR) mobile game, Pokemon GO, leverages gamification and location tracking technology to encourage players to walk in different places to catch Pokemon characters in real-world settings. The systematic review sought to explore the impact Pokemon GO has on players’ physical activity (PA), and psychological and social outcomes. Six research databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus) were used. Study inclusion criteria were: (1) quantitative research published in English; (2) examined the relationships between or impact of Pokemon GO on PA, psychological, and/or social outcomes; and (3) included participants played or exposed to Pokemon GO. Thirty-six studies were included with a total sample of 38,724 participants. Players had significantly greater PA than non-players in terms of daily steps and number of days spent in moderate PA. Pokemon GO game also improved players’ social interactions and their mood/affects. Selective attention and concentration improved in adolescents and memory improved in young adults after playing the game. Findings suggest playing Pokemon GO could promote meaningful improvements in walking behavior, as well as psychological and social well-being. More multidimensional research with randomized controlled trial design is needed to identify factors that influence adoption and sustainability of Pokemon GO playing.
Virtual away rotations increase access to Radiation Oncology.

The COVID-19 pandemic altered the workplace for medical education. As restrictions ease, the opportunities provided by virtual rotations remain. Radiation Oncology rotations based around virtual participation with patients (consults, follow-ups, and brachytherapy), contouring and reviewing external beam plans, didactics, and unstructured office hours have been well-received at multiple institutions. Virtual rotations decrease barriers to access including lack of a Radiation Oncology Department at home institute and high cost of travel and housing. Furthermore, rotations can be adapted to pre-clinical students and those with prior Radiation Oncology rotation experience. However, the virtual format creates and exacerbates several challenges including technical difficulties with electronic medical record or treatment planning software, lack of spontaneous interactions common to in-person rotations, and unexpected delays in clinic. We recommend early scheduled time with IT services to troubleshoot any potential issues, scheduled office hours with faculty and videoconferencing with non-physician team members to mitigate omission of in-person introductions, and providing complete contact information for all staff scheduled to meet with students to facilitate communication when unexpected clinic issues arise. While we are all excited for quarantine restrictions to safely be lifted, we support the continued development of virtual away rotations as a flexible, more affordable option to increase exposure to the field.
A mixed-methods longitudinal study of Marshallese infant feeding beliefs and experiences in the United States: a study protocol

Background Arkansas has the largest population of Marshallese Pacific Islanders residing in the continental United States. Marshallese are disproportionately burdened by poorer maternal and infant health outcomes. Exclusive breastfeeding can prevent or help mitigate maternal and infant health disparities. However, exclusive breastfeeding among United States Marshallese communities remains disproportionately low, and the reasons are not well documented. This paper describes the protocol of a mixed-methods concurrent triangulation longitudinal study designed to explore the beliefs and experiences that serve as barriers and/or facilitators to exclusive breastfeeding intention, initiation, and duration among Marshallese mothers in northwest Arkansas. Methods The mixed-methods design collects qualitative and quantitative data during simultaneous data collection events, at third trimester, six weeks postpartum, and six months postpartum. Quantitative and qualitative data will be analyzed separately and then synthesized during the interpretation phase. The research team will disseminate results to study participants, research stakeholders, the broader Marshallese community, and fellow researchers. Discussion Findings and results will be presented in subsequent manuscripts upon completion of the study. This study will be an important first step to better understand beliefs and experiences to exclusive breastfeeding intention, initiation, and duration in this community and will inform tools and interventions to help improve health outcomes. The study will also aid in filling the gap in research and providing essential information on the infant feeding beliefs and barriers among a Marshallese community in Arkansas.
Stem Cells and Peripheral Nerve

Abstract Peripheral nerve injury has significant societal and economic impact. Current gold standard treatment for severe peripheral nerve injury is autografting, which requires the sacrifice of a donor nerve. Despite best practices, recovery from severe peripheral nerve injuries is often suboptimal. Pluripotent stem cells, bone marrow mesenchymal cells, adipose-derived stem cells, skin-derived precursor cells, and hair follicle pluripotent stem cells can be induced into Schwann cells and/or Schwann cell-like phenotypes; when administered in combination with artificial nerve graft conduits, these cells improve morphological and functional recovery in mouse, rat, and primate models of transecting peripheral nerve injury. Questions regarding survival, differentiation, and safety of cell-based therapy remain to be answered, and no cell-based therapies have yet translated to humans, but if current trends indicate potential, stem cell-based therapy is promising.
Temporal pulse-clocked multi-bit flip-flop mitigating SET and SEU

Hardening the flip-flops and latches is the most straightforward way to improve the soft-error robustness of sequential logic circuits. This paper presents novel pulse-clocked latch based flip-flops that mitigate not just single event upsets (SEUs) but also single event transients (SETs) that are an increasing threat in high performance logic. The design uses triple-mode redundant latches, combined with appropriate clocking to provide redundancy in both space and time. Analysis of the flip-flop operation and immunity to both SEUs and SETs, as well as layout that provides adequate critical node separation to prevent multi-node charge collection failures, are presented. The multi-bit flip-flop macro has been fabricated and tested functional as shift registers on a 90-nm foundry LP process.
Compiled unit-delay simulation for cyclic circuits

Three techniques for handling cyclic circuits in a compiled unit-delay simulation are presented. These techniques are based on the PC-set method and the parallel technique of compiled unit-delay simulation. The first technique, called the synchronous parallel technique, is applicable only to synchronous circuits, but provides significant performance improvements over interpreted unit-delay simulation. The second and third techniques. called the convergence algorithm and the asynchronous parallel technique, are applicable to all circuits, both synchronous and asynchronous. The convergence algorithm, which is based on the PC-set method, provided significant performance increases for some circuits, but performed poorly on others. The asynchronous parallel technique performed rather poorly, and is covered only briefly. >
On the relationship between business cycle and college enrollment in the U.S.: a time series approach

We examine causality between business cycle and college enrollment in the United States using a macro-level data from 1970 to 2011. Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test and Johansen test for cointegration resulted in existence of a stable long-run cointegrating relationship among unemployment rate, per capita GDP, and college enrollment. We find unemployment rate to Granger cause college enrollment in both the short and the long run while GDP per capita to Granger cause college enrollment in the long run. These findings provide evidence for significant causal relationship between college enrollments and economic fluctuations.
Systems simulation of an advanced avionics COMSEC unit

The authors discuss JAID (JIAWG/AACU Interoperability Demonstration), the simulation of the AACU (Advanced Avionics COMSEC Unit) in an integrated avionics system. The AACU is the next generation of avionics COMSEC (communications security) devices. The simulation model of the AACU involves doing a gate-level model of the AACU bus interface hardware and a behavioral model of the functionality of the rest of the AACU. The AACU functionality demonstrated by the behavioral model involves emulating custom LSI and several microprocessors which perform the black box COMSEC functionality of the AACU. The behavioral model emulates the correct timing, state transition, and COMSEC functionality of the AACU. Issues involved in writing a behavioral model for a mixed-mode (behavioral and gate-level) simulation are emphasized. >
Labels and Stigma in Special Education

Two notions about the delivery of services to disadvantaged deprived, and mildly retarded children are advanced: (a) that insufficient attention has been given to the fact that certain special education labels imply deficiencies and shortcomings in children and (b) that no systematic inquiry has been made of children's perceptions of the labels and services offered them. Analyses of data from several studies involving more than 10,000 public school students, graduates, and dropouts; college students; prospective and inservice teachers; and counselors revealed (a) that children reject the labels culturally disadvantaged and culturally deprived as descriptive of themselves, (b) that acceptance of such labels is associated with lowered school attitudes, (c) that teachers hold lowered expectations for performance of the deprived and disadvantaged child, (d) that the educable mentally retarded report (and teachers confirm) stigma associated with special class placement, and (e) that few strategies for the mana...
Alpha 1-antitrypsin-deficiency-related emphysema.

Background: A congenital cause of emphysema resulting from alpha 1-antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency affects 1 in 2500 individuals and could account for emphysema in 2 percent of all persons with emphysema. Individuals aged 30 to 45 years with chronic shortness of breath and coughing could have A1AT deficiency. Methods: Using the key words “alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency,” “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” and “emphysema,” the MEDLINE files were searched from 1985 to the present. Data from articles published before 1985 were accessed from cross-reference of the recent articles. Results and Conclusions: Unlike smoker’s emphysema, A1AT deficiency is panacinar, appears in middle-aged patients, and is more severe at the lung bases. Chronic bronchitis, mucous hypersecretion, and liver disease, as well as a family history of emphysema, are associated conditions. Clinical management includes the avoidance of smoking and atmospheric pollution. Also available is purified, functional human A1AT in quantities large enough for intravenous replacement or augmentation therapy. Future treatment for the disease includes synthetic elastase inhibitors and an aerosolized formulation of A1AT, which is currently under investigation.
A comparison of the travel arrangements of international travelers from France, Germany and the UK

Abstract Travel arrangements are traditionally divided into package and non-package travel. However, further precision in developing marketing programs can be gained by expanding the concept of travel arrangements into three groups: (1) independent travel, (2) escorted tours and (3) non-escorted packages. In this study, a multistage segmentation approach involving the use of geographic, purpose-of-trip and travel arrangement criteria was used to compare international pleasure travelers from France, Germany and the UK. The results provide a comparative profile of international travelers in the three travel arrangement groups from these European countries in terms of their sociodemographics, travel characteristics, holiday activity participation and psychographics.
The structure and conformation of stannyl and related radical adducts to cyclopentadiene by ESR

Abstract The addition of organostannyl, germyl, silyl and thiyl radicals to cyclopentadiene is examined by electron spin resonance. All of the adducts possess similar basic structures which are related to the cyclopentenyl radical but differ in their conformations. Heteroatoms consisting of tin, germanium and silicon in these adducts occupy an eclipsed position relative to the π-allylic framework, but these radicals do not have symmetrically bridged structures. Sulfur exhibits a smaller conformational effect, and the oxygen adduct is similar to the parent cyclopentenyl radical.
Classes as first class objects in an environment-passing interpreter

We describe an expression-based programming language that treats classes as first-class objects. We show an implementation of this language using an environment-passing interpreter accessible to students in a programming language class. We also show how to extend this language with properties (as in the C# programming language).
Dunkard Group coal beds: Palynology, coal petrography and geochemistry

Abstract Coal beds that occur in the Dunkard Group are typically thin (avg. 0.3 m), and are high in ash yield (avg. 27.8%) and total sulfur content (avg. 5.1%). Petrographically, Dunkard coals are high in vitrinite (avg. 83.1%, mmf), with correspondingly low to moderate amounts of liptinite (avg. 2.1%, mmf) and inertinite (avg. 13.8%, mmf). Palynologically, Dunkard coal beds are all dominated by tree fern spore taxa (avg. 96.3%), especially Punctatisporites minutus (avg. 82.8%). Calamite spores are the second most abundant plant group (avg. 2.4%), with others (lycopods, small ferns, Cordaites and other gymnosperms) having very minor representation. Overall, the coal palynofloras are strongly dominated by lowland plants (ferns and Calamites), with only rare occurrences of bisaccate–striate conifer pollen. Coal beds of the underlying Monongahela Group (Pittsburgh, Redstone, Sewickley and Waynesburg) are thicker (avg. 1.6 m), and are lower in ash (avg. 13.4%) and sulfur (avg. 3.3%) than their Dunkard counterparts. Petrographically, Monongahela Group coals are very similar to Dunkard Group coals, when compared on a mineral matter free basis; coal beds that occur in both groups are strongly dominated by vitrinite macerals. Monongahela Group coals are also palynologically very similar to Dunkard Group coals, with tree fern spore taxa dominating. A coal bed of early Permian age from west-central Texas is also similar, petrographically and palynologically, to Dunkard and Monongahela coals, being vitrinite and tree fern spore dominant. The almost complete lack of coniferous pollen in Dunkard coals led earlier workers to conclude that the Dunkard was entirely Late Pennsylvanian, and not Permian, in age. However, it is now known that Late Pennsylvania lowland floras persisted into the Dunkard, especially during wet intervals. As earlier interpretations were based primarily on spore and pollen floras from coal beds, the lack of conifer pollen in Dunkard coals is probably the result of a sampling bias. Because of this ecological bias, coal palynology is a poor proxy for age dating Dunkard Group coals. Collectively, Dunkard swamps were all planar and topogenous, their formation being controlled by topography and moisture availability. A progressive decrease in wet intervals, both in terms of frequency and duration, during the Dunkard was the major control on peat accumulation and preservation. Collectively, moisture limitation appears to be the principle factor that controlled the formation of Dunkard Group coals.
Mouse Connexin 45: Genomic Cloning and Exon Usage

Connexin 45 is a gap junction protein that is prominent in early embryos and is widely expressed in many mature cell types. To elucidate its gene structure, expression, and regulation, we isolated mouse Cx45 genomic clones. Alignment of the genomic DNA and cDNA sequences revealed the presence of three exons and two introns. The first two exons contained only 5′ untranslated sequences, while exon 3 contained the remaining 5′ UTR, the entire coding region, and the 3′ UTR. An RT-PCR with exon-specific primers was utilized to examine exon usage in F9 mouse embryonal carcinoma cells and adult mouse tissues. In all samples, PCR products amplified using exon 2/exon 3 or exon 3/exon 3 primer pairs were much more abundant than products produced using exon 1/exon 2 or exon 1/exon 3 primer pairs, suggesting that Cx45 mRNAs containing exon 1 were relatively rare compared with mRNAs containing the other exons. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5′-RACE) was performed using antisense primers from within exon 3 and templ...
2005–2006 Meetings and Conferences

Abstract In this issue, the reviewed websites describe worldwide meetings and conferences that may be relevant to your field of research in 2005 and 2006. All of the discussed meetings and conferences have sessions dedicated to some form of pancreatic disease-related research. For some of the meetings listed for 2005 the deadlines may have already passed. However, many are annual meetings, so a look at their website to find out the program topics and abstracts for this year may prompt interest to attend next year's meeting.
Heralded, pure-state single-photon source based on a KTP waveguide

We show that with simple spectral filtering, the Schmidt number for the transmitted photon-pairs (with 90% transmittance) which are produced via type-II parametric down-conversion in a KTP waveguide equals to unity to within 0.2 %.
Recurrent cardiac tamponade and large pericardial effusions: management with an indwelling pericardial catheter.

Abstract A new technique, using an atraumatlc indwelling catheter, has been developed for short-term management of large or rapidly reaccumulating pericardial effusions. This technique (1) permits continuous pericardial fluid drainage, obviating repeated aspirations; (2) provides a convenient route for intrapericardial instillation of chemotherapeutic agents; and (3) enables one to await the results of diagnostlc studies without subjecting a patient to thoracotomy. Experience in three patients suggests that in some cases the use of this catheter may eliminate the need for surgery; in others, it may serve as a valuable temporary measure to achieve stabilization of the patient's condition.
On Equivalence of State Assignments

Using a new definition for the equivalent of state assignments, the number of nonequivalent state assignments is derived. The exact number of nondegenerate state assignments is also compted.
IDEAS ABOUT THE NATURE OF SCIENCE HELD BY UNDERGRADUATE ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE STUDENTS

Learning about the nature of science involves learning about science, its goals, methods, products, and practitioners. As university students progress through their studies, what are they learning about science? Several studies have attempted to answer this question, but none have examined the ideas of atmospheric science students. We discuss the results of a single study that explores introductory undergraduate atmospheric science students' ideas about the nature of science, and examines relationships between these ideas and students' previous university science coursework. We focus on the ideas about the definition of science, about scientific knowledge, about the scientific process, and about the scientific enterprise held by a group of undergraduate atmospheric science students. Unlike previous university students studied, the majority of these students viewed science as an enterprise that requires creativity and imagination. They also believed science to be a discipline that “proves” its assertions b...
Prevalence of Antibodies to Neospora caninum in Wild Animals

Antibodies to Neospora caninum were determined in several species of wild animals in the United States by the Neospora agglutination test (NAT). Antibodies (NAT 1:40 or higher) were found in 5 of 249 bison (Bison bison), 5 of 160 caribou (Rangifer tarandus), 4 of 162 moose (Alces alces), 4 of 122 wolves (Canis lupus), and 1 of 224 musk ox (Ovibos moschatus) but not in 197 black bears (Ursus americanus). To our knowledge, this is the first report of antibodies to N. caninum in bison and caribou. The total absence of N. caninum antibodies in black bears indicates that bears are not a host for N. caninum and that there is no cross-reactivity between the NAT and the modified agglutination test (MAT) for Toxoplasma gondii, because more than 80% of black bears in eastern United States have MAT antibodies at a 1:25 serum solution.
An Accelerated Life Test For Evaluating Power Cable Insulations

For many years, the power cable industry has sought an accelerated test that would quantitatively evaluate the life of polyethylene insulation for high voltage cables. This paper describes preliminary results leading to development of such a test. This test employs full size cables with accelerating factors such as temperature, water, electrical stress, frequency and mechanical stress. Times-to-failure for thernnplastic and crosslinked polyethylene insulation materials are canpared at different temperatures and the effect of water in the strand is illustrated. Data are presented showing the performance differences of two peroxide comipounds in crosslinked polyethylene. The influence of a tree-retardant additive to thermo-plastic polyethylene is described. General observations are made of the failure mode and nature of tree formation in test specimens.
Recombinational repair of hydrogen peroxide-induced damages in DNA of phage T4.

Abstract Recently, hydrogen peroxide and its free-radical product, the hydroxyl radical (OH ·) have been identified as major sources of DNA damage in living organisms. They occur as ubiquitous metabolic by-products and, in humans, cause several thousand damages in a cell's DNA per day. They are thought to be a major source of DNA damage leading to aging and cancer in multicellular organisms. This raises two questions. First, what pathways are used in repair of DNA damages caused by H 2 O 2 and OH·? Second, a new theory has been proposed that sexual reproduction (sex) evolved to promote repair of DNA in the germ line of organisms. If this theory is correct, then the type of repair specifically available during the sexual process should be able to deal with important natural lesions such as those produced by H 2 O 2 and OH·. Does this occur? We examined repair of hydrogen peroxide damage to DNA, using a standard bacteriophage T4 test system in which sexual reproduction is either permitted or not permitted. Post-replication recombinational repair and den V-dependent excision repair are not dependent on sex. Both of these processes had little or no effect on lethal H 2 O 2 damage. Also, an enzyme important in repair of H 2 O 2 -induced DNA damage in the E. coli host cells, exonuclease III, was not utilized in repair of lethal H 2 O 2 damage to the phage. However, multiplicity reactivation, a recombinational form of repair depending on the sexual interaction of two or more of the bacteriophage, was found to repair lethal H 2 O 2 damages efficiently. Our results lend support to the repair hypothesis of sex. Also the homology-dependent recombinational repair utilized in the phage sexual process may be analogous to the homology-dependent recombination which is widespread in diploid eucaryotes. The recombinational repair pathway found in phage T4 may thus be a widely applicable model for repair of the ubiquitous DNA damage caused by endogenous oxidative reactions.
Forage production and phosphorus phytoremediation in manure-impacted soils

Amounts of manure generated by concentrated animal operations often exceed the capacity of nearby land, and stricter environmental regulations lead to creation of pockets of highly impacted sites within a watershed basin. Linking forage production with manure utilization can be an effective approach for addressing both the problems of manure disposal and impact reductions on water quality. In general, cropping patterns, climate, topography, and fertilization practices affect concentrations of nutrients, including N and P in runoff waters. Forage plants include diverse groups of grasses and legumes adapted to different climatic zones and varying soil fertility. To optimize the P remediation in affected sites, knowledge of P forms and soil properties is crucial. Given the possibility of producing high quality and quantity of herbage from such impacted agricultural areas, it would be worthwhile to utilize existing knowledge of herbage production from differentially manured soils and optimize nutrient uptakes. This review attempts to consolidate the available information on the potentials and limitations of pasture usage for phytoremediation of P in affected soils. Such herbage production systems may not only be environmentally sound for recycling of nutrients and minimizing nutrient loss to water bodies, but they may also help farmers/producers to maintain a profitable business enterprise.
Nitrite-induced methemoglobin formation and recovery in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) at three acclimation temperatures.

The relationship between nitrite concentration and degree of methemoglobinemia has been documented in catfish; however, the influence of temperature on this process has not been examined. In light of the effects of temperature on the movement of chemicals, it is tempting to hypothesize that higher temperatures always increase toxicity. A temperature change may result in an increase, decrease or no change in the toxicity of a chemical pollutant. The authors conducted research to measure the effect of temperature on methemoglobin formation and recovery in nitrite-exposed channel catfish.
Perceived Musculoskeletal Loading during use of a Force-Feedback Computer Mouse

With 30 to 80 percent of computer work involving the use of a pointing device, engineers are constantly exploring new and better interface designs. The introduction of a force-feedback mouse, which provides high fidelity tactile cues via force output, may represent such a long-awaited technological breakthrough. However, force may also be a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity, especially those associated with the use of computer input devices. For a point-and-click task, we hypothesize that both the performance and the self-reported task difficulty and comfort (i.e. pain and discomfort) improve with the application of an attractive basin force field (gravity sink like effect) around the target in comparison to a typical mouse with no force field. Fifteen adult subjects performed a point-and-click task 520 times with and without an attractive force basin around the target. The movements varied in direction and distance, and the order of presentation was randomized. Movement tim...
Control sets on grammars using depth-first derivations

Control sets on grammars are extended to depth-first derivations. It is proved that a context-free language is generated by the depth-first derivations of an arbitrary context-free grammar controlled by an arbitrary regular set. This result is sharpened to obtain a new characterization of the family of derivation-bounded languages: a languageL is derivation bounded if and only if it is generated by the depth-first derivations of a context-free grammarG controlled by a regular subsetR of the Szilard language ofG. The left-derivation-bounded languages are characterized analogously using leftmost derivations. It is proved that a grammarG is nonterminal bounded if and only if the Szilard language defined using only the depth-first derivations ofG is regular. Finally, it is proved that if a family of languagesC is a trio, a semi-AFL, an AFL, or an AFL closed under λ-free substitution, then the family of languages generated using arbitrary context-free grammars controlled by members ofC is full, is closed under reversal, and has the closure properties assumed ofC.
Application of a Neural Manufacturing Concept to Process Modeling, Monitoring and Control

The cost of a fabrication line, such as one in a semiconductor house, has increased dramatically over the years, and it is possibly already past the point that some new start-up company can have sufficient capital to build a new fabrication line. Such capital-intensive manufacturing needs better utilization of resources and management of equipment to maximize its productivity. In order to maximize the return from such a capital-intensive manufacturing line, we need to work on the following: 1) increasing the yield, 2) enhancing the flexibility of the fabrication line, 3) improving quality, and finally 4) minimizing the down time of the processing equipment. Because of the significant advances now made in the fields of artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic, machine learning and genetic algorithms, we advocate the use of these new tools in manufacturing. We term the applications to manufacturing of these and other such tools that mimic human intelligence neural manufacturing. This paper describes the effort at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) [1] to use artificial neural networks to address certain semiconductor process modeling, monitoring and control questions.
A single-center analysis of surgical treatment for chronic pancreatitis: relatively rare and unevenly deployed

Background: Management of chronic pancreatitis remains a challenge. Current strategies reserve surgery as a last-available option after medical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and endoscopy have failed. Some clinicians advocate early consideration of surgical treatment to prevent disease progression and reduce the risk of opioid dependency. Aims: The aim of this study was to describe the use of elective surgery for chronic pancreatitis in a high-volume, teaching hospital. Patients & methods: Retrospective analysis of administrative patient data for in-patients with chronic pancreatitis 2003 2013 inclusively. Demographic and clinical information, including number of admissions and costs, was obtained through hospital decision support. Surgery of interest: Frey procedure, pancreaticoduodenectomy, total pancreatectomy, distal pancreatectomy, and Duodenum-Preserving Pancreatic Head Resection. Debridements and emergent pancreatic operations excluded. Results: Of 3,480 patients, 406 (11.7%) received surgery of interest. Both newchronicpancreatitisdiagnosesandproceduresperformedremainedstable throughout this time period. Whipple and other pancreaticoduodenectomies comprised the largestproportionofoperationswith48.8% (n1⁄4198). 22.7%were distal pancreatectomy, and 18.7%were pancreatojejunostomy including Frey’s procedure. There was a non-significant decrease in use of pancreaticoduodenectomy over time. The group receiving surgery was older (mean: 57.8 vs. 54.2 years <0.0001), more likely to be male (21.6% vs. 18.3% p1⁄40.017), white (OR: 1.88 95% CI: 1.4-2.5), married (OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.7). Conclusion: Only a minority of patients appear to undergo elective pancreas-directed surgery for chronic pancreatitis. There is heterogeneity in receiving resection across demographic groups. Further investigation with patient risk adjustment comparing clinical outcomes of definitive surgery is warranted. Abstracts / Pancreatol S40
Phylogeny and reproduction in Syllidae (Polychaeta)

Abstract The phylogeny of 12 representatives of the four syllid subfamilies is analysed using 44 morphological characters and 96 character states. The analysis is designed to answer two questions: are the four subfamilies monophyletic, and how are the different reproductive strategies related? Syllids show two modes of reproduction, epigamy and schizogamy. Epigamy is mainly constrained to two of the four subfamilies, Eusyllinae and Exogoninae but occurs also in some members of Autolytinae. Schizogamy can be of two types-scissiparity and gemmiparity—and both types are found in Syllinae and Autolytinae. Several modes of brood protection also occur in the family; in some epigamous species the eggs and even juveniles are attached to the main animal, whereas in brooding schizogamous species the stolons care for the young. Brood protection appears in Exogoninae, a few species of Eusyllinae, and some Autolytinae. The resulting tree indicates that members exhibiting brood protection are constrained to one clade, and that it is uncertain whether epigamy or schizogamy is the plesiomorphic reproductive mode. Three of the four subfamilies, Autolytinae, Exogoninae and Syllinae, are supported in the analysis whereas Eusyllinae is found to be polyphyletic.
Near-infrared hadamard transform raman spectrometry

Abstract Hadamard transform spectrometry using a liquid crystal optical shutter array (LC-OSA) as a stationary Hadamard encoding mask is shown to be a viable technique for near-IR Raman spectrometry with the 1064-nm line of a Nd:YAG laser. Spectra are presented and discussed and future plans are outlined.
On the Relationship between the Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test and Backprojection for Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging

In synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging, 1 a scene of interest is illuminated by electromagnetic waves. The aim is to reconstruct an image of the scene from the measurement of the scattered waves using airborne antenna(s). There are many imaging systems which are built upon this notion such as mono-static SAR, bi-static SAR, 2 and hitchhiker SAR. 3 For these modalities, there are analytic reconstruction algorithms based on backprojection. Backprojection-based algorithms have the advantage of putting the visible edges of the scene at the right location and orientation in the reconstructed images. On the other hand, there is also a SAR imaging method based on the generalized likelihood-ratio test (GLRT). In particular we consider the problem of detecting a target at an unknown location. In the GLRT, the presence of a target in the scene is determined based on the likelihood-ratio test. Since the location of the target is not known, the GLRT test statistic is calculated for each position in the scene and the location corresponding to the maximum test statistic indicates the location of a potential target. In this paper, we show that the backprojection-based analytic reconstruction methods include as a special case the GLRT method. We show that the GLRT test statistic is related to the reflectivity of the scene when a backprojection-based reconstruction algorithm is used.
Nonvolatile holographic storage methods

The demonstrate the storage of 1000 holograms in LiNbO3:Fe, recorded at 488nm and read at 633nm to reduce decay during read-out. We minimize Bragg mismatch problems of the two-wavelength scheme by using thin crystals, while combining peristrophic and angle multiplexing to counter the poorer angular selectivity of thin crystals. We find the reduction in read-out decay to be significant: but limited by dark conductivity.
Kinetics of Solvolyses of Various N, N'-Dialkyl-N-nitrosoureas in Neutral and Alkaline Solutions

a) The neutral and alkaline solvolyses of N-methyl-N'-p-fluorophenyl-N-nitrosourea, 1, 6-dimethyl-1, 6-dinitrosobiurea, N-methyl-N'-phenethyl-N-nitrosourea, trimethylenebis-N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and N, N'-dimethyl-N-nitrosourea are subject to spontaneous and specific hydroxide ion catalysis, i.e. kapp(sec-1=k0+kOH[OH-]. The decreasing order of reactivity is in the order given and is consistent with the fact that electron-with-drawing substituents abet hydroxyl ion attack by inducing a more positive center. The fact that substitution of an alkyl for a hydrogen on the N'-nitrogen inhibits hydrolysis favors the adjacent carbonyl carbon as the primary focus of hydroxide ion attack. b) The log k-pH profiles of N, N'-dimethyl-N-nitrosourea and 1, 6-dimethyl-1, 6-dinitrosobiurea show a deviation in the linearity of the alkaline branch which can be attributed to a kinetic pKa' where these compounds may exist as anions at higher pH values and thus be more resistant to hydroxide ion attack. c) The gas chromatographically analyzed alcohol products of alkaline degradation of N-alkyl-N'-nitrosourease are various in several cases and thus clearly implicate a potentiallu rearranging carbonium ion intermediate in the alkaline solvolyses of these compounds. The N-n-butyl compound gives a mixture of n-butyl-alcohol in 45% yield, and secondary butyl alcohol in 24% yield for pH values greater than 7.0. The fact that the N-isobutyl compound yields t-butyl alcohol (76%), sec-butyl alcohol (22%)and isobutyl alcohol (18%) also implicates a methyl shift. The N-alkyl-and N-benzyl-compounds yield only the corresponding alcohols.
The effect of hepatic inflow occlusion on laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation using simulated tumors.

Background The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hepatic inflow occlusion (the Pringle maneuver) on laparoscopic radiofrequency (RF) ablation.
Axon degeneration is key component of neuronal death in amyloid-β toxicity.

Depending upon the stimulus, neuronal cell death can either be triggered from the cell body (soma) or the axon. We investigated the origin of the degeneration signal in amyloid β (Aβ) induced neuronal cell death in cultured in vitro hippocampal neurons. We discovered that Aβ1–42 toxicity-induced axon degeneration precedes cell death in hippocampal neurons. Overexpression of Bcl-xl inhibited both axonal and cell body degeneration in the Aβ-42 treated neurons. Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 1 (Nmnat1) blocks axon degeneration in a variety of paradigms, but it cannot block neuronal cell body death. Therefore, if the neuronal death signals in Aβ1–42 toxicity originate from degenerating axons, we should be able to block neuronal death by inhibiting axon degeneration. To explore this possibility we over-expressed Nmnat1 in hippocampal neurons. We found that inhibition of axon degeneration in Aβ1–42 treated neurons prevented neuronal cell death. Thus, we conclude that axon degeneration is the key component of Aβ1–42 induced neuronal degeneration, and therapies targeting axonal protection can be important in finding a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
AST: An Automated Sequence-Sampling Method for Improving the Taxonomic Diversity of Gene Phylogenetic Trees

A challenge in phylogenetic inference of gene trees is how to properly sample a large pool of homologous sequences to derive a good representative subset of sequences. Such a need arises in various applications, e.g. when (1) accuracy-oriented phylogenetic reconstruction methods may not be able to deal with a large pool of sequences due to their high demand in computing resources; (2) applications analyzing a collection of gene trees may prefer to use trees with fewer operational taxonomic units (OTUs), for instance for the detection of horizontal gene transfer events by identifying phylogenetic conflicts; and (3) the pool of available sequences is biased towards extensively studied species. In the past, the creation of subsamples often relied on manual selection. Here we present an Automated sequence-Sampling method for improving the Taxonomic diversity of gene phylogenetic trees, AST, to obtain representative sequences that maximize the taxonomic diversity of the sampled sequences. To demonstrate the effectiveness of AST, we have tested it to solve four problems, namely, inference of the evolutionary histories of the small ribosomal subunit protein S5 of E. coli, 16 S ribosomal RNAs and glycosyl-transferase gene family 8, and a study of ancient horizontal gene transfers from bacteria to plants. Our results show that the resolution of our computational results is almost as good as that of manual inference by domain experts, hence making the tool generally useful to phylogenetic studies by non-phylogeny specialists. The program is available at http://csbl.bmb.uga.edu/~zhouchan/AST.php.
The selfish yeast plasmid uses the nuclear motor Kip1p but not Cin8p for its localization and equal segregation.

The 2 micron plasmid of Saccharomyces cerevisiae uses the Kip1 motor, but not the functionally redundant Cin8 motor, for its precise nuclear localization and equal segregation. The timing and lifetime of Kip1p association with the plasmid partitioning locus STB are consistent with Kip1p being an authentic component of the plasmid partitioning complex. Kip1–STB association is not blocked by disassembling the mitotic spindle. Lack of Kip1p disrupts recruitment of the cohesin complex at STB and cohesion of replicated plasmid molecules. Colocalization of a 2 micron reporter plasmid with Kip1p in close proximity to the spindle pole body is reminiscent of that of a CEN reporter plasmid. Absence of Kip1p displaces the plasmid from this nuclear address, where it has the potential to tether to a chromosome or poach chromosome segregation factors. Exploiting Kip1p, which is subsidiary to Cin8p for chromosome segregation, to direct itself to a “partitioning center” represents yet another facet of the benign parasitism of the yeast plasmid.
Improvement of a Hemin Standard by Recrystallization

Summary1. The purity of crude hemin preparations used, as determined by their iron content, was improved by recrystallization. 2. Crude hemin preparations in borate buffer showed variable extinction coefficients at any wavelength selected along the flat portions of the absorption spectra. Recrystallized hemin preparations from the above crude hemin samples showed very nearly equal extinction coefficients at the same wavelength. 3. Dilute solutions of recrystallized hemin from different sources were more uniformly stable than dilute solutions of crude hemin during a one-month period.
"On the Way": Reflections on Politics and Passion

In Passion and Politics Michael Walzer explores two problems of liberal democratic theory: its refusal to acknowledge the place of passion in politics, and its difficulty in making place for involuntary associations (especially illiberal ones) that shape the character of citizens. Against a background of appreciation for his concerns and arguments, I ask whether his account of involuntary associations is sufficiently complicated or sufficiently rich metaphysically.
"The measure of my days" critiqued by the oldest old.

The practice of nursing begins by listening to individual stories--to personal interpretations. This project elicited personal interpretations of aging. The biographical book by Florida Scott-Maxwell, A Measure of My Days, was critiqued by eight men and women over the age of 85. Each person was visited two to three times. Discussions during the visits were audiotaped and transcribed. Transcriptions were reviewed by the participant and researcher together to create critiques. Excerpts of the critiques presented are a result of each participant's interpretation of the text and are written in the participant's words. These individual interpretations of The Measure of My Days are just that, individual interpretations. Left in story form, they serve a different purpose than themes or categories developed to illuminate or define. Thematizing or categorizing critiques serves to describe an aggregate reaction. While useful, aggregate reactions may be of limited use for nurses working with any single individual.
Managing implicit assumptions in natural language interfaces

A person's choice of what to communicate and how to communicate it depends on the information he or she believes is shared with the audience. This presents a challenge for natural language interfaces, because it is hard for people to predict what information they share with the interface and how it will use this information to interpret their text. This is especially difficult for pragmatic-level assumptions supplied by the interpreter that go beyond the information in the surface text, because these assumptions are negotiated in dialogue and frequently revised or redacted.We have built a calendaring interface that allows users to communicate English event descriptions. This constrained task gives us a clear criteria for communication success and failure. Failures are opportunities to acquire and revise assumptions: to collect lexical and semantic knowledge from a variety of users. By lowering the interaction barrier so end users can contribute to the linguistic interpretation process, we can collect culture-specific lexical and semantic knowledge directly from the members of the cultural group who possess it. This knowledge is essential for the pragmatic task of deriving what a speaker meant from what they said.The goal of this research is to make the assumptions involved with interpreting natural language explicit to the user. Using a model of language generation and interpretation based on planning and plan recognition, we capture, through user contributions, word definitions and commonsense assumptions - and we represent both as belief-changing actions. Using visualizations and a direct manipulation interface, users can access the interpretation status, inspect which assumptions were made, and suggest or modify existing assumptions. With the aim of providing the functionally equivalent of the negotiation stage in interpersonal dialogue, we evaluate the interface by how it allows users to revise and extend assumptions toward successful interpretation.