cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Biofilms by Atmospheric Pressure RF Plasma Jets: Touching and Remote *

The use of atmospheric pressure low temperature plasmas (APPs) for decontamination is seeing renewed interest. A particularly challenging application is the treatment of biofilms (surface-attached bacterial communities) which are less susceptible to anti-microbial treatment [1] . Plasma treatment is a possible technique for both deactivation and regulation of biofilms. The demarcation between deactivation and regulation will be determined by the identity and magnitude of plasma produced reactants onto the surface. One possible method of toggling between deactivation and regulation of the biofilm is whether the plasma source is direct or remote. In the direct configuration, the plasma is in contact with the ECM (extracellular matrix) of the biofilm, which delivers charged and short lived species. In the remote configuration, the effluent to the ECM is largely long lived species.
METHOD OF IMAGINARY REACTIONS FOR TAUT CABLES

The problem of determining the three dimensional equilibrium shape of an arbitrarily loaded cable is a classical one in nonlinear structural mechanics. This note presents a new technique, based on an exact representation of cable compliance combined with a Newton-Raphson interation, for solving this problem. As shown by example, this new technique provides convergence to equilibrium far more rapidly than other commonly used methods.
Khatri and Wandelt Reply

Reply to Flambaum and Porsev comment arXiv:1004.2540 on "21 cm radiation - a new probe of variation in the fine structure constant" arXiv:astro-ph/0701752
The Handbook of Educational Linguistics edited by SPOLSKY, BERNARD, & FRANCIS M. HULT

The article reviews the book "The Handbook of Educational Linguistics," edited by Bernard Spolsky and Francis M. Hult.
A Collaborative Approach to Service, Learning, and Scholarship

ABSTRACT This article describes a research course that was a collaborative endeavor between a school of social work and a community organization. This project was guided by learning, service and scholarship goals. Specifically, the participants in this course provided a pro-bono evaluation for a community benefits district. The benefits district solicited assistance from the authors, with the caveat that district members not be involved in the data collection and analysis. The authors situate this project on a continuum of traditional versus participatory research, and propose a “mixed” model for collaborative university-community efforts. The authors suggest ways of engaging students in “real world” research that benefits the community and facilitates their own training as macro social work practitioners. Factors that facilitate and hinder such a project are also discussed.
A Review of “Making Americans Healthier: Social and Economic Policy as Health Policy”

Making Americans Healthier assesses the implications of three observations: There are large gaps in health between social and economic groups; work on social and economic policies has rarely assess...
Reducing unintended pregnancy by increasing access to emergency contraceptive pills.

Objectives: National and state data on the health, social, and economic consequences of unintended pregnancy prompted Washington policy makers to identify strategies to reduce such pregnancies. Though not well known, emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are a safe and effective contraceptive method that can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hr after unprotected intercourse. A coalition conceived the idea of enabling pharmacists to prescribe ECPs directly to women through collaborative drug therapy agreements (CDTAs) with physicians. Methods: Following a feasibility study, five agencies initiated a novel pilot project in western Washington. Key components included informing pharmacists about ECPs and CDTAs; developing tools, providing training, and developing systems to establish pharmacist/prescriber collaborative agreements; conducting a public awareness campaign; evaluating the impact of the project; and disseminating the results. Results: More than 1000 pharmacists received training in all aspects of providing ECPs and 140 pharmacies participated in the project, with more than 145 CDTA on file. In the 16 months of pharmacy service provision, 11,969 ECP prescriptions were provided, possibly preventing 700 or more unintended pregnancies. The media launch led to 200 broadcast stories and increased calls to the ECP Hotline from 116 to an average of 1160 per month. Conclusion: Enabling pharmacists to provide ECPs directly to women is a convenient delivery system for a time-limited therapy. It increases the chances that women will use the therapy effectively and connects women without a provider to a source of care. By increasing access to an effective contraceptive, this projects supports the Washington State goal of reducing unintended pregnancy.
Two pieces of the zinc efficiency puzzle: Root-Zn influx and Zn compartmentation in the shoot

Zinc deficiency is a serious agricultural problem throughout the world and utilization of Zn-efficient varieties may be a practical solution to overcome it. Zn uptake, compartmentation and utilization were measured in roots and leaves of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to elucidate zinc efficiency (ZE) mechanisms. Wheat seedlings were grown in chelate buffer solution culture with low (0.05 pM) and high (147 pM) activities of zinc. Short-term Zn2+ uptake studies revealed the presence of two separate Zn transport systems mediating high and low affinity Zn influx. Compartmental analysis of 65Zn efflux from leaves yielded efflux curves that fit the three compartment model. Both the root influx findings and the leaf compartmentation results indicated that there was no correlation between either root Zn uptake or leaf Zn compartmentation and ZE. These results are discussed in terms of the concept of ZE. This research is beginning to fill an important gap in our knowledge of ZE mechanisms in crop plants.
SU-E-J-30: The Effect of Planning CT Slice Thickness On Evaluation of SRS Target Localization Accuracy

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of planning CT slice thickness on SRS target localization accuracy on Varian Edge SRS treatment platform. Methods: A metal BB of diameter 5 mm was inserted in a Rando head phantom. Planning CTs were scanned with 0.8, 2 and 3 mm slice thickness respectively. The center of BB was setup as isocenter and tattoos were marked on phantom surface. The phantom was initially aligned using laser and tattoos, then a CBCT was acquired and 6-degree of freedom (DOF) image registration was performed based on bony anatomy. The 6D couch correction was applied. A verification CBCT was taken to evaluate couch corrections. Three orthogonal pairs of images (MV-MV, KV-KV and MVKV), were also taken to verify the position of the phantom using a 2D-3D registration algorithm. Winston-Lutz tests were taken at 12 combinations of gantry, collimator and couch angles using 1×1cm MLC aperture and 10mm circular cone. Results: The vector lengths of the residual error measured with verification CBCT were 0.3, 0.2 and 0.2 mm for the planning CT of 0.8, 2 and 3 mm slice thicknesses respectively. Residual setup error vector lengths for 0.8, 2, and 3 mm CT measured by orthogonal pair were as following: a) MV-MV: 0.2, 0.5, 0.5mm; b) KV-KV: 0.2, 0.3, 0.3mm; c)MV-KV: 0.1, 0.6, 0.3mm respectively. The vector lengths for the Winston-Lutz tests were: a) MLC: 0.55, 0.32, and 0.2mm; b) CONE: 0.16, 0.17, and 0.29mm for slice thickness of 0.8, 2, and 3mm respectively. Conclusion: The residual setup error in this study measured by the 2D-3D algorithm was comparable to that of the 3D-3D algorithm. The planning CT slice thickness in the range of 0.8 to 2 mm has no significant impact on the evaluation of the residual setup error and the Result of Winston-Lutz test.
A novel sparse adaptive algorithm using wavelets

This paper proposes a novel use of wavelets in adaptive sparse system identification. The motivation is to exploit the time localization property of wavelets to improve convergence speed and reduce computation for the identification problem. A previous study employed the Haar transform to identify non-zero impulse response coefficients for adaptation. This paper extends this by using any orthogonal or bi-orthogonal wavelets instead of the Haar transform. The advantage of using longer wavelets is that they provide better decorrelation for colored input, allowing an increase in convergence speed, at the cost of slightly increased number of adapting coefficients. The computational complexity of the proposed algorithm is below LMS for practical sparse systems. The performance of the proposed algorithm is applied to echo-cancellation application through simulations for different wavelets.
Comparison of surgical treatment options for cranial cruciate ligament disease in large-breed dogs with excessive tibial plateau angle.

Objective— To identify surgical techniques performed by veterinary surgeons for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament disease in large-breed dogs with excessive tibial plateau angle (eTPA), compare their outcomes, identify risk factors for postoperative complications, and compare outcome and complication rate with tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in dogs without eTPA. Study Design— Multicenter, case–control study. Animals— eTPA group (TPA≥35°)=58 dogs (78 stifles); control group (TPA≤30°)=58 dogs (72 stifles). Methods— Control and eTPA group dogs were identified. Medical records, radiographic reviews, and pet-owner interviews were used to identify surgical treatments performed, their complications, and outcome. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals, χ2 tests, and t-tests were calculated to discern differences between eTPA and control-group dogs. Results— TPLO was the most common treatment for eTPA. Owner-perceived outcome was superior for eTPA group dogs when TPLO resulted in TPA≤14° compared with those with postoperative TPA>14°. Loss of tibial plateau leveling during convalescence was the most commonly observed major complication; addition of ancillary implants to TPLO significantly reduced its incidence. Postoperative complications were more common in dogs with eTPA than in dogs without eTPA; however, no difference in owner-perceived outcome was identified. Conclusions— Surgical treatment of dogs with eTPA has a higher complication rate, but comparable outcome to that of dogs without eTPA. Clinical Relevance— Postoperative TPA≤14° and addition of ancillary implants are recommended when using TPLO to treat dogs with eTPA.
Statistical Mechanics of Zooplankton

Statistical mechanics provides the link between microscopic properties of many-particle systems and macroscopic properties such as pressure and temperature. Observations of similar “microscopic” quantities exist for the motion of zooplankton, as well as many species of other social animals. Herein, we propose to take average squared velocities as the definition of the “ecological temperature” of a population under different conditions on nutrients, light, oxygen and others. We test the usefulness of this definition on observations of the crustacean zooplankton Daphnia pulicaria. In one set of experiments, D. pulicaria is infested with the pathogen Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera. We find that infested D. pulicaria under light exposure have a significantly greater ecological temperature, which puts them at a greater risk of detection by visual predators. In a second set of experiments, we observe D. pulicaria in cold and warm water, and in darkness and under light exposure. Overall, our ecological temperature is a good discriminator of the crustacean’s swimming behavior.
Applying the Visions of Reality to a Case of Brief Therapy

The “visions of reality” refer to assumptions about the nature and content of human reality and have been used to describe different genres of literature as well as psychoanalytic, behavioral, and humanistic modes of therapy. In this paper, four visions—the tragic, romantic, comic, and ironic—are applied to a single case, spelling out the way in which each can direct the focus of a therapist's attention to different aspects of a client's problems. Each vision can also influence the process of therapy and its goals. Keeping the several visions in mind can broaden both the therapist's and the client's view of the client's life situation and problems, thereby opening up possibilities for integrative work. The paper also spells out the shift in visions of reality that is necessary when conducting brief versus long-term therapy.
Internet-Based Approaches to Building Stakeholder Networks for Conservation and Natural Resource Management.

Social network analysis (SNA) is based on a conceptual network representation of social interactions and is an invaluable tool for conservation professionals to increase collaboration, improve information flow, and increase efficiency. We present two approaches to constructing internet-based social networks, and use an existing traditional (survey-based) case study to illustrate in a familiar context the deviations in methods and results. Internet-based approaches to SNA offer a means to overcome institutional hurdles to conducting survey-based SNA, provide unique insight into an institution’s web presences, allow for easy snowballing (iterative process that incorporates new nodes in the network), and afford monitoring of social networks through time. The internet-based approaches differ in link definition: hyperlink is based on links on a website that redirect to a different website and relatedness links are based on a Google’s “relatedness” operator that identifies pages “similar” to a URL. All networks were initiated with the same start nodes [members of a conservation alliance for the Calumet region around Chicago (n = 130)], but the resulting networks vary drastically from one another. Interpretation of the resulting networks is highly contingent upon how the links were defined.
The Growth of m-Learning and the Growth of Mobile Computing: Parallel developments

mLearning is made possible by the existence and application of mobile hardware and networking technology. By exploring the capabilities of these technologies, it is possible to construct a picture of how different components of mLearning can be implemented. This paper will explore the major technologies currently in use: PDAs, SMS messaging via mobile phone, and podcasts via MP3 players.
Multicriteria Freeway Performance Measures for Trucking in Congested Corridors

Research was undertaken to develop multicriteria tools for measuring and analyzing the impact of recurring and nonrecurring congestion on freight. Unlike previous studies, this work used several distinct data sources to analyze the effects of congestion on I-5 in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area: Global Positioning System data from commercial trucks, Oregon Department of Transportation corridor travel time loop data, and incident data. A new methodology and algorithms combine these data sources and estimate the impact of recurrent and nonrecurrent congestion on reliability and delays, costs, and emissions of freight movements. The results suggest that traditional traffic sensor data tend to underestimate the impact of congestion on travel times and variability of commercial vehicles. Congestion is detrimental not only for carriers' and shippers' costs but also for the planet because of increases in greenhouse gas emissions and for the local community because of increases in oxides of nitrogen, part...
Echocardiographic Oscillating Flap in Aortic Root Dissecting Aneurysm

A patient had a history, physical findings, and chest x-ray film suggesting type 1 aortic dissection. This diagnosis could not be confirmed angiographically. Echocardiographic studies predicted both the presence of dissection and the anatomic findings at surgery. A regularly oscillating echo corresponding to the intimal flap was found in the false lumen. This is suggested as a new echocardiographic finding in dissecting aneurysm.
Significant reduction in delayed diagnosis of injury with implementation of a pediatric trauma service.

Background:The occurrence of delayed diagnosis of injury (DDI) among pediatric trauma patients represents a breakdown in trauma care. Although some DDI may be unavoidable, the rate of DDI may be used as a measure of quality improvement.Objective:We sought to investigate DDI in admitted pediatric tra
Ethical assessment and moral reasoning in child therapy

Social workers find it hard to operationalize the profession's Code of Ethics, and few professionals even rely on the Code, as a point of reference in making judgments when faced with ethical dilemmas. Children and adolescents hold a special position in clinical practice. Issues requiring ethical judgments are more complex, because any intervention involves people other than the child. How the professional meets the interests of the parents and those of the child, is frequently a cause for conflict. This article presents philosophical models of moral reasoning, and ethical assessment, to assist clinicians in identifying and resolving frequently faced practice dilemmas, with the goal of improving the quality of patient care, in terms of both the process and the outcome. Emphasis is not only on the ethics of the actual decision but also on the ethics of the decision-making process itself.
Bond-charge Coulomb repulsion in Peierls-Hubbard models.

We investigate the general applicability of the standard Peierls-Hubbard model, involving both on-site ($U$) and nearest-neighbor ($V$) Coulomb repulsions, by adding nearest-neighbor off-diagonal terms representing the bond ($W$) and mixed bond-site ($X$) electron-electron repulsive interactions. For a broad range of the site-diagonal Hubbard parameters ($U,V$), we find that the off-diagonal terms ($W,X$) initially enhance dimerization, thereby stabilizing the dimerized ground state.
How do students misunderstand number representations

We used both student interviews and diagnostic testing to reveal students’ misconceptions about number representations in computing systems. This article reveals that students who have passed an undergraduate level computer organization course still possess surprising misconceptions about positional notations, two's complement representation, and overflow. Contrary to common opinion, these misconceptions are widespread and reveal the need for instruction that specifically targets these misconceptions. In addition, these misconceptions will serve as the basis for the creation of a standard assessment tool called the digital logic concept inventory. This concept inventory will provide a rigorous and quantitative metric to assess the effectiveness of new teaching methods.
Volatilization of alachlor from polymeric formulations.

Pesticides may be dispersed throughout the environment by several means, including groundwater contamination, surface water contamination, and volatilization with subsequent atmospheric transport and deposition. In earlier research primarily directed at reducing the potential for groundwater contamination, a number of herbicides were microencapsulated within several different polymers. These polymeric formulations were evaluated for efficacy in the greenhouse. In the studies described in this paper, three polymeric alachlor formulations that were the most effective in the greenhouse were evaluated in laboratory volatility studies using pure alachlor and a commercial formulation (Lasso 4EC) for comparison purposes. In a given experiment, technical alachlor, Lasso 4EC, and two polymeric formulations were applied to soil and evaluated in a contained system under 53% humidity with a fixed flow rate. Evolved alachlor was collected in ethylene glycol, recovered with C18 solid phase extraction cartridges, and an...
Flexible IoT middleware for integration of things and applications

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly growing system of physical sensors and connected devices, enabling an advanced information gathering, interpretation and monitoring. However, IoT must be supported by a middleware that allows IoT consumers and IoT application developers to interact in a user-friendly way, despite the differences in each user's perspective of IoT system. To that end, our software attempts to bridge the gap between IoT consumers and IoT application developers. Through the coupling of GSN (an existing open source IoT middleware), Firebase (a cloud storage service), and an IoT data interpreter developed by us, we have created a software system that takes the first step towards an ubiquitous middleware for IoT.
Ocular protein alterations by near UV light

Abstract Human lenses in vitro contain sufficient levels of near UV sensitive substances to cause darkening of the lens from exposure to near UV light at levels not exceeding those present in sunlight. Ascorbic acid, when supplied to the medium inhibits such darkening. Exposure of the aqueous humor to near UV light leads to pigmentation and chemical alterations of aqueous humor proteins resulting from the binding of photo-oxidized small aromatic molecules normally present. The electrophoretic mobilities of near UV irradiated gamma crystallins are grossly altered both by the binding of low molecular weight photoproducts to them and also by direct action on aromatic amino acids comprising the proteins themselves. Denaturation enhances the near UV alterations in these proteins.
A Note on the Asymptotic Distribution of the One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Statistic

(1973). A Note on the Asymptotic Distribution of the One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Statistic. The American Statistician: Vol. 27, No. 4, pp. 164-165.
Multistage Axial-Flow Turbomachine Wake Production, Transport, and Interaction

To aid in the understanding of rotor and stator viscous wake interaction, slowand fast-response instrumentation has been employed to obtain time-average and instantaneous periodic-average flowfield measurements between the blade rows in a low-speed multistage axial-flow compressor. Quantitative measurements indicate that the rotor blade wake pattern can vary significantly when influenced by an upstream stationary blade row, and that relative circumferential positioning of the stationary blade rows can have considerable influence on downstream rotor and stator flowfields. Differences in aerodynamic and acoustic characteristics resulting from changes in unsteady wake interaction patterns were observed.
Oil price shocks and employment: The case of Ohio coal mining

Economic theory suggests that oil price shocks will have an impact on employment in local coal markets. However, theory is silent on both the absolute and relative magnitudes. Based on vector autoregressive models, we find that oil price shocks, and therefore OPEC policies, have significant impacts on Ohio coal mining employment. Our study indicates that oil price shocks have larger impacts on Ohio coal mining employment than do shocks to coal prices or coal wages. Our study is unusual in that we have examined the impact of oil price shocks on employment in a specific industry.
Substance abuse in adolescent mothers: Strategies for diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Abstract Adolescent drug addiction and alcohol abuse are on the rise in this country. Teenagers of all races, socioeconomic groups and both genders have become avid experimenters with a full spectrum of substances, including alcohol, marijuana, stimulants, cocaine and hallucinogens. A diagnosis of addiction requires familiarity with the normative trends of adolescent behavior, as well as deviations from these trends. Moreover, an adolescent mother with a drug addiction problem confronts the additional burden of fostering adaptive patterns in her infant. Treatment techniques such as previewing, which empowers through the representation and enacment of future outcomes, have helped addicted teenage mothers relinquish drug use and adopt more mature caregiving behaviors.
THE USE OF KNOCKOUT MICE TO UNDERSTAND THE ROLE OF CYTOKINES IN FEVER

1. In most instances, data obtained using knockout mice to dissect the role of cytokines in fever are similar to data obtained by other, more traditional experimental techniques. 2. Interleukin (IL)-1beta appears to be critically involved in fever caused by some routes of infection/inflammation (e.g. localized inflammation with turpentine). This cytokine has only a small role in fevers caused by i.p. injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These IL-1beta-induced fevers in knockout mice appear to be via the induction of IL-6, similar to LPS-induced fevers in rats. Interleukin-6 also appears to be critically involved in turpentine-induced fever. 3. The precise role of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) in fever is controversial. Data obtained from knockout mice lacking both TNF receptors do not support a pyrogenic role for TNF in fever either to i.p. injection of LPS, s.c. injection of turpentine or following caecal ligation and puncture. 4. The roles of these cytokines in fevers induced by injection of LPS, IL-1beta, turpentine and caecal ligation and puncture are summarized. The data show the complexity of the febrile response. Depending on the types of inflammatory/infectious stimuli, different cytokines play important roles. Because other cytokines are thought to be involved in fever (e.g. macrophage inflammatory protein, interferons), considerable work is still needed to dissect the precise roles of cytokines in fever.
Is Cell sorting caused by differences in the work of intercellular adhesion? A critique of the Steinberg hypothesis.

Abstract The differential adhesion hypothesis, developed by Malcolm Steinberg, proposes that the histotypic sorting out behavior of aggregated cells is mechanistically equivalent to certain aspects of liquid surface tension, specifically the spontaneous separation of immiscible liquids of differing surface tension. According to Steinberg's hypothesis, the adhesive forces between aggregated cells play essentially the same role in cell sorting as are played by intermolecular attractive forces in liquid surface tension. In this paper I discuss a number of crucial distinctions between intermolecular attraction (in liquids) and intercellular adhesion (in aggregates). First, liquid drops are closed systems thermodynamically whereas aggregates of living cells can generate an indeterminate amount of metabolic energy capable of altering cell positions and adhesions. Secondly, intercellular adhesions are more than just close range attractions since cells can be held together by forces in addition to those which originally pulled them together. Third, the breakage of intercellular adhesions need not be simply the reverse, thermodynamically, of the formation of those adhesions. And fourthly, because intercellular adhesion is generally concentrated at relatively small foci such as desmosomes, a maximization of intercellular adhesion does not necessarily require a maximization of intercellular contact area, or vice versa. In addition, several alternative hypotheses are proposed, each of which is theoretically capable of explaining cell sorting and the other surface tension-like aspects of cell aggregate behavior which Steinberg has sought to explain as consequences of differential adhesion. In particular, a differential surface contraction hypothesis is proposed, according to which cell sorting and related phenomena are the results of cell surface contractions induced to occur over those portions of the cell surface which are exposed to the surrounding culture medium. Because of the evidence that various invagination type movements of embryonic epithelia are caused by cell surface contractions, it is suggested that differential surface contraction is the most likely explanation of histotypic cell sorting. A number of experiments are suggested by which these various hypotheses might be tested.
Study of lateral non-uniformity as a function of junction depth in ultra-shallow junctions and its effect on leakage behavior in as-deposited polycrystalline Si and amorphous Si diodes

Abstract Heavily implanted polycrystalline Si films are finding increasing applications as solid diffusion sources, for example, in the formation of ultra-shallow junctions in elevated source/drain metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors and polycrystalline Si emitter bipolar junction transistors. For these applications the dopants are implanted into the polycrystalline Si layer and subsequently diffused into the underlying Si substrate. The diffusion behavior, is however, determined by the evolution of the polycrystalline Si grain microstructure, A large final grain size could lead to laterally more non-uniform and hence leakier junctions. These non-uniformities are lesser for high thermal budget anneals (1100–1150°C, 30 s) than for lower thermal budget anneals (950°C, 30 s) because any doping inhomogeneities in the Si substrate get smeared out as the junction becomes deeper. The junction depth, however, cannot be increased indefinitely from a device viewpoint and a trade-off between leakage current and junction depth has to be made. In this paper, we will study the effect of grain microstructure of ion-implanted as-deposited amorphous Si and as-deposited polycrystalline Si diffusion sources on the diffusion of As and B in the Si substrate, correlate it to the electrical properties of the ultra-shallow junctions formed using this technique.
Induction produced by upcoming food-pellet reinforcement: Effects on subsequent operant responding

Abstract Research has demonstrated that rats' rates of operant behavior maintained by 1% sucrose reinforcement in the first half of an experimental session are heightened when food-pellet reinforcers, rather than 1% sucrose, will be available in the second half. Experiment 1 showed that rats that had been displaying this positive induction effect acquired a new response more quickly when 1% sucrose was used to reinforce the novel response than did rats that had not been displaying induction. Experiment 2 showed that this enhanced acquisition remained even when the new response was learned in a new environment. Experiment 3 showed that unconditioned rates of making a new response did not differ between subjects that had or had not been displaying induction. Experiment 4 further showed that significantly different rates of responding on a novel task were not observed when that response was reinforced with a new, non-sucrose reinforcer. Together, the present results suggest that induction results in and/or from an increase in the reinforcing value of the 1% sucrose. As such, the present results have both theoretical and practical implications.
THERMALLY STIMULATED LUMINESCENCE FROM HIGH-TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTING FILMS AND SUBSTRATES

Abstract Thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) measurements were conducted both on bare substrates and on high-temperature superconducting (HTS) films deposited onto representative substrates, to demonstrate that TSL is applicable to HTS films in detecting the presence of secondary insulating impurities (for example Y 2 O 3 , BaCO 3 , Y 2 BaCuO 5 , BaCuO 2 ). To provide basic information for this particular application we also report TSL glow curves of the frequently used single-crystal substrates Al 2 O 3 , MgO, YSZ, SrTiO 3 , LaAlO 3 , and LaGaO 3 . Analyses of the well-defined glow peaks yield TSL parameters which suggest that the detrapping of an electron or hole from its metastable state and its subsequent recombination produces luminescence that follows a mixed-order kinetic process (1 ⩽ l ⩽ 2). The thermal activation energy required in this process varies between 0.6 and 2.3 eV and the frequency factor ranges from 10 7 to 10 17 s −1 . Although the luminescence mechanisms in these substrates could not be elucidated with the TSL data alone, these results are found to be adequate for ascertaining the presence of insulating impurities in the HTS films by comparing the TSL of the film-on-substrate and the substrate.
Contrasting evolutionary dynamics of the developmental regulator PAX9, among bats, with evidence for a novel post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism.

Morphological evolution can be the result of natural selection favoring modification of developmental signaling pathways. However, little is known about the genetic basis of such phenotypic diversity. Understanding these mechanisms is difficult for numerous reasons, yet studies in model organisms often provide clues about the major developmental pathways involved. The paired-domain gene, PAX9, is known to be a key regulator of development, particularly of the face and teeth. In this study, using a comparative genetics approach, we investigate PAX9 molecular evolution among mammals, focusing on craniofacially diversified (Phyllostomidae) and conserved (Vespertilionidae) bat families, and extend our comparison to other orders of mammal. Open-reading frame analysis disclosed signatures of selection, in which a small percentage of residues vary, and lineages acquire different combinations of variation through recurrent substitution and lineage specific changes. A few instances of convergence for specific residues were observed between morphologically convergent bat lineages. Bioinformatic analysis for unknown PAX9 regulatory motifs indicated a novel post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism involving a Musashi protein. This regulation was assessed through fluorescent reporter assays and gene knockdowns. Results are compatible with the hypothesis that the number of Musashi binding-elements in PAX9 mRNA proportionally regulates protein translation rate. Although a connection between morphology and binding element frequency was not apparent, results indicate this regulation would vary among craniofacially divergent bat species, but be static among conserved species. Under this model, Musashi’s regulatory control of alternative human PAX9 isoforms would also vary. The presence of Musashi-binding elements within PAX9 of all mammals examined, chicken, zebrafish, and the fly homolog of PAX9, indicates this regulatory mechanism is ancient, originating basal to much of the animal phylogeny.
High energy gamma ray observations with the egret instrument on the compton gamma ray observatory

The Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory has, since launch in April 1991, observed the entire sky with a exposure of at least 10 8 cm 2 s and has detected a wide variety of gamma ray sources in addition to the diffuse galactic gamma-ray emission. The spectra and time variability of these sources, which include AGN, pulsars, gamma ray bursts, and solar flares, are discussed along with the diffuse emission from the galactic plane and molecular clouds.
The Active Eye: Software for the demonstration of event perception phenomena on the Macintosh

Description d'un programme permettant l'examen et l'analyse introspective de la perception des evenements. Ce programme est realise pour MacIntosh
The differential antecedents of self-efficacy beliefs of novice and experienced teachers.

Abstract Among the sources of teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs, mastery experiences are postulated to be the most potent. Thus it seems likely that other sources of self-efficacy would play a larger role early in learning when fewer mastery experiences are available. Among the 255 novice and careers teachers who participated in this study, contextual factors such as the teaching resources and interpersonal support available were found to be much more salient in the self-efficacy beliefs of novice teachers. Among experienced teachers, for whom an abundance of mastery experiences were available, contextual factors played far less important a role in their self-efficacy beliefs.
Does fully radioactive glass behave differently than simulated waste glass

There has been interest in the comparison of the leach behavior between fully radioactive and simulated nuclear waste glasses, to assess the differences in reaction mechanism, type, and sequence of secondary phases, and the relative durability among the two types of glasses. The results from these comparisons will provide confidence in the use of the large amount of the data generated in the studies of simulated nuclear waste glass for the modeling of performance of radioactive glasses. Most of the previous comparison studies have been performed at a low to intermediate ratio of glass surface area to solution volume and for time periods of less than one year. These studies have generally concluded there is a little difference in leach behavior between the two glass types. This study reinvestigates that conclusion by utilizing an extensive test matrix, with SA/V ranging between 340 to 20,000 m{sup 1} on three waste glass compositions, for time periods planned up to eight years. The early results are consistent with other studies, in that the leach behavior of simulated waste glasses is similar to that of fully radioactive glasses. However, the longer-term tests at higher SA/V suggest that the leach behavior of the two types of glass diverges, under certain conditions. The longer-term comparison of the leach behavior is discussed.
Isoelectric and mass characterization of human platelet thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptors.

Abstract To further characterize the human thromboxane A2 (TXA2)/prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) receptor, preparative isoelectric focusing (IEF) was performed on solubilized platelet membranes. TXA2/PGH2 receptors, assayed by specific binding of the TXA2/PGH2 antagonist [125I]PTA-OH, were electrofocused at pH 5.6. Scatchard analysis of IEF fraction pH 5.6 revealed a 180-fold concentration of TXA2/PGH2 receptors (Bmax=3650±228 pM/mg focused, 19±4 pM/mg unfocused) with no change in binding affinity (Kd=47±7 nM focused, 36±14 nM unfocused). SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of photoaffinity-labelled electrofocused receptors revealed concentration of specifically labelled proteins having molecular masses of 49,000 and 27,000 Daltons. These results suggest that the human platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptor has a pI of 5.6, molecular mass of 49,000 Daltons, and may exist as a dimer. Preparative IEF should prove useful in the eventual purification of this receptor.
Paleoenvironments of the Cuyahoga and Logan Formations (Mississippian) of central Ohio: Summary

Stratigraphers in the 19th and early 20th Centuries devoted considerable attention to the Mississippian clastic rocks of central Ohio. Their concerns were primarily with lithologic description, boundary determination, and the taxonomy of the included fauna. More detailed studies along the same lines of inquiry have been undertaken in the last few decades (Szmuc, 1953, 1957, 1970; Franklin, 1961; Fagadu, 1952; Barclay, 1968; Pinker, 1970) Several authors (Holden, 1942; Ver Steeg, 1947; Hyde, 1953) have made significant contributions to current understanding of paleoenvironments during the Mississippian of central Ohio. A regional synthesis of stratigraphic sections leads to the conclusion that the extensive clastic units of the Cuyahoga Formation were initially deposited along a prograding shoreline which advanced over a stable platform. Subsequently, during deposition of the Logan Formation, the marine transgression was punctuated by coarse-sediment incursion during deposition of the Allensville Member, followed by distribution of the finer-grained Vinton sediments over the complex.
Polymeric Complexes of Polyaniline as Anticorrosion Coatings

During the past few years there has been a strong interest in developing conducting polymers as an alternative to the traditional anticorrosion coatings. One of the driving forces for this research comes from the need for an environmentally friendly chromate-free anticorrosion coating for highstrength light weight aluminum alloys. The possibilities for a new scratch-tolerant paint for steel prompted the development of conductive polymer anticorrosion paints. By molecular engineering, we have synthesized a double-strand polymeric complex of polyaniline that is suitable as an anticorrosion paint on metals in low pH environments. In this article, we will discuss (1) the molecular design for solubility and adhesion, (2) the effectiveness of the electroactive coating under electrochemical impedance tests, and (3) a mechanistic study of the anticorrosion mechanism by examining the polymer/metal interfacial interactions.
Effects of time-compressed speech signals on children's identification accuracy and latency measures

Abstract Identification accuracy and latency of responses were studied under various rates of time-compressed speech signals. Ss were 51 elementary school children, 10 kindergarteners, 16 first-graders, 14 second-graders, and 11 third-graders. Each S was instructed to respond to one of a set of three line drawings selected from the Picture Identification Children's Standardized Index when hearing a speech signal. The speech signals, 50 in number for each treatment plus 24 appropriate adaptation trials, were presented under normal speech and the three experimental conditions (30, 50, and 70% time-compression). Each S received only one treatment, exactly 14 days after the normal run. Mean identification accuracy, based on corrected percentage scores, significantly decreased as a function of time-compression. Graphically, very little decline appeared before the 50% condition. Mean latencies for incorrect as well as for incorrect and correct responses combined were significantly lower for the 50% treatment than for the 30 and 70% treatments, and the means for the 30% condition were lower than those for the 70% condition. The incorrect mean latency scores also were significantly different from the correct mean latency scores.
Infrared studies of chain folding in polymers. VII. Amylose

Abstract Studies of chain folding in amylose employing spectroscopic techniques have led to an assignment of the 1295-cm−1 band to a unique fold conformation. Irregular folds, present in single crystals, are regularized to the unique fold conformation during annealing. Annealing of solution-cast films, which initially contain a small amount of regular folding, increases the amount of regular folds. Swelling of these annealed films with water vapor destroys this unique folded conformation.
Can Pictures Distract Students from the Printed Word: A Rebuttal

Some published research should never have seen the light of day. The Montare, Elman, and Cohen article (1977) "Words and pictures: a test of Samuels' findings" is an example. Before the reader thinks that this is a kneejerk reaction to any article critical of my work let me dispel this view immediately. I fully understand and support the notion that theories must be tested and changed in light of new evidence and scientific findings survive only until disproven. What I object to in the Montare, et al., article is the use of an incorrect model of learning to analyze my research, the citation of irrelevant and poorly done research in their literature review to support the Montare position, and what appears to me to be the too hasty publication of a study which probably contains a Type 1 experimental error. Their study is being used to discredit a piece of research which has been successfully replicated and gets the same results as the more theoretical laboratory based studies on cue selection in paired associate learning. For those who may not recall my study of the effect of pictures on learning to recognize words (Samuels, 1967} allow me to describe it briefly. About 10 years ago I observed a beginning reader as he used his hand to cover the picture on a page. When asked why he did this he answered that he did so for two reasons. First, he kept losing his place in the text because he liked to look at the picture. Second, when he did not know a word, he looked at the picture for a clue to the unknown word, as suggested by his teacher. This incident with the student reminded me of the literature on cue selection in verbal learning. According to Underwood, et al. (1962), cue selection occurs when only a part of a compound stimulus becomes the functional stimulus. For example, if the numbers zero through nine are each printed in a distinct color and the task is to learn their names, a student may learn to associate the verbal
Clindamycin: A Review of Fifteen Years of Experience

Clindamycin, the 7(S)-chloro-7-deoxy derivative of lincomycin, has stood the test of time in the treatment of anaerobic infections. Clindamycin inhibits protein synthesis by acting on the 50S ribosomal subunits of bacteria. The colitis resulting from the use of clindamycin has been extensively studied and is now easily manageable. Although newer antibiotics active against anaerobes are available, clindamycin remains a reliable and well-tested antibiotic for use in anaerobic infections.
HOBS: head orientation-based selection in physical spaces

Emerging head-worn computing devices can enable interactions with smart objects in physical spaces. We present the iterative design and evaluation of HOBS -- a Head-Orientation Based Selection technique for interacting with these devices at a distance. We augment a commercial wearable device, Google Glass, with an infrared (IR) emitter to select targets equipped with IR receivers. Our first design shows that a naive IR implementation can outperform list selection, but has poor performance when refinement between multiple targets is needed. A second design uses IR intensity measurement at targets to improve refinement. To address the lack of natural mapping of on-screen target lists to spatial target location, our third design infers a spatial data structure of the targets enabling a natural head-motion based disambiguation. Finally, we demonstrate a universal remote control application using HOBS and report qualitative user impressions.
Mass Spectrometry and Peptide-based Vaccine Development

The development of new vaccines against pathogens is an important part of infectious disease control. In the last decade, a variety of proteins giving rise to naturally processed pathogen-derived antigenic peptides, representing B-cell and T-cell epitopes, have been characterized. Numerous candidate vaccines consisting of synthetic peptides are being designed and evaluated, with encouraging results. In this context, the application of mass spectrometry based on the isolation and identification of pathogen-derived peptides from the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules is a major focus of peptide-based vaccine development. Dramatic improvements have been made in mass spectrometer performance for peptide sequencing in terms of increased sensitivity, the ability to rapidly obtain data-directed tandem mass spectra, and the accuracy of mass measurement. This review focuses on the efforts to identify T-cell epitopes for viral and microbial pathogens for directed vaccine development.
Polarized hot-electron photoluminescence in highly doped GaAs.

The luminescence polarization is calculated for circularly polarized hot-electron photoluminescence in highly p-doped GaAs. Good overall qualitative agreement with experiments is found. Particular emphasis is put on the explanation of the polarization minimum and its dependence on excitation energy. We find that it is due to excitation of electrons from the light-hole band to the conduction band followed by the recombination with holes in the heavy-hole band, both processes being vertical. We determine the energy position of the minimum as a function of excitation energy, and find good quantitative agreement with experiments. The change in energy dispersions for the conduction and valence bands due to the doping is taken into account in all steps of the calculation.
Ionic polymer–metal composites: IV. Industrial and medical applications

This paper, the last in a series of four review papers to appear in this journal, presents some critical applications using ionic polymer?metal composites?(IPMCs). Industrial and biomedical applications of IPMCs are identified and presented along with brief illustration.