cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Control over Semiconductor Surface Electronic Properties: Dicarboxylic Acids on CdTe, CdSe, GaAs, and InP

We present “design rules” for the selection of molecules to achieve electronic control over semiconductor surfaces, using a simple molecular orbital model. The performance of most electronic devices depends critically on their surface electronic properties, i.e., surface band-bending and surface recombination velocity. For semiconductors, these properties depend on the density and energy distribution of surface states. The model is based on a surface state-molecule, HOMO-LUMO-like interaction between molecule and semiconductor. We test it by using a combination of contact potential difference, surface photovoltage spectroscopy, and time- and intensity-resolved photoluminescence measurements. With these, we characterize the interaction of two types of bifunctional dicarboxylic acids, the frontier orbital energy levels of which can be changed systematically, with air-exposed CdTe, CdSe, InP, and GaAs surfaces. The molecules are chemisorbed as monolayers onto the semiconductors. This model explains the widel...
O(log log n)-competitive dynamic binary search trees

The Dynamic Optimality Conjecture [ST85] states that splay trees are competitive (within a constant competitive factor) among the class of all binary search tree (BST) algorithms. Despite 20 years of research this conjecture is still unresolved. Recently, Demaine et al. [DHIP04] suggested searching for alternative algorithms which have small but non-constant competitive factors. They proposed Tango, a BST algorithm which is nearly dynamically optimal - its competitive ratio is O(log log n) instead of a constant. Unfortunately, for many access patterns, such as random and sequential, Tango is worse than other BST algorithms by a factor of log log n.In this paper, we introduce the multi-splay tree (MST) data structure, which is the first O(log log n)-competitive BST to simultaneously achieve O(log n) amortized cost and O(log2n) worst-case cost per query. We also prove the sequential access lemma for MSTs, which states that sequentially accessing all keys takes linear time. Thus, MSTs are O(log log n)-competitive like Tango but, unlike Tango, require only O(log n) amortized time per access in an arbitrary sequence and only O(1) amortized time per access during a sequential access sequence.Furthermore, we generalize the standard framework for competitive analysis of BST algorithms to include updates (insertions and deletions) in addition to queries. In doing so, we extend the lower bound of Wilber [Wil89] and Demaine et al. [DHIP04] to handle these update operations. We show how MSTs can be modified to support these update operations and be O(log log n)-competitive in the new framework while maintaining the rest of the properties above.
The Cost of Abating Sulfur, Nitrogen, and Ozone Air Pollutants

Economists have a unique ability to get adversaries to stop attacking each other and turn their attention to the real problem: the economist. This is only appropriate since what economists enjoy most is attacking other economists. As shown by a recent conference on the economics of acid rain (Mandelbaum), economists continue to have this unique ability to unite lion and lamb against economists (Stauffer, Dunbar, Parker). The economic estimates of benefits drew fire from all sides. Even the estimated costs of abatement made almost everyone unhappy because the economists claimed that important elements had been omitted, while environmentalists and consumers deplored the focus on efficiency because equity got short shrift. Anyone who accepts a dollar estimate of either benefits or costs of air pollution abatement is a fool. These dollar estimates are inherently arbitrary, and economists can be expected to attack each estimate since so much is at stake. The assumptions made in the analysis and current uncertainties give these estimates value only when seen in the context of the assumptions. It is these uncertainties that I stress before quoting current dollar estimates. More important, this approach allows me to discuss the nature of the controversies.
3D Elastomeric Scaffolds Fabricated by Casting in Micro End Milled Moulds

It is known that conventional scaffold manufacturing techniques have low reproducibility and control of the micro-architecture features. Although there have been advances in bone tissue engineering fabrication, there is no consensus on the optimized parameter designs or clear understanding of the microfluidic interactions required for tissue regeneration. In this work, we introduce a new inexpensive fabrication method of producing pore designs of 3D-elastomeric structures with high controlled geometry of orthogonal arrays. The present fabrication method utilizes a permanent and reusable micro-machined mould along with a micro-casted process to efficiently fabricate diverse 3D feature directly. This fabrication method, without multiple process steps, would be suitable to support experiments of controlled environment for flow effects in 3D bone scaffolds.
Elements of Physical Hydrology

The problem with writing an introductory textbook with broad appeal in the field of hydrology is that the essential subject has been harvested by so many disciplines that a textbook written for one audience gets little traction in another. For example, engineering hydrology textbooks traditionally emphasize methods and techniques that satisfy the requirements of engineering design. With more or less emphasis, the text usually includes a survey of the mathematics, solutions, empirical prescriptions, and “tools,” while context and meaning of the equations receive a good deal less emphasis. On the other hand, textbooks written from the perspective of environmental science provide a strong dose of concept by dealing with processes in an expository fashion. However, there is a tendency toward dialogue rather than diagnosis and the learner may not get a good sense of the analysis required for solving problems.
Timetables of cytogenesis in the rat subfornical organ

Abstract Timetables of neurogenesis and ependymal cell production in the rat subfornical organ (SFO) were determined by examining the offspring of pregnant rats injected with [ 3 H]thymidine on E13–E14, E14–E15, … E21–E22, respectively. The proportion of postmitotic cells originating each embryonic day was determined by analyzing, in the adult offspring, the progressive reduction in the proportion of labeled precursors from the maximum amount seen in the E13–E14 group. Neurogenesis was found to occur over an extended period of time, beginning on E12 and continuing through E21. Ependymal cells were generated E15 through E21. Both neuron and ependymal cell production occurred in a triphasic pattern and followed an anterior (older) to posterior (younger) gradient. The anterior to posterior production gradient may be related to the morphological variation which exists along this plane. A production gradient intrinsic to a particular level was found only in the posterior SFO, where peripheral neurons form earlier than core neurons. That neurogenetic gradient may be related to the core-periphery topographical patterns found in other studies, and suggests that the core neurons, since they are among the last to be formed, may be interneurons.
A new method for the determination of aortic pulse wave velocity using cross-correlation on 2D PCMR velocity data.

Purpose To evaluate the reproducibility of a new multisite axial pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement technique that makes use of 2D PCMR data and cross-correlation analysis. Materials and Methods PWV was estimated with MRI in 13 healthy volunteers by a transit-time technique (TT), a multisite technique utilizing 1D PCMR data in the descending aorta (FOOT), and a new multisite axial technique that uses 2D PCMR data over the ascending, transverse, and descending sections of the aorta (2D-XC). Results No significant difference was observed between PWV measurements values measured by the three techniques. However, 2D-XC displayed significantly better intertest reproducibility than either the TT or FOOT methodologies. Average percent difference between scans: TT: 15.8% ± 13.4%, FOOT: 21.3% ± 16.9%, 2D-XC: 7.72% ± 4.73%. P = 0.02 for both 2D-XC/TT comparison and 2D-XC/FOOT comparison. Conclusion 2D-XC is a more reproducible method than either the established TT or FOOT methods to estimate the aortic PWV. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:1382–1387. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Barriers and facilitators to adherence to screening colonoscopy among African-Americans: a mixed-methods analysis.

This mixed-methods study reports barriers and facilitators to screening colonoscopy among inner-city African-Americans. A purposive sample of 29 African-Americans ≥50 years old with average risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) was recruited from CRC education programs in an urban setting (June 2011–April 2012). A demographic survey collected quantitative data (e.g., socioeconomic status), and a semi-structured interview assessed qualitative data (e.g., perspectives of colonoscopies). Sample and between-group analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics and content analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. The sample consisted of 17 people who completed a colonoscopy and 12 who had not. Mean age was 68 years; 79 % completed at least high school, and all had health care coverage and had visited a physician within the last year. Physician recommendation was prevalent among both groups (15/17 in completers vs. 8/12 in non-completers) and thus did not fully explain the differences in adherence. The greatest barrier for the non-colonoscopy group was lack of knowledge about the importance of screening while the commonest facilitator for the colonoscopy group was physician recommendation. Improved knowledge about colonoscopies is a significant facilitator to adherence, while physician recommendation was not significantly different between groups. Promotion of screening colonoscopies by both physicians and community programs has the potential to improve adherence rates in the African-American population.
Resiliency-aware scheduling: Resource allocation for hardened computation on configurable devices

The number of configurable systems deployed in hostile environments continues to rise. This, along with decreasing geometries and lower operating voltages leads to an expected increase in transient errors. This paper presents Resiliency-aware Scheduling, a novel approach to resource allocation for hardening computations on configurable systems. Using modular and replicated functional units called hybrid TMR that exploit a computation's Intrinsic Resiliency, our results show that for designs with similar performance, RaS exhibits a 60% area savings over a traditional TMR configuration with the same operation coverage.
The Association of Tourists' Cultural Tendencies and Their Perceived Service Quality of a Chinese Travel Agency

Abstract Several studies in tourism have shown that people from individualist cultures have different perceptions of service quality than those from collectivistic cultures. Triandis (1995) insists that attitudinal and behavioral differences also exist on an individual level within the same culture. He added the horizontal/vertical dimensions to the individualism/collectivism dimensions, thus four cultural tendencies occurs within a society: horizontal individualism/collectivism and vertical individualism/collectivism. This study examined the association between individuals' cultural tendencies and their perceptions of service quality of a Chinese travel agency within the same culture. A total of 346 participants of group tours were surveyed in 2004. Results of the canonical correlation analysis indicated that customers of the Chinese travel agencies were more horizontal than vertical and more collectivistic than individualistic. The horizontal individualistic/ collectivistic tendencies had a positive cor...
Estimation of broadband acoustic power radiated from a turbulent boundary layer-driven reinforced finite plate section due to rib and boundary forces.

Previous papers considered an infinite fluid-loaded plate with parallel line attachments, driven by a wave-number-white pressure excitation invariant in the direction of an attachment, and established the conditions and procedure for estimating the broadband radiated power by assuming the ribs to radiate independently. This paper applies those results to a finite rectangular ribbed plate, and extends the methodology to include the contribution of the plate’s boundary support forces to the radiation and the consideration of excitation that varies in the direction parallel to the ribs. The approach is relevant to problems of sound radiation by underwater stiffened steel plates driven by turbulent boundary layer (TBL) pressures, and is also applicable to stiffened circular cylindrical shells when the response is dominated by bending. Comparisons of sample calculations with results of rigorous models validate the approximation.
In vitro alterations in cytoskeletal tensional homeostasis control gene expression in tendon cells

An in vitro collagen gel system was used to determine the effect of alterations in cytoskeletal tensional homeostasis on gene expression in tendon cells. Collagen gel matrices, seeded with rat tail tendon cells, underwent cytochalasin D and gel contraction treatments designed to alter the internal cytoskeletal homeostasis of the cells. Gels were examined for cytoskeletal organization using a rhodamine phalloidin stain for actin. The effect of altered cytoskeletal organization on mRNA expression of a catabolic (interstitial collagenase) and anabolic (α1(I) collagen) gene was examined using northern blot analysis. Tendon cells in adhered gels demonstrated a highly organized cytoskeleton and showed evidence of α1(I) collagen mRNA expression but no evidence of collagenase mRNA expression. Treatment of the attached gel with cytochalasin D disrupted the cytoskeletal organization and resulted in the up-regulation of collagenase mRNA and the inhibition of α1(I) collagen mRNA expression. Release of the gels resulted in a cell mediated gel contraction, an immediate loss of cytoskeletal organization, and an mRNA expression pattern similar to that seen with cytochalasin D treatment. Isometric contraction of the gel on itself or around a 3-point traction device resulted in an mRNA expression pattern similar to the adhered gel. Gene expression in the contracted gels could be reversed through chemical cytoskeletal disruption or removal of the traction device which permitted further gel contraction. The results of the study suggest that tendon cells can establish an internal cytoskeletal tension through interactions with their local extracellular environment. Alterations in this tension appear to control the expression of both catabolic and anabolic genes in a reciprocal manner.
Sherpas, Tourism, and Cultural Change in Nepal's Mount Everest Region

During the past 40 years the Mount Everest region has become one of the foremost centers of Himalayan trekking and mountaineering tourism. Tourism has brought new opportunities for the Sherpas who inhabit the area, and many have become affluent through work in the tourist trade and the operation of tourist lodges and other businesses. This economic development has been accompanied by increasing economic differentiation and by a number of changes in local lifestyles as well as by cross-cultural conflicts between tourists and Sherpas. Yet, there has also been considerable cultural continuity. Sherpas are deliberately maintaining many fundamental values, beliefs subsistence practices, and aspects of their lifestyle. Economic differentiation and out-migration, however, pose potential long-term social challenges.
Clinical applications of a dual-energy KCD

We have investigated possible clinical applications of a Kinestatic Charge Detector (KCD) for dual-energy x-ray imaging. The KCD is a good candidate as a detector for dual-energy radiography, because it is a digital detector with a high detective quantum efficiency, good spatial resolution and good scatter rejection. Computer simulations have been performed to design and optimize dual-energy KCDs for specific clinical applications. The clinical applications that have been investigated for dual-energy KCD imaging are chest radiography, mammography and osteoporosis. Experimental data have also been taken with a small research dual-energy KCD.
SU-GG-J-170: Small Animal Conformal Radiation Therapy Device

Purpose: To develop a Small Animal Conformal Radiation Therapy Device (SACTRD) that will provide a degree of geometric/anatomic targeting comparable to what is achievable in current clinical radiotherapy practice to promote translational research in radiationoncology.Method and Materials: The SACRTD will integrate 3D‐conformal radiation therapydelivery with cone beam CT(CBCT)imaging for image‐based treatment planning and guided‐delivery. The main system components are: A Seifert Isovolt Titan 225kV X‐ray tube with focal spot sizes of 0.4 and 3 mm, which is mounted on a custom made “gantry” and has a special collimating assembly that allows field sizes down to 0.5 mm diameter at the 34 cm isocenter. A second main component is a computer‐controlled robotic arm (Adept Viper S650) for animal positioning. The six degrees of freedom (6DOF) robot can be programmed to move with an accuracy ±0.020 mm in XYZ directions. A third main component is a digital X‐ray flat panel detector for CBCT. The X‐ray source, the flat panel imager and the robot will be integrated for radiationdelivery and imaging. A shielded enclosure housing the SACRTD is presented in a companion abstract. The final system will be capable of precise, accurate and quantifiable conformal delivery of radiationdose to selected targets within small animals in single or multiple fractions. Results: The development of SACRTD is in progress and current work is focused on stable gantry design, characterization of the X‐ray beam at various energies and programming of the robotic animal positioning system. Conclusion: The development of the SACRTD in an academic laboratory is a feasible but challenging undertaking, which has been motivated by the need for a R&D tool for biological, functional and molecular studies in radiationoncology using small animals which can effectively mimic current and future clinical systems.
Linear operation of high-power millimeter-wave stacked-FET PAs in CMOS SOI

Stacked-FET PAs have emerged as a promising circuit technique for high-power CMOS PAs at millimeter-wave bands. Common-source (1-stack) and 3-stack PAs are realized in 45-nm CMOS SOI and compared at 45-GHz. The saturated output power increases from 10 dBm to more than 18 dBm respectively for 1- and 3-stack PAs. Compression and EVM/ACP measurements for QAM modulation are presented to discuss the linearization requirements of millimeter-wave stacked-FET PAs.
The mating system of Fomes annosus (Heterobasidion annosum)

Conditions are described which allow reproducible formation of fruiting bodies of Fomes annosus under sterile conditions, suitable for genetic studies. Analysis of the progeny of a fruiting body isolated from woods revealed a bipolar mechanism of genetic control of fruiting body formation as well as “Grenz-haut”-formation.
Incorporating Light and Algal Effects Into CFD for Photobioreactor Design

The objective of this research is to develop models that represent the effects of light and algae and incorporate these effects within a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a photobioreactor (PBR). Several factors, including nutrient availability, carbon dioxide concentration, light intensity, and frequency of high and low light intensity periods, affect the efficiency of biomass yield within a photobioreactor. However, even with a general understanding of the affecting factors, scaling up of photobioreactors from a laboratory to a commercial level exist and provide a challenge concerning efficiency. The development and execution of an integrated light, algae, and CFD model can provide insight into more cost and time efficient configurations of PBRs. In depth CFD studies have been used to predict thermal-fluid effects, including bubble-liquid interaction and temperature profiles; however, studies concerning algae-liquid interactions appear sparsely. In order to better understand up-scaling issues, new modifications of previous CFD methods incorporate an algae particle tracking method, as well as light modeling. The particle tracking method considers the individual algae cell as a volume-less and mass-less particle that follows the liquid velocity profiles within the PBR. The light model takes into account algal concentration as well as bubble location and bubble concentration. The integration of the models allows for the average intensity of light experienced by an algae cell to be numerically estimated, alongside the frequency of light and dark periods the particle experiences. The long term goal of this research is to develop an algae growth model that incorporates light intensity and the flashing light effect. The present research is a continuum of previous work aimed at pursuing the optimum design of a column PBR which is commercially viable and effective at producing algal biofuels and bioproducts.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Vascular biology: Nitric oxide caught in traffic.

Nitric oxide is a vital signalling molecule that controls blood flow and pressure. Unexpectedly, a redox switch in the protein haemoglobin α within endothelial cells regulates this molecule's diffusion in blood vessels. See Letter p.473 This manuscript provides evidence for a new model of the regulation of nitric oxide signalling in myoendothelial gap junctions. The oxidation state of endothelial haemoglobin α, controlled by cytochrome b5 reductase 3, regulates nitric oxide bioavailability and diffusion towards its vascular smooth muscle targets by promoting either the formation of vasodilator S-nitrosothiols or the scavenging of nitric oxide. This endothelial regulation of nitric oxide modulates the effects of agents involved in the control of vascular tone, such as α-adrenergic agonists or substances that evoke endothelium-dependent relaxations.
Rotational multiphoton endoscopy with a 1 μm fiber laser system

We present multiphoton microendoscopy with a rotational probe and a 1 microm fiber-based femtosecond laser. The rotational probe is based on a double-clad photonic crystal fiber, a gradient index lens, a microprism, and a rotational microelectronicmechanical system (MEMS) motor. The MEMS motor has a diameter of 2.2 mm and can provide 360 degrees full-view rotation. The fiber laser provides ultrashort pulses with a central wavelength at 1.034 microm and a repetition rate of 50 MHz. Second-harmonic-generation images of rat-tail tendon and fish scale are demonstrated with the rotational probe-based multiphoton system.
Effects of protein synthesis inhibition on the transcription and transcript stability of Dictyostelium prespore genes.

The in vivo accumulation of several prespore transcripts of Dictyostelium discoideum has previously been shown to depend upon concomitant protein synthesis (Ratner, D.I., Pentz, W.H. and Pelletier, D.A. (1989) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1008, 71-78). Measurements of in vivo mRNA decay and nuclear run-on transcription assays have now been used to learn whether protein synthesis is required primarily for mRNA synthesis or transcript stability. The translational inhibitors cycloheximide and pactamycin stabilized existing prespore transcripts, despite their effect upon mRNA accumulation. Transcriptional assays, performed at intervals throughout the developmental cycle, demonstrated that temporal changes in the abundance of several cell-specific transcripts correlated closely with changes in their rates of synthesis. Finally, blocking protein synthesis strongly inhibited the transcription of the prespore genes examined. These results imply that one or more developmentally regulated, labile proteins are needed for the activation of prespore gene transcription.
Non-orthogonal Gabor representation of biological signals

A new technique for modelling biological signals as a linear combination of non-orthogonal Gabor logons is described. The technique has been applied to two types of signals, event-related potentials (ERPs) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) clicks. Examination of time-frequency representations of these signals revealed that they appear to consist of a small number of localized energy concentrations. Attempts to capture this apparent low dimensionality with the standard orthogonal Gabor expansion and the standard wavelet transform were unsuccessful. However, the non-orthogonal Gabor decomposition method described in this paper provides a compact, accurate signal representation and the parameters provide a good basis for ERP category and TMJ click classification. >
A New Measure to Assess Linguistic Self-Esteem in Adolescent Latino Bilinguals.

Present conceptualizations and measures of self-esteem do not account for linguistic self-esteem, an aspect of the self specifically relevant for bilingual students. This study examines the utility of a newly developed measure of linguistic self-esteem. This novel measure is compared with a commonly used self-esteem measure, two standardized language proficiency measures, and student think-aloud interviews to identify the unique contribution of a linguistic dimension of self-esteem for bilinguals. Findings indicate that this linguistic dimension comprises two distinct components, one for each language, and explains variance not previously explained by dimensions contained in an established self-esteem measure. Linguistic self-esteem was not significantly correlated with language proficiency. This study supports the value of this new tool and the validity of a new construct, linguistic self-esteem.
Moderation of the association between childhood maltreatment and neuroticism by the corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 gene.

Background: Neuroticism is a personality trait reflecting the tendency to experience negative affect. It is a major risk for psychopathology, especially depression and anxiety disorders. Childhood maltreatment is another major risk factor for psychopathology and may influence personality. Maltreatment may interact with genotype to predict developmental outcomes. Variation in three polymorphisms of the CRHR1 gene has been found to moderate the association of childhood maltreatment with depression, and we hypothesized that it would also be linked to neuroticism. Methods: Variation in three CRHR1 SNPs (rs110402, rs242924, rs7209436) was assessed in 339 maltreated and 275 demographically similar nonmaltreated children, who participated in a day camp research program. Maltreated children were further categorized based on the number of types of maltreatment they had experienced and the most severe form of maltreatment experienced. Genotype and maltreatment status were used to predict the Big Five personality traits, as assessed by camp counselors following a week of interaction with children. Results: CRHR1 genotype significantly moderated the association of maltreatment with neuroticism but none of the other traits. Having two copies of the TAT haplotype of CRHR1 was associated with higher levels of neuroticism among maltreated children relative to nonmaltreated children, with the exception of sexually abused children and children who had experienced 3 or 4 types of abuse. Effects sizes of these interactions ranged from η2 = .01 (p = .02) to η2 = .03 (p = .006). Conclusions: Variation in CRHR1 moderates the association of maltreatment with neuroticism. The effects of specific types of maltreatment on neuroticism are differentially moderated by CRHR1 genotype, as are the effects of experiencing more or fewer types of maltreatment.
Low-temperature exsolution in refractory siderophile element-rich opaque assemblages from the Leoville carbonaceous chondrite

The discovery is reported of opaque assemblages in the Leoville carbonaceous chondrite with both clear textural and chemical evidence of a major role for resolution and equilibration at relatively low temperatures in the formation of refractory siderophile element-rich assemblages. The observed phase compositions are used to bracket a previously inferred phase boundary in the Fe-Ni-Ru system. The first meteoritic occurrence of goldmanite is also reported.
Drug Effectiveness Explained: The Mathematics of Antiviral Agents for HIV

Antiretroviral therapy has improved the quality and length of life of millions of individuals affected by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The capacity of these drugs to indefinitely suppress HIV—which has a well-known capacity for escaping antiviral pressures—is surprising. In this issue of Science Translational Medicine, Shen et al. use a combination of mathematical modeling and experiment to examine the potency of anti-HIV drugs. They show that non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors exhibit cooperative dose-response curves—a finding that has implications for the treatment of HIV as well as other viral infections, such as hepatitis C.
Unmyelinated type II afferent neurons report cochlear damage

In the mammalian cochlea, acoustic information is carried to the brain by the predominant (95%) large-diameter, myelinated type I afferents, each of which is postsynaptic to a single inner hair cell. The remaining thin, unmyelinated type II afferents extend hundreds of microns along the cochlear duct to contact many outer hair cells. Despite this extensive arbor, type II afferents are weakly activated by outer hair cell transmitter release and are insensitive to sound. Intriguingly, type II afferents remain intact in damaged regions of the cochlea. Here, we show that type II afferents are activated when outer hair cells are damaged. This response depends on both ionotropic (P2X) and metabotropic (P2Y) purinergic receptors, binding ATP released from nearby supporting cells in response to hair cell damage. Selective activation of P2Y receptors increased type II afferent excitability by the closure of KCNQ-type potassium channels, a potential mechanism for the painful hypersensitivity (that we term “noxacusis” to distinguish from hyperacusis without pain) that can accompany hearing loss. Exposure to the KCNQ channel activator retigabine suppressed the type II fiber’s response to hair cell damage. Type II afferents may be the cochlea’s nociceptors, prompting avoidance of further damage to the irreparable inner ear.
Negotiation among scheduling agents to achieve global production goals

Describes an architecture which is intended to model subsystem interactions in manufacturing such that shop floor contingencies can be appropriately handled by an intelligent scheduling system. The authors' approach emphasizes local goal maintenance through negotiation to achieve global production goals. Further work includes continued development of additional subsystem agents in the manufacturing scheduling system and empirical studies regarding the effect of changing an AGV strategy in midproduction. >
Comparison of results obtained with Amplicor HIV-1 DNA PCR test version 1.5 using 100 versus 500 microliters of whole blood.

The Amplicor HIV-1 DNA PCR assay (Roche Diagnostics, Branchburg, NJ) requires 500 μl of whole blood for a diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, and this amount is often difficult to obtain from infants. A comparison was performed using 100 and 500 μl of whole blood from infants less than 18 months of age. The concordance rate for HIV DNA PCR-negative and -positive samples was 100% for the two different volumes.
Large deformation contact mechanics of a pressurized long rectangular membrane. II. Adhesive contact.

In part I of this work, we presented a theory for adhesionless contact of a pressurized neo-Hookean plane-strain membrane to a rigid substrate. Here, we extend our theory to include adhesion using a fracture mechanics approach. This theory is used to study contact hysteresis commonly observed in experiments. Detailed analysis is carried out to highlight the differences between frictionless and no-slip contact. Membrane detachment is found to be strongly dependent on adhesion: for low adhesion, the membrane ‘pinches-off’, whereas for large adhesions, it detaches unstably at finite contact (‘pull-off’). Expressions are derived for the critical adhesion needed for pinch-off to pull-off transition. Above a threshold adhesion, the membrane exhibits bistability, two stable states at zero applied pressure. The condition for bistability for both frictionless and no-slip boundary conditions is obtained explicitly.
The Lure of Statistics for Educational Researchers

During the course of the 20th century, educational research yielded to the lure of Galileo’s vision of a universe that could be measured in numbers. This was especially true in the United States, where quantification had long enjoyed a prominent place in public policy and professional discourse. But the process of reframing reality in countable terms began eight centuries earlier in Western Europe, where it transformed everything from navigation to painting, then arrived fully formed on the shores of the New World, where it shaped the late-blooming field of scholarship in education. Like converts everywhere, the new American quantifiers in education became more Catholic than the pope, quickly developing a zeal for measurement that outdid the astronomers and mathematicians that preceded them. The consequences for both education and educational research have been deep and devastating.
Series expansions and small solutions for Volterra equations of convolution type

In general, retarded functional differential equations have an infinite dimensional character, in the sense that there exist an infinite number of linear independent characteristic solutions p,(t) e’)‘, where 1, denotes a zero of a transcendental equation and p, a polynomial. In this paper we use Laplace transform methods to study the asymptotic behaviour of the solutions of this type of differential equations. Furthermore, we present necessary conditions such that a solution can be represented as a series of characteristic solutions. With these results we then can study the geometric structure of the strongly continuous semigroup T(f) associated with a retarded functional differential equation. The main result will be a characterization of the closure of the system of generalized eigenfunctions of the infinitesimal generator A of T(t). 0 1990 Academic PM, h. In this paper we study the fine geometric structure of the semigroup of a system of linear autonomous retarded functional differential equations given by
CB1-01: Prevalence of HT in Children: Comparison Between Task Force Recommendations and Average of Multiple Measurements Over 2 or 4 Years

Background/AimsIdentification of persistently elevated blood pressure (BP) in children can be challenging because BP measurements are subject to biological fluctuation and measurement error. The National High Blood Pressure Education Program 4th Working Group (NHBPEP) Guidelines define hypertension (HT) as BP that is =95th percentile for sex, age and height on 3 consecutive clinic measurements on different days. However, HT is a chronic condition, and it is not clear whether a definition incorporating multiple measures over a longer period of time would alter the prevalence compared to the present definition of HT.MethodsSubjects included all children and adolescents, 3 to 17 years old, who received care at a Midwestern medical group and had three or more BP percentile measures taken between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2010. All data were collected from an electronic medical record. We compared the prevalence of HT based on BP = 95th percentile on 3 consecutive visits with the prevalence based on the average of multiple BP percentile measurements over the previous 2 or previous 4 years.ResultsAmong the 22,173 children and adolescents in this cohort, HT prevalence differed according to the length of the measurement period and the classification method used. The NHBPEP definition of HT found 1.2% of children were hypertensive using 2 years of BP measurements, and 2.1% of children using 4 years of measurements. Averaging all measurements, 1.3% of children were classified as hypertensive using 2 years of BP measurements and 0.5% using 4 years of measurements.DiscussionThe 2 methods found similar prevalence of HT over 2 years of observation, but over 4 years, the averaging method resulted in 4 times fewer children with HT. We speculate that the current NHBPEP approach may over-diagnose HT and that longer periods of observation may provide a more valid estimate of BP status.
How Did You Get Here from There? Verbal overshadowing of Spatial Mental Models

University of Pittsburgh, USASUMMARYThis experiment investigated the reactive effects of verbal reports on spatial mental models.Participants studied a map marked with a route and then either verbalized their memory for theroute or engaged in an unrelated verbal activity. Results showed that verbalization hinderedperformance on a measure of conﬁgural knowledge (straight-line distance estimations) but had nooverall inﬂuence on a measure of featural knowledge (route distance estimations). In addition,verbalization differentially interacted with verbal ability on the memory measures. The implicationsfor research on memory for spatial environments and the evidence for the existence of two distinctforms of memory representations (route versus conﬁgural) in spatial mental models are discussed.Copyright # 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender Differences in Emotional Risk for Self- and Other-Directed Violence among Externalizing Adults.

OBJECTIVE Women and men generally differ in how frequently they engage in other-and self-directed physical violence and may show distinct emotional risk factors for engagement in these high-impact behaviors. To inform this area, we investigated gender differences in the relationship of emotional tendencies (i.e., anger, hostility, and anhedonic depression) that may represent risk for other-directed (i.e., physical fighting, attacking others unprovoked) and self-directed violence (i.e., self-injury, suicide attempts).
Data Symmetries and their Use in Acoustic Diffraction Tomography

In this article, we review certain Fourier space symmetries that exist in formulations of ultrasonic diffraction tomography that assume either constant or variable density objects. It is demonstrated that the symmetries can be exploited for the development of novel reconstruction algorithms. Computer-simulation studies are presented to demonstrate the resulting reconstruction algorithms
Coupled fluid flow and deformation modeling of the frontal thrust region of the Kumano Basin transect, Japan: Implications for fluid pressures and decollement downstepping

[1] Results of coupled fluid flow and deformation modeling illustrate the influence of frontal thrust slip on excess pore pressures and decollement downstepping in the Kumano Basin transect, offshore Japan. Although permeable trench sediments and a buried sandstone layer provide potential fluid escape pathways, the numerical modeling suggests that excess pore pressure could build beneath the frontal thrust within hemipelagic clay of the Shikoku Basin facies. Simulated excess pore pressures range between 45% and 77% of the overburden weight 3 km landward of the deformation front, and are very sensitive to the permeability of the Shikoku Basin clay and the coefficient of friction of the fault zone. Excess pore pressures increase as the fault coefficient of friction is increased, suggesting that volume change due to shear within the footwall sediments is an important contributor to excess pore pressures. Raising the coefficient of friction also increases shear within the sediments beneath the fault zone, suggesting downward migration of the decollement zone. This shearing focuses in the weaker Shikoku Basin clays rather than an underlying turbidite unit, suggesting that lithologic differences play an important role in controlling deformation location.
Is Sexual Conflict an “Engine of Speciation”?

At the end of the last century, sexual conflict was identified as a powerful engine of speciation, potentially even more important than ecological selection. Earlier work that followed--experimental, comparative, and mathematical--provided strong initial support for this assertion. However, as the field matures, both the power of sexual conflict and constraints on the evolution of reproductive isolation as driven by sexual conflict are becoming better understood. From theoretical studies, we now know that speciation is only one of several possible evolutionary outcomes of sexual conflict. In line with these predictions, both experimental evolution studies and comparative analyses of fertilization proteins and of species richness show that sexual conflict leads to, or is associated with, reproductive isolation and speciation in some cases but not in others. Increased genetic variation (especially in females) without reproductive isolation is an underappreciated consequence of sexually antagonistic selection.
Real Axis Asymptotics and Estimates of Hamiltonian Resolvent Kernels

The three space Newtonian potential of a spherically symmetric charge distribution of finite total charge then has summability Fourier transform proportional to \( {\left| {\vec{z}} \right|^{{ - 2}}}g(\left| {\vec{z}} \right|) \) over \( \vec{z} \in {R_{3}} \) secondly, this g is assumed to have an even analytic extension from [0, + ∞) to the strip |g[s]| ≤ b for some b ∈ (0, + ∞) such that also there \( \left( {\sup {{\left( {1 + \left| {R\left[ s \right]} \right|} \right)}^{\eta }}\left| {g\left( s \right)} \right|} \right) < + \infty \) for some \( \eta \in \left( {0,1} \right] \). For such potentials, both the usual Schrodinger Hamiltonian and the free electron state second quantized Dirac Hamiltonian are Fourier transformed to momentum space, and then by spherical harmonics reduced from three dimensional to one dimensional radial integral operators Hq on (0,+∞). Then we obtain a Faddeev integral operator representation of the resolvent \( {\left( {\lambda I - {H_{q}}} \right)^{{ - 1}}} \) the kernel being explicitly constructed by contour deforming (0,+∞) off the real axis to the side opposite λ. From this construction and the resulting estimates and asymptotics, we find \( {\lambda _{0}} \in (0, + \infty ), \) Hq has no point spectrum in (λo, + ∞) and is absolutely continuous there, and \( \left( {{{\left( {\lambda I - {H_{q}}} \right)}^{{ - 1}}}u,u} \right) \) is sub \( \frac{1}{4} \) order Holder continuous in λ up to both sides of the real axis for a dense linear manifold of u; some speculative ramifications of the latter for pseudoeigenvalues are discussed.
ELIMINATING CREATININE KINASE-MB (CKMB) IN RULING OUT ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION (MI) WHEN TROPONIN (TN) IS AVAILABLE CAN LEAD TO SAVING HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF HEALTHCARE DOLLARS

According to the Joint ESC/ACC/AHA/WHF Task Force, Tn is the preferred biomarker for the diagnosis of acute MI. However, it is still common practice to order both serial CKMB and Tn to rule out acute MI. Our hypothesis is that most clinicians only use Tn and not CKMB in further management decisions
LOCAL LABOR MARKET DYNAMICS AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT IN RURAL NEW ENGLAND

As rates of self-employment and entrepreneurial activity grow in the U.S., sociologists are beginning to consider the causes and consequences of this form of employment more seriously. While the sociological contributions to entrepreneurial research take seriously the social context in which self-employment occurs, few studies focus explicitly on the effects of social and economic contexts on rates of self-employment in particular regions. I fill this gap by examining the effects of a variety of local labor-market, population, and economic characteristics on county-level self-employment rates in three predominantly rural states: Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. I find that counties with higher proportions of their labor forces in extractive industries and that have experienced greater declines in the primary sector had higher rates of poverty and unemployment; however, self-employment is negatively related to county-level poverty rates, indicating that self-employment may provide opportunities for those...
Role of BfpF, a Member of the PilT Family of Putative Nucleotide-Binding Proteins, in Type IV Pilus Biogenesis and in Interactions between Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Host Cells

Adherence of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) to epithelial cells is dependent on a type IV fimbria, termed the bundle-forming pilus (BFP). A cluster of 14 genes is required for expression of BFP. The eighth gene in the cluster, bfpF, encodes a putative nucleotide-binding protein which resembles the PilT protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It has been proposed that PilT is required for the retraction of the P. aeruginosa pilus, which results in twitching motility. To test the role of BfpF in BFP function and EPEC pathogenesis, two different mutations were constructed in the bfpF gene, one in the cloned gene cluster in a laboratory E. coli strain and one in wild-type EPEC. Neither mutation affected prepilin synthesis, leader sequence processing, or pilus biogenesis. However, both mutations resulted in increased localized adherence. In addition, the EPEC bfpF mutant displayed increased aggregation. The EPEC bfpF mutant was not deficient in attaching and effacing activity or invasion capacity. These results suggest that BfpF decreases aggregation and adherence by EPEC but that subsequent steps in EPEC pathogenesis do not require this protein.
Adaptive reliable optical burst switching

This paper presents the adaptive reliable optical burst switching (AR-OBS) paradigm that employs two-way reservation, and edge burst aggregation to guarantee deterministic data latency and loss rate under a distributed control plane. AR-OBS employs the adaptive robust fast optical reservation protocol (A-RFORP) to provide adaptive blocking recovery control with offset delay adjusted to take into account of blocking recovery delay. And delayed reservation is employed to ensure wavelengths are reserved just in time before the data bursts arrive to maximize the wavelength utilization. Performance of AR-OBS is discussed in terms of burst reservation delay, burst aggregation overflow probability, burst reservation blocking probability and wavelength utilization. It is found that performance of AR-OBS is compared favorably with other OBS schemes based on two-way reservation and edge burst aggregation
Self-Smart, Part II: Career Smart

In the last issue, the author described how to be self-smart, with an emphasis on being work smart. In this issue, we focus on being career smart, which consists of the following mantras: "a big fish in a small pond beats the reverse," "hop to a more opportune pond," and "don't polish a sneaker." The aim is to find organizations and specialties in which your strength gives you the opportunity to jump onto a career fast track.