cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensing User Input on a Human Exoskeleton Device

To practically help those with limited mobility disorders, human exoskeletons need to be intelligent devices that not only guide the pilot along a particular gait but do so in a manner that is comfortable to the pilot and sensitive to pilot intent. This paper proposes sensing the user’s intent and then weighing gait tracking with amplifying the user’s input. To do so, this method utilizes a strain gauge to sense user intent, a Kalman filter to estimate the user’s input to the system, and an LQ-based controller that will weigh pure amplification of the user’s forces with tracking the ideal gait trajectory. This method is implemented in a simulation that showed the user’s input can be estimated under reasonable noise assumptions. This estimate is then supplied to the LQ-based controller with cost function weights on tracking, amplification, and motor input. Varying these weights changes the motor input torque profile to be smoother for the pilot’s comfort or better for tracking performance. These weights can be used to simply and quickly personalize the exoskeleton’s effect for each pilot. The LQ controller is found to yield a smooth torque profile to the user when compared to a PD trajectory tracking controller.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Postbuckling analysis of tailored composite plates with progressive damage

Abstract Composite plates can be optimized to maximize their buckling and postbuckling resistance. A simple, piece-wise uniform, stiffness tailoring concept has previously been shown to increase buckling loads and improve postbuckling performance. In the present study, this stiffness tailoring concept is further investigated to determine its usefulness in increasing the ultimate postbuckling failure load of a composite plate. A simple material model is used to describe the material behavior with damage. Various configurations of plates are examined in the finite element postbuckling analysis with progressive damage. The results show that highly tailored composite plates can have ultimate failure loads 3–5 times higher than a corresponding uniform plate.
Large sounding rockets as a base for probing the distant magnetosphere

The Echo program's use of large sounding rockets to inject electron beams into the outer trapping region where the earth's plasma sheet interacts with the inner magnetosphere is discussed. The beams pass through the plasma sheet and the trapping region, reflect at the southern hemisphere conjugate point and return to the vicinity of the rocket where they are detected and analyzed for acceleration and diffusion processes which may also be responsible for the radiation belts. The motion of electron beams in the magnetosphere is discussed from the standpoint of single particle motion, and the trajectories of electrons injected with known energy, known angle between the electron velocity vector and the local magnetic field vector, and known position are examined. The interaction between the rocket motion and the electron drift motion is described, and the advantages and drawbacks of beam detection by optical methods and by throwaway detectors are compared. Planned Echo experiments using the Space Shuttle are discussed
Efficient robust constrained model predictive control with a time varying terminal constraint set

Abstract An efficient robust constrained model predictive control algorithm with a time varying terminal constraint set is developed for systems with model uncertainty and input constraints. The approach is novel in that it off-line constructs a continuum of terminal constraint sets and on-line achieves robust stability by using a relatively short control horizon (even N =0) with a time varying terminal constraint set. This algorithm not only dramatically reduces the on-line computation but also significantly enlarges the size of the allowable set of initial conditions. Moreover, this control scheme retains the unconstrained optimal performance in the neighborhood of the equilibrium. The controller design is illustrated through a benchmark problem.
Charge-changing cross sections in boron of 7-MeV $sup 11$B recoils from the elastic scattering of deuterons

Equilibrium and pre-equilibrium charge-state distributions have been measured for $^{11}\mathrm{B}$ recoils at a velocity of 11.1 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{8}$ cm/sec from $^{11}\mathrm{B}(d,d)$ elastic scattering in natural boron targets. A coupled set of linear differential equations describing the capture and loss of electrons has been derived for ions recoiling from nuclear processes in solids. It has been used to obtain electron-capture and -loss cross sections from the $^{11}\mathrm{B}$ recoil data. The results are consistent with the existence of very little two-electron capture or loss and, when compared with previous results in gaseous media, do not show any pronounced effects of residual-ion excitation.
Surveying the SBIR Program

In his Policy Forum “The problematic venture capitalist” ( Science 's Compass, 11 Feb., p. [977][1]), Josh Lerner raises several issues to challenge the supporters of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and to ensure that those managing and funding the program remain focused on
The Role of Localized Vibrational Modes in Heat Conduction

In this paper we shall report the results of some numerical experiments which we have performed on certain simple lattice models. Our aim has been to study the effects of anharmonicity and of disorder on thermal resistance, separately and in combination. Our principal result is that an increase in anharmonicity usually produces a decrease in thermal resistance.
Can Youth Apprenticeship Thrive in the United States

During the early 1990s, youth apprenticeship is being proposed as a model that can solve many of the perceived problems with the education of the non-college-bound, reintegrate alienated urban youth, and help reestablish U.S. dominance in international markets. I argue that although many of the elements of the youth apprenticeship model appear to have great potential, three problems must be addressed before the strategy can be successful: securing employer involvement, assuring and improving the quality of on-the-job learning, and confronting the equity issues that arise from a public policy that incorporates the highly stratified world of work into the core educational system.
Inactivation of alanine aminotransferase by the neurotoxin β-cyano-L-alanine

Abstract β-Cyano-L-alanine inactivates pig heart alanine aminotransferase. The nitrile and enzyme form a freely dissociable Michaelis complex which rearranges to a form of inactive enzyme. The inactivated enzyme slowly recovers activity at 25° in 100 mM phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. The observations are consistent with a mechanism of inactivation similar to that thought to apply to the suicide inactivator propargylglycine except that the putative covalent modification of the apoenzyme is relatively labile in the case of the nitrile.
Kinetic analysis of beta-amyloid fibril elongation.

Abstract We used surface plasmon resonance biosensors to evaluate the kinetics associated with the initial events of beta-amyloid (Aβ) fibril elongation. Fibrils were immobilized on the sensor chip surface and extended by exposure to soluble Aβ(1–40) peptide. The fibril surfaces bound Congo red, a marker for β sheet structures, and exhibited a slow linear background decay that is consistent with fibril depolymerization. Sonicated fibrils supported elongation better than unsonicated fibrils, which is consistent with fibril extension reactions. The kinetic data revealed that peptide association and dissociation occurred in multiple steps. Kinetic rate constants for fibril extension were determined by globally fitting the response data with a three-step polymerization model. In the first step, the soluble peptide binds to the growing fibril tip in a readily reversible reaction. The subsequent steps likely allow bound peptide to be stabilized into the growing fiber through postbinding transitional events. Using a mutant peptide, F19P Aβ(1–40), we illustrate how the biosensor assay can be used to probe structure/function relationships of fibril elongation.
Spectroscopy of Anisotropic Optical Absorption and Luminescence in Rubrene Single Crystals

We determine polarization dependent absorption and emission spectra in rubrene and relate them to the molecular properties and crystal structure, identifying the important role played by vibronic induced depolarization in determining the luminescence spectra.
Theta frequency activity during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is greater in people with resilience versus PTSD

Emotional memory consolidation has been associated with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and recent evidence suggests that increased electroencephalogram spectral power in the theta (4–8 Hz) frequency range indexes this activity. REM sleep has been implicated in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as in emotional adaption. In this cross-sectional study, thirty young healthy African American adults with trauma exposure were assessed for PTSD status using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale. Two consecutive night polysomnographic (PSG) recordings were performed and data scored for sleep stages. Quantitative electroencephalographic spectral analysis was used to measure theta frequency components sampled from REM sleep periods of the second-night PSG recordings. Our objective was to compare relative theta power between trauma-exposed participants who were either resilient or had developed PTSD. Results indicated higher right prefrontal theta power during the first and last REM periods in resilient participants compared with participants with PTSD. Right hemisphere prefrontal theta power during REM sleep may serve as a biomarker of the capacity for adaptive emotional memory processing among trauma-exposed individuals.
Modes of oscillation in dc driven high pressure microplasma discharges

Atmospheric pressure microplasma devices have been the subject of considerable research during the last decade [1]. Most of the operation regime of the discharges studied fall in the ‘abnormal’, ‘normal’ and ‘corona’ modes - increasing and a ‘flat’ voltage current characteristics. However, the negative differential resistance (NDR) regime at atmospheric and high pressures has been less studied and possesses unique characteristics that can be employed for novel applications. The NDR regime has been studied for low pressure systems and has been characterized to be associated to relaxation oscillation only [2–4]. In this work we report a detailed study on the different modes of self oscillation in high pressure micro plasma discharges. Detailed multidimensional numerical simulations have been conducted with a validated model. The different self-pulsing modes of oscillation have been identified as, relaxation oscillation having medium to low frequency oscillation at low discharge current and high frequency free running oscillation at comparatively high discharge current condition. In the relaxation oscillation, the discharge switches between a dark and glow like discharge whereas in the free running mode the transition is observed to occur within glow like modes. Predictions from the model are in favorable agreement with experimental measurements. These two modes of oscillation are found to be more prevalent at higher pressure. Depending on pressure, the frequency of relaxation and free running oscillations are in the kHz - MHz and MHz - GHz range respectively. External parameters influencing these self oscillations are also studied, conditions suitable for suppression of these oscillation is discussed.
An efficient key point quantization algorithm for large scale image retrieval

We focus on the problem of large-scale near duplicate image retrieval. Recent studies have shown that local image features, often referred to as key points, are effective for near duplicate image retrieval. The most popular approach for key point based image matching is the clustering-based bag-of-words model. It maps each key point to a visual word in a code-book that is constructed by a clustering algorithm, and represents each image by a histogram of visual words. Despite its success, there are two main shortcomings of the clustering-based bag-of-words model: (i) it is computationally expensive to cluster millions of key points into thousands of visual words; (ii) there is no theoretical analysis on the performance of the bag-of-words model. We propose a new scheme for key point quantization that addresses these shortcomings. Instead of clustering, the proposed scheme quantizes each key point into a binary vector using a collection of randomly generated hyper-spheres, and a bag-of-words model is constructed based on such randomized quantization.Our theoretical analysis shows that the resulting image similarity provides an upper bound for the similarity based on the optimal partial matching between two sets of key points. Empirical study on a database of 100,000 images shows that the proposed scheme is not only more efficient but also more effective than the clustering-based approach for near duplicate image retrieval.
An SAS Program for Assessing Multivariate Normality

This SAS program checks for multivariate normality of data. The program can be used in any version of the SAS system. Program input and output are both highly automated, so the users need to know very little about the SAS system or the SAS language. The program produces graphic plot of Mahalanobis distances versus chi-square values, the proportion of Mahalanobis distances exceeding the 50th percentile of chi-square distribution, and the normalized estimate for multivariate kurtosis that can be used to test the null hypothesis of multivariate normality.
Observation of degenerate and non-degenerate lateral-mode patterns in mid-IR Quantum Cascade lasers

We investigate near-field lateral mode patterns of Quantum Cascade wide-ridge lasers using a spatially-resolving spectrometer. The results support box-model theory and, show that lateral mode pattern can be made either degenerate or non-degenerate in frequency.
Central limit theorem for perturbed empirical distribution functions evaluated at a random point

Let Fn be an estimator obtained by integrating a kernel type density estimator based on a random sample of size n from a (smooth) distribution function F. Sufficient conditions are given for the central limit theorem to hold for the target statistic Fn(Un) where {Un} is a sequence of U-statistics.
Features of energetic ions near the compressed magnetosphere

Abstract A possible cusp acceleration mechanism has been investigated during a major geomagnetic storm on May 4, 1998 when the magnetosphere was compressed and eroded. At 5:00–12:05 UT, the WIND spacecraft was about 213 R E upstream from the Earth, the GEOTAIL was in the post dusk magnetosheath, and the POLAR traveled in its outbound orbit from the equatorial radiation belt to the high-altitude dayside cusp and crossed the magnetopause into the magnetosheath. Many instances of in situ ion energization (to >MeV) were observed by POLAR during this period. Simultaneous observations indicated that no comparable flux was observed by WIND. Ion fluxes measured by POLAR were higher than that measured by GEOTAIL, indicating ion source regions near or within the magnetosphere. The measured ions show some interesting features: (1) In the radiation belt, in the magnetopause boundary layer, and in the dayside cusp, most 1– 200 keV / e fluxes were around pitch angles of 90°; while in the magnetosheath, the fluxes came from a broad hemispherical direction between ∼sunward and earthward. (2) At around 6:00 UT, the MeV ion flux was lower in the magnetosheath than in the adjacent magnetosphere. (3) There were two CEP (cusp energetic particle) events with 2–3 orders of magnitudes enhancements of MeV ion fluxes. (4) The MeV ions in one CEP event had a peak flux higher than that of the intense outer radiation belt in the equatorial plane. (5) The 100 keV / e O ions which originated from the ionosphere were observed in both the outer cusp and the magnetopause boundary layer. (6) There were no large magnetic field fluctuations upstream before the bow shock. These observations suggest a likely source of substantial particle energization exists in the cusp region.
On nonlinear gauge theories

Abstract In this note, we study non-linear gauge theories for principal bundles, where the structure group is replaced by a Lie groupoid. We follow the approach of Moerdijk–Mrcun and establish its relation with the existing physics literature. In particular, we derive a new formula for the gauge transformation which closely resembles and generalizes the classical formulas found in Yang Mills gauge theories.
The Potential Role of Amifostine in the Treatment of Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix: A Review

Carcinoma of the uterine cervix affects approximately 13,000 women annually in the United States. Radiotherapy is a commonly applied therapy, either as definitive treatment or combined with surgery. Although highly effective, radiotherapy can be associated with significant complications. Amifostine has been shown to be an effective radioprotector in head and neck malignancies. Preliminary evidence suggests a role in cervical cancer.
Receptors for gonadotropins and prostaglandins in lysosomes of bovine corpora lutea.

Abstract The total mitochondrial fraction of bovine corpus luteum specifically bound [ 3 H]prostaglandin (PG) E 1 , [ 3 H] PGF 2α , and 125 I-labeled human lutropin (hLH) despite very little 5′-nucleotidase activity, a marker for plasma membranes. Since the total mitochondrial fraction isolated by conventional centrifugation techniques contains both mitochondria and lysosomes, it was subfractionated into mitochondria and lysosomes to ascertain the relative contribution of these fractions to the binding. Subfractionation resulted in an enrichment of cytochrome c oxidase (a marker for mitochondria) in mitochondria and of acid phosphatase (a marker for lysosomes) in lysosomes. The lysosomes exhibited little or no contamination with Golgi vesicles, rough endoplasmic reticulum, or peroxisomes as assessed by their appropriate marker enzymes. Subfractionation also re ulted in [ 3 H] PGE 1 , [ 3 H] PGF 2α , and 125 I-labeled hLH binding enrichment with respect to homogenate in lysosomes but not in mitochondria. The lysosomal binding enrichment and recovery were, however, lower than in plasma membranes. The ratios of marker enzyme to binding, an index of organelle contamination, revealed that plasma membrane and lysosomal receptors were intrinsic to these organelles. Freezing and thawing had markedly increased lysosomal binding but had no effect on plasma membrane binding. Exposure to 0.05% Triton X-100 resulted in a greater loss of plasma membrane compared to lysosomal binding. In summary, the above results suggest that lysosomes, but not mitochondria, in addition to plasma membranes, intrinsically contain receptors for PGs and gonadotropins. Furthermore, lysosomes overall contain a greater number of PGs and gonadotropin receptors compared to plasma membranes and these receptors are associated with the membrane but not the contents of lysosomes.
The divergent autoencoder (DIVA) model of category learning

A novel theoretical approach to human category learning is proposed in which categories are represented as coordinated statistical models of the properties of the members. Key elements of the account are learning to recode inputs as task-constrained principle components and evaluating category membership in terms of model fit—that is, the fidelity of the reconstruction after recoding and decoding the stimulus. The approach is implemented as a computational model called DIVA (for DIVergent Autoencoder), an artificial neural network that uses reconstructive learning to solve N-way classification tasks. DIVA shows good qualitative fits to benchmark human learning data and provides a compelling theoretical alternative to established models.
Lesions of the Nipple

Because of the singular anatomic structure of the nipple, some breast lesions only occur at this site. The overlying skin includes normal Toker cells near the duct orifices. These cells are occasionally so numerous as to be called Toker cell hyperplasia. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) may involve nipple skin by direct extension from the underlying ducts (Paget disease of the nipple). The numerous skin appendages (eg, sebaceous, apocrine, and eccrine glands(1)) in the nipple and areola are the likely origin of syringomatous adenomas. At the duct orifices, the normal squamous epithelium dips into the breast for a short distance and abruptly transitions to glandular luminal and myoepithelial cells. When keratin-producing cells extend deeper into the ducts, the condition of squamous metaplasia of lactiferous ducts (SMOLD) results. With age, the lactiferous sinuses are subject to weakened duct walls, inspissated secretions, and rupture, which result in the inflammatory masses or nipple discharge associated with duct ectasia. Superficial epithelial proliferations within the large lactiferous sinuses form nipple adenomas, and deeper proliferations often result in large-duct papillomas. Below the areola is a supporting smooth muscle layer that can give rise to leiomyomas, although these tumors are extraordinarily rare. The proximity of these lesions to the skin results in the majority of them presenting as palpable masses, skin changes, or nipple discharge. Biopsy specimens from these lesions may be small, superficial, or fragmented because of concern about maintaining the cosmetic appearance of the nipple and areola. Knowledge of the location of the biopsy, and the clinical presentation, is often essential in making the correct diagnosis.
Unifying Chow's demand for money via the multiple Cox test☆

Abstract The multiple Cox test developed by Sawyer (1984) is used to discriminate between four non-nested models of money demand. The results show that the short-run, real partial adjustment transactions model dominates a nominal adjustment mechanism and two long-run assets models.
Advances in methods for native expression and purification of RNA for structural studies

Many RNAs present unique challenges in obtaining material suitable for structural or biophysical characterization. These issues include synthesis of chemically and conformationally homogeneous RNAs, refolding RNA purified using denaturing preparation techniques, and avoiding chemical damage. To address these challenges, new methodologies in RNA expression and purification have been developed seeking to emulate those commonly used for proteins. In this review, recent developments in the preparation of high-quality RNA for structural biology and biophysical applications are discussed, with an emphasis on native methods.
Glomerular Mesangial Cell-specific Transactivation of Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 Transcription Is Mediated by YB-1

Mesangial cell (MC) activation plays a pivotal role in the development of the end stage sclerotic lesion characteristic of most forms of chronic glomerular disease. We have previously demonstrated that MC activation is directly linked to high level expression of the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) enzyme (Turck, J., Pollock, A. S., Lee, L., Marti, H.-P., and Lovett, D. H. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 25, 15074–15083), the transcription of which is regulated in a tissue-specific fashion. Recent studies (Harendza, S., Pollock, A., Mertens, P. R., and Lovett, D. H. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 18786–18796) delineated a strong cis-acting enhancer element, designated MMP-2 RE1, within the 5′-flanking region of the rat MMP-2 gene. Gel shift, DNA footprint, and transcriptional analyses mapped the enhancer element to a unique 40-base pair (bp) sequence located at −1322 to −1282 bp relative to the translational start site. Bromodeoxyuridine-substituted UV cross-linking of the 40-bp enhancer element with MC nuclear extracts yielded a single protein of 52 kDa, while Southwestern blot analysis with MMP-2 RE1 demonstrated three hybridizing nuclear proteins of 52, 62, and 86 kDa size. Screening of a human MC cDNA expression library with MMP-2 RE1 exclusively yielded clones with the identical sequence of the transcription factor YB-1. Western blot and supershift gel analysis of MC nuclear extracts with an anti-YB-1 antibody confirmed the presence of YB-1 within the shifted complex. Examination of the MMP-2 RE1 sequence revealed an incomplete Y-box sequence (CTGCTGGGCAAG), which specifically interacted with recombinant YB-1 on DMS protection footprinting analysis. YB-1 protein preferentially bound the single-stranded components of the 40-bp MMP-2 RE1 and, with increasing concentrations, formed multimeric complexes. Co-transfection of YB-1 in MC increased the enhancer activity within the context of the native MMP-2 promoter, while transfection of non-MMP-2-synthesizing glomerular epithelial cells with YB-1 led to transcriptional suppression. This study indicates that YB-1 is a major, cell type-specific transactivator of MMP-2 transcription by glomerular mesangial cells.
An attainable sets approach to optimal control of functional differential equations with function space terminal conditions

In recent papers [2,9] necessary conditions were derived for optimal control problems involving functional differential systems where the trajectories must satisfy function space terminal conditions such as ~(0) = {(S), 0 E PI - h, ti], 4 being some given function. Jacobs and Kao used the Lagrange Multiplier Rule [13] in function space to obtain necessary conditions, for optimality for problems with general nor&car retarded systems while Banks and Kent arrived at equivalent conditions for problems concerned with a wide class of nonlinear systems of neutral type by employing the
Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) UL49.5 luminal domain residues 30 to 32 are critical for MHC-I down-regulation in virus-infected cells.

Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) UL49.5 inhibits transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) and down-regulates cell-surface expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules to promote immune evasion. We have constructed a BHV-1 UL49.5 cytoplasmic tail (CT) null and several UL49.5 luminal domain mutants in the backbone of wild-type BHV-1 or BHV-1 UL49.5 CT- null viruses and determined their relative TAP mediated peptide transport inhibition and MHC-1 down-regulation properties compared with BHV-1 wt. Based on our results, the UL49.5 luminal domain residues 30–32 and UL49.5 CT residues, together, promote efficient TAP inhibition and MHC-I down-regulation functions. In vitro, BHV-1 UL49.5 Δ30–32 CT-null virus growth property was similar to that of BHV-1 wt and like the wt UL49.5, the mutant UL49.5 was incorporated in the virion envelope and it formed a complex with gM in the infected cells.
Is Communication a Humanities Discipline? Struggles for academic identity

A 20th-century discipline in American universities, communication has struggled with questions of academic identity: generically, as to whether it is a 'humanities' or a 'social science', a 'practi...
Effect on force transmission across the carpus in procedures used to treat Kienböck's disease.

A simplified two-dimensional articulating force analysis (rigid body spring model) examined how different surgical procedures used for treating Kienbock's disease modify the force distribution across the carpus. A two-dimensional model of a carpus was loaded through the metacarpals by forces of up to 143 Newtons. The resulting intercarpal displacement and joint loadings were calculated for the intact wrist and for different simulated surgical procedures. The predicted total amount of force transmitted through the radio-lunate joint of the intact wrist averaged a 32% of the total radio-ulno-carpal joint load. Limited intercarpal fusions were found to reduce compressive loading at the radio-lunate joint by no more than 15% of the original load. Capitate shortening was successful in relieving radio-lunate forces, however, it dramatically overloaded the adjacent scapho-trapezial and triquetral-hamate joints. By contrast, a 4 mm lengthening of the ulna (or shortening of the radius) resulted in a 45% reduction of radio-lunate load with only moderate changes in force at the midcarpal and radio-scaphoid joints. On the basis of this study, radial shortening or ulnar lengthening significantly unload the lunate and are rationale procedures in the treatment of Kienbock's disease. Limitations regarding direct clinical application of this mathematical model are also discussed.
Fluorescein-based ionic liquid sensor for label-free detection of serum albumins

Herein, we report a fluorescein-based room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) as a fluorescent probe for highly selective and sensitive detection of albumins. This RTIL was prepared by pairing dianionic fluorescein (FL) with trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium (P66614) cation. The ionic liquid was then dispersed in aqueous medium to produce nanodroplet dispersions. Examination of fluorescence and UV-vis spectroscopic data suggests that these dispersions are comprised of strongly fluorescent monomeric species and weakly fluorescent J-type aggregates. The relative abundance of these two types of species is observed to be dependent on the type and concentration of proteins. In the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) or human serum albumin (HSA), monomeric species are found to be predominant, and hence an increase in fluorescence intensity was observed with increasing concentrations of BSA or HSA. Excellent correlation between fluorescence intensity and HSA concentration was observed, and concentrations as low as 300 ng per mL of HSA were detectable. Overall, these [P66614]2[FL] nanodroplets appear to be very promising materials for facile, inexpensive, rapid, and label-free detection of albumins in aqueous medium with a high degree of accuracy, sensitivity, and selectivity.
Homogeneous and heterogeneous thermal decomposition rates of trimethylgallium and arsine and their relevance to the growth of GaAs by MOCVD

Abstract The rate of decomposition of trimethylgallium (TMGa) and arsine is measured by sampled gas infrared absorption spectroscopy. The decomposition of TMGa is observed to go to completion at temperatures above 475°C as measured by the concentration of CH4 that is formed in the decomposition process. An activation energy of 58–62 kcal/mol is measured for the loss of the first methyl group. The decomposition of arsine is characterized by strong surface interactions. The activation energy for the decomposition of arsine in a quartz vessel is 34 kcal/mol. The activation energy for decomposition of AsH3 in the presence of GaAs wafers was found to be 18 kcal/mol. The implications of these results for the growth of GaAs by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) are discussed.
Future approaches for inner ear protection and repair

Abstract Health care professionals tending to patients with inner ear disease face inquiries about therapy options, including treatments that are being developed for future use but not yet available. The devastating outcome of sensorineural hearing loss, combined with the permanent nature of the symptoms, make these inquiries demanding and frequent. The vast information accessible online and the publicity for breakthroughs in research add to patient requests for access to advanced and innovative therapies, even before these are available for clinical use. This can sometimes be taxing on the health care provider who is in contact with the patients. Here we aim to equip the provider with information about some of the progress made for protective and reparative approaches for treating inner ears. Learning outcomes: (1) Readers will be able to explain why hearing loss is irreversible and common, (2) readers will be able to explain the importance of protective measures and the progress made in discovery and design of novel biological protective molecules, (3) readers will be able to describe reparative approaches currently under investigation (such as tissue engineering), the main difficulties in the design of such therapies and the major hurdles that remain for making novel technologies clinically viable, and (4) readers will be able to explain to their patients some of the progress in developing new treatments without making the promise of imminent clinical use. With this information, readers will be able to guide patients to make better choices for their treatment and to guide students toward research in this exciting field.
Checklist of mosquito species tested against the nematode parasite Romanomermis culicivorax.

A total of 87 species of mosquitoes involving 13 genera have been exposed to the mermithid nematode Romanomermis culicivorax . A list of these species, the circumstances of exposure (i.e., natural infections, laboratory exposure, or field exposure), a susceptibility index, and source references are reported.
Controlled jump processes

Abstract Finite and infinite planning horizon Markov decision problems are formulated for a class of jump processes with general state and action spaces and controls which are measurable functions on the time axis taking values in an appropriate metrizable vector space. For the finite horizon problem, the maximum expected reward is the unique solution, which exists, of a certain differential equation and is a strongly continuous function in the space of upper semi-continuous functions. A necessary and sufficient condition is provided for an admissible control to be optimal, and a sufficient condition is provided for the existence of a measurable optimal policy. For the infinite horizon problem, the maximum expected total reward is the fixed point of a certain operator on the space of upper semi-continuous functions. A stationary policy is optimal over all measurable policies in the transient and discounted cases as well as, with certain added conditions, in the positive and negative cases.
Numerical-perturbation technique for stability of flat-plate boundary layers with suction

A numerical-perturbation scheme is proposed for determining the stability of flows over plates with suction through a finite number of porous suction strips. The basic flow is calculated as the sum of the Blasius flow and closed-form linearized triple-deck solutions of the flow due to the strips. A perturbation technique is used to determine the increment a(ij) in the complex wavenumber at a given location x(j) due to the presence of a strip centered at x(i). The end result is a set of influence coefficients that can be used to determine the growth rates and amplification factors for any suction levels without repeating the calculations. The numerical-perturbation results are verified by comparison with interacting boundary layers for the case of six strips and the experimental data of Reynolds and Saric for single- and multiple-strip configurations. The influence coefficient form of the solution suggests a scheme for optimizing the strip configuration. The results show that one should concentrate the suction near branch I of the neutral stability curve, a conclusion verified by the experiments.
Sound transmission through cylindrical shell structures excited by boundary layer pressure fluctuations

This paper examines sound transmission into two concentric cylindrical sandwich shells subject to turbulent flow on the exterior surface of the outer shell. The interior of the shells is filled with fluid medium and there is an airgap between the shells in the annular space. The description of the pressure field is based on the cross-spectral density formulation of Corcos, Maestrello, and Efimtsov models of the turbulent boundary layer. The classical thin shell theory and the first-order shear deformation theory are applied for the inner and outer shells, respectively. Modal expansion and the Galerkin approach are used to obtain closed-form solutions for the shell displacements and the radiation and transmission pressures in the cavities including both the annular space and the interior. The average spectral density of the structural responses and the transmitted interior pressures are expressed explicitly in terms of the summation of the cross-spectral density of generalized force induced by the boundary layer turbulence. The effects of acoustic and hydrodynamic coincidences on the spectral density are observed. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the method for both subsonic and supersonic flows.
Cloning and Characterization of the Mouse Histone Deacetylase-2 Gene

Histone deacetylase-2 (HDAC2) is a component of a complex that mediates transcriptional repression in mammalian cells. A mouse HDAC2 cDNA was used to identify several recombinant clones containing the entire mouse HDAC2 gene. The mouse HDAC2 gene spans over 36 kilobase pairs and is composed of 14 exons (ranging from 58 to 362 nucleotides in length) and 13 introns (ranging from 75 base pairs to 19 kilobase pairs in length). Primer extension analysis with total RNA from NIH3T3 cells revealed a major transcriptional start site at 221 base pairs 5' of the ATG translational start codon. Upstream of the transcriptional start site, no canonical TATA box was found, but binding sites for several known transcription factors were identified. Transient transfection studies with 5' deletion mutants localized the promoter to no more than 76 base pairs upstream from the major transcriptional start site. Fluorescence in situ hybridization mapped mouse HDAC2 to chromosomal location 10B1, which is in close proximity to the growth factor-inducible gene fisp-12. Information concerning the genomic organization and promoter of HDAC2 will be useful in studies of the regulation of histone deacetylase activities, which in turn are important in studies of the regulation of transcriptional repression in mammalian cells.
Duodenal Fistula Dog as Test Animal for Acid-Stable or -Labile Compounds.∗:

SummaryThe usefulness of duodenal fistula dogs as test animals for acid-stable or -labile compounds is demonstrated and the practical application is discussed.
The effect of mechanical constraint on the flow and fracture of 63/37 Sn/Pb eutectic alloy

Abstract Copper compact tension specimens containing joints of 63/37 Sn/Pb eutectic solder alloy are used to study experimentally the flow and fracture behavior of eutectic solder under conditions of monotonic loading and mechanical constraint. Such constraint arises naturally due to the presence of the specimens' copper/solder interfaces, and various levels of constraint are achieved by employing joints of various sizes. Concomitant finite element analyses of the compact tension experiments are performed in which the solder is characterized by the phenomenological viscoplasticity model of Bodner and Partom. These experimental and analytical results, along with electron microscopy of the failure surfaces, clearly demonstrate the interplay between plastic flow, mechanical constraint, and microscopic characteristics of copper,/solder interfaces, in the overall response of, and failure initiation in, these composite specimens.
Fasting and refeeding. III. Antinatriuretic effect of oral and intravenous carbohydrate and its relationship to potassium excretion

Abstract Volunteers maintained on a constant sodium, potassium, and fluid intake underwent a water diuresis to examine the antinatriuretic effect of glucose after fasting and to determine its relationship to the changes in circulating insulin, free fatty acids, and other substrates that accompany refeeding with carbohydrate. Further studies were performed to observe the relationship between sodium and potassium excretion as influenced by both oral and intravenous glucose in the fed and fasted state. The results indicate that the natriuresis of fasting was readily reversed by intravenous, as well as oral, glucose and that this effect is independent of changes in circulating insulin and free fatty acids. The ingestion of glucose caused a significant decrease in urinary potassium excretion in both the fed and fasted state. This reduced excretion of potassium occurred independently of glomerular filtration rate and sodium excretion but was seen only when plasma potassium declined.
Tumors of the Appendix and Colon

This collective review includes all available case reports of smooth muscle (stromal) tumors of the appendix and large intestine in the world literature. When compiling this review, we endeavored to examine cumulative as well as recently collected data on both benign and malignant smooth muscle tumors spanning the period 1875 to 1996. In total, there were reports of 331 leiomyomas (LMs) and 263 leiomyosarcomas (LMSs). The peak age of incidence of LM was 30 to 39 years, and the peak age of incidence of LMSs was 50 to 59 years. The female/male ratio was slightly higher for LM, and the male/female ratio was higher for LMS. The descending colon and sigmoid colon were the most common sites of both benign and malignant smooth muscle tumors. The growth of LMs most often occurred extraluminally, whereas LMSs tended to grow within the lumen of the colon. With both tumor types pain was the most frequent presenting complaint, followed less commonly by complaints of a palpable mass or gastrointestinal bleeding. LMSs tended to be larger at diagnosis than LMs, though the duration of symptoms for both types of tumor was most often reported to be between 1 month and 1 year. Finally, LMSs were found to metastasize mo
Childhood Obesity Perceptions Among African American Caregivers in a Rural Georgia Community: A Mixed Methods Approach

Given the pivotal role of African American caregiver's perceptions of childhood obesity in rural areas, the inclusion of caregiver's perceptions could potentially reduce childhood obesity rates. The objective of the current study was to explore childhood obesity perceptions among African Americans in a rural Georgia community. This concurrent mixed methods study utilized two theoretical frameworks: Social Cognitive Theory and Social Ecological Model. Using a convenience sample, caregivers ages 22-65 years completed a paper-based survey (n = 135) and a face-to-face interview (n = 12) to explore perceptions of obesity risk factors, health complications, weight status, built environment features, and obesity prevention approaches. Descriptive statistics were generated and a six-step process was used for qualitative analysis. Participants commonly cited behavioral risk factors; yet, social aspects and appearance of the community were not considered contributing factors. Chronic diseases were reported as obesity health complications. Caregivers had a distorted view of their child's weight status. In addition, analysis revealed that caregivers assessed child's weight and height measurements by the child's appearance or a recent doctor visit. Environmental barriers reported by caregivers included safety concerns and insufficient physical activity venues and programs. Also, caregivers conveyed parents are an imperative component of preventing obesity. Although this study found caregivers were aware of obesity risk factors, health complications, built environment features, and prevention approaches their obesity perceptions were not incorporated into school or community prevention efforts. Findings suggest that children residing in rural areas are in need of tailored efforts that address caregiver perceptions of obesity.
Wakefields and HOMs studies of a superconducting cavity module with the CESR beam

Several aspects of the beam-cavity interaction were investigated in a beam test of the superconducting accelerating cavity module for the CESR upgrade: the time structure of the cavity wake potential, sampled with two bunches, the effect of the module on the total machine loss factor, and the influence of the cavity tuner position on the frequencies and damping times of coupled bunch modes. The spectra of some of higher-order modes excited by the beam were also recorded. The results are discussed.
The impact of paradoxical comorbidities on risk- adjusted mortality of Medicare beneficiaries with cardiovascular disease

Background: Persistent uncertainty remains regarding assessments of patient comorbidity based on administrative data for mortality risk adjustment. Some models include comorbid conditions that are associated with improved mortality while other models exclude these so-called paradoxical conditions. The impact of these conditions on patient risk assessments is unknown. Objective: To examine trends in the prevalence of conditions with a paradoxical (protective) relationship with mortality, and the impact of including these conditions on assessments of risk adjusted mortality. Methods: Patients age 65 and older admitted for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery during 1994 through 2005 were identified in Medicare Part A files. Comorbid conditions defined using a common algorithm were categorized as having a paradoxical or non-paradoxical relationship with 30-day mortality, based upon regression coefficients in multivariable logistic regression models. Results: For AMI, the proportion of patients with one or more paradoxical condition and one or more non-paradoxical condition increased by 24% and 3% respectively between 1994 and 2005. The odds of death for patients with one-or-more paradoxical comorbidities, relative to patients with no paradoxical comorbidity, declined from 0.69 to 0.54 over the study period. In contrast, the risk associated with having one or more non-paradoxical comorbidities increased from 2.66 to 4.62 for AMI. This pattern was even stronger for CABG. Risk adjustment models that included paradoxical comorbidities found larger improvements, in risk-adjusted mortality for AMI and CABG, over time than models that did not include paradoxical comorbidities. Conclusion: The relationship between individual comorbid conditions and mortality is changing over time, with potential impact on estimates of hospital performance and trends in mortality. Development of a standard approach for handling conditions with a paradoxical relationship to mortality is needed.
A 64Gb NAND Flash Memory with 800MB/s Synchronous DDR Interface

We have developed a 64Gb MLC NAND Flash using a sub-20 nm process technology, which realizes 800MB/s data transfer rate with DDR mode. In order to achieve 800MB/s transfer rate, we introduce slim transistors of ~ 3 nm-thick gate oxide and dual poly gate, in addition to conventional NAND Flash transistors. Furthermore, some new novel circuitry has been implemented, such as Split Power Page Buffer, Local Sense-Amplifier (LSA) Data In/Out Architecture, Regulated Widlar Reference Generator and Low VCC Row Decoder.
The natural history of neonatal jaundice.

The relationship between infant feeding type and the occurrence and natural history of neonatal jaundice in term newborn infants has been studied. A retrospective chart review of 124 records confirmed earlier reports indicating that jaundice is recognized more often in breast-fed than in formula-fed infants. A prospective cohort study of 140 term newborn infants was conducted using the Minolta Air-Shields transcutaneous jaundice meter. For 3 weeks, 115 white infants and 25 black infants were followed at predetermined intervals. The peak jaundice meter readings were higher and the elevated levels lasted longer in breast-fed than in formula-fed infants. Formula-fed infants9 readings returned to base-line levels in eight days whereas the readings were still elevated in breast-fed infants when the study ended on the 21st day. Black infants had higher transcutaneous readings than white infants due to their deeper skin pigmentation, but otherwise they followed a course identical with that of the white babies. The distribution of jaundice in the white infants was bimodal; in approximately one fourth of the breast-fed infants, the jaundice meter readings reached levels corresponding to bilirubin values >13 mg/dL whereas the remaining three fourths followed a pattern similar to that of the formula-fed infants. It can be concluded that human milk feeding is associated with more prolonged hyperbilirubinemia than formula-feeding in normal term infants.