cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of the resistance across incompressible strips through imaging of charge motion

Using charge-accumulation imaging, we measure the charge flow across an incompressible strip and follow its evolution with magnetic field. The strip runs parallel to the edge of a gate deposited on the sample and forms atpositions where an exact number of integer Landau levels is filled. An RC model of charging fits the data well and enables us to determine the resistance across the strip. Surprisingly, we find that the strip becomes more resistive as its width decreases.
Thoughts on Rental Housing and Rental Housing Assistance

The United States has long exhibited enthusiasm for homeownership. The converse of this is that it has tended to neglect rental housing. This article seeks to do the following: (1) explain why rental housing is desirable; (2) lay out the policies that favor owneroccupied housing; (3) discuss current subsidy programs for rental housing, with particular emphasis on programs that are not simply legacies of past policy; and (4) examine how these programs might be improved or reformed. It argues that in a second-best world of restrictive zoning and preferences for ownership, rental subsidies may be justified on both equity and efficiency grounds.
Involvement of protein phosphorylation in the induction of appressorium formation in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides by its host surface wax and ethylene

Abstract Avocado surface wax and the ripening hormone ethylene induce conidial germination and appressorium formation in the avocado pathogen, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides . Both the host surface wax and ethylene induced phosphorylation of mainly 29 kDa and 43 kDa proteins and enhanced phosphorylation of proteins at 18 kDa. Protein kinase inhibitors H-7 and genistein inhibited ethylene-induced appressorium formation and phosphorylation of the proteins. However, wax-induced appressorium formation and protein phosphorylation were hardly affected by H-7. In yeast extract that allows spore germination, calyculin A, a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatases, induced appressorium formation and phosphorylation of the same 29 and 43 kDa proteins as did ethylene and avocado wax. Calyculin A also caused abnormal differentiation such as the formation of an additional appressorium directly from the initial appressorium and at higher concentrations the formation of unusual structures. These results indicate that protein phosphorylation may be involved in the induction of appressorium formation by the two host signals.
How to Define and Calculate the Degree of Spin Polarization in Ferromagnets

Different ways to define and calculate the degree of spin polarization in a ferromagnet are discussed, particularly with respect to spin-polarized tunneling and Andreev reflection at the boundary between superconductor and ferromagnet. As an example, the degree of spin polarization for different experiments in Fe and Ni is calculated in the framework of the local spin density approximation and used to illustrate the differences between various definitions of spin polarization.
Characterization and functional analysis of mouse invariant natural T (iNKT) cells.

Invariant natural T (iNKT) cells are innate lymphocytes that recognize CD1d-restricted lipid antigens and have immunoregulatory properties. Human and mouse CD1d-restricted glycolipid antigen(s) and the iNKT cell functions they elicit are highly conserved, whereby, making the mouse an excellent animal model for understanding iNKT cell biology in vivo. This unit describes basic methods for the characterization and quantification (see Basic Protocol 1) and functional analysis of murine iNKT cells in vivo or in vitro (see Basic Protocols 2, 3, and 4). This unit also contains protocols that describe enrichment of iNKT cells (see Support Protocol 1), generation of CD1d-tetramer (see Support Protocol 2), and lipid antigen loading on cell-bound (see Support Protocol 3) or soluble (see Support Protocol 4) CD1d. Keywords: murine iNKT cells; NK T cells; CD1d; CD1d-tetramers; lipid antigens; self antigens; innate immunity; immune regulation; cytokines; T cells
Tantalum oxide-supported metal oxide (Re2O7, CrO3, MoO3, WO3, V2O5, and Nb2O5) catalysts: synthesis, Raman characterization and chemically probed by methanol oxidation

Abstract The molecular structures and reactivity of tantalum oxide-supported metal oxide (V 2 O 5 , Nb 2 O 5 , CrO 3 , MoO 3 , WO 3 , and Re 2 O 7 ) catalysts were determined by Raman spectroscopy and the methanol oxidation chemical probe reaction, respectively. The metal oxides form a two-dimensional surface metal oxide overlayer on the tantalum oxide support. Under ambient conditions, the hydrated surface metal oxide species possesses structures similar to the corresponding metal oxide ionic species present in acidic solutions (ReO 4 − , Cr 2 O 7 2− , Mo 8 O 26 4− , HW 12 O 42 10− , V 10 O 28 6− , and Nb 2 O 5 · n H 2 O). Under dehydrated conditions, only one surface ReO x species is present on the tantalum oxide support. For CrO 3 , MoO 3 , WO 3 , V 2 O 5 , and Nb 2 O 5 supported on tantalum oxide, two dehydrated surface metal oxide species may be present: isolated and/or polymerized species. During methanol oxidation, the surface vanadium, chromium, and rhenium oxide sites on the tantalum oxide support behave as surface redox sites, while the surface tungsten and niobium oxide sites on the tantalum oxide support are surface acidic sites. The surface molybdenum oxide sites on tantalum oxide possess both acidic and redox characteristics. No surface basic sites were found on any of the tantalum oxide-supported metal oxide catalysts. The relative redox activity and selectivity of the various tantalum oxide-supported metal oxides reflect the catalytic properties of the pure metal oxides.
Diagnostic development of a diode laser based LIF instrument for velocity space diffusion measurements in quiescent and chaotic low temperature thermionic discharge plasmas

Summary form only given, as follows. A diagnostic for velocity space diffusion of Ar II ions is being developed using a diode laser based instrument, rather than the conventional dye laser system. The test bed for diffusion measurements is a low temperature thermionic Ar discharge plasma (10/sup 7/<n/sub e/<10/sup 10/ cm/sup -3/, 1<T/sub e/<3 eV) in which a low current mode is studied for its chaotic properties. The general program of this research is to look for the link between degree of chaos, or Lyapunov exponents, and diffusion. A single beam method for obtaining velocity space diffusion coefficients suitable for laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) schemes accessible to diode lasers (e.g. 3d/sup 4/F/sub 7/2//spl rarr/4p/sup 4/D/sub 5/2//sup 0/ in Ar II at 668.61 nm) is explored.
Characterization of amniotic fluid lamellar bodies by resistive-pulse counting: relationship to measures of fetal lung maturity

Resistive-pulse counting studies of amniotic fluid lamellar bodies are presented and demonstrate a strong concordance with the predictions of accepted measures of fetal lung maturity. Uncentrifuged as well as centrifuged specimens could be evaluated, because cells and debris are rejected electronically. The technique is not affected by bilirubin or debris of lysed whole blood, and only mildly by meconium. Lamellar body number density and mean lamellar body volume were determined for 161 uncentrifuged and 241 centrifuged specimens. Number density maturity criteria (40,000/microL and 26,000/microL, respectively) were shown to be highly concordant with established measures of fetal lung maturity; mean lamellar body volume did not extend this concordance. Since electronic cell counters are generally available 24 h per day and the approach requires neither centrifugation nor subjective interpretation and is rapid and inexpensive, it is proposed that determining lamellar body number density by resistive-pulse counting may be a useful initial screen for the assessment of fetal lung maturity.
Anomalous relationship of the facial nerve and the retromandibular vein: A case report

A major challenge encountered in surgery of the parotid gland is the identification and protection of the facial nerve. Successful removal of a parotid neoplasm with the oncologically appropriate preservation of the facial nerve requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the facial nerve. Although the course of the facial nerve is relatively constant within the parotid gland, surgeons must be familiar with possible anatomic variations that place the facial nerve at higher risk during parotid surgery. A case with such anatomic variation is presented, with a review of the literature on anatomic anomalies of the extracranial facial nerve.
Privacy-preserving horizontally partitioned linear programs

We propose a simple privacy-preserving reformulation of a linear program whose equality constraint matrix is partitioned into groups of rows. Each group of matrix rows and its corresponding right hand side vector are owned by a distinct private entity that is unwilling to share or make public its row group or right hand side vector. By multiplying each privately held constraint group by an appropriately generated and privately held random matrix, the original linear program is transformed into an equivalent one that does not reveal any of the privately held data or make it public. The solution vector of the transformed secure linear program is publicly generated and is available to all entities.
The Poems of Thomas Kennedy of Maryland

A Presbyterian emigrant from Scotland, Thomas Kennedy (1776-1832) became a prominent legislator in Maryland, known for his strong advocacy for civil and political rights in America, especially for Jewish people.Â He is a rather obscure figure in the history of American literature, but Mehlman makes a case for his poetry in which his strong convictions are displayed.
Technical modifications for robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

Purpose: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) is gaining acceptance as a standard of care for the repair of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, with results comparable to those of open repair. Howev...
Spatial Sampling Strategies for Mapping a Volcanic Ground Water Plume in Sierra Valey, California

Accurately mapping a region’s ground water quality depends upon the spatial sampling strategies employed, including where and how often field data are collected. This study compares the relative values of three field sampling strategies for mapping a known migrating plume of volcanic ground water in Sierra Valley, California. The first strategy sampled wells once each year during 1957, 1972, and 1980 (n=63, 45, and 57, respectively) and portrayed spatial–temporal changes in ground water quality more clearly on maps than did two alternative sampling strategies. One of these alternatives, Strategy 2, sampled one well per township per year during 1957, 1972, and 1980 (n=11) and did not detect the migrating plume, despite being a recommended strategy. The other alternative, Strategy 3, frequently sampled in time a small, fixed group of indicator wells (n=13) every four years for the same period, again producing maps with little correlation to the original pattern detected by Strategy 1.
Autoantibody activation of beta-adrenergic and muscarinic receptors contributes to an "autoimmune" orthostatic hypotension.

Background Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is characterized by an abnormal autonomic response to upright posture. Activating autoantibodies to β1/2-adrenergic (AAβ1/2AR) and M2/3 muscarinic receptors (AAM2/3R) produce vasodilative changes in the vasculature that may contribute to OH.
THE DERMATOLOGIST'S BAEDEKER: Preparation for Medical Assistance Missions

The extrinsic demands of a medical practice often divert physicians from the part of the profession that can be most rewarding: to serve populations that are truly in need. For most physicians, however, a career in such service is unrealistic, but an occasional and temporary sojourn on a medical assistance mission serves many needs, both humanitarian and personal. Military physicians, particularly military dermatologists, are frequently called upon to participate in assistance missions in developing nations. To my delight (and my wife's consternation), I have travelled widely as an Army physician. It was on these trips that the idea for writing this guide occurred to me. Official instructions and packing lists were usually inadequate because of omissions and irrelevancies. On my various assistance projects (in east Asia, the Middle East, central Africa, the Caribbean, and throughout the Pacific basin), I maintained a log of useful items that mission participants, from the military or from nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), brought along. This article will help a dermatologist (or any physician) prepare for a short-term (several days to several months) field mission in a developing country. It will serve as a guide for preparing oneself, personally and professionally, for the practical and philosophical aspects of humanitarian assistance. My goal is to enable a physician to participate in an outreach mission with the military or with an NGO, in a safe, comfortable, healthy, productive, and enjoyable manner. This article is not a definitive guide but it is the first one prepared for dermatologists, hence Baedeker in the title. Baedeker's guides were the first comprehensive and practical travel guides published, from which all other travel guides are descended. This article will not tell you how to plan a relief mission nor how to lead one, and it is not designed to address the unique needs of disaster response. The article is laden with my own observations and opinions and so it has inherent limitations. I would appreciate contributions and criticism so that a more thorough guide might emerge in a few years. There are some assumptions made in this article that one travels with a sense of adventure and inquiry and there is a bias toward a rural tropical destination. I have tried to reduce bias toward military missions and toward Americans so that this will truly serve as a Baedeker for all who volunteer for an assistance mission.
The fluorescent karyotype of the tachnid fly Voria ruralis Fallén (Diptera).

Aufgrund des Fluoreszenzbandenmusters konnen die einzelnen Chromosomen der parasitischen FliegeVoria ruralis identifiziert und unterschieden werden. Die diploide Chromosomenzahl betragt 12, und die Geschlechtschromosomen sind vorwiegend heterochromatisch. Nach der Fluoreszenzfarbung mit Quinacimmustard wurden ein Bandenpolymorphismus eines Chromosomenpaares und morphologische Abweichungen desX-Chromosoms in 8 von 9 Weibchen beobachtet.
Effects of U-75875, a peptidomimetic inhibitor of retroviral proteases, on simian immunodeficiency virus infection in rhesus monkeys.

U-75875 inhibits human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) proteases and blocks Gag-Pol protein processing and viral maturation and replication in vitro. Rhesus monkeys were treated with vehicle alone or with formulated U-75875 at doses of 7 or 20 mg/kg of body weight per day for 26 days by continuous intravenous infusion beginning 6 h prior to intravenous inoculation with 10 monkey 50% infectious doses of SIV Delta B670, and the monkeys were monitored until death. The effects of treatment on the level of SIV p26 antigenemia, the infectious virus titer in serum, and the level of proviral DNA in blood mononuclear cells evaluated by PCR were assessed. SIV infection of the controls resulted in an initial viral antigenemia that began 5 to 10 days postinoculation (p.i.), reached peak values on days 10 to 14 p.i., and lasted for more than 15 days. Proviral DNA was detectable in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by 7 to 11 days p.i., reached the mean peak level by 11 days p.i., and remained at high levels through day 24 p.i. Infectious virus was detected in serum from all of the infected controls by 24 days p.i. Treatment with U-75875 for 26 days resulted in a dose-related delay in the day of the peak level of antigenemia (P = 0.034). The level of proviral DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells at 11 days p.i. was significantly decreased in a dose-related fashion in the treated monkeys ( P </- 0.048), with a delay in the attainment of the peak level of proviral DNA in the treated groups. The titer of infectious virus in the serum of the group treated with 20 mg/kg/day was significantly decreased on day 24 p.i. compared with that in the serum of controls ( P = 0.046). Treatment with formulated U-75875 was well tolerated in rhesus monkeys and resulted in an inhibitory effect of SIV in vivo.
Distribution of immune cells in the female reproductive tract in uninfected and FIV infected cats

Abstract Cell-free and cell-associated FIV effectively cross the mucosa of the feline female reproductive tract. To identify possible cellular targets of FIV and to characterize changes in mucosal immunity after infection, we examined the types and numbers of immune cells residing in the reproductive tracts of control and intravaginally FIV-infected cats. Sections of the vestibule, vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries, were examined by immunohistochemistry for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, CD22+ B lymphocytes, CD1a+ dendritic cells, and CD14+ macrophages. The reproductive tract of uninfected cats contained substantial numbers of CD8+ T lymphocytes, CD4+ T lymphocytes and macrophages, as well as moderate numbers of CD1a+ dendritic cells, and few B lymphocytes. The most prominent change between FIV− and FIV+ cats was a marked decrease in the concentration of CD4+ T lymphocytes resulting in inverted CD4+:CD8+ ratios throughout the reproductive tract of infected cats. There was also a trend towards increasing numbers of CD1a+ dendritic cells in the intravaginally-infected FIV+ cats, and decreasing numbers of macrophages and CD22+ B lymphocytes. This study indicates that similar to the peripheral immune system, FIV infection is associated with CD4+ cell loss and reduced CD4+:CD8+ ratios in the female reproductive mucosal tissue.
On-the-fly data integration models for biological databases

The web is a universal repository of information where there is an excellent opportunity to exploit the integration of online biological resources for knowledge discovery. A major challenge is to support the effective flow of information among the sources and services on the web and their interconnection with legacy systems that are designed to operate with traditional relational databases. To address this problem, a possible strategy is to combine information from disparate data sources and display it in a single integrated framework to the user without having to populate local databases. This is called online or on-the-fly data integration. BioXBase is a user-centric biological query system which extracts user requested query information over internet from multiple biological sources and organizes a wide variety of information into a homogeneous unified view to the user after data is cleaned, processed and integrated. BioXBase system has improved the results retrieved approximately by 30% compared to a system that has only a local database. The BioXBase system is further enhanced by 20% while combining the results of both BioMap (a local database) and BioXBase (on the fly system), making the results more significant in biological domain. The results were validated by statistical methods such as precision, recall and power-law degree distribution analysis.
Physiology and pathophysiology of cortico-basal ganglia-thalamocortical loops: Theoretical and practical aspects

A new theoretical framework is used to analyze functions and pathophysiological processes of cortico-basal ganglia-thalamocortical loops and to demonstrate the hierarchical relationships between various loops. All hierarchical levels are built according to the same functional principle: Each loop is a neural optimal control system (NOCS) and includes a model of object behavior and an error distribution system. The latter includes dopaminergic neurons and is necessary to tune the model to a controlled object (CO). The regularities of pathophysiological processes in NOCSs are analyzed. Mechanisms of current functional neurosurgical procedures like lesioning and deep brain stimulation (DBS) of various basal ganglia structures and neurotransplantation are described based on proposed theoretical ideas. Parkinson's disease (PD) is used to exemplify clinical applications of the proposed theory. Within the proposed theoretical framework, PD must be considered as a disease of the error distribution system. The proposed theoretical views have broad fundamental and clinical applications.
An investigation of the role of plasma conditions on the deposition rate of electrochromic vanadium oxide thin films

Abstract Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) has been used to form amorphous vanadium oxide thin films from mixtures of VOCl 3 , O 2 , and H 2 . The deposition rate was examined as a function of PECVD operating conditions. Growth rates were found to be first order in VOCl 3 , and independent of both O 2 and H 2 . High quality vanadium oxide films were also deposited without the use of hydrogen. Rates were observed to increase with rf power, and decrease with operating pressure. Maximum rates were an order of magnitude greater than typically observed with physical vapor deposition techniques. Optical transmission and electrochemical analysis were used to quantify the electrochromic response. After initial cycling films demonstrated high transparency across the visible, and the optical band gap increased with lithium intercalation. Lithium ion diffusion coefficients approached 10 −11 cm 2 /s, approximately an order of magnitude higher than literature values.
Social and economic indicators of well-being among hemophiliacs over a 5-year period.

Abstract The psychosocial characteristics of a 1983 population of hemophiliacs were described and compared to the 1978 patient population from the same hemophilia center to document any improvements that newer medical treatment and social programming were expected to bring and to compare the 1983 population of hemophiliacs to the general population. Findings included a reduction in the use of pain medication, an increase in the number of 18–35 year olds in school, and a decrease in the proportion of unemployed to employed workers. This updated profile will be helpful for professionals who are planning comprehensive programs for hemophiliacs, including those who have tested seropositive for AIDS.
Deciphering the nature of dark matter

The history of physics can be seen as the gradual discovery of structures invisible to the human eye and the instruments of the time. These structures are often hinted at first by indirect evidence, and new instrumentation has to be invented to fully establish their existence and to study their properties. The search for the dark matter in the universe represents an archetypal case study of such a process. It took nearly 60 years from the first evidence (Zwicki, 1933) for astronomers to reach a consensus that there is a dark component which dominates gravity but cannot be seen, as it neither emits nor absorbs light. The debate has now shifted to one about its nature, in particular whether dark matter is made of ordinary baryonic matter or whether new nonbaryonic components play a significant role. A number of innovative attempts to decipher this nature have been launched. The searches for baryonic forms of dark matter, including the evidence for massive halo compact objects (MACHOs), and for nonbaryonic forms are reviewed. The numerous attempts to detect weakly interactive, massive particles (WIMPs) are presented as an example of the novel instruments necessary to make progress in this new field of astrophysics. Because of space constraints, references are limited to recent reviews or representative works in each of the areas.
Evidence for differential localization of two binding sites for l-[3H]glutamate in rat fascia dentata

Two binding sites for l-[3H]glutamate were tentatively localized in rat fascia dentata by determining the effects of selective lesions on specific binding. Both destruction of dentate granule cells with colchicine and ablation of the ipsilateral entorhinal cortex markedly reduced radioligand binding to a quisqualate-sensitive site (GLU A), but only the entorhinal lesion significantly reduced binding to a site that is less sensitive to quisqualate (GLU B). These results suggest that GLU A binding sites are localized mainly on the dentate granule cells, whereas GLU B binding sites are localized, in part, on the perforant path fibers, but not on granule cells.
Limited Resection for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Observed Local Control With Implantation of I-125 Brachytherapy Seeds

Background. Limited resection for lung cancer has been associated with a relatively high incidence of local recurrence. This retrospective study evaluates the impact of implanting radioactive iodine-125 ( 125 I) seeds along the resection margin in these patients. Methods. Thirty-three patients with lung cancer who were not candidates for lobectomy or pneumonectomy underwent a limited resection of 35 primary non–small cell lung cancers. 125 I brachytherapy seeds were implanted along the resection margin to reduce the risk of local recurrence. Survival using the Kaplan-Meier method and sites of recurrence were documented. Follow-up ranged from 20 to 98 months (median, 51 months). Results. The 5-year survival was 47% for all patients. For patients with T1N0 tumors, it was 67%, and for patients with T2N0 tumors, it was 39%. However, the cancer-specific survivals were 77% and 53% for patients with T1N0 and T2N0 tumors, respectfully. Ten patients experienced recurrence, with two local (at the resection margin) and six regional recurrences (five mediastinum, one chest wall). Both local recurrences and one regional recurrence occurred in the 19 patients with T1N0 tumors. Conclusions. 125 I seed implantation along the resected
Development of CAMPOUT and its further applications to planetary rover operations: a multirobot control architecture

In this paper, we describe an architecture for the development of autonomy software for multi-robot distributed control and collective estimation. CAMPOUT, the Control Architecture for Multi-Robot Planetary OUTposts, provides communication facilities for sharing of state information across robots and it uses a behavior network for representation and execution of group activities as well as the activities of a single robot. In our research, we have shown that CAMPOUT provides a level of abstraction that enables us to develop multi-robot software in a manner much similar to what we use for single robot software development. We showcase the main architectural components by describing two multi-robot tasks for planetary construction and collective cliff-descent. For both tasks, we show how behavior networks can be used to describe group activities and how publish/subscribe and other communication mechanisms can be used to share state information across multiple robots.
Thermal radiation properties of plasma-sprayed Gd2Zr2O7 thermal barrier coatings

The reflectance and transmittance spectra of plasma-sprayed Gd2Zr2O7 coatings were measured and the absorption and scattering coefficient as a function of wavelength were extracted using the four-flux model. Results showed that Gd2Zr2O7 is a high scattering, low absorption material at the wavelength
Thermal and fluid processes of a thin melt zone during femtosecond laser ablation of glass

Microfluidic channels on borosilicate glass are machined using femtosecond lasers. The morphology of the ablated surface is studied using scanning microscopy. The results show micron scale features inside the channels. The formation mechanism of these features is investigated by additional experiments accompanied by a theoretical analysis of the thermal and fluid processes involved in the ultrafast laser ablation process. These studies indicate the existence of a very thin melting zone on glass and suggest that the surface morphology is formed by the plasma pressure-driven fluid motion of the melting zone during the ablation process.
The effects of preference for information on consumers' online health information search behavior.

Background: Preference for information is a personality trait that affects people’s tendency to seek information in health-related situations. Prior studies have focused primarily on investigating its impact on patient-provider communication and on the implications for designing information interventions that prepare patients for medical procedures. Few studies have examined its impact on general consumers’ interactions with Web-based search engines for health information or the implications for designing more effective health information search systems. Objective: This study intends to fill this gap by investigating the impact of preference for information on the search behavior of general consumers seeking health information, their perceptions of search tasks (representing information needs), and user experience with search systems. Methods: Forty general consumers who had previously searched for health information online participated in the study in our usability lab. Preference for information was measured using Miller’s Monitor-Blunter Style Scale (MBSS) and the Krantz Health Opinion Survey-Information Scale (KHOS-I). Each participant completed four simulated health information search tasks: two look-up (fact-finding) and two exploratory. Their behaviors while interacting with the search systems were automatically logged and ratings of their perceptions of tasks and user experience with the systems were collected using Likert-scale questionnaires. Results: The MBSS showed low reliability with the participants (Monitoring subscale: Cronbach alpha=.53; Blunting subscale: Cronbach alpha=.35). Thus, no further analyses were performed based on the scale. KHOS-I had sufficient reliability (Cronbach alpha=.77). Participants were classified into low- and high-preference groups based on their KHOS-I scores. The high-preference group submitted significantly shorter queries when completing the look-up tasks ( P =.02). The high-preference group made a significantly higher percentage of parallel movements in query reformulation than did the low-preference group ( P =.04), whereas the low-preference group made a significantly higher percentage of new concept movements than the high-preference group when completing the exploratory tasks ( P =.01). The high-preference group found the exploratory tasks to be significantly more difficult ( P =.05) and the systems to be less useful ( P =.04) than did the low-preference group. Conclusions: Preference for information has an impact on the search behavior of general consumers seeking health information. Those with a high preference were more likely to use more general queries when searching for specific factual information and to develop more complex mental representations of health concerns of an exploratory nature and try different combinations of concepts to explore these concerns. High-preference users were also more demanding on the system. Health information search systems should be tailored to fit individuals’ information preferences. [J Med Internet Res 2013;15(11):e234]
Numerical Collision Efficiencies for Small Raindrops Colliding with Micron Size Particles

Abstract Numerical calculations were carried out to determine collision efficiencies for small raindrops with micron size particles based on a numerical description of the axisymmetric steady-state flow about a rigid sphere for drop Reynolds numbers of 1, 10, 20, 100, 200 and 400. The particle was assumed to move with a Stokes-Cunningham resistance to motion in the unperturbed flow of the drop. The results-for drop radii 40 ≲ A ≲ 600 µm and particle radii a ≳ 1 µm, as long as a/A ≲ 0.1, are intermediate to previously calculated collision efficiencies for the potential and viscous flow limits but do not follow the Langmuir interpolation formula. Comparison with experimental results shows good agreement when electric forces are unimportant. A new interpolation scheme is presented for the present results as well as the potential flow case for larger rain-drops which may be evaluated either graphically or by computer for a range of atmospheric conditions of 800–1100 mb and 0–30C.
A two-step ion exchange route to the new metastable double-layered perovskite, (Rb,Na)1−xCax/2LaNb2O7 (x ≈ 0.9)

Abstract A new metastable double-layered perovskite, Rb 0.04 Na 0.08 Ca 0.44 LaNb 2 O 7 , has been synthesized by a two-step ion exchange route. Initially, RbLaNb 2 O 7 is reacted to produce the known metastable phase NaLaNb 2 O 7 ; then this is exchanged with calcium to yield the title compound. The product has neither the RbLaNb 2 O 7 nor NaLaNb 2 O 7 structure types, but converts to a superstructure of KLaNb 2 O 7 with an orthorhombic unit cell: a = 3.885(1), b = 7.725(2), and c = 20.884(4) A. Direct calcium exchange of RbLaNb 2 O 7 results in poorly crystalline products with only 31% exchange, while exchange with KLaNb 2 O 7 shows little evidence of reaction. The importance of size matching in divalent-for-monovalent cation exchange is discussed.
A mutation in KIR3DS1 that results in truncation and lack of cell surface expression

The KIR gene cluster exhibits a high degree of polymorphism in terms of gene content as well as allelic polymorphism, and data suggest that it is evolving rapidly. The KIR3DL1 locus is one of the most polymorphic loci within this cluster and is unique in that it encodes an activating receptor KIR3DS1, as well as multiple inhibitory KIR3DL1 allotypes. Because KIR3DS1 has been implicated in a number of diseases, we tested for the presence of KIR3DS1 variants that might affect its expression and activating capacity. Preliminary FACS analysis indicated that indeed some individuals with the KIR3DS1 allele showed no cell surface expression of the molecule. Sequencing analysis identified a variant with a complex deletion/substitution mutation in exon 4 (which encodes the D1 extracellular domain), resulting in a premature stop codon. We subsequently genotyped 3,960 unrelated individuals and determined the frequencies of this allele across geographically distinct world populations. The data indicate that the null KIR3DS1 allele is uncommon, arose on a single haplotype, and spread across geographically distinct populations.
Accelerating parallel agent-based epidemiological simulations

Background: Simulations play a central role in epidemiological analysis and design of prophylactic measures. Spatially explicit, agent-based models provide temporo-geospatial information that cannot be obtained from traditional equation-based and individual-based epidemic models. Since, simulation of large agent-based models is time consuming, optimistically synchronized parallel simulation holds considerable promise to significantly decrease simulation execution times.Problem: Realizing efficient and scalable optimistic parallel simulations on modern distributed memory supercomputers is a challenge due to the spatially-explicit nature of agent-based models. Specifically, conceptual movement of agents results in large number of inter-process messages which significantly increase synchronization overheads and degrades overall performance.Proposed solution: To reduce inter-process messages, this paper proposes and experimentally evaluates two approaches involving single and multiple active-proxy agents. The Single Active Proxy (SAP) approach essentially accomplishes logical process migration (without any support from underlying simulation kernel) reflecting conceptual movement of the agents. The Multiple Active Proxy (MAP) approach improves upon SAP by utilizing multiple agents at boundaries between processes to further reduce inter-process messages thereby improving scalability and performance. The experiments conducted using a range of models indicate that SAP provides 200% improvement over the base case and MAP provides 15% to 25% improvement over SAP depending on the model.
Estimation of the Lower and Upper Developmental Threshold Temperatures and Duration of the Nymphal Stages of the Meadow Spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius

The upper and lower thresholds for nymphal development of the meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius (L.), were estimated using a coefficient of variation (C.V.) technique. The combination (upper and lower threshold) with the lowest C. V. were accepted as the theoretical developmental thresholds. These values were 2.8°C for the lower threshold and 26.7°C for the upper. Heat unit (HU) calculations based on these thresholds were used to estimate the duration of various nymphal stages. Once hatching began, an accumulation of 670 HU (°C) resulted in 50% adult emergence. The lengths of the nymphal stages were 225, 190, 190, 190, and 290 HU for the 1st through 5th nymphal stages, respectively. The nymphal density in the field during the period following final hatch to 1st adult emergence was found to adequately fit the Poisson distribution.
A distribution function estimator for the difference of order statistics from two independent samples

For two independent populations X and Y we develop the empirical distribution function estimator for the difference of order statistics of the form X(i)−Y(j). The key practical application for this estimator pertains to inference between quantiles from two independent populations.
A computational method for quasi-static fracture

A direct method for solving quasi-static, mixed-mode fracture problems is presented. The element-free Galerkin method is used in order to allow for crack growth without remeshing. An expression for the normalized, critical traction is derived in terms of the fracture resistance (R-curve) and a crack-dependent function. Sample problems demonstrate the capability of this method to accurately compute the post-peak equilibrium paths for structures with growing cracks.
Nuclear Matrix Association: Switching to the Invasive Cytotrophoblast

Abstract Abnormal trophoblast invasion is associated with the most common and most severe complications of human pregnancy. The biology of invasion, as well as the etiology of abnormal invasion remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the transcriptome of the HTR-8/SVneo human cytotrophoblast cell line which displays well characterized invasive and non-invasive behavior, and to correlate the activity of the transcriptome with nuclear matrix attachment and cell phenotype. Comparison of the invasive to non-invasive HTR transcriptomes was unremarkable. In contrast, comparison of the MARs on chromosomes 14–18 revealed an increased number of MARs associated with the invasive phenotype. These attachment areas were more likely to be associated with silent rather than actively transcribed genes. This study supports the view that nuclear matrix attachment may play an important role in cytotrophoblast invasion by ensuring specific silencing that facilitates invasion.
Instability of flat disks with respect to the formation of twisted ribbons in smectic-A* monolayers.

Smectic-$A$${}^{*}$ monolayers self-assembled from aqueous solutions of chiral $\mathit{fd}$ viruses and a polymer depletant can assume a variety of shapes such as flat disks and twisted ribbons. A first order phase transition from a flat disk to a ribbon occurs upon lowering the concentration of polymer depletant or the temperature. A theoretical model based on the de Gennes model for the smectic-$A$ phase, the Helfrich model of membrane elasticity, and a simple edge energy has been previously used to calculate the disk-ribbon phase diagram. In this paper we apply this model to the nucleation process of ribbons. First, we study the ``rippled disks'' that have been observed as precursors of ribbons. Using a model shape proposed by Meyer which includes rippling in both the in-plane and out-of-plane directions, we study the energetics of the disks as functions of the edge energy modulus (a measure of the polymer concentration) and the mean curvature modulus $k$. We find that as the edge energy modulus is reduced the radial size of the ripples grows rapidly in agreement with experimental observations. For small enough $k$ we find that the out-of-plane size of the ripples grows but its value saturates at a fraction of the twist penetration depth, too small to be experimentally observable. For large $k$ the membrane remains flat though rippled in the radial direction. Such membranes do not have negative Gaussian curvature and thus will not likely spawn twisted ribbons. We also study the creation of twisted ribbons produced by stretching the edge of a flat membrane in a localized region. In experiments using a pair of optical traps it has been observed that once the membrane has been sufficiently stretched a ribbon forms on the stretched edge. We study this process theoretically using a free energy consisting of the Helfrich and edge energies alone. We add a small ribbonlike perturbation to the protrusion produced by stretching and determine whether it is energetically favorable as a function of the size of the protrusion. In qualitative agreement with experiment we find a nonzero value for the critical size of the protrusion needed to make a ribbon energetically favorable, though the value we find is an order of magnitude lower than the experimental value possibly due to our neglect of the director field. As in the case of the rippled disks we find that the mean curvature energy acts as a barrier between the disk and twisted ribbon structures.
Introduction to Semi-Custom Integrated Circuits

Several manufacturers have in stock processed silicon wafers for analog and digital circuits which can be customized by one or more layers of metallization to interconnect devices to produce application specific I.C.'s (ASIC). The new CAE/CAD tools make it easy to design functional circuits and run full timing and performance simulation before committing to hardware. ASIC's are cost effective for just one particle physics detector.
Thin-layer electrochemistry: use of twin working electrodes for the study of chemical kinetics

Abstract The steady-state currents attainable with twin electrode thin-layer electrochemistry offer a novel approach for the study of chemical kinetic processes. Expressions are presented- relating the chemical rate constant to the steady-state current, and the upper limit of pseudo-first-order rate constant measurable by the technique estimated to be 5·102 sec−1. A number of electrode materials suitable for use as twin working electrodes are listed, as well as the major limitations on the technique imposed by electrode design. Application of the technique to the study of bimolecular reactions between substances electrogenerated at opposing electrodes is discussed.
Spatial and temporal patterns of endocrine active chemicals in small streams indicate differential exposure to aquatic organisms

Alkylphenolic chemicals (APCs) and hormones were measured six times from February through October 2007 in three Minnesota streams receiving wastewater to identify spatial and temporal patterns in concentrations and in estrogen equivalency. Fish were collected once during the study to evaluate endpoints indicative of endocrine disruption. The most commonly detected APCs were 4-tert-octylphenol and 4-nonylphenol and the most commonly detected hormones were estrone and androstenedione. Chemical concentrations were greatest for nonylphenol ethoxycarboxylates (NPECs) (5,000-140,000 ng/l), followed by 4-nonlylphenol and 4-nonylphenolethoxylates (50-880 ng/l), 4-tert-octylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenolethoxylates with concentrations as great as 130 ng/l, and hormones (0.1-54 ng/l). Patterns in chemicals and estrogen equivalency indicated that wastewater effluent is a pathway of APCs and hormones to downstream locations in this study. However, upstream contributions can be equally or more important indicating alternative sources. This study indicates that aquatic organisms experience both spatially and temporally variable exposures in the number of compounds, total concentrations, and estrogenicity. This variability was evident in fish collected from the three rivers as no clear upstream to downstream pattern of endocrine disruption endpoints emerged.
Predicting distal femur bone strength in a murine model of tumor osteolysis.

Predicting pathologic fractures of long bones caused by metastatic disease continues to be a challenging clinical problem. We assessed the ability of noninvasive imaging and computational techniques to predict the strength of bones with osteolytic lesions. A murine model of induced tumor osteolysis to the distal femur was used as a model system resulting in a wide range of lesion sizes. Microcomputed tomography scans were obtained and specimen-specific, voxel-based, finite element analyses were performed and results were compared with direct measurement of biomechanical strength via axial compressive loading of the distal femur. Additional indirect surrogates of bone strength included dual-energy xray absorptiometry to determine bone mineral density, radiographic scoring, and computed tomography volume/mineral estimates. Predicted bone strength was weakest (r2 = 0.55) for the dual-energy xray absorptiometry measure and strongest (r2 = 0.91) for the direct computed tomography voxel-based, finite element analysis. The relative success of the voxel-based, finite element modeling approach to estimate bone strength in a murine osteolytic tumor model indicates this approach, with further development and validation, could serve as a way to nondestructively estimate bone strength in a clinical setting.
On-Die Interconnect and Other Challenges for Chip-Level Multi-Processing

There is increasing interest in chip-level multi-processing, and in this talk I will discuss some the motivations, and some of the challenges in designing such chips. A key component is the on-die interconnect, and we will look at this along with some thoughts on core design, cache architecture, memory bandwidth, power management, error handling, and system scaling.
0.7-eV GaInAs Junction for a GaInP/GaAs/GaInAs(1eV)/GaInAs(0.7eV) Four-Junction Solar Cell

We discuss recent developments in III-V multijunction solar cells, focusing on adding a fourth junction to the Ga0.5In0.5 P/GaAs/Ga0.75In0.25As inverted three-junction cell. This cell, grown inverted on GaAs so that the lattice-mismatched Ga0.75In0.25As third junction is the last one grown, has demonstrated 38% efficiency, and 40% is likely in the near future. To achieve still further gains, a lower-bandgap GaxIn1-xAs fourth junction could be added to the three-junction structure for a four-junction cell whose efficiency could exceed 45% under concentration. Here, we present the initial development of the GaxIn1-xAs fourth junction. Junctions of various bandgaps ranging from 0.88 to 0.73 eV were grown, in order to study the effect of the different amounts of lattice mismatch. At a bandgap of 0.88 eV, junctions were obtained with very encouraging ~80% quantum efficiency, 57% fill factor, and 0.36 eV open-circuit voltage. The device performance degrades with decreasing bandgap (i.e., increasing lattice mismatch). We model the four-junction device efficiency vs. fourth junction bandgap to show that an 0.7-eV fourth-junction bandgap, while optimal if it could be achieved in practice, is not necessary; an 0.9-eV bandgap would still permit significant gains in multijunction cell efficiency while being easier to achieve than the lower-bandgap junction