cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The trajectories and distribution of particles in a turbulent axisymmetric gas jet injected into a flash furnace shaft

Numerical computations have been performed for the behavior of a vertical turbulent particle-laden gas jet exemplified by the shaft region of a flash-smelting furnace. The two-equation(k-e) model was used to describe turbulence. Model predictions for the gas and solid flow fields give a satisfactory representation of experimental data taken from the literature. The predictions of flow properties of the two phases under flash-smelting conditions have been obtained for various inlet conditions, particle sizes, particle loading, and oxygen enrichment. Model predictions show that the axial velocity of the particle phase is substantially higher than that of the gas phase. The presence of solid particles causes the axial velocity of the gas phase to be greater near the centerline and lower in the outer region than in a single-phase gas jet. A more uniform distribution of particles was obtained by introducing a strong radial velocity of the distribution air at the inlet. The implications of the behavior of a particle-laden gas jet on flash-smelting processes arc discussed.
O-O, what's happening to DB2?

In this presentation, we will describe a collection of new object-relational features that have been added to IBM's DB2 Universal Database (UDB) system. The features to be described include support for structured types, object references, and hierarchies of typed tables and views. These features will be covered from the perspective of a database designer or end user. In addition to presenting the features presently available in DB2 UDB V5.2, which became available in Fall 1998, we will discuss the expected evolution and impact of this technology over time.
Synthesis of 3-aryl-7-nitro-3,4-dihydroisocoumarins from 4-nitrohomophthalic acid

4-Nitrohomophthalic acid reacts with aromatic aldehydes in the presence of piperidine to yield 3-aryl-7-nitro-3,4-dihydroisocoumarins. Under the same conditions, homophthalic acid yields stilbene-α,2-dicarboxylic acids.
Three-Dimensional Computerized Brain Atlas For Elastic Matching: Creation And Initial Evaluation

We have previously reported the creation of software to perform elastic matching of medical images, for example, to compare an idealized atlas with a set of computer tomography (CT) images. In order to evaluate the performance of this software, we have created a digitized atlas from a young normal brain, using 135 myelin-stained sections at 700 micron spacing. Software was written in C on a Hewlett-Packard workstation to allow the entering and editing of regional anatomical contours. The 2-D contours are stacked to create a 3-D atlas that can be rotated, scaled, and resliced in the three standard imaging planes. For each patient being analyzed, an individualized atlas is created from this idealized atlas by elastically matching the atlas to the patient's CT scans. Matching is achieved in two steps - global registration first, followed by deformation of the atlas to match the contours of the CT brain. This is done iteratively at coarse, medium and high resolution to achieve the best results. During this process, all regional contours are also dis-placed and deformed. We have evaluated how well the computer places these regional contours by having four experts outline several subcortical structures on the CT scans of six patients. Their degree of overlap and the variability in positioning were measured and compared with the placement of the same regions of interest by the computer. In one third of the structures there was no difference between the computer and the experts. In 18% of the regions the computer-defined region was closer to the truth than at least one of the experts. When the computer differed, it was usually by 2-3 mm in both x and y, and frequently the computer-defined region was inscribed within the expert's. This is a preliminary test of the system, using only one set of elastic coefficients, one processing variant, and only subcortical structures. The results are promising and techniques are being implemented to overcome any current deficiencies. A more systematic evaluation of the entire process, exploring all the variables that affect the accuracy of elastic matching and adding cortical regions of interest, will follow in the near future. The elastic matching produces an individualized template of regions that can be super-imposed on the anatomical images. The user may then interactively modify these regions based on the observed anatomy, delete or add regions, and extract data from these user-adjusted overlays. The flexibility inherent in this approach allows data analysis with both standard and non-standard approaches, with regions defined both by the anatomy and by areas of functional activity.
Influence of organic amendments on the mobilization of molybdenum in soils.

Recent attention has been focused on toxic levels of selenium (Se), arsenic, chromium, mercury, boron and molybdenum (Mo) accumulating in saline agricultural evaporation pond waters. Although this is an effective disposal practice for agricultural drainage water, the ponds attract wildlife and waterfowl which may create adverse environmental risks. There is a major concern with the Mo content in these saline waters and its effect on the upper food chain. Molybdenum can be fixed in soil or liberated into soil solution and become available for biotic uptake. Molybdenum is a metallic element that can exist in different valences and oxidation states. Oxidation and alkaline conditions favor Mo mobility. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of various organic materials on the solubilization and mobilization of molybdenum in soil.
Multi-Tox: application of the ToxR-transcriptional reporter assay to the study of multi-pass protein transmembrane domain oligomerization.

ToxR-based transcriptional reporter assays allow the strength of transmembrane helix interactions in biological membranes to be measured. Previously, these assays have only been used to study single-pass transmembrane systems. To facilitate investigation of polytopic transmembrane domain (TMD) oligomerization, we applied the ToxR methodology to the study of multi-pass TMD oligomerization to give ‘Multi-Tox’. Association propensities of the viral oncoprotein, latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1), and the E. coli membrane-integral diacylglycerol kinase (DAGK) were studied by Multi-Tox, highlighting residues of particular mechanistic importance. Both homo- and hetero-oligomerizations were studied.
The relevance of experimental studies to clinical applications of biofeedback

In support of the proposition that a lack of basic research on the processes of biofeedback restricts the development of effective practical applications, this paper deals with some of the basic interconnections between theoretical issues and clinical practice and presents illustrations of a few issues that have actually been investigated. Regarding the issue of the nature and form of the feedback, studies have shown that reinforcing feedback appears to be more effective than merely informative feedback, and that the choice from among digital, binary, or analog feedback arrangements should be based upon functional properties of the neural control system that underlies the physiological process to be modified. For example, analog feedback may not be optimal if the underlying control system actually functions digitally. Regarding the issue of specific versus diffuse effects of biofeedback, the evidence reviewed suggests that biofeedback's direct effects tend to be more specific than generalized. Those generalized changes that have been obtained are probably indirect or secondary, rather than direct. The paper concludes that the balance of basic and applied work in biofeedback must be shifted toward the more fundamental in order to provide a better basis for practical application. Otherwise, the promise of biofeedback will continue to exceed its actual success.
SU-E-I-110: Minimized Pediatric Dose in Direct Radiography (DR).

Purpose: Pediatric x‐rays techniques are not standardized. They depend upon: patient size, anatomical localized and equipment manufacturers. Most pediatric techniques use the default factory settings. This project's goal is to find the best compromise between dose to pediatric patients and optimal image quality. Methods: Low contrast discrimination is the key to image quality. The manufacturers (Philips and GE) specific techniques were used to establish baseline values. The following factors were evaluated: kVp, mA, time, use of grid, collimation, focal spot size, AEC/manual, and added filters. The entrance skin exposure, entrance exposure to detector, equipment exposure index (EI) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) for different thickness from neonatal to average child were assessed. Results: Overall, some manufacturer's specific pediatric exposures techniques have higher entrance skin exposure than typical specified techniques. Equipment reported exposure index are not accurate enough to be used as ‘dosimeter’. Lower kVp, mA with longer exposure time will increase the low contrastdetectability with better CNR but these also change the entrance skin exposure. Removal of grid, filters do reduce the entrance skin exposure, but these also reduce low contrastdetectability. Focal spot size does not make a big impact in image quality due to the average detector pixel size. Collimation does make a difference in AEC sensitivity and exposure index (EI). Conclusions: There is no single technique that is the best technique. It is all depend upon many factors like exam type and the size of the patients. Moreover, it is difficult to program the generator to use low kVp techniques, add or remove of filters, collimation, and use of AEC or manual mode, grid on or off in order to optimize the image quality while minimizing the dose to the patients. Some pediatric techniques with their associate CNR and radiation dose will be presented.
Geodesy of millstone hill radar

Abstract The Millstone Hill L-band Radar has made metric observations of the LAGEOS satellite. These observations have one meter accuracy in range and 0.02 cm/sec in range rate. Significant ionospheric and tropospheric refraction effects are present in the data. Three months of Millstone Hill radar data has been analyzed. Precision orbits are calculated using quick look laser range data. Refraction, clock parameters and the geodetic position of the Millstone Hill Radar are determined in long arc orbit computation, with an accuracy of 20 cm.
Vaccine strategies for glioblastoma: progress and future directions

Recent advances in glioblastoma therapy have led to optimism that more effective therapies will improve outcomes. Immunotherapy is a promising approach that has demonstrated the potential to eradicate cancer cells with cellular-level accuracy while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Several vaccination strategies have been evaluated for activity against glioblastoma in clinical trials. These include peptide vaccines, polyvalent dendritic cell vaccines, heat shock protein vaccines and adoptive immunotherapy. In this review, we highlight clinical trials representative of each of these approaches and discuss strategies for integrating these therapies into routine patient care.
Senescent vs. non-senescent cells in the human annulus in vivo: Cell harvest with laser capture microdissection and gene expression studies with microarray analysis

Senescent cells are well-recognized in the aging/degenerating human disc. Senescent cells are viable, cannot divide, remain metabolically active and accumulate within the disc over time. Molecular analysis of senescent cells in tissue offers a special challenge since there are no cell surface markers for senescence which would let one use fluorescence-activated cell sorting as a method for separating out senescent cells. We employed a novel laser capture microdissection (LCM) design to selectively harvest senescent and non-senescent annulus cells in paraffin-embedded tissue, and compared their gene expression with microarray analysis. LCM was used to separately harvest senescent and non-senescent cells from 11 human annulus specimens. Microarray analysis revealed significant differences in expression levels in senescent cells vs non-senescent cells: 292 genes were upregulated, and 321 downregulated. Genes with established relationships to senescence were found to be significantly upregulated in senescent cells vs. non-senescent cells: p38 (MPAK14), RB-Associated KRAB zinc finger, Discoidin, CUB and LCCL domain, growth arrest and DNA-damage inducible beta, p28ING5, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 and somatostatin receptor 3; cyclin-dependent kinase 8 showed significant downregulation in senescent cells. Nitric oxidase synthase 1, and heat shock 70 kDa protein 6, both of which were significantly down-regulated in senescent cells, also showed significant changes. Additional genes related to cytokines, cell proliferation, and other processes were also identified. Our LCM-microarray analyses identified a set of genes associated with senescence which were significantly upregulated in senescent vs non-senescent cells in the human annulus. These genes include p38 MAP kinase, discoidin, inhibitor of growth family member 5, and growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible beta. Other genes, including genes associated with cell proliferation, extracellular matrix formation, cell signaling and other cell functions also showed significant modulation in senescent vs non-senescent cells. The aging/degenerating disc undergoes a well-recognized loss of cells; understanding senescent cells is important since their presence further reduces the disc's ability to generate new cells to replace those lost to necrosis or apoptosis.
Plant metabolic activation of 1,2-dibromoethane (EDB) to a mutagen of greater potency

Abstract The results presented in this paper suggest that EDB is capable of being converted to a mutagen by two reaction pathways, one involving a “breakdown” product in vitro and the other involving metabolic activation by plants. Associated with this study the methodology for in vitro qualitatively detecting promutagens which are converted by plant metabolism to active mutagens is described.
Reinforcement Schedule Generated by an On-line Digital Computer

A LINC digital computer was used to generate an autoregressive schedule of reinforcement. On such a schedule the probability of reinforcement is a function of the similarity in duration of the intervals between successive responses. A detailed analysis of the data obtained from monkeys on this schedule demonstrated two distinct tendencies in their behavior: a tendency for periodic response and a tendency for serial dependence between successive interresponse times.
Simultaneous determination of propranolol and 4-hydroxypropranolol in plasma by mass fragmentography.

Abstract A quantitative method for the simultaneous determination of propranolol and its active metabolite 4-hydroxypropranolol in human plasma is described. Plasma samples are extracted at pH 9.6 with ethyl acetate after the addition of sodium bisulphite and the internal standard oxprenolol. The extracts are derivatized with trifluoroacetic anhydride before separation on a gas chromatograph—mass spectrometer. Detection and quantitation of the trifluoroacetyl derivatives are made by single-ion monitoring. The minimum detectable concentration of propranolol is 1 ng/ml and of 4-hydroxypropranolol 5 ng/ml using 1-ml plasma samples. No interferences from normal plasma constituents or from drugs commonly prescribed together with propranolol were detected.
FROM SMALL ANGLE X-RAY SCATTERING TO REFLECTIVITY : INSTRUMENTATION AND SAMPLE STUDY

In this study, we described the first results from an x-ray reflectometer which has been modified from an existing Kratky small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) camera at the UNM/Sandia scattering center. Typically, seven orders of magnitude of reflectivity can be obtained over a range of 0.02 to 0.5 A{sup {minus}1} in {ital q}. This allows the resolution of surface features of 10 to 1000 A. The conversion to reflectometer is reversible and can be achieved in a short time, allowing for dual use of an existing Kratky camera. {copyright} {ital 1996 Materials Research Society.}
Marketing electronic components today

In marketing terms, the electronic-components industry is a law to itself. The marketing manager of any components company will have to forget all his classical training when it comes to marketing in this rapidly growing industry.
A One-Megapixel Image Acquisition And Processing System For Solar Oscillation Studies

The 1-Mpixel image acquisition and processing system that has been installed at the Mt. Wilson observatory as part of the development effort for the NASA/ESA Solar Oscillations Imager Experiment of the projected Heliospheric Observatory mission is discussed. The system encompasses a high speed CCD camera with a 1024 x 1024-pixel virtual phase chip array, yielding a readout rate of about 800,000 pixels/sec; this allows the entire Mpixel array to be read out in just over 1 sec. The camera is interfaced with a floating point array processor that integrates several successive exposures from the CCD camera and differences selected pairs of integrated images. The system is currently being used to record and difference narrowband images of the sun.
Antibodies against a peptide sequence within the HIV envelope protein crossreacts with human interleukin-2.

Recent investigations have identified a homologous sequence between the lymphokine interleukin 2 (IL-2) and the envelope protein of HIV. This homology is one of six amino acids corresponding to interleukin-2 (IL-2) residues 14–19 (Leu-Glu-His-Leu-Leu-Leu) and to the carboxy terminal six amino acids of HIV envelope protein gp41 (Leu-Glu-Arg-Ile-Leu-Leu). Thus, it is conceivable that an anti-HIV antibody response would generate antibodies which would crossreact with IL-2. We show here that the two peptides are recognized by the immune system as being almost identical. More importantly, antibodies against the HIV envelope peptide bind IL-2. Thus, these studies are the first step in investigating what could be characterized as an HIV-induced autoimmune response, that is, the induction of antibodies to the HIV envelope protein which also crossreact with IL-2.
History of the Psychology of Religion, East and West: Theoretical and Practical Principles for New (and Old) Histories

History is a central part of any academic discipline, as how scholars write and think about the history of their field helps define its identity. This paper presents an overview of the key issues involved in writing histories of the psychology of religion, particularly as these issues appear in the Chinese context. Attention to these issues will help Chinese scholars write rich histories of their field that acknowledge their connection to Western research while appreciating the powerful distinctive characteristics of the Chinese situation. The paper provides a number of practical suggestions that may help Chinese researchers in this process.
Past, present, and future of applications of electroanalytical techniques in analytical and physical organic chemistry

After a brief introduction describing the main milestones in the development of DC polarography (DCP) as well as linear sweep (LSV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV), attention is paid to first applications of DCP in the reduction of organic compounds. In aqueous solutions the electron transfer (ET) is often accompanied by a proton transfer. Limiting currents in DCP enable investigation of kinetics of chemical reactions preceding ET. Dependence of the limiting current on concentration of a reagent, like H+ or OH− ions, enables determination of rate constants (k) of very fast reactions, with k values between 104 and 1010 L mol−1 s−1, comparable with those studied by relaxation methods. Application of CV is most advantageous for investigation of rates of chemical reactions following the ET. Comparison of analytical applications of DCP (reductions) with those of LSV (oxidations) is given. Apart from fast reactions taking place before the ET in the solution in the vicinity of the electrode surface, DCP can also be used for investigation of slower reactions, taking place in the bulk of the solution. Data obtained by DCP for determination of equilibrium (K) and rate (k) constants of reactions of organic compounds. Hence, DCP can be used in physical organic chemistry of solutions, in some cases complementing data obtained by UV–vis spectrophotometry. Some examples of determinations of K and k are given. Uncertain future of practical analytical applications of DCP and LSV is discussed as is the brighter future of applications in physical organic chemistry. As the main factor limiting successful applications is considered the limited opportunity for education of future research advisors in academia and group supervisors in industry.
A dangerous medium? : book feature

The editors of this volume have been instrumental in focusing these debates on film in Africa - first in an important conference that they organised at Cape Town in 2002 (and the publications that flowed out of it) and now with this volume of essays devoted to examination of films that explore aspects of African history.
Le contrôle des appareillages utilisés pour la radiothérapie

Resume Du fait du vieillissement des composants, d’eventuelles ruptures inopinees d’un element ou de dysfonctionnements electroniques, les performances des appareils de radiotherapie peuvent se deteriorer avec le temps. De ce fait, des procedures d’assurance qualite et de maintenance doivent etre mises en place afin de garantir le maintien des performances. En ce qui concerne les accelerateurs, les modes operatoires des tests de controle et leur frequence sont bases sur des obligations reglementaires et des recommandations largement etablies et publiees qui sont rappelees ici. En ce qui concerne les accessoires et singulierement les accessoires apportes par les evolutions technologiques recentes (collimateurs multilames, filtres dynamiques, etc.), les recommandations restent a etablir. Des tests simples sont proposes. En ce qui concerne les systemes d’imagerie numerique, de plus en plus utilises pour la dosimetrie tridimensionnelle, les controles doivent porter sur la qualite des images et leur geometrie a l’aide de fantomes tests. En ce qui concerne l’imagerie « portale », un programme de controle est propose. La mise en œuvre d’une radiotherapie de qualite impose un programme complet d’assurance qualite. Le controle regulier des appareils reste une des composantes essentielles de ce programme. Il necessite l’implementation permanente de procedures de tests sans cesse renouvelees au rythme de l’evolution de la technologie, des techniques de traitement et des exigences de securite des patients. Les modes operatoires associes a ces procedures doivent etre rapides et sensibles a des variations inferieures aux seuils de tolerance fixes lors de la reception des appareils. L’analyse de ces variations au cours du temps constitue le critere objectif d’evaluation de la qualite des appareils utilises
Towards modeling the traffic data on road networks

A spatiotemporal network is a spatial network (e.g., road network) along with the corresponding time-dependent weight (e.g., travel time) for each edge of the network. The design and analysis of policies and plans on spatiotemporal networks (e.g., path planning for location-based services) require realistic models that accurately represent the temporal behavior of such networks. In this paper, for the first time we propose a traffic modeling framework for road networks that enables 1) generating an accurate temporal model from archived temporal data collected from a spatiotemporal network (so as to be able to publish the temporal model of the spatiotemporal network without having to release the real data), and 2) augmenting any given spatial network model with a corresponding realistic temporal model custom-built for that specific spatial network (in order to be able to generate a spatiotemporal network model from a solely spatial network model). We validate the accuracy of our proposed modeling framework via experiments. We also used the proposed framework to generate the temporal model of the Los Angeles County freeway network and publish it for public use.
Laser–material interactions probed with picosecond infrared spectroscopy

Abstract Picosecond infrared spectroscopy in the mid-IR has been applied to the study of laser–material interactions on an ultrafast time scale. We excite the sample with one pulse at 1064 or 266 nm and probe some time later in the mid IR (2900–1400 cm −1 ). We study photochemical reactions by exciting the sample directly in the UV. Alternatively, we initiate thermal reactions by exciting a `heater' dye at 1.064 μ m, which quickly converts the photon energy into heat. The potential of this technique to study reactions in the solid state was demonstrated for the photochemically induced (266 nm) Wolff rearrangement in a polymer matrix. This reaction is the basis of most positive photoresists. We were able to assign the key intermediate (ketene) in real time at room temperature for the first time. Thermal initiation also resulted in Wolff rearrangement. The position, amplitude and width of the product bands changed, probably due to additional side reactions and temperature effects.
Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of human interleukin 10 ameliorates reperfusion injury of rat lung isografts☆☆☆★

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of human interleukin 10 gene transfer into rat lung isografts and to investigate the effect of gene transfer on subsequent ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods: Male F344 rats were divided into 4 groups and underwent left lung isotransplantation. Twenty-four hours before harvest, 5 × 10E9 pfu (group I, n = 6) or 1 × 10E10 pfu (group II, n = 7) of AdRSVhIL-10 was intravenously administered to donor rats. In group I-C (n = 6) and group II-C (n = 6), serving as controls, 5 × 10E9 pfu and 1 × 10E10 pfu of AdCMVLacZ were administered, respectively. Grafts were preserved for 18 hours at 4°C before implantation and assessed 24 hours after reperfusion. Transgene expression of human interleukin 10 was assessed by both reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Graft inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor α, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, growth-regulated gene product/cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 mRNA expression were assessed by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Isograft gas exchange, exhaled nitric oxide, and myeloperoxidase activity were also analyzed. Results: Dose-dependent transgene expression was detected by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Arterial P O 2 in groups I (164.72 ± 85.3 mm Hg) and II (153.19 ± 113 mm Hg) was significantly higher than in groups I-C (82.37 ± 19.1 mm Hg) and II-C (77.95 ± 33.4 mm Hg) ( P =.022 and P =.031, respectively). Arterial P CO 2 in group I (33.40 ± 6.80 mm Hg) was significantly lower than in group I-C (51.23 ± 11.9 mm Hg) ( P =.0096). Myeloperoxidase activity in group II (0.083 ± 0.031 ΔOD · min –1 · mg –1 ) was significantly lower than in group II-C (0.117 ± 0.028 ΔOD · min –1 · mg –1 ) ( P =.044). The inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA expression in group II (0.627 ± 0.28) was significantly lower than in group II-C (1.125 ± 0.63) ( P =.039). Conclusion: Adenovirus-mediated human interleukin 10 gene transfer in vivo into lung isografts ameliorates subsequent ischemia-reperfusion injury. This results in improved graft gas exchange, reduced neutrophil sequestration, and down-regulation of graft inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA expression. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2000;120:947-56)
The past incidence and distribution of yellow fever in west Africa as indicated by protection test surveys

Abstract 1. 1. The results of a yellow fever protection test survey covering the examination of 7,580 sera collected in 181 towns in eight colonies of West Africa are presented. 2. 2. The findings have demonstrated that yellow fever is far more prevalent in West Africa than was previously supposed ; great numbers of cases occur both in the coastal regions and in the interior, and approximately 25 per cent. of all specimens examined gave positive results. Few towns have escaped the disease during the life of the present generation. 3. 3. Practically the entire area covered by the survey has been demonstrated to be infectible, and positive sera have been obtained even from natives on the Jos Plateau at an elevation of over 4,000 feet. 4. 4. Work carried out in French colonies north of Nigeria indicates that epidemics occur in that semi-arid region but that the Sahara desert forms an effective barrier against the infection. 5. 5. Yellow fever is rarely recognized in the native, and the relatively small number of cases reported in Europeans gives no indication of the incidence or distribution of the disease. 6. 6. The findings have confirmed the opinion previously held that an endemic area of yellow fever exists in south-western Nigeria. They have not, however, made it possible to delimit this area, which may extend westward into neighbouring colonies. Furthermore, it has not been possible definitely to exclude endemicity in some other regions. Meteorological conditions in northern Nigeria would, however, seem to be unfavourable for the permanent existence of yellow fever infection, and this probably applies to the far interior of West Africa in general. 7. 7. Age-group studies in cities in the endemic area have brought out facts which are not in accord with opinions previously held by epidemiologists in the Western Hemisphere and based on less exact methods of investigation than are available at the present time. They have shown that the disease in endemic cities is not confined to children but that the percentage of immunes increases gradually up to old age and that some persons escape throughout life. It has also been shown that extensive epidemics occur in endemic areas. 8. 8. All these findings are of importance in connection with the formulation of quarantine regulations, especially for air services. 9. 9. The great value of piped water supplies and effective sanitary services in reducing or eliminating yellow fever infection was brought out in several of the more important places studied and especially in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and in some of the coastal cities of the Gold Coast and Nigeria.
Piezoelectric energy harvesting from multifunctional wing spars for UAVs: Part 1. Coupled modeling and preliminary analysis

This paper discusses the basic design factors for modifying an original wing spar to a multifunctional load-bearing - energy harvester wing spar. A distributed-parameter electromechanical formulation is given for modeling of a multilayer piezoelectric power generator beam for different combinations of the electrical outputs of piezoceramic layers. In addition to the coupled vibration response and voltage response expressions for a multimorph, strength formulations are given in order to estimate the maximum load input that can be sustained by the cantilevered structure without failure for a given safety factor. Embedding piezoceramics into an original wing spar for power generation tends to reduce the maximum load that can be sustained without failure and increase the total mass due to the brittle nature and large mass densities of typical piezoelectric ceramics. Two case studies are presented for demonstration. The theoretical case study discusses modification of a rectangular wing spar to a 3-layer generator wing spar with a certain restriction on mass addition for fixed dimensions. Power generation and strength analyses are provided using the electromechanical model. The experimental case study considers a 9-layer generator beam with aluminum, piezoceramic, Kapton and epoxy layers and investigates its power generation and load-bearing performances experimentally and analytically. This structure constitutes the main body of the multifunctional self-charging structure concept proposed by the authors. The second part of this work (experiments and storage applications) employs this multi-layer generator along with the thin-film battery layers in order to charge the battery layers using the electrical outputs of the piezoceramic layers.
Comparison of vasovasostomy techniques in rats utilizing conventional microsurgical suture, carbon dioxide laser, and fibrin tissue adhesives

An evaluation of vas reanastomoses in rats comparing suture only, carbon dioxide (CO2) laser-assisted, and fibrin-based tissue adhesive was performed in our laboratory. A cohort of 60 known fertile male Sprague Dawley rats initially underwent lower midline abdominal exploration and transection of their vas deferens bilaterally, followed by immediate microsurgical vasovasostomy by one of the three experimental methods. All groups initially had the severed vasa ends coapted by two or three transmural (mucosa through serosa) sutures of 10-0 nylon under an operating microscope. The conventionally sutured group had an additional four to six nylon 10-0 sutures placed externally in the serosa only to complete the anastomosis. The CO2 laser-assisted group underwent laser welding with denaturation of the serosa to seal the anastomosis. A fibrin-based tissue adhesive, produced by combining human cryoprecipitate and thrombin, was placed topically over the coapted vas ends to seal the anastomosis in the third group. Postoperative evaluation revealed similarities among the three surgical groups with the fibrin-based tissue adhesive group resulting in the highest patency rate (89 %) and pregnancy rate (85 %) as well as the lowest granulation rate (18 %) and shortest operative time (27 minutes The laser-assisted group resulted in the lowest pregnancy rate (68 %), while the sewn anastomosis group had the lowest patency rate (76 %). Both laser-assisted and conventionally sewn vasectomy reversals required significantly longer operative time (39 and 46 minutes, respectively) compared with the fibrin-based tissue adhesive-assisted procedures (p < 0.01 This study provides evidence that alternative microsurgical techniques may be utilized to perform uncomplicated, expeditious, and successful vasectomy reversals.
Metascheduling for continuous media

Next-generation distributed systems will support continuous media (digital audio and video) in the same framework as other data. Many applications that use continuous media need guaranteed end-to-end performance (bounds on throughput and delay). To reliably support these requirements, system components such as CPU schedulers, networks, and file systems must offer performance guarantees. A metascheduler coordinates these components, negotiating end-to-end guarantees on behalf of clients. The CM-resource model, described in this paper, provides a basis for such a metascheduler. It defines a workload parameterization, an abstract interface to resources, and an algorithm for reserving multiple resources. The model uses an economic approach to dividing end-to-end delay, and it allows system components to “work ahead,” improving the performance of nonreal-time workload.
The Role of Incentives to Manage Earnings and Quantification in Auditors' Evaluations of Management‐Provided Information

We conducted an experiment with 113 experienced auditors to examine the influence of two factors on the persuasiveness of a management‐provided nonerror explanation for an unexpected fluctuation in revenue. We expected that auditors' evaluations of a management explanation would depend jointly on whether it is quantified (i.e., put into numbers) and the managers' incentives to manage earnings. Instead, we find that the persuasiveness of managers' explanations is determined solely by their incentives. Focus on managers' incentives is consistent with auditors attending to regulators ‘ recent concerns about earnings management. However, such a focus implies that when the likelihood of earnings management appears low, auditors fail to take into account information about sufficiency that is contained in the quantified explanation when they revise their planning judgments.
A Comparison of the General and Localized Corrosion Resistance of Conventional and Rapidly Solidified AISI 303 Stainless Steel

Abstract The general and localized corrosion performance of AISI 303 stainless steel (SS) has been investigated. The material was either in its conventional form or produced from rapidly solidified...
Improvement in systolic function in left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy: A case report

This is a case of a 48-year-old man who presented with a pulmonary embolism and was found to have left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy. Initial echocardiograms demonstrated prominent apical trabeculations with reduced biventricular function. These findings were further confirmed and characterized by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. He met all major criteria used to identify left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy. He underwent medical management for heart failure and during follow-up was noted to have significant improvement in left ventricular systolic function and symptoms. While most management attention is focused on rhythm disturbances or embolic risk, particular attention should also be exercised to ensure that heart failure medical therapy is optimized. While many with left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy have irreversible dysfunction, this case highlights that there may be some who will respond well to aggressive medical therapy. The diagnosis and medical management of left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy are reviewed in light of our patient and his clinical course. .
Lipoxin A4 promotes more complete inflammation resolution in sepsis compared to stable lipoxin A4 analog

In sepsis, excessive inflammation may lead to organ injury or a paradoxical immunosuppressed state where the host is unable to clear preexisting infection. Resolution of inflammation is the process which restores tissue homeostasis and ensures that a chronic cycle of infection/inflammation does not occur. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is one of a family of lipid mediators with novel inflammation resolution activity. We compared the actions of LXA4 to the stable 15-epi-16-(para-fluorophenoxy)-lipoxin A4 methyl ester (LXA4 analog) in the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis. Both LXA4 compounds (at 7 μg/kg; i.v.) reduced plasma TNFα and IL-6 concentrations compared to rats given vehicle saline. Neither treatment altered plasma IL-10 compared to CLP given saline, but LXA4 analog, increased plasma IL-10 concentrations compared to rats given LXA4. LXA4 reduced blood bacterial load but the LXA4 analog did not. LXA4 increased 8 day survival and the LXA4 analog did not have a significant effect. To examine possible mechanisms for the differences, we investigated peritoneal leukocyte gene expression of iNOS and macrophage phagocytic ability. Only LXA4 increased the percentage of phagocytic peritoneal macrophages. LXA4 reduced neutrophil gene expression of iNOS compared to CLP rats given vehicle, while the LXA4 analog did not. Our results suggest that at doses which reduced systemic inflammation, only LXA4 inhibited bacterial spread and increased survival. This difference may be due to the shorter-lived compound being able to increase macrophage phagocytosis and reduce neutrophil iNOS expression.
Mechanism and application of Smart Control Model

At present, Smart Grid is still in its initial stage, there is a lack of unified and clear definition of “Smart Grid”. In this paper, we proposed a Smart Control Model, described the mechanism of Smart Control System, and explained technical features of Smart Grid. We analyzed a typical model with Smart Meter, and gave some recommendations.
Real-time adaptive behaviors in multimodal human-avatar interactions

Multimodal interaction in everyday life seems so effortless. However, a closer look reveals that such interaction is indeed complex and comprises multiple levels of coordination, from high-level linguistic exchanges to low-level couplings of momentary bodily movements both within an agent and across multiple interacting agents. A better understanding of how these multimodal behaviors are coordinated can provide insightful principles to guide the development of intelligent multimodal interfaces. In light of this, we propose and implement a research framework in which human participants interact with a virtual agent in a virtual environment. Our platform allows the virtual agent to keep track of the user's gaze and hand movements in real time, and adjust his own behaviors accordingly. An experiment is designed and conducted to investigate adaptive user behaviors in a human-agent joint attention task. Multimodal data streams are collected in the study including speech, eye gaze, hand and head movements from both the human user and the virtual agent, which are then analyzed to discover various behavioral patterns. Those patterns show that human participants are highly sensitive to momentary multimodal behaviors generated by the virtual agent and they rapidly adapt their behaviors accordingly. Our results suggest the importance of studying and understanding real-time adaptive behaviors in human-computer multimodal interactions.
Effects of alcohol on successive incentive contrast

The effects of alcohol on successive positive- and negative-incentive contrast effects resulting from shifts in magnitude of food reward were studied in a runway conditioning experiment with female albino rats. Immediately prior to the conditioning trials, half of the fluid-deprived animals consumed a 10% sucrose solution, and half consumed a 10% sucrose solution containing 4.8% ethanol. A negative-incentive contrast effect occurred under both fluid conditions, but a positiveincentive contrast effect did not occur under either fluid condition. Thus, there was no evidence that alcohol either eliminated negative emotional reactions to downshifts in reward or contributed to positive emotional reactions to upshifts in reward. On the contrary, consuming alcohol had negative consequences on runway performance, causing the successive negative contrast effect to be more protracted than it was among the animals that did not consume alcohol. The results suggest that consuming alcohol following incentive reduction interferes with animals’ disengagement from the lost incentive.
Sequence variation in α-methylacyl-CoA racemase and risk of early-onset and familial prostate cancer

BACKGROUND. Expression of the a-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) gene has been established as a sensitive and specific biomarker for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. An initial study has also suggested that the risk of familial (but not sporadic) prostate cancer may be associated with germline variation in the AMACR gene. METHODS. In a study of brothers discordant for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (including 449affectedand394unaffectedmen)from332familialandearly-onsetprostatecancerfamilies, we used conditional logistic regression and family-based association tests to investigate the association between prostate cancer and five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) tagging common haplotype variation within the coding and regulatory regions of AMACR. RESULTS. The strongest evidence for prostate cancer association was for SNP rs3195676, with an estimated odds ratio of 0.58 (95% confidence interval ¼0.38‐0.90; P ¼0.01 for a recessive model). This non-synonymous SNP (nsSNP) results in a methionine-to-valine substitution at codon 9 (M9V) in exon 2 of the AMACR gene. Three additional nsSNPs showed suggestive evidence for prostate cancer association (P � 0.10). CONCLUSIONS. Our results confirm an initial report of association between the AMACR gene and the risk of familial prostate cancer. These findings emphasize the value of studying early-onset and familial prostate cancer when attempting to identify genetic variation associated with prostate cancer. Prostate 67: 1507–1513, 2007. # 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
THYMUS CELL MIGRATION

The preceding studies have established the following points: Intrathymic labeling of thymic lymphocytes provides an adequate marker system to detect the migration of thymus cells to peripheral lymphoid sites. In the newborn, this comprises a major portion of the total lymphocyte population in lymph nodes and spleen. In the adult, this migration is limited to specific portions of lymph nodes and spleen, i.e., those portions which serve the recirculating pool of small lymphocytes. Kinetic studies of labeling within the adult thymus indicate that large cells give rise to medium and small cells, which then migrate to the specific sites noted above. In the newborn, the kinetic pattern is similar to that of adults, with the single distinction that large cells also migrate, accelerating the tempo of migration in these hosts. The long-term fate and function of thymus cell migrants has not yet been determined.
An investigation of differential deposition for figure corrections in full-shell grazing-incidence X-ray optics

We are investigating differential deposition as a way of correcting small figure errors inside full-shell grazing-incidence x-ray optics. The optics in our study are fabricated using the electroformed-nickel-replication technique, and the figure errors arise from fabrication errors in the mandrel, from which the shells are replicated, as well as errors induced during the electroforming process. Combined, these give sub-micron-scale figure deviations which limit the angular resolution of the optics to approx. 10 arcsec. Sub-micron figure errors can be corrected by selectively depositing (physical vapor deposition) material inside the shell. The requirements for this filler material are that it must not degrade the ultra-smooth surface finish necessary for efficient x-ray reflection (approx. 5 A rms), and must not be highly stressed. In addition, a technique must be found to produce well controlled and defined beams within highly constrained geometries, as some of our mirror shells are less than 3 cm in diameter.
Utility of a redox-active pyridine(diimine) chelate in facilitating two electron oxidative addition chemistry at uranium

Exposure of the uranium(IV) complex, Cp(P)U((Mes)PDI(Me)) (1) ((Mes)PDI(Me) = 2,6-((Mes)N=CMe)2–C5H3N; Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl; Cp(P) = 1-(7,7-dimethylbenzyl)cyclopentadienyl), which contains a [(Mes)PDI(Me)](3−) chelate, to I2, Cl2, PhSeCl, and PhEEPh (E = S, Se, Te) results in oxidative addition to form the uranium(IV) family, Cp(P)U(XX′)((Mes)PDI(Me)) (X = X′ = I, Cl, EPh; X = SePh, X′ = Cl). Spectroscopic and structural studies support products with [(Mes)PDI(Me)](1−), indicating the reducing equivalents derive from this redox-active chelate.
The influence of context valence in the neural coding of monetary outcomes

The emotional significance of objects and events depends on the context in which they occur. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined the modulation of neural responses to monetary outcomes while subjects performed a decision-making task in a positive and a negative economic context. Neural responses indicated a relative regional specialization in the neural coding of outcome valence and followed three distinct patterns. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) and orbital frontal cortex (OFC) appeared to code the most extreme outcome in each context, with a potentiated response for favorable outcomes by a positive context. The amygdala and insula appeared to also code highly salient outcomes, but showed a potentiated response to unfavorable outcomes occurring in a negative context. The medial prefrontal cortex (medPFC), on the other hand, only coded favorable responses occurring in a positive context. Moreover, the medPFC showed large inter-individual variability when responding to outcomes in a negative context, suggesting that its role in a negative context may depend on a number of individual factors. The results of this work provide evidence of complex valence-based regional dissociations that are influenced by contextual factors.