cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo studies of a novel LiF radiator for RICH detectors

Abstract We show that a multifaceted LiF radiator produces more Cherenkov light and has better resolution per photon than a flat radiator slab when used in a ring imaging Cherenkov counter. Such a system is being considered for the CLEO III upgrade.
Iatrogenic rib fractures and the associated risks of mortality

Rib fractures, though typically associated with blunt trauma, can also result from complications of medical or surgical care, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The purpose of this study is to describe the demographics and outcomes of iatrogenic rib fractures. Patients with rib fractures were identified in the 2016 National Inpatient Sample. Mechanism of injury was defined as blunt traumatic rib fracture (BTRF) or iatrogenic rib fracture (IRF). IRF was identified as fractures from the following mechanisms: complications of care, drowning, suffocation, and poisoning. Differences between BTRF and IRF were compared using rank-sum test, Chi-square test, and multivariable regression. 34,644 patients were identified: 33,464 BTRF and 1180 IRF. IRF patients were older and had higher rates of many comorbid medical disorders. IRF patients were more likely to have flail chest (6.1% versus 3.1%, p < 0.001). IRF patients were more likely to have in-hospital death (20.7% versus 4.2%, p < 0.001) and longer length of hospitalization (11.8 versus 6.9 days, p < 0.001). IRF patients had higher rates of tracheostomy (30.2% versus 9.1%, p < 0.001). In a multivariable logistic regression of all rib fractures, IRF was independently associated with death (OR 3.13, p < 0.001). A propensity matched analysis of IRF and BTRF groups corroborated these findings. IRF injuries are sustained in a subset of extremely ill patients. Relative to BTRF, IRF is associated with greater mortality and other adverse outcomes. This population is understudied. The etiology of worse outcomes in IRF compared to BTRF is unclear. Further study of this population could address this disparity.
[Non-enzymatic glycosylation of proteins. Complications of diabetes mellitus, aging and kidney failure].

Non-enzymatic protein glycosylation is the first stage of the reaction described by L.C. Maillard. When the reaction progresses beyond that stage the long half-life molecules are damaged by formation of intermolecular crosslinking. The recent discovery of pentosidine, a crosslink between lysine and arginine residues, has demonstrated that advanced Maillard reaction is accelerated in diabetic patients with severe complications. Moreover, high tissue and plasma levels of pentosidine have been found in uraemia. The formation of advanced Maillard end-products (AGE) in plasma proteins constitutes a source of cell stimulation which induces macrophages to secrete cytokines, interleukin-1 and tumoral necrosis factor. Similarly, endothelial cells are induced to increase the permeability and production of the procoagulant factor. These mechanisms are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, nephropathy and thromboembolic disorders of diabetes. The discovery of beneficial effects of amino-guanidine, an inhibitor of advanced Maillard reaction, in the prevention of experimental diabetic complications opens a new line of investigation and new hopes for diabetics.
Scale: A Window onto Universal Laws of Growth, Living and Dying in Organisms, Cities and Companies

Despite its extraordinary complexity and diversity, many of Life's characteristics scale with size in a surprisingly simple fashion: time-scales from lifespans to growth-rates, and sizes from genome lengths to tree heights, scale systematically and predictably with size. Remarkably, cities and companies also exhibit systematic scaling: wages, profits, patents, crime, disease, and roads all scale in an approximately "universal" fashion across the globe. The origin of these laws, which constrain much of the organisation and dynamics of Life, will be explained and related to the underlying generic principles of the networks that sustain life ranging from circulatory systems of mammals to social networks of cities and companies. Their dynamics, which transcend history, geography and culture, have potentially dramatic implications for growth, development and global sustainability.
Global Health: It Matters Now More Than Ever

Diseases once confined to the third or developing world are now everyone's concern. Global has truly become local. Having some knowledge of and competencies in global health is not only relevant, but also essential, for every family physician.
Hip-hop Urbanism Old and New

The sustained connection between hip-hop and urban identity stems in part from the origins of hip-hop culture in post-industrial American cities during the late twentieth century. But hip-hop urbanism cannot be reduced to nostalgia or respect for previous traditions, as changing spatial demographics and the evolution of hip-hop production and consumption force a disaggregation and reconsideration of ‘urban music’. Contemporary hip-hop research in the United States must focus not only on the black and Latino communities responsible for hip-hop's genesis, but on modern-day race- and class-based power dynamics, as well as on communities and social networks that are not typically considered urban. Ethnographers are especially well-positioned to lead this field, thanks to methodological and theoretical tools that allow them to focus on smaller and emergent musical communities in flux.
Evaluating safety programs by extending the Zwicky approach

Security and safety, in a variety of situations, are related in terms of content and also share analysis methods. One such system-level method is Zwicky's morphological approach which is especially helpful when a problem area is being addressed from several perspectives. This paper reports upon the explicit mapping of general management functions against safety-related matters, leading to two tables with 65 and 70 cells, respectively. These cells represent discrete areas which may then be formally evaluated in order to assess the overall management control of a safety program. For each of the resulting 135 cells, a set of specific questions was formulated. The answers lead to a numeric score reflecting the degree to which each management function is being appropriately executed. In the aggregate, an overall measure is obtained of the extent to which the totality of management functions deal with all safety-related matters.
MDARTS: A real-time database for the control and monitoring of manufacturing systems

In this paper, we describe an object-oriented memory-based real-time database system called MDARTS (Multiprocessor Database Architecture for Real-Time Systems). MDARTS is specifically designed to support high-speed real-time applications such as next-generation manufacturing system controllers. MDARTS allows applications to specify their real-time requirements in application code, and during object initialization it attempts to guarantee that these requirements will be met. We have implemented MDARTS on Sun workstations and VME-based multiprocessors and have used our prototype to control an actual manufacturing machine. Our MDARTS prototype can guarantee transaction response times of about 100 microseconds for typical memory-based transactions on VME multiprocessors using 68030 processors.
In vivo thrombus formation

Thrombus formation, including platelet adhesion, activation, secretion and aggregation as well as tissue factor-initiated thrombin generation and fibrin formation, has been studied in the past using in vitro systems, often with isolated components. Given the complexity of hemostasis and thrombosis, many of the concepts that have been developed to explain these processes are being revisited by studying thrombus formation in live animals using intravital microscopy and genetically altered mice. Although much of the dogma that has evolved has been confirmed by in vivo studies of thrombus formation, there have also been conflicts between old concepts and new direct observations. In vivo studies of the initiation of thrombus formation, platelet accumulation and thrombin generation have provided evidence for the participation of novel proteins and identified new pathways and mechanisms.
Molecular beam laser-induced fluorescence studies of chemical reactions

Crossed molecular beam experiments that use laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy as the detector allow measurements of the internal state distribution in the products of chemical reactions studied under well-controlled single-collision conditions. This technique provides direct information on the chemical dynamics and the intermolecular potential surfaces. Application to the reactions H + NO2 → OH + NO and O(3P) + C6H12 → OH + C6H11 is discussed where the OH state distribution has been measured.
The market's perception of the riskiness of large U.S. Bank commercial letters of credit

This article improves upon the market discipline studies of commercial letters of credit (CLC) by employing two new capital market tests, in addition to traditional beta and equity risk tests. Option pricing models have been used to calculate implied asset risk. Two implied asset risk measures have been used to examine the riskiness of commercial letters of credit. The results indicate that stockholders view CLCs as reducing bank risk, and debt holders are indifferent about CLCs. A policy conclusion of these findings is that additional capital requirements of CLCs for large commercial banks may be inappropriate.
NONCASH INCOME, EQUIVALENCE SCALES, AND THE MEASUREMENT OF ECONOMIC WELL‐BEING

Little attention has been paid to the importance of consistency between the specifications of the income and the equivalence scales used in measuring economic well-being when noncash income is included in the definition of income. This article finds that inconsistency between the income and needs sides of a comparison can be important when some types of noncash income are included. An upward bias in the measured economic status of the aged when Medicare is included in income and an ordinary equivalence scale is used is presented as an example of the important effects of this consistency problem.
Integrated power characteristic study of DFIG and its frequency converter in wind power generation

Abstract A doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) is a variable speed induction machine. It is a standard, wound rotor induction machine with its stator windings directly connected to the grid and its rotor windings connected to the grid through a back-to-back AC/DC/AC PWM converter. The power generation of a DFIG includes power delivered from two paths, one from the stator to the grid and the other from the rotor, through the frequency converter, to the grid. The power production characteristics, therefore, depend not only on the induction machine but also on the two PWM converters as well as how they are controlled. This paper investigates power generation characteristics of a DFIG system through computer simulation. The specific features of the study are (1) a steady-state model of a DFIG system in d–q reference frame, (2) a simulation mechanism that reflects decoupled d–q control strategies, (3) power characteristic simulation for both generator and converter, and (4) an integrative study combining stator, rotor and converter together. An extensive analysis is conducted to examine integrated power generation characteristics of DFIG and its frequency converter under different wind and d–q control conditions so as to benefit the development of advanced DFIG control technology.
Lower serum adiponectin levels in African-American boys.

Objective: To examine adiponectin, an adipocyte-secreted hormone with anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects, in relation to race or gender in younger subjects. Research Methods and Procedures: The relationship of adiponectin, quantitated by radioimmunoassay, to anthropometric and metabolic factors (fasting insulin, glucose, and leptin) and reproductive hormones was examined in 46 healthy African Americans (25 girls/21 boys) and 40 whites (20 girls/20 boys) ranging in age from 12 to 21 years. Results: There was no statistical difference in BMI or in BMI percentile among the four groups. Sums of skinfolds, but not skinfold percentile, were significantly lower in boys than girls (p = 0.001 and p = 0.896, respectively), whereas there was no difference between racial groups. Leptin was significantly greater in girls (p = 0.0002). There was no difference in fasting serum glucose, insulin, or homeostasis model assessment score among any of the groups. There was a significant negative univariate relationship between serum adiponectin and both BMI and BMI percentile for the entire group (p = 0.006 and p = 0.005). In a multivariate model, BMI percentile (p = 0.005) and the interaction between race and gender (p = 0.026) were significant predictors of serum adiponectin. In this model, African-American boys had the lowest serum adiponectin level, 37% less than white boys, who had the highest adiponectin levels. Discussion: Serum adiponectin levels are reduced in young obese subjects (African Americans and whites) and are lower in African-American boys than white boys. A lower adiponectin level in African-American boys may predispose this group to a greater risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The syn–anti equilibrium for the COOH group reinvestigated. Theoretical conformation analysis for acetic acid in the gas phase and in solution

Abstract The B97D/aug-cc-pvtz optimized molecular geometry of the monomeric acetic acid with a syn COOH group and the degree of dimerization agree well with the experimental data. The anti COOH conformation was estimated at a relative free energy of 4.22 and 4.85 kcal/mol at the B97D/CBS and CCSD(T)/CBS (complete basis set limit) levels, respectively. The relative free energy for the anti conformer decreases by about 2 and 3 kcal/mol in infinitely dilute chloroform and water solutions, respectively, as calculated by means of the IEF-PCM continuum dielectric solvent approximation. Modeling very dilute and 0.1 M aqueous solutions in Monte Carlo simulations, the syn conformer has been predicted to be present at populations of 83% and 98%, respectively. Possible syn–anti transformation paths have been proposed by considering a neutral and a protonated acetic acid tetrahydrate complex. The syn conformer forms a stably maintained, doubly-hydrogen-bonded dimer in chloroform. In-water calculations for an about 0.2 M model are sensitive to the applied atomic charges. Ultimately, an association degree of 96% has been obtained for a dimer with one hydrogen bond.
The Unruly Text and the Rule of Literature

Arnold Weinstein advances the notion that all texts, like all bodies, are unruly, if the reader is expert enough to recognize the organic chaos. Presenting three works that explicitly deal with sick bodies---selections from Winesburg, Ohio, "The Country Doctor," and Mood Indigo---Weinstein methodically unearths elements of plot and form that undermine a superficial order, thereby revealing great chasms in the chain of signification of the works.
Long- versus short-range order in Ni3V and Pd3V alloys.

Measurements of the short-range-order (SRO) diffuse scattered intensity show peaks at the 〈11/20〉 and 〈100〉 points in ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}$V and ${\mathrm{Pd}}_{3}$V, respectively, although the stable ground state in both systems (D${0}_{22}$) is a 〈11/20〉-type structure. Mean-field theory predicts 〈11/20〉 SRO in both materials, in contradiction with experiment for ${\mathrm{Pd}}_{3}$V. The 〈100〉-type SRO in ${\mathrm{Pd}}_{3}$V has been explained previously as a non-mean-field effect. Via a combination of first-principles total-energy calculations and Monte Carlo simulated annealing, we show that non-mean-field effects are insufficient to explain the observed SRO of ${\mathrm{Pd}}_{3}$V. However, the inclusion of electronic excitations leads to a temperature dependence in the interaction energies which correctly explains both the SRO and phase stability in ${\mathrm{Pd}}_{3}$V and ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}$V.
Growth of graphene and graphite nanocrystals from a molten phase

We report on the development of a new technique for the growth of graphene and graphite nanocrystals from a metal–carbon melt. The process involves dissolving carbon inside molten nickel or copper at a specified temperature and then allowing the dissolved carbon to nucleate and grow on top of the melt at a lower temperature. The morphology of graphite forming inside nickel is shown to depend on the melt composition and cooling rate. The results indicate that the graphene layers contain a wrinkled structure due to thermal expansion coefficient mismatch between the grown layers and substrate. The graphene layers, however, preserve their continuity over these wrinkles. Although the formation of wrinkles was found not to depend on the type of metal substrate, the substrate had strong effect on the quality of grown layers. The films on copper contained quite a few defects including cracks and entrapped vacancies, whereas the films grown on nickel were pristine and defects free.
Green Chemistry in California: A Framework for Leadership in Chemicals Policy and Innovation

This article summarizes a University of California chemicals policy report commissioned by the California Legislature. The report makes the case that long-standing weaknesses in the Toxic Substance...
Magnetic studies of iron oxide nanoparticles coated with oleic acid and Pluronic® block copolymer

We have prepared and studied iron-oxide nanoparticles coated with oleic acid (OA) and Pluronic® polymer. The mean diameter of the iron-oxide nanoparticles was 9.3(±)0.8nm. Saturation magnetization values measured at 10K varied from 66.1(±0.7)emu∕gto98.7(±0.5)emu∕g. At 300K the loops showed negligible coercive field. The peaks in zero-field-cooled susceptibility decreased from 280to168K with increasing OA concentration up to 10.6wt%, and remained nearly constant for higher concentrations. This suggests that incomplete coverage of the OA allows small, interacting agglomerates to form.
Cooperative Extension Service Clientele's Beliefs About Food Chemicals

Abstract We examined Iowa Cooperative Extension Service clientele's beliefs about food chemicals in order to identify areas of misinformation, demographic characteristics of clientele who were likely to be misinformed, and common sources of nutrition information. Men and women were randomly selected (n = 1060) from Iowa Cooperative Extension Service mailing lists and asked to respond to a mailed survey of 96 statements representing popular misconceptions about food chemicals. Survey participants ranked the statements on a 99-point scale based on the strength to which they agreed or disagreed with each statement. Using factor analysis techniques, we identified five factors: food contamination by chemicals, naturally occurring vs. synthetic food chemicals, practices that enhance health, need for vitamin supplementation, and hyperactivity. Comparison of mean scores of respondents (n = 420) with mean scores of nutritionists (n = 4) revealed that the greatest difference of beliefs was in the area of hyperactivity, followed by natural vs. synthetic food chemicals, the need for vitamin supplementation, chemical contamination of food, and practices that enhance health. Women had stronger beliefs than men in all categories except practices that enhance health. Education was correlated negatively with all factor categories. Belief in factor statements was correlated most often with use of television, popular nutrition books, friends, and nutrition salespeople as sources of nutrition. Medical doctors, extension bulletins, and mass media were used most often as sources of nutrition information. Our results can be used to design educational materials about chemicals in food.
A requirement of hydrophobic and basic amino acid residues for substrate recognition by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ia.

Abstract The substrate recognition determinants of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ia were investigated by using peptide analogues based on the amino acid sequence around Ser-9 of synapsin I. The Km and Vmax for the synthetic peptide Leu-Arg-Arg-Arg-Leu-Ser-Asp-Ala-Asn-Phe are 3.9 microM and 18.5 mumol/(min.mg), respectively. Deletion of Leu at the -5 position lowers the Vmax/Km by 470-fold. The requirement for a hydrophobic residue at -5 was confirmed by the 90- to 2400-fold reduction in Vmax/Km produced by Arg, Ala, or Asp substitutions, but only 2.6-fold decrease after Phe substitution at this position. A hydrophobic residue is similarly required at the +4 position. Deletion of Phe at this position produces a 67-fold reduction, and substitution of Ala for Phe a 43-fold reduction in Vmax/Km. In contrast, substitution with Leu increases Vmax/Km by 1.8-fold. Arg at -3 is also required for recognition as shown by an approximately 240-fold decrease in Vmax/Km after Ala substitution at this position. Positions -2, -4, and +1 appear to play secondary roles in substrate recognition. Arg at -2 and -4 are positive determinants, since Ala substitution at these positions decreases Vmax/Km by 4.7- and 11-fold, respectively. Asp at +1 is a negative influence, since Ala and Leu substitutions at this position increase Vmax/Km by 2.3- and 6.3-fold, respectively. Substitution of Ala for Leu at -1 or Thr for Ser at the 0 position has little effect on phosphorylation kinetics. Thus, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ia has the minimal substrate recognition motif of Hyd-Xaa-Arg-Xaa-Xaa-(Ser*/Thr*)-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Hyd, where Hyd represents a hydrophobic amino acid residue.
Reengineering the New Product Development Process: A Framework for Innovation and Flexibility in High Technology Firms

In response to an increasingly global and competitive environment, reengineering of fundamental cross functional processes is being actively pursued by corporations. This is particularly true in those industries which evolve rapidly. The flexibility to adapt to changing market needs and develop innovative products in such an environment is quintessential to success. This would make new product development arguably one of the most critical cross functional process. Traditionally, this process has involved inefficient sequential processing of information and plans between functional specialties. We propose a conceptual framework in this paper that facilitates innovation, flexibility, and an understanding of the reengineering of this product planning process. In particular, we consider the case of high technology firms in the semiconductor and telecommunications industry, which demands a high degree of product innovation. We propose that achieving innovation and flexibility would require a considerable degree of planning and coordination through the various phases of development. This coordination is required not only across functional groups, but also across the hierarchical levels in the organization. Top level management support through a product champion, and proper interfacing with the external environment and the target market are essential components of such a planning process. The proposed framework is initially developed based on information elicited from an expert engaged in the product planning and development process at a large progressive telecommunications firm. The framework is then refined and finally presented based on feedback from five experts in the high technology electronics industry, and also evaluated in the context of prescriptive literature in the reengineering and innovation areas. The information and conceptual content of the framework presented in this paper can facilitate better planning, formation, and organization of cross-functional work teams and groups that may be involved in the product development process. Implications of the framework for strategic product planning and its impact on the manufacturing function within a firm are also discussed.
Pollen Morphology of Linum, Sect. Linastrum (Linaceae)

Abstract In the genus Linum sect. Linastrum, pollen grains interpreted as primitive are characteristic of most Old World species and species of southeastern South America and Mexico. The Old World species are more uniform but the few species of the Mediterranean region and the single species of India possess larger grains, thicker exine or more polymorphic sculpturing. In South America, pollen grains of the species of Peru and Chile are the largest, have the thickest exine and the most polymorphic exine sculpturing of any on the continent. The greatest variation is shown by the North American species. Within the Linum rigidum-complex are found the largest pollen grains of the genus with the thickest exine and the greatest number of apertures. These species are considered the most specialized in the genus with respect to their pollen morphology.
The National Ignition Facility: the world's largest optics and laser system

The National Ignition Facility, a center for the study of high energy density plasma physics and fusion energy ignition, is currently under construction at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The heart of the NIF is a frequency tripled, flashlamp-pumped Nd:glass laser system comprised of 192 independent laser beams. The laser system is capable of gen-erating output energies of 1.8MJ at 351nm and at peak powers of 500 TW in a flexible temporal pulse format. A descrip-tion of the NIF laser system and its major components is presented. We also discuss the manufacture of nearly 7500 pre-cision large optics required by the NIF including data on the manufactured optical quality vs. specification. In addition, we present results from an on-going program to improve the operational lifetime of optics exposed to high fluence in the 351-nm section of the laser.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Neighborhood racial–ethnic change and home value appreciation: evidence from Philadelphia

This research examines how changing neighborhood racial and ethnic composition affects residential property values. How the housing market responds to neighborhood racial and ethnic diversity has implications for trends in segregation as well as ethnoracial economic inequality. With data from the 1990 to 2005 time period, this study provides updated answers to an urban question posed since the mid-twentieth century: “Do property values drop when Blacks move in?” The geographical focus is the Pennsylvania Division of the Philadelphia Metropolitan Statistical Area. Home sales transactions are used to estimate property values by tract, which are used to calculate home value appreciation. A unique typology is used to categorize neighborhoods based on shifts in racial and ethnic composition. Analyses of the data indicate that predominantly White (PW) neighborhoods that experienced a large increase in the percentage of Black residents had lower levels of home value appreciation than comparable PW neighborhoods ...
Measurement of the hyperfine structure of 33S

A measurement of the hyperfine structure of a stable atomic negative ion has been made using optical probing of microwave transitions. Hyperfine-split Zeeman resonances were observed using state-selective photodetachment to probe the /sup 2/P/sub 3/2/ state of /sup 33/S/sup -/ ions which were stored in a Penning ion trap. The results for the dipole and quadrupole hyperfine constants are a = 91.49(9) MHz and b = 26.24(23) MHz. The potential for further application of the technique is discussed.
Cigarette smoke exposure greatly increases alcohol consumption in adolescent C57BL/6 mice.

Background Alcohol and tobacco are often used together, and alcoholism is much more common among smokers compared with nonsmokers. Studies in humans suggest that nicotine (an active ingredient in cigarette smoke) can increase the consumption of alcohol. Research on rats and mice demonstrated mixed results; some studies report that nicotine increases alcohol consumption, while others show a decrease in drinking. Because cigarette smoke includes many other chemicals, these also may play a significant role in alcohol consumption. For example, 2 of these other constituents, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and acetaldehyde, increase alcohol tolerance and/or alcohol consumption in rodents. This study was designed to investigate how cigarette smoke from tobacco may modify self-administration of alcohol in adolescent C57BL/6 mice, a critical time when adolescent humans begin abusing drugs. Methods C57BL/6 male mice (4 to 5 weeks old) were acclimated for 3 weeks to consume a 10% (w/v) alcohol solution during a 2-hour daily access in the dark. Subsequently, half the animals were exposed to cigarette smoke for 6 h/d for 16 days. The remaining animals (control) were placed in a smoke-free adjacent chamber. Immediately following the 6-hour period in the chambers, the control and smoke-exposed mice were given access to the 10% alcohol solution for 2 hours. Results Animals exposed to cigarette smoke for 6 h/d consumed approximately 3- to 5-fold more alcohol than the mice in the control group throughout the 16-day study. The mice in the smoke group had a blood alcohol concentration that was nearly 4-fold that of the control mice. Conclusions Cigarette smoke increases alcohol consumption several fold higher than reported studies using nicotine treatment alone in adolescent rodents. Thus, this model should be useful to determine the roles of other bioactive components in cigarette smoke that may be important in the high co-abuse of smoking and alcohol consumption.
Dynamic microwaviness measurements of supersmooth disk media used in magnetic hard disk drives

Recent technological advances in magnetic storage suggest the feasibility of extremely high-density magnetic recording up to 1 terabit per square inch (1 Tbit = 10-12 bits) areal densities. Modeling indicates that approximately 3 nanometers (nm) of physical head-disk spacing is required for such high recording densities. When the recording slider is flying at such ultra low spacing over a high-speed rotating disk, it is experiencing disturbances from various different sources and of a wide frequency range. These disturbances may cause the recording slider to vibrate significantly, a condition that is known as fly-height modulation (FHM), which may result in data loss. A significant source of excitation is from the surface irregularities of the rotating disk and is termed dynamic microwaviness. The term dynamic microwaviness has been introduced recently to differentiate from regular topographical microwaviness that is measured statically. In this paper, the procedure for making reliable dynamic microwaviness measurements of disk media used in hard disk drive (HDD) systems is described. Furthermore, such measurements are made on different magnetic disks that are intended for extremely high recording densities using non-contact laser vibrometry. The source of the dynamic microwaviness and its interaction with system dynamics are also investigated
Advanced techniques for Fourier transform wavefront reconstruction

The performance of Fourier transform (FT) reconstructors in large adaptive optics systems with Shack-Hartmann sensors and a deformable mirror is analyzed. FT methods, which are derived for point-based geometries, are adapted for use on continuous systems. Analysis and simulation show how to compensate for effects such as misalignment of the deformable mirror and wavefront sensor gain. Further filtering methods to reduce noise and improve performance are presented. These modifications can be implemented at the filtering stage, preserving the speed of FT reconstruction and providing flexibility by allowing on-the-fly filter adaptation. Simulation of a large system shows how compensated FT methods can have equivalent or better performance to slower vector-matrix-multiply methods. The best-performing FT method is the fastest to compute, has lower noise propagation and does not suffer from waffle errors.
Correlates of receiving recommended adolescent vaccines among adolescent females in North Carolina

Background. Immunization is a successful and cost-effective method for preventing disease, yet many adolescents do not receive recommended vaccines. We assessed correlates of uptake of three vaccin...
Alteration of alpha 1 Na+,K(+)-ATPase 86Rb+ influx by a single amino acid substitution

The sodium- and potassium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (Na+,K(+)-ATPase) maintains the transmembrane Na+ gradient to which is coupled all active cellular transport systems. The R and S alleles of the gene encoding the Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha 1 subunit isoform were identified in Dahl salt-resistant (DR) and Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats, respectively. Characterization of the S allele-specific Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha 1 complementary DNA identified a leucine substitution of glutamine at position 276. This mutation alters the hydropathy profile of a region in proximity to T3(Na), the trypsin-sensitive site that is only detected in the presence of Na+. This mutation causes a decrease in the rubidium-86 influx of S allele-specific sodium pumps, thus marking a domain in the Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha subunit important for K+ transport, and supporting the hypothesis of a putative role of these pumps in hypertension.
Effect of food abundance on larval lake whitefish, Coregonus clupeaformis Mitchill, growth and survival

The effect of food ration on larval lake whitefish, Coregonus clupeaformis, growth and survival was determined in the laboratory using brine shrimp as the test prey. In replicate experiments, larval whitefish were fed one of seven different rations of brine shrimp over a 25 day period. Statistically significant differences were found between larval growth and survival at each feeding level. Larvae fed to excess were 1.33 times as long and 2.80 times as heavy as those on the 1.8 zooplankton/fish (z/f) ration. No mortality was recorded until after day 15 of the experiment by which time all larvae had resorbed their yolk sac. Total mortality followed within 1 week for all feeding densities with the exception of the three highest (18 z/f, 32 z/f and excess rations) where total mortality equalled 90%, 12% and 0%, respectively.
‘Globish-lization’: a worldwide non-native English problem or a chance to evolve?

In the October issue of Trends in Microbiology, Norris [1] and Tychinin and Kamnev [2] discuss the worldwide problem of writing a scientific paper at a level that is ‘adequate’ especially for non-native English speakers. Many of us, when reviewing papers or projects of our peers, or writing our own papers, are aware of the difficulty in communicating science and the results of scientific research in a manner that is both appealing and grammatically correct. The stylistic differences between American and British English pose an additional problem for non-native English speakers when formatting or editing a paper for a journal, as well as the differences in punctuation and spelling.
Titanium and tungsten in highway runoff at Pullman, Washington

The inputs of titanium and tungsten to a 0.6 acre (2323 m2) road surface area were investigated. The selection of a viaduct at Pullman, Washington as a study area permitted the exclusion of metal input from sources other than the road surface. Dustfall and precipitation were sampled at the viaduct and at a control station. Titanium and tungsten were not detected in precipitation samples at levels of 1.0 and 15 mg/1 in the diluted sample digests, respectively. Tungsten was also not detected in dust samples. Average deposition rates for titanium in dust were found to be 43.6 mg/m2/day at the viaduct stations and 44.3 mg/m2/day at the control station. Road runoff was collected and flow was measured during three storm events. Rainfall intensity and traffic density were also monitored. The mean concentration of titanium in the road runoff was 12.7 mg/1 while tungsten varied from non‐detectable (2.5 mg/1) to 25 mg/1. A mathematical model was developed allowing estimation of metal loadings for a typical storm ev...
Product Category Pricing and Future Price Attractiveness: 99-Ending Pricing in a Memory-Based Context

Abstract Two experiments were used to examine the impact of 99-ending pricing on memory-based comparisons with a multiple product set. Results indicate that when a target is priced above/below a stimulus set, use of 99-ending prices for the highest and lowest prices in the stimulus set lessens target price attractiveness compared to when the highest and lowest prices are 00-ending. Attractiveness of targets priced within the stimulus set was not impacted by the use of 99- versus 00-ending pricing. Overall, participants appear to use an assimilation/contrast approach based upon left-digit processing in determining target price attractiveness.
Numerical solutions to an integro-differential parabolic problem arising in the pricing of financial options in a Levy market

We study the numerical solutions for an integro-differential parabolic problem modeling a process with jumps and stochastic volatility in financial mathematics. We present two general algorithms to calculate numerical solutions. The algorithms are implemented in PDE2D, a general-purpose, partial differential equation solver.
SURVIVAL AND GROWTH OF LISTERIA MONOCTYOGENES ON BEEF TISSUE SURFACES AS AFFECTED BY SIMULATED PROCESSING CONDITIONS

The numbers of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A were followed on experimentally inoculated lean and fat beef tissue handled under a variety of simulated storage conditions at 5°C, including high and low moisture storage, simulated spray chilling, and vacuum packaging. Under high moisture storage conditions, L. monocytogenes increased approximately 3 log cycles on both lean and fat tissue after 21 days. Similar growth was observed with vacuum packaged lean tissue. Under dry storage conditions, the population decreased approximately 2 logs during the first 14 to 21 days, but the counts remained constant for 42 days. Simulated spray chilling did not affect the growth or survival of L. monocytogenes on either lean or fat tissue.
Lessons from the 18 years of hyperspectral infrared sounder data

By the end of 2013 NASA and EUMETSAT will have accumulated more than 11 years of AIRS, 6 years of IASI and one year of CrIS data. All three instruments were nominally specified to support the NWC for short term weather forecasting with a five year lifetime, but continue to exceed the accuracy requirement needed for weather forecasting alone. This allows use of their data for a much broader range of applications, including the calibration of broad-band instruments in space and climate research. We illustrate calibration aspects with examples from AIRS, IASI and CrIS using spatially uniform clear conditions, simultaneous nadir overpasses and random nadir samples. The differences between AIRS, IASI and CrIS for the purpose of weather forecasting are small and we expect that the excellent forecast impact demonstrated by the combination of AIRS and IASI will be continued by the combination of CrIS and IASI. Clear data are useful for calibration, but contain no climate signal. The analysis of random nadir samples from AIRS and CrIS identifies larger biases for observation of extreme conditions, represented by 1% and 99%tile data than for non-extreme observations. This is relevant for climate analysis. Resolution of these differences require further work, since they can complicate the continuation of trends established by AIRS with CrIS data, at least for extrema. The unequaled stability of the AIRS data allows us to evaluate trends using random nadir sampled data. We see an increasing frequency in severe storms over land, a decreasing frequency over ocean. The 11 years of AIRS data are too short to tell if these trends are significant from a climate change viewpoint, or if they are parts of multi-decadal oscillations.
AWARE@home: A Case Study in Technological Design to Promote Environmental Conservation in the American Home

Abstract This paper describes an inexpensive technology called AWARE@home that was designed for households to receive information regarding their utility consumption patterns through at-home wireless networks. Utility information devices have been proposed or developed in the past but to the authors' knowledge this is the first to be: 1) designed specifically for homeowners to facilitate choices regarding consumption 2) built on existing home wireless “WiFi” networks and 3) developed with retrofit sensors that do not require meter replacement. Given that AWARE@home is designed to empower consumers to save money and conserve resources, the technology was selected as a winner of the inaugural EPA P3 competition in 2005. The system is designed for minimal effort by consumers: first, a service professional installs the AWARE@home retrofit device onto the existing meters in a process that takes approximately 30 minutes. Then the consumer receives a startup kit that includes a CD and, if needed, a USB wireless ...
Virtual photon cross sections for two-body electrodisintegration

Abstract Two-body electrodisintegration cross sections (differential with respect to the angles of the ejected nuclear fragment) are developed in the long wavelength limit of virtual photon theory for the few-nucleon system. Only the non-spin-flip electric transitions are considered. Contributions from the multipole expansion through the E1–E3 interference terms are retained. Comparable photodisintegration expressions are included to facilitate the extraction of photo cross sections from appropriate inelastic electron scattering data.
Gulf Related Illness - Current Perspectives

In the years after Operation Desert Storm and Operation Granby, some 4-8% of veterans of the conflict began to report symptoms of illness. Common complaints included fatigue, impaired cognition, joint pain, sleep disturbances, and chest pains. Between 1992 and 1994 in the USA, and later in the UK, governments set up medical assessment programmes to define the scope of the problem in qualitative and quantitative terms. Initial efforts moved to extensive epidemiological assessment and a search for causative mechanisms of what became termed "Gulf War Syndrome". Eventually significant sums of money were invested in medical and investigative research in an attempt to relate symptoms to causes. This paper presents the historical background and context to the problem of Gulf and war related illnesses, summarises the findings of relevant epidemiological studies and discusses some of the hypotheses that have been generated to explain the clusters of symptoms reported by veterans. Finally, the current UK research programme and its underlying rationale is presented. The aim is to provide an overview of the current position and assist in the interpretation of a diagnostically difficult area.
Bubble break-up in gas—liquid bioreactors: Break-up in turbulent flows

Abstract The breakage of gas bubbles in a turbulent flow field is explored. Break-up was found to occur by a dumbbell elongation of the bubble. The elongational
Valve stiction modeling: First-principles vs data-drive approaches

In the past decade, both physical and data-driven models have been developed to investigate the valve stiction behavior. In this work, we compare different data-driven models against a well established physical model. The comparison is carried out in several aspects, including model assumptions, valve signatures generated by the models, and closed-loop behavior when valve models are included in a closed-loop system. A new semi-physical model is proposed based on a thorough analysis of the physical model and its effectiveness in simulating valve stiction is demonstrated.
Low Histologic Grade Follicular Lymphoma With High Proliferation Index: Morphologic and Clinical Features

Histologic grading has been used as a guide for clinical management in follicular lymphoma (FL). Proliferation index (PI) of FL generally correlates with tumor grade; however, in cases of discordance, it is not clear whether histologic grade or PI correlates with clinical aggressiveness. To objectively evaluate these cases, we determined PI by Ki-67 immunostaining in 142 cases of FL (48 grade 1, 71 grade 2, and 23 grade 3). A total of 24 cases FL with low histologic grade but high PI (LG-HPI) were identified, a frequency of 18%. On histologic examination, LG-HPI FL often exhibited blastoid features. Patients with LG-HPI FL had inferior disease-specific survival but a higher 5-year disease-free rate than low-grade FL with concordantly low PI (LG-LPI). However, transformation to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was uncommon in LG-HPI cases (1 of 19; 5%) as compared with LG-LPI cases (27 of 74; 36%). In conclusion, LG-HPI FL appears to be a subgroup of FL with clinical behavior more akin to grade 3 FL. We propose that these LG-HPI FL cases should be classified separately from cases of low histologic grade FL with concordantly low PI.
Static Spin Temperature Experiments and the Approach to Thermal Equilibrium in the Rotating Reference Frame

Nuclear magnetic resonance experiments were performed which further verify Redfield's assumption that, for large rf fields ${H}_{1}(\ensuremath{\nu})$, a nuclear spin system is properly described by a spin temperature in a reference frame rotating about the Zeeman field with frequency $\ensuremath{\nu}$. As with similar experiments recently performed by Slichter and Holton, the interpretation of our results does not require any assumption about the spin-lattice relaxation mechanism. The measurements were made on the ${\mathrm{Na}}^{23}$ spins in NaCl and the ${\mathrm{F}}^{19}$ spins in Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$. In both materials the agreement between experiment and theory was very good. From the sodium chloride results it is concluded that quadrupole interactions, caused by strains and imperfections, produce an unobservably small increase in the local field ${H}_{l}$, in the crystals used.Also studied was the rate at which the ${\mathrm{Na}}^{23}$ spin system in NaCl approaches thermal equilibrium in the rotating frame. In these experiments the magnetization ${M}_{z}$ was measured as a function of the duration of a saturating pulse of amplitude $2{H}_{1}(\ensuremath{\nu})$. The measurements were made over a time interval which was much shorter than the spin-lattice relaxation time. Our results provide quantitative verification of a recent calculation by Provotorov, who has shown that when ${H}_{1}\ensuremath{\ll}{H}_{l}$, ${M}_{z}({\ensuremath{\tau}}_{a})$ approaches its equilibrium value (in the rotating frame) at a rate determined by a master equation. The master equation derived by Provotorov is in disagreement with the predictions of elementary perturbation theory except when the frequency of the rf field is equal to the Larmor frequency (or when ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{a}$ is very short).
Distribution in strength of the particle anisotropies in a ferromagnetic aggregate

Abstract A particle anisotropy distribution in a ferromagnetic aggregate is explored via the effects of transverse magnetic fields ( H ) on a remanent magnetization ( M R ) previously established. Pertinent to this unconventional property, we have extended the Stoner–Wohlfarth model for a ferromagnetic aggregate of single-domain particles with randomly oriented anisotropy axes. If all the particle anisotropies are identical in strength, it is predicted that the magnetization normal to H stays nearly constant at M R as H is raised up to a critical value and then drops very rapidly as H is raised further. Deviations from this sharp behavior can be readily interpreted in terms of a spread in the size of the particle anisotropies. Thus, from experimental data on a commercial magnetic-memory material, it is deduced that the anisotropy spread is nonzero but fairly narrow. However, the narrowness of this deduced effect may result in part from interparticle exchange coupling, which is ignored in the model.