cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed Resource Allocation Schemes for Out-of-Coverage D2D Communications

In many public safety scenarios, Device-to-Device (D2D) communication should be capable of handling out-of-coverage situations, ensuring that D2D devices can communicate directly without the aid of network infrastructure. In this paper, we investigate a set of distributed resource allocation schemes for out-of-coverage D2D group communication. Particularly, we first provide guidelines concerning how to allocate D2D resources based on Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS), Physical Resource Block (PRB) size, and Time Resource Pattern (TRP) to meet the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements of applications. We then design three distributed resource allocation schemes that select PRBs in the resource pool and/or adjust the transmitting power based on the level of available information about the network. To evaluate the designed distributed resource allocation schemes, we conduct extensive performance evaluation, validating their effectiveness in a variety of deployment scenarios.
Preparation of electrospun nanofibrous poly(vinyl alcohol)/cellulose nanocrystals air filter for efficient particulate matter removal with repetitive usage capability via facile heat treatment

Abstract Air pollution has become a global concern, and numerous studies have focused on developing filters for particulate matter (PM) removal. However, the reusability of air filters, which could lower resources consumption and waste discharge, is also necessary to be investigated. In this study, a water washable electrospun poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) nanofibrous air filter for PM removal was prepared. The water-soluble polymer composite was converted to be completely water-resistant via a facile heat treatment without adding any crosslinking agent. Our results indicate the increased crystallinity is the key factor to improve the aqueous stability of PVA/CNCs fibers. The CNCs provided additional nucleation sites for PVA crystallization during electrospinning and heating process. By loading 20% CNCs and heating at 140 °C for 5 min, the crystallinity degree and crystal size of PVA were increased from 54.7% and 3.3 nm to 85.4% and 6.3 nm, respectively. The reusability of fabricated filters was tested by water washing over 5 cycles. The results show the heavily fouled filters (pressure drop > 1000 Pa) were regenerated effectively: the PM2.5 removal efficiency was maintained at above 95%, meanwhile the pressure drop remained less than 100 Pa after repetitive usage (PM2.5 mass concentration > 500 μg m−3). Considering the raw materials are nontoxic and biodegradable, the heating temperature is relatively low, and the process is short, it is a promising green method to manufacture long lifetime air filter.
Disaster Response and the Mental Health Counselor

The events of September 11, 2001, the Asian Tsunami of 2004 resulting from the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, and the devastation resulting from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 have increased our awareness of the need for trained mental health counselors able to respond within days and weeks of mass disaster events. In conjunction with the traditionally identified first responders (i.e., firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical personnel), the importance of maintaining a trained cadre of early mental health responders has become increasingly evident (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2002; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS], 2004). In fact, in the months following the terrorist attacks of September 11, a group of experts in the field of mental health and mass violence was convened to identify best practices related to early psychological intervention following large scale disasters either from natural causes or those caused by human agency. While the working group identified a number of general principles related to early psychological intervention in the aftermath of disaster (NIMH, 2002), it, likewise, recognized the need to develop more systematic training approaches to mental health disaster response and called for an increased focus on outcome research in this critical area. What has been identified clearly through the work reflected in these governmental documents (DHHS, 2004; NIMH) is that psychological intervention provided within days to the first few weeks following mass disasters is qualitatively different from the services mental health counselors provide in their day-to-day professional work. My personal experience providing support for first responders, construction workers, and support volunteers at ground zero following the attack on the World Trade Center taught me that lesson first hand (Rogers & Soyka, 2004). Believing that my experience in emergency psychiatric evaluation and intervention and my work in the field of Suicidology would translate easily into the disaster response setting, I became a local New York City Red Cross mental health volunteer assigned to ground zero shortly following the attacks. What I discovered was a need to step back from my advanced training and return to the basic principles of human connection and compassion. Fortunately, I was able to learn that lesson within the first few hours of my volunteer work at the World Trade Center site. The lessons I learned related to early mental health response to mass disaster events are similarly reflected in two articles in this issue of the JMHC. The first article, written by Alise Bartley titled Confronting the Realities of Volunteering for a National Disaster (Bartley, this issue), provides a first-had account of her experience as a volunteer following hurricane Katrina. In this article, Dr. Bartley shares her experience of both adjusting to the challenges and demands of disaster mental health work and the struggles that can accompany returning home following a disaster response deployment. …
CardioPy: An open-source heart rate variability toolkit for single-lead EKG

ABSTRACT Background and Objective Heart rate variability (HRV) is a promising clinical marker of health and disease. Although HRV methodology is relatively straightforward, accurate detection of R-peaks remains a significant methodological challenge; this is especially true for single-lead EKG signals, which are routinely collected alongside EEG monitoring and for which few software options exist. Most developed algorithms with favorable R-peak detection profiles require significant mathematical and computational proficiency for implementation, providing a significant barrier for clinical research. Our objective was to address these challenges by developing a simple, free, and open-source software package for HRV analysis of single-lead EKG signals. Methods CardioPy was developed in python and optimized for short-term (5-minute) single-lead EKG recordings. CardioPy’s R-peak detection trades full automation and algorithmic complexity for an adaptive thresholding mechanism, manual artifact removal and parameter adjustment. Standard time and frequency domain analyses are included, such that CardioPy may be used as a stand-alone HRV analysis package. An example use-case of HRV across wakefulness and sleep is presented and results validated against the widely used Kubios HRV software. Results HRV analyses were conducted in 66 EKG segments collected from five healthy individuals. Parameter optimization was conducted or each segment, requiring ~1-3 minutes of manual inspection time. With optimization, CardioPy’s R-peak detection algorithm achieved a mean sensitivity of 100.0% (SD 0.05%) and positive predictive value of 99.8% (SD 0.20%). HRV results closely matched those produced by Kubios HRV, both by eye and by quantitative comparison; CardioPy power spectra explained an average of 99.7% (SD 0.50%) of the variance present in Kubios spectra. HRV analyses showed significant group differences between brain states; SDNN, low frequency power, and low frequency-to-high frequency ratio were reduced in slow wave sleep compared to wakefulness. Conclusions CardioPy provides an accessible and transparent tool for HRV analyses. Manual parameter optimization and artifact removal allow granular control over data quality and a highly reproducible analytic pipeline, despite additional time requirements. Future versions are slated to include automatic parameter optimization and a graphical user interface, further reducing analysis time and improving accessibility.
Risk Stratification of Fetal Lung Malformations: A Report From a Multicenter Collaborative Registry

Introduction: The congenital pulmonary airway malformation volume ratio (CVR) was originally developed to assess hydrops risk and need for in utero surgery in fetuses with lung malformations. More recently, several investigators have utilized CVR data to help predict likelihood of respiratory morbidity at birth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the CVR as a risk stratification tool …
Characterizing Nitrogen Oxides and Fine Particulate Matter Near Major Highways in the United States Using the National Near-Road Monitoring Network

As part of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) review, a national network of near-road sites was established to characterize pollutant behavior, interaction, and dispersion in the ambient near-road environment. Using spatial interpolation to estimate the near-road concentration increments of NO2 and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometers and less (PM2.5) relative to nearby non-near-road monitors, we found that the 2013–2018 national average increment is 6.9 ppb and 1.0 μg m−3 for NO2 and PM2.5, respectively. Analyses of the hourly near-road NO2, nitric oxide (NO), and PM2.5 increments showed distinct diurnal cycles; the NO2 increment peaks at ~9 ppb during the early afternoon (2–4pm local time) while the NO and PM2.5 increments peak during the morning rush hour (5–8am local time) at 25 ppb and 1.8 μg m−3 for NO and PM2.5, respectively. Although long term trends are not yet available for this network of sites, a similar analysis of the NO2 and PM2.5 increment at a quasi-near-road site outside of the official network in Elizabeth, NJ showed gradual decreases in the increment over time since the mid-2000s.
Human islet expression levels of Prostaglandin E2 synthetic enzymes, but not prostaglandin EP3 receptor, are positively correlated with markers of β-cell function and mass in non-diabetic obesity

We and others previously reported increased signaling through the Prostaglandin E3 Receptor (EP3), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) for the arachidonic acid metabolite, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), is associated with {beta}-cell dysfunction of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Yet, the relationship between PGE2 production and signaling and {beta}-cell function during the progression to T2D remains unclear. In this work, we assessed gene expression from a panel of cadaveric human islets from 40 non-diabetic donors with BMI values spanning the spectrum from lean to high-risk obesity. Interleukin-6 (gene symbol: IL6) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (gene symbol: PTGS2) mRNA levels were positively correlated with donor body mass index (BMI), while EP3 (gene symbol: PTGER3) was not. IL6 was itself strongly correlated with PTGS2 and all but one of the other PGE2 synthetic pathway genes tested. About half of the islet preparations were used in glucose-stimulated- and incretin-potentiated insulin secretion assays using an EP3-specific antagonist, confirming functionally-relevant up-regulation of PGE2 production. Islets from obese donors showed no inherent {beta}-cell dysfunction and were at least equally as glucose- and incretin-responsive as islets from non-obese donors. Furthermore, insulin content, a marker of islet size known to be associated with donor BMI, was also significantly and positively correlated with islet PTGS2 expression. We conclude up-regulated islet PGE2 production and signaling may be a necessary part of the {beta}-cell adaption response, compensating for obesity and insulin resistance. Analysis of plasma PGE2 metabolite levels from a clinical cohort reveal these findings are not in conflict with the concept of further elevations in PGE2 production contributing to T2D-related {beta}-cell dysfunction where islet EP3 expression has also been up-regulated. Graphical Abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=126 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/429205v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (25K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@14056a7org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@f8fcf1org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@a66915org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@13ce208_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG
Modeling the complete kinetics of coxsackievirus B3 reveals human determinants of host-cell feedback

Complete kinetic models are pervasive in chemistry but lacking in biological systems. We encoded the complete kinetics of infection for coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), a compact and fast-acting RNA virus. The model consists of separable, detailed modules describing viral binding-delivery, translation-replication, and encapsidation. Specific module activities are dampened by the type I interferon response to viral double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), which is itself disrupted by viral proteinases. The experimentally validated kinetics uncovered that cleavability of the dsRNA transducer mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) becomes a stronger determinant of viral outcomes when cells receive supplemental interferon after infection. Cleavability is naturally altered in humans by a common MAVS polymorphism, which removes a proteinase-targeted site but paradoxically elevates CVB3 infectivity. These observations are reconciled with a simple nonlinear model of MAVS regulation. Modeling complete kinetics is an attainable goal for small, rapidly infecting viruses and perhaps viral pathogens more broadly. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the Supplemental information.
Dopamine Neurons Evaluate Natural Fluctuations in Performance Quality

Many motor skills are learned by comparing ongoing behavior to internal performance benchmarks. Dopamine neurons encode performance error in behavioral paradigms where error is externally induced, but it remains unknown if dopamine also signals the quality of natural performance fluctuations. Here we recorded dopamine neurons in singing birds and examined how spontaneous dopamine spiking activity correlated with natural fluctuations in ongoing song. Antidromically identified basal ganglia-projecting dopamine neurons correlated with recent, and not future, song variations, consistent with a role in evaluation, not production. Furthermore, dopamine spiking was suppressed following the production of outlying vocal variations, consistent with a role for active song maintenance. These data show for the first time that spontaneous dopamine spiking can evaluate natural behavioral fluctuations unperturbed by experimental events such as cues or rewards.
Challenges of preparation and realization of combined field tests of passive and active radar sensors on an example APART-GAS 2019 trials

The article reviews selected issues associated with the preparation, organization and execution of field training targeting the practical functional verification of passive sensors installed on-board various land, sea and air platforms. The APART-GAS trials combined the training of two NATO research task groups (RTG) operating within the SET Panel: SET-242 on passive radiolocation on mobile platforms (Passive Coherent Locators on Mobile Platforms) and SET-258 on multiband active and passive radars used in various military scenarios (DMPAR - Deployable Multiband Passive Active Radar Deployment and Assessment in Military Scenarios). The specificity of passive sensors, as well as the wide range of their applications resulted in numerous complications at the stage of developing and executing test scenarios conducted with the use of different aircraft types, including vertical launch rockets, water vessels and land vehicles. The article discusses successively the activities supporting the Warsaw University of Technology implemented by the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). in the field of installing the sensors on individual platform, aircraft flight planning and their coordination in the course of the trials. AFIT performed the issues regarding the recording and imaging radiolocation data from the sensors participating in the trials and coupled within an Unclassified Radar Network (URN).
Interdiffusion Induced High Coercivity of Rare-Earth Free Alnico Thin Films

Rare-earth free Alnico permanent magnet is composed of spinodally decomposed ferromagnetic L10 Fe-Co rich (α1) phase embedded in paramagnetic or weak ferromagnetic L12 Al-Ni rich (α2) matrix. We deposited α1 phase alloy (Fe52Co35.8Al5.6Ni5.3Ti0.9Cu0.4) on (111) oriented Pt(100 nm)/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrate to investigate coercivity enhancement induced by the α1 and substrate interdiffusion through annealing. It is demonstrated that as-deposited α1 film is magnetically soft with coercivity ~0.05 kOe, while its coercivity increased to 5.4 kOe after annealing at 800 oC. This is attributed to interdiffusion between α1 and Pt. Therefore, the occurrence of large magneto-crystalline anisotropy tetragonal L10 (Co, Fe)Pt.
Purpura Fulminans Following Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis-Like Presentation of Spontaneous Linear IgA Bullous Disease

Purpura fulminans (PF) is a life-threatening disease of cutaneous microvascular thrombosis and hemorrhagic necrosis. Linear IgA bullous disease (LABD) is an autoimmune disease of subepidermal blistering. We present the first known case of PF following a toxic epidermal necrolysis-like presentation of spontaneous LABD in a 70-year-old female.
Black-Hole Engine Kinematics, Flares from PKS 2155-304, and Multiwavelength Blazar Analysis

Kinematical and luminosity relations for black-hole jet sources are reviewed. If the TeV flares observed from PKS 2155-304 in 2006 July are assumed to originate from a black hole with mass $\approx 10^8 M_8 M_\odot$, then the $\sim 5$ minute variability timescale is consistent with the light-travel time across the Schwarzschild radius of the black hole if $M_8\sim 1$. The absolute jet power in a synchrotron/SSC model exceeds, however, the Eddington luminosity for a black hole with $M_8\sim 1$ unless the jet is highly efficient. The maximum Blandford-Znajek power is $\sim 10^{46}M_8$ ergs s$^{-1}$ if the magnetic-field energy density threading the horizon is equated with the luminous energy density in the vicinity of the black hole. An external Compton component can relax power requirements, so a black hole with mass $\sim 10^8 M_\odot$ could explain the observed flaring behavior. For the Swift and HESS data taken in 2006 July, relativistic outflows with bulk Lorentz factor $\Gamma \gtrsim 30$ satisfy $\gamma$-$\gamma$ attenuation limits. If this system harbors a binary black hole, then the accretion disk from a more massive, $\sim 10^9 M_\odot$ black-hole primary would make an additional external radiation component. Dual thermal accretion disk signatures would confirm this scenario.
Caloric Restriction and Dietary Curcumin Improve Functional Outcomes of Aging in Mice

Curcumin, from Curcuma Longa, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that are hypothesized to benefit impaired functional capacity related to normal aging. The following results are from an ...
Energy Smart Management of Scientific Data

Scientific data centers comprised of high-powered computing equipment and large capacity disk storage systems consume considerable amount of energy. Dynamic power management techniques (DPM) are commonly used for saving energy in disk systems. These involve powering down disks that exhibit long idle periods and placing them in standby mode. A file request from a disk in standby mode will incur both energy and performance penalties as it takes energy (and time) to spin up the disk before it can serve a file. For this reason, DPM has to make decisions as to when to transition the disk into standby mode such that the energy saved is greater than the energy needed to spin it up again and the performance penalty is tolerable. The length of the idle period until the DPM decides to power down a disk is called idleness threshold. In this paper, we study both analytically and experimentally dynamic power management techniques that save energy subject to performance constraints on file access costs. Based on observed workloads of scientific applications and disk characteristics, we provide a methodology for determining file assignment to disks and computing idleness thresholds that result in significant improvements to the energy saved by existing DPM solutions while meeting response time constraints. We validate our methods with simulations that use traces taken from scientific applications.
Informed consent does not mean rational consent. Cognitive limitations on decision-making.

If all decisions by the patient could be made on an intelligent basis; if all patients had sufficient scientific background and sufficient knowledge of the human body; if the decisions of all patients could be sufficiently free of the fear of the unknown, of superstition and other extraneous influences upon the decision‐making processes; if all patients were able to understand the physician and communicate with him; if the physician were not faced with these and various other impediments, doctor‐patient accord would be a problem of manageable proportions.1
Characterization of Endocytic Vesicles Using Magnetic Microbeads Coated with Signalling Ligands

Iron microbeads coated with the protein ligands insulin and EGF (Fe-INS and Fe-EGF) were prepared. Examination of the traffic of these ligand-coated microbeads demonstrated their internalization via clathrin-coated vesicles. Using magnetic methods, we have purified vesicles derived from the endocytic pathway. Vesicles prepared by this method are essentially free of contamination with other endomembrane compartments. Examination of the vesicles derived from cells treated with Fe-INS beads demonstrated the presence of the components of the Ras/Erk cascade on their surface. We conclude that the coupling of the Erk-signalling cascade induced by insulin takes place on the surface of endocytic vesicles derived from the internalization of the insulin receptor.
A Morphological Cladistic Analysis of the Neotropical Flowering Plant Genus Gasteranthus (Gesneriaceae)

Abstract Gasteranthus (Gesneriaceae; Beslerieae) includes 38 species restricted to the New World tropics. The genus has a limited distribution in Central and South America, with a center of diversity in western Ecuador. This study investigates cladistic relationships among species of Gasteranthus using floral and vegetative morphological data. Corolla shape in Gasteranthus ranges from funnelform to urceolate and ventricose, with additional variation in corolla spur and corolla ventral pouch morphology. Our analysis revealed that there were likely single primary innovations of the three major corolla types, although only one of the three types forms a monophyletic group. Apparently, ventricose corollas were derived from funnelform corollas and urceolate corollas were derived from ventricose corollas, making the funnelform and ventricose corolla groups both paraphyletic. Spurs have been lost twice in Gasteranthus. Conspicuousness of stomatal clusters is quite homoplastic given the phylogenetic hypothesis. C...
A knowledge-based approach to model idealization in FEM

Finite element analysis (FEA) pre-processing is considered to be an art-form requiring many years of experience before the necessary expertise can be obtained by human analysts to efficiently and reliable develop a numerical model. In the "real" world, design models rarely match the simplistic approach adopted in an academic environment to FEA. Complex 3D parts with intricate boundary and loading conditions are commonly dealt with. Model idealization is an important pre-processing phase of FEA, intended to create a simplified analysis geometry while accurately representing the design form, function and intent. A rule-based expert system named DESIDE-X has been developed which integrates object-oriented programming, a CSG feature-based design representation system and an idealization rule-system that uses heuristic and procedural methods to remove or simplify geometric features that are insignificant from the FEA perspective. >
The sensitized fading of triphenylmethane dyes in polymer films. Part 2

Abstract The photochemistry of four acid triphenylmethane dyes, viz. Acid Blue 1, Acid Green 9, Acid Blue 15 and Acid Violet 17, was studied in model systems of dyed poly (vinyl alcohol), methylcellulose and gelatin films, in order to elucidate the complex photochemical reactions occurring in a dyed-wool/water/air system upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation. A variety of chemicals that model protein-bound ammo acids, and sodium azide and cadmium sulphate octdhydrate were added to each dyedpolymer system in order to determine the importance of specific photochemical reactions anticipated for a dyed-wool substrate. A comparison between the dye spectra in various solutions and in the polymer substrates revealed that triaminotriphenylmethane dyes, in particular, show a propensity to aggregate. This was particularly evident in poly(vinyl alcohol) and gelatin substrates; in methylcellulose the monomeric forms of all dyes predominated. Dye fading appears to be governed by (a) the ability of the substrate, or residual solvent within the substrate, to donate electrons or hydrogen atoms to the dye and (b) the degree of dye aggregation, which may be partially determined by (c) the chemical and physical structure of the substrate. Two dissociative pathways were proposed for the fading of dimeric dye molecules in protein substrates. For monomeric dye molecules, it was found that fading was photosensitized by components of the protein structure, in particular the guanidino group of arginine and the carboxylate groups of glutamic and aspartic acids. In contrast, neither lysine, histidine nor excited singlet-state oxygen appears to sensitize the fading of triphenylmethane dyes in protein substrates.
Four-chamber surface model from segmented cardiac MRI

This paper presents a novel method for the generation of a four-chamber surface model from segmented cardiac MRI. The method has been tested on 3D short-axis cardiac magnetic resonance images with strongly anisotropic voxels in the long-axis direction. It provides a smooth triangulated surface mesh that closely follows the endocardium and epicardium. The surface triangles are close-to-regular and their number can be preset. The input to the method is the segmentation of each of the four cardiac chambers. The same algorithm is independently used to generate the surface mesh of the epicardium and of the endocardia of the four cardiac chambers. For each chamber, a sphere that includes the chamber is centered at its barycenter. A triangulated surface mesh with almost perfectly regular triangles is constructed on the sphere. Then, the Laplace equation is solved over the region bounded by the segmented chamber surface and the sphere. Finally, each vertex from the triangulated mesh on the sphere is mapped from the sphere to the chamber surface by following the gradient flow of the solution of the Laplace equation. The proposed method was compared to the marching cubes algorithm. The proposed method provides a smooth mesh of the heart chambers despite the strong voxel anisotropy of the 3D images. This is not the case for the marching cubes algorithm, unless the mesh is significantly smoothed. However, the smoothing of the mesh shrinks it, which makes it a less accurate representation of the chamber surface. The second advantage is that the mesh triangles are more regular for the proposed method than for the marching cubes algorithm. Finally, the proposed method allows for a finer control of the number of triangles than the marching cubes algorithm.
Wafer edge uniformity considering ion inertia in single- and dual-frequency capacitively coupled discharges

Summary form only given. Uniformity and edge effects (the perturbation of features near the edge of the wafer) are of increasing concern in low pressure plasma processing. Edge effects are usually caused by perturbation of reactant and ion fluxes produced by wafer termination and matching to tool materials. Very often these perturbations result from subtle geometrical features, such as the spacing between the edge of the wafer and focus rings. In capacitively coupled plasmas (CCPs), and dual frequency systems in particular, these issues are intrinsically coupled with ion inertia as ions are typically able to follow the variation in the low frequency electric field but not the high frequency source. In this paper, we discuss results from a computational investigation of the consequences of tool design on edge effects in CCP reactors. The effects of the focus ring height and methods of terminating the wafer will be discussed with respect to the uniformity and directionality of the ion fluxes near the edge of the wafer. Examples will be taken from single and dual frequency systems (tens to hundreds of mtorr) in Ar and Ar/Cl2 chemistries. As these effects are sensitive functions of the geometry and ion inertia, improvements were made to a 2-dimensional plasma hydrodynamics model that is implemented on an unstructured mesh capable of capturing a large dynamic range in scale length. The effects of ion inertia are captured by solving the full momentum equations for ions. The coupling between the dynamics of the charged and neutral transport is through the species resolved collision terms in the momentum equations for charged and neutral species. The numerical implementation of these algorithms on an unstructured mesh will be briefly described
Radical moves: Caribbean migrants and the politics of race in the jazz age

The book deals with the travails of labour migrations from the British Caribbean across what the author calls the circum-Caribbean, inclusive of such neighbouring countries as Venezuela, Panama, Co...
An analytical performance model for assembly systems with automatic inspection stations and repair loops

Abstract Automatic Assembly Systems (AASs) form an important class of manufacturing systems. Due to the difficulty of modeling them via simulation, some analytical tools have been developed for the performance evaluation of such systems. Modeling of a certain class of AASs that have test stations and counter-flow repair loops deserves special attention. Incorporating a counter-flow secondary loop in the material handling system in addition to the main loop brings the phenomena of splitting and merging of the flow of assemblies which make the analytical model more intricate. In this paper, a closed system version of Whitt's second order approximations for GI/G/1 queues is applied to AASs with repair loops as an analytical tool for performance evaluation. The results of the analytical model are compared with those of simulation. The analytical method yields approximate but fast results and appears to be a promising technique for the initial performance evaluation of AASs with repair loops.
NEUTRON SCATTERING FROM Au, Hg, AND Tl

The elastic and the inelastic scattering of fast neutrons from Au, Hg, and Tl was studied at incident neutron energy intervals of ~50 keV from 0.3 to 1.5 MeV. The differential elastic scattering cross sections were determined approximately every fifteen degrees from 20 to 145 degrees. The cross sections for the inelastic excitation of states in Au at 77, 270, 409, 520, 540, 740, 830, 940, 1120, and 1220 keV; in Hg at 160, 208, 440, 610, 980, and 1120 keV; and in Tl at 205, 279, 615, 680, 930, and 1080 keV were determined. The measured elastic scattering cross sections were compared with the results of optical model calculations and evidence for a decrease in the imaginary part of the potential near the doubly closed shell atA=208 was observed. The results of Hauser-Feshbach calculations, utilizing known spin and parity assignments together with those estimated from nuclear systematics, were in qualitative agreement with the measured inelastic excitation functions. The effect of resonance width fluctuations was considered in the context of the experimental results.
Significance of endotension, endoleak, and aneurysm pulsatility after endovascular repair

Abstract Objective: The lack of aneurysm pulsatility after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is deemed by some an important guide to the effectiveness of exclusion. However, factors that contribute to aneurysm pulsatility after EVAR have not been elucidated. This study quantitatively analyzed the effects of systemic pressure, aneurysm sac pressure, endoleak, branch outflow from aneurysm sac, and intra-sac thrombus on aneurysm pulsatility after EVAR. Methods: In an ex vivo model, an artificial aneurysm sac was incorporated within a mock circulation comprised of rubber tubing and a pulsatile pump. The aneurysm sac was then completely excluded from the circulatory circuit with two types of stent-grafts, ie, supported and unsupported, and heparinized canine blood was circulated. Systemic circulation and aneurysm sac pressure was recorded in the absence and presence of endoleaks, and simulated open and closed lumbar branch outflow from the aneurysm sac. The aneurysm sac was then filled with organized human thrombus, and all pressure measurements were repeated. Two observers blinded to the above-mentioned variables independently evaluated aneurysm sac pulsatility with palpation in five separate experiments. Analysis of variance was performed, with significance accepted at P =.05. Results: Systemic pressure was simulated in the artificial circulation to range from 100/60 to 180/60 mm Hg. Regardless of the simulated lumbar branch outflow from the aneurysm, sac pressure was directly related to the presence of endoleak ( P Conclusions: In this model, after EVAR pulsatility depends on aneurysm sac outflow, regardless of endoleak, sac thrombosis, sac pressure, or stent-graft. Furthermore, persistent pulsatility does not predict systemic intra-sac pressure, nor does lack of pulsatility reflect freedom of the aneurysm sac from systemic pressurization. This ex vivo model suggests that aneurysm pulsatility is an unreliable guide for predicting aneurysm sac pressurization after EVAR. Other diagnostic methods must be used to assess successful aneurysm exclusion. (J Vasc Surg 2003;37:842-6.)
Polysulfide Reagent in Solid-Phase Synthesis of Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides: Greater than 99.8% Sulfurization Efficiency

A solution of sulfur (0.1 M) and sodium sulfide (0.01M) in 3-picoline, referred to as polysulfide reagent, rapidly converts trialkyl and triaryl phosphite triesters to the corresponding phosphorothioate derivatives. Greater than 99.8% average stepwise sulfurization efficiency is obtained in the solid-phase synthesis of DNA and RNA phosphorothioate olgonucleotides via the phosphoramidite approach.
Enthalpy relaxation in thin glass fibers

Abstract Enthalpy relaxation in rapidly cooled soda-lime-silicate glass fibers (diameter range: 8–12 μm) is compared with relaxation in slowly cooled bulk samples of the same composition. Analysis shows that, while the Tool-Narayanaswamy model of non-linear relaxation describes the results on bulk samples well, it is inadequate for describing relaxation in fibers.
Thin film transistors on nanocrystalline silicon directly deposited by a microwave plasma CVD

Abstract In an effort to develop a low-cost process to fabricate high mobility thin film transistors (TFTs), we present TFTs on nanocrystalline Si formed by a microwave plasma ECR-CVD. Compared with conventional rf plasma, microwave ECR plasma has the advantages of a higher ionization ratio and a lower gas pressure, which lead to higher deposition rate and lower cost for large area electronics. The purpose of this work is to fabricate TFTs on directly deposited nanocrystalline Si films and correlate the TFT performance with the deposition conditions of the nanocrystalline Si. This process produced nanocrystalline Si TFTs on glass with a high field effect mobility of 15.3 cm2/V s and a small subthreshold swing of 0.45 V/dec for the Si film deposited at 400 °C with 15% H2 dilution without post-fabrication annealing.
A Splitter for Graphs with No Petersen Family Minor

The Petersen family consists of the seven graphs that can be obtained from the Petersen Graph byY?- and?Y-exchanges. A splitter for a family of graphs is a maximal 3-connected graph in the family. In this paper, a previously studied graph,Q13, 3, is shown to be a splitter for the set of all graphs with no Petersen family minor. Moreover,Q13, 3is a splitter for the family of graphs with noK6-minor, as well as for the family of graphs with no Petersen minor.
Vitamin D receptor (VDR)-mediated actions of 1α,25(OH)2vitamin D3: Genomic and non-genomic mechanisms

The conformationally flexible secosteroid, 1α,25(OH) 2 vitamin D 3 (1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 ) initiates biological responses via binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The VDR contains two overlapping ligand binding sites, a genomic pocket (VDR-GP) and an alternative pocket (VDR-AP), that respectively bind a bowl-like ligand configuration (gene transcription) or a planar-like ligand shape (rapid responses). When occupied by 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 , the VDR-GP interacts with the retinoid X receptor to form a heterodimer that binds to vitamin D responsive elements in the region of genes directly controlled by 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 . By recruiting complexes of either coactivators or corepressors, activated VDR modulates the transcription of genes encoding proteins that promulgate the traditional genomic functions of vitamin D, including signaling intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption to effect skeletal and calcium homeostasis. 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 /VDR control of gene expression and rapid responses also delays chronic diseases of aging such as osteoporosis, cancer, type-1 and -2 diabetes, arteriosclerosis, vascular disease, and infection.
Cytochemical studies on Endamoeba histolytica, with particular reference to polysaccharides☆

Abstract Cytochemical staining reactions indicate that cultured amebae and amebae from tissue contain polysaccharides. The effect of prior exposure to beta-glucuronidase and to saliva on the staining reaction of amebae from cultures containing starch suggests that more than one type of polysaccharide may exist in these cells. The lack of activity of these enzymatic substances on the staining reaction of amebae from starch-free cultures and from tissues would indicate that the polysaccharide content of amebae varies under different conditions of nutrition. When stained by Toluidine blue O, metachromasia is slight or absent in amebae from starch cultures and in those from liver tissue, but is marked in amebae from starch-free cultures.
Hemorrhagic cystitis complicating untreated necrotizing vasculitis

Although the genitourinary system is frequently affected in polyarteritis nodosa, involvement of the wall of the urinary bladder is extremely uncommon; moreover, when reported, it has been merely as an incidental finding late in the disease course. In contrast, hemorrhagic cystitis is a well-recognized complication of cyclophosphamide therapy for the systemic vasculitides, but has not previously been reported to complicate untreated vasculitis. Herein is described a patient who presented with non-treatment-related hemorrhagic cystitis which was found to be due to nongranulomatous necrotizing vasculitis of the wall of the urinary bladder. This represents both a novel presentation of polyarteritis and a previously unreported etiology of hemorrhagic cystitis. The differential diagnosis of apparently spontaneous hemorrhagic cystitis should therefore include active necrotizing vasculitis, independent of prior therapy.
Treatment with gemcitabine and TRA-8 anti-death receptor-5 mAb reduces pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell viability in vitro and growth in vivo.

Gemcitabine is a first line agent for pancreatic cancer, but yields minimal survival benefit. This study evaluated in vitro and in vivo effects of a monoclonal antibody (TRA-8) to human death receptor 5, combined with gemcitabine, using two human pancreatic cancer cell lines, S2VP10 and MIA PaCa-2. A subcutaneous model of pancreatic cancer was employed to test in vivo efficacy. S2VP10 and MIA PaCa-2 cells were treated with varying doses of gemcitabine and TRA-8. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined with an adenosine triphosphate assay and annexin V staining, respectively. Mitochondrial membrane destabilization was evaluated with fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of JC-1 stained cells. Caspase activation was evaluated by Western blot analysis. MIA PaCa-2 subcutaneous xenografts in athymic nude mice were evaluated for response to treatment with 200 µg of TRA-8 (intraperitoneal on days 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, and 27 postimplant) and 120 mg/kg gemcitabine (I.P. on days 10, 17, and 24). Tumor growth was measured with calipers. MIA PaCa-2 and S2VP10 cells receiving combination treatment with TRA-8 and gemcitabine demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity, annexin V staining, and mitochondrial destabilization compared to either agent alone. Combination treatment produced enhanced caspase-3 and -8 activation in both cell lines compared with either agent alone. In vivo studies demonstrated mean subcutaneous tumor surface area (produce of two largest diameters) doubling times of 38 days untreated, 32 days gemcitabine, 49 days TRA-8, and 64 days combination treatment. TRA-8 is an apoptosis-inducing agonistic monoclonal antibody that produced synergistic cytotoxicity in combination with gemcitabine in vitro through enhanced caspase activation. These findings, with substantial inhibition of tumor growth in a mouse pancreatic cancer xenograft model receiving combination therapy, are encouraging for anti-death receptor therapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Staying the Royal Sword: Alcuin and the Conversion Dilemma in Early Medieval Europe

A grisly scene unfolded after the battle. The treacherous pagans had been defeated and would now be obliged to convert to the new faith. But all that had happened before, and each time the dogs had...
The group of an X-join of graphs

In this paper we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the group of graph automorphisms of the X-join of {Yx}x∈X to be the “natural” ones, i.e., those that are obtained by first permuting the Yx according to a permutation of subscripts by an automorphism of X and then performing an arbitrary automorphism of each Yx. This simultaneously solves and generalizes the problem of giving necessary and sufficient conditions for the group of the lexicographic product of two graphs to be the wreath product of the groups of the factor graphs. This problem was introduced by Harary and partial solutions had been given by Sabidussi and the author.
Numerical Recipes Example Book FORTRAN

From the Publisher: This is the revised and greatly expanded Second Edition of the hugely popular Numerical Recipes: The Art of Scientific Computing. The product of a unique collaboration among four leading scientists in academic research and industry, Numerical Recipes is a complete text and reference book on scientific computing. In a self-contained manner it proceeds from mathematical and theoretical considerations to actual practical computer routines. With over 100 new routines (now well over 300 in all), plus upgraded versions of many of the original routines, this book is more than ever the most practical, comprehensive handbook of scientific computing available today. The book retains the informal, easy-to-read style that made the first edition so popular, with many new topics presented at the same accessible level. In addition, some sections of more advanced material have been introduced, set off in small type from the main body of the text. Numerical Recipes is an ideal textbook for scientists and engineers and an indispensable reference for anyone who works in scientific computing. Highlights of the new material include a new chapter on integral equations and inverse methods; multigrid methods for solving partial differential equations; improved random number routines; wavelet transforms; the statistical bootstrap method; a new chapter on "less-numerical" algorithms including compression coding and arbitrary precision arithmetic; band diagonal linear systems; linear algebra on sparse matrices; Cholesky and QR decomposition; calculation of numerical derivatives; Pade approximants, and rational Chebyshev approximation; new special functions; Monte Carlo integration in high-dimensional spaces; globally convergent methods for sets of nonlinear equations; an expanded chapter on fast Fourier methods; spectral analysis on unevenly sampled data; Savitzky-Golay smoothing filters; and two-dimensional Kolmogorov-Smirnoff tests. All this is in addition to material on such basic top
Real-Time Emulation of a High-Speed Microturbine Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Generator Using Multiplatform Hardware-in-the-Loop Realization

This paper demonstrates a multiplatform hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) approach to observe the operation of a high-speed permanent-magnet synchronous generator coupled with a microturbine in an all-electric-ship power system. The mathematical model of the gas turbine and the dynamic equations of the high-speed generator are implemented in real time on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). This real-time simulation interfaces with hardware via a serial peripheral interface to a supervisory digital signal processor (DSP) of a three-phase voltage source inverter. The inverter output load is virtually emulated in the FPGA using received hardware measurements from the DSP. A user input interface is introduced using dSPACE on a personal computer to acquire data and adjust the speed reference of the generator system through a serial communication interface to the DSP. The real-time simulation and HIL experimental setup are validated in a scaled medium voltage dc ship power system.
Economic Reform and Smallholder Agriculture in Tanzania: A Discussion of Recent Market Liberalization, Road Rehabilitation, and Technology Dissemination Efforts

Abstract This paper discusses the reforms affecting Tanzania's small-farm sector during 1984–1993. It focuses on changes in marketing and input supply, including the revival of regional cooperative societies, the ending of the state monopoly in food crop procurement, and changes in the export crop sector. Efforts to rehabilitate the country's road network, and the effects of institutional change on a technology dissemination program, Sasakawa-Global 2000, are also discussed. The author concludes that improvements in the performance of the smallholder sector cannot be expected to follow automatically from a withdrawal of government.
Multi-scale modeling of low-temperature deformation in b.c.c. metals

The deformation of body-centered cubic (b.c.c.) metals such as W, Ta, and Mo is complicated both by complex deformation mechanisms at the atomic scale and by microstructural variations at the microscale. In this paper, we develop a multiscale model for low-temperature deformation in b.c.c. metals. This model integrates atomic-scale observations into a single crystal constitutive relationship that is implemented in a polycrystal plasticity grain-scale simulation. We determine that the details of deformation at the microscale differ substantially between b.c.c. and f.c.c. metals.
Subsurface Rolling Contact Fatigue Damage Distribution of Backup Roll After Periodic Dressing

In this paper, subsurface rolling contact fatigue damage distribution of backup rolls after used one time and periodic dressing are theoretically analyzed. The theoretical model established is verified by experiments test on ring samples and dissection part cut from backup rolls used in production. The results reveal that the subsurface damage of ring samples and dissection parts characterized by hardness test is consistence well with the distribution predicted by theoretical model. The maximum subsurface damage of backup rolls gradually moves toward the surface and the spalling of backup rolls can be prevented if suitable dressing amount be selected.