cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integration of Three-Dimensional Macroporous Nanoelectronics with Materials

Seamless integration of embedded multifunctional electronics with host materials could transfer inactive materials into active systems, which allow the communication between the materials and external environment, and create a smart system [1, 2]. Traditional electronics are planar and rigid, however, most materials and systems in our daily life are three-dimensional (3D) and non-planar.
Characterizing the effect of print orientation on interface integrity of multi-material jetting additive manufacturing

Abstract Relatively few engineering devices and structures are monolithic, as combinations of materials are often needed to meet the necessary functionality, performance, weight, and cost requirements. Progress in additive manufacturing (AM) now allows multiple materials to be produced in a single manufacturing process, opening new opportunities for expeditiously achieving functional and performance targets. Just as interactions at interfaces have long been of interest in the area of adhesive bonding, similar issues need to be addressed for printed composite materials, including how print orientation may affect failure. In this study, acrylic photopolymers were printed in a multi-material jetting process to produce fracture specimens consisting of an elastomeric layer sandwiched between two stiffer strips. Findings are offered as contributions to the three process modeling challenge topics conveyed in a recent NIST/NSF Measurement Science Roadmap (Pellegrino, 2016), as follows: • Specimen configuration guidelines for standards for validation, certification, and qualification of models/parts: Several test specimen configurations based on the double cantilever beam method were fabricated and evaluated to measure the fracture resistance of the assembled layers, leading to a recommended configuration that minimizes material usage and spurious dissipation. • Understanding interfacial science of AM polymers: Substantial differences are reported in the measured fracture energy and locus of failure (though nominally occurring at or near material interfaces) as a function of the print direction and interface architecture. • Non-equilibrium material/process measurements and models: All tests showed increased fracture energy at higher crack propagation rates; power-law relationships proved useful for comparing specimen configurations and describing this rate-dependent nature of the interface and materials involved. These studies, which additionally include encouraging preliminary results with graded multilayers, also suggest opportunities for designing printed interfaces with improved performance and durability for multi-material AM products.
COMMUNICATION TOOLS AND PROJECT SUCCESS IN COMPLEX OUTSOURCED IT PROJECTS

Web 2.0 technologies, such as shared documents, Wikis, and virtual social networks, are increasingly used for communication in complex IT projects. In this study, we apply the boundary spanning theoretical perspective and Carlile’s (2002) model of boundary complexity to investigate how these tools relate to projects’ outcomes, and analyze the characteristics of the projects and organizations where these tools are adopted. The analysis is based on post-hoc field data collected from client side project managers through an online cross sectional survey. We observed higher level of reflection on communication practices among adopters of Web 2.0 tools. We also found that, along with reflection, the freedom to choose and alter communication tools, strong leadership and approaching clientvendor communication as negotiation of new knowledge (the “pragmatic” level of Carlile’s model) are strongly associated with project success for Web 2.0 adopters; this is not the case for projects where Web 2.0 tools have never been tried. This work provides evidence of the value of the boundary spanning conceptual approach to communication and particularly to Carlile’s model of boundary complexity. Practitioners will gain a better understanding of how tools that support higher levels of communication complexity contribute to a project’s success.
The Regulation of Cellular Aging by Nuclear Events in Cultured Normal Human Fibroblasts (WI-38)

Since the development of an invitro model for aging in 1961, interest in the biology of vertebrate senescence at the cellular level has increased greatly. Previously it had been widely believed that normal vertebrate cells were immortal (1, 2), and consequently that biological aging was not the result of fundamental changes in the genome of individual cells. In 1961 we (3) demonstrated that normal human fetal lung fibroblasts have a limited proliferative capacity of 50 ± 10 population doublings, a finding that has since been confirmed in many laboratories. This limited proliferative capacity, and the physiological decrements that precede it, have been interpreted by us to be the invitro counterpart of those processes that occur as an organism ages (3–6). Support for this hypothesis has come from many different studies demonstrating such phenomena as 1) an inverse correlation between population doubling potential of cultured cells invitro and donor age (4, 7, 8), 2) a possible direct correlation between mean maximun species lifespan and invitro proliferative capacity (9–15), and 3) a limited proliferative capacity for normal cells serially transplanted invivo in syngeneic hosts (16–19).
The Immune Response Under Stress: Class I HLA Presentation of Host-Derived Peptides

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules are found at the surface of all nucleated cells. Class I molecules function as immune sentries by scanning the intracellular proteome and then reflecting the proteome at the cell surface. Through class I presented peptides, T lymphocytes and other immune effector cells can continuously survey the intracellular proteome. Viral infection and cancerous transformation results in the presentation of peptides not found on healthy cells. Class I presented peptides therefore act to distinguish infected and cancerous cells in the eyes of the immune response. Here, we review how class I molecules reflect host cell stress resulting from infection and cancerous transformation. Class I molecules display peptides derived from heat shock proteins on both cancerous and virus-infected cells, and these peptides are clearly recognized by the immune response. The class I of diseased cells also reveal less obvious stress-related signals: Peptide fragments of proteins involved in cell homeostasis act to distinguish infected or cancerous cells. Finally, peptides derived from particular host proteins act as broad indicators of cellular stress, distinguishing both cancerous and virus-infected cells. These class I presented peptides are positioned to influence adaptive and innate immune responses to cellular stress
A Dual-Modality Linker Enables Site-Specific Conjugation of Antibody Fragments for 18F-Immuno-PET and Fluorescence Imaging

Antibody-based dual-modality (PET/fluorescence) imaging enables both presurgery antigen-specific immuno-PET for noninvasive whole-body evaluation and intraoperative fluorescence for visualization of superficial tissue layers for image-guided surgery. Methods: We developed a universal dual-modality linker (DML) that facilitates site-specific conjugation to a cysteine residue-bearing antibody fragment, introduction of a commercially available fluorescent dye (via an amine-reactive prosthetic group), and rapid and efficient radiolabeling via click chemistry with 18F-labeled trans-cyclooctene (18F-TCO). To generate a dual-modality antibody fragment-based imaging agent, the DML was labeled with the far-red dye sulfonate cyanine 5 (sCy5), site-specifically conjugated to the C-terminal cysteine of the anti-prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) cys-diabody A2, and subsequently radiolabeled by click chemistry with 18F-TCO. The new imaging probe was evaluated in a human PSCA-positive prostate cancer xenograft model by sequential immuno-PET and optical imaging. Uptake in target tissues was confirmed by ex vivo biodistribution. Results: We successfully synthesized a DML for conjugation of a fluorescent dye and 18F. The anti-PSCA cys-diabody A2 was site-specifically conjugated with either DML or sCy5 and radiolabeled via click chemistry with 18F-TCO. Immuno-PET imaging confirmed in vivo antigen-specific targeting of prostate cancer xenografts as early as 1 h after injection. Rapid renal clearance of the 50-kDa antibody fragment enables same-day imaging. Optical imaging showed antigen-specific fluorescent signal in PSCA-positive xenografts and high contrast to surrounding tissue and PSCA-negative xenografts. Conclusion: The DML enables site-specific conjugation away from the antigen-binding site of antibody fragments, with a controlled linker-to-protein ratio, and combines signaling moieties for 2 imaging systems into 1 molecule. Dual-modality imaging could provide both noninvasive whole-body imaging with organ-level biodistribution and fluorescence image-guided identification of tumor margins during surgery.
Mapping the study topics and characteristics of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis research literature: a protocol for a scoping review.

Introduction The research literature addressing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has increased considerably over the last decade. To better understand the research areas and explore research gaps, we will conduct a scoping review to map study topics and describe study characteristics and populations in publications focused on PrEP. The purpose of this protocol is to describe planned methods for the scoping review. Methods and analysis We will implement a comprehensive systematic literature search to identify PrEP citations in the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Synthesis Project database that is unique and extensively focuses on HIV/sexually transmitted infections/hepatitis. We will screen and include studies that are (1) focused on HIV PrEP, (2) primary research with human participants and (3) published in English. Two reviewers will independently abstract data on authors’ names, study years, countries, population characteristics and design. To describe and summarise study topics, we will use 19 codes and five categories that were developed from a preliminary study. The five categories are category 1: potential PrEP user/prescriber (behaviours/issues for potential PrEP takers/healthcare professionals), category 2: considerations while on PrEP (experiences of and problems related to staying on or prescribing PrEP), category 3: PrEP efficacy and safety (biomedical aspects and medication efficacy), category 4: methods of and experiences with PrEP clinical trials (possesses/experiences of clinical trials) and category 5: cost-effectiveness or economic evaluation (cost studies). Data will be analysed with descriptive statistics. Ethics and dissemination The findings will be presented at HIV-related conferences and published in peer-review journals.
INVITED: RTL-to-GDS Tool Flow and Design-for-Test Solutions for Monolithic 3D ICs

Monolithic 3D IC overcomes the limitation of the existing through-silicon-via (TSV) based 3D IC by providing denser vertical connections with nano-scale inter-layer vias (ILVs). In this paper, we demonstrate a thorough RTL-to-GDS design flow for monolithic 3D IC, which is based on commercial 2D place-and-route (P&R) tools and clever ways to extend them to handle 3D IC designs and simulations. We also provide a low-cost built-in-self-test (BIST) method to detect various faults that can occur on ILVs. Lastly, we present a resistive random access memory (ReRAM) compiler that generates memory modules that are to be integrated in monolithic 3D ICs.
REDUCTION OF ELECTRONIC LENGTH MEASUREMENTS

The following is a review of the method of correcting electronic length measurements for slope, height above sea level, and curvature of electric waves.
Fertility-enhancing male reproductive surgery: glimpses into the past and thoughts for the future.

Over the past few decades, there have been numerous paradigm shifts in male reproductive surgery, resulting from a combination of technologic advancements in both the operating room and the laboratory. The operating microscope transformed the field of male reproductive surgery, enabling novel techniques and higher precision for the treatment of male-factor subfertility. The subsequent widespread adoption of microsurgical approaches was largely responsible for the emergence of a cadre of highly specialized male infertility microsurgeons. The advent and evolution of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection was a concurrent story that further revolutionized the field. The ability to achieve fertilization and pregnancy with just a single sperm changed the ways in which male reproductive surgeons could approach a wide range of pathologies from obstructive to nonobstructive causes, culminating in the microdissection testicular sperm extraction procedure for the treatment of nonobstructive azoospermia. Here we review the recent advancements in fertility-enhancing male reproductive surgery for the treatment of four disease processes: varicocele, obstruction of the excurrent ductal system, ejaculatory duct obstruction, and nonobstructive azoospermia. While examining the great strides of the past, we look forward to exciting developments on the horizon.
Ingestible Bioelectronics: A Packaged, Bio-Molecular, Fluorescence-Based Sensor Array with Ultra-Low-Power Wireless Interface

Ingestible electronics capable of laboratory quality bio-molecular analysis occupying pill-sized volume, operating at sub-mW with a robust wireless interface can transform medical diagnostics and personalized healthcare. Miniaturization of complex bio-molecular systems in such a volume is extremely challenging, notwithstanding a wireless interface that is capable of robust communication through inches of tissue. The paper presents a fully packaged biosensor system with Tx/Rx antennas coupled to a single CMOS chip that integrates a low-power wireless interface and a 15-pixel fluorescence biosensor array with on-chip nanoplasmonic optical filters. The IC, operating across multiple ISM/MICS bands, employs pulse-pause-encoded ASK/OOK modulation and achieves reception energy efficiency of 28 pJ/bit at 7 Mbps and -58 dBm of sensitivity with 196 μW of DC power. The entire bio-compatible package is miniaturized to a size of 1.2 × 2.5 cm2. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work demonstrates for the first time a CMOS ICs with pM sensitivity in protein/DNA assays with wireless transmission capability through inches of tissue at state of the art energy efficiency.
Adaptive Online Monitoring of the Ising model

Ising model is a general framework for capturing the dependency structure among random variables. It has many interesting real-world applications in the fields of medical imaging, genetics, disease surveillance, etc. Nonetheless, literature on the online change-point detection of the interaction parameter in the model is rather limited. This might be attributed to following two challenges: 1) the exact evaluation of the likelihood function with the given data is computationally infeasible due to the presence of partition function and 2) the post-change parameter usually is unknown. In this paper, we overcome these two challenges via our proposed adaptive pseudo-CUSUM procedure, which incorporates the notion of pseudo-likelihood function under the CUSUM framework. Asymptotic analysis, numerical simulation, and case study corroborate the statistical efficiency and the practicality of our proposed scheme.
Addressing adverse events in health care through a safety science lens

Abstract Despite over nearly two decades of intense attention, funding, and research on patient safety and adverse events in health care, rates of reported patient harm have failed to improve. Many thousands of patients die every year as a result of serious and largely preventable safety events or medical errors. This lack of progress, in spite of financial and human resources devoted to fix the problem at the local, state, and national levels, suggests that the methods we are currently employing to solve our patient safety problem simply are not working. Notably, the issues related to safety in health care are not a reflection of poor performance or ill will of healthcare professionals. In fact, healthcare professionals come to work to help patients but are often put in an environment that fails them and their patients, and the traditional strategies we have used to solve these systemic problems in health care have not been successful. The purpose of this chapter is to explore background theories and methods of safety science that can be applied to examine safety events in health care, examine the current state of applying safety science in health care, and provide recommendations to further improve the use of safety science in health care.
Determinants of Neonatal Readmission in Healthy Term Infants: Results from a Nested Case-Control Study.

Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence and identify the factors associated with neonatal readmission among healthy term infants. Study Design A nested case–control study with matching was conducted at a large level III perinatal hospital with approximately 8,700 deliveries each year. Each case infant (n = 130) was matched to two control infants (n = 260) on the case infant's date of birth (±7 days) and the mother's maternal age ( 39 years). All infants were selected from a cohort of eligible term, healthy, in-state infants admitted to the newborn unit postdelivery from January 1, 2016 to May 8, 2017. Data were analyzed using hierarchical conditional logistic regression. Results The incidence of neonatal readmission was 2.2%, and all readmissions occurred within 8.6 days of birth. Earlier gestational age (37 weeks; odds ratio [OR]: 4.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.79–9.45; 38 weeks OR: 1.29, CI 0.60–2.75; [ref] 39 weeks), jaundice on day two of life (OR: 2.45; CI: 1.40–4.30), maternal group B streptococcus chemoprophylaxis (OR: 2.55; CI: 1.23–5.28 [Ref N/A]) were associated with readmission. Delivery by cesarean section (OR: 0.31, CI: 0.12–0.79) and each milliliter of formula [first three days] (OR: 0.96; CI: 0.993–0.999) were protective. Conclusion Neonatal readmission in healthy term infants may potentially be reduced with identification of modifiable determinants of readmission prior to discharge. Policies to capture the true incidence of neonatal readmissions should include admissions to hospitals other than the birth hospital.
Mapping of Influenza Virus RNA-RNA Interactions Reveals a Flexible Network.

Summary Selective assembly of influenza virus segments into virions is proposed to be mediated through intersegmental RNA-RNA interactions. Here, we developed a method called 2CIMPL that includes proximity ligation under native conditions to identify genome-wide RNA duplexes. Interactions between all eight segments were observed at multiple sites along a given segment and are concentrated at hotspots. Furthermore, synonymous nucleotide changes in a hotspot decreased the formation of RNA-RNA interactions at this site and resulted in a genome-wide rearrangement without a loss in replicative fitness. These results indicate that the viral RNA interaction network is flexible to account for nucleotide evolution. Moreover, comparative analysis of RNA-RNA interaction sites with viral nucleoprotein (NP) binding to the genome revealed that RNA junctions can also occur adjacent to NP peaks, suggesting that NP association does not exclude RNA duplex formation. Overall, 2CIMPL is a versatile technique to map in vivo RNA-RNA interactions.
Practical Silt Fence Design Enhancements for Effective Dewatering and Stability

AbstractMany of today’s construction sites rely on perimeter control practices to capture and treat sediment-laden stormwater emanating from disturbed lands. Silt fence systems are a common sedimen...
Representation in Teaching and Learning Mathematics.

Representation is an important element for teaching and learning mathematics since utilization of multiple modes of representation would enhance teaching and learning mathematics. Representation is a sign or combination of signs, characters, diagram, objects, pictures, or graphs, which can be utilized in teaching and learning mathematics. Normally, there are four modes of representations in the domain of mathematics: (1) verbal, (2) graphic (3) algebraic, and (4) numeric. Certain type of representations can be dominant in teaching and learning mathematics; however, representation needs to be translated from one mode to another mode. Translation of modes of representation is an important skill that learners need to develop in order to be more proficient in learning mathematics. In the last couple of decades, the role of representation in mathematics education has been increased but requires more research studies to explore various aspects of representations.
Clinicopathologic Characteristics of Young Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) occasionally occurs in young patients and is likely to be distinct from OSCC in older patients. In this retrospective study, we described the clinicopathologic features and outcome of 150 OSCCs that were diagnosed in patients 40-year-old or younger. Most patients (63%) were non-smokers. The most common site of the primary tumor was oral tongue (n = 131, 87%), followed by gingiva (n = 9), buccal mucosa (n = 8) and lip (n = 2). The median patients' age at presentation was 34 (range: 16–40). Seven patients (5%) had Fanconi anemia with the gingiva being the most common location (4/7, 57%). All OSCCs were of keratinizing type. All cases tested for high-risk HPV (n = 34) were negative. On univariate analysis, high tumor budding was associated with decreased overall survival (OS) and distant metastasis free survival (DMFS), pattern of invasion correlated with OS and tumors with high stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (sTIL) were associated with improved locoregional recurrence free survival (LRFS). Compared with patients 31 to 40-year-old, OSCC in the younger group was associated with significant less alcohol consumption (p = 0.011) and decreased DSS (p = 0.003) and DMFS (p = 0.023). On multivariate analysis, younger age (30 years or younger) was an independent prognostic factor for worse OS and DSS, whereas histologic grade was an independent prognostic factor for DSS. In summary, most OSCC in young patients occurred in non-smokers and did not occur in association with Fanconi anemia. Independent prognostic factors included age at presentation (30 years or younger) for OS and DSS, and histologic grade for DSS.
How perception of control shapes decision making

Perceived control—the belief in our ability to successfully influence the environment—significantly shapes how we make decisions and interact with our environment. Because of its intrinsically rewarding nature, the opportunity to exert control tends to bias individuals towards behaviors that endow an enhanced perception of control. Here, we leverage recent behavioral and neuroimaging work to highlight three particular attributes of control (i.e. affective, motivational and protective), which contribute to how perceived control shapes decision making via the corticostriatal circuits and impacts wellbeing. We then consider how impairments in perceived control could represent a transdiagnostic feature across psychopathologies.
Abstract 15983: New Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Hospitalized Patients With Covid-19

Introduction: Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) has been observed in COVID-19 and is thought to be multifactorial. The epidemiology of stress cardiomyopathy in these patients has not bee...
Keynote Lecture : Learning Representations: Opportunities for Parallel and Distributed Computing

Learning representations is critical for machine learning and very computation-intensive process. There are many opportunities to introduce efficiencies through parallel and distributed computing. The success of machine learning algorithms depends on data representation. Different representations can expose or hide different features of the data. As we think about the future of learning representations and its impact on machine learning it is important to consider the state of the art of machine learning today, the challenges and opportunities for addressing the computation issues around representation learning, and how to get to deeper understanding and more capabilities in machine learned models. In this talk I will describe 4 ideas related to computational issues in representation learning: reducing uncertainty, developing compact representations, debasing the training data, and developing privacy-preserving representations.
Optimal sizing of distributed energy resources for planning 100% renewable electric power systems

Abstract More utilities, energy providers, and governments are considering the transition to 100% renewable or carbon-free generation to satisfy electricity demand. This transition requires consideration of numerous factors including cost, resource adequacy, and geographical location, among others. Therefore, models that can explore the optimality of tradeoffs between multiple factors are crucial for planning this transition. An optimization problem formulation is proposed to analyze the amount of renewable generation and energy storage required to balance 100% of a utility's electricity demand on an hourly timescale over multiple years, while minimizing a desired cost. This formulation accounts for geographical location and accommodates regional energy trading, and it enables analysis of important metrics for planning, such as firm capacity, capacity factors, land area requirements, and amount of curtailed generation. This optimization-based approach is used to explore case studies in New Mexico, which is an area with significant potential for solar and wind generation in the United States. Considering multiple years of historical meteorological data and electricity demand data, results show that the amount of renewable generation required is an order of magnitude larger than the average demand, and that most of the generation is curtailed, which motivates a regional energy trading approach.
Astrocytes contribute to pain gating in the spinal cord.

Various pain therapies have been developed on the basis of the gate control theory of pain, which postulates that nonpainful sensory inputs mediated by large-diameter afferent fibers (Aβ-fibers) ca...
Cultivating values: environmental values and sense of place as correlates of sustainable agricultural practices

To assess whether and how environmental values and sense of place relate to sustainable farming practices, we conducted a study in South Kona, Hawaii, addressing environmental values, sense of place, and farm sustainability in five categories: environmental health, community engagement and food security, culture and history, education and research, and economics. We found that the sense of place and environmental values indexes showed significant correlation to each category of sustainability in both independent linear regressions and multivariate regression. In total, sense of place explained a larger share of the overall farm performance. However, each indicator showed relative strengths; environmental values showed significantly higher correlation to environmental and educational practices. Furthermore the scales were complimentary, and the use of both scales greatly improved prediction of good farming practices from a multiple-impact perspective. With implications for community and environmental impacts, results suggest that a more comprehensive view of farmers’ environmental values and place connections may help illuminate individual farmers’ decisions and sustainability-related practices.
Determination of Mass Balance of Polar Ice from Gravity

We use satellite solutions to the low degree zonal coefficients of the Earth’s gravitational potential, J 2 through J 7, to reveal large scale features of rates of thickness change of the polar ice sheets, and the lower mantle viscosity. The polar ice sheets may each be divided into two regions, whose change in thickness and shape were adjusted to predict gravity that agrees well with observation. If the postglacial rebound model of Han and Wahr [1995] is used, the predicted viscosity is 1 X 1022 Pa-s, predicted sea level rise from Antarctica is 0.1 ±0.8 mm/yr, and the sea level rise from Greenland is 0.4 ± 0.3 mm/yr. The total meltwater from both ice sheets is 0.5 ± 1.1 mm/yr.
Microsomal Metabolism of Triazenylimidazoles

The antitumor agents 5-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazenyl)imidazole-4-carboxamide (DIC) and 5-[3,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-triazenyl]imidazole-4-carboxamide (BIC) are substrates for NADPH-requiring microsomal enzymes of mouse liver. The products of DIC oxidation are 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide (AIC) and formaldehyde. Those for BIC are AIC and, presumably, 2-chloroacetaldehyde. For DIC, the reaction has a pH optimum of 9.0; and the Michaelis constant (Km) is 0.25 mM. At lower pH values, the Km is not greatly increased; but there is a sharp rise in the Km values above pH 9.0. For the enzyme-catalyzed production of AIC from BIC, the pH optimum is 7.5; the Km value for BIC is 0.47 mM. Of a variety of tissues tested for enzymatic activity, only liver accomplishes the conversion of DIC and BIC to AIC. Most of the activity in the liver is located in the microsomal fraction, although detectable activity is present in washed mitochondria. For liver microsomes, the rate of reaction for BIC is greater than that for DIC, but apparently neither rate is fast enough to allow extensive metabolism of large doses of these agents.
Cassini frequency selective surface development

This paper summarizes the design and development of a 4-frequency selective surface (FSS) for the NASA Cassini high gain antenna (HGA). Specifically, two FSS/HGA design approaches were considered f...
Electronic structure and anomalous properties of UAl 2 , NpAl 2 , and PuAl 2

The electronic ground states of UAl/sub 2/, NpAl/sub 2/, and PuAl/sub 2/ in the C15 crystal structure were determined by performing self-consistent, semirelativistic, warped muffin-tin linear augmented-plane-wave electronic band-structure calculations. Then the densities of states and band states were determined by obtaining solutions including spin-orbit interactions with the self-consistent semirelativistic potential. The partial density of states functions obtained for these systems indicate strong d-f hybridization. A consistent procedure for determining the spin fluctuation parameters from the experimental data was obtained. This procedure was used to obtain the spin-fluctuation parameters from UAl/sub 2/. It is found that this procedure yields parameters that are different from previous estimates and indicates that the calculated parameters such as the bare density of states at the Fermi energy N(0), and the occupied f-band width are consistent with the band-structure values. It is found that although the actinide-actinide separation is about the same, the electronic structure near E/sub F/ is different. These calculations indicate that both d-f hybridization and spin-orbit coupling are important in the electronic structure of these systems.
Non-Employment Benefits and the Evolution of Worker-Employer Cooperation: Experiments with Real and Computational Agents

Experiments with real and computational agents are used to examine the impact of changing the level of a non-employment payoff on the evolution of cooperation between workers and employers participating in a sequential employment game with incomplete contracts. Workers either direct work offers to preferred employers or choose unemployment. and receive the non-employment payoff. Subject to capacity limitations, employers either accept work offers from preferred workers or remain-vacant' and receive the non-employment payoff. Matched workers and. employers participate in an employment relationship modeled as a prisoner's dilemma game. â€¢ In both types of experiments, increases in the non-employment payoff result in higher unemployment and vacancy rates while at the same time encouraging higher rates of cooperation among the workers and . employers who do form matches. However, the behaviors exhibited by the computational agents are coordinated to a higher degree than the behaviors of .the human subjects.. This difference , raises. challenging questions for both human-subject and computational experimentalists.
R* Optimizer Validation and Performance Evaluation for Distributed Queries

Few database query optimizer models have been validated against actual performance. This paper extends an earlier optimizer validation and performance evaluation of R’ to di.rfribu& queries, i.e. single SQL statements having tables at multiple sites. Actual R* message, I/O, and CPU resources consumed and the corresponding costs estimated by the optimizer were written to database tables using new SQL commands, permitting automated control from application programs for collecting, reducing, and comparing test data. A number of tests were rnn over a wide variety of dynamically-created test databases, SQL queries, and system parameters. Both high-speed networks (comparable to a local area network) and medium-speed long-haul networks (for linking geographically dispersed hosts) were evaluated. The tests confirmed the accuracy of R*‘s message cost model and the significant contribution of local (CPU and I/O) costs, even for a medium-speed network. Although distributed queries consume more resources overall, the response time for some execution strategies improves disproportionately by exploiting both concurrency and reduced contention for buffers. For distributed joins in which a copy of the inner table must be transferred to the join site, shipping the whole inner table dominated the strategy of fetching only those inner tuples that matched each outer-table value, even though the former strategy may require additional I/O. Bloomjoins (hashed semijoins) consistently performed better than semijoins and the best R* strategies. Few of the distributed optimizer models proposed over the last decade CAPER 83, BERN 81~. CHAN 82, CHU 82, EPST 78, HEVN 79. KERS 82, ONUE 83, PERR 84, WONG 83, YAO 79, YU 831 have been validated by comparison with actual performance. The only known validations, for Distributed INGRES [STON 821 and the Crystal multicomputer [LU 853, have assumed only a high-speed local-area network linking the distributed systems. Also, the Distributed INGRES study focused primarily on reducing response time by exploiting parallelism using table partitioning and broadcast messages. In contrast, R* seeks to minimize total resonrces consumed, has not implemented table partitionings, and does not presume a network broadcast capability. There are many important questions that a thorough validation should answer: . Under what circumstances (regions of the parameter space) does the optimizer choose a suboptimal plan, or, worse, a particularly bad plan? . To which parameters is the actual performance most sensitive? . Are these parameters being modeled accurately by the optimizer? . What is the impact of variations from the optimizer’s simplifying as. Is it possible to simplify the optimizer’s model (by using heuristics, for
Early Evidence on the Determinants of Unrecognized Tax Benefits

This study examines the association between disclosures of unrecognized tax benefits made under FASB Interpretation No. 48 and existing measures of tax avoidance. Prior research suggests managers use discretion in accounting for income tax contingencies to meet key earnings targets. It is not clear however, whether such opportunism mitigates the signal about tax avoidance activity provided by these contingencies or whether the opportunistic use of these reserves continued following the adoption of FIN 48. We find that both the level of unrecognized tax benefits at fiscal year-end and changes in the liability linked to current year tax positions are related to firm characteristics that prior research has found to be associated with tax avoidance activity. Further, we document a significant and negative association between firms’ cash effective tax rates and the ending balance of unrecognized tax benefits. We believe this analysis will be useful to researchers and financials statement users that rely on financial statement-based measures of tax avoidance to evaluate corporate tax planning.
Commentary on 'Adjustable Velcro Compression Devices are More Effective than Inelastic Bandages in Reducing Venous Edema in the Initial Treatment Phase: A Randomized Controlled Trial'.

Mosti et al. have compared the use of inelastic bandages (IBs) with an adjustable Velcro compression device (AVCD) (Circaid Juxtafit; Medi GmbH, Bayreuth, Germany) applied to the legs of patients with edema. This is a very important study demonstrating the effectiveness of an AVCD in the management of leg edema. The ability of the patient to adjust the AVCD as leg swelling abates is critical to the success of the Velcro method. It is not feasible to rewrap inelastic bandages daily, and the importance of having the patient participate in their treatment is key to long-term success. Owing to the excellent static stiffness achieved with the Velcro wraps, the inelastic properties of the AVCD are ideal in reducing swelling. The static stiffness index may be defined as the difference in sub-bandage or wrap pressure from the lying to the standing position. A rise of 10 mmHg or more is considered a good value to increase the flow of blood out of the leg. Stockings, however, show little or no increase in pressure when comparing the lying with the standing position, and these properties help explain why many patients with significant leg swelling are not helped by the stockings. Another group of patients with swelling are candidates for the AVCD as they have serious donning and/or doffing difficulties. This is especially true in the elderly population, where lack of strength in the hands and/ or arthritic changes impede the ability to use stockings. Another important use of AVCDs is after knee replacement or other orthopedic procedures where swelling may be commonly encountered. The ease of application and the ability to increase blood flow out of the leg limiting edema may also have benefit as an adjunctive method for thrombosis prophylaxis. This is especially true in those who have leg swelling preoperatively.
Effect of time-reversal noninvariance on nuclear γ-decay observables

Abstract Some criteria are proposed which should allow greatly increased sensitivity of nuclear γ-decay studies to possible time reversal violation. Hindrance can be a more significant criterion in choosing nuclei for investigation than that previously employed - namely multipole mixing ratios near unity.
In-season fertilizer nitrogen applications for soybean in Minnesota

Predicted physiological factors and a limited number of field studies have resulted in debate regarding the recommendation of in-season fertilizer N for soybean [Glycine max. (L.) Merrill]. The objective of our research was to evaluate several in-season N fertilization strategies on soybean seed yield response as well as to measure the effect of fertilizer N additions on late-season plant N concentrations and accumulation, seed N removal, seed protein, and seed oil composition. The research was conducted at 12 sites in the southern soybean-growing region of Minnesota in 1998 and 1999. A combination of (i) application time (July vs. August), (ii) placement method (broadcast vs. knifed), and (iii) N source (urea vs. poly-coated urea) gave five N treatments plus a control at all sites. Seed yield did not respond to the fertilizer N treatments at any of the 12 sites; however, a combined analysis indicated a significant increase (generally less than 0.06 Mg ha - 1 ) from using polymer-coated urea or applying the urea in August. Herbage dry matter (DM) and herbage N concentrations at the R6 stage were not affected by any of the N fertilizer strategies. Although soybean seed protein was statistically different among the treatments, protein was only increased 0.4 g kg -1 . Soybean oil concentration was not affected by fertilizer treatments. In general, polymer-coated urea, knifed applications, and August applications increased soil NO 3 -N in the 0- to 30-cm layer at R6 relative to standard urea, broadcast applications, and July applications. Even though in-season N fertilizer created greater levels of available soil N at all 12 sites during soybean pod filling, seed yield was not improved compared with unfertilized control plots at any site. As a result, the University of Minnesota does not recommended in-season N fertilizer applications for soybean production.
Direct opioid regulation of pituitary release of bovine luteinizing hormone.

Abstract Although endogenous opioid peptides (EOP) are thought to alter pituitary release of luteinizing hormone (LH) by modifying the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the brain, EOP may also directly affect the release of LH from pituitary cells. This hypothesis was tested using dispersed cells from the bovine anterior pituitary gland. Pituitaries were enzymatically dissociated, preincubated for 18 h and then cultured for either 2 or 24 h with GnRH, naloxone, methionine-enkephalin (Met-enk) or their combinations. Basal release of LH into media was 18.2 and 38.4 ng/100,000 cells after culture for 2 or 24 h, respectively. When cultured for 2 or 24 h with 10 nM GnRH, LH release was 296% and 131% of the basal release for each culture period. Cellular viability (75% vs 68%) and total (cells + medium) LH (128 vs 134 ng/100,000 cells) did not differ (P > .05) between cells cultured for 2 or 24 h. Naloxone (1 μM) increased (P P
Estimation of the joint probability of multisensory signals

Abstract This paper presents a novel method for estimation of the joint probability of multisensory signals by introducing dimension-reduction mapping functions based on the principle of maximum entropy. A maximum mutual information criterion is derived for selecting the desired mapping functions. An algorithm is further presented for linear transformations of Gaussian random vectors. Experimental results are shown to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method.
Labor market discrimination in Delhi: Evidence from a field experiment

We study the role of caste and religion in India's new economy sectors—software and call-centers—by sending 3160 fictitious resumes in response to 371 job openings in and around Delhi (India) that were advertised in major city papers and online job sites. We randomly allocate caste-linked surnames across resumes in order to isolate the effect of caste on applicants' job-search outcomes. We find no evidence of discrimination against non-upper-caste (i.e. Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Caste) applicants for software jobs. We do find large and significant differences between callback rates for upper-castes and Other Backward Castes (and to a lesser extent Scheduled Castes) in the case of call-center jobs. There is no evidence of discrimination against Muslims for either of the two kinds of jobs we apply for. Overall, the evidence suggests that applicants' caste identities do not significantly affect the callback decisions of firms. Journal of Comparative Economics 37 (1) (2009) 14–27.
Carbon dioxide‐ethane phase equilibrium and densities from experimental measurements and the B‐W‐R equation

Liquid composition-total pressure and liquid composition-liquid density data for the carbon dioxide-ethane system were measured at −31.7°, −17.8°, −3.9°, and 10.0°C (−25°, 0°, 25°, and 50°F ± 0.02°F), from 0 to 80 mole % CO2 at 10°C and 0 to 100% CO2 for the other isotherms. The Benedict-Webb-Rubin equation of state with a modified A0 mixing rule was used to correlate the composition-pressure data, with deviations in predicted pressures of only 0.8% average and 2% maximum. Vapor-liquid equilibrium compositions and component K values y/x were then predicted for this minimum boiling azeotrope system from 10° down to −56.7°C (50° to −70°F).
Local anaesthetic for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: a prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of local anaesthetic (LA) infiltration in decreasing the discomfort experienced by patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy of prostate. Patients and methods: 98 patients were randomized to receive 3×3ml of 1% lidocaine ( n =55) or saline ( n =43). The injection sites were basolaterally on each side to infiltrate the neuro-vascular bundle and one at the apex. Generally 12 systematic random biopsies were performed after which patients were asked to grade the pain of the whole procedure using a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 10. Results: The LA group had a significantly lower pain score compared with placebo. The mean pain scores were 3.0 and 4.3 ( p t -test, the difference between means was −1.96 to −0.51 with 95% confidence interval. There were no significant problems associated with the infiltration of either saline or LA. Conclusion: Local anaesthesia for TRUS biopsy is simple and well tolerated. It significantly reduces the pain associated with the procedure. We recommend its usage as a part of standard TRUS biopsy of the prostate.
Option value and entry timing

When facing uncertainty, firms entering new markets can make initial foothold investments rather than undertake large sunk investments. Such investments are real call option purchases. They offer management flexibility, but also raise questions about whether and when to increase commitments to new markets. We present an entry timing decision criterion and discuss its application to a variety of market entry situations. Optimal timing for exercising real options depends on current dividends, possibilities for preemption, and whether the option is simple or compound, proprietary or shared. Our analysis reveals critical assumptions and new theoretical insights regarding market entry timing. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential Downstream Functions of Protein Kinase Cη and -θ in EL4 Mouse Thymoma Cells

Sensitive EL4 mouse thymoma cells (s-EL4) respond to phorbol esters with growth inhibition, adherence to substrate, and production of cytokines including interleukin 2. Since these cells express several of the phorbol ester-sensitive protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes, the function of each isozyme remains unclear. Previous studies demonstrated that s-EL4 cells expressed substantially more PKCeta and PKCtheta than did EL4 cells resistant to phorbol esters (r-EL4). To examine potential roles for PKCeta and PKCtheta in EL4 cells, wild type and constitutively active versions of the isozymes were transiently expressed using a Sindbis virus system. Expression of constitutively active PKCeta, but not PKCtheta, in s- and r-EL4 cells altered cell morphology and cytoskeletal structure in a manner similar to that of phorbol ester treatment, suggesting a role for PKCeta in cytoskeletal organization. Prolonged treatment of s-EL4 cells with phorbol esters results in inhibition of cell cycling along with a decreased expression of most of the PKC isozymes, including PKCtheta. Introduction of virally expressed PKCtheta, but not PKCeta, overcame the inhibitory effects of the prolonged phorbol ester treatment on cell cycle progression, suggesting a possible involvement of PKCtheta in cell cycle regulation. These results support differential functions for PKCeta and PKCtheta in T cell activation.