cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Increasing Role of Heat Exchangers in Gas Turbine Plants

In the introductory phase of gas turbine deployment for industrial service there was a natural reluctance to incorporate heat exchangers, although some variants included recuperators and intercoolers to enhance performance, since only modest values of compressor and turbine efficiency could be realized. Today, following half a century of intensive development, the situation is quite different, since high turbomachinery efficiencies contribute to attractive levels of performance for contemporary simple cycle plants. Because further aerodynamic advancements are likely to be incremental in nature, significant increase in plant performance can only be realized by either going to higher turbine inlet temperature, or utilizing more complex thermodynamic cycles, or both. It is in the latter two cases that heat exchangers will play an increasing role in the evolutionary advancement of gas turbine plant efficiency. This paper highlights the potential use of heat exchangers for a wide range of gas turbine applications, including industrial prime-movers, electrical power generation, marine service, and perhaps their ultimate use in aircraft propulsion systems. In the last decade, significant heat exchanger technology advancements have been made, to the point where previous impediments (to their widespread acceptance) associated with reliability, have been overcome. It is encouraging that today many proven heat exchanger hardware options are available to gas turbine users, and this will enhance their utilization across the full spectrum of applications, and indeed in the long-term may well make the simple cycle gas turbine obsolete.Copyright © 1989 by ASME
Uncertainty quantification in homogenization of heterogeneous microstructures modeled by XFEM

An extended finite element method (XFEM) coupled with a Monte Carlo approach is proposed to quantify the uncertainty in the homogenized effective elastic properties of multiphase materials. The methodology allows for an arbitrary number, aspect ratio, location and orientation of elliptic inclusions within a matrix, without the need for fine meshes in the vicinity of tightly packed inclusions and especially without the need to remesh for every different generated realization of the microstructure. Moreover, the number of degrees of freedom in the enriched elements is dynamically reallocated for each Monte Carlo sample run based on the given volume fraction. The main advantage of the proposed XFEM-based methodology is a major reduction in the computational effort in extensive Monte Carlo simulations compared with the standard FEM approach. Monte Carlo and XFEM appear to work extremely efficiently together. The Monte Carlo approach allows for the modeling of the size, aspect ratios, orientations, and spatial distribution of the elliptical inclusions as random variables with any prescribed probability distributions. Numerical results are presented and the uncertainty of the homogenized elastic properties is discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive imaging: MEMS deformable mirrors

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology has allowed the realization of cost-effective, high-performance deformable mirrors for adaptive-optics-enhanced imaging.
Riemann-Roch for algebraic versus topological K-theory

Let I be a prime and k a nice noetherian ring in which 1 is invertible. This paper extends the work of Dwyer and Friedlander by defining a mod I’ topological K-homology theory for schemes quasiprojective over k, G//:Top(X). It has formal properties similar to those of the algebraic K-theory of coherent sheaves, the theory usually called K’or G theory. In particular, it is covariant for projective morphisms, and satisfies Poincare duality in that G/flTop(X) is isomorphic to the toplogical K-cohomology K//:ToP(X) if X is smooth. There is a natural transformation from algebraic G-theory
C 1 trivariate polynomial interpolation

Abstract A trivariate polynomial interpolating to function and derivative values through order four at various points on a tetrahedron is constructed. This interpolant is represented in terms of a monomial basis which triangularizes the Vandermonde matrix. Then, given a domain in R 3 which has been tessellated into tetrahedra, the piecewise polynomial over this domain has C1 continuity.
Middle Turbinate Stabilization Technique in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Background: Lateralization of the middle turbinate with scarring and obstruction of the middle meatus after endoscopic ethmoidectomy has accounted for a high percentage of postoperative complications. Objective: To evaluate a suture stabilization technique of the middle turbinates in an attempt to solve this problem and preserve the middle turbinate. Design: Retrospective chart review of 31 consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery with suture stabilization of the middle turbinate. Results: With the technique of suture stabilization of the middle turbinate in 60 operated-on sides of 31 patients, 59 sides showed the middle meatus to be patent without synechia or maxillary sinus ostium obstruction postoperatively. Conclusion: The complication of lateralization of the middle turbinate with scarring and obstruction of the middle meatus after endoscopic ethmoidectomy can be prevented with suture stabilization of the middle turbinate, and the middle turbinate can be preserved. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1996;122:869-872
Contributions of individual muscles to the submental surface electromyogram during swallowing.

Submental surface electromyographic recordings are commonly used in the investigation of swallowing disorders. The measured electromyography is thought to reflect the actions of floor-of-mouth musc...
The first component of complement as a constituent of human salivary sediment

Summary The sediment from human saliva is complement-reactive. Evidence presented shows that CI(first component of complement) is a constituent of sediment from healthy human donors. Sediment (Sed) inactivated functionally pure C4 (fourth component of complement), and this action on C4 was inhibited by EDTA, phenylmethylsulphonylfluoride (PMSF, a serine-esterase inhibitor) and CI-inhibitor (CI-In). When Sed was incubated with 0.15 ionic strength buffer and separated by centrifugation, CI haemolytic activity was found in the supernatant. By incubating Sed with EAC4 cells (sheep erythrocytes sensitized with rabbit antibody to which C4 has been fixed), transfer was shown of CI from the Sed to the cells, resulting in the formation of EAC14; this transfer was inhibited by IgG directed against a subunit of CI (anti-C1s).
Mapping the Mechanism of Fast Protein Folding with Multiple Probes

Unlike reactions of small organic molecules, it is not always possible to accurately describe the process of protein folding by a single reaction coordinate. We enhance the structural resolution of microsecond protein folding experiments by introducing new fluorescent inter-helical contact probes into the model protein lambda repressor fragment 6-85. We design two new mutants containing tryptophan and tyrosine residues that interact in the native state. Temperature jump relaxation experiments on these new mutants, in combination with a previously available variant, show folding kinetics that is in correspondence with the results obtained from autocorrelation analysis of single-trajectory full-atom molecular dynamics simulations for a similar mutant. Closer investigation of existing all-atom computational data suggests that helix 2 of lambda 6-85 is involved in a short-lived off-pathway trap, which is in agreement with experimental data. Our work demonstrates that a match between fast protein folding experiments and molecular dynamics simulations can be extended to several reaction coordinates to obtain experimental confirmation of deviations from two-state folding behavior even for very simple folding reactions. As computation becomes more affordable, it will be possible to simulate both the new probes and any mechanistic deviations that insertion of the probe causes in experiment.
Do university-sponsored international cultural events help students to appreciate “difference”?

Abstract Hosting large-scale events that celebrate the diversity of global cultures is one way that colleges and universities are responding to the imperative of increasing students’ intercultural sensitivity. The effectiveness of such cultural events for promoting an appreciation of cultural difference remains unclear, however. This research examines shifts in students’ attitudes toward cultural difference while students participated in one such celebration that focused on Latin American cultures and was held at Miami University (Ohio) during the fall semester of 1996. Our research question is “Was there a correlation between student participation in the Latin American Celebration and positive change in the same students’ intercultural sensitivity?” By employing a developmental model of intercultural sensitivity and an associated survey instrument, we measured students’ attitudes toward cultural difference and how they changed following intercultural exposure. Our preliminary results indicate that the Celebration may have helped to deepen students’ intercultural appreciation. Students’ attitudes shifted on several dimensions of intercultural sensitivity in the predicted direction of greater openness to other cultures. The most notable shift was toward greater engagement with and Acceptance of cultural difference. These were in fact among the central messages of the Latin American Celebration. Although producing fully “intercultural global citizens” is realistically beyond the scope of most on-campus education, the research suggests that progress toward greater intercultural understanding seems possible through a combination of special events, related courses and a supportive campus environment. Our study also suggests that campus activities aimed at promoting diversity will be more successful when they extend from an understanding of the cognitive processes leading individuals toward or away from increased intercultural sensitivity.
RX-TO-OTC Switch—The Process and Procedures:

Most people know that there are two main categories of drugs: (1) drugs that can be bought only if prescribed by a licensed practitioner, and (2) drugs that can be purchased “over the counter,” wit...
Valence and core photoelectron spectroscopy of C60, buckminsterfullerene

Abstract The MgKα X-ray (XPS) and He(I)/He(II) ultraviolet (UPS) photoelectron spectra of several thin films of C 60 (one to three monolayers) prepared by vapor deposition on gold are reported. The core XPS spectrum shows a single narrow carbon 1s ionization at 285.1 eV. The valence UPS spectra show very sharp valence ionization bands, comparable to gas phase spectra, with wide separations between the lowest ionization energy features. The ionizations are consistent with theoretical calculations based on the highly symmetric truncated icosahedral structure. The first vertical ionization energy relative to the vacuum level is estimated to be 7.6 ± 0.2 eV from these solid state measurements.
Interstate Migration of the Elderly Demographic Aspects

This study examines selected patterns of interstate migration for the older population of the United States during the period 1965-1970. Three broad topical areas are investigated: (1) the age and sex composition of migration streams of the elderly, (2) the effects of migration on state age distributions, and (3) the measurement and analysis of migration streams using migration preference indexes and basic gravity models. While the findings tend to confirm much of what is already. known about older interstate movers, the use of migration streams, rather than net migration, brings into sharper focus the nature of migration among the elderly and underscores the need for further research, particularly on matters related to planning and public policy.
PAHs as Probes of Photo-Dissociation Regions in M17 and the Orion Bar

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been proposed as the carrier of the well-known series of spectral features at 3.3, 3.4, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, 11.3, and 12.7 µm. Here, we concentrate on the PAH features in the 3 µm regime: the main band at 3.29 µm, which arises from a C-H stretch (v=1→0) on the periphery of an aromatic ring, and the satellite band at 3.4 µm. Recent spectra by Geballe et al. (1994), Joblin et al. (1996), and Sloan et al. (1996) suggest that the satellite band is a blend of (1) a sidegroup band at 3.40 µm arising from a C-H stretch on an aliphatic (CH3) molecule attached to a PAH molecule and (2) a hot band at 3.43 µm arising from an excited (v=2→1) counterpart of the 3.29 µm band. The sidegroup band appears to dominate the hot band in most cases.
A new member of the NY-ESO-1 gene family is ubiquitously expressed in somatic tissues and evolutionarily conserved

The NY-ESO-1 gene, located on chromosome Xq28, encodes a cancer/testis antigen in human. Normally expressed only in germ cells, NY-ESO-1 is activated in a wide range of human tumors, eliciting both antibody and cell-mediated immune responses in cancer patients. Clinical immunotherapeutic trials NY-ESO-1 gene products are now ongoing. A closely related gene, LAGE-1, was subsequently identified and shares similar biological features. By database search, we have identified a third member of the human NY-ESO-1 gene family. This gene, designated ESO3, is also located on the X chromosome, clustered with two exact copies of ESO1(NY-ESO-1) and one copy of ESO2(LAGE-1), within a approximately 400 kb segment. The exon-intron structures are conserved among ESO1-3. While ESO1 and ESO2(LAGE-1) share >80% protein sequence identity, homology between ESO3 and the other two members is lower (<50%). ESO3 is also distinctive in that, unlike ESO1 and 2 that are normally expressed only in testis, ESO3 messenger RNA (mRNA) is ubiquitously expressed in somatic tissues. In addition to ESO3, an intronless pseudogene highly homologous to ESO3 was found on chromosome 9, designated psiESO3.A search of the rodent databases identified mouse and rat counterparts of ESO3, named mESO3 and rESO3. mESO3 is similarly located on mouse X chromosome, with conserved exon-intron junctions. Protein sequence of mESO3 is 54% identical to ESO3 (70% identical at the conserved carboxyl end), and 32% to ESO1. mESO3 mRNA is also ubiquitously expressed in somatic tissues, as is rESO3. In addition, an intronless and presumably non-coding, copy of the mESO3, psimESO3, was identified on mouse chromosome 15. No counterpart of the ESO1 or 2 genes was found in rodents.
Genetic Diversity in Normal Cell Populations is the Earliest Stage of Oncogenesis Leading to Intra-Tumor Heterogeneity

Random mutations and epigenetic alterations provide a rich substrate for microevolutionary phenomena to occur in proliferating epithelial tissues. Genetic diversity resulting from random mutations in normal cells is critically important for understanding the genetic basis of oncogenesis. However, evaluation of the cell-specific role of individual (epi-)genetic alterations in living tissues is extremely difficult from a direct experimental perspective. For this purpose, we have developed a single cell model to describe the fate of every cell in the uterine epithelium and to simulate occurrence of the first cancer cell. Computational simulations have shown that a baseline mutation rate of two mutations per cell division is sufficient to explain sporadic endometrial cancer as a rare evolutionary consequence with an incidence similar to that reported in SEER data. Simulation of the entire oncogenic process has allowed us to analyze the features of the tumor-initiating cells and their clonal expansion. Analysis of the malignant features of individual cancer cells, such as de-differentiation status, proliferation potential, and immortalization status, permits a mathematical characterization of malignancy at the single cell level and a comparison of intra-tumor heterogeneity between individual tumors. We found, under the conditions specified, that cancer stem cells account for approximately 7% of the total cancer cell population. Therefore, our mathematical modeling describes the genetic diversity and evolution in a normal cell population at the early stages of oncogenesis and characterizes intra-tumor heterogeneity. This model has explored the role of accumulation of a large number of genetic alterations in oncogenesis as an alternative to traditional biological approaches emphasizing the driving role of a small number of genetic mutations. A quantitative description of the contribution of a large set of genetic alterations will allow the investigation of the impact of environmental factors on the growth advantage of and selection pressure on individual cancer cells for tumor progression.
Theoretical studies on the conformation of peptides in solution I. Conformation of N-acetyl glycine N-methyl amide in solution

A theoretical prediction of the most preferred conformation of N-acetyl glycine N-methyl amide in CCl4 is attempted. The calculation of the intrinsic or intramolecular interaction energies employs the method of partitioned energy potential. The intramolecular electrostatic energies include terms up to octopole segmental moments. It is pointed out that a truncation of the multipole interaction series at the monopole term is unjustified in this case. The calculation of intermolecular interactions with the environment is based on the method of continuum reaction field, including electrostatic, dispersion and cavity terms, which depend on the conformations through molecular dipole moments, molecular volume, and molecular exposed surface area. The most stable conformation predicted in this study (Φ = 255°, Φ = 105°) closely corresponds to the minimum in intramolecular electrostatic interactions. For other solvents intramolecular interactions and solvent effects may be of comparable importance in determining the most stable conformation of the solute molecule.
Conformations and relative energies of tetrahydropyridines

Abstract The ground state conformations of three tetrahydropyridine isomers (2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridine 1 , 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridine 2 , and 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine 3 ), optimized at MP2/6-31G*, are half chairs. The only conformation found for 2 has the nitrogen lone pair in the axial position in order to conjugate with the π-bond. The relative energies of 1 – 3 are 0.0, 6.39, and 11.9 kcal/mol. The equatorial conformer of 3 lies 0.32 kcal/mol above the axial form.
Response to Baba et al.

I read with interest a recent manuscript and letter to the editor by Baba et al.1 on a similar topic as our manuscript ‘Does previa location matter? Surgical morbidity associated with location of a placenta previa.’2 Baba et al. similarly found that anterior placenta previas are associated with massive hemorrhage (defined as >90th percentile of bleeding for the cohort) compared to posterior placenta previas. The primary end points in our manuscript (hysterectomy and blood transfusion) differ from the outcomes in Baba et al.’s manuscript of hemorrhage >2400 cc; however, both author groups tried to investigate the same question. We found that the majority of women requiring blood transfusion and hysterectomy were women with an anterior placenta who had a pathology-confirmed placenta accreta. Baba et al. noted that even when excluding placenta accretas women with an anterior placenta previa continued to have statistically higher blood loss compared to women with posterior placenta previas when controlling for select confounders. Although the exact cause of this finding remains speculative, taken in combination, the collective data indicate that placenta previa location in addition to cesarean delivery history is an important piece of information for clinicians preparing for a cesarean for placenta previa.
Resin Impregnation During the Manufacturing of Composite Materials Subject to Prescribed Injection Rate

A numerical investigation into the area of resin impregnation during the manufacturing of composite materials is undertaken using a macroscopic flow through porous media ap proach. This study is specifically directed at modeling the resin transfer molding and resin film stacking advanced composite manufacturing processes. Quasi-steady state isothermal flow is assumed and a two-dimensional Darcy Law based stream function formulation is utilized. The resultant single governing equation for each quasi-steady timestep is solved along with proper boundary conditions using the method of boundary-fitted coordinate systems encompassing numerical grid generation. The resultant code is validated by a comparison with previously published results for flow into a rectangular mold with a point source and a line sink. Streamlines, pressure distributions, velocity profiles, and temporal liquid free surface positions are then presented for the flow into a mold of general irregular geometry encasing both isotropic and anis...
Picosecond time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy of the charge separated state of Mg-free base diporphyrins

Abstract The photoinduced charge separated state of a covalently linked magnesium porphyrin and free base porphyrin heterodimer complex (MgH 2 ) was investigated by picosecond time-resolved, two-color, pump-probe resonance Raman spectroscopy. The charge separated state is detected within 30 ps of laser excitation; recombination occurs within 500 ps. In the charge separated state of the MgH 2 diporphyrin complex, vibrational mode correlations showed that the magnesium porphyrin cation half of the dimer is in its 2 A 1u electronic state and the free base porphyrin anion half of the charge transfer state has vibrational characteristics that are interpreted in terms of data available on the free base octaethylporphyrin anion.
Ziv-Zakai bound on time delay estimation in unknown convolutive random channels

Using the Ziv-Zakai bound (ZZB) methodology, we develop a Bayesian (MSE) bound on time delay estimation (TDE) in a wideband convolutive random channel. The channel is modeled as a tapped delay line, whose taps are Gaussian random variables that may be non-zero mean and correlated. The derivation does not assume channel knowledge at the receiver, and so realistically takes into account the effects of the unknown channel when estimating time delay. The channel model can represent wideband and ultra-wideband, as well as line of sight and non-line of sight cases, through selection of model parameters. The bound development involves the minimum probability of decision error under a hypothesis test, and we show this can be equivalently formulated as a probability of detection error for binary pulse position modulation (PPM) signals. An expression for the error probability, and thus the ZZB on TDE, is derived using a moment generating function approach. Effects of system design and channel distribution parameters are studied through the ZZB.
Fire history and landscape dynamics in a late-successional reserve, Klamath Mountains, California, USA

The frequency, extent, and severity of fires strongly influence development patterns of forests dominated by Douglas-fir in the Pacific Northwest. Limited data on fire history and stand structure suggest that there is geographical variation in fire regimes and that this variation contributes to regional differences in stand and landscape structure. Managers need region-specific fire regime data to develop process-based management schemes to manage new late-successional reserves (LSR). This study quantifies fire regimes and stand structural patterns in a LSR in Douglas-fir-dominated forests in northern California. We analyzed tree species composition, structure (diameter, age), and fire scars from 75 plots in a 1570 ha area in the northern Klamath Mountains. Tree species composition varied with elevation and aspect, and median fire return intervals were similar (12‐19 years) among species composition groups. However, median fire return intervals (FRI) were shorter on south- (8 years) and west-facing (13 years) slopes than on northern (15 years) or eastern (16.5 years) aspects. Fire return intervals also varied by historical period. Median FRIs were longer (21.8 years) during the suppression period (1905‐1992) than in the settlement (1850‐1904) (12.5 years) or presettlement (1627‐1849) (14.5 years) period. The average burn area for a fire was 350 ha, and 16 fires larger than 500 ha burned between 1627 and 1992. Fire rotations varied by century from 15.5 to 25.5 years and were longest in the fire suppression period. Stand conditions were multi-aged, and Douglas-fir recruitment occurred after fire. Patterns of past fire severity, inferred from age-classes, indicate that upper slopes, ridgetops, and south- and west-facing slopes experienced more severe fires between 1850 and 1950 than lower slopes or east- and north-facing slopes. Implications are that lower slopes and north and east aspects are more likely than other topographic positions to sustain or promote long-term, latesuccessional conditions. Prescribed fire will likely be an integral component of management plans that successfully maintain natural processes and structures in newly established late-successional reserves in the Klamath Mountains. # 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.
Effects of mTOR inhibitors and cytoskeletal-directed agents alone and in combination against normal and neoplastic hematopoietic cells in vitro

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) controls cell growth and enlargement and has been found to be aberrant in a wide variety of malignancies. Although mTOR is already an attractive antineoplastic target, overexpression or aberrant expression of mTOR may also provide an opportunity to further increase the size differential between malignant and normal cells, providing an opportunity to amplify and exploit cell size differences between neoplastic cells and their normal counterparts using physiochemical treatment modalities. Therefore, this study sought to quantify the concentration response and time course effects of rapamycin on cell cycle entry, cell enlargement, and cell proliferation in U937 human monocytic leukemia and human hematopoietic stem cells (hHSCs). In addition, the effects of combination treatment with mTOR inhibitors (rapamycin, everolimus, and temsirolimus) and cytoskeletal-directed agents (cytochalasin B and vincristine) in leukemic cells (U937, THP1, K562, Molt-4, and L1210) were assessed for potential drug synergy. While both U937 cells and hHSCs exhibited a marked reduction in cell volume, U937 cells were able to proliferate in the presence of rapamycin ranging from 0.5 nM to 10 μM (10,000 nM), whereas hHSCs were able to proliferate only at lower concentrations, and were completely inhibited from proliferation by 8 nM rapamycin. These effects were observed with as little as 0.5 nM rapamycin, demonstrating the profound affinity the compound has for FK-binding protein 12 (FKBP12), which subsequently forms the FKBP12/rapamycin complex to inhibit mTOR. Rapamycin continued to exert effects on cell size and proliferation even at 10 μM, without producing marked cytotoxicity. Although cytochalasin B and vincristine were unable to substantially enlarge rapamycin-treated leukemia cells, it appears that rapamycin and its associated analogs everolimus and temsirolimus have notable synergistic potential with microfilament-disrupting cytochalasin B and microtubule-disrupting vincristine as assessed by comparative effects on cell growth, annexin V staining, IC30 isobolograms, and Chou-Talalay statistics. These observations indicate a potentially novel therapeutic rationale for hematological malignancies and for other cancers to elicit the preferential destruction of neoplastic cells that aberrantly express mTOR.
A Philosophy of Exhibitionism: Exploring Media Coverage of Al Roker’s and Carnie Wilson’s Gastric Bypass Surgeries:

In November 2002, Today Show meteorologist Al Roker announced that he had previously undergone gastric bypass surgery in the hopes of ending a lifelong struggle with his weight. Roker’s surgery came a little more than 3 years after Carnie Wilson, daughter of Beach Boys’ leader Brian Wilson and former member of the singing group Wilson Phillips, underwent the same operation. The author explores the ideology of weight loss surgery that emerges from news coverage of these very public procedures and discusses thematic differences in the reporting of the reasons behind their decisions to take this step. One would think that both individuals, having lost weight and improved their appearance, would be allowed back inside the bounds of cultural intelligibility. However, coverage of their surgeries suggests that Roker has been given such a pass but Wilson has not. Only Roker is acknowledged for adding gastric bypass surgery to our cultural weight loss protocol.
Both Familial Parkinson’s Disease Mutations Accelerate α-Synuclein Aggregation

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is pathologically characterized by the presence of intracytoplasmic Lewy bodies, the major component of which are filaments consisting of α-synuclein. Two recently identified point mutations in α-synuclein are the only known genetic causes of PD, but their pathogenic mechanism is not understood. Here we show that both wild type and mutant α-synuclein form insoluble fibrillar aggregates with antiparallel β-sheet structure upon incubation at physiological temperature in vitro. Importantly, aggregate formation is accelerated by both PD-linked mutations. Under the experimental conditions, the lag time for the formation of precipitable aggregates is about 280 h for the wild type protein, 180 h for the A30P mutant, and only 100 h for the A53T mutant protein. These data suggest that the formation of α-synuclein aggregates could be a critical step in PD pathogenesis, which is accelerated by the PD-linked mutations.
Cannabinoid Analgesia as a Potential New Therapeutic Option in the Treatment of Chronic Pain

Objective:To review the literature concerning the physiology of the endocannabinoid system, current drug development of cannabinoid agonists, and current clinical research on the use of cannabinoid agonists for analgesia.Data Sources:Articles were identified through a search of MEDLINE (1966–August 2005) using the key words cannabis, cannabinoid, cannabi*, cannabidiol, nabilone, THC, pain, and analgesia. No search limits were included. Additional references were located through review of the bibliographies of the articles identified.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Studies of cannabinoid agonists for treatment of pain were selected and were not limited by pain type or etiology. Studies or reviews using animal models of pain were also included. Articles that related to the physiology and pharmacology of the endocannabinoid system were evaluated.Data Synthesis:The discovery of cannabinoid receptors and endogenous ligands for these receptors has led to increased drug development of cannabinoid agonists. N...
Forward-bias stress effects on BJT gain and noise characteristics

The effect of large current forward-bias stress on bipolar transistor gain and noise characteristics was investigated. The combination of high currents and high temperatures produced gain degradations or failures of transistors from three technologies. Similarly the application of high currents and high temperatures produced changes in transistor noise characteristics. Specifically, in all transistors stressed, the low-frequency noise initially decreased. It was also observed in two technologies that the noise eventually increased again as the stress continued. Electromigration induced stress is believed to play an important role in these phenomena. The third technology eventually showed failures of the transistors due to electromigration produced open circuits. >
From Theory to Practice: An Examination of How School Librarians Implement Technology in Schools

A presidential administration that seeks to improve education and frequent budget cuts in education has awakened a renewed urgency to understand best practices for school reform. A substantial amount of government funding has been allocated for educational initiatives for innovation through technology integration. This emphasis has encouraged efforts to implement systems of accountability in education where the practices of educators are seen as the foremost key to change.
EPR frequency-selective limiter

A microwave limiter using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is described. This device can limit two or more signals independently and offers promise of operation over a wider frequency range than coincidence-mode ferrimagnetic limiters. An experimental model using free radical electron resonance demonstrated operational characteristics at X- band frequencies.
PRELUDE: A System for Portable Parallel Software

Abstract : In this paper we describe PRELUDE, a programming language and accompanying system support for writing portable MIMD parallel programs. PRELUDE supports methodology for designing and organizing parallel programs that makes them easier to tune for particular architectures and to port to new architectures. It builds on earlier work on Emerald, Amber, and various Fortran extensions to allow the programmer to divide programs into architecture-dependent and architecture-independent parts, and then to change the architecture-dependent parts to port the program to a new machine or to tune its performance on a single machine. The architecture-dependent parts of a program are specified by annotations that describe the mapping of a program onto a machine. PRELUDE provides a variety of mapping mechanisms similar to those in other systems, including remote procedure call, object migration, and data replication and partitioning. In addition, PRELUDE includes novel migration mechanisms for computations based on a form of continuation passing. The implementation of object migration in PRELUDE uses a novel approach based on fixup blocks that is more efficient than previous approaches, and amortizes the cost of each migration so that the cost per migration drops as the frequency of migrations increases.
Real-time phase boundary detection in colonoscopy videos

Colonoscopy is the preferred screening modality for prevention of colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy has contributed to a marked decline in the number of colorectal cancer related deaths. However, recent data suggest that there is a significant miss-rate for the detection of even large polyps and cancers. There was no automated measurement method to evaluate the quality of a colonoscopic procedure. To address this critical need, we have been investigating automated post-procedure quality measurement system. The limitation of post-processing quality measurement, however, is that quality measurements are available long after the procedure was done and the patient was released. We aim to achieve real-time analysis and feedback to aid the endoscopist towards optimal inspection to improve overall quality of colonoscopy during the procedure. Colonoscopy consists of two phases: an insertion phase and a withdrawal phase. One of the most essential tasks for the real-time quality measurement is to find a phase boundary between insertion and withdrawal phases in real time. In this paper, we will discuss how to find the phase boundary in real time. Our experimental results are promising.
Frequency domain system identification of a large segmented space reflector (37/sup th/ Southeastern Symposium on System Theory)

The NASA sponsored structures pointing and controls engineering (SPACE) testbed at CSULA is an experimental apparatus that is capable of performing experiments that simulate the complex dynamics of a large segmented optical system (James Webb Space Telescope). It is intended to serve as a generic experimental facility that can address in an integrated way the problems associated with control and structure interaction, distributed control of multi-input multi-output systems, optics, electronics, actuator and sensor design, and digital implementation. System identification experiments, aimed at achieving an accurate system model, would aid in the design of precision control techniques to satisfy the strict control requirements for this complex flexible structure. This paper describes an iterative, offline, frequency-domain, and data fit approach for estimation of a mathematical model of this complex MIMO flexible structure. Black-box parameterization of the MIMO system is achieved by modeling the input-output relationships within the system as LTI ordinary nth-order difference equations. In a multi-band approach, nonlinear least-squares optimization would provide the solution to the system parameters.
Phase Transformations in Mesostructured Silica/Surfactant Composites. Mechanisms for Change and Applications to Materials Synthesis

In this study, phase transformation of the hexagonal mesostructure MCM-41 to the cubic mesostructure MCM-48 is examined by in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the transforming mesostructure and by XRD of products from bulk transformation experiments in Parr autoclaves. Transformations were studied under conditions of high pH and temperatures between 100 and 190 °C. Heating events took place after the hexagonal mesophase had assembled, but before it had fully polymerized. On the basis of these and previous results on transformations in silica−surfactant−water and surfactant−water systems, a model is proposed to explain the expected hexagonal → cubic transformation as well as the brief existence of a lamellar phase during the transformation. Additional experiments to establish synthetic parameters for the transformation included varying the silicon alkoxide source, replacing the supernatant prior to heating, and adding fluoride or aluminum to the reaction mixture. The results, taken together, illustrate the ...
LINKING MICROBIOLOGICAL CRITERIA FOR FOODS WITH QUANTITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT

The current annual risk of acquiring a foodborne disease in the United States is estimated at 2.7x10 -2 . The risk of associated death is estimated at 3.7x10 -5 . These represent a health care burden >$3 billion. Using a risk assessment model one can identify levels of microbial contamination which may be unacceptable in foods and appropriate controls needed to reduce these levels. Salmonella bacteria continue to represent a large percentage of the identifiable infections. A model developed from human dose-response studies predicts the probability of infection for Salmonella at 7.5x10 -3 with exposure to a single CFU of the organism. Risks of severity (hospitalization), mortality, reactive arthritides, and mortality in the elderly are estimated at 3.1x10 -4 , 7.5x10 -6 , 1.7x10 -5 , and 2.8x10 -4 . Exposure to microbial contaminants needs to be evaluated on a single meal basis. For chicken, exposure may range from a single drum stick (38g) to a half broiler (176g) but averages around 80g. For beef between 51 and 85g may be consumed during a single meal. Therefore, methods for monitoring must be able to detect at least 1 CFU/80g. Risks for some pathogenic E. coli are estimated at 1,000 to 10,000 less than Salmonella. Therefore, use of coliforms as indicators needs to be assessed and related to occurrence and survival and regrowth potential of the enteric bacteria of greater public health concern. Because, 20% of the U.S. population may be considered to be in a special population category and at an increased risk of severe outcomes, no more than 20% failure of a standard should be acceptable.
The effect of Fe and Cu on growth and domoic acid production by Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries and Pseudo-nitzschia australis

Toxigenic pennate diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia produce domoic acid (DA), the neurotoxin linked to amnesic shellfish poisoning. We investigated how Fe and Cu affect growth and DA production byP. multiseries and P. australis clones isolated from Monterey Bay, California. Growth rates of these species could be inhibited by both Fe limitation (pFe 20.5, m 5 50% mmax) and Cu toxicity (pCu 10.5, m 5 30‐50% mmax). The rate of DA production during the exponential phase was a significant inverse function of cellular growth rates (P , 0.02). Voltammetric measurements of dissolved DA-equivalents in short-term experiments indicated that the cellular production of DA increased from ;5 amol DA cell 21 h 21 under optimal growth conditions to ;40 amol DA cell 21 h 21 under Fe-deficient conditions and;105 amol DA cell 21 h 21 under Cu-stressed conditions. The DA was released to the medium under metal stress conditions, with intracellular DA concentrations decreasing relative to nonstressed cells. Fe uptake rates by P. multiseries were slow compared to other marine diatoms in the absence of dissolved DA but were enhanced threefold (P , 0.03) by adding DA to the medium. DA addition also partially alleviated toxic Cu conditions. Our findings suggest that DA production during exponential growth of these two toxigenic Pseudo-nitzschia species is directly induced by Fe-deficient or Cu stress conditions and that 95% of this DA is actively released into the medium. Changing trace metal conditions in coastal waters therefore may have a profound effect upon intracellular DA concentrations and thereby influence the toxic effect of these harmful bloom events.
A Coordination Framework for Software Component Based Development

Coordination technology addresses the construction of open, flexible systems from software components in distributed environments. Most of the work on coordination technology so far has focused on the development of special coordination languages and environments that provide the basic mechanisms for realizing the coordination layer of a distributed application. Typically each new language proposes its own set of coordination abstractions that realizes a particular paradigm. Coordination problems, however, are not always well-suited to a particular paradigm. Instead of proposing a new language, we are attempting to develop a framework that realizes various useful coordination abstractions. We present our initial analysis of the coordination domain, and give a few examples of simple applications using the developed coordination framework.
A piezoelectric unimorph actuator based tip-tilt-piston micromirror with high fill factor and small tilt and lateral shift

Abstract This paper presents the design, fabrication and characterization of a piezoelectrically actuated high-fill-factor tip-tilt-piston (TTP) micromirror with small tilt and lateral shift during scanning. The piezoelectric material is a sol–gel lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin film with a Zr/Ti ratio of 53/47. The small initial tilt and lateral-shift-free (LSF) of the mirror plate is achieved by a folded, three-segment piezoelectric unimorph actuator design. The piezoelectric unimorph actuation beams consist of Pt/Ti/PZT/Pt/Ti/SiO 2 multilayers, which are released via undercutting the substrate silicon. The fabricated piezoelectric micromirror can be actuated about two rotational axes in the mirror plane and for translational vertical scan (piston actuation). The resonant frequencies of the piston and rotation modes are 316 Hz and 582 Hz, respectively. At their respective resonant frequencies, the maximum piston magnitude at resonant driving is 32 μm, and the two-dimensional rotating scan ranges are about 5°, both measured at a 2V pp sinusoidal driving voltage.
X-ray wide-band and time-resolved imaging and spectroscopic characterization of hot spots and jets in 0.9–1.0 MA x-pinches

The new results of time-resolved x-ray imaging and spectroscopic study of the development of jets and hot spots in 0.9–1.0 MA x-pinches during the rise of the current are presented. The results of x-pinch radiation properties studies and possible applications of such an x-ray source in a surface physics and backlighting are reported. Experiments were performed with the NTF “Zebra” machine with a peak current of about 1.2 MA, a rise time of 100 ns, a maximum stored energy of 200 kJ, and 1.9 Ω pulse-forming line impedance. X-ray diagnostics include 12 x-ray/EUV devices[l]: x-ray time- and spatial-resolved or time-integrated spectrometers, time-resolved and time-integrated x-ray imaging devices, x-ray polarimeters/spectrometers, fast x-ray and hard x-ray detectors. X-pinch planar-loop and wire twisted configurations were used.
The effects of active queue management on web performance

We present an empirical study of the effects of active queue management (AQM) on the distribution of response times experienced by a population of web users. Three prominent AQM schemes are considered: the Proportional Integrator (PI) controller, the Random Exponential Marking (REM) controller, and Adaptive Random Early Detection (ARED). The effects of these AQM schemes were studied alone and in combination with Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN). Our major results are: For offered loads up to 80% of bottleneck link capacity, no AQM scheme provides better response times than simple drop-tail FIFO queue management.For loads of 90% of link capacity or greater when ECN is not used, PI results in a modest improvement over drop-tail and the other AQM schemes.With ECN, both PI and REM provide significant response time improvement at offered loads above 90% of link capacity. Moreover, at a load of 90% PI and REM with ECN provide response times competitive to that achieved on an unloaded network.ARED with recommended parameter settings consistently resulted in the poorest response times which was unimproved by the addition of ECN.We conclude that without ECN there is little end-user performance gain to be realized by employing the AQM designs studied here. However, with ECN, response times can be significantly improved. In addition it appears likely that provider links may be operated at near saturation levels without significant degradation in user-perceived performance.
Heat shock proteins: conditional mediators of inflammation in tumor immunity.

Heat shock protein (HSP)-based anticancer vaccines have undergone successful preclinical testing and are now undergoing clinical trial. Questions still however remain regarding the immunological properties of HSPs. It is now accepted that HSPs participate in tumor immunity by chaperoning tumor antigenic peptides, introducing them into antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DC) that display the antigens on MHC class I molecules on the cell surface and stimulate cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL). However, in order for activated CD8+ T cells to function as effective CTL and kill tumor cells, additional signals must be induced to obtain a sturdy CTL response. These include the expression of co-stimulatory molecules on the DC surface and inflammatory events that can induce immunogenic cytokine cascades. That such events occur is indicated by the ability of Hsp70 vaccines to induce antitumor immunity and overcome tolerance to tumor antigens such as mucin1. Secondary activation of CTL can be induced by inflammatory signaling through Toll-like receptors and / or by interaction of antigen-activated T helper cells with the APC. We will discuss the role of the inflammatory properties of HSPs in tumor immunity and the potential role of HSPs in activating T helper cells and dendritic cell licensing.