cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TSPO in diverse CNS pathologies and psychiatric disease: A critical review and a way forward.

The use of Translocator Protein 18 kDa (TSPO) as a clinical neuroimaging biomarker of brain injury and neuroinflammation has increased exponentially in the last decade. There has been a furious pace in the development of new radiotracers for TSPO positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and its use has now been extensively described in many neurological and mental disorders. This fast pace of research and the ever-increasing number of new laboratories entering the field often times lack an appreciation of the historical perspective of the field and introduce dogmatic, but unproven facts, related to the underlying neurobiology of the TSPO response to brain injury and neuroinflammation. Paradoxically, while in neurodegenerative disorders and in all types of CNS pathologies brain TSPO levels increase, a new observation in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia is decreased brain levels of TSPO measured by PET. The neurobiological bases for this new finding is currently not known, but rigorous experimental design using multiple experimental approaches and careful interpretation of results is critically important to provide the methodological and/or biological underpinnings to this new observation. This review provides a perspective of the early history of validating TSPO as a biomarker of brain injury and neuroinflammation and a critical analysis of controversial topics in the literature related to the cellular sources of the TSPO response. The latter is important in order to provide the correct interpretation of PET studies in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, this review proposes some yet to be explored explanations to new findings in psychiatric disorders and new approaches to quantitatively assess the glial sources of the TSPO response in order to move the field forward.
Verifying Larché–Cahn elasticity, a milestone of 20th-century thermodynamics

Many materials phenomena are governed by the interaction between chemistry and mechanics. However, it was only in the second half of the 20th century that the theory of open system elasticity by Francis Larche and John W. Cahn concatenated the fields of solid mechanics and alloy chemistry. As the theory’s central materials descriptors, the open system elastic parameters describe how solids deform under stress when solute can rearrange at equilibrium while the chemical potential is held constant. Here, we report experiments verifying the predictions for these parameters. We study the elasticity of nanoporous Pd-H and Pd-Au-H during load cycles imposed by a dynamic mechanical analyzer. Short diffusion paths afford fast equilibration of H in the local strain gradients that carry the macroscopic elastic deformation. The experiment is in excellent agreement with the theory, confirming a central prediction of one of the key contributions to 20th-century thermodynamics.
Code Crafting Curriculum: A Textile Crafts Approach to Computer Science

This reprise of a highly successful SIGCSE 2018 workshop provides a novel perspective on: skills that are often labeled 'women's work' are the foundational principles of computer science developed from textile crafts. The 'Code Crafters' curriculum, which expands Andrea Mayer's Snap-based TurtleStitch embroidery programming project, is being successfully taught in 3 ways: as a full semester undergraduate course, as a weeklong summer workshop for middle and high school students, and as a half day event. The SIGCSE workshop will introduce participants to potential adaptations of this curriculum, report on its use as both a CS 0, and CS 1 course, and give participants hands-on experience in designing and rendering a machine embroidery pattern in TurtleStitch and Processing Stitch (Java). Key concepts from the full semester curriculum will be demonstrated: (1) crocheting as a vehicle for learning about primitive operations instruction codes for process control, and reading and writing patterns (algorithms); (2) programing machine embroidery provides exposure to agile design; (3) contrasting embroidery with quilting provides experience in abstraction and reuse; (4) weaving and tapestry provide concrete illustrations of manipulating two dimensional data structures; (5) studying embroidery machine file formats demonstrates how language translation takes place; (6) sharing a limited resource (a $500 programmable, single thread machine) provides concrete experience in scheduling, and product testing; (7) collaborative crochet and quilted projects provide experience in team dynamics. Participants in this workshop will be invited to join an online community of mutual support.
Blunts versus joints: Cannabis use characteristics and consequences among treatment-seeking adults

Abstract Background Despite the high prevalence of blunt smoking among cannabis users, very few studies examine the clinical profile of blunt smokers relative to those using more common methods of cannabis use, such as joints. Methods The current study uses baseline data from the ACCENT (Achieving Cannabis Cessation-Evaluating N-acetylcysteine Treatment) study, a multi-site randomized pharmacotherapy clinical trial within the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network, to predict the association between blunt and joint use frequency and cannabis use characteristics (e.g., grams of cannabis used) and consequences (e.g., withdrawal) among past-month cannabis users (N = 377) who were screened for study participation. Results After controlling for race, age, gender, other forms of cannabis use (including joint use) and nicotine dependence, multivariable linear regression models indicated that the number of days of blunt use in the past month was a significant predictor of the average amount of cannabis per using day (t = 3.04, p Conclusions Blunt smokers may present to treatment with greater amounts of cannabis smoked and more intense withdrawal symptoms, which may adversely impact their likelihood of successful abstinence. Cannabis-dependent blunt smokers may be more likely to benefit from treatment that targets physiological and mood-related withdrawal symptoms.
Dione: A Protocol Verification System Built with Dafny for I/O Automata

Input/Output Automata (IOA) is an expressive specification framework with built-in properties for compositional reasoning. It has been shown to be effective in specifying and analyzing distributed and networked systems. The available verification engines for IOA are based on interactive theorem provers such as Isabelle, Larch, PVS, and Coq, and are expressive but require heavy human interaction. Motivated by the advances in SMT solvers, in this work we explore a different expressivity-automation tradeoff for IOA. We present Dione, the first IOA analysis system built with Dafny and its SMT-powered toolchain and demonstrate its effectiveness on four distributed applications. Our translator tool converts Python-esque Dione language specification of IOA and their properties to parameterized Dafny modules. Dione automatically generates the relevant compatibility and composition lemmas for the IOA specifications,which can then be checked with Dafny on a per module-basis. We ensure that all resulting formulas are expressed mostly in fragments solvable by SMT solvers and hence enables Bounded Model Checking and k-induction-based invariant checking using Z3. We present successful applications of Dione in verification of an asynchronous leader election algorithm, two self-stabilizing mutual exclusion algorithms, and CAN bus Arbitration. We automatically prove key invariants of all four protocols; for the last three this involves reasoning about arbitrary number of participants. These analyses are largely automatic with minimal manual inputs needed, and they demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in analyzing networked and distributed systems.
Residential Greenness and Frailty Among Older Adults: A Longitudinal Cohort in China.

Abstract Objectives Frailty is an accumulation of deficits characterized by reduced resilience to stressors and increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes. There is evolving evidence on the health benefits of residential greenness, but little is known about its impact on frailty. Design A longitudinal cohort study. Setting and participants We included older adults aged ≥65 years from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) with a 12-year follow-up. Methods We assessed residential greenness by calculating the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in the 500 m radius around participants' residence. We used 39 self-reported health items to construct a frailty index (FI) as a proportion of accumulated deficits. We defined an FI of ≤0.21 as nonfrail and prefrail, and an FI of >0.21 as frail. We used the mixed effects logistic regression models to examine the association between residential greenness and frailty, adjusted for a number of covariates. Results We had 16,238 participants, with a mean age of 83.0 years (standard deviation: 11.5). The mean baseline NDVI and FI were 0.40, and 0.12, respectively. Compared to the participants living in the lowest quartile of residential greenness, those in the highest quartile had a 14% [odds ratio (OR): 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.77, 0.97] lower odds of frailty. The association was stronger among urban vs rural residents. Additionally, each 0.1-unit increase in annual average NDVI was related to a 2% higher odds of improvement in the frailty status (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.04). Conclusions and Implications Our study suggests that higher levels of residential greenness are related to a lower likelihood of frailty, specifically in urban areas.
Partitioning and physical mapping of wheat chromosome 3B and its homoeologue 3E in Thinopyrum elongatum by inducing homoeologous recombination

We performed homoeologous recombination-based partitioning and physical mapping of wheat chromosome 3B and Th. elongatum chromosome 3E, providing a unique physical framework of this homoeologous pair for genome studies. The wheat (Triticum aestivum, 2n = 6x = 42, AABBDD) and Thinopyrum elongatum (2n = 2x = 14, EE) genomes can be differentiated from each other by fluorescent genomic in situ hybridization (FGISH) as well as molecular markers. This has facilitated homoeologous recombination-based partitioning and engineering of their genomes for physical mapping and alien introgression. Here, we constructed a special wheat genotype, which was double monosomic for wheat chromosome 3B and Th. elongatum chromosome 3E and homozygous for the ph1b mutant, to induce 3B–3E homoeologous recombination. Totally, 81 3B–3E recombinants were recovered and detected in the primary, secondary, and tertiary homoeologous recombination cycles by FGISH. Comparing to the primary recombination, the secondary and tertiary recombination shifted toward the proximal regions due to the increase in homology between the pairing partners. The 3B–3E recombinants were genotyped by high-throughput wheat 90-K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays and their recombination breakpoints physically mapped based on the FGISH patterns and SNP results. The 3B–3E recombination physically partitioned chromosome 3B into 38 bins, and 429 SNPs were assigned to the distinct bins. Integrative analysis of FGISH and SNP results led to the construction of a composite bin map for chromosome 3B. Additionally, we developed 22 SNP-derived semi-thermal asymmetric reverse PCR markers specific for chromosome 3E and constructed a comparative map of homoeologous chromosomes 3E, 3B, 3A, and 3D. In summary, this work provides a unique physical framework for further studies of the 3B–3E homoeologous pair and diversifies the wheat genome for wheat improvement.
Modeling Floodplain Inundation, Circulation, and Residence Time Under Changing Tide and Sea Levels

Sea-level rise will have unknown effects on the structure and function of valuable tidal freshwater floodplains. One reason for this knowledge gap is our poor constraint on the physical controls on complex floodplain inundation and circulation processes. Here, a high-resolution light detection and ranging (lidar) digital elevation model (DEM) is applied to fine-scale numerical simulations of flow and tracer exchange in a 0.43 km2 river floodplain in Southeast Florida, USA. The sequence of inundation and associated circulation patterns is assessed at 1-h intervals of the rising and falling tide in the context of floodplain geomorphic structure. The depth averaged velocity vectors show concomitant flow divergence and convergence over small spatial scales, and this complexity arises from the submergence and emergence of subtle floodplain topography over the tidal cycle. Tracer exchange and associated residence times highlight the controls of floodplain topography on water storage at the end of the ebb cycle, or during low river stages. The effects of a 0.2 m and 0.5 m increase in mean sea level on inundation extent and water retention times were also assessed. Percent change in inundated area and associated e-folding times reveal greater lateral inundation extent and a 20% increase in water retention times with up to a 0.5 m increase in mean sea level. This work reveals the topographic influence on how, when, and where sea level rise will impact the freshwater floodplain through increased hydro period and saltwater intrusion, and the importance of evaluating floodplain restoration benefits in the context of fine-scale surface flow processes and sea-level rise.
Periodic Silver and Gold Nanodot Array Fabrication on Nanosphere Lithography-Based Patterns Using Electroless Deposition

Precision-controlled fabrication of metallic nanostructures is of great interest in applications such as sensing, optoelectronics, and high-capacity storage devices. However, the expense and throughput of the current methods limit the applicability of metal nanodot arrays for many of these applications. This issue is addressed by a method for generating periodic silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanodot arrays in a straightforward, inexpensive, tunable way. Specifically, regularly placed hexagonal arrays of Ag and Au nanodots were fabricated on Si(111) surfaces via a nanosphere lithography-based approach followed by electroless deposition (ELD). Silicon surfaces with hexagonally packed nanospheres were reacted with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) to form a self-assembled monolayer resist over the substrate, which leads to a hexagonal array of nanopores upon removal of the spheres. Different electroless plating solutions for Ag and Au were introduced onto the nanopore surfaces to selectively deposit metal in the nanopores, resulting in metal nanodots grown only in the nanopores, where the nanospheres were originally in contact with the substrate. Ag and Au nanodot heights can be effectively tuned from 20 to 100 nm by varying the plating time and the composition of the plating solution. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to characterize the height and diameter of the nanopore and nanodot arrays along with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to characterize the elemental composition distribution on the surface. This method provides control over the distance between nanodots and their size at the nanoscale with high reproducibility.
Traditional Laments and Postmodern Regrets: The Circulation of Discourse in Metacultural Context

This article locates laments in interdiscursive chains and explores them in relation to four dimensions of interdiscursivity: (1) their inclusion of reported speech, (2) their anticipation and evocation of particular responses, (3) the generic constitution of each lament (its relation to others in the same genre), and (4) the global or local metacultural orientation of laments and related discourses. I argue that links between traditional laments and (post)modern mourning not only are ideological constructions but also are quite substantive. The article raises questions about nonlinguistic, gestural, and melodic modes of textuality and about the tendency of lament to be retrospective and to be labeled “backward.” The fact that some voices label lament “backward” or “primitive” at the same time that others generate new laments on “the death of culture” illustrates the fundamental instability of (post)modern metadiscursive regimes.
Challenging the dogma of the healthy heterozygote: Implications for newborn screening policies and practices.

Abstract Heterozygous (carrier) status for an autosomal recessive condition is traditionally considered to lack significance for an individual's health, but this assumption has been challenged by a growing body of evidence. Carriers of several autosomal recessive disorders and some X-linked diseases are potentially at risk for the pathology manifest in homozygotes. This minireview provides an overview of the literature regarding health risks to carriers of two common autosomal recessive conditions on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel: sickle cell disease [sickle cell trait (SCT)] and cystic fibrosis (CF). We also consider and comment on bioethical and policy implications for newborn blood screening (NBS). Health risks for heterozygotes, while relatively low for individuals, are often influenced by intrinsic (e.g., other genomic variants or co-morbidities) and extrinsic (environmental) factors, which present opportunities for personalized genomic medicine and risk counseling. They create a special challenge, however, for developing screening/follow-up policies and for genetic counseling, particularly after identification and reporting of heterozygote status through NBS. Although more research is needed, this minireview of the SCT and CF literature to date leads us to propose that blanket terms such as “healthy heterozygotes” or “unaffected carriers” should be superseded in communications about NBS results, in favor of a more nuanced paradigm of setting expectations for health outcomes with “genotype-to-risk.” In the molecular era of NBS, it remains clear that public health needs to become better prepared for the full range of applied genetics.
Anaerobic Respiratory Iron(II) Oxidation

This chapter explores what is known about anaerobic, mesophilic Fe(II) oxidation in environmental samples and pure cultures. It includes an investigation of the mechanism of Fe(II) oxidation by dissimilatory (per)chlorate-reducing bacteria (DPRB), and a discussion on the oxidation products formed by the biomineralization processes, and emerging applications for the metabolism. Isolation and study of pure cultures have provided the needed starting points for investigating the presence of organisms in environmental samples and examining the microbial ecology of nitrate-dependent Fe(II) oxidation. The selective anaerobic bio-oxidation of added Fe(II) in situ could be used as an effective means of “capping off ” and completing the attenuation of heavy metals and radionuclides in a reducing environment. Two recent studies have also demonstrated the ability of both pure and mixed cultures to successfully adsorb arsenic to iron(III) oxides generated during this process. Genome sequences of several known nitrate-dependent Fe(II)-oxidizing microorganisms (FOM) are now available or in the process of completion, and comparative genomics should yield potential targets for further genetic study of the metabolism. The variety of culture-independent techniques now in use for assessment of microbial ecology will inevitably lead to a better understanding of the prevalence, biogeography, and diversity of FOM in natural and contaminated settings. The combined efforts of types of studies will help develop more accurate models regarding the role of FOM in the biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen, iron, and carbon.
TU‐CD‐304‐07: Intensity Modulated Electron Beam Therapy Employing Small Fields in Virtual Scanning Mode

Purpose: Dynamic electron radiation therapies such as dynamic electron arc radiotherapy (DEAR) utilize small fields to provide target conformity and fluence modulation. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of virtual scanning mode using small fields. Methods: Monte Carlo simulations (EGSnrc/BEAMnrc/DOSXYZnrc) were performed using validated Varian TrueBeam phase space files for electron beam energies of 6, 9, 12, and 16 MeV and square/circular fields (1×1/1, 2×2/2, 3×3/3, 4×4/4, 5×5/5 cm2/cm diameter). Resulting dose distributions (kernels) were used for subsequent calculations. The following analyses were performed: (1) Comparison of composite square fields and reference 10×10 cm2 dose distributions and (2) Scanning beam deliveries for square and circular fields realized as the convolution of kernels and scanning pattern. Preliminary beam weight and pattern optimization were also performed. Two linear scans of 10 cm with/without overlap were modeled. Comparison metrics included depth and orthogonal profiles at dmax. Results: (1) Composite fields regained reference depth dose profiles for most energies and fields within 5%. Smaller kernels and higher energies increased dose in the build-up and Bremsstrahlung region (30%, 16MeV and 1×1 cm2), while reference dmax was maintained for all energies and composite fields. Smaller kernels (<2×2 cm2) maintained penumbra and field size within 0.2 cm, and flatness within 2%. Deterioration of penumbra for larger kernels (5×5 cm2) were observed. Balancing desirable dosimetry and efficiencies suggests that smaller kernels are used at edges and larger kernels in the center of the target. (2) Beam weight optimization improved cross-plane penumbra (0.2 cm) and increased the field size (0.4 cm) on average. In-plane penumbra and field size remained unchanged. Overlap depended on kernel size and optimal overlap resulted in flatness ±2%. Conclusion: Dynamic electron beam therapy in virtual scanning mode is feasible by employing small fields to achieve desired dose distributions and acceptable efficiencies.
Airborne Microorganisms in Broiler Processing Plants

Abstract Concentrations of total aerobic bacteria, molds, yeasts, coliforms, enterococci, and psychrophiles were determined in the air of two poultry processing plants with Andersen samplers and a mobile power supply. Total aerobic bacterial counts were highest in the dressing room, with diminishing numbers in the shackling, eviscerating, and holding rooms, when sampling was carried out during plant operation. The average counts per ft3 of air in these four rooms were 2,200; 560; 230; and 62, respectively. (Each value is the average of 36 observations.) The number of organisms increased in the shackling and dressing rooms once processing was begun. Average total aerobic bacterial counts increased from 70 to 870 to 3,000 in the shackling room and from 310 to 4,900 to 7,000 in the dressing room when sampling was carried out at 5:00 am (before plant operations), 9:00 am, and 2:00 pm, respectively. (Each value is the mean of 12 observations.) Airborne molds might originate from a source other than the poultry being processed.
THE NATURES OF POINT DEFECTS IN AMORPHOUS SILICON DIOXIDE

Amorphous silicon dioxide (a-SiO2) plays a central role in many of today’s technologies, including fiber optics for communications and satellite data bus applications, as the gate and field oxides in 90% of all contemporary metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices (e.g., computer chips), as windows, photomasks, and transmissive optics for ultravioletlaser microchip lithography, and as thin films for highly reflective (or highly transmissive) coatings for laser optics. Point defects in aSiO2 introduced in the manufacturing process or induced by ionizing or particle irradiations (including ultraviolet photons) can degrade the otherwise excellent properties of this material, potentially leading to device failure in the field. In principal, a single fundamental defect type, or class of defects, may at the same time cause massive attenuation in optical fibers and lead to equally fatal threshold voltage shifts in MOS transistors. It is easy to imagine how improvements in identification and control of these defects could result in billions of dollars in cost savings to photonics and semiconductor industries over the next decade.
Associative learning modifies two behaviors in the leech, Hirudo medicinalis

We report that 2 behaviors, stepping and shortening, are modified by associative learning in the leech, Hirudo medicinalis. Experiment 1 explored conditioning of the “stepping” response. Paired presentations of touch to the medial dorsal surface of the leech and shock to the tail of the leech resulted in the development of stepping to the touch. Leeches in control groups experiencing the CS alone, US alone, or explicitly unpaired presentations of the CS and US did not. In experiments 2–4, classical conditioning explored conditioning of the touch-elicited shortening reflex. We found that the reflex was enhanced following paired CS-US presentations but not following CS alone, US alone, or explicitly unpaired presentations of the stimuli. Moreover, the learning was extinguished following 15 unreinforced presentations of the CS but was retained for at least 24 hr without extinction training. Moreover, the associative effect was not evident when the CS and US were presented in a backward relationship. That is, no learning was observed when the US preceded the CS. Lastly, the hand-held stimuli were replaced with implanted electrodes. Using a 3 V pulse that mimicked the touch stimulus (CS), we found that paired CS-US presentations produced a significant enhancement in the shortening reflex. Again, no enhancement was observed following unpaired CS, US presentations.
New horizons for orthotic and prosthetic technology: artificial muscle for ambulation

The rehabilitation community is at the threshold of a new age in which orthotic and prosthetic devices will no longer be separate, lifeless mechanisms, but intimate extensions of the human body-structurally, neurologically, and dynamically. In this paper we discuss scientific and technological advances that promise to accelerate the merging of body and machine, including the development of actuator technologies that behave like muscle and control methodologies that exploit principles of biological movement. We present a state-of-the-art device for leg rehabilitation: a powered ankle-foot orthosis for stroke, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis patients. The device employs a forcecontrollable actuator and a biomimetic control scheme that automatically modulates ankle impedance and motive torque to satisfy patient-specific gait requirements. Although the device has some clinical benefits, problems still remain. The force-controllable actuator comprises an electric motor and a mechanical transmission, resulting in a heavy, bulky, and noisy mechanism. As a resolution of this difficulty, we argue that electroactive polymer-based artificial muscle technologies may offer considerable advantages to the physically challenged, allowing for joint impedance and motive force controllability, noise-free operation, and anthropomorphic device morphologies.
Traffic Impacts of Variable Pricing on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, California

The raising of bridge tolls in the peak period on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in California in mid-2010 provides a rare opportunity to assess traffic impacts. Carpoolers who previously traveled for free during peak hours were charged an electronic toll under this variable pricing scheme. On the basis of 29 months of time series data, the introduction of carpool charges had a stronger impact on traffic volumes than did peak period pricing of regular traffic. The estimated short-term elasticity of about -0.30 suggests significant numbers of peak hour carpoolers did not travel, switched routes, shifted to public transit, or opted to drive alone. More than half the loss in carpool traffic was estimated to be attributable to the toll increase, a far stronger influence than factors such as rising gasoline prices and unemployment. The estimated elasticity of regular traffic in response to variable pricing was -0.23, an indication that peak period motorists were fairly insensitive to pricing and a reflec...
Monitorização hemodinâmica em cirurgia cardíaca pediátrica

A cirurgia cardiaca pediatrica e considerada uma dassubespecialidades mais complexas dentro da medicina. Oconhecimento acumulado nas ultimas decadas pelo enten-dimento da fisiopatologia das diversas cardiopatias conge-nitas, aliado aos progressos tecnologicos incorporados apratica medica, tem permitido a correcao cirurgica de grandeparte das anomalias cardiacas, com reducao significativados indices de morbidade e mortalidade. Contribuem para tala melhoria na protecao miocardica e cerebral, na tecnica ci-rurgica, no cuidado peri-operatorio e nas tecnicas de circu-lacao extracorporea. Muitas das cardiopatias congenitasconsideradas inoperaveis no passado, como a hipoplasiado coracao esquerdo, sao tratadas cirurgicamente no perio-do neonatal, com resultados promissores
Vibrotactile masking: Effects of multiple maskers

Threshold elevations (TE) were determined at a testsite on the left thigh with the simultaneous presentation of combinations of maskers positioned on the trunk. It was found that the resultant TE from groups of up to 10 multiple maskers is nearly equal to the addition of the TE produced by each masker separately.
A study of the air-side heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of tube-fin 'no-frost' evaporators

A study is presented on the influence of the air flow rate and surface geometry on the thermal-hydraulic performance of commercial tube-fin ‘no-frost’ evaporators. A specially constructed wind-tunnel calorimeter was used in the experiments from which data on the overall thermal conductance, pressure drop, Colburn j-factor and Darcy friction factor, f, were extracted. Eight different evaporator samples with distinct geometric characteristics, such as number of tube rows, number of fins and fin pitch were tested. Semi-empirical correlations for j and f are proposed in terms of the air-side Reynolds number and the finning factor. A discussion is presented on the performance of the evaporators with respect to specific criteria such as the pumping power as a function of heat transfer capacity and the volume of material in each evaporator.
Crack healing behavior of hot pressed silicon nitride due to oxidation

It is shown that limited oxidation of an MgO-containing, hot-pressed silicon nitride ceramic at 800 deg C and above results in increased strength due to crack healing. Slight oxidation of the surface produces enstatite and cristobalite which fills in cracks. More extensive oxidation leads to strength degradation due to the formation of new flaws by the evolution of N2 gas at the surface. The apparent fracture toughness also increased at 800 deg C and above due to oxidation. Bonds formed between the two surfaces of the crack during oxidation leads to a reduction in stress intensity at the crack tip, suggesting that valid high-temperature toughness values cannot be obtained in an air environment. The increase in strength due to crack healing by oxidation can be achieved without compromising the fatigue properties of the silicon nitride ceramic.
Changes in the quality of coal delivered to Kentucky power plants, 1978 to 1997: responses to Clean Air Act directives

Abstract Burning of coal supplies more than 95% of the electricity generated in Kentucky. Coal-burning utilities have responded to evolving clean air standards in a number of ways, including adding flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) to existing plants or switching to lower sulfur coals. No power plant in Kentucky burned 2 reduction option. The expansion of FGD has maintained a market for higher sulfur coal. The newest power plants were designed in tandem with the FGD system and can handle coals with >4% sulfur. Quality of delivered coals has changed significantly over the past 20 years, and will continue to change as coal-fired power plants continue to work to meet the challenges presented by existing and potential new clean air standards.
The study of various styrene-butadiene copolymers as compatibilisers in bulk blends of polystyrene/polybutadiene

Abstract Bulk blends, produced by compositional quenching, were used to examine the effectiveness of different styrene-butadiene copolymers as interfacial agents in blends of polystyrene (PS) with polybutadiene (PB). Each polymer blend was compression molded for various times to allow particle ripening and was then tested for impact strength. The most effective compatibiliser proved to be a long, asymmetric diblock, which could entangle in both homopolymer phases. Diblocks with short PS segments were inadequate as interfacial agents, presumably because their short PS blocks were easily pulled from the matrix. Random copolymers with a composition near 50/50 were successful as interfacial agents, but the impact strength declined with a decrease in PS composition of the copolymer. A commercial multiblock copolymer, Phillips K-Resin®, also proved to be reasonably effective compatibiliser, giving better impact strength than the HIPS control.
Variation of the Expansion Coefficient of Nanofluids With Temperature: A Correction for Conductivity Data

The two constituent phases of the nanofluids have thermal expansion coefficients that are significantly different. Moreover, the variability of the thermal expansion coefficients of fluids with temperature is significantly higher than that of solid materials. The mismatch of the thermal expansion coefficients creates changes of the volumetric fraction of solids with temperature changes. The changes can be significant with fluids that have high thermal expansion coefficients, such as refrigerants and fluids that operate close to their critical points. Since the thermal conductivity of nanofluids is a very strong function of the volumetric fraction of the nanoparticles, these changes of the volumetric fraction may cause significant effects on the thermal conductivity of the nanofluids, which must be accounted for in any design process.
Slowed saccades in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

We recorded eye movements using infrared oculography in ten patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and ten control subjects of similar age. Peak saccadic velocity for the AIDS group was significantly lower than that of the control group for both adducting and abducting saccades (P
Keratin Type Intermediate Filaments in Sweat Gland Myoepithelial Cells

A study was undertaken to clarify the origin of sweat gland myoepithelial cells using monoclonal antibodies EKH1, EKH4, and AN3. EKH1 recognizes all classes of intermediate filaments. EKH4 and AN3 recognize keratin type intermediate filaments. Since within the skin, only epithelial cells of ectodermal origin contain keratin, EKH4 and AN3 could be used as ectodermal markers within the skin. Sweat gland myoepithelial cells were labeled by all three antibodies. In contrast, arrector pili muscle and vascular smooth muscle were recognized only by EKH1, but not by EKH4 and AN3. This study demonstrated that myoepithelial cells of sweat glands contain keratin type intermediate filaments and suggested their ectodermal origin. On the other hand, arrector pili muscle and vascular smooth muscle did not contain keratin type intermediate filaments, despite their ultrastructural similarity to myoepithelial cells. Electron microscopic studies using human fetal and adult skin revealed that myoepithelial cells are developed from basal cells of the coiled tip of fetal gland and not from mesenchymal cells. In order to determine the time of appearance of myoepithelial cells during fetal development, embryonic and newborn mouse skin was also examined. It was found that sweat gland myoepithelial cells first appear around 20 weeks of gestation in humans and after birth in mice.
Effect of intoxication among blunt trauma patients selected for head computed tomography scanning.

Study objective We examine the prevalence and types of intracranial injuries sustained by intoxicated blunt trauma patients. Methods The study was conducted as a secondary analysis of National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study II head injury database. Treating physicians prospectively assessed presenting signs and symptoms on all blunt trauma patients who underwent head computed tomography (CT). Intoxication status was determined by the examining physician and was based on a history of intoxication, positive toxicologic screen result, or physical evidence suggesting intoxication. Intracranial injury diagnoses were based on final CT interpretations provided by attending radiologists. Results Intracranial injury was detected in 1,193 of the 13,728 enrolled patients (8.7%), and intoxication was evident in 3,356 (24.4%) patients. Physicians were unable to assess intoxication status in 620 individuals. Intracranial injury was present in 231 intoxicated patients (231/3,356; 6.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.0 to 7.8), 789 of 9,752 nonintoxicated patients (8.1%; 95% CI 7.6% to 8.6%), and 173 of the 620 patients who could not be assessed for intoxication (prevalence 27.9%; 95% CI 24.4% to 31.6%). Intracranial injury was identified in only 5 of 299 intoxicated patients (1.7%) who had normal neurological examination results and no evidence of trauma to the calvarium. Conclusion The prevalence of intracranial injury among intoxicated blunt trauma patients who are selected for head CT is lower than among nonintoxicated patients selected for imaging, which likely represents heightened concern in the presence of intoxication, even without other findings suggestive of intracranial injury. This conclusion is supported by the fact that few intoxicated patients with normal neurologic findings and no evidence of trauma to the calvarium had positive findings on CT imaging.
Limitations in critical angle determination with grazing incidence x-ray reflectivity

X-ray reflectivity (XRR) is an effective non-destructive characterization method that has recently gained interest in the semiconductor industry for routine quality control. XRR is capable of measuring thin film properties such as density, thickness and interfacial characteristics. In particular, this method is being studied to determine its usefulness in characterizing porous SiO2, one possible replacement for standard SiO2 as a low-k dielectric for device miniaturization. A necessary component to evaluating these porous materials is to understand the level of porosity as determined by the overall density of the material. The density information can be obtained from the critical angle observed in XRR data, hence the necessity of accurate measurements. In this work, the authors explore the limitations of XRR for determining the overall density of a layer using a simulation and fitting program, SimulReflec, designed for x-ray and neutron reflectivity studies. This fitting program is applied to both experimental and simulated data. Various versions of noise have been added to simulated data and then re-fit to determine the sensitivity of the technique.
Effect of arthritis in other compartment after unicompartmental arthroplasty

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of robotic-assisted (MAKO Surgical Corp.) unicondylar replacement in the treatment for knee osteoarthritis after the initial surgical insult is worn off to evaluate the impact of residual patellofemoral and lateral osteoarthritis on the outcome of medial unicompartmental knee replacement. One hundred and thirty-four patients who underwent uncomplicated 144 robotic-assisted medial unicondylar replacements for knee arthritis were identified and studied. Original radiographs were used to classify severity of patellofemoral and lateral compartmental osteoarthritis in these patients. Severity of patellofemoral and lateral compartmental osteoarthritis was analyzed against Oxford and Knee Society scores and amount of ipsilateral residual knee symptoms at 6 months postoperative period. Preoperative Oxford and Knee Society scores, other comorbidities and long-term disability were studied as confounding variables. We found significant improvement in symptoms and scores in spite of other compartment diseases. Poorer outcome was seen in association with comorbidities and long-term disability but not when radiographic signs of arthritis in the other compartments were present. Six patients required revision of which three had (lateral facet) patellofemoral disease in the original X-rays. In conclusion, there is a higher amount of postoperative retained symptoms, but similar outcome when there is radiographic disease in the other compartments. However, when symptoms are severe enough to necessitate revision, this is due to the lateral facet of patellofemoral compartment and not lateral compartment disease.
An automated submersible flow cytometer for analyzing pico- and nanophytoplankton: FlowCytobot

Abstract Flow cytometry is a valuable tool for the analysis of phytoplankton and other suspended particles because of its speed and quantitative measurements, but the method's oceanographic application has been limited by the need to take discrete water samples for analysis on board ship or in the laboratory. For this reason, we have developed an automated flow cytometer (FlowCytobot) that can operate in situ and unattended. The new instrument utilizes a diode-pumped 532 nm laser and can measure light scattering and fluorescence of particles as small as Synechococcus cells. For operation at the LEO-15 mooring site off New Jersey, it is connected to shore by power and communications cables, and is controlled by a microcomputer whose programming can be loaded remotely. The sampling rate is adjustable; we have used from 12.5 to 50 μl min −1 . Integrated signals from each particle (two light scattering angles and two fluorescence emission bands) are transmitted to a shore-based computer, where they are accessible by Internet and can be examined in real time. FlowCytobot was deployed at LEO-15 from late July to early October 2001, where it operated continuously (aside from occasional power or communications interruptions at the node) without outside intervention. Even after 2 months of in situ operation, FlowCytobot's measurements were similar to those of a conventional flow cytometer, as shown by analysis of a discrete water sample taken at the location of the sample inlet. In addition to documenting seasonal and event-scale changes in size distributions and population abundances in the pico- and nanophytoplankton, FlowCytobot will be useful for examining diel cycles in light scattering and pigment fluorescence of cells in situ that may allow estimation of rates of production by different phytoplankton groups.
PS2-18: Functional Limitations, Home Support, and Responses to Drug Costs Among Medicare Beneficiaries

Background/Aims Many Medicare beneficiaries have conditions or disabilities that affect their functional status and self-care capabilities. There is limited information on the potential associations between functional limitations, home support, and self-care activities such as managing and taking medications.
The Interpreter, the Monitor and the Language Arbiter

The trustworthiness of translators and interpreters has long been an issue in the profession. In some cases, a set of procedures are established to ensure the trust of clients and end-users. In the International Military Tribunal for the Far East (1946-1948), such procedures took on remarkable form. During the trial, three ethnically and socially different groups of language personnel engaged in three different functions within the overall interpreting process: Japanese nationals as interpreters, Japanese Americans as monitors, and U.S. military officers as language arbiters who ruled on the disputed interpretations. Sociopolitical aspects such as trust, power and control are evident in this hierarchical structure. In such political settings, and in others seen today, the trustworthiness of the interpreter may override the quality of interpreting.
The metal requirement of rat tyrosine hydroxylase

The effect of added metals on purified rat tyrosine hydroxylase which is predominantly iron-free has been determined. The presence of 10 microM ferrous ammonium sulfate results in a ten-fold increase in the activity of enzyme containing 0.1 iron atom per subunit. The enzyme activity is half-maximal at a free ferrous iron concentration of 0.15 microM. Copper, zinc, silver, and nickel are unable to replace ferrous iron. Ferric iron is inactive unless ascorbate is included to reduce it.
Evaluation of ground motion scaling methods for analysis of structural systems

Ground motion selection and scaling comprises undoubtedly the most important component of any seismic risk assessment study that involves time-history analysis. Ironically, this is also the single parameter with the least guidance provided in current building codes, resulting in the use of mostly subjective choices in design. The relevant research to date has been primarily on single-degree-of-freedom systems, with only a few studies using multi-degree-of-freedom systems. Furthermore, the previous research is based solely on numerical simulations with no experimental data available for the validation of the results. By contrast, the research effort described in this paper focuses on an experimental evaluation of selected ground motion scaling methods based on small-scale shake-table experiments of re-configurable linear-elastic and nonlinear multi-story building frame structure models. Ultimately, the experimental results will lead to the development of guidelines and procedures to achieve reliable demand estimates from nonlinear response history analysis in seismic design. In this paper, an overview of this research effort is discussed and preliminary results based on linear-elastic dynamic response are presented.
Interleukin-6 ablates the accessory cell-mediated suppressive effects of lactoferrin on human hematopoietic progenitor cell proliferation in vitro.

LF, an iron-binding glycoprotein, has myelosuppressive effects in vitro and in vivo. The present study evaluated the mode of LF action in vitro and the effects of various recombinant CSFs and ILs on this action. Normal human low-density BMC, at 2 x 10(6)/ml, were exposed to purified and endotoxin-depleted iron-saturated LF for 2 h, washed three times, and plated for CFU-GM and BFU-E in the presence of rhuCSFs (e.g., GM-CSF, Epo, IL-3) and in the absence and presence of rhuIL-6, rhuIL-1 alpha, or rhuIL-1 beta. LF caused a 40-65% plateau curve of inhibition for CFU-GM and BFU-E that was not apparent when adherent mononuclear cells (monocytes) were removed from the target population of cells. This myelosuppression was ablated by rhuIL-6, but not by rhuIL-1 alpha or rhuIL-beta. These results suggests a role for IL-6 in the accessory cell-mediated suppressive effect of LF on CFU-GM and BFU-E and open up the possibility that IL-6 may have stimulatory/enhancing or cofactor activities necessary for optimal proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cells.
Soft computing applications at General Electric

We describe modeling techniques from the field of Soft Computing (SC), and we illustrate their use in solving diagnostics and prognostics problems. Soft Computing is an association of computing methodologies that includes as its principal members fuzzy, neural, evolutionary, and probabilistic computing. These methodologies enable us to deal with imprecise, uncertain data and incomplete domain knowledge typically encountered in real-world applications. We analyze five successful SC case studies of applications to equipment diagnostics, forecasting, and control, e.g., prediction of voltage breakdown in power distribution networks, prediction of paper web breakage in paper mills, raw mix proportioning control in cement plants, diagnostics of power generation faults, and classification of MRI signatures for incipient failure detection. We conclude by projecting future trends of SC technologies and their use in constructing hybrid SC systems.