cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanism for amorphization of boron carbide B4C under uniaxial compression

Boron carbide undergoes an amorphization transition under high-velocity impacts, causing it to suffer a catastrophic loss in strength. The failure mechanism is not clear and this limits the ways to improve its resistance to impact. To help uncover the failure mechanism, we used ab initio methods to carry out large-scale uniaxial compression simulations on two polytypes of stoichiometric boron carbide (B${}_{4}$C), B${}_{11}$C-CBC, and B${}_{12}$-CCC, where B${}_{11}$C or B${}_{12}$ is the 12-atom icosahedron and CBC or CCC is the three-atom chain. The simulations were performed on large supercells of 180 atoms. Our results indicate that the B${}_{11}$C-CBC (B${}_{12}$-CCC) polytype becomes amorphous at a uniaxial strain s $=$ 0.23 (0.22) and with a maximum stress of 168 (151) GPa. In both cases, the amorphous state is the consequence of structural collapse associated with the bending of the three-atom chain. Careful analysis of the structures after amorphization shows that the B${}_{11}$C and B${}_{12}$ icosahedra are highly distorted but still identifiable. Calculations of the elastic coefficients (${C}_{ij}$) at different uniaxial strains indicate that both polytypes may collapse under a much smaller shear strain (stress) than the uniaxial strain (stress). On the other hand, separate simulations of both models under hydrostatic compression up to a pressure of 180 GPa show no signs of amorphization, in agreement with experimental observation. The amorphized nature of both models is confirmed by detailed analysis of the evolution of the radial pair distribution function, total density of states, and distribution of effective charges on atoms. The electronic structure and bonding of the boron carbide structures before and after amorphization are calculated to further elucidate the mechanism of amorphization and to help form the proper rationalization of experimental observations.
More on solving systems of power equations

It is known that a system of power equations can be reduced to a single-variable polynomial equation by exploiting the so-called Newton's identities. In this work, we investigate four new types of power equation systems. In the first two types we allow the powers to be a mix of positive and negative terms, whereas in the literature the system of power equations involves only positive powers. The first type involves only positive signs of powers, whereas the second type expands to involve both positive and negative signs. We present algebraic methods to solve the system and furthermore fully characterize the number of nontrivial solutions. The other two types are defined over finite fields and otherwise are the same as the conventional system of power equations. The methodology for solving the third type can be viewed as a generalization of the Berlekamp algorithm. The solution space of the last system is fully characterized despite the fact that the number of equations is two less than the number of unknowns.
DNP-phycobiliproteins, fluorescent antigens to study dynamic properties of antigen-IgE-receptor complexes on RBL-2H3 rat mast cells

In RBL-2H3 rat mucosal mast cells, the crosslinking of cell-surface IgE-receptor complexes by multivalent antigens initiates a sequence of responses leading to degranulation. We have developed a family of dinitrophenol (DNP)-conjugated fluorescent antigens to study dynamic membrane events associated with these responses. Lysyl groups on the phycobiliproteins, B-phycoerythrin and C-phycocyanin, were labelled with DNP, yielding fluorescent conjugates that cause the release of [3H]serotonin from anti-DNP-IgE-primed RBL-2H3 cells. The binding of these antigens to IgE-receptor complexes was observed by fluorescence microscopy and quantified by flow cytometry. Incubation with 1 microgram/ml DNP42-B-phycoerythrin stimulates maximum degranulation from IgE-saturated cells. Under these conditions, approximately 26 X 10(3) molecules of DNP42-B-phycoerythrin are bound per cell at equilibrium. The rate and extent of antigen binding and of antigen-stimulated mediator release decrease in parallel as the concentration and DNP:protein ratio of the fluorescent conjugates is reduced. Secretion stops immediately when the nonfluorescent monovalent antigen, DNP-lysine, is added to degranulating cell suspensions. DNP-lysine also displaces surface-bound antigen when added during the first minutes after multivalent antigen. However, the ability of DNP-lysine to displace surface-bound DNP42-B-phycoerythrin from IgE-receptor complexes decreases progressively with time. Treatment with dihydrocytochalasin B and several analogs that prevent antigen-stimulated F-actin assembly enhances secretion and delays the transition of antigen to its DNP-lysine-resistant form. Cytochalasin treatment also permits the long-range movement of antigen into surface caps.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Upper Oxford Clay at Furzy Cliff, Dorset: stratigraphy, palaeoenvironment and ammonite fauna

A major landslip at Furzy Cliff near Weymouth has provided the first measured section of the Upper Oxford Clay of Dorset. The threefold subdivision first proposed by Buckman (1925) is confirmed, through a re-definition of the Red Nodule Beds has proved necessary. The beds accumulated in a more marginal marine environment than did the Upper Oxford Clay of the Midlands, and terriginous clastic sediment occurs at several horizons. New ammonite records show that already in the Lower Oxfordian the genus Perisphinctes had evolved into several of the subgenera characteristic of the Middle Oxfordian. Several of these early Perisphinctes are figured.
Loosely bound states of three particles.

Loosely bound states of three particles for particles interacting via short range forces were predicted by Efimov. They are shown to arise naturally in the adiabatic hyperspherical approximation presently used to compute reactions along hyperspherical coordinates. Because of the loosely bound nature of such states, the asymptotic form of the effective hyper-radial potential is critical. A variational wave function is suggested and is shown to reproduce the asymptotic potenial obtained by Efimov. Implications and extensions of the theory are suggested.
Increasing Prevalence, Changes in Diagnostic Criteria, and Nutritional Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorders

The frequency of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) diagnoses has been increasing for decades, but researchers cannot agree on whether the trend is a result of increased awareness, improved detection, expanding definition, or an actual increase in incidence or a combination of these factors. Though both genetic and multiple environmental risk factors have been studied extensively, many potentially modifiable risk factors including nutritional and immune function related risk factors such as vitamin D, folic acid, and metabolic syndrome have not received sufficient attention. Several recent studies have put forward hypotheses to explain the mechanism of association between both folic acid and vitamin D and autism. A continuous rise in the prevalence of autism in the USA has coincided with a significant enhancement of maternal folate status with FDA mandated folic acid fortification of certain foods starting in 1998. There is also a growing body of research that suggests that vitamin D status either in utero or early in life may be a risk for autism. In this communication, controversies regarding increase in estimate of prevalence, implications of changes in definition, and possible association between some modifiable nutritional risk factors such as folic acid and vitamin D and ASD will be discussed.
HIGH RESOLUTION SCINTILLATION SPECTRA OBTAINED WITH NANOSECOND PULSES OF 3 MeV ELECTRONS.

In studies involving an energy transfer process it is important to have definite knowledge of the excited state of the solute which is responsible for the emitted fluorescence that is measured. When solutions with low solute concentration are irradiated with ionizing particles, the initial excitations are produced in the solvent molecules (excited molecules or ions). The excited solvent molecules and ions can transfer energy to the solute producing excited solute molecules. The measured scintillations are the result of the return of the solute molecules to the ground state.
Cation and Water Content Effects on Dipole Rotation Activation Energy of Smectites

In soil science, single frequency permittivity measurements are used to determine soil water content, and single frequency bulk electrical conductivity is used to determine soil salinity. The accuracy of these measurements may be influenced by complex interactions between frequency, temperature, and water that is tightly bound to day surfaces. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of temperature, saturating cation, water content, smectite properties, and frequency on electrical properties of humidified clays by analyzing three different activation energies for dipole rotations, which are calculated from the temperature dependence of electrical properties. Four reference smectites saturated with K, Na, Ca, and Mg and equilibrated at relative humidities ranging from 56 to 99% were investigated over a frequency range from 3 × 10 5 to 1 x 10 9 Hz. Two of the three activation energies were found to decrease slightly as water content increased. Higher activation energies were found for smectites saturated with Mg and K and lower values for smectites saturated with Na and Ca. Trends for type of clay were variable but appeared to be influenced by both the total water content and the distribution of water between the interlayers and the external surfaces of the smectite quasi-crystals. Changes in quasi-crystal orientation induced by thermal cycling were also found to influence the activation energies. The results indicate complex frequency and temperature dependent interactions impact electrical properties of the clays. We conclude that no simple equation will correct for temperature and clay content effects on single frequency measurements of permittivity or bulk electrical conductivity.
Dynamic interactions between private investment and the stock market: evidence from cointegration and error correction models

This study examines the dynamic interdependencies between private investment and the stock market for the US economy for the 1970 to 2003 period. The main findings are as follows. First, both investment and stock prices seem to adjust to disequilibria from each other in the long run. Second, past changes in nominal investment have a positive effect on stock prices in the short-run but changes in real investment do not. Third, changes in real stock prices do not affect real investment but past changes in nominal stock prices have a positive short-run effect on investment. Finally, the interest rate appears to affect both magnitudes in the short run but in a notable and negative manner the stock returns.
Configuration-interaction study of atoms. II. Electron affinities of B, C, N, O, and F

Extensive configuration-interaction calculations have been carried out to determine electron affinities of the first-row atoms, B to F. Calculated electron affinities in eV with the observed values in parentheses are 0.15, 1.11(1.25), -0.52, 1.13(1.461), and 3.12(3.448), for B, C, N, O, and F, respectively. Our best estimates, based on an empirical extrapolation which makes use of the known C, O, and F affinities, for B and N electron affinities are 0.24 and -0.19 eV, respectively. Detailed analysis of the results in terms of contributions from various classes of configurations shows that the $K$-shell and $KL$-intershell correlation-energy contributions to these electron affinities are negligibly small, and that about 15% of the total correlation contribution comes from the triple and higher electron-excitation configurations. Symmetry-adapted pair-correlation calculations have been carried out for O, ${\mathrm{O}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, F, and ${\mathrm{F}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ to study convergence patterns for the correlation energy and electron affinity with respect to the orbital basis used to construct the configurations. Such pair-correlation calculations are known to overcompute the correlation energy. The excess energies, which correspond to pair-pair interaction energies neglected in the pair-correlation calculations, were roughly constant over a range of orbital basis sizes, with magnitudes about twice the energy contributions from the configurations of triple and higher excitations omitted in the pair-correlation calculations. Accordingly, this approximation should overestimate the electron affinity if a complete orbital basis is used.
A depth-proportional intake device for automatic water samplers.

Abstract: This paper describes the construction and testing of a device for pumping water samplers that collects suspended sediment samples by moving the intake vertically to keep it at the same proportion of flow depth. The device uses a simple sprocket mechanism that can be mounted vertically on the downstream side of culverts and bridge pilings to protect against damage from floating debris during storms. Suspended sediment samples collected from an urban stream with the depth-proportional device were compared with manual samples taken with a depth-integrated sampler. Scatter in the relationship between pumped and manual samples (R2 = 0.76) are probably explained by horizontal variability in concentrations, poor mixing associated with lateral sediment inputs from construction site erosion, the downstream orientation of the intake, and the failure of the concentration at 60% of the flow depth to match the average vertical concentration.
Market watch: Biopharma deal-making in 2014: a record year for M&A value.

Highlights of deal-making activity in 2014 include divestitures and asset swaps among large pharmaceutical companies, and a slew of cancer immunotherapy alliances.
Studies on the mechanism of serum stimulation of uridine uptake in serum-less mouse cells

Abstract Mouse embryo cells cultured several days in serum-less medium respond to serum by a prompt increase in [ 3 H]uridine uptake. The serum glycoprotein fetuin as well as adenosine, guanosine, ATP and adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate stimulate uridine uptake in the absence of serum. The active adenine derivatives do not stimulate adenosine, thymidine or phenylalanine uptake in 3–6 h and do not potentiate serum-stimulated thymidine uptake and DNA synthesis in 24 h. Pyrimidine ribonucleosides inhibit rather than stimulate uridine uptake. Stimulation by serum is partially inhibited by F − but not by dinitrophenol or azide. Oligomycin rapidly inhibits the uridine-uptake system, implicating a high energy, phosphorylated intermediate in the process. Phloridzin and fluorodinitrobenzene, compounds which interact with the membrane, inhibit the pre- and post-stimulation uptake of uridine, providing probes with which to study the cellular alterations induced by serum.
Changes in racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes by obesity level among US adults.

Objective. Ethnic minority status and obesity are two independent risk factors for Type 2 diabetes (T2D). There is no clear understanding of how they may have interacted and influenced disparities in T2D prevalence over time. This study examined the trends in racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence of T2D by weight status among US adults. Methods. We used nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys I (1971–1975), II (1976–1980), and III (1988–1994), and 1999–2004 among 49,574 adults aged 20–74 years. The prevalences of diagnosed and undiagnosed T2D were estimated by race/ethnicity groups (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Mexican American) and body mass index (BMI) groups (normal, 18.5–24.9; overweight, 25–29.9; obese, 30–34.9; severely obese, ≥35). We used logistic regression controlling for age, gender, and education to estimate the odds ratio of T2D across race/ethnicity and BMI groups. Results. Trends in racial/ethnic disparities in prevalenc...
The pricing of US crude oil

Abstract The present system of pricing US crude oil is both wasteful and counter-productive, argues Mr Renshaw. He points to numerous ways to improve upon the existing pricing system ranging from immediate deregulation of petroleum prices to a set of compensating tax increases and a redesigned pricing system which would achieve gradual deregulation in a more efficient manner. If price controls are retained for an extended period of time, an economic case can be made for new product standards and other non-price rationing schemes which would tend to constrain energy consumption to about the level which would prevail if prices were unregulated.
Antibody Testing in Peripheral Neuropathies

Many autoantibodies have been described in association with peripheral neuropathy, but the use of antibody testing in clinical practice remains a matter of some debate. Serum autoantibodies to gangliosides or glycoproteins are implicated in a variety of sensory and motor neuropathy syndromes. Paraneoplastic antibodies help identify patients who have a neuropathy related to an underlying malignancy. Detection of an autoantibody in the right clinical setting provides some evidence that the peripheral nerve disturbance is immune mediated and that immunomodulatory therapy may be of benefit.
Braking electric-powered wheelchairs: effect of braking method, seatbelt, and legrests

Abstract Objective: To examine the influence of three electric-powered wheelchair braking conditions and four wheelchair seating conditions on electric-powered wheelchair motion and Hybrid II test dummy motion. This study provides quantitative information related to assessing the safety of electric-powered wheelchair driving. Design: Rehabilitation engineering comparison and ANSI/RESNA standards testing. Convenience sample of eight different electric-powered wheelchairs. Within-chair comparisons were conducted. Intervention: Electric-powered wheelchairs were compared under three braking scenarios (joystick release, joystick reverse, power-off) and four seating conditions (seatbelt and legrests, seatbelt and no legrests, no seatbelt but legrests, no seatbelt and no legrests). Setting: A rehabilitation engineering center. Main Outcome Measures: The braking distance, braking time, and braking accelerations for electric-powered wheelchairs during three braking scenarios; trunk motion, head motion, and trunk angular acceleration during three braking scenarios and four seating conditions; and number of falls from the wheelchairs for three braking scenarios and four seating conditions. Results: Significant differences ( p p p = .0011) among braking conditions for maximum trunk angular acceleration. The Hybrid II test dummy fell from the wheelchairs with highest frequency when there were no legrests and no seatbelt used. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that use of a seatbelt when driving an electric-powered wheelchair reduces the risk of falling from a wheelchair. Furthermore, the use of legrests can reduce the risk of injury to the wheelchair driver. This study shows that the most abrupt braking occurs when deactivating the power switch.
Robust control design for nonlinear uncertain systems in the absence of the generalized matching conditions

In this paper, we shall introduce and study a constructive procedure of designing robust control for uncertain nonlinear systems. The design procedure, called recursive-interlacing, is based on the Lyapunov's direct method and includes recursive or backstepping designs as special cases. Nonlinear systems under investigation contain uncertainties that do not satisfy any of the previously developed conditions such as the matching conditions, the conditions of being equivalently matched, and the generalized matching conditions. Two classes of nonlinear uncertain systems of third order vector are presented for which robust controls are designed by the recursive-interlacing design. Due to the space limitation, only two of nonlinear third order vector systems are studied in details. Other classes of third order vector systems will be treated in upcoming papers.
Reply to comments of F. F. Morehead

The expression used for electric field in the article being discussed is not appropriate for the experimental conditions, but there is a built-in electric field present that affects Sb diffusion. Thus the calculated values of D = i are reasonably within the experimental error of the data on which the calculations are based. Our conclusions that V − vacancies do not play an important role in Sb diffusion and that Sb–B pairs are responsible for retarded Sb diffusion in high-concentration B-doped Si are supported.
A rapid aquatic toxicity assay utilizing labeled thymidine incorporation in sea urchin embryos

Aquatic toxicity was evaluated in the sea urchin embryo (Arbacea punctulata) by the inhibition of tritiated thymidine incorporation after a brief exposure to toxic chemicals. Arbacia is a useful surrogate species for assay: well-studied, easily cultured and fertile virtually year round. The simplicity and speed of this test system lends itself to screening large numbers of compounds, mixtures or water samples.
Performance of Male Schizophrenics on An Anagram-Solution Task: An Application of An S-R Mediation Model:

2 groups of 15 volunteer schizophrenic Ss each worked on 20 word-anagram problems. The anagrams for Group I were the solutions for Group II, and vice versa. Each of the last 10 problem pairs represented a test of the mediation model's prediction that faster solution times will occur when the anagram has a low Thorndike-Lorge frequency and the solution word has a high Thorndike-Lorge frequency. Results strongly confirm this prediction. When anagram and solution were of equal frequency, faster solution times tended to be equally distributed among the two groups. Distinct deficits were evident in the performance of schizophrenics. Over-all results indicate the model is applicable for a schizophrenic sample.
Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Nano-Patterns by Inclined Nanoimprinting Lithography

We report a non-conventional nano fabrication approach, inclined nanoimprint lithography (INIL), which can produce three-dimensional (3D) nano-patterns of varying heights in a single imprinting step with the potential for low cost and high throughput. Such 3-D nano-patterns can be produced using soft lithography without the need for conventional nano-lithography of either the imprinting mold or the substrate, by exploiting the technique of anisotropic de-wetting. We demonstrate the INIL technique using a commercially available nanolithography resist, poly(methyl-alpha-chloroacrylate- co-alpha-methylstyrene), and demonstrate 3D pattern transfer to silicon dioxide using reactive ion etching.
RADARSAT-2 calibration: proposed targets and techniques

RADARSAT-2 is an advanced synthetic aperture radar satellite scheduled for launch in 2003. The satellite will be equipped with an active phased array antenna which will be used to provide a wide variety of beams and modes, including all the beams and modes of RADARSAT-1 and additional Ultra-fine resolution, dual and quad-polarimetric modes. The large number and variety of modes presents a major calibration challenge and, because the satellite is intended for operational use, efficient means for achieving and maintaining this calibration are essential. This paper identifies the three principal types of target which are planned for use in achieving radiometric, polarimetric, geo-location, and other types of calibration for RADARSAT-2, and describes how the data will be analyzed to generate the required calibration information.
Tracing the characteristic curve of a quadratic black box

A quadratic black box is a two-port network with each arc incurring a quadratic cost. This paper studies the properties of the minimum cost function of a quadratic black box with respect to an external flow input. An algorithm is presented with a numerical example for determining the subdifferential mapping of the minimum cost function. The algorithm can be applied to the piecewise quadratic case without change. If all data satisfy the commensurability condition, the algorithm terminates in a finite number of steps.
Fire and competition in a southern California grassland: impacts on the rare forb Erodium macrophyllum

Summary 1. The use of off-season burns to control exotic vegetation shows promise for land managers. In California, wildfires tend to occur in the summer and autumn, when most grassland vegetation is dormant. The effects of spring fires on native bunchgrasses have been examined but their impacts on native forbs have received less attention. 2. We introduced Erodium macrophyllum, a rare native annual forb, by seeding plots in 10 different areas in a California grassland. We tested the hypotheses that E. macrophyllum would perform better (increased fecundity and germination) when competing with native grasses than with a mixture of exotic and native grasses, and fire would alter subsequent demography of E. macrophyllum and other species’ abundances. We monitored the demography of E. macrophyllum for two seasons in plots manually weeded so that they were free from exotics, and in areas that were burned or not burned the spring after seeding. 3. Weeding increased E. macrophyllum seedling emergence, survival and fecundity during both seasons. When vegetation was burned in June 2001 (at the end of the first growing season) to kill exotic grass seeds before they dispersed, all E. macrophyllum plants had finished their life cycle and dispersed seeds, suggesting that burns at this time of year would not directly impact on fecundity. In the growing season after burning (2002), burned plots had less recruitment of E. macrophyllum but more establishment of native grass seedlings, suggesting burning may differentially affect seedling recruitment. 4. At the end of the second growing season (June 2002), burned plots had less cover of exotic and native grasses but more cover of exotic forbs. Nevertheless, E. macrophyllum plants in burned plots had greater fecundity than in non-burned plots, suggesting that exotic grasses are more competitive than exotic forbs. 5. A glasshouse study showed that exotic grasses competitively suppress E. macrophyllum to a greater extent than native grasses, indicating that the poor performance of E. macrophyllum in the non-burned plots was due to exotic grass competition. 6. Synthesis and applications. This study illustrates that fire can alter the competitive environment in grasslands with differential effects on rare forbs, and that exotic grasses strongly interfere with E. macrophyllum. For land managers, the benefits of prescribed spring burns will probably outweigh the costs of decreased E. macrophyllum establishment. Land managers can use spring burns to cause a flush of native grass recruitment and to create an environment that is, although abundant with exotic forbs, ultimately less competitive compared with non-burned areas dominated by exotic grasses.
Dynamically configurable acoustic models for speech recognition

Senones were introduced to share Hidden Markov model (HMM) parameters at a sub-phonetic level as proposed by Hwang and Huang (1992) and decision trees were incorporated to predict unseen phonetic contexts as suggested by Hwang, Haung and Alleva (1993). We describe two applications of the senonic decision tree in (1) dynamically downsizing a speech recognition system for small platforms and in (2) sharing the Gaussian covariances of continuous density HMMs (CHMMs). We experimented on how to balance different parameters that can offer the best trade off between recognition accuracy and system size. The dynamically downsized system, without retraining, performed even better than the regular Baum-Welch (1972) trained system. The shared covariance model provided as good a performance as the unshared full model and thus gave us the freedom to increase the number of Gaussian means to increase the accuracy of the model. Combining the downsizing and covariance sharing algorithms, a total of 8% error reduction was achieved over the Baum-Welch trained system with approximately the same parameter size.
Decreased expression of the glial water channel aquaporin-4 in the intrahippocampal kainic acid model of epileptogenesis

Recent evidence suggests that astrocytes may be a potential new target for the treatment of epilepsy. The glial water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is expressed in astrocytes, and along with the inwardly-rectifying K+ channel Kir4.1 is thought to underlie the reuptake of H2O and K+ into glial cells during neural activity. Previous studies have demonstrated increased seizure duration and slowed potassium kinetics in AQP4−/− mice, and redistribution of AQP4 in hippocampal specimens from patients with chronic epilepsy. However, the regulation and role of AQP4 during epileptogenesis remain to be defined. In this study, we examined the expression of AQP4 and other glial molecules (GFAP, Kir4.1, glutamine synthetase) in the intrahippocampal kainic acid (KA) model of epilepsy and compared behavioral and histologic outcomes in wild-type mice vs. AQP4−/− mice. Marked and prolonged reduction in AQP4 immunoreactivity on both astrocytic fine processes and endfeet was observed following KA status epilepticus in multiple hippocampal layers. In addition, AQP4−/− mice had more spontaneous recurrent seizures than wild-type mice during the first week after KA SE as assessed by chronic video-EEG monitoring and blinded EEG analysis. While both genotypes exhibited similar reactive astrocytic changes, granule cell dispersion and CA1 pyramidal neuron loss, there were an increased number of fluorojade-positive cells early after KA SE in AQP4−/− mice. These results indicate a marked reduction of AQP4 following KA SE and suggest that dysregulation of water and potassium homeostasis occurs during early epileptogenesis. Restoration of astrocytic water and ion homeostasis may represent a novel therapeutic strategy.
A spectral method for retrieving cloud optical thickness and effective radius from surface-based transmittance measurements

Abstract. We introduce a new spectral method for the retrieval of optical thickness and effective radius from cloud transmittance that relies on the spectral slope of the normalized transmittance between 1565 nm and 1634 nm, and on cloud transmittance at a visible wavelength. The standard dual-wavelength technique, which is traditionally used in reflectance-based retrievals, is ill-suited for transmittance because it lacks sensitivity to effective radius, especially for optically thin clouds. Using the spectral slope rather than the transmittance itself enhances the sensitivity of transmittance observations with respect to the effective radius. This is demonstrated by applying it to the moderate spectral resolution observations from the Solar Spectral Flux Radiometer (SSFR) and Shortwave Spectroradiometer (SWS), and by examining the retrieval uncertainties of the standard and the spectral method for data from the DOE ARM Southern Great Plains (SGP) site and a NOAA ship cruise (ICEALOT). The liquid water path (LWP) is derived from the retrieved optical thickness and effective radius, based on two different assumptions about the cloud vertical profile, and compared to the simultaneous observations from a microwave radiometer. Optical thickness and effective radius is also compared to MODIS retrievals. In general, the effective radius uncertainties were much larger for the standard retrieval than for the spectral retrieval, particularly for thin clouds. When defining 2 μm as upper limit for the tolerable uncertainty of the effective radius, the standard method returned only very few valid retrievals for clouds with an optical thickness below 25. For the analyzed ICEALOT data (mean optical thickness 23), the spectral method provided valid retrievals for 84 % of the data (24 % for the standard method). For the SGP data (mean optical thickness 44), both methods provided a high return of 90 % for the spectral method and 78 % for the standard method.
Fundamental Sizing Implications of Constant or Increasing Weight Aircraft

As the energy storage capabilities of batteries and fuel cells advance, these technologies are increasingly being considered for aircraft primary propulsion. In addition to other fundamental differences from conventional systems, these concepts may have constant or even increasing mass throughout the mission. In this paper, the implications of constant or increasing mass on aircraft sizing are considered with the aim of generating insight for the design of these systems.
Heat-denatured albumin-coated Dacron vascular grafts: physical characteristics and in vivo performance.

Abstract Dacron fabrics with a wide range of porosities were autoclaved for 3 minutes after being soaked in serum, 5% albumin, or 25% albumin. Porosity of compound Dacron grafts made with 25% albumin was less than 1 ml/min/cm 2 regardless of the fabric base, whereas porosity of grafts made with scrum or 5% albumin was proportional to the porosity of the base fabric. Porosity of the compound grafts remained stable for more than 48 hours and to pressure greater than 450 mm Hg, if the grafts were kept moist. Tubes of Marlex mesh coated with heat-denatured albumin, implanted as infrarenal aortic replacements in dogs, showed complete albumin absorption by 3 weeks. However, perigraft tissue reaction and graft incorporation were minimal and extensive false aneurysm formation resulted. Knitted filamentous Dacron 6 mm tubes coated with heat-denatured albumin were implanted as iliofemoral bypass grafts in 12 dogs, with blood-preclotted knitted filamentous Dacron grafts implanted as contralateral control grafts. Comparison of the albumin-coated grafts with the blood-preclotted control grafts showed no differences in healing or patency at 4 to 6 months. Heat-denatured 25% albumin forms a strong and hemostatic coating regardless of fabric base. Albumin-Dacron compound grafts are easily and rapidly made in the operating room, handle well, and are suitable for large and medium-sized arterial replacements without changes in healing or patency. Because of slow tissue incorporation, however, albumin-coated knitted Dacron grafts should be avoided in patients who require long-term anticoagulation therapy. (J VASC SURG 1986;4:136-43.)
Application of laser range scanner based terrain referenced navigation systems for aircraft guidance

This paper discusses the various aspects of using airborne laser scanners (ALS) in terrain referenced navigation (TRN) systems. The paper addresses the system performance of these new ALS-based systems and compares their performance to traditional terrain referenced navigation systems based on radar altimeter and baro-altimeter sensors. The TRN system comparison also includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) error sensitivity analysis and a discussion on the requirements imposed on the information content in the terrain elevation database by the remote sensor. The paper will use flight test data collected with Ohio University's DC-3Flying Laboratory in Braxton, WV to evaluate the various methodologies and analyses.
Effects of Quick Writing Instruction for High School Students With Emotional Disturbances

High school students with emotional disturbances (ED) often struggle with classroom writing tasks. In this study, the effectiveness of Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) instruction for 10 min timed persuasive quick writes with three high school students with ED was investigated. Results indicated improvement in the areas of quality, response parts, and word count. The acceptability of treatment was positive as indicated by student interviews. Implications for SRSD quick writing for high school students with ED are discussed.
Speckle image properties in optical coherence tomography

Most identification of tissues in OCT images has relied on the presence or absence of features and layers. However, in some pathologies as well as some normal tissues OCT images appear homogeneous. Examination of these images reveals that they display a characteristic repetitive structure due to speckle. Since speckle is influenced by the local index of refraction mismatches, it may be possible to differentiate between different types of tissues based on analysis of the speckle pattern. The determination of tissue type may be supported as well by local contrast distribution analysis or speckle decorrelation degree, which are widely used in measurement and characterization of surface roughness. In this study we examined three areas: 1) the application of speckle theory based on surface roughness to a three- dimensional media and a short coherence length light source, 2) the effect that the optical system design has on the received speckle distribution, and the optimum optical system geometry for speckle analysis, and 3) the speckle properties of OCT images of tissue phantoms and various tissues such as fat and muscle. Results obtained from two methods of speckle analysis (texture analysis and speckle contrast) were compared for their ability to differentiate between tissue types.
Colonizing and Decolonizing Projects of Re/Covering Spirituality

In this postcolonial inquiry, we analyze how spirituality has been simultaneously appropriated/re-covered and re-appropriated/recovered for the purpose of (re)colonizing as well as decolonizing projects. By drawing from discrete yet interconnected literatures of decolonizing, (post)(anti)colonial, Indigenous, and ethnic studies based theories, we discuss the concept of transformative spirituality as a useful analytic lens. This project intersects with larger questions of neo/colonial historical and social structures and conditions of life such as empire, nation-state, race, gender, etc. Transformative aspects of spirituality not only critique how spirituality of the Others has been appropriated within the neo/colonial and neoliberal imagination for the salvation of the Western/neoliberal Self but also speaks about how spirituality can be a space of possibility or recovery for different marginalized communities. While providing decolonizing critiques on the current popularity of spirituality in Western soc...
Addressing bias in the forensic assessment of sexual harassment claims

This article addresses unique biases that arise in the assessment of sexual harassment claims by forensic psychiatrists. These include gender biases, diagnostic biases, sociopolitical biases, and bias that arises from lack of knowledge regarding sexual harassment or lack of formal psychiatric training. Forensic psychiatrists are ethically obligated to strive for objectivity and honesty in their assessments. By becoming aware of these biases and attempting to minimize them, we can meet our ethical obligations as forensic psychiatrists. In addition, we can provide more credible and valuable assessments to the courts in this increasingly litigated and partisan issue.
Indirect Network Effects and Platform Dominance in the Video Game Industry: A Network Perspective

Going beyond the traditional conceptualization of indirect network effects as the number of complements available, this study analyzes how the network positions of platforms and complementors explain platform dominance. We use data from the U.S. home video game industry between 2002 and 2006 to test our model of platform dominance. While the impact of degree of links with complementors representing the number of complements is significant, our study also finds that platform dominance is positively influenced by support from a greater breadth of titles by complementors and lesser degree of overlap with other platforms. We also find that ties with high-status complementors influence platform dominance, but this impact decreases with platform age. Our results suggest benefits to refine our conceptualization of indirect network effects from a network perspective. The managerial implications are that each platform provider needs to differentiate its platform by attracting high-status developers and by providing third-party developers with toolkits that encourage them to develop exclusive titles.
Error correction of confocal microscopy images for in situ food microstructure evaluation

Abstract Image processing methods were developed for correcting confocal microscopy images for errors introduced during image acquisition and subsequent three-dimensional (3-D) image reconstruction. These include corrections for aberrations due to refractive index mismatch, light attenuation with sample depth, uneven intensity across image layers, and image misalignment. These procedures were validated using a simulated image with different illumination conditions. As example applications, dynamic changes in microstructure of process cheese during heating and gelation of β-lactoglobulin (whey protein) were studied in situ. The error-corrected image layers were used to reconstruct a 3-D composite image of fat globules in cheese. The techniques presented will allow objective evaluation of in situ changes in 3-D microstructural features in different foods.
The Prognostic Value of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1/CCL2 in Acute Coronary Syndromes⁎

The chemokines are a family of small heparin-binding proteins with a strikingly similar tertiary structure. There are approximately 50 human chemokines, and they can be classified into CC, CXC, C, or CX3C subfamilies based on the number of amino acids between the first 2 of the 4 conserved cysteine
Association between Hospital Birth Volume and Maternal Morbidity among Low-Risk Pregnancies in Rural, Urban, and Teaching Hospitals in the United States

Objectives This study aims to examine the relationship between hospital birth volume and multiple maternal morbidities among low-risk pregnancies in rural hospitals, urban non-teaching hospitals, and urban teaching hospitals, using a representative sample of U.S. hospitals. Study Design Using the 2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 607 hospitals, we identified 508,146 obstetric deliveries meeting low-risk criteria and compared outcomes across hospital volume categories. Outcomes include postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), chorioamnionitis, endometritis, blood transfusion, severe perineal laceration, and wound infection. Results Hospital birth volume was more consistently related to PPH than to other maternal outcomes. Lowest-volume rural (< 200 births) and non-teaching (< 650 births) hospitals had 80% higher odds (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.56-2.08) and 39% higher odds (AOR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.26-1.53) of PPH respectively, than those in corresponding high-volume hospitals. However, in urban teaching hospitals, delivering in a lower-volume hospital was associated with 14% lower odds of PPH (AOR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.80-0.93). Deliveries in rural hospitals had 31% higher odds of PPH than urban teaching hospitals (AOR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.13-1.53). Conclusions Low birth volume was a risk factor for PPH in both rural and urban non-teaching hospitals, but not in urban teaching hospitals, where higher volume was associated with greater odds of PPH.
Assessment of the uncertainty budget and image resolution of terrestrial laser scans of geomorphic surfaces

Terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) images provide assessment of geomorphic surfaces at a centimeter scale, but for quantitative analysis require an understanding of the uncertainty budget and the limit of image resolution. We conducted two experiments to assess contributions of instrumental, georeferencing, and surface modeling methods to the uncertainty budget and to establish the relation between reference network uncertainty and the repeatability and resolution of imaged natural surfaces. Combinations of Riegl LMS-Z620 and LPM-800HA instruments were used to image fault scarps and erosional ravines in Panamint Valley and the San Gabriel Mountains of California (USA), respectively. In both experiments, a control network of reflectors was surveyed using total station (TS) and georeferenced with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in real time kinematic (RTK) and static (S) modes in the first and second experiment, respectively. For successive scans, we tested the impact of using a fixed network of control reflectors and scan positions versus using variable scan positions in a fixed reflector network and variable scan and reflector network configurations. The geometry of the reflector network in both experiments was established using a TS to within ±0.005 m and in addition to ±0.006 m using S-GNSS occupations during the second experiment. TLS repeatability in a local frame is ±0.028 m, with uncertainty increasing to ±0.032 m and ±0.038 m using S-GNSS and RTK-GNSS, respectively. Point-cloud interpolation, where vegetation effects were mitigated, contributed ±0.01 m to the total error budget. We document that the combined uncertainty for the reference network and surface interpolation represents the repeatability of an imaged natural surface.
Nucleotides as Structural Templates for The Self-Assembly of Quantum-Confined Cds Crystallites

We report here the use of nucleotides as stabilizers in the formation of quantum-confined ('Q-size') CdS, with the size and composition of the nucleotide exerting a significant effect on the resultant CdS structure. In general, CdS formed from equimolar Cd+2 and S2− (6 × 10−4 M) in the presence of a number of nucleotides yields clusters possessing similar absorption spectra but which differ significantly with respect to emissive behavior and overall physical stability. CdS/polynucleotide colloids (DNA, poly[A], poly[C]) exhibit strong trap luminescence and are stable on a timescale of months, but analogous CdS prepared from the mononucleotides ATP and AMP are virtually nonemissive and flocculate within hours, even upon stabilization at lower temperatures (5 to −60°C). In addition to their preparation and spectroscopic properties, the results of TEM, AFM, and computer modeling studies on these CdS/nucleotide colloids are discussed.
Managerial tensions: Personal insecurity vs. professional responsibility.

Protecting and nuturing the managerial supervisor is the topic addressed in this paper. The human service system is undergoing dramatic change, as agencies are downsizing, merging, and outsourcing. In this context, employment-at-will, whistle-blowers, and trade unionism for professionals have emerged as issues. Managerial supervisors face serious dilemmas in these situations including the need to provide more support for workers who face increased job demands and job insecurity. Supervisors are also contending with new roles and demands that may conflict with their concept of professional behavior. The paper concludes with suggestions for how organizations can support supervisory managers and staff in this challenging time.
Monitoring Select Agent Theft, Loss and Release Reports in the United States—2004–2010:

The APHIS/CDC Form 3, Report of Theft, Loss or Release of Select Agents and Toxins (TLR incident report) is the mechanism by which the theft, loss or release of a biological select agent and toxin ...
Chemical face peeling and dermabrasion.

While there are many similarities between dermabrasion and chemosurgery, their indications are clearly different, and the histological changes produced are not the same.
Modification of the pT2 substage classification in prostate adenocarcinoma

The current substage classification of pT2 prostate cancer (AJCC, 7th edition, 2010) into pT2a (unilateral tumors 25%. Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate pathological parameters predictive of biochemical recurrence-free survival. Of 785 patients who met criteria, 145 (18.5%) were pT2a, 15 (1.9%) were pT2b, and 625 (79.6%) were pT2c. The pT2 substages were not significant predictors of biochemical recurrence-free survival on univariate or multivariate analysis. In a multivariate model, tumor percentage >25% (P=.002) was associated with decreased biochemical recurrence-free survival. In patients with stage pT2 prostate cancer, the current substaging method lacks predictive value for biochemical recurrence-free survival after accounting for other pathologic and clinical predictors. However, tumor percentage (≤25% versus >25%) is a promising approach to substaging of pT2 prostate cancer based on its prognostic significance.