cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immersive Computing Technology to Investigate Tradeoffs Under Uncertainty in Disassembly Sequence Planning

The scientific and industrial communities have begun investigating the possibility of making product recovery economically viable. Disassembly sequence planning may be used to make end-of-life product take-back processes more cost effective. Much of the research involving disassembly sequence planning relies on mathematical optimization models. These models often require input data that is unavailable or can only be approximated with high uncertainty. In addition, there are few mathematical models that include consideration of the potential of product damage during disassembly operations. The emergence of Immersive Computing Technologies (ICT) enables designers to evaluate products without the need for physical prototypes. Utilizing unique 3D user interfaces, designers can investigate a multitude of potential disassembly operations without resorting to disassembly of actual products. The information obtained through immersive simulation can be used to determine the optimum disassembly sequence. The aim of this work is to apply a decision analytical approach in combination with immersive computing technology to optimize the disassembly sequence while considering trade-offs between two conflicting attributes: disassembly cost and damage estimation during disassembly operations. A wooden Burr puzzle is used as an example product test case. Immersive human computer interaction is used to determine input values for key variables in the mathematical model. The results demonstrate that the use of dynamic programming algorithms coupled with virtual disassembly simulation is an effective method for evaluating multiple attributes in disassembly sequence planning. This paper presents a decision analytical approach, combined with immersive computing techniques, to optimize the disassembly sequence. Future work will concentrate on creating better methods of estimating damage in virtual disassembly environments and using the immersive technology to further explore the feasible design space.
Two heat flow profiles across the Atlantic Ocean

Abstract Measurements of the terrestrial heat flux at 76 localities along 2 profiles across the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 19.5°N and 8.5°S latitude are presented. Two high heat-flow values were measured 800 to 1000 km east of the ridge crest at 8.5°S, but no high values were found at the ridge crest at this latitude. Detailed surveys and heat-flow measurements near the ridge crests on both profiles indicate that bottom topography influences the heat-flow variability. The average heat flow on both profiles, about 1.4 to 1.5 × 10 −6 cal/cm 2 sec, is close to the average for other ocean basins, in contrast to previous studies indicating lower heat flow for the Atlantic.
Micro-scale peptide mapping method for identification of variant proteins

A micro-scale (for protein of the order of 10−9 mole) peptide mapping method in thin-layer cellulose is reported. Peptide maps of tryptic digests from glucagon, from normal and variant β-chains of human hemoglobin, from human glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and from human phosphoglycerate kinase showed satisfactory resolution; thus this method can be used for characterizing the structure of variant enzymes and proteins of 10−9 molar quantity.
0.18 μm double-recessed III-nitride metal-oxide double heterostructure field-effect transistors

In this work, we adopted a double-recess etching process and a new Digital-Oxide- Deposition (DOD) technique to fabricate 0.18 mum low-threshold AlInGaN/InGaN/GaN Metal- Oxide Semiconductor Double Heterostructure Field-Effect Transistors (MOS-DHFET). We for the first time report a high frequency operation of AlInGaN/InGaN/GaN MOS-DHFET. The gate- to-barrier aspect ratio is increased by the double recessed gate structure and the confinement of electrons is improved by a thin InGaN channel inserted between AlGaN barrier layer and GaN buffer. The ultra-thin gate oxide layer under the foot of the gate tremendously reduces the gate leakage and the drain leakage. We also compared the device performance of the InGaN channel MOS-DHFETs in Fig. 1 with that of the InGaN back-barrier MOS-DHFETs in Fig. 2.
Product Quality Assurance Project for Teaching of Food Analysis

: Two of the challenges in teaching Food Analysis are bringing relevance to the various chemical and physical analyses discussed and exposing students to the realities of quality assurance in the food industry. In a project to help meet those objectives, each student, with the assistance of a “resource person” from the food industry, completes the project as if he or she is responsible for the quality assurance analyses of a specific food product in a food company. The student identifies the chemical, physical, sensory, and microbial analyses for raw ingredients, in-process products, and the finished product. The project requires the student to participate in related class discussion, prepare a final written report, and make a brief class presentation. Analysis of survey data showed the project was more than moderately relevant or useful to former students working in the food industry, and related directly to the initial or current positions of most former students.
Thyroprotein for Lactating Cows in Mid-Summer

Summary Thyroprotein was fed in midsummer to four cows on a 15-wk. double reversal study at a rate of 1.5 g. per 100 lb. of body weight, and at levels of 1.33 g. and 2.0 g. to six cows on 8-wk. continuous study, using two controls. 1. F.C.M. production increases noted were 32 per cent on reversal and 12 and 22 per cent on continuous as compared to preliminary period with an 8 per cent loss for controls on the latter study. 2. Efficiencies of T.D.N. utilization, using formula table 1 were 69 per cent for thyroprotein feeding periods compared to 104 per cent on basal ration for reversal trial; and 71 and 69 per cent respectively for continuous study, with 99 per cent efficiency for control pair. 3. Several cows receiving thyroprotein improved in efficiency of T.D.N. utilization as the period of thyroprotein feeding proceeded. Rapid body weight losses occurred in both trials when thyroprotein was fed, even when additional T.D.N. was provided. When thyroprotein was withdrawn from the ration of two cows on continuous trial they suffered heavy losses in milk yield and made unusually rapid and efficient weight gains over a 21-day period during cooler weather. These rapid gains and losses raise questions concerning the type of tissue involved. 4. Accelerated respiratory rates and pulse rates, as well as increased body temperatures, offered partial explanation for the reduced efficiency of energy utilization by the thyroprotein-fed cows during this summer trial.
A revision of Sullivantia (Saxifragaceae)

Sullivantia (Saxifragaceae) is restricted to the United States; its species occur in very specialized habitats such as wet cliffs and moist canyon walls in scattered localities from Washington and Oregon, eastward to Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, and Virginia. Relationships in the genus were reevaluated using data from morphology (including the use of greenhouse-grown plants), crossability, and flavonoid chemistry. The conclusion of this study is thatSullivantia comprises four morphologically similar allopatric taxa:S. oregana, S. hapemanii var.hapemanii, S. hapemannii var.purpusii, andS. sullivantii.
X-ray absorption spectroscopy of Ti-containing molecular sieves ETS-10, aluminum-free Ti-β, and TS-1.

We report here the first structural characterization by Ti K-edge EXAFS and XANES of ETS-10 and aluminum-free Ti-β molecular sieves. A TS-1 sample was also studied for comparison. The near-edge spectrum of TS-1 revealed an intense pre-edge feature characteristic of Ti atoms in tetrahedral coordination. However, the pre-edge peak for ETS-10 was quite small and shifted in energy, which is consistent with the known octahedral structure surrounding Ti atoms in the material. Analysis of the EXAFS for ETS-10 revealed an average Ti-O interatomic distance of 2.00 +- 0.01 A which is longer than the Ti-O distance (1.95A) in anatase TiO2. For Ti-β, an intense pre-edge peak is present in the near-edge spectrum and the intensity, energy and width of this peak are the same as for TS-1. In addition, the average Ti-O interatomic distance in Ti-β and TS-1 was 1.80 +- 0.01 A, which is significantly shorter than the distance measured in ETS-10. The EXAFS and XANES results indicate that the Ti sites in aluminum-free Ti-β are structurally identical to the tetrahedral sites in TS-1. This conclusion is supported by the similarity of the UV absorption thresholds for the two samples. X-ray absorption spectra were also recorded with methanol or 2-propanol adsorbed on the Ti-β and TS-1 molecular sieves. Alcohol adsorption decreased the intensity and broadened the Ti pre-edge peak for both samples, demonstrating a local chemical interaction with the Ti sites. Methanol adsorption lengthened the average Ti-O bond to 1.83 ± 0.01 A. The similarity of the X-ray absorption spectra for aluminum-free Ti-β and TS-1 in the presence of alcohols suggests that the Ti sites in the two frameworks are chemically indistinguishable for vapor-phase adsorption of alcohols at low concentrations.
The relationship of sand moisture to burrowing depth of the sand-beach isopod tylos punctatus Holmes and Gay

The daytime distribution of Tylos punctatus Holmes and Gay was examined by coring on a sand beach in the northern Gulf of California. Moisture and temperature measurements in the cores indicated that the isopods burrow downward to reach sand with at least 1% moisture. Animals experimentally confined to sand with 0.1% moisture showed high mortality rates. We suggest burrowing depth is primarily controlled by a requirement for saturation humidity in the surrounding sand.
Self-aligned III-V MOSFETs: Towards a CMOS compatible and manufacturable technology solution

We demonstrate self-aligned fully-depleted III-V MOSFETs using CMOS-compatible device structures and manufacturable process flows. Processes with good manufacturability and scalability, such as, gate definition and spacer formation using RIE, and formation of self-aligned source/drain extensions (SDE) and self-aligned raised source/drain (RSD), have been established on III-Vs. We demonstrate short-channel devices down to gate length LG = 30 nm. Our best short-channel devices exhibit peak saturation transconductance GMSAT = 1140 μS/μm at LG = 60 nm and supply voltage VDD = 0.5 V.
Derivation of currents and diamagnetic effects from global plasma pressure distributions obtained by IMAGE/HENA

Abstract The global ion distributions extracted from ENA images measured by IMAGE/HENA can be used to calculate the plasma pressure. In principle, knowing the plasma-pressure distribution and the magnetic field, one can also calculate the three-dimensional current system that is driven by the pressure gradient. The currents depend on the pressure gradient and the magnetic-field strength. Assuming current continuity ( ∇ · J =0 ), we can use Euler potentials for J itself to calculate the current distribution. The method is applied to some pressure distributions measured by IMAGE/HENA and the resulting field-aligned currents (FACs) are compared to the global FAC maps derived from irridium magnetometer data.
Electrically tunable mid-infrared extraordinary optical transmission gratings

Active control over the resonant frequency of a surface plasmon excitation is demonstrated. Tunable semiconductor-based extraordinary optical transmission gratings were fabricated, designed for transmission between 7 and 10 mum, showing a tuning range of over 25 cm-1.
Statistical Inference in PCA for Hyperspectral Images

Principal component analysis (PCA) is a popular tool for initial investigation of hyperspectral image data. There are many ways in which the estimated eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the covariance matrix are used. Further steps in the analysis or model building for hyperspectral images are often dependent on those estimated quantities. It is therefore important to know how precisely the eigenvalues and eigenvectors are estimated, and how the precision depends on the sampling scheme, the sample size, and the covariance structure of the data. This issue is especially relevant for applications such as difficult target or anomaly detection, where the precision of further steps in the algorithm may depend on the reliable knowledge of the estimated eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The issue is also relevant in the context of small sample sizes occurring in local types of detectors (such as RX) and in investigations of individual components and small multi-material clusters within a hyperspectral image. The sampling properties of eigenvalues and eigenvectors are known to some extent in statistical literature (mostly in the form of asymptotic results for large sample sizes). Unfortunately, those results usually do not apply in the context of hyperspectral images. In this paper, we investigate the sampling properties of eigenvalues and eigenvectors under three scenarios. The first two scenarios consider the type of sampling traditionally used in statistics, and the third scenario considers the variability due to image noise, which is more appropriate for hyperspectral imaging applications. For all three scenarios, we show the precision associated with the estimated eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and intrinsic dimensionality in six images of various sizes. In a broader context, we show an example of the correct statistical inference (construction of confidence intervals and bias-adjusted estimates) that can be implemented in other imaging applications.
The Pituitary-Bone Axis

Osteoporosis is a crippling disease, marked by skeletal fragility and resulting in a fracture in one out of every two individuals over the age of 50. What causes this increased bone fragility and resulting susceptibility fractures has, however, remained unclear. In the early 1700s the British surgeon John Hunter hypothesized that bone undergoes remodeling, that is, bone is forever changing itself by reorganizing into a newer, stronger configuration to resist ongoing stresses, such as physical activity [1]. Bone is lost when the cells degrading old bone, the osteoclasts, outpace the cells re-laying new collagen and mineral, the osteoblasts.
Adaptive natural language programming using object bootstraps

A team approach to software engineering requires a form of fuzzy object retrieval. Here, team members specify objects using a natural language front-end. The fuzzy language translator is bootstrapped using object-based natural language too. A prototype system, RSCL, is described.
Applications of a noninvasive respiratory volume monitor for critical care medicine

Respiratory volume monitoring (RVM) has been developed to noninvasively measure minute ventilation (VE), tidal volume, and breathing frequency and to display real-time respiratory curves in nonintubated patients. Although RVM was originally developed for post-anesthesia and monitored anesthesia care, we describe 3 applications for this monitor in an otherwise austere setting at a missionary hospital in Kijabe, Kenya. Applications of RVM can be utilized in any ICU in a developing or developed country.
A modified particle swarm optimization algorithm for adaptive filtering

Recently particle swarm optimization (PSO) has been studied for use in adaptive filtering problems where the mean squared error (MSE) surface is ill-conditioned. Although the swarm generally converges to a limit point, when the population of the swarm is small the entire swarm often stagnates before reaching the global minimum on the MSE surface. This paper examines enhancements designed to improve the performance of the conventional PSO algorithm. It is shown that an enhanced PSO algorithm, called the Modified PSO (MPSO) algorithm, is quite effective in achieving global convergence for IIR and nonlinear adaptive filters.
Dictyostelium myosin heavy chain kinase A regulates myosin localization during growth and development.

Phosphorylation of the Dictyostelium myosin II heavy chain (MHC) has a key role in regulating myosin localization in vivo and drives filament disassembly in vitro. Previous molecular analysis of the Dictyostelium myosin II heavy chain kinase (MHCK A) gene has demonstrated that the catalytic domain of this enzyme is extremely novel, showing no significant similarity to the known classes of protein kinases (Futey, L. M., Q. G. Medley, G. P. Cote, and T. T. Egelhoff. 1995. J. Biol. Chem. 270:523-529). To address the physiological roles of this enzyme, we have analyzed the cellular consequences of MHCK A gene disruption (mhck A- cells) and MHCK A overexpression (MHCK A++ cells). The mhck A- cells are viable and competent for tested myosin-based contractile events, but display partial defects in myosin localization. Both growth phase and developed mhck A- cells show substantially reduced MHC kinase activity in crude lysates, as well as significant overassembly of myosin into the Triton-resistant cytoskeletal fractions. MHCK A++ cells display elevated levels of MHC kinase activity in crude extracts, and show reduced assembly of myosin into Triton-resistant cytoskeletal fractions. MHCK A++ cells show reduced growth rates in suspension, becoming large and multinucleated, and arrest at the mound stage during development. These results demonstrate that MHCK A functions in vivo as a protein kinase with physiological roles in regulating myosin II localization and assembly in Dictyostelium cells during both growth and developmental stages.
Brain tissue levels in a fatal case of neonatal mepivacaine (Carbocaine) poisoning

A fatal case of mepivacaine poisoning in a newborn infant is reported. Regional brain tissue concentrations of mepivacaine were determined by a sensitive and specific gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method. The brain tissue levels in this patient were higher than those previously reported, possibly due to alkalosis occurring several hours prior to the infant's death.
Specific sequence features, recognized by the SMN complex, identify snRNAs and determine their fate as snRNPs.

The survival of motor neurons (SMN) complex is essential for the biogenesis of spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) as it binds to and delivers Sm proteins for assembly of Sm cores on the abundant small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs). Using the conserved snRNAs encoded by the lymphotropic Herpesvirus saimiri (HVS), we determined the specific sequence and structural features of RNAs for binding to the SMN complex and for Sm core assembly. We show that the minimal SMN complex-binding domain in snRNAs, except U1, is comprised of an Sm site (AUUUUUG) and an adjacent 3′ stem-loop. The adenosine and the first and third uridines of the Sm site are particularly critical for binding of the SMN complex, which directly contacts the backbone phosphates of these uridines. The specific sequence of the adjacent stem (7 to 12 base pairs)-loop (4 to 17 nucleotides) is not important for SMN complex binding, but it must be located within a short distance of the 3′ end of the RNA for an Sm core to assemble. Importantly, these defining characteristics are discerned by the SMN complex and not by the Sm proteins, which can bind to and assemble on an Sm site sequence alone. These findings demonstrate that the SMN complex is the identifier, as well as assembler, of the abundant class of snRNAs in cells because it is able to recognize an snRNP code that they contain.
Total power optimization by simultaneous dual-Vt allocation and device sizing in high performance microprocessors

We describe various design automation solutions for design migration to a dual-Vt process technology. We include the results of a Lagrangian relaxation based tool, iSTATS, and a heuristic iterative optimization flow. Joint dual-Vt allocation and sizing reduces total power by 10+% compared with Vt allocation alone, and by 25+% compared with pure sizing methods. The heuristic flow requires 5/spl times/ larger computation runtime than iSTATS due to its iterative nature.
OPACITY ANALYSIS OF INELASTIC MOLECULAR COLLISIONS. I. THE QUANTUM MECHANICAL SUDDEN APPROXIMATION.

Abstract The quantum mechanical “sudden” approximation, valid in the limit of small momentum transfer, is discussed and applied to the quenching of glory extrema in rotational excitation. Physically the approximation corresponds to the rotational degrees of freedom being “frozen” during the mutual (elastic) scattering.
HOW WELL DOES CONTRALATERAL TESTIS HYPERTROPHY PREDICT THE ABSENCE OF THE NONPALPABLE TESTIS

Purpose: We assessed the accuracy of contralateral testis hypertrophy for predicting monorchia in patients with a nonpalpable testis.Materials and Methods: From May 1993 to September 1998 we evaluated 60 patients 7 months to 11 years old for a unilateral nonpalpable testis. Four patients were excluded from study who had received human chorionic gonadotropin or had signs of puberty. We correlated contralateral testis hypertrophy, defined as testis volume greater than 2 cc or testis length greater than 2 cm., with presence or absence of the nonpalpable testis. We also recorded the degree to which contralateral testis length less than 2.1 cm. correlated with the presence or absence of the nonpalpable testis. Laparoscopy and open exploration were performed in 52 and 4 cases, respectively.Results: Contralateral testis hypertrophy greater than 2 cm. was noted in 16 patients, including 14 (87.5%) with monorchia and 2 (12.5%) with an intra-abdominal testis. Of the 15 patients with a contralateral measurement of 1...
Acoustic Detection of Imminent Blowout in Pilot and Swirl Stabilized Combustors

This paper describes an experimental effort to characterize the acoustic emissions of lean, premixed combustors operating near blowout conditions. Its objective is to use measurements of the flame’s acoustic signature to determine the proximity of the combustor to incipient blowout. The feasibility of the method was performed on two combustors with fundamentally different flame holding methods: externally anchored pilot and swirl-stabilized. Acoustic measurements indicate that the low frequency spectrum exhibits a strong dependence upon the degree of flame stabilization. High speed intensified camera images of the flame were also taken to get a better understanding of the unsteady flame dynamics. In the piloted burner, it became visibly obvious that the flame was approaching blowoff by increased flickering, unsteadiness, and non-symmetric flame attachment. The results from the swirl burner, however, show that the blow-off transient was characterized by short duration, localized extinction and re-ignition events. These events increase in frequency and duration as blowout is approached. Several data analysis approaches using spectral, statistical and wavelet techniques with varying degrees of sensitivity are shown to be capable of detecting precursors to blowout for both burners.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Zoonotic Viruses Associated with Illegally Imported Wildlife Products

The global trade in wildlife has historically contributed to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. The United States is the world's largest importer of wildlife and wildlife products, yet minimal pathogen surveillance has precluded assessment of the health risks posed by this practice. This report details the findings of a pilot project to establish surveillance methodology for zoonotic agents in confiscated wildlife products. Initial findings from samples collected at several international airports identified parts originating from nonhuman primate (NHP) and rodent species, including baboon, chimpanzee, mangabey, guenon, green monkey, cane rat and rat. Pathogen screening identified retroviruses (simian foamy virus) and/or herpesviruses (cytomegalovirus and lymphocryptovirus) in the NHP samples. These results are the first demonstration that illegal bushmeat importation into the United States could act as a conduit for pathogen spread, and suggest that implementation of disease surveillance of the wildlife trade will help facilitate prevention of disease emergence.
Global primary production of lakes: 19th Baldi Memorial Lecture

AbstractGlobal primary production of lakes is controlled by factors that are mainly deterministic (incident irradiance, temperature, ice cover) or mainly stochastic (nonalgal light attenuation, mixing depth, nutrient supply) with respect to latitude. The combined effect of these factors on the global lake population was estimated by Monte Carlo simulation based on lakes sampled randomly from the global lake size and latitudinal abundance density functions. Incident irradiance and temperature have strong and approximately equal effects globally on potential production. Ice cover has an additional effect that is approximately half as great as temperature or irradiance at latitudes where ice cover occurs. Together these 3 variables explain about half of the total constraint on global primary production. Among the stochastic factors, mixed layer thickness has a substantially stronger effect than nonalgal light attenuation. When nutrients and relative light availability in the water column (mixing depth, trans...
Dual Regulated RNA Transport Pathways to the Cortical Region in Developing Rice Endosperm

Prolamine and glutelin RNAs are localized to two subdomains of the cortical endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the protein body ER and the cisternal ER, in developing rice seeds. The addition of nearly full-length prolamine sequences at the 3 � untranslated region of a reporter RNA redirects its localization from the cisternal ER to the protein body ER. Deletion analysis of prolamine RNA sequences indicates the presence of two partially redundant cis elements required for protein body ER targeting. The addition of glutelin 3 � untranslated region to protein body ER cis sequences, however, redirects RNA localization to the cisternal ER. These results indicate that there are at least two regulated RNA transport pathways as well as a constitutive pathway to the cortical ER.
Genetically Engineered Transvestites Reveal Novel Mating Genes in Budding Yeast

Haploid budding yeast has two mating types, defined by the alleles of the MAT locus, MATa and MATα. Two haploid cells of opposite mating types mate by signaling to each other using reciprocal pheromones and receptors, polarizing and growing toward each other, and eventually fusing to form a single diploid cell. The pheromones and receptors are necessary and sufficient to define a mating type, but other mating-type-specific proteins make mating more efficient. We examined the role of these proteins by genetically engineering “transvestite” cells that swap the pheromone, pheromone receptor, and pheromone processing factors of one mating type for another. These cells mate with each other, but their mating is inefficient. By characterizing their mating defects and examining their transcriptomes, we found Afb1 (a-factor barrier), a novel MATα-specific protein that interferes with a-factor, the pheromone secreted by MATa cells. Strong pheromone secretion is essential for efficient mating, and the weak mating of transvestites can be improved by boosting their pheromone production. Synthetic biology can characterize the factors that control efficiency in biological processes. In yeast, selection for increased mating efficiency is likely to have continually boosted pheromone levels and the ability to discriminate between partners who make more and less pheromone. This discrimination comes at a cost: weak mating in situations where all potential partners make less pheromone.
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Is Required for Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I–Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration

Abstract —Insulin-like growth factor–I (IGF-I) plays an important role in regulating vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and directed migration. The mitogenic and chemotactic actions of IGF-I are mediated through the IGF-I receptor, but how the activation of the IGF-I receptor leads to these biological responses is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3 kinase) in mediating the mitogenic and chemotactic signals of IGF-I. IGF-I treatment resulted in a significant increase in phosphotyrosine-associated PI3 kinase activity in cultured primary VSMCs. To determine whether insulin receptor substrate (IRS)–1, -2, or both are involved in IGF-I signaling in VSMCs, cell lysates were immunoprecipitated with either an anti-IRS-1 or an anti-IRS-2 antibody, and the associated PI3 kinase activity was determined. IGF-I stimulation resulted in a significant increase in IRS-1– but not IRS-2–associated PI3 kinase activity, suggesting that IGF-I primarily utilizes IRS-1 to transmit its signal in VSMCs. The IGF-I–induced increase in IRS-I–associated PI3 kinase activity was concentration dependent. At the maximum concentration (50 ng/mL), IGF-I induced a 60-fold increase. This activation occurred within 5 minutes and was sustained at high levels for at least 6 hours. IGF-I also caused a concentration-dependent and long-lasting activation of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt). Inhibition of PI3 kinase activation by LY294002 or wortmannin abolished IGF-I–stimulated VSMC proliferation and reduced IGF-I–directed VSMC migration by ≈60%. These results indicate that activation of PI3 kinase is required for both IGF-I–induced VSMC proliferation and migration.
Right ventricular dysfunction and the incidence of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapies.

Introduction: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy is well established in preventing sudden cardiac death in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. The influence of right ventricular (RV) function on ICD therapy for sudden cardiac death (SCD) is not known. Methods: We retrospectively studied 222 patients receiving an ICD for primary prevention of SCD. Baseline clinical and echocardiographic data were gathered. RV systolic function was qualitatively assessed as normal or abnormal (described as mildly, moderately, or severely reduced). Primary endpoint was combined ICD therapy or death and secondary endpoint was ICD therapy alone. Results: The mean follow-up was 940 ± 522 days. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 0.23 ± 0.07. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, RV dysfunction was predictive of combined ICD therapy or death when comparing between normal and abnormal RV function (P = 0.008) and among qualitative ranges of RV function (P = 0.012). RV dysfunction was not predictive of ICD therapy alone with either type of classification. After adjusting for clinical covariates, severe RV dysfunction was predictive of the combined endpoint of ICD therapy or death (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.04–3.92, P = 0.037). Conclusion: Severe RV dysfunction appears to be an independent predictor of the combined endpoint of ICD therapy or death. RV dysfunction does not reliably predict the incidence of ICD therapy alone.
Directional NMF for joint source localization and separation

We propose an unsupervised method for simultaneously localizing and separating speech signals by factorizing a non-negative matrix of Steered Response Power (SRP) measurements. We use a probabilistic interpretation of the SRP function to compute a wideband SRP matrix. Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) is used to decompose it into three terms that describe (1) the source distributions over spatial directions, (2) the overall source activations, and (3) the source activations over the time-frequency (TF) plane. The first term indicates the sources' Directions-of-Arrival (DOA) and the latter two terms provide TF weights for separating the sources. Experiments show that this joint approach out-performs a sequential SRP localization + beamforming method.
Duration of anti-resorptive therapy for osteoporosis

Osteoporotic fractures are common, and available medications reduce fracture risk by up to half. However, because the most commonly used drugs, bisphosphonates, have side effects that may be related to duration of therapy and because long-term efficacy has not been established, the optimal length of treatment has not been determined. Based on two long-term studies and extensive clinical experience, a plan is provided to treat patients at risk for 5 years with re-assessment every 2 years thereafter. Assessment tools are limited, but for each individual, the potential risks and benefits of continuing, discontinuing, re-instituting, or changing therapy can be estimated.
Thermophysical Modeling of CO2 Laser-Silica Glass Interaction

The thermophysical nature of rapid CO2 laser heating of silica glass is explored using a numerical simulation that considers the temperature dependence of the glass thermophysical properties. A three dimensional heat transport model is developed to investigate the change in glass fictive temperature that occurs as a result of a CW CO2 laser processing of silica glass. The model reveals that the laser processing results in an increase in fictive temperature in the local laser affected zone. The fictive temperature is elevated by about 1000K, uniform to within 5% over the laser affected zone, and transitions abruptly to the untreated glass value outside of the laser affected zone. This increase corresponds to a change in the glass physical and chemical properties, which can be revealed through wet chemical etching. The relationship between etch rate and the fictive temperature is determined by etching samples of known fictive temperature. The thermal penetration depth, defined as the maximum depth to which the glass fictive temperature is increased by the laser-silica glass interaction, can be determined from the thermophysical model and compared with the results from wet chemical etching.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Doctors and torture.

The Obama administration has stated that persons who participated in torture will not be prosecuted if they believed in good faith the advice from senior officials that those activities were legal. Reports suggest that up to 50% of victims report physicians serving in an oversight capacity. As members of a profession dedicated to upholding high ethical principles, however, physicians may not be excused from responsibility for unethical actions by a governmental statement that such activity is legal. In the Nuremberg trials, many high-level defendants pleaded: “I was only following orders.” It was not an acceptable defense. Nor was legality a defense: the horrific experiments done by the German doctors were legal in Nazi Germany. One characteristic of a profession is that it establishes standards of behavior for its members. In the US, indeed throughout the world, it is clear that doctors act unethically if they participate in torture. The American Medical Association (AMA) Code of ethics unequivocally prohibits doctors’ participation in torture. Notably, “participation” includes the monitoring of the victim so that the torture does not “go too far.” The Code offers no reason that justifies torture. Physicians may treat prisoners who have been tortured after the fact and only if such treatment is not used as part of the process of torture.
Some Contrasts in Women Employed in Two Types of Industries in Mississippi

should be a similar provision. Both men and women should be helped to have an intelligent understanding of pregnancy, the care of the infant, and the principles of child training. For those in trouble in marriage or in family relationships there should be in any community large enough to maintain a high school an opportunity to get unemotional, objective, specialized counsel. In the training of those entering the professions of law, medicine, the ministry, and teaching there should be instruction revealing the problems of marriage and the family as these are related to the functioning of these professions. The fact that the training of each of these fields is already preoccupied and even overcrowded does not justify the present neglect of domestic experience. Even the doctor, whose preparation is crammed most of all, comes daily in contact with emotional situations of family origin, sex difficulties, and faulty parenthood practices which have the greatest importance for health. The time has come when there is need also of special attention to the needs of the aged. We are beginning to recognize that they demand a new emphasis in preventive medicine. They also are becoming a peculiar family problem and one that requires and deserves a community program absolutely new in motive and content. Another task that education needs to accept in its attempt to build vital family life in this country is the developing of an intelligent public opinion that will recognize the significance of marriage and the family and the need of protecting the interests of both through a more wholesome social life. This more intelligent civilization includes taxation, legislation, federal, state, and local, physical and psychic conditions of industry, the character and availability of recreation, political administration, judicial attitudes and practices, and the formation and functioning of social organizations. In each of these specialized interests an intelligent society demands an alert citizenship ever on guard to preserve and advance the welfare of the family.
The plastid casein kinase 2 phosphorylates rubisco activase at the Thr-78 site but is not essential for regulation of rubisco activation state

Rubisco activase (RCA) is essential for the activation of Rubisco, the carboxylating enzyme of photosynthesis. In Arabidopsis, RCA is composed of a large RCAα and small RCAβ isoform that are formed by alternative splicing of a single gene (At2g39730). The activity of Rubisco is controlled in response to changes in irradiance by regulation of RCA activity, which is known to involve a redox-sensitive disulfide bond located in the carboxy-terminal extension of the RCAα subunit. Additionally, phosphorylation of RCA threonine-78 (Thr-78) has been reported to occur in the dark suggesting that phosphorylation may also be associated with dark-inactivation of RCA and deactivation of Rubisco. In the present study, we developed site-specific antibodies to monitor phosphorylation of RCA at the Thr-78 site and used non-reducing SDS-PAGE to monitor the redox status of the RCAα subunit. By immunoblotting, phosphorylation of both RCA isoforms occurred at low light and in the dark and feeding peroxide or DTT to leaf segments indicated that redox status of the chloroplast stroma was a critical factor controlling RCA phosphorylation. Use of a knockout mutant identified the plastid-targeted casein kinase 2 (cpCK2α) as the major protein kinase involved in RCA phosphorylation. Studies with recombinant cpCK2α and synthetic peptide substrates identified acidic residues at the -1, +2 and +3 positions surrounding Thr-78 as strong positive recognition elements. The cpck2 knockout mutant had strongly reduced phosphorylation at the Thr-78 site but was similar to wild type plants in terms of induction kinetics of photosynthesis following transfer from darkness or low light to high light, suggesting that if phosphorylation of RCA Thr-78 plays a direct role it would be redundant to redox regulation for control of Rubisco activation state under normal conditions.
Real-time emission factor measurements of isocyanic acid from light duty gasoline vehicles.

Exposure to gas-phase isocyanic acid (HNCO) has been previously shown to be associated with the development of atherosclerosis, cataracts and rheumatoid arthritis. As such, accurate emission inventories for HNCO are critical for modeling the spatial and temporal distribution of HNCO on a regional and global scale. To date, HNCO emission rates from light duty gasoline vehicles, operated under driving conditions, have not been determined. Here, we present the first measurements of real-time emission factors of isocyanic acid from a fleet of eight light duty gasoline-powered vehicles (LDGVs) tested on a chassis dynamometer using the Unified Driving Cycle (UC) at the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Haagen-Smit test facility, all of which were equipped with three-way catalytic converters. HNCO emissions were observed from all vehicles, in contrast to the idealized laboratory measurements. We report the tested fleet averaged HNCO emission factors, which depend strongly on the phase of the drive cycle; ran...
The Educational Transformation in the Technological Change:Design,Learning and Community——A Review on AECT 2011 Convention

The rapid evolution of Web 2.0 technologies has generated a level of communication and interaction never before possible.In response,AECT 2011 seeks to explore the transformational potential that these innovations hold for education,as well as share current research and best practices related to these developments.This paper summarizes the themes in an attempt to benefit educational technology professionals in China from the following perspectives:(a) actively incorporate findings from multiple disciplines;(b) involve key stakeholders at multiple levels to transform education and training;(c) integrate technologies seamlessly into learning,instruction,and performance;(d) dynamically interweave research,practice,and theory development;and(e) demonstrate what works when and why with regard to improving learning,instruction,and performance.
Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoid-Based Drugs

Cannabinoid-based drugs modeled on cannabinoids originally isolated from marijuana are now known to significantly impact the functioning of the endocannabinoid system of mammals. This system operates not only in the brain but also in organs and tissues in the periphery including the immune system. Natural and synthetic cannabinoids are tricyclic terpenes, whereas the endogenous physiological ligands are eicosanoids. Several receptors for these compounds have been extensively described, CB1 and CB2, and are G protein-coupled receptors; however, cannabinoid-based drugs are also demonstrated to function independently of these receptors. Cannabinoids regulate many physiological functions and their impact on immunity is generally antiinflammatory as powerful modulators of the cytokine cascade. This anti-inflammatory potency has led to the testing of these drugs in chronic inflammatory laboratory paradigms and even in some human diseases. Psychoactive and nonpsychoactive cannabinoid-based drugs such as Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, HU-211, and ajulemic acid have been tested and found moderately effective in clinical trials of multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, arthritis, and neuropathic pain. Furthermore, although clinical trials are not yet reported, preclinical data with cannabinoid-based drugs suggest efficacy in other inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis.
Boundary-layer-boiling and critical-heat-flux phenomena on a downward-facing hemispherical surface

A subscale boundary-layer boiling (SBLB) test facility was developed with the aid of a scaling analysis to simulate the phenomena of pool boiling and critical heat flux (CHF) on the external bottom surface of a heated hemispheric vessel. Saturated and subcooled boiling experiments were performed in the SBLB facility to measure the spatial variation of the CHF and observe the underlying mechanisms, including the vapor dynamics and the resulting buoyancy-driven two-phase boundary-layer flow along the downward-facing hemispheric heating surface. Based on the experimental evidence and an advanced hydrodynamic CHF model, a scaling law was established for estimating the local CHF on the vessel outer surface. The scaling law, which compared favorably with the available CHF data obtained for various vessel sizes, was shown to be useful in predicting the local CHF limits on large commercial-size vessels. Additional work, however, is needed to determine the effect of thermal insulation.
Gynecologic Brachytherapy: Image Guidance in Gynecologic Brachytherapy

This chapter is a practical guide for image-guided high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy in gynecologic cancers treated definitively with radiation therapy. It will focus predominantly on the use of intracavitary brachytherapy with either ring and tandem or tandem and ovoid devices since this is the most frequent scenario, but it will also give a brief example of an interstitial implant. It is intended as a practical “checklist,” especially useful for someone who wants to implement his/her practice with a focus in gynecologic oncology. The theoretical background and techniques are discussed extensively elsewhere in this book.
The Fiber-Reinforced Composite

Exact elastodynamic solutions within the context of classical elasticity theory are not available for fiber-reinforced composites. It is, however, to be expected that qualitatively a difference analogous to the one observed in laminated solids, should exist for dispersion of waves propagating in the direction of the fibers, and normal to the fiber-direction. This expectation has been confirmed by experimental results presented in Refs. 3.8 and 3.9.
Tweeting Birds: an Aviary Lifestyle Segmentation Strategy for Social Media

The proliferation of social media has spawned new lifestyles that guide consumer behavior. Understanding the connection between lifestyles and consumer behavior has become much more important in a world with social media because businesses can more easily provide the right information to the right people, as well as identify who the right people are to buy their products. Business can engage in mass personalization, by means of, for example, sending a birthday greeting to every customer on the right day. Most importantly, social media provide opportunities for aggressive interaction with customers in lifestyle groups, for purposes ranging from detecting complaints to brand extensions to product co-creation. The social media group members have self-selected into a category that embraces a cluster of motives.
Measles, immune suppression and vaccination: direct and indirect nonspecific vaccine benefits

The measles virus is among the most transmissible viruses known to infect humans. Prior to measles vaccination programs, measles infected over 95% of all children and was responsible for over 4 million deaths each year. Measles vaccination programs have been among the greatest public health achievements reducing, eliminating endemic measles in the whole of the Americas and across much of the globe. Where measles vaccines are introduced, unexpectedly large reductions in all-cause childhood mortality have been observed. These gains appear to derive in part from direct heterologous benefits of measles vaccines that enhance innate and adaptive immune responses. Additionally, by preventing measles infections, vaccination prevents measles-associated short- and long-term immunomodulating effects. Before vaccination, these invisible hallmarks of measles infections increased vulnerability to non-measles infections in nearly all children for weeks, months, or years following acute infections. By depleting measles incidence, vaccination has had important indirect benefits to reduce non-measles mortality. Delineating the relative importance of these two modes of survival benefits following measles vaccine introduction is of critical public health importance. While both support continued unwavering global commitments to measles vaccination programs until measles eradication is complete, direct heterologous benefits of measles vaccination further support continued commitment to measles vaccination programs indefinitely. We discuss what is known about direct and indirect nonspecific measles vaccine benefits, and their implications for continued measles vaccination programs.