cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A p-well GaAs MESFET technology

A p-well GaAs MESFET technology that permits the development of precision mixed-mode integrated circuits is discussed. The p- and n-type regions of the structure are formed by implanting Be/sup 9/ and Si/sup 29/, respectively. The potential of the p-well is constrained by connecting it to the source of the MESFET, ensuring that the source-drain junctions never become forward biased. The p-type layers are beneficial in reducing short-channel effects and in improving both control and matching of pinch-off voltages. Because the p-well GaAs MESFET eliminates the long time constant associated with the drain-current transients and the frequency-dependent g/sub ds/, fast-settling GaAs operational amplifiers and comparators free of frequency-dependent hysteresis are possible. Digital circuits with propagation delay and fanout characteristics independent of frequency and logic patterns are also possible. These advantages arise because the constrained p-well effectively shields the device from trap-related charge fluctuations in the substrate. >
Foveal cone involvement in retinitis pigmentosa progression assessed through flash-on-flash parameters.

Purpose. To compare psychophysical Naka-Rushton parameters in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients and healthy controls using a flash-on-flash increment threshold paradigm, and to measure changes of these parameters with RP progression. Methods. Sixty-six RP patients and 10 normal subjects were tested, and their maximum response (/?max), half-saturation intensity (a), and slope (n) parameters were estimated. Results/Conclusions. Rmax in RP patients is decreased significantly with respect to the range in normal controls and continues to decrease (0.024 log units/yr) with disease progression. The distribution of a in RP patients differs from that in normal subjects, showing lower values in general, but no progression. Small differences in parameter distributions among genetic or pathophysiologic RP subcategorizations were found, but these do not fulfill stricter statistical criteria required for multiple comparisons. Measurement noise, inherent in the flash-on-flash paradigm, exert considerable influence on the quality of the data, as was demonstrated through repeated measures and a Monte Carlo simulation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1993;34:231-242. J. ypical retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a progressive pigmentary retinal degeneration that begins in the midperiphery and eventually spreads to involve the far peripheral retina and the central retina. Although all genetic modes of inheritance are represented among RP patients, 50% of the patients have no family history of RP (ie, simplex). 1 There are at least two forms of autosomal dominant RP and two forms of autosomal recessive RP. 2 The loss of cone system function in the peripheral retina, as measured by the area of seeing in photopic kinetic perimetry, follows an exponential decay. The average time constant (for 1/e loss in visual
Mutation-selection balance with multiple alleles

Human genetic disorders provide an extraordinary richness of data on the diversity of defective alleles. Well over 100 defective alleles for each of several human genetic disorders have been identified, including breast cancer (BRCA1), cystic fibrosis (CFTR), muscular dystrophy (DZM), and phenylketonuria (PAH). These observations raise the classical question of balance between the action of mutation generating new defective alleles and selection removing those alleles from the population. The problem of multiple-allele, mutation-selection balance was considered by Crow and Kimura, who obtained some approximate results showing that the level of dominance and degrees of interallelic complementation are important in determining the equilibrium allele frequencies. Here those deterministic results are reviewed and extended, showing that there are conditions yielding surprisingly high equilibrium frequencies of defective alleles. Just as the equilibrium mutation load is independent of the level of dominance, it is also independent of the number of defective alleles.
A review of human reliability needs in the U.S. nuclear industry

In this survey, 34 subject matter experts from the U.S. nuclear industry were interviewed to determine specific needs for human reliability analysis (HRA). Conclusions from the interviews are detailed in this article. A summary of the findings includes: (1) The need for improved guidance on the use of HRA methods generally and for specific applications. (2) The need for additional training in HRA to provide more hands-on experience in the application of HRA methods. (3) The development of HRA approaches suitable for advanced reactors, severe accident situations, and low-power and shutdown applications. (4) The refinement of HRA methods to account for factors such as crew variability, latent errors, more sophisticated dependency modeling, and errors of commission. (5) The continued need for simplified HRA methods appropriate for field applications. (6) The need for tighter coupling of HRA and human factors. (7) The need for improvements in the quantitative basis of HRA methods. These findings suggest the field of HRA is mature but still benefits from refinements.
Layer structures and the vertical dust lattice instability in a confined plasma crystal

Summary form only given. The formation of plasma crystals confined in an external one-dimensional parabolic potential well was simulated under typical experimental conditions using a computer code called BOX/spl I.bar/TREE. As expected, simulated dust particles formed clear thin layers and the number and positions of the layers changed with the external potential parameter. When the number of layers is constant, the structure of the particles in each layer changes from a square lattice symmetry to a triangular lattice symmetry in agreement with previous theoretical and experimental research. The transition point from a single layer to two layers was examined with dispersion relations of the vertical dust lattice wave around the transition point obtained and analyzed. The transition was shown to be caused by the vertical dust lattice instability, in agreement with previous predictions. Growth rates of the dust lattice instability were calculated employing the simulation data for several external potential parameters and shown to agree with theoretical results.
Open Problems In Stringology, Thirteen years Later

Thirtecii years ago, in Maratea (130 I<m from here), in a conference that was the predecessor of SEQUENCE91, I presented a paper called "Open Problems in Stringol
HIV Infection in Children: Family Stress, Social Support, and Adaptation

This study examined the relationships of family functioning, parenting stress, and social support of caregivers who are parenting children with HIV infection. A family adaptational model integrated the concepts of stress, coping, and ecological systems for understanding the impact of an HIV-infected child on family adaptation and functioning. Data were collected from 48 caregivers of HIV-exposed children. Hierarchical multiple-regression analysis showed that a number of factors contributed significantly to the prediction of parenting stress and family functioning. Results showed significant relationships among parenting stress, children's developmental delay status, children and caregivers' HIV status, and caregiving burden.
Effects of Manifest Ethnic Identification on Employment Discrimination

Evidence from recent laboratory experiments suggests that ethnic identification can lead to negative evaluations of ethnic minorities (Kaiser & Pratt-Hyatt, 2009). The current research considers the generalizability of these findings to face-to-face interactions in contexts wherein impression management concerns are salient: the workplace hiring process. In a field experiment, Black, Hispanic, and Irish individuals applied for retail jobs with or without visible display of their ethnic identification. Analysis of indicators of formal (e.g., application offering, interview scheduling) and interpersonal discrimination (e.g., interaction length, nonverbal negativity) suggest store personnel interacting with other-race applicants exhibited greater positivity and longer interactions when applicants displayed ethnic identification than when they did not. The findings suggest that psychologists need to understand not only attitudes or intentions expressed in the lab, but also the behavioral consequences of manifest group identity as they unfold in natural environments.
Velocity measurements in a turbulent centerbody diffusion flame

A two-color, two-component, laser Doppler anemometer was used to measure mean velocities, velocity fluctuations, Reynolds shear, and correlation coefficients for the axial and radial directions in a centerbody turbulent diffusion burner exhausting into free air. Both fuel composition and flow rates were varied. Mean velocities and turbulent fluctuations obtained by a time-weighted data analysis technique were found not to differ significantly from particle averaged values. Comparisons between reacting and nonreacting cases showed the reaction to increase the axial and radial extent of the separation region, increase the axial turbulent fluctuations, and increase the shear stress. Increases in fuel flow beyond a very lean flame did not significantly affect the velocity parameters. The turbulence was found to be nonisotropic, and regions of zero shear were observed in regions of nonzero turbulent kinetic energy, both inconsistent with typical eddy viscosity and k-e turbulence model assumptions.
An Exploratory Study on Knowledge Sharing, Information Technologies and Firm Performance

The resource-based theory of the firm suggests that an organization's sustainable competitive advantage is based on rare, difficult to imitate resources and core competencies. While research has focused on the relationship between IT investments and resulting firm performance, we speculate that knowledge sharing and the ability to use IT resources effectively to harness the intellectual capital within the firm are more important drivers of innovation, quality, and firm performance. Our study surveyed top executives from several industries to examine their perspectives on internal knowledge sharing and use of collaborative technologies and to explore the role of organizational culture on knowledge sharing and use of these technologies. Top executive respondents value knowledge sharing and view using collaborative technologies important to sharing knowledge. There is a significant correlation between knowledge sharing and two categories of organizational culture that encourage teamwork and innovation, and there is evidence that knowledge sharing is related to firm financial performance.
Temperature measurement during laser heating of thin films using a temperature-sensitive phosphor

A phosphor with temperature-dependent lifetime has been used to measure the temperature distribution produced by laser heating of a thin film surface. A gold thin film deposited on a quartz substrate is coated with ∼40 μm film of the phosphor material. A cw argon ion laser (476 nm) beam is split into two beams, with the more intense beam focused to 15 μm (1/e2 radius) to heat the film through the quartz substrate. The weaker probe beam is chopped and focused tightly using a microscope objective to excite the phosphor from the other side. The spatial variation in lifetime, and hence the temperature distribution, is obtained by scanning the probe beam over the heated region. The temperature distribution measured for different film thickness's is compared with calculations using a finite element model. The calculated temperatures at the gold surface near the laser beam are higher than the experimentally measured values, and agree only when the heat-sinking effect of the phosphor material is taken into account. The results suggest that a phosphor layer thinner than a micron will be required (for 15 μm laser spot size) so as not to perturb the temperature of the gold layer.
Visual System Anomaly associated with Albinism in the Cat

ALBINISM is associated with functional incompetence of the non-decussating optic fibres. Discovered in the Norwegian rat1, the incompetence has been confirmed and extended in behavioural, anatomical and electrophysiological studies of rats and rabbits2–5. Because sensory-neural deficiencies have also been observed in human albinos6, it is possible that this anomaly of the visual pathway is a highly general, trans-species phenomenon. To obtain further evidence, I performed electrophysiological studies on both the natural-population feline and its Siamese (that is, albinic) counterpart7.
Force measurement with a piezoelectric cantilever in a scanning force microscope

Abstract Detection of surface forces between a tip and sample has been demonstrated with a piezoelectric cantilever in a scanning force microscope (SFM). The use of piezoelectric force sensing is particularly advantageous in semiconductor applications where stray light from conventional optical force-sensing methods can significantly modify the local carrier density. Additionally, the piezoelectric sensors are simple, provide good sensitivity to force, and can be batch fabricated. Our piezoelectric force sensors will be described, the theoretical sensitivity and performance of piezoelectric sensors will be discussed and experimental measurements of sensitivity and imaging results will be presented.
Pulsed excitation system to measure the resonant frequency of magnetoelastic biosensors

An electrical circuit was designed and tested to measure the resonant frequency of micron-scale magnetoelastic (ME) biosensors using a pulsed wave excitation technique. In this circuit, a square pulse current is applied to an excitation coil to excite the vibration of ME biosensors and a pick-up coil is used to sense the ME biosensor’s mechanical vibration and convert it to an electrical output signal. The output signal is filtered and amplified by a custom designed circuit to allow the measurement of the resonant frequency of the ME biosensor from which the detection of specific pathogens can be made. As a proof-in-concept experiment, JRB7 phage-coated ME biosensors were used to detect different concentrations of Bacillus anthracis Sterne strain spores. A statistically significant difference was observed for concentrations of 5 × 10 2 spore/ml and above.
Price elasticity of petroleum products in selected African countries

Abstract In this paper, a fundamental understanding of the economic impact which is directly related to the price elasticity of petroleum products in six selected African countries is obtained by using the Jorgorson-Liang model for shares. Each kind of fuel price has a different impact on the share of oil products for the different countries. The price increase of one kind of fuel may increase or decrease the share of another fuel in the total oil products. In the oil importing African countries, the price of one product is relatively inelastic, whereas in the oil producing African countries, the price is elastic.
Fiber Optic Magnetic Sensor Development

We review the development of magnetic sensors based on fiber optic technology including magnetostrictive and Faraday rotation sensors. Magnetostrictive sensors utilize fiber interferometers to measure the field-induced change in length of a transducing material. in Faraday rotation sensors, an external magnetic field causes a rotation of linearly polarized light propagating in the fiber itself. The working principles, advantages, and limitations of each technique are presented and current research and development efforts are summarized.
Conjugate-order systems for signal processing: stability, causality, boundedness, compactness

The fundamental system theory is presented for a class of real systems whose derivative order is complex. It is demonstrated that these so-called conjugate-order systems have a scale-invariance property in both the time and frequency domains, which makes them useful for describing certain phenomena in continuous media. The conditions for which these systems are guaranteed to be causal and stable are reviewed. The compactness properties of their Hankel operators, which allow them to admit finite-order approximations, are also discussed. A procedure is developed for choosing appropriate transfer-function parameter values to design a stable conjugate-order system whose frequency response meets given bandwidth, resonance, and ripple specifications.
Pseudoleukocytosis secondary to hepatitis C-associated cryoglobulinemia: a case report

Introduction Laboratory tests play a central role in assessing a patient and orienting the diagnostic evaluation. We report a case where the discrepancy between the manual and automatic cell count gave a hint to the final diagnosis.
THE GREEN BANK TELESCOPE H II REGION DISCOVERY SURVEY. III. KINEMATIC DISTANCES

Using the H I emission/absorption method, we resolve the kinematic distance ambiguity and derive distances for 149 of 182 (82%) H II regions discovered by the Green Bank Telescope H II Region Discovery Survey (GBT HRDS). The HRDS is an X-band (9 GHz, 3 cm) GBT survey of 448 previously unknown H II regions in radio recombination line and radio continuum emission. Here, we focus on HRDS sources from 67 Degree-Sign {>=} l {>=} 18 Degree-Sign , where kinematic distances are more reliable. The 25 HRDS sources in this zone that have negative recombination line velocities are unambiguously beyond the orbit of the Sun, up to 20 kpc distant. They are the most distant H II regions yet discovered. We find that 61% of HRDS sources are located at the far distance, 31% at the tangent-point distance, and only 7% at the near distance. 'Bubble' H II regions are not preferentially located at the near distance (as was assumed previously) but average 10 kpc from the Sun. The HRDS nebulae, when combined with a large sample of H II regions with previously known distances, show evidence of spiral structure in two circular arc segments of mean Galactocentric radii of 4.25more » and 6.0 kpc. We perform a thorough uncertainty analysis to analyze the effect of using different rotation curves, streaming motions, and a change to the solar circular rotation speed. The median distance uncertainty for our sample of H II regions is only 0.5 kpc, or 5%. This is significantly less than the median difference between the near and far kinematic distances, 6 kpc. The basic Galactic structure results are unchanged after considering these sources of uncertainty.« less
Change in Hen Sciatic Nerve Calcium after a Single Oral Dose of Tri-o-tolyl Phosphate

Six trace elements were monitored in neural tissue homogenates from White Leghorn hens orally dosed with tri-o-tolyl phosphate (TOTP) or tri-m-tolyl phosphate (TMTP) (200 mg/kg). Treated birds were monitored daily for development of delayed neurotoxicity, and concentrations of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc were measured with atomic absorption spectroscopy at the time of maximal locomotor impairment (27-35 days postdosing). TOTP-treated birds manifested motor deficit by 15 days postdosing, while hens administered TMTP exhibited no signs of delayed neurotoxicity. Total calcium content in the sciatic nerve homogenates from TOTP-dosed hens was significantly less (P < 0.05) at the time of maximal locomotor impairment, while no shifts in the other trace elements were found. Therefore, the ortho isomer of tritolylphosphate elicited symptoms of delayed neurotoxicity in the hen (i.e., organophosphorus ester-induced delayed neurotoxicity or OPIDN) and caused a decrease in total calcium content in the sciatic nerve homogenates, in contrast to effects of the meta isomer. Analysis of neural homogenates at time of maximal locomotor impairment reflected secondary events in the degradative processes, since the initial assault of TOTP happens early after administration. Therefore, at fully developed OPIDN alteration of calcium balance in sciatic nerves is an indicator of axonopathy in a degenerated nerve following chemical injury.
The Reader and the Worker: Los Lectores and the Culture of Cigarmaking in Cuba and Florida

“You know what Victor Hugo say?” asked Jose Vega Diaz. Thus began a lengthy recitation, the product of decades of labor agitation, listening to Les Miserables, and rolling cigars. He had been asked to explain the influence of el lector (the reader) on the lives of cigar workers. The answer filtered through ninety-five years of experience in Cuba and Florida.“You know what Victor Hugo say? In all the towns, in every place, they have a schoolteacher. And in every town, the schoolteacher is the light. He lights the candle. But in every town they try to blow away the light. The preachers, the priests. That's why they [the church, the owner] don't want the reader. The reader lights the candle. It was a good thing.”
If Community College Students Are So Poor, Why Do Only 16.9% of Them Receive Pell Grants?

ABSTRACT Using Pell grant awards as a proxy for the enrollment of low-income students is common. The most recent National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) data shows that only 16.9% of community college students enrolled in credit courses receive these grants. This paper examines 7 different hypotheses that might explain this low rate. It finds that the use of Pell-grant rates for individual colleges and states is not an appropriate measure of the community colleges' service to low-income students.
Formation of polymer/ceramic composite grain boundary capacitors by mechanical alloying

Abstract A new technique to process ceramic/polymer grain boundary capacitors has been developed and demonstrated using BaTiO 3 as the ceramic conducting phase and LaRC-TPI polymer as the insulating phase. The particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and the dielectric properties of the capacitors were measured at room temperature and 100 kHz. The overall best composite grain boundary capacitor was made with 40 vol% polymer after milling the powder for 1 h. It had a dielectric constant of 58 and a dielectric loss of 0.01. The dielectric properties of the grain boundary capacitors could be manipulated by changing processing variables such as milling time and volume fraction of polymer.
Special issue on: Accounting for global warming

Abstract This paper opens a debate, in the accounting literature, on global warming. This debate began, in earnest, in the 1970's, with the Club of Rome's alert that we were depleting non-renewable resources. Since then, depletion rates have increased—unabated. However a recently convergence of events—tsunami threats, increased cyclone, hurricane and tornado activity, Katrina, ice cap melt, Sky-rocketing oil prices, decline in the population of polar bears, etc.—are forcing the issue into public consciousness. The primary vehicles for accelerating this crisis are corporations, markets, and governments. The accountability of these entities is a growing concern. While they window-dress their practices, the real effects of their conduct is likely to be disastrous. Culpability does not stop there. Accounting researchers and teachers perpetuate indifference as long as the neglect this issue of “accountability”.
Lines that matter, lines that don't: Religion, boundaries, and the meaning of difference:

Recent work in cultural sociology has noted the importance of boundaries for understanding intergroup relations. Within the sociology of religion, this has manifested in research into interreligious conflict and cooperation. However, the current literature often assumes that boundaries have fixed qualities and generate clear consequences for group interaction. In this article, we draw on two data sets, comprising interviews and ethnographic data on ten different religious groups from a variety of faith traditions, to demonstrate that cultural resources, including religious beliefs, may be used to assess the meaning and saliency of boundaries. Particular qualities of boundaries shape how social actors understand and interpret group difference, suggesting that boundaries themselves are a site of struggle. Finally, we use the concept of relational principles as a heuristic device to organize and understand the different ways that our subjects manage and assess competing boundaries.
Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy and fluoxetine for the treatment of binge eating disorder: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled comparison.

Background Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and certain medications have been shown to be effective for binge eating disorder (BED), but no controlled studies have compared psychological and pharmacological therapies. We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled study to test the efficacy of CBT and fluoxetine alone and in combination for BED. Methods 108 patients were randomized to one of four 16-week individual treatments: fluoxetine (60 mg/day), placebo, CBT plus fluoxetine (60 mg/day) or CBT plus placebo. Medications were provided in double-blind fashion. Results Of the 108 patients, 86 (80%) completed treatments. Remission rates (zero binges for 28 days) for completers were: 29% (fluoxetine), 30% (placebo), 55% (CBT+fluoxetine), and 73% (CBT+placebo). Intent-to-treat (ITT) remission rates were: 22% (fluoxetine), 26% (placebo), 50% (CBT+fluoxetine), and 61% (CBT+placebo). Completer and ITT analyses on remission and dimensional measures of binge eating, cognitive features, and psychological distress produced consistent findings. Fluoxetine was not superior to placebo, CBT+fluoxetine and CBT+placebo did not differ, and both CBT conditions were superior to fluoxetine and to placebo. Weight loss was modest, did not differ across treatments, but was associated with binge eating remission. Conclusions CBT, but not fluoxetine, demonstrated efficacy for the behavioral and psychological features of BED, but not obesity.
Electrically driven multiaxis rotational dynamics of colloidal platelets in nematic liquid crystals.

We describe field-induced multiaxis rotations of colloids in a nematic liquid crystal. Anchoring of the nematic director to the colloidal platelet's surface and interplay of dielectric and elastic energies enable robust control over colloid orientation that cannot be achieved in isotropic liquids. Because of the anisotropy of the fluid and the platelike shape of particles, the colloids can be forced to rotate about four different rotational axes even for a fixed direction of the applied field. The time scale of these unexpected voltage-dependent dynamics varies over four orders of magnitude (${10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}--{10}^{2}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{s}$) and promises a number of novel electro-optic, photonic, and display applications.
Trees, chemistry, and prehistory in the American Southwest

Abstract At least 200 000 trees were used in the building construction in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, from about ad 850–1150. A large portion of these construction timbers were transported 50 km or more and the harvesting location(s) is not known. We argue that a feasible method for determining the wood source areas is to chemically characterize the possible source areas using modern wood and then attempt to match the prehistoric timbers to the modern signatures. This paper establishes the feasibility of this method. ICP-AES was employed to obtain element concentration values for 29 elements, from 62 trees, on three bedrock types. We conclude that it is possible to isolate the variation due to lithology if one controls for wood type (bark, sapwood, heartwood). In addition, ICP-MS was used for the analysis of a small sample of ancient wood. Data from these determinations are presented and the results indicate that the elemental variation is consistent with the most current model of wood use practices in Chaco Canyon. The methods pioneered here should be broadly applicable for determining wood source areas.
Defect Sink Characteristics of Specific Grain Boundary Types in 304 Stainless Steels Under High Dose Neutron Environments

Abstract Radiation induced segregation (RIS) is a well-studied phenomena which occurs in many structurally relevant nuclear materials including austenitic stainless steels. RIS occurs due to solute atoms preferentially coupling with mobile point defect fluxes that migrate and interact with defect sinks. Here, a 304 stainless steel was neutron irradiated up to 47.1 dpa at 320 °C. Investigations into the RIS response at specific grain boundary types were used to determine the sink characteristics of different boundary types as a function of irradiation dose. A rate theory model built on the foundation of the modified inverse Kirkendall (MIK) model is proposed and benchmarked to the experimental results. This model, termed the GiMIK model, includes alterations in the boundary conditions based on grain boundary structure and expressions for interstitial binding. This investigation, through experiment and modeling, found specific grain boundary structures exhibiting unique defect sink characteristics depending on their local structure. Such interactions were found to be consistent across all doses investigated and to have larger global implications, including precipitation of Ni–Si clusters near different grain boundary types.
Vaccination against hepatitis b in patients with chronic liver disease

The prevalence of chronic liver disease is increasing, while at the same time, many at-risk populations are witnessing a resurgence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Thus, more patients are likely to have multiple causes of liver disease, as risk factors often overlap. Such patients may develop either acute viral hepatitis superimposed on pre-existing chronic liver disease or chronic infection with two hepatitis viruses. Patients with chronic HBV and hepatitis C virus coinfection have more severe laboratory abnormalities, more hepatic fibrosis, and greater frequency of cirrhosis, in addition to more complications of cirrhosis and a higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Acute hepatitis B superimposed on chronic hepatitis C may result in fulminant hepatitis, although this outcome is not as well proven as the increased morbidity of chronic hepatitis B and C coinfection. Both acute and chronic coinfection with HBV can be prevented. Vaccines for hepatitis B are safe in patients with chronic liver disease of a variety of causes and are effective, particularly if used early. Early vaccination against hepatitis B, as well as hepatitis A, should be part of the routine management of chronic liver disease.
Thecate heterotrophic dinoflagellates: feeding behavior and mechanisms

The feeding of 18 species of thrcale hetrophi dinoflagellates from three genera (Protoperidininm, Oblea, Zygabikodinium) can all be described within one general framework. These species engulf diatoms and other prey with a pseudopod (herein terned a “Pallium”)which originates at the flagellar pore in the sulcus. The pallium is a highly plastic, membranous organ which rasily strethes to accommodate spines and many as 58 diatom cells in a chain. The contents of the phytoplanklon prey are liquified and transporued throughthe pallioum typically within 7 to 30 minutes of capture (although feeding may last 2 h) teaving an intact but empty cell wall or frustule. Thus far, with few exceptions, Protoperidinium specises have been observed feeding inly on diatoms, whereas two diplopsaloid species feed on dinoflagellates and prasinophytes as well. In four species from the three genera studied. a capture filament has been observed that connects the food to the dinoflagellate prior to extension of the pallium, sometimes allowing the cell to pull the food while swimming. A distinctive precapture swimming behavior is also deseribed foe six species, suggesting that the dinoflagellates are selective grazers.
Combustion and dielectric breakdown instabilities in porous media

Abstract Reverse combustion (RC) involves supplying oxidant flow countercurrent to the direction of front propagation in a combustible porous medium. Dielectric breakdown (DEB) involves applying a large voltage to propagate a front which separates poorly from more highly conducting chemically altered material. Both processes have application for in-situ fossil fuel recovery technologies. They are related in that both exhibit self-organization, in the form of channels, which is strongly influenced by geochemical factors and can be described by similar mathematics. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art concerning theoretical and experimental investigations of pattern formation in these two closely related displacement front processes.
Dynamic analysis of dislocation generation due to sudden indentation

Abstract The dynamic analysis of an edge dislocation generated under the edge of a rigid smooth indentor applied suddenly to an elastic half-plane is presented. The physical requirement that the indentor edge cannot induce a corner yields an equation relating the dislocation, indentor and half-plane parameters. Study of the equation allows several general observations on the dislocation motion. In particular, a given dislocation moving at a given speed can move along either of two paths below a certain indentation level.
Related Mechanisms for mRNA and rRNA Quality Control

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Cole et al. (2009) provide evidence that different defects in rRNA function are recognized by distinct RNA quality control systems, and suggest that a stalled ribosome can trigger either no-go decay of the mRNA or degradation of a nonfunctional 18S rRNA.
Lidocaine converts acute vagally associated atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm in German Shepherd dogs with inherited arrhythmias.

Background: Lidocaine is most frequently used to treat ventricular arrhythmias. However, lidocaine may have an antiarrhythmic effect for certain supraventricular arrhythmias. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that lidocaine would be effective in converting experimentally induced atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm and that a decrease in the dominant frequency (DF) and an increase in the organization as judged by the spectral entropy (SE) would occur over the course of the conversion. Animals: Seven German Shepherd (GS) Dogs. Methods: Dogs were anesthetized with fentanyl and pentobarbital. AF was induced with standard pacing protocols while left and right atrial monophasic action potentials (MAP) were recorded. The power spectra from the MAP recordings were analyzed to determine DF and SE during treatment with boluses of 2 mg/kg lidocaine. Results: Lidocaine converted AF to sinus rhythm in all dogs and all episodes (n = 19). Conversion time was 27–87 seconds. After atropine, sustained AF was not induced; however, 5 episodes of atrial tachycardia resulted, and 3 were converted with lidocaine. Frequency domain analysis of 12 conversion sequences showed that left and right DF of the MAP signals decreased from the time of injection to conversion to sinus rhythm (P < .001). Mean SE indicated a gradient between the left and right atria (P= .003) that did not change during conversion. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Vagally associated AF in GS dogs is terminated with lidocaine. Lidocaine is likely an effective treatment in clinical dogs with vagally associated AF.
Microbes and Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells (which produce insulin) by T cells, although the exact steps of T1D disease progression are not fully understood. Now, de Goffau et al. have uncovered an immunological link between the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract that
IV Insertion Simulation: Confidence, Skill, and Performance

Abstract Background High-fidelity computer-assisted simulation devices have been introduced as a way to improve student confidence and performance. However, these devices have not been verified to improve intravenous (IV) insertion skills in a patient care experience. Method An experimental randomized controlled study was conducted to determine whether instruction supported by high-fidelity computer-assisted simulation technology enables a student to access veins more confidently and efficaciously than does the use of current latex arm task-trainer technology. The sample included 94 junior baccalaureate nursing students. Skill, confidence, and actual IV insertion into a patient were evaluated by means of skill return demonstration, confidence survey tool, and clinical self-reporting. Results Univariate analyses of the skill scores found no statistically significant difference in return demonstration skill by simulation instruction method used (p = .7). Similarly, no significant difference was seen in the student confidence score versus simulation method. The ability to insert an IV into a patient did not correlate with either instruction device used. Conclusion Although high-fidelity computer-assisted simulation has helped in many areas of student education, it does not appear to assist students in IV insertion in either skill ability or confidence.
Comparison of Eight Color and Gray Scales for Displaying Continuous 2D Data

The use of various dimensions of color to encode continuous data has become commonplace with the advent of sophisticated computing hardware and software. Applications users can choose from a variet...
International paediatrics: a personalised Mayo perspective

Abstract Focused on patients all over the world, the Mayo Clinic strives to "heal the sick and advance the science." In addition to welcoming foreign patients in Rochester, Minnesota, US-based Mayo Clinic staff members take advantage of opportunities to participate in global educational and research activities. Similarly, trainees are encouraged to get involved in international rotations. Arising from specific experiences of members of Mayo's pediatric department, there is evidence of widespread values of global health endeavors. Multinational relationships have been established. Understanding and prevention of congenital malaria have been advanced. The causes, pathophysiology, and therapy of nutritional rickets have been better elucidated. Through participation in global pediatric health activities, individual children are helped, communities' health is improved, and future generations' well-being is advanced.
The limiting residence time distribution of continuous recycle systems

Abstract The limiting residence time distribution (RTD) of continuous recycle systems as the recycle ratio approaches infinity is considered. It is shown that the RTD converges to the exponential distribution whenever the system does not consist of a “dead volume” at the limit. This limiting behavior is independent of the system configuration and flow patterns. Issues concerning the proper modeling approach and the mathematical formulation of the condition that the system has no “dead volume” are discussed in detail. Some examples illustrating the importance of selecting the proper modeling approach are also provided.
Caregiver assessment of patients' depression in Alzheimer disease: longitudinal analysis in a drug treatment study.

Objective Caregiver input is important in the assessment of depression in Alzheimer disease (AD), but depression and subjective burden can bias this input. Methods In a 12-week, controlled, clinical trial of sertraline in depressed AD patients, authors correlated caregiver mood and subjective burden on several patient mood measures, incorporating varied degrees of caregiver input. Results Caregiver variables accounted for up to 33% of the variance in patient mood ratings. Caregiver depression and burden decreased regardless of treatment assignment. Conclusion Caregiver depression and burden affect their rating of AD patients' mood, but the majority of variance is due to patient characteristics.
Fluorescence decay of DPH in lipid membranes: Influence of the external refractive index

Abstract The radiative decay rate of a fluorescent probe in an optically thin layer is known to depend on the orientation of the probe and on the refractive indices inside and outside the layer (W. Lukosz, Phys. Rev. B 22 (1980) 3030). Fluorescent probes in phospholipid bilayer membranes approximate such a system. The natural lifetime is expected to vary with the refractive index of the medium surrounding the bilayer. The lifetime variation with the refractive index depends on the orientation of the fluorescent probe. This can be used to retrieve the second-rank orientational order parameter,
A Transient Liquid Crystal Method Using Hue Angle and a 3-D Inverse Transient Conduction Scheme

Various transient liquid crystal methods have been widely and routinely employed to measure surface heat transfer coefficients. Typically, the heat transfer surface was modeled as a one-dimensional, transient heat conduction over a semi-infinite surface to retrieve information of the surface heat transfer coefficients. To satisfy the theoretical initial and boundary conditions, inconvenient and/or complex designs are required. Frequently, the conditions are not exactly satisfied. To resolve these issues, an approach of measuring heat transfer coefficients coupling the transient liquid crystal method with a 3-D inverse transient conduction scheme was developed and was applied to a nonuniform heat transfer surface produced by arrays of impinging jets.The present method utilized the hue-angle method to process the color images captured from the liquid crystal color play. Instantaneous temperature readings from embedded thermocouples were utilized for in-situ calibration of hue angle for each data set. The convective heat transfer coefficient results were obtained by performing a 3-D inverse transient conduction calculation over the entire jet impingement target surface and the substrate. The results of average heat transfer coefficients agreed well with previous experimental results of point measurements by thermocouples.Copyright © 2000 by ASME
Telephone counseling and crisis intervention: A review

The empirical research pertaining to the effectiveness of telephone counseling and referral systems personnel was critically reviewed. The assessment was organized according to several evaluation strategies that researchers have utilized to evaluate effectiveness. These strategies included, for example, client self-reports, client "shows" versus "no-shows" following referral, data pertaining to suicide rates, counselor ratings of personal effectiveness, and phone workers' ability to offer empathy to clients. It was concluded that discussions of effectiveness should be constrained by a careful consideration of the specific index of efficacy chosen by investigators as well as methodological issues associated with current research in this area. There is reason to believe that the availability of telephone crisis services may be related to reduced suicide rates among young white females. Also, there is a significant need to empirically associate counseling technique and indices of effectiveness with substantive measures of client outcome in future research. Additional topics reviewed include the probable differential effectiveness of lay workers with various presenting problems of clients, and the role that training and maturity seem to play in successful interventions. Guidelines for the use of evaluation techniques which coincide with service goals are also offered.
Expression of the human antigen SPAG2 in the testis and localization to the outer dense fibers in spermatozoa

ABSTRACT Antisperm antibodies (ASAs) have been implicated in some instances of infertility. To characterize sperm antigens relevant to immunologic and immunocontraceptive development, SPAG2 (sperm-associated antigen 2) was identified by screening a human testis cDNA library with human sera positive for ASAs. Subsequently, two isoforms, SPAG2-1 and SPAG2-2, were identified in testis and placenta libraries, respectively. In the current study, Southern analysis of human genomic DNA with a probe common to the two SPAG2 isoforms indicated a single SPAG2 gene; therefore, alternative splicing is a likely mechanism for production of variant mRNAs. In situ hybridization of human testis sections demonstrated the expression of SPAG2 in primary spermatocytes, with decreased or arrested expression in postmeiotic cells. Immunofluorescence of Triton X-100-extracted spermatozoa with an anti-SPAG2 peptide antiserum indicate that SPAG2 is an intracellular component of the sperm flagellum. Electron microscopy refined this localization to the outer dense fibers (ODFs), structural filaments associated with the mammalian sperm axoneme. The ODFs have been reported to be composed of keratin-like intermediate filament proteins. However, SPAG2 does not exhibit the molecular characteristics of such proteins, nor does SPAG2 demonstrate sequence homology with previously characterized ODF proteins. Therefore, SPAG2 represents a novel protein of human sperm ODFs. Characterization of SPAG2 will further our understanding of ODF function in normal sperm motility and of flagellar abnormalities that lead to male infertility.
The advanced spaceborne thermal emission and reflectance radiometer (Aster)

The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission Reflectance Radiometer (ASTER) is the only high-spatial-resolution multispectral imager scheduled to fly in Earth orbit on the first platform of NASA's Earth Observation System (EOS-A). The instrument will nave three bands in the visible near infrared with 15-m spatial resolution, six bands in the short-wave infrared with 30-m spatial resolution and five bands in the thermal infrared with 90-m spatial resolution. There will be an additional band in the near infrared with 15-m spatial resolution that will provide same-orbit stereo data when combined with the corresponding nadir viewing band. The ASTER instrument is being built by the Japanese Government based on the scientific requirements of the ASTER science team. This team consists of Japanese and American scientists, who will also be responsible for the development of algorithms for data reduction and analysis. The ASTER will be able to address a variety of science objectives identified by the EOS global change program. ASTER will provide surface temperatures and emissivity estimates, surface reflected radiances and digital elevation models at a spatial scale that will allow detailed process studies for MODIS and other global monitoring instruments at the subpixel level. Existing aircraft instruments can be used to simulate data that will be provided by ASTER. Examples are shown here of surface temperature mapping, surface compositional mapping, and digital elevation models derived from the NASA Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner, the Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer, and aerial photography.
Microseismic techniques for avoiding induced seismicity during fluid injection

Abstract Induced seismicity is inherently associated with underground fluid injections, including during geologic carbon sequestration. If fluids are injected in proximity to a pre-existing fault or fracture system, the resulting elevated pressures can trigger dynamic earthquake slip, which could both damage surface structures and create new migration pathways. The goal of this research is to develop a fundamentally better approach to geological site characterization and early hazard detection. We combine innovative techniques for analyzing microseismic data with a physics-based inversion model to forecast microseismic cloud evolution. The key challenge is that faults at risk of slipping are often too small to detect during the site characterization phase. Our objective is to devise fast-running methodologies that will allow field operators to respond quickly to changing subsurface conditions.