cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive multi-antenna power control in wireless networks

Transmission power control has often been used in wireless packet networks to improve the channel reuse and reduce energy consumption. It has been mainly applied to single-input single-output (SISO) systems, where each node is equipped with a single antenna. In this paper, we propose a power-controlled channel access protocol for MIMO-capable wireless LANs with two antennas per node. Our protocol, called E-BASIC, is based on a modification of the classic CSMA/CA access scheme, where we dynamically adjust the "transmission mode" and the transmission power on a per-packet basis so as to minimize the total energy consumption. By "transmission mode" we mean one of the four possible transmit/receive antenna configurations: 1 x 1 (SISO), 2 x 1 (MISO), 1 x 2 (SIMO), and 2 x 2 (MIMO). Our energy model accounts for both the transmission and the circuit powers. While the MIMO mode requires less RF transmission energy than the other three modes, it also incurs the highest circuit energy consumption. Depending on the transmitter-receiver distance, any of the four modes can be the "optimal" one in terms of minimizing the total energy consumption. We study the performance of E-BASIC in ad hoc and infrastructure-based scenarios and compare it with two channel access protocols (802.11 and BASIC) that use a fixed transmission mode (SISO or MIMO) all the time. Our simulations show that E-BASIC often consumes much less total energy than the reference protocols. We further incorporate E-BASIC into the design of a power-aware routing (PAR) scheme that uses a variant of Dijkstra's algorithm to select the most energy-efficient end-to-end path between nodes.
Response to Open Peer Commentaries on “Caring for the Suffering: Meeting the Ebola Crisis Responsibly”

In this special issue of the American Journal of Bioethics that is concerned with the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa and the various actual and proposed responses, there are a number of viewpo...
Differences in sensitivity to ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversions emerge after pre- or post-pubertal gonadectomy in male and female rats.

We have previously demonstrated that gonadectomy either prior to (early) or after (late) puberty elevated ethanol consumption in males to levels similar to intact adult females—effects that were attenuated by testosterone replacement. To assess whether alterations in the aversive effects of ethanol might contribute to gonadectomy-associated increases in ethanol intake in males, the present study examined the impact of gonadectomy on conditioned taste aversions (CTA) to ethanol in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were gonadectomized, received sham surgery (SH) or non-manipulated (NM) on postnatal (P) day 23 (early) or 67 (late) and tested for CTA to ethanol in adulthood. Water-deprived rats were given 1 hr access every-other-day to 10% sucrose followed by an injection of ethanol (0, 1 g/kg) for 5 test sessions. Test data were analyzed to determine the first day significant aversions emerged in each ethanol group (i.e., sucrose intakes significantly less than their saline-injected counterparts). Early gonadectomized males acquired the CTA more rapidly than did early SH and NM males (day 1 vs 3 and 4 respectively), whereas a gonadectomy-associated enhancement in ethanol CTA was not evident in late males. Among females, gonadectomy had little impact on ethanol-induced CTA, with females in all groups showing an aversion by the first or second day, regardless of surgery age. These data suggest that previously observed elevations in ethanol intake induced by either pre- or post-pubertal gonadectomy in males are not related simply to gonadectomy-induced alterations in the aversive effects of ethanol indexed via CTA.
Anion photoelectron spectroscopy of small boron nitride clusters: adiabatic detachment energies and vibrational frequencies of low-lying electronic states in B2N and B3N

Vibrationally resolved photoelectron spectra of B2N− and B3N− at 266 nm are reported. The spectroscopy of B3N was studied experimentally for the first time. The spectra allow us to determine adiabatic detachment energies and vibrational frequencies for several low-lying electronic states of the neutral species. Both ground state anions are shown to have linear geometries. For B2N− transitions to two electronic states of the neutral are observed. The electron affinity of Open image in new window is 3.098 ± 0,010 eV. The term, energy of the electronically excited state (A2∑ g + ) is 0.785 eV. Transitions to three electronic states of B3N are observed, of which the first two show vibrational structure. The adiabatic detachment energies for these two states are 2.919 eV and 3.062 eV. Preliminary calculations indicate that the photocietachment transition between the electronic ground states of B3N− and B3N is spin-forbidden and therefore not observed in our spectra.
Collaborative evaluation of a volunteer monitoring program to improve group homes for adults with mental retardation

This report describes an evaluation study of a volunteer monitoring program designed to improve the quality of life in group homes for adults with mental retardation. Special attention is given to the evaluation researchers' efforts to collaborate with the volunteer monitors to develop valid measures and a research design that would minimize the inherent threats to validity (e.g., selection biases). Initial results noted (a) the frequency in which 257 volunteers monitored 248 group homes in Michigan and (b) the homes that were visited three or more times over the course of this study had lower normalization levels than the home visited only once or twice. The impact of the program was tested using a repeated measures design with a subsample of 79 homes that were monitored on at least four occasions. The evaluation results suggested that frequent monitoring was associated with improvements in the homes' decor, the residents' appearance, and the social interaction styles in the homes.
Clinical cancer therapy by NK cells via antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity

Natural killer (NK) cells are powerful effector cells that can be directed to eliminate tumor cells through tumor-targeted monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Some tumor-targeted mAbs have been successfully applied in the clinic and are included in the standard of care for certain malignancies. Strategies to augment the antitumor response by NK cells have led to an increased understanding of how to improve their effector responses. Next-generation reagents, such as molecularly modified mAbs and mAb-cytokine fusion proteins (immunocytokines, ICs) designed to augment NK-mediated killing, are showing promise in preclinical and some clinical settings. Continued research into the antitumor effects induced by NK cells and tumor-targeted mAbs suggests that additional intrinsic and extrinsic factors may influence the antitumor response. Therefore more research is needed that focuses on evaluating which NK cell and tumor criteria are best predictive of a clinical response and which combination immunotherapy regimens to pursue for distinct clinical settings.
Predictive genetic tests: problems and pitfalls.

: The role that genetic factors play in medicine has expanded, owing to such recent advances as those made by the Human Genome Project and the work that has spun off from it. The project is focusing particularly on localization and characterization of recognized human genetic disorders, which in turn increases awareness of the potential for improved treatment of these disorders. Technical advances in genetic testing in the absence of effective treatment has presented the health profession with major ethical challenges. The example of the identification of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in families at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer is presented to illustrate the issues of the sensitivity of the method, the degree of susceptibility a positive result implies, the need for and availability of counseling and patient education, and confidentiality of the test results. A compelling need exists for adequate education about medical genetics to raise the “literacy” rate among health professionals.
Conditio sine qua non? Zuordnung in the early epistemologies of Cassirer and Schlick

In early major works, Cassirer and Schlick differently recast traditional doctrines of the concept and of the relation of concept to intuitive content along the lines of recent epistemological discussions within the exact sciences. In this, they attempted to refashion epistemology by incorporating as its basic principle the notion of functional coordination, the theoretical sciences' own methodological tool for dispensing with the imprecise and unreliable guide of intuitive evidence. Examining their respective reconstructions of the theory of knowledge provides an axis of comparison along which to locate Cassirer's Neo-Kantianism and Schlick's pre-positivist empiricism, and an immediate background of contrast to the subsequent rise of logical empiricism. For in the absence of intuition all our knowledge is without objects and therefore remains entirely empty. (Kant A62/B87) And how awkward is the human mind in diving the nature of things when forsaken by the analogy of what we see and touch directly? (Boltzmann 1895)
Altered drug translocation mediated by the MDR protein: direct, indirect, or both?

Overexpression of the MDR protein, or p-glycoprotein (p-GP), in cells leads to decreased initial rates of accumulation and altered intracellular retention of chemotherapeutic drugs and a variety of other compounds. Thus, increased expression of the protein is related to increased drug resistance. Since several homologues of the MDR protein (CRP, ltpGPA, PDR5, sapABCDF) are also involved in conferring drug resistance phenomena in microorganisms, elucidating the function of the MDR protein at a molecular level will have important general applications. Although MDR protein function has been studied for nearly 20 years, interpretation of most data is complicated by the drug-selection conditions used to create model MDR cell lines. Precisely what level of resistance to particular drugs is conferred by a given amount of MDR protein, as well as a variety of other critical issues, are not yet resolved. Data from a number of laboratories has been gathered in support of at least four different models for the MDR protein. One model is that the protein uses the energy released from ATP hydrolysis to directly translocate drugs out of cells in some fashion. Another is that MDR protein overexpression perturbs electrical membrane potential (δψ) and/or intracellular pH (pHi) and therebyindirectly alters translocation and intracellular retention of hydrophobic drugs that are cationic, weakly basic, and/or that react with intracellular targets in a pHi, or δψ-dependent manner. A third model proposes that the protein alternates between drug pump and Cl− channel (or channel regulator) conformations, implying that both direct and indirect mechanisms of altered drug translocation may be catalyzed by MDR protein. A fourth is that the protein acts as an ATP channel. Our recent work has tested predictions of these models via kinetic analysis of drug transport and single-cell photometry analysis of pHi, δψ, and volume regulation in novel MDR and CFTR transfectants that have not been exposed to chemotherapeutic drugs prior to analysis. This paper reviews these data and previous work from other laboratories, as well as relevant transport physiology concepts, and summarizes how they either support or contradict the different models for MDR protein function.
First-Year Engineering Students' Portrayal of Engineering in a Proposed Museum Exhibit for Middle School Students.

Students’ perceptions of engineering have been documented through studies involving interviews, surveys, and word associations that take a direct approach to asking students about various aspects of their understanding of engineering. Research on perceptions of engineering rarely focuses on how students would portray engineering to others. First-year engineering student teams proposed a museum exhibit, targeted to middle school students, to explore the question “What is engineering?” The proposals took the form of a poster. The overarching research question focuses on how these students would portray engineering to middle school students as seen through their museum exhibit proposals. A preliminary analysis was done on 357 posters to determine the overall engineering themes for the proposed museum exhibits. Forty of these posters were selected and, using open coding, more thoroughly analyzed to learn what artifacts/objects, concepts, and skills student teams associate with engineering. These posters were also analyzed to determine if there were any differences by gender composition of the student teams. Building, designing, and teamwork are skills the first-year engineering students link to engineering. Regarding artifacts, students mentioned those related to transportation and structures most often. All-male teams were more likely to focus on the idea of space and to mention teamwork and designing as engineering skills; equal-gender teams were more likely to focus on the multidisciplinary aspect of engineering. This analysis of student teams’ proposals provides baseline data, positioning instructors to develop and assess instructional interventions that stretch students’ self-exploration of engineering.
Substituted β-Cyclodextrins Interact with PAMAM Dendrimer–DNA Complexes and Modify Transfection Efficiency

Abstract The efficiency of PAMAM dendrimer-mediated DNA transfer can be improved by the addition of substituted β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs) as formulation excipients. In vitro CAT expression increased approximately 200-fold when dendrimer/DNA/β-CD formulations were applied on the surface of collagen membranes. The inclusion of β-CD into the formulations resulted in particles that were smaller and more evenly distributed on the surface of the solid support. The average size of the complex formed at 50 μg/ml and at charge ratio of 1 decreased from 156 nm to 5.8 nm and 21.2 nm in 0.025–0.1% w/vol β-CDs. Sulfonated β-CDs bind to dendrimer and in the increased concentration may displace DNA in the dendrimer/DNA complex. High concentrations of amphoteric β-CD do not dissociate dendrimer/DNA complexes; however, they may decrease their ability to transfect cells. At the optimized formulations the surface-modified β-CDs may enhance solid support-based transfection in vitro, through modification of dendrimer/DNA complex composition and improved surface distribution.
Influence of irradiation conditions on the measurement of DNA double-strand breaks by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis

The induction of gamma-ray-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was compared in the DNA of intact Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells imbedded in agarose plugs, and in the isolated DNA of agarose-imbedded CHO cells that had been lysed before irradiation, to determine whether these irradiation conditions would influence their measurement. DSB-induction in irradiated cells or isolated DNA was measured as the loss of DNA from the plug compared with the unirradiated control. Chromatin protein was completely digested by the lysis buffer and as such did not affect DNA migration upon electrophoresis, whereas concentrations of EDTA as low as 10(-5) M affected the induction of DSBs in the isolated DNA. The gel plugs required several hours of washing with PBS to remove the contaminating EDTA from the lysis buffer. Once the residual EDTA was removed, DNA DSB induction as a function of dose was 70 times greater in isolated DNA than in the DNA of intact cells.
DNA polymorphism haplotypes of the human lipoprotein lipase gene: possible association with high density lipoprotein levels.

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) plays a central role in the metabolism of lipoproteins by hydrolyzing the core triglycerides of circulating very low density lipoproteins and chylomicrons. The enzyme is encoded by a gene about 30kb in size located on the short arm of human chromosome 8. We have determined the locations of the four common DNA polymorphisms along the gene, including a polymorphism that occurred only among an American black population examined. These restriction site polymorphisms were used for haplotype analysis of Mediterranean and US black families. Estimation of the extent of nonrandom association between these polymorphisms indicated considerable linkage disequilibrium between these sites. No correlation was observed between the level of linkage disequilibrium and the physical distance of the polymorphic sites. The polymorphism information content of the haplotypes ranged from 0.65 to 0.74, thereby constituting a relatively useful genetic marker on chromosome 8. We tested for possible associations between the polymorphisms and circulating lipoprotein phenotypes in a population of 139 Caucasians undergoing coronary arteriography and 50 of their spouses. Some possibly significant associations between LPL gene polymorphisms and levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.015) and total plasma cholesterol (P = 0.025) were observed. In contrast to a previous report, we found no significant associations with the levels of plasma triglycerides.
Acquired alexia: lessons from successful treatment.

Two individuals with anomic aphasia and acquired alexia were each provided treatment for their reading impairment. Although reading of single words in isolation was fairly accurate, their text reading was slow and effortful, including functor substitutions and semantic errors. Prior to treatment, reading reaction times for single words showed grammatical class and word-length effects. Both patients responded positively to a treatment protocol that included two phases: (1) multiple oral rereading of text, and (2) reading phrase-formatted text that had increased spacing between phrasal clauses. Their reading rates for text improved while maintaining good comprehension. Following treatment, reading reaction times for single words showed the elimination of grammatical class and word-length effects, suggesting improved access to word forms, particularly functors. (JINS, 1998, 4, 621–635.)
A kinetics model of hydrogen absorption and desorption in Ti-doped NaAlH4

The kinetics of the hydrogen sorption of Ti-doped direct-synthesized NaAlH4 has been studied by measuring sorption rates at various temperatures and applied pressures. Formation and decomposition rate equations for NaAlH4 and Na3AlH6 are proposed, and pre-exponential factors and activation energies have been calculated for these reactions. These equations were used to calculate alanate decomposition curves. The results fit the experimental data very well. The predictive capabilities of this empirical approach provide a very useful modeling tool for optimizing the performance of the alanates over a range of hydrogen absorption temperatures and pressures. Under a typical hydrogen-loading condition (constant pressure), the optimum temperature for “fast fill” can be determined.
Electrophysiologic findings in multifocal motor neuropathy

Article abstract-We performed detailed electrophysiologic studies on 16 patients with clinically defined multifocal motor neuropathy and found a wide spectrum of demyelinating features. Only five patients (31%) had conduction block in one or more nerves. However, in 15 patients (94%) at least one nerve showed other features of demyelination. We also noted a significant degree of superimposed axonal degeneration in 15 patients. Eight patients (50%) had individual nerves with pure axonal injury, despite the presence of demyelinating features in other nerves. Antiganglioside antibodies were elevated in four of five patients with conduction block and five of 11 patients without conduction block. We conclude that multifocal motor neuropathy is characterized electrophysiologically by a wide spectrum of axonal and demyelinating features. Diagnostic criteria requiring conduction block may lead to underdiagnosis of this potentially treatable neuropathy. NEUROLOGY 1997;48: 700-707
Response of multistoried buildings to ground translation and rocking during earthquakes

Abstract This paper presents an approach for estimating the peaks of response of the fixed-base multistoried buildings which are subjected to the combined action of translational and rocking components of earthquake ground motion. The formulation includes the representation of the interaction between various modes and accounts for the phase difference between the translational and rocking components.
Hand-Grip Torque for Circular Electrical Connectors: The Effect of Obstructions

The hand grips of 18 male and 16 female subjects were studied to determine the maximum, clockwise static torque that could be applied to circular electrical connectors under six defined levels of interference and four conditions of interference (types of obstruction) with and without work gloves. The diameters of connectors tested were 0.9, 1.5 and 2.0 in., respectively. Torque strength and required separation were found to be a function of level of interference, condition of interference, connector size, and glove usage. Interference from an adjacent surface to the right or below the grasped connector was less severe than interference from adjacent connectors to the left and right. The greatest interference occurred when adjacent connectors were located to the right, left, above and below the grasped connector. Large connectors permitted greater torque and required less surface-to-surface clearance than small connectors. The use of work gloves increased torque strength slightly but required much larger c...
Captive spawning and larval rearing of California yellowtail (Seriola lalandi)

A captive population of California yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) was used to document spawning patterns, including measures of egg production, population fecundity and egg and larval quality from 2007 to 2010. Spawned eggs were also used to document larval development and to develop rearing techniques for aquaculture in the region. Broodstock growth and condition factor were best when feeding rations were maintained at 10–15% body weight week−1 during the warm summer months. A winter ration based on satiation feeding was typically 4% body weight week−1. During the 4-year study period, the only broodstock health issue was an infestation by the parasitic gill fluke Zeuxapta seriolae, which was readily treated. Spawning occurred naturally in the 140 m3 tank when the ambient water temperature reached 16°C and ended when the temperature exceeded 22°C. Egg production reached a maximum in 2010 when 43 spawn events were recorded from a pool of nine females yielding 36.8 million eggs in total. The average female size at this time was 20 kg, which equated to a total annual population fecundity of approximately 226 000 eggs kg−1 female year−1. Larval rearing trials yielded survival rates as high as 5.8% from egg to 50 days post-hatch (dph). Successful larval culture methods included the addition of algae paste for green water culture, rotifers (20 rotifers mL−1) at 2 dph and Artemia (5 Artemia mL−1) at 6 dph. Larvae were transferred from the incubation tank at 10 dph to a shallower tank with 33% greater surface area to accommodate the larvae's strong orientation to surface waters. This research represents the first documentation of successful spawning and larval rearing for S. lalandi in the eastern Pacific.
Distorted-wave electron-impact-ionization cross sections for highly ionized neonlike atoms

Electron-impact-ionization cross sections have been computed for several neonlike ions in a distorted-wave Born exchange approximation. For lower ionization stages the total cross section was found to be sensitive to the details of the distorted potential in which the partial waves were calculated. Ionization from the 2s/sup 2/ core subshell increased in importance for higher charge states. Isoelectronic curves are presented which allow the interpolation of nonrelativistic electron-impact-ionization cross sections for any ion in the neon sequence in the incident electron energy range of one to three times threshold. A comparison to available experimental and semiempirical formulas is made.
History as a Mode of Inquiry in Organizational Life: A Role for Human Cosmogony

Inquiry into social and organizational life has been characterized predominantly by a structural-functionalist orientation, following the influence of sociologists such as Talcott Parsons. While this orientation has produced a great deal of knowledge and insight in the field of organizational theory, there are ways in which this orientation has led to unintentional consequences. The structural-functionalist orientation tends to generate a snapshot approach to research by focusing on the givenness of social structures and in so doing, adds to a sense of reification of organizational processes. Organizational life is a socially constructed reality. This is easily forgotten because by nature, social institutions begin to degenerate into recipe knowledge for its members, and original meanings and intentions that once guided social arrangements get lost. This paper proposes that we need a methodology which attempts to capture the historicity and continuity of organizational life, and the contingencies and deci...
Reliability and Validity of the Math Essential Skill Screener Elementary Version (MESS-E).

The Math Essential Skill Screener–Elementary Version (MESS-E) is a screener devised to identify primary grade students at risk for math difficulties. Item analysis, interitem consistency, test–retest reliability, decision efficiency, and construct validity of the MESS-E were studied using four independent samples of boys and girls grades 1–3 (aged 6–8). Item analysis revealed median item difficulty of .64 and median item discrimination of .75. Interitem consistency was .92 (n = 171) and .94 (n = 711), while 30-day test–retest reliability was .86 (n = 125). Exploratory factor analysis indicated a one-factor solution accounting for 37% of observed variance. LISREL 7 confirmatory factor analysis procedures determined that the one-factor model fit the standardization sample data poorly (goodness-of-fit index = .729, χ2 to df ratio = 9.91). The MESS-E yielded concurrent validity coefficients (n = 171) of .74 with the Woodcock–Johnson: Tests of Achievement–Revised (WJ-R) Math Cluster, .80 with the Wide-Range Achievement Test–Revised (WRAT-R) Arithmetic subtest and .73 with the KeyMath-R Operations Area standard scores. A diagnostic efficiency study yielded a total predictive value (TPV) of .93, sensitivity = .98, specificity = .88, positive predictive power (PPP) = .89, negative predictive power (NPP) = .98, and incremental validity = 39%. The MESS-E displayed a slight tendency to overidentify children potentially at risk for math difficulties. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Population of SAP and TSAP Isomers in Cyclen-Based Lanthanide(III) Chelates Is Substantially Affected by Solvent

The square antiprism/twisted square antiprism ratio in LnDOTA-tetraamide chelates is a critical parameter in governing water-exchange kinetics and ultimately the utility of a chelate as a PARACEST MRI contrast agent. In LnDOTA-tetraamide chelates with tertiary amides, this ratio and the rate of interconversion between these two structural isomers are found to be dramatically dependent upon the solvent and possibly other local environmental factors.
Starch-based lightweight concrete: effect of starch source, processing method, and aggregate geometry

Abstract One potential new use for starch is in making lightweight ( 3 ) concrete. Lightweight concrete is important commercially because of its low sound and thermal conductivity and its low plastic, cured, and oven-dried densities. Lightweight concrete was made containing wheat, corn and high amylose corn starches. The starches were used as either hydrated raw starch or aquagels (semi-rigid gels of gelatinized starch that contain mostly water) that were prepared by three different processes to form spherical, angular or cylindrical particles. The moisture content (MC) of the aquagels was highest for cylindrical samples (extrusion process), intermediate for spherical aquagels (batch process #1), and lowest for angular aquagels (batch process #2) and hydrated raw starches. When added to a concrete mixture, some of the moisture contained by the aquagels migrated into the mixture and affected the water:cement ratio ( w/c ), which, in turn, affects ultimate strength. The total moisture content (TMC) of the concrete mixture was lowest for mixtures containing aquagels from batch process #2, intermediate for mixtures containing aquagels processed by extrusion or batch process #1, and highest for mixtures containing raw starches. Shrinkage during the curing of concrete test samples was excessive in samples containing hydrated raw starches (1.4%) and aquagels prepared by extrusion (4.2%). The excessive shrinkage resulted in extensive cracking. Only a small amount of shrinkage and no cracking occurred in lightweight concrete containing aquagels prepared by the batch processes. The source of starch had no significant effect on the physical and mechanical properties of the concrete. The starch-based lightweight concrete had a lower compressive strength than samples made of perlite, a commercial lightweight aggregate. The greater strength of perlite-based concrete was likely due to the interfacial bonding that occurs between cement and perlite aggregate, but is absent in starch-based concrete. The size and shape of the starch aquagel significantly affected the cured density and strength of the concrete. Concrete containing small aquagels (0.15–0.84 mm) had a higher cured density and compressive strength than samples containing large (1.4–2.0 mm) aquagels. Concrete samples containing spherical aquagels had a greater compressive strength than samples containing angular aquagels.
Comparison of x-ray cross sections for diagnostic and therapeutic medical physics

The purpose of this technical report is to make available an up-to-date source of attenuation coefficient data to the medical physics community, and to compare these data with other more familiar sources. Data files from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (in Livermore, CA) were truncated to match the needs of the medical physics community, and an interpolation routine was written to calculate a continuous set of cross sections spanning energies from 1 keV to 50 MeV. Coefficient data are available for elements Z = 1 through Z = 100. Values for mass attenuation coefficients, mass-energy-transfer coefficients, and mass-energy absorption coefficients are produced by a single computer subroutine. In addition to total interaction cross sections, the cross sections for photoelectric, Rayleigh, Compton, pair, and some triplet interactions are also produced by this single program. The coefficients were compared to the 1970 data of Storm and Israel over the energy interval from 1 to 1000 keV; for elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80, the average positive difference between the Storm and Israel coefficients and the coefficients reported here are 1.4%, 2.7%, and 2.6%, for the mass attenuation, mass energy-transfer, and mass-energy absorption coefficients, respectively. The 1969 data compilation of mass attenuation coefficients from McMaster et al. were also compared with the newer LLNL data. Over the energy region from 10 keV to 1000 keV, and from elements Z = 1 to Z = 82 (inclusive), the overall average difference was 1.53% (sigma = 0.85%). While the overall average difference was small, there was larger variation (> 5%) between cross sections for some elements. In addition to coefficient data, other useful data such as the density, atomic weight, K, L1, L2, L3, M, and N edges, and numerous characteristic emission energies are output by the program, depending on a single input variable. The computer source code, written in C, can be accessed and downloaded from the World Wide Web at: http:@www.aip.org/epaps/epaps.html [E-MPHSA-23-1977].
Performance testing of a vertical Bridgman furnace using experiments and numerical modeling

This paper details a portion of the work performed in preparation for the growth of lead tin telluride crystals during a Space Shuttle flight. A coordinated effort of experimental measurements and numerical modeling was completed to determine the optimum growth parameters and the performance of the furnace. This work was done using NASA's Advanced Automated Directional Solidification Furnace, but the procedures used should be equally valid for other vertical Bridgman furnaces.
Scale and innovation in the energy sector: a focus on photovoltaics and nuclear fission

Energy technologies have a tendency to become locked in. Mature technologies are favoured due to their accumulated experience and low costs, preventing the entry of new competitors into the market. Public policies support technological evolution in the energy sector through research, development, demonstration and market transformation initiatives. These programmes can reduce CO2 emissions. Their scope, however, is limited by costs and therefore efficiency is critical. Based on a study of photovoltaics and nuclear fission, I show that the scale of an energy technology influences its responsiveness to policy interventions. Rapid innovation can be more effectively supported with limited funds for small scale technologies than for those restricted to the size of a large power plant. An energy infrastructure consisting of small scale technologies may more readily adapt to strict emissions regulations.
Sources of thermally generated vacancies in single-crystal and polycrystalline gold

The rate at which the equilibrium concentration of vacancies is generated during pulsing to elevated temperatures was studied in gold. Thin single-crystal slabs were gas-pulsed (\ensuremath{\sim}1250\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$) into the range 875-920\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, held for short periods of time, and then down-quenched in order to trap the generated vacancies. The vacancies were detected by precipitating them as observable vacancy tetrahedra. Also, polycrystalline foils (grain radius \ensuremath{\sim}150-175 \ensuremath{\mu}) were electrically pulsed (\ensuremath{\sim}18\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{3}$ \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$) to 653 and 878\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. In this case the generated vacancies were detected by their resistance at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The densities of all possible vacancy sources (specimen surfaces, grain boundaries, subgrain walls, and free dislocations in the usual 3-dimensional network) were measured in the pulsed specimens. Knowing the shape of the thermal pulse, the diffusion problem of the maximum possible inward flux of vacancies from the various sources was solved and compared with experiment. A temperature-dependent monovacancy diffusion coefficient and time-dependent equilibrium boundary conditions at the sources were assumed. The results indicated that (1) free dislocations were the predominant sources; (2) the average free dislocation operated as an efficient source. In fact, the specimen filled up at a rate which was as large as 0.1 to 0.2 of the rate calculated on the assumption that vacancy equilibrium was maintained at all times along all free dislocation cores.
Phase aberration effects on beam shape evaluated with particle motion in an elastic phantom

The phase aberration phenomenon reduces spatial resolution and image contrast of the shear wave-based elasticity images impeding the study and determination of tissue mechanical properties. Shear waves can be used to make measurements of tissue elasticity. These shear waves can be produced by focused ultrasound “push” beams that generate acoustic radiation force and displace the tissue. We investigated the effects of phase aberration on the push beam shape evaluated with particle motion. A Verasonics ultrasound system equipped with a linear array transducer operating at different center frequencies (f0) was used to perform these experiments. Porcine belly skin, subcutaneous fat, and muscle were separated and placed on top of the elastic phantom. A beam of 300 μs duration focused at a depth of 40 mm from the transducer produced particle motion in the direction of the beam. The beam shape without the tissue layers was determined using a thresholding operation to create a mask from which the particle velocity for each pixel was estimated and used for further calculations. The median particle velocity decreased as various layers were added on the top of the elastic phantom. Moreover, changes in f0 also affected the particle velocity amplitude.
The Ways We Play, Part 1: From PCs to Consoles to Mobile Phones

Genre-defining conventions for touch devices like those established over many years for PCs and consoles have yet to arrive.
Japanese stock price reactions to stock dividend distributions

Abstract There is evidence of excess returns around stock dividend ex-days in the U.S. Since the ex-date is known in advance, excess returns around this day imply a pricing anomaly. Some researchers have attempted to explain the ex-day effect in terms of trading regulations and features of the U.S. market. This paper shows that stock dividends in Japan also result in significant excess returns around the ex-day which are very similar to those in the U.S. Our findings indicate that the ex-day effect is related to stock dividends per se and cannot be fully explained by characteristics of a particular market.
Variability, Feedback, and Cooperative Process Dynamics: Elements of a Unifying Hydrologic Theory

The goal of this article is to develop a framework that enables us to better understand the rich set of interactions that occur between physical and biological systems embedded in the water cycle. We begin by acknowledging that water is both a medium and a driver of interactions in the natural environment, and that the two roles are fundamentally different. As a medium, water provides habitat and life support to living systems while the variability of water flow drives both ecological and biogeochemical functions. The two roles converge within the water cycle, in which a myriad of processes (characterized as a network of positive and negative feedback cycles) interact; that is, the water cycle is a hypercycle, within which the network of natural processes self-organizes into a hierarchy of dissipative systems. The flow of water, particularly its variability, is an important agent for communicating information across the connected dissipative systems, and determining the self-organized, evolutionary course they follow.
Studies in community nutrition: estimation of sodium output.

Abstract A practical procedure for estimating dietary intake of salt would facilitate examination of the possible relationship between salt intake and hypertension and could provide feedback to aid persons in changing salt intake when such is recommended. This is a study with 19 subjects of a sampling procedure of estimating sodium output which requires less patient cooperation than that needed for a 24-hr urine sample. Each subject provided timed urine samples for portions of the entire 24-hr period for three consecutive days. Sodium excretion for any one of the entire 24-hr periods correlated well with the mean 24-hr excretion for the 3-day period. The mean sodium excretion of the three 9-hr overnight urine samples correlated equally well with the mean 24-hr excretion for the entire 3-day period. This latter procedure, which puts far less a burden of compliance on the subjects, is suggested as preferable to obtaining a 24-hr urine sample. For purposes of checking compliance with dietary suggestions, it is possible to replace the analysis for sodium with a simple titrator strip that measures chloride.
Indoor positioning for moving objects using a hardware device with spread spectrum ultrasonic waves

Moving objects, especially autonomous mobile robots, require information of indoor self-location with high accuracy to reach their destination safely and correctly. In this study, we aimed to measure the indoor position of a moving object using SS (spread spectrum) ultrasonic waves, and we discussed the accuracy of the moving distance measured using a newly developed hardware device. In the case of static object, we showed that because of the noise tolerance of SS waves, a distance up to 20 [m] could be measured between a transmitter and a receiver on cm-order. To detect the SS ultrasonic signals, correlation calculations were carried out between a range of received waves and same range of replica signals; the replica signals were the same as the transmitted SS signals. Popular positioning systems using SS electrical waves employ signal acquisition to calculate coordinates of objects from correlation values and signal tracking to measure the relative shift of distances of moving objects. It is difficult for the system using SS ultrasonic waves to continue tracking because of the decrease in the self-correlation value due to the Doppler effect that acted on a moving object. To solve this problem, we proposed a tracking method for keeping correlation values by limited range of correlation calculations. In this study, for obtaining real-time updates of positional information from the relative shift, an experiment of distance measurement was also conducted using a newly developed hardware device that was used to carry out signal acquisition and the proposed tracking method. The results show that real-time signal tracking with our method could be realized, same as existing software between +/− 0.5 [m/s]. This paper reports that we can expect self-localization of robots using this system.
Dynamic Analysis of Tensile Preloaded Woven Composites Under Low Velocity Impact

In this paper, the effects of low-velocity impact on the E-Glass Epoxy woven composite laminates under tensile preload are presented. Due to the low-velocity impact loading, laminate suffers an extensive internal damage such as delaminations and the damage on the back face. The effect of preload can significantly change the impact behavior and progressive damage mechanics. Therefore the study of impact damage susceptibility of these woven composite laminates under tensile preload (corresponding to tensile strain) is increasingly important. While considerable experimental and analytical studies have been made on the low velocity impact phenomenon, very little work is reported in the area of effect of preloads on the damage mechanics for E-Glass Epoxy woven composite laminates subjected to low velocity impact. A detailed finite element mosaic model was developed using Virtual Proving Ground (VPG) software. Dynamic analysis was performed using LSDYNA® finite element software. A plate consisting of 10 layers of E-Glass/EPON 862-W (10EG) was modeled using three dimensional orthotropic elastic brick elements. Preload boundary conditions were simulated using in-plane displacement for three different incremental values (0.08% strain, 0.16% strain and 0.24% strain) representing realistic assembly conditions. The simulation results were compared for their maximum load carrying capacity. It was observed that with increase in preload, laminate looses its maximum load carrying capacity.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The science behind percutaneous hemodynamic support: A review and comparison of support strategies

Patients in a variety of cardiovascular disease states may benefit from temporary percutaneous cardiac support, including those in acute decompensated heart failure, fulminant myocarditis, acute myocardial infarction with or without cardiogenic shock and those undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. The ideal percutaneous cardiac support device is safe, easy to use and versatile enough to meet the needs of various clinical situations and patient cohorts. In addition, it should provide maximal hemodynamic support and protection against myocardial ischemia. With these goals in mind, the scientific principles that govern hemodynamic effectiveness and myocardial protection as they pertain to acute support devices are reviewed.
ε-Adenylylated Glutamine Synthetase: An Internal Fluorescence Probe for Enzyme Conformation

A fluorescent derivative of ATP, epsilon-ATP, was used to adenylylate glutamine synthetase (EC 6.3.1.2) from Escherichia coli enzymatically. The epsilon-adenylylated enzyme exhibits similar catalytic properties and inhibitor susceptibility to those of the naturally adenylylated enzyme. The fluorescence properties of the epsilon-adenosine and of tryptophan residues of the enzyme were used to study ligand-induced conformational changes involving alterations of the tryptophan regions and the adenylylation site of the protein. Binding of Mn(2+) to the epsilon-adenylylated enzyme is accompanied by a decrease of epsilon-adenosine fluorescence as compared to the effect observed for the Mg(2+) binding. An ADP binding study shows that at low ADP concentration, ADP causes enhancement of the tryptophan fluorescence only, reflecting the binding to unadenylylated subunits; and at high ADP concentration, ADP causes not only enhancement of the fluorescence, but also a quenching of the fluorescence of enzyme-bound epsilon-AMP, reflecting binding to the adenylylated subunits. Dissociation constants calculated from these fluorescence changes agree well with those determined from binding studies of ADP to adenylylated and unadenylylated enzymes. Binding of the feedback inhibitor, alanine, to Mn(2+)-dependent glutamine synthetase causes enhancement of the epsilon-AMP fluorescence, from which a dissociation constant of 1.5 mM was calculated for the inhibitor. The fluorescence changes observed due to ligands binding suggest that Mg(2+) and Mn(2+) stabilize different conformational states of the enzyme.
Measurement of the Acceleration Field of the High-Speed Jet Sound Producing Region

With the aim of being capable of controlling the sound created by high-speed jets or engine exhausts, a preliminary experiment, using a near-field azimuthal array of 15 pressure sensors and a far-field array of 6 microphones, pointed out the region of highest sound production in the turbulent flow where a dual-time particle image velocimetry (DT-PIV) investigation is now being carried out. This measurement technique enables access to time-derivatives of the velocity field which is a quantity of great interest for developing prediction capabilities crucial for closed-loop flow control. Jointly, a flow control device using synthetic jets is developed and PIV measurements are taken with and without the control to assess the effectiveness of such devices for aeroacoustic flow control.Copyright © 2007 by ASME