cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Choices: Writing Projects for Students of ESL

* Choices: Writing Projects for Students of ESL is an appropriate option for low-intermediateand intermediate-level students in the pursuit of academic studies in the U.S. or in another English-speaking country. This textbook is oriented towards the development, through essay writing, of the appropriate writing competencies to function successfully in the English academic environment. Choices approaches writing as a process through which students are led by detailed explanations and a broad range of activities that emphasize the development of all stages of the writing process. The book is divided into two parts: writing and grammar. The writing section is made up of five writing projects that are centered on five topics: The Real Me, Thinking About Writing, New Lives, Teachers and Learners, and Choosing a Career. The first section of each project is devoted to the presentation and practice of prewriting techniques and to the introduction of the topic of the project through discussion and the reading of authentic material, both of which are used as stimuli for the writing of the students' essays. In the next sections, the students work on the development of their drafts and submit them for a peer review based on guidelines provided in the textbook. The students then revise their work following the specific guidelines in the book. When finishing their revision and before starting the editing stage, the students move to the grammar section and work on the aspects of grammar that are relevant for the editing stage. The last section of each chapter focuses on the treatment of stylistic aspects such as the development of ideas, supporting details, rhetorical patterns, paragraphing, coherence, cohesion, and unity through sample paragraph and essay analysis, text completion, and the like. The students are encouraged to keep a thematically organized journal that is devised to help them develop ideas related to the topic. The stimuli for this activity-creative prompts such as cartoons, open ended questions, and poems-are effective. Each chapter concludes with additional writing topics and readings. su mary, this book can serv as a owerful impetus to conducting ore research in the area of nonnative prof ssionals as their numbers ontinue to grow in the world.
Application of IR variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry to the determination of free carrier concentration depth profiles

Abstract Free carrier concentration profiles were determined by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry. The technique exploits carrier absorption in the mid-infrared spectral range and combines the sensitivity of ellipsometry with a simple Drude free carrier absorption model to determine the carrier profile. In this study, the carrier profiles were modeled as graded multilayers that were constrained to a specific functional form (e.g. Gaussian, complementary error function) when appropriate. Carrier profiles from boron and arsenic ion-implanted that had been subjected to furnace or Rapid Thermal Annealing (RTA) annealed silicon wafers were compared to Spreading Resistance Probe and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry profiles. p−p+doped epitaxial silicon samples (before and after annealing) were also measured and the results were compared to theory.
Progression of periodontal disease in the second/third molar region in subjects with asymptomatic third molars.

Purpose To assess the change in periodontal status over time by periodontal probing depth (PD) in the third molar region. Subjects and Methods The data for these analyses are part of a study of subjects enrolled with 4 asymptomatic third molars with adjacent second molars in an institutional review board-approved longitudinal trial. Full mouth periodontal probing was conducted to determine periodontal status at baseline and follow-up. Panoramic radiographs were analyzed for angulation and degree of eruption of third molars. Subjects were categorized as those who exhibited at least a 2 mm change in periodontal PD between baseline and follow-up in the third molar region, the distal of a second molar or around a third molar, and those who did not exhibit a 2 mm or greater change. Subjects with and without changes in PD were compared with Cochran-Mantel-Haenzsel statistics. Level of significance was set at 0.05. Results Data from 254 subjects with at least 2 annual follow-up visits were available for analysis. Mean age at baseline was 27.5 years. Median follow-up from baseline to the second follow-up visit was 2.2 years (interquartile range 2.0, 2.6). At enrollment, 59% of the subjects had at least 1 PD ≥4 mm in the third molar region, one quarter had a PD ≥5 mm. Twenty-four percent of the subjects had at least 1 tooth that had an increased PD ≥2 mm in the third molar region at follow-up. If subjects had at least 1 PD ≥4 mm at baseline, 38% had at least 1 PD deepen by 2 mm or more at follow-up. Only 3% of those who had all teeth with a PD of less than 4 mm at baseline exhibited a change of ≥2 mm ( P Conclusion Increased periodontal PDs ≥2 mm were often found in the third molar region for asymptomatic subjects with at least 1 PD ≥4 mm at enrollment, clinical measures that indicated increased periodontal pathology, and a deteriorating periodontal condition.
Uniformity of Drug Payload and Its Effect on Stability of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing an Ester Prodrug

Nanocarrier systems are frequently characterized by their size distribution, while drug encapsulation in nanocarriers is generally characterized in terms of an entire population, assuming that drug distribution is uniform. Careful characterization of nanocarriers and assessment of their behavior in biological environments are essential for adequate prediction of the fate of the nanoparticles in vivo. Solid lipid nanoparticles containing [3H]-dexamethasone palmitate (an ester prodrug) and [14C]-stearyl alcohol (a component of the nanoparticle matrix) were prepared using the nanotemplate engineering method for bioresponsive tumor delivery to overcome interstitial fluid pressure gradients, a physiological barrier to tumor uptake of chemotherapeutic agents. While particle size analysis indicated a uniform size distribution of 93.2 ± 0.5 nm, gel filtration chromatography (GFC) revealed two nanoparticle populations. Drug encapsulation efficiency was 97%, but it distributed differently in the two populations, wi...
EBSD Measurement of strains in GaAs due to oxidation of buried AlGaAs layers

We have characterized elastic strain fields associated with the wet-thermal oxidation of buried Alx,Ga1-x, As (x ∼ 0.98) layers of thickness 80 nm, situated between GaAs layers of thickness 200 nm, on a GaAs substrate. The compressive strains accompanying oxidation can exceed 6% and may lead to interlayer delamination or fracture. Automated electron backscatter diffraction measurements were performed about individual oxide growth fronts on longitudinally cross-sectioned samples. We found that the elastic strain fields can be detected and mapped with a spatial resolution of better than 30 nm, using pattern sharpness quantification. Measured strain fields are elongated along the interfaces and extend approximately 1 µm around the growth front. We present efforts to quantify the spatial extent of these strain fields, as well as finite element simulations of the mechanics of oxide formation in this structure.
A Fast Algorithm For The Morphological Coding Of Binary Images

In this paper we investigate the computational performance of a number of morphological skeletons. We also develop the reduced-cardinality geometric-step morphological skeleton which is shown to achieve logarithmic computational complexity, compared to the linear computational complexity of the uniform-step morphological skeleton, when implemented on a large neighborhood pipelined morphological processor. Furthermore, an upper bound on the skeleton cardinality is derived.
Microfacies Study of Rundle Group (Mississippian) of Front Ranges, Central Alberta, Canada

The Rundle Group (Mississippian) of Western Alberta consists of a predominantly clastic carbonate sequence exhibiting variations in texture and composition which, when analyzed by petrographic methods, reveal rhythmical changes of environments of deposition and provide means for fine correlation. More than 800 thin sections were studied from three sections in the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains of the Ram River area. The indices of clasticity and frequency were determined for crinoid fragments, pellets, oolites, and quartz grains, and curves for each of the parameters were plotted. The presence of arenaceous foraminifera, bryozoan fragments, algae, sponge spicules, and echinoid spines was recorded. The statistical data, combined with the distribution of the detrital matrix and biochemical cement, reveal five microfacies which represent different environments of deposition, ranging from a shallow lagoonal to a deep open environment. Microfacies 1 is the deepest and consists predominantly of small crinoid fragments and sponge spicules in a fine bioclastic and argillaceous matrix. Microfacies 2 represents a more shallow environment which is transitional between microfacies 1 and 3, the latter consisting of oolites and well rounded, well sorted crinoid fragments and pellets in a clear calcite cement. Microfacies 4 consists almost entirely of interlocking crinoid fragments, whereas microfacies 5 is characterized by calcilutite with scattered crinoid fragments and oolites. Locally thi microfacies may be entirely pelletoidal. The variations of the parameters of the measured components in relation to each other produce a consistent rhythmic pattern of curves when the microfacies are superposed in a succession from 1 to 5 or 5 to 1, indicating that such a succession expresses an ideal cycle, which has been interpreted laterally as a lagoonal environment (microfacies 5) grading into a zone of crinoid colonies and agitated water (microfacies 4) which in turn grades into a succession of environments of gradually deepening water in which mechanical distribution of the particles is predominant (microfacies 3 to 1). The ideal cycle was used for the analysis and construction of a relative bathymetrical curve for each section. General trend curves were drawn to stress the over-all evolution of the sequences, on the basis of which correlations were made, which afford more detail than megascopic field correlations and are in general agreement with them. A comparison of corresponding microfacies of the three sections indicates an alternation of two conditions of the sea floor: either a slope in which the eastern part was consistently more shallow than the western or uniform depth conditions.
Leon Kass and a 'Higher Vegetarianism'

Leon Kass argues that there is a qualitative difference between homo sapiens and the rest of the animal kingdom. This difference is based upon psychical capacities that emerge from our upright position. From this, Kass goes on to make the controversial claim that homo sapiens are by nature meat–eating animals. In his estimation, most vegetarian diets are justified only by erasing the hierarchical difference between man and animal. In this chapter, I argue for the plausibility of Kass's position, while at the same time argue that his conclusion, that we are by nature meat–eating animals, has ethically unacceptable environmental consequences.
Abstract LB-167: Prepubertal or lifetime genistein intake reduces risk of tamoxifen resistance in rats

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Using a preclinical model, we studied whether consumption of soy isoflavone genistein (GEN) during childhood modifies the effect of adult GEN intake on the ability of tamoxifen (TAM) to inhibit mammary tumor growth. Female rats were fed AIN93G control diet supplemented with 0 or 500 ppm genistein between postnatal days (PND) 15 and 30 (prepubertal exposure); on PND30 both groups received control diet. They were then exposed on PND50 to DMBA, and on PND57 divided to four dietary groups (n=20-40 per group) (see Table). Most rats in all four groups developed mammary tumors, but tumor latency was longer in the prepubertally GEN fed G-G (P<0.003) and G-C groups (p<0.095), compared to controls. TAM treatment (338 ppm in the diet) was started when tumor reached a size of 1.4 cm, and rats were followed for 18 weeks. The response to TAM was determined as complete response (CR), partial response (PR), or as being resistant. Adding GEN to the diet when TAM treatment started increased TAM resistance by 48%, compared to rats which were never fed GEN. Adult GEN intake (C-G group) further reduced CR. However, protein levels in the tumors of genes involved in unfolded-protein response and associated with TAM resistance (IRE1a, BIP, ATF4, BECLIN1, CHOP, ER), were not affected. Prepubertal GEN intake in G-C and G-G groups significantly increased the rate of CR and inhibited TAM resistance. Total tumor burden, which reflects the response of all tumors per rat to TAM, including those appearing during TAM treatment (de novo TAM resistant) was significantly higher in the rats which received GEN as adults, compared to the other three groups (p<0.001); lowest tumor burden was seen in the rats which consumed GEN both during prepuberty and as adults. Our findings suggest that prepubertally GEN fed rats, also when they continue to consume GEN in adulthood, are at low risk of developing TAM resistance. In contrast, adult only GEN consumption significantly impaired response to TAM. Mechanisms explaining these data are currently being investigated. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-167. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-167
A novel bioassay model to determine clinically significant bisphosphonate levels.

Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis (BON) is a recently recognized oral complication of bisphosphonate (BP) therapy. Currently, research into the pathogenesis of BON has been hampered by being deficient in studies capable of measuring the level of BP in saliva or at the bone–soft tissue interface. The objective of this current study was to develop a novel bioassay model representative of the oral levels of BPs in patients presenting with or at risk for BON. Zoledronic acid (ZA) injectable was used to develop standardized MTS cell proliferation assay curves at concentrations of 0–10 μM, which were used either in a dilution in normal media, mimicking BP freed from bone or used to “spike” saliva individuals not taking BPs and mimicking BP levels being excreted. This bioassay was then used to estimate BP levels from samples of saliva and bone ex vivo from patients with and without BON. Saliva and bone from patients with existing BON showed levels of BP ranging from 0.4 to 4.6 μM, while patients receiving IV infusion of BP and naive to BON showed levels in saliva ranging from 0.4 to 5 μM. All control specimens and patients naive to BP showed levels at 0 μM. Given the fact that BPs are poor candidates for detection using standard methods (HPLC), this bioassay provides us with the ability to estimate clinically relevant concentrations of BP capable of producing apoptosis and the inhibition cell proliferation of oral mucosal cells based on previous studies. Subsequently, apoptosis and the inhibition of proliferation could lead to BON, secondary to the exposure of the bone in the unique microenvironment of the oral cavity.
Correlating second harmonic optical responses of single Ag nanoparticles with morphology.

Femtosecond laser excited second harmonic (SH) activity from single Ag nanoparticles is reported. A correlation of SH single-particle measurements with high-resolution imaging of particle morphology by TEM was achieved by creating position markers on an optical and electron transparent substrate (Si3N4 thin film, ∼100 nm). We compared the SH activity of single Ag nanoparticles (nanospheres versus nanorods) and cluster structures (composed of two or multiple particles, e.g., dimers and trimers). The direct correlation of single-particle structures and SH activity, spectral and power dependence, strongly suggests one-photon resonant driven nonlinear oscillator response mechanism.
A NEW EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE TO RESTORE URETERAL FUNCTION1

SUMMARY 1 A new procedure is proposed: A pedicled seromuscular segment of ileum is applied as an isoperistaltic sleeve around an intact ureter, for the purpose of contributing propulsive force in situations where the ureter has become decompensated. 2 The experimental results indicate that the “ileal sleeve,” when made from normal ureter and ileum, functions as a new entity, each component maintaining its anatomical integrity and contributing its necessary physiological function. 3 Studies are continuing to explore further physiological ramifications of the ileal sleeve and the efficacy of its performance when subjected to stress.
Some thoughts on the partitioning of tubulin between monomer and polymer under conditions of dynamic instability.

We have considered the partitioning of tubulin between monomer and polymer in the cell under conditions of dynamic instability. Dynamic instability adds to the on and off rate constant of steady-state dynamics’ new parameters: (1) the rate at which growing microtubules transit to a shrinking phase; and (2) the rate at which shrinking microtubules transit to the growing phase. Under these conditions the free-monomer concentration in the cell increases with total tubulin if the number of nucleating sites is fixed. If the number of nucleating sites increases at fixed total tubulin, subunits shift from the monomer to the polymer phase. These important properties deviate from the traditional equilibrium and steady-state theories and have important implications for the biosynthetic regulation of tubulin.
Volatile organic sulfur compounds as biomarkers complementary to methane: Infrared absorption spectroscopy of CH3SH enables insitu measurements on Earth and Mars

Abstract As universal products of biological processes, volatile organic sulfur compounds such as methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) may be essential in the search for signs of life on Mars and in exoplanet atmospheres. Methyl mercaptan is implicated in the origin of life at sites of low-temperature hydrothermal activity driven by serpentinization. Serpentinization may occur on Mars, in icy satellite oceans, and in other small wet bodies to a greater extent than on Earth, with important implications for life. We characterized absorption features in pure laboratory sample spectra of CH3SH using the Carbon Isotope Laser Spectrometer (CILS), an infrared ( 3.27 μ m ) tunable diode laser spectrometer with capabilities nearly identical to those of the Tunable Laser Spectrometer (TLS) instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory. The molecular species proves detectable by CILS and TLS at the sensitivities approaching the level of parts per trillion with pre-concentration. These measurements demonstrate the possibility for detection of methyl mercaptan, with implications for its possible use as an in situ biosignature for Earth-based and extraterrestrial exploration.
Interaction of Mount St. Helens' volcanic ash with cells of the respiratory epithelium

Abstract Respirable-sized dust from the Mount St. Helens (MSH) eruption of Spring 1980, and minerals similar to the major components of the volcanic ash, were examined comparatively for interactions with epithelial cells of rodent respiratory airways in vitro . MSH dust, Na feldspar, cristobalite, and α-quartz, in concentrations of 0.4 to 40 mg/ml, had neither significant effects on mucin release by tracheal explants nor acute toxic effects after exposure for 2 hr. Long-term incubation (1 and 3 weeks) of explants after a 1-hr exposure to MSH dust failed to elicit widespread toxic or proliferative changes in airway epithelial cells. In contrast, long-term exposure to Na feldspar, cristobalite, and α-quartz caused significant toxicity to the explants, although metaplastic changes were not observed. Ultrastructural evidence of associations (e.g., phagocytosis) between particulates and respiratory epithelium was not observed. The results of these studies suggest that volcanic ash from MSH interacts minimally with cells of the respiratory mucosa.
General hyperbolic difference formulas for linear and quasilinear hyperbolic equations

The method of non-standard finite elements was used to develop multilevel difference schemes for linear and quasilinear hyperbolic equations with Dirichlet boundary conditions. A closed form equation of kth-order accuracy in space and time (O(Δtk, Δxk)) was developed for one-dimensional systems of linear hyperbolic equations with Dirichlet boundary conditions. This same equation is also applied to quasilinear systems. For the quasilinear systems a simple iteration technique was used to maintain the kth-order accuracy. Numerical results are presented for the linear and non-linear inviscid Burger's equation and a system of shallow water equations with Dirichlet boundary conditions.
Spontaneous Subperiosteal Hematoma Precipitated by Anxiety Attack

A 60-year-old woman presented with diplopia and left periorbital edema and pressure, which developed during an anxiety attack the previous day. Examination revealed left inferotemporal globe dystop...
Case Report of Debilitating Headaches and a Coexisting Ophthalmic Artery Aneurysm: An Indication for Treatment?

Objective We present a case of a patient who had severe unilateral headaches related to a small, unruptured ophthalmic artery aneurysm, who experienced complete headache cessation following endovascular coiling. Background Small unruptured intracranial aneurysms are generally managed and followed conservatively due to minimal risk of rupture. Headaches are frequently reported in patients with intracranial aneurysms, but these aneurysms are typically considered incidental and unrelated, given the undefined association between headaches and most aneurysms. Conclusion There may be some unruptured intracranial aneurysms that can cause intractable headaches and warrant interventional treatment. Future prospective studies are needed that compare pre- and post-procedure headache character and diagnosis, aneurysm characteristics such as size, location, orientation, and shape, type of aneurysm repair with materials used, and other potential risk factors for worsening post-procedure headache in order to better predict headache association to aneurysms, as well as outcomes following endovascular aneurysm treatment.
A Randomized Trial of Conventional Chest Physical Therapy Versus High Frequency Chest Wall Compressions in Intubated and Non-intubated Adults

BACKGROUND: Conventional chest physical therapy (CCPT), applied by therapists using cupped hands to perform percussion, is commonly used in hospitalized adults. However, increased work load demands and occupational health concerns (eg, carpal tunnel syndrome) limit the overall utilization of this therapy. Therefore, we conducted a study to compare the overall effectiveness of CCPT to high-frequency chest wall compressions (HFCWC) applied via a vibratory vest. METHODS: A single-center, randomized trial among hospitalized intubated and non-intubated adult patients requiring chest physical therapy comparing CCPT and HFCWC. The primary outcome measure was hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 280 per-protocol patients (out of an a priori estimated 320 patients required to demonstrate a 20% relative reduction in hospital stay) were randomly assigned to receive CCPT (no. = 146, 52.1%) or HFCWC (no. = 134, 47.9%). The hospital stay was 12.5 ± 8.8 days for patients randomized to CCPT and 13.0 ± 8.9 days for patients randomized to HFCWC ( P = .62). Patient comfort was assessed using a visual analog scale (increasing score reflects greater discomfort) and was statistically greater for patients randomized to CCPT compared to HFCWC (2.2 ± 0.8 vs 1.9 ± 0.8, P = .009). The duration of time until radiographic resolution of lobar atelectasis trended less for CCPT compared to HFCWC (5.2 ± 4.3 d vs 6.5 ± 5.2 d, P = .051). All other secondary outcomes, including hospital mortality and nosocomial pneumonia, were similar for both treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study was inadequately powered for the primary outcome of interest and hence we cannot make recommendations on the preferential use of HFCWC or CCPT for intubated and non-intubated adult patients. HFCWC was associated with statistically better comfort scores. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration [NCT00717873][1].) [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT00717873&atom=%2Frespcare%2F57%2F2%2F221.atom
SHELF-LIFE EXTENSION AND SAFETY CONCERNS ABOUT FRESH FISHERY PRODUCTS PACKAGED UNDER MODIFIED ATMOSPHERES: A REVIEW

Shelf-life and quality of fresh fishery products can be extended by the use of a modified atmosphere (MA) and high barrier film packaging coupled with refrigerated storage. MAs with elevated levels of carbon dioxide inhibit or slow the growth of various aerobic spoilage bacteria of fishery products by extending the lag phase. However, at the same time, MAs provide conditions for the growth of Grampositive bacteria and food pathogens within the package. The extension of the storage life of the refrigerated MA products may enable the slower-growing Gram-positive bacteria to reach high populations. The shelf-life of fishery products packaged under MAs rich in carbon dioxide coupled with storage at 8.0°C or below can be extended more than 100%. Major safety concerns regarding the risk of foodborne botulism can result from MA packaging of fresh fishery products that contain the spores of nonproteolytic C. botulinum and are subsequently temperature-abused. Minimizing the risk of foodborne botulism by including inhibitory factors such as antimicrobial agents before packaging fishery products under MAs and strict adherence to refrigerated storage temperatures are discussed.
Virus‐like Particles in the Calyx of Phanerotoma flavitestacea (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Their Transfer Into Host Tissues

Virus-like particles occur in the calyx fluid and cells of the braconid parasitoid, Phanerotoma flavitestacea Fischer. These particles occur in the cytoplasm, nucleus, and cytoplasmic vacuoles of the calyx wall cells as well as in the lumen of the calyx. They were subsequently transferred to the host, Paramyelois transitella (Walker), during oviposition of the parasitoid. Within 2 hours after the wasps had oviposited, similar virus-like particles were found in the host in the cytoplasm of developing muscle tissue, fat body, and nerve tissue. Such particles were absent in unparasitized hosts. The significance of these findings as related to the avoidance of a host response is discussed.
Lessons learned at 208K: towards debugging millions of cores

Petascale systems will present several new challenges to performance and correctness tools. Such machines may contain millions of cores, requiring that tools use scalable data structures and analysis algorithms to collect and to process application data. In addition, at such scales, each tool itself will become a large parallel application - already, debugging the full Blue-Gene/L (BG/L) installation at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory requires employing 1664 tool daemons. To reach such sizes and beyond, tools must use a scalable communication infrastructure and manage their own tool processes efficiently. Some system resources, such as the file system, may also become tool bottlenecks. In this paper, we present challenges to petascale tool development, using the stack trace analysis tool (STAT) as a case study. STAT is a lightweight tool that gathers and merges stack traces from a parallel application to identify process equivalence classes. We use results gathered at thousands of tasks on an Infiniband cluster and results up to 208 K processes on BG/L to identify current scalability issues as well as challenges that will be faced at the petascale. We then present implemented solutions to these challenges and show the resulting performance improvements. We also discuss future plans to meet the debugging demands of petascale machines.
Shortened Interval between Tetanus Vaccines

OBJECTIVE:To identify the minimum safe interval between tetanus-diphtheria (Td) and tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines.DATA SOURCES:Literature was retrieved through a review of ImmunoFacts, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site, MEDLINE (1966-February 2012) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-February 2012) using the terms Tdap, Td, and interval. In addition, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:All English-language articles identified from the data sources were evaluated. Studies addressing an interval of 2 years or less between Td and Tdap vaccines were included.DATA SYNTHESIS:Two observational noninferiority studies have evaluated the safety of an interval of 2 years or less. The first involved a school-based immunization program to compare the safety of a single dose of Tdap given 18 months to 9 years after a tetanus and diphtheria toxoid–containing vaccine versus an interval of 10 or...
Membrane fusion proteins of enveloped animal viruses.

In a living cell membrane-bound compartments are continuously either separated or united through fusion reactions, and literally thousands of such reactions take place every minute. The formation of membrane vesicles from pre-existing membranes, and their fusion with specific acceptor membranes, constitute a prerequisite for the transport of most impermeant molecules and macromolecules into the cell by endocytosis, out of the cell by exocytosis, and between the cellular organelles (Palade, 1975; Silverstein, 1978; Evered & Collins, 1982). Less frequent, but equally crucial, are fusion events in fertilization, cell division, polykaryon formation, enucleation, etc. (for reviews see Poste & Nicholson, 1978). Although a great deal is known about the properties and consequences of individual forms of membrane fusion in cellular systems, and about fusion in artificial lipid membranes, the molecular basis for the reactions remain largely unclear.
Fuel cells: The expectations for an environmental-friendly and sustainable source of energy

Abstract It is a well known fact that eight countries have 81% of all world crude oil reserves, six countries have 70% of all natural gas reserves and eight countries have 89% of all coal reserves. Energy is central to achieving the interrelated economic, social, and environmental aims of sustainable human development. But if we are to realise this important goal, the kinds of energy we produce and the ways we use them will have to change. Otherwise, environmental damage will accelerate, inequity will increase, and global economic growth will be jeopardised. Energy produced and used in ways that support human development in all its social, economic and environmental dimensions is what is meant by sustainable energy. The generation of energy by clean, efficient and environmental-friendly means is now one of the major challenges for engineers and scientists. This paper reviews a proposed energy-related solution to global warming, air pollution mortality, and energy security. It discusses recent topics related directly to energy production such as fuel cells (FCs) which represent a promising clean and efficient energy conversion technology. The paper also focuses on those technologies which, in terms of cost, cleanliness, reliability and availability, have the potential to compete with conventional energy conversion systems and to reach commercialisation phase before 2015.
Voltage security enhancement using energy based sensitivities

An energy based security measure is used to define vulnerability to voltage instability, and a method of security enhancement by examining the sensitivity of the security margin to various control actions is proposed. The use of the energy function in systems with significant line losses is reviewed, and the analytic expressions for first-order total derivatives with respect to relevant control parameters are derived. Computational properties, such as the sparsity of various vector and matrix quantities, are examined. Numerical examples of security enhancement based on these sensitivities are computed for a thirty bus example system. Potential application of this approach within a security constrained optimal power flow is also discussed. >
Modeling Snow Crystal Growth I: Rigorous Results for Packard's Digital Snowflakes

Digital snowflakes are solidifying cellular automata on the triangular lattice with the property that a site having exactly one occupied neighbor always becomes occupied at the next time step. We demonstrate that each such rule fills the lattice with an asymptotic density that is independent of the initial finite set. There are some cases in which this density can be computed exactly, and others in which it can only be approximated. We also characterize when the final occupied set comes within a uniformly bounded distance of every lattice point. Other issues addressed include macroscopic dynamics and exact solvability.
UV photoemission study of heteroepitaxial AlGaN films grown on 6H-SiC

Abstract This study presents results of UV photoemission measurements of the surface and interface properties of heteroepitaxial AlGaN on 6H-SiC. Previous results have demonstrated a negative electron affinity of AlN on 6H-SiC. In this study Al x Ga 1− x N alloy films were grown by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE) and doped with silicon. The analytical techniques included UPS, Auger electron spectroscopy, and LEED. All analysis took place in an integrated UHV transfer system which included the analysis techniques, a surface processing chamber and a gas source MBE. The OMVPE alloy samples were transported in air to the surface characterization system while the AlN and GaN investigations were prepared in situ. The surface electronic states were characterized by surface normal UV photoemission to determine whether the electron affinity was positive or negative. Two aspects of the photoemission distinguish a surface that exhibits a NEA: (1) the spectrum exhibits a sharp peak in the low kinetic energy region, and (2) the width of the spectrum is hv - E g . The in situ prepared AlN samples exhibited the characteristics of a NEA while the GaN and Al 0.13 Ga 0.87 N samples did not. The Al 0.55 Ga 0.45 N sample shows a low positive electron affinity. Annealing of the sample to > 400°C resulted in the disappearance of the sharp emission features, and this effect was related to contaminant effects on the surface. The results suggest the potential of nitride based cold cathode electron emitters.
Genetic variation in ESR2 and estrogen receptor-beta expression in lung tumors.

Abstract Objective : To investigate the association between inherited variation in the estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) gene ( ESR2 ) and ERβ lung tumor expression, a phenotype that possibly affects survival differently in men and women. Methods : We genotyped 135 lung cancer patients for 22 ESR2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and measured nuclear and cytoplasmic ERβ expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in their primary lung tumor. Distributing Allred ERβ IHC scores according to ESR2 genotype classified under a dominant genetic model, we used rank sum tests to identify ESR2 SNPs significantly associated ( p Results : 35%, 35%, and 29% of lung tumors showed no/low (Allred Conclusion : Inherited variability in ESR2 may determine ERβ lung tumor expression.
Feasibility of a Simplified and Dynamic Bayesian System for Use in Structured Diagnostic Interviews

An important goal of clinical assessment is to balance cost-effectiveness, administration demands, and accuracy (G. Young, J. O'Brien, E. Gutterman, & P. Cohen, 1987). The incorporation of Bayesian logic into diagnostic interviewing may assist with this goal, but in previous examinations, such methods have been prohibitively complex. In this study, analysis of a simplified Bayesian system showed overall classification error rates as good or better than traditional structured interviewing, and reduction in error was positively related to the psychometric properties of the predictor used in the actuarial functions. A dynamic system using simplified Bayesian logic appears to function well in the context of a structured interview and requires comparatively less data than previously tested Bayesian approaches. This type of system appears suitable for further research with clinical populations to determine its performance in applied settings.
The I.Ae.S. Annual Meeting

SINCE its inception, but a few years ago, the Institute of the Aeronautical Sciences has grown remarkably in the size and distinction of its membership, and the technical value of the papers appearing in its journal is now thoroughly well established. Thanks in a large measure to the organizing ability of its Secretary, Lester D. Gardner, the annual meeting was a great success. For the first time in its brief history simultaneous sessions were held, a method which works out quite well in the specialized atmosphere of modern aeronautics. The great difficulty with the annual meetings of American societies is that they are so huge as to render intellectual assimilation problematical. But the geographic conditions of the United States make it impossible for members from different parts of the country to attend frequent meetings such as those of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Synaptic transmission in the outer retina

The primary function of the retina is to detect light and to process visual images. Light is absorbed by photoreceptors, and its energy is transduced into electrical signals in the form of membrane hyperpolarization (165). Signals in rod and cone photoreceptors are transmitted to higher order retinal neurons through a complex and highly organized network of electrical and chemical synapses. Photoreceptors make electrical synapses with other photoreceptors nearby ( 12, 14, 22, 44, 47, 70, 134, 135), and they make chemical synapses on dendrites of second-order retinal neurons, the hori­ zontal cells (HCs) and bipolar cells (BCs) (33, 56, 57, 59, 92, 98, 99, 165). Horizontal cells make feedback chemical synapse on cones (22, 121, 122, 186) and feedforward chemical synagse on bipolar cells (56, 57, 59, 201); they also make electrical synapses with other HCs (84, 172). Bipolar cells relay visual signals from the outer retina to the inner retina, where they make electrical synapses with other bipolar cells (95, 110, 173) and make chemical (and occasional electrical) synapses with amacrine cells and ganglion cells (33, 57, 59, 173, 177). Ganglion cells send retinal signals to the brain. Information processing in the retina is, in great part, mediated by its synapses. Synaptic interactions within the retina, for example, are respon­ sible for contrast enhancement, center-surround antagonism, movement and directional sensitivity, and color perception (18, 20, 56, 62, 83, 154, 170). Retinal synapses also maximize useful signals and minimize unwanted noise (31). Moreover, many retinal synapses exhibit a high degree of plasticity that allows modification of retinal function under various adaptational
Language and gender in an age of neoliberalism

We live at a time when neoliberalism – market fundamentalism – appears to organize not only global and national political-economies but also ‘non-economic’ spheres, including one’s personal sense of identity, interests, happiness, hopes, and even the subjective value of life and self. And this article examines the significance of neoliberalism for the critical study of language and gender. Central to my discussion is the concept of neoliberal governmentality, a distinctive mode of power, which both constitutes the free subject and shapes the way a free subject acts upon her freedom and works and desires herself into a responsibilized individual. I analyze a case of workplace gender equity programs in a Tokyo corporate office in the early 1990s. I demonstrate how this problematization of a particular modality of linguistic practice was linked to the active ethical and aesthetic relationship to the self, and how this relationship among gender and language mediated by neoliberal governmentality worked as a concrete technique of self-making.
The effects of medial and lateral wedges on iliotibial band strain during overground running

Background: Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is the leading cause of lateral knee pain in runners. Previous research has theorized that higher ITB strain rate leads to ITBS development. Orthotics are commonly used to correct gait mechanics and may reduce ITB strain and strain rate. The purpose of this research was to investigate how wedge inserts and gender affect kinematics, kinetics, and ITB strain and strain rate during running. Methods: Thirty (15 male, 15 female) participants ran with lateral 7°, lateral 3°, no wedge, medial 3°, and medial 7° wedges. A motion capture system and force platform were used to collect kinematic and kinetic data. Joint angles and joint moments were calculated during the stance phase. ITB strain and strain rate were determined using a six degree of freedom musculoskeletal model. Findings: There were no significant differences for ITB strain or strain rate between wedge conditions or genders. The lateral 7° wedge resulted in significantly higher ankle eversion angles and lower ankle plantar flexion moments than no wedge. The medial 7° wedge resulted in significantly lower ankle eversion angles, higher hip internal rotation angles, lower ankle plantar flexion moments, lower ankle inversion moments, and higher external knee varus moments. Males had significantly higher knee valgus angles, knee internal rotation angles, ankle plantar flexion moments, ankle inversion moments, and knee extension moments. Interpretation: Results indicate that wedge inserts do not have a significant effect upon ITB strain and strain rate for healthy runners. While wedge orthotics may correct ankle/foot alignment problems, higher external knee varus moments with a medial 7° wedge are of concern.
The Water Balance Concept — How Useful Is It as a Guiding Principle for the Design of Land-Atmosphere Field Experiments?

The series of land-atmosphere field experiments described in this chapter have been conducted, over the last decade and a half, with the overall goal of improving the understanding of the controls exerted by the land surface on fluxes of moisture and energy to and from the atmosphere. Among these experiments are: (1) HAPEX-MOBILHY conducted in southern France in the mid 1980s (Andre et al. 1986); (2) the First ISLSCP Field Experiment (FIFE) conducted in the grasslands of central Kansas at about the same time (Sellers and Hall 1992; Sellers et al. 1992); (3) HAPEX-Sahel in the early 1990s (Goutorbe et al. 1994, 1997a); (4) NOPEX (Halldin et al. 1998, 1999) and later WINTEX (WINTer Experiment) in Scandinavia beginning in the early 1990s (Halldin et al. 2001); (5) BOREAS in the boreal forest of north central Canada from 1994 to 1996 (Sellers et al. 1995a, 1997; Hall 1999), as well as the various WCRP-GEWEX Continental scale experiments. Among the latter, all of which are currently ongoing, LBA, MAGS, GAME (GEWEX Asian Monsoon Experiment) have had the most extensive field activities. All of these experiments were designed to measure the exchanges of energy and moisture between the land surface and the atmosphere over scales ranging from a few kilometres up to the size of large Continental river basins. Some of the experiments also measured the exchange of CO2 and other radiatively active trace gases between the land and atmosphere.
FaBRiQ: Leveraging Distributed Hash Tables towards Distributed Publish-Subscribe Message Queues

The advent of Big Data has brought many challenges and opportunities in distributed systems, which have only amplified with the rate of growth of data. There is a need to rethink the software stack for supporting data intensive computing and big data analytics. Over the past decade, the data analytics applications have turned to finer granular tasks which are shorter in duration and much more in quantity. Such applications require new frameworks to handle their data flow. Distributed Message Queues have proven to be essential building blocks in distributed computing towards the support for fine granular workloads. Distributed message queues such as Amazon's SQS or Apache's Kafka have been used in handling massive data volumes, content delivery, and many more. They have also been used in large scale job scheduling on public clouds. However, even these frameworks have some limitations that make them incapable of handling large scale data with high efficiency. Those are not suitable for High Performance Computing (HPC) applications that require lower latency than what is available on the cloud. We propose Fabriq, a distributed message queue that runs on top of a Distributed Hash Table. The design goal of Fabriq is to achieve lower latency and higher efficiency while being able to handle large scales. Moreover, Fabriq is persistent, reliable and consistent. Also, unlike other state-of-the-art systems, Fabriq guarantees exactly once delivery of the messages. The results show that Fabriq was able to achieve high throughput in both small and large messages. At the scale of 128 nodes, Fabriq's throughput was as high as 1.8 Gigabytes/sec for 1 Megabytes messages, and more than 90,000 messages/sec for 50 bytes messages. At the same scale, Fabriq's latency was less than 1 millisecond. Our framework outperforms other state of the art systems including Kafka and SQS in throughput and latency. Furthermore, our experiments show that Fabriq provides a significantly better load balancing than Kafka. The load difference between Fabriq servers was less than 9.5% (compared to the even share), while in Kafka this difference was 100%, meaning that some servers did not receive any messages and remained idle.
D*lite

Incremental heuristic search methods use heuristics to focus their search and reuse information from previous searches to find solutions to series of similar search tasks much faster than is possible by solving each search task from scratch. In this paper, we apply Lifelong Planning A* to robot navigation in unknown terrain, including goal-directed navigation in unknown terrain and mapping of unknown terrain. The resulting D* Lite algorithm is easy to understand and analyze. It implements the same behavior as Stentz' Focussed Dynamic A* but is algorithmically different. We prove properties about D* Lite and demonstrate experimentally the advantages of combining incremental and heuristic search for the applications studied. We believe that these results provide a strong foundation for further research on fast replanning methods in artificial intelligence and robotics.