cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A wireless medical system prototype for implantable applications

This paper presents a wireless medical system (WMS) for continuous monitoring of biological parameters with special emphasis on the implantable unit prototype. The proposed WMS consists of three subsystems: implantable medical device (IMD), base station (BS) and graphical user interface (GUI). The IMD and BS communicate through an RF link that operates in both the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM, at 2.4GHz-2.48 GHz) and the medical implantable communication service (MICS, at 402MHz-405MHz) bands. The IMD and BS are based on two commercially-available ultra-low power integrated circuits. The main design issues and implementation challenges are discussed. Details on the analog front-end, a low-power-oriented-algorithm, an analysis of power consumption vs. lifetime and link budget considerations for implantable applications are presented. In vitro measurements of the WMS show successful communication up to 2.1m. The IMD average current consumption is 0.572mA (including RF transmission) in continuous operation. This allows a two year IMD lifetime in periodic operation, delivering one hour of information per day.
Design and analysis of permutation-based pyramid broadcasting

Periodic broadcasting can be used to support near-video-on-demand for popular videos. For a given bandwidth allocation, pyramid broadcasting schemes substantially reduce the viewer latency (waiting) time compared to conventional broadcasting schemes. Nevertheless, such pyramid schemes typically have substantial storage requirements at the client end, and this results in set-top boxes needing disks with high transfer rate capabilities. In this paper, we present a permutation-based pyramid scheme in which the storage requirements and disk transfer rates are greatly reduced, and yet the viewer latency is also smaller. Under the proposed approach, each video is partitioned into contiguous segments of geometrically increasing sizes, and each segment is further divided into blocks, where a block is the basic unit of transmission. As in the original pyramid scheme, frequencies of transmission for the different segments of a video vary in a manner inversely proportional to their size. Instead of transmitting the blocks in each segment in sequential order, the proposed scheme transmits these blocks in a prespecified cyclic permutation to save on storage requirements in the client end. Performance analyses are provided to quantify the benefits of the new scheme.
Germline Transformation of Maize Following Manipulation of Chimeric Shoot Meristems

Genetic transformation of maize has been limited to a small number of genotypes that form embryogenie tissue in culture. We have investigated whether cells in the developing shoot meristem of immature zygotic embryos might provide an alternative, more universal target for production of transformed maize plants. Following DNA delivery mediated by microprojectile bombardment, immature embryos developed into chimeric plants with transgenic sectors containing an antibiotic resistance marker and the s-glucuronidase (GUS) gene at a high frequency. Because the majority of transgenic sectors were restricted in size, the probability of a transformation event contributing to the germline without further manipulation was low. To enlarge the transgenic sectors and increase the likelihood of germline transmission, the apical meristems of germinated plants were excised and cultured on cytokinin-containing medium with a selective agent. Transformed sectors were visualized by their non-bleached phenotype or by staining with a GUS histochemical stain. Hormonally-induced shoot multiplication produced plants with sectors that had a greater chance of contributing to the germline. Transmission to progeny was demonstrated both by transgene expression and by Southern analysis. This method has been used successfully with genotypes that include a sweet corn hybrid and an elite field corn inbred.
The lateralized Stroop: A meta-analysis and its implications for models of semantic processing

The prevailing theory in the literature concerning the lateralization of Stroop effects involves a speed of processing account (see ). Because the left hemisphere (LH) demonstrates an overall advantage relative to the right hemisphere (RH) on most verbal tasks, interference effects are hypothesized to be greater in the LH than in the RH. Inspection of the data, however, reveals that many studies find no difference in magnitude of Stroop interference between the hemispheres. Given findings within the lateralized semantic priming literature, this is not surprising. A meta-analysis on a subset of lateralized Stroop experiments was conducted to determine whether or not the LH produces significantly more interference than the RH in this paradigm. Based on a number of exclusionary criteria, a total of 19 different studies were included, representing a potential 26 effect size estimates of differential interference. The effect size representing interference using congruent conditions as the baseline (d+=.06) reveals that there is no significant difference between the hemispheres in magnitude of the Stroop interference effect. The LH interference effect was d+=.73, which is significant. Likewise, the RH interference effect, d+=.67, was significant. In summary, while there was no significant difference between the hemispheres, each hemisphere, when examined independently, did exhibit significant within hemisphere interference effects. These findings are presented in light of the lateralized semantic priming literature.
Mathematical analyses of inverse scatterometry

Optical scatterometry has been proven to be a useful tool for the inspection and assessment of lithographic processes. The characteristic signature of the scattergram provides information about the surface relief profile and can be rapidly and non-invasively acquired. Currently, attention is being focused on the inversion of scatterometric data to determine the surface profile of the relief structure. To overcome the highly non-linear relationship between the properties of the diffracting structure and the diffraction measurements, we present a linearized solution based on a least-squared refinement method. This approach relies on the reliability of lithographic processes, which allows us to determine the departures of structural key parameters from a set of expected design values. This linearized inversion, as shown by the mathematical formalism, is independent of the scatterometric measurement configuration. Hence it can be applied whether, for example, the incident angle or wavelength of the light is varied to acquire either irradiance of phase information. This is validated in this paper by various examples handling the retrieval of three geometrical parameters (groove depth, line width, and sidewall angle) from reflectance data simulated using the rigorous coupled-wave theory (RCWT) for both angular and wavelength scans. An additional benefit of the proposed linearized solution is the ability to examine mathematically the significance of measurement errors. An analytical propagation of error is presented, connecting measurement noise to the soughed parameter precisions and uncertainties. We applied this formalism to the cases mentioned above, where we simulated the retrieval of three parameters from measurements containing various levels of noise. This studies allows us to draw preliminary conclusions on the sensitivity of scatterometry with respect to the number and types of structural parameters to be retrieved, but also to the technique employed to gather the measurements.
Case Studies Examining High Speed Rail Station Location Decisions From an International Perspective

As U.S. states are planning and designing for future nationwide and regional high-speed rail (HSR) services, an important issue to consider is where to locate stations. Station location determination is critical not only because it influences the perceived utility of the HSR services and can greatly influence ridership, but also due to its impact upon the local and regional transportation mobility, land use, and urban economic development. The main purpose of this paper is to provide information to HSR planners, engineers, and decision-makers in the U.S. on the practices of other countries in locating HSR stations. This paper examines HSR stations in several of the earliest countries which built HSR infrastructures: France, Spain, and Japan, to analyze how HSR station locations were selected, as well as the applicability of those methodologies in the planning process for the United States.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Modulation of cell growth and differentiation by ceramide.

Ceramide has been suggested as an intracellular modulator of cell growth and differentiation [Okazaki, T. el al. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 15823-15831]. In this study, parameters that modulate the effects of ceramide on HL-60 cell growth and differentiation were examined. A short-chain, cell-permeable analog of ceramide, C2-ceramide, induced differentiation of HL-60 human leukemia cells and inhibited HL-60 growth in a concentration-dependent manner. The potency of C2-ceramide was modulated by the starting cell density such that the concentration of C2-ceramide producing 50% inhibition of cell growth (IC50%) ranged from 2 μM (for cells suspended at 1 × 105 cells/ml) to 11 μM (for cells at 8 × 105 cells/ml). However, the IC50% showed little variation if the concentration of C2-ceramide was expressed as fmol of C2-ceramide per 105 cells. Therefore, the effectiveness of C2-ceramide appeared to be primarily determined by its cellular rather than molar concentration. Binding of C2-ceramide to serum proteins resulted in a 10-fold increase in the IC50%. These results demonstrate that the biologic activity of C2-ceramide is subject to surface dilution kinetics and is sensitive to the presence of lipid-binding proteins. In these properties, ceramide behaves as a prototypic lipid second messenger/intracellular mediator.
High fidelity radiative heat transfer models for high-pressure laminar hydrogen–air diffusion flames

Radiative heat transfer is studied numerically for high-pressure laminar H2–air jet diffusion flames, with pressure ranging from 1 to 30 bar. Water vapour is assumed to be the only radiatively participating species. Two different radiation models are employed, the first being the full spectrum k-distribution model together with conventional Radiative Transfer Equation (RTE) solvers. Narrowband k-distributions of water vapour are calculated and databased from the HITEMP 2010 database, which claims to retain accuracy up to 4000 K. The full-spectrum k-distributions are assembled from their narrowband counterparts to yield high accuracy with little additional computational cost. The RTE is solved using various spherical harmonics methods, such as P1, simplified P3 (SP3) and simplified P5 (SP5). The resulting partial differential equations as well as other transport equations in the laminar diffusion flames are discretized with the finite-volume method in OpenFOAM®. The second radiation model is a Photon Monte...
DISCOVERY OF PRECURSOR LUMINOUS BLUE VARIABLE OUTBURSTS IN TWO RECENT OPTICAL TRANSIENTS: THE FITFULLY VARIABLE MISSING LINKS UGC 2773-OT AND SN 2009ip

We present progenitor-star detections, light curves, and optical spectra of supernova (SN) 2009ip and the 2009 optical transient in UGC 2773 (U2773-OT), which were not genuine SNe. Precursor variability in the decade before outburst indicates that both of the progenitor stars were luminous blue variables (LBVs). Their pre-outburst light curves resemble the S Doradus phases that preceded giant eruptions of the prototypical LBVs η Carinae and SN 1954J (V12 in NGC 2403), with intermediate progenitor luminosities. Hubble Space Telescope detections a decade before discovery indicate that the SN 2009ip and U2773-OT progenitors were supergiants with likely initial masses of 50-80 M ☉ and 20 M ☉, respectively. Both outbursts had spectra befitting known LBVs, although in different physical states. SN 2009ip exhibited a hot LBV spectrum with characteristic speeds of 550 km s–1, plus evidence for faster material up to 5000 km s–1, resembling the slow Homunculus and fast blast wave of η Carinae. In contrast, U2773-OT shows a forest of narrow absorption and emission lines comparable to that of S Dor in its cool state, plus [Ca II] emission and an infrared excess indicative of dust, similar to SN 2008S and the 2008 optical transient in NGC 300 (N300-OT). The [Ca II] emission is probably tied to a dusty pre-outburst environment, and is not a distinguishing property of the outburst mechanism. The LBV nature of SN 2009ip and U2773-OT may provide a critical link between historical LBV eruptions, while U2773-OT may provide a link between LBVs and the unusual dust-obscured transients SN 2008S and N300-OT. Future searches will uncover more examples of precursor LBV variability of this kind, providing key clues that may help unravel the instability driving LBV eruptions in massive stars.
The approximate purification of mixed strategies with finite observation sets

Abstract This note provides a finite result on the approximate purification of strategies in a class of two-person games.
A teoria subjacente aos mapas conceituais e como elaborá-los e usá-los

Este texto apresenta a origem da ferramenta de mapas conceituais e descreve brevemente o inicio do seu desenvolvimento. Apresentam-se algumas das ideias da Teoria da Assimilacao de Ausubel (1963, 1968) que serviram como base para a criacao dos mapas conceituais, destacando-se a importância da assimilacao de novos conceitos e proposicoes na estrutura cognitiva previa do aprendiz para a construcao de signifi cados. Apresentam-se ainda as bases epistemologicas dessa teoria de aprendizagem cognitiva, incluindo-se a ideia de que a producao criativa de um novo conhecimento pode ser entendida como um nivel bastante avancado de aprendizagem signifi cativa, processo que pode ser facilitado pela utilizacao de mapas conceituais. Busca-se ilustrar a larga variedade das ferramentas disponiveis no programa gratuito CmapTools, cujas varias aplicacoes incluem o auxilio ao desenvolvimento da aprendizagem signifi cativa e do curriculo, a captura e retencao de conhecimento especializado tacito e explicito e o fortalecimento da producao criativa. O uso do programa CmapTools, de fontes da internet e de outros recursos digitais prepara um poderoso Novo Modelo de Educacao, levando a criacao de portfolios de conhecimento individual, capazes de registrar a aprendizagem signifi cativa e embasar qualquer futura aprendizagem afi m. O programa CmapTools oferece ainda amplo suporte para colaboracao, bem como para a publicacao e compartilhamento de modelos de conhecimento. Palavras-chave: Mapa conceitual. Aprendizagem signifi cativa. Programa Cmaptools.
A classical analog of the quantum mechanical model of three Josephson junctions in a loop

Abstract It is shown that the time-dependent Schrodinger equation for a quantum mechanical system may be recast as a nonlinear flow if the Hamiltonian is a functional of the state of the system. This implies the possibility of deterministic chaos in this quantum mechanical system. If a classical Hamiltonian can be found that generates an identical flow, then a classical analog of the system exists. In particular, it is shown that such an analog exists for the quantum mechanical model of three Josephson junctions in a loop (3 J 2 L ). This greatly facilitates the study of the trajectories of 3 J 2 L in the 4D phase space. There is a uniform stochastic web with unbounded anomalous diffusion in two of the four dimensions. This web has some striking differences from the 2D uniform stochastic webs of Zaslavsky and the 4D uniform stochastic webs of the authors.
A Comparison of 500 hPa Height Patterns Associated With Anticyclones of Pacific and Continental Origin Impacting The Central Gulf Coast, United States

This research examines the 500 hPa circulation patterns that lead to the occurrence of days dominated by anticyclones of Pacific origin ("Pacific Highs") over the central Gulf Coast. Although the geographically preferred zones of greatest height variability are similar to those leading up to days dominated by anticyclones of continental origin ("Continental Highs"), variability centers on the northern fringes of the extratropics seem to support Pacific High activity to a greater extent than was found for Continental High events. The implication is that the presence of strong meridional flow is not necessary to advect a Pacific anticyclone to the Gulf Coast. However, composite flow pattern analysis reveals that slight upstream meridional flow has become more closely associated with Pacific High activity over the Gulf Coast from the 1961-1989 time period. Variability in 500 hPa flow leading up to Pacific High events is tied less directly to variability in surface weather variables than for Continental High ...
Piezoelectric polymer actuators for vibration suppression

We have designed and built piezoelectric polymer actuators in a 'bellows' configuration and have used them in a near-zero-g environment vibrations suppression apparatus. The actuator is based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) sheets produced by AMP and electroded to our specifications. The actuator consists of two bimorphs, each with a double-bend precurvature, glued together at their ends so that the actuator has its thickest air gap at the middle. Each bimorph consists of two sheets glued together. Each sheet is electroded completely on the outside (ground) side, and has three electrode areas on the other side. If the electrode on the middle half is positive, and on the outer two quarters are negative, the bimorph curvature and the actuator length increase; with opposite polarities they decrease. In the vibration isolation application, the box to be isolated has actuators mounted between it and its surrounding enclosure on the vibrating vehicle. Feedback control is provided to change actuator length to compensate for vehicle motions and vibrations. This feedback is provided by accelerometers and by laser diode position sensors. The inherent softness of the actuator provides good passive damping of higher frequencies. So far, a one-dimensional test of the system has been made using a mass on a 'folded pendulum' as a 'weightless' (no restoring force for small displacements) load. Also, a two- dimensional version was flown on NASA's KC-135, which provided 25-second near-zero-g intervals during parabolic flight segments. Our goal is three-dimensional isolation for space vehicle applications.
Relationship between attendance at a parents anonymous adult program and children's behavior at the parents anonymous child care program

The purpose of this research was to determine the statistical relationship between the proportion of parent group meetings attended by parents who were involved in a Parents Anonymous Adult Program and the number of positive behavioral ratings received by children who attended the Parents Anonymous Child Care Program. The research hypothesis was that parents who attend a higher proportion of the parent group meetings are more likely to have children who receive positive behavioral ratings during the Child Care Program. A two-way analysis of covariance indicated the main effect of attendance was significant, p < .0009.
Vacancy Self-trapping During Rapid Thermal Annealing of Silicon Wafers

The density and spatial distribution of oxide precipitates within a crystalline silicon wafer is of paramount importance for microelectronic device yield. In this letter, the authors show how the formation of previously unconsidered, very small vacancy aggregates can explain macroscopic spatial variations in the oxide precipitate density, which are observed following certain rapid thermal annealing conditions. The formation of these nanometer-sized voids is predicted on the basis of their recent model for vacancy aggregation that accounts for high temperature entropic effects.
The future of prenatal cytogenetic diagnostics: a personal perspective.

Few cytogeneticists are unable to recall T.C. Hsu’s seminal contribution to chromosome analysis – namely the rediscovery of the hypotonic solution pretreatment for metaphase chromosome preparation. In his historical perspective of human and mammalian cytogenetics (Hsu 1979), T.C. Hsu surmises, “From the way human and mammalian cytogenetics has developed… it is not difficult to predict that the growth rate of this field will remain exponential for a long time to come…”. I would have to agree with him on this matter. Indeed over the past two decades, I have witnessed a phenomenal technological and conceptual evolution in cytogenetics, that has dramatically transformed its use in current day prenatal genetic testing with over a million such tests having been now been performed world-wide (Randolph 1999). Since the late 1980s and early 1990s, application of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has permitted the rapid detection (within 24 hours) of the common chromosome aneuploidies (i.e., those involving chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y) in amniocytes and chorionic villi samples. More recently, array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) is being applied to prenatal samples (including blastomeres in preimplantation genetic diagnosis – Le Caignec et al. 2006; Vanneste et al. 2009) to detect gains and losses on a genome-wide level at an unprecedented resolution (e.g., Larrabee et al. 2004; Rickman et al. 2006; Sahoo et al. 2006; Kleeman et al. 2009). Hence, reminiscing on T.C. Hsu’s thoughts, I, too, remain optimistic that the next ten years of cytogenetics will continue to evolve rapidly, to further enhance future prenatal cytogenetic testing.
Impact of toxic chemicals on local wastewater treatment plant and the environment

Because toxic chemicals being discharged to sewers were simultaneously interfering with wastewater treatment processes of municipal, biological treatment plants and were passing through these plants to negatively impact the bodies of water to which these plants were discharging, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued regulations governing industrial discharges to municipal sewers. These “Pretreatment Regulations” limit industrial discharges to municipal sewers of heavy metals, oil and grease, acids and bases, and toxic organic chemicals. This paper discusses the evolution of these regulations, the basis for them, the types of regulations (categorical and local), and the rationale for their promulgation based on the impacts of toxics chemicals on the treatment plant and receiving system. Finally, the expected results of these regulations in reducing industrial discharges of toxic chemicals is discussed.
Adjunctive use of laser Doppler flowmetry for debridement of osteomyelitis.

SummaryLaser Doppler flowmetry was used intraoperatively to differentiate viable from nonviable bone during the debridement of 12 cases of chronic osteomyelitis and three cases of acute bone infection following trauma. Six weeks of i.v. antibiotic therapy were directed against two cases of gram-posi
Clenbuterol stimulated increase of plasma free fatty acids in reserpinized pigs

Abstract 1. 1. Previous studies indicate the β-adrenergic agonist, clenbuterol, does not stimulate porcine adipose tissue lipolysis or cAMP concentration in vitro but increases plasma free fatty acid concentrations when infused, implying an indirect mechanism in vivo . 2. 2. One indirect mechanism is the release of endogenous catecholamines to increase adipose tissue lipolysis and raise plasma free fatty acids. 3. 3. In pigs treated with reserpine to deplete endogenous catecholamines, clenbuterol infusion increased plasma free fatty acids concentration suggesting that this increase in vivo did not result from release of endogenous catecholamines.
Creating Safety in Primary Care Practice with Electronic Medical Records Requires the Consideration of System Dynamics

Improvement in quality and safety in health care often depends on eliminating errors. Using examples from our research on the medical testing processes in primary care medical practices, we argue that designing safer systems requires moving beyond frameworks that focus exclusively on error elimination to consider the broader system dynamics including information loops that can be critical to the overall stability of the system. We focus on describing the nature of information coupling in relation to the constructs of essential friction, autonomation, and ecological interface design and how these can lead to more resilient systems. With the recent push in the United States to move towards electronic medical records (EMR), we conclude with suggestions for improving EMR systems based on these concepts.
Methyltins in the marine environment

Abstract Methyltins were occasionally observed in some natural waters. The nature of a marine sediment determines its organotin burdens. Mono- and dimethyltin compounds were found in polluted marine sediments whereas non-polluted, oxiccoastal sediments contained primarily trimethyltin. The net methylation rate is evidently independent of the inorganic tin content of a sediment. Methyltin in fish is about 3–6% of the total tin content while limpets contain significant amounts of organotin compounds, ranging between 35 and 75% of the total tin. No trimethyltin was detected in green macro-algae and seawater, although limpets, fish and sediments have measurable levels.
Clinical and fiscal impact of lansoprazole intolerance in veterans with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Background: Omeprazole was replaced by lansoprazole as the only proton pump inhibitor on the Veterans Affairs (VA) formulary in February 1997. We aimed to assess the clinical and fiscal impact of this conversion at two VA hospitals. Methods: We identified lansoprazole intolerant patients using pharmacy databases. We reviewed medical records to obtain data regarding reasons for lansoprazole intolerance. The costs of the formulary change and the savings to the VA were calculated. Results: A total of 3833 patients required long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy; 2224 (58%) were started on lansoprazole and 1479 (39%) were converted from omeprazole to lansoprazole. The remaining 130 (3.4%) patients were never converted from omeprazole to lansoprazole. Of the 3833 patients, 325 (8.5%) currently receive omeprazole therapy; of these, 195 out of 3703 (5.3%) patients are true lansoprazole failures; 172 of these 195 patients completed the study. Most (87%) of the lansoprazole intolerant patients received prior omeprazole. Discontinuation of lansoprazole was due to poor symptom control in 69% and/or side-effects (22%) including diarrhoea (10%), abdominal pain (5%), or hives (1%). The 1-year cost of managing lansoprazole failure in 195 patients was $61 690. However, the savings to the VA during the same time period, which totalled $321 360, more than offset the costs associated with the conversion. Conclusions: Lansoprazole intolerance requiring omeprazole conversion occurred in 5% of veterans on proton pump inhibitor therapy for chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and in 10% of patients with prior omeprazole success. The VA realized substantial cost savings in association with the formulary change.
The space-developed dynamic vertical cutoff rigidity model and its applicability to aircraft radiation dose.

We have developed a dynamic geomagnetic vertical cutoff rigidity model that predicts the energetic charged particle transmission through the magnetosphere. Initially developed for space applications, we demonstrate the applicability of this library of cutoff rigidity models for computing aircraft radiation dose. The world grids of vertical cutoff rigidities were obtained by particle trajectory tracing in a magnetospheric model. This reference set of world grids of vertical cutoff rigidities calculated for satellite altitudes covers all magnetic activity levels from super quiet to extremely disturbed (i.e., Kp indices ranging from 0 to 9+) for every three hours in universal time. We utilize the McIlwain "L" parameter as the basis of the interpolation technique to reduce these initial satellite altitude vertical cutoff rigidities to cutoff rigidity values at aircraft altitudes.
Rates of electron self-exchange reactions between oxo-centered ruthenium clusters are determined by orbital overlap.

We report rate constants for electron self-exchange of trinuclear ruthenium clusters of the type [Ru 3 O(OAc) 6 (CO) (L) 2 ] 0/― , where L is 4-cyanopyridine, pyridine, or 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine. Rate constants were determined by 1 H NMR line-broadening experiments in CD 3 CN, CD 2 CI 2 , and THF-d 8 , and range from 6.5 x 10 6 to 2.5 × 10 8 s ―1 M ―1 . Faster self-exchange is observed with more electron-withdrawing substituents on the ancillary pyridine ligands. This effect is attributed to increased orbital overlap between the donor and acceptor as more electron density is drawn onto ? the pyridine ring. This view is supported by measured NMR contact shifts of the pyridyl protons which reflect increased electron spin density with increasing pyridine ligand electron-withdrawing ability. Normal solvent dependence is also observed, where higher outer-sphere reorganization energies lead to slower exchange.
Volume Overload Heart Failure Increases Myocardiac Passive Stiffness in a Mouse Model

Volume overload (VO) heart failure occurs due to pathologies such as mitral valve regurgitation, infarcts and ventricular septal defects, and leads to characteristic eccentric dilation. Changes in passive myocardial stiffness are not well understood and here we dissected the contribution of extracellular matrix (ECM)-based and titin-based stiffness to overall passive stiffness. Titin is a giant protein that regulates passive tension and hence diastolic function in the myocardium. In heart failure, differential splicing and phosphorylation events can occur that alter the stiffness of this protein and influence hemodynamics. Increased diastolic stiffness due to differential splicing and phosphorylation of titin has been observed in pressure overload hypertrophy; however, there are no published studies investigating whether pure LV VO during compensated heart failure leads to changes in titin based passive stiffness. We studied the role of titin in modulating diastolic function in VO induced by aortocaval fistula (ACF) in the mouse. ACF was induced in three-month-old male C57BL/6 animals and allowed to progress for 4 weeks. At 4 weeks, echocardiography confirmed the presence of eccentric dilation and decreased systolic function as expected. Tissues mechanics indicated an increase in titin, which correlated with a significant decrease in N2BA/N2B ratio. ECM based passive stiffness was unchanged in VO. In summary, VO causes an increase in titin based passive stiffness.
Immunoaffinity isolation of membrane antigens with biotinylated monoclonal antibodies and immobilized streptavidin matrices

An efficient immunoaffinity method for isolating detergent-solubilized membrane antigens with murine and rat monoclonal antibodies is described that takes advantage of the high affinity (Ka approximately 10(14) M-1) of streptavidin for biotin. Streptavidin, a Mr approximately 60,000 biotin-binding protein secreted by Streptomyces avidinii, is covalently coupled to a high Mr exclusion agarose gel (streptavigel) and used to adsorb soluble immune complexes formed with affinity-purified, biotinylated monoclonal antibodies. The streptavigel matrix has the same high affinity and capacity for each unique biotinyl-monoclonal antibody. This results in maximal removal of antigen complexes with minimal nonspecific binding of cellular proteins, which is confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorography of biosynthetically labeled murine spleen cell antigens (lymphocyte H-2 and Ia antigens). The utility of using biotinylated monoclonal antibodies and streptavigel is shown in experiments where direct comparisons are performed with Protein A-Sepharose. In addition, we have also compared streptavidin and avidin immobilized on a variety of other matrix materials for their physical and antigen-binding properties.
models of caste and the left-hand division in South India

Historically, castes in South India were divided into right-hand and left-hand sections. This paper is an examination of the KaikkooLars, a caste of weaver merchants belonging to the left-hand section. In many features this caste is distinctive, the source of its uniqueness being the caste's social and economic marginality that allows its members a degree of separateness from the agrarian-based village. The implications of this separateness for theories of caste are explored. It is argued that because anthropologists have concentrated their research on the agrarian village, they have widely overlooked mercantilism as a locus of power in rural India. [caste, right-hand/left-hand division, dual organization, symbolism, mercantilism, India]
Anatase Coarsening Kinetics under Hydrothermal Conditions As a Function of Ph and Temperature

Nanoparticles coarsen in solution via atom-by-atom dissolution and reattachment (Ostwald ripening) or via crystallographically controlled attachment of discrete particles (oriented attachment). We coarsened anatase nanoparticles in hydrothermal solutions over the temperature range 105−250 °C and the pH range 1−12 and documented three distinct coarsening mechanisms controlled by solution pH. Anatase growth at pH > 11 occurs primarily by Ostwald ripening, yielding a wide particle size distribution. Over the pH range of 2 through 11, anatase grows both by oriented attachment and Ostwald ripening. At pH values <2, anatase simultaneously grows by oriented attachment and dissolves, precipitating as rutile. Oriented attachment is significant at values nearer to the pH of point of zero net proton charge (PZC), where anatase is very insoluble and has low surface charge. Rutile precipitation at low pH and anatase growth at high pH are promoted by enhanced Ti solubility at pH values far from the PZC. Understanding s...
Palladium(II) β-Agostic Alkyl Cations and Alkyl Ethylene Complexes: Investigation of Polymer Chain Isomerization Mechanisms

A series of stable dialkyl complexes of Pd, (α-diimine)PdR2 (α-diimine = aryl-substituted diimine, R = n-Pr, n-Bu, i-Bu), have been prepared via Grignard alkylation of the corresponding (α-diimine)PdCl2 complexes. Protonation of these dialkyl species at low temperature results in loss of alkane and formation of cationic Pd β-agostic alkyl complexes, which have been observed as intermediates in the polymerization of ethylene and propylene by these Pd catalysts. Studies of the structure and dynamic behavior of these alkyl complexes are presented, along with the results of trapping reactions of these species with ligands such as NCMe, CO, and C2H4. Trapping with ethylene results in formation of cationic alkyl ethylene complexes which model the catalyst resting state in these systems. These complexes have been used to obtain mechanistic details and kinetic parameters of several processes, including isomerization of the alkyl ethylene complexes, associative and dissociative exchange with free ethylene, and mig...
Acetolyses of 1-substituted trans-7,8-dichlorodibenzobicyclo [2.2.2] octadienes

Abstract The preparations and silver-assisted acetolyses of the 1-methoxy ( 5 ), 1-methyl ( 6 ), 1-carbomethoxy ( 7 ), and 1-nitro ( 8 ) derivatives of trans -7,8-dichlorodibenzobicyclo [2.2.2] octa-2,5-dienes are described. Rearranged products possessing the dibenzobicyclo [3.2.1] octadiene skeleton were identified. With compound 5 , the P8:P7 ratio (ratio of products derived from ionizations of C8-Cl and C7-C1 bonds) was 1.3. For 6 and 7 , the corresponding P8 P7 ratios were 0.4 and 33 respectively. Acetolysis of 8 led to products in detectable quantities from ionization of the C8-C1 bond only. The data support the proposal by Cristol that the transition states for these solvolytic rearrangements more closely resemble phenonium ion-like intermediates than benzyl cations.
Integrated optimization of semiconductor manufacturing: A machine learning approach

As semiconductor process nodes continue to shrink, the cost and complexity of manufacturing has dramatically risen. This manufacturing process also generates an immense amount of data, from raw silicon to final packaged product. The centralized collection of this data in industry information warehouses presents a promising and heretofore untapped opportunity for integrated analysis. With a machine learning-based methodology, latent correlations in the joint process-test space could be identified, enabling dramatic cost reductions throughout the manufacturing process. To realize such a solution, this work addresses three distinct problems within semiconductor manufacturing: (1) Reduce test cost for analog and RF devices, as testing can account for up to 50% of the overall production cost of an IC; (2) Develop algorithms for post-production performance calibration, enabling higher yields and optimal power-performance; and, (3) Develop algorithms for spatial modeling of sparsely sampled wafer test parameters. Herein these problems are addressed via the introduction of a model-view-controller (MVC) architecture, designed to support the application of machine learning methods to problems in semiconductor manufacturing. Results are demonstrated on a variety of semiconductor manufacturing data from TI and IBM.
Association between prehospital vitamin D status and hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infections.

Objective: To investigate whether preadmission 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels are associated with the risk of hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (HACDI). Materials and Methods: Our retrospective cohort study focused on 568 adult patients from 2 Boston teaching hospitals between August 1993 and November 2006. All patients had 25(OH)D levels measured before hospitalization and were at risk for HACDI (defined as the presence of C difficile toxin A or B in stool samples obtained >48 hours after hospitalization). We performed multivariable regression analyses to test the association of prehospital 25(OH)D levels with HACDI while adjusting for clinically relevant covariates. Results: In these 568 patients, mean (SD) 25(OH)D level was 19 (12) ng/mL, and 11% of patients met criteria for incident HACDI. Following adjustment for age, sex, race (nonwhite vs white), patient type (medical vs surgical), and Deyo-Charlson index, patients with 25(OH)D levels <10 ng/mL had higher odds of HACDI (odds r...
Formation and storage of 11-cis retinol in the eyes of lobster (Homarus) and crayfish (Procambarus)

Modes of storage and mechanisms of formation of 11-cis retinoids in the eyes of animals vary widely among the major phyla. We here describe evidence from two species of macruran decapod crustacea that point to different processes from those known in insects, the other group of arthropods for which there is extensive data. The eyes of the lobster (Homarus) contain about 300 pmol of retinal, somewhat less free retinol, and variable amounts (up to 1000+ pmol) of two retinyl esters, over 90% of which contain retinol in the 11-cis configuration. The major ester contains the long chain, polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoate (C22:6), but retinyl oleate (C18:1) is also present. Crayfish (Procambarus) contain the same retinyl esters, although in much smaller amounts. Homogenates of the eyes of both species are capable of isomerizing all-trans retinyl docosahexaenoate to the 11-cis configuration without using the energy of light. Crude fractionation of homogenates shows isomerase activity associated with membranes. The reaction mechanism has not been explored in detail, but on the basis of present evidence it may be similar to that found in vertebrate pigment epithelium. It is clearly different from the light-dependent processes known in insects (Hymenoptera and Diptera) and cephalopod mollusks, where isomerization takes place at the level of the aldehyde and 11-cis retinyl esters are not present as major storage reserves.
Update on perioral cosmetic enhancement.

Purpose of reviewAs our understanding of the perioral region advances and procedures available for its treatment increase, we are more able to successfully treat the aged perioral region with minimal risk. The aged perioral region has traditionally been rejuvenated by direct surgical excision, chemi
Competing scanning tunneling microscope tip-interlayer interactions for twisted multilayer graphene on the a-plane SiC surface

Abstract Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images are obtained for the first time on few layer and twisted multilayer epitaxial graphene states synthesized on n + 6H-SiC a-plane non-polar surface. The twisted graphene is determined to have a rotation angle of 5.4° between the top two layers, by comparing moire patterns from stick and ball models of bilayer graphene to experimentally obtained images. Furthermore, the experimental moire pattern shows dynamic behavior, continuously shuffling between two stable surface arrangements one bond length apart. The moire pattern shifts by more than 1 nm, making it easy to observe with STM. Explanation of this dynamic behavior is attributed to electrostatic interactions between the STM tip and the graphene sample.
Uncertainty and leontief systems: an application to the selection of space station system designs

This paper deals with the problem of designing a critical component of a highly interactive technologically advanced system, one in which there is uncertainty as to technological and cost parameters. The particular example discussed in the paper is the choice of an energy module for Space Station, where two alternatives, PV and SD, were under consideration. If the uncertainty associated with technological and cost parameters were ignored, and a choice made solely on the basis of "best guesses" of NASA engineers as to parameter values, then SD, which has been implemented only in small scale laboratory applications, would be a clearcut "design to cost" winner. The situation is different when the "best guess" estimates are replaced by subjective probability distributions over technological and cost parameters. The paper outlines a "safety first" decision making model which suggests that the more reliable PV, which has been used on all previous space missions, becomes the preferred choice for highly risk averse decision makers.
Data-driven broadened participation (abstract only)

While programming has long been utilized as a recruitment path into computer science, data analysis as a recruitment path is relatively under-explored. Through a series of modular curriculum units developed in computational thinking, the potential impact of explorations in data analysis to impact teacher and student affect toward and interest in computer science is being investigated. Developed units include exercises such as statistically determining the author of selected text passages, modeling roller coaster simulations, solving crime mysteries and controlling zombie contagions. Computational thinking modules have been delivered in a CS Pilot course, as well as in K-12 outreach programs in non-computing courses (STEM and non-STEM, including classes in English literature, sociology, biology, physics and math). Initial results show significant and promising opportunities to utilize data analysis to create computing interest in a broadened population of students and teachers, extending the impact of computational thinking into a variety of subject domains.
Drain-voltage effects on the threshold voltage of a small-geometry MOSFET

Abstract Closed form analytical expressions are developed to predict the threshold voltage of a small geometry MOSFET with a nonzero drain voltage. Two expressions are developed. The first expression is for an abrupt oxide transition from the thin gate to thick field oxide with uniform doping and the second expression includes the effects of a tapered recessed field oxide, and field doping encroachment at the channel edges. The theory is compared with experimental results obtained from n -channel small geometry MOSFETs.
Correction and protection in limestone terrane

Structural features that are hazards to building foundations include pinnacles, slots, and chimney-like openings in rock, alternate strata of hard rock and soft clay, dome-like cavities in soil, caves in rock, weak and compressible soils in cone-shaped depressions over collapsed domes and cavities, and open sinkholes from soil or rock collapse and soil erosion Design to overcome them includes avoiding areas of concentrated hazards, correcting the hazards by filling them or collapsing them, bridging over small hazards, reinforcing the rock, bypassing shallow hazards with deeper foundations, and minimizing activation of the hazard-forming processes.
A radiation transport coupled particle-in-cell simulation. II. Simulation results in a one-dimensional planar model

The radiation-transport coupled particle-in-cell model is applied to one-dimensional planar model to investigate the radiation trapping phenomena in relatively high- and low-pressure Ar glow discharges. The radiation intensity spectra and the total radiation flux are calculated from the radiative excited-state profile. The simulation results for Doppler and resonance collision broadenings are compared with the eigenmode description of the Holstein equation, with good agreement. Observed are the effects of radiation trapping of photons, diffusion, collisional quenching, and step ionization from excited states on the discharge properties.
Verification of patient-specific dose distributions in proton therapy using a commercial two-dimensional ion chamber array

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a two-dimensional (2D) ion chamber array detector quickly and accurately measures patient-specific dose distributions in treatment with passively scattered and spot scanning proton beams. Methods: The 2D ion chamber array detector MatriXX was used to measure the dose distributions in plastic water phantom from passively scattered and spot scanning proton beam fields planned for patient treatment. Planar dose distributions were measured using MatriXX, and the distributions were compared to those calculated using a treatment-planning system. The dose distributions generated by the treatment-planning system and a film dosimetry system were similarly compared. Results: For passively scattered proton beams, the gamma index for the dose-distribution comparison for treatment fields for three patients with prostate cancer and for one patient with lung cancer was less than 1.0 for 99% and 100% of pixels for a 3% dose tolerance and 3 mm distance-to-dose agreement, respectively. For spot scanning beams, the mean (± standard deviation) percentages of pixels with gamma indices meeting the passing criteria were97.1%±1.4% and 98.8%±1.4% for MatriXX and film dosimetry, respectively, for 20 fields used to treat patients with prostate cancer. Conclusions: Unlike film dosimetry, MatriXX provides not only 2D dose-distribution information but also absolute dosimetry in fractions of minutes with acceptable accuracy. The results of this study indicate that MatriXX can be used to verify patient-field specific dose distributions in proton therapy.