cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of minimum three-dimensional cutting-tool paths in the presence of barriers

Abstract A software package is described that finds a minimum path tour for traveling-salesman problems with barriers or obstructions blocking straight-line travel. Numerically-controlled machines often must avoid obstacles on a work piece or fixture while traveling from point to point to accomplish the various machining operations on a part, returning to home position when finished. The problem was solved by Williams and Gupta for the case where all travel was in the same plane. This paper extends the work by considering that the tour of the machine tool might go over obstacles as well as going around them. The package contains modules (1) to determine whether or not nodes (points requiring machining operations) can be connected by straight lines, (2) to find the shortest path between pairs of nodes if barriers are present, and (3) to compute the minimum tour to visit all nodes and void barriers. The user may choose a tour that minimizes distance or minimizes time of travel. The latter assumes constant accelerations and decelerations, and steady-state tool velocity. Illustrations and sample calculations are presented. The set of algorithms in the software package is a heuristic although some aspects such as the shortest path calculations are optimal.
Size-Dependent Photothermal Conversion Efficiencies of Plasmonically Heated Gold Nanoparticles

We report the light-to-heat energy transfer efficiencies of gold nanoparticles with variable sizes by assessing the temperature profiles of laser-activated particle suspensions in water. Gold nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 5 to 50 nm were synthesized by chemical reduction methods using sodium borohydride, sodium citrate, or hydroquinone as reducing agents. As-synthesized gold nanoparticle solution (1 mL) was loaded into a quartz cuvette and exposed to a CW green laser (532 nm). Heat input into the system by energy transfer from nanoparticles equals heat dissipation at thermal equilibrium. The transducing efficiency was then determined by plotting temperature increase as a function of laser power extinction. The efficiency increases from 0.650 ± 0.012 to 0.803 ± 0.008 as the particle size decreases from 50.09 ± 2.34 to 4.98 ± 0.59 nm, respectively. The results indicate that the photothermal properties of gold nanoparticles are size-tunable, and the variation of efficiency can be correlated to the ab...
Magnetic and structural properties of single-crystalline Er5Si4

The magnetization of the oriented Er${}_{5}$Si${}_{4}$ single crystal, measured along the three principal crystallographic directions, reveals strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The $b$ axis is the easy magnetization direction. The possible presence of the crystal-field effect and the noncollinear alignment of magnetic moments result in a lower than $gJ$ magnetization along all crystallographic directions, even in a 70-kOe applied magnetic field, with the lowest moment (4.22 $\ensuremath{\mu}$${}_{B}/$Er${}^{3+}$) recorded along the $a$ axis. The magnetization measurements show that even in the true paramagnetic state there is a weak magnetic field dependence of the structural-only transition when the field is applied along the $a$ and $c$ axes, but this transition is magnetic field independent along the $b$ axis in fields of 70 kOe or less. The temperature- and magnetic-field-dependent x-ray powder diffraction study of the powdered single crystal confirms the temperature-driven structural orthorhombic-monoclinic transition in the paramagnetic state and the low-temperature magnetic-field-driven monoclinic-orthorhombic transition in the magnetically ordered state. The x-ray powder diffraction indicates that the high-temperature transition is magnetic field independent below 40 kOe in a polycrystalline sample while the low-temperature transition requires a high magnetic field for its completion.
Incompressible Navier-Stokes Computation of the NREL Airfoils Using a Symmetric Total Variational Diminishing Scheme

The purpose of this paper is to present a numerical study of flow fields for the NREL S805 and S809 airfoils using a spatially second-order symmetric total variational diminishing scheme. The steady two-dimensional flow is modeled as turbulent, viscous, and incompressible and is formulated in the pseudo-compressible form. The turbulent flow is closed by the Baldwind-Lomax algebraic turbulence model. Numerical solutions are obtained by the implicit approximate-factorization method. Numerical solutions are obtained by the implicit approximate-factorization method. The accuracy of the numerical results is compared with the Delft two-dimensional wind tunnel test data. For comparison, the Eppler code results are also included. Numerical solutions of pressure and life coefficients show good agreement with the experimental data, but not the drag coefficients. To properly simulate the post-stall flow field, a better turbulence model should be used.
Gettering of Interstitial Iron in P/P + Epitaxial Silicon Wafers

Gettering of interstitial iron in p/p+ epitaxial silicon wafers during an integrated circuit device simulation annealing was examined. The results from the deep level transient spectroscopy and optical microscope examination suggest no correlation between the interstitial iron concentration in the epitaxial layer and the bulk microdefect density. An electron microscopic analysis revealed that gettering of interstitial iron took place at an oxide polyhedral precipitate located at the center of a bulk stacking fault. By comparing the results of iron implanted to non-implanted samples, it is concluded that iron gettering occurs via a phase transformation of Si02 to an α FeSi2 iron disilicide. In this study, it is suggested that gettering of iron atoms is fundamentally different from that of other transition metals where the silicide formation occurs predominantly along the Frank partial dislocations of the bulk stacking fault.
On uniqueness in finite elasticity with general loading

In many problems of interest the (Cauchy) surface traction is given as a function of position on the deformed surface. A class of loadings sufficiently general to include these problems is considered and within the context of finite elasticity a number of uniqueness results are established. A key ingredient is the result of Gurtin and Spector that uniqueness holds in any convex, stable set of deformations.
Reducing global turbulent resistivity by eliminating large eddies in a spherical liquid-sodium experiment.

(Received 21 January 2011; revised manuscript received 5 May 2011; published 21 June 2011) Three-wave turbulent interactions and the role of eddy size on the turbulent electromotive force are studied in a spherical liquid-sodium dynamo experiment. A symmetric, equatorial baffle reduces the amplitude of the largest-scale turbulent eddies, which is inferred from the magnetic fluctuations spectrum (measured by a 2D array of surface probes). Differential rotation in the mean flow is >2 times more effective in generating mean toroidal magnetic fields from the applied poloidal field (via the ! effect) when the largest-scale eddies are eliminated, thus demonstrating that the global turbulent resistivity (the ! effect from the largest-scale eddies) is reduced by a similar amount.
Differential subsidence and rebound in response to changes in water loading on Mars: Possible effects on the geometry of ancient shorelines

[1] If large liquid or solid water bodies existed in the past in Martian basins such as Argyre, Hellas, and the northern lowland plains, they would have represented massive surficial loads. Earth analogs suggest that the magnitudes of crustal displacements related to water loading and unloading would have varied spatially within and around affected basins. It is likely that the effects of bathymetric irregularities on lithospheric flexure would have caused shoreline areas proximal to deep regions to be depressed (and, subsequently, to rebound) to a greater extent than shoreline areas located near shallow regions. Crustal and mantle inhomogeneities would have likely further contributed to spatial variation in water-related subsidence and rebound. Simple two-dimensional elastic flexure models suggest that Martian shoreline features of common age and formed in association with a large ancient water body could vary in elevation today by hundreds of meters as a result of these differential effects. Examples of similar shoreline offsets on Earth suggest that sets of Martian strandline features will reflect the changing nature of loading through time.
Functional Consequences of Truncating Amino Acid Side Chains Located at a Calmodulin-Peptide Interface *

To test the relevance of the calmodulin-peptide crystal structures to their respective calmodulin-enzyme interactions, amino acid side chains in calmodulin were altered at positions that interact with the calmodulin-binding peptide of smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase but not with the calmodulin kinase IIalpha peptide. Since shortening the side chains of Trp-800, Arg-812, and Leu-813 in smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase abrogated calmodulin-dependent activation (Bagchi, I. C., Huang, Q., and Means, A. R. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 3024-3029), substitutions were introduced at positions in calmodulin which contact residues corresponding to Arg-812 and Leu-813 in the smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase peptide. Assays of smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase with the calmodulin mutants M51A,V55A, L32A,M51A,V55A, and L32A,M51A,V55A,F68L, M71A exhibited 60%, 25%, and less than 1% of maximal activity respectively, whereas the mutants fully activated calmodulin kinase IIalpha. Alanine substitutions at positions on the smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase peptide, corresponding to Trp-800 and Arg-812 in the enzyme, produced an 8-fold increase in the enzyme inhibition constant in contrast with the abolition of calmodulin binding by similar mutations in the parent enzyme.
Immigrants and Neighbourhoods of Concentrated Poverty: Assimilation or Stagnation?

Immigrants in the United States often live, at least for a time, in neighbourhoods that have high concentrations of fellow immigrants. Typically, these neighbourhoods also have high poverty levels and are located near concentrations of the native-born poor. Conventional wisdom is that living in extremely poor neighbourhoods leads to ‘concentration effects’ that exacerbate the problems of poverty and limit economic opportunity. While immigrants are not immune to the problems of crime, gangs, dilapidated housing and failing schools associated with high-poverty neighbourhoods, it has been argued that immigrant neighbourhoods provide advantages as well. These include the creation of parallel institutions, vernacular information networks and familiar cultural practices. The analyses presented here provide some support for this notion, by showing immigrants’ progress from higher- to lower-poverty neighbourhoods over time. Yet Mexican immigrants do not transition nearly as rapidly, providing support for the segm...
Studies Directed toward the Synthesis of the Unusual Antileukemic Diterpene Jatrophatrione. 1. A Solution to the Problem of Chirality Merger during Elaboration of the Entire Carbotricyclic Framework.

A practical route for elaboration of the [5.9.5] tricyclic nucleus of jatrophatrione (1) is reported. The two key steps involve an oxyanionic Cope rearrangement and a Grob fragmentation. The building blocks required to reach 44 are the bicyclo[3.3.0]octanone 29 and the cyclopentadienyl bromide 35. The former was obtained in 12 steps from methylcyclopentadiene. The route to the latter began with 4,4-dimethylcyclopentenone. The charge-accelerated [3,3]-sigmatropic isomerization within 44 proceeds via a chairlike transition state to deliver, after enolate methylation, a highly strained product carrying a trans double bond in a medium-sized ring, one consequence of which is rapid transannular ring closure via an ene pathway. Acid hydrolysis of this enol ether and conversion to hydroxy mesylate 51 was followed by exposure to base. This sequence resulted in ring opening to provide the strategic advanced intermediate 52. The synthetic pathway developed here is expected to open a route to 9-epijatrophatrione (8) ...
Antiangiogenic properties of substituted (Z)-(±)-2-(N-benzylindol-3-ylmethylene)quinuclidin-3-ol/one analogs and their derivatives

Abstract In the past half century research efforts have defined a critical role for angiogenesis in tumor growth and metastasis. We previously reported that inhibition of a novel target, ENOX1, by a (Z)-2-benzylindol-3-ylmethylene) quinuclidin-3-ol, suppressed tumor angiogenesis. The present study was undertaken in order to establish structure–activity relationships for quinuclidine analogs. The angiogenesis inhibiting activity of a series of substituted (Z)-(±)-2-(N-benzylindol-3-ylmethylene)quinuclidin-3-ols (1a–1k), (Z)-2-benzylindol-3-ylmethylene)quinuclidin-3-ones (2a–2h), (Z)-(±)-2-(1H/N-methyl-indol-3-ylmethylene)quinuclidin-3-ols (3a–3b), and substituted (Z)-(±)-2-(N-benzenesulfonylindol-3-yl-methylene)quinuclidin-3-ols and their derivatives (4a–4d) that incorporate a variety of substituents in both the indole and N-benzyl moieties was evaluated using Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) subjected to in vitro cell migration scratch assays, tubule formation in Matrigel, cell viability and proliferation assays. In total, 25 different analogs were evaluated. Based on in vitro cell migration scratch assays, eight analogs were identified as potent angiogenesis inhibitors at 10 μM, a concentration that was determined to be nontoxic by colony formation assay. In addition, this approach identified a potent antiangiogenic ENOX1 inhibitor, analog 4b.
De Novo Gene Disruptions in Children on the Autistic Spectrum

Exome sequencing of 343 families, each with a single child on the autism spectrum and at least one unaffected sibling, reveal de novo small indels and point substitutions, which come mostly from the paternal line in an age-dependent manner. We do not see significantly greater numbers of de novo missense mutations in affected versus unaffected children, but gene-disrupting mutations (nonsense, splice site, and frame shifts) are twice as frequent, 59 to 28. Based on this differential and the number of recurrent and total targets of gene disruption found in our and similar studies, we estimate between 350 and 400 autism susceptibility genes. Many of the disrupted genes in these studies are associated with the fragile X protein, FMRP, reinforcing links between autism and synaptic plasticity. We find FMRP-associated genes are under greater purifying selection than the remainder of genes and suggest they are especially dosage-sensitive targets of cognitive disorders.
A Simple "Back of the Envelope" Method for Estimating the Densities and Molecular Volumes of Liquids and Solids

The method described for the estimation of densities and molecular volumes are surprisingly accurate and very simple.
Gender differences in neighborhood walking in older adults

Objective: This study examined mobility, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, neighborhood (density, destinations, and design), and neighborhood walking in older men (n = 106, 60-99 years, M = 76.78, SD = 8.12) and women (n = 216, 60-99 years, M = 75.81, SD = 8.46). Method/Results: In hierarchical regression, the variables explained 32% of the variance in neighborhood walking in men (p < .001) and 27% of the variance in women (p < .01). Self-efficacy (β = .49, p < .01), density (β= .22, p < .05), and design (β= .21, p = .05) were associated with walking in men. Significant design characteristics included sidewalks (β= .25, p < .05) and crime (β= .36, p < .01). In women, self-efficacy (β= .48, p < .001) and destinations (β= .15, p < .05) were associated with walking. Walking was associated with self-efficacy for walking despite individual barriers in women (β= .38, p < .001) and neighborhood barriers in men (β= .30, p < .05). Conclusion: Walking interventions targeting older women should incorporate local ...
Calcium Binding in the Pore of L-type Calcium Channels Modulates High Affinity Dihydropyridine Binding

The pore-forming α1 subunit of L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels contains a Ca2+-binding site that is allosterically coupled to the receptor site for dihydropyridine (DHP) Ca2+ antagonists. Site-directed mutations of conserved Phe and Glu residues in the pore-lining SS1/SS2 segments greatly reduced Ca2+ enhancement of DHP binding. Substitution of Phe-1013 in the α1 subunit from rabbit skeletal muscle (α1S) with Gly (F1013G) as in DHP-insensitive Ca2+ channels caused a 4-fold decrease in sensitivity to Ca2+. Mutation of the Ca2+-binding residues Glu-1014 in domain III and Glu-1323 in domain IV to Gln (E1014Q and E1323Q) caused 11- and 35-fold decreases in sensitivity to Ca2+, respectively, as well as decreases in the maximal DHP binding affinities attained at optimal concentrations of Ca2+. DHP binding to the charge-reversal mutation, E1014K, had no sensitivity to Ca2+. Our results demonstrate that high affinity Ca2+ binding to the Glu residues in the SS1/SS2 segments of domains III and IV of α1S stabilizes the DHP receptor site in its high affinity state. We propose a three-state model in which the affinity for DHPs is dependent on the presence of 0, 1, or 2 bound Ca2+ ions at sites in the pore.
Involvement of the lateral amygdala in the antiallodynic and reinforcing effects of heroin in rats after peripheral nerve injury.

Background—Neuropathic pain alters opioid self-administration in rats. The brain regions altered in the presence of neuropathic pain mediating these differences have not been identified, but likely involve ascending pain pathways interacting with the limbic system. The amygdala is a brain region that integrates noxious stimulation with limbic activity. Methods—μ-opioid receptors were blocked in the amygdala using the irreversible antagonist βfunaltrexamine and the antiallodynic and reinforcing effects of heroin were determined in spinal nerve ligated rats. Additionally, the effect of β-funaltrexamine was determined on heroin selfadministration in sham-operated rats. Results—β-funaltrexamine decreased functional activity of μ-opioid receptors by 60 ± 5% (mean ± SD) Irreversible inhibition of μ-opioid receptors in the amygdala significantly attenuated the ability of doses of heroin up to 100 μg/kg to reverse hypersensitivity following spinal nerve ligation. Heroin intake by self-administration in spinal nerve ligated rats was increased from 5.0 ± 0.3 to 9.9 ± 2.1 infusions/h following administration of 2.5 nmol of β-funaltrexamine in the lateral amygdala, while having no effect in sham-operated animals (5.8 ± 1.6 before, 6.7 ± 0.9 after). The antiallodynic effects of 60 μg/kg of heroin was decreased up to 4 days, but self-administration was affected for up to 14 days. Conclusions—μ-opioid receptors in the lateral amygdala partially meditate heroin’s antiallodynic effects and self-administration following peripheral nerve injury. The lack of effect of β-funaltrexamine on heroin self-administration in sham-operated subjects suggests that opioids maintain self-administration through a distinct mechanism in the presence of pain.
Imperforate anus, diaphragmatic hernia, horseshoe kidney, and pulmonary sling complex: case description

This report describes an infant with imperforate anus, delayed presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, horseshoe kidney, and pulmonary sling complex, a unique combination of anomalies that we recently treated at our facility.
Beltless Translocation Domain of Botulinum Neurotoxin A Embodies a Minimum Ion-conductive Channel

Botulinum neurotoxin, the causative agent of the paralytic disease botulism, is an endopeptidase composed of a catalytic domain (or light chain (LC)) and a heavy chain (HC) encompassing the translocation domain (TD) and receptor-binding domain. Upon receptor-mediated endocytosis, the LC and TD are proposed to undergo conformational changes in the acidic endocytic environment resulting in the formation of an LC protein-conducting TD channel. The mechanism of channel formation and the conformational changes in the toxin upon acidification are important but less well understood aspects of botulinum neurotoxin intoxication. Here, we have identified a minimum channel-forming truncation of the TD, the “beltless” TD, that forms transmembrane channels with ion conduction properties similar to those of the full-length TD. At variance with the holotoxin and the HC, channel formation for both the TD and the beltless TD occurs independent of a transmembrane pH gradient. Furthermore, acidification in solution induces moderate secondary structure changes. The subtle nature of the conformational changes evoked by acidification on the TD suggests that, in the context of the holotoxin, larger structural rearrangements and LC unfolding occur preceding or concurrent to channel formation. This notion is consistent with the hypothesis that although each domain of the holotoxin functions individually, each domain serves as a chaperone for the others.
Steady X-ray emission from MXB 1730 – 335 (the Rapid Burster)

SAS 3 observations of the Rapid Burster, MXB 1730-335, in three energy channels between 1.3 and 12 keV are used to examine temporary enhancements of the steady X-ray flux from that source following very energetic (long) Type II X-ray bursts. It is found that the average steady X-ray enhancement apparently reaches a maximum value corresponding to about 40% of the time-averaged burst flux, that no significant change in the shape of the X-ray spectrum of the enhancement is evident from the data, and that a certain minimum time interval is needed to obtain enhanced steady emission. The enhanced steady X-ray emission is shown to amount to an average steady contribution of about 5% of the time-averaged burst flux. It is concluded that the observed correlation of the onset and termination of the enhancement with the occurrence of Type II bursts strongly supports the earlier suggestion that the Type II bursts from the Rapid Burster are caused by instabilities in the accretion of matter onto a compact object.
Double Patterning Combined with Shrink Technique to Extend ArF Lithography for Contact Holes to 22nm Node and Beyond

Lithography becomes much more challenging when CD shrinks to 22nm nodes. Since EUV is not ready, double patterning combined with Resolution Enhancement Technology (RET) such as shrink techniques seems to be the most possible solution. Companies such as TSMC [1] and IBM [2] etc. are pushing out EUV to extend immersion ArF lithography to 32nm/22nm nodes. Last year, we presented our development work on 32nm node contact (50nm hole at 100nm pitch) using dry ArF lithography by double patterning with SAFIER shrink process [3] . To continue the work, we further extend our dry litho capability towards the 22nm node. We demonstrated double patterning capability of 40nm holes at 80nm pitch using ASML XT1400E scanner. It seems difficult to print pitches below 140nm on dry scanner in single exposure which is transferred into 70nm pitch with double patterning. To push the resolution to 22nm node and beyond, we developed ArF immersion process on ASML XT1700i-P system at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (Albany, NY) combined with a SAFIER process. We achieved single exposure process capability of 25nm holes at 128nm pitch after shrink. It enables us to print ~25nm holes at pitch of 64nm with double patterning. Two types of hard mask (HM), i.e. TIN and a-Si were used in both dry and immersion ArF DP processes. The double patterning process consists of two HM litho-shrink-etch steps. The dense feature is designed into two complementary parts on two masks such that the density is reduced by half and minimum pitch is increased by at least a factor of 2 1/2 depending on design. The complete pattern is formed after the two HM litho-shrink-etch steps are finished.
Effects of growth-promoting implants on morphology of Longissimus and Semitendinosus muscles in finishing steers.

Growth-promoting implants lead to increased muscle accretion in ruminants. To elucidate the eAects at a cellular level, muscle fiber distribution and cross-sectional area (CSA) of longissimus (LM) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles were compared in implanted and control steers. Sixty-four Charolais steers were assigned to one of four treatments (16 steers/treatment): (1) no implant, (2) Synovex-S 1 (estradiol benzoate+progesterone), (3) Ralgro 1 (zeranol) or (4) Revalor-S 1 (trenbolone acetate+estradiol-17b). The experiment was carried out using four slaughter groups (SGRP). Sixteen steers each were slaughtered after 48, 104, 160 and 175 days (four steers/treatment) on trial. Steers on an implant treatment were first implanted at 15 months of age (day 0) and re- implanted at 56 and 112 days. Muscle fibers in the LM and ST (for both live biopsy and post-mortem samples) were characterized as either slow-twitch oxidative (SO), fast-twitch oxidative-glycolytic (FOG) and fast-twitch glycolytic (FG) fibers. Fiber distribution was minimally aAected by SGRP in these physiologically mature steers. Implantation with Synovex did not alter fiber distribution in either muscle compared with control steers. Both Synovex-implanted and control steers showed a decrease of FG and an increase of FOG fibers in the LM from day 0 to SGRP 2 followed by an increase of FG and a decrease of FOG fibers. Ralgro- and Revalor- implanted steers had an almost constant fiber distribution in the LM throughout the experiment resulting in higher precentages of FG fibers in SGRP 2 (P<0.05) than SYN or CON steers. Biopsy samples of the LM muscle which were excised 51 days (SGRP 1- 3) or 65 days (SGRP 4) before slaughter proved to be suitable for the determination of fiber distribution in live animals. Fiber area increased in post-mortem samples of both muscles from SGRP 1-3 in all treatment groups followed by a plateau. Implantation with Revalor led to an additional increase in fiber area from SGRP 3 and 4 (P<0.05). Synovex did not aAect fiber area compared with control steers whereas Ralgro and Revalor implants led to larger fibers in SGRP 3 and 4, respectively. It can be concluded that some growth-promoting implants result in noticeable diAerences in muscle hypertrophic responses which coincide with their dif- ferent eAectiveness to enhance lean mass accretion. # 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Perfectly Complementary Relay Design for Digital Logic Applications

A dual-ended (?seesaw?) relay design is proposed for ultralow-power digital logic applications. Fabricated seesaw relays demonstrate a perfectly complementary switching behavior that is symmetric about V DD/2, with extremely steep switching behavior (< 0.1 mV/dec) and low on -state resistance (< 1 k?). The perfectly complementary and symmetric operation provides for maximum operating voltage margin and minimal crowbar current, as evidenced by an abrupt inverter voltage transfer characteristic.
Power Management System for Online Low Power RF Energy Harvesting Optimization

For many years, wireless RF power transmission has been investigated as a viable method of power delivery in a wide array of applications, from high-power space solar power satellites to low-power wireless sensors. However, until recently, efficient application at the low sub-milliwatt power levels has not been realized due to limitations in available control circuitry. This paper presents a “smart” microcontroller-based power management system with online power stage efficiency optimization and maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The system is experimentally evaluated using a new, more accurate four-quadrant rectenna model and circuit realization that enables rigorous testing of the power management system for a wide range of rectenna arrays and power characteristics. Hardware results are presented with online optimization over a converter input power range from 10 μW to 1 mW. Results are also shown based on the application of harvesting RF power from a nearby cellular tower, where the power management system collects up to seven times more energy when compared to a direct battery connection.
Interactive texture segmentation via IT-SNAPS

This paper presents a new framework for an interactive image delineation technique, which we term as the Interactive Texture-Snapping System (IT-SNAPS). The uniqueness of IT-SNAPS stems from the fact that it can effectively assist the user in accurately segmenting images with complex texture, without placing undue burden on the operator. This is made possible by unobtrusive extraction of information from the user during the delineation process, which in turn, is utilized on-the-fly to adapt IT-SNAPS to the boundary being segmented. The current work details (i) the mathematical construction of IT-SNAPS, (ii) demonstration of IT-SNAPS on a heterogenous texture image, and (iii) a performance comparison with the popular existing technique of intelligent scissors.
A mechanical connector design for high-current, high-Coulomb pulsed power systems

A technique to make reliable high-current, high-Coulomb electrical contact was developed for transmitting power into railguns. The method uses spring-loaded removable connectors that are installed independently from the launcher. The simple rod-type design and absence of fastener holes allow maximum utilization of material mechanical properties. Repeated experiments with 9.5 mm diameter connectors demonstrated reliable pulsed charge transfer of 200 C at currents of over 400 kA. >
Phytophthora ramorum infection of coast live oak leaves in Californian forests and its capacity to sporulate in vitro.

Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) is a known host for Phytophthora ramorum, the casual agent of sudden oak death in California, with symptoms expressed as necrotic stem cankers. In the forest, leaves on two saplings in California were found to be infected with P. ramorum and these were associated with infected bay laurel (Umbellularia californica) trees. Coast live oak leaves supported sporulation and produced chlamydospores in vitro. This is the first report to identify foliage of coast live oak as a source of infection of P. ramorum in the forest and its confirmation in in vitro inoculations.
Absence of the G Protein–Coupled Receptor G2A in Mice Promotes Monocyte/Endothelial Interactions in Aorta

The G protein-coupled receptor G2A is highly expressed on macrophages and lymphocytes and has been localized to atherosclerotic plaques. We examined the role of G2A in modulating monocyte/endothelial interactions in the vessel wall. We measured adhesion of WEHI 78/24 monocytes to aortas of C57BL/6 (B6) and G2A-deficient (G2A(-/-)) mice using an ex vivo adhesion assay. G2A(-/-) mice had 10-fold elevations in adhesion of monocytes to aortas. Injection of GFP-expressing wild-type macrophages into B6 and G2A(-/-) mice in vivo showed increased macrophage accumulation in the aortic wall of G2A(-/-) mice. We isolated aortic endothelial cells (ECs) from B6 and G2A(-/-) mice and found a 2-fold increase in intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and E-selectin surface expression on G2A(-/-) ECs using flow cytometry. Using ELISA, we found a 3-fold increase in interleukin-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production by G2A(-/-) ECs compared with B6 ECs. We found a dramatic increase in nuclear localization of the p65 subunit of nuclear factor kappaB in G2A(-/-) ECs. Transfection of G2A into G2A(-/-) ECs to restore normal expression levels reduced p65 nuclear localization to 35%. Restoration of G2A expression in G2A(-/-) ECs significantly reduced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and endothelial selectin surface expression and reduced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-6 production. Restoring G2A to G2A(-/-) ECs reduced monocyte adhesion by 80% compared with G2A(-/-) ECs in a flow chamber assay. Absence of G2A in endothelium results in proinflammatory signaling and increased monocyte/endothelial interactions in the aortic wall. Thus, endothelial G2A expression may aid in prevention of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Reassessing On-Street Parking

The ongoing debate about the merits and drawbacks of on-street parking offers few definitive answers because comprehensive research in this area has been lacking. The goal is to develop a better understanding of the gamut of issues related to on-street parking, ranging from parking demand and the pedestrian environment to less researched topics such as the efficiency of land use. In addition, the basic question of safety is addressed in a more precise way than previously by taking into account actual vehicle speeds and crash severity levels. The investigation points to on-street parking as crucial in benefiting activity centers on numerous levels. Users of the downtowns consistently valued these land-efficient on-street parking spaces over and above off-street surface lots and garages. Low-speed streets with on-street parking also had the lowest fatal and severe crash rates of any road category in the study of 250 Connecticut roadway segments. Part of the reason is that the presence of parking had a measu...
Extensive Proliferation of Transposable Elements in Heritable Bacterial Symbionts

ABSTRACT We found that insertion sequence (IS) elements are unusually abundant in the relatively recently evolved bacterial endosymbionts of maize weevils. Because multicopy elements can facilitate genomic recombination and deletion, this IS expansion may represent an early stage in the genomic reduction that is common in most ancient endosymbionts.
White Matter Development During Childhood and Adolescence: A Cross-sectional Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study

Maturation of brain white matter pathways is an important factor in cognitive, behavioral, emotional and motor development during childhood and adolescence. In this study, we investigate white matter maturation as reflected by changes in anisotropy and white matter density with age. Thirty-four children and adolescents aged 6-19 years received diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans. Among these, 30 children and adolescents also received high-resolution T1-weighed anatomical scans. A linear regression model was used to correlate fractional anisotropy (FA) values with age on a voxel-by-voxel basis. Within the regions that showed significant FA changes with age, a post hoc analysis was performed to investigate white matter density changes. With increasing age, FA values increased in prefrontal regions, in the internal capsule as well as in basal ganglia and thalamic pathways, the ventral visual pathways, and the corpus callosum. The posterior limb of the internal capsule, intrathalamic connections, and the corpus callosum showed the most significant overlaps between white matter density and FA changes with age. This study demonstrates that during childhood and adolescence, white matter anisotropy changes in brain regions that are important for attention, motor skills, cognitive ability, and memory. This typical developmental trajectory may be altered in individuals with disorders of development, cognition and behavior.
Physical Activity Practices among American Black Working Women

The purpose of this study was to investigate lifelong patterns of physical activity and processes of managing physical activity among 24 employed American Black women using ethnographic methods of intensive interviewing and participant observation. This naturalistic field study was framed by a cultural-ecological orientation focusing on understanding and describing individual/environmental transactions influencing physical activity practices. Physical activity, shaped by early family experiences and later peer group activities, was defined as routine activities of everyday life and consciously planned and practiced exercise. In adulthood, alternating periods of physical activity and sedentariness were common.
The Melt Electrospinning of Polycaprolactone (PCL) Ultrafine Fibers

Electrospinning is a technique of producing nanofibers from polymer solution/melt solely under the influence of electrostatic forces. In this research, we investigated the formation of nanofibers by melt electrospinning polycaprolactone (PCL). The effect of process parameters such as molecular weight, applied voltage, and electrode separation on the fiber diameter was investigated. Controlling the process parameters could help increase the proportion of ultrafine fibers in the melt electrospun nonwoven mat. The velocity of the straight jets was in the range of 0.2-1 m/s. The melt electrospun fibers were characterized with respect to fiber diameter, distribution, mechanical properties and birefringence. Melt electrospun polycaprolactone fibers had a diameter distribution of the order of 5 -20 μm. The birefringence of the melt electrospun fibers increased with decrease in fiber diameter.
Ethics, Law, and the Science of Fish Welfare

Fish farming is one of the fastest growing sectors of agriculture, attracting considerable attention to the question of whether existing farming regulations and animal welfare laws are adequate to deal with the expanding role of fish in feeding humans. The role of fish as model organisms in scientific research is also expanding—a majority of research biology departments now keep zebrafish for the purposes of genome biology, and they are used widely used for basic neuroscience research. However, due to their diversity and distance from mammalian biology, fish pose difficult questions for the application of legal and ethical principles of animal welfare. This paper reviews the developing legal and scientific context in which such questions must be answered.
Current-voltage analysis of band tail effects in CZTSSe through numerical simulation

Band tails in CZTSSe have been commonly attributed as the cause of the low open circuit voltages observed in many CZTSSe solar cells. Various simplified models have been proposed in literature to account for these band tail effects. However, in order to create a physically accurate numerical model for CZTSSe, it is necessary to build a more sophisticated band tail model such as those commonly used in simulation for other highly disordered materials such as a-Si. In this paper, a detailed numerical device model will be used to fit experimental data taken from multiple measurement techniques (i.e., multi-probe) to characterize the band tail distribution. The results of this model will be compared to analytical solutions derived for the band tail distribution for CZTSSe. Developing such a complete model is an important step in addressing the causes of low open circuit voltages, which limit the performance of these devices.
Bench to Bedside: From the Science to the Practice of Addiction Medicine

The current understanding of addiction is based on a biopsychosocial model of illness. From a neurobiological perspective, addiction can be seen as the hijacking of the pleasure-reward pathways of the brain with a concomitant weakening of its executive function. The fundamental model has been expanded to include newer concepts such as multiple levels of severity of illness, motivational circuitry, and anti-reward pathways. These neurobiological concepts can explain some of the successes and failures of addiction treatment in the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. Psychosocial interventions (primarily cognitive behavior therapy, mutual help groups, and motivational interviewing) and pharmacological treatments (such as agonists, antagonists, and partial agonists) form the basis of addiction treatment today.
Niedrigintensive Ultraschallbehandlung bei Frakturheilungsproblemen

Zusammenfassung Zur Beantwortung der Frage, ob niedrig intensiver Ultraschall die Frakturheilung stimuliert, wurden 3 Studien durchgefuhrt. Zum einen erfolgte eine prospektiv, randomisierte, klinische Monozenterstudie am stabilen Bruch durch die Taille des Skaphoids, die eine signifikante Beschleunigung der frischen Frakturheilung zeigte. Fur die Situation der Kallusdistraktion wurde ein Tierexperiment durchgefuhrt. Hier zeigte sich eine signifikant beschleunigte Reifung des Regenerats. Im 3. Teil der Untersuchungen konnte bei 100 Frakturheilungsstorungen (36 Pseudarthrosen und 64 verzogerte Frakturheilungen) eine 86%ige Heilungsrate durch die alleinige Behandlung mit Ultraschall erzielt werden. Die vorgestellten Untersuchungen belegen den stimulierenden Effekt von niedrig intensivem Ultraschall auf die Frakturheilung. Insbesondere in Grenzsituationen scheint uns deshalb der klinische Einsatz des Verfahrens sinnvoll.
Structural Testing of 9m Carbon Fiber Wind Turbine Research Blades

Three 9 m carbon fiber wind turbine blades have been designed through a research program initiated by Sandia National Laboratories. The individual designs feature such innovations as carbon spar caps, material-induced twist-bend coupling, and flatback airfoils, among others. All blades were constructed with conventional dry lay-up and VARTM infusion processes. Static tests of these blades were conducted at the National Wind Technology Center. The blades were subjected to flapwise loading to simulate the extreme wind loads expected for each design in a Class 2b wind site. The blades were loaded with a three-point whiffle-tree arrangement. Upon obtaining the predetermined test load, the blades were subsequently loaded to failure. Load, deflection, strain, and acoustic emissions were monitored throughout the experiments. All blades survived the specified test loads, with two designs exceeding it significantly. In addition, carbon strains of over 0.8% in both tension and compression were recorded in one of the tests. Finally, acoustic microphones were able to detect areas where damage was occurring, and indicated the beginnings of failure. This paper outlines the results of the structural tests that were conducted.
Episodic air quality impacts of plug-in electric vehicles

Abstract In this paper, the Spatially and Temporally Resolved Energy and Environment Tool (STREET) is used in conjunction with University of California Irvine – California Institute of Technology (UCI-CIT) atmospheric chemistry and transport model to assess the impact of deploying plug-in electric vehicles and integrating wind energy into the electricity grid on urban air quality. STREET is used to generate emissions profiles associated with transportation and power generation sectors for different future cases. These profiles are then used as inputs to UCI-CIT to assess the impact of each case on urban air quality. The results show an overall improvement in 8-h averaged ozone and 24-h averaged particulate matter concentrations in the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB) with localized increases in some cases. The most significant reductions occur northeast of the region where baseline concentrations are highest (up to 6 ppb decrease in 8-h-averaged ozone and 6 μg/m 3 decrease in 24-h-averaged PM 2.5 ). The results also indicate that, without integration of wind energy into the electricity grid, the temporal vehicle charging profile has very little to no effect on urban air quality. With the addition of wind energy to the grid mix, improvement in air quality is observed while charging at off-peak hours compared to the business as usual scenario.
Specialty pharmacy in the limelight.

This issue of AJHP is dedicated to the topic of specialty pharmacy and to the pharmacists who practice in specialty pharmacy settings within health systems. New innovations in pharmacy practice often closely follow pharmaceutical innovation. New drugs often present treatment challenges that must be
Celecoxib was as effective as diclofenac plus omeprazole in reducing recurrent ulcer bleeding in arthritis.

Source Citation Chan FK, Hung LC, Suen BY, et al. Celecoxib versus diclofenac and omeprazole in reducing the risk of recurrent ulcer bleeding in patients with arthritis. N Engl J Med. 2002;347:2104...
Single nucleotide polymorphism mapping array assay

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most frequent form of DNA variation present in the human genome, and millions of SNPs have been identified http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/SNP/). Because of their abundance, even spacing, and stability across the genome, SNPs have significant advantages over other genetic markers (such as restriction fragment length polymorphisms and microsatellite markers) as a basis for high-resolution whole genome allelotyping. SNP scoring is easily automated and high-density oligonucleotide arrays have recently been generated to support large-scale high throughput SNP analysis. High-density SNP allele arrays have improved significantly and it is now possible to genotype hundreds of thousands SNP markers using a single SNP array. In this chapter, we will provide a detailed experimental protocol of Affymetrix GeneChip SNP Mapping Array-based whole genome SNP genotyping assay.
Living Alternating Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization Based on Single Monomer Additions.

By judiciously modulating the ring strain and sterics, we developed a class of disubstituted cyclopropenes that selectively underwent single monomer addition in ring-opening metathesis but readily underwent alternating ring-opening metathesis polymerization with low-strain cyclic olefins in a living fashion. The substituents on cyclopropenes effectively inhibited homoaddition and prevented secondary metathesis on the polymer backbone. The resulting polymers had controllable molecular weights and end groups, very low dispersities, and high regularity in microstructure under optimized conditions. 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF MS showed a rigorously alternating sequence. Interestingly, disubstituted cyclopropenes were found to present zero-order kinetics, indicating their rapid single addition and the rate-determining ring opening of the low-strain olefin.
The effects of corn silage dry matter content and sodium bicarbonate addition on nutrient digestion and growth by lambs and calves.

One lamb and three calf trials were conducted to determine if interactions existed between the effects of dry matter (DM) content of corn silage at harvest and sodium bicarbonate supplementation on diet digestibility, nitrogen balance, rate and site of digestion and feedlot performance. Corn plants were harvested from the same field when DM content was approximately 31% (early; E) or 44% (late; L). Sodium bicarbonate (1.2% of DM intake) was added in a completely mixed ration. When lambs were offered diets ad libitum, (trial 1), intakes were greater (P less than .05) for L-silage diets, but apparent digestibilities were similar. Nitrogen balance was greater for sodium bicarbonate-supplemented diets, and was a reflection of greater (P less than .10) DM intakes for these diets. At similar diet DM intakes, N balance was greater for L-silage diets, with no effects measured due to sodium bicarbonate addition. When growing, abomasally cannulated heifers (trial 2) were offered diets 12 times per day, a significant interaction among treatments was measured for total tract and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestion. Adding bicarbonate to the E-silage diet increased (P less than .05) digestion by 9.1 percentage units (66.4 vs 75.5%) but decreased digestibility of the L-silage diet by 4.2 percentage units (73 vs 68.8%). Grams of ADF apparently digested in the rumen followed the same pattern as for total tract digestion. In trial 3, ruminal rates of liquid and particulate passage and in situ rats of NDF digestion were determined using four rumen-cannulated heifers calves.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)