cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of prenucleation molecular clusters in the NH3, H2SO4, H2O system

[1] The molecular cluster ions HSO4−(H2SO4)n−1(NH3)m corresponding to the neutral species (H2SO4)n(NH3)m for n = 2 to 6 and m = 0 to n−1 have been observed at temperatures up to ∼285 K. A transverse chemical ionization apparatus was located inside a cooled flow tube where water, sulfuric acid, and ammonia vapors mixed and formed clusters. The complexities of the experimental technique and the interpretation of the results are extensively discussed. Typical NH3 and H2SO4 concentrations were 2 × 109 cm−3, i.e, ∼100 pptv at atmospheric pressure. For these conditions, cluster concentrations were estimated to be a few times 106 cm−3 and the critical, particle-forming cluster likely contained 2 H2SO4 molecules at 275 K. The results are consistent with the species (H2SO4)2NH3 playing an important role in the formation of new particles in the atmosphere.
Substance P Receptor Mediated Macrophage Responses

Taken together, these studies demonstrate an important role for substance P receptor expression by macrophages. The results to date suggest proinflammatory signals mediated by this receptor, and it is clear that substance P can act synergistically with other factors to stimulate macrophage activity. Antagonism of substance P/substance P receptor interactions in vivo profoundly affect immunity against Salmonella. This model provides evidence that an optimal host response against this intracellular pathogen of macrophages requires signaling through the substance P receptor. The ability of interferon gamma or IL-4 to upregulate substance P receptor mRNA expression on macrophages suggests that substance P-mediated amplification loops might involve either T helper type 1 or T helper type 2 responses. Thus, depending upon the immunologic stimulus, substance P could contribute to cell mediated as well as humoral immune responses.
Adverse effects of high dietary iron and ascorbic acid on copper status in copper-deficient and copper-adequate rats

The effects of elevated dietary ascorbic acid and iron on copper utilization were examined. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed one of two levels of Cu (deficient, 0.42 microgram Cu/g, or adequate, 5.74 micrograms Cu/g), Fe (moderate, 38 micrograms Fe/g or high, 191 micrograms Fe/g), and ascorbic acid (low, 0% or high, 1% of the diet) for 20 d. High Fe decreased (p less than 0.05) Cu absorption only in Cu-deficient rats. High ascorbic acid significantly decreased tissue Cu levels in Cu-adequate rats. High Fe with ascorbic acid caused severe anemia in Cu-deficient rats and decreased plasma ceruloplasmin by 44% in Cu-adequate rats. Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase activity in erythrocytes was decreased (p less than 0.05) by 14% during Cu deficiency but was not affected by Fe or ascorbic acid. These results may be important to individuals with high intakes of Fe and ascorbic acid.
Infant formula, past and future: opportunities for improvement

Infant formulas provide nutritional support to health infants that promotes growth and development equivalent to that in healthy infants fed human milk. Formula-fed infants are not as well protected against infections, and there remain infants whose health, growth, and development may not be supported optimally by either the formulas currently available or human milk. Some infants may be better supported by genetically engineered formulas that contain immunity-enhancing antibodies or antigens. Formulas that contain cytokines promoting epithelial cell growth and integrity may be protective against necrotizing enterocolitis. Formulas containing proteins with genetically excluded allergenic epitopes or formulas with tolerogenic peptides may be useful in treating allergic diseases of suppressing the development of autoimmune disorders later in life. Formulas with genetically engineered biologically active substances might increase the absorption of nutrients in infants with compromised absorption or digestion, enhance host immunity and mucosal integrity, and, potentially militate or protect against the risk of disease.
Formation of auxin from tryptophan through action of polyphenols

Plant preparations that convert tryptophan to indoleacetic acid (IAA) characteristically have low reaction yields. Since such preparations sometimes also contain IAA-oxidase activity, inhibition of the oxidase might raise the yields of IAA. Accordingly, polyphenolic inhibitors (1, 11, 19, 33, 40) were added to incubation mixtures containing tryptophan and a seedling enzyme preparation that was able to convert tryptophan to IAA. More than tenfold increases in auxin yield resulted. However, the presence of auxin in enzymeless controls, plus experiments on the recovery of added IAA, indicated that the enhancements observed might be caused by a polyphenolic oxidation of tryptophan to IAA. We shall present evidence that the sequence
Atmospheric sciences program at NASA Kennedy Space Center

A very keen awareness of the impact of lightning threat on ground operations exists at NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) because of the high frequency of thunderstorm occurrences in Florida. The majority of thunder events occur in the summertime, initiated by solar heating of the land. Merritt Island, where KSC is located, produces its own thunderstorms under light flow conditions; because some are small, their importance might be unappreciated at first glance. The impress of these facts, and others of pertinence, on the KSC atmospheric sciences development program will be discussed, priorities enumerated, and a review of development projects presented.
Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and 3,3′,4,4′,5,5′,-hexachlorobiphenyl (HxCB) enhance anti-CD3-induced T cell activation

Abstract The effect of two immunosuppressive halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAH), TCDD and HxCB, on T cell activation in vivo were evaluated using the monoclonal antibody (145-2C11) to the CD3 portion of the murine T cell receptor complex. Briefly, mice were injected in both rear footpads with either 25 μg anti-CD3 or hamster IgG. After 24 hr, popliteal and inguinal lymph node cells were pooled, and T cell activation was measured by 3H-TdR incorporation and flow cytometric analyses (DNA cell cycle; CD3 and IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression). The immunosuppressive drug, cyclosporin A (CsA, 50 mg/kg, ip), was used as a positive control. CsA inhibited anti-CD3-induced 3H-TdR incorporation, IL-2-driven 3H-TdR incorporation, and IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression. In contrast, TCDD (2 or 20 μg/kg, po) dose-dependently increased anti-CD3-induced 3H-TdR incorporation and the percentage of both CD4+ and CD8+ cells cycling in S/G2M. In addition, IL-2-driven 3H-TdR incorporation increased without an increase in IL-2R expression. Similar increases in anti-CD3-induced T cell activation were observed following HxCB treatment (30 mg/kg, po).
The Block recursion library: accurate calculation of resolvent submatrices using the block recursion method

Abstract The Block Recursion Library, a collection of FORTRAN subroutines, calculates submatrices of the resolvent of a linear operator. The resolvent, in matrix theory, is a powerful tool for extracting information about solutions of linear systems. The routines use the block recursion method and achieve high accuracy for very large systems of coupled equations. This technique is a generalization of the scalar recursion method, an accurate technique for finding the local density of states. A sample program uses these routines to find the quantum mechanical transmittance of a randomly disordered two-dimensional cluster of atoms.
Volume Adjustment of Mechanics and Diffusion in Interstitial Lung Disease: Lack of Clinical Relevance

Relationships of lung mechanics and diffusion to lung volume were examined in 38 patients with interstitial lung disease to determine whether patterns of reduction relate to severity of disease, distinguish histologic characteristics or predict prognosis for reversibility. Normal volume-related values for both mechanics and diffusion were seen throughout the range of severity of disease. The ratio of mechanics to lung volume did not correlate with the ratio of diffusion to lung volume in the same patient. Volume relationships of mechanics and diffusion failed to distinguish pathologic predominance of fibrosis or inflammation/granulomas. These ratios failed to predict reversibility in patients who had repeated tests. These results suggest that in patients with interstitial lung disease the significance of "volume-adjustment" of mechanics and diffusion should be viewed with caution; these parameters do not appear to contribute to the assessment of pathophysiology or correlate with clinical spectrum of interstitial lung diseases.
Update on Fibromyalgia Therapy

Primary fibromyalgia, a poorly-understood chronic pain syndrome, is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, nonrestorative sleep, fatigue, psychological distress, and specific regions of localized tenderness, all in the absence of otherwise apparent organic disease. While the etiology of fibromyalgia is unclear, accumulating data suggest that disordered central pain processing likely plays a role in the pathogenesis of symptoms. Although various pharmacological treatments have been studied and espoused for treating fibromyalgia, no single drug or group of drugs has proved to be particularly useful in treating fibromyalgia patients as a whole, and only one drug to date has earned U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for treating the syndrome in the United States. This review critically and systematically evaluates clinical investigations of medicinal and nonmedicinal treatments for fibromyalgia dating from 1970 to 2007.
Arabic as a Heritage Language in the United States

This article presents an overview of the Arabic language in the United States. Drawing on archival research and statistical analysis, the article is divided into 4 major sections. The first discusses the history of immigration from the Arab world to the United States, as well as past efforts at Arabic language maintenance. The article continues with 2 sections that present a contemporary sketch of the Arab American community based on demographic analysis and of Arabic language practice and education in the United States, respectively. The article concludes with a discussion of the prospects for Arabic language maintenance and the sort of research that can aid in that project. This article is intended to provide a resource for educators, researchers, and others interested in maintaining Arabic as one piece of the rich linguistic heritage and contemporary life in the United States. If nothing else, this overview reveals the immense amount of research still needed to better understand the contemporary practi...
Potential Energy Surfaces for Mo + CO and W + CO

Potential energy surfaces for MoCO and WCO have been studied using the complete active space multiconfiguration self-consistent field (CAS-MCSCF) followed by multireference singles + doubles configuration interaction (MRSDCI). Spin−orbit effects are included through the relativistic configuration interaction (RCI) method for W−CO. Although at the CASSCF level the lowest 7Σ+ state does not form a very stable minimum for WCO relative to W(7S) + CO(1Σ+), at the higher MRSDCI level not only does this state form a minimum but the 5Φ and 5Σ+ states become nearly-degenerate with 7Σ+ and form stable minima for WCO. In contrast, the 7Σ+ state of MoCO does not form a minimum at all levels of theory, although the quintet states have minima in the potential surfaces and are above Mo(7S) + CO(1Σ+). Relativistic effects are found to stabilize WCO in contrast to MoCO. The lowest spin−orbit states arising from W(5D) and W(7S) are reversed in energy when spin−orbit effects were included consistent with the experimental at...
Inner-shell photoionization in weak and strong radiation fields

Abstract The X-ray beams presently produced at synchrotron-radiation facilities interact weakly with matter, and the observation of double photoionization is due to electron–electron interactions. The intensities of future X-ray free-electron lasers are expected to produce double photoionization by absorption of two photons. The example of double K-shell photoionization of neon is discussed in the one- and two-photon cases. We also describe an experiment in which X rays photoionize the K shell of krypton in the presence of a strong AC field imposed by an optical laser.
Cosmic ray trigger circuit for large solenoidal particle detectors

Abstract We describe a circuit which electronically segments scintillation counters along their length in order to allow a selective trigger on cosmic ray muons of a given trajectory. This system is being used to provide a cosmic ray calibration and monitoring trigger for a large solenoidal spectrometer with several thousand wire chamber elements.
Landscape structure indices for assessing urban ecological networks

Analysis and planning of ecological networks is a relatively new phenomenon and is a response to fragmentation and deterioration of quality of natural systems. In urban areas, the problems of land use intransigence, political and jurisdictional issues create a difficult environment for implementing ecological networks. The specific questions addressed in this research program revolve around the viability of planning an ecological network in an urban landscape. The development and articulation of an ecological network plan was undertaken previously and in this paper, a series of assays of landscape structure are used to examine the viability of an ecological network in the Phoenix, Arizona urban area. Three principal analyses were utilized: (1) patch content analysis, (2) corridor content analysis, and (3) network structure analysis. Patch and corridor content analyses examined the internal characteristic and immediate context for each of the 89 ecological network elements. The network structure analysis incorporates a process for aggregating results of patch and corridor analyses and incorporates indicators that describe interrelationships between landscape elements. For each of these analyses the existing condition was compared to the optimal plan to demonstrate the level of change that can be expected. The results and conclusions of this research are that an ecological network plan provides modest but important improvement in ecological systems in the Phoenix urban area.
Laparoscopic suturing evaluation among surgical residents.

Background. Laparoscopic suturing is an integral part of advanced laparoscopic surgery training. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and preference of surgical residents performing intracorporeal and extracorporeal knot-tying techniques using conventional and Endo Stitch instruments. The residents were also evaluated on their suturing techniques using conventional instruments, the Endo Stitch, and the Suture Assistant. Methods. Using an inanimate laparoscopic trainer model, 39 residents were evaluated as they performed laparoscopic knot tying exercises. Endpoints of the study were execution time and subjective preference of surgical residents with respect to the type of instrument used for knot tying. Forty-three residents were evaluated as they performed laparoscopic suturing exercises with three different types of suturing instruments using the same endpoints. Results. The intracorporeal technique was the preferred (89%) method of knot tying among surgical residents. The time for completion of laparoscopic suturing was significantly (P < 0.05) shorter with the Endo Stitch (114 ± 64 s) than with the conventional instrument (206 ± 107 s) or the Suture Assistant (151 ± 70 s). Residents preferred the use of the Endo Stitch in all three categories for suturing, knot tying, and handling. Conclusion. The Endo Stitch enhanced laparoscopic skills and was the preferred instrument for laparoscopic knot tying and suturing among surgical residents.
Intermediate depth earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in Central America, 1961–1972

Eight Central American volcanoes had large eruptions during the period 1961 to 1972. The distribution of intermediate depth earthquakes which occurred during the same period is marked by eight concentrations. Seven of the eight very active volcanoes are spatially related to the concentrations of intermediate depth earthquakes. The centers of the concentrations are typically a few tens of kilometers seaward of the volcanoes. The earthquakes have focal depths of about 70 to 110 km. Directly below the active volcanoes there is little or no intermediate depth seismic activity. Partially melted areas along the deep seismic zone directly below the active volcanoes might explain this distribution.
Comparative characterization of Aedes 3-hydroxykynurenine transaminase/alanine glyoxylate transaminase and Drosophila serine pyruvate aminotransferase

This study describes the comparative analysis of two insect recombinant aminotransferases, Aedes aegypti 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) transaminase/alanine glyoxylate aminotransferase (Ae-HKT/AGT) and Drosophila melanogaster serine pyruvate aminotransferase (Dm-Spat), which share 52% identity in their amino acid sequences. Both enzymes showed AGT activity. In addition, Ae-HKT/AGT is also able to catalyze the transamination of 3-HK or kynurenine with glyoxylate, pyruvate or oxaloacetate as the amino acceptor. Kinetic analysis and other data suggest that Ae-HKT/AGT plays a critical role in mosquito tryptophan catabolism by detoxifying 3-HK and that Dm-Spat is primarily involved in glyoxylate detoxification.
45 Degree Polymer Micromirror Integration for Board-Level Three-Dimensional Optical Interconnects

We introduce here a simple method of integrating 45 degrees total internal reflection micro-mirrors with polymer optical waveguides by an improved tilted beam photolithography on printed circuit boards to provide surface normal light coupling between waveguides and optoelectronic devices for optical interconnects. De-ionized water is used to couple ultraviolet beam through the waveguide core polymer layer at 45 degrees angle during the photo exposure process. This technique is compatible with PCB manufacturing facility and suitable to large panel board-level manufacturing. The mirror slope is controlled accurately (within +/- 1 degrees) with high repeatability. The insertion loss of an uncoated micro-mirror is measured to be 1.6 dB.
Superoxide Dismutase Activity in the Intestine of the Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rat

Insulin stimulates the production of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in various tissues. Hydrogen peroxide has been proposed to be an intracellular second messenger for insulin and a moderator of cellular proliferation and differentiation. We previously found that cell proliferation is increased in small intestinal mucosa of streptozotocin-diabetic rats. The current study was undertaken to determine if superoxide dismutase (SOD), the enzyme that converts superoxide to hydrogen peroxide, is altered in the mucosa of the alimentary tract and renal cortex of the diabetic rat, and if so, whether SOD responds to insulin treatment. Total SOD and cyanide-insensitive [manganese-containing SOD (Mn SOD)] SOD were measured by the nitroblue tetrazolium inhibition assay. We studied ad libitum fed animals, where diabetics are hyperphagic, and pair-fed animals, where hyperphagia is not present. Since cyclic nucleotides appear to control cell proliferation in some tissues, we also measured cAMP and cGMP in mucosa of the ...
Dynamic tailoring and tuning of structurally connected TPF interferometer

Robust performance tailoring and tuning is a design methodology developed for high-performance, high-risk missions, such as NASA's Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF). It improves the level of mission confidence obtainable in the absence of a fully integrated system test prior to launch. If uncertainty is high and performance requirements are difficult to meet, existing robust design techniques can not always guarantee performance. Therefore, robust design is extended to include tuning elements that compensate for performance deviations due to parametric modeling uncertainty after the structure is built. In its early stages, the design is tailored for performance, robustness and tuneability. The incorporation of carefully chosen tuning elements guarantees that, once built, the structure will be tuneable to bring performance within requirements. In this paper we apply the dynamic tailoring and tuning methodologies to an integrated model of a structurally-connected TPF interferometer. The problem of interferometer design is posed in a robust design framework and appropriate tuning parameters such as reaction wheel isolator corner frequency and primary mirror support design are identified. Robust performance tailoring with tuning is applied to the problem using structural optimization to obtain a design that manages uncertainty through robustness and tuning authority and achieves a superior design to those generated with dynamic tailoring and robust design alone.
A model for the two-layer blown film process with flow-enhanced crystallization

Abstract A 2-D model for non-isothermal bi-layer film blowing is developed based on the 1-D film blowing model of Henrichsen and McHugh [2007a. Analysis of film blowing with flow-enhanced crystallization: part 1. Steady-state behavior. International Polymer Processing XXII (2), 179–189] that accounts for viscoelasticity and flow-enhanced crystallization. Numerical results demonstrate the role of rheological, thermal, and crystallization properties on the development of crystallinity and stresses in a bi-layer system consisting of two crystallizable polymers. For a two-layer film consisting of the same materials, the evolution of the stress in an individual layer can be significantly different due to the temperature difference. Varying the material properties in a given layer, such as the plateau modulus and the maximum crystallization rate, not only leads to the corresponding responses in its own layer, but also influences stresses and crystallinity in the other layer through heat transfer between two layers. Results further demonstrate that stresses in the film after the frost line will be borne primarily by the layer that solidifies first, while the second, molten component will have a tendency to relax. The layer arrangement is also shown to have direct impact on the stresses and semi-crystalline phase orientation at the freeze point which will impact the final properties of the film.
Multicomponent Polymeric Engineering Materials

The great advances made in polymeric structural materials over the past decade have led to their replacement of conventional materials in a wide range of uses including high-performance aerospace applications. This shift in choice of materials is based on economic advantages, simplified fabrication, freedom from corrosion, and lower weight. The trend toward use of polymeric materials will grow as the materials science of this new technology is developed. Better insight into such fundamental problems as the mechanisms by which forces are transferred to the polymer molecule, the surface interactions between polymer phases or polymer and fiber, and the molecular processes by which energy is absorbed during fracture will greatly stimulate the development of this field.
Implications of symbolic computation for the teaching of mathematics

The experience gained in teaching an experimental computer calculus course using the symbolic manipulation system MACSYMA is described. Interesting course material is presented to show how symbolic computation on computer can facilitate the teaching and learning of calculus. Some other college mathematics topics that could benefit from symbolic systems are indicated. The advantages and difficulties of such an approach are discussed.
Complex bis(tertiaryphosphine)dimethylgold(III) cations: phosphine exchange and reductive elimination of ethane

Abstract The syntheses and reactivity of cationic dimethylgold(III) complexes [(CH 3 ) 2 AuL 2 ] + , L = P(CH 3 ) 3 , P(CH 3 ) 2 (C 6 H 5 ), P(CH 3 )(C 6 H 5 ) 2 , and P(C 6 H 5 ) 3 , have been examined. With the exception of P(C 6 H 5 ) 3 , the ligands react directly with [(CH 3 ) 2 AuX] 2 , X = Cl, I, giving the bis(tertiaryphosphine) complex. The cationic bis(triphenylphosphine) complex can be produced only with a weakly coordinating ligand, e.g. , ClO − 4 . PMR spectra indicate that phosphine exchange is rapid at 40° for all of the chlorides and iodides. The rates increase with increasing phenyl substitution on the phosphine, and non-bonded interactions are postulated as being responsible for the variation in exchange rate. Vibrational spectra indicate only minor electronic changes in the dimethylgold moiety with increasing phenyl substitution of the phosphine. Exchange is faster with I − than Cl − , suggesting that reaction occurs by a nucleophilic attack of halide ion on the cation. With ClO − 4 as the anion, exchange is slow even with {(CH 3 ) 2 Au[P(C 6 H 5 ) 3 ] + 2 } at room temperature; however, in solution this cation undergoes a rapid reductive elimination of ethane yielding {Au[P(C 6 H 5 ) 3 ] + 2 }ClO − 4 . There is evidence that analogous facile reductive eliminations occur with [(CH 3 ) 2 AuL + 2 ]ClO − 4 , L = As(C 6 H 5 ) 3 , Sb(C 6 H 5 ) 3 suggesting steric crowding at gold contributes to the ease with which ethane is eliminated from these cations.
Interactions between poaching and management policy affect marine reserves as conservation tools

To explore the effects of poaching within marine reserve boundaries under three different management policies this analysis uses a simple age-structured reserve model based on yield maximization or reproductive thresholds of Black rockfish (Sebastes melanops). Departures from the traditional assumptions of full compliance to reserve boundaries alter the conclusions of prior modeling work that demonstrate yield equivalence to no-reserve effort control management and augmented reproductive benefits when small reserves are implemented. By degrading the recruitment subsidization effect to nonreserve areas from protected reserve populations, poaching resulted in negative externalities for compliant fishermen in open areas in terms of yield and degraded the reproductive output and age-structure of the system. All three policies required effort reduction in open areas as a response to poaching in reserves. The strength of the impacts from poaching varied with policy choice and harvest intensity in the reserve, where at the highest level of poaching modeled here (15% annual exploitation rate of the vulnerable reserve population) biological and fishery benefits of implementing reserves were totally negated. Under the assumptions of this model, a policy managing for a reproductive threshold that excludes the reserve population is the precautionary choice if poaching is likely. The results of this exercise emphasize the importance of garnering compliance to reserve boundaries from resource-users for spatial closures to be successful ocean management tools.
Diet and Risk of Heart Failure: an Update

Congestive heart failure (HF) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the USA, and its prevalence continues to rise with an aging population. Few nutritional guidelines exist for the prevention of HF, but recent evidence demonstrating beneficial effects of dietary interventions in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) offers promise for their role in HF. The current review summarizes pertinent data from both clinical trials and observational studies focused on the potential contribution of individual food items, supplements, and dietary patterns to the primary and secondary prevention of HF. We further highlight gaps in our understanding of the role of diet in HF and future directions to help bridge important areas of need.
Reconstruction From Random Projections of Hyperspectral Imagery With Spectral and Spatial Partitioning

Random projections have recently been proposed to enable dimensionality reduction in resource-constrained sensor devices such that the computational burden is shifted to the receiver side of the system in the form of a reconstruction process. While a number compressed-sensing algorithms can provide such reconstruction, the principal-component based compressive-projection principal component analysis (CPPCA) algorithm has been shown to offer better performance for hyperspectral imagery. CPPCA is extended to incorporate both spectral and spatial partitioning of the hyperspectral dataset with experimental results evaluating reconstruction quality not only in terms of squared-error and spectral-angle fidelity but also via performance of the reconstructed data in classification and unmixing tasks. While experimental results demonstrate that either form of partitioning yields significantly better reconstruction than the original, non-partitioned algorithm, CPPCA using both spectral and spatial partitioning together outperforms either of the two used alone.
Calculations of elastic scattering of 4He projectiles from thin layers

From international conference on ion beam surface layer analysis; Yorktown Heights, NY (18 Jun 1973). A table was prepared to facilitate the measurements for thin films using nuclear backscattering. The table shows, for a given number of incoming /sup 4/He projectiles, how many will be scattered into a given solid angle from a given thin film. Specifically, for 1 mu C of /sup 4/He projectiles incident at some energy E/sub o/ = (1000 keV) onto a uniform thin film of 10/sup 16/ at om/cm/sup 2/, the calculation shows how many will backscatter (90 to 170 deg ) onto a solid angle of 1 msterad. (JFP)
A Thermal Model of the Immobilization of Low-Level Radioactive Waste as Grout in Concrete Vaults

Salt solution will be mixed with cement and flyash/slag to form a grout which will be immobilized in above ground concrete vaults. The curing process is exothermic, and a transient thermal model of the pouring and curing process is herein described. A peak temperature limit of 85 C for the curing grout restricts the rate at which it can be poured into a vault. The model is used to optimize the pouring.
Temporal Trends in the Management of Potentially Resectable Lung Cancer

Background Standardized, evidence-based guidelines recommend lung resection for patients with stage I or II nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and select patients with stage IIIA disease. We hypothesized that the proportion of patients operated on would increase over time coincident with increasing adherence to practice guidelines and improved patient/provider education over time. Methods This investigation was a cohort study of tumor-registry data linked to Medicare claims. Results Between 1992 and 2002, 24,030 patients—mean age 75 ± 6 years, 55% men—were diagnosed with NSCLC. In each stage, the proportion of patients undergoing resection was lower in 2002 compared with 1992: stage I (68% versus 80%, p p p p p Conclusions Unexpectedly, the use of resection for lung cancer has decreased dramatically over time, and this decline is not fully accounted for by an older cohort with more comorbid conditions. Future investigations should determine whether increasing unmeasured contraindications to resection, barriers to accessing specialty care, an inadequate supply of thoracic surgeons, or bias against operative therapy are responsible.
Universal Principles for Ultra Low Power and Energy Efficient Design

Information is represented by the states of physical devices. It costs energy to transform or maintain the states of these physical devices. Thus, energy and information are deeply linked. This deep link allows the articulation of ten information-based principles for ultra low power design that apply to biology or electronics, to analog or digital systems, and to electrical or nonelectrical systems, at small or large scales. In this tutorial brief, we review these key principles along with examples of how they have been applied in practical electronic systems.
Capacity of neutrophils and monocytes from human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients and healthy controls to inhibit growth of Mycobacterium bovis.

Abstract We compared the differences in growth inhibition of Mycobacterium bovis by monocytes and neutrophils from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected persons ( n = 12; mean CD4 count=451/mm 3 ) and healthy controls ( n = 6). Phagocytes from all HIV–infected patients were incubated with or without exogenous granulocyte-macrophate colony–stimulating factor (GMCSF; 500-1000 U/mL). In two of the HIV-infected patients, phagocytes were incubated with or without interleukin (IL)-2 or IL-8 (500-1000 U/mL). Compared with that in HIV-infected patients, the reduction of M. bovis growth at 24 hours was 81% greater among monocytes and 69% greater among neutrophils from healthy controls ( P = .03 and .04, respectively). Among HIV-infected patients, we noted greater mycobacterial reduction in monocytes (49%, P = .04) and neutrophils (42%, P = .05) from the early-stage patients (mean CD4 count=760/mm 3 ) compared with that in late-stage patients (mean CD4 count=172/ mm 3 ). Incubation with GM-CSF, IL-2, or IL-8 did not augment mycobactericidal activity. These findings suggest that the capacity of neutrophils and monocytes from HIV-infected patients to inhibit the growth of M. bovis is impaired, and this impairment is more pronounced in later stages of HIV infection.
Knowledge-based variable selection for learning rules from proteomic data.

The incorporation of biological knowledge can enhance the analysis of biomedical data. We present a novel method that uses a proteomic knowledge base to enhance the performance of a rule-learning algorithm in identifying putative biomarkers of disease from high-dimensional proteomic mass spectral data. In particular, we use the Empirical Proteomics Ontology Knowledge Base (EPO-KB) that contains previously identified and validated proteomic biomarkers to select m/z s in a proteomic dataset prior to analysis to increase performance. We show that using EPO-KB as a pre-processing method, specifically selecting all biomarkers found only in the biofluid of the proteomic dataset, reduces the dimensionality by 95% and provides a statistically significantly greater increase in performance over no variable selection and random variable selection. Knowledge-based variable selection even with a sparsely-populated resource such as the EPO-KB increases overall performance of rule-learning for disease classification from high-dimensional proteomic mass spectra.
Passivity based control via the second law

Abstract In the paper we develop methods for stability analysis and control design for single phase, distributed chemical processes in one spatial dimension. The physical phenomena we model include reaction, diffusion, heat transfer and convection. The approach is motivated by the formalism of non-equilibrium thermodynamics, the energy methods of fluid mechanics and the passivity theory of non-linear control. We provide two distinct contributions. First, we give a tutorial overview of background material and examples to illustrate. Second, we introduce a new approach for stabilization of non-equilibrium, fluid flow systems. Some applications to systems of conservation laws are presented and connected with boundary and inventory control. We also develop an approach to study the classical problem of minimum entropy production in stationary flow.
Pulse Polymerized Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Electrodes For Solid-State Supercapacitors with Ionic Liquid Gel Polymer Electrolyte

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) electrodes are prepared by a novel ultrashort galvanic pulse electropolymerization technique for application in solid-state supercapacitors. Microstructure studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) show that PEDOT electrodes deposited by pulse polymerization are highly porous as compared to the conventional potentiostatic polymerization. In addition, as revealed by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies in the PEDOT films formed by pulse polymerization, the polymer chains are fully conjugated with the dopant ClO4 - ions. Solid-state supercapacitor cells using pulse polymerized PEDOT electrodes and ionic liquid gel polymer electrolyte were fabricated and characterized. The impedance spectroscopy studies show that the pulse polymerized PEDOT electrode have specific capacitance value of ∼ 65 F g-1 as compared to ∼52 F g-1for potentiostatically polymerized PEDOT and significantly lower interfacial and charge transfer resistance. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge characterization show highly capacitive behavior of the supercapacitor cells in the solid-state configuration.
Polymer self-diffusion in Nal-poly(ethylene oxide) electrolytes

Abstract Using the technique of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching we have measured the self-diffusion coefficients (D) of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in NaI-PEO electrolytes. From the temperature dependence of the D values, the activation energy of self-diffusion was obtained. It has the same salt concentration dependence as the activation energy of ionic conductivity, suggesting that polymer segmental mobility is essential for ion transport in NaI-PEO electrolytes. The PEO diffusion rate was reduced significantly at low salt concentration, but raising the NaI concentration beyond 6 mol% resulted in only slight changes in D values. The concentration dependence of D was interpreted in terms of the interactions between PEO and sodium ions. From the response of D and the immobile fraction of PEO molecules to temperature and composition changes, several features in the NaI-PEO phase diagram were elucidated.
3D reconstruction and image fusion using transurethral ultrasound

Prostate imaging commonly performed using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), has been unable to image the prostate in real-time 3D. Transurethral ultrasound (TUUS), a new method of prostate imaging, may provide a solution. We developed a 3D reconstruction method for transurethral ultrasound using a radially-phased catheter transducer, and performed an in vitro validation and comparison with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The 3D reconstruction method was able to generate TUUS volumes in a near real-time fashion. Calculated volumes of a prostate phantom were similar in all three methods. Inserted fiducial markers were better visualized in TUUS. MR-TUUS fusion was demonstrated using current registration algorithms optimized for TRUS. Future improvements to the volume reconstruction and MR fusion accuracy may enable TUUS to become an aid in prostate cancer diagnosis.
Analysis of infrared beamline noise reduction by moving mirrors

Abstract Synchrotron oscillations are a major noise source for an infrared (IR) beamline on an electron storage ring. At frequencies below ∼1 kHz, the noise may be reduced by using movable mirrors to stabilize the transverse position and propagation direction of the radiation, but this does not compensate for oscillations of the electron beam current or the radiation opening angle. For the edge-radiation beamline at the Aladdin electron storage ring, the calculated noise contributions from oscillations of the beam current and the emitted radiation's opening angle, horizontal position and horizontal direction of propagation are in the ratio 1:–200:8000:14,000. The estimated noise due to vertical oscillations is an order of magnitude smaller than the contribution from horizontal oscillations. Since transverse oscillations dominate, feedback-controlled mirrors are expected to greatly reduce the beamline's low-frequency noise.
Reversal of dormancy in switchgrass with low-light photoperiod extension.

Abstract Some switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) cultivars originating in the northern USA show limited late-summer and fall growth when grown in more southerly locations despite adequate temperature and moisture. Our objective was to determine the effects of low-light photoperiod extension on the dry matter yield of switchgrass cultivars originating from contrasting latitudes. Seedlings of the four cultivars (Cave-in-Rock, ‘Caddo’, ‘Kanlow’, and ‘Alamo’) were grown for 100 d in a greenhouse in winter under ambient (11.2–12.2 h) and extended (18 h) photoperiods. Photoperiod extension was with 7 μmol m−2 s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density. Cultivars responded differently to photoperiod extension (P
Incongruent sputtering in metal oxides

Abstract Preferential sputtering has been observed for NiO(100) and CoO(100) under low fluxes of 2 keV Ar+, with oxygen/metal sputtering yields a strong function of substrate temperature. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to follow the chemical and compositional nature of the surface for substrates prepared and characterized under UHV. Using O/M AES ratios as a measure of oxygen content, congruent sputtering was found for the oxides at 300 K for fluences of up to 1017 Ar+/cm2 and threshold temperatures for sputter reduction were observed at 350 K and 500 K for NiO and CoO, respectively. The relatively close thresholds for NiO and CoO sputter reduction argue against current thermal sputtering theory which predicts incongruent sputtering through oxygen vaporization. The temperature dependence of the O/M sputtering yields indicates that metal oxide sputtering is far more complex than current theory is able to describe. XPS data show evidence that adsorbed oxygen species, distinct from lattice oxygen, have formed on surfaces which have undergone sputter reduction and these species are postulated to play a role in the sputtering mechanism. MnO(100) crystals show no evidence for preferential sputtering for substrate temperature of up to 1000 K.
Operant Rate Depressant Effects of Ethanol in Mice Selectively Bred for Differential Neurosensitivity to Ethanol

Few studies have investigated genetic differences in the effects of ethanol on operant schedule-controlled behaviors. The use of genetically defined populations in sensitive measures of complex behavior can help determine genetically covarying responses to ethanol as well as environmental contexts important for demonstrating genetic differences. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the rate depressant effects of ethanol on two lines of mice selectively bred for increased, LS/Ibg (LS), and decreased, SS/Ibg (SS), sensitivity to the acute narcotic effects of ethanol. Ethanol dose-dependently decreased high rates of behavior maintained by fixed ratio responding for water in both the LS and SS mice. Interestingly, the LS and SS mice did not differ in the rate depressant effects of ethanol under these conditions despite the sensitivity of this measure to the CNS effects of drugs and the very large differences between these lines in sensitivity to numerous other ethanol-related effects. While the SS mice were slightly less sensitive, and LS mice tended to show a low dose rate increasing effect, none of the differences were significant as ED50 values for rate depression differed by only 2.5 percent. The results of this experiment demonstrate that sensitivity to the effects of ethanol on fixed ratio responding for water is not genetically related to the acute narcotic effects of ethanol. In addition, the findings show that previously reported differences in operant ethanol self-administration between these two lines of mice are not due to differential sensitivity to the direct effects of ethanol on reinforced behavior.
»WINTERSPELT« Im Kontext des Romanwerks von Alfred Andersen1

Im Romanwerk Alfred Anderschs last sich die Suche nach zeitgerechten Moglichkeiten politisch bewusten und zugleich authentischen Handelns des modernen Menschen als zentrale thematische Fragestellung erkennen: Der Autor begreift das Individuum als wesentlich bestimmt durch seine Verhaltnisse zu »Natur«, »Kunst« und »Gesellschaft«, und die kritische Analyse orientiert sich an der Spannung der Figurengestaltung, welche die Protagonisten als Exponenten eines anthropologischen Menschenbildes und Miglieder einer spezifisch historischen Gesellschaft kennzeichnet. Fur Andersch prasentiert sich Gesellschaft mit dem Sieg des Faschismus als Repressionszusammenhang, der vielleicht noch durchschaut, nicht aber mehr uberwunden werden kann, da mit dem Scheitern der (deutschen) Arbeiterbewegung die institutionell begrundete Hoffnung auf eine Uberwindung der spatburgerlichen Gesellschaft historisch obsolet geworden ist. Im Gegensatz zu seinem autobiographischen Bericht Die Kirschen der Freiheit, der die Spharen von »Natur« und »Kunst« als veritable Ruck-zugsmoglichkeiten des Individuums anerkennt und mit einem positiven Ausblick endet, unterwirft Andersch in Winterspelt seine Protagonisten dem Anspruch, ihre Isoliertheit und Entfremdung in gemeinsamer politischer Aktion zu uberwinden. Diesen Anspruch konnen sie nicht mehr erfullen: zwar gelingt ihnen, sich der allgemeinen Unmenschlichkeit zu entziehen, doch sind sie zu menschlicher Allgemeinheit nicht fahig. Dieses Ergebnis wird im Zusammenhang von Anderschs Autobiographie und seinen politischen Grunduberzeugungen diskutiert und als Uberwindung seines fruhen - theoretisch inkonsistenten -Menschenbildes interpretiert. Wie der Vergleich mit literaturtheoretischen Positionen Adornos illustrieren soll, markiert Winterspelt auch formell einen Fortschritt im Romanwerk Anderschs. In seiner gleichwohl traditionellen Verwendung innovativer Schreibtechniken gelangt er zu einem »konstruktiven Realismus«, der ihm erlaubt - so die These - sein asthetisch-politisches Credo literarisch zu gestalten: das Wahrheit und Humanitat ohne Kunst nicht denkbar noch erfahrbar sind.
The Intellectual Structure of Health and Medical Informatics

This paper presents the results of an author co-citation analysis of the health and medical informatics discipline. It updates a smaller study that focused on health information systems. Drawing on such sub-fields as bio informatics, clinical decision support systems, computational genomics, e-health, health informatics, and others, this body of knowledge defines the core internal structure of the discipline and delineates its sub-fields. An author co-citation analysis was performed for a nine-year period using the members of editorial boards of several medical informatics-related journals as an initial author sample N = 272. Several multivariate analyses, including cluster analysis, factor analysis and multidimensional scaling, were performed. The authors results confirm that several established sub-fields still stand but a number of new sub-fields are emerging. Future research can build on this work and examine other journals and additional authors to gain insights into the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the health and medical informatics discipline.
Trigeminal Nociceptors Express Prostaglandin Receptors

Orofacial inflammation is associated with prostaglandin release and the sensitization of nociceptive receptors such as the transient receptor potential subtype V(1) (TRPV(1)). We hypothesized that certain PGE(2) receptor subtypes (EP1-EP4) are co-expressed with TRPV(1) in trigeminal nociceptors and sensitize responses to a TRPV(1) agonist, capsaicin. Accordingly, combined in situ hybridization was performed with immunohistochemistry on rat trigeminal ganglia. We next evaluated the effects of specific EP2 and EP3 agonists (butaprost and sulprostone) in cultured trigeminal ganglia neurons. The results showed that EP2 and EP3 are expressed in trigeminal neurons (58% and 53% of total neurons, respectively) and are co-expressed in TRPV(1)-positive neurons (64% and 67 % of TRPV(1)-positive neurons, respectively). Moreover, most of the cells expressing EP2 or EP3 mRNA were of small to medium diameter (< 30 microm). The application of butaprost and sulprostone triggered neuropeptide exocytosis, and butaprost sensitized capsaicin responses. Analysis of these data, collectively, supports the hypothesis that prostaglandins regulate trigeminal TRPV(1) nociceptors via activation of the EP2 and EP3 receptors.