cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of near-infrared laser exposure in a cellular model of wound healing.

Background: Clinical studies have demonstrated beneficial outcomes for low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. It has been hypothesized that the benefits of NIR LLLT are due in part to the thermal effects of NIR exposure. However, it is not clear whether photochemical interactions between NIR light and superficial tissues contribute to beneficial outcomes. To investigate the photochemical effects of NIR exposure, the efficacy of 980 nm NIR LLLT on human fibroblast growth rates is investigated using an in vitro model of wound healing. Methods: A small pipette is used to induce a wound in fibroblast cell cultures, which are imaged at specific time intervals over 48 h and exposed to a range of laser doses (1.5–66 J/cm2) selected to encompass the range of doses used during other in vivo and in vitro studies. For each image acquired, wound sizes were quantified using a novel application of existing image processing algorithms. Results: Cell growth rates were compared across different laser exposure intensities with the same exposure duration, and across different laser exposure durations with the same exposure intensity. Exposure to low- and medium-intensity laser light accelerates cell growth, whereas high-intensity light negated the beneficial effects of laser exposure. Cell growth was accelerated over a wide range of exposure durations using medium-intensity laser light, with no significant inhibition of cell growth at the longest exposure durations used in this study. Conclusion: Low-level exposure to 980 nm laser light can accelerate wound healing in vitro without measurable temperature increases. However, these results also demonstrate the need for appropriate supervision of laser therapy sessions to prevent overexposure to NIR laser light that may inhibit cell growth rates observed in response to lower intensity laser exposure.
Photorefractive birefringent holography

We analyze recording of gratings by orthogonally polarized waves-modes of birefringent crystal which are coupled by nonlinear interaction, photogalvanic current in photorefractive crystals, or by anisotropy of two-photon absorption in semiconductors. Different schemes of polarization grating recording (four-beam, two-beam, single-beam) are discussed.
Envisioning an Agent-OS for Autonomous Cooperative Systems

The autonomous cooperative system environment was built as a low priority control task inside programmable logical controllers. It added the functionality of an agent-based operating system. The ACS kernel evolved in this manner for a long time almost independent of the controller operating system. Although ACS has been successfully deployed on commercial controllers, new releases of Logix will cause complications in the integration of the software and adoption of future functionality. There is necessity to evolve ACS to be seamless integrated with the controllers. This new challenge implies changes to the Logix OS for the creation of the agents. There are critical implications that would radically affect the agent infrastructure. In this document, we discuss the results of the transformation.
An Experimental Study on the Oxidative Coupling of Methane in a Direct Current Corona Discharge Reactor over Sr/La2O3 Catalyst

The homogeneous and catalytic oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) for converting methane directly into higher hydrocarbons has been the subject of a large body of research. The present study on conversion of methane in dc corona discharge packed bed reactors may significantly improve the process economics. Experimental investigations have been conducted in which all the reactive gases pass through a catalyst bed which is situated within the corona-induced plasma zone. In this study, a typical OCM catalyst, Sr/La{sub 2}O{sub 3}, was used to investigate experimentally the corona discharge OCM reactions. Experiments were conducted over a wide range of temperatures (823--1,023 K) and input powers (0--6 W) with both positive and negative corona processes. Compared to the catalytic process in the absence of corona discharge, the corona discharge results in higher methane conversion and larger yield of C{sub 2} products even at temperatures at which there is no C{sub 2} activity for the catalyst alone. The methane conversion and C{sub 2} yield increase with O{sub 2} partial pressure during the corona-enhanced catalytic reactions, while the selectivity decreases slightly with increasing O{sub 2} partial pressure. Compared to results obtained in the absence of corona discharges, methane conversion in the presence of themore » dc corona was nearly five times larger and the selectivity for C{sub 2} over eight times higher at 853 K. A great enhancement in catalytic activity has also been achieved at a temperature at which the catalyst alone shows no C{sub 2} activity. The conversion at higher temperature (more than 953 K) is limited by the poor corona performance and the availability of active oxygen species.« less
ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN RURAL AMERICA ACROSS TYPOLOGIES, GENDER AND MOTIVATION

This study examines the effect of rurality on early-stage necessity and opportunity entrepreneurship among women and men in America from three rural typology perspectives. To achieve this objective, we build a dataset that combines GEM U.S. individual data for 2005—2010 and county economic characteristics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau. We use three typologies to define rurality and compare the results, the OMB metro-nonmetro classification system (2003), Isserman (2005) and county population density. We further analyze this data in subsamples by gender using cross-section time-series rare events logistic regression with clustered robust errors and year fixed effects. Key findings indicate the three rural typologies show similar results in magnitude, direction and significance, although population density shows sensitivity to the rurality variable and subsamples. Also, compared to women in OMB metro counties in America, women who live in OMB nonmetro counties have a higher probability of engaging in opportunity entrepreneurship. This probability increases with college education and decreases if the woman lives alone or is retired. Among men, living in OMB nonmetro or Isserman rural counties also increases their probability of engaging in opportunity entrepreneurship. College education and being African American also increases this probability. Predictors of necessity entrepreneurship are having an income below 50,000 among women and being employed part time among men.
Integrated quantitative first-pass cardiac perfusion MRI protocol

The proposed contrast-enhanced first-pass perfusion cardiovascular MR (CMR) protocol integrates some recent technical MRI advances towards quantitative analysis of perfusion CMR images: fast multi-slice pulse sequence [1], robust saturation pulse [2], accurate dedicated AIF imaging [3], signal-to-concentration modeling [4], and higher SNR at 3T.
Abstract 307: The use of biospecimens in cancer population science research

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Background: Over the past two decades, researchers have increasingly used human biospecimens to help evaluate hypotheses related to disease risk, outcomes and treatment options. We conducted an analysis of the population science cancer research grants funded by NCI in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the biospecimens involved in those studies. Recognizing that there are many pre-existing collections of biospecimens, we investigated the cost and time efficiencies observed with studies involving the use of existing biospecimens versus collecting new specimens. Methods: Data available for 1,018 extramural, peer-reviewed grants (active as of July 2012) supported by the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, (NCI Division that supports cancer control and population science extramural research grants) were analyzed. Results: 455 of the grants were determined to involve biospecimens. The most common specimen types included were DNA (66% of grants involved DNA), whole blood (51%), serum or plasma (40%), and tissue (39%). Grants that involved the use of existing biospecimens resulted in greater cost (serum/plasma studies were 4.2 times less expensive) and time efficiencies (1.4 times more publications per year resulted) than grants that collected new biospecimens. Conclusions: Clearly, there is an opportunity for NCI to promote future sharing. We are currently working to better catalogue our funded resources and make data available to the extramural community. Further work is being done to investigate possible trends based on year of grant award. Citation Format: Danielle M. Carrick, Eliza Mette, Brittany Hoyle, Scott D. Rogers, Elizabeth M. Gillanders, Sheri D. Schully, Leah E. Mechanic. The use of biospecimens in cancer population science research. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 307. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-307
Two-step cooptation: Pulling the strings that pull the strings

In this article the author discusses research that examined the use of a two-step cooptation approach by managers in an effort to manage relationships in which they are dependent on others to accomplish their work goals. The author notes that the research suggests this can be accomplished by the establishment of relationship with a third party who has control over the person the manager is trying to control. The author discusses some of the risks involved in the two-step cooptation approach as well as the effectiveness of the two-step cooptation approach in poor relationships.
Perceived importance of “social goals” in business organizations

Abstract Business organizations operate within a complex socio-technical environment. Interactions between these socio-technical dimensions and the managers' personal value systems are thought to influence managerial role patterns and decisions. This paper investigates shifts in perceived importance of “social goals” from a set of organizational goals. The research concludes that there has been no significant changes occurring in either the ordering or the clustering of organizational goals.
Anisotropy of the lower critical field, magnetic penetration depth, and equilibrium shielding current in single-crystal YBa2Cu3O7- delta.

Magnetization measurements at 11 K are used to obtain anisotropic ${H}_{c1}$ values for fields along the $c$ direction and in the basal plane of single crystals of $\mathrm{Y}{\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}$. The anisotropic magnetic penetration depth and equilibrium shielding currents at ${H}_{c1}$ are derived and analyzed within effective-mass theory.
Autonomous Vehicle Guidance Using Laser Range Imagery

Range imagery from a laser range imager developed at ERIM to support the DARPA ALV program provides a robust source of information to direct autonomous vehicle movement. Forward looking range imagery is processed into plan view map information of the surrounding environment for guidance and identifying obstacles. Intensity data from the sensor also provides a correlated object reflectivity image. The image processing required to transform the forward looking range data into top down format, and to subsequently find the vehicle path is completed at a nominal two second frame rate. If and when image processing speed is comparable to sensor rate (two frames per second), this would support a vehicle speed of approximately 40 miles per hour. This processing rate is possible using the current generation of Cytocomputer ® technology and can be further improved by migrating more of the image processing algorithm from a host VAX to the dedicated Cytocomputer processing system.
Lubrication of Si3N4 and steel rolling and sliding contacts by deposits of pyrolyzed carbonaceous gases

Abstract Pin-on-disk and four-ball tests with steel and silicon nitride surfaces canbe lubricated by carbon deposited as a result of pyrolysis in the tribo-contacts of ethylene or other carbonaceous gases at bulk temperatures in excess of 500°C. The carbon deposits were analyzed and shown to be different for different gases. Substantial improvements could be achieved by insertion of a hot wire into the ethylene stream. This was shown to be equivalent to an admixture of a small amount of acetylene. Since carbon deposit formation from pure ethylene was enhanced by the presence of acetylene carbon, the carbon and not the gaseous acetylene was the catalyst for enhanced formation of lubricating carbon. Lubrication was also achieved with the carbon formed from a feed gas of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
Collusion in Industrial Economics: A Comment

This note comments on Feuerstein's (2005) summary of the literature on collusion in infinitely repeated games. It specifically addresses firm asymmetries and settings in which punishments can be asymmetric. Changes in competition policy such as exception from punishment for the first but only the first compliant and the recent practice to study the effects of mergers after the fact, will provide interesting material for testing the theoretical predictions.
A role for zinc in gene expression.

Zinc deficiency inEuglena gracilis has been shown to affect growth, morphology, cell cycle and mitosis. These observations are best explained by a role for zinc in gene regulation possibly through zinc dependent enzymes. A similar role for zinc in man may exist with genetic and medical implications.
Effect of cavity varnish on retention of cemented cast crowns.

C avity varnish is applied to prepared teeth before cementation of a cast restoration with zinc phosphate cement for pulpal protection and attenuation of postoperative sensitivity. Dentinal permeability to constituents in acid-containing cements is significantly reduced by the application of a cavity varnishle3 and marginal microleakage is decreased.4 It is unknown, however, whether these advantages are outweighed by the effects of varnish on the retention of the restoration or prosthesis. Cavity varnish has been shown to reduce the retention of cemented pins’ and decrease the tensile bond between two opposed dentinal surfaces when zinc phosphate is used as the luting agent.’ Others have reported no significant difference in the retentive values for inlays cemented into varnished and unvarnished preparations.’ The purpose of this investigation was to compare the retention of full veneer crowns cemented on prepared teeth to which a cavity varnish had been applied with that of crowns cemented on prepared teeth that were unvarnished.
A model depicting the relations among perceived stressors, role conflict and organizational commitment: A comparative analysis of Hong Kong and the United States

As managers and employees from different cultures begin to encounter one another in the workplace, the need arises to understand how organizational variables relate differentially based on one's culture. This study attempts to provide a preliminary examination of the relationship between stressors, sources of conflict and job commitment across two differing cultures, specifically the United States and Hong Kong. Although more similarities than differences between the two cultures were found, this study provides at least preliminary evidence that members of different cultures may perceive some stressors differently and exhibit different relationships between stressors and work attitudes.
Predicting spatial patterns of fire on a southern California landscape

Humans influence the frequency and spatial pattern of fire and contribute to altered fire regimes, but fuel loading is often the only factor considered when planning management activities to reduce fire hazard. Understanding both the human and biophysical landscape characteristics that explain how fire patterns vary should help to identify where fire is most likely to threaten values at risk. We used human and biophysical explanatory variables to model and map the spatial patterns of both fire ignitions and fire frequency in the Santa Monica Mountains, a human-dominated southern California landscape. Most fires in the study area are caused by humans, and our results showed that fire ignition patterns were strongly influenced by human variables. In particular, ignitions were most likely to occur close to roads, trails, and housing development but were also related to vegetation type. In contrast, biophysical variables related to climate and terrain (January temperature, transformed aspect, elevation, and slope) explained most of the variation in fire frequency. Although most ignitions occur close to human infrastructure, fires were more likely to spread when located farther from urban development. How far fires spread was ultimately related to biophysical variables, and the largest fires in southern California occurred as a function of wind speed, topography, and vegetation type. Overlaying predictive maps of fire ignitions and fire frequency may be useful for identifying high-risk areas that can be targeted for fire management actions.
Leptin and inflammation-associated cachexia in chronic kidney disease

Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that acts as a major regulator of food intake and energy homeostasis. It circulates both as a free and as a protein-bound entity. Leptin is released into the blood in proportion to the amount of body fat and exerts sustained inhibitory effects on food intake while increasing energy expenditure. The leptin receptor belongs to the class I cytokine receptor superfamily and possesses strong homology to the signal-transducing subunits of the IL-6 receptor. The hypothalamic melanocortin system, and specifically the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC-4R), is critical in mediating leptin's effect on appetite and metabolism. Serum leptin concentrations are elevated in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and correlate with C-reactive protein levels suggesting that inflammation is an important factor that contributes to hyperleptinemia in CKD. Hyperleptinemia may be important in the pathogenesis of inflammation-associated cachexia in CKD. We showed that experimental uremic cachexia was attenuated in db/db mice, a model of leptin receptor deficiency. Nephrectomy in these animals did not result in any change in weight gain, body composition, resting metabolic rate, and efficiency of food consumption. Furthermore, experimental uremic cachexia could be ameliorated by blocking leptin signaling through the hypothalamic MC-4R. MC-4R knockout mice or mice administered the MC-4R and MC-3R antagonist, agouti-related peptide, resisted uremia-induced loss of lean body mass and maintained normal basal metabolic rates. Thus, melanocortin receptor antagonism may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for inflammation-associated cachexia in CKD.
Characterizing and Visualizing Predictive Uncertainty in Numerical Ensembles Through Bayesian Model Averaging

Numerical ensemble forecasting is a powerful tool that drives many risk analysis efforts and decision making tasks. These ensembles are composed of individual simulations that each uniquely model a possible outcome for a common event of interest: e.g., the direction and force of a hurricane, or the path of travel and mortality rate of a pandemic. This paper presents a new visual strategy to help quantify and characterize a numerical ensemble's predictive uncertainty: i.e., the ability for ensemble constituents to accurately and consistently predict an event of interest based on ground truth observations. Our strategy employs a Bayesian framework to first construct a statistical aggregate from the ensemble. We extend the information obtained from the aggregate with a visualization strategy that characterizes predictive uncertainty at two levels: at a global level, which assesses the ensemble as a whole, as well as a local level, which examines each of the ensemble's constituents. Through this approach, modelers are able to better assess the predictive strengths and weaknesses of the ensemble as a whole, as well as individual models. We apply our method to two datasets to demonstrate its broad applicability.
AN EMPIRICAL TEST OF A ROLE ENACTMENT MODEL OF PERSUASION

Prior research into self-persuasive effects has produced empirical propositions that address the communication process only in a very general way. While psychological formulations are helpful in generating constructs and propositions dealing with intrasource effects as a function of counterattitudinal advocacy, the generalizability of these findings appears limited. Berger's role enactment model of persuasion provides constructs and propositions that comport more exactly with practical communicative experiences. The present study tested the relationships obtaining among concepts crucial to the model. Results confirmed the prediction that role aptitude and task-relevant information were positively related to attitude change. The relationship among the role aptitude, information, and post-performance evaluation variables was not confirmed. The results and refinements of the model were discussed in terms of the potential the model has for more precise tests of communication effects. Message complexity, varying information levels, and other variables were discussed as amenable to tests employing the role enactment model. While self-persuasion situations offer an appropriate paradigm in which to test general social psychology theories, there is some doubt as to the contribution such research can make to our understanding of communication. It is a question of “social significance.” Do sources frequently speak against their “true” attitudes? If so, do intra-source effects tell us much about communication between people? In short, can practical gains be achieved in counterattitudinal advocacy research? We believe that many of the processes associated with self-persuasion are similar to those which characterize interpersonal communication. These similarities are most obvious when one approaches communication research in the context of role theory. (1972, 260)
Isolation from bovine liver mitochondria and characterization of three distinct carboxylic acid: CoA ligases with activity toward xenobiotics.

A mitochondrial freeze/thaw lysate was fractionated on a DEAE-cellulose column into four distinct acyl-CoA ligase fractions. First to elute was a 50 kDa short-chain ligase that activated only short-chain fatty acids. Next to elute were three ligases that had activity toward both medium-chain fatty acids and xenobiotic carboxylic acids; these were termed xenobiotic/medium-chain ligases (X-ligases) and labeled XL-I, XL-II, and XL-III, respectively, based on order of elution. The molecular weight of X-ligases I, II, and III were ca. 55,000, 55,500 and 53,000, respectively. Form XL-III showed no pH optimum; the rate increased steadily with pH beginning from pH 7.0. XL-I and XL-II showed the same behavior with benzoate as substrate, but with medium-chain fatty acids, both forms had a pH optimum at 8.8. The three X-ligases differed in substrate specificity. XL-I was the predominant nicotinic acid activating form and had the lowest Km for benzoate. Form XL-II was the only form with measurable salicylate activity, although it was extremely low. XL-III was the only 2,4,6,8-decatetraenoic acid activating form and also was the predominant medium-chain fatty acid-activating form. By comparison of substrate specificities, it was concluded that the two previously reported ligase preparations were mixtures of the three forms. When the ligase rates were compared to previously determined N-acyltransferase rates toward benzoyl-CoA and phenylacetyl-CoA, the data showed that ligase activities are 100-fold lower, and thus the ligase is rate limiting for the conjugation of both of these xenobiotics. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Heterologous Inhibition of G Protein-coupled Receptor Endocytosis Mediated by Receptor-specific Trafficking of β-Arrestins *

Abstract We have observed an unexpected type of nonreciprocal “cross-regulation” of the agonist-induced endocytosis of G protein-coupled receptors by clathrin-coated pits. Isoproterenol-dependent internalization of β2-adrenergic receptors in stably transfected HEK293 cells was specifically blocked (>65% inhibition) by vasopressin-induced activation of V2 vasopressin receptors co-expressed at similar levels. In contrast, activation of β2receptors caused no detectable effect on V2 receptor internalization in the same cells. Several pieces of evidence suggest that this nonreciprocal inhibition of endocytosis is mediated by receptor-specific intracellular trafficking of β-arrestins. First, previous studies showed that the activation of V2 but not β2 receptors caused pronounced recruitment of β-arrestins to endocytic membranes (Oakley, R. H., Laporte, S. A., Holt, J. A., Barak, L. S., and Caron, M. G. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 32248–32257). Second, overexpression of arrestin 2 or 3 (β-arrestin 1 or 2) abolished the V2 receptor-mediated inhibition of β2 receptor internalization. Third, mutations of the V2 receptor that block endomembrane recruitment of β-arrestins eliminated the V2 receptor-dependent blockade of β2 receptor internalization. These results identify a novel type of heterologous regulation of G protein-coupled receptors, define a new functional role of receptor-specific intracellular trafficking of β-arrestins, and suggest an experimental method to rapidly modulate the functional activity of β-arrestins in intact cells.
Rapid "automatized" naming of pictured objects, colors, letters and numbers by normal children.

Summary 180 normal children, ages five through ten years, were given a set of nine naming tests, each involving 50 timed responses to five randomly recurring pictured objects, colors, letters or numbers. “Automatization” of naming, measured by speed, accuracy, and consistency on these tasks, did not parallel the developmental order of acquisition of the various categories of names; letters and numbers were named relatively faster than were colors and objects as early as age six years. Children's facility in “automatization” of naming different semantic categories is considered in terms of the contributions of overlearning, stimulus discriminability, “operativity”, word frequency and response competition; only the last two appear to be explanatory factors.
External Beam Radiation Therapy for Tracheobronchial Amyloidosis

Background: Tracheobronchial amyloidosis is a rare form of primary amyloidosis. There have been no regimens for treatment of this disease that have proven to be effective. There have been case reports of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) providing marked improvement in symptoms and the appearance of lesions. We report a series of seven consecutive patients who were treated with EBRT. Methods: All patients with tracheobronchial amyloidosis were identified who had received EBRT at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. A retrospective chart review was performed. Data were collected including symptoms, method of diagnosis, treatments, result of treatments, and side effects. Results: All patients received 20 Gy of radiation in 10 fractions. All patients had a favorable response to treatment ranging from symptom relief to a decrease in the frequency of pulmonary infections and objective improvement in pulmonary function. The time to subjective improvement ranged from 1 month to 1 year from the completion of EBRT. Grade 1 esophagitis developed in four patients, and grade 2 esophagitis developed in one patient. Grade 2 pneumonitis that resolved after 10 days of treatment with antibiotics and corticosteroids developed in one patient. FEV1 was the most consistently used method of objective follow-up, and three of seven patients showed improvement. Follow-up ranged from 10 to 69 months (median, 40 months). The recurrence of asymptomatic endobronchial narrowing requiring no additional treatment was noted on bronchoscopy in one patient after 17 months. Conclusions: Tracheobronchial amyloidosis has been difficult to treat due to the limitations of treatment, recurrence, and complications. EBRT appears to be safe and can provide symptomatic as well as objective improvement.
Microscopic and macroscopic tumor and parenchymal effects of liver stereotactic body radiotherapy.

Purpose: To describe the histologic and volumetric changes in normal liver tissue after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for liver metastases. Methods and Materials: Pre- and post-SBRT imaging studies were analyzed to evaluate the effect of SBRT on normal liver volume (NLV) in 15 patients treated in a prospective clinical trial. Two other patients underwent exploratory surgery after SBRT and histologic analyses of the irradiated liver were performed to characterize the pathologic effects of SBRT. Results: In the 15 patients studied quantitatively, the total NLV had decreased transiently at 2-3 months after SBRT and then began to regenerate at 3-8 months after SBRT. The median NLV reduction at the maximal observed effect was 315 cm{sup 3} (range, 125-600) or 19% (range, 13-33%). Among the several dosimetric parameters evaluated, the strongest linear correlation was noted for the NLV percentage receiving 30 Gy as a predictor of maximal NLV reduction (r{sup 2} = 0.72). The histologic changes observed 2 and 8 months after SBRT demonstrated distinct zones of tissue injury consistent with localized veno-occlusive disease. Conclusion: The well-demarcated focal parenchymal changes after liver SBRT (demonstrated both radiographically and histologically) within the high-dose zone are consistent with a threshold dose-induced set of phenomena. Inmore » contrast, the more global effect of NLV reduction, which is roughly proportional to whole organ dose parameters, resembles more closely an effect determined from radiobiologically parallel architecture. These observations suggest that modeling of normal tissue effects after liver SBRT might require different governing equations for different classes of effects.« less
Gothic roots: Brockden Brown's Wieland, American identity, and American literature

Charles Brockden Brown’s Wieland (1798), one of the first novels by an American author set in the newly formed United States, and dealing with American topics, is generally classed as a “Gothic” novel and read as exploring issues of national identity. The Gothic form, popular in English literature, where it gave sensationalistic treatment to matters of gender, class, national identity and religious affiliation, proved adaptable to conditions overseas. Wieland, however, is less sanguine about the success of the nation-building and independence-achieving enterprise than other, later, novels of American national identity.
Dynamic simulation of Czochralski crystal growth using an integrated thermal-capillary model

Abstract A transient simulation of the Czochralski (CZ) crystal growth of silicon is presented that is based on the integrated thermal-capillary model (ITCM) which includes conductive heat transport in the melt, crystal and all other components of a prototypical Czochralski system, diffuse, grey radiation between these components, and the dynamics of the melt/crystal interface, the meniscus and the crystal shape. Time-dependent simulations are carried out using the finite-element method and fully implicit time integration. The utility of the transient analysis is demonstrated by the calculation of operating states and their temporal stability for a quasi-steady-state model. Multiple operating states are computed for a given crystal growth rate and a limiting value of the power to the heater is found below which no steady-state solutions exist. Transient simulations connect the existence of the multiple states to long time-scale instabilities in the CZ system, which have implications for the control of the batchwise process.
$sup 27$Al(p,p$pi$$sup +$)$sup 27$Mg REACTION FROM 0.6 TO 28 GeV.

Measurements have been made of the excitation function and integral recoil properties of the ${\mathrm{Al}}^{27}(p, p{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}){\mathrm{Mg}}^{27}$ reaction at incident proton energies from 0.6 to 28 GeV. The integral recoil properties yield values of the average forward momentum transfer. Calculations based on the model of Ericson et al. as modified by Selleri are in good agreement with the excitation function but predict somewhat smaller values for the average forward momentum transfer.
Identification of Factors Causing Heterogeneous Within-Herd Variance Components Using a Structural Model for Variances

Abstract Many applications of mixed linear statistical models for genetic evaluation of dairy cattle assume that genetic and residual components of variance are each constant across environments. However, this assumption is violated for production and conformation traits, which can reduce accuracy of selection and cause biases in the proportions of breeding animals chosen from each environment. Best linear unbiased prediction can accommodate heterogeneous variances if the appropriate variance components are known. Variance components may need to be estimated within individual herds using Bayesian or empirical Bayes methods, but such approaches may not yet be computationally feasible on a national basis. For this study, a structural log-linear model for sire and residual variances was used to identify various management factors associated with differences in within-herd variance components. Increases of herd size and within-herd mean were associated with significant increases of within-herd residual variance for milk and fat yields, but residual variance of milk yield decreased slightly as the proportion of registered animals in the herd increased. Type of milking system, silage storage system, DHI testing program, use or nonuse of a TMR, and use or nonuse of automatic milking machine removal devices also significantly affected residual variances. However, differences in sire variances across levels of management factors were not significant.
The Sociopolitical Context of Prison Violence and Its Control A Case Study of Supermax and Its Effect in Illinois

This research explores the sociopolitical context of prison violence and its control in the state of Illinois, and discusses the series of events that led to the opening of a supermax prison. Inter...
Automatic, unstructured mesh generation for tidal calculations in a large domain

An automated procedure is described for the production of unstructured, finite element meshes to perform depth-integrated, hydrodynamic calculations in an ocean-scale, two-dimensional domain. Three relatively coarse meshes with nearly identical boundaries are automatically produced by basing internal size guidelines on a localized truncation error analysis that was performed using results from a highly resolved mesh. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons of model performance are made at 150 historical tidal stations. The coarsest mesh is shown to meet or exceed the overall accuracy of the other meshes, including a highly resolved mesh that has over six times as many computational points. The automated procedure quickly and easily produces a computationally efficient and accurate finite element mesh that is reproducible. In addition, the methodology is shown to have potential for assessing the importance and accuracy of and bathymetric details and evaluating historical hydrodynamic data.
Cross Time-frequency Representation Of Electrocorticograms In Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Three time-frequency distributions are evaluated in terms of their efficacy in representing nonstationary electrocorticograms (ECOGs) in human temporal lobe epilepsy. The results of a new method, the exponential distribution, are compared with those of the spectrogram and the Wigner distribution. It is shown that the exponential distribution represents a considerable improvement over the spectrogram in terms of resolution and markedly reduces cross-terms present in the Wigner distribution. Exponential distribution representations of ECOGs from different stages of an epileptic record are developed as contour maps. These high-resolution representations offer a lucid display of temporal-spectral features of the rapidly varying signals that constitute ECOGs recorded in temporal lobe epilepsy. >
Initial functional independence measure score and interval post stroke help assess outcome, length of hospitalization, and quality of care.

Objective:This study tests the hypothesis that the rehabilitation hospital admission functional Independence Measure (FIM) score and interval post stroke can be used to define clinically relevant f...
Neural networks for localized approximation of real functions

The problem of constructing universal networks capable of approximating all functions having bounded derivatives is discussed. It is demonstrated that, using standard ideas from the theory of spline approximation, it is possible to construct such networks to provide localized approximation. The networks can be used to implement multivariate analogues of the Chui-Wang wavelets (1990) and also for the simultaneous approximation of a function and its derivative. The number of neurons required to yield the desired approximation at any point does not depend upon the degree of accuracy desired. >
STRUCTURE OF ACTIN BINDING PROTEINS : INSIGHTS ABOUT FUNCTION AT ATOMIC RESOLUTION

OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ACTIN ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Overview . Struclllre Delerminalioll . Description Of the Structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Significance . ACTIN FILAMENT . Background . Structure Determinatioll .
Prediction and observation of crack tip microstructure in shape memory CuAlNi single crystals

Abstract The formation of martensite at a notch tip in a CuAlNi shape memory alloy loaded in tension is studied. The geometry of the initial martensite plate to form at the notch is predicted theoretically, using the stress field at a crack tip in an anisotropic linearly elastic body together with a listing of all possible austenite–martensite interfaces from the Crystallographic Theory of Martensite (CTM). The stress field and CTM analyses are combined through a selection criterion based on computing the work available from the stress field to transform to each austenite–martensite interface. The resulting predictions are compared to experimentally observed microstructures in notched specimens of single crystal CuAlNi loaded in tension for eight notch orientations. Results show that the available work criterion accurately predicts the orientation, number and order of the austenite–martensite interfaces that initially form near a crack.
Site-specific effects of cerivastatin on bone in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Abstract It is well established that age-related bone loss occurs in men and male SD rats. This study was designed to determine whether cerivastatin will prevent age-related bone loss in male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) was used as a positive control. Nine-month-old male SD rats were divided into six groups. Group 1: baseline controls; group 2: age-matched controls; group 3: low-dose cerivastatin (0.2 mg/kg b wt/day); group 4: medium-dose cerivastatin (0.4 mg/kg b wt/day); group 5: high-dose cerivastatin (0.8 mg/kg b wt/day); group 6: PTH (80 μg/kg b wt, 5 days/week). The animals were treated for 6 months. Cancellous and cortical bones were analyzed using peripheral quantitative computerized tomography (pQCT) densitometry at the proximal tibial metaphysis (PTM), tibial diaphysis, tibio-fibula junction, femoral diaphysis and the neck of the femur. In the PTM, pQCT analyses were done 2 mm distal from the growth plate. The cancellous bone mineral content (Cn. BMC) decreased by 26% ( P P P P P P P P In the neck of the femur, femoral diaphysis, tibial diaphysis and the tibio-fibula junction, cerivastatin did not prevent age-related bone loss in male SD rats while PTH significantly prevented the age-related bone loss. We conclude that cerivastatin, in any of the doses tested, does not prevent age-related bone loss, in male SD rats, at the different bone sites studied; while PTH not only prevented age-related bone loss but also increased bone mass above the baseline controls in all the bone sites studied except the PTM.
Data mining for web personalization

In this chapter we present an overview of Web personalization process viewed as an application of data mining requiring support for all the phases of a typical data mining cycle. These phases include data collection and pre-processing, pattern discovery and evaluation, and finally applying the discovered knowledge in real-time to mediate between the user and the Web. This view of the personalization process provides added flexibility in leveraging multiple data sources and in effectively using the discovered models in an automatic personalization system. The chapter provides a detailed discussion of a host of activities and techniques used at different stages of this cycle, including the preprocessing and integration of data from multiple sources, as well as pattern discovery techniques that are typically applied to this data. We consider a number of classes of data mining algorithms used particularly forWeb personalization, including techniques based on clustering, association rule discovery, sequential pattern mining, Markov models, and probabilistic mixture and hidden (latent) variable models. Finally, we discuss hybrid data mining frameworks that leverage data from a variety of channels to provide more effective personalization solutions.
Private resource pairing

Protection of information confidentiality can result in obstruction of legitimate access to necessary resources. This paper explores the problem of pairing resource requestors and providers such that neither must sacrifice privacy. While solutions to similar problems exist, these solutions are inadequate or inefficient in the context of private resource pairing. This work explores private resource-pairing solutions under two models of participant behavior: honest-but-curious behavior and potentially malicious behavior. Without compromising security, the foundation of these solutions demonstrates significant performance benefits over a popular solution to the similar private matching problem.
An Analysis of the Enzyme-Inhibitor Binding Interactions for Phosphonic Acid Transition State Analogs of Thermolys in

Abstract Potent inhibitors of the zinc endopeptidase thermolysin are produced on replacement of the scissile peptide linkage with phosphonamidate or phosphonate ester moieties. These inhibitors have been shown to be transition state analogs, and a comparison between the esters and amidates reveals the intrinsic binding energy due to a specific hydrogen bonding interaction. Incorporation of an α-substituted phosphonic acid analog leads to slow-binding behavior on the part of the inhibitors, which is attributed to expulsion of a specific water molecule from the active site.
A Non-Invasive Metamaterial Characterization System Using Synthetic Gaussian Aperture

A new free-space measurement approach is presented to characterize radio frequency (RF) materials and metamaterials over a wide frequency range. In contrast to the traditional spot-focused horn pair system, the proposed technique generates a Gaussian beam with a tight spot, focused on a sample under test via a synthesis using individually measured responses. Therefore, difficulties in fabricating lenses for the conventional spot-focused horn pair are avoided altogether. In this paper, we validate the proposed technique by extracting the permittivity of a known dielectric slab, and subsequently proceed to characterize the transmission properties of metamaterial assembly. The proposed technique can be adapted for measurements in EM facilities using spherical or planar scanning capability.
Complete Genome Sequence of Clostridium sp. Strain BNL1100, a Cellulolytic Mesophile Isolated from Corn Stover

We present the full genome sequence of Clostridium sp. strain BNL1100, a Gram-positive, endospore-forming, lignocellulolytic bacterium isolated from a corn stover enrichment culture. The 4,613,747-bp genome of strain BNL1100 contains 4,025 putative protein-coding genes, of which 103 are glycoside hydrolases, the highest detected number in cluster III clostridia.
Fluorimetric Determination of Creatine

A new fluorimetric method for determining creatine in serum, blood, and urine is described. The method is based upon the coupling of guanidine compounds with ninhydrin in alkaline solution to produce highly fluorescent products. In degree of sensitivity and simplicity the method possesses several advantages over currently used colorimetric methods, and creatine can be determined in concentrations as low as 1.0 X 10-7M. The serum creatine concentration was found to be 0.41 mg.% in normal adult males, who excrete only small amounts of creatine in the urine.
Working with engineers, developers, and programmers to publish a technology and development book

The author presents a 'how to' approach to producing a technology and development book, which contains a collection of papers by the technical personnel who develop a product. He focuses on the editor's role in producing such a book but also provides information for contributing authors. He discusses much of the strategy used to produce the 'IBM 9370 Enterprise System (ES): Technology and Development' book, which contains 27 papers by 51 authors about such diverse topics as computer architecture design, circuit packaging enhancements, and operating system tools. Although the example focuses on computing systems, the principles elaborated can be used to create a technology book for almost any product. >
A multi-level system quality improvement intervention to reduce racial disparities in hypertension care and control: study protocol.

Background: Racial disparities in blood pressure control have been well documented in the United States. Research suggests that many factors contribute to this disparity, including barriers to care at patient, clinician, healthcare system, and community levels. To date, few interventions aimed at reducing hypertension disparities have addressed factors at all of these levels. This paper describes the design of Project ReD CHiP (Reducing Disparities and Controlling Hypertension in Primary Care), a multi-level system quality improvement project. By intervening on multiple levels, this project aims to reduce disparities in blood pressure control and improve guideline concordant hypertension care. Methods: Using a pragmatic trial design, we are implementing three complementary multi-level interventions designed to improve blood pressure measurement, provide patient care management services and offer expanded provider education resources in six primary care clinics in Baltimore, Maryland. We are staggering the introduction of the interventions and will use Statistical Process Control (SPC) charting to determine if there are changes in outcomes at each clinic after implementation of each intervention. The main hypothesis is that each intervention will have an additive effect on improvements in guideline concordant care and reductions in hypertension disparities, but the combination of all three interventions will result in the greatest impact, followed by blood pressure measurement with care management support, blood pressure measurement with provider education, and blood pressure measurement only. This study also examines how organizational functioning and cultural competence affect the success of the interventions. Discussion: As a quality improvement project, Project ReD CHiP employs a novel study design that specifically targets multi-level factors known to contribute to hypertension disparities. To facilitate its implementation and improve its sustainability, we have incorporated stakeholder input and tailored components of the interventions to meet the specific needs of the involved clinics and communities. Results from this study will provide knowledge about how integrated multi-level interventions can improve hypertension care and reduce disparities. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01566864