cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrogenation of carbon dioxide on group viii metals: III, Effects of support on activity/selectivity and adsorption properties of nickel

The stoichiometries of CO and CO2 adsorption and activity/selectivity properties in CO2 hydrogenation of unsupported nickel and of nickel supported on silica, alumina and titania were investigated. H2, CO and CO2 adsorption uptakes were determined for each catalyst at 298, 273 and 373 K, respectively. Specific rates and product distributions were measured for CO2 hydrogenation at 500–550 K and 101 kPa. The data show that both CO/H and CO2/H adsorption ratios increase in the order Ni/SiO2, Ni/Al2O3, Ni/TiO2, i.e., with increasing metal-support interaction. The specific activity for CO2 methanation and selectivity to methane also increase in the same order. The increase in activity with increasing metal-support effect is the same trend as observed in CO methanation on these catalysts, while the changes in methane selectivity are opposite to those observed in CO methanation.
Involvement of homologous recombination in carcinogenesis.

DNA alterations of every type are associated with the incidence of carcinogenesis, often on the genomic scale. Although homologous recombination (HR) is an important pathway of DNA repair, evidence is accumulating that deleterious genomic rearrangements can result from HR. It therefore follows that HR events may play a causative role in carcinogenesis. HR is elevated in response to carcinogens. HR may also be increased or decreased when its upstream regulation is perturbed or components of the HR machinery itself are not fully functional. This chapter summarizes research findings that demonstrate an association between HR and carcinogenesis. Increased or decreased frequencies of HR have been found in cancer cells and cancer‐prone hereditary human disorders characterized by mutations in genes playing a role in HR, such as ATM, Tp53, BRCA, BLM, and WRN genes. Another evidence linking perturbations in HR and carcinogenesis is provided by studies showing that exposure to carcinogens results in an increased frequency of HR resulting in DNA deletions in yeast, human cells, or mice.
Maxine Hong Kingston: The Ethnic Writer and the Burden of Dual Authenticity.

(1990). Maxine Hong Kingston: The Ethnic Writer and the Burden of Dual Authenticity. Amerasia Journal: Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 173-200.
The Philippine Coroebini (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Agrilinae) I. Introduction, nomenclatural changes and descriptions of a new genus and species

The known Philippine genera of Coroebini are briefly discussed and separated in an illustrated key. Vanroonia marmorea (Deyrolle), comb. nov., is transferred from Amorphosoma Laporte. Sibuyanella Obenberger is synonymized under Obenbergerula Strand, resulting in Obenbergerula bakeri (Fisher), comb. nov. Anocisseis samarensis, gen, et spec. nov., is described from Samar Island, Philippines. A Bornean species, Coroebus rajah Fisher, is transferred to Anocisseis.
Laser formation of lithium plasma ion sources for applied-B ion diodes on the PBFA-II accelerator

An active ion source, LEVIS (Laser Evaporation Ion Source), using a short pulsed Nd laser (1.06 m, 8ns) to form a thin Li vapor layer and a tuned dye laser (670.8nm, μsec) for ionization is being developed at Sandia. The LEVIS process has been developed and characterized in the laboratory. Initial experiments using these ion sources on PBFA-II produced ion beams with a low fraction of lithium ions and with low voltages. Recent experiments using improved distribution optics and anode cleaning techniques are described.
On the optimality of localized distributed controllers

Design of optimal distributed controllers with a priori assigned localization constraints is, in general, a difficult problem. Optimality of a closed-loop system is desirable because it guarantees, among other properties, favorable gain and phase margins. These margins provide robustness to different types of uncertainty. Alternatively, one can ask a following question: given a localized distributed exponentially stabilizing controller, is it inversely optimal with respect to some physically meaningful cost functional? We study this problem for linear spatially invariant (LSI) systems and establish a frequency domain criterion for inverse optimality (in the LQR sense). We utilize this criterion to separate localized distributed controllers that are never optimal from localized distributed controllers that are optimal. In the latter case, we provide examples to demonstrate optimality with respect to physically appealing cost functionals. These cost functionals are characterized by state penalties that are not fully decentralized. Our results can be used to motivate design of both optimal and inversely optimal controllers for other classes of distributed control problems.
Playoffs & Payoffs: The College Football-Coaching Carousel

The circulation of head football coaches (the “coaching carousel”) is a well-established practice, and with it, salary costs are significantly outpacing other spending as institutions compete in th...
Serial lumbar punctures for at least temporary amelioration of neonatal posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus

Serial lumbar punctures for the management of neonatal posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus without intracranial hypertension were evaluated in 16 infants. Cranial ultrasonography to evaluate ventricular size and the Ladd monitor at the anterior fontanel to measure intracranial pressure were utilized immediately before and after lumbar puncture. In 12 patients, a decrease in ventricular size and in anterior fontanel pressure could be effected with each lumbar puncture. In these infants, cessation of progression of the hydrocephalus and intermittent decreases in ventricular size were accomplished. In four patients, lumbar punctures were not successful in decreasing ventricular size or lowering intracranial pressure. Two criteria could be defined to determine whether lumbar puncture could provide at least temporary benefit for the treatment of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. The first of these is to establish the presence of communication between lateral ventricles and lumbar subarachnoid space by effecting a decrease in ventricular size and a decrease in intracranial pressure by removal of CSF. The second criterion is to ascertain a critical volume of CSF (usually relatively large) that must be removed in order to effect the above changes. Cranial ultrasonography and measurement of intracranial pressure by application of the Ladd monitor to the anterior fontanel are extremely valuable in the evaluation of lumbar punctures in the management of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.
Protective networks for high voltage power supplies for pulsed power loads

We are reporting on a comprehensive study on protective de-coupling networks for High Voltage (HV) pulsed power charging supplies. Typically HV power supplies charge large capacitor banks [1, page 3], [2, page 4], which are rapidly discharged into a pulsed power load. Even during a normal discharge, this can put severe stress on the power supply if it is not properly decoupled from the load. A fault at the load capacitor such as a flashover resulting in a ringing discharge with voltage reversal would put even more stress on the power supply, since the load capacitor could discharge through the rectifier diodes in forward direction. In such a case the output rectifier of the power supply could be instantaneously destroyed. Protective networks between the power supply and the load can prevent such damage but may limit the efficiency as well as the available power output and rep-rate of the HV power supply. We are reporting on a number of protective networks including combinations of resistors, inductors, and diodes that can be placed between the output of the power supply and the load. We are also considering the effects of parasitics and the surge I2t action integral [3, Page 20] of the output rectifiers of the power supply to arrive at guidelines for optimal system protection.
Influence-Aware Predictive Density Queries Under Road-Network Constraints

Density query is a very useful query type that informs users about highly concentrated/dense regions, such as a traffic jam, so as to reschedule their travel plans to save time. However, existing products and research work on density queries still have several limitations which, if can be resolved, will bring more significant benefits to our society. For example, we identify an important problem that has never been studied before. That is none of the existing works on traffic prediction consider the influence of the predicted dense regions on the subsequent traffic flow. Specifically, if road A is estimated to be congested at timestamp \(t_1\), the prediction of the condition on other roads after \(t_1\) should consider the traffic blocked by road A. In this paper, we formally model such influence between multiple density queries and propose an efficient query algorithm. We conducted extensive experiments and the results demonstrate both the effectiveness and efficiency of our approach.
Turning back time: reversing tissue pathology to enhance stem cell engraftment.

Histopathologic changes in diseased tissues may render them inhospitable to engraftment by transplanted stem cells. A recent report in Nature Medicine (Gargioli et al., 2008) demonstrates that pretreatment of dystrophic mouse muscles with tissue-modifying factors leads to reduced fibrosis, increased vascularity, and enhanced stem cell engraftment.
Determination of aerosol size distributions from lidar measurements

Aerosol size distribution from lidar light scattering polarization properties, constructing inversion model
The accumulation and disposition of benz(a)acridine in the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas.

The bioconcentration and metabolism of benz(a)acridine in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) was investigated using14C-labelled benz(a)acridine. The rates of uptake, elimination, and metabolic transformation of benz(a)acridine were estimated in the fish. The equilibrium concentration factor [ratio of benz(a)acridine concentration in fish (wet weight) to benz(a)acridine concentration in water] was estimated at 106±17. The observed bioconcentration factor was about one tenth of that predicted by octanol-water partitioning models. Metabolic alteration was estimated to reduce the degree of bioconcentration 50 to 90% from the hypothetical case in which metabolic transformation did not occur. Benz(a)acridine metabolites attained concentrations in the fish considerably in excess of benz(a)acridine itself.
Connectivity of DC microgrids involving sustainable energy sources

In this paper, a proposed configuration for connection of different DC microgrids has been presented. The DC system under study is assumed mainly dependent on renewable energy sources. The proposed topology utilizes a controlled series current compensator (CSCC) technique for connection and power flow control among buses. The proposed topology allows full power flow control among different DC buses while keeping the voltage level constant at all of them. Hence, loads connected to these buses will not be affected with the power flow process. Moreover, connection of buses at different voltage level and controlling the power flow can be easily achieved using this topology. The proposed topology adds to the complexity of the system. However, several advantages can be obtained out of its utilization. Simulation results verified the applicability of the proposed topology. Moreover, a prototype system has been designed and built in hardware to examine the performance of the proposed system. The experimental results show the validity of the proposed system as a powerful technique to interconnect DC buses.
TAXICAB DEREGULATION: ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES AND REGULATORY CHOICES

The regulation of taxicab services is receiving an increasing amount of attention by city governments. At issue are the questions of whether local regulations should limit the supply of taxicabs and whether the regulations should control taxi fares. Recently, deregulation has become a popular suggestion; however, little empirical or theoretical evidence has existed to indicate the effects of taxi deregulations. This paper discusses these effects within a framework of eight regulatory scenarios involving different price, entry, and industry concentration factors. The analysis provides support for a public brokerage function.
Improvements in glass capillary gas chromatographic polychlorobiphenyl analysis.

Separation of a 1:1:1:1 calibration mixture of Aroclors 1221, 1016, 1254, and 1260 on soda glass capillaries coated with Apolane (C-87) or Apiezon L is described. Polychlorobiphenyl congener structures are assigned to 112 separated and partially separated zones. The quantitative composition of Aroclor 1221 is reported. The performance of the two stationary phases on different lengths of laboratory and commercially prepared capillaries is compared and found to be very similar. Aroclors 1221, 1016, 1254, and 1260 are employed (1:1:1:1) for the primary calibration mixture because they contain all components of the commercial materials which pollute the environment; they are also easily obtained from the U.S. EPA Repository so that the method can be used in any laboratory by employing the calibration data given here.
Outline of the geology of Viti Levu

Abstract A geological map of Viti Levu (scale 1 : 500,000) is presented, using a revised terminology with all units based on lithology and field relationships. The Wainimala Group, ranging from Eocene to about Middle Miocene, with a possible break in deposition of the Oligocene, was intruded by rocks of the Tholo Plutonic Suite, apparently in at least two periods. The Savura Volcanic Group and the Singatoka Sedimentary Group are mid-Miocene. The aforementioned rocks are covered by Mio-Pliocene sedimentary rocks with some andesite, classified as the Ra, Nandi, and Navoso Sedimentary Groups, and the Mendrausuthu Andesitic Group. Later rocks constitute the Koroimavua Andesitic Group, Mba Basaltic Group, and Thuvu and Verata Sedimentary Groups, which are Pliocene, with possibly some Pleistocene strata. Young intrusive rocks are mostly plugs and stocks associated with volcanic centres. A bibliography of geology of Fiji is given as an appendix.
Can persistent cerebral damage be caused by hyperglycaemia

Summary An eight-year-old girl demonstrated severe and persistent neurological damage following an uneventful anaesthetic for a planned appendicectomy. The perioperative period was remarkable only in that the patient experienced very severe hyperglycaemia and an epileptiform convulsion. A possible mechanism for neurological damage as a result of severe hyperglycaemia is described.
Auxiliary electroosmotic pumping in capillary electrophoresis

Following a conventional capillary electrophoresis system with an optical detector, a conductive membrane can be used to connect a second capillary, the terminal end of which is connected to a second power supply, the membrane serving as the common ground for both high-voltage sources. The direction and magnitude of the field applied to the second capillary govern in the bulk flow in the first capillary is augmented, inhibited, or unaffected by the pumping action exerted by the second capillary. The majority of CE applications involve samples of ionic strength lower than that of the running electrolyte and optimum sample stacking is desirable
Affinity maturation of the humoral immune response: A Bayesian approach

This article considers statistical modeling of a simplified version of Darwinian evolution which involves only two genes encoding one molecule. In particular, we consider a process known as affinity maturation that is carried out in the germinal center reaction (GCR). We use a statistical model, developed earlier, that enables us to tease apart the effects of mutation rate and selection in B cell populations undergoing an immune response. Standard classical statistical approaches that use large-sample theory may lead to misleading conclusions when sample size is very small. The data collection in many biological systems, including the immune response of vertebrate organisms, is both time consuming and often results in relatively small datasets. Therefore, this article takes a Bayesian perspective that produces finite-sample estimates of the mutation rates and is flexible in extending the models to more complicated processes. The method is illustrated using sequence data obtained from Gen bank that carried the experiment over two years.
Protection in programming languages

Linguistic mechanisms which can be used to protect one subprogram from another's malfunctioning are described. Function-producing functions and various type-tagging schemes are considered. An attempt is made to distinguish between access limitation and authentication.
Indirect Optimization of Spiral Trajectories

Indirect optimization is used to compute minimum propellant spiral escapes and captures. A two-step estimation process generates accurate estimates of the Lagrange multipliers. The first step, an adjoint control transformation, converts the thrust unit direction vector to the actual multipliers that control the trajectory. Next, curve fits are matched with the values of the initial multipliers from spirals found with the adjoint control transformation and used to extrapolate the multipliers for longer spirals. Spherical rather than Cartesian coordinates are used because the spherical multipliers evolve in a well-behaved fashion, allowing the accurate extrapolation of the multipliers. Long-duration Earth escapes are presented for spirals as long as 150 days. Solutions are also presented with control limits on the thrust or specific impulse. Additionally, a transformation is developed that converts the spherical multipliers to the corresponding Cartesian multipliers and vice versa. Another transformation is developed to convert the optimal multipliers for two-dimensional, planar equatorial spirals into the optimal multipliers for planar-inclined orbits in either Cartesian or spherical coordinates in which the initial orbit may have arbitrary values for inclination, right ascension of the ascending node, and argument of periapsis.
Analysis of hydrogen and fluorine in pyroxenes: I. Orthopyroxene

Studies of coexisting, nominally anhydrous minerals in mantle samples show that clinopyroxene is an especially important host for hydrogen. Recent experimental studies have also shown that clinopyroxene may contain significant amounts of fluorine, which has implications for the F budget of the mantle. More accurate quantification of H and F is therefore a desirable goal. We measured H in 13 natural clinopyroxenes using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. ^(16)O^1H/^(30)Si and ^(19)F/^(30)Si were also measured in the samples using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). H data were compared between the two techniques and F was calculated with reference to F-bearing silicate glass standards. Four of the clinopyroxenes are used as standards for SIMS calibration in multiple laboratories, and three have been measured previously using hydrogen manometry and/or elastic recoil detection analysis. Compared to clinopyroxenes in previous surveys comparing FTIR and SIMS, the 13 samples cover a broader range in chemistry and band positions in the O-H vibrational spectrum. They also all lack detectable amphibole lamellae, which are otherwise commonly present in this mineral group. In contrast to orthopyroxene, the SIMS and FTIR data for clinopyroxene show significantly better correlations (r^2 = 0.96–0.98) when the frequency-dependent IR calibration of Libowitzky and Rossman (1997) is applied, as opposed to the Bell et al. (1995) calibration (r^2 = 0.92–93). We derive a frequency-dependent molar absorption coefficient with parameters different from those of Libowitzky and Rossman’s calibration, which was established using data on stoichiometric hydrous phases and gives poor agreement with the manometrically determined value for PMR-53. Comparison of data for PMR-53 to our SIMS calibrations for orthopyroxene and olivine suggests that the matrix effect among these phases is less than 20% relative. Fluorine concentrations vary depending on geological context, with the highest concentrations (up to 214 ppm) found in diopsides from crustal metamorphic environments. Mantle samples follow similar geographic trends as olivines and orthopyroxenes, with higher F in xenocrysts from Kilbourne Hole (46 ppm) and South African kimberlites (up to 29 ppm) compared to the Colorado Plateau (8 ppm). On the basis of chemical correlations, we propose two different incorporation mechanisms for F: (1) coupled subsititution with Al^(3+) and/or Fe^(3+) in tetrahedral sites; and (2) coupled substitution with monovalent cations (Na and K) in the M2 site. The second substitution is more relevant to mantle augites than crustal diopsides. Our measured F concentrations are much lower than those in some clinopyroxenes synthesized in recent high P-T studies. Nevertheless, our data support suggestions that the F budget of the mantle can be entirely accommodated by incorporation in nominally anhydrous/fluorine-free minerals.
Sleepiness and sleep onset REM periods in the absence of clinical symptomatology.

The availability of tests to quantify excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) has enabled the systematic evaluation of sleep-disordered populations. Specifically, the nocturnal cfinical polysomnography (CPSG) followed by the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) have become the most widely used and recognized tools in the evaluation ofEDS (Carskadon 1986). This evaluation enables an accurate differential diagnosis from among the various nosological entities recognized by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (Thorpy 1990). Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by EDS that is typically associated with cataplexy and other REM sleep phenomena (hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis). The polysonmographic diagnosis of narcolepsy requires sleep latencies of less than 10 rain Itun;t-.~llv < ¢~ m i n ~ n n the" IUlgl T rind t h p nro~c~nc.~ n f m n h i -
Vitamin D status and effect of low-dose cholecalciferol and high-dose ergocalciferol supplementation in multiple sclerosis

BackgroundVitamin D is important for bone health and immune regulation, and has been shown to be low in multiple sclerosis (MS). We sought to determine the effect of over the counter low dose cholecalciferol (LDC) and high dose ergocalciferol (HDE) on the vitamin D levels in MS patients.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels of 199 patients (CIS, n = 32; RRMS, n = 115; PPMS, n = 10; SPMS, n = 16; Transverse Myelitis (TM), n = 9; other neurological diseases, n = 16) attending our clinic between 2004 and 2008. We examined the change in 25(OH)D levels in 40 MS patients who took either LDC (≤800 IU/day) or HDE (50,000 IU/day for 7-10 days, followed by 50,000 IU weekly or biweekly).ResultsThe average 25(OH)D level was 71 ± 39 nmol/L (Mean ± SD), and 167(84%) patients had insufficient levels (≤100 nmol/L) of 25(OH)D. The patients supplemented with LDC did not have a significant increase in their 25(OH)D levels. However, 25(OH)D levels increased by 42 nmol/L (P = 0.01) in...
Agriculture in the Macroeconomy: Discussion

Long-term macroforecasting is not my role in this discussion nor is it useful to critique each of the catalog of economic facts and relationships listed by Bosworth and Lawrence. However, before turning to consider the agricultural and methodological points made by Penson and Gardner, it is useful to review some facts and notions (see also the 1988 Economic Report of the President). First, recent saving and investment rates in the U.S. economy are, in fact, not low by historical or international standards when more carefully and appropriately measured. Because depreciation adjustments are suspect, gross figures may be more reliable, and gross investment was 17.5% of GNP in 1987 compared to 16% in 1980. Furthermore, adjusting the National Income and Product Accounts (NIPA) by inclusion of human capital, durable goods accumulation, research and investment, and military capital formation indicates that real gross investment has been 16.8% of GNP since 1981 relative to 16.7% during the 1973 to 1980 period. Real producer durable equipment investment has been 8.3% of GNP in 1987 compared to 7.6% in the earlier period. For further data and discussion, the reader is urged to examine Lipsey and Kravis, among other sources. Second, consumption remains an argument in the objective functtion of economic agents. Despite the moralizing tone of many commentators, consumption is not an economic bad. Third, borrowing, saving, and investment behavior of individuals and firms should be determined primarily by individual preferences a d constraints. The suggestion that there is something not quite proper about individual's choices leads to coercive or manipulative government actions to get us to act more "properly." The federal budget deficit remains a significant issue. To reduce the budget deficit appropriately may require political reform in how spending is determined. The basic models of public choice and political economy discussed in many papers at each AAEA annual meeting suggest a built-in tendency for spending in support of narrow interest groups to expand under internal political pressure from the groups benefited. Finally, it is useful to remember that "economic expansions do not die of old age." The period of sustained output growth that began in November 1982 can continue with appropriate economic policy. Market forces will tend to correct imbalances if they are allowed to operate and if monetary or fiscal policy do not overwhelm their impact. Daniel A. Sumner is a senior staff economist, the President's Council of Economic Advisers in Washington D.C. He is on leave from North Carolina State University, where he is a professor in the Department of Economics and Business. The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of the Council of Economic Advisers or the U.S. government. The author wishes to thank Craig Hakkio, Peter Taylor, Julian Alston, Jim Leiby, and Jim Chalfant for their assistance.
Conditions of Success: a platform for international construction development

‘Conditions of Success’ (COS) was organised to study the internationalisation of the construction industry in 1989. At that time few companies, and even fewer researchers, were interested in international construction endeavours. The purpose of the study was to collect information on activities of the 1980s in order to project who might be successful and under what conditions would they be successful in the next century. Extensive interviews were conducted with 60 participating firms from seven countries. While this group has now been reduced to about 20 via mergers and acquisitions they have demonstrated the value of several of the recommendations from the study. Critical to the study was an Executive Symposium held in Stockholm in 1991 where executives presented their view of the future and how best to prepare for it. Professor Ranko Bon, of Reading University, played a pivotal role in this special Symposium, as chair of the diverse interests and adviser to organising the results. Ten major recommendati...
Enhancement of depsipeptide-mediated apoptosis of lung or esophageal cancer cells by flavopiridol: Activation of the mitochondria-dependent death-signaling pathway

Abstract Objective: Treating cancer cells with depsipeptide, a novel antitumor agent currently in a phase II clinical trial, causes potent upregulation of p21/WAF1 expression and cell arrest at G1 and G2 checkpoints. p21/WAF1 upregulation, however, impedes the ability of depsipeptide to induce significant apoptosis. This study was designed to determine whether flavopiridol, a synthetic cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor known to inhibit p21 expression in tumor cells, could enhance depsipeptide-mediated apoptosis in cultured lung and esophageal cancer cells. Methods: Lung or esophageal cancer cells were exposed to depsipeptide, flavopiridol, or a combination of depsipeptide and flavopiridol. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were quantitated by means of (4,5-dimethylthiazo-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling-based assays, respectively. Cytosolic cytochrome c levels, caspase 9 activity, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and dependence of apoptosis on caspase 9 in treated cells were studied to determine the role of the mitochondria in mediating apoptosis induced by this drug combination. Results: Flavopiridol completely abolished depsipeptide-mediated dose-dependent upregulation of p21/WAF1 expression. Combining flavopiridol with depsipeptide resulted in a 3- to 8-fold reduction of depsipeptide inhibitory concentration of 50% values that was closely paralleled by synergistic enhancement of apoptosis (4- to 10-fold higher than levels of cell death induced by either drug alone) in all cancer cell lines. The essential role of mitochondria in mediating cell death was indicated by robust translocation of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytosol, 2.5- to 5-fold activation of caspase 9, severe disruption of mitochondrial inner membrane potential, and complete inhibition of apoptosis by the selective caspase 9 inhibitor. More important, this drug combination was not toxic to primary normal epithelial cells derived from the airway or skin. Conclusion: The depsipeptide plus flavopiridol combination exhibits powerful and selective cytocidal activity against cancer but not normal cells. Apoptosis induced by this combination is mediated by the mitochondria-dependent death pathway. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003;125:988-91
Building blocks for a 10 x 10 crossbar switch based on GaAs/GaAIAs channel waveguide array

In this paper, we proposed an all-optical crossbar switch based on a successfully demonstrated optically activated modulator (OAM). This modulator was based on a GaAlAs/GaAs channel waveguide and waveguide array. A schematic of the demonstration is shown in Figure 1. A 5 micrometers activation window was employed to input an approximately mW HeNe 632.8 nm light which, in turn, modulates the 1.3 micrometers guided light. Modulation depths from 33% to 85% have been observed on the various devices tested. The size of the activation window is much smaller than for a linear electro-optic device (approximately mm to approximately cm) and a high power laser was not used in this demonstration. Consequently, this constitutes proof that a much more practical crossbar based on GaAs/GaAlAs channel waveguides can be built. The device architecture for the all-optical low-threshold 10 X 10 crossbar switch is shown in Fig. 2 where semiconductor laser diode arrays with wavelength shorter than the band gap of GaAs semiconductor are employed to optically switch the propagation directions and thus receiving ports. Refractive index modulation as high as 10-2 was achieved. Therefore, up to 100% on/off switching can be achieved within an activation length of 20 micrometers .© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
SIMULATING CORRELATED MULTIVARIATE NONNORMAL DISTRIBUTIONS: EXTENDING THE FLEISHMAN POWER METHOD

A procedure for generating multivariate nonnormal distributions is proposed. Our procedure generates average values of intercorrelations much closer to population parameters than competing procedures for skewed and/or heavy tailed distributions and for small sample sizes. Also, it eliminates the necessity of conducting a factorization procedure on the population correlation matrix that underlies the random deviates, and it is simpler to code in a programming language (e.g,, FORTRAN). Numerical examples demonstrating the procedures are given. Monte Carlo results indicate our procedure yields excellent agreement between population parameters and average values of intercorrelation, skew, and kurtosis.
Microbiology: a resistance switch.

Cystic-fibrosis patients often have drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial communities in their lungs. It seems that the bacterium's antibiotic resistance and ability to form communities are turned on together.
The effect of pressure on vesicle fusion

Abstract We have attempted to examine the possible role of non-bilayer structures, such as the inverted hexagonal phase (H II ), in vesicle fusion by using pressure as a probe. The role of non-bilayer phases in biological functions has elicited much interest. The present evidence depends mainly on electron microscopy and 31 P NMR studies. Our work with pressure on unsaturated phosphatidylethanolamines shows that the H II phase is destabilized by pressure in that the lamellar-to-hexagonal transition temperature ( T L − H ) is shifted up in temperature with increasing pressure. The T L − H transition temperature is very sensitive to applied pressure, 47°C/kbar being about twice the value for chain melting transitions. If the fusion of vesicles depends on the transient existence of the H II phase or similar non-bilayer structures, then pressure should also inhibit the extent of fusion. We are presently examining the pressure dependence of the fusion of vesicles that are composed of lipids with a L II transition at 40–50°C. Preliminary results show that pressure inhibits fusion of these vesicles.
Islamic Society and State Power in Senegal: Disciples and Citizens in Fatick

The Sufi Muslim orders to which the vast majority of Senegalese belong are the most significant institutions of social organization in the country. While studies of Islam and politics have tended to focus on the destabilizing force of religiously based groups, the author argues that in Senegal the orders have been a central component of a political system that has been among the most stable in Africa. Focusing on a regional administrative centre, he combines a detailed account of grassroots politics with an analysis of national and international forces to examine the ways in which the internal dynamics of the orders shape the exercise of power by the Senegalese. This is a major study that should be read by every student of Islam and politics as well as of Africa.
Neurophysiological substrates of context conditioning in Hermissenda suggest a temporally invariant form of activity-dependent neuronal facilitation

The neurophysiological basis for context conditioning is conceptually problematic because neurophysiological descriptions of activity-dependent (associative) forms of neuronal plasticity uniformly assume that a specific temporal relationship between signals is necessary for memory induction. In the present experiments, this problem is addressed empirically by presenting, as a temporally diffuse contextual signal, a stimulus that results in known neural modifications following punctate (temporally contiguous) pairings with an aversive unconditioned stimulus. Hermissenda were trained to discriminate between adjoining contexts that were distinguished only in that one was lit and one was dark. Thirty unsignaled rotations were presented during each of three 15-min sessions in one of the two (lit or dark) contexts. Prior to training, animals displayed a slight preference for the lit context. After exposure to unsignaled rotation, animal's preferences shifted strongly to the dark context if unsignaled rotations were presented in the light, and tended (nonsignificantly) to the lit context if unsignaled rotations were presented in the dark. The B photoreceptors of the Hermissenda eye undergo several forms of activity-dependent facilitation (e.g., an increase in neuronal input resistance and evoked spike frequency) following pairings of punctate light (CS) and presynaptic vestibular stimulation (US). Similar facilitation in the B photoreceptor was observed following in vitro training that mimicked context conditioning in which presynaptic vestibular stimulation was presented repetitively during a continuous 7.5-min light. Subsequently, Ca(2+)-imaging experiments were conducted with Fura-2AM. It was determined that intracellular Ca(2+), the CS-induced second messenger critical for the induction of activity-dependent facilitation, was elevated in the B photoreceptor throughout the 7.5-min light presentation. These results indicate that activity-dependent facilitation within similar neural structures can underlie learning about both temporally diffuse contextual stimuli and temporally punctate CS-US pairings. These results suggest that a common mechanism may underlie learning about diffuse contextual stimuli as well as punctate-conditioned stimuli, provided that the stimuli are processed similarly in each type of conditioning arrangement. Consequently, the expression of different responses to contextual and discrete stimuli are likely to reflect a higher property of the neural network, and do not necessarily arise from unique underlying mechanisms.
Dual format algorithm implementation with gotcha data

The Dual Format Algorithm (DFA) is an alternative to the Polar Format Algorithm (PFA) where the image is formed first to an arbitrary grid instead of a Cartesian grid. The arbitrary grid is specifically chosen to allow for more efficient application of defocus and distortion corrections that occur due to range curvature. We provide a description of the arbitrary image grid and show that the quadratic phase errors are isolated along a single dimension of the image. We describe an application of the DFA to circular SAR data and analyze the image focus. For an example SAR dataset, the DFA doubles the focused image size of the PFA algorithm with post imaging corrections.
Radical reoperation for advanced pancreatic carcinoma.

The indications and outcomes of aggressive reoperation in patients referred to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for protocol therapy of locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma were investigated. Twenty-nine patients referred to the NCI after exploration and determination of unresectability elsewhere were considered to have localized disease after a metastatic work-up. These patients were then entered onto NCI adjuvant therapy protocols and taken to exploratory laparotomy. Intraoperatively, patients underwent complete resection if possible ; otherwise varying palliative surgical procedures were performed. Of the 29 patients, 16 underwent complete resection of their disease, and 13 were unresectable. Two patients suffered postoperative mortality. Disease-specific survival of the resected patients was significantly better than that of the unresectable patients (P 109 months) underwent definitive surgery after a palliative procedure elsewhere. Complete resection of pancreatic carcinoma contributes to increased survival. The intraoperative definition of unresectability in pancreatic cancer varies with the degree of pancreatitis present, the surgical expertise of the surgeon, and the available ancillary services. Given the extremely grave prognosis of patients with unresectable pancreatic carcinoma, locally unresectable patients without peritoneal seeding or distant metastases at exploration should be considered for referral for protocol therapy to centers where expertise in radical surgery for pancreatic cancer exists.
Determination of optimal conditions for selected adsorbent combinations to recover used frying oils

The treatment of frying oils with adsorbents could practically extend the frying life of oils. Combined synthetic adsorbent treatment of used frying oils was studied the first time. The combinations of four commonly used filter aids: Britesorb (Br), Hubersorb 600 (HB), Frypowder (Fr), and Magnesol (Ma) were evaluated for frying oil recovery. AOCS official methods were used to evaluate their adsorptiveness, including free fatty acids (FFA), conjugated diene value, total polar components, oxidative stability index (OSI), and absorbance at 420 nm. The selected combinations HB+Ma+Fr and HB+Ma+Br exhibited consistent high recovery abilities on various used oil samples. A 3, 3, and 2% HB, Ma, and Fr, respectively, for the first combination (F), and 2, 3, and 2% HB, Ma, and Br, respectively, for the second combination (B) were the most effective. The optimal treatment duration was 6–9 min and 3–6 min for combinations F and B, respectively, which reduced FFA by 82.6–87.6%, absorbance by 26.8–32.6%, and Foodoil Sensor readings by 5.6–8.6%. Addition of antioxidant, such as 50 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene and 50 ppm propyl gallate, increased the OSI value by 48.9–80.8%. Such adsorbent combinations may be used in practical operation to extend frying life of frying oils and improve the healthy aspects of used frying oils.
The rise of uni‐comm

“Uni‐comm” is defined as communication from one to many of values prescribed by associations in the environment through non‐electronic media. “Uni‐comm” refers to mediated interpersonal behavior.
Lack of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 results in decreased numbers of glia within the motheaten (me/me) mouse brain.

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812ABSTRACTMice that are homozygous for the autosomal recessive motheaten allele (me/me) lack theprotein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. Loss of SHP-1 leads to many hematopoietic abnormal-ities, as well as defects such as infertility and low body weight. However, little is knownregarding the role SHP-1 plays in the development of the central nervous system (CNS). Todeﬁne the role of SHP-1 in CNS development and differentiation, we examined the brains ofme/me mice at various times after birth for neuronal and glial abnormalities. Although thebrains of me/me mice are slightly smaller than age-matched wild-type littermates, bothme/me and wild-type brains are similar in weight, possess an intact blood-brain barrier, andhave largely normal neuronal architecture. Signiﬁcantly, the current study reveals thatme/me brain shows decreases in the number of glial ﬁbriallary acidic protein (GFAP)1astrocytes and F4801 microglia compared with wild-type mice. In addition, decreased im-munostaining for the myelin-synthesizing enzyme CNPase was observed in me/me mice,conﬁrming the loss of myelin in these animals, as reported (Massa et al. [2000] Glia 29:376–385). It is particularly signiﬁcant that there is a decreased number of immunolabeled glia ofall subtypes and that this deﬁcit in glial number is not restricted to a particular class of glia.This suggests that SHP-1 is necessary for the normal differentiation and distribution ofastrocytes, microglia, and oligendrocytes within the murine CNS. J. Comp. Neurol. 441:118–133, 2001.
Performance modeling of a passive interferometric millimeter-wave sensor

This paper describes the modeling of human task performance using a passive interferometric millimeter wave (MMW) imaging sensor. The model is based on a previous model developed for concealed weapon identification using an active terahertz imager. Both models leverage the task performance modeling approach developed by the US Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate. Key developments for this model include modeling of the effects of an interferometric antenna array, including sparse arrays, and a novel optical upconversion and processing stage being developed by the University of Delaware. Sparse interferometric arrays do not fully sample the spatial frequency extent of the image and as a result, can have degraded spatial frequency response over a fully populated array. The spatial frequency response of the sparse array can have a dramatic effect on image quality. Image quality is empirically related to task performance through the use of perception experiments. Possible applications of this model include system trade studies, concealed weapon identification, and navigation in fog and brown out conditions.
Observations on radiation transfer experiments using K-shell absorption spectra

Abstract Recent laser-produced plasma experiments have relied on spectroscopic comparisons with models to infer plasma temperatures. Here, the technique is applied to study thermal radiation transfer experiments. The transmission model combines high-quality atomic data with an ionization balance obtained from systematic expansions of the grand canonical ensemble. The latter avoids the ad hoc cutoffs required in free energy minimization schemes and includes Coulomb corrections usually neglected in other models. It is shown that the improved equation of state significantly effects inferred temperatures at the higher densities expected in the heat flow experiments. Even though good agreement is obtained between the experimental and theoretical transmission spectrum, the experimental uncertainties are sufficiently large that it compromises the intended bench marking of the thermal transport models.
WE-E-134-06: Pilot Project to Test the Feasibility of Automating Quantitative Ultrasound Performance Testing

Purpose: A pilot project to test the feasibility of automating quantitative ultrasound performance testing in an effort to increase repeatability, accuracy, and efficiency. Methods: Images were acquired from the same phantom (Model ATS 570) with different transducers and base units. The phantom tests for image uniformity, near field ring down (1 mm to 9 mm), depth of penetration (up to 18 cm), vertical and horizontal distance accuracy (nominal distances of 30 to 40 mm), axial and lateral spatial resolution (down to 1 mm), and contrast resolution (+/− 6 dB and +/− 3dB). Images were loaded into MatLab software where algorithms were developed and used to identify phantom fiducials. Various spatial and frequency filters were applied to enhance image uniformity for processing. Performance of the MatLab analyzed images were assessed by verifying the correct identification of objects. Results: The program is semi autonomous in its ability to locate the image and adjust subsequent inspections with changing images. The software is capable of detecting the objects of interest. Examination of the MatLab analyzed images indicate the quantitative assessment of the ultrasound instruments can indeed be performed with comparable results to human evaluation. Location of fiducial edges and fiducial centroids can be reliably and repeatably identified to carry out the performance evaluation of the instrument. Intensities of contrast fiducials can be compared to background intensities for evaluation of system contrast. Conclusion: The positive results of the initial testing give reason to further develop the algorithms to more completely automate the ultrasound quantitative analysis. More work will be performed to automatically identify manufacturer and transducer type from a default naming scheme and auto‐populate report sheets to increase testing efficiency and measurement repeatability. Conceivably, this type of program can be used in remote areas where physicists are scare and remote testing is feasible.
Finding the Shortest Path for a Mobile Robot With Two Actuated Spoke Wheels Based on Variable Kinematic Configurations

Strategies for finding the shortest path for a mobile robot with two actuated spoke wheels based on variable kinematic configurations are presented in this paper. The optimal path planning strategy proposed here integrate the traditional constrained path planning tools and the unique kinematic configuration spaces of the mobile robot IMPASS (Intelligent Mobility Platform with Actuated Spoke System). IMPASS utilizes a unique mobility concept of stretching in or out individually actuated spokes in order to perform variable curvature radius steering using changing kinematic configuration during its movement. Due to this unique motion strategy, various kinematic topologies produce specific motion characteristics in the way of curvature radius-variable steering. Instead of traditional differential drive or Ackerman steering locomotion, combinational path geometry methods, Dubins’ curve and Reeds and Shepp’s curve are applied to classify optimal paths into known permutations of sequences consisting of various kinematic configurations. Numerical simulation is given to verify the analytical solutions provided by using Lagrange Multiplier.Copyright © 2010 by ASME