cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tri-state dynamic model and adhesive effects on flying-height modulation for ultra-low flying head disk interfaces

Physical spacing between a flying slider and a rotating disk is projected to be 3 nm in order to achieve extremely high areal recording densities of 1 Tb/in2. In such ultra-low flying-height regimes, two imminent obstacles that need to be overcome are intermittent head/disk contacts and strong intermolecular adhesive forces at the head/disk interface (HDI). Head/disk contact can cause large vibrations of the recording slider and possibly damage the disk and slider due to large contact forces. Strong adhesive forces disturb the balance of forces in a flying slider by pulling it down onto the disk and increasing the possibility of catastrophic HDI failures by doing so. This paper describes a dynamic model that includes contact and adhesive forces. Specifically, a lumped parameter single degree-of-freedom, three state nonlinear dynamic model representing the normal dynamics of the HDI and asperity-based contact and adhesive models were developed and coupled together to predict the performance of ultra-low flying sliders. The validity of the proposed dynamic model was confirmed in terms of flying-height modulation (FHM) by experimental measurements using ultra-low flying HDIs. It was found that the amplitude and frequency components of the dynamic microwaviness play an important role in slider dynamics. Furthermore, the effect of adhesive force on FHM was investigated and design guidelines for reduced FHM were suggested.
Arsenic removal challenge

Arsenic contaminates the well water used by millions of Bangladeshis (see Eos 87(3), 2006). Now, the developer of a household treatment system that removes arsenic from water will receive the 2007 Grainger Challenger Prize Gold Award, the U.S. National Academy of Engineering announced on 1 February. Abul Hussam, of George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., developed a filter system, known as the SONO filter, which is manufactured and used in his native Bangladesh. The academy also announced several other award winners. Additional information is available at http://www.nae.edu/nae/grainger.nsf
Undermining Combat Readiness in the Russian Military, 1992-2005

Focusing on four critical components of combat cohesion—leadership, morale, trust, and training—the author argues that under Boris Yeltsin, combat cohesion deteriorated to the point where the Russi...
Effects of cyclic fast heating on the structure and microhardness of Zr–1%Nb alloy

A study has been made of the effects of cyclic fast heating (CFH) on the structure and microhardness of Zr–1% Nb alloy of Ukrainian production. A CFH has been performed on an equipment for high-speed x-ray diffraction analysis: a real-time instrument (SRSA-PRCh).
A low-cost monitoring station for detection & localization of interference in GPS L1 band

GNSS sensors have become critical in some applications while the low power levels of the received signals are vulnerable to interference. This paper presents a system made of networked low-cost monitoring stations with the ability to detect and localize interference sources. The method is based on time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements obtained by cross-correlating raw IF samples collected by unsynchronized front ends. The capabilities have been demonstrated experimentally in a controlled test executed in June 2012 with commercial jammers in both stationary and dynamic scenarios.
Effects of Overseeding Cool‐Season Annuals on Hay Yield and Nitrogen and Phosphorus Uptake by Tifton 44 Bermudagrass Fertilized with Swine Effluent

Use of Tifton 44 bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] in manure nutrient management is limited to summer haying. This study was done to determine how hay yield and nutrient uptake in a manurefertilized Tifton 44 field were affected by fall overseeding and spring haying with berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), crimson clover (T. incarnatum L.), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Overseeding treatments were compared with a nonoverseeded control on Mantachie loam (fine, siliceous, acid, thermic Aeric Fluvaquents) receiving 168 kg P ha - 1 in swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) effluent. Spring hay was cut April-June and summer hay July-October 2000-2002. Dry matter (DM) (4.4-5.5 Mg ha - 1 yr - 1 ) and P uptake (12.2-17.1 kg ha - 1 yr - 1 ) of spring berseem clover hay were higher than the control in 2 of 3 yr and higher than other treatments in 2002. Total DM and P uptake with berseem clover overseeding were 10% higher than the control. Final Mehlich-3 P soil levels (0-5 cm) tended to be lower in the berseem clover treatment than the control (65 vs. 81 mg kg - 1 , respectively). Spring berseem clover hay was higher in N (94-122 kg ha - 1 yr - 1 ) than the control each year and higher than other treatments in 2 of 3 yr. Summer Tifton 44 hay in the berseem dover treatment had more DM in 2002 and higher N uptake in 2001 and 2002 than other treatments. No treatment reduced Tifton 44 yield or nutrient uptake. Overseeding increased hay yield and nutrient uptake, and berseem clover was as good as or better than other treatments.
Sports Game Play: A Comparison of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activities in Adolescents

BACKGROUND: Research suggests participation in sports is an important contributor to overall adolescent physical activity (PA). Sports play has become increasingly important in physical education (PE) classes as a means for promoting healthful and enjoyable PA. Research is needed that investigates physiological and perceptual responses to sport play. METHODS: We studied 101 (55 males; 46 females, age 11-14) students who participated in flag football (FF), basketball (BB), and flag rugby (FR). Activity counts were collected using accelerometers. Perceived competence and enjoyment were measured using the intrinsic motivation inventory. RESULTS: Each sport activity produced acceptable levels of activity and positive perceptual responses, but differences among sports were noted. Accelerometry data indicated that FR and BB were more intense than FF (p CONCLUSIONS: Participation in sport activity within middle school PE classes provides excellent opportunities for energy expenditure and positive perceptual responses. Most importantly, FR provides an activity stimulus that has potential benefits both physiologically and psychologically. Language: en
Numerical simulation of positive corona discharge in air

Electrical discharges play a key role in technologies, the corona discharge commonly occurs in many engineering devices and processes. Diverse applications demand a solid physical and chemical understanding of the operational principals of such discharges. All of this reflects on the great importance of the evaluation of the corona performance characteristics. Numerical simulation of the corona discharge is necessary for predicting the performance of a device. The present work is devoted to the numerical determination of the properties of corona discharge in a DC positive point-to-plane gap in air. The inception and propagation of the avalanche is simulated by Monte Carlo method. This method provides the spatial-temporal local field and charge density variations as well as the avalanche front velocity.
Design of antineoplastic agents on the basis of the “2‐phenyl‐naphthalene‐type” structural pattern. 3. synthesis and biological activity evaluation of 5H‐benzo[b]naphtho‐[2,3‐d]pyrrole‐6,11‐dione derivatives

A number of 5H-Benzo[b]naphtho[2,3-d]pyrrole-6,11-dione derivatives were synthesized. Their biological activity was compared with that of the corresponding benzoxazolo- and benzthiazolo-analogues.
Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen-4 Blockade in Melanoma

Abstract Purpose Melanoma is an aggressive malignancy that has a complex relationship with the host immune system. Immunotherapies have long been a mainstay of melanoma therapy, and advanced therapies continue to be effective in treating this disease. Immune checkpoint blockade has proven to be a novel target in melanoma, with the approval of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4)–targeted therapy. This review evaluates the role of CTLA-4–targeted therapies in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, with a focus on mechanisms, efficacy, toxicity, and future directions of this therapy. Methods A search was performed in PubMed to identify relevant clinical studies that explored the clinical experience with CTLA-4–targeted therapy in melanoma. Findings Signaling through CTLA-4 causes deactivation of T cells after the initial stimulatory signals. Therapies that block CTLA-4 lead to increased T-cell function and an antitumor response in patients with metastatic melanoma. The adverse event profile of these agents is different from that seen with more traditional cancer therapies and consists of dermatitis, colitis, and other autoimmune toxicities. In addition, the pattern of response is different from that seen with traditional cytotoxic therapies, with some patients experiencing initial progression followed by response and some patients having long-term durable responses. Implications Extensive clinical evidence supports the use of CTLA-4–targeted agents in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. The durability of response seen in patients receiving these agents has changed the landscape for patients with melanoma. Combination therapies and other agents with similar mechanisms warrant further exploration for the treatment of metastatic melanoma.
Statistical Forecasts of 24, 48 and 72 h Typhoon and Tropical Storm Intensity Changes

Abstract A 10 year (1960–69) sample of observations in western North Pacific tropical cyclones over open ocean was used to derive statistical regression equations to forecast the maximum wind speed for 24, 48 and 72 h periods. Stratification of the dependent data by latitude bands, by months, and by maximum intensity were tested with both five-predictor and ten-predictor equations. An independent sample of tropical cyclones (July, August and September of 1955–59) was used to test the derived regression equations. Verification was in terms of the relative forecast error according to the acceptability criteria set by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Guam. Equations derived from a combined dependent sample of July, August and September storms stratified into two bands (one north, one south of 20°N) produced forecasts which were equivalent or superior to equations derived from storms stratified by months or in three 10° bands from 5°N to 35°N. These two five-predictor equations for the 24 h period were also ...
THE CURRENT PRACTICE TO STUDY ALL VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS FOR INTRACRANIAL BLEEDING MAY NEED TO BE REASSESSED. 1258

The objective of our study is to reassess the need of routine cranial ultrasound to rule out intraventricular bleed in all neonates with birthweights less than 1500 grams and gestational age less than 32 weeks. For this, we studied 134 babies with birthweights of 500-1500 grams, born between January, 1993 and December, 1994, at St. Vincent Medical Center Level III NICU. Of these, 105 (78.4%) babies survived. Subsequently, we studied 99(94.3%) of the babies who survived using cranial ultrasounds to rule out intraventricular bleed. Of the babies studied, only 12 (12.12%) developed intraventricular bleeding - 6 of them were Grade I and 6 were Grade III. The gestational age of these 12 babies varied from 24 weeks to 30 weeks with a mean gestational age of 26.6 weeks. The birth weight ranged from 605 to 1415 grams with a mean of 961 grams. All babies with bleeding had a significant Respiratory Distress Syndrome, required ventilatory support (required CPAP, IMV or HFV) and developed Broncho-Pulmonary Dysplasia. Three of these babies developed Patent Ductus Arteriosis and required treatment with indomethasin. One infant also had Group-B Streptococcus sepsis. The rest of the infants who had no significant illnesses (transient tachypnea or mild RDS and required oxyhood, etc.) did not develop any bleeding. Therefore, we feel that very low birth weight infants with mild or no illness do not need to be routinely screened for intracranial bleeding. However, further studies need to be done to support these results.
Fas expression and apoptosis in human B cells

Mechanisms of B cell apoptosis are critical in reducing aberrant B cell proliferations such as those that arise in autoimmune disease and in B cell malignancies. The physiologic interaction of CD4+ helper T cells and B lymphocytes has been extensively studied over the past two decades. Although CD4+ T cells are considered primarily to offer positive costimulatory signals for B cell differentiation into active immunoglobulin-secreting cells, recent studies have shown that CD4+ T cells are crucial in downregulating the humoral immune response. In the course of cognate interaction between CD40 ligand (CD40L)-bearing CD4+ T cells and CD40-expressing germinal center B cells, CD40 ligation results in augmented Fas expression at the B cell surface. Like CD40L, Fas ligand is expressed on activated CD4+ Th1 cells and when bound to Fas receptor on the B cell surface, initiates an apoptotic signal in that cell. Thus, CD4+ T cells limit the growth of autologous germinal center B cells by first inducing Fas expression and then instigating a death signal via Fas ligand. In this work, we will consider these observations about CD4+ T-cell-induced, Fas-mediated B cell death in the context of other factors that affect apoptosis in B cells, normal and malignant.
SU-E-T-199: A Software Tool for the Efficient Correction and Analysis of IMRT QA Experimental Data Using MatriXX

Purpose: The rationale for developing this software was to address shortcomings found while using OmniPro‐I'mRT software to evaluated patient specific IMRT QA measurements taken with MatriXXEvolution 2D ion chamber array. Our software addresses three major issues. It calculates average doses within each ion chamber of the array using 3D TPS DICOM field‐by‐field doses exported as input, corrects the resulting doses to account for gantry angle dependence of Matrixx, and automates the analysis of the measured data resulting in a concise report document ideal for patient electronic medical records (EMR).Materials/Methods: The software was developed in MATLAB to improve and streamline analysis of patient‐specific IMRT QA. It compares measured Matrixx doses to average doses within each ion chamber of the array, which are computed from 3D DICOM doses exported from TPS for each field. A correction factor is applied to the TPS doses to account for angular dependence. The Data is automatically evaluated using the 2D gamma analysis, evaluating a range of passing criteria (3%,4%,5%). This software allows for user‐defined passing criteria and automated reporting of quantitative results, eliminating potential user errors. A single‐sheet report is generated displaying patient information, planar dose distributions, x‐y‐profiles, and gamma plot noting the pixel based passing criteria. The effect of misalignment in direction perpendicular to detector plane is simulated by allowing a non‐zero shift along that direction. Results: This home‐built IMRT QA analysis tool gives a clear quantitative answer based on the user defined criteria. The implementation of an angular dependence correction and the averaging over the volume of the ion chambers improves the accuracy of the analysis accounting for ion chamber size (∼5mm x 5mm x5mm) and spacing (∼7mm × 7mm) Conclusion: Though this tool does not replace the commercial software completely, it improves the accuracy of the analysis and streamlines the process.
Multifocal optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy in reflection mode

Compared with single-focus optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM), multifocal OR-PAM utilizes both multifocal optical illumination and an ultrasonic array transducer, significantly increasing the imaging speed. Here we present a reflection-mode multifocal OR-PAM system based on a microlens array that provides multiple foci and an ultrasonic array transducer that receives the excited photoacoustic waves from all foci simultaneously. By using a customized microprism to reflect the incident laser beam to the microlens array, we align the multiple optical foci confocally with the focal zone of the ultrasonic array transducer. Experiments show our reflection-mode multifocal ORPAM system is capable of imaging microvessels in vivo, and it can image a 9 mm x 5 mm x 2.5 mm volume at 16 μm lateral resolution in ~4 min, limited by the signal multiplexing ratio and laser pulse repetition rate.
Acidic esters of phosphonic acid as selective extractants for metallic cations-selected M(III) tracer studies

The extraction of Pm(III), Cm(III) and Cf(III) from aqueous mineral acid phases of constant ionic strength into solutions of (G′O)(G)PO(OH) in toluene as carrier diluent has been investigated as a function of hydrogen ion concentration in the aqueous phase, extractant concentration in the organic phase and the nature of G, using the radioactive tracer technique. The distribution ratio, K, defined for a given radioactive nuclide as its concentration in the organic phase divided by its concentration in the aqueous phase, has been found, for each of the M(III) examples studied, to have an inverse third-power dependency upon the hydrogen ion concentration in the aqueous phase and a direct third-power dependency upon the extractant concentration in the organic phase. For both Pm and Cm the value of Ks (an extraction constant empirically defined in the text) increases as G progresses: 2-ethyl hexyl to phenyl to chloro-methyl, the over all range exceeding 105. Selected (G′O)2PO(OH) studies were included for comparison. In the one instance in which a direct comparison was made, in which G was 2-ethyl hexyl, the Ks in the (GO)(G)PO(OH) system was lower than that in the (GO)2PO(OH) system by a factor of fifty for Pm and 100 for Cm. The effect of a varying μ upon Ks and upon the application of liquid-liquid extraction to the determination of stability constants of metallic complexes in an aqueous phase has been investigated briefly. The system, 2-ethyl hexyl hydrogen phenyl phosphonate (in toluene carrier diluent) vs aqueous HCl + NaCl, μ = 1·0, has been demonstrated to differentiate in favour of Cf with respect to Cm by a factor of approximately 105. The same extractant vs. an aqueous HCl phase differentiates between adjacent lanthanides(III) by a factor of 2·8, the log K vs. Z plot being a line of constant positive slope throughout the range studied. The Ks for a specific lanthanide(III) in this system exceeds that in a comparable bis(2-ethyl hexyl) phosphoric acid vs. HCl system by a factor of approximately 200.
OPTIMIZATION OF THE LACTIC ACID FERMENTATION OF HYDROLYZED COD GURRY WITH MOLASSES

The purpose of this study was to determine the optimum concentration of blackstrap molasses required in conjunction with the use of several species of homofermentative lactic acid bacteria in the fermentation of hydrolyzed cod gurry. Blackstrap molasses at a concentration of 7.5% was found to be optimum for achieving a successful lactic acid fermentation of hydrolyzed cod gurry. Among the three homofermentative lactic acid bacteria studied (Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus acidilactici and Streptococcus faecium) L. plantarum resulted in the most rapid fementation. S. faecium was the least desirable bacterium on the basis of fermentation rates and extent of pH decrease after 72 h of incubation. All three organisms failed to utilize significantly the sucrose derived from molasses, even though sucrose was the most abundant carbohydrate in the molasses. P. acidilactici was unable to utilize sucrose when present as a sole carbohydrate, while L. plantarum and S. faecium decreased the pH in broth cultures with sucrose as a sole carbohydrate. These results suggest that glucose in molasses functions as a repressor of invertase formation in L. plantarum and S. faecium, and that the use of derepressed mutants should allow a significant decrease in the amount of molasses required for a satisfactory fermentation.
Lexical and statistical evidence in the acquisition of second language phonemes

Adults can often improve their perception of novel phoneme contrasts with exposure to a second language, but there is yet little understanding of how they accomplish this. The primary aim of this study was to compare two types of evidence that learners might use to learn the phonemes of second language: minimal pairs, or the lexicon, and statistical information. It was found that adults show evidence of perceptual learning based on statistical information alone, but that the availability of minimal pairs leads to more accurate perception of a novel contrast. In a follow-up experiment, it was found that adults can exhibit knowledge of a novel contrast without yet being able to use the contrast to distinguish words in a lexical task.
Effects of gamma-irradiation on physical and biologic properties of crosslinked hyaluronan tissue engineering scaffolds.

Hydrogels containing divinyl sulfone (DVS)-crosslinked hyaluronan (HA) (hylans) are potentially useful implant biomaterials because of their non-cytotoxicity and -antigenicity. However, to successfully fulfill their intended role in vivo, their properties (e.g., mechanics, pore size, surface topography, hydrophilicity, swelling) must be modulated to match the demands of the target application. This study explored whether controlled irradiation with gamma (gamma) can strengthen hylans and modulate their physical and biologic properties, as has previously been shown to be possible with other natural and synthetic polymers. Hydrated hylans containing two different amounts of DVS were irradiated in vacuum to increasing doses of gamma (0-13.5 kGy). The properties of the irradiated gels were compared with those of non-irradiated controls. Changes to bulk structure were evaluated using swelling tests, surface topography and pore structure were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, mechanics were evaluated using unconfined compression tests, and surface hydrophilicity was evaluated by measuring contact angle changes. Irradiated gels exhibited lower swelling capacity, structural weakening, increase in elasticity, surface texturing, increased pore size, and decreased surface hydrophilicity in direct correlation with received dose. Cells adhered and proliferated readily on the irradiated gel surfaces but not on control gels. The irradiated gels, however, deteriorated during long-term ( 98% water content). Future studies will optimize parameters for gamma-mediated modulation of hylan properties through irradiation under water-free conditions.
Thermalization in nucleus-nucleus collisions

Abstract Impact parameter dependent excited state populations of intermmediate mass fragments are investigated for 36 Ar induced reactions on 197 Au at E / A = 35 MeV. Population inversions, indicative of non-thermal excitation mechanisms, are observed in peripheral collisions characterized by low associated charged particle multiplicities. These population inversions disappear for collisions with larger associated charged particle multiplicities, consistent with a more complete thermalization for more complex final states. Discrepancies, observed in central collisions, suggest that the limit of local thermal equilibrium has not yet been observed.
Reliability-Based Geometric Design Approach for Selecting Basic Number of Freeway Lanes:

Reliability-based geometric design analysis is more suitable for explicitly addressing the level of variability and randomness associated with design inputs than is a more deterministic design approach. Reliability analysis was used to estimate the probability distribution of operational performance that might result from basic decisions made to achieve a design level of service (LOS) for number of lanes on a freeway. The concept was demonstrated with data from I-15 and I-80 in Utah. To account for uncertainty in the design inputs, statistical distributions were developed, and reliability analysis was carried out with Monte Carlo simulation. The outcome of this probabilistic analysis was a distribution of vehicle density for a given number of lanes during the design hour. The main benefit of reliability analysis is that it enables designers to explicitly consider uncertainties in their decision making and to illustrate specific values of the distributions that correspond with the target LOS (e.g., the 65t...
Craniofacial pain secondary to occult head and neck tumors.

ObjectivesTo review the natural history of occult head and neck malignancy presenting with facial pain and evaluate the risk factors, diagnostic workup, and management of facial pain in the setting of occult malignancy.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.SettingTertiary care center.Subjects and MethodsAll patients presenting from 1980 to 2010 with facial pain and a delayed diagnosis of a head and neck cancer were reviewed.ResultsThirty-eight patients were included. Onset of pain was rapid or sudden in 94.7%, intermittent in 84.2%, and sharp in 86.8%. Facial nerve weakness was present in 15.8%. Five patients had a history of locoregional skin cancer, and 14% had a history of malignancy. Average delay to diagnosis was 18.4 months. On average, the suspicious lesion was identified on the second scan (mean, 2.1; range, 1-4 scans). Diagnosis was suggested by magnetic resonance imaging in 54.8% and computed tomography in 38.7% of patients. The most common pathology was squamous cell carcinoma (39.5%), and the...
Rigorous quantitative elemental microanalysis by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDS) with spectrum processing by NIST DTSA-II

Quantitative electron-excited x-ray microanalysis by scanning electron microscopy/silicon drift detector energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (SEM/SDD-EDS) is capable of achieving high accuracy and high precision equivalent to that of the high spectral resolution wavelength dispersive x-ray spectrometer even when severe peak interference occurs. The throughput of the SDD-EDS enables high count spectra to be measured that are stable in calibration and resolution (peak shape) across the full deadtime range. With this high spectral stability, multiple linear least squares peak fitting is successful for separating overlapping peaks and spectral background. Careful specimen preparation is necessary to remove topography on unknowns and standards. The standards-based matrix correction procedure embedded in the NIST DTSA-II software engine returns quantitative results supported by a complete error budget, including estimates of the uncertainties from measurement statistics and from the physical basis of the matrix corrections. NIST DTSA-II is available free for Java-platforms at: http://www.cstl.nist.gov/div837/837.02/epq/dtsa2/index.html).
Simplified percutaneous large bore suprapubic cystostomy for acute urinary retention—A cost saving procedure

Introduction and objectives : Commercial cystostomy kits/trocars are not always readily available in regions with insufficient funding. Open suprapubic cystostomy procedures are yet prevalent. This paper presents a simplified percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy technique that utilizes specially selected surgical blades in the place of commercial trocars. Subjects and methods : Eighty-nine male patients with acute urinary retention underwent puncturing of the visibly and palpably distended bladder with surgical blade size 20 (7 mm diameter), 21 or 22 (9 mm diameter) to allow resistance-free placement of Foley catheter size 18 Fr (maximum diameter of 6 mm) or size 20 (maximum diameter of 6.7 mm) respectively under local anesthesia along the mid abdominal line in a sagittal direction – two finger breadths above the pubic symphysis. The main outcome measures were to determine the success rate and the encountered complications. Results : Successful bladder puncture and insertion of the Foley catheter of choice was possible in all cases. There was no mortality and no adjacent visceral injury. There were two cases of catheter blockage with clots that were easily flushed out. KEYWORDS: Puncture suprapubic cystostomy; Suprapubic catheterization; Surgical blades; Large bore; Foley catheter; Acute urinary retention
China's Sprouts of Democracy

A basic premise of Confucianism rests in the intellectuals' responsibility to speak out against an oppressive government. This tradition continued well into the Maoist era, along with “the mandate from heaven,” which provided an additional fundamental right of the people to dispose of an unfair leadership. Why was it not until the mid-1980s that the intellectuals, the “democratic elite” of China, initiated a public dialogue on the necessity of “inalienable” rights in the Western sense? The reason may lie in the impact the events in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe had in inducing political reform in post-Mao China. The traditional Confucianist beliefs remained at the core of the emerging ideology. Despite Deng's crackdown in Tiananmen Square, the “sprouts” continue to reappear from time to time, and the author predicts that they will be stronger with each comeback.
Stanford interactive workspaces: a framework for physical and graphical user interface prototyping

Most smart homes are created evolutionarily by adding more and more technologies to an existing home, rather than being developed on a single occasion by building a new home from scratch. This incremental addition of technology requires a highly flexible infrastructure to accommodate both future extensions and legacy systems without requiring extensive rewiring of hardware or extensive reconfiguration on the software level. Stanford's iStuff (Interactive Stuff) provides an example of a hardware interface abstraction technique that enables quick customization and reconfiguration of Smart Home solutions. iStuff gains its power from its combination with the Stanford Interactive Room Operating System (iROS), which creates a flexible and robust software framework that allows custom and legacy applications to communicate with each other and with user interface devices in a dynamically configurable way. The Stanford Interactive Room (iRoom), while not a residential environment, has many characteristics of a smart home: a wide array of advanced user interface technologies, abundant computation power, and infrastructure with which to coordinate the use of these resources (for more information on the iRoom or the Interactive Workspaces project, please visit http://iwork.stanford.edu). As a result, many aspects of the iRoom environment have strong implications for, and can be intuitively translated to, smart homes. In particular, the rapid and fluid development of physical user interfaces using iStuff and the iROS, which has been demonstrated in the iRoom, is an equally powerful concept for designing and living in smart homes. Before focusing on the details of iStuff, we describe the software infrastructure on which it is based and the considerations that went into designing this infrastructure.
Micronuclei and other nuclear anomalies in buccal smears: methods development

Laboratory work aimed at improving the epidemiologic utility of an innovative genotoxicity assay is described. The exfoliated cell micronucleus assay involves microscopic analysis of epithelial smears to determine the prevalence of micronucleation, an indicator of structural or numerical chromosome aberrations. While the assay holds promise for the study of epithelial carcinogens, it is hampered by the fact that exfoliated cells are moribund and undergo degenerative phenomena that can produce extranuclear objects difficult to distinguish from classical micronuclei. Modifications in the protocol were assessed in sample buccal smears from several study populations: radiotherapy patients, nonusers of tobacco, and snuff users. Refinements in micronucleus scoring criteria and the inclusion of other nuclear anomalies in the scoring system are proposed. We demonstrate that our criteria are successful in detecting excess micronucleation in positive controls. We also provide evidence that other nuclear anomalies are at least as common as micronucleation and that therefore there is the potential for extensive misclassification. Reliability was assessed in duplicate readings.
Force and vision resolvability for assimilating disparate sensory feedback

Force and vision sensors provide complementary information, yet they are fundamentally different sensing modalities. This implies that traditional sensor integration techniques that require common data representations are not appropriate for combining the feedback from these two disparate sensors. In this paper, we introduce the concept of vision and force sensor resolvability as a means of comparing the ability of the two sensing modes to provide useful information during robotic manipulation tasks. By monitoring the resolvability of the two sensing modes with respect to the task, the information provided by the disparate sensors can be seamlessly assimilated during task execution. A nonlinear force/vision servoing algorithm that uses force and vision resolvability to switch manipulator control between sensors is proposed. The advantages of the assimilation technique are demonstrated during contact transitions between a stiff manipulator and a rigid environment, a system configuration that easily becomes unstable when force control alone is used. Experimental results show that robust contact transitions are made by the proposed nonlinear controller while simultaneously satisfying the conflicting task requirements of fast approach velocities, maintaining stability, minimizing impact forces, and suppressing bounce between contact surfaces.
Excess mortality in patients with AIDS in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy: temporal changes and risk factors.

Background Excess mortality has declined among HIV infected patients but without evidence of a decline in patients with AIDS. We assessed temporal changes in excess mortality and elucidated risk factors for excess mortality in patients with AIDS diagnosed in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
Lung cancer model for study of the metastatic process.

Abstract In our hamster model of focal, chemically induced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we studied metastases in autochthonous hamster hosts (n = 300) and in syngeneic hamster and nude mice recipients (n = 230) of serial tumor transplants. Metastases in autochthonous hosts and transplant recipients occurred in regional lymph nodes, liver, and adrenals. In autochthonous host hamsters no metastases were noted from microinvasive (n = 112) or visible cancer less than 3.0 mm in diameter (n = 66); the incidence of metastasis was 8.2% ( 4 / 49 ) from 3- to 10-mm cancers and 22% ( 16 / 73 ) from cancers 10 mm in diameter or larger ( p p serially the cellular changes that govern the process of metastasis in NSCLC has been developed.
Prognostication and health monitoring of leaded and lead free electronic and MEMS packages in harsh environments

In this paper, a methodology for prognostication-of-electronics has been developed for accurate assessment of residual life in a deployed electronic components, and determination of damage-state in absence of macro-indicators of failure. Proxies for leading indicators-of-failure have been identified and correlated with damage progression under thermo-mechanical loads. Examples of proxies include microstructural evolution characterized by average phase size and intermetallic growth rate in solder interconnects. Validity of damage proxies has been investigated for both 63Sn37Pb leaded and SnAgCu leadfree electronics. Structures examined include plastic ball grid array format electronic and MEMS packages and discrete devices assembled with FR4-06 laminates. Focus of the research presented in this paper is on interrogation of the aged material's damage state and enhancing the understanding of damage progression. The research is aimed at development of damage relationships for determination of residual life of aged electronics and assessment of design margins instead of life prediction of new components. The prognostic indicators presented in this paper, can be used for health monitoring of electronic assemblies.
PTEN blocks insulin-mediated ETS-2 phosphorylation through MAP kinase, independently of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway

The tumor suppressor PTEN possesses lipid and protein phosphatase activities. It has been well established that the lipid phosphatase activity is essential for its tumor-suppressive function via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt pathways. The precise role of the protein phosphatase activity is still unclear. In the current study, we demonstrate that overexpression of wild-type PTEN in the MCF-7 breast cancer line results in phosphatase activity-dependent decreases in the phosphorylation of ETS-2, which is a transcription factor whose DNA-binding ability is controlled by phosphorylation. Exposure of MCF-7 cells to insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) or epidermal growth factor (EGF) can lead to the phosphorylation of ETS-2, Akt and ERK1/2. The MEK inhibitor PD590089 abrogates insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of ETS-2. In contrast, the PI3K inhibitor LY492002 has no effect on insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of ETS-2, despite the fact that it diminishes insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt. Interestingly, overexpression of PTEN in MCF-7 leads to blockade of insulin-stimulated, but not EGF-stimulated, phosphorylation of ERK, accompanied by dramatic decreases in ETS-2 phosphorylation. We further show that the relationship of PTEN and ETS-2 has functional significance by demonstrating that PTEN abrogates activation of the uPA Ras-responsive enhancer, a target of ETS-2 action, in a phosphatase-dependent manner, irrespective of the presence or absence of insulin. Our observations, therefore, suggest that PTEN blocks insulin-stimulated ETS-2 phosphorylation through inhibition of the ERK members of the MAP kinase family independently of PI3K, and that the PTEN effect on the phosphorylation status of ETS-2 may be mediated through PTEN's protein phosphatase activity.
Life Cycle Assessment and Service Life Prediction

Summary Models of buildings in life cycle assessment (LCA) often use simple descriptions of operational energy, maintenance, and material replacement. The scope of many building LCAs is often limited and uses assumptions such as building lifetimes of 30 to 50 years. In actuality, building lifetimes vary considerably, and scenarios using standard assumptions may have incorrect results. Assumptions concerning material replacement, repair, and maintenance should be deliberate and as realistic as possible. This research was initiated to demonstrate the importance of service life assumptions on building life cycle assessment results. Three roof types (built-up, thermoplastic membrane, and vegetated) and three wall forms (brick, aluminum, and wood siding) were analyzed. These materials were combined and modeled as nine distinct building envelopes. Five service life models were used to determine the service life of materials and systems. The analysis considered impacts related to material manufacturing, construction, operation, and maintenance. The Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and other environmental Impacts global warming potential, atmospheric eco-toxicity, and atmospheric acidification impact assessment indicators were used. The analysis of the cumulative life cycle impact and life cycle impact per year found that life cycle impact was primarily dependent on the predicted frequency of major material replacement as well as differences in the frequency and intensity of prescribed maintenance. In some scenarios, the relative differences in the life cycle impact of the alternatives were dependent on the environmental indicator used.
Age Matters: Student Experiences with Audio Learning Guides in University-based Continuing Education

The primary objective of this research was to explore the experiences of undergraduate distance education students using sample audio versions (provided on compact disc) of the learning guides for their courses. The results of this study indicated that students responded positively to the opportunity to have word-for-word audio versions of their printed learning guides. Students found the audio guides functioned as a way to review course content. After careful review of the comments, the researchers found students want access to additional learning tools that elaborate on the written course content and connect them to traditional classroom lectures and discussions. Additional statistical analysis of the data collected in this study demonstrated a difference between traditional-age students (up to 25 years) and mature-age students (older than 25 years) in their response to the audio versions of the learning guides. More of the mature-age students found the audio version of their study guide to be helpful to their learning. The implications for the findings are numerous, including the need to review existing distance course offerings and incorporate additional audio and visual learning tools for undergraduate university students who are studying through distance education.
Chronic Treatment with Fluvoxamine, Clovoxamine, and Placebo: Interaction with Digoxin and Effects on Sleep and Alertness

The influence of 17 days of administration of fluvoxamine or clovoxamine, two new antidepressant agents, on the kinetics of a single intravenous dose of digoxin, and on self-rated parameters of sedation, mood, and sleep, was evaluated in a series of healthy volunteers. In the fluvoxamine study, subjects received fluvoxamine, 100 mg daily, or matching placebo for 17 consecutive days in a crossover design. For the clovoxamine study, subjects received clovoxamine, 150 mg daily, or placebo for 17 days. All treatments were double blind. At the end of each treatment, digoxin kinetics were evaluated following a single 1.25 mg intravenous dose. Compared to the placebo condition, fluvoxamine had no significant influence on digoxin elimination half-life (57 vs 47 hours), volume of distribution (10.5 vs 10.3 liters/kg), total clearance (2.4 vs 3.0 ml/min/kg), or 72 hour urinary excretion (33 vs 37 percent of the dose). Likewise clovoxamine did not alter digoxin elimination half-life (39 vs 40 hours), volume of distribution (10.7 vs 10.2 liters/kg), or total clearance 3.4 vs 3.4 ml/min/kg). 72 hour urinary excretion of digoxin was slightly increased by clovoxamine (41 vs 50 percent of the dose, P less than .05). Self-ratings indicated a sedating effect of fluvoxamine, with reports of difficulty attaining morning alertness. These effects were not reported with clovoxamine. Thus clovoxamine and fluvoxamine appear to have differential effects on sleep and alertness in healthy volunteers. However, neither have an important influence on the kinetics of digoxin.
Invited Commentary---The Day After Tomorrow: Longer Run Issues in Theatrical Exhibition

The authors do an excellent job of summarizing issues and trends that will play out in the very short run, perhaps the most pressing topics for immediate research. In addition to expanding on some of their themes, I would argue that there remain a number of issues that will arise in the slightly longer run. Given the industry’s history of stunted technology acceptance, changes when they come, may come quickly. Parallels with the music industry, facing similar challenges 5–10 years ahead of movies, can be especially insightful, and I will conclude with thoughts along that longer term time horizon. Whether countries are overscreened from a profit or social perspective is of interest to both marketers and economists, and the authors fairly frame the trends in the data and the questions. This, however, seems to be an issue that could be greatly informed with more micro-level data. The authors point out that, while admissions grew by 17% from 1989 to 1999, the number of screens increased by 62% over the same period. It seems reasonable, however, to claim that dividing a 400-seat auditorium into two 200-seat auditoria (a common step preceding the multiplex) does nothing to capacity. Given that U.S. auditorium sizes have decreased with the shift to the multiplex and megaplex, the more relevant (if harder to assemble) measure would be the number of seats. How does this seat-versus-screen perspective affect our perception of the observed trends? Is a similar trend at work in European exhibition? While admittedly harder to answer with readily gathered data, these questions
Interpretation of scientific or mathematical concepts: Cognitive issues and instructional implications **

Scientific and mathematical concepts are significantly different from everyday concepts and are notoriously difficult to learn. It is shown that particular instances of such concepts can be identified or generated by different possible modes of concept interpretation. Some of these modes use formally explicit knowledge and thought processes; others rely on less formal case-based knowledge and more automatic recognition processes. The various modes differ in attainable precision, likely errors, and ease of use. A combination of such modes can be used to formulate an “ideal” model for interpreting scientific concepts both reliably and efficiently. Comparisons are made with the actual concept interpretations of expert scientists and novice students. The discussion elucidates some cognitive and metacognitive reasons why the learning of scientific or mathematical concepts is difficult. It also suggests instructional guidelines for teaching such concepts more effectively.
Hypoxia in neonatal calves: effect on selected metabolic parameters

The effect of reduced oxygen tension in arterial blood (hypoxic hypoxia) for 24 h postpartum on selected metabolic parameters was studied in 12 neonatal calves. During this period, inspired air for hypoxic calves contained 10.5% O2, whereas that for normoxic calves contained 21% O2. After 24 h, inspired air for all calves contained 21% O2. Three dietary treatments also were imposed during the initial 24-h period: colostrum at 0 and 12 h, whole milk at 0 and 12 h, or fasting. All calves were fed colostrum at 24, 36, and 48 h and whole milk at 60 and 72 h. Parameters included plasma glucose, lactate, fructose, and IgG; arterial blood gases; and pH. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen was maintained near 25 mm Hg throughout the period of hypoxia. Arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide was unchanged during the period of hypoxia (approximately 45 mm Hg) but was lower (39 mm Hg) in posthypoxic calves. Glucose tended to be lower in hypoxic calves; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Hypoxic calves had significantly higher plasma lactate concentrations contributing to a progressive primary metabolic acidosis.
Exponential Complexity of Satisfiability Testing for Linear-Size Boolean Formulas

The exponential complexity of the satisfiability problem for a given class of Boolean circuits is defined to be the infimum of constants α such that the problem can be solved in time poly(m) 2 αn , where m is the circuit size and n is the number of input variables [IP01]. We consider satisfiability of linear Boolean formula over the full binary basis and we show that the corresponding exponential complexities are “interwoven” with those of k-\(\textsf{CNF} \; \textsf{SAT}\) in the following sense. For any constant c, let f c be the exponential complexity of the satisfiability problem for Boolean formulas of size at most cn. Similarly, let s k be the exponential complexity of k-\(\textsf{CNF} \; \textsf{SAT}\). We prove that for any c, there exists a k such that f c ≤ s k . Since the Sparsification Lemma [IPZ01] implies that for any k, there exists a c such that s k ≤ f c , we have sup c {f c } = sup k {s k }. (In fact, we prove this equality for a larger class of linear-size circuits that includes Boolean formulas.) Our work is partly motivated by two recent results. The first one is about a similar “interweaving” between linear-size circuits of constant depth and k-CNFs [SS12]. The second one is that satisfiability of linear-size Boolean formulas can be tested exponentially faster than in O(2 n ) time [San10, ST12].