cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A technological tour de foresight

Technology foresight is a "current passing terminological fad", according to Martin Fransman on page 90 of this book. In the other 500-odd pages, however, he gives a fascinating description of technology foresight in action. This is a book about the development of real firms in the real world in real time – not just any firms, but those at the cutting edge of technology, and Japanese technology-based firms at that. These are firms for which technology foresight is not an intellectual exercise but a matter of commercial success or failure. Most of the names are familiar – Hitachi, NEC, Toshiba and so on.
Akt phosphorylates MST1 to induce association with 14-3-3 and attenuation of apoptosis through inhibition of its cleavage and kinase activity

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 3930 MST1 is a proapoptotic serine/threonine kinase that is cleaved, activated and translocated to the nucleus upon apoptotic stimulation. MST1 induction of apoptosis was thought to be mediated by activation of JNK/p38 and/or decrease IAP family proteins. Regulation of MST1, however, is currently unknown. Here we show that the cleavage of MST1 induced by staurosporine or FasL is inhibited by IGF-1 through phosphatidylinosotol 3-kinase /Akt pathway. Akt interacts with MST1 and phosphorylates MST1 at threonine 120, which leads to inhibition of its cleavage and nuclear translocation. The phosphorylated MST1 binds to 14-3-3 protein. Further, we demonstrate that MST1-activated JNK feedback phosphorylates MST1 at serine 82 and enhances MTS1 activation. Moreover, the phopshorylation of MST1 by Akt inhibits both MST1-induced activation of JNK and constitutively activated JNK phosphorylation of MST1, suggesting that Akt is a key regulator of MST1-induced apoptosis.
Composite Nanocrystalline/Amorphous Thin Films for Particle Detector Applications

Thin films of amorphous silicon with nanocrystalline silicon inclusions are fabricated using a dual plasma PECVD co-deposition system. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction confirmed the crystallinity of the embedded nanocrystals as well as their diameter, which is varied from 4.3 nm to 17.5 nm. The dark conductivity of the films is highly dependent on the crystal fraction, with a maximum room temperature conductivity found for a crystal concentration of 5.5%, well below the percolation threshold. Proton irradiation at energies of 217 MeV with a total fluence of 5 x10 12 protons/cm 2 caused no significant radiation damage. The enhancement of the conductivity, along with the absence of radiation damage suggests this material may be a candidate for use in the next generation of particle detectors in the Compact Muon Solenoid in the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.
The longitudinal impact of teaching abroad: An analysis of intercultural development

Abstract This case study investigated the development of intercultural competencies in a cohort of preservice elementary special education teachers that participated in a teaching English as a foreign language field experience in Italy. Data sources collected both during and three semesters after the experience included reflections, focus groups and profile responses. Directed content and time series analyses resulted in findings regarding preservice teachers' growth in communication, culturally-relevant teaching practices and personal identity. The discussion addresses longitudinal patterns of change and the effect of the local and international context on preservice teachers' intercultural development process.
Theft Partnerships and Learning

A minority of metal thieves works alone and tends to commit opportunistic thefts, be unskilled, be less effective thieves, distrust others, and is arrested by the police more often. The majority of metal thieves operate in partnerships with others. This study found that partnerships usually resulted in greater efficiency, thefts in more significant quantities, and more calculated crimes. Partnerships had little formal structure, few conflicts, and usually contained at least one individual who had experience working in a field related to the metal industry. The methods of learning to steal metal include gaining knowledge from other thieves, through work, and by trial and error. Each of these learning methods is unique but not exclusive, and many thieves learn by all three methods.
A test bed for detecting and mimicking finger joint bending

With wearable devices becoming more popular these days, attention is being paid to how wearable sensors can help people who need assistive devices. This project focuses on using a flex sensor, a servo, and the Arduino Uno microcontroller to mimic finger joint motion, as a first step to control a finger prosthesis. The angle of the flex sensor is measured by a divider and an inclinometer and the Arduino is used to position the servo within a range of 90° in our design.
The US Select Agent and Laboratory Registration Program

The United States in 1996 enacted a law entitled the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 which included a requirement for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a list of biological agents that have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety and to establish regulations to address the transfer of such agents. These draft regulations were published in the Federal Register on 10 June 1996 and the final regulations published in the Federal Register of 24 October 1996 with an effective date of 15 April 1997; all transfers of the listed agents — — now known as the select agents -- must comply with the complete documentation and registration requirements on or after that date. The select agent and laboratory registration programme is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Health and Safety located in Atlanta, Georgia. This chapter describes the select agent and laboratory registration program.
Introduction to Wave Mechanics

This chapter provides an overview of wave mechanics. It discusses some of the more basic rules of wave mechanics. A free particle, which is confined to motion along the χ axis and has a constant potential energy U, may be represented by a wave function φ(χ) that is a simple combination of two sinusoidal functions. If, however, a particle is not free but interacts with its surroundings, that interaction is represented by a nonconstant potential-energy function. Thus, the wave functions of a particle in a physically interesting situation is the solution of Schrodinger's equation containing the potential-energy function U that is characteristic of that physical situation.
An Efficient Reconfiguration Scheme for WSI of Cube-Connected Cycles with Bounded Channel Width

Wafer Scale Integration(WSI) technology1 allows us to realize the processor arrays of a certain interconnection topology on a single wafer. The performance improvement of the WSI processor arrays, compared to the uniprocessor system, is expected to be substantial. It was achieved by parallel processing using multiple processors and fast data communication between interacting processors. The off-chip communication delay is generally much bigger than that of on-chip communication. Therefore the performance improvement due to the WSI implementation of processor arrays will be significant for the problems requiring intensive communication between processors.
Human myometrial adrenergic receptors: identification of the beta-adrenergic receptor by [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding.

The radioactive beta-adrenergic antagonist [ 3 H] dihydroalprenolol (DHA) binds to particulate preparations of human myometrium in a manner compatible with binding to the beta-adrenergic receptor. The binding of DHA is rapid (attaining equilibrium in 12minutes), readily reversible (half time=16minutes), high affinity (K D =0.50 nM), low capacity (Bmax=70 fmoles/mg of protein), and stereoselective ([−]-propranolol is 100 times as potent as [+] -propranolol in inhibiting DHA binding). Adrenergic agonists competed for DHA binding sites in a manner compatible with beta-adrenergic interactions and mirrored β 2 pharmacologic potencies: isoproterenol>epinephrine≫norepinephrine. Studies in which zinterol, a β 2 -adrenergic agonist, competed for DHA binding sites in human myometrial particulate indicated that at least 87% of the beta-adrenergic receptors present are β 2 -adrenergic receptors. Binding of DHA to human myometrial beta-adrenergic receptors provides a tool which may be used in the examination of gonadal hormonal modification of adrenergic response in human uterus as well as in the analysis of beta-adrenergic agents as potentially useful tocolytic agents.
Understanding suicide risk and eating disorders in college student populations: Results from a National Study.

Objective To examine suicide risk by eating disorder severity and symptom presentation in a nationwide sample of college students. Method The Healthy Minds Study is the largest mental health survey of college populations in the United States. We analyzed the most recent available data (2015-2017) with 71,712 randomly selected students from 77 campuses. We estimated associations between two measures of suicidality (ideation and attempts) and three validated measures of eating disorder symptoms (the SCOFF, weight concerns scale, and the eating disorder examination questionnaire binge and purge items). Importantly, we also controlled for co-occurring symptoms of depression and anxiety, based on validated screening tools. The large, diverse sample provided a unique opportunity to assess whether certain individual characteristics were associated with increased risk. Results Eating disorder symptoms, even at subthreshold levels, were highly predictive of suicidality. Relative to students with no apparent eating disorder symptoms, students with the highest symptom levels (a SCOFF score of 5) had 11 times higher odds of attempting suicide, while those with subthreshold symptoms had two times higher odds. We also observed a strong association between suicide attempts and eating disorder presentations that included purging. Students from marginalized backgrounds, particularly gender and sexual minorities, were at increased risk for suicide and eating disorders. Discussion In the largest known study to date, findings suggest that eating disorders should be a priority within broader campus suicide prevention efforts, should be assessed along a continuum of severity and symptom presentation, and should focus on reaching vulnerable students.
Factitious Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Case Series and Review.

Abstract Factitious gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a manifestation of factitious disorder (FD) wherein patients feign GIB in the absence of external gain. As it can be a challenging diagnosis to make, factitious GIB often leads to multiple tests, exposure to contrast agents and radiation, invasive endoscopic and surgical procedures, an increased risk of iatrogenic complications, and increased healthcare costs. Patients who feign GIB often demonstrate characteristic behaviors that may go unnoticed unless they are explicitly addressed. We report a series of patients admitted to our institution for further evaluation of obscure overt GIB with an eventual diagnosis of factitious GIB and review of the epidemiology and development of FD, a diagnostic approach to factitious GIB, and current management strategies.
Further Reflections on Tolerance and Its Difficulty

Revisits the account of tolerance offered in the author's 1996 paper, "The Difficulty of Tolerance," adding further material on (1) the character of individuals' interest in "what their society is like," (2) the range of individuals to whom tolerance in this sense is owed, and (3) possible implications for immigration policy.
Mixed-dimensional InAs nanowire on layered molybdenum disulfide heterostructures via selective-area van der Waals epitaxy

Self-assembly of vertically aligned III–V semiconductor nanowires (NWs) on two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) nanomaterials allows for integration of novel mixed-dimensional nanosystems with unique properties for optoelectronic and nanoelectronic device applications. Here, selective-area vdW epitaxy (SA-vdWE) of InAs NWs on isolated 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) domains is reported for the first time. The MOCVD growth parameter space (i.e., V/III ratio, growth temperature, and total molar flow rates of metalorganic and hydride precursors) is explored to achieve pattern-free positioning of single NWs on isolated multi-layer MoS2 micro-plates with one-to-one NW-to-MoS2 domain placement. The introduction of a pre-growth poly-L-lysine surface treatment is highlighted as a necessary step for mitigation of InAs nucleation along the edges of triangular MoS2 domains and for NW growth along the interior region of 2D micro-plates. Analysis of NW crystal structures formed under the optimal SA-vdWE condition revealed a disordered combination of wurtzite and zinc-blend phases. A transformation of the NW sidewall faceting structure is observed, resulting from simultaneous radial overgrowth during axial NW synthesis. A common lattice arrangement between axially-grown InAs NW core segments and MoS2 domains is described as the epitaxial basis for vertical NW growth. A model is proposed for a common InAs/MoS2 sub-lattice structure, consisting of three multiples of the cubic InAs unit cell along the [2] direction, commensurately aligned with a 14-fold multiple of the Mo–Mo (or S–S) spacing along the [100] direction of MoS2 hexagonal lattice. The SA-vdWE growth mode described here enables controlled hybrid integration of mixed-dimensional III–V-on-2D heterostructures as novel nanosystems for applications in optoelectronics, nanoelectronics, and quantum enabling technologies.
Coronavirus, Compulsory Licensing, and Collaboration: Analyzing the 2020 Global Vaccine Response with 20/20 Hindsight

In December 2019, COVID-19, a novel strain of the SARS-2 Virus, appeared in Wuhan, China. Within a year, over ninety million people had been infected and two million had died. Amid all the death and desolation, humanity’s ingenuity and willpower emerged in what became the greatest race for a vaccine the world had ever seen. The global community sought to find novel ways to protect innovation and intellectual property while still collaborating to roll out a vaccine in record time. Despite the presence of compulsory licensing provisions like 28 U.S.C. § 1498 and the Bayh-Dole Act in the U.S., and the TRIPS Agreement at the international level, the journey has been difficult, and thousands died while international players protected proprietary information and ensured that their countries’ citizens are first in line for the vaccine. Although dubbed a “once in a lifetime pandemic,” the COVID-19 outbreak provides a unique opportunity to contemplate ways to unify the world through intellectual property during a time of crisis, as well as a grim portent of what will become the new norm if we do not. This Note examines the impact and effectiveness of compulsory licensing provisions across the world to suggest improvements that might result in a quicker and more efficient response to future global health crises. By examining and learning from the plagues of the present, we might preserve the health of our future.
Turkey’s Wild Orchids

Turkey is one of the richest countries in Europe and the Middle East in terms of wild orchids. There are 10 different genera and 80 different species in Turkey, belonging to the Orchidaceae family. Wild orchids can be found in almost every region of Turkey. These are perennial herbaceous plants and 85% of these are tuberous. Each plant usually bears 2 tubers, one from the previous year, the other is the newly formed tuber with the arrival of spring. Wild orchids are generally defined as “salep” or “salep grass” by the locals. This is because salep is obtained by drying and grinding the tubers of these plants. Salep is mostly used in the production of a beverage named “salep” and Maras ice cream which is a traditional product in Turkey. At least 10–20 million wild orchids are removed from nature every year for salep production. In order to obtain 1 kg of salep, approximately 1000–4000 tubers, weighing from 0.25 to 1 g, are needed. Although collecting wild orchids from nature has been prohibited and serious legal punishments are imposed on unauthorized gatherers, nearly millions of wild orchids are extracted from the soil in nature each year for salep production. Due to many different reasons, wild orchid species growing in Turkey are face to face with a threat of extinction. Many wild orchids can be saved from being gathered by focusing on the studies related to the determination of the wild orchid species that are more suitable for the production of salep and Maras ice cream and the propagation of wild orchids in their natural environment and especially in culture medium.
Lifecycle vs. Annual Perspectives on the Incidence of a Value Added Tax

This paper analyzes the steady state distribution of tax burdens of a Value Added Tax (VAT) in the United States using a lifetime perspective. In contrast to an annual snapshot perspective, I find that a VAT on total expenditures would be proportional over the lifetime. Various modifications to the VAT (zero rating necessities or giving lump sum household rebates) would increase the progressivity of the tax substantially. However, the additional progressivity comes at the cost of substantial tax revenue.
Natural Gas as a Bridge Fuel

The question of whether natural gas can act as a bridge fuel has yet to be resolved. Proponents focus specifically on the role that gas-fired power can play in displacing coal while opponents point to methane leaks across the supply chain and longer time horizons when renewable alternatives become more competitive. After the past decade in the United States, there have been conditions where natural gas acted as a bridge fuel by displacing coal when renewable power was less competitive. In this chapter, the bridge fuel question is revisited by determining the pre-conditions required for natural gas to serve as a bridge to a more sustainable, low carbon future. Moving forward, the role will become more challenging, requiring industries across the life cycle to participate in efforts and demonstrate deep emissions cuts.
The Windows Serial Port Programming Handbook

The popularity of serial communications demands that additional serial port interfaces be developed to meet the expanding requirements of users. The Windows Serial Port Programming Handbook illustrates the principles and methods of developing various serial port interfaces using multiple languages. This comprehensive, hands-on, and practical guide
Expression of mdr-1 in refractory lymphoma: quantitation by polymerase chain reaction and validation of the assay.

Measurement of P-glycoprotein and the gene that encodes it, mdr-1, is an important tool for assessing the impact of multidrug resistance in clinical cancer. We evaluated mdr-1 expression by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in 78 biopsy samples from 48 patients with refractory lymphoma enrolled on a trial of infusional chemotherapy (EPOCH) in which R-verapamil was added as an antagonist of P-glycoprotein in a subset of patients whose tumors were unresponsive to treatment. Expression of mdr-1 was detectable in all biopsies at the time of enrollment on study, and a fourfold or greater increase in mdr- 1 expression was noted in 42% of patients at the time of treatment failure. Expression of mdr-1 was also detectable in biopsies from patients at the time of diagnosis of lymphoma. An endogenous control gene, beta 2-microglobulin, was quantitated for normalization of the mdr-1 values. The use of beta 2-microglobulin expression for normalization was validated in a subset of samples by comparing Northern blots detecting beta 2-microglobulin, beta actin, and GAPDH gene expression. Immunoblot analysis suggested that no major discrepancy was present between mRNA expression and protein level. Immunophenotyping of lymphomatous lymph nodes showed that infiltration of tumor cells ranged from 8% to 95% and of normal T cells from 1% to 83%. Expression of mdr-1 in normal T cells and monocytes was also shown to be low. The mdr-1 levels in patient samples were independent of T- cell contamination, suggesting that the presence of normal cells has at best a small impact on mdr-1 measurements. Expression of mdr-1 in lymphoma can be quantitated by PCR, and wide variations in expression can be observed. Increased expression in patients with refractory disease supports an important role for Pgp in drug resistance in lymphoma. These studies will aid in the design and interpretation of clinical trials in lymphoma.
On solving structural acoustics problems in time-domain

The structural acoustics problem is formulated as a hyperbolic system of conservation laws which leads to an abstract Cauchy problem in common Hilbert space settings. The Cauchy problem is approximated by using high-order, multi-stage Taylor-Galerkin methods which provide high-order temporal accuracy and unconditional stability on arbitrary (unstructured) finite element grids. The formulation is extended to problems posed on unbounded domains by introduction of iterative radiation boundary conditions. The proposed approaches are shown to produce very good results for the test cases considered.
The Virtue of Aristotle's Ethics: Uniting the Virtues

A central and controversial thesis of Aristotle's ethics is that it is impossible to have one ethical virtue fully without having all the rest. Given that Aristotle thinks that there are many different virtues, as we have already seen in previous chapters, the problem is not how there can be many different virtues given the fact that they are united in some way, but why, if the ethical virtues are distinct from one another, it is impossible to have one fully without having all the rest. Aristotle has already provided one possible answer. As we saw in Chapter 1, the doctrine of the mean is first and foremost a doctrine of equilibrium, not moderation. If we imagine the different ethical virtues as the central points of different spokes on a wheel that is balanced on a central pivot, then just as the wheel will not balance if it is out of kilter in any direction, so one cannot have any one virtue fully – be properly balanced – unless one has all the rest. Only if one's dispositions are in equilibrium will one have the correct emotions and act accordingly on the right occasions. Aristotle's direct argument for his thesis is consistent with this picture, but ultimately relies on a deeper insight about the connection between ethical virtue and thought, captured by a new distinction introduced by Aristotle himself, which will be revisited in later chapters. Aristotle introduces his thesis and his new distinction in the context of Socrates' view ( EN VI [ EE V] 13 1144b32–1145a2).
Poor stereopsis can support size constancy in albinism.

Purpose. The size of a retinal image is inversely related to the distance to the object that generates the image. Normal subjects therefore exhibit size constancy, in which the perceived size of an image is scaled according to its perceived distance. Albinos usually have such poor binocular vision that they perform very poorly on clinical tests for stereopsis. To investigate the functional consequences of this poor stereopsis, we investigated whether stereopsis in these subjects could support size constancy. Methods. The stereothresholds of 10 albinos and 12 normal control subjects were measured. The presence or absence of size constancy was investigated by having subjects equate the subjective size of stereoscopically presented images whose image disparity indicated that they were at different distances. Results. Laboratory results indicated that eight albinos (including five whose clinical tests indicated a lack of stereopsis) had measurable stereopsis of several thousand are seconds or better. Of these, four also exhibited size constancy. Conclusions. Albinos who do not demonstrate stereopsis on clinical tests can have stereoscopic perception that commonly used clinical tests do not detect. Moreover, some of these patients even use this poor stereopsis in judging the size of stereoscopically presented images.
Quality and methods of developing practice guidelines

Background It is not known whether there are differences in the quality and recommendations between evidence-based (EB) and consensus-based (CB) guidelines. We used breast cancer guidelines as a case study to assess for these differences. Methods Five different instruments to evaluate the quality of guidelines were identified by a literature search. We also searched MEDLINE and the Internet to locate 8 breast cancer guidelines. These guidelines were classified in three categories: evidence based, consensus based and consensus based with no explicit consideration of evidence (CB-EB). Each guideline was evaluated by three of the authors using each of the instruments. For each guideline we assessed the agreement among 14 decision points which were selected from the NCCN (National Cancer Comprehensive Network) guidelines algorithm. For each decision point we recorded the level of the quality of the information used to support it. A regression analysis was performed to assess if the percentage of high quality evidence used in the guidelines development was related to the overall quality of the guidelines. Results Three guidelines were classified as EB, three as CB-EB and two as CB. The EB guidelines scored better than CB, with the CB-EB scoring in the middle among all instruments for guidelines quality assessment. No major disagreement in recommendations was detected among the guidelines regardless of the method used for development, but the EB guidelines had a better agreement with the benchmark guideline for any decision point. When the source of evidence used to support decision were of high quality, we found a higher level of full agreement among the guidelines' recommendations. Up to 94% of variation in the quality score among guidelines could be explained by the quality of evidence used for guidelines development. Conclusion EB guidelines have a better quality than CB guidelines and CB-EB guidelines. Explicit use of high quality evidence can lead to a better agreement among recommendations. However, no major disagreement among guidelines was noted regardless of the method for their development.
The environments of Markarian galaxies.

The extensively studied Markarian sample of 1500 ultraviolet excess galaxies contains many Seyfert, starburst, and peculiar galaxies. Using the 20 minute V plates obtained for the construction of the Hubble Space Telescope Guide Star Catalog, the authors investigated the morphologies of the Markarian galaxies and the environments in which they are located. The relationship between the types of nuclear activity and the morphologies and environments of the Markarian galaxies is discussed. The authors conclude that the type of nuclear activity present in the galaxies of the Markarian sample is not dependent on either the morphology or the local environment of the galaxy. This is not to imply that nuclear activity per se is not influenced by the environment in which the nucleus is located. Rather the type of nuclear activity (at least in the Markarian population) does not appear to be determined by the environment.
Polarization effects in dense WDM systems

Summary form only given. Polarization effects due to the complicated interaction of polarization mode dispersion (PMD), polarization dependent loss (PDL), and polarization dependent gain (PDG) can significantly impair optical fiber transmission systems and can even lead to fading, in which an entire channel is temporarily lost. When the PMD is not too large, these polarization effects are gross effects that act on an entire channel at once, unlike chromatic dispersion, the Kerr effect, and spontaneous emission noise, which affect individual bits. Thus, it is reasonable to calculate the penalties that these effects induce by following the Stokes parameters of each channel rather than attempting to follow the detailed temporal behavior. Indeed, it would be impractically expensive in computer time to determine the penalties by following the detailed temporal behavior since one must consider a large ensemble of fibers due to the random nature of the polarization effects. It is important to know the probability that a channel may drop due to those polarization effects in the long-distance trans-oceanic transmission systems. To model the effects of PMD, we use the coarse step method. In this approach, we periodically impose a fixed birefringence followed by a random rotation on the Poincare sphere.
Fine structure of the scale-covered green flagellate Mantoniella squamata (Manton et Parke) Desikachary

New observations on the interphase morphology of the scale-covered green flagellate Mantoniella squamata (Manton et Parke) Desikachary are presented in this report. Observation of a previously undescribed reduced flagellum in the organism has been made. This second flagellum is composed of 9 outer doublet microtubules and has no rootlet system or transition region associated with its basal body. This differs from the long flagellum of the cell which has a normal “9 + 2” microtubular array and a complement of two rootlets composed of 4 and 2 microtubules respectively. The presence of a second reduced flagellum in this alga confirms the transfer of Micromonas squamata from its original assignment in the uniflagellate genus Micromonas Manton et Parke to a new genus Mantoniella Desikachary. Similarities between this genus and other scaly biflagellate genera are discussed.
Intervocalic lenition and word-boundary effects: Evidence from Judeo-Spanish

The lenition of intervocalic consonants is typically phonologized in sound change only within word domains. At first blush, this morphological restriction might seem to contradict the Neogrammarian hypothesis of exclusively phonetic conditioning in sound change. In this paper I examine the weakening of intervocalic voiced stops/affricates in Istanbul Judeo-Spanish. Comparison with Old Spanish shows that in the native lexicon intervocalic lenition has affected only word-internal consonants. Even consonants following a prefix boundary remain unaffected. I argue that, at the time of the expulsion of the Spanish Jews, the language already had the spirantization process, at least in incipient form. This process, which continues to operate across the board in Mainstream Spanish, became restricted at the word level in Judeo-Spanish. This interpretation, consistent with the Neogrammarian hypothesis, is the only one that offers an explanatory account and is supported by the evidence from other similar developments in the history of the Romance languages and with results from recent acoustic studies on incipient or optional lenition processes.
Topographic ellipses in Finney and Sedgwick counties, Kansas may signal deep structures in Precambrian basement

Abstract Hillshade maps based on digitized topography and capable of detecting subtle changes in slope that are otherwise imperceptible, reveal two large and heretofore unrecognized topographic ellipses in Kansas here designated the Garden City ellipse (10 by 14 km dimensions) in Finney County and the Goddard ellipse (11 by 13 km) in Sedgwick County. Cheyenne Bottoms in Barton County, although long known, is a larger ellipse (22 by 32 km). All three are bounded by outlines that are remarkably elliptical, suggesting that they may represent the surface expressions of deeply buried bodies in the Precambrian basement perhaps the result of meteorite impact. Cheyenne Bottoms is controversial because it has been ascribed to subsidence caused by solution of the underlying Permian Hutchinson Salt. The Garden City and Goddard ellipses are not known to involve faulting, but it is hypothesized that fractures that bound deeply buried elliptical bodies that lie beneath them are propagated to the surface and perceptibly...
Electronic and bonding analysis of hardness in pyrite-type transition-metal pernitrides

mechanical properties. We answer this question by a systematic computational analysis of the pyrite-type PtN2 and other transition-metal pernitrides (MN2) with density functional theory. Apart from PtN2, the three hardest phases are found among them in the 3d transition-metal period. They are MnN2 ,C oN 2 ,a nd NiN 2, with computed Vickers hardness (HV) values of 19.9 GPa, 16.5 GPa, and 15.7 GPa, respectively. Harder than all of these is PtN2, with a HV of 23.5 GPa. We found the following trends and correlations that explain the origin of hardness in these pernitrides. (a) Charge transfer from M to N controls the length of the N-N bond, resulting in a correlation with bulk modulus, dominantly by providing Coulomb repulsion between the pairing N atoms. (b) Elastic constant C44, an indicator of mechanical stability and hardness is correlated with total density of states at EF, an indicator of metallicity. (c) Often cited monotonic variation of HV and Pugh’s ratio with valence electron concentration found in rocksalt-type early transition-metal nitrides is not evident in this structure. (d) The change in M-M bond strength under a shearing strain indicated by crystal orbital Hamilton population is predictive of hardness. This is a direct connection between a specific bond and shear related mechanical properties. This panoptic view involving ionicity, metallicity, and covalency is essential to obtain a clear microscopic understanding of hardness.
Distinct dendritic cell subsets dictate the fate decision between effector and memory CD8(+) T cell differentiation by a CD24-dependent mechanism.

Summary The contribution of different DC subsets to effector and memory CD8 + T cell generation during infection and the mechanism by which DCs controls these fate decisions is unclear. Here we demonstrated that the CD103 + and CD11b hi migratory respiratory DC (RDC) subsets after influenza virus infection activated naive virus-specific CD8 + T cells differentially. CD103 + RDCs supported the generation of CD8 + T effector (Teff) cells, which migrate from lymph nodes to the infected lungs. In contrast, migrant CD11b hi RDCs activated CD8 + T cells characteristic of central memory CD8 + T (CD8 + Tcm) cells including retention within the draining lymph nodes. CD103 + RDCs expressed CD24 at an elevated level, contributing to the propensity of this DC subpopulation to support CD8 + Teff cell differentiation. Mechanistically, CD24 was shown to regulate CD8 + T cell activation through HMGB1-mediated engagement of T cell RAGE. Thus, there is distribution of labor among DC subsets in regulating CD8 + T cell differentiation.
Effects of [(N-Alkyl-1,3-dihydro-1-oxoisoindolin-5-yl)oxy]alkanoic Acids on Chloride Transport in Primary Astroglial Cultures

Abstract It has been demonstrated that agents which inhibit chloride influx and, therefore, lower intracellular chloride levels in the astrocyte, a major cell type in the cerebral gray matter, inhibit astrocytic swelling in vitro and in vivo . Herein, we report additional examples of a series of [( N -alkyl-1,3-dihydro-1-oxoisoindolin-5-yl)oxy] alkanoic acids and their effects upon ion transport in primary rat astrocyte cultures. The 4-chloro-substituted 1-oxoisoindolines demonstrated superior astrocytic chloride influx inhibitory activity as compared to the 6-chloro and non-chlorinated analogs. The four-carbon acid side chain derivatives were more active than the three- and two-carbon analogs. The pharmacological profile of these compounds was examined with respect to inhibition of the Cl − -Cl − /Cl − -HCO 3 − anion exchanger and Na + -K + -2Cl − cotransport mechanisms in glia, and the compounds were found to exhibit a similar profile to that of furosemide by inhibiting both transporters.
Optimal Capacity Planning in Multi-Radio Multi-Channel Wireless Networks

In this paper, we study how to compute the optimal capacity planning in a multi-radio multi-channel (MR-MC) wireless network, that is, to find solutions for a set of coupled problems including channel assignment, scheduling, and routing, with the objective to optimize network capacity. The current state of the art mainly resorts to formulation of a mixed integer programming problem, which is NP-hard in general, and then computes an approximate solution to such a problem. We develop a novel concept of multi-dimensional conflict graph (MDCG) in this paper. Based on MDCG, the optimal capacity planning can be modeled as a linear programming (LP) multi-commodity flow (MCF) problem, augmented with constraints derived from the MDCG. The MDCG-based MCF solution will provide not only the maximum throughput or utility, but also the optimal channel assignment, scheduling and routing to achieve it. Moreover, the MDCG-based optimal capacity planning can exploit dynamic channel swapping, which is difficult to achieve for those existing heuristic algorithms. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the MDCG-based capacity planning, with comparison to the well-known heuristic algorithm presented in [1].
Investigation of parameter-free model polarization potentials for electron-molecule scattering calculations including the nuclear motion

A correlation-polarization potential originally introduced by O'Connell and Lane [Phys. Rev. A 27, 1893 (1983)] is used in e-${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ scattering calculations in which the vibrational motion of the target is taken into account. Eigenphase sums (as a function of internuclear separation) and cross sections for elastic scattering and for rovibrational excitations are compared to their counterparts calculated using the ab initio nonadiabatic model polarization potential of Gibson and Morrison [Phys. Rev. A 29, 2497 (1984)]. At low energies, these scattering quantities are found to be quite sensitive to the treatment of polarization. To assess these model potentials, theoretical total, momentum transfer, and rotational- and vibrational-excitation cross sections are compared to experimental data.
Ligand accessibility as means to control cell response to bioactive bilayer membranes

We report a new method to create a biofunctional surface in which the accessibility of a ligand is used as a means to influence the cell behavior. Supported bioactive bilayer membranes were created by Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) deposition of either a pure poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) lipid, having PEG head groups of various lengths, or 50 mol % binary mixtures of a PEG lipid and a novel collagen-like peptide amphiphile on a hydrophobic surface. The peptide amphiphile contains a peptide synthetically lipidated by covalent linkage to hydrophobic dialkyl tails. The amphiphile head group lengths were determined using neutron reflectivity. Cell adhesion and spreading assays showed that the cell response to the membranes depends on the length difference between head groups of the membrane components. Cells adhere and spread on mixtures of the peptide amphiphile with the PEG lipids having PEG chains of 120 and 750 molecular weight (MW). In contrast, cells adhered but did not spread on the mixture containing the 2000 MW PEG. Cells did not adhere to any of the pure PEG lipid membranes or to the mixture containing the 5000 MW PEG. Selective masking of a ligand on a surface is one method of controlling the surface bioactivity.
Hadronic Spectrum - Multiquark States

Abstract Many newly discovered mesons behave like c c ¯ charmonium states in that they preferentially decay into final states that contain a c- and a c ¯ -quark, but do not fit expectations for any of the unfilled levels of the conventional c c ¯ spectrum. There is a growing suspicion that at least some of these states are exotic, i.e. have a substructure that is more complex than the quark-antiquark mesons of the classical constituent quark model. Some of these candidate states have a non-zero electric charge and, thus, a minimal quark content of c c ¯ u d ¯ or c c ¯ d u ¯ . In addition, states with similar properties have been observed in the b- and s-quark sectors. In this report, the experimental situation is briefly reviewed.
Generalized Hydraulic Solutions Pertaining to Severe Downslope Winds

Abstract Nonlinear steady-state solutions for stratified two-layer flow over a ridge are found. In parameter space, these solutions lie between the interfacial case of Long and the constant stratification case of Smith. The solutions predict the depth of the layer which will descend and accelerate. Qualitative agreement with Bora and Boulder observations is found.
A Global Engineering Design Clinic Experience in Engineering Education: Lessons Learned

Though the establishment of clinics for students to participate in engineering activities with partners around the world has achieved a high profile recently, there are major difficulties to surmount in developing workable structures for such enterprises. As with many engineering education endeavors, the focus of initiating global engineering programs is often on the hard technology to enable students to work collaboratively across distances. Too often, the soft technology aspect, such as coordinated work practice, is overlooked during the process of set-up and initial operation. It is relatively straightforward (though not particularly easy) to acquire the necessary technology and apply it to a lab development scenario. But it is not ‘global engineering’ unless there are collaborative partners across the world, on the other end of the Internet cable. In this paper, we will discuss a case study involving the setup of hard technology, such as computers, telecommunications, and integration of video into the curriculum. Equally important, we will discuss the generation of partners with similar work practice, project management, and pedagogical styles, and ways to facilitate interaction between students in different programs in different international locations, while satisfying sponsoring institutions and corporations.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Estrogen Accelerates Gonadal Recrudescence in Photo-Regressed Male Siberian Hamsters

Seasonal gonadal recrudescence in the male Siberian hamster is accompanied by the initiation of spermatogenesis, weight gain, and darkening of coat color. The downstream endocrine regulators responsible for these changes have been definitively identified. We have previously shown that the administration of exogenous 17β-estradiol (E2) to adult male Siberian hamsters kept under long-day photoperiod increased testicular mass without altering spermatogenesis. In this study, we examine if E2 can initiate testicular growth in photo-regressed adult Siberian hamsters and if this testicular growth is accompanied by weight gain and pelage color change. Photo-regressed adult male Siberian hamsters were subcutaneously implanted with a 1 mm silastic capsule containing E2 or cholesterol control. After 15 days, robust initiation of spermatogenesis was observed in E2-implanted animals in the absence of body weight and pelage color change. While circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) remained undetected in both c...
Quantifying folic acid-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes bound to colorectal cancer cells for improved photothermal ablation

Peritoneal metastases of colorectal cancer are a significant challenge in the field of medicine today due to poor results of systemic chemotherapy caused by the poor diffusion of drugs across the blood–peritoneal barrier. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are a biocompatible nanomaterial that strongly absorb near-infrared light to locally heat the surrounding area. Colorectal cancer is known to overexpress folate receptor; therefore, folic acid (FA) was covalently attached to MWNTs to target colorectal cancer cells. Results from real-time polymerase chain reaction found differing expression of folate receptor-α in two colorectal cancer cell lines, RKO and HCT116, as well as a healthy epithelial cell line, HEPM. A spectrophotometric method was developed to quantify the mass of MWNTs bound to cells, and it was determined that FA-targeted MWNTs resulted in a 400–500 % greater affinity for colorectal cancer cells than untargeted MWNTs. The non-cancerous cell line, HEPM, had higher non-specific MWNT interaction and similar MWNT–FA affinity. Stimulated by 1,064 nm light, FA-functionalized MWNTs caused a 50–60 % decrease in colorectal cancer cell viability compared to a 4–10 % decrease caused by untargeted MWNTs. Our results indicate that FA-targeted MWNTs may increase the therapeutic index of MWNT-induced photothermal therapy.
Atmospheric Ice Crystal Processes

Investigation of several atmospheric ice crystal processes, occurring during rapid vapor diffusional growth of ice crystals, indicates that the rates of these processes are not well-characterized by theory. These processes include ice crystal aggregation, scavenging of aerosol particles by ice crystals, secondary ice formation, and the early development of cloud electrification. Additionally, ice crystal morphology (shape and form) and symmetry are characteristics arising from ice crystal diffusional growth which are not fully understood on the basis of existing theory. To explain these observations, we postulate the existence of electric multipoles in growing ice crystals, arising from a differential incorporation of contaminant ions into the ice crystal lattice. This single postulate, based on well-founded physical and chemical principles, provides a basis for understanding a variety of phenomena associated with the ice phase in atmospheric clouds.
Reactivation of alkaline phosphatase in ultra high-temperature, short-time processed liquid milk products.

Alkaline phosphatase (enzyme) reactivation was studied in liquid milk products heated to 87.8 to 121.1 C for less than 1 s in a continuous, two-phase, slug-flow heat exchanger. The effects of magnesium concentration, pH, incubation temperature, homogenization pressure, processing temperature, fat content, and initial enzyme concentration were investigated. Jersey milk from one farm showed seasonal variations in enzyme concentration and its reactivation behavior. Increased reactivation in products with high fat content was due to high initial enzyme concentration in the product. Homogenization of products before heating decreased reactivation. Maximum reactivation occurred in products heated to 104.4 C, incubated at 34 C, and adjusted to pH 6.5. Maximum velocity of reactivation and reactivation constant varied with milk samples. Activation energy for the control and samples with magnesium was 22.646 +/- .118 and 24.100 +/- .210 kJ mole-1, respectively. The enzyme from raw and reactivated cream contained two major isozymes, and the reactivated isozyme differed from the control. The official method for differentiating residual and reactivated enzymes was modified in terms of magnesium concentration and extent of reactivation of the enzyme in the reactivated product.
Teaching Students How to Integrate and Assess Social Networking Tools in Marketing Communications.

This research is based on two studies that focus on teaching students how to integrate and assess social networking tools in marketing communications. Study 1 examines how students in marketing classes utilize social networking tools and explores their attitudes regarding the use of such tools for marketing communications. Study 2 focuses on an assessment of an assignment in which students created blogs, promoted their blogs through social media, and monitored the performance of blog promotions using Web analytics tools. The assignment was well received by students. Most believed that the use of Web analytics tools enhanced their ability to utilize and evaluate social networking tools for marketing communications.