cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Environmental benefits of electricity grid interconnections in Northeast Asia

Abstract From an environmental perspective, electricity grid interconnections in Northeast Asia make sense. Cities in Northeast China, Mongolia, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), and the Republic of Korea (ROK) suffer from poor air quality due to the extensive use of coal-fired power generation. Rural communities suffer from a deficit of electricity, forcing reliance on coal and biofuels for cooking and heating in the home, which causes health-damaging indoor air pollution. Regional air pollution from acid rain and ozone is widespread. In addition, Japan is finding it hard to meet its commitment under the Kyoto Protocol. Yet, just across their borders in far eastern Russia are extensive, clean energy resources: hydroelectricity and natural gas, and (potentially) nuclear power and tidal power. It would be environmentally beneficial to generate electricity cleanly in far eastern Russia and transmit the electricity across the borders into China, Mongolia, the DPRK, the ROK, and Japan, thereby displacing coal-fired electricity generation. We estimate that currently planned projects could alleviate the problems of two to five Chinese cities, with the potential for much larger benefits in the future.
Wallace as writer.

Summary The story is told of the English poet laureate, Tennyson, who was walking in the Alps with a clergyman friend. Suddenly, Tennyson dropped to his knees and exclaimed: "Look here, I can see the colour of the flower through the creature's wings!" The creature was a dragonfly, the flower an Alpine rose. Tennyson, like so many of the great Victorians (Darwin, Hopkins, Kilvert) was a great noticer. And Alfred Russel Wallace belongs, of course, in their company. One is struck first, when reading his prose, by how much he sees, and how well. Take, for instance, in his book The Malay Archipelago , his discussion of how he had to protect his specimens from various predators — ants, dogs, flies. These last irritants would get in under the wing of a bird he was trying to dry, and quickly laid large quantities of eggs — "sometimes actually raising it up half an inch by the mass of eggs deposited in a few hours."
Optimization of ultrafilter feed conditions using classical filtration models

Abstract Two classical filtration models were evaluated to assess their applicability to test data obtained from filtration of a high level waste (HLW) sludge sample from the Hanford tank farms. One model was then selected for use in evaluation of the optimal feed conditions for maximizing filter throughput for the proposed waste treatment plant (WTP) at the Hanford site. This analysis indicates that an optimal feed composition does exist, but that this optimal composition is different depending upon the product (permeate or retentate) that is to be maximized. A basic premise of the WTP design had been that evaporation of the feed to 5 M Na (or higher if possible) was required to achieve optimum throughput. However, these results indicate that optimum throughput from a filtration perspective is achieved at lower sodium molarities (either 3.5 M for maximum low activity waste (LAW) throughput or 4.9 M for maximum HLW throughput).
Prediction of light scattering characteristics of particles and structures on surfaces by the coupled-dipole method

The ability to predict angle-resolved light scattering characteristics of surface features, including particle contaminants and circuit structures, is identified as an important tool for the development of next generation wafer inspection systems. A model and associated code based on the coupled-dipole method used to model the light scattering is described. Then, predicted scattering signatures for polystyrene latex spheres and silicon dioxide features (nominal 1 micrometer size) on smooth silicon surfaces are reported. The surface features of interest were from the ASU/SRC block of the SEMATECH Patterned Wafer Defect Standard die developed by VLSI Standards, Inc. Finally, the computational results are compared with scattering measurements from individual particles and features. A coherent beam incident of the features on the surface had a wavelength of 632.8 nm, 7 mm beam spot size, and was at an incident angle of 45 degrees. A ringed photodetector centered on the specular reflection was used to measure the angle-resolved scatter. Over the range of scattering angles studied (10 degrees to 60 degrees), the results for differential scattering cross-section agreed to within a factor of 3 or 4.
Resurrecting the applet paradigm

Since the introduction of Java in 1995, educators have recognized the potential of Java applets as an educational resource. Sadly, the continuing evolution of Java has made it harder to use applets, largely because it is so difficult to keep those applets compatible with the many different versions of the Java runtime environment supported by existing browsers. Over the past two years, the ACM Java Task Force (JTF) has developed an effective strategy that makes it possible to write applets using up-to-date versions of Java that will nonetheless run on browsers that support only the JDK 1.1 environment. This paper describes the acm11.jar library, which uses this strategy to achieve the desired backward compatibility. It also describes a more general solution strategy for which we have a prototype, although we are unable to release the prototype until we get permission from Sun Microsystems. The acm11.jar library can be used with any Java applet and does not depend on adopting the JTF library packages. That library therefore represents a general resource for teachers and students who want to write Java code that runs in web environments.
Attention and perceptual organization

How does attention contribute to perceptual experience? Within cognitive science, attention is known to contribute to the organization of sensory features into perceptual objects, or “object-based organization.” The current paper tackles a different type of organization and thus suggests a different role for attention in conscious perception. Within every perceptual experience we find that more subjectively interesting percepts stand out in the foreground, whereas less subjectively interesting percepts are relegated to the background. The sight of a sycamore often gains the visual foreground for a nature lover, whereas the sound of a violin often gains the auditory foreground for a music lover, but not necessarily vice versa. How does the perceptual system organize early sensory processing according to the subject’s interests? The current paper reveals how this subject-based organization is brought about and maintained through top-down attention. In fact, the current paper argues that top-down attention is necessary for conscious perception in so far as it is necessary for bringing about and maintaining the subject-based organization of perceptual experience.
Long time-scale probing of the protein globular core using hydrogen-exchange and room temperature phosphorescence

Abstract Preliminary room temperature phosphorescence measurements of the highly buried Trp109 inE. colialkaline phosphatase have been used to report on the kinetics of protein hydrogen–deuterium exchange. Upon dilution in D2O the phosphorescence lifetime increases (at 20°C) in a biphasic manner with an immediate change (
Local and global 3D noise power spectrum in cone-beam CT system with FDK reconstruction.

Purpose: The authors examine the nonstationary noise behavior of a cone-beam CT system with FDK reconstruction. Methods: To investigate the nonstationary noise behavior, an analytical expression for the NPS of local volumes and an entire volume was derived and quantitatively compared to the NPS estimated from experimental air and waterimages. Results: The NPS of local volumes at different locations along the z -axis showed radial symmetry in the f x - f y plane and different missing cone regions in the f z direction depending on the tilt angle of rays through the local volumes. For local volumes away from the z -axis, the NPS of air and waterimages showed sharp transitions in the f x - f y and f y - f z planes and lack of radial symmetry in the f x - f y plane. These effects are mainly caused by varying magnification and different noise levels from view to view. In the NPS of the entire volume, the f x - f y plane showed radial symmetry because the nonstationary noise behaviors of local volumes were averaged out. The nonstationary sharp transitions were manifested as a high-frequency roll-off. Conclusions: The results from noise power analysis for local volumes and an entire volume demonstrate the spatially varying noise behavior in the reconstructed cone-beam CTimages.
Fixing the photorefractive soliton.

We report the formation of permanent two-dimensional 12??m waveguides in a bulk strontium barium niobate crystal. The waveguides are made by formation of a photorefractive spatial soliton in which the space-charge field induces ferroelectric domains that are permanently polarized opposite to the crystal c axis. The fixed waveguide propagates light with 80% efficiency. These results make possible the permanent recording of intricate optical circuitry in the volume of a bulk crystal.
Anxiety and fear in a cross of C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice: mapping overlapping and independent QTL for related traits.

Anxiety, like other psychiatric disorders, is a complex neurobehavioral trait, making identification of causal genes difficult. In this study, we examined anxiety-like behavior and fear conditioning (FC) in an F2 intercross of C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice. We identified numerous quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing anxiety-like behavior in both open field (OF) and FC tests. Many of these QTL were mapped back to the same chromosomal regions, regardless of behavior or test. For example, highly significant overlapping QTL on chromosome 1 were found in all FC measures as well as in center time measures in the OF. Other QTL exhibited strong temporal profiles over testing, highlighting dynamic relationship between genotype, test and changes in behavior. Next, we implemented a factor analysis design to account for the correlated nature of the behaviors measured. OF and FC behaviors loaded onto four main factors representing both anxiety and fear behaviors. Using multiple QTL modeling, we calculated the percentage variance in anxiety and fear explained by multiple QTL using both additive and interactive terms. Quantitative trait loci modeling resulted in a broad description of the genetic architecture underlying anxiety and fear accounting for 14–37% of trait variance. Factor analysis and multiple QTL modeling showed both unique and shared QTL for anxiety and fear; suggesting a partially overlapping genetic architecture for these two different models of anxiety.
Lymphoid Tissue Damage in HIV-1 Infection Depletes Naïve T Cells and Limits T Cell Reconstitution after Antiretroviral Therapy

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) can suppress HIV-1 replication and normalize the chronic immune activation associated with infection, but restoration of naive CD4+ T cell populations is slow and usually incomplete for reasons that have yet to be determined. We tested the hypothesis that damage to the lymphoid tissue (LT) fibroblastic reticular cell (FRC) network contributes to naive T cell loss in HIV-1 infection by restricting access to critical factors required for T cell survival. We show that collagen deposition and progressive loss of the FRC network in LTs prior to treatment restrict both access to and a major source of the survival factor interleukin-7 (IL-7). As a consequence, apoptosis within naive T cell populations increases significantly, resulting in progressive depletion of both naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations. We further show that the extent of loss of the FRC network and collagen deposition predict the extent of restoration of the naive T cell population after 6 month of HAART, and that restoration of FRC networks correlates with the stage of disease at which the therapy is initiated. Because restoration of the FRC network and reconstitution of naive T cell populations are only optimal when therapy is initiated in the early/acute stage of infection, our findings strongly suggest that HAART should be initiated as soon as possible. Moreover, our findings also point to the potential use of adjunctive anti-fibrotic therapies to avert or moderate the pathological consequences of LT fibrosis, thereby improving immune reconstitution.
Gastrocolic fistula due to adenocarcinoma of the colon:Simulation of primary gastric leiomyosarcoma on CT

This article describes the CT findings in two patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon and gastrocolic fistula which simulated the classic appearance of gastric leiomyosarcoma on CT. The role of CT in the diagnosis of gastrocolic fistula is also discussed.
Vacuum insulation for cryocables

Abstract Vacuum insulation in a cryocable acts in three ways; it provides electrical insulation between conductors, thermal insulation between environment and coolant, and thermal isolation between coolant streams. At present vacuum insulated LN 2 cooled cables appear to be the closest competitors to suburban overhead transmission lines This paper reviews the advantages of vacuum insulation for high voltage cryocables and discusses the current state of development of these cables.
Evolution of the Net Surface Shortwave Radiation over the Indian Ocean during Summer MONEX (1979): A Satellite Description

The evolution of the net shortwave (NSW) radiation fields during the monsoon of 1979 was analyzed, using geostationary satellite data, collected before, during, and after the monsoon onset. It is seen, from the time sequence of NSW fields, that during the preonset phase the characteristics of the NSW field are dominated by a strong maximum in the entire Arabian Sea and by a strong minimum in the central and eastern equatorial Indian Ocean, the minimum being associated with the intense convective activity occurring in that region. As the season evolves, the minima of NSW associated with the large scale convective activity propagate westward in the equatorial ocean. During the monsoon onset, there occurs an explosive onset of the convection activity in the Arabian Sea: the maximum has retreated towards the Somalia coast, and most of the sea then experiences a strong minimum of NSW associated with the intense precipitation occurring along the southwestern coast of the Indian subcontinent.
On the success of pseudopotential methods

Abstract The reasons that the concept of a pseudopotential can be successfully applied are discussed in the light of some alternative augmented plane wave calculations. These provide a graphic illustration of the basic observations which originally suggested the concept.
Sperber Revisited: That Darned Dorze Dragon

Dan Sperber. On Anthropological Knowledge. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1985. 107 pp. $8.95 (paper).
An Aggrecanase and Osteoarthritis

The aggrecanases — enzymes that break down cartilage — are attractive candidates as drug targets. Studies of two mouse models implicate a single aggrecanase as a mediator of the erosion of cartilage in osteoarthritis.
Quantitative Performance Metrics with Long Wave Infrared Multiple Aperture Cameras

We characterize a long wave infrared multiple aperture imaging system by experimentally measuring its noise equivalent temperature difference and modulation transfer function. These results are compared with a conventional system.
Origin of mitochondrial enzymes. V. The polypeptide character and the biosynthesis of rat liver cytochromec oxidase polypeptides by mitochondria

Isolated rat liver mitochondria were labeled in vitro withl-[14C]leucine. Sixty percent of the incorporated radioactivity was found to reside in subunits 1, 2, and 3 of cytochromec oxidase with apparent molecular weights of approximately 33,000, 25,000, and 20,000, respectively. The results indicate that these are the predominant products of protein synthesis under the conditions employed. The enzyme complex, as derived by immunoprecipitation, was found to contain four additional polypeptides with apparent molecular weights of 17,000, 12,500, 7000, and 3500. A comparison of electrophoretic profiles of the rat liver and beef heart enzyme reveals that the apparent molecular weights of all polypeptides are remarkably similar.
A study of IR-drop noise issues in 3D ICs with through-silicon-vias

With the extensive research on through-silicon-via (TSV) and die-stacking technology from both academia and industry, mainstream production of 3D ICs is expected in a near future. However, power delivery is believed to be one of the most challenging problems in 3D ICs. A main objective of the 3D power/ground (P/G) network optimization is to minimize the usage of P/G TSVs while satisfying power supply noise constraint. P/G TSVs consume a considerable amount of routing resources unless designed carefully. In this work, we first investigate the impact of P/G TSVs on the power supply noise as well as 3D IC layouts. We perform sign-off static IR-drop analysis on GDSII layouts of 2D and 3D IC designs using commercial-grade tools. We also explore the impact of 3D P/G network topology on IR-drop by varying P/G TSV pitch. Next, we propose a non-regular P/G TSV placement algorithm to further reduce the number of P/G TSVs used while satisfying the given IR-drop noise requirement. Compared with the conventional regular structure, our non-regular P/G TSV placement algorithm reduces the P/G TSV count, wirelength, and footprint area by 59.3%, 3.4%, and 3.5% on average, respectively.
Cardiac e-learning: Development of a web-based implantable cardioverter defibrillator educational system.

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to design a Web-based implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) module that would allow greater access to learning which could occur at an individual's convenience outside the fast-paced clinical environment. Materials and Methods: A Web-based ICD software educational program was developed to provide general knowledge of the function of the ICD and the interpretation of the stored electrocardiograms. This learning tool could be accessed at any time via the Columbia University Internet server, using a unique, password protected login. A series of basic and advanced ICD terms were presented using actual ICD screenshots and videos that simulated scenarios the practitioner would most commonly encounter in the fast-paced clinical setting. To determine the usefulness of the site and improve the module, practitioners were asked to complete a brief (less than 5 min) online survey at the end of the module. Results: Twenty-six practitioners have logged into our...
Occupational Mobility and Family Relationships

Many sociologists believe social mobility to be detrimental to extended family relations. An empirical examination of the relations between occupational mobility and four dimensions of family cohesion for a sample of married women supports this view. Furthermore, this is part of a broader pattern of general social isolation.
A Concept for Rapidly-Deployable Cable Robot Search and Rescue Systems

This paper introduces a new concept for robotic search and rescue systems. This system uses a rapidly deployable cable robot to augment existing search and rescue mobile robots. This system can greatly increase the range of mobile robots as well as provide overhead views of the disaster site, allowing rescue workers to reach survivors as quickly as possible while minimizing the danger posed to rescue workers. In addition to the system concept, this paper presents a novel kinematic structure for the cable robot, allowing simple translation-only motion (with moment-resisting capability) and easy forward and inverse kinematics for a 3-DOF spatial manipulator. Also, a deployment sequence is described, a rapid calibration algorithm is presented and the workspace of the manipulator is investigated.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
"Taming Tradition": Medicalized Female Genital Practices in Western Kenya

This article considers the question offemale genital practices at the hands of health workers in western Kenya. Recent articles in Medical Anthropology Quarterly have critically engaged with the biomedical arguments condemning such practices. This article studies the case of medicalized circumcision in which biomedical concerns over health risks have become incorporated in their vernacular practice. Although some suggest that medicalization may provide a harm-reduction strategy to the abandonment of the practice, research in one region challenges this suggestion. It argues that changing and conflicting ideologies of gender and sexuality have led young women to seek their own meaning through medicalized practice. Moreover, attributing this practice to financial motivations of health workers overlooks the way in which these "moral agents" must be situated within their social and cultural universe. Together, these insights challenge the view that medicine can remain neutral in the mediation of tradition. [female genital practices, female circumcision, Kenya, harm reduction, medicalization] We must have the guts to end the practice and allow children to get circumcised in hospital. Subjecting children to pain totally contravenes the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Kenya has signed. Let us agree that any cultural practice that subjects people to pain is obsolete and should be either abandoned or reformed. This is not a call to ban circumcision as a practice. It is only a wake-up call against inhuman methods used. Traditional circumcision does not fit in with today's world. People need to be taught that there are more hygienic ways of circumcision. We should not allow a tradition to play poker with children's lives. -John Kamau1
Oral Health Care in CSHCN: State Medicaid Policy Considerations

OBJECTIVE: Low dental care service utilization among Medicaid-enrolled children has often been attributed to low Medicaid reimbursement levels. The purpose of this study was to provide estimates of preventive dental care utilization by Medicaid-enrolled children with special health care needs (CSHCN) and investigate the association of Medicaid preventive dental care reimbursement levels with the receipt of preventive dental care. METHODS: We analyzed data for 40256 CSHCN (1–17 years of age). Unadjusted estimates of not needing, needing and receiving, and needing but not receiving preventive dental care are presented. Multilevel logistic regression models were fitted to examine associations between state Medicaid dental-procedure reimbursement and receipt of preventive dental care. RESULTS: Some significant associations were found between state-level Medicaid dental-procedure reimbursements and receipt of preventive dental care. The strongest individual-level factor associated with not receiving needed preventive dental care was not receiving needed preventive medical care. Parents of Medicaid-enrolled CSHCN were less likely to report receiving needed preventive dental care and more likely to report not needing or not receiving preventive dental care than non–Medicaid-enrolled CSHCN. CONCLUSIONS: Medicaid-enrolled CSHCN received less needed preventive dental care than non–Medicaid-enrolled CSHCN. An important link to receiving appropriate dental care may be the primary care provider. Raising the level of preventive dental care reimbursement along with other policy changes should increase the frequency of CSHCN receiving preventive dental services. State Medicaid agencies must develop models of medical-dental care management for CSHCN in their programs to ensure the most appropriate care.
Inhaled Prostacyclin and High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation in a Premature Infant With Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Associated Respiratory Failure

In a 29-day-old premature infant with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pneumonia, we have shown an additive effect of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) and continuous inhalation of prostacyclin (iPGI2) with improvement of ventilation and oxygenation. The addition of continuous inhaled iPGI2 to HFOV was beneficial in the treatment of hypoxemic respiratory failure owing to RSV-associated pneumonia. The improvement in alveolar recruitment by increasing lung expansion by HFOV along with less ventilation-perfusion mismatch by iPGI2 appears to be responsible for the synergistic effect and favorable clinical outcome. We conclude that the combined therapy of HFOV and continuous inhaled iPGI2 may be considered in RSV-associated hypoxemic respiratory failure in pediatric patients. * Abbreviations: HFOV — : high-frequency oscillatory ventilation iPGI2 — : inhaled prostacyclin OI — : oxygenation index PGI2 — : inhaled prostacyclin RSV — : respiratory syncytial virus
USE OF BPM TO REDESIGN THE CONTAINER HANDLING PROCESS: A BRAZILIAN RETROPORTUARY TERMINAL CASE

This paper describes the proposal of redesign a handling containers process in a Brazilian retroportuary terminal, using Business Process Management - BPM - methodology. The paper employ applied research utilised through the different stages of a case study, as it embodies the various aspects that influence the implementation of the internal handling process of containers in the concerned organisation. The mapping of the process used allowed for an understanding of the activity flow in study. The new processes were mapped out and designed. Analysing them was evidenced a considerable 43% reduction in container handling in the proposed processes as compared to the current process. By analysing the data at the end of the study it was observed that the proposed redesign of the processes provided the organisation under study with the possibility of major improvements that had a significant positive impact on the robustness, dynamism, and understanding of its business activities.
Understanding medication adherence via lived experience: An experiential learning exercise for nursing students

Patients often receive a prescription with little instruction, which they often do not follow. These “non-compliant” patientsare seen as being difficult or resistant. However, in reality these patients may truly be struggling to make a majorbehavioral change with little help or direction. Nurses’ play a major role in the education and support of patients receivingnew prescriptions, but too often nurses provide little more support and guidance than the medical provider. Unfortunately,some nurses also engage in the negative labeling of these patients. The purpose of the learning assignment described herewas to provide pre-licensure nursing students an experiential learning opportunity to increase understanding and empathyfor the difficulties often embedded in behavioral changes required when patients are asked to follow a new medicalregimen. The framework for the assignment was Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model, which posits that lived experienceallows for the transformation of theoretical or classroom knowledge into functional skills. The exercise made use ofplacebo medication and a 3 week course of treatment, during which time students kept written records of their adherenceand feelings. Literature review, classroom discussion and a scholarly paper were used to help students process theexperience. One focus of the post-experience processing was the application of newly gained knowledge in thedevelopment of nursing interventions to help with non-adherence.
Memory-universal prediction of stationary random processes

We consider the problem of one-step-ahead prediction of a real-valued, stationary, strongly mixing random process (Xi)/sub i=-/spl infin///sup /spl infin//. The best mean-square predictor of X/sub 0/ is its conditional mean given the entire infinite past (X/sub i/)/sub i=-/spl infin///sup -1/. Given a sequence of observations X/sub 1/, X/sub 2/, X/sub N/, we propose estimators for the conditional mean based on sequences of parametric models of increasing memory and of increasing dimension, for example, neural networks and Legendre polynomials. The proposed estimators select both the model memory and the model dimension, in a data-driven fashion, by minimizing certain complexity regularized least squares criteria. When the underlying predictor function has a finite memory, we establish that the proposed estimators are memory-universal: the proposed estimators, which do not know the true memory, deliver the same statistical performance (rates of integrated mean-squared error) as that delivered by estimators that know the true memory. Furthermore, when the underlying predictor function does not have a finite memory, we establish that the estimator based on Legendre polynomials is consistent.
Crystalline Phases During the Melting of Bi2Sr2CaCu2OX

The melting of Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox material has been studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) in order to study the phases that formed in the high temperature regions. Two distinct phases of (Sr1-xCax)CuO2 and (Sr1-xCax)2CuO3 have been observed in the Bi-rich matrix depending upon quenching temperatures. Crystallization from the melt by fast cooling usually produce the co-existence of Bi (2201) and these Sr-Ca-Cu-O phases.
Diffraction response of colloidal crystals: effect of numerical aperture.

We present a quantitative experimental and theoretical study of the effect of numerical aperture (NA) on the Bragg diffraction from a dry polystyrene colloidal crystal. The diffraction peak parameters changed noticeably as the NA was increased from 0.017 to 0.5. The diffraction wavelength blueshifted 1.4% from 584 to 576 nm, and the normalized full width at half-maximum increased from 6.2% to 7.0%. These shifts occurred primarily for NA>0.3 and agreed qualitatively with results predicted by a layered Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker method. Thus, by using focusing optics with NAs below 0.3, the diffraction response of low-photonic-strength mesostructures may be compared with normal-incidence experimental and theoretical data.
Film Cooling Heat Transfer: Shaped and Compound Angle Hole Injection

To further understand the effect of compound angle holes and hole shaping on film cooling, detailed heat transfer measurements were obtained using a hue based thermochromic liquid crystal method. This technique is fully described based on its development for film cooling applications. The data were analyzed to determine both the full surface adiabatic effectiveness and the heat transfer coefficient. The compound angles that are presented consist of holes aligned at 0° (streamwise) and 45° to the main cross flow direction. Hole shaping variations from the traditional cylindrically shaped hole include forward diffused and laterally diffused hole configurations. The length to diameter ratio (L/D) was 4.0, the pitch to diameter ratio (P/D) was 3.0, and the inclination angle (α) was 35°. A density ratio (DR) of 1.55 was obtained for all tests using carbon dioxide as the injection fluid into an air stream. For each set of conditions the blowing ratio (M) was varied to be 0.88, 1.25, and 1.88. Adiabatic effectiveness was obtained using a steady state test, while an active heating surface (constant, uniform heat flux) was used to determine the heat transfer coefficient using a transient method.Copyright © 1998 by ASME
Procedures for Estimating Growth Rates in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) are potentially lethal medical conditions often requiring surgical intervention. Reliable information on TAA growth rates and associated risk factors is important for managing this challenging patient population. Unfortunately, a number of studies have employed questionable statistical methods, leading to biased and imprecise estimates. The present study describes these statistical problems in existing studies and delineates procedures for obtaining more reliable results. Using data from the Yale Center for Thoracic Aortic Disease, the study compares TAA growth rate estimates using conventional methods versus the recommended approach of instrumental variables (IV) estimation. The IV approach is designed to mitigate problems of measurement errors inherent in existing estimates of TAA growth. The results demonstrate that IV estimation yields more robust and precise estimates of TAA growth rates and risk factors for TAA growth. For example, the conventional approach yields TAA growth rates that fluctuate substantially-from 0.12 cm/yr to 0.90 cm/yr-depending on (1) the minimum serial follow-up period for patient inclusion in the study and (2) how subjects with negative measured growth rates are handled. In contrast, growth rate estimates using the IV approach are much more robust, ranging from 0.12 to 0.13 cm/yr. The 95% confidence intervals of estimated TAA growth are much more compact using the IV approach as well. We conclude that the IV estimation procedure yields more reliable estimates of TAA growth than does the conventional approach.
What is a photon

The linguistic and epistemological constraints on finding and expressing an answer to the title question are reviewed. First, it is recalled that "fields" are defined in terms of their effect on "test charges" and not in terms of any, even idealistically considered, primary, native innate qualities of their own. Thus, before fields can be discussed, the theorist has to have already available a defined "test particle" and field source. Clearly, neither the test nor the engendering particles can be defined as elements of the considered field without redefining the term "field." Further, the development of a theory as a logical structure (i.e., an internally self consistent conceptual complex) entails that the subject(s) of the theory (the primitive elements) and the rules governing their interrelationships (axioms) cannot be deduced by any logical procedure. They are always hypothesized on the basis of intuition supported by empirical experience. Given hypothesized primitive elements and axioms it is possible, in principle, to test for the 'completion' of the axiom set (i.e., any addition introduces redundancy) and for self consistency. Thus, theory building is limited to establishing the self consistency of a theory's mathematical expression and comparing that with the external, ontic world. Finally, a classical model with an event-by-event simulation of an EPR-B experiment to test a Bell Inequality is described. This model leads to a violation of Bell's limit without any quantum input (no nonlocal interaction nor entanglement), thus substantiating previous critical analysis of the derivation of Bell inequalities. On the basis of this result, it can be concluded that the electromagnetic interaction possesses no preternatural aspects, and that the usual models in terms of waves, fields and photons are all just imaginary constructs with questionable relation to a presumed reality.
A case for NEMS-based functional-unit power gating of low-power embedded microprocessors

This paper presents a case for using Nano-Electro-Mechanical-System switches for power gating idle functional units of an embedded microprocessor. We achieve an average of 26% total energy savings, with a worst-case 5% increase in cycles. Our work includes detailed comparison with transistor switches, actuation circuitry design, identification of desired switch parameters, and device lifetime analysis.
Multiple sclerosis and thermoregulatory dysfunction

Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, characterized by a relapsing and remitting or, alternatively, by a steady and continuous course of dysfunction. The hallmark of the disease is heterogeneity. How the disease presents itself depends on the exact location and
Plastid Signals Remodel Light Signaling Networks and Are Essential for Efficient Chloroplast Biogenesis in Arabidopsis

Plastid signals are among the most potent regulators of genes that encode proteins active in photosynthesis. Plastid signals help coordinate the expression of the nuclear and chloroplast genomes and the expression of genes with the functional state of the chloroplast. Here, we report the isolation of new cryptochrome1 (cry1) alleles from a screen for Arabidopsis thaliana genomes uncoupled mutants, which have defects in plastid-to-nucleus signaling. We also report genetic experiments showing that a previously unidentified plastid signal converts multiple light signaling pathways that perceive distinct qualities of light from positive to negative regulators of some but not all photosynthesis-associated nuclear genes (PhANGs) and change the fluence rate response of PhANGs. At least part of this remodeling of light signaling networks involves converting HY5, a positive regulator of PhANGs, into a negative regulator of PhANGs. We also observed that mutants with defects in both plastid-to-nucleus and cry1 signaling exhibited severe chlorophyll deficiencies. These data show that the remodeling of light signaling networks by plastid signals is a mechanism that plants use to integrate signals describing the functional and developmental state of plastids with signals describing particular light environments when regulating PhANG expression and performing chloroplast biogenesis.
Fine structure of low-energy H(+) in the nightside auroral region

Low-energy H(+) data with 6-s resolution from the retarding ion mass spectrometer instrument on Dynamics Explorer (DE) 1 have been analyzed to reveal the fine structure at middle altitudes of the nightside auroral region. A new method for deconvolving the energy-integrated count rate in the spin plane of the satellite has been used to derive the two-dimensional phase space density. A detailed analysis reveals an alternating conic-beam-conic pattern with the observed conics correlated with large earthward currents in the auroral region. The strong downward current (larger than 1 microamperes per sq m (equivalent value at ionosphere)) provides a free energy source for the perpendicular ion heating, that generates the ion conics with energies from several eV to tens of eV. The bowl shape distribution of the low-energy H(+) is caused by the extended perpendicular heating. The strong correlation between conics and large downward currents suggests that the current-driven electrostatic ion cyclotron wave is an appropriate candidate for the transverse heating mechanism.
Mycorrhizal fungi as mediators of defence against insect pests in agricultural systems

Below-ground organisms influence above-ground interactions in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. Among the most important below-ground organisms are mycorrhizal fungi, comprising ubiquitous and ancient plant mutualists that have significant effects on plant growth and fitness mediated by resource exchange with plants. In the present study, we focus on the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on crop defence against insect pests. 2 AMF alter the availability of resources used by crop plants to manufacture defences against pests and to compensate for pest damage. However, AMF also provide plants with nutrients that are known to increase insect performance. Through potentially opposing effects on plant nutritional quality and defence, mycorrhizal fungi can positively or negatively affect pest performance. 3 Additionally, AMF may directly affect gene expression and plant defence signalling pathways involved in the construction and induction of plant defences, and these effects are apparently independent of those caused by nutrient availability. In this way, AMF may still influence plant defences in the fertilized and highly managed systems typical of agribusiness. 4 Because AMF can affect plant tolerance to pest damage, they may have a significant impact on the shape of damage-yield relationships in crops. Potential mechanisms for this effect are suggested. 5 We highlight the need for continuing research on the effects of AMF identity and the abundance on crop defences and tolerance to pest attack. Much work is needed on the potential effects of mycorrhizal colonization on plant signalling and the induction of direct and indirect defences that may protect against pest damage.
Response to Ryan and Parwani: Heart Failure Patients With Low Blood Pressure: How Should We Manage Neurohormonal Blocking Drugs?

Symptomatic hypotension, though rare, is the Achilles’ heel of heart failure (HF) management. It can be a sign of advanced pump failure, making it challenging to uptitrate guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), and it can also be a side effect of the HF treatment. A question that frequently arises is, among patients with low blood pressure (BP) at baseline, which medication should be initiated first. Other questions include whether 1 agent should be increased to a target dose before initiation of another, and which drug should be decreased in the setting of hypotension. This article will address these challenges and review practical management strategies for symptomatic hypotension in HF. Most patients with HF tolerate GDMT despite low BP measurements. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for patients to experience a transient drop in BP, especially within 2 to 4 hours of dosing. These symptoms resolve as HF improves. If a patient is able to tolerate without functionally limiting dizziness, lightheadedness or other significant side effects, it is beneficial to uptitrate HF medications to target doses. This is achievable even if the systolic BP (SBP) is 80 mm Hg. However, in patients with baseline SBP <80 mm Hg, initiation of GDMT with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and/or β-blockers usually are not feasible. If because of reversible causes, GDMT may be initiated after resolution and treatment of hypotension. If the patient …
Role of aspartate 400, arginine 262, and arginine 401 in the catalytic mechanism of human coproporphyrinogen oxidase

Coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPO) is the sixth enzyme in the heme biosynthetic pathway, catalyzing two sequential oxidative decarboxylations of propionate moieties on coproporphyrinogen-III forming protoporphyrinogen-IX through a monovinyl intermediate, harderoporphyrinogen. Site-directed mutagenesis studies were carried out on three invariant amino acids, aspartate 400, arginine 262, and arginine 401, to determine residue contribution to substrate binding and/or catalysis by human recombinant CPO. Kinetic analyses were performed on mutant enzymes incubated with three substrates, coproporphyrinogen-III, harderoporphyrinogen, or mesoporphyrinogen-VI, in order to determine catalytic ability to perform the first and/or second oxidative decarboxylation. When Asp400 was mutated to alanine no divinyl product was detected, but the production of a small amount of monovinyl product suggested the K(m) value for coproporphyrinogen-III did not change significantly compared to the wild-type enzyme. Upon mutation of Arg262 to alanine, CPO was again a poor catalyst for the production of a divinyl product, with a catalytic efficiency <0.01% compared to wild-type, including a 15-fold higher K(m) for coproporphyrinogen-III. The efficiency of divinyl product formation for mutant enzyme Arg401Ala was approximately 3% compared to wild-type CPO, with a threefold increase in the K(m) value for coproporphyrinogen-III. These data suggest Asp400, Arg262, and Arg401 are active site amino acids critical for substrate binding and/or catalysis. Possible roles for arginine 262 and 401 include coordination of carboxylate groups of coproporphyrinogen-III, while aspartate 400 may initiate deprotonation of substrate, resulting in an oxidative decarboxylation.
A Coupled-Cluster Study of the Enthalpy of Formation of Nitrogen Sulfide, NS

Abstract The energy of NS was computed via CCSD(T) theory, together with extrapolation to the complete basis set limit and corrections for anharmonic zero-point energy, scalar and vector relativistic terms, and core–valence electron correlation. The results were employed with three working reactions to find Δ f H 0 ( NS )=277.3±2 kJ mol −1 and Δ f H 298 ( NS )=278.0±2 kJ mol −1 . This thermochemistry is consistent with, but much more precise than, earlier literature values.
The first direct evidence for the production of Maya Blue: rediscovery of a technology

Maya Blue is a colour that is more than a pigment; it had roles in status, ritual and performance, being daubed onto pots and people before sacrifice. Here researchers use experimental and historical evidence to discover how it was made, including direct scientific analysis of Maya Blue on a pot thrown into the sacred well at Chichen Itza. The results indicate that the formation of the colour was actually part of the ritual.
A public health certificate for all medical students: concepts and strategies.

Introduction: The goal of integrating a Public Health Certificate (PHC) into the medical school curriculum is meant to provide basic public health skills and knowledge to all future physicians, ultimately broadening the health workforce's capacity to address community health needs. The faculty at the University of New Mexico's (UNM) School of Medicine (SOM), in collaboration with multiple community stakeholders, created a PHC equivalent to 15 graduate level units. The PHC will be required of all medical students matriculating in 2010. Methods: The authors, community leaders, university administrators, faculty, staff, and students met to address the many tasks required of such broad curricular and policy change. The tasks required piloting innovations in curriculum design and implementation, working within the bureaucratic structure, fostering collaboration, nurturing leadership skills, marketing the new ideas, and designing credible evaluation strategies. Results: We have engaged the stakeholders; surveyed our resources; produced and implemented ongoing evaluation; examined implementation strategies; developed, implemented and pilot tested the PHC courses; and engaged faculty from the Department of Family & Community Medicine in faculty development seminars. Conclusion: Introduction of a PHC for all students is feasible with planning tools such as the Logic Model.
Effect of edotecarin on cell cycle progression and apoptosis induction in HCT-116 human colon carcinoma model.

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 3821 Edotecarin is an indolocarbazole derivative, more potent than camptothecin in inhibiting topoisomerase I, active in a panel of in vitro and in vivo human tumor models (Yoshinari et al, Cancer Res. 1999; Arakawa et al, Jpn. J. Cancer Res. 1999). The effect of edotecarin on cell cycle progression and apoptosis induction was studied on HCT-116 human colon carcinoma cells in comparison with SN-38, the active metabolite of irinotecan. Edotecarin and SN-38 produced very similar cell cycle perturbations as both of them initially blocked the cells in S phase, followed by an accumulation in G2: a 3 fold increase in the late S phase was observed after 14-h treatment with 10 nM of both compounds. This observation was also confirmed ex vivo in tumors from mice treated with edotecarin and irinotecan. The cell cycle block had a longer duration in the edotecarin-treated than in the SN-38-treated cells: the effect of 1-h treatment with 300 nM of edotecarin or SN-38 was maintained for 72 h and 24 h, respectively. Moreover, whereas SN-38 was mainly affecting the cells that were synthesizing DNA, edotecarin hit all the cells, independently from the cell cycle phase. Finally, edotecarin was as potent as SN-38 in inducing cell apoptosis after a 24-h treatment (300 nM of both compounds produced c 30 % of apoptotic cells), but it was more potent than SN-38 with a 6-h treatment (17% vs 5% of apoptotic cells respectively).
A Randomized Phase III Trial Of Busulfan + Melphalan (Bu-Mel) Vs Melphalan Alone For Multiple Myeloma: Longer PFS In The Bu-Mel Arm

(95% CI: 58-88%), respectively. A formal interim analysis of the Day 90 CR rate was conducted when 65 patients were evaluable, and at that time the Mel only arm was determined to be superior. The study was, therefore, stopped early by the Institutional DSMB. However, with a longer follow up Bu-Mel ultimately resulted in better PFS. Conclusions: Bu-Mel was associated with a significantly lower day 90 CR rate and a significantly higher rate of grade 3-4 non-hematologic toxicity, compared to Mel. However, after a median follow up of 15.7 months, PFS was significantly longer in the Bu-Mel arm. Figure 1 PFS from Day 90 by Treatment Arm