cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Processing-in-Memory Accelerator for Dynamic Neural Network with Run-Time Tuning of Accuracy, Power and Latency

With the widely deployment of powerful deep neural network (DNN) into smart, but resource limited IoT devices, many prior works have been proposed to compress DNN in a hardware-aware manner to reduce the computing complexity, while maintaining accuracy, such as weight quantization, pruning, convolution decomposition, etc. However, in typical DNN compression methods, a smaller, but fixed, network structure is generated from a relative large background model for resource limited hardware accelerator deployment. However, such optimization lacks the ability to tune its structure on-the-fly to best fit for a dynamic computing hardware resource allocation and workloads. In this paper, we mainly review two of our prior works [1], [2] to address this issue, discussing how to construct a dynamic DNN structure through either uniform or non-uniform channel selection based sub-network sampling. The constructed dynamic DNN could tune its computing path to involve different number of channels, thus providing the ability to trade-off between speed, power and accuracy on-the-fly after model deployment. Correspondingly, an emerging Spin-Orbit Torque Magnetic Random-Access-Memory (SOT-MRAM) based Processing-In-Memory (PIM) accelerator will also be discussed for such dynamic neural network structure.
Metastasectomy versus radiation of secondary sites in stage IV breast cancer: Analysis from a national cancer registry.

PURPOSE Locoregional therapy at primary or secondary sites in breast cancer may be associated with improved survival as compared to systemic therapy alone. We explored the sociodemographic and clinicopathologic factors associated with the use of radiation versus surgical resection of metastatic sites (metastasectomy) in patients with de novo stage IV breast cancer, followed by the associated overall survival. METHODS We sampled the National Cancer Database for patients with de novo stage IV breast cancer, (2010-2017) and described cohort's characteristics using univariate analyses. We identified 5 subgroups based on malignant site involvement: 1. Bone only, 2. Brain only, 3. Liver only, 4. Lung only, and 5. Metastasis involving >1 site. Kaplan-Meier modeling with log-rank testing and multivariate Cox Regression analysis were used to explore differences in overall survival between those that received radiation at secondary sites and those that underwent metastasectomy. RESULTS N = 22,749patients were included in this analysis. Radiation (81.2%) was used more commonly than metastasectomy (28.8%). Metastasectomy was associated with better median overall survival across all 5 cohorts (p < .001), with the survival benefit being the most pronounced with lung only (OS: 56.9 months; HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7-0.9, p = .032), or liver only (OS: 41.6 months; HR: 0.9; 95% CI: 0.7-1.1, p < .001) metastasis. CONCLUSION Metastasectomy in patients with de novo stage IV breast cancer may be associated with improved overall survival as compared to radiation of secondary lesions, particularly in those with only liver or lung involvement. Prospective randomized controlled trials investigating surgical resection of metastatic sites in patients with breast cancer are warranted.
Fundamental Mechanical Properties of Materials

The goal of the following pages is to characterize materials in terms of some of the fundamental mechanical properties that were introduced in Chapter 1.
The Properties of Jamming at Zero Temperature

This chapter reviews the idea of the jamming phase diagram that relates jamming in athermal systems such as granular media, foams, and emulsions to glass formation in supercooled liquids. The chapter discusses the properties of a special point on this diagram that occurs at zero temperature and zero applied shear stress. It is explained using finite-size scaling that this point is well defined in the large system-size limit and that the algorithm for creating these configurations provides a well-defined meaning for the idea of randomness in random close packing. Near this point, the systems have properties that in some ways are like critical behavior and in other ways are different from what is normally expected at a critical point. The density of normal modes in a system near this point also has unusual features in that it no longer has a regime that is governed by long wavelength plane waves.
Artemisinin production by transformed roots of Artemisia annua

Transformed root cultures of several strains of Artemisia annua were obtained by infection with Agrobacterium rhizogenes ATCC 15834. Production of artemisinin, measured by HPLC, ranged from 0–0.42 % of dry weight (DW) in 10 different clones. Artemistene, artemisinic acid, and arteannuin B were also measured. Comparisons to literature reports suggest that the commercial production of artemisinic compounds using transformed roots is feasible.
Linear inequality LTL (iLTL): A model checker for Discrete Time Markov Chains

We develop a way of analyzing the behavior of systems modeled using Discrete Time Markov Chains (DTMC). Specifically, we define iLTL, an LTL with linear inequalities on the pmf vectors as atomic propositions. iLTL allows us to express not only properties such as the expected number of jobs or the expected energy consumption of a protocol during a time interval, but also inequalities over such values. We present an algorithm for model checking properties of DTMCs expressed in iLTL. Our model checker differs from existing probabilistic ones in that the latter do not check properties of the transitions on the probability mass function (pmf) itself. Thus, iLTLChecker can check, given an interval estimate of current pmf, whether future pmfs will always satisfy a specification. We believe such properties often arise in distributed systems and networks and may, in particular, be useful in specifying requirements for routing or load balancing protocols. Our algorithm has been implemented in a tool called iLTLChecker and we illustrate the use of the tool by means of some examples.
A routing algorithm for wireless ad hoc networks with unidirectional links

Most of the routing algorithms for ad hoc networks assume that all wireless links are bidirectional. In reality, some links may be unidirectional. In this paper we show that the presence of such links can jeopardize the performance of the existing distance vector routing algorithms. We also present modifications to distance vector based routing algorithms to make them work in ad hoc networks with unidirectional links. For a network of n nodes, neighbors exchange n x n matrices to propagate routing information. This results in loop-free routes.
The effects of solution and intermediate heat treatments on the notch-rupture behavior of Inconel 718

The effects of solution and intermediate heat treatments on the notch stress-rupture properties of Inconel 718 were investigated using commercial quality bar stock. It was determined that a solution heat treatment of 1038°C for as short a time as 20 min could render this alloy notch-sensitive by solutioning extensive quantities of the orthorhombic Ni3Cb delta (δ) phase. Restoration of notch ductility subsequent to a 1038°C (20 min) solution heat treatment was accomplished by the insertion of a 917°C (10 h) intermediate heat treatment, prior to aging, during which significant quantities of the δ phase were precipitated. This intermediate heat treatment was not successful in restoring notch ductility to specimens which had been given longer, 1 h, solution heat treatments at 1038°C. A 954°C (3 h) intermediate heat treatment was also not successful in restoring notch ductility to specimens solution heat treated for 20 min at 1038°C. It was confirmed that the most important factors controlling the notch-rupture ductility in Inconel 718 are the size, quantity and distribution of the δ phase. The grain size of the material did not directly control the notch properties.
Formation of Tunable Zinc Oxide Structures via Solution Method for use in Self-Cleaning Applications

ZnO crystal arrays were fabricated by a hydrothermal method. The hydrophobicity of the films can be regulated according to zinc ion precursor concentrations. Lower concentrations produce surfaces, which exhibited higher contact angles and increased surface roughness. Contact angles (CA) on these surfaces increased from 110deg to 156deg with decreasing concentration of zinc ion precursors, demonstrating controllable wetting behavior, which could be tailored according to concentration. Superhydrophobic surfaces (up to 155deg) with low contact angle hysteresis were obtained after SAM modification
SUPERCONDUCTING QUANTUM COMPUTING WITHOUT SWITCHES

This Chapter presents a very simple architecture for a large-scale superconducting quantum computer. All of the SQUID qubits are fixed-coupled to a single large superconducting loop.
Real-time volume rendering for virtual colonoscopy

We present a volume rendering system that is capable of generating high-quality images of large volumetric data (e.g., 5123) in real time (30 frames or more per second). The system is particularly suitable for applications that generate densely occluded scenes of large data sets, such as virtual colonoscopy. The central idea is to divide the volume into sets of axis-aligned slabs. The union of the slabs approximates the shape of a colon. We render sub-volumes enclosed by the slabs and blend the slab images. We use the slab structure to accelerate volume rendering in various aspects. First, empty voxels outside the slabs are skipped. Second, fast view-volume clipping and occlusion culling are applied based on the slabs. Third, slab images are reused for nearby viewpoints. In addition, the slabs can be created very efficiently and they can be used to approximate perspective rendering with parallel projection, so that our system can benefit from fast parallel projection hardware and algorithms. We use image-warping to reduce the artifacts due to the approximation.
Productivity and biometry of hybrid poplars with respect to establishment, regeneration, regional modeling, and utilization of bio-energy byproducts

Hybrid poplars have demonstrated high productivity as short rotation woody crops (SRWCs) in the U.S. Midwest, and the hybrid aspen ‘Crandon’ (Populus alba L. × P. grandidenta Michx.) has exhibited particularly promising yields across topographic positions (including sloping marginal lands) in Iowa. However, a key obstacle for landowner acceptance of SRWCs is the lack of economic returns early in the rotation. Planting annual crops between the tree rows (alleycropping) has the potential to address this issue, especially with the use of winter triticale which completes its growth cycle early in the summer and therefore is expected to have minimal competitive interaction with the establishing trees. In addition, well-placed fertilizer in low rates at planting has the potential to improve tree establishment and shorten the rotation, which is also economically desirable. To test the potential productivity of ‘Crandon’ in this alleycropping system under a variety of conditions, plots were established on five different topographic positions (floodplain, toe slope, back slope, shoulder slope, and summit) with four different rates (0, 10, 20 , and 40 g tree) of 20-10-5 NPK fertilizer tablets placed in the planting hole. Trees were then
Normal Intestinal Bacteria in Ulcerative Colitis

Summary 1.In our series of cases of chronic ulcerative colitis, the mean total bacteria count was 14,000 billion/gram of wet feces, or 1.4 × 10 13 . The mean colif orm bacteria count was 5,970 billion/gram of wet feces, or 6 × 10 12 . 2.The total intestinal bacteria count is increased 85 fold, while the coliform bacteria count is increased 50 fold over that of the normal. 3.If one relies on a role of specifically injurious enzymes, such as lysozyme which denudes the epithelium of its mucous barrier, the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis may be envisaged somewhat as follows: First, there is occasioned in some way not yet explainable, a marked increase in the total number of intestinal bacteria. Second, through enzymatic activity of these bacteria there is brought about initial damage to the mucosa. Third, there is actual, extensive destruction of the tissue by proteolytic bacterial enzymes, affording an opportunity for invasion and infection of the mucous membrane.
The Competition between Liquid and Vapor Transport in Transpiring Leaves

In leaves, the transpirational flux of water exits the veins as liquid and travels toward the stomata in both the vapor and liquid phases before exiting the leaf as vapor. Yet, whether most of the evaporation occurs from the vascular bundles (perivascular), from the photosynthetic mesophyll cells, or within the vicinity of the stomatal pore (peristomatal) remains in dispute. Here, a one-dimensional model of the competition between liquid and vapor transport is developed from the perspective of nonisothermal coupled heat and water molecule transport in a composite medium of airspace and cells. An analytical solution to the model is found in terms of the energy and transpirational fluxes from the leaf surfaces and the absorbed solar energy load, leading to mathematical expressions for the proportions of evaporation accounted for by the vascular, mesophyll, and epidermal regions. The distribution of evaporation in a given leaf is predicted to be variable, changing with the local environment, and to range from dominantly perivascular to dominantly peristomatal depending on internal leaf architecture, with mesophyll evaporation a subordinate component. Using mature red oak (Quercus rubra) trees, we show that the model can be solved for a specific instance of a transpiring leaf by combining gas-exchange data, anatomical measurements, and hydraulic experiments. We also investigate the effect of radiation load on the control of transpiration, the potential for condensation on the inside of an epidermis, and the impact of vapor transport on the hydraulic efficiency of leaf tissue outside the xylem.
Synthesis of gold nano-wire and nano-dumbbell shaped colloids and AuC60 nano-clusters

A technique for the fabrication of colloidal gold nano-wire and nano-dumbbell shaped particles using rod shaped viruses as templates is described. The gold (Au) encapsulation process was accomplished by the precipitation of gold chloride from aqueous solutions. When this process was conducted in the presence of C60, small nano-cluster composites of AuC60 formed.
Velocity and density fields in reaction products of a detonating cylindrical charge

Abstract Experiments are described for the determination of the spacial and temporal behavior of the detonation products present during and after the detonation of a cylindrical explosive charge. The charge consisted of an explosive column of “Composition B” (40 mm diameter, 70 mm height) which was divided into cells by horizontal and vertical imbedding of gold foils of 10 μ m thickness. In order to ascertain the time behavior of momentum transfer from the detonation products to a metallic layer, a 2 mm thick copper plate was attached to the base of the column. The temporal changes of the size and of the position of the individual cells was followed by X-ray flash photography. In this way, the density, the flow direction, and the flow velocity were determined as functions of time for each cell. The results are presented in the form of velocity and density fields for times lasting from 3 μ sec before until 5 μ sec after the arrival of the detonation front at the copper plate. The time history for the pressure was determined approximately by using a simple theoretical model.
Some applications of the bounded convergence theorem for an introductory course in analysis

THE BOUNDED CONVERGENCE THEOREM. Suppose (fn) is a sequence of functions which are Riemann integrable on an interval [a, b], suppose that the sequence (fn) converges pointwise to a function f, and suppose that there exists a number K such that If"(x) I < K for all n E Z + and x c [a, b]. Then the sequence of integrals fabfn(x) dx converges, and in the event that the function f is also Riemann integrable on [a, b], we have
Using isothiocyanate excretion as a biological marker of Brassica vegetable consumption in epidemiological studies: evaluating the sources of variability.

Objective: Brassica vegetable consumption (e.g. broccoli) leads to excretion of isothiocyanates (ITC) in urine. We evaluated the consistency of ITC as a biomarker for dietary Brassica vegetable consumption across the types of vegetables and methods of preparation used in Western societies, and across consumption levels. Design: A single-armed behavioural intervention with duplicate baseline assessment and post-intervention assessment. Urinary ITC excretion and estrogen metabolites were measured from 24-hour urine samples. Dietary intake was measured by a 24-hour recall. Setting: The behavioural intervention facilitated daily Brassica intake among participants by providing peer support, food preparation instruction, guided practice in a teaching kitchen, and other information. Subjects: Thirty-four healthy free-living postmenopausal women who recently had a negative screening mammogram at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Results: Urinary ITC excretion and total Brassica intake followed the same pattern over the intervention. The ITC biomarker significantly predicted Brassica intake when Brassica consumption averaged about 100 g day −1 , but not when Brassica consumption averaged about 200 g day −1 . Urinary ITC levels were somewhat higher when more raw vegetables were consumed as compared to lightly cooked vegetables, while the types of Brassica consumed appeared to have only a small, non-significant effect on urinary ITC levels. Conclusion: Urinary ITC excretion would be a good exposure biomarker among populations regularly consuming a vegetable serving/day, but may be less accurate among populations with greater intake levels or a wide range of cooking practices.
On-line generation of terminological digests in language translation. An aid in terminology processing

This paper describes a technique of generating terminological digests speedily on terminals connected to a computer in order to overcome these impediments and aid the translator in streamlining the translation production process. A terminological digest represents the glossarial framework of a translation, a unique dictionary constructed automatically for the text to be translated. The user can produce a terminological digest by invoking the appropriate program on his terminal, entering on the keyboard the terms he wishes to have looked up. All terms entered are immediately retrieved from an up-to-date scientific-technical dictionary and provided with target language equivalents and other pertinent information. At the user's option, the dictionary entries may be presented singly, as a list in the order of entering the terms (e.g., the order in which they occur in the text to be translated), or as an alphabetically-sorted list. These lists may be displayed, typed out, or printed and saved as `minidictionaries' for a particular field.
Eliminating the irreversible capacity loss of high capacity layered Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 cathode by blending with other lithium insertion hosts

Abstract The large irreversible capacity loss generally encountered with the high capacity layered oxide solid solutions between layered Li[Li1/3Mn2/3]O2 and LiMO2 (M = Mn, Ni, and Co) has been reduced by blending layered Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2, which is a solid solution between Li[Li1/3Mn2/3]O2 and Li[Mn1/3Ni1/3Co1/3]O2, with spinel Li4Mn5O12 or LiV3O8. The irreversible capacity loss decreases from 68 to 0 mAh g−1 as the Li4Mn5O12 content increases to 30 wt.% in the Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2–Li4Mn5O12 composite and the LiV3O8 content increases to 18 wt.% in the Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2–LiV3O8 composite. The decrease in irreversible capacity loss is due to the ability of Li4Mn5O12 or LiV3O8 to insert the extracted lithium that could not be inserted back into the layered Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 during the first cycle. The Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2–LiV3O8 composite with ∼18 wt.% LiV3O8 exhibits a high capacity of ∼280 mAh g−1 with little or no irreversible capacity loss and good cyclability.
Activation of Bovine Renal Cortex Membrane Adenylyl Cyclase by Low Concentrations of Parathyroid Hormone

Under conditions designed to reduce non-specific adsorption of parathyroid hormone (PTH), the sensitivity of the renal membrane adenylyl cyclase to PTH was significantly enhanced. Stimulation of the enzyme could be observed at hormone concentrations as low as 2 × 10−11M. In addition, kinetic analysis of hormone activation revealed that under conditions where non-specific adsorption is great, downward concavity of Eadie-Hofstee plots is observed, whereas when such adsorption is reduced these plots become upwardly concave. These results suggest that in the absence of non-specific adsorption, PTH activation of kidney membrane adenylyl cyclase can occur at hormone concentrations approaching physiological. In addition, at low hormone concentrations PTH activation is probably more complex than previously recognized.
Hydrothermal degradation of r.f. sputter-cleaned chromium−polyimide interfaces

On etudie les effets de la penetration de l'humidite et d'un redurcissement thermique, dans un milieu hydrothermique, sur l'adherence entre le chrome et le polyimide en fonction de la densite de la puissance de pulverisation
CARBON NANOTUBE RIBBON AND THREAD SUPPORT ATTACHMENT AND DIFFERENTIATION OF NEURAL STEM CELLS

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have properties that promise an exciting role in nervous tissue repair. CNTs are strong, extremely light weight, biocompatible and electrically conductive. A relatively novel form of CNT material, multiple strands of CNTs spun into thread, accentuates the linear geometry of CNTs while retaining electrical conductivity. We propose that CNT thread, which is strong, pliable and readily manipulated, has the potential to support longitudinal growth of nerves after injury, in nervous system prostheses. Towards understanding how CNT materials support nervous tissue regeneration, we examined the in vitro interactions between CNT materials and neural stem cell-containing neurospheres, prepared from newborn mouse cortices. Intact neurospheres attached to pieces of as-grown arrays of CNTs, CNT "ribbon" material pulled from the arrays, and CNT thread. Stem cells differentiated into both neurons and glia under these conditions. Processes and cells aligned with the longitudinal axis of the CNT materials, both with and without coatings. For comparisons, dissociated neurosphere cells were plated on CNT thread, polypropylene surgical suture thread and commercial carbon fibers. Initial cell attachment (within seconds) and attachment at 24 h was greater on CNT thread than on the other fiber types. Stem cells on CNT threads differentiated into neurons and astrocytes over several days, on all fibers. The presence of serum greatly aided the health and spreading of both neurons and astrocytes. These findings demonstrate that CNT materials, in particular the thread form, are viable preparations for neural cell attachment, outgrowth and differentiation.
Bridging Political Ecology and STS: A Field Analysis of the Rosgen Wars

Since the late 1990s there have been many calls to bring critical geography into conversation with science and technology studies (STS). Although the strongest cross-fertilization to date has been ontological, political economy is another productive area for conversation between the two fields. More specifically, I argue that fully understanding the role that environmental science plays in expropriation requires expanding our focus of analysis to include not just the application of science but also its production and circulation. Through a field analysis of the Rosgen Wars, a fight that has convulsed the American stream restoration field since the mid-1990s, I demonstrate how Bourdieu's analytical framework can bridge political ecology and STS, revealing the political economic relations central to the development of scientific knowledge claims, education, authority, and policy.
Further studies on development of nest-building behaviour in a weaverbird (Ploceus cucullatus)

Abstract Complete deprivation of nest materials for the first year significantly retarded development of weaving ability in yearling, male village weaverbirds. One male which reached 9 years of age and held territory in breeding colouration never learned to build a nest. Deprivation for the first year starting from 7 weeks of age had some retarding effect, significant only when deprived birds were matched by dominance rank with controls. The crude appearance of nest of yearling males is caused by lack of practice in selecting and preparing nest materials, but practice is necessary before the male can weave a nest. Prolonged deprivation during adult life had no effect on weaving ability if a male had learned to build nests during his first or second year.
PRELIMINARY VALIDATION OF A VISIONING ABILITY SCALE

Leadership experts define organizational vision as an individual's positive vivid cognitive image of an organization, e.g., success, size, employees. strategic direction, in the future. This concept infers that different people may have varying ability to create this image. This paper describes the preliminary validation of a scale designed to measure an individual's visioning ability. Factor analysis and tests of reliability and of content, construct, and concurrent validity suggest that this visioning ability scale is a valid and reliable measure of an individual's visioning ability.
Highly linear photon-coupled isolator

A highly linear photon-coupled isolation unit has been developed, so that output ramps of various slopes and step changes are reproduced with little error to be employed as stimuli. The design uses matched photocouplers where one is in a feedback configuration. The analysis, characteristics and method of measuring the isolation parameters are discussed.
Sensitivity of playa windblown-dust emissions to climatic and anthropogenic change

Abstract Windblown dust is a significant component of atmospheric PM (particulate matter) in arid regions worldwide, with adverse effects on human health and visibility. In the future, windblown-dust emissions are likely to increase if water tables drop as a result of climatic or anthropogenic changes. To manage this hazard, air-quality managers need quantitative models that predict the impact of climatic and anthropogenic change on dust emissions. To meet this need, we constructed a process-based numerical model that includes Richards’ equation for vertical moisture flow in the unsaturated zone, Chepil's model for the effect of surface soil moisture on threshold wind speed, and the saltation equation, which also predicts the rate of dust emission from the surface to within a multiplicative factor. This model is solved analytically for a Weibull distribution of wind speeds under steady-state moisture conditions, providing a single predictive equation for the long-term average saltation flux based on local meteorological and hydrological parameters. The model equations are used to predict the increase in saltation flux and dust emissions resulting from the dessication of a wet playa by climatic change, stream diversion, or groundwater withdrawal. The model is calibrated using CLIM-MET station data collected near Soda (dry) Lake, California. The model results identify a critical range of water-table depths between 3 and 10 m (depending on hydrological parameters) in which small increases in water-table depth cause large, nonlinear increases in windblown-dust emissions. For water tables deeper than 10 m, dust emissions are close to their maximum value and are largely independent of water-table depth. This analysis highlights the importance of preserving the hydrological balance of wet playas in order to minimize windblown-dust emissions. Future climatic changes may also influence dust emissions through changes in the mean or variability of wind speeds. For representative model parameters, 10% increases in the mean and variability of wind speeds, for example, are predicted to increase dust emissions by 80% and 20% within this model framework.
Alloying of Al3Ti to Form Cubic Phases

The recent discovery of cubic L12 trialuminides formed by alloying normally tetragonal Al3Ti with Cr, Mn and Co, when combined with previous work with Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn as cubic stabilizing elements, makes it possible to examine changes in properties and structure as a function of the stabilizing element. in particular, the improvement in mechanical properties with the decreasing atomic number of the stabilizing element, Zn to Cr, can be related to decreased bond strengths as shown by changes in the lattice constant and elastic moduli. As expected, there are corresponding changes in the nature of the dislocations carrying the plastic deformation. Recent attempts to understand the fracture behavior of the cubic forms are discussed. Determinations of the cyclic oxidation resistance and the coefficient of thermal expansion for the alloys with best mechanical properties, Al67Cr8Ti25 and Al67Mn8Ti25, are also presented.
Nickel carbide: Its formation and characterization by transmission electron diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis

Abstract Nickel carbide (NiC 3 ) films are formed by the carburization of nickel films in CO at 350°C. The presence of Ni 3 C is demonstrated by transmission electron diffraction. The carbon Auger electron signal of Ni 3 C is identical with the carbon Auger spectra attributed to Ni 3 C by previous authors. The position of the C 1s electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis peak is within 1 eV of the C 1s peak produced by graphite. The grain size of polycrystalline Ni 3 C is significantly larger than the grain size of the nickel film from which it is grown.
Hydroxyapatite grafted carbon nanotubes and graphene nanosheets: Promising bone implant materials

In the present study, hydroxyapatite (HA) was successfully grafted to carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanosheets. The HA grafted CNTs and HA-graphene nanosheets were characterized using FT-IR, TGA, SEM and X-ray diffraction. The HA grafted CNTs and graphene nanosheets (CNTs-HA and Gr-HA) were further used to examine the proliferation and differentiation rate of temperature-sensitive human fetal osteoblastic cell line (hFOB 1.19). Total protein assays and western blot analysis of osteocalcin expression were used as indicators of cell proliferation and differentiation. Results indicated that hFOB 1.19 cells proliferate and differentiate well in treatment media containing CNTs-HA and graphene-HA. Both CNTs-HA and graphene-HA could be promising nanomaterials for use as scaffolds in bone tissue engineering.
Effects of temperature on food ingestion rate and absorption, retention, and equilibrium burden of phosphorus in an aquatic snail, Goniobasis clavaeformis Lea

The effects of sublethal temperatures on feeding rates and phosphorus dynamics of a freshwater snail, Goniobasis clavaeformis Lea, were determined and feeding rates were measured at four temperatures. The food source was aufwuchs labelled with radioactive phosphorus. A model was developed to elucidate the results of this type of study. Food ingestion rate increased with increasing temperature up to 14/sup 0/C and then decreased at temperatures above 14/sup 0/C. The elimination rate of absorbed phosphorus increased with increasing temperature throughout the entire range of experimental temperatures, 10 to 19.3/sup 0/C. Mean retention times of absorbed phosphorus in Goniobasis were estimated to be 34, 24, 10, and 6 days at 10, 13.8, 15, and 19.3/sup 0/C, respectively. Mean retention time of unabsorbed /sup 32/P in the gut of this species as a function of temperature followed the same temperature relationship as that of ingestion rate. The absorption efficiency of phosphorus was estimated to be constant at about 39 percent for all experimental temperatures, although the data suggest that the absorption efficiency may have been related inversely to the rate of gut clearance or directly to the residence time of food in the gut. The equilibrium body load of phosphorus at eachmore » experimental temperature was estimated based on concentrations of stable phosphorus in the food source and the kinetics of /sup 32/P in Goniobasis. The equilibrium body burden of phosphorus in Goniobasis increased with increasing temperatures up to a maximum at 11 to 12/sup 0/C and then decreased at temperatures above 12/sup 0/C.« less
On localization versus systemic effects in alcoholic Korsakoff's syndrome: a comment on Butters (1985).

In a recent article, Butters (1985) emphasized that involvement of the nucleus basalis of Meynert may be the critical area affected in alcoholic Korsakoff's syndrome. Examination of the neuroanatomical pathways between this structure and other neural structures involved in memory (i.e., hippocampus and dorsal medial thalamus) suggests a somewhat different emphasis might be more productive in facilitating understanding of memory processes. The important question is: In what way might the nucleus basalis of Meynert interact with other structures involved in memory processes? Other data also suggest that it will be necessary to emphasize a whole system of brain structures as opposed to one or two small nuclei.
U.S.-Japan Seminar on Utilization of Volcanic Energy

The idea of using volcano energy raises an altogether different set of difficulties from those involved in present-day exploitation of other forms ofgeothermal energy in several parts of the world. To be utilizable by contemporary technology, the latter forms of energy must exist in an unusually favorable geological configuration, with an aquifer capped by an impermeable layer and heated from below. Such geological configurations are not common, as is attested by the relatively small number of productive thermal fields in the world. On the other hand, there are numerous active volcanoes, scores of them in Japan alone, that release tremendous amounts of heat. It has been a constant challenge to volcanologists to somehow harness that dissipated heat.
Reward processing by the lateral habenula in normal and depressive behaviors

In this review, the authors discuss the role of the lateral habenula in processing reward, both in the healthy brain and in models of depression, drawing on work in non-human primates and rodents.
Temperature-Dependent Developmental Model for the Velvetbean Caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Developmental data on the velvetbean caterpillar (VRC), collected in both controlled-environment and field settings, allowed the computation of parameters depicting the temperature-dependent development of VBC. These parameters were associated with a previously derived poikilothermic developmental model and were derived to allow computation of the distribution of stage-specific emergence times for the VBC, given any particular temperature regime. These evaluations elucidate several problems (e.g., mortality) associated with attempts to validate single processes (e.g., development) in complex field environments.
Clinical Applications of Gamma Delta T Cells with Multivalent Immunity

γδ T cells hold promise for adoptive immunotherapy because of their reactivity to bacteria, viruses, and tumors. However, these cells represent a small fraction (1–5%) of the peripheral T-cell pool and require activation and propagation to achieve clinical benefit. Aminobisphosphonates specifically expand the Vγ9Vδ2 subset of γδ T cells and have been used in clinical trials of cancer where objective responses were detected. The Vγ9Vδ2 T cell receptor (TCR) heterodimer binds multiple ligands and results in a multivalent attack by a monoclonal T cell population. Alternatively, populations of γδ T cells with oligoclonal or polyclonal TCR repertoire could be infused for broad-range specificity. However, this goal has been restricted by a lack of applicable expansion protocols for non-Vγ9Vδ2 cells. Recent advances using immobilized antigens, agonistic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), tumor-derived artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPC), or combinations of activating mAbs and aAPC have been successful in expanding gamma delta T cells with oligoclonal or polyclonal TCR repertoires. Immobilized major histocompatibility complex Class-I chain-related A was a stimulus for γδ T cells expressing TCRδ1 isotypes, and plate-bound activating antibodies have expanded Vδ1 and Vδ2 cells ex vivo. Clinically sufficient quantities of TCRδ1, TCRδ2, and TCRδ1negTCRδ2neg have been produced following co-culture on aAPC, and these subsets displayed differences in memory phenotype and reactivity to tumors in vitro and in vivo. Gamma delta T cells are also amenable to genetic modification as evidenced by introduction of αβ TCRs, chimeric antigen receptors, and drug-resistance genes. This represents a promising future for the clinical application of oligoclonal or polyclonal γδ T cells in autologous and allogeneic settings that builds on current trials testing the safety and efficacy of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells.
A unique continuation problem for holomorphic mappings

The authors study analytic discs that are “attached to” a red submanifold having minimal smoothness. They prove a new uniqueness and regularity theorem by using the technique of the Riemann–Hilbert problem. They also present a new method for conatructing families of analytic discs lhat osculate a surface.
Drop in kI due to load shift in single-edge-notch tests with compliant drawbars

Abstract When single-edge-notch specimens are loaded in tension with compliant drawbars, shifting of the load centerline relative to the specimen centerline can lead to reductions in the Mode I stress intensity factor K I . In a typical example shown, the load shift leads to a 15% reduction in K I , for a crack only 30% of the specimen width.
Thermal Stability Studies of Binder Materials in Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

The negative electrode (NE) for lithium‐ion batteries is conventionally made by casting a mixture of various carbon materials with polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) onto copper foil. Differential scanning calorimetry and accelerating rate calorimetry were used to evaluate the thermal stability of several lithiated NE materials: synthetic graphite (SFG-44), mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB), lignin‐based hard carbon (HC), and mixtures of these materials. The exothermic heat generation of lithiated NEs, in the absence of the electrolyte, is attributed to the reaction of PVDF with lithiated carbon . For all samples here, the total exothermic heat generation increases with an increase in lithiation content. The onset temperature for the thermal reaction of PVDF with SFG-44 or MCMB does not depend on the lithiation content. However, this onset temperature decreases as lithiation increases in HC electrodes. These differences are attributed to structural differences between highly graphitic SFG-44 and MCMB compared with the far less graphitic HC. Total heat generation increases with PVDF binder content. An alternative resin‐based binder, phenolformaldehyde phenolic‐resin , is proposed. Full or partial substitution of this material for PVDF lowers the exothermic heat of reaction of the binder agent with lithiated NE materials. © 2000 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
A versatile method to measure the binding to basic proteins by surface plasmon resonance

Biomolecular interaction is a fundamental mechanism involved in many critical biological processes including gene transcription, translation, and cell signaling networks. Many basic proteins, such as histones, transcription factors, and ribosomal proteins, participate in the interaction of these processes. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has been used as a "gold" standard to measure biomolecular interactions. One key issue in SPR assay is how to immobilize ligand without affecting its conformation and biological activity. In this study, we developed a novel method for measuring bindings to basic proteins by SPR, wherein the naturally positive charge of basic protein was utilized to immobilize ligand. The electrostatic interaction between the basic proteins and the negatively charged C1 chip surface (Biacore, GE) generated a specific and stable immobilization without any modification; sodium dodecyl sulfate was identified to be efficient enough for the complete regeneration that allows fresh ligand to be immobilized in each cycle for an optimal kinetic assay. With those parameters determined, an efficient, fast, and reversible method was established to measure bindings to basic proteins under physiological conditions. This new method is widely applicable to the study of binding kinetics between protein-, DNA-, or RNA- and basic protein.
BioMEMS Platform for Electromechanical Stimulation of Cell Culture

A BioMEMS platform was designed and fabricated to enable electromechanical stimulation of cell cultures. The device consists of a stretchable microelectrode array embedded in a biocompatible elastomeric polymer, which is deformed by vacuum over a glass baseplate. The entire device is optically transparent and ∼1mm thick. Four cell culture wells apply electrical and/or mechanical stimulation in the range of 1–10 V/cm and 0–10% equibiaxial strain. Studies of electromechanical stimulation of cardiac myocyte precursors on this platform are proposed to elucidate mechanisms of differentiation.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Narrative identity and eudaimonic well-being

Narrative identity refers to the internal, dynamic life story that an individual constructs to make sense of his or her life. We argue that narrative identity is closely tied to the subjective interpretation of oneself as happy. We present a view of eudaimonic well-being that extends beyond the sense of having pleasure and meaning in one’s life (measured as self-report well-being) to include higher degrees of psychosocial integration in that meaning (measured as ego development). This combination of qualities is characteristic of the good life, or eudaimonia, in a tradition dating to Aristotle. We then describe research showing how several patterns of narrative identity correspond to this extended notion of eudaimonic well-being. First, people at high levels of eudaimonic well-being tend to emphasize personal growth in their life stories, with different kinds of personal growth corresponding to different facets of eudaimonic well-being. Second, these people also tend to frame difficult life experiences as transformative experiences wherein they suffered deep pain but gained new insights about the self. Third, charting the move from suffering to an enhanced status or state, their stories often follow a culturally-shaped script of redemption, which in American society is often conceived as upward social mobility, liberation, recovery, atonement, or the full actualization of the inner self.
Inoculation and recovery rates in the malaria model of Dietz, Molineaux, and Thomas

Abstract In the malaria model of Dietz, Molineaux, and Thomas [Bull. WHO 50:347–357 (1974)] the iroculation rate depends on a pseudoequilibrium approximation to a differential equation describing mosquito dynamics. By biasing a key parameter, the approximation can match the predictions of the differential equation; with fixed parameters, the approximation sometimes predicts qualitatively different disease behavior than does its approximand. The model's recovery rate depends on an approximation to a full time-dependent formulation of Macdonald's superinfection hypothesis. Judged by the ability to fit data, the approximation performs better than its approximand. Alternative implementations of the model yield significantly different estimates of scientifically meaningful parameters.
Plasma prostaglandin E and F in preterm infants: Association with respiratory distress syndrome and patent ductus arteriosus

In order to determine if prostaglandin values correlate with gestational age, birth weight, postnatal age, or respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), we determined plasma prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by specific radioimmunoassay in 34 samples from 27 preterm infants. Neither prostaglandin correlated with gestational age or with birth weight. PGF2 alpha decreased (p less than 0.3) with postnatal age. Values for PGF2 alpha and PGE2 in each sample varied together (p less than .01) but only PGF2 alpha increased (p less than .09) in infants with RDS. The highest PGF2 alpha values occurred in infants with severe RDS, including four infants with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). In contrast, plasma PGE2 was not elevated in infants with RDS or PDA.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCORES ON THE GRADUATE MANAGEMENT ADMISSION TEST AND THE TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

In addition to scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), which are required of applicants to a substantial number of graduate management schools, foreign candidates may also be required to submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as an Indication of English language proficiency. The present study provides an analysis of the relationships among TOEFL and GMAT total scores and subscores for a large sample of foreign GMAT candidates. The results suggest that the apparent “discrepancies” between TOEFL scores and GMAT verbal scores are, because of differences in score scales, norming populations, intended purposes, and levels of difficulty, to be expected. The relationships (and “discrepancies”) between TOEFL and GMAT scores are relatively similar for candidates from several countries.
Registration of prone and supine CT colonography scans based on correlation optimized warping and canonical correlation analysis

In this paper, we propose an automated method for colon registration from supine and prone scans. Four anatomical salient points on the colon are distinguished first. Then correlation optimized warping (COW) method is applied to the segments defined by the anatomical landmarks to find better global registration based on local correlation of segments. To utilize more features along the colon centerline, we extended the COW method by embedding canonical correlation analysis into it for correlation calculation of colon segments. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, we tested the algorithm on a CTC dataset of 19 patients with 23 polyps. Experimental results show that by using our method, the estimation error of polyp location could be reduced 68.5% (from 41.6mm to 13.1mm on average) compared to a traditional dynamic warping algorithm.
The evolution of Indian accounting standards: Its history and current status with regard to International Financial Reporting Standards

Abstract This paper addresses the adoption and applicability of International Accounting Standards (IAS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to India. Specifically, the paper highlights some major areas where the country lacked harmonization with IAS in 1993 and the rapid congruence with IAS in the decade that followed. The attempt to achieve congruence with IAS appears to be more a by-product of the country's rapid economic growth rather than its catalyst. However, continued growth and the attraction of foreign capital to domestic ventures will depend on the transparency of the financial dealings. The Institute of the Chartered Accountants of India, (ICAI), India's standard setting body, is increasingly attempting to provide this transparency by revisions and additions to accounting standards, and by Exposure Drafts which aim to bring India more in line with International Financial Reporting Standards.
Fc and Complement Receptor (CR1 and CR3) Expression on Neonatal Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes

Fcγ receptor III (FcγRIII) and complement receptors (CRl and CR3) were examined on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) from neonatal cord blood and adult blood using monoclonal antibodies directed agai