cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A permeation method for the determination of average concentrations of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere.

Abstract A simple, inexpensive and reliable method for the determination of average concentrations of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere is described. Silver p-sulfa-moylbenzoic acid is used as the colorimetric reagent in a specially designed permeation device. The calibration graphs are linear up to 80 p.p.m. carbon monoxide, and the limit of detection is 2 p.p.m. for a 24-h exposure. Tests under field conditions are discussed.
Pathology of 157 human cadaver eyes with round-edged or modern square-edged silicone intraocular lenses: analyses of capsule bag opacification.

Purpose To assess the degree of capsular bag opacification in human cadaver eyes with silicone intraocular lenses (IOLs), specifically comparing the differences between round-edged IOLs and modern square-edged IOLs. Setting John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, USA. Design Experimental study. Methods The eyes were immersed in 10% formalin on enucleation. They had anterior segment scanning with a very-high-frequency ultrasound (Artemis). After the eyes were sectioned at the equator, gross examination of the anterior segment was performed from the posterior aspect to assess the degree of capsular bag opacification, coverage of the IOL edge by the anterior capsule, and IOL fixation. Selected eyes also had histopathologic examination. Results Eighty-seven eyes with a 3-piece round-edged IOL, 43 with a 3-piece square-edged IOL, 26 with a 1-piece plate IOL, and 1 with an accommodating IOL design were included in the analyses of capsular bag opacification. Comparison between 3-piece round-edged IOLs and square-edged IOLs showed statistically significant differences in central posterior capsule opacification (PCO) ( P =.0001687) and peripheral PCO ( P Conclusions This first study using pseudophakic human cadaver eyes that includes a significant number of modern 3-piece silicone IOLs with square optic edges confirmed the role of this design in the prevention of PCO. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Team Communication and Innovative Design Practices: The Effect of Team Adoption and Implementation of the Tablet PC

Today, designers have access to larger amounts of content information and consequently, groups of people working collaboratively can access and communicate information both synchronously and asynchronously. The role of pen-based technologies, and in particular, the tablet PC, has also played an increasingly important role in how designers communicate through external representations. By identifying the specific effects of the tablet PCs on team communication and matching design practices we investigate how technology and communication shape team design practices. It is also important to investigate the degree to which designers adopt and utilize these unique features of the technology. In addition, the impact of attitudes on usage is of important interest, due to its relationship with the adoption and implementation of tablet PC features. Under a previous project, students were assigned into teams based on prior experiences, and tasked with creating an innovative design solution for a client. This study w...
From Virus Research to Molecular Biology: Tobacco Mosaic Virus in Germany, 1936-1956

In 1937, a group of researchers in Nazi Germany began investigating tobaccomosaic virus (TMV) with the hope of using the virus as a model system for understandinggene behavior in higher organisms. They soon developed a creative and interdisciplinarywork style and were able to continue their research in the postwar era, when they madesignificant contributions to the history of molecular biology. This group is significant fortwo major reasons. First, it provides an example of how researchers were able to produceexcellent scientific research in the midst of dictatorship and war. Coupled with the group'songoing success in postwar Germany, the German TMV investigators provide a dramaticexample of how scientific communities deal with adversity as well as rapid political and socialchange. Second, since the researchers focused heavily (though not exclusively) on TMV, theirstory allows us to analyze how an experimental system other than phage contributed to theemergence of molecular biology.
Correct Hox gene expression established independently of position in Caenorhabditis elegans.

THE Hox genes are expressed in a conserved sequence of spatial domains along the anteroposterior (A/P) body axes of many organisms1. In Drosophila, position-specific signals located along the A/P axis establish the pattern of Hox gene expression2–4. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, it is not known how the pattern of Hox gene expression is established. C. elegans uses lineal control mechanisms and local cell interactions to specify early blastomere identities5,6. However, many cells expressing the same Hox gene are unrelated by lineage, suggesting that, as in Drosophila, domains of Hox gene expression may be defined by cell-extrinsic A/P positional signals. To test this, we have investigated whether posterior mesodermal and ectodermal cells will express their normal posterior Hox gene when they are mispositioned in the anterior. Surprisingly, we find that correct Hox gene expression does not depend on cell position, but is highly correlated with cell lineage. Thus, although the most striking feature of Hox gene expression is its positional specificity, in C. elegans the pattern is achieved, at least in part, by a lineage-specific control system that operates without regard to A/P position.
Discrete physics with conservation and Galilean invariance

In this paper, we show how to avoid continuum concepts altogether for both Newtonian mechanics and for special relativistic mechanics. For Newtonian mechanics, we will establish all the usual conservation laws. For both Newtonian mechanics and for special relativistic mechanics, we will prove Galilean invariance for inertial systems. For easy comparison, discrete and continuous concepts will often be juxtaposed.
Are genetically informed designs genetically informative? Comment on McGue, Elkins, Walden, and Iacono (2005) and quantitative behavioral genetics.

M. McGue, I. Elkins, B. Walden, and W. G. Iacono (2005) presented the findings from a twin study examining the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to the developmental trajectories of parent–adolescent relationships. From a behavioral genetics perspective, this study is well conceptualized, is well implemented, and raises some interesting developmental questions. Yet, the classic twin methodology and heritability estimates obfuscate the dynamic gene– ecology transactions that underlie these social developmental trajectories. There is a growing divide between the findings of quantitative behavioral genetics, with its foundational estimate of a statistical genetic influence, and developmental molecular genetics. This comment provides a brief overview of this divide and its implications for the findings of McGue et al. as well as quantitative behavioral genetics more broadly.
Selective growth of InGaAs/GaAs quantum dot chains on pre-patterned GaAs(100)

Self-organized InGaAs quantum dot chains grown by molecular beam epitaxy were investigated using vertical stacking techniques on pre-patterned GaAs(100) substrates. The results demonstrate the formation of quantum dot (QD) chains only on desired spatial regions. In addition to QD chains, the results show that almost any shape of lines of QDs are possible depending on the faceted pre-patterned substrate. The experimental results suggest that this approach has the potential to be used to fabricate single QD chains or necklaces or almost any pattern.
Application of the indigogenic principle for the histochemical demonstration of ribonuclease.

Es wurde ein neues Indolsubstrat fur die histochemische Demonstration von alkalischer RNase II und saurer RNase II synthetisiert. Dieses Verfahren ist besser, schneller und praziser als die bisherigen Kupplungstechniken.
New crystalline structures for Si and Ge.

A new class of crystalline structures for group-IV materials is proposed. The basic building block for all the new structures is a two-dimensionally ordered slab of atoms which can be stacked together in several distinct ways. The most stable structure obtained in this way has a 20-atom orthorhombic unit cell. For Si, the total energy for this structure is calculated to be \ensuremath{\simeq}30 meV per atom higher, and the atomic density 1.3% lower, than in the diamond structure. Other structures with 16, 18, and 32 atoms per unit cell are constructed and their energetic, atomic, and electronic properties are examined. The 32-atom structure is closely related to the recently discovered allo-Ge phase.
ZAP-70 deficiency in an autosomal recessive form of severe combined immunodeficiency

Protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) play an integral role in T cell activation and differentiation. Defects in the Src-family PTKs in mice and in T cell lines have resulted in variable defects in thymic development and in T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signal transduction. Here, three siblings are described with an autosomal recessive form of severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) in which ZAP-70, a non-Src PTK, is absent as a result of mutations in the ZAP-70 gene. This absence is associated with defects in TCR signal transduction, suggesting an important functional role for ZAP-70.
Solar–terrestrial influences on weather and climate

During the past century over 1,000 articles have been published claiming or refuting a correlation between some aspect of solar activity and some feature of terrestrial weather or climate. Nevertheless, the sense of progress that should attend such an outpouring of ‘results’ has been absent for most of this period. The problem all along has been to separate a suspected Sun–weather signal from the characteristically noisy background of both systems. The present decade may be witnessing the first evidence of progress in this field. Three independent investigations have revealed what seem to be well resolved Sun–weather signals, although it is still too early to have unreserved confidence in all cases. The three correlations are between terrestrial climate and Maunder Minimum-type solar activity variations, a regional drought cycle and the 22-yr solar magnetic cycle, and winter hemisphere atmospheric circulation and passages by the Earth of solar sector boundaries in the solar wind. The apparent emergence of clear Sun–weather signals stimulated numerous searches for underlying physical causal links.
Cell Cycle-Dependent Induction of Homologous Recombination by a Tightly Regulated I-SceI Fusion Protein

Double-strand break repair is executed by two major repair pathways: non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). Whereas NHEJ contributes to the repair of ionizing radiation (IR)-induced double strand breaks (DSBs) throughout the cell cycle, HR acts predominantly during the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. The rare-cutting restriction endonuclease, I-SceI, is in common use to study the repair of site-specific chromosomal DSBs in vertebrate cells. To facilitate analysis of I-SceI-induced DSB repair, we have developed a stably expressed I-SceI fusion protein that enables precise temporal control of I-SceI activation, and correspondingly tight control of the timing of onset of site-specific chromosome breakage. I-SceI-induced HR showed a strong, positive linear correlation with the percentage of cells in S phase, and was negatively correlated with the G1 fraction. Acute depletion of BRCA1, a key regulator of HR, disrupted the relationship between S phase fraction and I-SceI-induced HR, consistent with the hypothesis that BRCA1 regulates HR during S phase.
Opposing effects mediated by the chemokine receptor CXCR2 on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: Recruitment of potentially damaging neutrophils and direct myocardial protection

Background— The timely reperfusion of ischemic myocardium limits infarction, but components of reperfusion, such as inflammation, may be injurious. The chemokine receptor CXCR2 mediates neutrophil chemotaxis. CXCR2 activation also inhibits hypoxia-induced death of isolated cardiac myocytes. This study assesses whether CXCR2 mediates protection in the intact heart and, if so, the magnitude of this protection relative to CXCR2-mediated chemotaxis of potentially damaging inflammatory cells. Methods and Results— After ischemia-reperfusion in vivo, CXCR2−/− mice exhibited infarcts that were 50.5% smaller (P<0.05) with 44.3% fewer inflammatory cells (P<0.05) than wild type mice. These data suggest that in this model, CXCR2-mediated chemotaxis may be important in myocardial cell death. To isolate the role of CXCR2 specifically on blood cells, adoptive transfer experiments were performed. After ischemia-reperfusion, infarcts were 53.4% smaller (P<0.05) and contained 65.0% fewer inflammatory cells (P<0.05) in leth...
The effect of plastic deformation on positron annihilation in copper of varying grain size

Abstract Mean positron lifetimes were measured in copper of grain sizes of 169, 264 and 309 μm as a function of tensile strain. Saturation of the positron lifetime was approached at values of strain proportional to the original grain diameter. The percentage of trapped positrons was evaluated for the 264 μm material.
To bury the ancestors: a view of NAGPRA

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) became law on November 16, 1990. The law addresses the rights of lineal descendants and members of American Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian groups with respect to human remains and cultural items with which they are affiliated. NAGPRA is concerned with the human remains of Native American ancestors, material goods still associated with these bodies, material goods once associated with these bodies but now separated, objects of importance to ongoing religious practice, and objects of cultural patrimony. NAGPRA sets into motion a process of identification, consultation, and recommendation about these ancestors or ancestral materials.
HEAT TRANSFER COMPUTATIONS OF INTERNAL DUCT FLOWS WITH COMBINED HYDRAULIC AND THERMAL DEVELOPING LENGTH

This study investigated the Navier-Stokes computations of the surface heat transfer coefficients of a transition duct flow. A transition duct from an axisymmetric cross section to a nonaxisymmetric cross section, is usually used to connect the turbine exit to the nozzle. As the gas turbine inlet temperature increases, the transition duct is subjected to the high temperature at the gas turbine exit. The transition duct flow has combined development of hydraulic and thermal entry length. The design of the transition duct required accurate surface heat transfer coefficients. The Navier-Stokes computational method could be used to predict the surface heat transfer coefficients of a transition duct flow. The Proteus threedimensional Navier-Stokes numerical computational code was used in this study. The code was first studied for the computations of the turbulent developing flow properties within a circular duct and a square duct. The code was then used to compute the turbulent flow properties of a transition duct flow. The computational results of the surface pressure, the skin friction factor, and the surface heat transfer coefficient were described and compared with their values obtained from theoretical analyses or experiments. The comparison showed that the Navier-Stokes computation could predict approximately the surface heat transfer coefficients of a transition duct flow. Nomenclatures
Obliterative procedures for pelvic organ prolapse

Colpocleisis is an effective surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse in elderly women who do not wish to preserve the vagina for sexual intercourse. Colpocleisis provides good relief of pelvic floor symptoms without significant morbidity. The morbidity and mortality associated with the surgery is largely related to the health status of this elderly segment of the population. Stress incontinence can be addressed with a concomitant procedure such as a midurethral synthetic sling. Overall patient satisfaction with this obliterative procedure is greater than 90%. As the population ages, this procedure stands to become an increasingly popular treatment option.
In vitro antigene therapy targeting HPV-16 E6 and E7 in cervical carcinoma

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is believed to play a central role in cervical carcinogenesis. Specifically, two viral oncoproteins, E6 and E7, possess transforming ability and have been shown to interact with the cellular tumor suppressors p53 and p105, the retinoblastoma (Rb) gene product. To test the hypothesis that E6 and E7 play an active role in the maintenance of the malignant phenotype and may be ideal targets for antigene therapy, we tested the antiproliferative effects of phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (oligos) targeting HPV-16 E6 and E7 in cervical cancer cell lines and primary tumor explants. The ATP cell viability assay was used to measure growth effects of 27-mer antisense oligos targeting the ATG translational start region of HPV-16 E6 and E7 sequences in HPV-16-positive cell lines SiHa and CaSki and four advanced, primary cervical tumor explants. A random oligo sequence, an HPV-18-positive and HPV-negative cell line, one histologically confirmed endometrial and two ovarian tumors were used as negative controls. HPV type was confirmed by hybrid capture techniques. Cell lines and sterile (staging laparotomy) tumor cells were plated at 5000 cells/0.1 ml and 100,000 cells/0.5 ml in 96-well plates or soft agar, respectively, and incubated at 37 degrees C with a single treatment of oligos at 0-16 microM. E6/E7 combinations at a fixed ratio of 1:1 were used at 0-8 microM for each oligo. Cellular ATP was measured by luciferin/luciferase fluorescence on Day 6. HPV-16 E6 and E7 oligos showed antiproliferative effects in all HPV-16-positive cell lines and primary tumor explants (IC50s 6.9-9.5 microM for cell lines, 9.1-12.1 microM primary cervical tumors), while the HPV-negative C33-A cell line and HPV-18-positive cell line HeLa were relatively insensitive to the HPV-16 oligos (IC50s > 30 microM extrapolated). The endometrial and two ovarian primary tumors were also insensitive to the HPV E6 and E7 oligos (IC50s > 25 microM extrapolated). Random oligos had little effect on cell growth at concentrations up to 16 microM (< 25% inhibition), except in CaSki (@50% inhibition at 16 microM). Combinations of E6 and E7 demonstrated mixed synergistic and antagonistic effects as determined by combination indices (CI) derived from median effect parameters. In the HPV-16-positive primary cervical tumors and the cell line SiHa, E6/E7 combinations were synergistic at low doses (< 25% growth inhibitory dose range) and antagonistic at doses above this. For the HPV-16-positive cell line CaSki, however, E6/E7 combinations were antagonistic at all dose ranges. Phosphorothioate oligos directed against the viral oncogenes E6 and E7 were shown to have antiproliferative effects specific to HPV-containing cancer cells. These specific antiproliferative effects suggest that HPV-16 E6 and E7 sequences play an active role in the malignant growth properties of cervical cancer cells and may be ideal targets for antigene therapy.
The therapeutic prescription for the organ transplant recipient: the linkage of immunosuppression and antimicrobial strategies

: Infection and rejection, the two major barriers to successful organ transplantation, are closely linked, with immunosuppressive therapy being central to the pathogenesis of both. After almost two decades when azathioprine and prednisone, supplemented by antilymphocyte antibody therapy, were the cornerstones of post-transplant immunosuppressive programs, there has been a major increase in the therapeutic armamentarium available to treat rejection: cyclosporine, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, rapamycin, and antibodies directed against the interleukin-2 receptor. These agents are potent inhibitors of microbial specific T cell function, thus potentiating opportunistic infection with herpes group viruses, fungal and mycobacterial species, Strongyloides stercoralis, and a variety of intracellular pathogens. The mechanisms by which each of these drugs exerts its effects are an important determinant of the antimicrobial strategies that will be necessary to combat infection. Indeed, strategies to limit these infections are being linked to the nature of the immunosuppressive therapy required in a particular patient. Thus, the therapeutic prescription for the transplant patient is said to have two components: an immunosuppressive component to prevent and treat rejection, and an antimicrobial one to make it safe. In addition to using antimicrobial agents therapeutically, in the transplant patient prevention is stressed in which antibiotics are deployed prophylactically or preemptively ( Note).
Fe-Ti-rare-earth compounds with the tetragonal Mn12Th structure type

Abstract The magnetic phase with the assumed composition Fe10 TiSm, which was originally described as Ti-stabilized Fe5Sm in sputtered films and recently said to be tetragonal with a = 0.606 and c = 1.677 nm, is shown to actually have the tetragonal Mn12 Th structure type with a = 0.857 and c = 0.4796 nm. Its composition is therefore (Fe0.91Ti0.0912Sm. The phase, which is not found in iron-rare-earth binary alloy systems, is stabilized by the addition of Ti. Based on the literature from which the experimental data were extracted, this phase can be expected to form with most rare-earth elements and yttrium.
Numerical simulation of a hydrogen arcjet

The two-dimensional, axisymmetric, nonequilibrium ionizing and reacting flow in a hydrogen arcjet thruster is simulated numerically using the linearized block implicit method. A single ionic species (H), single temperature (i.e., equal electron and heavy particle temperatures), and variable properties are used in this formulation to solve the governing equations of mass, species, momentum, and energy. The current distribution is obtained by solving the magnetic diffusion equation at each time step of the time-marching scheme. As an illustration, a hydrogen arcjet having an exit-to-throat area ratio of 25 (nominal 30-kW geometry) is studied. It is found that the species in order of their abundance at the centerline of the exit plane of the thruster consist of atomic hydrogen (H), ions (H), and electrons (e~), and molecular hydrogen (H2), respectively. As expected, near the colder walls of the anode at the exit plane, this abundance shifts in favor of molecular hydrogen, atomic hydrogen, H, and electrons, respectively.
The Effect of Shared versus Individual Reflection on Team Outcomes.

In this study, teams in a strategic management classroom were given one of two versions of an assignment related to the development of a team contract: independent individual reflections on desired...
Treating severe cardiogenic shock by large counterpulsation volumes.

Background. Intraaortic balloon pumping is known to be ineffective in severe cardiogenic shock. The efficacy of balloon volumes larger than those commonly used is examined. Methods. In 18 dogs with severe experimental cardiogenic shock (systolic aortic pressure −1 · kg −1 ) the effect of three intraaortic balloon volumes (15, 30, and 45 mL) and a 60-mL paraaortic pump was examined. Results. The 45-mL balloon covering the full length of the aorta induced the highest (+12.4 ± 2.2 mL · min −1 · kg −1 ; mean± standard error of the mean) and the 15-mL balloon the lowest increase in aortic flow ( F = 14.6, p p F = 10.72, p −1 · kg −1 ) in aortic flow compared to the three balloons. An 80- to 100-mL paraaortic pump maintained the life of 3 patients in severe cardiogenic shock for 4 hours, 8 days, and 54 days, whereas a 40-mL conventional balloon was completely ineffective. Conclusions. Experimental and clinical data indicate that the effectiveness of intraaortic balloon pumping in severe cardiogenic shock may be improved by increasing the volume of the balloon (ie, until it fully occupies the aorta).
Stochastic bounds for attained levels

Abstract Asymptotic inequalities are obtained for the level attained by any test statistic in a given hypothesis testing problem. The bounds so obtained are themselves random. The inequalities subsume previous results by Bahadur and others about the asymptotic behavior of attained levels. Various remifications of the inequalities are discussed, including a notion of stochastic deficiency.
Far-Red Fluorescent Protein Excitable with Red Lasers for Flow Cytometry and Superresolution STED Nanoscopy

Far-red fluorescent proteins are required for deep-tissue and whole-animal imaging and multicolor labeling in the red wavelength range, as well as probes excitable with standard red lasers in flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Rapidly evolving superresolution microscopy based on the stimulated emission depletion approach also demands genetically encoded monomeric probes to tag intracellular proteins at the molecular level. Based on the monomeric mKate variant, we have developed a far-red TagRFP657 protein with excitation/emission maxima at 611/657 nm. TagRFP657 has several advantages over existing monomeric far-red proteins including higher photostability, better pH stability, lower residual green fluorescence, and greater efficiency of excitation with red lasers. The red-shifted excitation and emission spectra, as compared to other far-red proteins, allows utilizing TagRFP657 in flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy simultaneously with orange or near-red fluorescence proteins. TagRFP657 is shown to be an efficient protein tag for the superresolution fluorescence imaging using a commercially available stimulated emission depletion microscope.
Modeling the synthesis of aluminum particles by evaporation-condensation in an aerosol flow reactor

A simple model for ultrafine particle synthesis by evaporation-condensation in aerosol reactors is presented. Neglecting the spread of the size distribution, the model accounts for particle nucleation, condensation and coagulation at non-isothermal conditions. The performance of the model with respect to the prediction of the average particle size is thoroughly evaluated by comparing it against more accurate but elaborate models in the literature. The model is applied to synthesis of aluminum powders by evaporation-condensation. It is quantitatively shown that production of powders with high specific surface area and subsequently ultrafine particle size is favored using high cooling rate, low evaporation temperature, low system pressure or low metal vapor concentration. These model predictions are in agreement with experimental data in the literature as well as with our data.
Poverty, income distribution, and agriculture in developing countries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to estimate the determinants of rural and national poverty, of income distribution, and of agricultural growth in developing countries.Design/methodology/approach – Data for all variables are from the 2008 World Development Report. The author applies the least‐squares estimation technique in a multivariate linear regression.Findings – It is found, from different size samples, that: the percentage of the rural population living below the national rural poverty line in a developing country is dependent upon the logarithm of per capita purchasing power parity gross national income and the region in which it is located; it linearly depends on its per capita agriculture value added and its geographic location; agriculture value added growth linearly depends on the share of women in the agricultural labor force, whether the developing country is agriculture‐based, and whether it is located in Europe or Central Asia; and agricultural productivity linearly depends on the amo...
Application of the population balance model to the grinding of mixtures of minerals

Abstract Batch experiments were carried out on the dry ball mill grinding of calcite, hematite and quartz, individually and as binary mixtures. In terms of the population balance grinding kinetics model, the breakage rate functions of the individual minerals were found to be time-independent but environmental-dependent. The breakage distribution functions of the individual minerals were the same, irrespective of whether the mineral was ground alone or as a component of a mixture. A modified form of the Charles energy—size reduction equation was used to resolve the net energy expended by the mill into that consumed by each of the components of the mixture. The breakage rate function, when normalized in terms of specific energy (energy consumed per unit mass of mineral), was found to be both time- and environment-independent for each of the minerals studied. These observations have potential for application in mill design, scale-up and control in the processing of complex ores.
Single- and multiple-pulse noncoherent detection statistics associated with partially developed speckle

Single- and multiple-pulse detection statistics are presented for aperture-averaged direct detection optical receivers operating against partially developed speckle fields. A partially developed speckle field arises when the probability density function of the received intensity does not follow negative exponential statistics. The case of interest here is the target surface that exhibits diffuse as well as specular components in the scattered radiation. An approximate expression is derived for the integrated intensity at the aperture, which leads to single- and multiple-pulse discrete probability density functions for the case of a Poisson signal in Poisson noise with an additive coherent component. In the absence of noise, the single-pulse discrete density function is shown to reduce to a generalized negative binomial distribution. The radar concept of integration loss is discussed in the context of direct detection optical systems where it is shown that, given an appropriate set of system parameters, multiple-pulse processing can be more efficient than single-pulse processing over a finite range of the integration parameter n.
Laser Produced Plasma X-Ray Ultraviolet (XUV) Radiation Source

XUV radiation from a laser-produced plasma was investigated using a 1.5 m grazing incidence monochromator with a channel electron multiplier array detector. This instrument provides relatively high spectral resolution as well as linear response over a large dynamic range. Spectra from 8 to 40 nm were obtained from plasmas generated by a 0.5 J Nd:YAG laser focused on the following different target materials: Al, Cu, Fe, Sn, Sm, Hf, Yb, W, and Pb. Reproducibility of emission and effects of laser energy and focus on the output were measured.
Consensus Seeking in Multi-vehicle Systems with a Time-varying Reference State

In this paper, we study the consensus problem in multi-vehicle systems where the information states of each vehicle approach a common time-varying reference state. We first analyze consensus algorithms with a constant reference state using graph theoretical tools. We then propose consensus algorithms with a time-varying reference state and show necessary and sufficient conditions under which consensus is reached on the time-varying reference state when only a portion of the vehicles (e.g., the unique team leader) have access to the reference state and those vehicles might not have directed paths to the other vehicles in the team. The reference state may be a time-varying exogenous signal or evolves according to a nonlinear model. These consensus algorithms are also extended to achieve relative state deviations between the vehicles.
Ensemble of classifiers approach for NDT data fusion

Several measurement modalities have been developed over the years for various nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDT and E) applications, such as ultrasonic, magnetic flux leakage, and eddy current testing, all of which have been used extensively in pipeline defect identification. While it is generally believed that different testing modalities provide complementary information, only a single testing modality is typically used for a given application. This is part due to lack of effective, computationally feasible data fusion algorithms that are applicable to NDT and E signals. Such an algorithm capable of data fusion can combine information from two or more different sources of data, giving more insight and confidence to the data analysis than a decision that would otherwise be based on either of the sources alone. Learn++, previously introduced as an incremental learning algorithm, was applied to a NDT and E data fusion application. Specifically, we generated two ensembles of classifiers, one trained on ultrasonic signals, and the other on corresponding magnetic flux leakage signals obtained from stainless steel samples that contained five classes of discontinuities: crack, pitting, weld, mechanical damage, and no discontinuity. We have observed that the prediction ability of the automated classification system, as measured by the accuracy and reliability of the classification performance on validation data, was significantly improved when the two data sources were combined using Learn++.
Selection diversity for wireless communications in Nakagami-fading with arbitrary parameters

By means of analytical and numerical methods, the probability of error and the outage probability of a selection diversity RAKE receiver system employing direct sequence/code division multiple access (DS/CDMA) is derived. A noise-limited propagation environment is modeled as a Nakagami (1960)-fading channel with arbitrary fading parameters and unequal mean power at the receiver. New analytical expressions are derived for the average probability of error and outage probability. Binary detection schemes are considered including binary phase-shift keying (PSK) and frequency-shift keying (FSK). Both coherent and noncoherent detection is considered as well as identical and arbitrary fading. It is shown that the effect of arbitrary fading on system performance is significant and may not be ignored.
A New Mechanism for Inhalational Priming: IL-4 Bypasses Innate Immune Signals

Signaling via innate immune mechanisms is considered pivotal for T cell-mediated responses to inhaled Ags. Furthermore, Th2 cells specific for one inhaled Ag can facilitate priming of naive T cells to unrelated new inhaled Ags, a process we call “Th2 collateral priming”. Interestingly, our previous studies showed that collateral priming is independent of signals via the innate immune system but depends on IL-4 secretion by CD4+ T cells. We thus hypothesized that IL-4 can bypass the need for signals via the innate immune system, considered essential for pulmonary priming. Indeed, we were able to show that IL-4 bypasses the requirement for TLR4- and MyD88-mediated signaling for responses to new allergens. Furthermore, we characterized the mechanisms by which IL-4 primes for new inhaled allergens: “IL-4-dependent pulmonary priming” relies on IL-4 receptor expression on hematopoietic cells and structural cells. Transfer experiments indicate that within the hematopoietic compartment both T cells and dendritic cells need to express the IL-4 receptor. Finally, we were able to show that IL-4 induces recruitment and maturation of myeloid dendritic cells in vivo and increases T cell recruitment to the draining lymph nodes. Our findings bring new mechanistic knowledge to the phenomenon of polysensitization and primary sensitization in asthma.
Behavior and analysis of 36-item Short-Form Health Survey data for surgical quality-of-life research.

Hypothesis Data from the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) do not follow a normal distribution and should not be analyzed using parametric techniques. A novel type of analysis, top-box analysis, may add to the interpretation of these data. Design Review of SF-36 data from preoperative and postoperative patients. Setting Tertiary care hospital and clinic. Patients One thousand randomly selected preoperative and postoperative patients with a variety of surgical diseases completed the SF-36 (8 domains: physical functioning, role physical, role emotional, bodily pain, vitality, mental health, social functioning, and general health). The best possible score was 100; the worst possible score, 0. One item assessed “health transition.” The best score was 1; the worst score, 5. The health transition item and each domain were analyzed for mean with standard deviation, median, mode skewness, kurtosis, and normality. A “top-box” assessment was done by determining the frequency of patients scoring 100 in each domain or 1 in the health transition item. In addition, preoperative and postoperative scores were compared. Results The results for all 1000 questionnaires demonstrated that none of the domains had data that followed a normal distribution. The means, medians, and modes were different. Five domains had the mode and median at the top box. Conclusions The SF-36 data did not follow a normal distribution in any of the domains. Data were always skewed to the left, with means, medians, and modes different. These data need to be statistically analyzed using nonparametric techniques. Of the 8 domains, 5 had a significant frequency of top-box scores, which also were the domains in which the mode was at 100, implying that change in top-box score may be an informative method of presenting change in SF-36 data.
Changes in initial expenditures for benign prostatic hyperplasia evaluation in the medicare population: A comparison to overall medicare inflation

Purpose: Benign prostatic hyperplasia creates significant expenses for the Medicare program. We determined expenditure trends for benign prostatic hyperplasia evaluative testing after urologist consultation and placed these trends in the context of overall Medicare expenditures.Materials and Methods: Using a 5% national sample of Medicare beneficiaries from 2000 to 2007 we developed a cohort of 40,253 with claims for new visits to urologists for diagnoses consistent with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. We assessed trends in initial inflation and geography adjusted expenditures within 12 months of diagnosis by evaluative test categories derived from the 2003 American Urological Association guideline on the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Using governmental reports on Medicare expenditure trends for benign prostatic hyperplasia we compared expenditures to overall and imaging specific Medicare expenditures. Comparisons were assessed by the Z-test and regression analysis for linear trend...
Two-dimensional gel electrophoretic comparison of proteins from virulent and avirulent strains of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Abstract The protein composition of the virulent M129 strain of Mycoplasma pneumoniae was compared to that of its homologous avirulent strain by the use of standard one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Forty-nine individual M. pneumoniae cell proteins were resolved by this method, and the virulent strain was shown to possess a single high-molecular-weight protein not present in avirulent cells. Variability in the resolution of this particular protein in one-dimensional gels prompted the application of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to the analysis of M. pneumoniae cell proteins. The sequential use of isoelectric focusing in the first dimension and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the second dimension permitted the resolution of a least 142 individual M. pneumoniae cell proteins. Application of nonequilibrium pH gradient electrophoresis in the first dimension achieved the resolution of at least 20 additional basic proteins. Three proteins which are synthesized only by cells of the virulent strain, and not by the homologous avirulent strain, were identified by these two-dimensional gel electrophoresis techniques.
Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia in Ethnic Groups in the Southwestern United States

The incidence of gastric cancer has declined dramatically in the United States during this century. However, the incidence of gastric cancer among Hispanics, Blacks, and Native Americans remains 2-3-fold higher than among Whites in this country. Populations with an increased risk of gastric cancer have predominantly the "intestinal" type of gastric cancer, and intestinal metaplasia is regarded as a histological precursor lesion of this type of gastric cancer. We sought to establish the prevalence of intestinal metaplasia, identify associated epidemiological factors, and improve detection of this lesion in a patient population undergoing clinically indicated endoscopy in the Southwestern United States. Among the 440 patients studied, we observed an overall crude prevalence of intestinal metaplasia of 19%. However, the crude prevalence among Hispanics and Blacks was found to be markedly higher than among non-Hispanic Whites (50% versus 13%). Two biopsy protocols (two biopsies versus four biopsies) were used during this study, with a significantly higher rate of intestinal metaplasia detection under the four-biopsy protocol. Adjusting for protocol, we found that age and ethnicity were significantly and independently associated with the prevalence of intestinal metaplasia. The odds of intestinal metaplasia diagnosis was significantly higher in Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic Whites (P < 0.001), and the prevalence of intestinal metaplasia increased with advancing age (P = 0.01). The presence of Helicobacter pylori was also significantly associated with the presence of intestinal metaplasia (P = 0.02), although the direction of the association differed between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites.
Independent Generation and Reactivity of Uridin-2′-yl Radical

The uridin-2′-yl radical (1) has been proposed as an intermediate during RNA oxidation. However, its reactivity has not been thoroughly studied due to the complex conditions under which it is typically generated. The uridin-2′-yl radical was independently generated from a benzyl ketone (2a) via Norrish type I photocleavage upon irradiation at λmax = 350 nm. Dioxygen and β-mercaptoethanol are unable to compete with loss of uracil from 1 in phosphate buffer. Thiol trapping competes with uracil fragmentation in less polar solvent conditions. This is ascribed mostly to a reduction in the rate constant for uracil elimination in the less polar solvent. Hydrogen atom transfer to 1 from β-mercaptoethanol occurs exclusively from the α-face to produce arabinouridine. Mass balances range from 72 to 95%. Furthermore, the synthesis of 2a is amenable to formation of the requisite phosphoramidite for solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis. This and the fidelity with which the urdin-2′-yl radical is generated from 2a sugg...
On computation of the compliance and stiffness contribution tensors of non ellipsoidal inhomogeneities

We discuss computation of compliance/stiffness contribution tensors of an inhomogeneity of non-ellipsoidal shape and the difficulties that may be encountered in this context. These issues are illustrated on the example of one specific shape factor: concavity–convexity of the inhomogeneity shape. It is found, in particular, that the effect of the concavity factor depends on the specific constraint imposed. If the inhomogeneity volume is kept constant, then its compliance contribution rapidly increases with increasing concavity; on the computational side it leads to difficulties related to unusually high requirements to the accuracy of the computed volume averages quantities. If, on the other hand, the characteristic dimensions (for example, the distance between the farthest points) are kept constant, then the dependence of the compliance contribution on the concavity factor is almost linear.
Reduced social preferences in autism: evidence from charitable donations

Background People with autism have abnormal preferences, ranging from an apparent lack of preference for social stimuli to unusually strong preferences for restricted sets of highly idiosyncratic stimuli. Yet the profile of preferences across social and nonsocial domains has not been mapped out in detail, and the processes responsible remain poorly understood.
Radial Flow Measurements Downstream of Forced Dynamic Separation on a Rotor Blade

Dynamic flow separation is forced on the suction side of a rotor blade in a hover facility, to study the development of radial flow in the separated zone. Inflow to the rotor disc is obstructed with a plate to induce separation over part of the rotor azimuth. Pulsed laser sheet imaging and particle image velocimetry (PIV) are used to verify the occurrence of separation, and to capture features of the separated flow. Results verify the occurrence of stall in the obstructed-inflow sector, as well as the presence of lift elsewhere in the rotor disc, thus validating the forcing technique. In the stalled region, radial inflow is stopped near the rotor blade, but strong outward flow is not seen to develop. This appears to be due to the presence of separation cells along the radius.
Low-energy BIST design for scan-based logic circuits

In a random testing environment, a significant amount of energy is wasted in the LFSR and in the CUT by useless patterns that do not contribute to fault dropping. Another major source of energy drainage is the loss due to random switching activity in the CUT and in the scan path between applications of two successive vectors. In this work, a new built-in self-test (GIST) scheme for scan-based circuits is proposed for reducing such energy consumption. A mapping logic is designed which modifies the state transitions of the LFSR such that only the useful vectors are generated according to a desired sequence. Further, it reduces test application time without affecting fault coverage. Experimental results on ISCAS-89 benchmark circuits reveal a significant amount of energy savings in the LFSR during random testing.
The many faces of RU486: tales of situated knowledges and technological contestations.

In the highly contentious abortion arena, the new oral abortifacient technology RU486 is one among many actors. This article offers an arena analysis of the heterogeneous constructions of RU486 by various actors, including scientists, pharmaceutical compa nies, medical groups, antiabortion groups, women's health movement groups, and others who have produced situated knowledges. Conceptually, we find not only that the identity of the nonhuman actor-RU486 -is unstable and multiple but also that, in practice, there are other (previously invisible) implicated actors—the downstream users and consumers of the technology. If we try to follow all the actors, we find a fuller and more historicized arena, and, ironically, we too can be construed as implicated actors in it.