cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Support studies for the U-GAS coal gasification process. Part I: Fluidization

Abstract This is the first part of a series of papers providing the details of support studies conducted as part of the development of the U-GAS fluidized-bed ash-agglomerating coal gasification process. The fluidized-bed gasifier in the U-GAS process behaves much like a conventional well-mixed bed, having a uniform bed composition and temperature in the bulk of the region, but it exhibits some departure in a small localized area confined to the proximity of the central spout, where a somewhat higher temperature is maintained for producing ash agglomerates. Extensive cold-flow experimental studies have been conducted to predict the solids discharge rates and agglomerates classification from the venturi/classifier system in the gasifier; these studies have resulted in a generalized analytical expression in terms of operating velocities, gas properties, and venturi/classifier configuration for the gasifier scale-up. Large-scale U-GAS gasifiers can have single-cone or multiple-cone grid configurations. X-ray cinematographic studies have been conducted in a program at University College London to compare the fluidization behaviors in the one-cone and three-cone grid configuration systems. The objective of this test program was to visually examine the solids circulation and study the bubble dynamics in the fluidized beds with these different configurations.
Habitat characteristics of a unionid refuge in the thermal plume of a power plant in western Lake Erie

Abstract We examined habitat characteristics to determine why a rich community of unionid mussels lives in the thermal plume of the Bayshore Power Plant, Oregon Ohio. We expected to find that the power plant reduced the density and viability of dreissenid veligers and that the depth and organic matter content of sediments in the thermal outflow were greatest near the plant. Water temperature averaged 3.8 ± 1.5 °C warmer at the plant's outflow than intake, and the ratio of live:dead veligers was significantly lower at the outflow than intake on most dates (P ≤ 0.05). A laboratory experiment confirmed that heating water comparable to passing through the power plant significantly reduced veliger viability (P ≤ 0.01). However, wind direction affected the differences in veliger density between the intake and outflow (P ≤ 0.01), with easterly winds (opposing the direction of discharge) increasing the density of veligers at the outflow. Similarly, water temperature declined with distance from the plant, but east winds increased variations in water temperatures. Apparently wind direction facilitates (westerly) or slows (easterly) the discharge of water from the small embayment receiving the power plant's thermal effluent. Particulate organic matter content of the thermal plume varied with wind speed, apparently due to suspension of sediments in this shallow water. Finally, only the coarse (> 10 mm) size fraction of the benthic sediments was related to distance from the power plant. Thus the thermal regime of this habitat appears to be the primary explanation for this unionid refuge.
Psychiatric diagnoses among quitters versus continuing smokers 3 years after their quit day

Abstract Background People with psychiatric disorders are more likely to smoke and smoke more heavily than the general population, and they suffer disproportionally from smoking-related illnesses. However, little is known about how quitting versus continuing to smoke affects mental health and the likelihood of developing a psychiatric diagnosis. This study used data from a large prospective clinical trial to examine the relations of smoking cessation success with psychiatric diagnoses 1 and 3 years after the target quit day. Methods This study enrolled 1504 smokers (83.9% white; 58.2% female) in a cessation trial that involved the completion of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview to assess psychiatric diagnoses and biochemical confirmation of point-prevalence abstinence at Baseline and Years 1 and 3. Results Regression analyses showed that, after controlling for pre-quit (past-year) diagnoses, participants who were smoking at the Year 3 follow-up were more likely to have developed and maintained a substance use or major depressive disorder by that time than were individuals who were abstinent at Year 3. Conclusions Quitting smoking does not appear to negatively influence mental health in the long-term and may be protective with respect to depression and substance use diagnoses; this should encourage smokers to make quit attempts and encourage clinicians to provide cessation treatment.
Solvation and thermalization of electrons generated by above-the-gap (12.4 eV) two-photon ionization of liquid H2O and D2O

Temporal evolution of transient absorption (TA) spectra of electrons generated by above-the-gap (12.4 eV total energy) two-photon ionization of liquid H2O and D2O has been studied on femto- and picosecond time scales. The spectra were obtained at intervals of 50 nm between 0.5 and 1.7 mum. Two distinct regimes of the spectral evolution were observed: t 1 ps. In both of these regimes, the spectral profile changes considerably with the delay time of the probe pulse. The "continuous blue shift" and the "temperature jump" models, in which the spectral profile does not change as it progressively shifts, as a whole, to the blue, are not supported by our data. Furthermore, no p-state electron, postulated by several authors to be a short-lived intermediate of the photoionization process, was observed by the end of the 300 fs, 200 nm pump pulse. For t 1 ps), the position of the band maximum is "locked", but the spectral profile continues to change by narrowing on the red side and broadening on the blue side; the oscillator strength is constant within 10%. The time constant of this narrowing is ca. 0.56 ps for H2O and 0.64 ps for D2O. Vibrational relaxation and time-dependent decrease in the size and sphericity of the solvation cavity are suggested as possible causes for the observed spectral transformations in both of these regimes.
TU‐C‐I‐611‐02: New Development of Imaging Theory and Algorithms in Computed Tomography

Computed tomography(CT), one of the most widely used imaging modality in medicine and other areas, is currently in a period of renaissance largely due to the advent of the helical cone‐beam data acquisition technology. This new development has opened up tremendous opportunities for the design and applications of CTimaging protocols in medicine and other areas that would otherwise be impossible. On the other hand, the cone‐beam CT also poses numerous theoretical and numerical challenges on the algorithm development. One of such challenges is to the need of new theory for obtaining accurate images from helical cone‐beam data to which the conventional CT theory is no longer applicable. In this talk, following the introduction of the basic principle of CTimaging, the recent advances of CT technology and imaging theory/algorithms will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the description of the new concepts, theory, and algorithms that we have recently developed for image reconstruction from cone‐beam data acquired with a wide variety of scanning configurations, including the helical scanning configuration. We also believe that one of the important trends in CTimaging is the so‐called targeted imaging of a region of interest (ROI) within the subject from truncated data. Such a targeted imaging strategy would substantially reduce the radiation dose delivered to the subject, scanning effort, and/or data contamination from motion and other artifacts. Therefore, I will describe our approaches to and algorithms for exactly reconstructing ROI images from truncated or reduced data in cone‐beam CT.
Race in the Television Newsroom: Do On-Air Personalities Reflect the Communities They Serve?

Race data of anchors and reporters were collected from a total of 125 stations from 40 randomly chosen television markets in the United States, and then compared to the race data from the population of the stations' viewership areas. Overall, the study found that the percentage of White and Black news anchors and reporters accurately reflected the percentages of Whites and Blacks living in the Designated Market Area (DMA) groupings. Hispanics and Asians weren't as well represented, and the most underrepresented group was American Indians.
Analytical analysis of a circular PZT actuator for valveless micropumps

Abstract Closed form analytical equations are important tools for predicting and optimizing the behavior of a piezoelectric microactuator for micropump applications. However, there is no reliable analytical solution to date to analyze the behavior of a circular piezoelectric microactuator for a valveless micropump. In this paper, a linear strain distribution is assumed across the thickness of the passive plate of the lead zirconate titanate (PZT) actuator given that the mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus and Poisson ratio of the actuator and the passive plate are close. An analytical equation for the passive plate deflection is derived upon this assumption. The analytical result shows excellent agreement with experimental data as well as the results from finite element simulation. Based on this analytical model, the effects of several important parameters and nondimensional variable groups on the actuator performance have been investigated. These parameters and variables include the dimensions and mechanical properties of the PZT disk, the passive plate, and the bonding layer material.
A Parametrization of the Properties of Quark Jets

A model is analyzed that provides a parametrization of the properties of the jet of mesons generated by a fast outgoing quark. It is assumed that the meson that contains the original quark leaves momentum and flavor to a remaining jet in which the particles are distributed (except for scaling of the energy and possible changes of flavor) like those of the original jet. One function, the probability f(η) that the remaining jet has a fraction η of the momentum of the original jet, is chosen (as a parabola) so the final distribution of charged hadrons agrees with data from lepton experiments. All the properties of quark jets are determined from f(η) and three parameters; the degree that SU(3) is broken in the formation of new quark-antiquark pairs (s[bar]s is taken as half as likely as uu[bar]), the spin nature of the primary mesons (assumed to be vector and pseudoscalar with equal probability), and the mean transverse momentum given to these primary mesons. Monte Carlo methods are used to generate typical jets. Analytic approximations are also given. Many features of quark jets are examined. The distribution of momentum of various hadrons D_q^h(z), the properties of the hadrons of largest momentum in the jet, correlations, rapidity-gap distribution of charge and of transverse momentum are some of the subjects discussed. The appearance of the jets to an instrument sensitive only to particles above some minimum momentum is also described. Although the model is probably not a true description of the physical mechanism responsible for quark jets, many predictions of the model seem quite reasonable, possibly much like real quark jets (except that the possibility of the emission of baryons is disregarded). The purpose of this work is to provide a model useful in the design of experiments in which quark jets may be observed, and further to provide a standard to facilitate the comparison of lepton-generated jets with the high-p⊥ jets found in hadron collisions.
Fabrication and Properties of Organic Light-Emitting "Nanodiode" Arrays

Fabrication of discrete, structurally regular, highly ordered, nanoscale organic light-emitting diode (OLED) arrays using a variant of nanosphere lithography is communicated. We report patterning, imaging, and the device current−voltage−luminescence characteristics of arrays of OLED nanostructures (ITO/ self-assembled N(p-C6H4CH2CH2CH2SiCl3)3-derived injection layer/1,4-bis(1-naphthylphenylamino)biphenyl/aluminum tris(8-hydroxyquinolate) (Alq): 1% N,N‘-di-isoamyl quinacridone/Al) of a length scale previously unrealized (40−90 nm/side). Minimal alteration/degradation of device response characteristics is demonstrated for OLED size compression to nanoscale, thereby offering new possibilities for nanoscale optoelectronic devices.
Girls Will Be Girls Gender Differences in Predictors of Success for Diverted Youth With Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders

Data on 2,303 youth participating in the New York State Mental Health/ Juvenile Justice Diversion Program were used to explore differences between girls and boys on factors commonly associated with two juvenile justice outcomes: recidivism and out-of-community placement. Bivariate analyses reveal predictable differences between justice-involved girls and boys. Pooled sex multivariate models of these outcomes show no main effect of sex. The results of the within-gender analyses reveal that the type and strength of the predictors of out-of-community placement and recidivism differ for girls and boys. Some predictors suggest even opposite effects by gender. This underscores the necessity to conduct studies of girls (and women) that are grounded in female-specific theories, using data elements derived from those theories and collecting information through gender-sensitive methodologies.
Self-Interest-Driven incentives for ad dissemination in autonomous mobile social networks

In this paper, we propose a Self-Interest-Driven (SID) incentive scheme to stimulate cooperation among selfish nodes for ad dissemination in autonomous mobile social networks. As a key innovation of SID, we introduce “virtual checks” to eliminate the needs of accurate knowledge about whom and how many credits ad provider should pay. A virtual check is included in each ad packet. When an intended receiver receives the packet for the first time from an intermediate node, the former authorizes the latter a digitally signed check, which serves as a proof of successful ad delivery. Multiple copies of a virtual check can be created and signed by different receivers. When a node that owns a signed check meets the ad provider, it requests the provider to cash the check. Both ad packets and signed checks can be traded among mobile nodes. We propose the effective mechanisms to define virtual rewards for ad packets and virtual checks, and formulate the nodal interaction as a two-player cooperative game, whose solution is obtained by the Nash Bargaining Theorem. Extensive simulations are carried out to compare SID with other existing incentive algorithms under real world mobility traces.
Studies on bombesin-induced grooming in rats.

Abstract The gross behavior induced by centrally administered bombesin in rats was compared to that elicited by ACTH-(1–24) and the somatostatin analog, des AA 1,2,4,5,12,13 [D-Trp 8 ]-somatostatin (ODT8-SS). Bombesin (0.001–1 μg, ICV) caused dose-related excessive scratching which was qualitatively different from that associated with the other two groom-inducing agents. Bombesin-induced grooming was not markedly affected by behaviorally nondepressant doses of haloperidol, morphine, naloxone or neurotensin. Bombesin was active in genetically hypotrichotic (essentially furless) rats; and, again in such animals, even after numbing the area caudal to the shoulders with lidocaine. Tolerance and cross-tolerance studies with bombesin and ODT8-SS indicated that they produce scratching through different mechanisms. Bombesin caused scratching when injected directly into the periaqueductal gray, but not when administered intravenously. Neither hypophysectomy nor adrenalectomy markedly affected bombesin-induced grooming. This behavior appears to be initiated in the central nervous system and is produced independently of the pituitary-adrenal axis.
A model for improving the precision of paleobathymetric estimates: an example from the northwest Gulf of Mexico

Intraspecific variation in test morphology of ten commonly occurring, benthic foraminiferal species collected from 47 stations and from water depths ranging from 53 to 3230 m in the northwest Gulf of Mexico were subjected to canonical discriminant analysis in order to statistically define an a priori bathymetric zonation. Three species (Bolivina subspinescens, Gavelinopsis translucens, and Uvigerina peregrina) had intraspecific variation capable of statistically dividing the bathyal zone into six contiguous 200 m intervals. Statistical analysis of the remaining seven species (Bolivina albatrossi B. lowmani, Cassidulina subglobosa, Cibicidoides pachyderma C. robertsonianus, Epistominella exigua, and Qridorsalis umbonatus) divided the bathyal zone into five contiguous 250 m intervals. The statistical differences in morphologic variability found in this study appear to be the organism's physiologic response to biogeochemical changes in sea floor habitat as they transcend various water masses. As such, the statistical analyses is a direct measure of the effect of those environmental factors, allowing better resolution and reliability of paleodepth estimates and geodynamic modelling than that commonly attained through faunal association.
A study of the fluorescence of cellulosic polymers

A spectrophotofluorometer, suitably modified for use with plastics films, was used to study a series of cellulosic polymer films. The chemical structure of the films was found to be related to the wavelength and intensity of the fluorescence emission spectra. Saturated aliphatic esters and ethers were found to possess strong fluorescence maxima at about 350 mμ. Cellulose nitrate exhibits very weak fluorescence at 310 mμ, and a moderate fluorescence maximum appears at 440 mμ for cellulose derivatives containing double bonds or carboxyl groups. A series of experiments is described in which the modification of chemical structure was followed by measuring changes in fluorescence spectra.
Biochemistry of the Ustilaginales. X. The biosynthesis of ustilagic acid.

The β-cellobiolipid, ustilagic acid, deposited when Ustilago zeae (PRL 119) is grown in a medium containing glucose, was prepared from 1-C14-glucose. The labelled acid was degraded to carbohydrate and fatty acid fractions. The carbohydrate was shown to be synthesized from 3-C fragments and the fatty acid from 2-C fragments. These results show that the hexose metabolism of the organism is probably the same as that suggested in the Embden–Meyerhof scheme.
Model identity SN2 reactions CH3X + X- (X = F, Cl, CN, OH, SH, NH2, PH2): Marcus theory analyzed.

The structures of seven gas phase identity SN2 reactions of the form CH3X + X- have been characterized with seven distinct theoretical methods: RHF, B3LYP, BLYP, BP86, MP2, CCSD, and CCSD(T), in conjunction with basis sets of double and triple ζ quality. Additionally, the energetics of said reactions have been definitively computed using focal point analyses utilizing extrapolation to the one-particle limit for the Hartree−Fock and MP2 energies using basis sets of up to aug-cc-pV5Z quality, inclusion of higher order correlation effects [CCSD and CCSD(T)] with basis sets of aug-cc-pVTZ quality, and additional auxiliary terms for core correlation and scalar relativistic effects. Final net activation barriers for the reactions are = −0.8, = 1.6, = 28.7, = 14.3, = 13.8, = 28.6, and = 25.7 kcal mol-1. General trends in the energetics, specifically the performance of the density functionals, and the component energies of the focal point analyses are discussed. The utility of classic Marcus theory as a techniqu...
E proteins are required to activate germline transcription of the TCR Vβ8.2 gene

Each TCR Vβ gene is regulated by an individual Vβ promoter, which becomes active prior to V(D) J recombination and drives germline transcription. It has been shown that Vβ gene locus activation and recombination are dependent on the Vβ promoter. However, transcription factors that regulate Vβ germline transcription remain largely undefined. A major challenge in studying Vβ gene germline transcription is the quantitative assessment of relatively low-level transcripts in T-cell progenitors. Here we used the established Vβ8.2CD2 knock-in mouse model to assess functions of E-protein transcription factors in Vβ8.2 germline transcription. We show that E proteins are required for the activation but not the maintenance of the Vβ8.2 germline transcription during thymocyte development. The activation of Vβ8.2 germline transcription depends more on the E proteins encoded by the E2A gene than by the HEB gene. We further show that IL-7 receptor (IL-7R)-mediated signals are essential for Vβ8.2 germline transcription. We provide evidence that IL-7R expression is only partially controlled by E2A, suggesting a role for E2A in driving Vβ8.2 germline transcription independent of IL-7R activation.
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in Hurler's syndrome using a reduced intensity preparative regimen

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in patients with Hurler's syndrome can improve survival and ameliorate many aspects of Hurler's syndrome including neurologic decline and cardiac compromise. Unfortunately, the toxicity of traditional preparative regimens to organs affected by the syndrome may have deleterious effects. Additionally, despite the intensity of these regimens, achieving stable donor chimerism can be difficult. We report transplant outcomes following a reduced intensity, highly immunosuppressive preparative regimen consisting of alemtuzumab, fludarabine and melphalan prior to HCT in seven patients with Hurler's syndrome treated at two centers. Six patients received grafts from unrelated donors and one received a sibling donor graft. The preparative regimen was well tolerated. All patients had initial donor engraftment at 100 days; one patient had delayed loss of donor chimerism. There was no severe acute GVHD (no GI GVHD of grade II or more, no grade IV skin GVHD). Six of the seven children are surviving at a median of 1014 (726-2222) days post transplant. This reduced intensity preparative regimen has the potential to support engraftment and improve survival and outcome in patients with Hurler's syndrome undergoing HCT.
Cultivating Global Science

In our rapidly expanding global scientific research enterprise, good science anywhere is good for science everywhere, provided that there exists an open flow of information with transparent processes to promote rigorous peer review and scientific integrity. Last year on this page, I emphasized that collaboration across national boundaries requires a global ecosystem that nurtures and accelerates the pace of scientific discoveries to address the many grand challenges facing humanity.* The heads of major science and engineering research funding agencies from nearly 50 countries—primarily representing the G-20 and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development—took the first steps toward this goal by convening at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) in Virginia, for the first Global Merit Review Summit. The outcomes and momentum from the meeting, held on 14 and 15 May 2012, reflect the serious commitment of nations to ensure that science functions in a coherent and well-coordinated manner among developed and developing nations, maintains the public trust, and addresses each nation's unique needs for economic growth, national security, and human capital development.
Talpid2 limb bud mesoderm does not express GHox-8 and has an altered expression pattern of GHox-7.

We have studied the expression patterns of the chick homeobox-containing genes, GHox-7 and GHox-8, in the talpid2 (ta2) chick mutant whose limbs have abnormal pattern. These studies provide new insight into how homeobox gene expression and limb patterning may be related. This is the first study demonstrating a natural change in GHox-7 and GHox-8 along the anteroposterior axis. While GHox-7 is expressed asymmetrically in normal limb buds, it is expressed at a uniform level across the anteroposterior axis of ta2 limb buds. GHox-8 is expressed in anterior mesoderm of normal limb buds, but is un-detectable in ta2 limb bud mesoderm. These data are consistent with the subtle anteroposterior polarity in ta2 limbs, and allow us to propose that ta2 limb buds lack anterior positional information, but have a narrow range of posterior positional values. We suggest that in normal limb buds GHox-8 may establish the anterior limb bud boundary. Furthermore, we point out that coexpression of GHox-7 and GHox-8 in normal anterior limb bud mesoderm can be correlated with the reduced apical ridge maintenance activity of this tissue, while the lack of coexpression in ta2 limb buds is correlated with the strong ridge maintenance activity in the mutant's anterior limb bud mesoderm. Last, ta2 limbs contain no dying cells in their anterior and posterior border mesoderm; nevertheless, they express GHox-7 in these regions. These data challenge the proposal that this gene determines cell death. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hubble Space Telescope Imaging of the Outburst Site of M31?RV*

M31 RV is a luminous red variable star that appeared for several months in the bulge of M31 during 1988. Unlike classical novae, M31 RV was cool throughout its outburst. Interest in this object has been revived recently because of its strong resemblance to V838 Mon, a luminous Galactic variable star that appeared in 2002 and is illuminating a spectacular light echo, and has evolved to ever cooler surface temperatures. (V4332 Sgr is a third object that was also a red supergiant throughout its eruption.) We have examined archival Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images of the site of M31 RV, obtained fortuitously in 1999 with the WFPC2 camera in parallel mode during spectroscopic observations of the nucleus of M31. We located the site of M31 RV in the HST frames precisely through astrometric registration with ground-based CCD images, including several taken during the outburst. No light echo is seen at the M31 RV site, implying either that M31 RV is not surrounded by circumstellar (or interstellar) dust similar to that around V838 Mon, or that its extent is less than ~1.7 pc. The stellar population at the outburst site consists purely of old red giants; there is no young population, such as that seen around V838 Mon. There are no stars of unusual color at the site, suggesting either that M31 RV had faded below HST detectability in the 11 years since outburst, that it is an unresolved companion of one of the red giants in the field, or that it is one of the red giants. We suggest future observations that may help decide among these possibilities.
Electronic Reading and Digital Library Technologies: Understanding Learner Expectation and Usage Intent for Mobile Learning

Mobile information technology is changing the education landscape by offering learners the opportunity to engage in asynchronous, ubiquitous instruction. While there is a proliferation of mobile content management systems being developed for the mobile Web and stand-alone mobile applications, few studies have addressed learner expectations and usage intent in consuming digital documents from online content providers and digital libraries with specific emphasis on formal instruction. Understanding usage intent and actual usage of a mobile learning agent as a result of ease of use and usefulness of mobile devices will be addressed in this study. A research framework for instructional technology usage is proposed to help better articulate critical success factors in implementing formal learning using a mobile device, specifically an electronic reader or a tablet computer.
Bimodal Issues, the Median Voter Model, Legislator's Ideology, and Abortion

The median voter model is widely used in the public choice literature to explain legislator's behavior. According to the model, if voter preferences are unimodal, a vote-maximizing legislator should mirror the position of the median voter. However, the median voter model has not been tested on bimodal issues. This paper fills this critical void by empirically testing the applicability of the median voter model on an issue which clearly meets the criteria for being bimodal: abortion. Using a variety of attitudinal measures from large sample public opinion polls and constituency demographics, this study finds that Senate voting on the 1994 Freedom of Abortion Access bill was highly related to the senator's personal characteristics—especially ideology—and not to constituent opinion or demographics.
CP violation in the two-Higgs-doublet model: An example

In a general two-scalar-doublet model without fermions, there is a unique source of CP violation, ${\mathit{J}}_{1}$, in the gauge interactions of the scalars. It arises in the mixing of the three neutral physical scalars ${\mathit{X}}_{1}$, ${\mathit{X}}_{2}$, and ${\mathit{X}}_{3}$. $CP\char22{} violation may be observed via different decay rates for ${\mathit{X}}_{1}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{H}}^{+}$${\mathit{W}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ and ${\mathit{X}}_{1}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathit{W}}^{+}$ (or, alternatively, for ${\mathit{H}}^{+}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{X}}_{1}$${\mathit{W}}^{+}$ and ${\mathit{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{X}}_{1}$${\mathit{W}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$, depending on which decays are kinematically allowed). I compute the part of those CP-violating decay-rate differences which is proportional to ${\mathit{J}}_{1}$. The CP-invariant phase is provided by the absorptive parts of the one-loop diagrams. I check the gauge invariance of the whole calculation.
High Performance Thin Film Transistors (TFTs) of Polycrystalline Silicon Crystallized by the Double Laser Crystallization (DLC) Technique

Ultra-large grain poly-crystalline silicon has been formed by the double laser crystallization (DLC) method. In-situ images were captured to monitor the transient melting and solidification process in order to understand the crystallization induced by steep laser intensity gradients. SEM (scanning electron microscope) images of crystallized film after Secco etch revealed grain size up to 10μm. High performance thin film transistors (TFTs) were fabricated on the DLC-made poly-crystalline material. The highly localized crystal growth and well-defined orientation allowed precise definition of channels on large grains. The electrical performance of the fabricated devices was studied, indicating a field-effect mobility in the saturation range of undoped channel of 124 cm2 /V.sec, threshold voltage of 0.2V and on-off current ratio of 1E8 for n-type devices.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Evaluating atomic components in fluorene wires

Molecular electronics demands complex functional molecules with multiple pathways connecting electrode leads. We report the synthesis and study of a set of molecules based on a fluorene-like design in which atomic connectors are used to introduce two pathways for conductance. This manuscript details the structural demands and underlying rationale for developing high conductance in these complex molecular circuit components.
The effect of PSF spatial-variance and nonlinear transducer geometry on motion estimation from echocardiography

Two-dimensional echocardiography continues to be the most widely used modality for the assessment of cardiac function due to its effectiveness, ease of use, and low costs. Echocardiographic images are derived from the mechanical interaction between the ultrasound field and the contractile heart tissue. Previously, in [6], based on B-mode echocardiographic simulations, we showed that motion estimation errors are significantly higher in shift-varying simulations when compared to shift-invariant simulations. In order to ascertain the effect of the spatial variance of the Ultrasonic field point spread function (PSF) and the transducer geometry on motion estimation, in the current paper, several simple canonical cardiac motions such as translation in axial and horizontal direction, and out-of-plane motion were simulated and the motion estimation errors were calculated. For axial motions, the greatest angular errors occurred within the lateral regions of the image, irrespective of the motion estimation technique that was adopted. We hypothesize that the transducer geometry and the PSF spatial-variance were the underlying sources of error for the motion estimation methods. No similar conclusions could be made regarding motion estimation errors for azimuthal and out-of-plane ultrasound simulations.
Invasive balantidiasis presented as chronic colitis and lung involvement.

A unique case of chronic balantidiasis is described, presenting with chronic colitis and inflammatory polyposis of the rectum and sigmoid colon and an intrapulmonary mass. Histology of the colonic polyps showedBalantidium coli, and bothAspergillus andBalantidium coli were found in the aspirate of the pulmonary mass. The patient was treated with doxycycline HC1 100 mg/day for 10 days with complete clinical recovery and marked improvement of the endoscopic appearance of the colonic mucosa.
Thermal expansion in metal/lithia-alumina-silica (LAS) composites

Lithia-alumina-silica (LAS) with metallic dispersions offers a new approach toward near-zero, isotropic, thermal expansion composites. The metallic phase contributes a positive coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) to the negative CTE of the glass/ceramic matrix. In addition, the metal will increase the electrical and thermal conductivities over those of the matrix alone. The LAS system offers tailorable negative CTEs and light weight compared to other negative CTE ceramics. The most negative CTE phase is crystalline β-eucryptite, whose proportion in an initially glassy matrix can be controlled by heat treatment. Dispersed metal powders were both hot-pressed and cold-pressed and sintered together with LAS matrices prepared by sol gel methods. Super Invar powder was studied for its minimal CTE mismatch, while titanium powders offered a compromise between light weight and low CTE. An ultralow-expansion (ULE) glass- and linear variable differential transducer (LVDT)-based differential dilatometer was developed for rapid screening of compositions, while a double-laser Michelson interferometer was used for precise near-zero CTE measurements. The reinforced β-eucryptite glass/ceramic matrix exhibited both a U-shaped ΔL/L curve with temperature and some thermal hysteresis, depending on the fabrication and heat treatment sequences. The temperature of the zero-CTE portion of this curve was found to change with increasing titanium powder content. Results are also given for mixtures of Super Invar powders in ULE glass and β-eucryptite matrices. Negative CTEs in a LAS matrix above ambient temperatures were more difficult to obtain than below, although the use of petalite (high-silica LAS) appears promising.
Bursts into chaos

Abstract Certain elementary transcendental mappings of the complex plane such as λ exp( z ) and iλ cos( z ) are shown to experience a sudden burst into chaos. The Julia set for these maps changes instantaneously from a nowhere dense, small portion of the plane to the entire plane at a critical λ-value.
The metadata enigma

Metadata promises too much value as a business management tool to dismiss its implementation and maintenance effort as the equivalent of Sisyphean torture.
Environmental Policy With Integrity: A Lesson from the Discursive Dilemma

In response to what has been called the discursive dilemma, Christian List has argued that the nature of the public agenda facing deliberative bodies indicates the appropriate form of decision procedure or deliberative process. In this paper I consider the particular case of environmental policy where we are faced with pressures not only from deliberators and stakeholders, but also in response to dynamic changes in the environment itself. As a consequence of this dilemma I argue that insofar as the focus of a policy forming body is on the formation of viable environmental policy, rather than on a set of pre-existent ideological commitments, deliberative agents should be responsive as a unified body to the pressures of precedent, the best available science, and their own best individual judgments. In the case of environmental policy the dilemma pressures deliberative bodies to display what Ronald Dworkin has called integrity even in cases where this requires those deliberative bodies to sacrifice being maximally responsive to the preferences of individual deliberators.
Can we conquer cancer in the twenty-first century?

The twentieth century recorded the greatest advance in the control of human disease. From the beginning of recorded time, the human life-span changed little until the twentieth century. In the USA, it increased from 47.3 years in 1900 to 76.4 years in 2000. The answer to the question of "Can we cure cancer in the twenty-first century?" requires an appreciation of the contemporary nature of our knowledge. At the beginning of the twentieth century, major problems were nutrition and infection. By 1950, the major causes of mortality and morbidity were still infectious diseases, such as syphilis, tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, and influenza. The 1950s and 1960s were the golden age of control of infectious diseases, while cancer, because of the aging of the population and the strong association between cancer and age, has become the major healthcare problem of the twenty-first century. Until 1960, no one had proposed or demonstrated that a systemic or metastatic form of cancer could be cured. In only 35–40 years not only have techniques for the early detection, prevention, and surgical and radiation therapy treatments improved, but at least 15–20% of patients with systemic/metastatic cancers can be cured with our current primitive systemic treatments. Prior to 1943, there was no chemotherapy. Prior to 1948, no one had described complete regression of a systemic cancer. There were no multi-institution, randomized clinical trials prior to 1949. Additionally, combination chemotherapy, new drugs, bone marrow transplantation, broad-spectrum antibiotics to control infections, and platelets to control hemorrhage have been added in the past 50 years. The pace of progress extrapolates to a prediction of cancer control in the twenty-first century. The human genome has been sequenced, and it will be possible to identify expression profiles not only for malignant cells but for their normal counterparts. It is certain that interventions specific for control of the malignant transformation will be identified. An example of gene-directed therapy is in acute promyelocytic leukemia where trans-retinoic acid is effective and contributes to cure. The signal transduction inhibitors, small molecules bioavailable orally and specific for interfering with signals resulting from ligand-receptor interactions, are a dramatic advance. Because cancer is a genetic disorder, the expanding field of genomics will certainly accelerate our progress toward the control of cancer. Finally, the twenty-first century will be an era of enhanced communication. The computer has given us the internet. Our communication in cyberspace is not only universal but instantaneous. Increases in the speed at which knowledge can be exchanged and the enormous capacity for storing new knowledge in cyberspace ensure that the pace of progress that we saw in the twentieth century will accelerate in the twenty-first. To address the question in the title of this paper, I believe that it is not a question of whether, but only of when.
Calcific uremic arteriolopathy of the penis

A 73-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with an extremely painful lesion on his glans penis that had developed over the previous 2 weeks after initiation of hemodialysis. His other medical history included type-2 diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation on warfarin. His vital signs were stable and on examination an extremely tender, violaceous, indurated area with black eschar formation was seen on his glans penis (Panel A). There were no other such lesions on his body. His laboratory studies showed serum total calcium of 8.8 mg/dl, phosphorus 11.8 mg/dl, calcium-phosphorus product 103.8 mg2/dl2 and parathyroid hormone level 633 pg/ml. Based on the physical examination and laboratory data findings he was diagnosed with calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA). He was treated with local penile wound debridement, intravenous sodium thiosulfate, bisphosphonate and low-calcium baths along with discontinuation of warfarin. Sevelamer and cinacalcet were started for his high phosphorus and parathyroid hormone levels, respectively. Continuation of treatment resulted in complete healing of the lesion at 3 months’ follow-up. CUA (formerly known as calciphylaxis) is a process of ischemic necrosis of the skin and soft tissues due to increased vascular calcification.1 CUA primarily occurs in patients with advanced stage renal failure who are receiving warfarin and it generally involves distal extremities, thighs and buttocks.2,3,4 In patients with very high parathyroid hormone levels who do not respond to the medical treatment, parathyroidectomy may be useful but its role remains controversial.1,4 CUA involving the penis is a very rare occurrence and morbidity and mortality due to CUA, despite treatment, remains very high owing to wound infection and sepsis.4
Fokker-Planck equation approach to fluctuations about nonequilibrium steady states

We examine the properties of steady states in systems which interact at the boundary with a nonequilibrium environment. The examination is based on a nonlinear Fokker-Planck equation, the structure of which is determined by the fact that it also governs the time evolution of the equilibrium fluctuations of the system. The nonlinearities in the Fokker-Planck equation may have two origins: thermodynamic nonlinearities which arise if the thermodynamic potential is not a bilinear function of the state variables, and nonlinear mode coupling which arises if the transport coefficients depend on the state. While these nonlinearities have only a small effect on the equilibrium fluctuations of a system away from critical points, they are shown to be important for the determination of fluctuations about nonequilibrium steady states. In particular the state dependence of the transport coefficients may lead to deviations from local equilibrium and to a breakdown of detail balance. An explicit formula for the time correlations of fluctuations about the nonequilibrium steady state is obtained. The formula leads to long-range correlations in fluids in the presence of a temperature gradient. The result is compared with earlier approaches to the same problem. Finally, we study the linear response to external forces and obtain a generalization of the fluctuation-dissipation formula relating the response functions with the nonequilibrium correlation functions.
Image workstation in a medical intensive care unit changes viewing patterns and timing of image-based clinical actions in routine portable chest radiographs

In order to determine the effect of an image workstation, viewing patterns and related clinical actions were evaluated in a randomized prospective study. During 16 weeks of Computed Radiography data collection, an image workstation was conveniently available to the Medical Intensive Care Unit clinicians. The workstation was not available for clinical use during 16 weeks of Analog Film data collection. Viewing patterns were evaluated by comparing viewing times. Patient care was evaluated by comparing the time of performing image based clinical actions. The percentage of routine exams viewed before AM Radiology Conference increased from 0% during the Analog Periods to 27% during the CR PACS Periods. Clinicians selected images taken during the first few days of the patient's admission for viewing before conference. Images taken later in admission were viewed during or after conference. On days when radiology conference was not held, images were viewed significantly earlier when the workstation was available. Clinical actions based on images viewed on the workstation were performed significantly earlier. When an image workstation was available routine images were viewed sooner and image based actions occurred earlier.
Berlin's Tiergarten: Evolution of an urban park

In examining the evolution of an urban park, one confronts the question of how a particular piece of land was preserved as open space within the context of urban growth and development, and how it was adapted, formally and functionally, to the changing conditions of urban life. A study of Berlin's Tiergarten is particularly revealing in that the history of this park is representative of that of other European urban parks, among them St. James's Park in London and the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. These parks originated either as gardens associated with a royal residence located within the fortified city, or as more extensive hunting parks located outside the city walls. In both cases, the pleasure grounds created for the enjoyment and aggrandizement of royalty were gradually incorporated into the expanding cities and were eventually bequeathed to the public.
High angular resolution diffusion imaging reveals intravoxel white matter fiber heterogeneity.

Magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can resolve the white matter fiber orientation within a voxel provided that the fibers are strongly aligned. However, a given voxel may contain a distribution of fiber orientations due to, for example, intravoxel fiber crossing. The present study sought to test whether a geodesic, high b-value diffusion gradient sampling scheme could resolve multiple fiber orientations within a single voxel. In regions of fiber crossing the diffusion signal exhibited multiple local maxima/minima as a function of diffusion gradient orientation, indicating the presence of multiple intravoxel fiber orientations. The multimodality of the observed diffusion signal precluded the standard tensor reconstruction, so instead the diffusion signal was modeled as arising from a discrete mixture of Gaussian diffusion processes in slow exchange, and the underlying mixture of tensors was solved for using a gradient descent scheme. The multitensor reconstruction resolved multiple intravoxel fiber populations corresponding to known fiber anatomy. Ma
Modulation of 5-HT release in the hippocampus of 30-day-old rats exposed in utero to protein malnutrition

Previous in vivo microdialysis studies have shown increased spontaneous release of 5-HT in the hippocampus of adult behaving rats exposed to prenatal protein malnutrition. Furthermore, behavioral studies have shown that adolescent rats (PD30) that have been prenatally protein malnourished demonstrate an increased sensitivity to the benzodiazepine chlordiazepoxide (CDP). Given this altered sensitivity to benzodiazepines in adolescent malnourished rats, the present study was designed to test the hypothesis that the increased release of 5-HT in the hippocampus is present in adolescent rats and that this release is modulated by CDP. An altered release of 5-HT at PD30 would suggest an early developmental change associated with prenatal malnutrition. PD30 rats were implanted with microdialysis probes into the dorsal hippocampus and 5-HT release was monitored before and after administration of CDP. As previously reported in adult rats, release of 5-HT was significantly elevated in the dorsal hippocampus of PD30 rats as compared to well-nourished 30-day-old controls. Administration of CDP did not affect the release of 5-HT from the hippocampal formation of well-nourished rats but significantly decreased the elevated release of 5-HT in the malnourished rats. Following CDP, 5-HT release in the malnourished rats was at the same levels as release in well-nourished animals. Benzodiazepines have been reported to decrease extracellular 5-HT in stressed rats but not in unstressed rats. Thus, the elevated 5-HT release in the hippocampus in rats exposed to prenatal protein malnutrition may be associated with an increased response to stress. These data support other data that prenatal protein malnutrition alters the response to stressful stimuli possibly through changes in the GABAergic and/or serotonergic systems.