cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microlens performance limits in sub-2μm pixel CMOS image sensors

CMOS image sensors with smaller pixels are expected to enable digital imaging systems with better resolution. When pixel size scales below 2 μm, however, diffraction affects the optical performance of the pixel and its microlens, in particular. We present a first-principles electromagnetic analysis of microlens behavior during the lateral scaling of CMOS image sensor pixels. We establish for a three-metal-layer pixel that diffraction prevents the microlens from acting as a focusing element when pixels become smaller than 1.4 μm. This severely degrades performance for on and off-axis pixels in red, green and blue color channels. We predict that one-metal-layer or backside-illuminated pixels are required to extend the functionality of microlenses beyond the 1.4 μm pixel node.
Continuous vs. Intermittent punishment: A case study

The effects of two different delivery schedules of two different therapeutic punishers on two behaviors of a child with autism were investigated. Contingent application of lemon juice immediately suppressed behavior on both a continuous and a VR 4 schedule of delivery. Manual guidance overcorrection resulted in an immediate reduction of behavior under an FR 1 schedule, but took nine sessions to produce the same level of response suppression under a VR 4 schedule. Implications for future research and the limitations of the present study are presented.
Motivational beliefs and cognitive processes in mathematics achievement, analyzed in the context of cultural differences: a Korean elementary school example

The relations among students’ motivational beliefs, cognitive processes, and academic achievement were investigated. A 51-item questionnaire together with a mathematics achievement test was administered to 459 fifth graders in Korean elementary school mathematics classrooms. Results indicated that, in general, students’ cognitive processes related closely to competence beliefs, task values, and achievement goals, and more importantly their success or failure in mathematics achievement was closely linked to competence beliefs, performance-avoidance goals, and persistence strategies. Positive evidence of performance-approach goals was observed in math learning relative to task goals. As expected, performance-avoidance goals turned out to be detrimental to students’ math learning. These findings are generally congruent with the motivational theories and support the position that students should be encouraged to adopt task goals and actively involve themselves in math class activities. However, it also behooves us to recognize the potential benefits of performance-approach goals in different cultural contexts, such as the Korean elementary school math classrooms.
Estrogen-Stimulated Uptake of α1-Protease Inhibitor and Other Plasma Proteins by the Mouse Uterus*

Administration of a single low dose of estradiol to the immature female mouse resulted in a rapid increase in uterine trypsin inhibitory capacity. The increase was apparent within 1 h, reached a maximum in 3–4 h, and returned to base line after 18 h. No corresponding increases were observed in liver or heart. The properties of the uterine inhibitor were found to be essentially the same as those of plasma α1-protease inhibitor (α1-PI). When 125I-labeled mouse plasma α1-PI was given iv to immature mice the administration of estradiol caused a specific stimulation of uterine uptake of the labeled protein that closely matched the estrogen-stimulated increase in uterine trypsin inhibitory capacity. Half-maximal stimulation of uptake occurred at a dose of 0.15 μg estradiol/animal. After 3 h 97% of the labeled α1-PI taken up by the uterus was in the soluble (105,000 × g) fraction of which 50% was in the lumen. Estradiol also stimulated the uptake of soybean trypsin inhibitor, bovine serum albumin, porcine fibrin...
Continuous neutron spectra from (p, n) reactions

Abstract Neutron spectra from the bombardment of 89Y, 93Nb, 115In, 139La, 141Pr, 139La, 181Ta, and 197Au with protons of energies between 8 and 14 MeV have been measured by the time-of-flight technique. The data were compared to the predictions of the statistical model but only qualitative agreement was found. The level densities deduced from the data showed an anomalous dependence on bombarding energy which could not be explained.
Dipole-Dipole Resistivity Monitoring At the Cerro Prieto Geothermal Field

Two 20 km-long dipole-dipole lines with permanently emplaced electronics at 1-km spacings were established over the field area; one of these lines is remeasured annually. Resistivity measurements are taken using a 25 kW generator capable of up to 80A output and a microprocessor-controlled signal-averaging receiver; this high power-low noise system is capable of highly accurate measurements even at large transmitter-receiver separations. Standard error calculations for collected data indicate errors less than 5% for all points, but 95% confidence intervals show error limits about 2 to 4 times higher. Data indicate little change of apparent resistivity within the upper 300 m over the field. However, apparent resistivity increases are observed over the producing zone at depths of 1 km and greater. Large zones of decreasing apparent resistivity are observed flanking the zone of increases on both sides. To explain the resistivity changes observed, simple two-dimensional reservoir simulations were performed in which cooler, less saline recharge water enters the reservoir from above through a leaky caprock and laterally through a more permeable vertical boundary. The calculated magnitude of a resistivity change after 3 years of simulated production fits the observed data, but the anomaly shapes differ. It is concluded that the rapidlymore » moving hydraulic front produces a salinity change large enough to explain the resistivity increase, but that our recharge assumptions were probably oversimplified.« less
Once-a-Day Administration of Everolimus Is Safe in De Novo Renal Transplant Recipients: 1-Year Results of a Pilot Study

Abstract Introduction The half-life of everolimus is approximately 28 hours, but everolimus is generally administered twice a day. The aim of this prospective, single-center, exploratory study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a once a day everolimus (OD) with the standard twice a day administration regimen (BID) as immunosuppressive therapy in renal transplantation. Methods Forty-one de novo renal transplant recipients prospectively assigned to OD (n = 21) or BID (n = 20) treatment were followed for 1 year. In the OD group, everolimus was orally administered targeting a trough blood level of 2 to 5 ng/mL. In the BID group, everolimus was given twice a day targeting a trough blood level of 3 to 12 ng/mL. All patients also received induction with basiliximab and low-dose calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppression. Results At 1 year follow-up patient and graft survivals were 100%. The intention-to-treat analysis showed similar renal function between the two regimens: serum creatinine values for OD 1.54 ± 0.6 versus BID 1.48 ± 0.53 mg/dL (P = NS). Also the occurrence of acute rejection episodes was not significantly different: 4.8% in the OD versus 15% in the BID group, (P = NS). The median trough blood levels were significantly lower among the OD group: OD 4.5 versus BID 7.2 ng/mL (P Discussion This study demonstrated that once a day administration of everolimus achieved excellent patient and graft survival and good renal function without an increased incidence of acute rejection episodes.
Foam separation of bacteria with a cationic surfactant

An experimental investigation is presented of the foam separation of six species of bacteria: Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus subtilis var niger. A cationic surfactant, ethylhexadeeyldimethylammonium bromide is used and results are evaluated in terms of total cell count, using a membrane filtration technique. From similar neutral distilled water suspensions of the pure cultures (approximately 107 cells/ml.) and using the same operating conditions, ratios of cell concentrations in the residual suspensions to those in the initial suspensions range from 0.0013 for Bacillus subtilis var niger to 0.25 for Serratia marcescens. The presence of bacteria, compared to pure surfactant solutions, produces lower collapsed foam volumes; the foam volumes have a strong influence on the separations achieved with the various species, with enrichment ratios ranging from 27 to 3088 and residual ratios ranging from 0.001 to 0.247.
The disturbance regime of an old‐growth forest in coastal California

This study deals with the disturbance regime of an old-growth, mixed-evergreen forest with a canopy composed of Arbutus menziesii, Lithocarpus densiflora, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Quercus chrysolepis, Q. wislizenii, and Sequoia sempervirens. 80 canopy gaps were randomly selected from throughout a 230-ha watershed. Of the land area sampled, 11.1 to 16.6 % was within gaps. Gap area had a mode of < 50m2 and a range of 6–3437 m2. Gaps were formed by snags, snaps, tips, and slope failures. Although < 10 % of the gaps sampled were due to slope failures, these accounted for 43 % of the total land area within gaps. All snags resulted from the death of a Pseudotsuga or Arbutus individual, the widely branched trunks of Arbutus individuals accounted for most of the irregularly shaped gaps, and larger gaps resulted from the death of Pseudotsuga and Sequoia individuals, averaging 119 and 111 m2 respectively, than from the death of Lithocarpus or Arbutus, averaging 54 and 52 m2. Gaps were more frequent over concave sections of slopes and large gaps were more frequent on north-facing slopes. The creation of a gap increased disturbance to the adjacent canopy, with half of the gaps formed through more than one disturbance. The relationship of disturbance regime to topography, the influence of canopy species biology on gap properties, and the repeated events involved in gap formation all indicate a fine scale variation in the pattern of gaps and their characteristics.
Rainfall-runoff trends in the south-eastern USA: 1938-2005

An extensive dataset (230 precipitation gauges and 79 stream gauges) was used to analyse rainfall–runoff relationships in 10 subregions of a 482000 km2 area in the south-eastern USA (Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia). The average annual rainfall and runoff for this study area between 1938 and 2005 were 1201 and 439 mm, respectively. Average runoff/rainfall ratios during this period varied between 0·24 in the southernmost Coastal Plain subregion to 0·64 in the Blue Ridge Province. Watershed elevation and relief are the principal determinants governing the conversion of rainfall to runoff. Temporal rainfall variation throughout the south-eastern USA ranges from ∼40% above and below normal while the variation for runoff is higher, from − 75% to + 100%. In any given year there can exist a ± 25–50% error in predicted runoff deviation using the annual rainfall–runoff regression. Fast Fourier Transform and autoregressive spectral analysis revealed dominant cyclicities for rainfall and runoff between 14 and 17 years. Secondary periodicities were typically between 6–7 and 10–12 years. The inferred cyclicity may be related to ENSO and/or Central North Pacific atmospheric phenomena. Mann–Kendall analyses indicate that there were no consistent statistically significant temporal trends with respect to south-eastern US rainfall and runoff during the study period. The results of U-tests similarly indicated that rainfall between 1996 and 2005 was not statistically higher or lower than during earlier in the study period. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Appearance of tubulovesicular structures in experimental Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and scrapie preceeds the onset of clinical disease.

We have consistently observed tubulovesicular structures in brain tissues during the terminal stages of naturally occurring and experimentally induced spongiform encephalopathies, irrespective of the host species and virus strain. In NIH Swiss mice inoculated intracerebrally or intraocularly with the Fujisaki strain of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) virus, tubulovesicular structures, measuring 20–50 nm in diameter, were particularly prominent in dilated, pre-and postsynaptic neuronal processes, occasionally being mixed with synaptic vesicles. These structures appeared 13 weeks following intracerebral inoculation, 5 weeks before the onset of clinical signs, when spongiform changes were also detected. The number and density of tubulovesicular structures increased steadily during the course of clinical disease, and were particularly abundant in mice 47 to 51 weeks after intraocular inoculation. In hamsters infected with the 263 K strain of scrapie virus, these structures were initially detected 3 weeks following intracerebral inoculation and increased dramatically at 10 weeks postinoculation. The appearance of tubulovesicular structures before the onset of overt disease in mice inoculated with CJD virus by either the intracerebral or intraocular route, and before the appearance of other neuropathological changes in hamsters infected with scrapie virus, indicate that they represent either a part or aggregate of the infectious virus or a pathological product of the infection.
Movement of brick panel cladding

Movements of masonry brick panels, determined from dimensional changes measured at the joints, have been measured in three directions: horizontal and vertical in the plane of the wall and perpendicular to it. They were analysed as a function of temperature change and as a function of time.
The Foreign Student as a Student Teacher.

Cultural differences appeared to establish a communications barrier between this teacher and her student teacher. Perhaps Mrs. Bloom's experiences will be helpful to other supervisors who work with foreign student teachers.
Laboratory study of NO2 reaction with dispersed and bulk liquid water

Abstract We have studied the reaction 2NO 2 (g)+H 2 O(1)→2H + +NO 3 − +NO 2 − with dispersed and bulk liquid water. The experiments were performed with a laboratory cloud chamber at conditions corresponding to the phase-mixed reaction regime, when the apparent reaction order with respect to NO 2 should reflect the aqueous-phase reaction order. Parallel measurements with water bubblers were performed under conditions favoring the mass transport controlled regime. Our results show that the reaction is first order with respect to gaseous NO 2 for both reaction regimes. These results differ from results obtained by other workers from experiments with a bulk water system (Lee and Schwartz, 1981a,b, J. phys. Chem. 85 , 840–848, J. geophys. Res. 86 , 11,971–11,983), which showed reaction orders of 2 and 1, respectively, for the two regimes. Our results also demonstrate that NO 2 reaction with acidified cloud droplets should be a source of gaseous HONO. Finally, we present preliminary evidence of a possible synergism between HNO 3 and the uptake and oxidation of NO 2 in cloud droplets.
Salivary Gland Changes in Disease

Ultrastructural alterations occurring in human salivary glands as a result of a variety of diseases are described. Major changes in these organs in cases of cystic fibrosis are probably the result of duct blockage, as indicated by study of chronically inflamed salivary glands. A new disease of salivary glands is reported in which parotid serous granules are distorted by bundles of fine filaments, which may be due to the untoward polymerization of a secretory protein, perhaps proline-rich protein. Finally, a clear-cell adenocarcinoma of palatine gland origin is described in which the nuclei display complex pseudoinclusions and the cytoplasm contains numerous herpes-type viruses.
Generalization of coping skills in a group of retarded students.

This study invesrigated the generalization of behaviors and skills required for adaptation to both school and home enviro~lents and shown by a group of mild-moderatesevere mentally retarded students. It is a perennial problem wherher behavioral gains made in an original treatment environment will be generalized to other social settings. The assumption was made that generalization is a function of the presence or absence of reinforcement or punishment contingencies in extra-classroom settings ( 1 ) . Students learn to discriminate between reinforcing and nonreinforcing environments. To ascertain a measure of generalization of adaprive behavioral skills between home and school, The Coping Inventory (2) was used. This is an observational instrument designed for use by teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents. The 48 items in the inventory are scored on a continuum from maladaptive ( 1) to adaptive (5). Behavior viewed as appropriate to the environment, as enhancing self-care, is considered adaptive coping behavior. Items are distributed among six factors, with respective interobserver reliability and split-half reliability coefficients ranging from .84 to .95 and .96 to 99. The subjects were 13 mild-moderate-severe mentally retarded students whose ages ranged from 11 to 20 yr. (M of 16 yr.). Each student was involved in vocational, community, domestic, and recreational/leisure skill training at a self-concained special school. The analysis of the data was by paired t-test comparisons of ratings by individual teachers and parent/guardians on each dimension. None of the t ratios reached 2.06, necessary for a significant difference at p .O5. Values for the respective faaon were: Self-productive (t = .82, df = 1, SD = .83, teacher M = 3.5, parent/guardian M = 3.31); Self-active (t ~1.08, df = 1, SD = .87, teacher M = 3.83, parent/guardian M = 3.57); Self-flexible (t = -.07, dj = 1, SD = 1.00, teacher M = 3.18, parent/ guardian M = 3.19); Environment Productive (t = -.46, dj = 1, SD = .81, teacher M = 3.73, prent/guardian M = 3.62) ; Environment Active (t = .75, df = 1, SD = 1.11, teacher M = 3.28, parent/guardian M = 3.52); Environment Flexible (t = .51, df = 1, SD = .71, teacher M = 3.51, parenr/guardian M = 3.40). The consistent ratings between 3 and 4 by teachers and parent/guardians indicate a relatively high effectiveness in coping skills for the group in different settings. It is recommended other special education programs include regular comparison of perceptions of teachers and parenc/guardians as a means of estimating accountabiliry of the programs.
Prediction of Spur Gear Mechanical Power Losses Using a Transient Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Model

A model to predict load-dependent (mechanical) power losses of spur gear pairs is proposed based on an elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model. The EHL model includes gear-specific time variations of all key contact parameters such as the rolling and sliding velocities, radii of curvature, and normal load such that a single continuous analysis of a tooth contact from its root to tip can be performed under any lubrication condition ranging from full-film to mixed EHL or boundary lubrication conditions. Predicted transient pressure and film thickness distributions are used to determine the instantaneous rolling and sliding shear within the lubricant, from which the gear mesh mechanical power losses are determined. Correction factors are introduced for the power losses to account for the thermal effects. The accuracy of the proposed model is assessed through comparisons to published spur gear efficiency experiments. The contribution of the rolling action to the total power loss is quantified to show that ...
Third Generation of AHSS: Microstructure Design Concepts

In recent years there has been an increased emphasis on the development of new advanced high strength sheet steels (AHSS), particularly for automotive applications. Descriptive terminology has evolved to describe the “First Generation” of AHSS, i.e. steels that possess primarily ferrite-based microstructures, and the “Second Generation” of AHSS, i.e. austenitic steels with high manganese contents which include steels that are closely related to austenitic stainless steels. First generation AHSS have been referred to by a variety of names including dual phase (DP), transformation induced plasticity (TRIP), complex-phase (CP), and martensitic (MART). Second generation austenitic AHSS include twinninginduced plasticity (TWIP) steels, Al-added lightweight steels with induced plasticity (L-IP®), and shear band strengthened steels (SIP steels). Recently there has been increased interest in the development of the “Third Generation” of AHSS, i.e. steels with strength-ductility combinations significantly better than exhibited by the first generation AHSS but at a cost significantly less than required for second generation AHSS. Approaches to the development of third generation AHSS will require unique alloy/microstructure combinations to achieve the desired properties. Results from a recent composite modeling analysis have shown that the third generation of AHSS will include materials with complex microstructures consisting of a high strength phase (e.g. ultra-fine grained ferrite, martensite, or bainite) and significant amounts of a constituent with substantial ductility and work hardening (e.g. austenite). In this paper, design methodologies based on considerations of fundamental strengthening mechanisms are presented and evaluated to assess the potential for developing new materials. Several processing routes will be assessed, including the recently identified Quenching & Partitioning (Q&P) process developed in the authors’ own laboratory.
The 6 GeV TMD Program at Jefferson Lab

The study of the transverse momentum dependent parton distributions (TMDs) of the nucleon in semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering (SIDIS) has emerged as one of the major physics motivations driving the experimental program using the upgraded 11 GeV electron beam at Jefferson Lab’s Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF). The accelerator construction phase of the CEBAF upgrade is essentially complete and commissioning of the accelerator has begun as of April, 2014. As the new era of CEBAF operations begins, it is appropriate to review the body of published and forthcoming results on TMDs from the 6 GeV era of CEBAF operations, discuss what has been learned, and discuss the key challenges and opportunities for the 11 GeV SIDIS program of CEBAF.
Production of a Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccine Containing Inactivated Autologous Virus for Therapy of Patients with Chronic Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection

In preparation for a pilot clinical trial in patients with chronic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, a novel dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccine is being manufactured. The trial will test the hypothesis that isolated endogenous virus presented by DCs serves as a potent immunogen for activation of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells specific for a broad range of autologous HIV-1 antigens. Production of the vaccine under good manufacture practice conditions involves (i) autologous virus isolation; (ii) superinfection of CD4+ T cells with the virus; (iii) inactivation of the virus in CD4+ T cells, T-cell apoptosis, and coincubation of T cells with autologous DCs; and (iv) product testing and release. Endogenous virus was isolated from peripheral blood-derived CD4+ T cells of three HIV-1-positive subjects by coincubation with autologous OKT-3-stimulated CD4+ T cells. CD4+ T-cell supernatants were tested for p24 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (>25 ng/ml) and for the 50% tissue culture infective doses (TCID50; which ranged from 4,642 to 46,416/ml on day 19 of culture). Autologous CD4+ T cells that were separated on immunobeads (>95% purity) and superinfected with virus-expressed p24 (28 to 54%) had TCID50 of >400/ml on days 5 to 10. Virus inactivation with psoralen (20 μg/ml) and UVB irradiation (312 nm) reduced the TCID50 of the supernatants from 199,986 to 11/ml (>99%). 7-Amino-actinomycin D-positive, annexin V-positive CD4+ T cells were fed to autologous DCs generated by using the Elutra cell separation system and the Aastrom system. Flow analysis showed that DC loading was complete in 24 h. On the basis of these translational results and experience with the generation of DCs from HIV-1-infected patients in a previous clinical trial, the Investigational New Drug application for clinical vaccination was submitted and approved by the FDA (application no. BB-IND-13137).
Functional magnetic resonance imaging study of word recognition in normal elders.

Four healthy, cognitively intact elders participated. Subjects underwent fMRI scanning while performing a word recognition task with an easy condition (low demand) and a difficult condition titrated to each subject's ability (titrated demand). Relative to low, titrated demand was associated with increased activation of the left medial frontal (cluster level P<.002), right superior temporal (P<.007) and right superior parietal cortices (P<.001). Increased activation of bilateral cortical areas by elders during the more challenging titrated demand compared with low demand may indicate recruitment of additional brain regions, enabling subjects to maintain performance despite increasing difficulty. Alternatively, the bilateral activation on this word recognition task may reflect compensatory use of right hemisphere networks.
Molecular Scale Drug Entrapment as a Precise Method of Controlled Drug Release III: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies of Drug Release

Abstract Controlled‐release drug‐entrapped systems of phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine have been prepared by the facilitated molecular scale drug‐entrapment method previously described. Variables influencing the entrapment process, such as flocculation pH and rate of agitation, have been investigated. These variables are readily controllable. The influence of various polymers and carboxylic acid anions on the entrapment and release of the drugs was examined. Tests applied to the products so obtained indicate that they are well suited for pharmaceutical use. An in vivo . study verified the sustained‐release properties of a molecular scale entrapped phenylpropanolamine.
Estimating sub-pixel shifts directly from the phase difference

In this paper, we establish the exact relationship between the continuous and the discrete phase-difference of two shifted images, and show that their discrete phase difference is a 2-dimensional sawtooth signal. As a result, the exact shifts between two images can be determined to sub-pixel accuracy by counting the number of cycles of the phase difference matrix along each frequency axis. The sub-pixel portion is represented by a fraction of a cycle corresponding to the non-integer part of the shift. The problem is formulated as an over-determined system of equations, and is solved by imposing a regularity constraint, using the method of generalized cross validation (GCV).
Progressive Deformation of Deep Brain Nuclei and Hippocampal-Amygdala Formation in Schizophrenia

Background Progressive decreases in cortical gray matter volume have been reported in schizophrenia. However, studies of progressive change in deep brain nuclei and hippocampal-amygdala formation have not yielded consistent findings. Methods Two high-resolution, T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were collected 2 years apart in 56 schizophrenia and 62 control subjects. Large-deformation high-dimensional brain mapping was used to generate surfaces for deep brain nuclei and hippocampal-amygdala formation at baseline and follow-up. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to test for longitudinal changes in volume and shape. Results The pattern of progressive changes in the deep brain nuclei and hippocampal-amygdala formation in schizophrenia and control subjects was variable. Of the structures that receive direct projections from the cortex, the thalamus, caudate nucleus, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus showed changes specific to subjects with schizophrenia, and changes in the amygdala and putamen were similar in both groups. Although different at baseline, no progressive change was observed in the globus pallidus, which does not receive direct projections from the cortex. Conclusions These findings suggest that the disease process of schizophrenia is associated with progressive effects on brain structure and that brain structures that receive direct, excitatory connections from the cortex may be more likely to show progressive changes, compared with brain structures that receive indirect, inhibitory connections from the cortex. These findings are also somewhat consistent with the hypothesis that overactivity of excitatory pathways in the brain may contribute to the neural degeneration that occurs in at least a subgroup of individuals with schizophrenia.
Transcriptional regulation of the fad regulon genes of Escherichia coli by ArcA.

ArcA is a global transcription factor required for optimal growth of Escherichia coli during anaerobic growth. In this study, the role of ArcA on the transcriptional regulatory subnetwork of the fad regulon was investigated. Gene expression profiles of deletion mutants (ΔarcA, ΔfadR and ΔarcA/ΔfadR) indicated that (i) ArcA is a major transcription factor for the transcriptional regulation of fatty acid metabolism in the absence of oxygen, and (ii) ArcA and FadR cooperatively regulate the fad regulon under anaerobic conditions. To determine the direct interaction between ArcA and the promoters of the fad regulon genes, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis was performed. ChIP analysis suggested that ArcA directly binds to the promoter regions of the fad regulon genes in vivo. An ArcA-binding motif was identified from known binding sequences and predicted putative binding sites in the promoter regions of the fad regulon genes. These results indicate that ArcA directly represses the expression of fad regulon genes during anaerobic growth.
Telepresent intubation supervision is as effective as in-person supervision of procedurally naive operators.

Abstract Background: Telepresence is emerging in clinical and educational settings as a potential modality to provide expert guidance during remote airway management. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of telepresent versus in-person supervision of tracheal intubation. Materials and Methods: A randomized, crossover study was performed in a university medical simulation center with 48 first- and second-year medical students with no formal procedural training in tracheal intubation. Each participant was assigned to receive each of four study arms in random sequence: (1) direct laryngoscopy (DL) with in-person supervision, (2) DL with telepresent supervision, (3) videolaryngoscopy (VL) with in-person supervision, and (4) VL with telepresent supervision. Telepresence was established with a smartphone (Apple [Cupertino, CA] iPhone®) via FaceTime® connection. The primary outcome measure was the time to successful intubation. Secondary outcome measures included first pass success rate and the number o...
Tsetse – A Haven for Microorganisms

Arthropods are involved in the transmission of parasitic and viral agents that cause devastating diseases in animals and plants. Effective control strategies for many of these diseases still rely on the elimination or reduction of vector insect populations. In addition to these pathogenic organisms, arthropods are rich in microbes that are symbiotic in their associations and are often necessary for the fecundity and viability of their hosts. Because the viability of the host often depends on these obligate symbionts, and because these organisms often live in close proximity to disease-causing pathogens, they have been of interest to applied biologists as a potential means to genetically manipulate populations of pest species. As knowledge on these symbiotic associations accumulates from distantly related insect taxa, conserved mechanisms for their transmission and evolutionary histories are beginning to emerge. Here, Serap Aksoy summarizes current knowledge on the functional and evolutionary biology of the multiple symbionts harbored in the medically and agriculturally important insect group, tsetse, and their potential role in the control of trypanosomiasis.
Reading Revisited: Evaluating the Usability of Digital Display Surfaces for Active Reading Tasks

A number of studies have shown that paper holds several advantages over computers for reading tasks. However, these studies were carried out several years ago, and since that time computerized reading technology has advanced in many areas. We revisit the issue of reading in the workplace, comparing paper use to state-of-the-art hardware and software. In particular, we studied how knowledge workers perform reading tasks in four conditions: (1) using paper, (2) using a dual-monitor desktop system, (3) using a pen- enabled horizontal display surface, and (4) using multiple tablet computers. We discuss our findings, noting the strengths and shortcomings of each configuration. Based on these findings, we propose design guidelines for hybrid horizontal + vertical systems that support active reading tasks.
The Civilian Infrastructure of the Palestine Liberation Organization: An Analysis of the PLO in Lebanon Until June 1982

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is the institutional expression of Palestinian nationalism. It is the organizational framework that integrates all major Palestinian cultural, social, educational, political, economic and military activities. The PLO also provides health, education and welfare services to the Palestinian people. In recent years, the greatest portion of its organizational infrastructure has been in Lebanon. The recent Israeli war in Lebanon was far more than a military campaign against the Palestinians. It was a systematic attempt to destroy the entire civilian institutional infrastructure of the PLO, including its hospitals, clinics, factories, cultural bureaus, art galleries, orphanages, schools, and research center. Indeed, it was an attempt to destroy the Palestinians' ability to organize themselves in a nationalist movement to seek their legitimate rights. It was an attempt to obliterate the Palestinian nationalist
Integrating expert systems with group decision support systems

Expert systems are powerful tools that serve as adjuncts to decision making and have found wide applicability in a wide variety of areas. Integrating expert systems with group decision support systems has the potential to enhance the quality and effeciency of group communication, negotiation, and collaborative work. This paper examines possible synergies between the two technologies and provides a survey of current partially-integrated systems. Finally, a prototype design of a highly-integrated system is described with directions for further research.
Usefulness of Inter-IS1 Spacer Polymorphisms for Subtyping of Shigella sonnei Isolates

Shigella sonnei contains numerous IS1 elements. The existence of polymorphisms in the length of the inter-IS1 spacer is a basis for the development of a PCR-based method for the subtyping of S. sonnei strains. The usefulness of inter-IS1 spacer typing (IST) was evaluated and compared with that of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) by characterization of S. sonnei isolates from epidemiologically nonrelated cases and outbreaks and of isolates that were indistinguishable by PFGE and that were collected from independent infection events. IST was less discriminatory than PFGE, with discriminatory indices of 0.96 and 0.63, respectively, but was able to compensate for the drawbacks of PFGE. PFGE exhibited a high level of discriminatory power for S. sonnei isolates; however, PFGE was also, at times, too discriminatory, which was a disadvantage in constructing the clonal relationships among strains circulating over a period of months or years. Furthermore, IST provided greater subtyping information for isolates indistinguishable by PFGE. The present study indicates that IST is more useful than PFGE for investigating the genetic relationships among S. sonnei strains circulating over a longer time span and also for discriminating certain strains which are indistinguishable by PFGE.
Large-scale nonlinear optimization in circuit tuning

Circuit tuning is an important task in the design of custom digital integrated circuits such as high-performance microprocessors. The goal is to improve certain aspects of the circuit, such as speed, area, or power, by optimally choosing the widths of the transistors. This task can be formulated as a large-scale nonlinear, nonconvex optimization problem, where function values and derivatives are obtained by simulation of individual gates. This application offers an excellent example of a nonlinear optimization problem, for which it is very desirable to increase the size of the problems that can be solved in a reasonable amount of time. In this paper we describe the mathematical formulation of this problem and the implementation of a circuit tuning tool. We demonstrate how the integration of a novel state-of-the-art interior point algorithm for nonlinear programming led to considerable improvement in efficiency and robustness. Particularly, as will be demonstrated with numerical results, the new approach has great potential for parallel and distributed computing.
Comments on Bulterman-Bos: Education Research as a Distributed Activity Across Universities

In response to Bulterman-Bos (2008), this article discusses three kinds of research needed in education: problem-finding research, which helps frame good research questions; problem-solving research, which helps illuminate educational problems; and translational work, which transforms the findings of research into tools that practitioners and policy makers need. Clinical research is most important as a form of problem-finding study. Although it is best carried on in “ed schools,” other kinds of education research are best done in other faculties. For this reason, education research should be a distributed activity, encouraged across all the faculties of research universities.
The Pairing Effect in Nuclei and Isomerism

Previous workers have shown from an analysis of the energetics of alpha and beta decay that the pairing energy of protons is greater than that of neutrons. It is here postulated that this effect is responsible for the absence of odd-proton isomers for $50lZl82$.
Comparison of anal cancer outcomes in public and private hospital patients treated at a single radiation oncology center.

Objective: To compare clinical and treatment characteristics and outcomes in locally advanced anal cancer, a potentially curable disease, in patients referred from a public or private hospital. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 112 anal cancer patients from a public and a private hospital who received definitive chemoradiotherapy at the same cancer center between 2004 and 2013. Tumor stage, radiotherapy delay, radiotherapy duration, and unplanned treatment breaks ≥10 days were compared using t-test and χ2 test. Overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS), and colostomy free survival (CFS) were examined using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard models for OS and DFS were developed. Results: The follow-up was 14.9 months (range, 0.7-94.8 months). Public hospital patients presented with significantly higher clinical T stage (P Conclusions: Public hospital patients presented at later stage and experienced more delays in initiating and completing radiotherapy, which may contribute to the trend in poorer DFS and OS. These findings emphasize the need for identifying clinical and treatment factors that contribute to decreased survival in low socioeconomic status (SES) populations.
Three new species of the alpheid shrimp genus Salmoneus Holthuis, 1955 (Crustacea, Decapoda) from the tropical western Pacific

Three new species of the alpheid shrimp genus Salmoneus Holthuis, 1955 are described from shallow waters of Guam (Mariana Islands), Moorea (Society Islands, French Polynesia), and Panglao (Bohol, the Philippines). The description of Salmoneus paulayi n. sp. is based on three specimens collected on reef flats in the vicinity of Guam’s Apra Harbor, Talofofo, and Mangilao. Salmoneus komaii n. sp. is described on the basis of a single specimen collected at Barracuda Rock, one of Guam’s popular diving sites. Finally, Salmoneus poupini n. sp. is described based on eight type specimens from several sites in the Moorea lagoon and one additional specimen from Panglao. The three new species appear to be closely related to each other, sharing several features on the minor and major chelipeds, the most obvious being the presence of widely spaced teeth on the finger cutting edges of the major chela. In addition, S. paulayi n. sp. is characterised by the presence of rounded, finely striated convexities intercalated between the teeth on the fingers of the major chela; these convexities are present, but much less developed in S. komaii n. sp. and S. poupini n. sp. The closest relative of these three new species appears to be S. sketi Fransen, 1991 from the eastern Atlantic, the only other species of the genus with widely spaced teeth (instead of serrations) on the cutting edges of the major chela.
Autotuning and Specialization: Speeding up Matrix Multiply for Small Matrices with Compiler Technology

Autotuning technology has emerged recently as a systematic process for evaluating alternative implementations of a computation to select the best-performing solution for a particular architecture. Specialization optimizes code customized to a particular class of input data. This paper presents a compiler optimization approach that combines novel autotuning compiler technology with specialization for expected data set sizes of key computations, focused on matrix multiplication of small matrices. We describe compiler techniques developed for this approach, including the interface to a polyhedral transformation system for generating specialized code and the heuristics used to prune the enormous search space of alternative implementations. We demonstrate significantly better performance than directly using libraries such as GOTO, ATLAS, and ACML BLAS that are not specifically optimized for the problem sizes on hand. In a case study of Nek5000, a spectral-element-based code that extensively uses the specialized matrix multiply, we demonstrate a performance improvement of 36% for the full application.
Effects of spreading depression on stress-induced changes in plasma prolactin and LH.

SummaryFemale rats rendered “pseudo-pregnant” by treatment with PMS and hCG and ovariectomized rats injected with estradiol and progesterone (OVX-E2-P) were subjected to cortical spreading depression (SD). Within 7-10 min under ether anesthesia in a stereotaxic instrument a frontal craniotomy was performed and a cotton ball saturated with physiological saline (control) or 25% KC1 was applied to the exposed dura, covered with dental cement and skin sutured. The animals were then placed in separate containers in an isolated room and decapitated for collection of trunk blood at 0, 15, 30, or 60 min after surgery. In PMS-hCG saline-treated control animals, prolactin levels had dropped by 15 and 30 min when compared with the zero-time values but by 60 min had increased significantly above the 30-min level. At that time (60 min), prolactin values in the KC1 group were significantly lower than in the controls. Corticosterone levels were high at both 15 and 60 min in control and KC1 groups. In OVX-E2-P control an...
The Little Sycamore Site and the Early Milling Stone Cultures of Southern California

The Presence in the southern California coastal region of prehistoric cultures showing considerable use of milling stones has been recognized for some years. Attention was called to this fact by the publication in 1929 of David Banks Rogers’ Prehistoric Man of the Santa Barbara Coast. Rogers distinguished a sequence of three aboriginal cultures in the Santa Barbara area, the earliest of which (Oak Grove) was characterized by the employment of this form of grinding implement almost to the exclusion of other artifacts. In the same year Malcolm J. Rogers noted a somewhat analogous complex (now La Jolla) in western San Diego County (M. J. Rogers 1929: 456-7). Occurrences of similar assemblages have been reported upon since (Treganza and Malamud 1950; Walker 1952). An investigation conducted at the Little Sycamore site (Ven 1) in Ventura County by a class in archaeological field methods from the University of Southern California uncovered evidence of yet another milling stone complex.
Semi-Empirical Model for Boron Diffusion During Rapid Thermal Annealing of BF2 Implanted Silicon

The mechanism of the enhanced diffusion of boron during rapid thermal annealing (RTA) of BF2-implanted Si has been investigated, and a diffusion model is accordingly developed for a wide range of implant and annealing conditions. Simulation results are in excellent agreement with experiments for BF2 implant doses from 2×1013 to 5×1015 cm−2, implant energies from 6 to 45 keV, and annealing temperatures from 950 to 1100°C. This model not only accounts for the transient enhanced diffusion due to the annealing of point-defect clusters and dislocation loops, but also for the retarded diffusion due to dopant precipitation. All the parameters used in this model are analytically determined.
Direct Numerical Simulation of the Effects of Upstream Turbulence on Flow over Aircraft Engine Turbine Blades

Two-dimensional numerical simulations of the flow over an aircraft turbine blade are reported, with a focus on the effects of Reynolds number and upstream turbulence. The numerical procedure is based on finite differences using structured grids in a generalized curvilinear coordinate system. Results from companion experiments carried out at the Texas A & M University have been used to validate the numerical calculations. The results show that upstream turbulence precipitates early transition and inhibits separation at the lower Reynolds numbers. It also enhances heat transfer, even at the low Reynolds numbers where transition has not occurred.
Improving Displacement Signal-to-Noise Ratio for Low-Signal Radiation Force Elasticity Imaging Using Bayesian Techniques.

Radiation force-based elasticity imaging is currently being investigated as a possible diagnostic modality for a number of clinical tasks, including liver fibrosis staging and the characterization of cardiovascular tissue. In this study, we evaluate the relationship between peak displacement magnitude and image quality and propose using a Bayesian estimator to overcome the challenge of obtaining viable data in low displacement signal environments. Displacement data quality were quantified for two common radiation force-based applications, acoustic radiation force impulse imaging, which measures the displacement within the region of excitation, and shear wave elasticity imaging, which measures displacements outside the region of excitation. Performance as a function of peak displacement magnitude for acoustic radiation force impulse imaging was assessed in simulations and lesion phantoms by quantifying signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio for varying peak displacement magnitudes. Overall performance for shear wave elasticity imaging was assessed in ex vivo chicken breast samples by measuring the displacement SNR as a function of distance from the excitation source. The results show that for any given displacement magnitude level, the Bayesian estimator can increase the SNR by approximately 9 dB over normalized cross-correlation and the contrast-to-noise ratio by a factor of two. We conclude from the results that a Bayesian estimator may be useful for increasing data quality in SNR-limited imaging environments.
Highyield seed production techniques for the indica type hybrid late rice combination Meiyou1025

Meiyou1025,a photosensitive and good grain quality indica late rice combination was bred through a crossbreeding between sterile line Mei A and restores line1025,and it has high yield,good grain quanlity and other good characters.Meiyou1025 was certified and registered by Guangxi Committer for Crop Variety Registration in December 2001.Arranging proper seed production season,selecting reasonable staggering sowing of parental lines seeding date,breeding high-yield population and taking chemical regulation and so on,could effectively increase the yield of seed production.