cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Submesoscale Routes to Lateral Mixing in the Ocean

Abstract : The long-term goal of this project is to determine whether lateral mixing at O(1-10 km) scales is due to a balanced or unbalanced downscale cascade from the mesoscale, or to local vertical mixing by internal waves and surface forcing. Our work will test hypothesis 3 of the white paper "Scalable Lateral Mixing and Coherent Turbulence." Non-QG, submesoscale instabilities feed a forward cascade of energy, scalar, and Ertel PV variance, which enhances both isopycnal and diapycnal mixing. Related hypotheses are that submesoscale variability is associated with coherent structures and anisotropic mixing. We ran a number of process studies using a non-hydrostatic model. We examined processes in a domain approximately 100 km x 200 km, but we have improved the model to run on much larger domains (500 km x 1000 km) at the same horizontal resolution. The 3D non-hydrostatic submesoscale resolving model has been optimized and scaled up for use on modern multi-core computer architecture, achieving an efficiency that allows modeling larger domains with meso- and submesoscale interactions. Numerical simulations have been carried out for a baroclinically unstable front in a periodic channel, forced by a constant surface wind stress in many cases. We have analyzed the skew and residual components of across-front buoyancy fluxes and the along-isopycnal bolus transport driven by sub-mesoscale eddies. Pre-observational process studies have been carried out with characteristic values of stratification, mixed layer depth, and lateral buoyancy gradients. We have analyzed numerical experiments in which dye dispersion is examined for the submesoscale frontal instabilities in the presence of wind. The dye is released at two depths in zonal streaks at the beginning of the simulation. The variance in dye concentration is analyzed in time along isopycnal surfaces to study lateral mixing of the dye at various isopycnal depths as a function of mixed layer depth and lateral buoyancy gradient.
Inference for the Spectrum of a Stationary Process

In this chapter we consider problems of statistical inference for time series based on frequency-domain properties of the series. The fundamental tool used is the periodogram, which is defined in Section 10.1 for any time series {x 1,..., x n }. Section 10.2 deals with statistical tests for the presence of “hidden periodicities” in the data. Several tests are discussed, corresponding to various different models and hypotheses which we may wish to test. Spectral analysis for stationary time series, and in particular the estimation of the spectral density, depends very heavily on the asymptotic distribution as n → ∞ of the periodogram ordinates of the series {X 1,..., X n }. The essential results are contained in Theorem 10.3.2. Under rather general conditions, the periodogram ordinates I n (λ i ) at any set of frequencies λ 1,..., λ m , 0 < λ 1 < ⋯ < λ m < π, are asymptotically independent exponential random variables with means 2πf(λ i ), were f is the spectral density of {X t }. Consequently the periodogram I n is not a consistent estimator of 2πf. Consistent estimators can however be constructed by applying linear smoothing filters to the periodogram. The asymptotic behaviour of the resulting discrete spectral average estimators can be derived from the asymptotic behaviour of the periodogram as shown in Section 10.4. Lag-window estimators of the form \({\left( {2\pi } \right)^{ - 1}}\sum\nolimits_{\left| h \right| \leqslant r} {w\left( {h/r} \right)\hat \gamma \left( h \right)} {e^{ - ih\omega }}\), where w(x), −1 ≤ x ≤ 1, is a suitably chosen weight function, are also discussed in Section 10.4 and compared with discrete spectral average estimators. Approximate confidence intervals for the spectral density are given in Section 10.5. An alternative approach to spectral density estimation, based on fitting an AR MA model to the data and computing the spectral density of the fitted process, is discussed in Section 10.6. An important role in the development of spectral analysis has been played by the fast Fourier transform algorithm, which makes possible the rapid calculation of the periodogram for very large data sets. An introduction to the algorithm and its application to the computation of autocovariances is given in Section 10.7. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the asymptotic behaviour of the maximum likelihood estimators of the coefficients of an ARMA(p, q) process.
Design of Predictive Control Systems based on Pole Assignment

A new design method is proposed for digital controllers based on a discrete convolution model and closed-loop pole assignment. The discrete convolution (impulse response) model is used to predict future values of the output from current and past inputs. The controller parameters can then be calculated in a straightforward manner so as to place the closed-loop poles at desired locations. The effects of modeling errors and the choice of pole locations are analyzed. Simulation results are included to illustrate the advantages of the new approach.
THE ULYSSES SOLAR WIND PLASMA INVESTIGATION: EXPERIMENT DESCRIPTION AND INITIAL IN-ECLIPTIC RESULTS

During the in-ecliptic flight of Ulysses from the Earth toward its encounter with Jupiter, the Los Alamos solar wind plasma experiment has performed well. Briefly described, the instrumentation contains two independent electrostatic analyzers, one for ions and one for electrons. Initial analysis of solar wind electron core temperatures obtained between 1.15 and 3.76 AU yields a gradient of T (proportional to) R(exp -0.7) which is flatter than expected for adiabatic expansion of a single-temperature Maxwellian velocity distribution and steeper than that obtained from Mariner-Voyager.
IT Project Escalation: Translation Outcomes as Antecedents to the Four Factors of Escalation Theory

Recent IT project escalation research has seen a multi-method approach to understanding what causes escalation in IT projects. Specifically, Mahring, et al. (2004) examined the DIA Computerized Baggage Handling System failure using both the traditional four factor escalation theory model and Actor-Network Theory’s (ANT) translation stage. Mahring, et al.’s findings suggested that both theoretical approaches provide complementary, albeit mutually exclusive methods for examining IT project escalation. This paper proposes an integrated view of the two theoretical approaches by examining the relationships between the four elements of Actor-Network Theory’s translation stage and the four factors (project, psychological, social, and organizational) of the traditional escalation theory model. This paper reports on research-inprogress to develop an instrument to measure the outcomes of the problematization, interessement, enrollment, and mobilization stages. Discussion of the utility of such an instrument and hypothesized relationships between the translation stages and four factors will be discussed.
Internal Ecologies and the Limits of Local Biologies: A Political Ecology of Tuberculosis in the Time of AIDS

South Africa is known for its high rates of HIV and tuberculosis (TB), where HIV has provided fertile ground for the transmission of TB. Indeed, HIV–TB coinfection is widely understood as one of the, if not the, biggest health problems in the country. In practice, doctors and nurses understand that unusual cases of tuberculosis indicate HIV and they make diagnosis and treatment plans accordingly. International treatment standards and protocols inform this practice as doctors pay little attention to individual people and the political–economic, cultural, social, and environmental contexts in which they live. Political ecology, with its nested, place-based analysis, provides an excellent framework for understanding health in South Africa in the context of poverty; local understandings; and global policies, protocols, and priorities. To develop a political ecology of health, this article builds on the concept of local biologies, which understands health at the community scale as simultaneously biological, cu...
Automated statistical process control systems (ASPCS)

Describes eight steps necessary to automate statistical quality control for a manufacturing facility. Successful implementation depends mainly on management support and the talent involved. The benefits of this system include improved productivity and self-sufficiency for the operator. The objective can be achieved through the implementation of automated statistical process control systems (ASPCSs) starting from the development through the manufacturing phases of the product. The underlying objective of ASPCSs is to ensure overall process optimization through the real-time identification and removal of causes of defects at the earliest point of the process. This is accomplished by integrating all of the following functions: data automation, database management, problem detection through statistical methods, problem definition through diagnostic methods, and corrective action feedback and follow-up. The author provides the step-by-step procedures for implementing an ASPCS workstation and describes the demonstration of these functions in manufacturing applications. >
Air Traffic Management

This article provides an overview of Air Traffic Management (ATM) in the United States, brief review of current aviation operations, research under development, and technology and infrastructure upgrades currently being deployed to enable the current aviation system to meet the needs of future aviation systems. Improvements are taking place in all phases of flight to achieve more efficiency, meet demand, and reduce emissions while maintaining safety. Air traffic operations need to be harmonized across all parts of the globe to achieve standardization and efficiency of operations. With investment in new aircraft, higher oil prices and labor costs squeezing airline profits, greater automation, and decentralization will be needed to sustain aviation systems. A fundamental challenge will be to develop the functional relationship between pilots, air traffic controllers, and other human decision makers in the presence of greater automation. The benefits of new technologies have to be demonstrated for speedier adaptation by industry. Keywords: Air transportation; aviation; decision support systems; emissions; pilots and controllers
The role of glucose metabolism in a pig heart model of short-term hibernation

Previously, we reported, alterations in glucose metabolism in a 4 day model of chronic coronary stenosis similar to those described in patients with hibernating hearts. The purpose of this study was 2 fold: (1) to identify whether an acute model of mild, sustained ischemia could effect similar changes, and (2) to determine the effects of pharmacological inhibition of glycolysis. In the first group, extracorporeally perfused, intact pig hearts were subjected to 85 min of a 40% reduction in left anterior descending (LAD) coronary arterial blood flow. A second group was subjected to the same protocol, except after 40 min of LAD regional ischemia, iodoacetate (IAA) was administered to block glycolysis. Ischemia reduced MVO2 by 10% in both groups with a further 20% reduction noted following IAA treatment. Regional systolic shortening was reduced nearly 50% by ischemia and decreased an additional 40% following treatment with IAA. Glycolysis was increased by over 700% with ischemia in the first group. IAA caused a 3 fold reduction in glycolysis as compared to the preceding ischemic period and inhibited lactate production. Fatty acid metabolism was significantly reduced by ischemia in the first group, but was not reduced in the IAA group. Activity of creatine kinase associated with myofibrils was reduced and may have contributed to the contractile dysfunction. In conclusion, this acute model of short-term hibernation demonstrates several metabolic changes previously reported in chronic hibernation and may prove useful in determining mechanisms of substrate utilization in simulated conditions of chronic coronary stenosis and hibernation.
STATE-CENTRIC BALANCE-OF-THREAT THEORY:

THE GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL (GCC) presents an interesting puzzle for scholars of both international security and international political economy. Founded in 1981 by six countries on the Arabian (o...
Timing-accurate TPM simulation for what-if explorations in Trusted Computing

The addition of security-oriented hardware devices such as Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) to computing systems, as promoted by the Trusted Computing Group, leads to many interesting possibilities. Many interesting research questions are of the form “What if the TPM could do x?”, but since the functionality of these chips is necessarily fixed it is difficult to explore these questions experimentally and evaluate the performance of proposed solutions. In this paper, we develop a timing model for TPMs which we can instantiate based on experiments with existing TPMs. We perform experiments that validate this model, building “performance profiles” for TPMs from different manufacturers. Our validation process shows that our timing model is very accurate (errors less than 20ms and typically less than 1%) for all but one of the TPMs tested. While the accuracy for the remaining TPM is less than ideal, approaching 25% error, we were able to hand-tune this model so that errors in estimated time were reduced to less than 16%. In this paper we also describe our work incorporating these performance profiles into an existing software-based TPM simulator. This modified simulator then allows us to add new functionality with performance that accurately reflects the time such functionality would require if implemented in actual devices. As an example application of this, we describe results of our experiments with implementing random oracles on TPMs, using enhanced functionality not available on existing TPMs.
Capsule Commentary on Abbot et al., Effect of Perineal Self-Acupressure on Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Constipation is a common and costly condition, affecting up to 20% of the North American population,1 and may have great impact on a patient’s quality of life.2 Recommended treatment for constipation generally consists of a regimen of medications, increased dietary fiber and fluid, and exercise, though these measures are often ineffective.3 Some non-randomized or non-controlled studies suggest that perineal pressure may aid in defecation,4 however; there is a lack of controlled, randomized studies addressing this. Additionally, very few studies address the effect on patient quality of life. This randomized, parallel group trial by Abbot and colleagues5 evaluated the impact of perineal self-acupressure on bowel function and patient quality of life. Patients in the treatment group received training in perineal self-acupressure, and both groups received information about standard constipation treatment. The primary outcome measure, Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life, was significantly improved in the treatment group. The secondary outcome measure of bowel function was also significantly improved. The patients in the treatment group also reported satisfaction with perineal self-acupressure, and the majority indicated they would continue to use the technique. There are some notable limitations of this study that should be considered. The sample size was small, and although randomized, the trial was not blinded. It is also unclear if these results will be relevant for other patient populations, including patients with hemorrhoids or other sequelae from chronic constipation, or patients without constipation in which this technique may be used as a preventative measure. In terms of clinical application, perineal self-acupressure appears to be a safe and simple intervention that may greatly improve bowel function and quality of life for patients with chronic constipation, when used in conjunction with standard treatment.
Ramp compression of iron to 273 GPa

Multiple thickness Fe foils were ramp compressed over several nanoseconds to pressure conditions relevant to the Earth's core. Using wave-profile analysis, the sound speed and the stress-density response were determined to a peak longitudinal stress of 273 GPa. The measured stress-density states lie between shock compression and 300-K static data, and are consistent with relatively low temperatures being achieved in these experiments. Phase transitions generally display time-dependent material response and generate a growing shock. We demonstrate for the first time that a low-pressure phase transformation (α-Fe to e-Fe) can be overdriven by an initial steady shock to avoid both the time-dependent response and the growing shock that has previously limited ramp-wave-loading experiments. In addition, the initial steady shock pre-compresses the Fe and allows different thermodynamic compression paths to be explored.
Identification of a quantitative trait locus for ileitis in a spontaneous mouse model of Crohn's disease: SAMP1/YitFc.

Abstract Background & aims: The SAMP1/Yit mouse strain develops spontaneous ileitis with histologic features of Crohn's disease. Disease expression in the SAMP1/YitFc subline (SAMP1/Fc) is partially inhibited by outcross to C57BL/6J (B6) mice, suggesting complex genetic control of disease susceptibility with both dominant and recessive determinants. We performed a genetic analysis of a (B6 × SAMP1/Fc)F 2 cross to localize the genes regulating intestinal inflammation in this model. Methods: A genome-wide scan was performed using a panel of microsatellite loci determined to be informative for this cross. Quantitative trait loci were identified with Map Manager QT using a serial regression approach. Positional candidate genes were selectively sequenced at the genomic level to identify potential susceptibility genes for functional screening. Results: A genome-wide scan of (B6 × SAMP1/Fc)F 2 mice identified a SAMP-derived quantitative trait loci with additive effects on chromosome 9 in a region likely to have been inherited from the AKR mouse strain. The candidate interval contains several genes of interest because of their potential role in either immune system function, intestinal epithelial function, or both. Suggestive evidence for additional loci was also observed on chromosomes 6 and X. Conclusions: The SAMP1/Fc allele for a locus, designated Ibdq1 , promotes inflammation-associated epithelial damage in these mice. Consistent with persistent mild ileitis in (B6 × SAMP1/Fc)F 1 mice, this locus appears to function in an additive fashion. Two genes in this interval, encoding the interleukin 10 receptor α chain and interleukin 18, are excellent candidates for Ibdq1 .
Effects of caffeine on pancreatic tumorigenesis by 4-hydroxyamino-quinoline 1-oxide in partially pancreatectomized rats

The effects of caffeine on pancreatic tumorigenesis by 4-hydroxyaminoquinoline 1-oxide (4-HAQO) and on pancreatic DNA synthesis were studied in partially pancreatectomized male Wistar rats. 4-HAQO was injected i.v. as a single dose of 7 mg/kg body weight 3 days after partial pancreatectomy. Caffeine was injected s.c. every 12 h at the maximum tolerated dose (m.t.d.) of 120 mg/kg body weight, half the m.t.d., and one quarter the m.t.d. from 12 to 72 h before and 0 to 72, 72 to 132, and 0 to 132 h after 4-HAQO treatment. Post-treatment with caffeine from 0 to 132 h had a dose-dependent biphasic effect on pancreatic tumorigenesis: post-treatment with the m.t.d. of caffeine decreased the total number of nodules, whereas treatment with one quarter the m.t.d. of caffeine increased their number. Decrease in the number of nodules was also observed on post-treatment with the m.t.d. of caffeine from 0 to 72 or from 72 to 132 h. Pretreatment with the m.t.d. of caffeine had no significant effect on the number of nodules. Recovery of pancreatic DNA synthesis was slower after simultaneous treatment with the m.t.d. of caffeine and 4-HAQO than after treatment with 4-HAQO alone. The possible mechanism of the effect of caffeine on pancreatic tumorigenesis induced by 4-HAQO in rats is discussed.
Formation and deformation of metallic glasses: Atomistic theory

Abstract The free-volume theory has been successful in describing various structural and mechanical properties of metallic glasses, and continues to be used nearly half a century after it was created. However, the validity of the free-volume model at an atomistic level is questionable. We suggest that the apparent success of the free-volume model is that it represents the fictive temperature of the system well, rather than its microscopic reality. We propose an alternative approach based upon the exchange and fluctuation of atomic bonds, described in terms of the atomic level stresses. This approach enables much more quantitative description of the properties of metallic glasses, including glass transition, liquid fragility, glass formation and mechanical deformation.
Self-referenced fiber optic sensor for microdisplacement measurement

A fiber optic microdisplacement sensor is realized by placing a diffraction grating surface in front of multimode fiber endfaces. This grating serves as a dispersion component. The incident white light from a multimode fiber is dispersed by the grating and a portion of the optical power of the color band is picked up by the same fiber or another multimode fiber placed side by side. The spectrum of the light received by the second fiber is a function of the air gap between the fiber endface and the grating surface. Because diffraction angles are different for different wavelength components, the received power of different wavelengths varies differently as the air gap changes. A standard two-wavelength demodulation technique is employed as a self-referenced scheme to compensate for the signal power shift that occurs as a result of light source power fluctuations, fiber bending, and other disturbances. A resolution of 2 μm has been obtained over the range from 0 to 150 μm. Potential applications of this device are also discussed.
Effects of pentolinium on blood sugar and serum potassium concentrations during anaesthesia and surgery.

SUMMARY Blood sugar and serum potassium (K+) concentrations were measured before, during and 60 min after surgery in two groups of 10 non-diabetic patients during nitrous oxide/halothane/tubocurarine anaesthesia. In the control group the arterial pressure was maintained within the patients' normal ranges, while in the study group pentolinium was administered i.v. (average 22 mg per patient) to achieve and maintain a mean arterial pressure of 50mmHg (+10SEM). In the normotensive group the blood sugar concentration increased markedly and significantly during surgery and in the early postoperative period while the serum K + concentration was essentially unchanged. In the hypotensive group pentolinium produced a striking modification of the surgery-induced hyperglycaemic response (but not to hypoglycaemic values) as well as a small but significant decrease in serum K + concentration. The observed increase in the blood sugar concentration may be part of the autonomic response to surgical stress. Two mechanisms can explain the reduction in serum K+ concentration: (1) decreased hepatic glycogenolysis and (2) attenuation of the suppressive effect of adrenaline on insulin release, both effects being secondary to the ganglion-blocking property of pentolinium. These results are in contrast to the widely held belief that ganglion-blocking drugs cause hypoglycaemia
Modulation of Fcγ receptors on the human macrophage cell line U-937☆

Abstract Macrophage receptors for the Fc portion of IgG play an important role in host defense, inflammation, and the pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders. We studied one important function of Fcγ receptors—the ability to bind IgG ligand. Direct binding experiments analyzed by nonlinear regression were consistent with monomeric and trimeric IgG binding to a single class of receptors. Indirect binding experiments were also consistent with this interpretation and revealed that both IgG ligands completely inhibited the binding of the other. In addition, we used an anti-FcγRII monoclonal antibody known to compete for the FcγRII ligand binding site and known to inhibit IgG trimer binding to other cells. At concentrations of antibody which saturated all FcγRII sites, no inhibition of IgG trimer binding to U-937 was observed. This was evident despite the observation that the numbers of FcγRI and FcγRII, determined by equilibrium binding of monomeric IgG and anti-FcγRII antibody, respectively, were similar on U-937. Monoclonal antibodies were used to compare the expression and modulation of Fcγ receptor proteins with their ability to bind monomeric and trimeric IgG ligands. Dexamethasone and γ-interferon regulated U-937 FcγRI protein expression and IgG ligand binding to a similar degree. In contrast, the expression of FcγRII was not altered by dexamethasone. Interferon-γ primarily stimulated FcγRI, as determined both by reactivity with monoclonal antibody (227 ± 26%) and by monomeric IgG ligand binding (350 ± 151 %). In addition, dexamethasone inhibited by 33% the γ-interferon effect on FcγRI protein and by 56% the effect on FcγRI binding of monomeric IgG. Preincubation of U-937 with anti-FcγRII antibody did not alter the effect of dexamethasone or γ-interferon on IgG trimer binding. These data indicate that on U-937 cells FcγRII does not function in the recognition of small molecular weight immune complexes and that FCγRI is the Fcγ receptor responsible for the binding of both monomeric and trimeric human IgG. Furthermore, FcγRI is the major Fcγ receptor on U-937 that is modulated by both γ-interferon and glucocorticoids.
Synthesis of BaTiTe3O9 ceramics for LTCC application and its dielectric properties

A new tellurate, BaTiTe3O9, was found in the BaO-TiO2-TeO2 ternary system. Using conventional solid state reaction, the new single phase compound, BaTiTe3O9 phase was synthesized and sintered over the very low temperature range of only 625-700°C. In addition, different calcinations routes, including the effect of TiTe3O8 precursor in the phase formation, were examined. The dielectric properties of BaTiTe3O9 ceramics were determined in the microwave region as well as at low frequencies. The relative dielectric permittivity (er) and the temperature coefficient of permittivity (TCe) of BaTiTe3O9 at 1 MHz were measured as 30 and 790 ppm/°C, respectively. The dielectric properties were maintained up to microwave region without degradation. The dielectric permittivity and Q×f product obtained were 29 and 1,700 GHz at 7.6 GHz, respectively. The temperature coefficient of resonance frequency (TCF) showed a large negative value of -372 ppm/°C.
Prototypicality and personality: Effects on free recall and personality impressions

Abstract An experiment was performed to test the hypothesis that it is easier to process information about characters who fit well with and are, therefore, “prototypical” of shared beliefs about various personality types. Character prototypicality was manipulated in a free recall and personality impression paradigm through variations in the consistency of a character's identification with preexisting beliefs about two personality-type categories—extraversion and introversion. Subjects also were given information about each character that varied in degree of abstraction from traits to concrete behavior. As predicted, both the amount and nature of the information correctly recalled were significantly affected by the consistency of the character's identification with extraversion or with introversion. Character consistency also significantly affected the amount of material written in the personality impressions and the tendency to qualify the generality of the impressions. The results support a model in which incoming data about personality are coded, structured, elaborated, and remembered according to the quality of their match with preexisting beliefs about various personality types.
Development and application of a building energy performance metric for green roof systems

Abstract This study develops a thermal performance metric for vegetated roof systems. The Dynamic Benefit of Green Roofs (DBGR) is the ratio of Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) energy use for a building with a conventional roof to that of a building with a green roof. If the green roof results in lower energy use than a conventional roof with the same level of thermal resistance the value of DBGR is greater than unity. Data from a field study in Portland Oregon were used to validate the green roof model incorporated within a whole-building energy simulation program. This model was then used to estimate the DBGR for a new construction office building in four climates: Portland, Oregon; Chicago, Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia; and Houston, Texas. Results suggest that a green roof in Atlanta and Houston would provide net annual HVAC energy savings compared with a traditional roof. The Chicago case, with severe winter and mild spring/summer/fall, resulted in a smaller energy savings. The DBGR for Portland was less than unity, suggesting a net energy consumption penalty associated with the green roof. This was due, in part, to the undesirable evaporative cooling in the shoulder seasons which led to increased building heating loads.
Social Motives Underlying Antisocial Behavior Across Middle School Grades

The goal of the study was to examine whether social motives (social mimicry, mutual attraction, and unreciprocated attraction) predict changes in antisocial behavior across middle school grades. The 2,003 initial participants (55% girls) were drawn from a larger longitudinal study of urban public school students: 44% Latino, 26% African-American, 10% Asian, 9% Caucasian, and 11% multiracial. Analyses of peer nominations and teacher-rated behavior included five waves of data between the fall of sixth grade and the spring of eighth grade (n = 1,260–1,347 for longitudinal analyses). Supporting the social mimicry hypothesis, students who associated peer-directed aggression with high social status in the beginning of middle school engaged in elevated levels of antisocial conduct during the second year in the new school. Additionally, unreciprocated attraction toward peers who bully others in the beginning of middle school was related to increased antisocial behavior in the last year of middle school. No support was obtained for the mutual attraction hypothesis. The findings provide insights about possible social motives underlying susceptibility to negative peer influence.
The structural environments of cations adsorbed onto clays: 133Cs variable-temperature MAS NMR spectroscopic study of hectorite

Abstract 133 Cs Variable-Temperature Magic-Angle-Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (VT-MAS NMR) spectroscopy shows that Cs on the clay mineral hectorite occurs in several distinctly different chemical environments, and that motional averaging of Cs between some of these sites occurs above ~ −40°C if water is present in the interlayer. At temperatures above ~ −10°C, spectra for slurries of hectorite in CsCl solutions yield two peaks, one due to Cs in solution, and the other due to Cs motionally averaged on the clay. At temperatures below ~ −60°C, motional averaging of the adsorbed Cs slows sufficiently to allow resolution of two peaks representing different Cs-environments on the clay. We use the Stern-Gouy model to explain these peaks, and assign one to Cs in the Stern layer (relatively tightly bound to the basal oxygens) and the other to Cs in the Gouy diffuse layer. A sample hydrated at 100% relative humidity yields similar results, except that there is no peak for Cs in the solution. Cs-exchanged hectorite dehydrated at 500°C yields peaks for two different sites on the clay, which we interpret to be due to a highly coordinated site (probably 12) and a less coordinated site (possibly 9), both in the interlayer. A sample partially dehydrated at 100°C yields similar peaks, but there also appears to be motional averaging of Cs over these two different Cs-environments in the interlayer.
Hobbes: The Laws of Nature

Are Hobbes's laws of nature to be understood primarily as theorems of reason, or as commands of God, or as commands of the civil sovereign? Each of these accounts can be given textual support; each identifies a role that the laws may be thought to play. Examining the full range of textual references, discussing the place of the laws of nature in Hobbes's argument, and considering how the laws may be known, give strongest support to the first of the three accounts, that the laws are primarily rational precepts and only secondarily civil and divine commands.
Numerical effects in the simulation of Ginzburg–Landau models for superconductivity

Inadequate spatial mesh resolution for simulation of the time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau equations is shown to give rise to spurious solutions. Phenomenological studies to examine the effect of the physical parameters and boundary conditions in 2D and 3D are presented to illustrate the solution structure and to highlight non-linear effects related to evolving vortex patterns. We illustrate and explore this issue further by considering a related simplified model in which the number of vortices is equal to the ‘winding number’ that is associated with the applied boundary conditions. Using this model we demonstrate that the solution structure is non-unique for several values of winding number. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HTR2A gene–child abuse interaction and association with a history of suicide attempt among Caucasian depressed psychiatric inpatients

BACKGROUND: The serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5HTTLPR) has been associated with vulnerability for depression after exposure to stressful life event as well as with difference in treatment response to SSRI. Although the A/A genotype of the serotonin receptor SNP (rs7997012) was associated with better citalopram response than the G/G in the STAR⁎D sample, the effects of this SNP in the moderation of child abuse history on the characteristics of mental illnesses are not well understood. We examined if there are similar gene-environment interaction with the SNP. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 250 Caucasian depressed psychiatric inpatients, who had genotype for rs7997012. Subjects with each genotype were subcategorized into 2 groups with/without history of child abuse. The history of suicide attempts of each group was compared. RESULTS: A trend for an interaction was found between the HTR2A genotype and child abuse history influencing the prevalence of suicide attempts. Although each genotype did not show significant difference in the risk of suicide attempt when there was no abuse history, the A carriers (A/A+A/G) showed significantly higher rate of suicide attempt compared to the G/G when there is a history of child abuse (48.4% versus 22.7% respectively, p=0.0050). The likelihood ratio test from the logistic model showed a trend for an interaction between the A/A genotype and abuse history (Odds Ratio 2.10, χ(2)=2.49, p=0.11). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study design and small sample size with borderline significance. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed a potential interaction between the HTR2A gene and stressful life events. Language: en
Regression of established AB1 murine mesothelioma induced by peritumoral injections of CpG oligodeoxynucleotide either alone or in combination with poly(I:C) and CD40 ligand plasmid DNA.

Introduction: Stimulation of the CD40 receptor using an agonistic anti-CD40 antibody can slow the growth of AB1 tumors. Stimulation of the GITR receptor may also have antitumor activity by countering the immunosuppressive effects of regulatory CD4 + T cells. Similarly, agonists for Toll-Like Receptors (TLR) such as CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (TLR9 agonist) have activity against AB1 tumors. Combinations of CpG with CD40 ligand and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C), TLR3 agonist) may be even stronger than CpG alone. The synergistic effects of these combinations have been tested in other tumor types but not in mesothelioma. Methods: Established AB1 mesothelioma tumors were injected with either plasmid DNA encoding a novel 4-trimer form of murine CD40 ligand (pSP-D-CD40L), GITR ligand (GITRL), or control plasmid DNA. In addition, CpG with or without poly(I:C) was also injected intratumorally. Results: Plasmid injections of pSP-D-CD40L or pSP-D-GITRL, had no significant antitumor effect, possibly reflecting the difficulty of administering DNA injections into this very dense tissue. However, the injection of CpG with or without poly(I:C) strongly suppressed tumor growth and led to long-term tumor-free survival. The response to a triple combination of pSP-D-CD40L + CpG + poly(I:C) was demonstrated by an increase in intratumoral CD8 + T cells and a dramatic increase in F4/80 + macrophages. Conclusions: Intratumoral injections of plasmid DNAs encoding highly active forms of either CD40 ligand or GITR ligand had no significant antitumor effects in this model, although improved DNA delivery techniques could possibly improve this strategy. In contrast, intratumoral CpG injections had significant antitumor effects and there were indications that CpG plus poly(I:C) was even more effective. Taken together, these data confirm previous reports that immune stimulants, especially CpG TLR9 agonists, have potential as a treatment for mesothelioma.
Assistive Devices for Classroom Listening

The listening problems experienced by people with hearing loss have been well-documented. Typical classrooms, where listening is so important, are especially noisy and reverberant environments. A n...
Myocardial material property determination in the in vivo heart using magnetic resonance imaging.

Objectives: To determine nonlinear material properties of passive, diastolic myocardium using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tissue-tagging, finite element analysis (FEA) and nonlinear optimization.Background: Alterations in the diastolic material properties of myocardium may pre-date the onset of or exist exclusive of systolic ventricular dysfunction in disease states such as hypertrophy and heart failure. Accordingly, significant effort has been expended recently to characterize the material properties of myocardium in diastole. The present study defines a new technique for determining material properties of passive myocardium using finite element (FE) models of the heart, MRI tissue-tagging and nonlinear optimization. This material parameter estimation algorithm is employed to estimate nonlinear material parameters in thein vivo canine heart and provides the necessary framework to study the full complexities of myocardial material behavior in health and disease.Methods and results: Material parameters for a proposed exponential strain energy function were determined by minimizing the least squares difference between FE model-predicted and MRI-measured diastolic strains. Six mongrel dogs underwent MRI imaging with radiofrequency (RF) tissue-tagging. Two-dimensional diastolic strains were measured from the deformations of the MRI tag lines. Finite element models were constructed from early diastolic images and were loaded with the mean early to late left ventricular and right ventricular diastolic change in pressure measured at the time of imaging. A nonlinear optimization algorithm was employed to solve the least squares objective function for the material parameters. Average material parameters for the six dogs wereE=28,722 ± 15,984 dynes/cm2 andc=0.00182 ± 0.00232 cm2/dyne.Conclusion: This parameter estimation algorithm provides the necessary framework for estimating the nonlinear, anisotropic and non-homogeneous material properties of passive myocardium in health and disease in thein vivo beating heart.
Prediction of creep rupture of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite

Abstract A creep model, which was used successfully in a previous paper to model the creep of cross-linked epoxy resin as well as unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite, is used along with a fracture criterion to predict creep rupture at temperatures ranging from near Tg to far below Tg when the epoxy matrix of the composite is in the glassy state. This model, whose parameters have been measured by separate experiments, enables the separation of the part of the work stored from the part dissipated. A critical energy is proposed as the fracture criterion. Using the model, the time-dependent increase in stored elastic energy is calculated. Fracture occurs when the stored elastic energy equals the critical energy. The implication of temperature-dependent fracture mode in creep rupture prediction is discussed in terms of the temperature dependence of the critical energy.
Design, simulation model, and measurements for high-density interconnections

High density interconnections are essential for high performance systems. For excellent signal fidelity it is essential to design interconnects as controlled impedance transmission lines in these systems. Results from design studies are summarized in this paper. Effects of substrate and conductor properties on the interconnect parameters are emphasized. Crosstalk noise is proportional to interconnection density. Crosstalk can be analyzed in SPICE using a set of isolated transmission line and congruence transformers synthesized with dependent sources A SPICE subcircuit for a pair of coupled interconnections is presented. Using this subcircuit crosstalk calculations are illustrated for systems based ECL and CMOS technologies. High density interconnects have considerable resistance. Results of a theoretical analysis of the time domain reflectometer (TDR) responses of a lossy interconnect are presented. These results can be used to determine the impedance and the effective resistance of the interconnections using a TDR. This technique is especially useful for digital systems using lossy transmission line approach.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hyperalimentation in Primates. A Nutritional Model

To establish the subhuman primate as an effective laboratory animal in parenteral nutrition research, 18 male macaque monkeys were adapted to chronic chair restraint and maintained on intravenous nutrition for 1- and 2-week periods. The animals remained in the restraint chairs for 11.6 +/- (2.3) weeks and the inferior vena cava catheters remained for 53 +/- (7.8) days. Catheter and metabolic complications during intravenous nutrition infusion were few and morbidity was low. The animals maintained weight, serum albumin, and serum transferrin levels as well as a positive nitrogen balance during the study period. The macaque is a highly suitable model for nutritional studies requiring a controlled environment during long-term studies.
Consequences of Parasitism to Marine Invertebrates: Host Evolution?

Parasitism among aquatic invertebrates is common, if not ubiquitous, and can be pathological to hosts. However, host evolution in response to parasitism has received little attention, particularly for marine invertebrates. Drawing on the rich literature demonstrating prey adaptations to predators, I develop analogous predictions for the ways in which host life histories may be molded by their parasites. Such adaptations are expected when the effects of parasites are severe and when the probability of infection is high. Predicted life history changes include the evolution of semelparity, reduced age at first reproduction and reduced size at first reproduction. Using Recent and fossil populations of two bivalves species in the genus Transennella , I show that the incidence of trematode parasites may explain a trend of reduced size through time and contribute to the maintenance of sexual dimorphism for size.
Energy dependence of 6Li+28Si elastic scattering and the dispersion relation.

The strong coupling between the real and imaginary terms in the optical potential for {sup 16}O+{sup 60}Ni, {sup 208}Pb previously reported for elastic scattering at bombarding energies close to the Coulomb barrier does not occur for the elastic scattering of {sup 6}Li+{sup 28}Si. This result confirms the suggestion of Mahaux, Ng{cflx o}, and Satchler that the dispersion relation connecting the real and imaginary potential terms found for {sup 16}O scattering will not occur for weakly bound projectiles.
Very low threshold current densities (under 100 A/cm2) in AlGaAs/GaAs single-quantum-well GRINSCH lasers grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Threshold current densities as low as 80 A/cm2 for 3.3 mm-long cavity lasers, and 93 A/cm2 for 520 μm-long cavity lasers have been obtained in AlGaAs/GaAs graded-index separate-confinement heterostructure (GRINSCH) single-quantum-well lasers with quantum-well widths between 65–165 A grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The structures were prepared on (100) GaAs substrates and do not display the earlier reported dependence of lasing threshold characteristics on the quantum-well thickness in the range studied (65–165 A).
Adjustment of TRMM rainfall algorithm for monsoon land areas

The TRMM 3B42 is a gridded 3 hourly data archive that is being provided to the research community at a horizontal resolution of 25 Km. These estimates are produced in four stages; (1) the microwave estimates precipitation are calibrated and combined, (2) infrared precipitation estimates are created using the calibrated microwave precipitation, (3) the microwave and IR estimates are combined, and (4) rescaling to monthly data is applied. Each precipitation field is best interpreted as the precipitation rate effective at the nominal observation time. These gridded estimates are on a 3-hour temporal resolution and a 0.25-degree by 0.25-degree spatial resolution in a global belt extending from 50°S to 50°N latitude. Given a rich data base (India Meteorological Department, IMD) of 2100 well distributed rain gauges over India (Rajeevan et. al. 2006), it is possible to reexamine the TRMM-3B42 data at a very high resolution (25 Km and 3 hours) over land areas. This is a statistical regression exercise which shows the local correction for the TRMM 3B42 rain over India. A further validation of this product is demonstrated from daily rainfall prediction using a suite of operational multimodels.
Comparison of the cardiovascular effects of intravenous and intraaortic protamine in the conscious and anesthetized dog

Abstract Controversy exists as to whether intraaortic (IA) administration of protamine sulfate has less adverse effects than the intravenous (IV) route. The effect of protamine on contractility is not well established. Therefore, 9 dogs underwent chronic instrumentation to monitor aortic pressure (AP), left ventricular (LV) pressure, central venous pressure, cardiac index (CI), heart rate, stroke volume index (SVI), systemic vascular resistance index, and LV volume. The end-systolic LV pressure–volume relationship was used as a load-independent measure of contractility. Each dog was administered IV and IA protamine on separate occasions after pretreatment with heparin. Studies were performed with and without anesthesia. In the awake studies, analysis of variance showed greater decreases in mean AP ( p p p
Organizational identity, meaning, and values: analysis of social media guideline and policy documents

With the increasing use of social media by students, researchers, administrative staff, and faculty in post-secondary education (PSE), a number of institutions have developed guideline and policy documents to set standards for social media use. In this study we analyze social media guidelines and policies across 250 PSE institutions from 10 countries using latent semantic analysis. This initial finding produced a list of 36 universal topics. Subsequently, chi-squared tests were employed to identify distribution differences of content-related factors between American and Non-American PSE institutions. This analysis offered a high-level summary of unstructured text data on the topic of social media guidance. The results include a comprehensive list of recommendations for developing social media guidelines and policies, and a database of social media guideline and policy documents for the PSE sector and other related organizations.