cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced separation and detection of serum bilirubin species by capillary electrophoresis using a mixed anionic surfactant-protein buffer system with laser-induced fluorescence detection

The four major bilirubin species in serum are separated by capillary electrophoresis and detected using laser-induced fluorescence detection. The optimum buffer system consists of 40 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)—0.012 mM bovine serum albumin (BSA). The use of the SDS—BSA mixture in the mobile phase allows for the separation of four major bilirubin species at physiological pH with untreated capillaries. The results show that the use of BSA as a run buffer modifier in SDS solution improves separation efficiency and increases sample solubility via pH changes of the run buffer. The limits of detection for the bilirubin species using laser-induced fluorescence are between 30 and 150 nM, depending on the bilirubin species; not only is this approximately two orders of magnitude lower than with visible-light absorption methods, it allows the bilirubin species in normal sera to be quantitatively measured without sample pretreatment.
The conserved C‐terminal tail of FtsZ is required for the septal localization and division inhibitory activity of MinCC/MinD

Summary The Escherichia coli Min system contributes to spatial regulation of cytokinesis by preventing assembly of the Z ring away from midcell. MinC is a cell division inhibitor whose activity is spatially regulated by MinD and MinE. MinC has two functional domains of similar size, both of which have division inhibitory activity in the proper context. However, the molecular mechanism of the inhibitory action of either domain is not very clear. Here, we report that the septal localization and division inhibitory activity of MinCC/MinD requires the conserved C-terminal tail of FtsZ. This tail also mediates interaction with two essential division proteins, ZipA and FtsA, to link FtsZ polymers to the membrane. Overproduction of MinCC/MinD displaces FtsA from the Z ring and eventually disrupts the Z ring, probably because it also displaces ZipA. These results support a model for the division inhibitory action of MinC/MinD. MinC/MinD binds to ZipA and FtsA decorated FtsZ polymers located at the membrane through the MinCC/MinD–FtsZ interaction. This binding displaces FtsA and/or ZipA, and more importantly, positions MinCN near the FtsZ polymers making it a more effective inhibitor.
Landscape Investigations Using Cæsium-137

An experiment is described in which tracer quantities of Cs/sup 137/ were used in a relatively large-scale field investigation. A forest ecosystem tagged with Cs/sup 137/ was used: to determine cesium cycles and rates of cycling in a mesic forest ecosystem; to measure cesium transfer between components of an ecosystem and apply these results to a theoretical model of element circulation; and to derive information useful for predicting the fate of problem radionuclides in those ecosystems potentially having a large capacity for storage in biological materials. The site chosen was a sinkhole habitat forested by Liriodendron tulipifera. Methods used for dose determination, inoculation of trees, avoiding undesirable contamination, and sampling of the forest are described. Seasonal variations in isotope distribution are discussed. Preliminary results emphasize the importance of rain as an agent in radiocesium transfer. Approximately 20 percent of the total litter burden was derived from rain leaching. Seven percent of the original radiocesium input to Liriodendron was transferred to the forest floor during the first growing season. (H.M.G.)
Analysis and Characterization of Some Common Transitions and Interconnections using Three-Dimensional Modelling Techniques

This paper will present the analysis and characterization of several different transitions and interconnections which are in common use, but have not to date been investigated by other workers in this field. These were analyzed using a 3-dimensional finite element modelling technique together with characterization in the frequency and time domains and include the coaxial to microstrip transition and several different types of substrate interconnections. The models developed enable the optimum physical geometry to be determined in order to minimize the effects of the discontinuity over a given frequency range.
Drosophila STAT is required for directly maintaining HP1 localization and heterochromatin stability

STAT (Signal transducer and activator of transcription) is a potent transcription factor and its aberrant activation by phosphorylation is associated with human cancers. We have shown previously that overactivation of JAK, which phosphorylates STAT, disrupts heterochromatin formation globally in Drosophila melanogaster. However, it remains unclear how this effect is mediated and whether STAT is involved. Here, we demonstrate that Drosophila STAT (STAT92E) is involved in controlling heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) distribution and heterochromatin stability. We found, unexpectedly, that loss of STAT92E, had the same effects as overactivation of JAK in disrupting heterochromatin formation and heterochromatic gene silencing, whereas overexpression of STAT92E had the opposite effects. We have further shown that the unphosphorylated or 'transcriptionally inactive' form of STAT92E is localized on heterochromatin in association with HP1, and is required for stabilizing HP1 localization and histone H3 Lys 9 methylation (H3mK9) . However, activation by phosphorylation reduces heterochromatin-associated STAT92E, causing HP1 displacement and heterochromatin destabilization. Thus, reducing levels of unphosphorylated STAT92E, either by loss of STAT92E or increased phosphorylation, causes heterochromatin instability. These results suggest that activation of STAT by phosphorylation controls both access to chromatin and activity of the transcription machinery.
Contaminant levels in animal feeds used for toxicity studies.

Samples of commercial feeds for laboratory rats, guinea pigs, cats, monkeys, rabbits, and hamsters were collected and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively for selected antibiotics, trace metals, pesticides (organophosphates and chlorinated hydrocarbons), natural agents, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The results indicated that anitibiotics, parathion, diazinon, aldrin, and the aflatoxins were not detected, whereas, metals, chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides (except aldrin), and PCBs were continually present. Malathion and estrogen were found occasionally.
D-mef2 is a target for Tinman activation during Drosophila heart development

The NK-type homeobox gene tinman and the MADS box gene D-mef2 encode transcription factors required for the development and differentiation of the Drosophila heart, and closely related genes regulate cardiogenesis in vertebrates. Genetic analyses indicate that tinman and D-mef2 act at early and late steps, respectively, in the cardiogenic lineage. However, it is unknown whether regulatory interactions exist between these developmental control genes. We show that D-mef2 expression in the developing Drosophila heart requires a novel upstream enhancer containing two Tinman binding sites, both of which are essential for enhancer function in cardiac muscle cells. Transcriptional activity of this cardiac enhancer is dependent on tinman function, and ectopic Tinman expression activates the enhancer outside the cardiac lineage. These results define the only known in vivo target for transcriptional activation by Tinman and demonstrate that D-mef2 lies directly downstream of tinman in the genetic cascade controlling heart formation in Drosophila.
Measurement of Low-Field Faraday Rotation and Ellipticity

A convenient measurement technique for Faraday rotation is extended to include the effect of ellipticity. The measurement theory is presented, and a procedure for determining the correction for the rotation measurement is explained. Also, a simple test to determine whether ellipticity is an important factor and the means for deducing ellipticity when the rotation is known are described. A graphical representation of the effect of ellipticity on the measurement as a function of minor-to-major axes ratio is included.
Pediatric Bone Marrow Interpretation.

The evaluation of pediatric bone marrow poses specific challenges when compared with the general adult population. These challenges stem in part from the higher likelihood of congenital disorders with hematopoietic manifestations, some of which may give rise to hematologic malignancies. Familiarity with the spectrum of disorders seen in the pediatric age group allows for an appropriate and focused differential diagnosis. This review addresses the diagnostic workup of pediatric bone marrow samples, as directed by the peripheral blood and bone marrow findings in the context of the patient's clinical history. Recommendations for the appropriate use of ancillary studies in various scenarios are provided.
Work and retirement in the 21st century: Integrating issues of diversity and globalization

In this essay, I outline a framework for studying work and retirement that takes into account the structural contexts in which individuals make decisions concerning economic activities in later life. This approach focuses on power relations in a global context, asking us to consider the relationships among advantaged and disadvantaged groups within and across national boundaries. Thus, it asks us to consider the impacts of global changes on local economies and workers, the welfare state, and intersecting power relations based on such characteristics as gender, race, ethnicity, class, age, religion and sexuality. I do not illustrate all of these power relations, but give examples of some ways in which they might influence individual patterns of work and retirement, and of how these influence the concepts of work and retirement themselves.
Mental Health Services Research and Its Impact on Social Work Practice with Adults Who Have Severe Mental Illness

SUMMARY The report discusses services and services research for adults with severe mental illness from an historical perspective, using the author's own research as examples. Suggestions for future research directions and implications for practice that ensure the most effective service provision for this vulnerable population are offered.
Pulmonary artery sarcoma masquerading as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Backround A 40-year-old woman presented with dyspnea in the fifth month of pregnancy followed by a sudden onset of pleuritic chest pain 2 weeks postpartum. She was diagnosed as having pulmonary embolism by CT angiography and anticoagulated with heparin followed by warfarin. Despite 6 months of warfarin therapy she remained symptomatic. An echocardiogram demonstrated pulmonary hypertension, and a repeat CT angiogram demonstrated no change in the pulmonary artery filling defects. Investigations Chest radiography, ventilation–perfusion scan, echocardiogram, right-heart catheterization, pulmonary angiography and pulmonary artery exploration. Diagnosis High-grade intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery. Treatment Pulmonary endarterectomy.
P-67: Chip on Glass Bonding Using StressedMetal™ Technology

COG) interconnections require finer pitch to han- dle denser displays with more integrated driver chips, particularly for mobile devices. We report recent developments utilizing tiny micro-machined springs to replace ACF (anisotropic conductive film). Liquid, ultraviolet light-cured adhesives permit the attach- ment of chips to the glass without heating. We fabricated and tested daisy chain test vehicles with 800 spring contacts on 20 µm pitch.
Purpuric eruption in a transfused neonate receiving phototherapy

We describe the clinical and biochemical findings in a neonate requiring multiple blood transfusions and phototherapy for alloimmune hemolytic anemia and unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, respectively. In this newborn, a severe photosensitivity reaction developed and laboratory testing revealed elevated serum and urine porphyrins at the time of the eruption. The cause of the transient porphyrinemia was likely multifactorial. Possible mechanisms include poor hepatic metabolism and reticulocyte hemolysis. However, the exact pathogenesis remains unclear at this time.
Dietary quality and survival among middle-aged and older adults in the NHANES I epidemiologic follow-up study

Abstract The association of dietary quality and survival was examined among 6249 adults aged 45–74 years in the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1971–74) who were traced at the 1987 NHANES I Epidemiologic Followup Survey. The baseline 24-hour recall diet was defined as poor quality if 5 or more nutrients (of the 8 examined) were below 67% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance. Across six age/sex groups, relative hazards of death for persons with poor dietary quality ranged from 1.2 to 1.9 when adjusted for age alone. When adjusted for socioeconomic and health measures, the dietary quality-survival associations were weakened considerably. We conclude that non-dietary factors explain much of the apparent association, and that the importance of these factors varies across age and sex categories. Inclusion of measures of employment status, smoking, and chronic conditions, as well as the more traditional socioeconomic confounders, is important for the proper interpretation of diet-survival relationships.
Effects of environmental context changes on memory

The present study examined the effects of environmental context changes on memory. Word lists were presented auditorily to subjects who were in a normal-vision or a restricted-vision context and were recalled immediately after in the same or a different state. A marginally significant memory decrement was found when the environmental context occurring during recall differed from that occurring during learning. Importantly, this memory decrement was not manifested throughout all serial positions in the word lists. Although different-context conditions resulted in significantly poorer memory for “middle” and “recency” items, they actually benefited memory for “primacy” items. The results are discussed in terms of the retrieval strategies used by subjects in the same- and different-context conditions.
Selling the American Way: US Propaganda and the Cold War

Selling the American Way: US Propaganda and the Cold War LAURA A. BELMONTE, 2008 Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press xiv + 255 pp. Illustrations, Chronology, and Index. $47.50; paper $22...
Pyriproxyfen activates reproduction in prediapause northern strain plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar Herbst)

Field-collected, prediapause northern strain plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), adults were treated with the juvenile hormone analogue pyriproxyfen to assess effects on reproductive development. Adults of this pest have an obligate winter reproductive diapause and do not reach reproductive maturity until after spring emergence. Topical (1.0 microL) doses of 10, 1.0 and 0.1 microg microL(-1) pyriproxyfen induced oocyte development and reproductive maturation in all treated females as assessed by dissection. There was no increased mortality in treated beetles, and control insects showed no reproductive maturation. Treatment of prediapause males and females with 1.0 microg microL(-1) of topical pyriproxyfen or exposure to residues on fruit induced successful egg laying and F1 emergence; F1 pupation success in topical treatments and residue exposure was 47 and 59% respectively. Filial adults require re-exposure to initiate reproductive development. Treatment protocols with pyriproxyfen will allow researchers to culture the northern strain, instead of relying exclusively on the non-diapausing southern strain.
AirExpress: Enabling Seamless In-band Wireless Multi-hop Transmission

This paper describes the design and implementation of AirExpress, a system that enables in-band wireless cut-through transmission. Unlike wired cut-through, wireless cut-through can reduce latency and improve throughput performance of the network at the same time. In AirExpress, all the forwarders along the cut-through path forward the signal they received immediately without decoding. The hierarchical structure of AirExpress enables its interference cancellation ability to handle all kinds of interference among the radios. Novel MAC and routing algorithms based on cut-through transmission are also proposed to support the realization of AirExpress in multi-hop mesh networks. AirExpress is implemented on an NI-based SDR platform. Through experiments in the 2.4GHz ISM band, we show throughput gain of up to 3.4 times with a 4-hop AirExpress system. Trace driven evaluation of AirExpress on the NS3 platform shows an average throughput gain of 2.85 for AirExpress over optimal TDMA.
Study on silicon surface oxidation of post-implant resist cleaning

Minimum substrate loss is required for resist strip of high dose, ultra shallow junction implant for source/drain extensions. Silicon surface oxidation of downstream plasma resist strip results in silicon recess of the source/drain extension regions. This paper reports the study of silicon surface oxidation for different resist strip plasma chemistries and the effect of plasma strip process parameters such as power, pressure and temperature on silicon surface oxidation. A good agreement was found between optical ellipsometry, XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and TEM (transmission electron spectroscopy) for thickness measurement of very thin (<20A) oxide grown on silicon surface due to plasma exposure. Selectivity of crust breakthrough and resist removal over silicon oxidation was also discussed in this paper along with dopant loss.
Attenuated total reflectance-FT-IR imaging for rapid and automated detection of gunshot residue.

An alternative approach for the nondestructive, rapid and selective detection of gunshot residue (GSR) was investigated. A cloth substrate containing GSR particles expelled during a firearm discharge was used as an analog for the clothing of a shooting victim or a suspect discharging a firearm. An established and efficient procedure for GSR collection (tape lifting) was utilized to recover GSR particles from the cloth substrate. Microscopic-attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform (FT) infrared (IR) spectroscopic imaging rapidly and automatically scanned large areas of the tape collection substrate and detected varying morphologies (microscopic and macroscopic) and chemical compositions (organic and inorganic) of GSR. The “spectroscopic fingerprint” of each GSR type provided unique virbrational modes, which were not characteristic of the tape collection substrate or the cloth debris which was also recovered. ATR images (maps) targeted the detection of these unique chemical markers over the map...
Resonance Raman studies of the coupled binuclear copper active site in met azide hemocyanin

Abstract Spectroscopic studies were performed on the met azide derivative of hemocyanin in order to probe small molecule binding to the coupled binuclear copper active site. The charge transfer spectrum shows a broad band near 380 nm in the absorption and a negative feature near 450 nm in the CD. Resonance Raman results indicate the presence of two enhanced vibrations, the copper—azide stretch at 397 cm −1 and the asymmetric intraazide stretch at 2042 cm −1 . The 397 cm −1 peak is maximally enhanced near 500 nm and the 2042 cm −1 peak shows increasing enhancement into the u.v. At least three separate charge transfer transitions are needed to simultaneously fit the absorption, CD and resonance Raman profile, which requires that the azide bridges the binuclear copper active site. Mixed isotope results, using 14 N 14 N 15 N, shows that the 2042 cm −1 peak splits into two peaks at 2023 and 2035 cm −1 and the 397 cm −1 peak shifts to 393 cm −1 . A normal coordinate analysis was used to determine that the mixed isotopic splitting is not due to a simple mass effect but requires nonequivalence in bonding within the azide molecule. Combined with previous data, the results indicate that the azide is bound in a μ-1,3 geometry and the nonequivalence in bonding within the azide molecule is due to a strong interaction with residue(s) in the protein pocket.
Radiosynthesis of New Carbon-11-labeled Nimesulide Analogs as Potential PET SAER Tracers for Imaging of Aromatase Expression in Breast Cancer

Carbon-11-labeled nimesulide analogs, N-[11C]methyl-N-(2-benzyloxy-4-nitrophenyl)methanesulfonamide ([11C]4a), N-[11C]methyl-N-[2-(4′-methylbenzyloxy)-4-nitrophenyl]methanesulfonamide ([11C]4b), N-[11C]methyl-N-[2-(4′-fluorobenzyloxy)-4-nitrophenyl]methanesulfonamide ([11C]4c), N-[11C]methyl-N-[2-(4′-nitrobenzyloxy)-4-nitrophenyl]methanesulfonamide ([11C]8a), N-[11C]methyl-N-[2-(β-naphthylmethoxy)-4-nitrophenyl]methanesulfonamide ([11C]8b), and N-[11C]methyl-N-[2-(2′-phenylbenzyloxy)-4-nitrophenyl]methanesulfonamide ([11C]8c), have been synthesized as new potential positron emission tomography (PET) selective aromatase expression regulator (SAER) radiotracers for imaging of aromatase expression in breast cancer. The target tracers were prepared by N-[11C]methylation of their corresponding precursors using [11C]CH3OTf under basic conditions (NaH) and isolated by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method in 30–50% radiochemical yields decay corrected to end of bombardment (EOB) with 2...
Advances in laser processing of microelectronics

We report on recent advances in laser processing of solar cells, flexible printed circuit boards, integrated circuit packages, and semiconductor memory in the nanosecond pulsewidth regime. These process advances are enabled by innovations in lasers and continue to drive requirements for emerging pulsed solid state and fiber lasers. Demand for increased throughput is projected to push the pulse repetition frequency for pulsed solid state sources utilized in many of these applications past 100 KHz. Ongoing device miniaturization continues to enable new applications for visible and ultraviolet pulsed laser processes, particularly for semiconductor devices. This paper summarizes the current status of these select laser processes, the laser sources that power them, and the outlook for future innovations in the field.
Ray Kroc: A Visionary CEO Who Reshaped An Industry

America is a country of many entrepreneurs, some more successful than others, but all of whom have strived to live what if referred to as the “American dream.” Ray Kroc is a fine example of an entrepreneur who was able to do just that: live the “American dream.” He built McDonald's Corporation into one of the most successful and most admired companies in the history of the United States. His legacy and actions have had a dramatic influence on hospitality professionals around the world and he is unquestionably an industry pioneer.
Personal meaning of human papillomavirus and Pap test results in adolescent and young adult women.

Objective: As new cervical cancer screening recommendations are adopted, more adolescents may learn they are infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). The objective of this study was to explore personal meaning of HPV and Pap test results in adolescent and young adult women. Design: The authors recruited sexually active 14- to 21-year-old adolescent girls from an urban teen health center. Participants underwent HPV and Pap testing at baseline and returned 2 weeks later to receive test results and to be interviewed about their responses to test results. The authors analyzed interview transcripts using qualitative methods and developed a conceptual framework to explain participants' responses. Main Outcome Measures: Of the 100 participants, 51% were HPV positive and 23% had an abnormal Pap test. Personal meaning was comprised of four core dimensions: labeling of results, perceived risk of HPV-related disease, personal accountability, and anticipated shame or stigma. The association between test result and personal meaning was mediated through cognitive understanding of test results, which in turn was influenced by education about HPV and prior health experiences. Conclusion: Clinicians who communicate HPV and Pap test results to adolescent girls should provide accurate information in a nonjudgmental manner, take into account adolescents' personal experiences with sexually transmitted infections and cancer, and explore personal meaning of results such as anticipated risk and stigma. In this way, clinicians may be able to minimize adverse psychosocial outcomes while promoting positive reproductive health behaviors.
Longitudinal and transverse ripple formation during the solid particle erosion of lead

Abstract When eroded by solid particles, ductile metals typically develop a hill-and-valley surface topography at near-normal impact angles and a transversely rippled topography at glancing angles. It is now found that longitudinal ripples can also form at intermediate impact angles.
Food, poverty, and power in Latin America and the Caribbean

Les indicateurs de developpement de la Banque Mondiale sont utilisees pour montrer comment l'augmentation de la production et l'utilisation de l'electricite sont associes a une bonne qualite de vie pour les 2.5 a 3 milliards de la population mondiale vivant actuellement avec moins de 2 dollars americains par jour et probablement pour la future population de nombreux pays. La presente etude portait sur vingt pays d'Amerique Latine et de Caraibes. Leurs indicateurs de developpement respectifs ont ete compares. Des comparaisons ont ete egalement avec les moyennes mondiales et les donnees des memes indicateurs de developpement aux Etats-Unis et en Suede. Une croissance annuelle de la consommation de mille kilowatts heure d'electricite par habitant tend a avoir une influence importante sur la qualite de la vie humaine en accroissant le revenu moyen, l'alphabetisation, la sante, et la qulaite de l'alimentation. La croissance de la population et le population vivant dans la pauvrete decroissent generalement quand la consommation d'electricte augmente, et vice versa. Quelques-unes des ressources disponibles pour le developpement, leur adequation, et le besoin d'ameliorer les inventaires des ressoures sont decrits. Dans cett perspective, il est imporant de noter que le potentiel pour une production accrue d'electricite a partir des energies renouvelables en Amerique latine et dans quelques pays de Caraibes est tres important et doit etre pris en consideration par les decideurs. Linterconnexion des differents reseaux electriques en un seul (hormis les Caraibes) et l'utilisation de l'energie renouvelable pour generer l'electricite sont recommandees.
Topography, architecture, and connections of somatosensory cortex in opossums: Evidence for five somatosensory areas

Microelectrode maps of somatosensory inputs were related to cortical architecture and patterns of cortical connections to provide evidence for five subdivisions of the somatosensory or sensorimotor cortex in North American opossums (Didelphis marsupialis). Microelectrode recordings revealed three systematic representations of the body surface. A large mediolaterally oriented representation was identified as the primary somatosensory area (S1) by its relative position, somatotopy, architecture, and connections. S1 represented the hindlimb, trunk, forelimb, and face in a mediolateral sequence. Two additional representations of cutaneous receptors were found caudolateral to S1, each with face representations adjacent to the border of lateral S1 and other body-part representations progressing more caudally toward the auditory cortex. We identified the more dorsal field as the second somatosensory area (S2) and the more ventral field as the parietal ventral area (PV). Tracers injected into S1 labeled neurons and terminals in architectonically distinct fields rostral and caudal to S1, the somatosensory caudal area (SC) and the somatosensory rostral area (SR). Movements could be evoked by microstimulation from sites scattered over S1, SR, and the frontal cortex, but thresholds were high and uncharacteristic of motor cortex. S2 and PV merged caudally with the cortex responsive to auditory stimuli, possibly A1, and neurons in some caudal recording sites in PV were activated by both auditory and cutaneous stimuli. Primary (V1) and secondary (V2) visual areas were also identified by microelectrode mapping, architecture, and connections. In addition, at least part of the cortex between V2 and the somatosensory cortex had visual connections. Thus, most of the dorsolateral cortex of opossums appears to be somatosensory, auditory, or visual.
Intrinsic oscillations in neutral networks: a linear model for parallel, single-unit pathways

Abstract This report presents theoretical maps for the characteristic modes of neuroelectric oscillation in configurations consisting of two parallel, single-unit pathways feeding back on a single primary cell. A linear model with time lag is used. As for a single closed loop, increasing the mean interconnection coefficient increases the endurance of the leading solution, and increasing the average interunit conduction time increases the number of states which endure relatively long as compared to representative times of the system. The essential influences of a differential in conduction time between two parallel pathways are: to increase the number of characteristic states in a given frequency range; to increase slightly the endurance of a given characteristic state; and to relax somewhat the conditions for stability (except for two parallel excitatory paths).
Random walks on groups

Abstract A finite group G is partitioned into nonempty disjoint subsets C0, C1,…,Cm such that for every g1∈Ci the number of ordered pairs (g2,g3) for which g2∈Cν,g3∈Cj, and g1g2 = g3 is independent of the particular choice of g1. A sequence of mutually independent random elements γ0, γ1,…, γn,… is chosen in G in such a way that for n = 1,2,… the probability P {γ n = g} depends only on the class Cν which contains g. Let ξn = j if γ0γ1⋯γn∈Cj. Then {ξ n ; n ≧ 0} is a homogeneous Markov chain with state space I = {0,1,…,m}. The aim of this paper is to determine the n-step transition probabilities of the Markov chain {ξ n ; n ≧ 0} . The results derived in this paper lead also to a probabilistic interpretation and a generalization of group characters.
A Flexible, Reconfigurable, Transient Multi-cylinder Diesel Engine Simulation for System Dynamics Studies*

ABSTRACT A new generation, transient, multi-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine simulation is developed for predictions of dynamic response and performance of engine powertrain systems, for assessment of alternative system configurations, and for integration studies in conjunction with the rest of the components of ground vehicles. The simulation is based on a comprehensive single-cylinder engine model with built-in physical submodels and transient capability to ensure high fidelity predictions. The single-cylinder model has been converted into a module within the flexible and reconfigurabie MATLAB-SIMULINK environment to readily accommodate design changes, submodel upgrades, and interfacing with other vehicle models. It is shown that transient, multi-cylinder simulation of an arbitrarily-selected number of cylinders that are configured to form the engine can be readily accomplished. Illustrative studies are conducted to demonstrate the capability of the simulation to perform system dynamic studies and p...
Hyperspectral image projector for advanced sensor characterization

In this work, we describe radiometric platforms able to produce realistic spectral distributions and spatial scenes for the development of application-specific metrics to quantify the performance of sensors and systems. Using these platforms, sensor and system performance may be quantified in terms of the accuracy of measurements of standardized sets of complex source distributions. The same platforms can also serve as a basis for algorithm testing and instrument comparison. The platforms consist of spectrally tunable light sources (STS's) coupled with spatially programmable projection systems. The resultant hyperspectral image projectors (HIP) can generate complex spectral distributions with high spectral fidelity; that is, scenes with realistic spectral content. Using the same fundamental technology, platforms can be developed for the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared regions. These radiometric platforms will facilitate advanced sensor characterization testing, enabling a pre-flight validation of the pre-flight calibration.
Inadvertent impurity sheets in semiconductors

Abstract It is shown that energy levels of impurity pairs and clusters evolve to successively deeper levels as the spatial separation of the impurity atoms decreases. In particular, it is shown that clustering can drive an ordinary shallow dopant, such as a Si donor in GaAs, to a deep, localized level. Such evolution is illustrated by considering clusters of up to five Si atoms as their concentration increases. These results are obtained using a tight binding embedded cluster whose Hamiltonian is derived from a tight-binding Green's function. Going to the limit of a two-dimensional impurity sheet, a Si impurity sheet in GaAs is shown to be deep and to have an indirect bandgap. The impurity sheet results are obtained by use of a tight-binding supercell technique.
Incorporating Policy Criteria in Spatial Analysis

Although spatial analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become prevalent in the social and policy sciences, GIS and its mapmaking capability remains an underutilized tool among the decision support tools available to policy makers. Using a case study of Medicaid expenditure changes in Ohio, the authors demonstrate how spatial analysis and display can incorporate useful weights for policy makers. Through the use of dependence indices based upon the distributions of the affected recipients and service providers to weight the expenditures, the link between the effects of policy changes and the spatial distributions of these populations becomes clearer. The article argues that policy makers can be given a more appropriate picture of the potential local implications of statewide policy changes through the use of weights. Because of the power of maps to so starkly display these distributions, the article concludes with a caution that such tools should be used ethically with considered judgment.
Spatiotemporal Variability of Precipitation, Modeled Soil Moisture, and Vegetation Greenness in North America within the Recent Observational Record

Abstract Dominant spatiotemporal patterns of precipitation, modeled soil moisture, and vegetation are determined in North America within the recent observational record (late twentieth century onward). These data are from a gridded U.S.–Mexico precipitation product, retrospective long-term integrations of two land surface models, and satellite-derived vegetation greenness. The analysis procedure uses three statistical techniques. First, all the variables are normalized according to the standardized precipitation index procedure. Second, dominant patterns of spatiotemporal variability are determined using multitaper method–singular value decomposition for interannual and longer time scales. The dominant spatiotemporal patterns of precipitation generally conform to known and distinct Pacific SST forcing in the cool and warm seasons. Two specific time scales in precipitation at 9 and 6–7 yr correspond to significant variability in soil moisture and vegetation, respectively. The 9-yr signal is related to prec...
Efficient, context-sensitive pointer analysis for C programs

This paper proposes an efficient technique for context-sensitive pointer analysis that is applicable to real C programs. For efficiency, we summarize the effects of procedures using partial transfer functions. A partial transfer function (PTF) describes the behavior of a procedure assuming that certain alias relationships hold when it is called. We can reuse a PTF in many calling contexts as long as the aliases among the inputs to the procedure are the same. Our empirical results demonstrate that this technique is successful—a single PTF per procedure is usually sufficient to obtain completely context-sensitive results. Because many C programs use features such as type casts and pointer arithmetic to circumvent the high-level type system, our algorithm is based on a low-level representation of memory locations that safely handles all the features of C. We have implemented our algorithm in the SUIF compiler system and we show that it runs efficiently for a set of C benchmarks.
Comparative effectiveness of minimally invasive versus open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: 2-year assessment of narcotic use, return to work, disability, and quality of life

Study design Retrospective cohort comparison between minimally invasive (MIS) and open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Objective To assess 2 earlier unstudied endpoints (duration of narcotic use and return to work) and long-term pain, disability, and quality of life (QOL) for MIS-TLIF versus open-TLIF. Summary of background data MIS-TLIF for lumbar spondylolithesis theoretically allows for surgical treatment of back and leg pain while minimizing blood loss and tissue injury. Although earlier studies have shown shorter hospital stay and equivocal 6 and 24 month outcomes with MIS-TLIF versus open-TLIF, the effect of MIS techniques on postoperative narcotic use and return to work are poorly understood. Methods Thirty patients undergoing MIS-TLIF (n = 15) or open-TLIF (n = 15) for grade I degenerative spondylolithesis-associated back and leg pain were enrolled. Two-year outcomes were assessed through phone interview and it included pain [visual analog scale (VAS)], low-back disability (Oswestry disability index), EuroQol-5D, occupational disability, and narcotic use. Results MIS-TLIF versus open-TLIF cohorts were similar at baseline. Median [interquartile range (IQR)] length of hospitalization after surgery was significantly less for MIS-TLIF versus open-TLIF [3 (3 to 3) vs 5.5 (4 to 6) d], P = 0.001. MIS-TLIF versus open-TLIF patients showed similar 2-year improvement in VAS for back pain, VAS for leg pain, Oswestry disability index, and EuroQol-5D scores. Overall, median (IQR) length of postoperative narcotic use was 3.0 (1.4 to 4.6) weeks and significantly shorter for MIS-TLIF versus open-TLIF patients [2.0 (1.0 to 3.0) vs 4.0 (1.4 to 4.6) wk, P = 0.008]. Overall, median (IQR) time to return to work was 13.9 (2.2 to 25.5) weeks and significantly shorter for MIS-TLIF versus open-TLIF patients [8.5 (4.4 to 21.4) vs 17.1 (1.8 to 35.9) wk, P = 0.02]. Conclusions Both MIS-TLIF and open-TLIF provide long-term improvement in pain, disability, and EuroQol-5D in patients with back and leg pain from grade I degenerative spondylolithesis. However, MIS-TLIF may allow for shortened hospital stays, reduced postoperative narcotic use, and accelerated return to work, reducing both direct medical costs and indirect costs of lost work productivity associated with TLIF procedures.
A rocket engine for Mars sample return using in situ propellants

Recent studies for the planned Mars sample return mission were reviewed and modified to utilize carbon monoxide and oxygen as potential in situ propellants. Based on these studies a representative full scale engine thrust of 2225 N (500 lbf) was selected as appropriate to demonstrate performance, and the design for that engine is presented. Previous experimental results combined with parametric analyses were used to define the geometry for the engine which operates on liquid carbon monoxide and liquid oxygen. The engine was constructed using a combination of high-temperature alloys and lightweight ceramics. The materials selected were hafnium oxide, iridium, rhenium, and carbon-carbon.
Processing of Open Reading Frame 1a Replicase Proteins nsp7 to nsp10 in Murine Hepatitis Virus Strain A59 Replication

Coronaviruses express open reading frame 1a (ORF1a) and ORF1b polyproteins from which 16 nonstructural proteins (nsp) are derived. The highly conserved region at the carboxy terminus of ORF1a is processed by the nsp5 proteinase (Mpro) into mature products, including nsp7, nsp8, nsp9, and nsp10, proteins with predicted or identified activities involved in RNA synthesis. Although continuous translation and proteolytic processing of ORF1ab by Mpro is required for replication, it is unknown whether specific cleavage events within the polyprotein are dispensable. We determined the requirement for the nsp7 to nsp10 proteins and their processing during murine hepatitis virus (MHV) replication. Through use of an MHV reverse genetics system, in-frame deletions of the coding sequences for nsp7 to nsp10, or ablation of their flanking Mpro cleavage sites, were made and the effects upon replication were determined. Viable viruses were characterized by analysis of Mpro processing, RNA transcription, and growth fitness. Deletion of any of the regions encoding nsp7 to nsp10 was lethal. Disruption of the cleavage sites was lethal with the exception of that of the nsp9-nsp10 site, which resulted in a mutant virus with attenuated replication. Passage of the attenuated nsp9-nsp10 cleavage mutant increased fitness to near-wild-type kinetics without reversion to a virus capable of processing nsp9-nsp10. We also confirmed the presence of a second cleavage site between nsp7 and nsp8. In order to determine whether a distinct function could be attributed to preprocessed forms of the polyprotein, including nsp7 to nsp10, the genes encoding nsp7 and nsp8 were rearranged. The mutant virus was not viable, suggesting that the uncleaved protein may be essential for replication or proteolytic processing.
System-level design techniques for throughput and power optimization of multiprocessor SoC architectures

Innovative system-level computer-aided design techniques are required for optimizing the performance and power of applications that are mapped to multiprocessor system-on-chip (SoC) architectures. The paper addresses the hitherto unexplored problem of system-level low power design of multimedia and network processing applications with deadline greater than period. This paper presents four techniques that combine low power optimizations (namely dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVS) and dynamic power management (DPM)) with loop transformations (functional pipelining and unrolling) to minimize the power consumption, while satisfying the period and deadline constraints of the application. The strengths of the techniques lie in their low complexity and large power consumption savings when compared with existing heuristic based approaches, and close to optimum results when compared with our ILP based approach (presented elsewhere stated in K. Srinivasan and K.S. Chatha (2004)). All our techniques result in large system-level power reductions when compared with existing heuristic approaches (max: 55.45%, min: 28.60%, ave: 42.02%). Further, the results produced by our deterministic and stochastic techniques for realistic benchmarks are on an average within 12.07% and 4.125%, respectively of the optimum solution produced by the ILP based approach. Our heuristic techniques are faster than the ILP based approach by several orders of magnitude.
Incident detection using vehicle-based and fixed-location surveillance

Many recent intelligent transportation systems (ITS) deployments feature vehicle probes as prominent sources of information about traffic conditions in addition to, or in place of, fixed-location measurement devices such as inductive loop detectors. Several other technologies now used for traffic surveillance and deployed in fixed locations are reviewed and found to provide the same kinds of information as more complex probe vehicle systems. Recent experience with both fixed location and vehicle-based incident detection systems is summarized. Several incident detection algorithms calibrated with both fixed-location and vehicle-based traffic measurements from a simulation of a signalized arterial street are introduced. The performance of these algorithms, some of which use data from only one source while others use data from both sources, is compared. While the fixed-location measurements appear to be superior to the probe reports for detecting incidents when used alone, different incidents are detected by their respective algorithms. Algorithms using both sources of data perform substantially better than either single-source algorithm, indicating that there is value in collecting information using both methods.
Use of daptomycin to treat drug-resistant Gram-positive bone and joint infections.

ABSTRACTObjective: Drug-resistant, Gram-positive bacteria are a growing concern in treating bone and joint infections, including osteomyelitis. This report describes the experience in a series of cases of the use of a novel antibiotic, daptomycin, for the treatment of bone and joint infections.Research design and methods: This retrospective analysis included patients from two medical centers diagnosed with Gram-positive bone and joint infections and treated with daptomycin.Results: A total of 10 patients were included in this report, of which nine received previous antibiotic therapy, including vancomycin, linezolid, and quinupristin/dalfopristin. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from eight patients while the remaining patients were infected with enterococci or streptococci. All patients initially resolved the infection while undergoing daptomycin treatment and were discharged from the hospital. One patient was switched to ampicillin (after receiving daptomycin for 4 days) once the...
Rigorous analysis of weakly excited broadwall slots

The choice of basis functions is found to be critical in the accurate modelling of weakly excited slots. Pulse expansions and the point matching technique are found to be inadequate, whereas polynomial basis functions in the Galerkin method are found to yield very accurate solutions.
Mistreating Psychology in the Decades of the Brain

We systematically mistreat psychological phenomena, both logically and clinically. This article explores three contentions: that the dominant discourse in modern cognitive, affective, and clinical neuroscience assumes that we know how psychology/biology causation works when we do not; that there are serious intellectual, clinical, and policy costs to pretending we do know; and that crucial scientific and clinical progress will be stymied as long as we frame psychology, biology, and their relationship in currently dominant ways. The arguments are developed with emphasis on misguided attempts to localize psychological function via neuroimaging, misunderstandings about the role of genetics in psychopathology, and untoward constraints on health-care policy and clinical service delivery. A particular challenge, articulated but not resolved in this article, is determining what constitutes adequate explanation in the relationship between psychology and biology.
The impact of commonality on battle damage assessment and repair in the armored family of vehicles

The armored family of vehicles (AFV) is a US Army program to design and field the next generation of armored tracked vehicles as a single system. Encompassing twenty-six different vehicle configurations, the AFV places special emphasis on commonality in the design. It is currently in the concept definition phase. Work which examines the impact that component commonality has on battle damage repair is reported. >