cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal path planning of a target-following fixed-wing UAV using sequential decision processes

In this work, we consider the optimal path of a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) tracking a mobile surface target. One of the limitations of fixed-wing UAVs in tracking mobile targets is the lack of hovering capability when the target moves much slower than the minimum UAV speed, requiring the UAV maintain an orbit about the target. In this paper, we propose a method to find the optimal policy for fixed-wing UAVs to minimize the location uncertainty of a mobile target. Using a grid-based Markov Decision Process (MDP), we use an off-line policy iteration algorithm to find an optimal UAV path in a coarse discretized state space, followed by an on-line policy iteration algorithm that applies a finer grid MDP to the region of interest to find the final optimal UAV trajectory. We validate the proposed algorithm using computer simulations. Comparing the simulation results with other methods, we show that the proposed method has up to 13% decrease in error uncertainty than ones resulted using conventional methods.
Cancer diagnosis by nuclear morphometry using spatial information

Methods for extracting quantitative information regarding nuclear morphology from histopathology images have been long used to aid pathologists in determining the degree of differentiation in numerous malignancies. Most methods currently in use, however, employ the naive Bayes approach to classify a set of nuclear measurements extracted from one patient. Hence, the statistical dependency between the samples (nuclear measurements) is often not directly taken into account. Here we describe a method that makes use of statistical dependency between samples in thyroid tissue to improve patient classification accuracies with respect to standard naive Bayes approaches. We report results in two sample diagnostic challenges.
Resuscitation attempts in asystolic patients: the legal tail wagging the dog?

Abstract In today’s litigious society, legal worries can cause Emergency practitioners to alter their delivery of clinical care. One clinical scenario in which this particularly true is in resuscitation of the so called “medically futile” patient. Patients who arrive to the Emergency Department in prolonged asystole have a uniformly dismal prognosis at best. Yet, many Emergency Physicians often continue resuscitative efforts for fear of being sued. These fears are largely unjustified. This article attempts to analyze the factors and elements involved in support of the assertion that the risk of a lawsuit is negligible at best.
Septic wastewater treatment using recycled rubber particles as biofiltration media

Performance of the laboratory-scale recycled rubber particles (RRP) biofilter was compared to a conventional gravel system and a peat biofilter for treatment of septic tank effluent. During the study, the RRP biofilter provided similar or better performance than other systems in terms of organic removal and hydraulic capacity. After the start-up period, RRP biofilter achieved removal efficiencies for BOD5, total suspended solids (TSS), ammonia nitrogen of 96%, 93%, and 90%, respectively, over the range of hydraulic loading rates of 57–204 L/m2/d. On the other hand, the peat biofilter failed hydraulically and the gravel system showed high TSS concentrations in the effluent. RRP provided high surface area and sufficient time for biological treatment. In addition, RRP was observed to provide ammonia adsorption capacity. The results showed that RRP has the potential to be used as substitutes for natural aggregate such as gravel in septic system drainfields. The RRP biofilter can be used as alternative septic ...
Designs on vector spaces constructed using quadratic forms

Let N be the set of nonnegative integers, let λ, t, v be in N and let K be a subset of N, let V be a v-dimensional vector space over the finite field GF(q), and let W Kbe the set of subspaces of V whose dimensions belong to K. A t-[v, K, λ; q]-design on V is a mapping ℱ: W K→ N such that for every t-dimensional subspace, T, of V, we have $$\sum _{T \subseteq B}^{B \in WK} $$ ℱ (B)=λ. We construct t-[v, {t, t+1}, λ; q-designs on the vector space GF(q v) over GF(q) for t≥2, v odd, and q t(q−1)2λ equal to the number of nondegenerate quadratic forms in t+1 variables over GF(q). Moreover, the vast majority of blocks of these designs have dimension t+1. We also construct nontrivial 2-[v, k, λ; q]-designs for v odd and 3≤k≤v−3 and 3-[v, 4, q 6+q 5+q 4; q]-designs for v even. The distribution of subspaces in the designs is determined by the distribution of the pairs (Q, a) where Q is a nondegenerate quadratic form in k variables with coefficients in GF(q) and a is a vector with elements in GF(q v) such that Q(a)=0.
Nanocomposite polymer hydrogels

The technological need for new and better soft materials as well as the drive for new knowledge and fundamental understanding has led to significant advances in the field of nanocomposite gels. A variety of complex gel structures with unique chemical, physical, and biological properties have been engineered or discovered at the nanoscale. The possibility to form self-assembled and supramolecular morphologies makes organic polymers and inorganic nanoparticles desirable building blocks for the design of water based gels. In this review, we highlight the most recent (2004–2008) accomplishments and trends in the field of nanocomposite polymer hydrogels with a focus on creative approaches to generating structures, properties, and function within mostly biotechnological applications. We examine the impact of published work and conclude with an outline on future directions and challenges that come with the design and engineering of new nanocomposite gels.
Application of simplified vector Preisach model to vector magnetizing process

A series of measurements has shown that when a material is increasingly magnetized in a given direction, the magnetization perpendicular to this direction decreases to zero. A simplified vector Preisach model, an example of a coupled-hysteron model, has been introduced that incorporates this property into the vector model. In addition, this model satisfies the saturation property and the loss property. It can correctly compute scalar loops, since it is based upon the moving model, which properly corrects the congruency property; and it can incorporate the accommodation model and the aftereffect model to correct the deletion property. In three dimensions, the vector magnetization is computed from the integration of the product of a state vector, Q, and a Preisach function, p, both of which are defined in a six-dimensional Preisach space. The Q's are compared following selection rules determined by the applied field. This paper illustrates the calculation procedures for a complex magnetizing process. A material sample is subjected to a saturating field that is then reduced to zero. The field is then increased in an arbitrary direction while the vector magnetization is measured. Since the model parameters are only determined along the principal axes, the predictive capability of the model is thereby demonstrated. The predicted results of the model compare favorably to the results of experimental measurements.
A comparison of the solidification behavior of INCOLOY 909 and INCONEL 718

The solidification behavior of two commercial aerospace superalloys, INCOLOY 909 and INCONEL 718, has been examined. Specifically, differential thermal analysis (DTA) revealed that INCOLOY 909 terminates solidification with the formation of a single minor constituent at ≈1198 °C. INCONEL 718 terminates solidification with the formation of two minor constituents, at ≈1257 °C and ~1185 °C, respectively. Metallography performed on the DTA samples confirmed that a single minor constituent was present in INCOLOY 909 while two minor constituents were present in INCONEL 718. Differential thermal analysis samples were also examined by electron probe microanalysis to reveal the patterns of elemental segregation. Arc welds of these alloys were examined by transmission and analytical electron microscopy (TEM and AEM). It was observed that the arc welds of INCOLOY 909 contained only a y/Laves eutectic-like constituent, while the arc welds of INCONEL 718 contained both y/Laves and γ/MC eutectic-like constituents. Compositional analyses of these minor phases revealed that all were enriched in Nb relative to the bulk alloy. The Laves phases were also enriched in Si relative to the bulk alloy concentration. Comparisons of the observed solidification sequences in these alloys with other Nb-bearing austenitic matrix alloys are made.
THE EFFECT OF FASTING ON THE SERUM PROTEIN CONCENTRATION OF THE RAT : WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE QUESTION OF THE EXISTENCE OF AN IMMEDIATELY UTILIZABLE CIRCULATING PROTEIN FRACTION.

1. Experiments were carried out to test the hypothesis that there exists a special circulating fraction of plasma protein available for use by the tissues. 2. The changes in serum protein concentration after varying periods of fasting were followed in large numbers of individual rats. 3. Previous reports from this laboratory of a small initial drop in the total protein concentration of the serum, with subsequent maintenance of the serum protein at the new level are confirmed. 4. Evidence is offered that this initial fall involves chiefly or solely the albumin fraction. 5. The mechanism responsible for the observed initial drop and subsequent maintenance of the protein is not exactly known, but two definite factors are age and individual resistance. 6. It is concluded that no satisfactory evidence is available to support the hypothesis of a directly utilizable protein fraction in the blood.
Maximum information entropy: a foundation for ecological theory

The maximum information entropy (MaxEnt) principle is a successful method of statistical inference that has recently been applied to ecology. Here, we show how MaxEnt can accurately predict patterns such as species–area relationships (SARs) and abundance distributions in macroecology and be a foundation for ecological theory. We discuss the conceptual foundation of the principle, why it often produces accurate predictions of probability distributions in science despite not incorporating explicit mechanisms, and how mismatches between predictions and data can shed light on driving mechanisms in ecology. We also review possible future extensions of the maximum entropy theory of ecology (METE), a potentially important foundation for future developments in ecological theory.
11,12-Dichloro-dibenzo[a,c]phenazine.

The title compound, C20H10Cl2N2, has crystallographic twofold rotational symmetry [maximum deviation from the least-squares plane = 0.038 (1) A]. In the crystal, weak π–π ring stacking inter­actions occur down the a-axis direction [minimum centroid–centroid separation = 3.7163 (8) A].
Thermal reactivity of sulphur forms in coal

X-Ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (XANES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and temperature programmed decomposition (TPD) have been used to follow the chemical transformation of sulphur that takes place during the low temperature pyrolysis of coals of varying rank. This chemistry takes place under milder pyrolysis conditions than those required for the production of almost all of the other organic volatile matter of coal. The results provide evidence for the conversion of aliphatic sulphides to aromatic forms below 400 °C in addition to the elimination of some of the aliphatic sulphur forms as H2S. Results between temperatures of 400 and 750 °C indicate that a considerable amount of the aromatic sulphur forms identified by XPS and XANES in the chars made at 400 °C subsequently react (by 750 °C) to produce H2S. For some low rank coals, a direct relationship cannot be made between the initial aliphatic sulphur content and the total amount of H2S produced below 750 °C. A comparison of the TPD pattern of H2S evolution for high rank coal with those of chars made from lower rank coals at 400 °C shows that they are remarkably similar and suggests that the thermal reactions induced in sulphur species in laboratory pyrolysis experiments could be related to those that occur as a result of thermal reactions during coal metamorphism.
A Rapid Three-Component MgI2-Mediated Synthesis of 3,3-Pyrollidinyl Spirooxindoles

The rapid synthesis of 3,3-pyrollidinyl-spirooxindole cores from readily available cyclopropyl spirooxindoles and commercially available aldehydes, amines, and sulfonamides is reported. This general procedure utilizes microwave heating to access a biologically privileged scaffold in an efficient route amenable to library population.
First-year / senior year design data: Preliminary results from ongoing research on post-secondary design student activities

The College of Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University requires its students to take a semester long engineering profession and project-based design course as first-year students and a capstone project-based design course over the span of two semesters as seniors. There is a desire to ascertain the actual and normalized time, process progression, and traffic patterns of engineering student design project teams navigating a design process and gauge these metrics across engineering majors and against faculty impressions and expectations, with an eventual goal of gauging against professional practice as well. Once student design activity application is analyzed with respect to faculty and professional expectations, pedagogical and curricular content adjustments can be made as necessary to align these project-based, experiential learning activities with perceived practice. The analysis of student progress compared to faculty and professional perspectives will provide an opportunity to dissect and reinforce the foundation of engineering design education at the University.
Spatial patterns of rod-cone interaction

Abstract The rod system mediated detection of test flashes, but its sensitivity was altered by excitation of the cone system by a concentric background. The magnitude of this rod-cone interaction depended on the diameter of the background field, but in different ways for different observers: large backgrounds caused greater interactions than small backgrounds in two observers, and nearly the opposite spatial pattern occurred in a third. These results were the same with both adjustment and forced-choice procedures, but increasing background illuminance increased the interaction and changed its spatial pattern. We conclude that rod-cone interaction confounds tests of spatial sensitization and contributes to interobserver differences when a red background is used to isolate the rod system. No simple physiological model seems to account for variations in spatial patterns of rod-cone interactions.
A Linear Approximation in Self-Consistent Density Functional Calculations for Atomic Clusters,

Abstract Self-consistent density functional calculations for atomic clusters are considered using a localized basis. A procedure is developed in which the change in the exchange-correlation potential at some stage of the iterative process is approximated as linearly proportional to the change in charge density. The computer time required for an iteration can be reduced substantially. As a test case, the method is applied to the H2 molecule.
THE EFFECT OF IRON ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF SUPEROXIDE AND HYDROXYL RADICALS AS SEEN BY SPIN TRAPPING AND ON THE SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE ASSAY

— Using the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-1-oxide we have demonstrated the presence of OH in the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system when iron and/or iron-EDTA (ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid) is present. With increasing iron (or iron-EDTA) concentration the intensity of the O2- spin adduct decreased while that of OH increased. However, use of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DETAPAC) as a metal chelator in the reaction mixture suppressed the OH spin adduct signal while maintaining the intensity of the signal from the O2- spin adduct. Use of EDTA to eliminate the interfering effects of metal ions in the superoxide dismutase assay employing xanthine oxidase and nitroblue tetrazolium introduces an artifact from the iron present. The interference in the assay from metal ions, including iron, can be eliminated with use of DETAPAC as a metal chelator. Thus, it is possible to make comparisons of measured superoxide dismutase activities even when there are variations in the amount of iron present in the samples.
Defective virus drives human immunodeficiency virus infection, persistence, and pathogenesis

Many aspects of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) life cycle are well understood, yet a key paradox remains. The primary targets for HIV are resting CD4 T lymphocytes that are not permissive to HIV replication unless activated by some external and independent event. Numerous mechanisms for this
Analysis of a retrieved polyethylene total disc replacement component.

Abstract Background context Although total disc replacements have been performed in Europe since the 1980s, this type of surgery is still new in the United States. The clinical performance of polyethylene in total disc replacements is still not well understood. Purpose To describe the wear, surface damage, oxidation and mechanical properties in an explanted polyethylene total disc replacement component. Study design/setting Case report, analysis of retrieved implant. Patient sample Case report. Outcome measures Analysis of wear, oxidation and mechanical properties in the retrieved total disc replacement. Methods A 49-year-old female patient was implanted at L5–S1 with an SB Charite total disc prosthesis (DePuy Spine, Raynham, MA). After 1.6 years, the patient underwent a posterior, instrumented fusion because of intractable low back, left buttock and radicular left leg pain. Preoperative diagnostics revealed loosening at the bone implant interface at L5 and S1, anterior migration of the L5 base plate and severe degeneration of the L5–S1 facet joints. The retrieved polyethylene core showed evidence of damage around the periphery or rim. Transverse, subsurface cracks in the polyethylene, which initiated near the rim and penetrated into the interior of the component, were imaged using thin-film optical microscopy and micro-computed-tomography imaging. Analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (American Society for Testing and Materials [ASTM] F2102) documented low levels of oxidation within 1 mm of the articulating surface. Miniature specimen mechanical testing (ASTM F2183), conducted near the surface where the oxidation was greatest, demonstrated that the mechanical properties were not substantially degraded. Conclusion In this case, the anterior revision surgery was difficult and potentially life-threatening. The revision strategy of an instrumented posterior fusion to salvage a failed SB Charite disc replacement may be unpredictable and, in this case, ultimately unsuccessful. Despite the small size of the retrieved polyethylene core, ASTM standard test techniques developed for analysis of retrieved hip and knee replacements were readily adapted for the total disc prosthesis.
A Metabolic (Re-)Balancing Act

Cells lacking a functional tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) heterodimer are sensitized to glucose starvation-induced death. In this issue of Molecular Cell, Choo et al. (2010) report that reducing energy consumption allows these cells to survive on glutamine as an alternative energy source.
Increased local concentration of complement C5a contributes to incisional pain in mice

Background In our previous study, we demonstrated that local injection of complement C5a and C3a produce mechanical and heat hyperalgesia, and that C5a and C3a activate and sensitize cutaneous nociceptors in normal skin, suggesting a contribution of complement fragments to acute pain. Other studies also have shown that the complement system can be activated by surgical incision, and the systemic blockade of C5a receptor (C5aR) reduces incision-induced pain and inflammation. In this study, we further examined the possible contribution of wound area C5a to incisional pain.
Gynecologic oncologist as surgical consultant: Intraoperative consultations during general gynecologic surgery as an important focus of gynecologic oncology training

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to explore the previously unexamined role of the Gynecologic Oncologist as an intraoperative consultant during general gynecologic surgery. Methods Demographic and clinical data were collected on 98 major gynecologic surgeries that included both a general Gynecologist and a Gynecologic Oncologist between October 2010 and August 2014. Data were analyzed using XLSTAT-Prov2014.2.02. Results Of 794 major gynecologic surgeries, 98 (12.3%) cases that involved an intraoperative consultation were identified. There were 36 (37%) planned consults and 62 (63%) unplanned consults. Significantly more planned consults were during laparoscopy (100% v 58%; p p p p p =0.10). Conclusions Gynecologic Oncologists play a pivotal role in the support of generalist colleagues during pelvic surgery. In this series, Gynecologic Oncologists were consulted frequently for complex major benign surgeries. It is important to incorporate the skills required of an intraoperative consultant into Gynecologic Oncology fellowship training.
Bromoviridae and Allies

The family Bromoviridae consists of six genera: Alfamovirus, Anulavirus, Bromovirus, Cucumovirus, Ilarvirus and Oleavirus. All viruses in these genera possess tripartite genomes of single-stranded, linear, positive-sense ribonucleic acid (RNA), in which expression of the downstream codon of the RNA3 is via a subgenomic messenger RNA (mRNA) (RNA4). Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV) was the sole member of the genus Idaeovirus for many years and shares features in common with members of the genus Ilarvirus and Alfamovirus, but possesses a bipartite genome and is not currently assigned to a family. Members of the genera Alfamovirus, Bromovirus and Cucumovirus have been used extensively as model systems for research on molecular aspects of plant virology. Key Concepts: Although all members of the Bromoviridae have similar particle morphologies (quasi-spherical and bacilliform) and possess tripartite genomes, a range of different strategies is used to express the products of the different genomes. The phenomenon of genome activation by the coat protein was unique to the ilarviruses and Alfalfa mosaic virus but has recently been demonstrated for RBDV. The natural host ranges of Cucumber mosaic virus and Alfalfa mosaic virus are extensive whereas many other viruses described in this article have an extremely limited natural host range. Complete genomic nucleotide sequences are available from GenBank for the majority of viruses referred to in this article. Keywords: Alfamovirus; Anulavirus; Bromovirus; Cucumovirus; Ilarvirus; Oleavirus; Idaeovirus
Urea for Lactating Dairy Cattle. III. Nutritive Value of Rations of Corn Silage Plus Concentrate Containing Various Levels of Urea

Abstract Four mature Holstein cows were used simultaneously in a 4 × 4 Latin-square design (balanced for residual effects) to evaluate rations containing various proportions of concentrate urea. Corn silage was fed ad libitum as the sole forage. All concentrates were isocaloric and isonitrogenous, each containing the same amounts of every ingredient except soybean oil meal, urea, and hominy. Ration intake and ration utilization, except for body nitrogen retention, were not affected by the substitution of as much as 300 g of urea per cow daily for equivalent plant protein nitrogen in high-quality concentrates fed with free-choice corn silage to dairy cows. Inclusion of urea in the ration significantly reduced nitrogen retention. Rumen fluid organic acids at intervals before and after feeding were not significantly affected by urea treatment. Inclusion of urea in the ration significantly increased rumen ammonia concentrations during the first hour after feeding, but the ammonia apparently was metabolized satisfactorily by the cows. It was concluded that high-quality concentrate mixtures containing as much as 2.5% urea (by weight) may be fed at relatively high levels with corn silage to lactating dairy cattle with no significant adverse effect on ration utilization.
Structure/property relationships for two-photon absorbing fluorophores

In very recent work we have developed design strategies that allow us to independently control the strength, position, fluorescence quantum yield, and intersystem crossing rates for two-photon absorbing dyes.
Reverse link capacity and interference statistics of DS/CDMA with transmit diversity

This paper examines the impact of spatial diversity implementations at both mobile handset and base stations on the interference statistics and capacity of a reverse-link direct sequence code division multiple access (DS/CDMA.) system. Several parameters that can affect the capacity are considered: transmit diversity order, spatial receive diversity order, the number of multipath channels, fade distribution and multiple intensity profile, maximum transmit power, soft-handoff, and user distribution.
Rejecting the culture of independence: Corporate lawyers as committed to their clients

This chapter proposes that corporate lawyers be studied as committed to their clients, asking how they advance exercises of power by those whom they have chosen to represent. Currently, corporate lawyers are studied as independent from their clients, asking how they resist client demands. Such research continues despite repeated findings that corporate lawyers are not independent. This chapter explains the puzzling persistence of independence by cultural understandings of both professionalism and law. It recovers a submerged historic voice in which corporate lawyers are judged by their position in a network of relations. It argues that it was the organization of the corporate law firm as a factory which allowed it to become a professional ideal. Market competition has led corporate law firms to move away from a factory model to one in which commitment to clients, not independence from them, is the organizing principle.
The Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes

In spite of the rarity of inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS), they represent diseases for which the molecular pathogenesis may be elucidated. Their study and presentation of the details of their molecular biology and biochemistry is warranted not only for appropriate diagnosis and management of afflicted patients but also because they lend clues to the normal physiology of the normal hematopoiesis and, in many cases, mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Several themes have emerged within each subsection of IBMFS, including the ribosomopathies that entail both ribosome assembly as well as ribosomal RNA processing. The Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway itself has become interdigitated with the familial breast cancer syndromes. The sections that follow present a more detailed analysis of the diseases that account for the majority of IBMFS diagnoses.
Marketing Department Power and Firm Performance

This study empirically investigates marketing department power in U.S. firms throughout 1993–2008 and assesses its impact on firm performance. Using a new objective measure of marketing department power and a cross-industry sample of 612 public firms in the United States, the results reveal that, in general, marketing department power increased during this time period. Furthermore, the analyses show that a powerful marketing department enhances firms' longer-term future total shareholder returns beyond its positive effect on firms' short-term return on assets (ROA). The findings also reveal that a firm's long-run market-based-asset-building and short-run market-based- asset-leveraging capabilities partially mediate the effect of a firm's marketing department power on its longer-term shareholder value performance and fully mediate the effect on its short-term ROA performance. This research provides new insights for marketing scholars and managers with regard to both marketing's influence within the firm an...
Expression of calbindin-D28K by yolk sac and chorioallantoic membranes of the corn snake, Elaphe guttata

The yolk splanchnopleure and chorioallantoic membrane of oviparous reptiles transport calcium from the yolk and eggshell to the developing embryo. Among oviparous amniotes, the mechanism of calcium mobilization to embryos has been studied only in domestic fowl, in which the mechanism of calcium transport of the yolk splanchnopleure differs from the chorioallantoic membrane. Transport of calcium is facilitated by calbindin-D28K in endodermal cells of the yolk splanchnopleure of chickens but the chorioallantoic membrane does not express calbindin-D28K. We used immunoblotting to assay for calbindin-D28K expression in yolk splanchnopleure and chorioallantoic membrane of the corn snake, Elaphe guttata, to test the hypothesis that the mechanism of calcium transport by extraembryonic membranes of snakes is similar to birds. High calbindin-D28K expression was detected in samples of yolk splanchnopleure and chorioallantoic membrane during late embryonic stages. We conclude that calbindin-D28K is expressed in these extraembryonic membranes to facilitate transport of calcium and that the mechanism of calcium transport of the chorioallantoic membrane of the corn snake differs from that of the chicken. Further, we conclude that calbindin-D28K expression is developmentally regulated and increases during later embryonic stages in the corn snake. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 302B:000–000, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Laser Induced Avalanche Ionization and Electron-Lattice Heating of Silicon with Intense Near IR Femtosecond Pulses

A two temperature finite difference model has been developed and is used to describe the response of materials under ultrafast femtosecond laser pulses in the energy regime where melting and vaporization can occur. In applying this model to silicon it is observed that, for 800 nm light, laser pulse intensities that are just sufficient to achieve threshold for vaporization are also at the level of optical electric field strength where electron avalanche breakdown at the surface of the material can occur. For sub-picosecond pulses the physical response of the material is associated with a strongly temperature dependent coupling coefficient connecting electron and phonon thermal distributions. The results of these analyses demonstrate that a very thin near solid density plasma, caused by avalanche ionization, is responsible for the surface heating and subsequent thermodynamic response of the material. This interpretation is consistent throughout the pulse duration range from 80 femtoseconds to 0.2 nanoseconds. The proposed mechanism for absorption, at the near infra-red wavelength being used here, is very different from the types of mechanisms usually considered for nanosecond laser heating of semiconductors. Surface damage threshold is determined by atomic force microscopy and the threshold for plasma optical emission by photomultiplier detection . Melt deths are probed with SIMS impurity diffusion profiles and high resolution cross sectional TEM.
Research Design Considerations in Studying Edema

To the Editor: I read with interest the article entitled “Influence of High Voltage Pulsed Direct Current on Edema Formation Following Impact Injury” ( Phys Ther 1990;70:219–224), authored by Bettany et al. I thought the article was very timely and well-planned, and I do not have any negative criticisms of the study. I would, however, like to comment on certain design characteristics of the study that future researchers using animal models to study edema may want to keep in mind. First, the effect of anesthesia on lymph flow should be considered. McHale and Thornbury1 found that anesthetics (ie, halothane and pentobarbitone) decreased spontaneous lymphatic contraction in bovine mesenteric lymph vessels. Pentobarbitone also reduced lymphatic vessel contraction induced by electrical stimulation, whereas ether had no effect on lymphatic contractility. Suckert2 also noted that anesthetics could alter the course of edema in rats.… [ ARTICLE][1] [1]: /lookup/volpage/70/219?iss=4
Optimization of quarter micron MOSFETs for low voltage/low power applications

A case study of MOSFET technology optimization for low voltage (1 V), low power applications is presented. Technology parameters (threshold voltage, oxide thickness) were optimized for power and speed with the consideration of balancing switching power and static power dissipation and the impact of process/ambient variation. Well and substrate ties were separated from supply rails and controlled separately to compensate for process and ambient variations. For the same switching speed, fabricated devices show a 4.5/spl times/ reduction in switching power when compared with standard devices operated at a higher supply voltage. An implementation of a self tuning system using the low/tunable threshold device in a VLSI environment is presented.
Integrated On-Chip Absorption and Luminescence Spectroscopy with Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Microfluidic Flow Channels Using Broadband Illumination

We describe a system, which integrates PDMS microfluidic flow channels, a CMOS Active Pixel Sensor (APS) imager, and commercial light sources for performing visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. PDMS elastomer and a sensitive silicon photodetector such as an APS imager allow measurements to be made on low concentrations of solutions by placing the microfluidic flow channels directly on the imager. Emission sources for the spectroscopy include commercial LEDs or white light sources. Specially tuned notch filters are fabricated to select the appropriate wavelength for both absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. These filters in combination with the APS imager allow for spectral measurements to be acquired.
Feeling Distance: An Investigation of Mediated Social Touch Prototypes

Physical distance presents a challenge for building and maintaining relationships. With recent work showing the effectiveness of both visual and haptic feedback in supporting interpersonal touch over a distance, such technologies look to bridge this gap and improve existing communication technologies. In this project, we explore the potential role of shape-shifting displays for doing so. We present two prototypes, one using linear slide potentiometers and the other using linear actuators, that incorporate these forms of feedback to facilitate mediated social touch. We present the benefits and drawbacks of each system, and conclude that, for a system focused on collaboration and synchronous communication, linear actuators may be better suited due to their load capacity and precision.
A Study of the Effect of Alloxan Diabetes on the Riboflavin Requirements of Young Rats.

ConclusionStudies upon the rate of development of riboflavin deficiency and the response to therapeutic doses of riboflavin, after the development of the deficiency syndrome, failed to show any significant difference in the riboflavin requirement of the alloxan diabetic and the non-diabetic rat. Similarly, riboflavin deficiency was apparently without effect upon the development of cataracts in the diabetic animals.
Expression of MMP-9 mRNA in Brain Tissues Was Downregulated by Inhibition of ERK Cascades in Rats with Traumatic Diffuse Brain Injury

Objective To study the expressions of phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinases1/2(pERK1/2)and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)mRNA in the brain tissues of rats with traumatic diffuse brain injury(DBI)and their changes after treatment with U0126 in order to understand the role of ERK1/2 in DBI and its potential protective mechanism for the brain.Methods The severe DBI was produced by free falling-body method in rats.U0126 was injected into caudal veins in the rats of the experimental group.The pERK1/2 was determined by Western blot analysis.MMP-9 mRNA level was determined by RT-PCR.The water content in the injured brain tissues was determined by dry-wet weight method.Results The pERK1/2 was rapidly upregulated after DBI,reached the peak at 5 minutes after DBI,and kept high level till 72 hours after DBI.Treatment with U0126,a specific inhibitor of ERK1/2 Pathway,significantly prevented the activation of ERK1/2(P＜0.01).The expression of MMP-9 mRNA began to increase 3 hours after DBI,peaked at 24 hours after DBI and kept high level till the 7th day after DBI.U0126 significantly reduced the MMP-9 mRNA and pERK1/2 levels,and water content in the injured brain tissue(P＜0.05).Conclusions After severe DBI,ERK pathway was over acti- vated and MMP-9 mRNA also significantly increased.MMP-9 levels and brain edema in the injured brain tissues can be decreased by inhibition of ERK cascades with U0126,which may probably be a new way to treat severe DBI.
Isolation of the Dominant Bacteria with Biodegradability of Organic Pollutants from Biological Water Treatment Process

In order to screen high effective organic pollutants degrading bacteria, the microbial communities in biological activated filters were analyzed by isolation and identification, dehydrogenas assay, purification efficiency, functional genes am-plification of bacteria, with biological water treatment process at the steady operation state as the research object. Result showed that the main dominant bacteria in the biological activated filters were Bacillus megatherium, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus cereus, Citrobacter freundii, Aeromonas caviae, Pseudomonas putida and Klebsiella pneumoniae. 4 strains including one strain of Bacillus megatherium, one strain of Bacillus cereus and two strains of Pseudomonas putida had good treatment efficiency in removing CODMn,UV254and TOC from raw water. A 548bp DNA fragment(p-nitrophenol degradation relevant gene) encoding hydroxyquinol 1, 2-dioxygenase was obtained from the genomic DNA of a Pseudomonas putida through PCR amplification, which indicated that the strain had potential in biodegradation of p-nitrophenol. Therefore, high effective or-ganic pollutants degrading bacteria are screened out in this study, which would provide valuable bacterial resource for biolog-ical water treatment process.
Extraction of Melon Seed Oil by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide and Analysis of Its Components

Effects of extraction pressure,temperature,flow rate and time on yield of melon seed oil extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide were studied,and components of the oil were analysis by GC-MS. The results showed that the optimal extraction conditions are as follow:extraction pressure 30 MPa,temperature 40 ℃,carbon dioxide flow rate 12 kg/h and extraction time 120 min. The fatty acid components in melon seed oil are oleic acid,linolic acid,linolenic acid,octadecoic acid,palmic acid and arachic acid.
Causal inferences on the effectiveness of complex social programs: Navigating assumptions, sources of complexity and evaluation design challenges.

Abstract This paper explores avenues for navigating evaluation design challenges posed by complex social programs (CSPs) and their environments when conducting studies that call for generalizable, causal inferences on the intervention’s effectiveness. A definition is provided of a CSP drawing on examples from different fields, and an evaluation case is analyzed in depth to derive seven (7) major sources of complexity that typify CSPs, threatening assumptions of textbook-recommended experimental designs for performing impact evaluations. Theoretically-supported, alternative methodological strategies are discussed to navigate assumptions and counter the design challenges posed by the complex configurations and ecology of CSPs. Specific recommendations include: sequential refinement of the evaluation design through systems thinking, systems-informed logic modeling; and use of extended term, mixed methods (ETMM) approaches with exploratory and confirmatory phases of the evaluation. In the proposed approach, logic models are refined through direct induction and interactions with stakeholders. To better guide assumption evaluation, question-framing, and selection of appropriate methodological strategies, a multiphase evaluation design is recommended.
Abstract 357: Cardiac Fibroblasts as a Support Cell for Endothelial Cell Sprout Formation in Engineered Cardiac Tissue

Cardiac tissue engineering offers a promising approach to regenerating post-MI myocardial tissue; however, a primary impediment lies in the inability to adequately vascularize a tissue scaffold. Endothelial cells (ECs) require a support cell to form mature patent lumens and it has been demonstrated that pericytes, vascular smooth muscle cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are able to support the formation of mature tubules/vessels. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) provide important electrical and mechanical components to the myocardium and are present in the native cardiac cell population, but to date have not been sufficiently studied for their role in angiogenesis in the heart. As a model of myocardial tissue, we co-cultured different concentrations of various cell types in fibrin hemispheres in appropriate combinations of their specific media, to determine the optimal sprout formation through DNA analysis, flow cytometry and immunohistology (IH). For flow cytometry, endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem ...
Remittances and Current Account Dynamics

This paper examines the impact of remittances on current account dynamics under alternative monetary and exchange rate policies. The main findings suggest that altruistic remittances precipitate a current account deficit under a fixed exchange rate regime, whereas a surplus is realized when monetary policy follows a Taylor-type rule. Furthermore, self-interest remittances are associated with a current account surplus under a Taylor rule that manages real exchange rate variability or a Taylor rule with aggressive nontradeable inflation targeting.
Application of wettability alteration in the exploitation of unconventional liquid resources

Abstract This study investigates the wettability measurement methods suitable for unconventional reservoirs, summarizes the wettability characteristics of unconventional reservoir rocks, overviews the current state-of-the-art applications of wettability alteration in unconventional liquid resources, and recommends experimental procedures for evaluating effects of surfactants on wettability in unconventional liquid resources. Contact angle determination, NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) method and Zeta potential measurement are the most appropriate means to estimate wettability in unconventional reservoirs. Unconventional reservoirs exhibit mixed wettability from intermediate-wet to oil-wet. To this date, surfactants are the only ones experimentally reported on applications of wettability alteration in unconventional liquid resources. Altering wettability in unconventional liquid resources as an improved oil recovery method can be reached by adding surfactants to fracturing fluids. Stability test, wettability alteration experiment, interfacial tension experiment, spontaneous imbibition experiment, forced imbibition experiment and adsorption experiment can be used when evaluating the efficiency of surfactants in altering wettability and recovering hydrocarbons from unconventional reservoirs.
France: New jobs for post-docs

The new French government will increase spending on science and give top priority to reducing unemployment amongst young researchers. So said the minister for education and research, Claude Allegre, in his first policy statement last month. However, many of the new jobs will be funded using money taken from large scientific programmes. Allegre also announced that the new director of the CNRS, France's research council, will be physicist Catherine Brechignac, formerly director of the Aime Cotton Laboratory in Orsay and head of maths and physics at the CNRS.
Underwater multi-robot persistent area coverage mission planning

The search mission for the missing MH370 airplane demonstrated that an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) managed by a crew is a reliable resource for critical missions. However, it highlighted the cost associated with human support in robotic operations. This paper presents a mission planning strategy that takes mission constraints such as number of available AUVs and their characteristics, as well as charging resources available (both energy-carrying agents and charging stations) to generate a set of efficient trajectories for AUVs and locations for either energy-carrying agents rendezvous or charging stations placement. The goal is to ensure efficient use of the resources and reduce operational costs.
Epidemiology and Clinical Outcomes of the M-Component Immunoglobulin Types of Multiple Myeloma in an Inner City Hispanic Population.

Abstract Introduction: Different types of myeloma are classified by the type of immunoglobulin. From prior analysis, we know that IgG is the commonest class of myeloma and that this type seems to be the most benign. While IgA myeloma appear to be of intermediate outcome, IgD myeloma and lambda light-chain disease are the most aggressive types. Breakdown by immunoglobulin type reveals higher prevalence of IgG myeloma among Whites, compared to Blacks. This study examines the type of immunoglobulin and clinical implication in Hispanics compared to other ethnic groups. Methods: In a single inner city institution, we retrospectively examined patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma over a 5-year period. This investigation defined Hispanic patients as those of Latin American descent. We identified the M-component immunoglobulin type from immunoelectrophoresis as reported in medical records. New onset renal failure and disease related mortality are considered as adverse clinical outcomes. Various ethnic groups were compared between the type of immunoglobulin and adverse clinical outcomes using chi-square test. Results: A total of 203 patients were examined, of which 63 (30.9%) were Hispanics, 87 (42.9%) Caucasians and 53 (26.2%) African American, (104 males, 99 females, age range 34 – 93 yrs, mean age 67.45 ± sd 10.28 yrs). IgG and IgA M-components predominated among all ethnic groups respectively Hispanics 36 (57.9%), 6 (10.5%), Caucasians 51 (59%), 18 (22.7%) and African Americans 25 (50%), 20 (37.5%). A higher proportion of light-chain cases were seen among Hispanics since 21 (31.6%) had no peak on immunoelectrophoresis compared to Caucasians 31 (18.3%) and African Americans 8 (12.5%) (chi-square test, two-tailed p=0.426). Adverse clinical outcomes of new onset renal failure developed correspondingly in 20 (31.6%) Hispanics, 31 (36.3%) Caucasians and 15 (28.6%) African Americans while disease related mortality occurred in 20 (31.6%) Hispanics, 18 (21.4%) Caucasians and 9 (18.2%) African Americans (chi-square test, two-tailed p= 0.132). However, differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Although Hispanics exhibited more myeloma of light chain type and worse clinical outcomes compared to other ethnic groups, our study was unable to detect a statistical disparity. Further prospective large population based studies via the new light chain immunodiagnostic assay are warranted to define the epidemiology of this disease.