cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterizing coral condition using estimates of three-dimensional colony surface area.

Coral reefs provide shoreline protection, biological diversity, fishery harvests, and tourism, all values that stem from the physically-complex coral infrastructure. Stony corals (scleractinians) construct and maintain the reef through deposition of calcium carbonate. Therefore, assessment of coral reefs requires at least some measurement endpoints that reflect the biological and physical condition of stony corals. Most monitoring programs portray coral quantity as live coral cover, which is the two-dimensional proportion of coral surface to sea floor viewed from above (planar view). The absence of the third dimension, however, limits our ability to characterize coral reef value, physiology, health and sustainability. A three-dimensional (3D) approach more realistically characterizes coral structure available as community habitat and, when combined with estimates of live coral tissue, quantifies the amount of living coral available for photosynthesis, growth and reproduction. A rapid coral survey procedure that coupled 3D coral quantification with more traditional survey measurements was developed and tested in the field. The survey procedure relied on only three underwater observations – species identification, colony size, and proportion of live tissue – made on each colony in the transect. These observations generated a variety of metrics, including several based on 3D colony surface area, that are relevant to reef management.
A multi-scale non-local means algorithm for image de-noising

A highly studied problem in image processing and the field of electrical engineering in general is the recovery of a true signal from its noisy version. Images can be corrupted by noise during their acquisition or transmission stages. As noisy images are visually very poor in quality, and complicate further processing stages of computer vision systems, it is imperative to develop algorithms which effectively remove noise in images. In practice, it is a difficult task to effectively remove the noise while simultaneously retaining the edge structures within the image. Accordingly, many de-noising algorithms have been considered attempt to intelligent smooth the image while still preserving its details. Recently, a non-local means (NLM) de-noising algorithm was introduced, which exploited the redundant nature of images to achieve image de-noising. The algorithm was shown to outperform current de-noising standards, including Gaussian filtering, anisotropic diffusion, total variation minimization, and multi-scale transform coefficient thresholding. However, the NLM algorithm was developed in the spatial domain, and therefore, does not leverage the benefit that multi-scale transforms provide a framework in which signals can be better distinguished by noise. Accordingly, in this paper, a multi-scale NLM (MS-NLM) algorithm is proposed, which combines the advantage of the NLM algorithm and multi-scale image processing techniques. Experimental results via computer simulations illustrate that the MS-NLM algorithm outperforms the NLM, both visually and quantitatively.
Spatial Patterns of Persistent Neural Activity Vary with the Behavioral Context of Short-Term Memory

A short-term memory can be evoked by different inputs and control separate targets in different behavioral contexts. To address the circuit mechanisms underlying context-dependent memory function, we determined through optical imaging how memory is encoded at the whole-network level in two behavioral settings. Persistent neural activity maintaining a memory of desired eye position was imaged throughout the oculomotor integrator after saccadic or optokinetic stimulation. While eye position was encoded by the amplitude of network activity, the spatial patterns of firing were context dependent: cells located caudally generally were most persistent following saccadic input, whereas cells located rostrally were most persistent following optokinetic input. To explain these data, we computationally identified four independent modes of network activity and found these were differentially accessed by saccadic and optokinetic inputs. These results show how a circuit can simultaneously encode memory value and behavioral context, respectively, in its amplitude and spatial pattern of persistent firing.
The Permanence of Glass Standards of Spectral Transmittance

Shortly after the introduction of commercially available photoelectric spectrophotometers, the National Bureau of Standards began issuing calibrated disks for checking the photometric scale of spectrophotometers. At the time these standards were selected no precise information was available regarding their permanence. Recent measurements show that the glass standards kept in the files for 16 years with only occasional use have not changed. Data have also been obtained showing the nature of the changes occurring in glasses similar to the standards when exposed under glass to south skylight (including sunlight) for periods up to nearly three years.
A randomized controlled trial of two interventions to increase colorectal cancer screening among Hispanics on the Texas–Mexico border

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second and third leading cause of cancer death for Hispanic men and women, respectively. CRC can be prevented if precursors are detected early and removed and can be successfully treated if discovered early. While one-on-one interventions for increasing CRC screening (CRCS) are recommended, few studies specifically assess the effectiveness of lay health worker (LHW) approaches using different educational materials.
CYCLICAL BEHAVIOR OF UNEMPLOYMENT AND THE HELP WANTED INDEX: A CROSS SPECTRAL ANALYSIS

The unemployment rate and the help-wanted index are two frequently used indicators of the state of the labor market. Traditional regression techniques used in the analysis of the relationship between these two indicators and their cyclical behavior with business fluctuations have yielded varying results. Spectral analysis is used in this article to examine the cyclical behavior of the labor market indicators with respect to each other and with respect to a measure of aggregate economic activity in the United States. Very strong relationships are found, lending support to the rationale of using such indicators as labor market proxies. This application of spectral analysis also provides an illustration of the potential fruitfulness of spectral analysis in examining the cyclical relationships between economic time series.
An electrochiroptical molecular switch: mechanistic and kinetic studies.

Previously, we reported the synthesis and preliminary characterization of Cu(I/II) complexes of N,N-bis(2-quinilylmethyl)-(l)-methionine (Zahn, S.; Canary, J. W. Science 2000, 288, 1404−7). The chemically oxidized and reduced forms of the complexes gave nearly mirror image circular dichroism (CD) spectra as a result of reorganization of the inner coordination sphere of the copper atom. The reorganization involved exchange of oxygen for sulfur in proceeding from the Cu(II) to Cu(I) oxidation state and corresponding ligand conformational changes required to accommodate this exchange. In this paper, we demonstrate that the complex can be triggered by electrochemical means. The electrochemical and stereochemical details of the redox-induced ligand reorganization were probed by independent synthesis of alternative chemical intermediates, CD spectroelectrochemistry, curve fitting of cyclic voltammograms, CD titration, and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). A square-type mechanism was most consistent wi...
The effect of levo-acetyl-carnitine on visual cognitive evoked potentials in the behaving monkey

Abstract We studied acute and chronic effects of levo-acetyl-carnitine (LAC) on event-related potentials (ERPs) in 3 monkeys trained in a “go”/“no-go” visual “oddball” discrimination task. The stimuli were 2.5 cpd sinusoidal gratings differing in their respective orientation only (0° or 45°). Each monkey was trained to release a lever during a prespecified time window. Target stimulus presentation probabilities were between 0.25 and 0.5 ERPs had comparable mean latencies and amplitudes in all monkeys. Primary evoked potentials recorded to either the target or non-target stimulus did not change significantly as a result of LAC treatment. On the other hand, P300 latency decreased following LAC administration, with a maximum occurring in 15–20 min. The major effects of LAC were consistent within each animal and for all three of them.
Radioactive decay properties of 238Am, 239Am, 240Am, 240Cm and 241Cm

Abstract Some electron-capture and α-decay properties of neutron-deficient americium and curium isotopes have been investigated using 2π proportional counting, scintillation spectrometry, and α-pulse analysis. The results for 238Am include a new half-life of 1·86 hr and identification of γ-rays of ∼370 keV (∼12%), 580 keV (∼29%), ∼950 keV (∼2%), 980 keV (∼76%), and ∼1350 keV (∼17%). The data on 239Am (half-life 12·1 hr) indicate γ-rays of 225 keV (∼30%) and 275 keV (∼20%) with a new α-particle energy of 5·77 MeV and abundance of 5·0 × 10−3 per cent. For 240Am (half-life 51·0 hr) γ-rays of 900 keV (∼23%) and 1000 keV (∼77)% and a negatron branching limit of ≤ 6 × 10−6 per cent were established. For 240Cm a new α-particle energy of 6·26 MeV was established. For 241Cm a new alpha particle energy of 5·95 MeV and abundance of 0·96 per cent and a γ-ray of 478 keV (97%) were established. Counting efficiencies for the 2π-geometry methane-flow proportional counter are 60, 90 and 82 per cent for the electron-capture decay of 239Am, 240Am and 241Cm, respectively. These are in the range of values found for other β-unstable isotopes of heavy elements. The data on 238Am and 240Am are consistent with a rule that only levels ∼1000 keV and higher in even-even plutonium isotopes are populated by relatively fast β-transitions (log ft 5–8) in the decay of odd-odd americium and neptunium isotopes.
Mapping of the seed transmission determinants of barley stripe mosaic virus

The specific mechanism(s) by which some plant viruses are transmitted through seed, while others are excluded, is not known. Using infectious barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) RNAs transcribed in vitro from full-length cDNA clones, the viral genetic determinants of seed transmission have been mapped. Both pseudorecombinant and chimeric viruses were constructed from BSMV strains ND18 (seed transmitted) and CV17 (not seed transmitted). The markedly different seed transmissibility of these two strains facilitated the identification of RNAgamma as the location of the primary determinants of seed transmission phenotype. RNAbeta also played a role in seed transmission, but to a lesser extent than RNAgamma. Major genetic determinants of seed transmission on RNAgamma included the 5' untranslated leader, a 369-nt repeat in the gammaa gene, and the gammab gene. Important determinants of symptom phenotype mapped to the RNAgamma leader and the gammab gene as well. Some heterologous combinations of the RNAgamma leader and the gammab gene resulted in dramatic changes in symptomatology and seed transmission, depending on the parental source of RNAs alpha and beta. These results suggest that a complex interaction of the RNAgamma leader, the gammab gene, and RNAs alpha and beta are involved in BSMV pathogenesis. Considering the putative regulatory role of the gamma gene (Donald and Jackson 1994, Plant Cell 6:1593-1606) and the trans effects that alterations in the gammab gene have on RNAbeta gene expression (Petty et al., 1990, EMBO J. 9:3453-3457), phenotypic effects attributed to elements of RNAgamma could result from cis or trans interactions involving the RNAgamma leader, the gammab gene, and RNAs alpha and beta. Clearly, virus replication and movement play pivotal roles in the seed transmission of BSMV.
88 ZINC BALANCE STUDIES IN BREAST-FED AND FORMULA-FED INFANTS

We studied 10 breast-fed and 5 formula-fed infants in 72-hour-balances under home conditions. Collecting periods started 2, 5, 8, 12, and 16 weeks postnatally. The formula was supplemented with zinc sulphate and contained 3.98 mg/l Zn. Zn concentration in faeces, urine and milk samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The median of zinc values in human milk fell from 3.56 mg/1 in the 3rd week to 1.2 mg/l in the 17th week of lactation.
Surfactant Effects of Indium on the Growth of AlN/GaN Distributed Bragg Reflectors Via Metal Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy

Distributed Bragg Reflectors (DBRs) remain critical to the fabrication of various nitride based optoelectronic devices. In particular, DBRs are often employed for cavity formation in Resonant Cavity Light Emitting Diodes (RCLEDs) to enhance and obtain a more directional emission and also in Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs). As a result, epitaxially grown reflectors are attractive for direct integration in the device, reduced processing requirements, and the formation of narrow cavities. In the III-Nitride material system, Aluminum Nitride (AlN) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) offer a large contrast in refractive index and are therefore well suited for fabricating DBRs with high reflectivity and wide bandwidths using relatively few periods. However, material cracking arising from to the 2.4% lattice mismatch and difference in thermal expansion coefficient decreases reflectivity and is detrimental to the efficiency of subsequent device fabrication. Several techniques, such as superlattice insertion layers or the growth of AlxIn1-xN layers, have been employed to reduce strain and cracking in such structures. In this work, results of the use of indium as a surfactant in the Metal Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE) of AlN/GaN DBRs will be discussed. Specifically, this study targets AlN/GaN DBRs with peak reflectivity at ranging from 465 nm to 540 nm. Indium has been used as a surfactant during growth by introducing trimethylindium into the system. It has been shown that crack formation is dependent on the flow of the indium precursor despite minimal indium incorporation into the lattice. Image processing techniques were used to quantify the crack length per square millimeter and it was observed that indium has a significant effect on the crack formation and can be used to reduce the total crack length in these structures by a factor of two.
Microwave line transitions in the 3-mm wavelength range in Comet Kohoutek (1973f)

A search program for microwave line transitions in comet Kohoutek is reviewed. Observations in the 3-mm wavelength region were carried out before perihelion from December 15 to 20, 1973, and after perihelion from January 3 to 7, 1974. During these times, the comet was between 0.3 and 0.5 AU from the sun. Gas production rates of HCN are several times 10 to the 27th power to about 10 to the 28th power molecules/sec at approximately 0.4 AU. Upper limits for CH3CN and several other molecules are given.
Adherence to Head Computed Tomography Guidelines for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant health concern. While 70-90% of TBI cases are considered mild, decision-making regarding imaging can be difficult. This survey aimed to assess whether clinicians’ decision-making was consistent with the most recent American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) clinical recommendations regarding indications for a non-contrast head computed tomography (CT) in patients with mild TBI. Methods: We surveyed 2 academic emergency medicine departments. Six realistic clinical vignettes were created. The survey software randomly varied 2 factors: age (30, 59, or 61 years old) and presence or absence of visible trauma above the clavicles. A single important question was asked: “Would you perform a non-contrast head CT on this patient?” Results: Physician decision-making was consistent with the guidelines in only 62.8% of total vignettes. By age group (30, 59, and 61), decision-making was consistent with the guidelines in 66.7%, 47.4%, and 72.7% of cases, respectively. This was a statistically-significant difference when comparing the 59- and 61-year-old age groups. In the setting of presence/absence of trauma above the clavicles, respondents were consistent with the guidelines in 57.1% of cases. Decision-making consistent with the guidelines was significantly better in the absence of trauma above the clavicles. Conclusion: Respondents poorly differentiated the “older” patients from one another, suggesting that respondents either inappropriately apply the guidelines or are unaware of the recommendations in this setting. No particular cause for inconsistency could be determined, and respondents similarly under-scanned and over-scanned in incorrect vignettes. Improved dissemination of the ACEP clinical policy and recommendations is a potential solution to this problem. [West J Emerg Med. 2014;15(4):459-464.]
Inapproximability of Combinatorial Problems via Small LPs and SDPs

Motivated by [12], we provide a framework for studying the size of linear programming formulations as well as semidefinite programming formulations of combinatorial optimization problems without encoding them first as linear programs. This is done via a factorization theorem for the optimization problem itself (and not a specific encoding of such). As a result we define a consistent reduction mechanism that degrades approximation factors in a controlled fashion and which, at the same time, is compatible with approximate linear and semidefinite programming formulations. Moreover, our reduction mechanism is a minor restriction of classical reductions establishing inapproximability in the context of PCP theorems. As a consequence we establish strong linear programming inapproximability (for LPs with a polynomial number of constraints) for several problems that are not 0/1-CSPs: we obtain a 3/2-epsilon inapproximability for Vertex Cover (which is not of the CSP type) answering an open question in [12], we answer a weak version of our sparse graph conjecture posed in [6] showing an inapproximability factor of 1/2+e for bounded degree IndependentSet, and we establish inapproximability of MaxMULTICUT (a non-binary CSP). In the case of SDPs, we obtain relative inapproximability results for these problems.
A New Control System for Automatic Parallel Operation of Load-Ratio-Control Transformers

The successful parallel operation of transformers equipped with automatic load-ratio control and line-drop compensation requires that stability of operation be insured. In addition, experience has shown that it is frequently highly desirable that other automatic features be included which will contribute toward operating flexibility, and which will permit switching transformers in and out of parallel operation without disturbing the voltage level at the load center or causing an excessive initial circulating current at the instant of paralleling. This paper discusses the conditions which make these added features desirable, and presents a new control system whereby they all may readily be secured. In this new system, load current and circulating current are made to flow in separate paths in the control circuit, and each produce their effects independently, thereby insuring stable operation and maintaining the desired load-center voltage level. This separation of the load and circulating current, in conjunction with a modification in the closing circuit of the paralleling circuit breaker, also makes possible the avoidance of excessive initial circulating current when the breaker is closed. The simplicity and effectiveness of this arrangement in providing a fully automatic means for meeting all the anticipated operating requirements recommends its use in many applications.
Abstract 4625: Curcumin suppresses the expression of HER-2 gene and interferes with redox regulated pathways in SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a polyphenolic phytochemical, is the major pigment in turmeric, a popular spice in Oriental cuisine. Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties. We studied the effect of curcumin on cell growth, gene regulation, cell cycle and cell signaling parameters in a HER-2 over-expressing human breast cancer cell line, SK-BR-3. Curcumin inhibited the growth of SK-BR-3 cells with an IC50 value of 5 ± 1 µM, as determined by trypan blue exclusion assay at 48 and 72 h. In contrast, measurement of apoptosis, using the APO-BRDU assay, showed Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4625. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4625
Onset and duration of fecal shedding, cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in pigs after challenge with a pathogenic isolate or attenuated vaccine strain of Lawsonia intracellularis

Abstract Little is known about the humoral and, especially, cell-mediated immune response in pigs exposed to Lawsonia intracellularis. The objectives of this study were to investigate the onset and duration of fecal shedding, cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in pigs after challenge with a pathogenic isolate or a commercial live vaccine strain of L. intracellularis. Twenty-four 5-week-old pigs were exposed to 4.4×109 organisms of a pathogenic L. intracellularis isolate PHE/MN1-00 (10 pigs), a L. intracellularis live attenuated vaccine strain (10 pigs) or sham inoculum (4 pigs). Fecal, serum and whole blood samples were collected from all animals before exposure and weekly up to 13 weeks post inoculation and tested by PCR, immunoperoxidase monolayer assay serology and an interferon-gamma assay, respectively. One animal from each group was euthanized on day 22 post exposure to confirm infection. Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses were initially detected 2 weeks after exposure in pigs challenged with the pathogenic isolate, and 5 and 4 weeks, respectively, in pigs exposed to the modified-live vaccine group. Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses were still detected in some pigs from both L. intracellularis exposed groups 13 weeks after exposure. Fecal shedding was initially detected 1 week and lasted, intermittently, 12 weeks post exposure in pigs challenged with the pathogenic isolate, while fecal shedding was first detected 2 weeks and lasted, also intermittently, 9 weeks after exposure to the vaccine. In summary, both pathogenic isolate challenged and vaccine exposed pigs demonstrated long-term shedding of and immune responses to L. intracellularis.
Exchange mechanisms in diluted magnetic semiconductors

Abstract The hierarchy of Mn-Mn exchange mechanisms in Cd 1− x Mn x Te and related alloys is calculated perturbatively using a generalized Anderson Hamiltonian. Realistic parameters are obtained from experimental band structure information and local spin density ASW calculations. Super-exchange is found to dominate at nearest and next-neighbor distances, in agreement with the observed antiferromagnetic coupling. Calculated Cd 1− x Mn x Te exchange constants and predicted chemical trends are in good agreement with experiment and with ASW total energy calculations.
Crack diagnostics in beams using wavelets, kurtosis and skewness

This paper presents a diagnostic technique using wavelets, kurtosis and skewness for detecting crack location and severity in beams. The first three mode shapes of a damaged beam are used for detecting crack locations in beams with varying boundary conditions. Damage due to an edge-crack is modelled by a conventional macroscopic torsional spring element. Multiple families of wavelets with varying scales and vanishing moments are used so as to distinguish between their ability to detect crack locations by using the mode shapes of the damaged beam. Crack detection is followed by determination of the crack size by using statistical measures of the mode shapes such as kurtosis and skewness. These two measures are highly sensitive to small changes in mode shapes resulting from crack initiation or crack propagation, and have been used in other fields of damage detection. Several simulations are presented to showcase the application of the proposed technique, and to highlight the differences between multiple wav...
DETECTION OF CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM TYPE E TOXIN BY MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY ENZYME IMMUNOASSAY

Botulinum type E toxin is a well recognized causative agent of seafood botulism poisoning. Underprocessing or postretort recontamination of preserved seafoods has resulted in sporadic cases of botulism. Currently, laboratory mice are being used to detect this toxin. However, it requires three to six days to obtain final results. A rapid method using monoclonal antibody (Mab) enzyme immunoassay was therefore developed. Hybridomas secreting specific Mab against the type E epitope were generated by fusion of SP/20-Ag 14 myeloma cells with spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with botulinum type E neurotoxoid. Five potent, stable hybridomas were selected, cloned, propagated, and preserved in liquid nitrogen as cell lines. Immunoglobulin subisotyping showed these Mabs belonged to the IgG subclasses. No cross-reaction was observed with culture supernatants of C. botulinum types A, B, and F or with crude toxins extracts of type C and D. Large quantities of Mabs were produced in ascites fluids, harvested, and affinity purified. A Mab-based biotin-avidin amplified double sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay allowed detection of type E toxin in inoculated seafoods at levels equivalent to 1–10 MLDs/ml (5–10 pg/ml).
Failure of MK-801 to reduce infarct volume in thrombotic middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.

We examined the effects of the noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801 using a newly developed stroke model of thrombotic distal middle cerebral artery occlusion under conditions of carefully controlled head temperature.Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 1 mg/kg of MK-801 or saline before the induction of ischemia. An argon laser-activated dye laser (562 nm) was used to cause thrombotic distal middle cerebral artery occlusion. In experiments 1 and 2, the single laser beam (20 mW) was separated into three beams. Each beam was positioned onto the distal middle cerebral artery at three sites along the vessel. The photosensitizing dye rose bengal (20 mg/kg) was administered intravenously over 2 minutes; the three points were then irradiated for 3 minutes. In experiment 3, higher power of the laser (three separate irradiations using a single beam of 20 mW) was used. The ipsilateral common carotid artery was occluded permanently, and the contralateral carotid artery was occluded f...
Absorption and wavelength modulation spectroscopy of NO2 using a tunable, external cavity continuous wave quantum cascade laser.

The absorption spectra and wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) of NO2 using a tunable, external cavity CW quantum cascade laser operating at room temperature in the region of 1625 to 1645 cm−1 are reported. The external cavity quantum cascade laser enabled us to record continuous absorption spectra of low concentrations of NO2 over a broad range (~16 cm−1), demonstrating the potential for simultaneously recording the complex spectra of multiple species. This capability allows the identification of a particular species of interest with high sensitivity and selectivity. The measured spectra are in excellent agreement with the spectra from the high-resolution transmission molecular absorption database [J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Transfer96, 139-204 (2005)JQSRAE0022-407310.1016/j.jqsrt.2004.10.008]. We also conduct WMS for the first time using an external cavity quantum cascade laser, a technique that enhances the sensitivity of detection. By employing WMS, we could detect low-intensity absorption lines, which are not visible in the simple absorption spectra, and demonstrate a minimum detection limit at the 100 ppb level with a short-path absorption cell. Details of the tunable, external cavity quantum cascade laser system and its performance are discussed.
Price Versus Quantity: Market-Clearing Mechanisms When Consumers are Uncertain about Quality

High-quality producers in a market where quality varies can reap superior profits by charging higher prices, selling greater quantities, or both. Empirical analyses of the mutual fund and automobile industries show that high-quality producers sell more units than their low-quality competitors, but at no higher price (or retail markup) per unit. Our theoretical models find that if qualities are known by consumers and production costs are constant, then having a higher quality secures the producer both higher price and higher quantity. The market may clear in a different fashion if there is "quality uncertainty"; that is, if some consumers can discern quality but others cannot. Then, high- and low-quality producers may end up setting a common price, which allows the high-quality producer to sell substantially more. In this context, quality begets quantity.
Analysis of imperfect polarizer effects in magnetic rotation spectroscopy.

Small amounts of ellipticity in the nominally linearly polarized light used in magnetic rotation spectroscopy play an important role in determining the character of the signals developed in these experiments. For example, ellipticity introduced by stress-induced birefringence can easily influence such signals more than does a nonzero polarizer extinction ratio. In addition, for nearly-crossed polarizers, an initial ellipticity allows one to probe magnetic circular dichroism instead of the more commonly investigated magnetic circular birefringence. A general expression for the magnetic rotation spectroscopy signal is derived and compared to experimental results. An expression for the detection sensitivity is developed by taking shot noise and rms laser power fluctuations to be the dominant noise sources.
Conformational Transitions in the Glycine-Bound GluN1 NMDA Receptor LBD via Single-Molecule FRET

The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is a member of the glutamate receptor family of proteins and is responsible for excitatory transmission. Activation of the receptor is thought to be controlled by conformational changes in the ligand binding domain (LBD); however, glutamate receptor LBDs can occupy multiple conformations even in the activated form. This work probes equilibrium transitions among NMDAR LBD conformations by monitoring the distance across the glycine-bound LBD cleft using single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer (smFRET). Recent improvements in photoprotection solutions allowed us to monitor transitions among the multiple conformations. Also, we applied a recently developed model-free algorithm called “step transition and state identification” to identify the number of states, their smFRET efficiencies, and their interstate kinetics. Reversible interstate conversions, corresponding to transitions among a wide range of cleft widths, were identified in the glycine-bound LBD, on much longer timescales compared to channel opening. These transitions were confirmed to be equilibrium in nature by shifting the distribution reversibly via denaturant. We found that the NMDAR LBD proceeds primarily from one adjacent smFRET state to the next under equilibrium conditions, consistent with a cleft-opening/closing mechanism. Overall, by analyzing the state-to-state transition dynamics and distributions, we achieve insight into specifics of long-lived LBD equilibrium structural dynamics, as well as obtain a more general description of equilibrium folding/unfolding in a conformationally dynamic protein. The relationship between such long-lived LBD dynamics and channel function in the full receptor remains an open and interesting question.
Minimization of sample requirement for δ18O in benzoic acid

The measurement of the oxygen stable isotope content in organic compounds has applications in many fields, ranging from paleoclimate reconstruction to forensics. Conventional High-Temperature Conversion (HTC) techniques require >20 µg of O for a single δ18O measurement. Here we describe a system that converts the CO produced by HTC into CO2 via reduction within a Ni-furnace. This CO2 is then concentrated cryogenically, and 'focused' into the isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) source using a low-flow He carrier gas (6–8 mL/min). We report analyses of benzoic acid (C7H6O2) reference materials that yielded precise δ18O measurement down to 1.3 µg of O, suggesting that our system could be used to decrease sample requirement for δ18O by more than an order of magnitude. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Occupational Stressors, Individual Strains, and Social Supports among Police Officers

In a survey of 121 police officers of a Midwestern state, it was found that occupational stressors (under-utilization of skills, quantitative workload, and job future ambiguity) and several types of social support are related to individual psychological strain. An interaction between occupational stressors and instrumental social support was opposite from the predictions of the buffering hypothesis, and explanations are offered for this "reverse buffering" result. Additionally, police in supervisory positions experience less stress and more social support than do nonsupervisory police officers.
Association of the serotonin transporter promoter region polymorphism with biased attention for negative word stimuli

Background: Biased attention for emotional stimuli reflects vulnerability or resilience to emotional disorders. The current study examines whether the 5HTTLPR polymorphism is associated with attentional biases for negative word stimuli. Methods: Unmedicated, young adults with low current depression and anxiety symptoms (N 5106) were genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR, including the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs25531 in the long allele of the 5-HTTLPR. Participants then completed a standard dot-probe task that measured attentional bias toward anxiety, dysphoric, and self-esteem words. Results: The LALA allele group demonstrated an attentional bias away from negative word stimuli. This attentional bias was absent among the S/LG carriers. Conclusions: These findings replicate previous work and suggest that 5-HTTLPR LA homozygotes possess a protective attentional bias that may decrease susceptibility to depression and anxiety. Depression and Anxiety 27:746–751, 2010. r 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The refractive index of optical engineers is one

This PDF file contains the editorial “The refractive index of optical engineers is one” for OE Vol. 40 Issue 04
The development of gender identity in the autistic child

The Michigan Gender Identity Test (MGIT) was administered to 30 autistic children to determine whether autistic children could demonstrate a sense of gender identity. The results of the MGIT were correlated with other developmental indices obtained from the Alpern-Boll Developmental Profile. From this sample of autistics, a significant relationship was found between gender identity and mental age, chronological age, communication skills, physical skills, social skills, self-help skills and academic (cognitive skills.
The Structural Approach to Shared Knowledge An Application to Engineering Design Teams

OBJECTIVE: We propose a methodology for analyzing shared knowledge in engineering design teams. BACKGROUND: Whereas prior work has focused on shared knowledge in small teams at a specific point in time, the model presented here is both scalable and dynamic. METHOD: By quantifying team members' common views of design drivers, we build a network of shared mental models to reveal the structure of shared knowledge at a snapshot in time. Based on a structural comparison of networks at different points in time, a metric of change in shared knowledge is computed. RESULTS: Analysis of survey data from 12 conceptual space mission design sessions reveals a correlation between change in shared knowledge and each of several system attributes, including system development time, system mass, and technological maturity. CONCLUSION: From these results, we conclude that an early period of learning and consensus building could be beneficial to the design of engineered systems. APPLICATION: Although we do not examine team performance directly, we demonstrate that shared knowledge is related to the technical design and thus provide a foundation for improving design products by incorporating the knowledge and thoughts of the engineering design team into the process. Language: en
Analysis of a high-voltage merged p-i-n/Schottky (MPS) rectifier

A new operating mode for the merged p-i-n/Schottky (MPS) rectifier structure is analyzed. It is shown that these devices exhibit superior forward-drop and turn-off-speed characteristics. As an example, for the same forward drop, the 400-V MPS rectifier is an order of magnitude faster in switching speed when compared to a p-i-n rectifier. In addition, for equal switching speed, the MPS rectifier has much lower forward drop and leakage current.
Aquatic toxicology of the pyrethroid insecticides: Neurotoxicology of pyrethroids: Single or multiple mechanisms of action?

It has been almost 25 years since the classic studies first described the pyrethroid mode of action on voltage—dependent sodium channels. In the interval that followed, this electrophysiological approach has been enlarged upon using a variety of preparations with essentially the same result. Thus, there is little disagreement that pyrethroids have an action at or near the sodium channel in the nerve. Recently, a number of additional mechanisms have been suggested, including the perturbation of the voltage—dependent calcium channels. Using a functional bioassay that consists of a calcium—dependent, potassium—stimulated pulsed release of norepinephrine from rat brain synaptosomes, Type II pyrethroids caused a substantial enhancement of norepinephrine release that was not apparent when Type I pyrethroids were used. The ED50 dose of deltamethrin that resulted in half—maximal enhanced norepinephrine release (i.e., 2.9 × 10−9 M) correlated well with the ED50 dose of deltamethrin that resulted in half—maximal enhanced 45Ca uptake (i.e., 2.4 × 10−9 M). Norepinephrine release was only partially blocked by tetrodotoxin and a calcium channel antagonist, D595. Deltamethrin enhanced norepinephrine release in the presence of tetrodotoxin but was unable to enhance release in the presence of D595. These results are supportive of a highly sensitive action of Type II pyrethroids at presynaptic nerve terminals in the central nervous system and of the involvement of voltage—dependent calcium channels.
Effects of age on the pharmacokinetics and selected pharmacodynamics of intravenously administered fentanyl in foals.

Summary Reasons for performing study The use of fentanyl is limited in adult horses, in part due to potential for central nervous system excitation. The pharmacokinetics and the plasma concentration-related behavioural actions of fentanyl have not been described for young foals. Objectives The goal of the present study was to describe the pharmacokinetics and behavioural effects of fentanyl following administration to the same group of foals at 3 different ages. Study design Experimental study in healthy foals. Methods Fentanyl was administered i.v. (4 μg/kg bwt) to a group of 9 foals on 3 separate occasions at 6–8, 20–22 and 41–42 days of age. Blood samples were collected prior to administration and at multiple times until 24 h post administration. Blood samples were analysed for fentanyl concentrations and pharmacokinetics determined at each age. Behavioural and physiological effects were also assessed. Results The average volume of distribution was 3.55, 1.53 and 1.82 l/kg bwt and clearance 50.2, 40.7 and 35.7 ml/min/kg bwt when foals were 6–8, 20–22 and 41–42 days of age, respectively. The elimination half-life was slightly prolonged (49.3 min) at 6–8 days relative to 20–22 and 41–42 days of age (25.8 and 33.7 min, respectively). The primary metabolite detected in blood samples was the same as for adult horses. While the onset and duration varied widely between foals, sedation was observed at all ages studied. Conclusions Fentanyl appears to be consistently well tolerated following i.v. administration of 4 μg/kg bwt to foals ranging in age from 1 to 6 weeks. The results of this study support further study of fentanyl for clinical use in foals.
Magnetite-PLGA Microparticles for Oral Delivery of Insulin

Magnetic responsive particles were designed for use in oral delivery of insulin. Magnetite nanoparticles (12 nm average size) were synthesized and co-encapsulated with insulin into poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles (4.6 ± 2.2 µm average particle size) through the double-emulsion method. The spherical structures of resulting microparticles were well maintained at magnetite content 5 wt % or less. Mice were gavaged with 125 I-insulin-magnetitePLGA microparticles and a circumferential trans-abdominal magnetic field was applied forty minutes after administration to retard the transit of the microparticles in the intestinal tract. As control, mice were similarly dosed without the subsequent trans-abdominal magnetic field. Mice were sacrificed, and the intestinal radioactivity was 101% and 145% higher in treated mice versus the control at 6 h and 12 h, respectively. A single administration of 50 unit/kg Humulin Rmagnetite-PLGA microparticles to the fasted mice resulted in 66% reduction of blood glucose level in the presence of external magnetic field at 12 h, compared to 27% reduction in the absence of magnetic field.
E for express 1 : “Seeing” the Indian State through ICTD

This paper examines how, in their attempts to liberalize and modernize their operations, Indian states are using ICTD e-governance serv ices to represent themselves in a new way to their citizens. It reveals how states come to be seen by their citizens through their everyday interactions at ICTD telecenters. The research finds that, with its e-governance services, the state is trying to recast its image to fit market-friendly principles such as economic efficiency, accountability and effectiveness. Citizens simultaneously trust the government as credible and are disillusioned with it as inefficient. Telecenter-provided e-governance services are partially re-shaping the boundaries between state, civil society and markets.
Autonomous behaviors for interactive vehicle animations

We present a method for synthesizing animations of autonomous space, water, and land-based vehicles in games or other interactive simulations. Controlling the motion of such vehicles to achieve a desirable behavior is difficult due to the constraints imposed by the system dynamics. We combine real-time path planning and a simplified physics model to automatically compute control actions to drive a vehicle from an input state to desirable output states based on a behavior cost function. Both offline trajectory preprocessing and online search are used to build an animation framework suitable for interactive vehicle simulations. We demonstrate synthesized animations of spacecraft performing a variety of autonomous behaviors, including Seek, Pursue, Avoid, Avoid Collision, and Flee. We also explore several enhancements to the basic planning algorithm and examine the resulting tradeoffs in runtime performance and quality of the generated motion.
Coupling of electronic and magnetic properties in Fe 1+y (Te 1-x Se x )

We have studied the coupling of electronic and magnetic properties in Fe${}_{1+y}$(Te${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$Se${}_{x}$) via systematic specific heat, magnetoresistivity (MR), and Hall coefficient measurements on two groups of samples with $y=0.02$ and 0.1. In the $y=0.02$ series, we find that the $0.09lxl0.3$ composition region, where superconductivity is suppressed, has a large Sommerfeld coefficient \ensuremath{\gamma} (\ensuremath{\sim}55--65 mJ/mol K${}^{2}$), positive Hall coefficient ${R}_{H}$, and negative MR at low temperature, in sharp contrast with the $x$ $=$ 0.4--0.5 region, where \ensuremath{\gamma} drops to \ensuremath{\sim}26 mJ/mol K${}^{2}$ and ${R}_{H}$ and MR become negative and positive, respectively, at low temperature. Dramatic changes of \ensuremath{\gamma}, as well as sign reversal in low-temperature ${R}_{H}$ and MR, are also observed across the $x\ensuremath{\sim}0.1$ boundary, where the long-range antiferromagnetic order is suppressed. However, for the system with rich interstitial excess Fe ($y=0.1$), where bulk superconductivity is suppressed even for $x$ $=$ 0.4--0.5, the variations of \ensuremath{\gamma}, ${R}_{H}$, and MR with $x$ are distinct from those seen in $y=0.02$ system: \ensuremath{\gamma} is \ensuremath{\sim}40 mJ/mol K${}^{2}$ for $0.1lxl0.3$ and drops to \ensuremath{\sim}34 mJ/mol K${}^{2}$ for $x$ $=$ 0.4--0.5; ${R}_{H}$ and MR do not show any sign reversal as $x$ is increased above 0.3. We will show that all these results can be understood in light of the evolution of the incoherent magnetic scattering by ($\ensuremath{\pi},0$) magnetic fluctuations with Se concentration. In addition, with the suppression of magnetic scattering by the magnetic field, we observed the surprising effect of a remarkable increase in the superconducting volume fraction under moderate magnetic fields for $x$ $=$ 0.3--0.4 samples in the $y=0.02$ system.
Predictions of U-Shaped Backward Pattern Masking from Considerations of the Spatio-Temporal Frequency Response:

The threshold detectability of a briefly presented target stimulus consisting of a vertical sinusoidal grating was affected not only by the spatial frequency content of an equally briefly presented, two-octave-wide masking noise, but also by the time interval separating the onsets of the target and its mask. Over a range of stimulus onset asynchronies, in which the mask onset either preceded, coincided with, or followed the target onset, a mask with a low spatial frequency content had its greatest masking effect on a high spatial frequency target grating when the mask followed the target by 120–180 ms. When the mask had a high spatial frequency content and the target was of low spatial frequency, or when the target was entered on the mask frequency band, optimal masking effects occurred when the onsets of the mask and target coincided. The results are discussed in relation to previous masking studies, particuarly those in which U-shaped backward pattern masking functions are obtained.
Association Between Body Mass Index and Depressive Symptoms of African American Married Couples: Mediating and Moderating Roles of Couples’ Behavioral Closeness

This study examined (a) associations between body mass index (BMI) and depressive symptoms in African American husbands and wives, (b) transactional associations between husbands and wives in this relationship, and (c) mediating and moderating role of couples’ behavioral closeness in this association. Data came from a sample of 450 African American married couples residing in a southern state. The study found that (a) husbands’ and wives’ BMI is positively associated with their own depressive symptoms, (b) only the wives’ BMI is positively associated with their partners’ depressive symptoms, (c) only the wives’ BMI is positively associated with their own and their partners’ depressive symptoms indirectly through couples’ behavioral closeness, and (d) among wives, the association between BMI and depressive symptoms is mediated and moderated by couples’ behavioral closeness. Family interventions need to increase indoor, outdoor, and intimate partner activities, thereby reducing the association between depre...