cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between PDA Usage and Student Performance in an Introductory Engineering Course

This research focuses on the development of a methodology to evaluate student attitudes towards technology in the classroom and the impact of this technology on student learning. A survey was developed and tested to evaluate the impact of introducing Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) in a traditional college classroom setting. PDAs were introduced in an introductory course in the College of Engineering at Oregon State University. A reliable attitude assessment tool was developed as a result of this research. Initial results of this study also provide empirical data that engineering students respond favorably to the introduction of PDAs in a traditional classroom setting. Preliminary results also provide limited evidence that student attitudes may vary based on gender, age, and/or ethnicity. Standard student performance metrics (course assignment and exam scores) and student self-evaluations were used to assess the impact on student learning and are discussed.
Mars Science Laboratory Launch Pad Thermal Control

This paper will describe the challenges faced in accommodating the warm Multi Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) during the pre-launch phases of integration, launch pad operations as well as during launch. Predictions of temperatures during these phases will be presented when all the cooling systems (HRS and A/C) are operational. In-air tests conducted on the spacecraft in December 2008 to simulate the launch conditions were very successful and showed that all components would be within their allowable limits during these phases. Results of these tests will be shared in this paper.
Corporate Tides: The Inescapable Laws of Organizational Structure

This article presents a review of the book "Corporate Tides: The Inescapable Laws of Organizational Structure," by Robert Fritz.
Hormone-induced phosphorylation of the plasma membrane calcium pump in cultured aortic endothelial cells

The regulation of the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump by hormones via phosphorylation in intact cells has not been clearly established. We now present evidence that the Ca2+ pump is phosphorylated on both serine and threonine residues in unstimulated and stimulated cultured rat aortic endothelial cells. Among the stimuli tested, the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was most potent and increased the level of phosphorylation threefold, while the cAMP-dependent protein kinase activator 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP (CPT-cAMP) stimulated the phosphorylation 1.6-fold. Two-dimensional tryptic phosphopeptide maps of the Ca2+ pump from unstimulated and CPT-cAMP-stimulated cells have identical patterns (five phosphopeptides) while PMA-stimulated cells have three additional phosphopeptides. Isoproterenol-, ATP-, angiotensin II-, and bradykinin-stimulated cells also have increased levels of Ca2+ pump phosphorylation. Stimuli-induced phosphorylation of the Ca2+ pump was rapid (5-10 min) and was concomitant with stimulated calcium efflux from the same cells. This is the first direct evidence that the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump in intact cells is regulated by various hormones or agonists via cAMP-dependent protein kinase or protein kinase C phosphorylation.
Effect of reagent concentrations used to synthesize polypyrrole on the chemical characteristics and optical and electronic properties of the resulting polymer

Abstract Our objectives were to correlate conditions used to synthesize polypyrrole with the chemical characteristics of the resulting polymer, and then to correlate these chemical characteristics with electronic and optical properties of the polymer. The polypyrrole samples were synthesized from aqueous solutions of Fe 3+ and pyrrole. Samples with differing chemical characteristics were obtained by varying the initial concentrations of Fe 3+ and pyrrole in the polymerization solutions. The initial concentration of Fe 3+ in all polymerization solutions was 50 times higher than the initial concentration of pyrrole in the solution. However, the initial concentrations of Fe 3+ and pyrrole varied from 2.0 M Fe 3+ /0.04 M pyrrole to 0.06 M Fe 3+ /0.0013 M pyrrole. This yielded polypyrrole samples having different chain and conjugation lengths and different concentrations of chemical defect sites. We show that both electronic and optical conductivity are affected by these changes in conjugation length and concentrations of chemical defects.
Functional and Molecular Imaging: Key Components of Personalized Healthcare

The ongoing revolution in biomedical imaging has produced technologies capable of depicting both tissue structure and function with high fidelity. Advances in nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and optical imaging facilitate multimodality, multiscale imaging ranging from display of gross pathology to the products of gene expression. Use of multiple modalities also permits a multidimensional look at tissues, based on the way in which they interact with X-rays, magnetic fields or sound waves, as well as how they metabolize a variety of components. The convergence of biomedical imaging with bioengineering, genomics and bioinformatics is creating a climate in which "personalized healthcare" becomes feasible. Sophisticated analysis and combination of imaging and genomic data enhance our ability to: (1) predict the lifetime risk of an individual's developing a given disease; (2) direct the disease in its pre-clinical phase; (3) diagnose the disease thoroughly, down to its molecular level, (4) treat the disease minimally invasively; and (5) monitor the effectiveness of treatment. This presentation will showcase the tools of functional and molecular imaging and demonstrate how they can be used for personalized healthcare.
PMH33: OLANZAPINE VERSUS RISPERIDONE IN THE TREATMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA: A COMPARISON OF COSTS AMONG TEXAS MEDICAID PATIENTS

plus non-schizophrenia) healthcare costs among Texas Medicaid recipients who had been diagnosed with a schizophrenic disorder and had been initiated on olanzapine or risperidone. Methods: Cost data for services and prescription use were retrieved for 2885 patients with schizophrenia who were initiated on olanzapine or risperidone between 1 January 1997 and 31 August 1998. Each patient was followed for 1 year before and 1 year after initiation of therapy. Multivariate analysis was used to control for a wide range of factors (drug choice, patient demographics, pre-utilisation costs, region, health conditions, and treatment patterns) that may influence schizophrenia-related costs and total healthcare costs. Estimation was conducted via a two-stage instrumental variables model. Results: The mean unadjusted total schizophrenia-related cost per patient per year during the observation period was $US4892, and the total unadjusted healthcare cost per patient was $US7101. Results revealed significant regional variation in schizophrenia-related and total healthcare costs. Significantly higher total healthcare costs were found for patients with other (nonpsychiatric) diagnoses, such as HIV and diabetes mellitus. Although, on average, patients taking olanzapine stayed on therapy longer than those taking risperidone (248.2 days vs 211.1 days; p < 0.0001), multivariate analysis revealed no significant difference in schizophrenia-related costs between patients who received olanzapine and risperidone ($US123 lower with olanzapine; p = 0.6439). However, patients who received olanzapine compared with risperidone had significantly lower total medical costs ($US693 lower with olanzapine; p = 0.0311). Conclusion: This naturalistic study used data from a Texas Medicaid population to examine the schizophrenia-related costs and total healthcare costs for patients who received olanzapine versus risperidone. Multivariate analysis revealed no significant differences in schizophrenia-related costs for patients receiving olan
P02.122. Mindfulness meditation for pediatric chronic pain: effects and precautions

Purpose Although there is a substantial literature about the effectiveness of psychological therapies such as relaxation for pediatric chronic pain and about mindfulness meditation (MM) for health and mental health conditions, there has been little systematic attention to the use of MM for pediatric chronic pain. This presentation will address lessons learned from our ongoing clinical trial of MM in a pediatric chronic pain service at a university clinic.
New statistical atom: A numerical study

The new differential equation for the statistical atom is derived and discussed in detail. Numerical results are presented which provide evidence for the validity of all approximations that have entered the formalism. A comparison of experimental data for diamagnetic susceptibilities with theoretical predictions shows that the new statistical atom significantly surpasses its Hartree-Fock competitor.
Performance of a commercial radon-in-water measurement kit

Abstract Methods currently approved for the measurement of radon ( 222 Rn) in water in New York State are liquid scintillation counting and emanation into alpha-scintillation cells. A passive system using an electret ion chamber (EIC) was evaluated as an alternative for the measurement of radon in water. Over 130 water samples from a community water supply containing 32 Bq L −1 and 30 standards containing 686 Bq L −1 were measured using the EIC method over 1- to 4-day exposure times. For comparison, identical samples were measured using liquid scintillation counting. Results of duplicate samples were typically within 5% for liquid scintillation counting and within 10% for the EIC. With respect to accuracy, the EIC produced results that were consistently low by 11–15%.
Skeletal muscle determination and differentiation: story of a core regulatory network and its context

Regulation of skeletal muscle determination and differentiation in vertebrates centers on a core regulatory network which is composed of two families of transcription factors, the MyoD group basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) muscle regulatory factors (MRFs) and the myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) group of MADS-box regulators. Members of this network interact with each other genetically and physically, and together they cooperate to positively regulate transcription of downstream muscle-specific differentiation genes. During development, the myogenic network can be activated or repressed in response to patterning signals, some of which have recently been identified. Once activated, the powerful myogenic activity of the core network can be modulated and held in check by a remarkably large group of negative regulators that operate on network components by diverse mechanisms. Recent discoveries highlight extensive parallels between myogenesis and peripheral neurogenesis in the structures of their respective regulatory networks and in the interaction of their bHLH networks with other regulatory circuits. Comparisons with Drosophila indicate that these ensembles of interacting molecular circuits have been highly conserved during evolution.
Effect of pentobarbital, d-amphetamine, and nicotine on two models of sustained attention in pigeons.

Rationale: The animal literature examining the effects of drugs of abuse on sustained attention has provided conflicting results. One reason for these inconsistencies could be the different type of tasks used to measure sustained attention. Objective: Acute effects of pentobarbital (0.3, 1, 3, 5.6, 10, and 13 mg/kg), d-amphetamine (0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, and 5.6 mg/kg), and nicotine (0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg) were compared in two models of sustained attention. Methods: Dose-response curves were compared in eight male, white Carneaux pigeons trained under a continuous-trial attention procedure and in six male, white Carneaux pigeons trained under a discrete-trial attention procedure. Both procedures required subjects to respond to a variable and brief signal presentation (signal was presented on average every 6.5 s). Results: Under the continuous-trial procedure, pentobarbital decreased hits as well as increased the number of false alarms and misses at doses that did not impair the ability of the animals to respond. d-Amphetamine and nicotine dose dependently decreased hits and increased misses at doses that did not impair rates of responding. However, neither psychomotor stimulant caused a significant increase in false alarms. Under the discrete-trial procedure, pentobarbital, d-amphetamine, and nicotine decreased hits and correct rejections and increased misses and errors of omission. For the most part, these drug effects occurred at doses that increased the latencies of the animals to respond. When comparing drug effects between the continuous- and discrete-trial procedures, a difference in the false alarm rate was observed. Conclusions: The present study shows that the continuous-trial procedure was able to detect differences between drug classes that were not apparent under the discrete-trial procedure. Although the lack of a true measure of a false alarm rate continues to be a problem with the continuous-trial procedure, it may be an important procedure for studying the effects of pharmacological agents.
Bone Disease in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Background & Aims Osteopenic bone disease occurs frequently among patients with chronic liver disease but has not been well studied in those with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). We investigated the prevalence, rate of progression, and independent predictors of bone disease in a large number of patients with all stages of PSC. Methods Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, hip, and total body was measured yearly for 10 years in 237 patients with PSC. Results Osteoporosis (T-score less than –2.5) was found in 15% of patients and occurred 23.8-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.6–122.8) more frequently in those with PSC than expected from a matched population. By multivariate analysis, age 54 years or older (odds ratio [OR], 7.8; 95% CI, 3.3–18.3), body mass index ≤24 kg/m 2 (OR, 4.9; 95% CI, 1.9–12.6), and inflammatory bowel disease for ≥19 years (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.5–8.4) correlated with the presence of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was present in 75% of patients with all 3 risk factors but in only 3.1% of those without all of them. Patients with PSC lost 1% of bone mass per year; this rate of bone loss was significantly associated with duration of inflammatory bowel disease. Conclusions Osteoporosis occurs frequently among patients with PSC. Old age, low body mass index, and long duration of inflammatory bowel disease can be used to identify patients with PSC who might derive the most benefit from measurements of bone density and treatments for bone diseases.
Interaction between colloidal particles in SiO2 and TiO2 sols

The effect of the interaction between colloidal particles in SiO2 and TiO2 sols on the viscosity of the sols has been examined. It was found that the interaction was significantly influenced by the zeta potential of electrical double layers and terminal bonds associated with particle surfaces. Water/alkoxide mole ratio and pH affect the zeta potential and the terminal bonds and, consequently, change the interaction between the particles and the viscosity of the sols. In addition, the relationship of viscosity with the volume fraction of the colloidal particles in SiO2 sol has been described by a Dougherty-Kreiger equation when the viscosity reached a stable value with time.
A Case of Multinational Oligopoly in Poor Countries: Oil Refinery Investment in East Africa

Abstract Why East Africa's two oil refineries were built and how they fit into a pattern of postwar refinery investments are discussed, illustrating that multinational corporations make import-substitution investments in LDCs as parts of games played for shares of ‘imperfect’ markets. Repeatedly facing similar situations, these firms repeat succesful strategies, thereby yielding the pattern of cases. Estimates of East African refining profitability are also presented within the context of the opportunity cost of obtaining local manufacturing as a byproduct of competition within a multinational oligopoly.
A THERMOMECHANICAL MODEL FOR ENERGETIC MATERIALS WITH PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS: ANALYSIS OF SIMPLE MOTIONS ∗

This paper examines the behavior of a thermomechanical model for energetic materials posed in the companion paper and specifically analyzes three simple motions: (i) constant volume evolution, (ii) one-dimensional, time-dependent longitudinal compression (expansion), and (iii) time-dependent shear. The model describes phase transitions from solid to liquid to gas and exothermic chemical reaction. Thermal and mechanical properties are matched to the explosive HMX in order to illustrate representative dynamics and transitions. Constant volume thermal explosion, shock melting, and shear localization are demonstrated.
Multiphase transients in the premixing of steam explosions

Abstract This paper describes the first attempt to experimentally quantify the multiphase transient associated with the premixing of steam explosions — a hot particulated (heavy) phase falling, in film boiling, into a coolant pool, which is thus forced to rapid vaporization. The process is characterized by mixing-zone-averaged and local void-fraction transients, as well as mixing-front advancement histories, and the data are found to be in good agreement with predictions carried out with our PM-ALPHA code. In particular, these tests confirm the predicted water depletion phenomenon which is a crucial factor in limiting the energetics of large-scale steam explosions.
An apparent anomaly in the distribution of radioiodinated serum albumin when added to red cell suspensions.

WHEN 15 ml. of suitably diluted (1 in 500) serum albumin tagged with iodine-131 (‘RISA’ Abbott) is added to an equal volume of washed human red cells with a volume concentration ρ of about 0.4, and when the red cells are thrown down by centrifuging at 7 × 102 g for 15 min., the radioactivity of the supernatant fluid is invariably 10–15 per cent greater than that found in a blank system containing 15 ml. of ‘RISA’ plus 15 (1 – ρ) ml. of saline, even after a correction is made for the volume of the blank system being smaller than the volume of the system with which it is compared. If the red cells are first rendered spherical by the addition of 1.5 ml. of a distearyl lecithin sol (5 mgm./5 ml.), the supernatant fluid obtained by centrifuging is 20–25 per cent more radioactive than the supernatant fluid from an appropriately prepared blank.
Entropically driven microphase transitions in mixtures of colloidal rods and spheres

Although the idea that entropy alone is sufficient to produce an ordered state is an old one in colloid science1, the notion remains counter-intuitive and it is often assumed that attractive interactions are necessary to generate phases with long-range order. The phase behaviour for both rods and spheres has been studied experimentally1,2,3,4,5,6,7, theoretically8,9 and by computer simulations10. Here we describe the phase behaviour of mixtures of colloidal rod-like and sphere-like particles (respectively viruses and polystyrene latex or polyethylene oxide polymer) under conditions in which they act like hard' particles2,3. We find a wealth of behaviour: bulk demixing into rod-rich and rod-poor phases and microphase separation into a variety of morphologies. One microphase consists of layers of rods alternating with layers of spheres11; in another microphase of unanticipated complexity, the spheres reversibly assemble into columns, which in turn pack into a crystalline array. Our experiments, and previous theory and computer simulations11, suggest that this phase behaviour is entropically driven by steric repulsion between particles. The phenomena are likely to be quite general, applying also for example to low-molecular-mass liquid crystals12. This kind of microphase separation might also be relevant to systems of amphiphiles13 and block copolymers14, to bioseparation methods and DNA partitioning in prokaryotes15, and to protein crystallization16,17 and the manufacture of composite materials.
Biophysical microenvironment and 3D culture physiological relevance

Force and substrate physical property (pliability) is one of three well established microenvironmental factors (MEFs) that may contribute to the formation of physiologically more relevant constructs (or not) for cell-based high-throughput screening (HTS) in preclinical drug discovery. In 3D cultures, studies of the physiological relevance dependence on material pliability are inconclusive, raising questions regarding the need to design platforms with materials whose pliability lies within the physiological range. To provide more insight into this question, we examine the factors that may underlie the studies inconclusiveness and suggest the elimination of redundant physical cues, where applicable, to better control other MEFs, make it easier to incorporate 3D cultures into state of the art HTS instrumentation, and reduce screening costs per compound.
Annular two-phase flow of gases and non-Newtonian liquids

Two-phase, annular flow of gases and non-Newtonian liquids through horizontal pipes is modeled, and a prediction method for pressure drop and gas volume fraction is proposed. The prediction method consists of a modification, based upon shear rate dependence of the apparent viscosity of the liquid phase, of Lockhart-Martinelli correlations for Newtonian liquids. The model applies to the case of laminar flow of the annular liquid film. Experimental data, obtained with several aqueous polymer solutions and air, agree closely with predicted values of pressure drop and void fraction.
Race-Related Differences in Self-Reported and Validated Turnout in 1984

Black Americans are less likely to participate in politics than white Americans are, but many students of political participation have argued that these differences result solely from racial differences in socioeconomic status. We questioned these conclusions by analyzing vote validation studies in which local registration and voting records were used to measure electoral participation. We also suggested that racial differences in turnout might be decreasing, and that controls for socioeconomic status and region might eliminate or reverse racial differences in future elections, even if participation were measured with the validated data. The 1984 SRC-CPS vote validation study is used to update our findings. Our expectations about the decline of racial differences were not fulfilled. Rather, the 1984 results are essentially similar to those we reported earlier: Racial differences in turnout are larger when the validated vote is used to measure electoral participation, and differences remain even after cont...
Thermal Treatment of 1,2,3,4-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin by Reaction with Ca-Based Sorbents at 23−300 °C

The fate of combustion-generated polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) captured in sorbent-based, air pollution control devices remains uncertain. This process was simulated by passing vapor-phase 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) to a fixed-bed reactor laden with, typically, 1 g of calcium (Ca)-based sorbent. The sorbent bed, reactor rinsate, evaporation chamber, and gas impingers were analyzed separately to balance and account for the TCDD input. Tests at 160−300 °C demonstrated 50 to 100% conversion of TCDD to higher molecular weight, chlorinated products with both aromatic and aliphatic components. The unlikeliness of conventional semivolatile GC/MS analyses to detect these higher molecular weight products may offer an alternative explanation for research studies citing destruction or volatilization of chlorinated organics in the presence of Ca-based sorbents. The applicability of this reaction to other halogenated organics, such as polychlo...
Labor‐Management Cooperation and the West German System of Codetermination

The purpose of this article is to assess recent developments in Mitbestimmung within the Federal Republic, to analyse the role which codetermination plays in the German firm and economy, to examine the attitudes of German management and labor toward the system, and to speculate about possible future changes in the laws regarding labor participation.
Size-dependence of the enhanced Raman scattering of pyridine adsorbed on Agn (n = 2-8, 20) clusters

We present a time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) study of the size-dependence of the absorption and Raman scattering properties of pyridine interacting with small silver nanoclusters Agn (n = 2−8, 20). By employing a recently developed short-time approximation for the Raman scattering cross section we simulate both the normal and the “surface”-enhanced Raman spectra. The absorption spectra of the small silver clusters are studied both in the gas phase and embedded in rare gas matrices. We find that both the absorption and Raman properties depend strongly on cluster size and adsorption site. The normal Raman spectra of Agn−pyridine complexes resemble that of isolated pyridine, with enhancements which increase as cluster size increases. In contrast to this, both the enhancement and the appearance of the “surface”-enhanced Raman spectrum show a very strong dependence on cluster size. The total enhancements for the complexes are between 103 and 104 and quite surprisingly the strongest enhancement...
Forcast: the Faint Object Infared Camera for the SOFIA telescope

We report final design details and development progress for the Faint Object Infrared Camera for the SOFIA Telescope (FORCAST). FORCAST is a two-channel camera with selectable filters for continuum and line imaging in the 5-40 micron wavelength region. Simultaneous imaging will be possible in the two-channels--5-25 microns using a Si:As 256×256 blocked impurity band (BIB) detector array, and 25-40 microns using a Si:Sb BIB. FORCAST will sample 0.75 arcseconds per pixel allowing a 3.2'×3.2' instantaneous field-of-view in both channels simultaneously. Imaging will be diffraction limited for lambda > 15 microns. Since FORCAST operates in the wavelength range where the seeing is best from SOFIA, it will provide the highest spatial resolution possible from the airborne observatory. In addition to imaging, the FORCAST optical design provides for a simple upgrade to include spectroscopic observations using grisms mounted in the filter wheels. We report improvements to the optical system and progress in construction of this SOFIA facility instrument and its subsystems. FORCAST will be available for facility testing and astronomical observations at SOFIA first (f)light.
On relay selection in frequency selective channels

We consider relay selection in cooperative relay networks with frequency selective fading, and focus on a system where multiple decode-and-forward relays share a single channel orthogonal to the source. We propose a relay selection scheme and end-to-end transciever architecture which employs a simple decision feedback equalizer, and we show analytically that the proposed system can optimally exploit both spatial diversity and frequency diversity. By simulation, we compare the BER performance of a finite-length MMSE-DFE receiver with that of the MLSE and linear ZF receivers. The numerical results show that the finite-length MMSE-DFE receiver, combined with the relay selection method and zero-padded transmission, can achieve full diversity.
Effect of parenteral d-sotalol on transvenous atrial defibrillation threshold in a canine model of atrial fibrillation

In an effort to reduce energy requirements for atrial defibrillation to a level low enough to perform painless electrical cardioversion with an implantable atrial defibrillator, we tested the hypothesis that drug therapy with the class III agent d-sotalol, when used concurrently with a low-energy shock, reduces atrial defibrillation threshold. In a nonthoracotomy canine model of atrial fibrillation, intracardiac shocks were delivered between the distal coronary sinus and the mid-right atrium. Based on a step-up energy delivery protocol the atrial defibrillation threshold was defined as the least amount of energy that resulted in a >10% and <90% rate of successful defibrillation. At a dose associated with class III antiarrhythmic effects (5 mg/kg), d-sotalol significantly reduced atrial defibrillation threshold from 1.72 ± 1.12 J to 0.59 ± 0.60 J (p < 0.01). These results support the feasibility of using antiarrhythmic drug therapy with d-sotalol to minimize energy requirements for intracardiac electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.
X-ray planetary nebulae

A study of IUE archival low-dispersion spectra was conducted in an attempt to correlate the C IV/He II and C III)/C IV emission line ratios as indicators of X-ray emission in planetary nebulae. The presence of P Cygni lines revealed a strong correlation for planetaries known to exhibit X-ray emission. Of the twelve planetaries definitely known to emit X-rays, eleven have been observed with IUE and all but one show ultraviolet lines with very strong P Cygni profiles for at least one, and sometimes all, of the N V, O V, or C IV lines which are indicative of strong stellar winds. Twenty planetary nebulae are identified as likely candidates for X-ray sources, based on their high IUE emission line flux ratios for C IV/He II as well as prevalence of P Cygni lines. Some misconceptions based on outdated IUE data are corrected.
Ca(2+)-inhibitable adenylyl cyclase modulates pulmonary artery endothelial cell cAMP content and barrier function.

Abstract Maintenance by the endothelium of a semi-permeable barrier is critically important in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lung. Intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and cAMP are principal determinants of endothelial cell barrier function through their mutually opposing actions on endothelial retraction. However, details of the mechanisms of this antagonism are lacking. The recent discovery that certain adenylyl cyclases (EC 4.6.1.1) could be acutely inhibited by Ca2+ in the intracellular concentration range provided one possible mechanism whereby elevated [Ca2+]i could decrease cAMP content. This possibility was explored in pulmonary artery endothelial cells. The results indicate that a type VI Ca(2+)-inhibitable adenylyl cyclase exists in pulmonary artery endothelial cells and is modulated by physiological changes in [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, the results suggest the inverse relationship between [Ca2+]i and cAMP that is established by Ca(2+)-inhibitable adenylyl cyclase plays a critical role in modulating pulmonary artery endothelial cell permeability. These data provide evidence that susceptibility to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by Ca2+ can be exploited in modulating a central physiological process.
Heterointegration of III–V on silicon using a crystalline oxide buffer layer

Abstract The integration of III–V compound semiconductors with Si can combine the cost advantage and maturity of Si technology with the superior performance of III–V materials. We have achieved the heteroepitaxial growth of III–V compound semiconductors on a crystalline SrTiO 3 buffer layer grown on Si(0 0 1) substrates. A two-step growth process utilizing a high temperature nucleation layer of GaAs, followed by a low-temperature GaAs layer at a higher growth rate was employed to achieve highly crystalline thick GaAs layers on the SrTiO 3 /Si substrates with low surface roughness as seen by AFM. The effect of the GaAs nucleation layer on different surface terminations for the SrTiO 3 layer was studied for both on axis and miscut wafers, which led to the conclusion that the Sr terminated surface on miscut substrates provides the best GaAs films. Using GaAs/STO/Si as virtual substrates, we have optimized the growth of high quality GaSb using the interfacial misfit (IMF) dislocation array technique. This work can lead to the possibility of realizing infrared detectors and next-generation high mobility III–V CMOS within the existing Si substrate infrastructure.
Non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in heterosexual and sexual minority young adults

Abstract Objective Despite consistently greater rates of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs; i.e., suicidal ideation, method/plan, and attempts) in lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals, prevalence, characteristics, and relations between these dangerous thoughts and behaviors are equivocal. The present study sought to examine and compare the rates of NSSI and STBs in a large sample of sexual minority and majority young adults. Methods Participants were 12,422 college students (ages 18–29; 57.3% female) who self-reported demographic characteristics, NSSI frequency, the number of NSSI forms used, the number of NSSI functions, as well as STB history (i.e., ideation, method/plan, and attempts). Each participant’s degree of SA was assessed via a 7-point scale (i.e., K0–K6) from Alfred Kinsey’s research of sexual attraction and sexual experiences. This scale was collapsed to create five categories of SA: exclusively other SA (K0), mostly other SA (K1/2), equally other and same SA (K3), mostly same SA (K4/5), and exclusively same SA (K6). Results Consistent with previous research, we found that being a sexual minority young adult was associated with significantly higher odds of STBs compared to being a heterosexual young adult. In addition, compared to the exclusively other SA group (K0), being in the mostly other SA group (K1/2), equally other and same SA group (K3), or mostly same SA group (K4/5) was associated with significantly higher odds of NSSI engagement. Among those with NSSI, we found that the number of NSSI forms was significantly associated with suicide attempts, but was not associated with either suicidal ideation or suicide method/plan in the mostly other SA group (K1/2) or in the equally other and same SA group (K3). We also found a significant curvilinear relation between NSSI frequency and STBs in the mostly other SA group (K1/2) and between NSSI frequency and suicide method/plan and attempt in the exclusively other SA group (K0). In addition, we revealed specificity with regard to the relation between the number of lifetime NSSI episodes and risk for STBs among the equally other and same SA (K3), mostly same SA (K4/5), and exclusively same SA (K6) groups. Conclusion Our findings suggest that among sexual minority young adults, equally other and same SA individuals may be at higher risk of NSSI and STBs than their sexual minority counterparts. In addition, these findings extend previous research by suggesting that the relations between NSSI frequency, number of forms, and number of functions and STBs might vary according to SA. A multi-theory based explanation is provided to explain the key findings and the study implications are discussed.
A novel approach to rank determination of multichannel data covariance matrices

The rank selection problem of a multichannel data covariance matrix is addressed by Bayesian methodology. A maximum a posteriori solution is derived, and a bootstrap technique for its implementation proposed. Our rule is tested on simulated sensor array data that represent random signals embedded in white Gaussian noise. The tests include comparisons with the popular AIC and MDL criteria. The results show that the Bayesian rule outperforms them, particularly for low signal-to-noise ratios and small direction-of-arrival separations.
Raman scattering in uniaxially oriented samples of planar zigzag poly(vinylidiene fluoride)

Band assignments of phase-I PVF2 have been Revised by using additional data obtained by laser Raman spectra of oriented samples. A set of least-squares refined force constants was obtained which reproduce the experimental data to an average error in frequencies of 1.3 cm−1. In order to determine the effect of electrical polarization on the spectra, a Gaussian distribution of the dipole axis was assumed. The calculation shows that polarizations of less than 60% will not significantly affect the Raman spectra.
Radiation induced bystander effect and DNA damage.

Bystander effects (BSEs) have been investigated for a long time but without much deliberation as to the cause in targeted cells and the subsequent effect in naive cells. BSEs have traditionally been associated with radiation. Currently, this phenomenon is at a juncture where nuclear DNA damage is being debated as either essential or nonessential. If DNA damage is essential for the bystander signal (BSS) production then, this raises a number of questions about, radiotherapy and chemotherapy of cancer patients. This review presents a detailed analysis of the work done to investigate nuclear DNA damage versus exclusively cytoplasmic targeting with ionizing radiations and measurement of bystander end-points in naive cells. The review also analyzes some of the research work done to investigate cell models that were developed specifically to study and track radiation-induced DNA damage to construct mutation spectra. Production of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species as possible candidates of the elusive BSS are also discussed besides the signal transduction pathways implicated in reception of a BSS by the naive cell.
Alcohol Consumption at Midlife and Risk of Stroke During 43 Years of Follow-Up Cohort and Twin Analyses

Background and Purpose—Although alcohol–stroke association is well known, the age-varying effect of alcohol drinking at midlife on subsequent stroke risk across older adulthood has not been examine...
Interference nulling in direct-sequence spread-spectrum systems using a main-beam reference in the delay space

The authors discuss an interference nulling technique that transforms the output vector of a linear antenna array to a vector made of independent beams in the delay space. The signal of interest (SOI) is located in the center of a main beam in the delay space and is used as a reference in two steepest-descent feedback algorithms to null interference appearing on the remaining beams. When direct-sequence spread-spectrum is incorporated in the model, it is found that the SOI only affects nulling when the spreading code is not synchronized and the signal is spatially misaligned with the main beam of the antenna array. >
Discretion Rather than Rules: Choice of Instruments to Control Bureaucratic Policy Making

In this paper I investigate the trade-off a legislature faces in the choice of instruments to ensure accountability by bureaucrats with private information. The legislature can either design a state-contingent incentive scheme or ‘‘menu law’’ to elicit the bureau’s information or it can simply limit the set of choices open to the bureaucrat and let it choose as it wishes (an action restriction). I show that the optimal action restriction is simply a connected interval of the policy space. However, this class of instruments is not optimal without some sort of limitation on the set of levers of control available to the legislature. I then analyze one such limitation salient in politics, the legislative principal’s inability to commit to honor a schedule of (state contingent) policy choices and transfer payments for a menu law. In this case the optimal action restriction outperforms (in terms of the legislature’s welfare) the best available menu law.
Mechanical properties and transition temperatures for copolymers of N‐n‐alkylacrylamides and acrylonitrile

Random copolymers of N-n-butyl-, N-n-octyl-, or N-n-octadecylacrylamide with acrylonitrile were prepared in tert-butanol at 60°C. to test the effect of amide homologs as internal plasticizers. At room temperature under high deformations all samples showed brittle failure; at 100°C. flexible and resilient copolymers were obtained. At low deformations, torsional stiffness values Tf followed the equations of Wood, Fox, and Dimarzio and Gibbs, the latter two modified by use of mole fraction instead of weight fraction. Mole fraction appeared to function better than weight fraction for these special cases where wi > 2mi and where modulus-temperature curves were broad. Because literature values for the glass (or brittle) temperatures of homologs of poly-n-alkyl acrylates, methacrylates, n-alkyl styrenes and alkenes, and estimated values for poly-N-n-alkylacrylamides, plotted as a function of the logarithm of the number of single bonds in repeat units, extrapolate to an average value of −111°C. at a chain length of eighteen carbon atoms, and because side-chain melting points of linear eighteen carbon side-chain homologs appear to have a common value of 48–50°C. regardless of structure, it was concluded that similar glass and melting transitions are obtained when the side chain reaches eighteen carbon atoms in any series of homologs. Transitions for longer side-chain lengths then approach the limit of a polyethylene graft, where Tg is −81°C. and Tm is 137°C.
Humidity-dependent open-circuit photovoltage from a bacteriorhodopsin/indium tin oxide bioelectronic heterostructure

Non-contact electrostatic force microscopy techniques were used to study the open-circuit photovoltage of purple membrane multilayers electrodeposited on indium tin oxide. A humidity-dependent photovoltage response under illumination by a 635 nm photodiode was observed. Peak photovoltages in excess of 2 V at ~36 W m−2 were obtained for ~15% relative humidity.
Shapes as empirical distributions

We address the problem of shape based classification. We interpret the shape of an object as a probability distribution governing the location of the points of the object. An image of the object, represented as an arbitrary set of unlabeled points, corresponds to a random drawing from the shape probability distribution and can thus be analyzed as an empirical distribution. Using this framework, classification of shapes is robust to the number of points in the image and there is no need to solve the correspondence problem when comparing two images. The framework allows us to estimate geometrical transformations between images in a statistically meaningful way using Maximum Likelihood. We formulate the decision problem associated with shape classification as a hypothesis test for which we can characterize the performance. We particularize this framework to two-dimensional shapes related by an affine transformation. Under this assumption, we develop a descriptor invariant to affine movement, permutations, and sampling density, and robust to noise, occlusion, and reasonable non-linear deformations. Experimental results demonstrate the quality of our approach.
Experimental analysis of vector Preisach modeling for anisotropic recording media

An experimental analysis of the rotational remanence properties of various recording samples is presented. The locus of the saturation remanence is an ellipse. For smaller rotating fields, the trajectory is a spiral whose limit cycle is an ellipse; however, depending on the initial magnetization, the aspect ratio and the center of the ellipse for small fields are different from those for the saturating field case.
Conductive IVC filter retrieval following optimized radiofrequency ablation in an ex vivo model

encounters) in whom inferior vena cavography was performed before and after IVC filter retrieval were reviewed from a 12year period ending 3/2014. Retrieval was considered complex if it required forceps or other adjuncts. The cavograms were assessed for abnormalities including stenosis, filling defects, dissection, and extravasation of contrast. Stenosis was measured with electronic calipers and graded by quartiles. Change in stenosis in a given location greater than or equal to one quartile after removal was considered spasm. Results: Of the original 250 encounters, 2 were excluded because they were removed immediately after being placed, 16 due to missing records, and 4 due to extensive baseline caval thrombosis precluding analysis. Dwell time could not be determined for 15 encounters due to missing records. Filling defects and stenosis were significantly more frequent after retrieval, p o 0.05, but they did not change patient management (Table). The only major abnormality after retrieval was extravasation, which occurred only in the complex group and was treated with balloon tamponade and observation. No dissection was observed. There were no cases of 76% or greater stenosis. Dwell time was not correlated with the presence of abnormalities after retrieval (r 1⁄4 0.002, p 1⁄4 0.977). Conclusion: Caval stenosis is the primary abnormality found by cavography after IVC filter retrieval. The lack of cavographic abnormalities requiring treatment following routine IVC filter retrieval may justify omitting the post-retrieval cavogram irrespective of dwell time. While uncommon, extravasation requiring treatment may be seen after complex retrieval, thus cavography remains warranted in this setting.
Social Citizenship, Integration and Collective Action: Immigrant Civic Engagement in the United States

Collective action has been examined in studies of worker insurgency, homeless protest, the Civil Rights movement and white backlash against racial minorities. Relatively few studies, however, focus on noncontentious forms of immigrant collective action. Utilizing a new data set comprising over 1,000 immigrant civic events, we examine whether the civic and political environment within metropolitan areas affect civic engagement. Our results indicate that political opportunities and resources did not have uniform effects, but that institutional threats to immigrants deterred civic activity. Furthermore, we find that local restrictive efforts instigated solidarity events, while outreach efforts directed at immigrants facilitated community improvement projects. These findings suggest that conditions intensifying group boundaries between immigrants and natives and encouraging collective efficacy are important predictors of immigrant civic engagement.