cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coarsening kinetics of platinum particles on curved oxide substrates

Abstract The elevated-temperature growth of platinum particles supported on curved alumina substrates has been studied. A simple theory has been derived, and shows that when particle radii are close to the radius of curvature of this substrate, particles migrate to concave substrate sites. As a result of this migration and subsequent collisions and coalescence, initial particle growth rates may be enhanced. In addition, long-time particle coarsening by interparticle transport may be retarded, in comparison with rates of coarsening of particles on flat substrates. Experiments with platinum particles supported on alumina substrates with controlled surface curvature are described. The growth behavior of particles on these curved substrates is generally consistent with theoretical predictions.
Anomalies and Hawking fluxes from the black holes of topologically massive gravity

Abstract The anomaly cancelation method proposed by Wilczek et al. is applied to the black holes of topologically massive gravity (TMG) and topologically massive gravito-electrodynamics (TMGE). Thus the Hawking temperature and fluxes of the ACL and ACGL black holes are found. The Hawking temperatures obtained agree with the surface gravity formula. Both black holes are rotating and this gives rise to appropriate terms in the effective U ( 1 ) gauge field of the reduced ( 1 + 1 ) -dimensional theory. It is found that the terms in this U ( 1 ) gauge field correspond exactly to the correct angular velocities on the horizon of both black holes as well as the correct electrostatic potential of the ACGL black hole. So the results for the Hawking fluxes derived here from the anomaly cancelation method, are in complete agreement with the ones obtained from integrating the Planck distribution.
Diffusion coefficients of D-Glucose in aqueous Carboxymethylcellulose and Carboxypolymethylene solutions

A microinterferometric method was used to determine the concentration profiles in the infinite field unsteady state diffusion of D-Glucose in aqueous polymer solutions. Pseudo binary diffusion coefficients were determined as a function of reduced concentration both with and without the effect of liquid volume change during diffusion being considered. The systems studied were D-Glucose in aqueous Carboxymethylcellulose and D-Glucose in aqueous Carboxypolymethylene solutions. Solute concentration ranged from nearly zero to about 9% by weight D-Glucose in the aqueous polymer solutions.
Kainic acid lesioning alters development of the outer plexiform layer in neonatal rabbit retina

Abstract The first synaptic relay in the primary visual pathway occurs between terminals of photoreceptors and second-order neurons within the outer plexiform layer of the retina. During development, one of these types of second-order neurons, the type A horizontal cell, differentiates and assumes mature characteristics several days before any other cells ramifying in that synaptic layer. In neonates, horizontal cells appear to be GABAergic during the first 5 days of postnatal life and in addition they also are responsive to kainic acid. We have previously suggested that they may play a pioneering role in the postnatal development of the outer plexiform layer, perhaps providing structural guidance or trophic substances such as GABA, for synaptic development. To test this hypothesis, we first demonstrated that a single intraocular injection of kainic acid within 24 hr of birth results in a permanent and selective loss of type A horizontal cells in the outer retina. Retinas from animals maintained for 5 days postinjection were harvested for analysis of postnatal development of the outer plexiform layer in the absence of horizontal cells. One of the major findings was that kainic acid treatment caused a reversal of the normal complement of photoreceptor cell types, resulting in an abnormally high rod/cone ratio. The distribution of cell processes within the outer plexiform layer was also altered and normal synaptic connections were not made. In spite of these changes in the constituents of the outer plexiform layer, the normal position of the synaptic layer was not affected by the loss of horizontal cells. These results rule out the possibility that horizontal cells provide a structural barrier which is an absolute requirement for establishing the location of the outer plexiform layer. Rather, these cells may be more involved in cell differentation and synaptogenesis.
Tourism, power, and space

Tourism, power, and space, edited by Andrew Church and Tim Coles, Abingdon & New York, Routledge, 2007, 320 pp., $210.00 (hardback) ISBN, 978-0-415-32952-1 Tourism, power, and space is an insightfu...
Nonlinear Markoff models for electrocardiographic R-R interval analysis

Abstract In the previous paper [1] a linear autoregressive model was demonstrated to be adequate for explaining a universal R-R interval frequency distribution. Certain cardiac arrhythmias result in a bimodal frequency distribution for the R-R interval. In this paper, a nonlinear Markoff model is proposed for explaining the bimodal nature of the frequency distribution of R-R intervals. Methods are developed and actually constructed for determining the nonlinear properties of the model from empirical data.
The Impact of Carbon Stability on PEM Fuel Cell Startup and Shutdown Voltage Degradation

Conventional carbon MEAs and graphitized carbon MEAs were evaluated for the resistance to carbon corrosion and startup/shutdown durability in this paper. Graphitized carbon MEAs show higher resistance to carbon corrosion than conventional carbon MEAs by a factor of 35 at a point where 5% weight loss had occurred. A graphitized carbon MEA yielded lower degradation rate than that of a conventional carbon MEA by a factor of 5 after 1,000 startup/shutdown cycles. The kinetics of carbon corrosion over both conventional carbon MEAs and graphitized carbon MEAs were measured, and carbon corrosion during startup/shutdown was explained and modeled. The model results correlate to what we have measured from our startup/shutdown durability test. Overall, MEAs with corrosion resistant carbon supports are one of major materials approaches to mitigate cell voltage degradation due to fuel cell startup/shutdown. We believe that a combination of corrosion resistant materials and system operating mitigation strategies is the path to attain the strict automotive durability targets.
SU-E-T-64: CG-Based Radiation Therapy Simulator with Physical Modeling for Avoidance of Collisions Between Gantry and Couch Or Patient

Purpose: It is time-consuming and might cause re-planning to check couch-gantry and patient-gantry collisions on a radiotherapy machine when using couch rotations for non-coplanar beam angles. The aim of this study was to develop a computer-graphics (CG)-based radiation therapy simulator with physical modeling for avoidance of collisions between gantry and couch or patient on a radiotherapy machine. Methods: The radiation therapy simulator was three-dimensionally constructed including a radiotherapy machine (Clinac iX, Varian Medical Systems), couch, and radiation treatment room according to their designs by using a physical-modeling-based computer graphics software (Blender, free and open-source). Each patient was modeled by applying a surface rendering technique to their planning computed tomography (CT) images acquired from 16-slice CT scanner (BrightSpeed, GE Healthcare). Immobilization devices for patients were scanned by the CT equipment, and were rendered as the patient planning CT images. The errors in the collision angle of the gantry with the couch or patient between gold standards and the estimated values were obtained by fixing the gantry angle for the evaluation of the proposed simulator. Results: The average error of estimated collision angles to the couch head side was -8.5% for gantry angles of 60 to 135 degree, and -5.5% for gantrymore » angles of 225 to 300 degree. Moreover, the average error of estimated collision angles to the couch foot side was -1.1% for gantry angles of 60 to 135 degree, and 1.4% for gantry angles of 225 to 300 degree. Conclusion: The CG-based radiation therapy simulator could make it possible to estimate the collision angle between gantry and couch or patient on the radiotherapy machine without verifying the collision angles in the radiation treatment room.« less
Raising questions: Philosophical significance of controversy in science

The prevailing perspective of science among most nonscientists is that it is built upon a foundation of unproblematical truths and comprises logical methods for readily distinguishing in any given case between competing explanations of natural phenomena. Examination of controversial scientific issues, both historical and contemporary, provide a more accurate picture of science. Examples, drawn from the physical and life sciences, show how complex and subtle scientific issues may be; how difficult it may be to perform and interpret experiments; how controversies once laid to rest may resurface in new ways; and how science, far from being a stockpiling of factual truths, constitutes instead a vigorous, self-correcting mode of inquiry.
Simplified models of the vibration of mannequins in car seats

Abstract A simplified two-dimensional modelling approach to predict the vibration response of mannequin occupied car seats about a static settling point is demonstrated to be feasible. The goal of the research is to develop tools for car seat designers. The two-dimensional model, consisting of interconnected masses, springs and dampers is non-linear due to geometric effects but, under the excitations considered, the model behaviour is linear. In this approach to modelling, the full system is initially broken down into subsystems, and experiments are conducted with subsystems to determine approximate values for the stiffness and damping parameters. This approach is necessary because of the highly non-linear behaviour of foam where stiffness changes with compression level, and because the simplified model contains more structure than is necessary to model the relatively simple measured frequency response behaviour, thus requiring a good initial starting point from which to vary parameters. A detailed study of the effects of changing model parameters on the natural frequencies, the mode shapes and resonance locations in frequency response functions is given, highlighting the influence of particular model parameters on features in the seat–mannequin system's vibration response. Reasonable qualitative as well as good quantitative agreement between experimental and simulation frequency response estimates is obtained. In particular, the two-dimensional motions at the peaks in the frequency response, a combination of up and down and rotational behaviour is predicted well by the model. Currently research is underway to develop a similar model with non-linear springs, surface friction effects and viscoelastic elements, that predicts the static settling point, a necessary step to aid in the subsystem modelling stage in this dynamic modelling approach.
Impacts of Variability in Cellulosic Biomass Yields on Energy Security

The practice of modeling biomass yields on the basis of deterministic point values aggregated over space and time obscures important risks associated with large-scale biofuel use, particularly risks related to drought-induced yield reductions that may become increasingly frequent under a changing climate. Using switchgrass as a case study, this work quantifies the variability in expected yields over time and space through switchgrass growth modeling under historical and simulated future weather. The predicted switchgrass yields across the United States range from about 12 to 19 Mg/ha, and the 80% confidence intervals range from 20 to 60% of the mean. Average yields are predicted to decrease with increased temperatures and weather variability induced by climate change. Feedstock yield variability needs to be a central part of modeling to ensure that policy makers acknowledge risks to energy supplies and develop strategies or contingency plans that mitigate those risks.
On some transport properties of baker's maps

This paper considers the one-dimensional advection and diffusion of a passive scalar in the context of baker's maps of the unit interval. Our main interest is the thermal transport between two points held at fixed temperatures, when a deterministic sequence of maps of various scales are involved. Molecular diffusion occurs during the periods of rest between maps. We focus on the behavior of the transport in the limit of infinite Peclet number (or small molecular diffusion). Various asymptotic results are presented and compared with numerical calculations. Convergence to turbulent transport independent of molecular diffusion is observed as the number of scales is increased.
Two basic wave propagation problems for the non-uniform motion of displacement discontinuities in a half-plane

Abstract The splitting of elastic materials is often achieved by, effect, moving more rigid solids into the surface of the material or by causing a shear tearing characterized by the relative slip of adjacent material points. Therefore, both processes involve the motion of displacement discontinuities. This article examines basic wave propagation problems for the non-uniform motion of two arbitrary displacement discontinuities in an elastic half-plane along paths normal to the surface. The discontinuities impose relative displacements which are, respectively, normal to and along the path. Complete solutions are derived in forms which allow identification of each component of the reflection-complicated wave pattern, Moreover, the dependence of these components on specific aspects of the discontinuity behavior can be noted. Finally, two physical examples, the motion of a rigid wedge and the motion of edge dislocations in the half-plane, are studied.
Molecular determinants of cardiac myocyte performance as conferred by isoform-specific TnI residues.

Troponin I (TnI) is the molecular switch of the sarcomere. Cardiac myocytes express two isoforms of TnI during development. The fetal heart expresses the slow skeletal TnI (ssTnI) isoform and shortly after birth ssTnI is completely and irreversibly replaced by the adult cardiac TnI (cTnI) isoform. These two isoforms have important functional differences; broadly, ssTnI is a positive inotrope, especially under acidic/hypoxic conditions, whereas cTnI facilitates faster relaxation performance. Evolutionary directed changes in cTnI sequence suggest cTnI evolved to favor relaxation performance in the mammalian heart. To investigate the mechanism, we focused on several notable TnI isoform and trans-species-specific residues located in TnI’s helix 4 using structure/function and molecular dynamics analyses. Gene transduction of adult cardiac myocytes by cTnIs with specific helix 4 ssTnI substitutions, Q157R/A164H/E166V/H173N (QAEH), and A164H/H173N (AH), were investigated. cTnI QAEH is similar in these four residues to ssTnI and nonmammalian chordate cTnIs, whereas cTnI AH is similar to fish cTnI in these four residues. In comparison to mammalian cTnI, cTnI QAEH and cTnI AH showed increased contractility and slowed relaxation, which functionally mimicked ssTnI expressing myocytes. cTnI QAEH molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated altered intermolecular interactions between TnI helix 4 and cTnC helix A, specifically revealing a new, to our knowledge, electrostatic interaction between R171of cTnI and E15 of cTnC, which structurally phenocopied the ssTnI conformation. Free energy perturbation calculation of cTnC Ca2+ binding for these conformations showed relative increased calcium binding for cTnI QAEH compared to cTnI. Taken together, to our knowledge, these new findings provide evidence that the evolutionary-directed coordinated acquisition of residues Q157, A164, E166, H173 facilitate enhanced relaxation performance in mammalian adult cardiac myocytes.
Evolution of severe aphasia in the first two years post onset

Abstract In this longitudinal recovery study of severe aphasia, subjects were tested five times at 6-month intervals with the Boston Assessment of Severe Aphasia (BASA), for a period of 2 years post onset. The majority of subjects had global aphasia ( n = 17), but five had severe Wernicke's aphasia, and two had other varieties of severe aphasia. Significant improvements in communicative functions were noted for up to 18 months post onset, but the greatest improvement occurred in the first 6 months post onset. Most subjects did not change aphasia classification during the 2-year period. Initial individual BASA cluster (subtest) scores were less accurate than the 6-month scores in the prediction of later BASA Total scores. Cluster scores obtained at 6 months post onset could reliably predict BASA Total scores at 24 months post onset.
A thin film resistor for Josephson tunneling circuits

Abstract Thin films of the intermetallic compound AuIn 2 have been used to form resistors in Josephson tunneling circuits employing Pb alloy tunneling junction electrodes and interconnection lines. Described in this paper is a study of such resistors. The resistors were fabricated through the use of AuIn 2 films approximately 2900 A thick. Their resistivity at 4.2 K was calculated to be about 1.3 μohm cm, which seems to be attributable to a temperature-independent contribution from defect scattering. Annealing at a temperature of 75°C for 10 h resulted in a decrease of their resistance by only about 3%. Additionally, no change was observed in the resistance of resistors which were in contact with interconnection lines which were formed from Pb-In-Au thin films containing 8 wt.% In and 4 wt.% Au. This is in accord with a previous finding that AuIn 2 and Pb-In solid solution phases coexist at room temperature in thermodynamic equilibrium in such Pb-In-Au films.
A decision-theoretic framework for the evaluation of language models used in speech recognizers

An analytical method for design and performance analysis of language models (LM) is described, and an example interactive software tool based on the technique is demonstrated. The LM performance analysis does not require on-line simulation or experimentation with the recognition system in which the LM is to employed. By exploiting parallels with signal detection theory, a profile of the LM as a function of the design parameters is given in a set of curves analogous to a receiver-operating-characteristic display.
Maternal pak4 expression is required for primitive myelopoiesis in zebrafish

Transcripts of pak4, the zebrafish ortholog of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), are most abundant in the egg and fall to low levels by the end of gastrulation, after which expression is essentially ubiquitous. Translation of maternal mRNA into pak4 protein is first detectable at high stage (3.3 hpf). Splice-blocking morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs) were used to prevent zygotic pak4 expression. This had no discernable effect on development through larval stages. In contrast, a translation-blocking MO, alone or in combination with the splice MOs, resulted in a complex lethal phenotype. In addition to disrupted somite development and other morphogenetic abnormalities, the knockdown of maternal pak4 expression led to alterations in regulatory gene expression in the primitive hematopoietic domains, leading to deficiencies in granulocyte and leukocyte lineages. At least some of the effects of pak4 knockdown on gene expression could be mimicked by treatment with actin depolymerization agents, suggesting a mechanistic link between regulation of microfilament dynamics by pak4 and regulation of gene expression in primitive myeloid cell differentiation.
Metapopulations, community assembly, and scale invariance in aspect space.

The hierarchical competition model has been a useful tool in investigating the mechanisms of coexistence between competing species, and thus for understanding the foundations of biodiversity. Here we show that the geometric picture of community assemblage found by Nowak and May for the constant-fecundity version of this model can be extended to a whole family of tradeoffs between fecundity and mortality. In this picture, the proportion of the remaining space used by a species can be related to the amount of free space (in aspect space) behind the "competitive shadow" of the adjacent superior competitor, and in turn to the size of the competitive shadow cast by the species itself. We show that this geometric model is scale invariant in the rescaled aspect space and use this fact to investigate the limits to diversity and explore how communities assemble under this model.
Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) refers to a prolonged seizure that manifests primarily as altered mental status as opposed to the dramatic convulsions seen in generalized tonic-clonic status epilepticus. There are 2 main types of NCSE, each of which has a different presentation, cause, and expected outcome. In the first type of NCSE, patients present with confusion or abnormal behavior, suggesting the diagnosis of absence status epilepticus (ASE) or complex partial status epilepticus (CPSE). The second type of NCSE (subtle status epilepticus [SSE]) must be considered in comatose patients who present after a prolonged generalized tonic-clonic seizure and who may have only subtle motor manifestations of a seizure, such as facial or hand twitchings. Whereas the morbidity and mortality in patients with prolonged ASE or CPSE is low, the mortality associated with SSE can exceed 30% if the seizure duration is greater than 60 minutes.
Energy-based model of compressive splitting in heterogeneous brittle solids

Confined heterogeneous brittle solids loaded under far-field uniaxial compression are often observed to split along the loading axis. We develop a theory which accords this phenomenon an energetic interpretation : the solid splits because in so doing it reduces its total energy, defined as the sum of bulk strain energy and surface energy. The heterogeneous microstructure gives rise to a complex stress distribution in the intact solid. We show that the change in energy due to the release of the microstructural stresses may exceed the cost in fracture energy. Critical conditions for splitting are formulated for polycrystalline solids as a function of readily measurable material properties and applied stresses. The predictions of the theory are found to be in remarkably good agreement with experimental observations in ceramics and rocks.
STUDIES ON MALARIAL PARASITES : VIII. FACTORS AFFECTING THE GROWTH OF PLASMODIUM KNOWLESI IN VITRO.

1. Methods have been described for the preparation and sterilization of a synthetic nutrient medium which supports normal growth during one 24 hour asexual cycle of the erythrocytic form of P. knowlesi. 2. Successive subcultures with good multiplication can be carried out when whole blood or plasma is added to the medium. Data are presented from two such experiments where the sixth and seventh generations, respectively, were injected into normal monkeys. In both cases, the injections produced clinical malaria and in one, an abnormally severe course was observed. 3. A high percentage (95 per cent) of O(2) inhibits multiplication in in vitro cultures. A gas phase approximating alveolar air permits normal development. A lower percentage (0.37 per cent) of O(2) in the gas phase supports growth at least as well. 4. Certain experiments indicate that in vitro growth is better supported in normal monkey plasma than in plasma from parasitized monkeys. Heating of parasitized plasma to 56 degrees C. for 30 minutes removed the deleterious effect. 5. A nutritional need by the parasite for glucose and p-aminobenzoic acid has been shown. Attempts to demonstrate the need for other individual components of the nutrient medium have not been successful though the effect of the absence of blocks of nutrient such as purines and pyrimidines, amino acids, or water-soluble vitamins can be observed. 6. Further assay of the nutritional requirements of the parasite appears to be hampered by the supply of nutrient furnished by the red cells and plasma. Cultivation of parasitized cells washed free of plasma and resuspended in synthetic medium containing 1 per cent serum albumin has been accomplished as one step directed toward the removal of such interfering factors.
Laboratory and field imaging test results on single-color and dual-band QWIP focal plane arrays

Abstract We report on recent laboratory and field measurements on quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) focal plane arrays (FPAs). The results of laboratory measurements of imaging performance such as noise-equivalent temperature difference (NEΔT), minimum resolvable temperature, conversion efficiency, uniformity of response and dark current and their dependence on operating temperature are presented on large format (640×480 pixels) single-color long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) and dual-band (256×256 pixels) mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR)/LWIR arrays. We found that under optimum operating conditions (65 K and 1 V bias), the NEΔT of the LWIR FPA was approximately 30 mK and was limited by the optics and noise from the closed-cycle cooler. We will show field imagery of military targets taken with this FPA. In addition, field imagery taken with the LWIR QWIP camera of a large-transient event will be compared with that taken with an InSb MWIR camera. We will also show imagery of a recent total eclipse of the moon. We will also present laboratory results on a simultaneously integrating, pixel-registered dual-band FPA showing excellent operability and response uniformity with NEΔT of approximately 30 mK in both bands (T=60 K). The dual-band FPA was also taken to the field and we will present imagery of various targets acquired with this FPA.
Cloning and chromosomal localization of a novel gene-encoding a human β2-integrin α subunit

Abstract We isolated a partial genomic clone encoding ITGAD, a novel β2-integrin α subunit. The ITGAD gene is highly homologous to the three previously known α subunit-encoding genes, that compose the β2 integrin family, in deduced amino acid sequence, intron/exon structure and mapping location (chromosome 16p11).
An Evaluation of Two Domical Block Replacement Techniques for Streaming Media in Wireless Home Networks

Wireless mesh home networks are deployed widely due to their ease of installation and economical prices. A typical network may consist of a handful of devices such as PCs, laptops, wireless consumer electronic devices, and game consoles. Devices may share data by making the state of their caches dependent on one another using a cooperative caching technique such as Domical. This sharing of data at the edges of the network reduces the load on the infrastructure outside of the household, freeing it to service other requests. In this paper, we analyze two local cache replacement techniques designed to enhance average startup latency of streaming media. Both pre-stage a fraction of a clip on a device in anticipation of its future reference in order to display the prefetch portion while streaming its remainder in the background. We use a simulation study of a realistic home network to compare these two technique with one another when deployed with Domical. Obtained results show show one technique, named urgency-worthiness, is superior to the other when storage is abundant.
Induction of forward mutation at the yg2 locus in maize by ethylnitrosourea.

The authors analyzed the kinetics of mutation induction at the yg2 locus in Zea mays by N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU). ENU concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 10.7 mM and a linear, concentration-dependent response was observed for the induction of yg2 sectors in leaf 4 and leaf 5. For both leaf 4 and leaf 5 ENU exhibited one-hit kinetics consistent with either a point-mutational or chromosome-breakage mechanism of mutation induction. Based on their respective chemical reactivities with DNA, the authors propose that ENU predominantly induces point mutations at the yg2 locus. One rad of gamma radiation induced the same rate of mutation as an 8-hr exposure to a 6.71 x 10/sup -6/ M concentration of ENU at 20/sup 0/C.
Fragmentation of collisionally activated hydroxyphenoxide anions in the gas phase

Low-energy collisionally activated dissociation of O-deprotonated dihydroxybenzenes (catechol, resorcinol, hydroquinone) in the gas phase causes both fragmentation to form [C 6 H 4 O 2 ] − ions by loss of the remaining oxygen-bound hydrogen atom and intramolecular hydrogen atom migration from 0 to C. The rearranged anion then undergo ring-cleavage reactions which are different in each case. Both catechol and hydroquinone produce fragments which are the result of the loss of two carbon atoms and both oxygen atoms but the proposed mechanisms are different. Resorcinol also produces a fragment which derives from the loss of carbon dioxide. For this process a mechanism is proposed which involves a 6-methylpyranone anion intermediate
Dissemination of Healthcare Technologies Toward a More Informed Approach

Healthcare advances have seen the emergence of technologies that are highly effective at improving patient outcomes, yet efficient dissemination of these technologies remains challenging. On the one hand, it is essential to ensure appropriate dissemination to provide equitable access to care. Indeed, many innovations are poorly disseminated leading to inequalities in access to these innovations and potentially contributing to inequalities in health outcomes.1 On the other hand, many novel technologies are also highly specialized and costly; uncoordinated and excessive dissemination of such technologies may result in waste of precious healthcare resources with minimal or no benefit to patients. Article see p 400 Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the prototypical example of such a technology that has undergone rapid, yet questionable, expansion. Multiple trials have established the efficacy of PCI for acute reperfusion in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and for revascularization in patients with coronary disease, with the evidence well summarized in clinical guidelines.2,3 PCI is now one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States4 and one of the most costly in terms of overall healthcare expenditure.5 The growth in PCI procedures performed has been paralleled by rapid proliferation of PCI programs, with 1669 (36.2%) of hospitals in the United States having a PCI program in 2006, an estimated 44% increase from 2001.6 However, during this period, timely access to PCI, that is, the proportion of the population living within 1 hour of a PCI facility, increased by 0.9% from 79.0% to 79.9%.6 This latter observation raises many questions about the efficiency of PCI dissemination that has occurred in the United States for the provision of primary PCI services for STEMI. Specifically, it suggests that many of these new PCI programs were duplicative of existing PCI programs. In …
Preliminary Study of Resonant Mass Sensors Based on Asymmetrically Gapped Cantilevers

This paper reports the proof of concept of resonant mass sensors based on asymmetrically gapped cantilevers using a mesoscale prototype. The asymmetrically gapped cantilever structure helps to increase the displacement sensitivity signifi cantly and consequently increases the mass resolution. The body of the mesoscale prototype was machined from an aluminum piece and the displacement sensing element was a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) sheet separated from the bottom mechanical beam. A PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) tubing was wrapped around the resonator for the flow-through measurement of liquid samples. The sensor was characterized with different liquid solutions. A minimum detectable density difference of 6.0 × 10-5 g cm-3 was achieved. With a sample volume of 38 μL, the minimum detectable mass was 2.3 μg.
Are democrats greener than republicans? The case of California air quality

When it comes to environmental quality preferences, it is popularly believed that Democrats (and more generally, liberals) are “green” while Republicans” (conservatives) are “brown”. Does empirical evidence support this popular belief? We test the hypothesis that regional political identification leads to differences in concentration outcomes for several measures of California air pollution indicators, including CO, NO2, SO2, O3, PM10, and PM2.5 concentrations. We employ two alternative identification strategies on county-level cluster and year panel data that include proxy variables for political party preferences of the local populace, as well as controlling for the political party affiliations at the state-level legislative and executive branches. In general, we do not find a consistent and statistically significant relationship between pollution outcomes and political variables for California. The popular belief is empirically supported only for NO2 and O3, but not for any of the other pollutants, and even in these two cases the relationship only holds at the local regulatory level and not at the state policymaking level. At the state level, for most of the pollutants no significant effect of party affiliation is identified, and in the rare cases where such an effect exists, it is either too weak to be conclusive or is even counter to popular belief.
Computer Integrated Plasma Nano Manufacturing Workcell

As a very important material processing technology, plasma processing is able to modify sample surface through etching, deposition, activation, functionalization, polymerization, etc. However, the general plasma processing reacts on a large area of sample surface. Hence a mask is needed for selectively treating the sample surface. In this paper, a computer integrated plasma nano manufacturing workcell is developed, which consists of a micro plasma source and an integrated Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) nanomanipulation system. The miniature microwave plasma discharge applicator is able to create a miniature plasma stream with a diameter ranges from 2 millimeters down to micrometers. Hence the micro plasma will be able to locally treat a sample surface and has the potential to eliminate the requirement of masks. With the integrated AFM system, the sample surface is able to be inspected and further modified at nanoscale in the same chamber after machined by the micro plasma. The system design and implementation are presented in the paper. Experiments have been carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the system by locally etching a silicon substrate surface using the micro plasma source.
Detecting misrecognitions and out-of-vocabulary words

This paper describes and evaluates a new technique for evaluating confidence in word strings produced by a speech recognition system. It detects misrecognized and out-of-vocabulary words in spontaneous spoken dialogs. The system uses multiple, diverse knowledge sources including acoustics, semantics, pragmatics and discourse to determine if a word string is misrecognized. When likely misrecognitions are detected, a series of tests distinguishes out-of-vocabulary words from other error sources. The work is part of a larger effort to automatically recognize and understand new words when spoken in a spontaneous spoken dialog. The newly developed acoustic confidence metrics output independent probabilites that a word is recognized correctly and a measure of how reliably we can tell if it is wrong. At p >
Fusion-Defective Gibbon Ape Leukemia Virus Vectors Can Be Rescued by Homologous but Not Heterologous Soluble Envelope Proteins

Murine leukemia virus (MLV)-derived envelope proteins containing alterations in or adjacent to the highly conserved PHQ motif present at the N terminus of the envelope surface subunit (SU) are incorporated into vector particles but are not infectious due to a postbinding block to viral entry. These mutants can be rendered infectious by the addition of soluble receptor-binding domain (RBD) proteins in the culture medium. The RBD proteins that rescue the infectivity of these defective MLV vectors can be derived from the same MLV or from other MLVs that use distinct receptors to mediate entry. We have now constructed functional immunologically reactive gibbon ape leukemia virus (GALV) envelope proteins, tagged with a feline leukemia virus (FeLV)-derived epitope tag, which are efficiently incorporated into infectious particles. Tagged GALV envelope proteins bind specifically to cells expressing the phosphate transporter protein Pit1, demonstrating for the first time that Pit1 is the binding receptor for GALV and not a coreceptor or another type of GALV entry factor. We have also determined that GALV particles bearing SU proteins with an insertion C-terminal to the PHQ motif (GALV I(10)) bind Pit1 but fail to infect cells. Incubation with soluble GALV RBD renders GALV I(10) particles infectious, whereas incubation with soluble RBDs from MLV or FeLV-B does not. This finding is consistent with the results obtained by Lauring et al. using FeLV-T, a virus that employs Pit1 as a receptor but requires soluble FeLV RBD for entry. MLV and GALV RBDs are not able to render FeLV-T infectious (A. S. Lauring, M. M. Anderson, and J. Overbaugh, J. Virol. 75:8888-8898, 2001). Together, these results suggest that fusion-defective FeLV-T and GALV are restricted to homologous RBD rescue of infectivity.
Scaling the bandwidth wall: challenges in and avenues for CMP scaling

As transistor density continues to grow at an exponential rate in accordance to Moore's law, the goal for many Chip Multi-Processor (CMP) systems is to scale the number of on-chip cores proportionally. Unfortunately, off-chip memory bandwidth capacity is projected to grow slowly compared to the desired growth in the number of cores. This creates a situation in which each core will have a decreasing amount of off-chip bandwidth that it can use to load its data from off-chip memory. The situation in which off-chip bandwidth is becoming a performance and throughput bottleneck is referred to as the bandwidth wall problem.In this study, we seek to answer two questions: (1) to what extent does the bandwidth wall problem restrict future multicore scaling, and (2) to what extent are various bandwidth conservation techniques able to mitigate this problem. To address them, we develop a simple but powerful analytical model to predict the number of on-chip cores that a CMP can support given a limited growth in memory traffic capacity. We find that the bandwidth wall can severely limit core scaling. When starting with a balanced 8-core CMP, in four technology generations the number of cores can only scale to 24, as opposed to 128 cores under proportional scaling, without increasing the memory traffic requirement. We find that various individual bandwidth conservation techniques we evaluate have a wide ranging impact on core scaling, and when combined together, these techniques have the potential to enable super-proportional core scaling for up to 4 technology generations.
Design of contact-aided compliant cellular mechanisms with curved walls:

Contact-aided compliant cellular mechanisms are cellular structures designed with contact mechanisms integrated into each cell to provide stress relief. This article addresses compliant cellular st...
Agricultural Planning Expert: A Model of Farm Enterprise Selection

profitable, and many farmers must find alternatives Agricultural Planning Expert is a software model if they are to survive. designed for advising small-scale farmers in A series of interviews with farmers within the southern Maryland. Choosing farm enterprises is region was first conducted to determine which permodelled as consisting of four activities: suggesting sons were sought out for advice in choosing enterprises for consideration, investigating the enterprises. All of the farmers interviewed expressed suitability of enterprises, allocating resources to respect for and confidence in the advice provided by suitable enterprises, and controlling the overall the two agents in the St. Mary's County Extension direction of an advising session. Office. These two agents had many years experience in teaching agriculture to farmers and high school students. They lived and worked in St. Mary's Counallocation, computer software, farm ty and were frequent visitors to farms in the county.
A Review of Cell Equalization Methods for Lithium Ion and Lithium Polymer Battery Systems

Lithium-based battery technology offers performance advantages over traditional battery technologies at the cost of increased monitoring and controls overhead. Multiple-cell Lead-Acid battery packs can be equalized by a controlled overcharge, eliminating the need to periodically adjust individual cells to match the rest of the pack. Lithium-based based batteries cannot be equalized by an overcharge, so alternative methods are required. This paper discusses several cell-balancing methodologies. Active cell balancing methods remove charge from one or more high cells and deliver the charge to one or more low cells. Dissipative techniques find the high cells in the pack, and remove excess energy through a resistive element until their charges match the low cells. This paper presents the theory of charge balancing techniques and the advantages and disadvantages of the presented methods.
Effects of Temperature Variations on Precast, Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders

The monitoring of a precast, prestressed girder bridge during fabrication and service provided the opportunity to observe temperature variations and to evaluate the accuracy of calculated strains and cambers. The use of high curing temperatures during fabrication affects the level of prestress because the strand length is fixed during the heating, the coefficients of thermal expansion of steel and concrete differ, and the concrete temperature distribution may not be uniform. For the girders discussed here, these effects combined to reduce the calculated prestressing stress from the original design values at release by 3 to 7%, to reduce the initial camber by 26 to 40%, and to increase the bottom tension stress in service by 12 to 27%. The main effect of applying the standard service temperature profiles to the bridge was to increase the bottom stress by 60% of the allowable tension stress. These effects can be compensated for by increasing the amount of prestressing steel, but in highly stressed girders, such an increase leads to increased prestress losses ~requiring yet more strands! and higher concrete strength requirements at release.
Collectins and fungal pathogens: roles of surfactant proteins and mannose binding lectin in host resistance

Collectins, collagenous carbohydrate-binding proteins (C-type lectins), are recognized as important factors in non-specific innate immune responses to pathogens. By binding surface carbohydrate structures of pathogens, collectins modify the interaction between pathogens and the immune system. We review the structure of the lung surfactant proteins (SP) SP-A and SP-D, and the serum collectins, mannose binding lectins; the binding of these collectins to pathogen associated molecular patterns or ligands on pathogenic fungi; and the effect of collectin binding to opportunistic and primary fungal pathogens on the interaction with host defense cells, which can result in enhancement or inhibition of resistance. The result of collectin binding to opportunistic fungal pathogens (Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Pneumocystis) or primary fungal pathogens (Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides, Histoplasma capsulatum, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis) on interaction with host defense ce...
Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) gene in hematopoiesis: a surrogate marker of cell proliferation as a possible mechanism of action?

Background Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) gene expression is seen in a significant number of cases of human neoplasia; however, the mechanism of action remains to be clarified. We hypothesized that WT1 gene is a surrogate marker of proliferation in normal hematopoietic cells and leukemias. While we and others have recognized its value as a tool for the detection of minimal residual disease (MRD), the objective of this study was to confirm our hypothesis regarding normal. Methods Samples from healthy donors (n = 16) and UC blood (n = 9) were cultured in MethocultTM for 21 days. Colonies were analyzed on days 7, 14 and 21 by RT-PCR for WT1 gene expression. Our positive controls were samples from patients with leukemia (n = 91). Negative controls were from normal volunteers without stimulation (n = 26). Results Results showed a statistically significant difference (P Discussion In conclusion, WT1 gene expression in the proliferating colonies was highest on day 14, although less than in leukemia samples, confirming our hypothesis that WT1 gene is a surrogate marker of proliferation, not only in leukemogenesis but also, to a lesser degree, in normal cell proliferation.
Using Knowledge of Soil Nutrient Cycling Processes to Design Sustainable Agriculture

Perspectives from different but complementary schools of thought in ecology are being applied to sustainable agriculture-population and community ecology on one hand and ecosystem ecology on the other. These perspectives intersect in the study of mechanisms and controls of processes in ecosystems. Increased understanding of these processes in agroecosystems will contribute to development of sustainable agriculture. Current models of nutrient cycling in soil suggest that active or readily mineralizable fractions of soil organic matter (SOM) are coupled to plant-available nutrient pools through the processes of mineralization and immobilization. Factors that control these processes (soil temperature, water, and texture; and resource quality of organic inputs) are influenced by management practices and represent potential controlling points for managing nutrient cycles in agroecosystems. Organic inputs present different problems for nutrient management than & synthetic fertilizers, because most nutrients mus...
Perfusion of the inner ear

For many years, formidable physiologic and anatomic barriers to treatment of the inner ear have existed, limiting our ability to treat symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, and sensorineural hearing loss. Recently, in the United States, there has been renewed interest in the local application of drugs such as aminoglycosides and corticosteroids to the inner ear as a potentially less invasive treatment for Meniere's disease and other inner ear diseases. The ability to avoid significant potential side effects known to occur with systemic administration makes direct inner ear delivery particularly attractive. New delivery systems approved by the US Food and Drug Administration raise intriguing possibilities for use as delivery systems for a wide range of agents currently being studied for their potential for rescue, repair, and regeneration.
Development towards a space-flyable atom interferometer-based gravity gradiometer

An atom interferometer-based gravity gradiometer is being developed for subsurface mapping and geodesy, and fundamental physics investigations from space. We report on this design effort along with the details of the current laboratory-based instrument.
Solutions of the Dehnen-Shahin relativistic equations for positronium

Abstract A pole singularity is found in the Kemmer-Fenni-Yang relativistic equation for positronium-like systems under favorable conditions. We show that its presence in the 1S0 state for the positronium interaction used by Dehnen and Shahin does not give rise to any resonance. Resonances of zero width appear only if the electromagnetic interaction strength is increased 160-fold or more. However, the same singularity, even in a weak potential, shows an unacceptable infrared pathology in which a number of spurious bound states appear near zero energy. Examination of the phase shifts confirms the absence of resonances in the Dehnen-Shahin equation in both 1S0 and 3P0 states.