cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The taxonomic status of Serpula CF. Columbiana Johnson, 1901 from the American and Asian coasts of the North Pacific Ocean (Polychaeta: Serpulidae)

Abstract Taxonomic studies over the last decade have consistently indicated that the cosmopolitan status of Serpula vermicularis Linnaeus, 1767 is unjustified. A previous morphological survey (Kupriyanova & Rzhavsky 1993) has documented that Serpula columbiana Johnson, 1901 from the Russian Far-Eastern Seas is distinct from Serpula vermicularis from the Norwegian Sea. As a result, the older name, of S. columbiana was re-established for the Russian Far-Eastern population, thereby separating it from synonymy with S. vermicularis. The purpose of the present study was to verify the identity of the Serpula species from the Russian Far-East with Serpula columbiana s. str. Johnson, 1901 that was originally described from the North American Pacific coast. It is shown that at least three regionally distributed species were previously confused under the specific name Serpula vermicularis: S. Vermicularis s. str. (Norwegian Sea), S. columbiana (West coast of USA), and S. sp. A (Russian coast of the Sea of Japan). Th...
Fundamental Limits of Soft Magnetic Particle Composites for High Frequency Applications

A phenomenological model of magnetic nanoparticle composites consisting of ideal lossless particles with identical properties embedded in a non-magnetic matrix has been developed. The input material parameter for this model include the saturation magnetization (M s ) and the crystal anisotropy field (H k ) of the particles. The relationships between key magnetic properties like the low frequency effective permeability and the FMR frequency, and the material and physical attributes (such as shape, volume fraction, and packing type) of the particles have been identified using an iterative extension of the Bruggeman effective medium theory.
High-resolution dating of deep-sea clays using Sr isotopes in fossil fish teeth

Abstract Strontium isotopic compostitions of ichthyoliths (microscopic fish remains) in deep-sea clays recovered from the North Pacific Ocean (ODP holes 885A, 886B, and 886C) are used to provide stratigraphic age control within these otherwise undatable sediments. Age control within the deep-sea clays is crucial for determining changes in sedimentation rates, and for calculating fluxes of chemical and mineral components to the sediments. The Sr isotopic ages are in excellent agreement with independent age datums from above (diatom ooze), below (basalt basement) and within (Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary) the clay deposit. The 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios of fish teeth from the top of the pelagic clay unit (0.708989), indicate an Late Miocene age (5.8 Ma), as do radiolarian and diatom biostratigraphic ages in the overlying diatom ooze. The 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio (0.707887) is consistent with a Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary age, as identified by anomalously high iridium, shocked quartz, and sperules in Hole 886C. The 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios of pretreated fish teeth from the base of the clay unit are similar to Late Cretaceous seawater (0.707779-0.707519), consistent with radiometric ages from the underlying basalt of 81 Ma. Calculation of sedimentation rates based on Sr isotopic ages from Hole 886C indicate an average sedimentation rate of 17.7 m/Myr in Unit II (diatom ooze), 0.55 m/Myr in Unit IIIa (pelagic clay), and 0.68 m/Myr in Unit IIIb (distal hydrothermal precipitates). The Sr isotopic ages indicate a period of greatly reduced sedimentation (or possible hiatus) between about 35 and 65 Ma (Eocene-Paleocene), with a linear sedimentation rate of only 0.04 m/Myr The calculated sedimentation rates are generally inversely proportional to cobalt accumulation rates and ichthyolith abundances. However, discrepancies between Sr isotope ages and cobalt accumulation ages of 10–15 Myr are evident, particularly in the middle of the clay unit IIIa (Oligocene-Paleocene).
Abstract 190: Sulindac inhibits pancreatic carcinogenesis in LSL-KrasG12D-LSL-Trp53R172H-Pdx-1-Cre mice by suppressing aldo-keto reductase family 1B10 (AKR1B10).

Sulindac inhibits carcinogenesis via the mechanism that appears beyond cyclooxygenase inhibition. Recently sulindac has been identified as competitive inhibitors of aldo-keto reductase family 1B10 (AKR1B10). AKR1B10 is involved in the process of carbonyls, farnesyl and geranylgeranyl as well as retinal metabolisms, and these metabolic activities are important to carcinogenesis. However, there is no evidence on if inhibition of pancreatic carcinogenesis by sulindac is via inhibition of AKR1B10 and protein prenylation (i.e., Kras protein). To determine the effect of sulindac on pancreatic carcinogenesis in LSL-KrasG12D-LSL-Trp53R172H-Pdx-1-Cre mice, five-week-old mice were fed with either AIN-93M diet or AIN-93M diet contained 200ppm sulindac (n=20 mice/group). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with Log-Rank test was performed to analyze the effect of sulindac on animal survival from the development of pancreatic carcinoma. The results showed that average animal survival in LSL-KrasG12D-LSL-Trp53R172H-Pdx-1-Cre mice was 143.7 ± 8.8 days; and with the sulindac 200ppm treatment, animal survival significantly increased to 168.0 ± 8.8 days (p Citation Format: Jie Liao, Yeon Tae Chung, Haonan Li, Wanying Zhang, Guang-Yu Yang. Sulindac inhibits pancreatic carcinogenesis in LSL-KrasG12D-LSL-Trp53R172H-Pdx-1-Cre mice by suppressing aldo-keto reductase family 1B10 (AKR1B10). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 190. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-190
Computational materials science and engineering education: A survey of trends and needs

Results from a recent reassessment of the state of computational materials science and engineering (CMSE) education are reported. Surveys were distributed to the chairs and heads of materials programs, faculty members engaged in computational research, and employers of materials scientists and engineers, mainly in the United States. The data was compiled to assess current course offerings related to CMSE, the general climate for introducing computational methods in MSE curricula, and the requirements from the employers’ viewpoint. Furthermore, the available educational resources and their utilization by the community are examined. The surveys show a general support for integrating computational content into MSE education. However, they also reflect remaining issues with implementation, as well as a gap between the tools being taught in courses and those that are used by employers. Overall, the results suggest the necessity for a comprehensively developed vision and plans to further the integration of computational methods into MSE curricula.
Tunnel diode static inverter

A simple static inverter circuit consisting of two tunnel diodes and a transformer wound on a square-loop magnetic core is described. This circuit provides a practical method for stepping up voltages of the order of 0.2 volt to practical values and is proposed for use with thermoelectric, thermionic, or fuel cell generators. The output is a very good a-c square wave
Resolvins: Natural Agonists for Resolution of Pulmonary Inflammation

Inappropriate or excessive pulmonary inflammation can contribute to chronic lung diseases. In health, the resolution of inflammation is an active process that terminates inflammatory responses. The recent identification of endogenous lipid-derived mediators of resolution has provided a window to explore the pathobiology of inflammatory disease and structural templates for the design of novel pro-resolving therapeutics. Resolvins (resolution-phase interaction products) are a family of pro-resolving mediators that are enzymatically generated from essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Two molecular series of resolvins have been characterised, namely E- and D-series resolvins which possess distinct structural, biochemical and pharmacological properties. Acting as agonists at specific receptors (CMKLR1, BLT1, ALX/FPR2 and GPR32), resolvins can signal for potent counter-regulatory effects on leukocyte functions, including preventing uncontrolled neutrophil swarming, decreasing the generation of cytokines, chemokines and reactive oxygen species and promoting clearance of apoptotic neutrophils from inflamed tissues. Hence, resolvins provide mechanisms for cytoprotection of host tissues to the potentially detrimental effects of unresolved inflammation. This review highlights recent experimental findings in resolvin research, and the impact of these stereospecific molecules on the resolution of pulmonary inflammation and tissue catabasis.
Multimode Imaging For Underwater Robots

In this paper we introduce a new application for ultrasonic imaging that has not received much publicity: ultrasonic imag-ing for underwater robots. After a brief survey of some of the applications we consider the conceptual design of an underwater ultrasonic imaging system. The goal of the system is to provide 3-dimensional images about objects that are distances of 10's of meters away at real time video rates. In order to achieve this goal, we suggest that a principle of spatially variant insonification (SVI) be employed. This technique propagates multiple sonar beams into the medium simultaneously and upon reception, the individual beams are separated. In order to accomplish this, each sonar beam uses a specific code. The mathematical properties of the specific code that are em-ployed insure that this is possible. The design of these codes is identical to that encountered in multi-access, spread spec-trum, communication systems. Therefore, the time-bandwidth properties of the system limit the simultaneous requirement of decorrelatable beams and good range resolution. As a specific implementation of the technique a frequency hopping code is presented. This code is then combined with a sparse receiving array. The resultant system satisfies the above criteria.
Effects of Alcohol and Drinking Experience on Human Physical Aggression

Intoxicated and nonintoxicated male subjects with self-reported low, moderate, and high drinking experience were given the opportunity to administer electrical shocks to an opponent in the context of a competitive reaction time task. Relative to subjects with moderate and high drinking experience, alcohol intoxication enhanced the aggressive behavior of the low-drinking-experience subjects.
No benefit of glandular trichome production in natural populations of Datura wrightii

Populations of Datura wrightii vary in the frequency of plants that produce glandular trichomes, a resistance trait under the control of a single gene. Such variation may be maintained if the production of glandular trichomes is costly in the absence of herbivory, and if selection imposed by herbivore communities varies spatially or temporally. Here, we document costs in the presence of herbivory for established glandular plants relative to established non-glandular plants growing in natural populations from coastal mountain, Riversidian sage scrub, and Mojave desert habitats in southern California. Damage caused by the herbivore community varied spatially, with significant differences in herbivore-specific damage between plants of the two trichome types and among populations within habitats, although not generally among habitats. Plants with greater canopy size and canopy persistence had higher viable seed production than smaller or more damaged plants, but this relationship was statistically significant only for non-glandular plants. However, the relationship between viable seed production and canopy persistence became significant for glandular plants when damage caused by sap suckers, which do not remove leaf area, was pooled with undamaged leaf area. The high cost exhibited by glandular plants leads us to predict that in the absence of any additional, unknown benefits of producing glandular trichomes, the frequency of these plants should decline in all natural populations of D. wrightii.
Wet Peroxide Oxidation of Sediments Contaminated with PCBs

Wet peroxide oxidation is investigated as a method of treating Hudson River sediments contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Aqueous slurries containing 2.5% or 10% (w/w) sediment were...
Compositional analysis of in vitro matured soybean seeds

Abstract Soybean seeds at 50–70 mg and 300–500 mg stages were excised and grown to maturity in a chemically defined medium. Total protein, lipid, starch, free amino acids, DNA and RNA contents were analyzed in seeds matured in vitro and in seeds matured on plants. The comparison of these seed constituents indicates that seed development in vitro simulates natural seed development.
Postural changes due to fatigue

One of the most critical risk factors contributing to injury of the low back is posture, specifically of the torso. Though considerable time and expense is directed towards training workers to use postures which minimize biomechanical stress, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that this training may not be effective over shifts of extended duration. This may be due to a combination of fatigue and loss of concentration. Ten healthy subjects who had been previously trained in proper lifting technique lifted a load of 120% of their maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWL) at a frequency of three lifts per minute for two hours or until they were no longer able to continue due to fatigue, whichever came first. Subjects' self-selected postures were quantified in terms of maximum torso flexion and the distance between the hands and the L4/L5 spinal disc. Changes in posture were evaluated as a function of time, heart rate and perception of fatigue.
In Situ Observation of Small-Scale Deformation in a Lead-Free Solder Alloy

In situ observation of the local, small-scale deformation behavior of a Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC387) alloy under extremely small strain rates was realized using a custom-designed mechanical testing stage integrated with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical microscopy. Grain boundary sliding (GBS) hand in hand with grain boundary decohesion (GBD) is the dominant mechanism in the early stage of deformation (<8.0% local strain) while intragranular slip bands are observed in the large-strain regime for the dendritic microstructure at room temperature. The deformation mechanisms of SAC387 are discussed in detail with reference to its microstructural constituents and mechanical properties.
Heterogeneously integrated long wavelength VCSEL-based transceivers for chip to chip optical interconnections

The dark current for the MSM-PD was 10 μA at 5 V. The MSM responsivity was 0.457 A/W. The IV characteristics are shown in Figure 3a. The LI and VI curves for the integrated VCSEL are shown in figure 3b. The threshold current for the device is 1.5 mA.
Brain areas involved in speech production.

The ability to produce accurate speech sounds in rapid succession is something we humans take for granted. In fact, speech production is an extremely involved process. Thoughts must be translated into linguistic representations (itself not a trivial feat), which are then sent to speech mechanisms that can coordinate, initiate, modify and execute the articulation of an utterance. Through the study of patients with disorders affecting this complex process, we have come to learn that numerous brain areas are recruited in speech production and that they hang in a precarious balance that is easily affected by neurological disease and dysfunction. The coordination of articulatory movements, an end‐stage component of speech production, has received increased attention in recent years. In order for sounds to be produced correctly, the lips, tongue, jaw, velum and larynx must make accurate movements at the right time or the intended sounds become distorted. For example, to say the simple word ‘gap,’ airflow must briefly be halted by raising the back of the tongue to the soft palate. This airflow is suddenly released, during which time the vocal cords must vibrate to create phonation. The tongue and jaw lower and the air should flow unobstructed to produce the proper vowel. The lips seal and the cords relax. All of this must be orchestrated perfectly in time and sequence so that the word ‘gap’ results. Given the many fine movements that are required for speech production, it is no wonder that the mouth area is so largely represented in the homunculus of primary motor cortex. Patients with deficits in this ability to programme speech movements are said to have a disorder known as ‘apraxia of speech’. The disorder has been well studied in the …
Velocity Exponent in Solid‐Particle Erosion of Silicon

The velocity dependence of the solid-particle steady-state erosion rate of (111) silicon single crystals was measured for a range of particle types (Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, SiC, and SiO/sub 2/) and two sizes (40 and 270 ..mu..m) from velocities of 30 to 150 m/s. Power-law velocity dependence was found in all cases, but the velocity exponent n decreases with increasing size, contrary to current theories which predict a constant n. One possible interpretation of this effect is considered. 12 references, 3 figures, 1 table.
Distant Interactions and Their Effects on Children's Physical Activity Levels.

Background: It has been observed that physical activity patterns of health-related behavior are established in childhood and may continue into adulthood. Recent findings showing a relationship between the onset of chronic diseases and sedentary lifestyles support the importance of examining Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA). One instructional strategy that has been shown to correlate with higher physical activity levels in students at elementary school levels is the promotion of physical activity by teachers through verbal prompts, encouragement, and feedback. Purpose: To determine the functional relationship between distant interactions (a component of active monitoring where verbal interaction is given across the teaching environment) by physical education teachers and elementary students' MVPA levels during the physical fitness segment of their physical education class. Participants and setting: Five classes between Grades 3 and 5 (age range 8–10) and two elementary physical education teach...
C/EBPbeta interacts with the P-enolpyruvate carboxykinase adipocyte-specific enhancer.

CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family members are known to transactivate the gene encoding cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK; EC 4.1.1.32) in hepatocytes via promoter proximal C/EBP response elements. PEPCK is also expressed in adipocytes; however, fibroblasts that are homozygous null for C/EBPbeta cannot express PEPCK when induced to differentiate into adipocytes (Tanaka et al., EMBO J. 16, 7432-7443, 1997). This along with our previous observation that an upstream adipocyte-specific enhancer contains multiple putative C/EBP binding elements suggested the possibility that C/EBPbeta transactivates the PEPCK gene in adipocytes via distal elements. We report here that C/EBPbeta transactivates a PEPCK-luciferase chimera in transient transfection assays. C/EBPbeta acted independently of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) which is required for function of the enhancer. C/EBPbeta in nuclear extracts and recombinant C/EBPbeta bound three of the putative C/EBP-binding elements within the enhancer. C/EBPbeta binding to these three elements was strongly cooperative. However, mutation of all three elements did not affect reporter transactivation by C/EBPbeta suggesting that additional elements participate in PEPCK regulation or that the effects of C/EBPbeta are indirect.
E region coupling effects on the Perkins spread F instability

The Perkins instability theory for mid-latitude spread F is generalized to include the effects of the E region on growth rates. A three-layer model, representing the E region, the F region, and a resistive layer of low Pedersen conductivity which separates them, is developed. The E region Pedersen current has a stabilizing effect on the perturbed F region, thereby reducing the growth rate of the instability. For spread F onset on September 17, 1974, the maximum growth rate is found to be only one third of the Perkins growth rate. The resistive layer reduces the electric field perturbation in the E region for short wavelengths but has little effect for long wavelengths.
Astrometry and proper motions with space VLBI

Space VLBI offers the prospect of greatly increased angular resolution compared with Earth-bound observations. The central problems that may restrict the full application of space VLBI to astrometry and proper motion measurements probably will involve signal-to-noise (SNR) considerations and the accuracy of orbit (baseline) determinations. If SNR levels and baseline accuracies equivalent to those on the ground can be achieved, then a broad range of astrometric and proper motion studies will be possible. However, even with baseline accuracies significantly less accurate than achievable on the ground, relative proper motion studies of sources whose angular separation on the sky is small can still be advanced with space VLBI. Finally, the use of space VLBI for the measurement of proper motions of extragalactic H2O masers is discussed.
Construct validity of a surgical simulator as a valid model for capsulorhexis training.

Purpose To compare the performance on the EYESi surgical simulator capsulorhexis training module between medical students and residents and experienced cataract surgeons. Setting Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA. Design Comparative case series. Methods The study comprised medical students and residents at the University of Iowa and experienced cataract surgeons. Neither group had experience with the simulator. Each participant completed 4 trials on the capsulorhexis module. Results The 7 experienced surgeons achieved statistically significantly better total scores than the 16 medical students and residents on the easy level and the medium level of the capsulorhexis module ( P = .004 and P = .000007, respectively). Experienced surgeons achieved significantly better scores in all parameters at the medium level, with better centering ( P = .001), less corneal injury ( P = .02), fewer spikes ( P = .03), less time operating without a red reflex ( P = .0005), better roundness of the capsulorhexis ( P = .003), and less time completing tasks ( P = .008). Conclusion The surgical simulator capsulorhexis module showed significant construct validity ( P .05). Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Counting Degrees of Freedom for Developable Be´zier Surface Design

This paper investigates the number of degrees of freedom for geometric design of developable Bezier surfaces. The conditions for developability are derived geometrically from the de Casteljau algorithm and expressed as a set of equations that must be fulfilled by the Bezier control points. This set of equations enables us to infer important properties of developable Bezier patches that characterize the patch design and simplify its solution process. With one boundary curve freely specified in 3D space, five more degrees of freedom are available for the second boundary curve of the same degree. Imposing parametric or geometric continuities across the boundary of two adjacent developable Bezier patches results in a composite developable Bezier surface that has fewer degrees of freedom. This work provides the foundation for a systematic implementation of a computer-aided design system for developable Bezier surfaces.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Suppression of Feedback Loops Mediated by PI3K/mTOR Induces Multiple Overactivation of Compensatory Pathways: An Unintended Consequence Leading to Drug Resistance

The development of drug resistance by cancer cells is recognized as a major cause for drug failure and disease progression. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is aberrantly stimulated in many cancer cells and thus it has emerged as a target for therapy. However, mTORC1 and S6K also mediate potent negative feedback loops that attenuate signaling via insulin/insulin growth factor receptor and other tyrosine kinase receptors. Suppression of these feedback loops causes overactivation of upstream pathways, including PI3K, AKT, and ERK that potentially oppose the antiproliferative effects of mTOR inhibitors and lead to drug resistance. A corollary of this concept is that release of negative feedback loops and consequent compensatory overactivation of promitogenic pathways in response to signal inhibitors can circumvent the mitogenic block imposed by targeting only one pathway. Consequently, the elucidation of the negative feedback loops that regulate the outputs of signaling networks has emerged as an area of fundamental importance for the rational design of effective anticancer combinations of inhibitors. Here, we review pathways that undergo compensatory overactivation in response to inhibitors that suppress feedback inhibition of upstream signaling and underscore the importance of unintended pathway activation in the development of drug resistance to clinically relevant inhibitors of mTOR, AKT, PI3K, or PI3K/mTOR.
Information About Moving Objects Embedded Within Heavily Scattering Media with Speckle Intensity Correlations

Spatial speckle intensity correlations are used to detect and identify objects moving within a heavily scattering medium. A Green's function representation relates the speckle correlation to the object's Fourier spectrum.
A 15-year-old boy with fulminant hepatic failure.

A 15-year-old boy was brought to the emergency department by his parents, who were concerned about his mental status and incoherent speech. He had hematemesis earlier in the day. Four days before admission, the patient had multiple episodes of non-bloody emesis, followed a day later by several watery, non-bloody stools and crampy abdominal pain. Two days before admission, he was diagnosed at an outpatient clinic with possible food poisoning or viral gastroenteritis. Acetaminophen in a therapeutic dosage was prescribed along with antinausea medication and loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium AD). On the day of admission to the hospital, his symptoms had worsened, and he had become unresponsive. The patient had an uncomplicated birth history and unremarkable medical history. His immunizations were A 15-year-old boy with fulminant hepatic failure
A theory of banking structure

Abstract This paper proposes a theory to analyze the specialization of banking activities based upon the different functions that banks perform when rendering a variety of financial services. The functional difference in the services performed by banks is based upon two dimensions: the degree of information asymmetry involved in providing the service, and the degree of verifiability of the value of the service rendered. This has implications for the length of banking relationships and also determines whether banks develop the right degree of skill specialization and resource intensity for the existing task mix. Costly overspecialization occurs in certain deal type transactions and underspecialization occurs in relationship type transactions. The paper examines how bank-client relationships are structured and proposes an explanation for phenomena such as bank syndication. First-mover advantages and monopoly skills are also shown to be natural outcomes of the model. The analysis has implications for banking regulation, such as for the Glass–Steagall Act, in the sense that it analyzes the effects of this specialization, first enacted within the spirit of the Act.
Dendritic cell vaccine treatment for indolent B cell non-hodgkin lymphoma: clinical trial in progress

We present the preliminary results of our clinical trial testing 2 vaccine strategies in patients with indolent B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL; {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT01239875","term_id":"NCT01239875"}}NCT01239875, http://clinicaltrials.gov). The primary objective is to determine the safety and feasibility of the vaccine approaches and secondary objectives are to describe clinical responses and identify corresponding immune changes.
Pulmonary retention of lead: An experimental study in man

This human investigation of lead absorption from the lungs utilized two forms of lead, lead chloride and lead hydroxide; the former was used in picogram amounts and the latter at microgram levels. These two species of lead were selected in an attempt to simulate the range of physicochemical properties found in atmospheric lead (urban air). Aerosols labeled with lead-203 were made of comparable aerodynamic size (MMAD 0.25 ..mu..m +- 0.1) by using sodium chloride as the deposition-determining aerosol. After brief, mouthpiece exposures, 17 subjects were followed by serial counting with a thoracic array of 12 2-in. scintillation detectors and two 2-in. leg counters, all coupled to single channel analyzers. Serial blood samples were also taken. The two exposure groups showed similar total deposition values (23 vs 26%) and the same biological retention halftimes, viz., 22.6 h. When the retention data were corrected for blood-borne /sup 203/Pb, the biological halftimes for lung lead retention averaged 13.1 and 14.2 h, respectively, and were not significantly different. Blood build-up data were also indistinguishable in the two groups. The authors discuss these findings in relation to other inhalation studies and conclude the collective evidence supports the view that atmospheric lead is rapidly and completelymore » absorbed from the human lungs.« less
Phase development and microstructure in Bi-based 2212 Ag-clad tapes processed at 880, 890, and 905°C: The Cu-free phase and (Sr,Ca)CuO2

Abstract The optimum temperature to melt-process thick 2212 BSCCO films on Ag and Ag-clad 2212 BSCCO tapes is reported to be between 885 and 890°C. In the present study, tapes processed at or below the optimum processing temperature contained small grains of a Cu-free phase, whereas tapes processed above the optimum processing temperature contained large grains of the Cu-free phase. These differences in morphology of the nonsuperconducting phases in tapes that were processed at different maximum processing temperatures were correlated with changes that occur in the phase equilibria in the melt state with varying temperature.
A note on long-period motions at Site D

Abstract In this discussion of the preceding paper ( Thompson , 1971) we point out that his results show the average horizontal kinetic energy density in the deep ocean to be nearly independent of depth in a band of frequencies, qhile falling off with depth in other bands. This removes one strong reservation in the interpretation of the results as linear, long waves. Other implications of theory are given.
Intimate archives : Japanese-Canadian family photography 1939-1949

‘Intimate Archives’ situates domestic photographs of Japanese Canadians taken during the 1942–1949 internment in Canada within historical crisis and subjective narrative, tracing the possibilities of meaning for both the depicted subjects and the possessors of the images. In 1942, as Japanese Canadians were uprooted from familiar communities throughout British Columbia, Canada and overwhelmed with the loss of those closest to them, photography was employed to recentre themselves within a stable, yet somewhat imaginative, network of relations. Domestic photographs and albums produced at this time worked to construct, preserve and contain the visual and imaginative narrative of cohesive family stability and communal belonging, despite divisive political differences, disparate geographical living situations and elapsed family traditions. Namiko Kunimoto was awarded a double major BA in art history and anthropology at the University of British Columbia in 1998 and her MA in at the same university, where she was awarded a University of British Columbia Grant Fellowship. She is studying for her PhD in art history at the University of California, Berkeley, supported by a Fellowship from the Social Sciences and Research Council of Canada. Publications include, ‘Mariko Mori at the Tokyo Museum of Modern Art’, Last Call, June 2001, and ‘The Guerrilla Girls’, Discorder Magazine, April 2000.
THE MECHANICS OF HIGHLY-EXTENSIBLE CABLES

Abstract The mechanics of highly extensible cables are studied numerically. The governing equations for the cable motion are reformulated using Euler parameters and we employ a nonlinear stress–strain relation. Also, bending–stiffness terms are included to ensure a well-posed problem when tension becomes very low. Thus, the singularity associated with Euler–angle formulation is removed and the model allows for shock formation, while it can accommodate zero or negative tension along the cable span. Implicit time integration and non-uniform grid along the cable are adopted for the numerical solution of the governing equations. The model is employed to investigate (1) the dynamical behaviour of the breaking and post-breaking of an initially taut cable; and (2) the dynamic response of a tethered near-surface buoy subject to wave excitation. For a breaking cable we find that the speed of snapback, which can have potentially catastrophic effects, is proportional to the initial strain level, but the principal parameter controlling the cable behaviour is the time it takes for the cable to fracture. In the case of a tethered buoy in waves, we find that beyond a threshold wave amplitude the system begins to exhibit first zero tension, then followed by snapping response, while the buoy performs chaotic motion.
Synthetic probes for the α-factor receptor

The binding of the tridecapeptide yeast mating phermone, α-factor, to its receptor represents an excellent model for the investigation of peptide hormone–receptor interactions. In this paper we present a number of strategies to probe the binding site of the α-factor receptor, and discuss the synthesis of probes containing radioactive and affinity tags. Preferential acylation of the α- or e-amine in [Nle12]-α-factor was accomplished using 3-[3,5-diiodo-4-hydroxyphenyl] propanoic acid hydroxysuccinimide ester (diiodo Bolton-Hunter reagent). At pH 8.0 in a N-N-dimethylformamide/water mixture the ratio of e- to α-acylation was 2.15 to 1, whereas at pH 6.5 in a 1,2-dimethyoxyethane/water mixture α-acylation was favored by more than 3 to 1. The product distribution was sound to depend on pH, organic cosolvent, and the ratio of organic solvent and aqueous buffer. Product distributions were followed using analytical high performance liquid chromatography and the products were characterized enzymatically and by mass spectrometry. Citraconic anhydride preferentially α-acylated [Nle12]-α-factor and served as a temporary masking group during the synthesis of e-Bolton–Hunter acylated phermone. Biotin or diiodo Bolton–Hunter reagents were also directly incorporated into [Nle12]-α-factor or Lys[Nle12]-α-factor during peptide synthesis. The peptides were assembled on a chloromethyl polystyrene resin or on a (phenylace-tamido)methyl resin, and cleaved using anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (HF). Probes were inserted on amino groups either prior (biotin) or subsequent (Bolton–Hunter reagent) to HF cleavage. The biological activity of the synthetic peptides was characterized using growth arrest assays. These studies provide insights into the structural requirements for binding of α-factor to its receptor and form a basis for detailed investigation of the receptor using biochemical procedures.
Artifact due to differential error when cases and controls are imputed from different platforms

Including previously genotyped controls in a genome-wide association study can provide cost-savings, but can also create design biases. When cases and controls are genotyped on different platforms, the imputation needed to provide genome-wide coverage will introduce differential measurement error and may lead to false positives. We compared genotype frequencies of two healthy control groups from the Nurses’ Health Study genotyped on different platforms [Affymetrix 6.0 (n = 1,672) and Illumina HumanHap550 (n = 1,038)]. Using standard imputation quality filters, we observed 9,841 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) out of 2,347,809 (0.4%) significant at the 5 × 10−8 level. We explored three methods for controlling for this Type I error inflation. One method was to remove platform effects using principal components; another was to restrict to SNPs of highest quality imputation; and a third was to genotype some controls alongside cases to exclude SNPs that are statistical artifact. The first method could not reduce the Type I error rate; the other two could dramatically reduce the error rate, although both required that a portion of SNPs be excluded from analysis. Ideally, the biases we describe would be eliminated at the design stage, by genotyping sufficient numbers of cases and controls on each platform. Researchers using imputation to combine samples genotyped on different platforms with severely unbalanced case–control ratios should be aware of the potential for inflated Type I error rates and apply appropriate quality filters. Every SNP found with genome-wide significance should be validated on another platform to verify that its significance is not an artifact of study design.
A uniform model for parallel fast Fourier transform (FFT) and fast discrete cosine transform (FDCT)

Extended summary form only given. The techniques for parallel processing of FFT are applied to design a parallel processing model for FDCT. Each transform is translated to a sequence of elementary operations, an equation with regularity. From the similarity of both equations, a uniform representation for FFT and FDCT is derived and a common parallel architecture (shown in diagram form) is proposed to realize both FFT and FDCT while also achieving the best known computational complexity. >
Crystal Structures of Smectogenic p-n-Alkoxybenzoicacids

The isotypic crystal structures of three smectogenic p-n-alkoxybenzoic acids having eight, nine and ten carbon atoms in the alkyl chain are reported together with the crystal structure of a second modification of p-n-octoxybenzoic acid. The isotypic forms are identical in type to that previously reported for p-n-heptoxybenzoic acid (Bryan, Miller, & Shen, Abstr. Amer. Crystallogr. Assoc., 5, 37 (1977)).
Statistical static timing analysis: how simple can we get?

With an increasing trend in the variation of the primary parameters affecting circuit performance, the need for statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) has been firmly established in the last few years. While it is generally accepted that a timing analysis tool should handle parameter variations, the benefits of advanced SSTA algorithms are still questioned by the designer community because of their significant impact on complexity of STA flows. In this paper, we present convincing evidence that a path-based SSTA approach implemented as a post-processing step captures the effect of parameter variations on circuit performance fairly accurately. On a microprocessor block implemented in 90nm technology, the error in estimating the standard deviation of the timing margin at the inputs of sequential elements is at most 0.066 FO4 delays, which translates in to only 0.31% of worst case path delay.
Reaching fast code faster: using modeling for efficient software thread integration on a VLIW DSP

When integrating software threads together to boost performance on a processor with instruction-level parallel processing support, it is rarely clear which code regions should be aligned and integrated, and which regions should be left alone. This problem grows even worse on a modern VLIW DSP due to complicating factors in both the hardware and compiler: software pipelining, predication, branch delay slots, load delay slots and limited resources. As a result, finding an effective integration strategy requires extensive iteration through the integrate/compile/analyze sequence.In this paper we introduce methods to quantitatively estimate the performance benefit from the integration of multiple software threads. We use resource modeling, consider register pressure and compensate for compiler optimizations. This enables different scenarios to be compared and ranked. We then use these estimates to guide integration by concentrating on the most beneficial scenario. Information from each iteration of compilation is used to update the rankings of scenarios. We find that our modeling methods combined with limited compilation quickly find the best integration scenario without requiring exhaustive integration.
Influence of Lift Offset on Rotorcraft Performance

The influence of lift offset on the performance of several rotorcraft configurations is explored. A lift-offset rotor, or advancing blade concept, is a hingeless rotor that can attain good efficiency at high speed, by operating with more lift on the advancing side than on the retreating side of the rotor disk. The calculated performance capability of modern-technology coaxial rotors utilizing a lift offset is examined, including rotor performance optimized for hover and high-speed cruise. The ideal induced power loss of coaxial rotors in hover and twin rotors in forward flight is presented. The aerodynamic modeling requirements for performance calculations are evaluated, including wake and drag models for the high speed flight condition. The influence of configuration on the performance of rotorcraft with lift-offset rotors is explored, considering tandem and side-by-side rotorcraft as well as wing-rotor lift share.
A phase I/II trial of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lung metastases : Initial report of dose escalation and early toxicity

Purpose: To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lung metastases. Methods and Materials: A Phase I clinical trial was conducted. Eligible patients had one to three pulmonary metastases from a solid tumor, cumulative tumor diameter =}1.0 L). The planning target volume (PTV) was typically constructed from the gross tumor volume (GTV) by adding a 5-mm radial and 10-mm craniocaudal margin. The first cohort received 48 Gy to the PTV in three fractions (F). SBRT dose was escalated in subsequent cohorts up to a preselected maximum of 60 Gy/3 F. The percent of normal lung receiving more than 15 Gy (V{sub 15}) was restricted to less than 35%. Respiratory control and a dynamic conformal arc SBRT technique were used. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) included acute Grade 3 lung or esophageal toxicity or any acute Grade 4 toxicity within 3 months. After the Phase I dose escalation, the trial continued as a Phase II study, and patients in this cohort are included to increase the number of patients evaluable for early toxicity assessment. Results: Twenty-five eligible patients have been enrolled to date. In themore » Phase I component of the trial, there were 12 patients (7 male, 5 female): median age, 55 years (range, 31-83 years); the most common primary site was colorectal (4 patients). Seven patients had two lung lesions, and 1 patient had three lesions. The median aggregate volume of all GTVs was 18.7 mL (range, 2-40 mL). No patient experienced a DLT, and dose was escalated to 60 Gy/3 F without reaching the MTD; including the additional Phase II cohort patients, 16 patients have been treated to a dose of 60 Gy/3F without experiencing a DLT in the first 3 months. The equivalent uniform dose to the GTV in the highest dose group ranged from 66 to 77 Gy in 3 F. Conclusions: In patients with limited pulmonary metastases, radiobiologically potent doses of SBRT are well tolerated with minimal early toxicity. A Phase II SBRT study of 60 Gy/3 F for lung metastases is ongoing to evaluate local tumor control rates with this regimen and continue surveillance for any late effects.« less
Time interval between onset of mitral inflow and onset of early diastolic velocity by tissue Doppler: a novel index of left ventricular relaxation: Experimental studies and clinical application

Objectives The goal of this study was to examine the diagnostic utility of the time to onset of early (Ea) diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus by tissue Doppler (TD) in comparison with the time to onset of mitral inflow (TEa-E) for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) relaxation. Background Tissue Doppler imaging of the mitral annulus provides useful information about myocardial function. So far, studies have focused on the measurement of peak Ea, but have not evaluated the diagnostic utility of the time to onset of Ea. Methods Simultaneous left heart catheterization and Doppler echocardiography (DE) were performed in 10 dogs. Left atrial pressures and LV volumes and pressures were measured before and after constriction of the circumflex (cx) coronary artery. The delay in Ea was next examined in 60 consecutive patients, undergoing simultaneous right heart catheterization and DE. Furthermore, (TEa-E) was used to predict filling pressures in a prospective group of 33 patients. Results In canine studies, significant prolongation in the time interval (TEa-E) was noted after cx constriction, which had a significant relation with tau (τ) (r = 0.93, p < 0.01). In human studies, Ea was significantly delayed in patients with impaired relaxation and pseudonormal LV filling in comparison with age-matched controls. In the prospective group, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) derived as: PCWPDoppler= LVend-systolic pressure× e−IVRT/(TEa-E), where IVRT is isovolumetric relaxation time; PCWPDopplerrelated well to PCWPcatheter(r = 0.84, p < 0.001). Conclusions TEa-Eis a useful novel index of LV relaxation. It can be used to identify patients with diastolic dysfunction and predict PCWP.
Comparison of deterministic and stochastic SIS and SIR models in discrete time

Abstract The dynamics of deterministic and stochastic discrete-time epidemic models are analyzed and compared. The discrete-time stochastic models are Markov chains, approximations to the continuous-time models. Models of SIS and SIR type with constant population size and general force of infection are analyzed, then a more general SIS model with variable population size is analyzed. In the deterministic models, the value of the basic reproductive number R 0 determines persistence or extinction of the disease. If R 0 , the disease is eliminated, whereas if R 0 >1 , the disease persists in the population. Since all stochastic models considered in this paper have finite state spaces with at least one absorbing state, ultimate disease extinction is certain regardless of the value of R 0 . However, in some cases, the time until disease extinction may be very long. In these cases, if the probability distribution is conditioned on non-extinction, then when R 0 >1 , there exists a quasi-stationary probability distribution whose mean agrees with deterministic endemic equilibrium. The expected duration of the epidemic is investigated numerically.
Input scaling factors in fuzzy control systems

The input scaling factors in a fuzzy control system are commonly used to conduct proper transformations between the real input data and the pre-specified universe of discourses of the fuzzy input variables in the system. Theoretically, they are constant parameters. However, it is noticed that, sometimes, they are also used to fine-tune the performance of the system in a similar way to the tuning of a PID controller. In this paper, the roles of the input scaling factors in a fuzzy control system are discussed. The firing of the rules in a fuzzy controller is shown with different values of the scaling factors to demonstrate the fact that the adjustment of the factors is equivalent to the re-construction of the membership functions in the rule-base. The results also suggest that such an adjustment should be done carefully if the linguistic meaning of the rule-base is to be preserved. An inverted pendulum system is used to verify the points raised. >