cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An array-based algorithm for simultaneous multidimensional aggregates

Computing multiple related group-bys and aggregates is one of the core operations of On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) applications. Recently, Gray et al. [GBLP95] proposed the “Cube” operator, which computes group-by aggregations over all possible subsets of the specified dimensions. The rapid acceptance of the importance of this operator has led to a variant of the Cube being proposed for the SQL standard. Several efficient algorithms for Relational OLAP (ROLAP) have been developed to compute the Cube. However, to our knowledge there is nothing in the literature on how to compute the Cube for Multidimensional OLAP (MOLAP) systems, which store their data in sparse arrays rather than in tables. In this paper, we present a MOLAP algorithm to compute the Cube, and compare it to a leading ROLAP algorithm. The comparison between the two is interesting, since although they are computing the same function, one is value-based (the ROLAP algorithm) whereas the other is position-based (the MOLAP algorithm). Our tests show that, given appropriate compression techniques, the MOLAP algorithm is significantly faster than the ROLAP algorithm. In fact, the difference is so pronounced that this MOLAP algorithm may be useful for ROLAP systems as well as MOLAP systems, since in many cases, instead of cubing a table directly, it is faster to first convert the table to an array, cube the array, then convert the result back to a table.
Wearable design issues for electronic vision enhancement systems

As the baby boomer generation ages, visual impairment will overtake a significant portion of the US population. At the same time, more and more of our world is becoming digital. These two trends, coupled with the continuing advances in digital electronics, argue for a rethinking in the design of aids for the visually impaired. This paper discusses design issues for electronic vision enhancement systems (EVES) [R.C. Peterson, J.S. Wolffsohn, M. Rubinstein, et al., Am. J. Ophthalmol. 136 1129 (2003)] that will facilitate their wearability and continuous use. We briefly discuss the factors affecting a person's acceptance of wearable devices. We define the concept of operational inertia which plays an important role in our design of wearable devices and systems. We then discuss how design principles based upon operational inertia can be applied to the design of EVES.
Investigation of Deep UV Resists by NMR: Residual Casting Solvents, Chemistries, and PAG Decomposition in film

Inverse gated 1H-decoupled carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been employed in the investigation of ESCAP-related deep UV resist films. The concentrations of residual casting solvents were determined as a function of the bake temperature and of storage conditions. In addition to quantification of deprotection, side reactions such as C- and O-alkylation of the phenol unit in the resist film were quantitatively analyzed while varying the exposure dose, bake temperature, resin structure, and acid generator. Furthermore, photochemical decomposition of several acid generators in the resist film was monitored in a quantitative fashion. This paper demonstrates that the 13C NMR technique can provide a wealth of quantitative and indispensable information about constituents and chemistries in resist films.
Identification of pyruvate kinase as an antigen associated with Tourette syndrome

Immune responses to β-hemolytic streptococcal infections are hypothesized to trigger tic disorders and early-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in some pediatric populations. Here we identify the M1 isoform of the glycolytic enzyme, pyruvate kinase (PK) as an autoimmune target in Tourette syndrome and associated disorders. Antibodies to PK reacted strongly with surface antigens of infectious strains of streptococcus, and antibodies to streptococcal M proteins reacted with PK. Moreover, immunoreactivity to PK in patients with exacerbated symptoms who had recently acquired a streptococcal infection was 7-fold higher compared to patients with exacerbated symptoms and no evidence of a streptococcal infection. These data suggest that PK can function as an autoimmune target and that this immunoreactivity may be associated with Tourette syndrome, OCD, and associated disorders.
“Sublime Anomalies”: Women Religious and Roman Catholic Hospitals in New York City, 1850–1920

Six congregations de religieuses fonderent des hopitaux a New York a la fin du XIX e siecle. Des le debut du XX e siecle, elles durent changer leurs ideologies afin de distinguer leurs conceptions du travail et leurs croyances religieuses
The structure of histone-depleted metaphase chromosomes

Abstract We have previously shown that histone-depleted metaphase chromosomes can be isolated by treating purified HeLa chromosomes with dextran sulfate and heparin (Adolph, Cheng and Laemmli, 1977a). The chromosomes form fast-sedimenting complexes which are held together by a few nonhistone proteins. In this paper, we have studied the histone-depleted chromosomes in the electron microscope. Our results show that: the histone-depleted chromosomes consist of a scaffold or core, which has the shape characteristic of a metaphase chromosome, surrounded by a halo of DNA; the halo consists of many loops of DNA, each anchored in the scaffold at its base; most of the DNA exists in loops at least 10–30 μm long (30–90 kilobases). We also show that the same results can be obtained when the histones are removed from the chromosomes with 2 M NaCl instead of dextran sulfate. Moreover, the histone-depleted chromosomes are extraordinarily stable in 2 M NaCI, providing further evidence that they are held together by nonhistone proteins. These results suggest a scaffolding model for metaphase chromosome structure in which a backbone of nonhistone proteins is responsible for the basic shape of metaphase chromosomes, and the scaffold organizes the DNA into loops along its length.
Hexagonal and cubic TiOF2

The chemical, electrochemical, optical and electro-optical properties of titanium oxyfluoride, TiOF2, have led to interest in this compound for a number of applications. Prior analyses have indicated that TiOF2 possesses a simple cubic structure (space group Pm{\overline 3}m) at room temperature. Three-dimensional nanostructured assemblies of polycrystalline TiOF2 have recently been synthesized via chemical conversion of intricate SiO2 structures by metathetic reaction with TiF4(g). Rietveld analysis has been used to evaluate the structure of the TiOF2 product formed by such reaction at 623 K. Unlike prior reports, this TiOF2 product possessed a hexagonal structure (space group R{\overline 3}c) at room temperature. Upon heating through 333–338 K, the hexagonal TiOF2 polymorph converted into cubic (Pm{\overline 3}m) TiOF2. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analyses have been used to evaluate this thermally induced phase transformation.
Climate change, ambient ozone, and health in 50 US cities

We investigated how climate change could affect ambient ozone concentrations and the subsequent human health impacts. Hourly concentrations were estimated for 50 eastern US cities for five representative summers each in the 1990s and 2050s, reflecting current and projected future climates, respectively. Estimates of future concentrations were based on the IPCC A2 scenario using global climate, regional climate, and regional air quality models. This work does not explore the effects of future changes in anthropogenic emissions, but isolates the impact of altered climate on ozone and health. The cities’ ozone levels are estimated to increase under predicted future climatic conditions, with the largest increases in cities with present-day high pollution. On average across the 50 cities, the summertime daily 1-h maximum increased 4.8 ppb, with the largest increase at 9.6 ppb. The average number of days/summer exceeding the 8-h regulatory standard increased 68%. Elevated ozone levels correspond to approximately a 0.11% to 0.27% increase in daily total mortality. While actual future ozone concentrations depend on climate and other influences such as changes in emissions of anthropogenic precursors, the results presented here indicate that with other factors constant, climate change could detrimentally affect air quality and thereby harm human health.
Stimulation of Specific Regions of the Parabrachial Nucleus Elicits Ingestive Oromotor Behaviors in Conscious Rats.

The "waist" area and external subnuclei of the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) have been implicated in the processing of gustatory information, yet their behavioral roles are not clearly defined. In the current study, areas within and surrounding the PBN were stimulated while oromotor behaviors were monitored in conscious rats. Electrical and chemical (100 mM glutamate) stimulation of the waist area increased ingestive oromotor behaviors over baseline (p<.01). Stimulation of external PBN subnuclei and areas medial and ventral to the PBN failed to cause a behavioral change. These data support the hypothesis that the waist area of the PBN constitutes part of the neural substrate involved in eliciting oromotor behaviors in response to taste input.
Salt-tolerant crops: origins, development, and prospects of the concept

The genetic approach to the problems posed by salt-affected soils and water, i.e., breeding crops resistant to salinity stress, is traced to two principal origins: the European ecological interest in halophytes, and the exigencies of growing crops in the arid and semi-arid lands of the American West. The point is made that breeding for resistance to salinity stress cannot be divorced from breeding for various other desirable traits of mineral plant nutrition and metabolism. A survey is conducted of the existing body of information on breeding for desiderata of mineral nutrition in general and salt tolerance in particular. The prospects of breeding crops for salt tolerance are discussed, with emphasis on a) its relation to breeding for resistance to other mineral stresses; b) field trials; c) collaboration between plant physiologists and geneticist-breeders; and d) extensive exploration of germplasm.
COHESION METRIC FOR OBJECT-ORIENTED SYSTEMS BASED ON SEMANTIC CLOSENESS FROM DISAMBIGUITY

Object-oriented semantic metrics address software quality by assessing underlying code meaning. Previous metrics were based on mapping a class's semantic information onto concepts in an application domain knowledge base. Quality measurements were made by operating on the concepts mapped onto. In this work, we consider more complex inter-concept relationships—semantic disambiguities through semantic connections. The idea is that a level of ambiguity is indicated by the connectivity within the knowledge base between two concepts. A cohesion metric based on this idea is shown to perform as well as traditional metrics, and is available much earlier in the development cycle.
Differential effects of apomorphine in 6-hydroxydopamine-treated and aged rats

Effects of dopamine depletion and old age were tested on the ability of rats to discriminate the interoceptive cue produced by IP administered apomorphine. In Experiment 1, rats were administered IC injections of 6-hydroxydopamine or its vehicle at 5 days of age. Administration of this dopamine neurotoxin resulted in significant depletion of whole-brain dopamine to 27.2% of controls as indicated when the brains of littermate rats, killed at 35 days of age, were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Although this dopamine depletion was significant, toxintreated rats learned to discriminate 0.16 mg/kg apomorphine from saline at the same rate as control rats. However, the dose-response curve for apomorphine discrimination after doses of 0.04–0.24 mg/kg suggested hypersensitivity to the dopamine agonist in toxin-treated rats. In Experiment 2, senescent rats were similarly trained to discriminate apomorphine in the two-lever food-motivated operant task. Dose-response testing indicated hypersensitivity similar to that found in 6-OHDA-treated rats. This increased behavioral responsiveness of aged rats to dopamine agonists is discussed in relation to receptor supersensitivity, metabolic rates, and blood-brain barrier permeability.
Rhabdomyosarcoma cell line can be used for the isolation of soluble acetylcholine receptor and for assaying blocking and modulating autoantibodies.

We found that the Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cell line expresses human acetylcholine receptor (AChR) based on the following evidences: 1. Soluble AChR can be isolated from RD cells following the isolation procedure for AChR from human muscle; 2. Intact RD cells bind to alpha-bungarotoxin (αButx) in a time-dependent and saturable fashion. The apparent dissociation constant (5.3 × 10−10 M) is very similar to that reported for TE671 cells, which is known to express AChR; 3. Like fresh muscle culture, RD cells not only bind but also internalize 125l-αButx. Soluble AChR from RD cells can be labeled specifically with 125l-αButx and then used to quantify binding autoantibodies in myasthenic patients. We also demonstrate that blocking antibodies can be detected in sera from patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) using RD cells and the ability of RD cells to internalize αButx. Consequently, RD cells can be used as a reliable source for obtaining soluble AChR and as a replacement for rodent or human muscle cultures in measuring blocking and modulating antibodies. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Skills coaches as part of the educational team: a randomized controlled trial of teaching of a basic surgical skill in the laboratory setting.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the laboratory teaching of a basic technical skill by a nonphysician skills coach and a faculty surgeon. METHODS: Medical students were randomized to instruction of skin suturing in the skills laboratory by a faculty surgeon or by a nonphysician skills coach. Testing of performance occurred at 3 time points. Other faculty surgeons, blinded to identities and training groups, rated performance. RESULTS: Forty-nine students participated. Baseline fourth-year student mean scores showed no significant difference between training groups. Third-year and fourth-year student performance showed no difference between training groups on postintervention testing. Delayed testing also showed no difference in third-year student scores. CONCLUSIONS: Training by either a nonsurgeon skills coach or a faculty surgeon resulted in no difference in performance on a basic surgical skill. This was true for students with and without prior experience and was also true after subsequent clinical experiences. Nonphysician coaches may ease the teaching burden of surgical faculty members while providing similar quality of instruction for trainees.
Electroheating modeling in metal processing: a review

Abstract The current development of electroheating modeling and its application to metal industry are reviewed in this paper. Particular attention is given to formulating the coupled electromagnetic and induced heat transfer and fluid flow problems that arise in the metal industry. Following a brief introduction of the nature of electroheat problems, the formulation of electromagnetic, heat transfer, and fluid dynamic phenomena is presented. The numerical methods used for electromagnetic modeling including the finite element, and finite difference are then examined. Several commercially available software packages for electromagnetic modeling are also briefly assessed. Finally, the applications of these modeling efforts to the induction heating or melting problems are discussed.
Whole blood lactate kinetics in patients undergoing quantitative resuscitation for septic shock

We sought to compare the association of whole blood lactate kinetics with survival in patients with septic shock undergoing early quantitative resuscitation.
On the transient response of open queueing networks using ad hoc distributed simulations

Ad hoc distributed simulation, a methodology for embedded online simulation, has been studied for the steady-state simulation of open queueing networks. However, for most online simulation applications, the capability of a simulation approach to respond to system dynamics is at least as important as the performance in steady-state analysis. Hence, this paper focuses on the prediction accuracy of the ad hoc approach in open queueing networks with short-term system-state transients. We empirically demonstrate that, with slight modification to the prior ad hoc approach for steady-state studies, system dynamics can be modeled appropriately. Furthermore, a potential livelock issue that arises with the modification is addressed.
Influence of substrate structure on substrate binding to the renal organic cation/H+ exchanger.

The carrier-mediated exchange of H+ for organic cations (”OC/H+ exchange”) is the active step in OC secretion in renal proximal tubules. Although hydrophobicity is known to be an important criterion for binding of substrates to this transporter, the degree to which steric parameters of substrate structure influence binding to the exchanger is unclear. We examined this issue by measuring the inhibition of OC/H+ exchange produced by a group of quaternary ammonium compounds which share a common structural motif: an N1-pyridinium residue. Activity of the OC/H+ exchanger was determined by measuring transport of [14C]tetraethylammonium (TEA) in brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) from rabbit renal cortex. Transport was measured in the presence of a pH gradient (pHin 6.0; pHout 7.5) to maximize TEA/H+ exchange. Apparent inhibitory constants (Ki values) for each test agent were measured. The test agents included 4-phenylpyridiniums and 3-phenylpyridiniums, quinoliniums and acridiniums. The planar structure of these compounds permits a direct test of whether the presence of planar hydrophobic mass in different orientations relative to the pyridinium motif exerts a systematic effect on substrate binding to the OC/H+ exchanger. The hydrophobicity of each group of compounds was systematically varied by addition of different substituents at the quaternary nitrogen. Whereas decreases in Ki proved to be proportional to hydrophobicity, the position of the phenyl-ring substituent(s) had no effect on substrate interaction with the exchanger. The results led to the development of a preliminary quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) correlating substrate hydrophobicity and substrate binding to the OC/H+ exchanger. This QSAR was used to predict the binding of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), (+) and (–)nicotine, (+) and (–)ephedrine, quinine and quinidine to the OC/H+ exchanger. Molecular graphics representation of the 3D structures of the test agents was used to develop a working model of a hydrophobic, planar receptor surface on the OC/H+ exchanger against which substrates are suggested to interact during binding. Development of the QSAR and receptor surface model open the way to quantitative tests of the specific physical and structural determinants of substrate selectivity by the renal OC/H+ exchanger.
Total water-soluble sugars quantification in bio-oil using the phenol–sulfuric acid assay

Abstract Bio-oil produced from fast pyrolysis of biomass contains sugars originating from cellulose. Traditional quantification of sugars in bio-oil is accomplished by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) via derivatization, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ion chromatography (IC), or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methodologies. These techniques are highly specific for each sugar, tedious to perform, expensive, and involve the use of hazardous solvents. We have evaluated a standardized test method developed for food and agriculture applications, the Association of Analytical Communities, Inc. (AOAC) Method 988.12 (44.1.30) Phenol–Sulfuric Acid Assay for Total Carbohydrate Determination, to quantify total sugars in the water-soluble fraction of bio-oil. This study investigates accuracy relative to matrix effects caused by non-sugar compounds using positive and negative controls. Positive controls included levoglucosan, d -glucose, d -mannose, d -xylose, d -fructose, d -galactose, l -arabinose, l -fucose, and cellobiosan. Negative controls included phenol, acetic acid, formic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, acetol, furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5HMF), furfuryl alcohol, 2-methylfuran and 2(5H)-furanone. Potential interference with the quantification of total water-soluble sugars by the AOAC Method 988.12 (44.1.30) was calculated for all positive and negative controls by using data obtained when adding the contributor (positive controls) and the interferent (negative controls) into the water-soluble fraction of bio-oil with typical concentrations found in bio-oil. It was found that furfural, 2(5H)-furanone, 5HMF, and furfuryl alcohol influenced results with a range of potential errors of 9.56–29.7%, 9.52–29.8%, 2.91–24.8%, and 1.34–11.9%, respectively. A correction factor of 0.76 wt% was established to reduce or eliminate this influence. Total water-soluble sugars content in bio-oil detected by AOAC Method 988.12 (44.1.30) was comparable to the quantity of sugars detected using hydrolysis with quantification by HPLC. The uncertainty of measurement of water-soluble sugars in bio-oil at 95% confidence was ±2.0% using AOAC Method 988.12 (44.1.30) when the correction factor was employed.
Improved concept of hydrogen on-board storage and supply for automotive applications

Abstract Hydrogen is a promising alternative to liquid hydrocarbon fuels. It has particular advantages when injected directly into the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. However, when using hydrogen for automotive applications, large and heavy tanks are required. This problem can be lessened by the proposed thermocontrolled tank concept which uses well insulated high pressure cylinders initially filled with liquid hydrogen which changes phase to compressed gas at a low temperature of 100 to 200 K and high pressure of 300 bar. The gas pressure is maintained during vehicle operation at over 100 bar by the heat transfer to the tank and used for direct hydrogen injection. To increase the heat transfer, the energy of the engine exhaust gases can be used. This concept requires an electronic control based on microprocessor technology with temperature and pressure sensors, as well as electronically actuated valves for the control of heat transfer from the engine exhaust gases to the tank.
Precision edge contrast and orientation estimation

The contrast and orientation estimation accuracy of several edge operators that have been proposed in the literature is examined both for the noiseless case and in the presence of additive Gaussian noise. The test image is an ideal step edge that has been sampled with a square-aperture grid. The effects of subpixel translations and rotations of the edge on the performance of the operators are studied. It is shown that the effect of subpixel translations of an edge can generate more error than moderate noise levels. Methods with improved results are presented for Sobel angle estimates and the Nevatia-Babu operator, and theoretical noise performance evaluations are also provided. An edge operator based on two-dimensional spatial moments is presented. All methods are compared according to worst-case and RMS error in an ideal noiseless situation and RMS error under various noise levels. >
Transfer function of current modulator in PWM converters with current-mode control

Several different expressions have been derived in previous publications for the transfer function of the current modulator used in pulsewidth modulated (PWM) dc-dc power converters with current-mode control. These expressions give results higher than the measured ones and exhibit many other problems, e.g., one expression gives an infinite value when no slope compensation is used. This paper presents a derivation for the transfer function of the current modulator used in PWM converters with fixed-frequency, trailing-edge modulation, peak-current-mode control for two cases: without and with slope compensation. In addition, feedforward terms are also derived.
Crossflow Stability and Transition Experiments in Swept-Wing Flow

An experimental examination of crossflow instability and transition on a 45 degree swept wing was conducted in the Arizona State University Unsteady Wind Tunnel. The stationary-vortex pattern and transition location are visualized by using both sublimating chemical and liquid-crystal coatings. Extensive hot-wire measurements were obtained at several measurement stations across a single vortex track. The mean and travelling wave disturbances were measured simultaneously. Stationary crossflow disturbance profiles were determined by subtracting either a reference or a span-averaged velocity profile from the mean velocity data. Mean, stationary crossflow, and travelling wave velocity data were presented as local boundary layer profiles and contour plots across a single stationary crossflow vortex track. Disturbance mode profiles and growth rates were determined. The experimental data are compared with predictions from linear stability theory.
A novel approach to paint sludge recycling: Reclaiming of paint sludge components as ceramic composites and their applications in reinforcement of metals and polymers

About 15 × 106 lbs of paint sludge, produced every year at Ford plants, is disposed of in landfills. An economical alternative to this disposal method, which reclaims or recycles components of paint sludge, is highly desirable to preserve valuable natural resources. Here, we describe an alternative to landfill disposal whereby paint sludge is converted into ceramic composites that can be used as reinforcing materials. The conversion of paint sludge to ceramic composite, I/N2/600, is achieved by pyrolysis under a nitrogen atmosphere. Two additional composites, labeled I/N2/1000 and I/NH3/1000, respectively, are prepared by sintering I/600 at 1000 °C under N2 and NH3. All three composites contain crystalline CaTiO3, BaTiO3, TiO2, amorphous alumina, and carbon. I/NH3/1000 contains an additional crystalline phase of titanium nitride. The application of these composites as reinforcing materials is demonstrated in the fabrication of representative metal matrix composites (MMC's) and reinforced plastic components.
High density recording using electron beam recorder

We developed an electron beam mastering machine and reported that the performance is more than satisfactory. We report on disk performance evaluation results first for a recording capacity of 20 and 25 GB by reading out the stamper through a substrate, then the ultra high-density recording by optimizing the recording condition.
Radiation frequencies of ferrite patch antennas

The radiation frequencies of rectangular microstrip patch antenna deposited on ferrite substrate have been measured. Two different radiation modes were found whose frequencies behaved differently under the application of a biasing magnetic field. These two modes of radiation have been identified with a transverse mode whose radiation frequency increased with increasing magnetic field and a longitudinal mode whose radiation frequency decreased with the applied magnetic field. A theoretical model has been formulated for radiation of these two modes based on a multidomain configuration of the ferrite substrate. The theory compares reasonably well with the experiments.
Profile-Based Low Power Scheduling for Conditional Task Graph: A Communication Aware Approach

This work focuses on power optimization of realtime applications with conditional execution running on a dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) enabled multiprocessor system. A novel algorithm is proposed that performs simultaneous task mapping and ordering followed by task stretching of a conditional task graph (CTG). The algorithm minimizes the mathematical expectation of energy dissipation of non-deterministic applications with random branch selection by utilizing the task execution profile. Compared with existing scheduling algorithm, the experimental results show that our algorithm has 32% energy reduction in average.
Mentoring Relations: A Definition to Advance Research and Practice

Many educators have investigated the promise of mentoring as a vehicle of career development, yet no widely accepted definition of mentoring has been articulated. Without such definitional consensus, efforts to develop a knowledge base relevant to mentorships in education have been haphazard. To advance a knowledge base for future research, a definition of mentoring is offered that is grounded in contextual-developmental theory and consistent with the findings of past investigators. Corollaries of the contextual-developmental perspective raise issues that action research may profitably address to facilitate mentoring relationships. The proposed definition offers immediate benefits to mentors, proteges, and their sponsors as it highlights critical elements of the mentoring process.
Liquid-Liquid Demixing from Polystyrene Solutions. Studies on Temperature and Pressure Dependences Using Dynamic Light Scattering and Neutron Scattering

Abstract Phase diagrams in the vicinity of liquid–liquid demixing for polystyrene/solvent systems have been determined as functions of polymer molecular weight, polydispersity, pressure, temperature, solvent quality, and isotope substitution. The diagrams show upper and lower consolute branches and associated critical and hypercritical loci. In this paper we present preliminary results from some studies of demixing along a near-critical isopleth using laser light scattering and photon correlation techniques (dynamic light scattering, DLS), and small angle neutron scattering (SANS).
Gas Turbine Single Annular Combustor Sector: Combustion Dynamics

This paper investigates the combustion dynamics of a single cup gas turbine combustor sector, a swirl-stabilized burner with dilution and cooling air holes. The burner was fueled by natural gas and was operated at one atmospheric pressure with various air inlet temperatures, air pressure drops, and air–fuel ratios. Acoustic emissions as functions of operating conditions were measured. Chemiluminescence imaging with a high-speed CCD camera and simultaneous dynamic pressure measurements has been used to characterize the combustor’s behavior. Imaging of the combustion energy release rate has provided an insight on the flame structure and its interaction with the dilution air jets. The combustion dynamics were correlated well with the heat release rate in the primary zone or in the dilution air jet region. Two low-frequency combustion dynamics modes (fuel-rich combustor domes with frequency around 420Hz, and fuel-lean combustor domes with frequency around 280 Hz) were identified by a dynamic microphone, dynamic pressure transducers, and a high-speed CCD camera. A two-dimensional distribution of the heat release rate dynamics (amplitude and phase angle) reveals different combustion dynamics driving mechanisms for fuel-lean and fuel rich modes. The acoustic emissions for the fuel-lean combustion mode correlated well with the energy release rate dynamics of the swirling jet inside the combustor dome. The acoustic emissions for the fuel-rich mode were associated with the unsteady chemical energy release rate from interactions between the dilution air jets and the fuel-rich mixture convected from the combustor dome.
Uncertainty, Risk Aversion, and WTA vs. WTP

We examine a previously unstudied category of exchange items in which the true value is unknown to both the buyer and seller at the time of exchange but becomes known to both at a future time after the exchange. Real-world examples of such exchange items as in our study include forward contracts and fixed-fee turnkey contracts. We demonstrate that the discrepancy between the seller's willingness to accept (WTA) and buyer's willingness to pay (WTP) increases with (1) the level of uncertainty about the exchange item's value and (2) the exchange parties' level of risk aversion. In a series of studies, we manipulate and measure the level of uncertainty of the exchange item, measure the level of risk aversion of the exchange parties, and study the respective effects on decreasing the WTP while increasing the WTA.
Temporal Dynamics of Graded Synaptic Transmission in the Lobster Stomatogastric Ganglion

Synaptic transmission between neurons in the stomatogastric ganglion of the lobster Panulirus interruptus is a graded function of membrane potential, with a threshold for transmitter release in the range of −50 to −60 mV. We studied the dynamics of graded transmission between the lateral pyloric (LP) neuron and the pyloric dilator (PD) neurons after blocking action potential-mediated transmission with 0.1 μm tetrodotoxin. We compared the graded IPSPs (gIPSPs) from LP to PD neurons evoked by square pulse presynaptic depolarizations with those potentials evoked by realistic presynaptic waveforms of variable frequency, amplitude, and duty cycle. The gIPSP shows frequency-dependent synaptic depression. The recovery from depression is slow, and as a result, the gIPSP is depressed at normal pyloric network frequencies. Changes in the duration of the presynaptic depolarization produce nonintuitive changes in the amplitude and time course of the postsynaptic responses, which are again frequency-dependent. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the measurements of synaptic efficacy that are used to understand neural network function are best made using presynaptic waveforms and patterns of activity that mimic those in the functional network.
Thermal analysis of high polymers: Differential thermal analysis and dynamic electrothermal analysis

The presentation consists of two parts. In the first part, a modification of a previously reported high-resolution differential thermal analysis apparatus is described which extends the temperature range to 1100°C. and permits operation at pressures as low as 10μ. A sample of less than 1 mg. may be used to give well defined thermograms. The thermal behavior of an aromatic polyimide was studied and also of TFE-fluorocarbon rosins in nitrogen and oxygen at various pressures. In the second part, an apparatus for performing simultaneous differential thermal analysis (DTA) and electrothermal analysis (ETA) is described. Changes in both heat content and electrical resistivity of a single sample are followed continuously as a function of sample temperature. Physical transitions such as melting, crystallization, glass transition, vaporization, and crystalline structural changes, and decomposition reactions are readily studied for a variety of polymer systems.
Communication as information-seeking: the case for mobile social software for developing regions

In this paper, we describe several findings from a multi-year, multi-method study of how information and communication technologies have been adopted and adapted in Central Asia. We have found that mobile phone usage is outpacing the rate of Internet adoption, that access to the Internet is primarily through public access sites carrying with it issues regarding privacy and surveillance, that people rely on their social networks as information sources, that public institutions tend to be fairly weak as citizen resources, and that information seeking and communication are conflated in people's usage patterns with different technologies. In addition, in the developed world social networking software has grown rapidly and shown itself to have significant potential for mobilizing a population. Based on the collection of findings from Central Asia and observing patterns of technology usage in other parts of the world, our research leads to the conclusion that exploring mobile social software holds significant potential as an ICT that meshes well with preexisting patterns of communication and information seeking and also leverages the most predominant pattern of technology adoption. Many of the findings from this research echo results from studies in other geographic areas, and so we anticipate that much of this research will be relevant to developing regions generally.
Heterogeneous firms can always collude on a minimum price

When firms are heterogeneous, there may not exist a common collusive price that raises all firms’ profits. However it is shown that there always exists a common minimum price that raises all firms’ profits.
Is a Picture Worth More than 1,000 Words: The Fourth Amendment and the Fda's Authority to Take Photographs Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) authority to take photographs during inspections has been disputed for decades, but legal analysis has been largely silent on the matter. The author argues that, where the FDA has the authority to enter, inspect, and document the conditions in an establishment, the agency holds the authority to take photographs. The language of FDCA Section 704 provides FDA with broad inspectional authority based on a flexible standard of reasonableness. The statutory language and the case law support the conclusion that FDA may lawfully take photographs during a Section 704 inspection so long as the inspection is otherwise lawfully conducted, the FDA's procedural requirements for inspection are met, and the photography is within the normal course of the inspection. As the saying goes, "A picture is worth 1,000 words," - not that a picture is more than 1,000 words. Under the law, inspection photography is no more intrusive than other documentation. Where FDA has the authority to enter, inspect, and document the conditions in an establishment, the agency holds the authority to take photographs. In the 21st century, photographs are a reasonable way for FDA to document conditions in regulated establishments.
Southwestern Internal Medicine Conference: Prospects for Gene Therapy of Ischemic Heart Disease

Discrete steps in the pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease present attractive potential targets for therapeutic applications of gene transfer technologies. This review develops a conceptual basis for gene therapy of ischemic heart disease and provides examples of current research efforts in this field.
New Poly(arylene vinylene)s Based on Diketopyrrolopyrrole for Ambipolar Transistors

Three diketopyrrolopyrrole-based donor–acceptor copolymer semiconductors were synthesized by Stille coupling polymerization and their structural, photophysical, electrochemical, and field-effect charge transport properties were characterized. The new copolymers, poly[3,6-(2,5-bis(2-hexyldecyl)pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione)-alt-1,2-bis-(2′-thienyl)vinyl-5′,5″-diyl] (HD-PPTV), poly[3,6-(2,5-bis(2-hexyldecyl)pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione)-alt-1,2-bisphenylvinyl-4′,4″-diyl] (HD-PPPV), and a 50:50 random copolymer (PPTPV), have moderate number-average molecular weights (21800–88800 g/mol). The copolymers have optical absorption bands in the visible to near-IR regions with optical bandgaps that varied from 1.22 eV for HD-PPTV to 2.0 eV for HD-PPPV. Ionization potentials of 5.14–5.48 eV and electron affinities of 3.13–3.34 eV were derived from cyclic voltammetry. Ambipolar charge transport was seen in transistors based on HD-PPTV and PPTPV, whereas only hole transport was observed in HD-PPPV. Field-effect tr...
Neutralizing Antibody Against Infectious Canine Hepatitis Virus in Veterinary Workers’Sera (ICHV)

SummaryA high prevalence of neutralizing antibody to ICHV was found in the sera of veterinary and nonveterinary workers. When sera from veterinary and nonveterinary workers were paired according to age, sex and ethnic classification, veterinary workers were found to have significantly higher antibody titers than nonveterinary controls.
Theoretical Prediction of the Effect of Coil Configuration on Gas Mixing in an Inductively Coupled Plasma Torch

A mathematical model for the analysis and design of inductively coupled plasma torches Is presented. The model is based upon a solution of the electromagnetic vector potential equation and is capable of predicting the two-dimensional velocity, temperature, and electromagnetic fields as well as the reaction kinetics inside the torch for any axi-symmetric coil configuration. The model is used to study the effect of coil geometry on the thermal decomposition of silicon tetrachloride to silicon. The coil geometry Is found to affect both the temperature field and the flow field and to have a significant effect on the reaction kinetics in the torch. It is demonstrated that through fundamental changes in the coil design It is possible to control the location of the reaction zone and to prevent silicon deposition on the wall of the reactor.
Pynchon at the MLA Convention

To a certain extent, the four papers presented at the MLA session on "The Impact of Science and Technology on Language, Style, and Structure in the Work of 'Thomas Pynchon" told us what we already knew: Science is not the answer either. More remarkable is the number of very different ways in which science enriches Pynchon's work even as it explodes answers.
Significant Morbidity and Mortality Among Hospitalized End-Stage Liver Disease Patients in Medicare.

Context For end-stage liver disease (ESLD) patients, care focuses on managing the life-threatening complications of portal hypertension, causing high resource utilization.
An Integrated Human Mammary Epithelial Cell Culture System for Studying Carcinogenesis and Aging

Experimental examination of the agents and processes that may propel or prevent human breast carcinogenesis can be facilitated by in vitro model systems of transformation, starting with normal cells, that accurately reflect the in vivo biology. Model systems that can replicate the types of alterations seen during in vivo progression offer the potential to understand the mechanisms underlying progression and to examine possible means of individualized prevention and treatment. To this end, we have developed an experimentally tractable human mammary epithelial cell (HMEC) culture system that has been used to examine the normal processes governing HMEC growth, differentiation, aging, and senescence and how these normal processes are altered during immortal and malignant transformation. Isogenic cells at different stages of multistep carcinogenesis were generated by exposing normal finite lifespan HMEC to a variety of oncogenic agents that may play an etiologic role in breast cancer. Examination of the molecular alterations present at each stage has indicated that this model is consistent with observed multistep carcinogenesis in vivo. We have seen that varying target cell type, and oncogenic agents used, can lead to multiple distinct molecular pathways of transformation, although the full diversity of human breast cancer cell types has not yet been generated in culture models. Using this integrated system, we have formulated a comprehensive model of the proliferative barriers normal HMEC must overcome to gain immortality and malignancy. Our data provide insights on acquisition of cancer-associated properties and suggest that the most crucial step in breast cancer progression involves the transition from a finite to an indefinite lifespan. For example, we see that genomic instability originates in finite lifespan HMEC when telomeres become critically short and engage in telomeric associations and is then maintained in resultant immortalized and malignant lines. Direct genomic targeting of the tumor-suppressive senescence barriers can produce lines lacking gross genomic errors, supporting the hypothesis that genomic instability is a mechanism to generate cancer-causing errors, but is not necessary per se. Immortalization through telomerase reactivation was also associated with acquisition of resistance to TGFβ growth inhibition and to oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) and with large-scale changes in gene expression and epigenetic marks. Being able to examine the progressive changes that fuel malignancy, starting with normal cells, provides an integrated perspective that can reveal novel information on the origins and consequences of individual cancer-associated aberrations.
Growing Inorganic Membranes in Microfluidic Devices: Chemical Gardens Reduced to Linear Walls

The hollow precipitate tubes in chemical gardens conserve the nonequilibrium conditions present during their formation and are an important example of molecular processes causing complex macroscopic self-organization. We report a greatly simplified experimental model of these structures that is based on the formation of an inorganic membrane in a microfluidic device. Within this device, we induce the precipitation of Mn(OH)2 and other metal hydroxides at the reactive interface of steadily injected NaOH and MnCl2 solutions. The resulting precipitate wall extends along the entire length of the reactor channel and can be positioned at will, and its width increases strictly in the direction of the metal solution. These thickening dynamics obey a square root law. The corresponding effective diffusion coefficient is proportional to [OH–], shows a sigmoidal dependence on [Mn2+], and also depends on the precipitating metal ion. The precipitate wall is permeable to methylene blue and strongly adsorbs methyl orange...
Wetland characteristics linked to broad-scale patterns in Culiseta melanura abundance and eastern equine encephalitis virus infection

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is an expanding mosquito-borne threat to humans and domestic animal populations in the northeastern United States. Outbreaks of EEEV are challenging to predict due to spatial and temporal uncertainty in the abundance and viral infection of Cs. melanura, the principal enzootic vector. EEEV activity may be closely linked to wetlands because they provide essential habitat for mosquito vectors and avian reservoir hosts. However, wetlands are not homogeneous and can vary by vegetation, connectivity, size, and inundation patterns. Wetlands may also have different effects on EEEV transmission depending on the assessed spatial scale. We investigated associations between wetland characteristics and Cs. melanura abundance and infection with EEEV at multiple spatial scales in Connecticut, USA. Our findings indicate that wetland vegetative characteristics have strong associations with Cs. melanura abundance. Deciduous and evergreen forested wetlands were associated with higher Cs. melanura abundance, likely because these wetlands provide suitable subterranean habitat for Cs. melanura development. In contrast, Cs. melanura abundance was negatively associated with emergent and scrub/shrub wetlands, and wetland connectivity to streams. These relationships were generally strongest at broad spatial scales. Additionally, the relationships between wetland characteristics and EEEV infection in Cs. melanura were generally weak. However, Cs. melanura abundance was strongly associated with EEEV infection, suggesting that wetland-associated changes in abundance may be indirectly linked to EEEV infection in Cs. melanura. Finally, we found that wet hydrological conditions during the transmission season and during the fall/winter preceding the transmission season were associated with higher Cs. melanura abundance and EEEV infection, indicating that wet conditions are favorable for EEEV transmission. These results expand the broad-scale understanding of the effects of wetlands on EEEV transmission and help to reduce the spatial and temporal uncertainty associated with EEEV outbreaks.