cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Particle acceleration and production of energetic photons in SN1987A

A pulsar wind model for the acceleration of particles in SN1987A is discussed. The expected photon flux is investigated in terms of the spectrum of parent protons and electrons, the nature of the region in which they propagate after acceleration, and the magnetic field and radiation environment which determines the subsequent fate of produced photons. The model is found to produce observable signals if the spin period of the pulsar is 10 ms or less.
Thermal Syneresis Affected by Heating Schedule and Moisture Level in Surimi Gels

The extent of thermal syneresis in protein gelation is indicative of thermal and freeze-thaw stability as well as the network integrity of a protein gel. Thermal syneresis in Alaska pollock surimi gels was examined under different heating schedules (40 degrees C/20 min to 90 degrees C/30 min, 60 degrees C/20 min to 90 degrees C/30 min, and 90 degrees C/20 min to 90 degrees C/20 min) at varying moisture levels (80%, 82%, and 84%). The extent of syneresis and gel firming was monitored by centrifugation expressible moisture and penetration force, respectively. The occurrence of 2 distinct peaks as a function of time for both thermal syneresis and gel firming suggests that a multistage aggregation is involved in the formation of gel network. All syneresis preceded gel firming upon protein aggregation. Increasing the moisture content in the gel delayed the 2nd stage of protein aggregation. The 60 degrees C/20 min preheating followed by 90 degrees C/30 min postheating resulted in significantly greater thermal syneresis and gel weakening compared to 40 and 90 degrees C preheating. Changes of gel structure clearly reflected thermal syneresis when the size of water pores became smaller with initiation of network formation and progressively larger upon further heating. Thermal syneresis history during protein gelation can be used to predict thermal and freeze-thaw stability.
Microcosm‐Macrocosm Relationships in North American Agrarian Society1

The analysis of the relationship of the local community to the larger national society is a major development in sociocultural anthropology of the last generation. While most of the work has centered on tribal and peasant societies undergoing incorporation in larger social systems, the structure of local-national or local-governmental relationships is a problem of equal cogency for the modern agrarian sector of North American society. Despite great cultural homogenization of the rural and urban social sectors of North America, the agrarian person is still required to avoid, respond to, and manipulate the agencies of the national social system in order to acquire the resources he needs for economic and social existence. The structure of these complex relationships is described and exemplified with data from a Canadian Great Plains agrarian society.
Human BM stem cells initiate angiogenesis in human islets in vitro

BM stem cells may have regenerative effects on islet function through angiogenesis. Human islets (100 islet equivalent/mL) were cultured alone (control) or co-cultured (experimental group) with whole human BM (1 × 106 cells/mL) for 210 days. A protein array measuring angiogenesis factors found upregulated (experimental vs control, day 210) proteins levels of VEGF-a (535 vs 2 pg/mL), PDGF (280.79 vs 0 pg/mL), KGF (939 vs 8 pg/mL), TIMP-1 (4592 vs 4332 pg/mL) and angiogenin (506 vs 97 pg/mL). Lower protein levels of angiopoietin-2 (5 vs 709 pg/mL) were observed. Depletion of pro-angiogenesis factors in co-culture decreased the effects of BM-induced islet vascularization. Depletion of VEGF-a, eKGF and PDGF significantly reduced islet vascularization but individual depletion of KGF and PDGF had less effects overall on vessel formation. BM-induced vascularization showed significant endothelial cell distribution. Islet vascularization was linked to islet growth. A decrease in islet size indicated poor vascularization. Insulin release was evident in the tissues generated from human islet-BM co-culture throughout the entire culture period. Significant increase in insulin (28.66-fold vs control) and glucagon (24.4-fold vs control) gene expression suggest BM can induce endocrine cell regeneration. In conclusion, BM promotes human islet tissue regeneration via regulation of angiogenesis factors.
Hydrodynamic and Monte Carlo simulation of an electron shock wave in a 1- mu m n/sup +/-n-n/sup +/ diode

Hydrodynamic model simulations of a steady-state electron shock wave in a 1- mu m Si semiconductor device at 77 K are compared with a Monte Carlo simulation of the Boltzmann equation using the DAMOCLES program. Excellent agreement between the two different methods for simulating the electron shock wave can be obtained by adjusting the amount of heat conduction in the hydrodynamic model. >
Adaptive visual servo regulation control for camera-in-hand configuration with a fixed-camera extension

In this paper, image-based regulation control of a robot manipulator with an uncalibrated vision system is discussed. To compensate for the unknown camera calibration parameters, a novel prediction error formulation is presented. To achieve the control objectives, a Lyapunov-based adaptive control strategy is employed. The control development for the camera-in-hand problem is presented in detail and a fixed-camera problem is included as an extension.
de La Luz Reyes, M. (Ed.). (2011). Words were all we had: Becoming biliterate against the odds (Language & Literacy Series)

Maria de la Luz Reyes's book, Words Were All We Had: Becoming Biliterate Against the Odds reveals the “hybrid identit[ies] forged in love and in struggle” that Spanish-English bilinguals achieved b...
XPS Characterization of a Commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalyst: Effects of Oxidation, Reduction, and the Steam Reformation of Methanol

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to characterize the surface region of a commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 (33/66/1 wt %) catalyst. A systematic study of the effects of oxidation, reduction, and the steam reformation of methanol on the oxidative state of the Cu component is presented. The Zn XPS features show no changes due to the various treatments. Peak fitting procedures were developed to quantitate the Cu oxidation states on the basis of the XPS Cu 2P3/2 main and satellite features. After oxidation in pure O2 at 300°C, all Cu exists as Cu+2. The Cu/Zn ratio changes from 0.28 to 0.37 as a result of this oxidation, in comparison to the ratio in the catalyst as-received. The reduction studies involved different H2/N2 mixtures (15 to 100% H2) and temperatures (250 to 300°C). The catalyst always contains Cu+1 (7.0 ± 5.0%) and Cu0 (93.0 ± 5.0%) after reduction. The Cu/Zn ratio decreases from approximately 0.37 in the oxidized catalyst to 0.13 after reduction. After methanol-steam reformation with a 50/50 vol % mixture, the Cu 2P3/2 and Auger features are indicative of complete reduction of all Cu in the catalyst to a reduced Cu0 state not seen previously. Changes in the Cu/Zn ratio of the surface are interpreted in terms of changes in surface morphology of the Cu species.
Understanding Urban Climates

Globally, cities are reaching an unprecedented size, in terms of their number, area, and population. By the end of the twentieth century, approximately half of the world’s population, over three billion people, lived in urban areas. By 2025, the United Nations predicts that this number will double, and the proportion of the global population who are urban residents will rise to two-thirds (Uitto and Biswas 2000). Urbanization dramatically alters the land surface and converts pre-urban micro, local and regional climates into distinctively “urban climates.” Probably the best-known and intensively studied urban-climatic feature is the “urban heat island,” although considerable attention has also been directed to the effects of urbanization on precipitation, humidity, wind, and air quality (Lowry 1998). Urban climate effects have many implications; for example, they influence human comfort, heat related illnesses and mortality, energy consumption, as well as ecological and hydrological systems within and beyond city boundaries. Geographers, through measurements and modeling, have been at the forefront of assessing urban influences, especially the effects of surface materials and morphology, on local and regional climates.
Risk of hepatitis B transmission after amniocentesis in chronic hepatitis B carriers.

Objective: To measure the risk of perinatal transmission ofHBV in chronic carriers who undergo amniocentesis. Methods: This was a prospective, longitudinal study from 1990 to 1995 ofwomenwho wereHBV carriers and underwent amniocentesis. The infants ofthesewomen were followed from birth to one year of age. Maternal data examined includedHBV antigen and antibody status, liver function tests (LFTs) and the amniocentesis report. Results: Twenty-eight women were identified. Two of 28 neonates were stillborn unrelated to hepatitis. Five infants were lost to follow-up leaving 21 mother-child pairs to evaluate. All 21 women were chronic HBV carriers at the time of amniocentesis for delivery. No mother had abnormal LFTs, and only one of 21 women was positive for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). Thirteen amniocenteses were for advanced maternal age, and four were for abnormal maternal serum alphafetoprotein (MSAFP) screening. None of the amniocenteses were recorded as bloody, and the placentawas anterior in 6 of21 procedures. None ofthe 21 infants (95% CI: 0-16.8%) were positive for HbsAg during the first month of life or at 12 months of age. All infants receivedHBV vaccine and HBIG immunoprophylaxis. Conclusion: The risk of transmission ofHBV to the fetus after amniocentesis in women who are HBV carriers is low. Immunoprophylaxis in these infants was successful. Infect. Dis. Obstet. Gynecol. 7:283-286; 1999. (C) 1999Wiley-Liss, Inc.
60GHz CMOS/PCB co-design and phased array technology

In this paper, we present a highly integrated 60 GHz CMOS/PCB single-chip digital phased array solution, embedded in QFN package. This represents a unique opportunity to develop low power 60GHz multi-gigabit radio at a similar cost structure as a Bleutooth® radio, addressing the needs of a multitude of bandwidth hungry wireless multimedia applications such as high definition streaming and massive side-loading. The convergence of 60GHz CMOS digital radio, phased array technology, low power multi-gigabit mixed-signal processing low cost filter, phased array antenna embedded in standard package is discussed. In addition, uncompressed HDMI video streaming is demonstrated for the first time, using a standard battery (AAA) operated compact 60GHz CMOS/PCB QFN based module. These solutions offer the lowest energy per bit transmitted wirelessly at multi-gigabit rate, reported till date, to meet the very stringent low-power specifications for battery operated consumer electronic portable devices.
Parallel neural network learning through repetitive bounded depth trajectory branching

The neural network learning process is a sequence of network updates and can be represented by sequence of points in the weight space that we call a 'learning trajectory'. In this paper, a new learning approach based on repetitive bounded depth trajectory branching is proposed. This approach has objectives of improving generalization and speeding up convergence by avoiding local minima when selecting an alternative trajectory. The experimental results show an improved generalization compared to the standard backpropagation learning algorithm. The proposed parallel implementation dramatically improves the algorithm efficiency to the level that computing time is not a critical factor in achieving improved generalization. >
The light-sensitive MNOS memory transistor

In a simple memory application the threshold voltage V T of an MNOS transistor is switched by means of write and erase pulses of opposite polarities between two levels, representing logical ONEs and ZEROs. It is shown that by isolating the source and drain during the write pulse, the magnitude of the V T shift can be made dependent on the intensity of light on the MNOS device. By choosing the light intensity and the width of the write pulse properly, the device can be made to operate in either a digital or analog mode. The theory of this effect, applicable to both transistors and capacitors, is developed by generalizing the well-understood behavior of the MNOS memory device to include conduction in the silicon space-charge region. The operation of the device depends on the current-field relationships for the nitride, oxide, and silicon space-charge layers. It is shown how these three functions may be obtained from steady-state I-V measurements on the MNOS device. Good agreement is found between experimental and calculated charging curves for both transistors and capacitors.
Human sacrifice and intentional corpse preservation in the Royal Cemetery of Ur

The Royal Tombs at Ur have been long famous for their chilling scenario of young soldiers and courtesans who loyally took poison to die with their mistress. The authors investigate two of the original skulls with CT scans and propose a procedure no less chilling, but more enforceable. The victims were participants in an elaborate funerary ritual during which they were felled with a sharp instrument, heated, embalmed with mercury, dressed and laid ceremonially in rows.
Polysialic acid regulates chain formation by migrating olfactory interneuron precursors.

Olfactory interneuron precursors in the rostral migration stream migrate in chains and through long distances to the olfactory bulb. The migration is inhibited when polysialic acid moiety of NCAM is removed. How polysialic acid regulates chain migration has remained unknown. Previous studies in other systems have indicated the polysialic acid as a negative regulator of cell–cell interactions. Thus, polysialic acid may prevent cells in chains from interacting too tightly. To test this hypothesis and examine how polysialic acid regulates chain migration, the effect of polysialic acid depletion was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Surprisingly, removal of polysialic acid often resulted in the dispersion of chains into single cells in both subventricular zone cultures and in adult mice where chain migration was observed. These results indicate that polysialic acid plays an important role in the formation of chains by olfactory interneuron precursors. J. Neurosci. Res. 61:480–492, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Secondary eyes mediate the response to looming objects in jumping spiders (Phidippus audax, Salticidae)

Some species have sensory systems divided into subsystems with morphologically different sense organs that acquire different types of information within the same modality. Jumping spiders (family Salticidae) have eight eyes. Four eyes are directed anteriorly to view objects in front of the spider: a pair of principal eyes track targets with their movable retinae, while the immobile anterior lateral (AL) eyes have a larger field of view and lower resolution. To test whether the principal eyes, the AL eyes, or both together mediate the response to looming stimuli, we presented spiders with a video of a solid black circle that rapidly expanded (loomed) or contracted (receded). Control spiders and spiders with their principal eyes masked were significantly more likely to back away from the looming stimulus than were spiders with their AL eyes masked. Almost no individuals backed away from the receding stimulus. Our results show that the AL eyes alone mediate the loom response to objects anterior to the spider.
Genetic evolution of regression models for business and economic forecasting

The paper attempts to bridge the gap between genetic evolution of regression models and their use in business and economic forecasting. With ample evidence of their successful fitting of data from fairly complex systems, a logical next step is to make genetic and evolutionary methods useful and available to business and economics researchers. A few suggestions are made; they describe desirable output files and statistical tests to evaluate results from evolved models which genetic or evolutionary computer programs should produce. These suggestions should invite better ones to popularize use of evolutionary methodology and to benefit scientific research.
The development of a robust design methodology for time-oriented dynamic quality characteristics with a target profile

Innovative engineering techniques are often sought within the manufacturing environment to improve product quality and promote more cost-effective strategies. Robust design methods are frequently used to serve this purpose, with the objective of minimizing the variability inherent within a particular process or system. A review of the literature suggests that most robust design research involves the study of static quality characteristics, given a pre-defined specification interval or region and target value. In addition to proposing a methodology for working with dynamic quality characteristics where the specifications and target value may change over time, this paper offers two other distinct contributions. First, those researchers who have examined dynamic systems traditionally consider the effects of a signal factor on a response variable on the identification of optimal factor settings. In contrast, this paper will consider the effects of a quality characteristic changing over time, thus removing the need to confine the problem to signal–response systems. Furthermore, most researchers consider the optimization of the process mean according to the costs of non-conforming to an established specification interval or region. This paper, however, utilizes a methodology involving the simultaneous optimization of the process mean and variance while expanding the problem to consider a loss in quality attributed to deviation from a target value over time. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence for an Association of the Dopamine D5 Receptor Gene on Age at Onset of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Summary The purpose of this study was to determine whether the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within candidate genes for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with the age at onset for ADHD. One hundred and forty-three SNPs were genotyped across five candidate genes (DRD5, SLC6A3, HTR1B, SNAP25, DRD4) for ADHD in 229 families with at least one affected offspring. SNPs with the highest estimated power to detect an association with age at onset were selected for each candidate gene, using a power-based screening procedure that does not compromise the nominal significance level. A time-to-onset analysis for family-based samples was performed on these SNPs to determine if an association exists with age at onset for ADHD. Seven consecutive SNPs surrounding the D5 dopamine receptor gene (DRD5), were associated with the age at onset for ADHD; FDR adjusted q-values ranged from 0.008 to 0.023. This analysis indicates that individuals with the risk genotype develop ADHD earlier than individuals with any other genotype. A haplotype analysis across the 6 significant SNPs that were in linkage disequilibrium with one another, CTCATA, was also found to be significant (p-value = 0.02). We did not observe significant associations with age at onset for the other candidate loci tested. Although definitive conclusions await independent replication, these results suggest that a variant in DRD5 may affect age at onset for ADHD.
Exploring super-resolution implementations across multiple platforms

The performance of many applications, such as video streaming, webcam conferencing, and aerial surveillance, all greatly depend on video quality. A major issue with higher quality video is that either more data bandwidth or storage resources must be dedicated for transferring or storing the video. However, if the low-resolution video is transferred or stored in order to conserve data bandwidth and storage space, super-resolution is a viable solution that can be applied afterwards on the receiving end to rectify the poor quality of the low-resolution video. Super-resolution is an imaging technique that leverages motion blur and multiple low-resolution frames to construct a high-resolution frame. In our paper, we implement and analyze a super-resolution algorithm across multiple platforms ranging from purely hardware to purely software and even a mix of both hardware and software. More specifically, we examine the performance for a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) implementation on two different FPGAs, a software/hardware solution on a FPGA with a soft core processor, a general purpose graphics processing unit (GPGPU) implementation, and a MATLAB implementation. Overall, we found that the GPGPU provides the best overall performance with up to 29 FPS with 35 iterations of the super-resolution algorithm. A high-performance FPGA can have comparable performance and rival the GPGPU in some cases. One of the interesting results was that the hardware/software FPGA combination performed worse than the pure software implementation.
Relationships Between Leader Reward and Punishment Behavior and Group Processes and Productivity

This study was designed to investigate the relationships between subordinates' perceptions of leader reward and punishment behaviors and group cohesiveness, drive, and productivity. In addition, the effects of common method or same-source variance on these relationships was also assessed. Questionnaires were administered to 827 employees in three different organizations. Leader contingent reward behavior (CR) was found to be positively related to group drive, cohesiveness, and group productivity. These relationships were found to be robust, even when they were statistically controlled for common method variance. Leader contingent punishment behavior (CP) was also found to be positively related to group drive and productivity in this study, although only the relationship between CP and group productivity remained significant when same-source variance was partialled out. Leader noncontingent punishment behavior (NCP) was negatively related to group drive. Finally, while leader noncontingent reward behavior ...
Struggling First-Grade Readers The Frequency and Progress of Their Reading

First-grade struggling readers' oral reading was observed during primary reading instructional time. Participants were 65 first-graders experiencing difficulties in beginning reading and nominated by their teacher as at risk for reading failure. Each participant was observed three times over a 12-week period in the spring of the first-grade year. Observers collected frequency data on participants' oral reading at three levels of complexity: letter-sound, word-word part, and sentence-paragraph. Measures of student reading progress were also collected throughout the observation period. The findings revealed that most instruction for struggling readers may not be aligned with recent research on preventing reading difficulties, and even struggling readers receiving reading instruction aligned with best practices may be only making minimal progress.
Adaptive language modeling using the maximum entropy principle

We describe our ongoing efforts at adaptive statistical language modeling. Central to our approach is the Maximum Entropy (ME) Principle, allowing us to combine evidence from multiple sources, such as long-distance triggers and conventional short-distance trigrams. Given consistent statistical evidence, a unique ME solution is guaranteed to exist, and an iterative algorithm exists which is guaranteed to converge to it. Among the advantages of this approach are its simplicity, its generality, and its incremental nature. Among its disadvantages are its computational requirements. We describe a succession of ME models, culminating in our current Maximum Likelihood/Maximum Entropy (ML/ME) model. Preliminary results with the latter show a 27% perplexity reduction as compared to a conventional trigram model.
Optimal patrol strategy for protecting moving targets with multiple mobile resources

Previous work on Stackelberg Security Games for scheduling security resources has mostly assumed that the targets are stationary relative to the defender and the attacker, leading to discrete game models with finite numbers of pure strategies. This paper in contrast focuses on protecting mobile targets that lead to a continuous set of strategies for the players. The problem is motivated by several real-world domains including protecting ferries with escorts and protecting refugee supply lines. Our contributions include: (i) a new game model for multiple mobile defender resources and moving targets with a discretized strategy space for the defender and a continuous strategy space for the attacker; (ii) an efficient linear-program-based solution that uses a compact representation for the defender's mixed strategy, while accurately modeling the attacker's continuous strategy using a novel sub-interval analysis method; (iii) a heuristic method of equilibrium refinement for improved robustness and (iv) detailed experimental analysis in the ferry protection domain.
Education for 21st Century Microelectronics and Semiconductor Technology

The semiconductor industry has experienced exceptional double-digit growth over the past 25 years, fueled by strong demand in end-use markets such as computing, communications, consumer appliances, and industrial applications driven by the Moore's law. The industry has already announced its readiness for the 45 nm node in production. The curricula developed by Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) have kept pace with the rapid advancements sharing 25 of the 40 years the Moore's Law and have contributed significantly in generating the workforce and research for this growing high tech industry. This paper describes our unique undergraduate and graduate programs in Microelectronic and Microsystems Engineering.
Some enhancements of the constraint based decomposition training architecture

This paper presents three mechanisms: locking detection (LD), redundancy elimination (RE) and generalisation control (GC). Although originated, implemented and tested for the constraint based decomposition (CBD), LD and RE address general drawbacks of constructive algorithms and can be applied to other such algorithms, as well. LD stops the training of a hyperplane if its position is pin-pointed by nearby patterns, thus improving the training speed. RE reduces the number of hyperplanes used in the solution. RE works on-line during the training, thus eliminating the need for a separate pruning stage. Finally, GC addresses the generalisation properties of the solution. It is shown that CBD's generalisation can be controlled by the user through the ordering of the pattern set. The experiments presented show that these mechanisms are effective on various types of problems.
Business Cycle Phases in U.S. States

The U.S. aggregate business cycle is often characterized as a series of distinct recession and expansion phases. We apply a regime-switching model to state-level coincident indexes and conclude that state business cycles also can be characterized in this way. We find also that states differ a great deal in the levels of growth that they experience within each phase and that they do not necessarily experience the phases in tandem. Further, there are significant differences between states in the extent to which their business cycle phases are in sync with those of the aggregate economy.
Target-Based Power Control for Queueing Systems with Applications to Packet Switches

Many data center devices, for instance packet switches, can be modeled within the context of resource constrained queueing systems. In this paper, we define a novel algorithm class which simultaneously addresses three significant concerns in the operation of such systems: stability, differentiated QOS, and power control. This class, which we refer to as target/power projective cone scheduling (TP-PCS), encapsulates many previously studied algorithms as special cases. At the same time, however, it is broad enough to include a rich set of other, potentially superior control procedures. In the first part of our paper, we explain our model as well as some previously studied approaches to scheduling in these systems. We then define TP-PCS, show how it relates to the former algorithms, and discuss how members of this class can be tailored to control for both power and QOS. Finally, we test some instances of TP-PCS on a simulated, input-queued switch. These show that a wide variety of operating modes are possible by adjusting various scheduling parameters. Hence, TP-PCS opens up for exploration a large set of new controls for packet switches and other systems operating in the queueing space.
Aggregation of lens crystallins in an in vivo hyperbaric oxygen guinea pig model of nuclear cataract: dynamic light-scattering and HPLC analysis.

PURPOSE. The role of oxygen in the formation of lens highmolecular-weight (HMW) protein aggregates during the development of human nuclear cataract is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate lens crystallin aggregate formation in hyperbaric oxygen (HBO)–treated guinea pigs by using in vivo and in vitro methods. METHODS. Guinea pigs were treated three times weekly for 7 months with HBO, and lens crystallin aggregation was investigated in vivo with the use of dynamic light-scattering (DLS) and in vitro by HPLC analysis of water-insoluble (WI) proteins. DLS measurements were made every 0.1 mm across the 4.5- to 5.0-mm optical axis of the guinea pig lens. RESULTS. The average apparent diameter of proteins in the nucleus (the central region) of lenses of HBO-treated animals was nearly twice that of the control animals (P 0.001). Size distribution analysis conducted at one selected point in the nucleus and cortex (the outer periphery of the lens) after dividing the proteins into small-diameter and large-diameter groups, showed in the O2-treated nucleus a threefold increase in intensity (P 0.001) and a doubling in apparent size (P 0.03) of large-diameter aggregate proteins, compared with the same control group. No significant changes in apparent protein diameter were detected in the O2-treated cortex, compared with the control. The average diameter of protein aggregates at the single selected location in the O2-treated nucleus was estimated to be 150 nm, a size capable of scattering light and similar to the size of aggregates found in human nuclear cataracts. HPLC analysis indicated that one half of the experimental nuclear WI protein fraction (that had been dissolved in guanidine) consisted of disulfide cross-linked 150- to 1000-kDa aggregates, not present in the control. HPLC-isolated aggregates contained A-, -, -, and -crystallins, but not B-crystallin, which is devoid of SH groups and thus does not participate in disulfide cross-linking. All -crystallin present in the nuclear WI fraction appeared to be there as a result of disulfide crosslinking.
The Source of the Midwinter Suppression in Storminess over the North Pacific

Feature-tracking techniques are employed to investigate why there is a relative minimum in storminess during winter within the Pacific storm track (the midwinter suppression). It is found that the frequency and amplitude of disturbances entering the Pacific storm track from midlatitude Asia are substantially reduced during winter relative to fall and spring and that the magnitude of this reduction is more than sufficient to account for the midwinter supression. Growth rates of individual disturbances are calculated and compared to expectations from linear theory for several regions of interest. Although there are discrepancies between linear expectations and observed growth rates over the Pacific, the growth of disturbances within the Pacific storm track cannot explain why the midwinter suppression exists. Furthermore, it is determined that the development of a wintertime reduction in storminess over midlatitude Asia is consistent with linear expectations, which predict a wintertime minimum in Eady growth rates in this region, mainly because of increased static stability. Several other mechanisms that may contribute to the initiation of the midwinter suppression over midlatitude Asia are discussed, including the interaction between upper-level waves and topography, the behavior of waves upwind of the Tibetan Plateau, and the initiation of lee cyclones.
Cavity QED and quantum-information processing with "hot" trapped atoms

We propose a method to implement cavity QED and quantum-information processing in high-Q cavities with a single trapped but nonlocalized atom. The system is beyond the Lamb-Dicke limit due to the atomic thermal motion. Our method is based on adiabatic passages, which make the relevant dynamics insensitive to the randomness of the atom position with an appropriate interaction configuration. The validity of this method is demonstrated from both approximate analytical calculations and exact numerical simulations. We also discuss various applications of this method based on the current experimental technology.
Collaborative Self-Localization Techniques for Wireless Image Sensor Networks

We introduce a novel localization technique that can jointly estimate the locations of a moving target and the sensor nodes in a wireless image sensor network. The proposed method is based on in-node image processing and can be implemented in a decentralized or clustered fashion. In our approach, two image sensors are used to define a relative coordinate system. In order to synchronize the observations, the node defined as the origin broadcasts packets that trigger image capture at other nodes. In the decentralized version of the technique, each one of the two reference nodes broadcasts its image plane position of the moving target at a few time instances. Each of the other nodes in the network that can detect the target in its image plane upon receiving a number of triggering broadcasts, calculates its own relative coordinates and orientation as well as the coordinates of the observed target. In the clustered version of the proposed technique, observations gathered by the nodes within a neighborhood cluster are sent to a cluster-head, which can be the reference node at the origin. The cluster-head combines the data and calculates the coordinates of the target and all the nodes that contributed observations. Experimental results are provided to verify the performance of both versions of the proposed algorithm.
Isolated Cranial Nerve-III Palsy Secondary to Perimesencephalic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

We describe isolated cranial nerve-III palsy as a rare clinical finding in a patient with perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage. In this unusual case, the patient presented with complete cranial nerve-III palsy including ptosis and pupillary involvement. Initial studies revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage in the perimesencephalic, prepontine, and interpeduncular cisterns. Angiographic studies were negative for an intracranial aneurysm. The patient's neurological deficits improved with no residual deficits on follow-up several months after initial presentation. Our case report supports the notion that patients with perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage have an excellent prognosis. Our report further adds a case of isolated cranial nerve-III palsy as a rare initial presentation of this type of bleeding, adding to the limited body of the literature.
FLT-3 Ligand and Marrow Stroma-Derived Factors Promote CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ζ, and RAG-2 Gene Expression in Primary Human CD34+LIN−DR− Marrow Progenitors

We hypothesize that early lymphoid commitment from primitive hematopoietic marrow progenitors is governed by signals from the marrow microenvironment leading to sequential induction of lineage-specific genes. Using expression of lymphoid genes as markers of differentiation, we characterize a highly purified population (>99.8% by double sorting) of primary human CD34+Lin−DR− progenitors. This population was then used to evaluate the effects of supplemental cytokines (interleukin-2 [IL-2], IL-3, IL-7, c- kit ligand), FLT-3 ligand (FL), and stroma-derived factors on lymphoid differentiation in vitro. CD3, RAG-1, Ikaros, CD10, and TdT transcripts were detected in the starting CD34+Lin−DR− population. By contrast, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ζ, and RAG-2 transcripts were not present in any samples tested. The presence of supplemental cytokines alone at culture initiation permitted stimulation of the expression of CD3ζ, but not of CD3γ or CD3δ. However, when FL and stroma-derived factors were added to cytokines, CD3 gene expression was induced in all samples. The predominant CD3 transcripts induced by optimal culture conditions were alternatively spliced isoforms lacking transmembrane sequences (CD3δ and CD3γ) and portions of the intracellular and extracellular domains (CD3γ). The combination of cytokines, FL, and stromal factors also provided a potent stimulus for RAG-2 gene expression. These findings show that FL in combination with stroma-derived factors provide important signals to promote early events required for lymphoid differentiation.
Preventing infant mortality: Pharmacists' call to action.

Abstract Objective To highlight ways in which pharmacists can influence the infant mortality rate. Summary The infant mortality rate in the United States is higher than in many other industrialized nations. Because pharmacists are accessible and knowledgeable health care professionals, there are multiple opportunities for pharmacist intervention from the preconception to the postpartum periods that can affect the leading causes of infant death. Specifically, areas of focus for pharmacists' direct patient care activities can include family planning, substance use, folic acid, drug information, maternal disease management, maternal medication management, infant medication management, safe sleep, breastfeeding, and vaccines. In addition, there are opportunities for pharmacists to influence infant mortality through clinical–community linkages, research, and advocacy. Conclusions Through clinical–community linkages and direct patient care, pharmacists can work toward reducing infant mortality in their communities.
Reflex Peripheral Venoconstriction Induced by Carotid Occlusion

The present investigation was designed to obtain additional evidence for the effect of carotid sinus reflexes on venous tone. It was found that occlusion of one or both common carotid arteries increases tension in a miniature balloon inserted into a peripheral vein. Deafferentation of the aortic arch by cervical vagotomy enhanced the venous response. The time course and magnitude of the venous reactions paralleled the increase in arterial pressure. It appears that the homeostatic increase in peripheral resistance as a result of reflex arteriolar constriction is complemented by a decrease in size of the peripheral venous reservoir.
Partial remelting of semi-solid metal ingots of ZK60-2Ca magnesium alloy

Partial remelting is the important part of semi-solid metal(SSM) ingots forming technology. In order to obtain small and round grain organization microstructure, the microstructure evolution of ZK60 magnesium alloy SSM ingots obtained by near-liquidus casting were partially remelted, and the microstructure evolution would be investigated by controlling remelting temperature and holding time. The results indicate that good thixotropic microstructure will be obtained by controlling remelting temperature and holding time suitably. Using the graphite mould, optimizing thixotropic microstructure can be obtained at 600-605 ℃ for 10-15 min, the average diameter of grain is 30.5 μm and the roundness is 1.5. With the water-cooled copper mould, the conclusion is the same, the average grain diameter is 31.8 μm and the roundness is 1.6. Meanwhile, the cooling rates during casting also affect the partial remelting progress, reducing the cooling rate properly, the graphite mould can improve the uniformity and stability of the partial remelting microstructure.
“Nobody Calls Me Chicken”: The Multiple Masculinities of Back to the Future

Back to the Future provides social and spatial landscapes through which characters display gendered hierarchies. A multiple-masculinities framework is applied through content analysis of the trilog...
Surface Chemistry Proteomics and Biomarker Discovery in Multiple Myeloma.

Abstract Introduction: To further evaluate the utility of surface-enhanced laser desorption and ionization-time of flight mass spectroscopy (SELDI-TOF MS) proteomics in the diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring response to therapy, and follow up of patient with myeloma, we examined the ability of protein chips with 4 different surface chemistries to detect biomarkers of lytic bone disease. Method: Sera from 47 untreated myeloma patients were collected and stored at −80°C for future analysis. 22 serum samples were from patients with 1–26 lytic bone lesions as identified on X-ray skeletal surveys and 25 serum samples were from patients without lytic lesions. The sera were analyzed by SELDI-TOF MS using Ciphergen's ProteinChip Biology System II (PBS II), to identify protein patterns associated with lytic bone disease. Each sample was applied in 2 replicates to randomly assigned spots on protein chips with different surface chemistries: immobilized metal affinity capture (IMAC30) activated with Cu++, weak cathion exchange (CM10), reverse phase (H50), and strong anaion exchange (Q10), all under conditions of low stringency, using a Biomek2000 robot. The mass spectra of proteins, generated using an average of 66 laser shots, were calibrated using peptide standards and normalized to total ion current using CiphergenExpress 3.0 software. We randomly selected 80% of patients for developing classification models that separate patients with lytic bone lesions from those without lesions, using a stepwise logistic regression method; 76 calibrated and normalized spectra from randomly selected patients, 18 with lytic bone lesions and 20 without lytic lesions were used for model development. The other 18 spectra from 4 patients with lytic lesions and 5 without lesions were used as a test dataset. The same datasets were used for all 4 chip types. Protein peaks that were significantly different between the two groups were used for modeling. Results: All 4 chip types yielded models with fit accuracies of 71%–92%. The spectra produced by each chip were different, reflecting the differences in surface chemistries, and each model used different protein peaks from each of the chip types; the IMAC30-based model used 11 protein peaks ranging in size from 2903 to 8226 kilodaltons (KDa); H50 model used 7 peaks, 2802–18837 KDa in size; CM10 model used 5 peaks, 2805–23307 KDa; and Q10 used 3 peaks, 6975–37210 KDa. Prediction accuracy was 89% for CM10, 78% for IMAC30, 76% for Q10 and only 33% for H50. CM10 and IMAC30 based models correctly assigned all patients with no lytic bone lesions. Wrongly assigned patients were different for the two chip types. Conclusions: Since each model wrongly assigned different patients and used different protein peaks, it is likely that a model that combines information from several surface types (consensus approach) will prove to provide the most accurate predictions, as needed for making clinical decision.
Study on wind power integration optimization model suitable for multi-operation mode

In day-ahead and real-time phases, due to limited regulation generation resources to satisfy operation reserve requirement, it is difficult to guarantee clean energy integration in full, and the integration capacity of power grid to clean energy could not be fully realized. Meanwhile, in the monthly and long-term operational planning phase, on the basis of power plant annual plans and future trend analysis for electricity, there are more generation resource optimization tools. Through different time cycle, power generation and transmission resources coordination optimization, the level of integration for clean energy can be improved. In this article, optimization periods and power-power conversion method are analyzed. The wind power integration optimization model for the three operations modes “clean energy full integration, system run cost minimum, SAN-GONG progress deviation minimum” are respectively established. Based on sequential multi-objective optimization method, the wind power monthly integration optimization model that gives consideration to multi-operation mode is proposed. The proposed model was tested on a real system; the results obtained demonstrate the effectiveness of the model.
Gravimetric measurement of solid and liquid fuel burning rate near and at the low oxygen extinction limit

Abstract A precision mass balance coupled with a variable oxygen flow tunnel/nozzle enables us to measure the burning rate of solid and liquid fuels as a function of ambient oxygen percentage all the way to the extinction limit. Two sample configurations have been studied. The first is a liquid fueled wick flame (ethanol tea lamp). The total burning rate (mass/time) is measured as a function of wick length and oxygen percentage. Near the low oxygen limit, limit-cycle flame oscillation has been found that can last for many minutes to hours. The averaged mass burning rate of the oscillatory flame is about one-half that of the steady flame occurring at slightly higher oxygen. In the second configuration, local burning rate (mass/area/time) of poly(methyl methacrylate) spherical shell samples have been measured in the flame stabilization zone. Each sample has a different amount of heat loss and a different oxygen limit. The critical burning rate at their respective oxygen limits are different. This implies that critical burning rate is not a property of the material alone and it should not be used as the only criterion to judge the extinction or the ignition of materials.
Proteomics data on MAP Kinase Kinase 3 knock out bone marrow derived macrophages exposed to cigarette smoke extract.

Abstract This data article reports changes in the phosphoproteome and total proteome of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposed WT and MAP Kinase Kinase 3 knock out (MKK3 −/− ) bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM). The dataset generated is helpful for understanding the mechanism of CSE induced inflammation and the role of MAP kinase signaling pathway. The cellular proteins were labeled with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ®) reagents and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. The standard workflow module for iTRAQ® quantification within the Proteome Discoverer was utilized for the data analysis. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software and Reactome was used to identify enriched canonical pathways and molecular networks (Mannam et al., 2016) [1] . All the associated mass spectrometry data has been deposited in the Yale Protein Expression Database (YPED) with the web-link to the data:
Comparing haptic and audio navigation cues on the road for distracted drivers with a skin stretch steering wheel

A steering wheel modified to produce lateral skin stretch provides perceptible cues in a vehicle being driven on the road. We conducted tests to determine whether drivers can correctly perceive and react to skin stretch navigation cues. Additionally, we compare skin stretch feedback to audio navigation cues during an auditory N-back distraction task simulating a phone call. Results show a statistically significant difference (p-value = 0.044) between haptic (98.5%) and audio feedback (96.6%) in navigation accuracy and in N-back response accuracy (haptic = 89.9%, audio = 87.2%, p-value = 0.047).