cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultra-low-dose intra-arterial contrast injection for iliofemoral computed tomographic angiography.

Objectives This study sought to evaluate the feasibility of using ultra-low-dose intra-arterial contrast injection for iliofemoral computed tomographic (CT) angiography to follow diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Background Cardiovascular interventions such as percutaneous aortic valve replacement require transfemoral delivery of large-bore intra-arterial catheters; therefore, pre-procedural assessment of aortoiliofemoral anatomy is important. CT angiography is ideal for this purpose but requires a large volume of intravenous contrast. Methods Consecutive patients requiring evaluation of aortoiliofemoral anatomy underwent conventional anteroposterior projection iliac angiography during cardiac catheterization. A pigtail catheter was left in situ in the infrarenal abdominal aorta, and patients were transferred to the CT suite. Subsequently, 10 to 15 ml of contrast diluted with normal saline was injected intra-arterially via the pigtail catheter while a spiral CT of the abdomen and pelvis was acquired. Conventional angiographic and CT images were analyzed independently to assess suitability for large-bore (7-mm-diameter) intra-arterial catheter access. Results Excellent CT image quality was achieved in 34 of 37 patients (92%). The mean contrast dose for CT was 12 ± 2 ml. In 9 patients (24%), CT changed the assessment of femoral access feasibility. Furthermore, in another 7 patients (19%), unfavorable anatomy as shown by CT directed the avoidance of a particular side. Overall, CT findings altered the interventional approach in 16 patients (43%). There was no significant deterioration detected in renal function after coronary and CT angiography (estimated glomerular filtration rate 54.8 ± 3.8 ml/min before 53.3 ± 3.9 ml/min after, p = 0.55). Conclusions High-quality aortoiliofemoral CT angiography can be obtained with a technical success rate of >90% using 10 to 15 ml of contrast injected via a catheter in the abdominal aorta, and offers an alternative to conventional X-ray or CT angiography with high-volume intravenous contrast injection.
Solubility and thermodynamic properties of vanadium-oxygen solid solutions

Abstract A thermodynamic study has been made of the vanadium-oxygen system utilizing the solid state galvanic cell technique. Investigations were made over the temperature range 700–1200°C (973–1473 K) with a ThO 2 Y 2 O 3 electrolyte. The terminal solubility of oxygen in vanadium was determined. The activity of oxygen obeys Henry's law for the temperatures of this investigation for compositions up to 3.2 at.% oxygen. For higher compositions the activity coefficient shows positive deviations from Henry's law. A mathematical expression was determined to describe the activity coefficient as a function of temperature and composition. The change in the thermodynamic properties of oxygen when molecular oxygen dissolves in vanadium and the equilibrium oxygen pressure over vanadiumoxygen solid solutions were determined. The terminal solubility and equilibrium oxygen pressures for the vanadium-oxygen system were compared to those for the niobium-oxygen and tantalum-oxygen systems.
Differential specialization of the cerebral hemispheres for the perception of sameness and difference

The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218 Pairs of letters were presented 4 deg left or right of fixation, and Ss were asked to indicate as quickly as possible whether the letters in a pair were the same or different. Reaction times for “different” responses were faster when stimuli were in the left visual field than in the right, but reaction times for “same” responses were faster when stimuli were in the right visual field than in the left. These results may indicate that the right hemisphere is better specialized for difference detection, while the left hemisphere is better specialized for sameness detection.
Coherent interactions of the polarized nuclear spins of gaseous atoms with the container walls

We have developed a general perturbative theory which describes how coherent wall interactions affect the NMR spectrum of nuclear-spin\char21{}polarized gases in containers of any shape. The important practical case of cylindrical containers with quadrupolar wall interactions has been worked out completely. The basic results are quite simple. The frequency shift and damping of the NMR spectrum depend on seven fundamental parameters: v, the mean thermal velocity of spin polarized atoms; \ensuremath{\lambda}, the mean-free path of spin-polarized atoms in the gas; l, a characteristic linear dimension of the container; A, an asymmetry parameter of the container; 〈\ensuremath{\theta}〉, the mean twist angle experienced by the nuclear polarization of an atom as a result of a collision with the wall; 〈${\ensuremath{\theta}}^{2}$〉, the mean-squared twist angle experienced by the nuclear polarization of an atom as a result of a collision with the wall; and \ensuremath{\beta}, the angle between the symmetry axis of the container and the direction of the quantizing magnetic field.
A mean value analysis model for job shops and job shop-like systems

Abstract We apply mean value analysis to determine some congestion measures (mean queue-length, mean flow time, expected throughput) of job shop-like systems such as the flexible manufacturing system (FMS). Computational aspects of the model are discussed.
Antioxidant and Iron-chelating Agents in Cerebral Vasospasm

Prior work in our laboratory showed that the perivascular application of deferoxamine (an antioxidant and iron-chelating agent) inhibited delayed arterial narrowing after chronic blood exposure in a rat femoral artery model of vasospasm. To determine which of these mechanisms was operant in vasospasm, we compared deferoxamine with two agents (ascorbic acid and U74389F) that have antioxidant but not iron-chelating capacity. For the systemic application of drugs in 23 rats, whole blood encased in a silastic cuff was applied to the right femoral artery of each rat; whole-blood serum (lacking erythrocytes) was similarly applied to the left femoral artery. Deferoxamine (30 mg/kg/d), ascorbic acid (1000 mg/kg/d), U74389F (30 mg/kg/d), or pH-matched control vehicle was administered three times daily by intraperitoneal injection for 7 days. After exposure to whole blood, arteries treated with intraperitoneal vehicle showed an 85% reduction in the lumen, compared with vessels exposed to erythrocyte-free serum (P < 0.001). Intraperitoneal ascorbic acid and U74389F produced moderate amelioration in arterial narrowing (53 and 61% decrease, respectively, in the lumen versus controls; P < 0.05 versus vehicle); deferoxamine had no significant effect when administered intraperitoneally. To test the efficacy of these agents by the perivascular application of drugs, whole blood was applied to both femoral arteries in each of 25 rats. Solutions of deferoxamine (10 mg/ml), ascorbic acid (50 or 100 mg/ml), or U74389F (15 or 30 mg/ml) were directly applied to the perivascular thrombus surrounding the femoral arteries, compared with vehicle applied to contralateral vessels. The perivascular application of 50 mg of ascorbic acid (36% reduction, P < 0.05), 100 mg of ascorbic acid (31% reduction, P < 0.01), or 10 mg of deferoxamine (41% reduction, P < 0.05) significantly inhibited arterial narrowing, compared with vehicle. The application of U74389F at a dose of 15 or 30 mg directly into the perivascular thrombus produced nonsignificant reduction in arterial narrowing. These data suggest that mechanisms other than direct iron toxicity, such as generation of cytotoxic free radicals, may play an important role in cerebral vasospasm. In addition, the route of administration and concentration of drugs in the perivascular region adjacent to the thrombus may be critical to their efficacy.
Some inequalities for the gamma function

Abstract Several inequalities involving gamma function are obtained. They are established using elementary properties of logarithmically convex functions.
COSP - A computer model of cyclic oxidation

A computer model useful in predicting the cyclic oxidation behavior of alloys is presented. The model considers the oxygen uptake due to scale formation during the heating cycle and the loss of oxide due to spalling during the cooling cycle. The balance between scale formation and scale loss is modeled and used to predict weight change and metal loss kinetics. A simple uniform spalling model is compared to a more complex random spall site model. In nearly all cases, the simpler uniform spall model gave predictions as accurate as the more complex model. The model has been applied to several nickel-base alloys which, depending upon composition, form Al2O3 or Cr2O3 during oxidation. The model has been validated by several experimental approaches. Versions of the model that run on a personal computer are available.
Prospective evaluation of the balloon-to-annulus ratio for valvuloplasty in the treatment of pulmonic stenosis in the dog.

Background: In dogs, treatment of pulmonic valve stenosis (PS) with pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty (PBV) is a viable method to decrease the pressure gradient across the valve. However, to the authors' knowledge, the variables that influence the selection of the correct balloon size for the procedure have not been explored. Moreover, the lesions caused by the procedure have not been detailed. Hypothesis: Variables that influence the measurement of the annulus could affect selection of the balloon size. We sought to determine the effects of treatment when the balloon-to-annulus ratio (BAR) was or > 1.3, but within the recommended range of 1.2–1.5, regardless of whether dilation was performed with single or double balloon technique. Animals: Twenty-five Beagles with PS were studied. Methods: Inter-and intra-observer variability, echocardiography versus angiocardiography, and systolic versus diastolic timing were evaluated for the BAR. Assessment of right ventricular (RV) pressure, Doppler gradient, stenotic valve area, and RV wall thickness were compared before and 1, 90, and 180 days after treatment. Postmortem examination of the heart was done. Results: Significant correlations existed in measurement of the annulus; however, variation existed that would change balloon size. Improvement in the degree of PS was significant regardless of the BAR or single or double ballooning. In the most severely affected dogs, continued improvement was noted on day 90. Postmortem examination revealed tears in the commissures and the valve leaflets. Conclusions: Multiple factors influenced determination of the BAR and a range of 1.2–1.5 was effective without detrimental consequences. Dogs with severe PS had continued decrease in RV pressure 3 months after treatment.
Evaluation of the mutagenic potential of mycotoxins using Salmonella typhimurium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract The mutagenic effects of fifteen mycotoxins on Salmonella typhimurium strains TA1535, TA1537 and TA1538 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain D-3 were tested. Only aflatoxin B1 and sterigmatocystin were mutagenic. Both were active against S. typhimurium strain TA1538 and S. cerevisiae strain D-3; however, both required activation by the hepatic S-9 enzyme preparation. A positive correlation between the other mycotoxins reported to be carcinogenic and the two in vitro test systems employed was not demonstrated in our hands.
Refocusing Our Efforts: Assessing Non-Technical Competency Gaps

This study reports the findings of a National Science Foundation-funded study* focused on providing solutions to the identified needs for curricular change in Advanced Technological Education programs. The purpose of this study was to explore the extent of competency gaps in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET) education graduates as perceived by business and industry leaders. Due to the nature of the research questions investigated in this study, the methodology was divided into three phases. Phase one employed a widely accepted multi-step, scale development procedure to determine the domain of the subject matter. Phase two validated survey items. Phase three comprised two parts; part one prioritized SMET competency gaps. Part two utilized Hoshin quality analysis techniques to group, identify, and sequence thematic content areas for curricular development. This study found that SMET programs must extend the boundaries of their traditional curricula to include competencies such as: customer expectations and satisfaction, commitment to doing one's best, listening skills, sharing information and cooperating with co-workers, team working skills, adapting to changing work environments, customer orientation and focus, and ethical decision making and behavior.
Quantitative study of lubricant puddling at the head/disk interface

This paper presents a new methodology to quantify the micro-level lubricant accumulation (lubricant puddling) on a magnetic recording hard disk for flyability testing. After flying over the disk for certain period of time, the head was parked on the disk for certain time duration to allow the lubricant picked up on the head to flow to the disk surface. Using the optical surface analyzer with proper calibration and background removal, the volume of lubricant in a lubricant puddle on the disk has been measured accurately. The effect of various factors, including lubricant type, thickness, the way of head parking, and head parking duration, on lubricant puddling has been investigated. This method is a useful tool for flyability study and other studies that need to quantify the volume of localized lubricant accumulation on the disk.
Pneumatic Brake Actuator Design and Modeling for the Precision Stopping Control of Automated Bus

Precision stopping is an important automated vehicle control function that is critical in applications such as precision bus docking, automated truck or bus fuelling, as well as automatic intersection or toll booth stopping. The initial applications of this technology are most likely to be applied to heavy-duty vehicles such as buses or trucks. Such applications require specific attention to brake control since the characteristics of a typical pneumatic brake system of a heavy vehicle is inherently nonlinear with large uncertainties. The feasibility of providing a smooth precision stopping brake control based on a conventional pneumatic brake system has not yet been demonstrated. As the first step toward the fine braking control of conventional pneumatic brake system, this paper describes the design of a pneumatic brake actuator based on the “off-the-shelf” components for the precision stopping control of an automated bus and details the modelling of each components. In order to facilitate controller design, the complex “component by component” model is reduced to a more tractable one which still preserves the basic nonlinear characteristics of the original system. Both physical explanation and experimental data are provided to justify the model reduction and validate the simplified model which is used for controller design in [1.]Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Orientation Modulated Epitaxy of Cu Nanorods on Si(1 0 0) Substrate

Epitaxial growth of Cu nanorod films on hydrogen-terminated Si(100) substrates by oblique angle deposition (OAD) was investigated. It is found out that the crystallographic orientation of Cu nanorod films exhibits a 45° in-plane rotation with respect to the substrate. When the incident angle of deposition was increased from normal to 80°, the distribution of Cu(111) poles is observed to spread out gradually, whereas the spread in poles is severe beyond 80°, indicating higher epitaxy quality for Cu deposited at lower incident angles. In addition, two sets of twin poles are induced at high-incident angles, while one set can be suppressed by altering flux direction 45° azimuthally about substrate normal. The mechanism of epitaxy development in the OAD grown Cu films is explained.
Excitotoxic spinal cord injury induced dysesthesias are associated with enhanced intrinsic growth of sensory neurons

Abstract Sensory dysesthesias and pain are common sequelae following spinal cord injury (SCI). While efforts to understand the mechanisms involved in SCI pain syndromes have focused on spinal and supraspinal regions, recent evidence suggests that SCI induces pathological responses in primary afferent neurons that may contribute to the development of sensory abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to investigate if excitotoxic spinal lesions lead to abnormal growth responses of cultured dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, and to examine if the degree of neurite growth correlated with the presence of dysesthesias. Long–Evans rats underwent excitotoxic spinal cord lesions by injection of quisqualic acid at spinal level T12. Animals were examined daily for overgrooming behavior. Fourteen days after injury, DRG neurons were removed from at and below the level of injury, cultured and analyzed for soma size and neurite length. Grooming animals showed robust neurite growth in small, medium, and large neurons compared to nongrooming and control animals. Enhanced neuronal growth responses also occurred several segments caudal to the level of injury. This study provides the first evidence that excitotoxic spinal lesions result in DRG neurite outgrowth that correlated with the presence of sensory dysesthesias, providing support for the role of maladaptive peripheral afferent responses contributing to SCI pain syndromes.
Spiral CT angiography of the abdominal aorta and its branches

Spiral CT angiography (CTA) was performed on 19 patients for the pre-operative assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysms and in 3 post-operative renal artery bypass patients. Spiral CTA performed during intravenous contrast infusion provided a volume of data that was reconstructed at thin increments. Images were edited and reformatted either as surface rendered three-dimensional or maximum intensity projection (MIP) displays. Final images were viewed in a cine-loop presentation of quality comparable to conventional angiograms. The entire aorta can be examined from the coeliac axis to mid-pelvis with only 107 ml of 60% contrast.
Review: Levonorgestrel IU system, OCPs, and antifibrinolytics each reduce bleeding in endometrial dysfunction

Source Citation Matteson KA, Rahn DD, Wheeler TL 2nd, et al; Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Systematic Review Group. Nonsurgical management of heavy menstrual bleeding: a systematic review. Obstet...
Effect of out-of-hospital albuterol inhalation treatments on patient comfort and morbidity.

Study objective: To determine the effect of the institution of out-of-hospital albuterol treatments for acute asthma on out-of-hospital time intervals emergency department (ED) morbidity. Design: Retrospective chart and ambulance run report review. Participants: All patients who presented with a diagnosis of asthma on the ED record and ambulance run report during 1988 and 1990. Results: Ninety patients treated prior to the routine use of nebulized albuterol (in 1988) and 86 patients treated during the period after the institution of nebulized albuterol (in 1990) were compared. Age, sex, scene and travel times, vital signs, peak expiratory flow rates, length of ED stay, hospitalizations, ED treatment, and mortality were recorded for each patient. Changes over time were determined using a cohort of asthma patients in each year as controls. Severity was recorded as low (less than 3) or high (3 or more) on a modified Fischl index for asthma. Groups were compared by F test, 2 , or t test with P P P P Conclusion: The institution of out-of-hospital use of nebulized albuterol increased scene time and increased first posttreatment peak expiratory flow rates significantly. There was a significant decrease in initial patient severity as measured on the modified Fischl index, although the validity of this index has not been established. It did not affect travel interval, length of stay in the ED, or medication use after ED presentation.
Two-Dimensional Model for Cold Start in a Polymer-Electrolyte-Membrane Fuel Cell

A two-dimensional, nonisothermal, transient model is developed which is capable of predicting polymer-electrolyte fuel-cell performance during cold start. Transport of water in gas, liquid, and membrane phases at temperatures both above and below 0°C is included. In the porous media, the saturation levels of ice and liquid, as well as their pressures, are predicted based on the chemical potential of each phase and the physical and chemical properties of the cell materials. Simulation results show that liquid-water transport near but below 0°C plays an important role in determining the cell potential as a function of time during startup because it can allow for rapid drainage of the cathode catalyst layer once enough fine-pore ice has melted.
Germ line determinants are not localized early in sea urchin development, but do accumulate in the small micromere lineage.

Two distinct modes of germ line determination are used throughout the animal kingdom: conditional—an inductive mechanism, and autonomous—an inheritance of maternal factors in early development. This study identifies homologs of germ line determinants in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus to examine its mechanism of germ line determination. A list of conserved germ-line associated genes from diverse organisms was assembled to search the S. purpuratus genome for homologs, and the expression patterns of these genes were examined during embryogenesis by whole mount in situ RNA hybridization and QPCR. Of the 14 genes tested, all transcripts accumulate uniformly during oogenesis and Sp-pumilio, Sp-tudor, Sp-MSY, and Sp-CPEB1 transcripts are also uniformly distributed during embryonic development. Sp-nanos2, Sp-seawi, and Sp-ovo transcripts, however, are enriched in the vegetal plate of the mesenchyme blastula stage and Sp-vasa, Sp-nanos2, Sp-seawi, and Sp-SoxE transcripts are localized in small micromere descendents at the tip of the archenteron during gastrulation and are then enriched in the left coelomic pouch of larvae. The results of this screen suggest that sea urchins conditionally specify their germ line, and support the hypothesis that this mechanism is the basal mode of germ line determination amongst deuterostomes. Furthermore, accumulation of germ line determinants selectively in small micromere descendents supports the hypothesis that these cells contribute to the germ line.
Why are you telling me this? An examination into negative consumer reviews on the Web

Although word-of-mouth (WOM) is recognized as a powerful force in persuasion,we know little about the new communication phenomenon known as e-WOM. One of the main forms of e-WOM is the product reviews consumers post on different Web sites, and how this form of e-WOM stands up to this claim is yet unknown. For example, do consumers trust the accuracy of these reviews posted by anonymous reviewers, and, do readers trust negative and positive reviews equally? Past research has shown that people tend to weight negative information more than positive information during evaluation. Through an observation study and two laboratory experiments, we investigate the existence of this negativity effect in e-WOM consumer reviews for utilitarian versus hedonic products, and investigate the influence of the reader's attributions regarding the reviewer's motivations on this. Both types of studies show that product type moderates the effect of review valence, and readers exhibit a negativity bias for utilitarian product reviews only. Furthermore, the lab studies show that the reader's attributions about the motivations of the reviewer mediate the effect of this moderation on their attitude about the review. We find that compared with the utilitarian case, readers of negative hedonic product reviews are more likely to attribute the negative opinions expressed, to the reviewer's internal (or non-product related) reasons; and therefore are less likely to find the negative reviews useful. However, in the utilitarian case, readers’ are more likely to attribute the reviewer's negative opinions to external (or product related) motivations, and therefore find negative reviews more useful than positive reviews on average.
Morphological effects of transposing a segment of transverse colon into the ileum of the Holtzman rat.

In order to determine if the rat colon is capable of adaptation when placed in another location within the intestinal tract and/or subject to different luminal contents, a 3 cm segment of transverse colon was transposed into the ileum. Sixteen days later, the animals were injected with tritiated thymidine (1 μCi/g body weight) and killed one hour later. Autoradiographs were analyzed for number of cells per crypt column, number of labeled cells per crypt column, position of labeled cells in the crypt column, and formation of Paneth cells or villi in the transposed colon. Proliferative activity of the epithelium was measured by isolating whole crypts and determining disintegrations per minute per crypt. Except for alterations in the positions of labeled cells, as determined by crypt profiles, no changes from normal were observed in any of the parameters measured. Hence, unlike the small bowel, the colon is refractory to the influences of a new environment.
Introduction: Reconsidering Futurism

In the wider European context, F. T. Marinetti's Futurism is probably best known for the aestheticization of war that Walter Benjamin (1969) famously saw in it, and this is undoubtedly one of its m...
The global metastereotyping of Hollywood ‘dudes’: African reality television parodies of mediatized California style

This study investigates the phenomenon of metastereotyping — that is, the linguistic parody of stereotypic mediatized personas. The analysis draws on data from the 2008 reality television program Big Brother Africa 3, in which contestants ironically perform the lead characters from a 1989 Hollywood teen comedy film who exemplify a highly mediatized California male slacker youth stereotype, the ‘dude’ persona. By examining the linguistic and embodied features deployed by the reality show contestants in their stylization of the film characters, the article shows how metastereotyping involves forms both from within the original representation and beyond. The use by these African contestants of features with such varied semiotic trajectories reveals their globalized ideologies about California and American youth styles as well as their understanding of the film characters’ positions within these styles.
Fresh frozen plasma: the most commonly prescribed hemostatic agent

Although fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is one of the most commonly prescribed therapies in clinical practice throughout the world today, there is little medical evidence available supporting its use. Recent guidelines have called for limiting FFP transfusions. Despite this, FFP use does not seem to be decreasing. The reasons for this are likely to be multifactorial, and may be based on ideas regarding medical practices dating back to Galen and Hippocrates. A review of the history of the development of FFP may shed some light on current clinical practice and guide the direction of future investigations and therapies.
Developmental changes in chromatin proteins of the sea urchin from blastula to mature larva.

Abstract Chromatin proteins of the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus from blastula to fully grown feeding larva were analyzed by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Two subspecies of histone protein changed during development. Histone f1g increased progressively relative to f1m and within a few days after the larvae began to feed constituted >99% of the f1 fraction. Two slower-moving subfractions of histone f2b disappeared in the same interval, being replaced by a single fastermoving species. The electrophoretic profile of nonhistone protein changed quantitatively and qualitatively with the largest change, a relative decrease of high molecular weight bands and a new pattern of middle molecular weight bands, also occurring several days after feeding began. The profiles remained virtually the same during subsequent development though the cell number increased at least tenfold. The onset of feeding thus seems to be correlated with major changes in chromatin proteins.
Multiple roles for the first transmembrane domain of GABAA receptor subunits in neurosteroid modulation and spontaneous channel activity.

Neurosteroids exert potent physiological effects by allosterically modulating synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors. Some endogenous neurosteroids, such as 3α, 21-dihydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one (5α, 3α-THDOC), potentiate GABAA receptor function by interacting with a binding pocket defined by conserved residues in the first and fourth transmembrane (TM) domains of α subunits. Others, such as pregnenolone sulfate (PS), inhibit GABAA receptor function through as-yet unidentified binding sites. Here we investigate the mechanisms of PS inhibition of mammalian GABAA receptors, based on studies of PS inhibition of the UNC-49 GABA receptor, a GABAA-like receptor from Caenorhabditis elegans. In UNC-49, a 19 residue segment of TM1 can be mutated to increase or decrease PS sensitivity over a 20-fold range. Surprisingly, substituting these UNC-49 sequences into mammalian α1, β2, and γ2 subunits did not produce the corresponding effects on PS sensitivity of the resulting chimeric receptors. Therefore, it is unlikely that a conserved PS binding pocket is formed at this site. However we observed several interesting unexpected effects. First, chimeric γ2 subunits caused increased efficacy of 5α, 3α-THDOC potentiation; second, spontaneous gating of α6β2δ receptors was blocked by PS, and reduced by chimeric β2 subunits; and third, direct activation of α6β2δ receptors by 5α, 3α-THDOC was reduced by chimeric β2 subunits. These results reveal novel roles for non-α subunits in neurosteroid modulation and direct activation, and show that the β subunit TM1 domain is important for spontaneous activity of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors.
A Reduced-Order Model for Efficient Simulation of Synthetic Jet Actuators

A new reduced-order model of multidimensional synthetic jet actuators that combines the accuracy and conservation properties of full numerical simulation methods with the efficiency of simplified zero-order models is proposed. The multidimensional actuator is simulated by solving the time-dependent compressible quasi-1-D Euler equations, while the diaphragm is modeled as a moving boundary. The governing equations are approximated with a fourth-order finite difference scheme on a moving mesh such that one of the mesh boundaries coincides with the diaphragm. The reduced-order model of the actuator has several advantages. In contrast to the 3-D models, this approach provides conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. Furthermore, the new method is computationally much more efficient than the multidimensional Navier-Stokes simulation of the actuator cavity flow, while providing practically the same accuracy in the exterior flowfield. The most distinctive feature of the present model is its ability to predict the resonance characteristics of synthetic jet actuators; this is not practical when using the 3-D models because of the computational cost involved. Numerical results demonstrating the accuracy of the new reduced-order model and its limitations are presented.
Measurement of longitudinal relaxation times using surface coils

Abstract The poor B 1 field homogeneity associated with surface coils reduces the effectiveness of inversion-recovery techniques for determination of T 1 relaxation times. This paper presents a variation of the saturation-recovery T 1 experiment which introduces periodic phase shifts in the saturating irradiation to achieve rapid and effective saturation of the sample magnetization, thereby avoiding the complications of B 1 field inhomogeneity. Comparison of the presented technique with the inversion-recovery technique utilizing a composite inverting pulse and alternating phase acquisition is provided. A discussion of the relative merits of each technique is presented.
NARMAX identification for space weather prediction using polynomial radial basis functions

Solar storms can damage transformers, electrical networks, and satellites. In this paper, we use system identification methods to construct nonlinear time-series models that are used to predict solar wind conditions with a 27-day prediction horizon. To identify nonlinear time-series models, we use a set of basis functions to represent the nonlinear mapping. For these basis functions, we propose an alternative class of radial basis functions, which have fewer parameters that needs to be tuned by the user. Finally, we compare the predictions obtained using identified models with predictions obtained with existing models.
Difficult-path branch prediction using subordinate microthreads

Branch misprediction penalties continue to increase as microprocessor cores become wider and deeper. Thus, improving branch prediction accuracy remains an important challenge. Simultaneous Subordinate Microthreading (SSMT) provides a means to improve branch prediction accuracy. SSMT machines run multiple, concurrent microthreads in support of the primary thread. We propose to dynamically construct microthreads that can speculatively and accurately pre-compute branch outcomes along frequently mispredicted paths. The mechanism is intended to be implemented entirely in hardware. We present the details for doing so. We show how to select the right paths, how to generate accurate predictions, and how to get this information in a timely way. We achieve an average gain of 8.4% (42% maximum) over a very aggressive baseline machine on the SPECint95 and SPECint2000 benchmark suites.
Optimal joint signal design and power control for CDMA with decision-feedback receivers subject to user QoS constraints

A synchronous code-division multiple-access (CDMA) channel is considered for which power control is available. Each of the users is assigned a quality-of-service (QoS) threshold that is measured in terms of a signal-to-interference ratio (SIR), and to cover the situation of multiple classes of users, these are allowed to be unequal to each other. The receiver is taken to be of the nonlinear decision-feedback type in which the users are successively detected. Given the processing gain of the system, which is no greater than the number of users, we minimize the required total power (i.e., the sum of the users' received powers) over all sets of signature sequences and power-control policies that allow the users to meet their required QoS constraints.
Orbital Meningoencephalocele Manifesting as a Conjunctival Mass

Orbital meningoencephalocele is a rare congenital abnormality caused by a defect of the cranio-orbital bones that usually manifests soon after birth as a soft, cystic fullness in the superomedial canthal area with associated exophthalmos. We managed an unusual case of congenital orbital meningoencephalocele that manifested as a cystic conjunctival mass without proptosis or periorbital changes. Preoperative computed tomographic scans failed to demonstrate a bone defect. After suture ligature of the posterior stalk, excision of the lesion yielded an ependymal cyst surrounded by neuroglial and meningeal tissue and filled with cerebrospinal fluid. The patient had normal results of ophthalmic and neurologic examinations after transconjunctival resection of the lesion after three years of follow-up. An orbital approach may be appropriate for a few selected cases in which no bone defect is found on computed tomography. Orbital meningoencephalocele should be included in the differential diagnosis of isolated congenital conjunctival cystic masses.
Statistically based feedback control of photoresist application

The authors present a statistically based algorithm for the implementation of run-by-run feedback control on a semiconductor manufacturing process. The method is based on a multivariate cumulative-sum statistical process control procedure. This procedure monitors multiple process parameters in order to identify significant deviations from a given target. Once such a deviation is detected, the algorithm uses adaptive response surface models of the process in order to change the equipment settings. This procedure has been used to control the thickness and the photoactive compound concentration of photoresist applied an oxidized silicon wafers. In this application, feedback control is based on inexpensive thickness and reflectance measurements that can be totally automated. The experiments, conducted in the Berkeley Microfabrication Laboratory, show that this method can significantly improve the photoresist application process. >
Rhinovirus-induced oxidative stress and interleukin-8 elaboration involves p47-phox but is independent of attachment to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and viral replication

Virus-induced elaboration of proinflammatory cytokines is mediated by virus-induced oxidative stress. The purpose of these studies was to determine the source of the virus-induced oxidative stress. Inhibition of viral replication with antibody to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 had no effect on virus-induced oxidative stress or interleukin-8 (IL-8) response (597 ± 88 vs. 668 ± 78 pg/mL in control cells). Treatment of cells with diphenylene iodonium inhibited virus-induced oxidative stress and IL-8 elaboration, but allopurinol, ibuprofen, and rotenone had no effect. Studies in cell lines produced from a patient with gp91-phox deficiency revealed normal responses. In contrast, the oxidative response was decreased and the IL-8 concentration was 227 ± 36 pg/mL in cells from a patient with p47-phox deficiency, compared with 664 ± 48 pg/mL in control cells. These studies suggest that the stimulation of reactive oxygen species by viral challenge occurs at the cell surface even in the absence of viral replication and involves a flavoprotein that may act in concert with p47-phox.
Smoking Cessation in Pregnancy

More than 400,000 deaths occur per year in the United States that are attributable to cigarette smoking; the risks to the general public are widely known. The risk to women, especially those who are pregnant, is less commonly known. During pregnancy, smoking increases the risk of low birth weight infants, placental problems (previa and/or abruption), chronic hypertensive disorders, and fetal death. It is proposed that much of this happens because of vasoconstriction with decreased uterine blood flow from nicotine, carbon monoxide toxicity, and increased cyanide production. Infants of smoking mothers have increased risks, such as sudden infant death syndrome.
The ’’depletion layer’’ of amorphous p‐n junctions

It is shown that within reasonable approximations for the density of state distribution within the mobility gap of a:Si, a one-to-one correspondence exists between the electric field distribution in the transition region of an amorphous p-n junction and that in the depletion layer of a crystalline p-n junction. Thus it is inferred that the depletion layer approximation which leads to a parabolic potential distribution within the depletion layer of crystalline junctions also constitutes a fair approximation in the case of amorphous junctions. This fact greatly simplifies an analysis of solid-state electronic devices based on amorphous material (i.e., solar cells).
Cluster randomized adaptive implementation trial comparing a standard versus enhanced implementation intervention to improve uptake of an effective re-engagement program for patients with serious mental illness

Background: Persons with serious mental illness (SMI) are disproportionately burdened by premature mortality. This disparity is exacerbated by poor continuity of care with the health system. The Veterans Health Administration (VA) developed Re-Engage, an effective population-based outreach program to identify veterans with SMI lost to care and to reconnect them with VA services. However, such programs often encounter barriers getting implemented into routine care. Adaptive designs are needed when the implementation intervention requires augmentation within sites that do not initially respond to an initial implementation intervention. This protocol describes the methods used in an adaptive implementation design study that aims to compare the effectiveness of a standard implementation strategy (Replicating Effective Programs, or REP) with REP enhanced with External Facilitation (enhanced REP) to promote the uptake of Re-Engage. Methods/Design: This study employs a four-phase, two-arm, longitudinal, clustered randomized trial design. VA sites (n=158) across the United States with a designated Re-Engage provider, at least one Veteran with SMI lost to care, and who received standard REP during a six-month run-in phase. Subsequently, 88 sites with inadequate uptake were stratified at the cluster level by geographic region (n=4) and VA regional service network (n=20) and randomized to REP (n=49) vs. enhanced REP (n=39) in phase two. The primary outcome was the percentage of veterans on each facility outreach list documented on an electronic web registry. The intervention was at the site and network level and consisted of standard REP versus REP enhanced by external phone facilitation consults. At 12 months, enhanced REP sites returned to standard REP and 36 sites with inadequate participation received enhanced REP for six months in phase three. Secondary implementation outcomes included the percentage of veterans contacted directly by site providers and the percentage re-engaged in VA health services.
Transponder Wavelength Assignment in WDM Networks

We propose a heuristic algorithm for the assignment of wavelengths to the transponders at a reconfigurable node in a WDM Network. We show that network performance is improved with our algorithm compared to random assignment.
A dynamic mix method for wireless ad hoc networks

A wireless ad hoc network is subject to various security attacks including traffic analysis. In this paper, we explore the approach of preventing traffic analysis through hiding the source and destination of packets. We argue that Chaum's (1981) mix method and proposed security schemas (IPSec (Kent et al. (1998)), Onion Routing (Reed et al. (1998)), and Non Disclosure Method (Fasbender et al. (1996))) cannot adapt to the dynamic changes of topology in a wireless ad hoc network and may cause network performance degradation. A dynamic mix method is proposed which attempts to improve the network performance while still hiding the source and destination of packets.
Disorders of Phosphorous Homeostasis in CKD

Pi is a key ion in the body, with important diverse functions. The maintenance of serum Pi levels is dependent on normal kidney function. As a result, patients with kidney disease are often hyperphosphatemic. Elevations in serum Pi are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with CKD, may hasten loss of residual renal function, and can cause secondary hyperparathyroidism. Unfortunately, current removal of Pi with thrice weekly hemodialysis or daily peritoneal dialysis is not adequate for normal dietary intake. As a result, phosphate binders are a mainstay of therapy in patients with CKD.
Human Lung Carcinoma Cells Treatment by Herbal Medicines Measured by the Response to Compressional Force Induced by a Laser Trap

We have studied human lung carcinoma cells (A549) treated by Chinese Herbal medicine (Paeonia suffruticosa), widely used as anti-tumor agent. We used a comparative analysis of the treated vs untreated cell response to laser trapping.
WID Rnit Variation Improvements for HSS STI CMP Process using Modified Scribe Lane Pattern Design

In the scribe lane, which is located at the frame neighboring two chips, most of the test patterns for monitoring electrical characteristics of memory device as well as various key patterns for photo process are formed. The pattern density of these regions is lower than that of the main chip area, and cause nitride erosion by dishing phenomena during HSS STI CMP process. Nitride erosion occurred in the scribe lane region, could the affect erosion properties of cell region in main chip area, results in within die remain nitride variation and marginal fail in device operation. In this work, in order to prevent these problems, pattern design in the scribe lane was modified so as not to occurs within die remain nitride variation. The effects of improvement in within die remain nitride variation were investigated by FIB-TEM analysis and its correlation with electrical properties were explained.
Supplemental Needs Trusts for People with Disabilities: The Development of a Private Trust in the Public Interest

This Article examines the development of supplemental needs trusts and their role in meeting the needs of people who require additional support that are not adequately met by government benefits. Supplemental needs trusts are part of a complementary partnership between government benefits and private wealth that reflects the eligibility requirements of Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid, among other programs. Throughout its history, the trust has been a subversive tool that has furthered social justice by providing for the needs of people who are subject to the harsh dictates of the dominant legal structure. As part of that tradition, the supplemental needs trust emerged from a mix of judicial and legislative developments and broader societal changes.Supplemental needs trusts promote a higher level of support and care to the beneficiary of the trust than is available from government benefits alone. An aging society, the prevalence and evolving social construct of “disability”, and the structure and limitations of the health insurance system in the United States have made the supplemental needs trust an important tool that continues to evolve.
Parent Discrimination Predicts Mexican-American Adolescent Psychological Adjustment 1 Year Later

This study examined whether Mexican-American parents' experiences with discrimination are related to adolescent psychological adjustment over time. The extent to which associations between parent discrimination and adolescent adjustment vary as a function of parents' ethnic socialization of their children was also examined. Participants included 344 high school students from Mexican or Mexican-American backgrounds (primarily second generation; ages 14–16 at Wave 1) and their primary caregivers who completed surveys in a 2-year longitudinal study. Results revealed that parent discrimination predicted internalizing symptoms and self-esteem among adolescents 1 year later. Additionally, adolescents were more likely to report low self-esteem in relation to parents' increased experiences of discrimination when parents conveyed ethnic socialization messages to them.
A laminar-flow based microbial fuel cell array

Abstract We created a novel laminar-flow based microbial fuel cell (MFC) array to be an integrable and scalable power source for portable lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices. The microfluidic MFC enabled the laminar flow of anolyte and catholyte streams in a microchannel without any physical membranes while the device harvested electricity by utilizing ion transfers through the laminar interface which acts as a virtual membrane. The array prototype incorporated four series-connected fuel cells and was operated with two common inlets for the continuous introduction of the anolyte and catholyte. In the anodic flow region, microorganisms oxidized organic media and completed respiration by transferring the electrons to the anodes. The protons generated by the anodic reactions passed through the liquid-liquid interfaces and traveled to the cathodic streams. The electrons then moved across the external resistors to the cathodes where they combined with the protons and reduced oxidant (i.e. catholyte). The array generated a maximum power output of 60.5 μW/cm 2 using a 100 kΩ load, which outperformed a single laminar flow MFC unit by a factor of approximately 4. The series or parallel application of this array structure, using microfluidic MFCs integrated into a single LOC device, can offer the potential for on-chip power generation.