cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A frequency reconfigurable antenna based on digital microfluidics

We present a novel antenna reconfiguration mechanism relying on electrowetting based digital microfluidics to implement a frequency reconfigurable antenna operating in the X-band. The antenna built on a quartz substrate (er = 3.9, tan δ = 0.0002) is a coplanar waveguide fed annular slot antenna, which is monolithically integrated with a microfluidic chip. This chip establishes an electrowetting on dielectric platform with a mercury droplet placed in it. The base contact area of the mercury droplet can be spread out by electrostatic actuation resulting in a change of loading capacitance. This in turn changes the resonant frequency of the antenna enabling a reversible reconfigurable impedance property. This reconfigurable antenna has been designed, fabricated and measured. The frequency of operation is tuned from around 11 GHz to 13 GHz as demonstrated by simulations and measurements. The design methodology, fabrication processes and the experimental results are given and discussed.
Electron affinity and ionization potential

Abstract The addition of an electron to an atom, and the removal of an electron from the atom of one higher atomic number are essentially opposite processes. The major difference is the lower atomic number in the first process. This paper demonstrates a smooth curvilinear relation, for vertical groups in the periodic table, between the electron affinity of an atom and the ionization energy of its neighbor with atomic number larger by one. These curves are used to evaluate the accuracy of EA data, to give, by interpolation, more correct values for others, and to predict unknown values.
Hypoxia, gene expression, and metastasis

Hypoxia poses many problems to the treatment of cancer. Hypoxic tumors are more resistant to chemotherapy and radiation. In addition, hypoxia induces a number of genes responsible for increased invasion, aggressiveness, and metastasis of tumors. The augmented metastatic potential due to hypoxia-mediated gene expression is discussed in this section. Particular attention is given to recent studies of specific genes involved in the key steps of metastasis, including extracellular matrix interactions, migration, and proliferation.
Cr COATINGS BY THERMIONICALLY ASSISTED TRIODE ION PLATING

ABSTRACT Thermionically assisted triode ion plating (TATIP) was used to deposit Cr coatings at various cathode current densities under constant bias voltages of 500 and 3000 V. The results show that the coating's properties are a function of bias voltage which controls the energy of bombarding particles, and cathode current density which controls the flux of bombarding particles, fn addition to the study of constant-bias TATIP, a variable-bias TATIP process was investigated. This process is designed to enhance film/substrate adhesion through high-bias voltage while retaining the beneficial effects of low-bias TATIP. These processes and the resultant coating properties are described and discussed.
Mammary glands of sexually immature rats are more susceptible than those of mature rats to the carcinogenic, lethal, and mutagenic effects of N-nitroso-N-methylurea

Knowing that the prepubertal period is a time of enhanced susceptibility for radiation-induced human breast cancer, we used the Fischer 344 rat model to explore the age-differential susceptibility of the mammary gland to the carcinogenic, lethal, and mutagenic effects of two structurally diverse chemical carcinogens, N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU), and 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Mammary carcinoma incidences and multiplicities were significantly greater in immature than mature NMU-treated rats while mammary carcinoma incidences and multiplicities were significantly lower in immature than mature DMBA-treated rats. The survival of mammary clonogens of mature NMU-treated rats in limiting dilution transplantation assays was greater than that of the survival of mammary clonogens of immature NMU-treated rats. No differences were found in the survival of mammary cells from immature and mature rats exposed to DMBA. Although there were no mutation spectra differences, mammary epithelial cells of immature NMU-treated rats had greater mutation frequencies than those of mature NMU-treated rats. Together these results support the hypothesis that the mammary gland of immature rats is more susceptible to the carcinogenic, lethal, and mutagenic effects of alkylating agents represented by NMU in a carcinogen-class-specific manner. Further, the results suggest the importance of mechanistic and epidemiological studies of the susceptibility of the prepubertal breast to specific carcinogens such as alkylating agents.
Advances in graft-versus-host disease biology and therapy

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is used to treat a variety of disorders, but its efficacy is limited by the occurrence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The past decade has brought impressive advances in our understanding of the role of stimulatory and suppressive elements of the adaptive and innate immune systems from both the donor and the host in GVHD pathogenesis. New insights from basic immunology, preclinical models and clinical studies have led to novel approaches for prevention and treatment. This Review highlights the recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology of GVHD and its treatment, with a focus on manipulations of the immune system that are amenable to clinical application.
The effects of ion implantation on optical spectra of SiO2 glass

Optical absorption of ion implanted amorphous SiO2 was measured in the energy region 1.0 to 6.5 eV. Both sides of silica wafers (Spectrosil and Spectrosil WF) were implanted with either Cr+, Mn+ or Fe+ to doses of 1 × 1016, 3 × 1016, and 6 × 1016 ions/cm2 per side at 160 keV and 4 μA/cm2. Distributions of the implanted species were determined by ion backscattering techniques and, within experimental error, were the same for all doses and species. For each ion specie the spectra, when plotted as extinction coefficient per ion, increased with increasing dose throughout the entire range of measurement. The intensities of the optical absorption spectra were a function of ion specie. There was no evidence for effects of substrate type in the absorption spectra. Evidence for three previously reported bands associated with irradiation damage effects was observed in all optical spectra. These bands are: the B2 band (5.05 eV), the E1' band (5.8 eV), and the low energy tail of a band centered at 7.15 eV. Assuming a Gaussian shape for the B2 and E1' bands and a Lorentzian shape for the band at 7.15 eV and constraining the peak energies and full widths at half maximum amplitude (FWHM) to previously reported values, the observed data were fitted when two additional bands were included in the fitting. These are the DO and E2' bands at 4.8 and 5.31 eV, respectively, which were similarly constrained. Optical absorption due to the implanted species has not been detected. The chemical state of these ions is tentatively assumed to be a mixture of the chemical state of the ions preceding implantation, i.e. + 1, and higher states, e.g. +2 and +3, which are a consequence of the interactions between the implanted ion and the substrate. The effect of these states on the optical absorption will be discussed.
High-Quality BIMA-OVRO Images of Saturn and its Rings at 1.3 and 3 Millimeters

We present high-quality data of Saturn and its ring system from the Berkeley-Illinois-Maryland Association and Owens Valley Radio Observatory arrays. We observed at wavelengths of 1.3 and 3.0 mm in 2002 October and 2003 March, respectively. At that time Saturn's rings were near their maximum ring opening angle (|B| ~ 26°), which allowed us to map the brightness distribution on Saturn's disk, as well as from its rings, despite the moderate resolution achieved (~25–4''). Clear latitudinal structure is seen on Saturn's disk, indicative of an overall upwelling of gas on the southern hemisphere and subsidence of dry air in the north. The rings are brighter at 1.3 mm than at 3.0 mm, as expected from the increase in ring particles' thermal emission at shorter wavelengths. We use our radiative transfer code to model the relative contributions of the scattered and thermal radiation emanating from the rings. Unlike previous (centimetric) observations, the present (millimetric) data serve as an adequate test of the model's ability to account for the thermal contribution from the rings. A comparison between the model and data shows that Saturn's light transmitted and scattered through the B ring, as well as the radiation reflected from the A ring behind and just off the planet's south pole, is much brighter than predicted by our model. Hence, the ring particles appear to scatter more efficiently both in the forward and backward directions than implied by an isotropic phase function.
Circuitry in three dimensions: multifunctional molded plastic packages

The topics dealt with are: some of the major structural/mechanical benefits of a molded circuit board; some of the material benefits of a molded circuit board; high-heat thermoplastics; resin materials for molded circuit interconnect fabrication; MCB metallization; MCB general properties; molded circuit interconnect applications; and the future of performance plastics and 3D molded circuit interconnects. Molded circuits consolidate circuitry, wiring and hardware into a one piece construction. The resultant integral assembly provides increased reliability and reduced costs. Elements of cost savings include reduced factory labor, parts consolidations, simplified product assembly, lighter weight, compact size, and unique function. >
Influence of Hf solute additions on the precipitation and hardenability in Ni-rich NiTi alloys

Abstract Very Ni-rich NiTi alloys have recently been shown to have an unusually high hardness, comparable to tool steels, and other attributes that make them promising candidates for bearing and related applications. This high hardness has been associated with the precipitation of a large volume fraction of Ni 4 Ti 3 platelets, resulting in a matrix that consists of narrow B2 matrix channels. In this work, a series of Ni-rich ternary alloys with dilute solute additions of Hf (54Ni–45Ti–1Hf, 55Ni–44Ti–1Hf, 54Ni–44Ti–2Hf, and 56Ni–40Ti–4Hf (at.%)) have been investigated. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed a B2 NiTi matrix phase containing nanoscale Ni 4 Ti 3 platelets, H-phase precipitates, and R-phase; however, the H-phase and R-phase were not present initially but only after aging for a period of time. At aging times greater than ∼100 h at 400 °C, all ternary alloys showed a slight secondary increase in hardness, which was attributed to H-phase precipitation and growth within the B2 channels. In the particular case of the 56Ni–40Ti–4Hf alloy, hardness increased with aging to a maximum value of 679 VHN, which was greater than all other binary or ternary alloys examined. Additionally the H-phase appeared to alter or delay the typical breakdown sequence of the metastable Ni 4 Ti 3 strengthening phase by removing the excess Ni needed for its decomposition. The collective results provide new material insights for creating a next-generation NiTi based bearing alloy.
Regulation of σ receptors and responsiveness to guanine nucleotides following repeated exposure of rats to haloperidol: further evidence for multiple σ binding sites

The sigma binding sites are postulated to be involved in various central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The neuroleptic drug, haloperidol, displays high affinity for these receptor sites in the CNS. In the present study the effect of repeated exposure of rats to haloperidol (4 mg/kg/day for 14 days) on sigma binding sites labeled with (+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-1-(propyl)piperidine [+)-3-PPP) and 1,3-di-o-tolyl-guanidine (DTG) was investigated. In addition, the regulatory effect of guanine nucleotides on the binding of these two ligands to brain membranes derived from saline and haloperidol-treated rats was examined. Repeated administration of haloperidol induced down-regulation of (+)[3H]-3-PPP binding sites (75% decrease in the number of binding sites compared to control) which persisted for at least 7 days after termination of the haloperidol-treatment. The down-regulation of (+)-3-PPP binding sites was accompanied by reduced responsiveness to guanine nucleotides (i.e. 5-guanylylimidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) compared to the sensitivity of (+)-3-PPP binding sites to the nucleotides tested in control membranes. However, at the 28th day after termination of the haloperidol-treatment, a complete recovery in the total number of (+)[3H]-3-PPP binding sites was observed, and the sensitivity to guanine nucleotides was regained. These findings suggest a marked plasticity in (+)-3-PPP/sigma receptor binding activity. In contrast, [3H]DTG binding sites expressed neither sensitivity to the repeated exposure to haloperidol nor to guanine nucleotides, suggesting a distinction between DTG and (+)-3-PPP binding sites in rat brain.
Cap-independent translation promotes C. elegans germ cell apoptosis through Apaf-1/CED-4 in a caspase-dependent mechanism.

Apoptosis is a natural process during animal development for the programmed removal of superfluous cells. During apoptosis general protein synthesis is reduced, but the synthesis of cell death proteins is enhanced. Selective translation has been attributed to modification of the protein synthesis machinery to disrupt cap-dependent mRNA translation and induce a cap-independent mechanism. We have previously shown that disruption of the balance between cap-dependent and cap-independent C. elegans eIF4G isoforms (IFG-1 p170 and p130) by RNA interference promotes apoptosis in developing oocytes. Germ cell apoptosis was accompanied by the appearance of the Apaf-1 homolog, CED-4. Here we show that IFG-1 p170 is a native substrate of the worm executioner caspase, CED-3, just as mammalian eIF4GI is cleaved by caspase-3. Loss of Bcl-2 function (ced-9ts) in worms induced p170 cleavage in vivo, coincident with extensive germ cell apoptosis. Truncation of IFG-1 occurred at a single site that separates the cap-binding and ribosome-associated domains. Site-directed mutagenesis indicated that CED-3 processes IFG-1 at a non-canonical motif, TTTD456. Coincidentally, the recognition site was located 65 amino acids downstream of the newly mapped IFG-1 p130 start site suggesting that both forms support cap-independent initiation. Genetic evidence confirmed that apoptosis induced by loss of ifg-1 p170 mRNA was caspase (ced-3) and apoptosome (ced-4/Apaf-1) dependent. These findings support a new paradigm in which modal changes in protein synthesis act as a physiological signal to initiate cell death, rather than occur merely as downstream consequences of the apoptotic event.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Immunoglobulin G Resulting from Fc Sialylation

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) mediates pro- and anti-inflammatory activities through the engagement of its Fc fragment (Fc) with distinct Fcg receptors (FcgRs). One class of Fc-FcgR interactions generates pro-inflammatory effects of immune complexes and cytotoxic antibodies. In contrast, therapeutic intravenous gamma globulin and its Fc fragments are anti-inflammatory. We show here that these distinct properties of the IgG Fc result from differential sialylation of the Fc core polysaccharide. IgG acquires anti-inflammatory properties upon Fc sialylation, which is reduced upon the induction of an antigen-specific immune response. This differential sialylation may provide a switch from innate anti-inflammatory activity in the steady state to generating adaptive pro-inflammatory effects upon antigenic challenge.
Atmospheric emissions inventory data for heavy-duty vehicles

Heavy-duty trucks and buses are substantial contributors to the atmospheric oxides of nitrogen (NO{sub x}) inventory, but prediction of their emissions in real use remains inchoate. Continuous emissions of NO{sub x} were recorded from Chassis dynamometer testing of eight vehicles using a variety of transient cycles, including the Central Business District schedule. NO{sub x} data were treated to account for sampling time lag and presented against instantaneous vehicle axle power. Data were repeatable from run to run and test schedule, but vehicle type and test cycle both influenced the instantaneous emissions rates. However, the resulting correlations may be used for mobile source NO{sub x} contribution estimation when combined with vehicle activity data. The emissions data were also presented as NO{sub x}/CO{sub 2}, which are valuable for comparison with remote sensing emissions data. The overall average ratio for all of the data considered was 0.0141, which corresponds to an emissions contribution of 0.0423 g of NO{sub x}/g of diesel burned.
Class II Ribonucleotide Reductases Catalyze Carbon−Cobalt Bond Reformation on Every Turnover

Ribonucleoside triphosphate reductase (RTPR) from Lactobacillus leichmannii catalyzes the reduction of nucleotides to deoxynucleotides with concomitant oxidation of two cysteines within the active site to a disulfide. RTPR requires adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl) as a cofactor and as a radical chain initiator. Catalysis is initiated by homolysis of the carbon−cobalt bond of AdoCbl to yield cob(II)alamin, 5‘-deoxyadenosine, and a protein-based thiyl radical. The turnover numbers for ATP with its allosteric effector dGTP, and for CTP with its allosteric effector dATP, are both 2 s-1. The rate-limiting step for turnover in the steady state is re-reduction of the oxidized form of the protein, a conformational change, or both. Under conditions where [RTPR] ≫ [AdoCbl], the rates of ATP and CTP reduction do not vary linearly with [AdoCbl] but instead exhibit saturation behavior with turnover numbers of 10 s-1 (ATP) and 8.5 s-1 (CTP). This result suggests that dissociation of AdoCbl, which requires carbon−cobalt bond ...
The reviewer in the mirror: examining gendered and ethnicized notions of reciprocity in peer review

Numerous studies have sought to uncover violations of objectivity and impartiality in peer review; however the notion of reciprocity has been absent in much of this discussion, particularly as it relates to gendered and ethnicized behaviors of peer review. The current study addresses this gap in research by investigating patterns of reciprocity (i.e., correspondences between patterns of recommendations received by authors and patterns of recommendations given by reviewers in the same social group) by perceived gender and ethnicity of reviewers and authors for submissions to the Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology from June 2009 to May 2011. The degree of reciprocity for each social group was examined by employing Monte Carlo resampling to extrapolate more robust patterns from the limited data available. We found that papers with female authors received more negative reviews than reviews for male authors. Reciprocity was suggested by the fact that female reviewers gave lower reviews than male reviewers. Reciprocity was also exhibited by ethnicity, although non-Western reviewers gave disproportionately more recommendations of major revision, while non-Western authors tended to receive more outright rejections. This study provides a novel theoretical and methodological basis for future studies on reciprocity in peer review.
Fuzzy logic of Lukasiewicz logic: a clarification

Pavelka [10] had shown in 1979 that the only natural way of formalizing fuzzy logic for truth-value in the unit interval [0,1] is by using Lukasiewicz's implication operator a→b = min{1, 1−a+b} or some isomorphic form of it A considerable number of other papers around the same time had attempted to formulate alternative definitions for a→b by giving intuitive justifications for them. There continues to be some confusion, however, even today about the right notion of fuzzy logic. Much of this has its origin in the use of improper “and” (“or”) and the “not” operations and a misunderstanding of some of the key differences between “proofs” or inferencing in fuzzy logic and those in Lukasiewicz's logic. We point out the need for defining the strong conjunction operator “⊗” in connection with fuzzy Modus-ponens rule and why we do not need the fuzzy Syllogism rule. We also point out the shortcomings of many of the alternative definitions of a→b, which indicate further support for Pavelka's result. We hope that these discussions help to clarify the misconceptions about fuzzy logic.
Electric and Morphology Studies of Ohmic Contacts on AlGaN/GaN

AlGaN/GaN is a promising system for high power electron devices. Quality of ohmic contacts is a critical parameter in determining the performance of the device. Although we have achieved a transfer resistance (R c ) of 0.35Δmm and ρ c of 9.5×10 −7 Δcm −2 the morphology and edge acuity of the contacts are poor. The standard ohmic contact recipes consist of a combination of Titanium and Aluminum with Nickel and/or Gold. This is annealed at 800°C-950°C [1-5]. In this work we study ohmic contacts on unintentionally doped Al 0. 3Ga 0.7 N/GaN system. We look at ratios of Ti/Al from 0 to 2 to determine which is the optimum ratio in terms of surface morphology and electrical characteristics. From our studies we conclude that morphology of a Ti/Al contact is good over a ratio of 0.3 and the contact resistance is minimized at a Ti/Al of 0.6. The ohmic contacts are improved electrically if a layer of gold is added on top. The best electrical contacts however were obtained with a four layer recipe of Ti/Al/Ti/Au, which gave contact resistance (R c ) around 0.45Δmm, but the morphology of the contacts was poor.
Regulating oviposition by Plodia interpunctella in the laboratory by light and dark conditions.

Continuous light of 190- to 260-ft-c intensity at the level of the insects reduced oviposition by the Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), by 50-75% of that normally obtained in the dark. In dark 90% or more of the adults mated within 24 hours after emergence, and most females completed their laying within 5 days. Under continuous light 48 hours were required for 90% or more to achieve mating, and the females laid up to 7 days and still retained many of their eggs. oviposition by mated females was regulated by the number of dark periods in alternating light-dark cycles. oviposition was not stimulated by mating or by the presence of a spermatophore. These studies showed that oviposition was controlled to a large extent by the physiological state of the males, which in turn determined frequency of mating by the females, and by the light Conditions that females were given for oviposition.
What Are the Social Values of College Students?: A Social Goals Approach

The present article investigates conceptualizations of social motivations and social goals. These conceptualizations are brought together toward an integrated taxonomy of social goals, and concurre...
Microstructure of microcapsules consisting of whey proteins and carbohydrates

Microstructure was studied on spray-dried microcapsules with wall systems consisting of mixtures of whey protein isolate (WPI) and maltodextrins (DE 5, 10, 15) or corn syrup solids (DE 24). Structure of microcapsules was appreciably affected by type of carbohydrate and by the WPI-to-carbohydrate ratio. The extent of surface indentation was inversely related to the proportion of WPI in the wall system. Ratio of low-to-high molecular weight solutes in the wall system affected structure. At a WPI-to-carbohydrate ratio of 1:1 or higher, whey proteins improved the surface-smoothness and decrease surface indentation of maltodextrin-based microcapsules. Combinations of WPI with high-DE value carbohydrates were more effective than those with carbohydrates of low DE value in limiting surface-dents formation.
Isolation and characterization of myostatin complementary deoxyribonucleic acid clones from two commercially important fish: Oreochromis mossambicus and Morone chrysops.

In mammals, skeletal muscle mass is negatively regulated by a muscle-derived growth/differentiating factor named myostatin (MSTN) that belongs to the transforming growth factor-β superfamily. Although putative MSTN homologs have been identified from several vertebrates, nonmammalian orthologs remained poorly defined. Thus, we isolated and characterized MSTN complementary DNA clones from the skeletal muscle of the tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus and the white bass Morone chrysops. The nucleic and amino acid sequences from both fish species are highly homologous to the previously identified mammalian and avian orthologs, and both possess conserved cysteine residues and putative RXXR proteolytic processing sites that are common to all transforming growth factor-β family members. Western blotting of conditioned medium from human embryonal kidney (HEK293) cells overexpressing a His-tagged tilapia MSTN indicates that the secreted fish protein is processed in a manner similar to mouse MSTN. However, in contrast ...
Criteria for Raman-Nath regime diffraction by phase gratings

Abstract Three alternative criteria for the occurence of Raman-Nath regime diffraction by planar phase gratings are presented and evaluated.
β-Blocker therapy in young children with congestive heart failure under consideration for heart transplantation

Background Although β-blocker therapy for dilated or ischemic cardiomyopathy is now an accepted and effective treatment in adults, little is known about its efficacy in children. Methods We reviewed our experience with the use of metoprolol in four younger children with cardiomyopathy who were referred for consideration for heart transplantation because of severe congestive heart failure. Results Over a follow-up period of 12.6 ± 6 months, left ventricular fractional shortening increased from 13.8% ± 7% to 25.5% ± 13%, and ejection fraction increased from 19.8% ± 11% to 40.8% ± 21% (p < 0.05). Two children became asymptomatic. Conclusion Metoprolol may be effective in improving ejection fraction and symptoms in some young children with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. (Am Heart J 1998;136:19-21.)
On the sample complexity of noise-tolerant learning

Abstract In this paper, we further characterize the complexity of noise-tolerant learning in the PAC model. Specifically, we show a general lower bound of Ω(log( 1 δ ) e(1 − 2η) 2 ) on the number of examples required for PAC learning in the presence of classification noise. Combined with a result of Simon, we effectively show that the sample complexity of PAC learning in the presence of classification noise is Ω(VC(F) e(1 − 2η) 2 + log( 1 δ ) e(1 − 2η) 2 ) . Furthermore, we demonstrate the optimality of the general lower bound by providing a noise-tolerant learning algorithm for the class of symmetric Boolean functions which uses a sample size within a constant factor of this bound. Finally, we note that our general lower bound compares favorably with various general upper bounds for PAC learning in the presence of classification noise.
Phenomenology of Photon Processes, Vector Dominance, and Crucial Tests for Parton Models

We discuss the phenomenological consequences of parton models for photon processes. In particular, the "breakdown" of vector-meson dominance in Compton scattering is correlated with its failure in nuclear photoabsorption by showing that the parton model gives rise to a nonshadowed pointlike contribution which occurs only in two-photon processes. Included in this contribution is a piece which corresponds in the general Compton amplitude ${T}_{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}$ to a term which is independent of energy and photon masses at fixed $t$. It is emphasized that failure to observe a contribution with such behavior would have profound consequences for conventional parton models. We predict that this contribution will have only a weak $t$ dependence and will lead to a dominantly real spin-conserving amplitude at large $t$ values for Compton scattering. The ${q}^{2}$ behavior of this fixed pole is most easily detected in wide-angle brems-strahlung experiments, though the same mechanism will also give rise to an $s$-wave enhancement independent of the photon masses in $\mathrm{ee}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{ee}\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}$.
Identification of Dominant Heat Transfer Modes Associated With the Impingement of an Elliptical Jet Array

The characteristics of the impinging heat transfer of a three-by-three square array of submerged, elliptic impinging jets was studied. Low Reynolds number conditions, 300 to 1500, are considered for two different elliptic jet aspect ratios, with the impingement distance ranging from 1 to 6 jet hydraulic diameters. A transient thermochromic liquid crystal method was used to map the local heat transfer coefficient distribution. The results are reported for the unit cell under the center jet and detail the mean heat transfer as well as the characteristics of the spatial variation of the heat transfer coefficient. The average heat transfer is found to depend inversely on the elliptic jet aspect ratio at these low Reynolds numbers. Distributions of the heat transfer coefficient, h, are also used to obtain proper orthogonal decompositions of h which are used to identify major spatially distributed features
Workplace drug prevention programs: does zero tolerance work?

Current drug policy in the US military mandates frequent random drug testing of service members and dismissal of those who test positive for illegal drugs. This article analyses the economic costs and benefits of this zero tolerance policy as applied in the US Navy. Program effects consist of the actual number of detected users and the predicted number of deterred potential users. Productivity losses imposed by drug users are based on reported annual workdays lost due to drug use in the Navy. The productivity losses avoided by deterring and detecting users constitute program benefits. Program costs include the cost of replacing service members who are dismissed under the zero tolerance policy. Net benefits are sensitive to three key parameters – the deterrence effect, replacement cost, and productivity losses due to drug use. The results show that net benefits are negative for most plausible values of the key parameters.
Correlates of Social Function: A Comparison of a Black and a White Sample of Older Persons in Los Angeles

This study compares social functioning between one Black (n = 560) and one White (n = 1350) urban, community-based sample of older persons in Los Angeles. A 3-item social function scale that assessed visiting with family and friends, participating in community activities, and taking care of other people was administered; the instrument also assessed basic activities of daily living (BADL) and intermediate activities of daily living (IADL). In multivariate analysis, social function was substantially higher for Blacks than for Whites, although BADL and IADL scores were somewhat lower for Blacks. BADLs, IADLs, being male, and being married were positively associated with social function among Blacks; IADLs, owning a home, and history of falls were negatively associated with social function among Whites. The high social function of Blacks, despite more physical limitations, suggests that even physically impaired Black older persons in the South Central Los Angeles community may remain actively involved in the family and community.
Carotid Endarterectomy for Asymptomatic Plaque

Statistical correlations are linear noninteractive relationships, but the dynamics of causation are nonlinear and involve complex interactions where variables are present to degree, change through their effect on one another and interact with the context of the patient over time. The discovery and interpretation of plaque vulnerable features in the individual patient are not determined statistically for the asymptomatic patient being considered for carotid endarterectomy. New technologies for identification of plaque chemical and morphologic composition are on the horizon and may be applicable to certain patients and change in their usefulness as the plaque and patient change over time.
Price and Income Elasticities of Charitable Giving: How Should Income Be Measured?

The sensitivity of price and income elasticities to alternative measurements of income is tested using ordinary least squares regresscon techniques on a sample of income tax itemizers. Price elasti...
Evaluating the seismic risk of mineral carbon sequestration

Geologic carbon sequestration, in which carbon is captured and stored underground, has been proposed as one way to mitigate the climatic effects of carbon dioxide emissions. One method of geologic carbon sequestration is to inject carbon dioxide in aqueous solution into rocks. However, as the solution fills the pore space in the rocks, the fluid pressure on the rocks increases, potentially increasing the risk of earthquakes. Another option would be to inject carbon dioxide solutions into mafic rocks; the silicate minerals in these rocks react with the carbon dioxide, leaving solid carbonate reaction products, which decrease the amount of pore fluid.
Long-term oxidation and phase transformations in aluminized CMSX-4 superalloys

Abstract Twenty disk-shaped aluminized (β-NiAl) CMSX-4 single crystal superalloy specimens were oxidized in air at 788, 871, 954, and 1010 °C for 1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, and 10,000 h. Phase constituents and the residual stress of thermally grown oxide (TGO), as well as microstructural degradation in the aluminized layer of CMSX-4, were examined by using photostimulated luminescence spectroscopy (PSLS), optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). The compressive residual stress in the TGO scale increased with increasing oxidation temperature and time until local spallation, after which a large standard deviation in the magnitude of residual stress was observed due to stress relief associated with TGO scale spallation. Whisker-shaped metastable Al 2 O 3 phases were detected by PSLS and were observed by SEM and TEM. The presence of metastable Al 2 O 3 phases on scale developed at 788 °C caused localized spallation of TGO within the grains of β-NiAl. At higher temperatures, the TGO scale primarily consisted of equilibrium α-Al 2 O 3 , and spallation occurred along the vaulted asperities associated with grain boundary ridges. The Al-rich β-NiAl phase was dissolved and transformed into Al-depleted phases with high-temperature oxidation. A finite difference model was developed to simulate the change in Al concentration, the phase constituents in the diffusion aluminide coatings, and the thickness of the TGO scale during oxidation. This model can serve as a method to predict the lifetime of these coatings.
Accelerator radiation monitoring and dosimetry with integrating pulse discharge ionization chamber detectors

Abstract Integrating pulse discharge ionization chambers have been successfully used as detectors for portable dose integrators, environmental area monitors, and for high energy pulsed accelerator monitoring systems. The ion chamber physically consists of a pressure vessel, internally mounted gas discharge tube, capacitors, anode support structure, and optional polyethylene inner lining. Chambers are available with argon, freon, or ethylene gas filling to about 10 atm. Gamma sensitivity depends on the filler gas, liner, and internal capacitance and may range from 2 × 10−4 to 5 R/pulse. The gamma and neutron energy response characteristics of freon and ethylene chambers together with rate dependence effects, have been investigated and are discussed. Detailed consideration of chamber characteristics is justified by a general lack of this information from either the maker or other investigators. A transistorized, portable, dose integrator, with adjustable alarm level, has been developed as an aid in controlling mission exposure to either gamma or mixed field radiation. The device can be set to alarm at any absorbed dose between 0.25 and 600 mrad in increments of 0.25 or 0.6 mrad. Cosmotron area monitoring consists of a sixteen channel system designed to alarm above about 1.2 mrem/h. In each channel pulses are integrated on two registers, one resettable after appropriate data recording, and the other continuously running.
Temporal relationship of conduction system disease and ventricular dysfunction in LMNA cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Background LMNA cardiomyopathy presents with electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities, conduction system disease (CSD), and/or arrhythmias before the onset of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Knowing the time interval between the onset of CSD and its progression to DCM would help to guide clinical care. Methods and Results We evaluated family members from 16 pedigrees previously identified to carry LMNA mutations for the ages of onset of ECG abnormalities, CSD, or arrhythmia and of left ventricular enlargement (LVE) and/or systolic dysfunction. Of 103 subjects, 64 carried their family LMNA mutation, and 51 (79%) had ECG abnormalities with a mean age of onset of 41.2 years (range 18–76). Ventricular dysfunction was observed in 26 with a mean age of onset of 47.6 years (range 28–82); at diagnosis 9 had systolic dysfunction but no LVE, 5 had LVE but no systolic dysfunction, and 11 had DCM. Of 16 subjects identified with ECG abnormalities who later developed ventricular dysfunction, the median ages of onset by log-rank analyses were 41 and 48 years, respectively. Conclusions ECG abnormalities preceded DCM with a median difference of 7 years. Clinical surveillance should occur at least annually in those at risk for LMNA cardiomyopathy with any ECG findings.
Dictionary-based fast transform for text compression

In this paper we present StarNT, a dictionary-based fast lossless text transform algorithm. With a static generic dictionary, StarNT achieves a superior compression ratio than almost all the other recent efforts based on BWT and PPM. This algorithm utilizes ternary search tree to expedite transform encoding. Experimental results show that the average compression time has improved by orders of magnitude compared with our previous algorithm LIPT and the additional time overhead it introduced to the backend compressor is unnoticeable. Based on StarNT, we propose StarZip, a domain-specific lossless text compression utility. Using domain-specific static dictionaries embedded in the system, StarZip achieves an average improvement in compression performance (in terms of BPC) of 13% over bzip2-9, 19% over gzip-9, and 10% over PPMD.
A Variational Bayesian Approach for Classification with Corrupted Inputs

Classification of corrupted images, for example due to occlusion or noise, is a challenging problem. Most existing methods tackled this problem using a two-step strategy: image reconstruction and classification of reconstructed images. However, their performances heavily relied on the accuracy of reconstruction and parameter estimation. We present a full Bayesian approach which infers the class label from the corrupted image by marginalizing the original image and parameters. Overfitting is effectively overcome through Bayesian integration. Our system consists of two models. The original image model, which specifies the original image generation process, is described by a Gaussian mixture model. The observation model, which relates the corrupted image to the original image, is depicted by an additive deviation model. Normal pixel and corrupted pixel values are elegantly handled by the covariance of the Gaussian deviation. We employ variational approximation to make the Bayesian integration tractable. The advantage of the proposed method is demonstrated by classification tests on the USPS digit database and PIE face database with pose and illumination variations.
Amyloid-β Deposition in Skeletal Muscle of Transgenic Mice : Possible Model of Inclusion Body Myopathy

Inclusion body myopathy is a progressive muscle disorder characterized by nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions and vacuolation of muscle fibers. Affected muscle fibers contain deposits of congophilic amyloid, amyloid-β immunoreactive filaments, and paired helical filaments, all of which are pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease in brain. Accumulations of amyloid-β and its precursor are thought to play important roles in the pathogenesis of both inclusion body myopathy and Alzheimer's disease. Overexpression of mutant forms of β protein precursor in transgenic mice by neuron-specific promoters has been reported to cause amyloid deposits in the brain. Here we report that overexpression in transgenic mice of the signal plus 99-amino acid carboxyl-terminal sequences of β protein precursor, under the control of a cytomegalovirus enhancer/β-actin promoter, resulted in vacuolation and increasing accumulation of the 4-kd amyloid-β and the carboxyl-terminus in skeletal muscle fibers during aging. These deposits in transgenic muscle only rarely showed Congo red birefringence. Thus, overexpression of part of β protein precursor in transgenic mice led to development of some of the characteristic features of inclusion body myopathy. These mice may be a useful model of inclusion body myopathy, which shares a number of pathological markers with Alzheimer's disease.
The von neumann threshold of self-reproducing systems: Theory and application

This paper is devoted to the study of systems of entities that are capable of generating other entities of the same kind and, possibly, self-reproducing. The main technical issue addressed is to quantify the requirements that such entities must meet to be able to produce a progeny that is not degenerative, i.e., that has the same reproductive capability as the progenitor. A novel theory that allows an explicit quantification of these requirements is presented. The notion of generation rank of an entity is introduced, and it is proved that the generation process, in most cases, is degenerative in that it strictly and irreversibly decreases the generation rank from parent to descendent. It is also proved that there exists a threshold of rank such that this degeneracy can be avoided if and only if the entity has a generation rank that meets that threshold ??? this is the von Neumann rank threshold. On the basis of this threshold, an information threshold is derived, which quantifies the minimum amount of information that must be provided to specify an entity such that its descendents are not degenerative. Furthermore, a complexity threshold is obtained, which quantifies the minimum length of the description of that entity in a given language. As an application, self-assembly for a 2 Degrees of Freedom planar robot is considered, and simulation results are presented. A robot arm capable of picking up and placing the components of another arm, in the presence of errors, is considered to have successfully reproduced if these are placed within an allowable tolerance. The example shows that, due to the kinematics of the robot, errors can grow from one generation to the next, until the reproduction process fails eventually. However, error correction (via error sensing and feedback control) can then be used to prevent such degeneracy. The von Neumann generation rank and information thresholds are computed for this example, and are consistent with the simulation results in predicting degeneracy in the case without error correction, and predicting successful self-reproduction in the case with error correction.
High-speed intermittent-contact mode scanning probe microscopy using cantilevers with integrated electrostatic actuator and thermoelectric sensor

Integrated sensing and actuation are pivotal for making high-throughput scanning probe microscopy based devices where a large number of probes are employed for parallel operation. A thermoelectric sensor and an electrostatic-actuation platform fabricated on a cantilever can provide a simple way to integrate sensors and actuators on probes of these devices. The electrostatic actuation facilitates an intermittent-contact mode imaging method which can be implemented for parallel operation of cantilevers. It can improve the durability of these devices and the rate of signal amplitude-loss over time by significantly reducing tip wear. The speed of this method scales with the operating frequency of the cantilever because the imaging data is captured directly from the deflection signal at the oscillation frequency of the cantilever. Traditional intermittent-contact methods are slow, and can not be implemented on a large number of cantilevers because they rely on the demodulation of the cantilever-deflection signal. In the intermittent-contact mode imaging using electrostatic actuation, small-amplitude oscillation is employed for increased speed and reduced tip-sample force. However, significant tip-sample adhesion from soft materials, such as polymers and biological samples restricts the operating frequency of the small-amplitude oscillation and subsequently the throughout of the device. In this paper, an intermittent-contact mode scanning probe microscopy method using electrostatic actuation with input-shaping is presented which can overcome the limitations posed by the adhesive forces. Intermittent-contact operation at the resonant frequency of the cantilever and small cantilever-oscillation within the adhesive region can be achieved by this method. The thermoelectric sensor integrated on the cantilever provides an off-contact signal that can be used in a feedback manner to ensure reliable small-amplitude intermittent-contact mode operation.
Temperature Cross-Over Effect of Carrier Avalanche Induced by Band-to-Band Tunneling in ULSI Devices

Experimental data and theoretical analysis of temperature cross-over effect in I-V characteristics of MOSFET and bipolar devices in a regime governed by band-to-band tunneling and avalanche generation are reported for the first time. The two mechanisms can be discriminated by their temperature dependence. The predictions of a proposed model are in excellent agreement with experiment using well-established parameters extracted from linear and saturation current regimes.
Numerical investigation of electromagnetic pulse welded interfaces between dissimilar metals

The quality of an electromagnetic pulse weld is strongly affected by a variety of interacting physical phenomena including large plastic deformation, materials mixing, localised heating and rapid cooling, and possible localised melting and interfacial cracks and void. In the present study, a thermomechanically coupled dynamic model has been developed to quantitatively resolve the high speed impact joining interface characteristics as well as the process induced interface temperature evolution, defect formation and possible microstructural composition variations. Reasonably good agreement has been obtained between the predicted results and the experimental measurements in terms of interfacial morphology characteristics. The modelling framework is expected to provide further understanding of the hierarchical interfacial features of the non-equilibrium material joining process and the weld formation mechanisms.