cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fatal left ventricular perforation during mitral balloon valvoplasty

Percutaneous balloon dilation of left-sided cardiac valves is being performed with increasing frequency. We describe and document the mechanism of injury of left ventricular perforation during mitral balloon valvoplasty. Despite a technically successful surgical repair with hemodynamic restoration, the patient was brain dead. We emphasize (1) the risk and the potentially catastrophic nature of left ventricular perforation during mitral balloon valvoplasty and (2) the need for surgical standby and rapid operative decompression for this complication.
On the general contact problem of an inflated nonlinear plane membrane

Abstract The nonaxisymmetric contact problem between an inflated membrane and a rigid indentor is considered. The membrane is assumed to be an initially thin plane sheet. The shape and the boundary of the contact region and the configuration of the deformed membrane under both inflation and indentation are found by employing the minimum potential energy principle subjected to an inequality constraint condition. A slack variable that converts the inequality constraint to an equality constraint condition is introduced. The coordinate functions that describe the deformed configurations of the membrane are assumed to be represented by a series of geometric admissible functions with unknown coefficients. The unknown coefficients that minimize the total potential energy are determined by Fletcher and Powell's[1] iterative descent method for finding the minimum of a function of multivariables.
Effect of acute and chronic anticonvulsant administration on endogenous γ-hydroxybutyrate in rat brain

Abstract The effect of acute and chronic administration of ethosuximide, trimethadione, sodium valproate, clonazepam, phenobarbital, and diazepam on brain concentrations of γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) was determined by gas-liquid chromatography. The dose and time to sacrifice for each drug was determined by testing for effectiveness against GHB-induced absence seizures in the rat using an automated frequency analysis for quantitation of the electrocorticogram. Acute administration of ethosuximide, trimethadione, and sodium valproate, produced an increase in whole brain GHB. Ethosuximide, trimethadione, and phenobarbital given chronically produced a decrease in whole brain GHB. All changes took place in subcortex and cerebellum. Acute ethosuximide treatment produced a greater increase in GHB concentration at higher doses. The acute changes with the drugs coincided with the onset of anticonvulsant effect, but were short-lived and, in the case of ethosuximide and trimethadione, followed by a significant depression in GHB concentrations. The anti-petit mal action of these anticon-vulsants may be related to their effect on GHB in brain.
Chemical characterization of coatings by analytical techniques sensitive to the surface and near-surface

Abstract Analytical techniques sensitive to the surface and near-surface are useful in determining the composition of coatings which are thin and which contain elements of low atomic number. The surface-sensitive techniques of Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ion scattering spectrometry and secondary ion mass spectrometry and the near-surface-sensitive techniques of Rutherford backscattering, nuclear reaction analysis and ion-induced X-rays are described in this review. The principles of these techniques are discussed and the techniques are compared on the basis of elemental analysis (sensitivity, resolution, ditection limits and quantification), chemical state determination, depth distribution, lateral resolution, sample requirements and sample alterations. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed for each technique as an aid to determining which technique is most suitable for a given problem.
Characterization of steroid sulfatase in the MC3T3-E1 mouse pre-osteoblastic cell line.

Abstract Regulation of bone density is partly dependent upon steroid hormones, with estrogens playing an important role. Inactive conjugated estrogens may serve as precursors to active estrogens, especially in post-menopausal women, via steroid sulfatase, which converts conjugated estrogens into unconjugated estrogens. The purpose of this study was to characterize steroid sulfatase in the MC3T3-E1 mouse pre-osteoblastic cell line. Enzyme conversion assays were performed on whole MC3T3-E1 cells in culture and on microsomes prepared by differential centrifugation. 3 H-E 1 S and 3 H-DHEAS were used as tracers, and radioinert E 1 S and DHEAS were used as substrate. Whole cells and microsomes exhibited steroid sulfatase activity, which was blocked by the specific inhibitor estrone-3-O-sulfamate (EMATE). The K m of steroid sulfatase in microsomes averaged 83 μM when using E 1 S as substrate and 64 μM when using DHEAS. Western blotting of MC3T3-E1 microsomes for steroid sulfatase was performed, after SDS–PAGE, using an antibody generated against a peptide based on a conserved region of steroid sulfatase. Western blotting revealed three bands of cross-reactivity, ranging from 50 to 79 kDa. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), using specific primers, resulted in a single cDNA band of the expected size (100 bp) and sequence, indicating the presence of steroid sulfatase mRNA. Growth assays revealed that the MC3T3-E1 cells were stimulated by estradiol-17β, and also by estrone sulfate and DHEAS, revealing that the cells can use steroid sulfatase to produce active estrogens. Furthermore, growth of these cells in the presence of estradiol, estrone and estrone sulfate was inhibited by the estrogen receptor blocker ICI 182,780, indicating that stimulation of cell growth is mediated by the estrogen receptor. In our studies, four lines of evidence (enzyme activity, immunoassay, RT-PCR and growth assays) demonstrated the presence of steroid sulfatase in mouse MC3T3-E1 bone cells. The existence of steroid sulfatase in these pre-osteoblastic cells, along with the ability of sulfated steroids to promote their growth, suggest the possibility that this enzyme is involved in regulation of bone density in mice.
A fast method to determine the nose frequency and minimum group delay of a whistler when the causative spheric is unknown

Abstract Using Bernard'S (1973) approximation of the ducted whistlers, a fast and simple method is developed for the determination of whistler nose frequency (fn) and travel time at the nose (tn) when both the nose frequency and the causative spheric are not directly identifiable on whistler spectrograms. This method requires measurements of time delays at only three frequencies with respect to an arbitrary time origin, and the formulas for fn and tn involve only simple algebraic functions. The error for fn is comparable to the error made in measuring fn visually in the case of nose whistlers, and a value of Δ t n t n of order 5 per cent or less is achievable.
Modeling elastic properties and assessing uncertainty of fracture parameters in the Middle Bakken Siltstone

A statistical rock-physics technique, based on well data that provides estimates and associated uncertainty of fracture density in the Middle Bakken Siltstone, is presented. Geologic and hydrocarbon-charging history of the Middle Bakken indicate multiple sets of fractures that justify treating this unit as elastically isotropic. The generalized n-phase self-consistent model relates the elastic properties to composition, matrix porosity, and fracture porosity, where an assigned aspect ratio and volumetric fraction corresponds to each input. The modeling of bulk density as a function of total porosity supplies deterministic estimates of the composition. Analysis of in situ stress and pore-stiffness calculations provide a range of fracture aspect ratios, corresponding to open fractures. Stochastic simulation of fracture porosity initiates the statistical nature of the technique. This treatment of fracture porosity enables the rock-physics model to be treated statistically through multiple realizations. Model...
Meiotic behavior of a tiny fragment chromosome that carries a transposed centromere.

A supernumerary, tiny chromosome with a transposed centromere, in an apparently normal maize background, was observed through meiotic stages from pachytene through anaphase II. Departures from normal meiotic chromosome behavior were noted for this tiny chromosome. These included failure of the usual degree of condensation at pachytene, failure of synapsis, and most strikingly the ability of sister centromeres to interact with the spindle on schedule with the normal dyads at anaphase I, so that monads were commonly distributed to the poles for telophase I and then often lagged at anaphase II. Possible significance of the unusual behavior is discussed. Key words: meiosis, fragment, centromere.
EPR of Mn2+ doped single crystals of Ni(NH42) (SO4)2 · 6 H2O and NiSO4 · 7 H2O

X-band EPR measurements are reported on single crystals of Ni(NH4)2(SO4)2 · 6 H2O and NiSO4n · 7 H2O doped by Mn2+ ions at various temperatures. The absolute sings of the spin Hamiltonia parameters are determined from liquid helium temperature data. A study is made of the variation of linewidths with temperature, as well as with the magnitude of the static magnetic field. The spin Hamiltonian parameters are evaluated rigorously from a simultaneous fitting of the data obtained for several orientations of the static magnetic field, using the method of least-squares fitting and numerical diagonalization of the spin Hamiltonian matrix appropriate to electronnuclear spin coupled systems. On decrit les resultats de mesures de RPE en bande × sur des mono-cristaux de Ni(NH4)2 (SO4)2 · 6 H2O et de NiSO4 · 7 H2O dopes par Mn2+ a differentes temperatures. Les signes absolus des parametres de l'Hamiltonian de spin sont determines a partir des donnees obtenues a la temperature de l'helium liquide. La variation des largeurs de raies avec la temperature ainsi qu'avec le champ magnetique a ete etudiee. Les parametres de l'Hamiltonian de spin sont evalues rigoureusement par adjustement simultane des donnees obtenues pour plusieurs orientations du champ magnetique, en utilisant la methode des moindres carres et la diagonalisation appropriee de la matrice de l'Hamiltonian de spin pour le systeme couple de spins nucleaire et electronique.
Mixture-Forced Flame Transfer Function Measurements and Mechanisms in a Single-Nozzle Combustor at Elevated Pressure

The mixture-forced flame transfer function of a lean fully premixed single-nozzle research combustor operating on natural gas is determined experimentally at combustor pressures from 1 to 4 atm. Measurements are made over a range of inlet temperatures (100–300°C), mean velocities (25–35 m/s), and equivalence ratios (0.5–0.75). A rotating siren device, located upstream of the nozzle, is used to modulate the flow rate of the premixed fuel-air mixture. The amplitude and phase of the resultant velocity fluctuation are measured near the exit of the nozzle using the two-microphone method. The measured normalized velocity fluctuation serves as the input to the flame transfer function. In this study, the amplitude of the normalized velocity fluctuation is fixed at 5% and the modulation frequency is varied from 100 to 500 Hz. The output of the flame transfer function is the normalized global heat release fluctuation, which is measured using a photomultiplier tube and interference filter which captures the CH* chemiluminescence from the entire flame. In addition, two-dimensional CH* chemiluminescence images are taken for both forced and unforced flames. Forced flame images are phase-synchronized with the velocity fluctuation. The flame transfer functions for all of the operating conditions tested exhibit similar behavior. At low frequencies, the gain is initially greater than one, but then decreases as the frequency increases. After reaching a minimum, the gain increases with increasing frequency to a second peak and then again decreases. At certain operating conditions, the gain exhibits a second minimum. At frequencies corresponding to the minima in gain the phase curve exhibits inflection points. Regions of maximum and minimum gain are explained in terms of the constructive and destructive interference of vorticity fluctuations generated in the inner and outer shear layers. Phase-synchronized images are analyzed to isolate the fluctuating component of heat release. At frequencies where the gain is amplified, this analysis shows that the heat release fluctuations caused by the vorticity fluctuations generated in the inner and outer shear layers are in phase. While when the gain is at its minimum value, the heat release fluctuations are out of phase and therefore destructively interfere.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Multimethod Analysis of Three Measures of Six Common Personality Traits

Summary Three measures of each of six traits (locus of control (I-E), extraversion, neuroticism, cultural estrangement, social desirability, and guilt) were administered to 43 male and 57 female college students. Multimethod analysis of the resulting multitrait-multimethod matrix revealed eight traits, although informal examination of the matrix revealed only weak evidence for convergent and discriminant validity. The results were interpreted as supporting the construct validity of most of the measures but indicating the multifactorial nature of the I-E scale.
Anemia and the transition of nomadic hunter-gatherers to a sedentary life-style: Follow-up study of a Kalahari community

Iron profiles of communities of hunter-gatherers and former hunter-gatherers conducted between 1969 and 1987 at Dobe in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana exhibited pronounced differences during periods of rapid culture change. The loss of good health and particularly the increase in anemia through time was attributed to notable changes in diet, although changes in mobility patterns were considered a secondary cause. In 1988 and 1989, studies were conducted at Kutse, also in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana, to ascertain the frequency of anemia at a recently sedentary community in which residents still relied primarily on wild animals for meat. Although not identical, the hematological presentation in 1989 was similar to that in 1988. The studies together suggest that our findings characterize the pattern of health and disease at Kutse, which is unrelated to any specific year or to diet. Additional measures of disease, specifically ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and oral temperatures, support an interpretation of anemia of chronic disease as the cause of hypoferremia at Kutse. Morbidity is high, in spite of adequate diets, because the residents are transitional from a nomadic to a sedentary lifestyle and from a relatively dispersed to an aggregated settlement pattern. These changes have introduced new health problems.
Clinical results of mitral valve repair by reconstructing artificial chordae tendineae in children

Abstract Objective: There are an increasing number of reports concerning mitral valve repair by reconstructing the chordae tendineae with the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sutures in adults. However, little information is available about application or results of this technique in children. Methods : Between January 1995 and December 1997, 16 children who had from moderate to severe mitral regurgitation mainly as the result of a prolapse of the anterior leaflet (age range, 5 months–12.8 years) underwent mitral valve repair by reconstruction of artificial chordae. Either unilateral or bilateral Kay-Reed annuloplasty was also performed to correct annular dilatation in all patients. Results: No operative death or morbidity was observed. Before discharge, immediate postoperative echocardiography showed less than trivial mitral regurgitation in all patients. The follow-up was complete in all cases by a clinical examination and serial echocardiograms, and the median follow-up period was 14.8 months (range, 1.3-26.4 months). There were no valve-related events during the entire follow-up period. The degree of mitral regurgitation, estimated by echocardiography performed at recent follow-up period, was none in 5 patients, trivial in 10 patients, and mild in 1 patient. The diastolic and systolic dimensions of the left ventricle decreased and were 95.0% and 96.2% of the normal values, respectively. Conclusions: Although further investigations and long-term results are still called for, mitral valve repair by reconstruction of the artificial chordae was found to be safe and effective even in infants and children. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;118:94-8)
Jurors' Use of Judges' Instructions Conceptual and Methodological Issues for Simulated Jury Studies

Findings from studies of jurors' use of judges' instructions have been equivocal. This article examines conceptual and methodological features of these studies that may have contributed to their inconsistent results. Past research has focused exclusively on jurors' cognitive “rule-following” and consequently may have neglected to consider social dimensions of “rule-use.” Many studies have failed to include a group deliberation; these studies generally report that jurors are not responsive to judges' instructions. This article suggests that group deliberation may provide the occasion for jurors' use of judges' instructions as instrumental resources for accounting and persuasive purposes in the production of a group verdict. Conversational data from transcribed mock deliberations is presented to support this contention and the research implications for this model of instrumental rule-use are discussed.
Alae nasi activation in preterm infants during oral feeding.

Preterm infants may demonstrate impaired ventilation during oral feeding with resultant hypoxemia and hypercarbia. This study was designed to determine whether infants activate a representative upper airway muscle, the ala nasi, in response to these ventilatory changes. Ten preterm infants (postconceptional age at study 35 f 4 wk, weight 2.2 f 0.1 kg) were studied during a control period, continuous feeding, subsequent intermit- tent feeding, and a period of nonnutritive sucking. Nasal airflow was measured with a pneumotachometer to quan- tify minute ventilation. The alae nasi electromyogram (EMGAN) was recorded with surface electrodes, and suck- ing pressure was detected by a catheter in the feeding nipple. End-tidal COz and OZ saturation were also recorded during each period. The percentage of breaths associated with EMGAN activity increased from 41 f 13% during the control period to 95 f 5% and 93 f 7% during continuous and intermittent sucking, respectively (p < 0.05). Eighty- seven +. 5% of EMGAN activity occurred during inspiration. During continuous and intermittent sucking, the amplitude of EMGAN activity also increased (6.8 f 5.2 and 6.7 f 4.0 arbitrary unitslbreath, respectively) compared with the control period (2.4 f 2.8 unitslbreath, p < 0.05). In asso- ciation with the increase in EMGAN activity, Oz saturation fell from 98 f 1% in the control period to 95 +. 1% during both continuous and intermittent feeding (p < 0.05), and minute ventilation fell from 274 2 80 mL/min/kg during the control period to 190 f 81 and 208 f 57 mL/min/kg during continuous and intermittent feeding, respectively (p < 0.05). We conclude that the preterm infant is able to activate the alae nasi while feeding. We speculate that activation of the upper airway muscles may contribute to reduction in upper airway resistance during feeding. (Pediatr Res 32: 679-682,1992) Abbreviations
Expectation maximization and total variation-based model for computed tomography reconstruction from undersampled data

Computerized tomography (CT) plays an important role in medical imaging, especially for diagnosis and therapy. However, higher radiation dose from CT will result in increasing of radiation exposure in the population. Therefore, the reduction of radiation from CT is an essential issue. Expectation maximization (EM) is an iterative method used for CT image reconstruction that maximizes the likelihood function under Poisson noise assumption. Total variation regularization is a technique used frequently in image restoration to preserve edges, given the assumption that most images are piecewise constant. Here, we propose a method combining expectation maximization and total variation regularization, called EM+TV. This method can reconstruct a better image using fewer views in the computed tomography setting, thus reducing the overall dose of radiation. The numerical results in two and three dimensions show the efficiency of the proposed EM+TV method by comparison with those obtained by filtered back projection (FBP) or by EM only.
Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isoform 2 activity stimulated by speeding up the rate of dissociation of ADP.

Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 2 (PDK2) activity is stimulated by NADH and NADH plus acetyl-CoA via the reduction and reductive acetylation of the lipoyl groups of the dihydrolipoyl acetyltransferase (E2) component. Elevated K + and Cl - were needed for significant stimulation. Stimulation substantially increased both k c a t and the K m for ATP; the fractional stimulation increased with the level of ATP. With an E2 structure lacking the pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1) binding domain, stimulation of PDK2 was retained, the K m for El decreased, and the equilibrium dissociation constant for ATP increased but remained much lower than the K m for ATP. Stimulation of PDK2 activity greatly reduced the fraction of bound ADP. These results fit an ordered reaction mechanism with ATP binding before E1 and stimulation increasing the rate of dissociation of ADP. Conversion of all of the lipoyl groups in the E2 60mer to the oxidized form (E2 o x ) greatly reduced k c a t and the K m of PDK2 for ATP. Retention over an extended period of time of a low portion of reduced lipoyl groups maintains E2 in a state that supported much higher PDK 2 activity than short-term (5 min) reduction of a large portion of lipoyl groups of E2 o x , but reduction of E2 o x produced a larger fold stimulation. Reduction and to a greater extent reductive acetylation increased PDK2 binding to E2; conversion to E2 o x did not significantly hinder binding. We suggest that passing even limited reducing equivalents among lipoyl groups maintains E2 lipoyl domains in a conformation that aids kinase function.
High-resolution burn imaging in pig skin by photoacoustic microscopy

Existing noninvasive imaging modalities fail to provide high-resolution depth-resolved imaging of skin burns in large depths. Hence, the measurement of burn depth, especially for partial-thickness burn, remains inaccurate. We used photoacoustic microscopy to measure the depth of acute thermal burns by imaging the microvasculature damage. In this work, partial-thickness burns were induced in vivo on pig skin. Limited by the flexibility of the photoacoustic scanning system, photoacoustic images of the burns were acquired after skin excision. Experimental results show that burn depth increases with longer heating duration. The maximum imaged burn depth measures ∼1.7 mm with a depth resolution of 15 mm.
A multichannel multi-encoding transmission scheme for wireless video streaming

The wireless industry has seen a surge of interest in upcoming broadband wireless access (BWA) networks like WiMAX that are based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). These wireless access technologies have several key features such as centralized scheduling, fine-grained allocation of transmission slots, adaptation of the modulation and coding schemes (MCS) to the SNR variations of the wireless channel, flexible and connection oriented MAC layer as well as QoS awareness and differentiation for applications. As a result, such architectures provide new opportunities for cross-layer optimization, particularly for applications that can tolerate some bit errors. In this paper, we describe a multi-channel video streaming protocol for video streaming over such networks. In addition, we propose a new combined channel coding and proportional share allocation scheme for multicast video distribution based upon a video's popularity. Our results show that we can more efficiently allocate network bandwidth while providing high quality video to the application.
Adsorption of SO2 on sewage sludge-derived materials.

Sewage sludge-derived materials carbonized at tem peratures between 400 and 950 °C were used for adsorption of sulfur dioxide from dry and moist air. The materials were characterized using sorption of nitrogen and thermal analysis. The sulfur dioxide capacity was measured according to a laboratory-developed breakthrough test. It was found that the capacity of the adsorbents increases with increasing temperature of carbonization. It is likely that during carbonization at high temperatures such catalytic metals as calcium become active. They play a significant role in the SO2 removal process by neutralization of sulfuric acid formed as a result of oxidation of sulfur dioxide in wet conditions. Besides sulfuric acid, various sulfur-containing salts are formed. It was shown that, after their removal using water washing, the SO2 capacity significantly decreased.
Biological breakdown of RDX in slurry reactors proceeds with multiple kinetically distinguishable paths

Biotransformation of RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) in slurry reactors was studied to determine the importance of supplementation of known biodegraders and the type of nutrient source required. Although addition of bacteria to the system increased the biotransformation rates, the increase may not justify the additional work and cost needed to grow the organisms in a laboratory and mix them into the soil. An inexpensive, rich nutrient source, corn steep liquor, was shown to provide sufficient nutrients to allow for the cometabolic biotransformation of RDX. The rate of RDX transformation was not constant throughout the course of the experiment due to the heterogeneous microbial population. Three kinetically distinct phases were observed. Regardless of the process, RDX biotransformation in slurry reactors was reaction rate limited under the test conditions. Model simulations based on experimental results demonstrate that, at cell densities of 5 g/L, bioremediation of RDX-contaminated soil is an attractive clean-up alternative.
Gallbladder perforation: risk factors and outcome.

Background Gallbladder perforation is difficult to diagnose and is associated with significant morbidity. This study investigates factors affecting outcome in patients with gallbladder perforation over two decades. Materials and methods From 1982 to 2002 data from patients undergoing cholecystectomy at one institution were prospectively collected. Patients treated for gallbladder perforation and gangrenous cholecystitis were identified and outcomes were compared. The χ 2 test, Student’s t -test, and Mann–Whitney rank sum test were used for statistical analysis. Results Two hundred eight of 11,360 patients who underwent cholecystectomy were diagnosed with gangrenous cholecystitis and 30 were diagnosed with gallbladder perforation. The perforation was contained in 9 and free in 21 patients. The diagnosis of gallbladder perforation was made preoperatively in 3% of patients. Men outnumbered women and Hispanics outnumbered Caucasians. Compared to patients with gangrenous cholecystitis, patients with gallbladder perforation presented at an older age (53 versus 60 years; P versus 50%; P versus 37%; P versus 33%; P versus 13 days; P P Conclusions Gallbladder perforation is a rare complication of cholelithiasis that occurs more often in men, Hispanics, and older patients. It is rarely diagnosed preoperatively. Late operative intervention is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, number of ICU admissions, and long postoperative hospital stays. An early cholecystectomy strategy may lead to improved outcomes but may be difficult to implement and may not be cost-effective.
State space based dual-rate self-tuning

Abstract A state space based dual-rate self-tuning algorithm is proposed for the case where the output sampling rate is slower than the input update rate. A state space innovation model suitable for dual-rate self-tuning control is derived. The parameters of the innovation model together with the states are estimated by a recursive prediction error estimator. The control strategy has been based on a pole restriction principle. Simulation studies are presented to establish the practical usefulness of the algorithm.
Globalization, organizational size, and innovation in the French luxury fashion industry: Production of culture theory revisited

Abstract According to production of culture theory, small organizations are more likely to produce innovative cultural products than large organizations; large organizations constitute oligopolies that control their markets and remain innovative by coopting smaller organizations, along with their creative talent. A study of the French luxury fashion market shows that a few large companies controlled by conglomerates dominate the market in terms of sales but have little influence on styles. Rather than coopting smaller firms, large firms use the myth of the designer as artist and connoisseur to enhance the saleability of products other than clothes, although the designer is increasingly an employe rather than an owner or a manager. Whether small firms influence styles depends on economic conditions that affect their capacity to compete with larger firms. A factor that has been ignored by production of culture theory, the increased cost of entry for new firms due to globalization of markets, inhibits their capacity for innovation and survival. Examination of rankings of fashion innovativeness by fashion experts over a period of seventeen years showed that, at the beginning of the period, when costs of entry were relatively low and the number of competitors was relatively small, small firms were able to achieve recognition for their innovations. By the end of the period, the same small firms, now grown to medium-size firms, were still influential, while new small firms, competing with larger firms in a market where costs of entry were high, were less likely to be perceived as innovative and may actually have been less innovative, since their precarious financial situation precluded experimentation. Rather than coopting smaller firms, large firms benefited from the global expansion of their market to sell products other than fashionable clothing. Successful new firms were generally foreign and well-financed.
Space charge in polyethylene/ionomer blends

Measurements of thermally stimulated currents were made on ionomer/polyethylene blends. The objective of this work was to study space charge formation in these materials. Two ionomers were compared; both ionomers contained methacrylic acid, neutralized by zinc in one and by sodium in the other. A large current peak centered near 60/spl deg/C was observed in all blends and associated with the motion of space charges injected into the blends during poling. All blends accumulated large negative space charge concentrations. The approach to the equilibrium space charge distribution (negative and spatially uniform in all blends) is much more rapid in the blends containing the sodium ionomer than in the blends containing the zinc ionomer. >
Quantized min-sum decoders with low error floor for LDPC codes

The error floor phenomenon observed with LDPC codes and their graph-based, iterative, message-passing (MP) decoders is commonly attributed to the existence of error-prone substructures in a Tanner graph representation of the code. Many approaches have been proposed to lower the error floor by designing new LDPC codes with fewer such substructures or by modifying the decoding algorithm. In this paper, we show that one source of the error floors observed in the literature may be the message quantization rule used in the iterative decoder implementation. We then propose a new quantization method to overcome the limitations of standard quantization rules. Performance simulation results for two LDPC codes commonly found to have high error floors when used with the fixed-point min-sum decoder and its variants demonstrate the validity of our findings and the effectiveness of the proposed quantization algorithm.
Crack fusion as a model for repetitive seismicity

A renormalization group treatment of a skeletal, hierarchical model of crack fusion and suturing yields the experimental stress versus time-to-fracture law. We construct a model that eliminates the intervening size states in the hierarchy but retains the time delay that represents the time-to-fracture observations. We add a source term to replenish microcracks lost by promotion due to fusion. The system is found to be stable for all values of time delay if the rate of replenishment is steady. If we allow the rate of replenishment of microcracks to be coupled to the rate of appearance of the largest size cracks, which we interpret as large-scale seismicity, then a Hopf bifurcation appears and the system is describable as a limit cycle attractor.
Geometric Error Assessment of a Nanomechanical Drill

Manufacturability of micro and nano systems has gained importance with the advent of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Whereas the manufacturability of macro systems has been a widely researched subject, the behavior of MEMS devices in large scale manufacturing operations is virtually an unexplored field. Therefore, in order to predict resulting product characteristics, theories developed for macro-scale manufacturing are currently being extended to micro-systems. This research employs computer aided engineering (CAE) tools in the determination of the final dimensional quality of a drilled hole created by a nano-drill. In order to obtain a valid prediction of the drilled-hole dimensions, an adequate knowledge of the processes occurring during nano drilling and the factors affecting these processes are necessary. A complete analysis requires consideration of the kinematic, static and dynamic factors that contribute to the error in the drill tip. In this paper, only the kinematic errors that affect the hole geometric quality are considered. The causes of these kinematic errors and their effect on the variation of the drilled hole are also investigated. The resulting hole size will be considered to be the result of the “stack-up” of the errors in the tool.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Burning velocities of chlorinated hydrocarbonmethaneair mixtures

Abstract Results are presented for the variation in burning velocities with equivalence ratio and reactant gases preheat temperature for a number of chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds in methane-air mixtures of different concentrations at atmospheric pressure. Flame velocity of the mixture is determined with a Bunsen burner by measuring the unignited mixture approach flow rates and the area of the flame front. The method provides acceptable results and compares favorably with widely published methane flame data. Activation energy for a particular chlorinated compound was calculated by relating the flame velocity to the overall combustion reaction rate. Results are compared with nonchlorinated compounds and the available data in the literature. The reasons for discrepancies are discussed. The results show that increasing chlorine content decreases flame velocity and shifts the maximum flame velocity from fuel rich toward fuel lean. The flame velocity increases with increasing gas preheat temperature.
A set of synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotide primers for DNA sequencing in the plasmid vector pBR322

Seven oligonucleotide primers complementary to the plasmid vector pBR322 at positions adjacent to five of the unique restriction endonuclease cleavage sites (EcoRI, HindIII, BamHI, SalI and PstI) have been chemically synthesized. The polarity of the primers is such that any DNA inserted at one or a combination of two of the above restriction sites may be sequenced by the chain termination method using one of the synthetic DNA primers. One of the primers for sequencing inserts at the PstI site of pBR322 is also complementary to the M13 phage vector designated bla6. This set of universal primers is useful for rapid sequence determination of DNA cloned into pBR322 or M13bla6.
Territorial Behavior of the American Lobster Homarus americanus

Abstract Territorial behavior of the American lobster Homarus americanus was studied by observing shelter occupancy at a site on the northeast coast of Newfoundland year-round. Lobsters left their shelters only at night; nocturnal activity began at dusk, peaked around 2–3 hours after darkness, and dropped to a very low level before dawn. Nocturnal activity was virtually nil during winter, increased with increasing temperature during July, peaked during August, and declined during autumn as temperature dropped. Although lobsters commonly returned to the same shelter after nocturnal wandering, in July-August half the shelters occupied during one of two consecutive daily checks were empty the other day. Within the 0.19 km2 study site, individual lobsters observed 1–2 months occupied an average two shelters; those observed for 11–12 months occupied an average five shelters. During these same observation periods, the same lobster was in the same shelter for 77% and 48% of the sightings, respectively. Occupancy...
The Von Neumann Threshold of Self-Reproducing Systems

This paper is devoted to the study of systems of entities that are capable of generating other entities of the same kind and, possibly, self-reproducing. The main technical issue addressed is to quantify the requirements that such entities must meet to be able to produce a progeny that is not degenerate, i.e., that has the same reproductive capability as the progenitor. A novel theory that allows an explicit quantification of these requirements is presented. The notion of generation rank of an entity is introduced, and it is proved that the generation process, in most cases, is degenerative in that it strictly and irreversibly decreases the generation rank from parent to descendant. It is also proved that there exists a threshold of rank such that this degeneracy can be avoided if and only if the entity has a generation rank that meets that threshold — this is the von Neumann rank threshold. Based on this threshold, an information threshold is derived, which quantifies the minimum amount of information that must be provided to specify an entity such that its descendants are not degenerate. Furthermore, a complexity threshold is obtained, which quantifies the minimum length of the description of that entity in a given language. Examples that illustrate the theory are provided.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Development of multi-function hard mask to simplify process step

ArF lithography has been driven into sub-100 nm dimensions using high numerical apertures, phase-shift mask, modified illumination, and optical proximity correction. As feature size continues to shrink, photoresist thickness as an imaging layer has been decreased for the improvement of lithographic process window and pattern collapse margin. Moreover, ArF photoresist has the inherent demerit of poor etch resistance in comparison with KrF photoresist and we have to use inorganic hard mask materials such as silicon-nitride, -oxide, poly-silicon, and silicon oxynitride as a pattern transfer layer. The cost-of-ownership (COO) of CVD process related to the application of inorganic hard mask is much more expensive than that of spin-on process. Therefore, several processes including bi-layer resist process (BLR), and tri-layer resist process (TLR)1 have been investigated. This paper will focus on TLR process consisted of multi-function hard mask (MFHM) material and spin on carbon (SOC) material.
Hamiltonian graphs with neighborhood intersections

In this paper, k + 1 real numbers c1, c2, , ck+1 are found such that the following condition is sufficient for a k-connected graph of order n to be hamiltonian: for each independent vertex set of k + 1 vertices in G. where Si = {v ≅ V:|N(v) ∩ S| = i} for 0 ≦ i ≦ k + 1. Such a set of k + 1 numbers is called an Hk-sequence. A sufficient condition for the existence of Hk-sequences is obtained that generalizes many known results involving sum of degrees, neighborhood unions, and/or neighborhood intersections.
Variation in hepatic membrane-bound catechol-O-methyltransferase activity in Fischer and Wistar-Furth strains of rat.

L'objectif de cette etude est de determiner si la catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) membranaire impliquee dans l'inactivation des catecholamines, est regulee genetiquement. Les auteurs ont donc etudie son activite au niveau de fractions microsomales issues de foies appartenant a deux especes differentes de rats: Wistar-Furth et Fischer
Network-assisted sink navigation for distributed data gathering: Stability and delay-energy trade-offs

This paper presents a generalized formulation for analyzing stability and performance trade-offs inherent to multi-hop routing in mobile sink based sensor data collection systems. The paper parameterizes the extent of multi-hop routing as a hop-bound factor which is used for representing a wide spectrum of design options including single-hop with mobile sink, multi-hop with static sink, and different levels of mobile sink based multi-hop routing in between. A performance model is developed for studying the impacts of multi-hop routing on energy and collection delay performance. Also, a number of thresholds are derived from the model for determining the amount of multi-hop routing that can be used for stable and efficient data collection in the context of constantly moving sinks. The second part of the paper develops a distributed network-assisted framework for mobile sink trajectory planning and navigation without relying on geographical sensor and sink localizations. Finally, the system performance trends obtained from the model are validated using a packet level simulation of the network assisted navigation framework.
Using Archimedes’ principle to determine cross-sectional areas

The use of Archimedes’ principle in determining the average cross sectional area for odd shaped or flexible specimens is inexpensive, simple, and effective. In the application discussed in this paper, the Young’s modulus of the rubber coating was used in an ANSYS finite element analysis to predict the nip width of the rubber coated roller, i.e., the width of the contact patch between the rubber coated roller and the heating element of a laser printer. These numerical predictions were verified experimentally. Analytical predictions and experimental data were almost identical. If nominal or dial caliper measurements had been used to determine the average cross-sectional area of the specimens we would have had to explain about a fifteen percent discrepancy in our results. We thought that such a simple but accurate approach might be useful for other experimentalists as well.
ABILITY OF THE ARMY GT SCORE TO PREDICT COLLEGE GRADES

This study was designed to test the predictive validity of the U. S. Army's GT score with college course grades as the criterion measure. The 59 Ss had completed 196 college courses. The relationship between the GT score and grades earned was found to be significant.
Robust haplotype reconstruction of eukaryotic read data with Hapler

Only recently has haplotype reconstruction been considered for population-sampled short read data. We discuss a new software tool, Hapler, for this problem. Hapler is designed specifically for low-diversity, low-coverage datasets, such as ecological samples of eukaryote populations. Since such datasets may contain errors as well as ambiguous haplotype information, we develop methods to limit results to high-confidence reconstructions. Simulated sequencing and reconstruction of sample data suggests that Hapler is effective, and its effectiveness will increase as sequencing technologies continue to produce longer reads and lower error rates.
An Arabidopsis thaliana embryo arrest mutant exhibiting germination potential

The ability to initiate radicle elongation, or germination potential, occurs in developing embryos before the completionofseedmaturation.Greenembryosafterthe walking-stick stage in developing Arabidopsis thaliana seeds germinate when excised from seeds and incubated in Murashige–Skoog (MS) medium containing 1% sucrose. Germination potential is not observed during early embryogenesis at the globular, heart and torpedo stages. Here, we describe an Arabidopsis mutant with embryos arrested at early stages of development, but still exhibiting germination potential. The mutant, termed embryo ball (eb), produced shrunken seeds containing round or irregularly shaped embryos that did not germinate. The round embryos excised from developing eb seeds were capable of growinga primary root withroothairswhen incubatedin media. In contrast,cotyledons were absent at the apical region of the eb embryos, although the apical region produced leaf-like structures with trichomes, indicating vegetative leaf identity. These observations suggested that morphological maturation was not essential for the induction of germination potential. The eb embryos exhibited partial desiccation tolerance that is characteristic of mature embryos at later stages of development, suggesting that cell maturation was also independent of morphological maturation. The eb
Real-time equalization of A/D converter nonlinearities

A report is presented on a design, implemented with current technology, of a real-time compensator circuit. The author demonstrates the feasibility of using the phase-plane approach for real-time equalization of analog nonlinearities in the digital domain. It is shown that such compensation schemes have the potential to improve performance by removing slew-rate-dependent errors in the critical sample-hold circuits in sampling A/D converters. Linearity, as measured by the SFDR (spurious-free dynamic range), improved by more than 2 b over most of the Nyquist bandwidth for a 12-b, 5-MSps state-of-the-art A/D converter. >
Fixable complementary gratings in photorefractive BaTiO 3

A complementary photorefractive grating was created and stored in BaTiO3. For a grating wave vector oriented along the crystal's c axis, the grating first appeared above 80°C and would remain indefinitely after the crystal was cooled to room temperature. If the grating wave vector was aligned perpendicular to the c axis, the complementary grating could be created at room temperature but would last only a few hours. We attribute the formation of the complementary grating to the movement of ions in the crystal.
Separate dual-transistor registers: a circuit solution for on-line testing of transient error in UDMC-IC

This paper addresses the soft-error problem in UDSM circuits by presenting on-line fault-tolerant circuit design techniques. In our scheme, separate dual transistor (SDT) structure is introduced into the register design as a key component to increase the input-signal stability as well as the robustness of the circuit against the effects of ionizing particles. Our work not only demonstrates the feasibility of its physical implementation, but also shows the cost effectiveness. To compare with other fault-tolerant techniques, ISCAS89 circuits have been synthesized with the SDT standard cells to investigate its cost/timing overheads. Our benchmark comparison reveals its better applicability over two representative techniques (TMR and ECC) for the logic circuits in digital systems.