cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mineralocorticoids, salt and high blood pressure

Abstract Essential hypertensive patients often respond to treatments mitigating mineralocorticoid action, even though circulating levels of these steroids are within normal ranges. In addition to the kidney, mineralocorticoid or Type I receptors are found in the brain and vascular smooth muscle where they mediate effects associated with several forms of experimental hypertension. Studies in which discrete anatomic or functional areas of the brain have been ablated demonstrate that the periventricular areas of the hypothalamus and the central sympathetic and baroreceptor systems are crucial for the development of hypertension in the renoprival, DOCA salt, and Dahl salt-sensitive rat. Intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of aldosterone in both rats and dogs at doses that do not raise serum levels above normal produce hypertension. The hypertension produced by systemic mineralocorticoid excess, adrenal regeneration, and icv or oral administration of glycyrrhetinic acid or carbenoxolone in genetically normotensive rats and by dietary salt in the Dahl salt-sensitive rat is inhibited by the icv infusion of a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist or a Na + channel-selective amiloride analog. Recent data demonstrate the extraadrenal synthesis of steroids in aortic endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and the brain. The role of the extraadrenal synthesis of steroids raises new avenues for research into the causes of hypertension.
SU‐E‐T‐293: A Radiobiological Model Based Approach to Evaluate Brain Radiotherapy Fractionation Regimens

Purpose: To evaluate various brain radiotherapy fractionation regimens by calculating relative damaged volume (RDV) of normal brain while giving the same biologically effective dose (BED) to tumor. Methods: The RDV was computed for 5 brain cases with the tumor sizes varying between 0.9–63.2 cm3 for 17 different fractionation regimens (1–8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 50 fractions). A 20Gy single fraction regimen was used as the tumor control probability reference. The LQ model with correction for tumor regrowth effect (Tpot) was used to determine BED to tumor. The RDV was calculated from patients brain DVHs and a logistic local response function, which is characterized by DL50, the dose required to produce 50% local damage. Various Tpot (5 –30 days) and DL50 (20 – 50Gy) values were used to calculate RDV for each patient. Assuming a homogeneous brain structure, we used RDV as a surrogate for brain normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). A smaller RDV value represents lower NTCP and higher therapeutic ratio. Results: The minimum RDV among 17 studied fractionation regimens varied with Tpot, DL50, and tumor size. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is the favorable treatment regimen for low DL50 (20Gy). For a small sized tumor (<5.8 cm3, in this study), SRS is preferred up to medium DL50 (35Gy) and low Tpot (5 days). The optimal number of fractions (a regimen with minimum RDV) increases up to 35 fractions with increasing DL50, Tpot, and tumor size. Greater than 10% RDV reductions were achieved in some situations compared to reference fractionation. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the RDV with the same tumor BED could be used to evaluate different fractionation regimens. An optimal fractionation regimen, such as SRS vs. hypofractionation, may be determined by the DVH, DL50, and Tpot of a patient to improve the therapeutic ratio.
Status of the digital pixel array detector for protein crystallography

Abstract A two-dimensional photon counting digital pixel array detector is being designed for static and time resolved protein crystallography. The room temperature detector will significantly enhance monochromatic and polychromatic protein crystallographic through-put data rates by more than three orders of magnitude. The detector has an almost infinite photon counting dynamic range and exhibits superior spatial resolution when compared to present crystallographic phosphor imaging plates or phosphor coupled CCD detectors. The detector is a high resistivity N-type Si with a pixel pitch of 150×150 μm, and a thickness of 300 μm, and is bump bonded to an application specific integrated circuit. The event driven readout of the detector is based on the column architecture and allows an independent pixel hit rate above 1 million photons/s/pixel. The device provides energy discrimination and sparse data readout which yields minimal dead-time. This type of architecture allows a continuous (frameless) data acquisition, a feature not found in any current detector being used for protein crystallographic applications. For the targeted detector size of 1000×1000 pixels, average hit rates greater than 8 billion photons/s for the complete detector appears achievable. This paper will present a review of the 8×8 detector array pixel performance which includes the analog amplifier response and the photon counting capabilities. In addition, operational results of a 16×16 detector array prototype, that includes both the analog amplifier and digital readout circuitry functioning together on one integrated circuit.
Zero Kinetic Energy Photofragment Spectroscopy: The Threshold Dissociation of NO2

A new type of photofragment spectroscopy has been developed and applied to the photodissociation of NO2. Photofragments with zero recoil kinetic energy are selectively detected as the total energy of the dissociating system is varied. The resulting spectra provide information about the transitions that occur between energy levels of the transition state and energy levels of the final products. With proper calibration of the laser wavelength, the method may be useful in the accurate identification of the dissociation threshold. The technique is demonstrated by the detection of O atoms from the near-threshold photodissociation of NO2. A sharp onset of signal occurs at the dissociation threshold of, while for higher energies, a new peak occurs as the energy threshold is reached for each possible NO internal state. An analysis of the intensity distribution of the spectral peaks suggests that the maximum orbital angular momentum allowed by the 0.5 cm-1 resolution of the instrument is near 5ℏ, implying that the...
Synthesis and characterization of macrocyclic polystyrene block‐copolymers

The synthesis of macrocyclic polystyrene- block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) and macrocyclic polystyrene- block-poly(dimethylsiloxane) was carried out by initiation of 2-vinylpyridine (2VP) and hexamethyl-cyclotrisiloxane (D3) by difunctional living polystyryllithium followed by coupling with 1,4-bis(bromethyl)benzene (1,4-DBX) and dichloro-dimethylsilane (Cl2SiMe2), respectively. A small portion of the living ABA precursors were protonated to serve as isobaric linear precursors. The linear and macrocyclic block copolymers were characterized by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). The ratios of apparent cyclic/linear SEC molecular-weight maxima versus degree of polymerization (DP) show increases with decreasing DP varying from 0.70 ± 0.03 at high DP ≤ 200 to 0.78 ± 0.044 at low DP (≥60) whereas that of the linear ABA block copolymers decreased. Increases in glass transition temperature (Tg) were also observed for the cyclic PS-b-PDMS copolymers with respect to the isobaric linear precursors. The macrocycles were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR and in the case of macrocyclic PS-b-PDMS by 29Si NMR as well. Broadening in the NMR absorptions of the macrocyclic block copolymers is general and is similar to that observed for the homopolymers. Differemtial scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of the PS-b-P2VP macrocycles shows increases in Tg at lower molecular weight as was observed for the PS and P2VP macrocycles.
How do learners respond to pedagogical agents that deliver social-oriented non-task messages? Impact on student learning, perceptions, and experiences

In this paper, I investigate the impact of non-task pedagogical agent behavior on learning outcomes, perceptions of agents' interaction ability, and learner experiences. Quasi-experimental results indicate that while the addition of non-task comments to an on-task tutorial may increase learning and perceptions of the agent's ability to interact with learners, this increase is not statistically significant. Further addition of non-task comments however, harms learning and perceptions of the agent's ability to interact with learners in statistically significant ways. Qualitative results reveal that on-task interactions are efficient but impersonal, while non-task interactions were memorable, but distracting. Implications include the potential for non-task interactions to create an uncanny valley effect for agent behavior.
HOW MUCH IS GOOD HEALTH WORTH

A consumer-demand or subjective-value approach to valuing government health activities is recommended. The human-capital valuations generally used in cost-benefit analysis are unrelated to peoples' preferences and, therefore, irrelevant to political decisions. A number of important policy conclusions emerge from applying the suggested principle that government activities be valued on the basis of what people would be willing to pay for them: Beyond programs to aid the poor, government health efforts should be restricted to overcoming deficiencies in the operations of the private marketplace; that is, to regulatory actions, control of infectious disease and environmental pollution, and aid to biomedical research. Free services provided to the poor should be justified by the willingness of the nonpoor to pay for them. Thus, the preferences of the nonpoor are important in designing optimal poverty programs. Under present circumstances, direct money transfers to the poor seem preferable to further increases in poverty medical programs. The value of existing programs could be increased by giving more weight to what the poor want instead of what medical experts say is most important for their health.
A Shape Memory Alloy Controlled Heat Pipe Based Thermal Switch

This work reports on the design, fabrication and testing of a low temperature shape memory alloy thermal switch for meeting NASA’s thermal management needs on the surface of the moon. The switch is designed to provide on demand heat transfer to cool a liquid oxygen tank while the temperature of the surrounding space environment varies from 40 K to 400 K on the lunar surface. NiTiFe shape memory helical actuators are the sensing and actuating elements in the switch. Heat transfer is accomplished via heat acquisition, transport and rejection in a variable length heat pipe with pentane and R-134a as working fluids. The approach used to design the shape memory elements, quantify the heat transfer at both ends of the heat pipe and the pressures and stresses associated with the actuation are outlined. Testing of the switch is accomplished in a vacuum bell jar with instrumentation feedthroughs, using valves to control the flow of liquid nitrogen and heaters to simulate the temperature changes. Various performance parameters are measured and reported under both transient and steady-state conditions.© 2009 ASME
Structure Dependence of Cholesteric Mesophases

Abstract Cholesteric mesophases are mainly found in derivatives of cholesterol. Corresponding derivatives of other sterols do not necessarily show mesomorphic properties. Some of the known structural requirements for the occurrence of mesophases are a planar arrangement of the ring system and substituents extending the long axis of the sterane skeleton. An attempt is made to determine the structural elements in the side chain of sterols which enable a properly substituted sterol to form cholesteric mesophases. A survey of available data pertaining to the mesomorphic properties of a selected group of 3β-sterols is given. It includes data for homologous series as well as for some individual compounds. In the case of the homologous series, the data are very reliable due to internal consistency. For individual compounds, which were carefully selected so that they were representative of their class, existing discrepancies can be explained in terms of impurity effects. From the information presently available t...
Non-abelian bosonization in two dimensions using path integrals

Abstract We use path integral methods to convert a non-abelian theory of fermions interacting with gauge fields (QCD 2 ) in (1 + 1) dimensions into an equivalent bose theory. While our results reduce to those obtained by Witten for the special case of a free theory, we show that his bose-fermi operator identification must be modified in the presence of gauge fields. Our methods also reveal potential difficulties in using this operator equivalence even for the free theory. We also introduce the concept of limited bosonization-using a bose theory to reproduce only some of the fermion Green functions-and discuss its consequences.
Manganese nutrition of Nicotiana tabacum L. in relation to multiplication of tobacco mosaic virus.

Abstract The influence of manganese nutrition of tobacco was studied in relation to multiplication of tobacco mosaic virus. Plants grown in water culture solutions containing various levels of manganese responded with a gradient of growth and deficiency symptoms characteristic of this element. Inoculation of 2 basal leaves of a plant when deficiency symptoms were established resulted in decreased growth at all levels of manganese. Intensity of mosaic symptoms was reduced with decreased levels of manganese. Virus infection of deficient plants reduced the deficiency chlorosis of apical leaves. Manganese-deficient tissue had a greater wet weight and a lower dry weight than normal tissue. Leaf thickness and cell size of manganese-deficient tissue were greater than normal. Total nitrogen of manganese-deficient tissue was greatly reduced. Virus concentration in manganese-deficient tissue reached a higher level than in normal tissue when samples were assayed on either a wet or dry weight basis by either ultraviolet absorption or local lesion assays. This was true for systemically infected plants and for inoculated leaf discs. Virus synthesis apparently occurs at a greater rate in chlorotic, manganese-deficient tissue than in normal tissue, indicating an independence of virus synthesis with regard to manganese-controlled enzyme systems.
Elasto-plastic finite-element analysis of 2-D rolling-plus-sliding contact with temperature-dependent bearing steel material properties

Abstract A coupled thermo-mechanical finite-element model developed to study 2-D rolling-plus-sliding contact on a kinematically hardening substrate is described. Such a contact condition is simulated by repeatedly translating a thermo-mechanical load across the surface of the substrate. The substrate is modeled as a semi-infinite half-space represented by a 2-D finite-element mesh with appropriate boundary condition on the displacements and temperature gradients. Elastic-linear-kinematic-hardening-plastic (ELKP) material constitutive relations are used to model the material behavior of 52100 bearing steel. Effects of frictional heating and temperature-dependent material and thermo-physical properties on the substrate are studied. The stress and strain distributions developed are reported.
Systems in school psychology practice: A preliminary investigation

Abstract This descriptive study reports actual amounts and types of contact that occurs between school psychology practitioners and the systems in the life of the student, that is, school, family, and community. It also examines how setting and practitioners' characteristics affect interactions among these systems. A sample of school psychologists from a variety of school settings recorded daily contacts with members of school (e.g., teacher, administrator, nurse), family (e.g., parent, sibling, grandparent), and community (e.g., pediatrician, tutor) systems as well as the nature and types of contact. Data from 52 school psychologists were gathered. The results indicate that the average time per day spent by the school psychologist practitioners with other school personnel was 18%, with family members was 8%, and with community persons was 2%. These findings are consistent with results from prior studies. The implications for systems practice and effective service delivery are discussed.
Extended person-machine interface

Abstract Current computer natural language systems lack discourse capabilities. They mainly treat utterances in isolation and are not able to track the coherence of extended dialogue. In general, however, human communication and task performance are not accomplished in this manner. Useful interface systems should incorporate extended conversational power. In this paper, we present an abstract computational system for extended person-machine interface. The system is theoretically motivated by an investigation into the human conversational system. The computer system incorporates many of the rules used by individuals in everyday interactions. Use of these rules enable implicit communication between conversants about their underlying models of an interaction. They function in place of explicit meta-communication about the structure of an ongoing exchange. Such communication is necessary since building compatible models of an interaction is necessary for effective interaction. Providing a comparable system of rules for the computer is then mandatory if we expect it to be able to integrate subsequent requests and exchanges to earlier ones.
Strategic Voting Behavior in Doodle Polls

Finding a common time slot for a group event is a daily conundrum and illustrates key features of group decision-making. It is a complex interplay of individual incentives and group dynamics. A participant would like the final time to be convenient for her, but she is also expected to be cooperative towards other people's preferences. We combine large-scale data analysis with theoretical models from the voting literature to investigate strategic behaviors in event scheduling. We analyze all Doodle polls created in the US from July-September 2011 (over 340,000 polls), consisting of both hidden polls (a user cannot see other responses) and open polls (a user can see all previous responses). By analyzing the differences in behavior in hidden and open polls, we gain unique insights into strategies that people apply in a natural decision-making setting. Responders in open polls are more likely to approve slots that are very popular or very unpopular, but not intermediate slots. We show that this behavior is inconsistent with models that have been proposed in the voting literature, and propose a new model based on combining personal and social utilities to explain the data.
The role of natural anti-galα1–3gal antibodies in hyperacute rejection of pig-to-baboon cardiac xenotransplants

Xenoreactive natural antibodies in humans and higher primates are directed predominantly at Gal alpha 1-3Gal. These antibodies are thought to initiate hyperacute rejection of porcine organ xenografts. The contribution of anti-Gal alpha 1-3Gal antibodies to the xenoractive natural antibody repertoire and to the initiation of hyperacute rejection was tested in a pig-to-baboon cardiac xenograft model. Anti-Gal alpha 1-3Gal antibodies were depleted from baboons by extracorporeal absorption of anti-Gal alpha 1-3Gal antibodies from plasma using columns with a matrix bearing Gal alpha 1-3Galb1-4GlcNAc. Specific removal of anti-Gal alpha 1-3Gal antibodies was achieved prior to transplantation as demonstrated by immunoassay. Porcine hearts were then transplanted into these baboons and the outcome of the transplants was analysed. Immunofluorescence revealed little deposition of baboon antibodies in the grafts. The porcine hearts did not undergo hyperacute rejection even though complement activity was approximately 90% of baseline at the time of transplantation. These findings demonstrate that anti-Gal alpha 1-3Gal antibodies constitute a major fraction of xenoreactive natural antibodies in primate blood and that these antibodies contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of hyperacute xenograft rejection.
Electron Spin Resonance of Neutral Hydrogen Atoms in Sr F 2 and Ba F 2

The electron-spin-resonance spectra of Sr${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ and Ba${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, each containing neutral hydrogen atoms in interstitial sites, is investigated. In all cases, the electron-proton contact hyperfine interaction is resolved. Also resolved are the smaller superhyperfine interactions with the nuclei of the eight neighboring ${\mathrm{F}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ions. It is found that the magnitude of these interactions is very sensitive to the host lattice. In particular, the superhyperfine interaction decreases by about a factor of two as one proceeds from smallest to largest lattice parameter. It is also found that the difference between the electron-proton interaction parameter $B$ and the corresponding quantity for the free atom is positive, and decreases from 39.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1 Mc/sec for Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ to about 4.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1 Mc/sec for Ba${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, at room temperature. We have also observed forbidden transitions corresponding to simultaneous flips of the electron and an associated fluorine nucleus, and we discuss the intensity of these in terms of the effective magnetic fields acting on the ${\mathrm{F}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ sites.
Time-dependent effects in the radially streaming particle model

The radially streaming particle model for broad quasar and Seyfert galaxy emission features is modified to include sources of time dependence. The results seem to correlate with reported observations of multiple components, variability, and transient features in the wings of Seyfert and quasi-stellar emission lines.
Impact of Alkali Silica Reaction on Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Concrete

This study reports the findings of an experimental investigation for alkali silica reaction (ASR) between reactive aggregates and the geopolymer matrix. Specimens were prepared using one Class C and two Class F fly ash stockpiles. Mechanical testing included potential reactivity of the aggregates via length change and compression test measurements, as per ASTM standards. Results suggest that the extent of ASR reaction due to the presence of reactive aggregates in fly ash-based geopolymer concretes is substantially lower than in the case of ordinary portland cement-based concrete, and well below the ASTM specified threshold. Furthermore, geopolymer concrete specimens appeared to undergo a densification process in the presence of alkali solutions, resulting in reduced permeability and increased mechanical strength. Utilizing ASR-vulnerable aggregates in the production of geopolymer concrete products could contribute to the economic appeal and sustainability of geopolymer binders in regions that suffer from insufficient local supply of high quality aggregates.
Characterization and modeling of 1.2 kv, 20 A SiC MOSFETs

This paper presents a generic and complete process to characterize and model the newly developed silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET. The static characteristics, including MOSFET I-V curves, body diode, nonlinear junction capacitances, as well as package stray inductances, have been fully characterized on a prototype 1.2 kV, 20 A SiC MOSFET under varying temperature from 25 °C to 200 °C. Characteristics particular to the SiC MOSFET and its advantages over the silicon counterparts are analyzed and explained. The switching performance of the device, on the other hand, has also been tested under room temperature using a specially designed double-pulse tester with minimized circuit parasitics. The characterization results are then used to build a SiC MOSFET model using the MOSFET modeling tool in Synopsys Saber. Finally, discussions are presented on how to improve the model accuracy in its switching behavior by obtaining static characteristics from switching waveforms.
Resource-Constrained Assignment Scheduling

Many resource-constrained assignment scheduling problems can be modeled as 0-1 assignment problems with side constraints APSC. Unlike the well-known assignment problem of linear programming, APSC is NP-complete. In this paper we define a branch-and-bound algorithm for solving APSC to optimality. The algorithm employs a depth-first, polychotomous branching strategy in conjunction with a bounding procedure that utilizes subgradient optimization. We also define a heuristic procedure for obtaining approximate solutions to APSC. The heuristic uses subgradient optimization to guide the search for a good solution as well as to provide a bound on solution quality. We present computational experience with both procedures, applied to over 400 test problems. The algorithm is demonstrated to be effective across three different classes of resource-constrained assignment scheduling problems. The heuristic generates solutions for these problems that are, on average, within 0.8% of optimality.
A tale of two TRAPs: LAT and LAB in the regulation of lymphocyte development, activation, and autoimmunity

Transmembrane adaptor proteins (TRAPs) link antigen receptor engagement to downstream cellular processes. Although these proteins typically lack intrinsic enzymatic activity, they are phosphorylated on multiple tyrosine residues following lymphocyte activation, allowing them to function as scaffolds for the assembly of multi-molecular signaling complexes. Among the many TRAPs that have been discovered in recent years, the LAT (linker for activation of T cells) family of adaptor proteins plays an important role in the positive and negative regulation of lymphocyte maturation, activation, and differentiation. Of the two members in this family, LAT is an indispensable component controlling T cell and mast cell activation and function; LAB (linker for activation of B cells), also called NTAL, is necessary to fine-tune lymphocyte activation and may be a key regulator of innate immune responses. Here, we review recent advances on the function of LAT and LAB in the regulation of development and activation of immune cells.
RETINA: real-time network analyzer

In this paper, we present an analytical tool called RETINA for analyzing real-time constraints in complex networks with stochastic traffic. RETINA is based on a statistical method called real-time queueing theory and can predict the fraction of late tasks in networks of queues given traffic conditions and queue protocol specifications. Upon submitting a profile of the network structure and data flow descriptions, the user is able to query certain performance metrics. Currently RETINA supports two types of real-time scheduling algorithms (EDF and FIFO) and three types of performance queries: the deadline miss rate of a designated flow, the minimum feasible deadline for a particular flow, and whether all QoS requirements of all flows met when a new flow is added. Simulation results show excellent agreement with the results predicted by our tool. RETINA has made it possible to analyze larger and more realistic networks and can be used to address network design tradeoffs. This use of RETINA to identify and quantify network bottlenecks is presented in the paper.
Race and sex differences in adolescent self-perceptions of physical attractiveness and level of self-esteem during early and late adolescence

Abstract Race and sex differences in self-perceptions of attractiveness and level of self-esteem were examined for an adolescent sample over a 2-yr period. Results showed race differences in self-perceptions of attractiveness during both early and late adolescence. Blacks rate themselves higher in attractiveness than whites rate themselves at both time periods. Race differences in self-esteem did not occur at either time period. Sex differences in self-perception of attractiveness and level of self-esteem did occur, but only during early adolescence. Males rate both their attractiveness and level of self-esteem higher than females rate themselves during early adolescence. These differences are discussed in relation to existing research and differing attractiveness standards.
Rodin, Patton, Edison, Wilson, Einstein: Were They Really Learning Disabled?

The practice of diagnosing, posthumously, historical figures is highlighted and dis-cussed. Specifically, the emphasis is on (a) underscoring the unsatisfactory nature of the evidence offered for those diagnosed as learning disabled or dyslexic and (b) presenting other explanations for the problems noted.
The Patriot Act's Institutional Story: More Evidence of Congressional Ambivalence

In the first year after the attacks of Sep tember 11, 2001, Congress agreed with President George W. Bush and his ad ministration that the key to national security at home and abroad was enhanc ing executive branch power. To this end, leaders smoothed the legislative process and members largely consented to the new policies and rapid review pace. By December 2002, Congress passed two major domestic laws related to the new War on Terrorism and two war resolu tions. But beginning in 2003, many members, largely but not all Democrats, renewed their interest in legislative pow ers and prerogatives by mounting small rebellions against these once-popular policies, especially the Iraq War and the Patriot Act. Committees and the chamber floors re-emerged as arenas for heated debate on policy oversight, funding, and implementation and management. While members critical of the war have had a hard time gaining traction to alter the nation's course in Iraq, there was a golden opportunity to recalibrate power and policy on the Patriot Act as 16 of its most controversial provisions were scheduled to sunset in 2005. Although the Patriot Act's second legislative round
GRASSLAND INVASIBILITY AND DIVERSITY: RESPONSES TO NUTRIENTS, SEED INPUT, AND DISTURBANCE

The diversity and composition of a community are determined by a com- bination of local and regional processes. We conducted a field experiment to examine the impact of resource manipulations and seed addition on the invasibility and diversity of a low-productivity grassland. We manipulated resource levels both by a disturbance treatment that reduced adult plant cover in the spring of the first year and by addition of fertilizer every year. Seeds of 46 native species, both resident and nonresident to the community, were added in spring of the first year to determine the effects of recruitment limitation from local (seed limitation) and regional (dispersal limitation) sources on local species richness. Our results show that the unmanipulated community was not readily invasible. Seed addition increased the species richness of unmanipulated plots, but this was primarily due to increased occurrence of resident species. Nonresident species were only able to invade following a cover-reduction disturbance. Cover reduction resulted in an increase in nitrogen availability in the first year, but had no measurable effect on light availability in any year. In contrast, fertilization created a persistent increase in nitrogen availability that increased plant cover or biomass and reduced light penetration to ground level. Initially, fertilization had an overall positive effect on species richness, but by the third year, the effect was either negative or neutral. Unlike cover reduction, fertilization had no observable effect on seedling recruitment or occurrence (number of plots) of invading resident or nonresident species. The results of our experiment demonstrate that, although resource fluctuations can increase the invasibility of this grass- land, the community response depends on the nature of the resource change.
Design of superconducting magnets for the SSC

It is shown that in order for a superconducting magnet to operate reliably at a given field the design should have sufficient superconductor to allow operation at currents significantly less than the cable critical current. In addition, sufficient copper should be included in the cable to give stability. Such considerations, their basis, and their application to the design of 5 cm bore diameter SSC dipoles are discussed. >
From Vision to Change: Educational Initiatives and Research at the Intersection of Physics and Biology

In this editorial we link the articles published in this Special Issue with the framework from Vision and Change and summarize findings from the editorial process of assembling the Special Issue.
MEMS-BASED PHASE CHANGE FOR HEAT TRANSFER WITH THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES AND ENERGY HARVESTING

The investigation of a capillary-based heat exchanger is presented for potential integration with thermoelectric devices and thermal energy harvesting. The exchanger is a microfabricated device, designed to promote phase change of low boiling-point working fluids and enhance heat transfer from thermoelectric devices as a result. Several heat exchanger designs are studied and compared in these experiments. All designs rely on capillary channels to pump working fluid from surrounding reservoirs out across a heated exchanger surface. First, a baseline silicon device is fabricated using standard RIE techniques to produce silicon capillary channels. Channel widths of 100 μm are studied with varying heights. In addition to this base silicon device, SU-8 is used to further vary channel height. Heat exchangers are characterized based on operating temperature and heat input using 3M™ HFE 7200 working fluid. Maximum mass transfer rate recorded is 5.50 mg/s for Si channels operating above the boiling point of the working fluid. By contrast, SU-8 channels are shown to be more effective at temperatures below the boiling point. Maximum mass transfer rate is 2.29 mg/s for SU-8 based channels operating at these reduced temperatures.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Application of the saddle point method for the evaluation of crosstalk implications in an arrayed-waveguide grating interconnection

The effect of in-band crosstalk can pose severe limitations in an optical network. In this paper, the implications of in-band crosstalk induced by an arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG) router in a passive N/spl times/N optical interconnection are analyzed with non-Gaussian statistics using a numerical model. The model is based on the saddle point approximation and takes into account fluctuations of the transfer function's sidelobes induced by the phase errors in the grating arms, phase noise, polarization variations, bit misalignment, and shot and thermal noise. The influence of these effects on the interconnection's bit error rate (BER) is analyzed. The validity of the Gaussian assumption for the crosstalk noise statistics is discussed. Finally, the model is used to examine the mean crosstalk requirements for various numbers of network nodes.
Oncothanin, a peptide from the alpha3 chain of type IV collagen, modifies endothelial cell function and inhibits angiogenesis.

Previous reports from our laboratory have shown that basement membrane (BM) collagen from anterior lens capsule type IV collagen (ALC-COL IV) and peptides from the noncollagenous domain of the α 3(IV) chain, corresponding to residues 185-203 and 179-208, inhibit tumor cell proliferation, specifically through the interaction of the -SNS- tripeptide (residues 189-191) with the CD47/αv β3 integrin receptor complex. Data presented here demonstrate that the α 3(IV)185-203 and the α 3(IV)179-208 peptides, designated as oncothanin, regulate endothelial cell (EC) proliferation, adhesion, and motility that ultimately influence angiogenesis. The data also indicate that oncothanin, when used as a chemoattractant, greatly enhanced EC chemotaxis. In contrast, pretreatment of EC with oncothanin inhibited chemotaxis toward several different chemoattractants. When oncothanin was used as a substrate, it enhanced EC adhesion that was inhibited when pretreated with same. Analysis of angiogenesis by EC differentiation (tube ...
BirdVis: Visualizing and Understanding Bird Populations

Birds are unrivaled windows into biotic processes at all levels and are proven indicators of ecological well-being. Understanding the determinants of species distributions and their dynamics is an important aspect of ecology and is critical for conservation and management. Through crowdsourcing, since 2002, the eBird project has been collecting bird observation records. These observations, together with local-scale environmental covariates such as climate, habitat, and vegetation phenology have been a valuable resource for a global community of educators, land managers, ornithologists, and conservation biologists. By associating environmental inputs with observed patterns of bird occurrence, predictive models have been developed that provide a statistical framework to harness available data for predicting species distributions and making inferences about species-habitat associations. Understanding these models, however, is challenging because they require scientists to quantify and compare multiscale spatialtemporal patterns. A large series of coordinated or sequential plots must be generated, individually programmed, and manually composed for analysis. This hampers the exploration and is a barrier to making the cross-species comparisons that are essential for coordinating conservation and extracting important ecological information. To address these limitations, as part of a collaboration among computer scientists, statisticians, biologists and ornithologists, we have developed BirdVis, an interactive visualization system that supports the analysis of spatio-temporal bird distribution models. BirdVis leverages visualization techniques and uses them in a novel way to better assist users in the exploration of interdependencies among model parameters. Furthermore, the system allows for comparative visualization through coordinated views, providing an intuitive interface to identify relevant correlations and patterns. We justify our design decisions and present case studies that show how BirdVis has helped scientists obtain new evidence for existing hypotheses, as well as formulate new hypotheses in their domain.
Technology Status of Particulate Removal from High-Temperature High-Pressure Combustion Gases

The adoption of coal-fired pressurized fluidized-bed combined-cycle combustion systems by utilities for electric power generation depends to a large extent on the development of an efficient and economic cleanup system between the combustor and gas turbine. To accomplish particulate removal from a dust-laden gas stream, a number of separation devices have been developed. These include conventional and augmented cyclones; porous metal, fabric, and ceramic membrane filters; fixed-, continuously moving-, and fluidized-bed granular filters; electrostatic precipitators; as well as several other novel separation devices. The results of tests of these devices are discussed in relation to pressurized fluidized-bed combustion applications.
P4L-1 Enabling Very High Temperature Acoustic Wave Devices for Sensor & Frequency Control Applications

The introduction of piezoelectric crystals capable of acoustic wave (AW) excitation at high temperatures (> 600degC) has opened new possibilities for harsh environment applications, such as combustion engines, industrial processes, and gas/oil extraction. Significant remaining challenges are the fabrication of electrode thin films as well as appropriate packaging capable of withstanding such harsh environments. Thin film electrodes utilizing platinum over zirconium (Pt/Zr) developed by the University of Maine research team for surface acoustic wave gas sensors proved to be inappropriate for long term operation above 700degC, due to the de-wetting phenomenon of thin film Pt. In this paper the fabrication and testing of thin film electrodes and AW devices for longer term operation (from a few hours to months) in high temperature environments (up to 1000degC) have been investigated. The techniques used to overcome the problem of AW device electrode failure at temperatures above 600degC include: multilayered film architectures, alloy compositions, high temperature processing, and protective ceramic overlay films. In particular Pt, zirconium (Zr), ZrO2, Pt/Rhodium, and Pt/Au films have been examined alone or in combinations as the electrode materials, and ultra-thin SiAlON coatings have been used to extend electrode lifetime and to provide device protection in harsh environments. It has been found that the combination of layered and alloy electrodes retarded or prevented de-wetting of the Pt film, and extended the long-term AW device operation from 600degC to at least 950degC. These results indicate the feasibility of very high temperature AW device operation, and open up new opportunities for AW device applications in harsh environments.
POPULISM AND ELITISM IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN POLITICAL THOUGHT

African-American political thought finds its premises in European philosophical traditions. But these traditions often challenge African-American humanity which African-American political thought defends. African-American political thought is therefore an extended commentary on the consistency of European philosophical traditions.
The Influence of the Marketing Mix on the Diffusion of Innovation: Bass Model Redux

This study examines how the marketing mix influences the diffusion of demand for new and innovative products using the framework developed by Frank Bass (1969). The Bass Model was chosen because it is widely accepted within academia as a structured and disciplined approach for forecasting the intertemporal diffusion of demand. Our concern with the Bass Model is the assumption that market potential is fixed and independent of the marketing mix. Based on a careful review of the literature, revisions to the model were derived and tested by running twenty-eight example simulations with changes in the pre-specified levels of both price and advertising, given varying assumptions with respect to the elasticity coefficients in the marketing mix function. Our research suggests that management of the marketing mix effects all the key elements of the Bass Model including the coefficients of innovation and imitation, the total market size and thereby the rate of diffusion. These findings are significant with respect to the forecasting of demand and the implementation of effective business strategies.
Laser Chemical Vapor Deposition of Tin Films

We have investigated the pyrolytic deposition of TiN thin films on molybdenum and 304 stainless steel substrates by continuous wave (CW) and pulsed CO2 (λ=10.6 μm) laser radiation. A flow rate of NH3: TiCl4 of 5:1 was maintained during the deposition process. The substrate temperature was controlled by varying the intensity of the incident laser irradiation. The TiN films were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) and Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS). TEM results showed that the films were polycrystalline of equiaxed nature with diffraction patterns containing the characteristic TiN rings. The films had a lattice parameter of 4.24A AES results showed a slight incorporation of oxygen.
Adopted Saints: Christian Images In Nahua Testaments Of Late Colonial Toluca

The European occupation of Mesoamerica, set in motion by Columbus' voyages now almost five centuries ago, proved both enduring and pervasive. Not content simply to trade with the indigenous peoples from distant coastal forts or entirely new towns, the Spanish conquerors of Mexico moved right into Indian cities and, increasingly over time, Indian towns, villages, and their hinterlands. The conquerors' intention behind living in such close proximity was to better extract the local peoples' services and tributes and to convert them more effectively to every aspect of Hispanic culture. From the moment of their arrival Hernando Cortes and his followers sought to introduce a new king, a new god, and a new way of life into the land they called New Spain.
Benchmarking in Vitro Covalent Binding Burden As a Tool To Assess Potential Toxicity Caused by Nonspecific Covalent Binding of Covalent Drugs

Despite several advantages of covalent inhibitors (such as increased biochemical efficiency, longer duration of action on the target, and lower efficacious doses) over their reversible binding counterparts, there is a reluctance to use covalent inhibitors as a drug design strategy in pharmaceutical research. This reluctance is due to their anticipated reactions with nontargeted macromolecules. We hypothesized that there may be a threshold limit for nonspecific covalent binding, below which a covalent binding drug may be less likely to cause toxicity due to irreversible binding to off-target macromolecules. Estimation of in vivo covalent binding burden from in vitro data has previously been used as an approach to distinguish those agents more likely to cause toxicity (e.g., hepatotoxicity) via metabolic activation to reactive metabolites. We have extended this approach to nine covalent binding drugs to determine in vitro covalent binding burden. In vitro covalent binding burden was determined by incubating...
Age-Related Adult Activity and Sugar Feeding by Culicoides Variipennis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Southern California, USA

Adults of Culicoides variipennis were collected with 6 CO2-baited traps placed in an east–west transect across a breeding site in southern California, USA. These insects were active over the entire 12-month sampling period but were less abundant in late winter. Gravid females also could be collected year-round near the breeding area by sweep net, which indicated some level of successful blood feeding. Ovarian dissections revealed some females with as many as 5 dilatations in August and November. Anthrone tests detected simple sugars in males (11%), nullipars (12%), and pars (24%); sugar positivity increased during winter and spring. Traps placed directly adjacent to the breeding pond generally collected fewer flies with a higher level of parity than did those placed 50 or 100 m away. Nullipars and males showed a tendency to disperse upwind in the vicinity of the breeding site. Trap location thus is a potential source of sampling bias for survivorship studies in this species.
Application of PPP in high quality IPv6 router

With the wide application of POS technology in the high speed router and kernel swith, PPP has become more and more widely used. That PPP as the second layer protocol runs in the POS port together with intel microcode and BSP keeps the board of POS working normally so that it can deliver the datagram. In the high quality IPv6 Router, PPP not only encapsulates and transmits IPv4, but also encapsulates and transmits IPv6, which needs IPv6 technology and related protocol of PPP. IPv6CP is one of them.
Local and national trends in general surgery residents' operative experience: do work hour limitations negatively affect case volume in small community-based programs?

The goals of this study were to analyze the impact of work hour restrictions on the operative case volume at a small community-based general surgery residency training program and compare changes w...
Workshop: Capturing Students, by Capturing Flags

In this workshop, attendees will construct a complete capture-the-flag platform suitable for reach out events. Coverage will include platform setup, configuration, security and hardening, challenge design, creation, and adaptation. We will also demonstrate our approach to 're-issuing' the same event to multiple audiences using a simple reverse proxy.
Detail-preserving Fluorescence Microscopy Image Deconvolution

We propose a detail-preserving image deconvolution method which outperforms state-of-the-art methods, and can further improve image quality in the super-resolution optical fluctuation imaging and other diffraction-limited/superresolution imaging modalities. Article not available.
Glucocorticoid Receptor Inactivation and Activation by Phosphorylation Mechanisms

The specific glucocorticoid binding capacity of cytosol preparations is rapidly lost on incubation at 25° in the absence of ligand. We have examined this process in cell-free preparations from rat thymus, rat liver and mouse fibroblasts (L 929 cells), and we have found that the unoccupied receptor is inactivated by endogenous enzymes to a form that does not bind steroids. The inactivation can be prevented by inhibitors of phosphatase action such as molybdate, fluoride and glucose-l-phosphate. On the basis of this type of evidence we propose that the receptor activity of cytosol can be rendered inactive by a dephosphorylation process.