cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-proximate detection of small and large molecules by desorption electrospray ionization and desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry: instrumentation and applications in forensics, chemistry, and biology.

Ambient surfaces are examined by mass spectrometry at distances of up to 3 m from the instrument without any prior sample preparation. Non-proximate versions of the desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) and desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionization experiments are shown to allow rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of trace amounts of active ingredients in pharmaceutical drug formulations, illicit drugs (methamphetamine, cocaine, and diacetylmorphine), organic salts, peptides, chemical warfare agent simulants, and other small organic compounds. Utilizing an ion transport tube to transport analyte ions to the mass spectrometer, nonproximate DESI allows one to collect high-quality, largely interference-free spectra with signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios of more than 100. High selectivity is achieved by tandem mass spectrometry and by reactive DESI, a variant experiment in which reagents added into the solvent spray allow bond-forming reactions with the analyte. Ion/molecule reactions were foun...
Cardiovascular Health Metrics and Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity Levels: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2006

Objective: To determine whether relationships exist between accelerometer-measured moderate-tovigorous physical activity (MVPA) and other cardiovascular (CV) health metrics in a large sample. Patients and Methods: Data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected from January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2006, were used. Overall, 3454 nonpregnant adults 20 years or older who fasted for 6 hours or longer, with valid accelerometer data and with CV health metrics, were included in the study. Blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), smoking status, diet, fasting plasma glucose level, and total cholesterol level were defined as ideal, intermediate, and poor on the basis of American Heart Association criteria. Results were weighted to account for sampling design, oversampling, and nonresponse. Results: Significant increasing linear trends in mean daily MVPA were observed across CV health levels for BMI, BP, and fasting plasma glucose (P<.001). Those with a poor BMI and BP had significantly lower mean daily MVPA than those with intermediate and ideal BMIs and BPs (all P<.001). In addition, individuals with an intermediate fasting plasma glucose level had significantly lower mean daily MVPA than individuals at the ideal levels (P<.001). No significant linear trends were observed for cholesterol, smoking, and diet. A significant linear trend was observed for mean daily MVPA and the overall number of other CV health metrics (P<.001). Conclusion: Objectively measured MVPA was related to other CV health metrics in this large sample. These results support the inclusion of physical activity in the overall definition of ideal CV health.
The Reconnection and Microscale (RAM) probe

Hot magnetized plasmas - typified by the solar corona - are ubiquitous throughout the universe. The physics governing the dynamics of such plasmas takes place on remarkably small spatial and temporal scales, while both the cause activity and the response occur on large spatial scales. Thus both high resolution and large fields of view are needed. Observations from SMM, Yohkoh , EIT and TRACE show that typical solar active region structures range in temperature from 0.5 to 10 MK, and up to 40MK in flares, implying the need for broad temperature coverage. The RAM S-T Probe consists of a set of imaging and spectroscopic instruments that will enable definitive studies of fundamental physical processes that govern not only the solar atmosphere but much of the plasma universe. Few problems in astrophysics have proved as resistant to solution as the microphysics that results in the production of high-energy particles in hot magnetized plasmas. Theoretical models have focused in recent years on the various ways in which energy may be transported to the corona, and there dissipated, through the reconnection of magnetic fields. Theory implies that the actual dissipation of energy in the corona occurs in spatially highly localized regions, and there is observational support for unresolved structures with filling factors 0.01 - 0.001 in dynamic coronal events.
A scattering phantom for observing long range order with two-dimensional angle-resolved Low-Coherence Interferometry

Angle-resolved low coherence interferometry (a/LCI) is an approach for assessing tissue structure based on light scattering data. Recent advances in a/LCI have extended the analysis to study scattering distributions in two dimensions. In order to provide suitable scattering phantoms for 2D a/LCI, we have developed phantoms based on soft lithography which can provide a range of structures including long range order. Here we characterize these phantoms and demonstrate their utility for providing standardized multi-scale structural information for light scattering measurements.
Documenting damage, disruption, interdependencies and the emergency response of power and communication systems after earthquakes

This paper describes the organisation and operation of the Earthquake Investigation Committee of the Technical Council on Lifeline Earthquake Engineering. The committee performs post-earthquake investigations of lifelines and the lifeline facilities of emergency responders, such as hospitals and public service answering points. The objectives of these investigations are identified along with the information that is to be collected. While the committee deals with all lifelines, this paper focuses on power and communication systems. Problems with gaining access to facilities and collecting data are discussed. Earthquakes can severely stress lifeline systems and bring to light such things as interdependencies and the effectiveness of emergency response procedures, thus providing information that is also applicable to other situations, such as storms and floods. Investigations have shown that there is a need to improve access to information about system problems and to disseminate the lessons learned to the lifeline community, so that system performance can be improved.
Soviet naval doctrine under Lenin and Stalin

(1976). Soviet naval doctrine under Lenin and Stalin. Soviet Studies: Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 42-65.
Effects of Monomer Functionality and Hydrogen Bonding on the Polymerization Kinetics and Properties of Thiol−Ene Networks

The effect of hydrogen bonding on both the kinetics and physical properties of photopolymerized thiol−ene systems has been determined by comparison of two thiol−ene systems, [butyl 3-mercaptopropionate/ pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate)]/triallyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione and [3-mercaptopropionic acid/pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate)]/triallyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione. Hydrogen bonding in the thiol−ene network incorporating 3-mercaptopropionic acid leads to enhanced glass transition temperatures, refractive index, Persoz hardness, elastic modulus values, isothermal enthalpic relaxation, and rubbery−glassy heat capacity differences compared to networks formed using butyl 3-mercaptopropionate. Sub-Tg aging analysis clearly shows that hydrogen bonding affects the isothermal enthalpic relaxation process.
Description and Classification of Lindera melissifolia Habitat in the Southeastern Coastal Plain

ABSTRACT Lindera melissifolia is a federally endangered wetland shrub endemic to the Southeastern Coastal Plain and the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Lindera melissifolia is known to occupy seasonally flooded habitats, but little work has been done to describe habitat characteristics in the Southeastern Coastal Plain region. This research uses vegetation and environmental data collected from 50 plots in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia to develop a habitat classification and description for L. melissifolia in the Southeastern Coastal Plain. Cluster analysis, nonmetric multidimensional scaling, indicator species analysis, and analysis of variance were used to assign plots to four distinct isolated wetland habitat types. Swamp Tupelo Depression Pond and Successional Swamp Forest communities supported the densest and healthiest L. melissifolia populations, followed by Pond-Cypress Pond and Pocosin, and Limestone Sink Forest habitats. Habitat degradation and other forms of disturbance were fou...
The influence of observational interdependence on spectral reflectance relationships with plant and soil variables

Abstract The relationships between spectral reflectance and plot variables in a desert shrub community were studied by repeated observation as biomass was removed from 2·93m2 plots. As a result of these repeated observations, interdependence effects were present in the data sets. The spectral/plot relationships were discovered to be weaker with the removal of this observational interdependence. Middle infrared reflectance (2·08–2·35μm) was found to account for more of the variation in the group of plot variables than did reflectance in the other spectral regions tested, and the variable of total moisture was best for explaining the variability of the spectral data.
Noise in ZnO: A surface phenomenon

Abstract The noise in undoped and lithium-doped zinc oxide crystals was measured and observed to be of the modulation type. An oxygen ambient was found to have a strong effect on both the magnitude and shape of the noise spectra. A comparison was made of the noise spectra and photoresponse curves to modulated light to aid in the analysis. The model used to explain the results depends on the condition of the surface (accumulation or depletion layer) and involves excess zinc, F centers and F' centers.
The effect of cryptococcin on leukocytic migration.

Effects of tuberculin upon leukocytes from patients with tuberculosis were described in 1909 by Achard and Benard [1]. In 1932, Rich and Lewis [2] demonstrated that tuberculin inhibited the normal migration of leukocytes from animals with delayed hypersensitivity to tuberculin. Their work also demonstrated that this effect did not occur in immediate hypersensitivity states such as anaphylaxis or the Arthur phenomenon and established this tissue culture technique as a valuable tool for detecting delayed hypersensitivity. Many workers who have studied delayed hypersensitivity have confirmed this in-vitro phenomenon [3-6]. The work of Heilman and Feldman [5] on "anergic states" demonstrated the presence of delayed hypersensitivity as measured by the leukocytic migration test in dying tuberculous animals after the loss of dermal hypersensitivity; this and later studies [6] on experimental brucellosis showed the superiority of the leukocytic migration test over dermal sensitivity methods.
Evaluating Cost Overruns of Asphalt Paving Project using Statistical Process Control Methods

While some projects will experience changes to the contracted cost by deduction or additions, construction cost overruns are becoming a common problem in the construction industry. Steps need to be taken to minimize cost overrun through cost and quality control techniques. This paper presents a study conducted to evaluate construction cost overruns of asphalt paving operations performed by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The main objective is to analyze the main causes of cost overruns and evaluate the amount of cost overrun of asphalt paving operations, using statistical process control (SPC) techniques. Real data from projects in the year 2000 were collected from IDOT. These data contain cost information of 219 projects. The results indicate that the average cost overrun for the sample collected was 4% above the bid price. Reasons for cost overruns are analyzed and a Pareto chart and a cause and effect diagram are constructed. Individuals and Moving Range (MR) control charts are developed and their interpretation and use are discussed. Furthermore, the benefits and limitations of using the individuals and MR chart in cost control applications are pointed out. It is recommended that SPC analysis be an integral part in managing and controlling project costs.
Fertility and education premiums

This study examines households’ fertility variations in response to expected permanent shifts in the return to education. Wage premiums measure␣the return to education because their long-run movements are driven by factors exogenous to the fertility process. The results indicate that high education parents’ fertility responds negatively to changes in the expected return to college and negatively to changes in the expected return to high school. On the other hand, the fertility of low education parents does not vary with changes to expected returns to education. These results can be consistently interpreted within a standard quality/quantity model of endogenous fertility.
Design of experiments optimization of embedded MEMS sensors in composites for structural health monitoring

The effect of embedding MEMS strain gages in composite materials is investigated. In a preliminary phase, silicon MEMS devices are modeled as prismatic objects embedded in the composite continuum. Variations in the dimensions and mechanical properties of the composite structure and the device are considered to identify factors that affect most the structural integrity of the composite structure. A maximum size of the microsensor is determined that will allow the composite structure to tolerate 2% strain without exceeding its failure strength. A critical ratio of the microsensor device to composite structure dimension is determined.
Aging in apparently normal men. II. Androgenic activity of urinary ketosteroids and of their alpha and beta fractions; the relationship of androgenic titers to values obtained by colorimetric assay.

THIS serie of reports pertains to the influence of aging upon certain aspects of the endocrine system and to the relation of the endocrine status, in turn, to various bodily structures and functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Subjects consisted of 51 apparently normal men 21 to 75 years of age. An attempt was made to procure a group of comparable subjects with an extensive range of age, who were apparently normal and followed a similar routine of life. After preliminary surveys of several groups of persons, a series of prisoners was chosen for study. The means employed to avoid inclusion of subjects who were ill or physically unfit have been described elsewhere (1). Also listed in that publication are the extensive investigations which were carried out on these same subjects; the method of collection, extraction, separation, and measurement of urinary ketosteroids (KS);1 and the values for colorimetric assays of total extract and for alpha1 and beta fractions. Here it is sufficient to state that urine was col...
Mimicking Stem Cell Niches to Increase Stem Cell Expansion

Niches regulate lineage-specific stem cell self-renewal versus differentiation in vivo and are composed of supportive cells and extracellular matrix components arranged in a three-dimensional topography of controlled stiffness in the presence of oxygen and growth factor gradients. Mimicking stem cell niches in a defined manner will facilitate production of the large numbers of stem cells needed to realize the promise of regenerative medicine and gene therapy. Progress has been made in mimicking components of the niche. Immobilizing cell-associated Notch ligands increased the self-renewal of hematopoietic (blood) stem cells. Culture on a fibrous scaffold that mimics basement membrane texture increased the expansion of hematopoietic and embryonic stem cells. Finally, researchers have created intricate patterns of cell-binding domains and complex oxygen gradients.
Effects of Coolant Density Ratio on Film Cooling Performance on a Vane

Film cooling performance was studied on a simulated turbine vane model with an objective of determining how much the coolant density ratio affects this performance. Experiments were conducted using coolant density ratios of 1.8 and 1.2. The purpose of the study was to determine if tests done at small density ratios (which is often more viable in a laboratory) can give reasonable predictions of performance at more realistic large density ratios. Furthermore, appropriate scaling parameters were determined. The mainstream flow was operated with low and high turbulence levels. Adiabatic effectiveness was measured in the showerhead region of the vane, and following the first row of coolant holes on the pressure side. Adiabatic effectiveness performance using small density ratio coolant gave performance trends similar to the large density ratio coolant, but quantitative values differed by varying amount depending on operating conditions.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Active transport of foreign pyrimidines across the intestinal epithelium.

THE small intestine of mammals possesses at least three independent active transport processes for the absorption of organic compounds: one for monosaccharides like glucose and galactose1; one for L-amino-acids2; and one for pyrimidines like uracil and thymine3. These specialized absorption processes have a number of characteristics in common which distinguish them from the process of simple diffusion: the substrate is transferred against a concentration gradient; the transport systems become saturated at high concentrations of substrate; and one substrate depresses the passage of another by competing with it for the transport process.
Echocardiographic Demonstration of an Unusual Pulmonary Venous Pathway in a Patient with Left Ventricular Inflow Obstruction

A newborn infant with mural atresia and a restrictive patent foramen ovate had normal pulmonary venous connection to the left atrium demonstrated by echocardiography. However, pulmonary venous blood then coursed through an unusual pathway in the roof of the left atrium into the right atrium. This case illustrates the need for the echocardiographer to be reminded of and then search for unusual drainage pathways in cases of left ventricular inflow obstruction, even when the pulmonary veins connect normally.
Deep inductively coupled plasma etching of ELO-GaN grown with high fill factor

The epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) gallium nitride (GaN) was grown with high fill factor using metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching of ELO-GaN based on Cl 2 /Ar/SiCl 4 gas mixture was performed. Surface properties of ELO-GaN subjected to ICP etching have been investigated and optimized etching condition in ELO-GaN with ICP etching is presented. Radiofrequency (RF) power and the flow rate of Cl 2 gas were modified during the experiments. The window region, wing region and the edge region of ELO-GaN pattern present different etching characteristics. Different etching conditions were studied to get the minimized plasma-induced damage, relatively high etching rates, and excellent surface profiles. Etch depths of the etched ELO-GaN with smooth surface up to about 19 μm were achieved. The most suitable three-step etching condition is discussed with the assessment based on the morphology observation of the etched surface of ELO-GaN patterns.
Capillary-based multi nanoelectrospray emitters: improvements in ion transmission efficiency and implementation with capillary reversed-phase LC-ESI-MS.

We describe the coupling of liquid chromatography (LC) separations with mass spectrometry (MS) using nanoelectrospray ionization (nano-ESI) multiemitters. The array of 19 emitters reduced the flow rate delivered to each emitter, allowing the enhanced sensitivity that is characteristic of nano-ESI to be extended to higher flow rate separations. The signal for tryptic fragments from proteins spiked into a human plasma sample increased 11-fold on average when the multiemitters were employed, due to increased ionization efficiency and improved ion transfer efficiency through a newly designed heated multicapillary MS inlet. Additionally, the LC peak signal-to-noise ratio increased ∼7-fold when the multiemitter configuration was used. The low dead volume of the emitter arrays preserved peak shape and resolution for robust capillary LC separations using total flow rates of 2 μL/min.
Suspect online sellers and contraceptive access.

Abstract Background Issues surrounding contraception access have been a national focus. During this debate, adolescent and adult women may seek these products online. Due to safety concerns, including potential counterfeit forms, we wished to assess whether online “no prescription” contraceptives were available. Study Design We assessed online availability of reversible, prescription contraceptive methods resulting in Results All contraceptives were available as “no prescription” products. Furthermore, IUDs were advertised as “over-the-counter” and YouTube videos provided “how to” videos, including a cartoon version. We also found that illicit online pharmacy marketing is shifting from direct search engine access to social media (Facebook, Twitter, Slidehare, flickr). Conclusion Online contraceptive sales represent patient safety risks and a parallel system of high-risk product access absent professional guidance. Providers should educate patients, while policy makers employ legal strategies to address these systemic risks.
Hydrothermal synthesis of various carbonate containing calcium hydroxyapatites

Abstract Carbonate containing hydroxyapatites were prepared hydrothermally between 2000 and 20,000 psi and 250 and 900°C using H 2 O or CO 2 pressure. On the basis of IR, x-ray and chemical investigations it is shown that under these conditions the CO 3 triangle can replace both the OH group and PO 4 tetrahedron in the apatite structure. Replacement is possible either in only one of these positions or also combined. The extent of the solid solubility, however, is still unknown.
Chromosome healing: Spontaneous and programmed de novo telomere formation by telomerase

Telomeres are protective caps for chromosome ends that are essential for genome stability. Broken chromosomes missing a telomere will not be maintained unless the chromosome is 'healed' with the formation of a new telomere. Chromosome healing can be a programmed event following developmentally regulated chromosome fragmentation, or it may occur spontaneously when a chromosome is accidentally broken. In this article we discuss the consequences of telomere loss and the possible mechanisms that the enzyme telomerase employs to form telomeres de novo on broken chromosome ends.
A neural network approach to character recognition

Abstract An application of neural networks in optical character recognition (OCR) is presented. The concept of learning in neural networks is utilized to a large extent in developing an OCR system to recognize characters of various fonts and sizes, and hand written characters. Parallel computational capability helps reduce recognition time which is crucial in a commercial context. The sensitivity of the network is such that small variations in the input do not affect the output and this results in an improvement in the recognition rate of characters with slight variations in structure, linearity, and orientation.
Single-molecule investigation of G-quadruplex folds of the human telomere sequence in a protein nanocavity

Human telomeric DNA consists of tandem repeats of the sequence 5′-TTAGGG-3′ that can fold into various G-quadruplexes, including the hybrid, basket, and propeller folds. In this report, we demonstrate use of the α-hemolysin ion channel to analyze these subtle topological changes at a nanometer scale by providing structure-dependent electrical signatures through DNA–protein interactions. Whereas the dimensions of hybrid and basket folds allowed them to enter the protein vestibule, the propeller fold exceeds the size of the latch region, producing only brief collisions. After attaching a 25-mer poly-2′-deoxyadenosine extension to these structures, unraveling kinetics also were evaluated. Both the locations where the unfolding processes occur and the molecular shapes of the G-quadruplexes play important roles in determining their unfolding profiles. These results provide insights into the application of α-hemolysin as a molecular sieve to differentiate nanostructures as well as the potential technical hurdles DNA secondary structures may present to nanopore technology.
Nitrogen based establishment and seedbanking potential of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass in athletic fields

Seedbanking is a practice associated with heavy over-seeding to help athletic field managers sustain turf cover in high traffic scenarios and whether a true seedbank is being formed or if multiple inputs offer a source of fresh seed remains unanswered. Kentucky bluegrass was seeded at 30, 60, and 120 g m and perennial ryegrass at 150, 300, and 450 g m, both on bare ground, under two seeding schedules, and trafficked weekly during a US football season. Evaluations on percentage cover were made monthly during the season and emerged seedlings from plot cores were evaluated 3, 7, and 12 months after seeding to determine seedbanking potential. At the end of the traffic season, Kentucky bluegrass cover was 23.2% greater and perennial ryegrass was 10.6% greater for a single seeding compared to multiple. At 3 months after planting, multiple seedings resulted in 28.0 and 141.5 greater emerged seedlings for Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, respectively, than single seeding. Very few seedlings emerged from cores of either species taken at 7 and 12 months after seeding. Turf managers will maximize turf cover on bare areas by seeding heavily in early fall, and can provide a fresh source of seed through the season by multiple seedings. No beneficial seedbanking ability was observed with either species.
Liberalism Undone: Discourses on Political Violence in Interwar Japan

During the 1920s, liberal intellectuals in Japan took up their pens to express concerns about the proliferation of violence in political life. Political violence, they feared, was eroding Japanese civilization and culture, degrading constitutional government, and fomenting disorder and instability. Such anxieties encouraged ‘statism’ in their thinking, as a number of liberals called upon the state to provide order and security, without considering who was to police the state. This paper argues that Liberalism was undermined by this trust and authority endowed to the state and was undone, not just by state oppression, but by liberals themselves at the level of democratic practice.
Eddy turbulence parameters inferred from radar observations at Jicamarca

Abstract. Significant electron density striations, neutral temperatures 27 K above nominal, and intense wind shear were observed in the E-region ionosphere over the Jicamarca Radio Observatory during an unusual event on 26 July 2005 (Hysell et al., 2007). In this paper, these results are used to estimate eddy turbulence parameters and their effects. Models for the thermal balance in the mesosphere/lower thermosphere and the charged particle density in the E region are developed here. The thermal balance model includes eddy conduction and viscous dissipation of turbulent energy as well as cooling by infrared radiation. The production and recombination of ions and electrons in the E region, together with the production and transport of nitric oxide, are included in the plasma density model. Good agreement between the model results and the experimental data is obtained for an eddy diffusion coefficient of about 1×10 3 m 2 /s at its peak, which occurs at an altitude of 107 km. This eddy turbulence results in a local maximum of the temperature in the upper mesosphere/lower thermosphere and could correspond either to an unusually high mesopause or to a double mesosphere. Although complicated by plasma dynamic effects and ongoing controversy, our interpretation of Farley-Buneman wave phase velocity (Hysell et al., 2007) is consistent with a low Brunt-Vaisala frequency in the region of interest. Nitric oxide transport due to eddy diffusion from the lower thermosphere to the mesosphere causes electron density changes in the E region whereas NO density modulation due to irregularities in the eddy diffusion coefficient creates variability in the electron density.
High-resolution X-ray diffraction studies of combinatorial epitaxial Ge (0 0 1) thin-films on Ge (0 0 1) substrates

We report high-resolution X-ray diffraction studies of combinatorial epitaxial Ge (0 0 1) thin-films with varying doping concentrations of Co and Mn grown on Ge (0 0 1) substrates. The crystalline structure of the epitaxial thin-film has been determined using crystal-truncation rod (CTR) measurements and fitting analysis. By analyzing the fine interference fringes in the CTR intensity profile, strain sensitivity of ∼0.003% has been achieved. Using this method, the evolution of interfacial structures has been quantified as a function of doping concentration.
Scalability of network-failure resilience: analysis using multi-layer probabilistic graphical models

In this work, we quantify scalability of network re-silience upon failures. We characterize resilience as the percentage of lost traffic upon failures and define scalability as the growth rate of the percentage of lost traffic with respect to network size, link failure probability, and network traffic for given failure protection schemes. We apply probabilistic graphical models to characterize statistical dependence between physical-layer failures and the net-work-layer traffic, and analyze the scalability for large networks of different topologies. We first focus on the scalability of resilience for regular topolo-gies under uniform deterministic traffic with independent and de-pendent link failures, with and without protection. For large net-works with small probabilities of failures and without protection, we show that the scalability of network resilience grows linearly with the average route length and with the "effective" link failure probability. For large networks with 1 + 1 protection, we obtain lower and upper bound of the percentage of lost traffic. We de-rive approximations of the scalability for arbitrary topologies, and attain close-form analytical results for ring, star, and mesh-torus topologies. We then study network resilience under random traffic with Poisson arrivals. We find that when the network is under light load, the network resilience is reduced to that under uniform de-terministic traffic. When the network load is under heavy load, the percentage of lost traffic approaches the marginal probability of link failure. Our scalability analysis shows explicitly how network resilience varies with different factors and provides insights for re-silient network design.
Linear response laws and causality in electrodynamics

Linear response laws and causality (the effect cannot precede the cause) are of fundamental importance in physics. In the context of classical electrodynamics, students often have a difficult time grasping these concepts because the physics is obscured by the intermingling of the time and frequency domains. In this paper, we analyse the linear response laws and causality in the time and frequency domains with the aim of pedagogical clarity. We will show that it is easy to violate causality in the frequency domain by making a vanishing absorption approximation. Furthermore, we will show that there can be subtle differences between Fourier transforming Maxwell equations and using a monochromatic source function. We discuss how these concepts can be obscured and offer some suggestions to improve the situation.
A normative study of the MSDTA given by imitation

This study presents normative data for the McDonald Screening Deep Test of Articulation (MSDTA) administered by imitation. The data were collected from 223 preschool children ranging from 24 months to 59 months of age. These norms are useful for rapid screening purposes. In addition, they provide input on the coarticulatory aspects of phonology, which may become part of the caseload selection and treatment processes.
Detection of cystic fibrosis alleles from single cells using molecular beacons and a novel method of asymmetric real-time PCR.

We present a method for rapid and accurate identification of the normal and DF508 alleles of the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene in single human cells that utilizes LATE (linear after the exponential)-PCR, a newly invented form of asymmetric PCR. Detection of the single-stranded amplicon is carried out in real time, using allele-specific molecular beacons. The LATE-PCR method permits controlled abrupt transition from exponential to linear amplification and thereby enhances the fluorescent signals and reduces variability between replicate samples relative to those obtained using typical real-time PCR. Of 239 single lymphoblasts generating amplification signals, 227 (95%) exhibited signals that met objective quantitative criteria required for diagnosis. Among these samples, 222 were genotyped correctly, for an assay accuracy of 98%. The small number of diagnostic errors was due to allele drop-out among heterozygous lymphoblasts, 4/119 (3.4%), and contamination among homozygous DF508 lymphoblasts, 1/57 (1.8%). LATE-PCR offers a new strategy for preimplantation genetic diagnosis and other fields in which accurate quantitative detection of single copy genes is important.
ELABORATIVE MAPS FOR ENHANCED LEARNING OF HISTORICAL INFORMATION: UNITING SPATIAL, VERBAL, AND IMAGINAL INFORMATION:

Map-like displays containing names of battles of the American Revolution and related battle information were presented to 72 middle school students with learning disabilities (LD). Students were randomly assigned to one of three map conditions that depicted information in a spatial organizational format but varied the symbols used to mark the map. Map symbols included (a) reconstructive elaborations of battle names and associated event information, (b) mnemonic keywords of battle names, and (c) realistic drawings of soldiers, buildings, and so forth. A 3 (organization) by 2 (recall) (location vs. event information) analysis of variance indicated that recall of locations was significantly greater than recall of event information in all conditions, mnemonic encoding resulted in greater recall of locations but not events, and elaborative encoding resulted in greater recall of event information relative to the mnemonic map but greater recall of locations and event information relative to the non-mnemonic map....
Review of Models for Predicting the Cycling Performance of Lithium Ion Batteries

A rigorous pseudo two-dimensional model to simulate the cycling performance of a lithium ion cell is compared with two simplified models. The advantage of using simplified models is illustrated and their limitations are discussed. It is shown that for 1C or less discharge rates a simple ordinary differential equation (ODE) model can be used to predict accurately the potential as a function of time. For rates higher than 1C, simplifications to the rigorous model are suggested that reduce the solution time for the model.
Formalising property relations in the developing world: The wrong prescription for the wrong malady

Abstract Formalisation of property relations through the registration of land and the issuance of titles is but the latest in a long history of optimistic policy prescriptions imposed on the poor nations of the world. As with the discredited Washington Consensus, the imperative of formalisation flows from the flawed inductive logic that says” “rich countries have formalised tenure, therefore formalisation of tenure will help make you rich.” Unfortunately, empirical research on formalisation of tenure as a stimulus to agricultural investment is unable to establish any robust and reliable connection between “more secure” tenure and enhanced agricultural productivity. Urban slum dwellers who get titles but who are without work cannot possibly leverage credit from the banking sector. Formalisation erodes and displaces existing social networks and arrangements that do offer security. Formalisation offers little assurance that beneficial outcomes are inevitable. As with a long list of previous simple solutions to complex problems, this too shall pass.
Multiple quantum coherences in liquid state NMR and nonlinear optics: collective vs local origin

Recently observed high harmonic multi-particle echo resonances (multiple quantum coherence) in NMR have been interpreted using either direct coupling or local-field mechanisms. We show that a unified picture for both mechanisms may be obtained by calculating the signals perturbatively in the incoming pulses in terms of response functions using a many-body approach originally developed for nonlinear optics. Specific signatures which can distinguish between the two are identified, and new double quantum resonances of both types are predicted in four-wave mixing in the direction k1 þ k2 � k3. 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Comparison of the Reactivity of 2‐Li‐C6H4CH2NMe2 with MCl4 (M=Th, U): Isolation of a Thorium Aryl Complex or a Uranium Benzyne Complex

Why do U react like that? Reaction of 2-Li-C6H4CH2NMe2 with [MCl4(DME)n] (M=Th, n=2; M=U, n=0) results in the formation of a thorium aryl complex, [Th(2-C6H4CH2NMe2)4] or a uranium benzyne complex, [Li][U(2,3-C6H3CH2NMe2)(2-C6H4CH2NMe2)3]. A DFT analysis suggests that the formation of a benzyne complex with U but not with Th is a kinetic and not thermodynamic effect.
Understanding Business Improvement Districts: A New Governance Framework

What is the current state of research on business improvement districts (BIDs)? What is an appropriate framework for analysis? What are key questions for advancing future BID research? BIDs can be understood best within a network governance framework. The research shows, first, a blurring of the line between the public and private spheres as a result of BIDs; second, BIDs are increasingly important actors in urban governance; third, BIDs engage in collaborative, conflictual, and co-optative relations with local and state governments; and fourth, difficult accountability and management problems are created by their interdependent relationships with local governments. Future research needs to focus on understanding the role of BIDs in urban governance and assessing their impacts on metropolitan areas, as well as their inherently complicated public accountability and management challenges.
Beyond Brain Drain: Possibilities and Challenges of Remitting Migrant Taxes

Remuneration and Benefits Dissatisfaction with salaries is a key factor undermining the commitment of academics to their institutions and careers and, consequently, their decision or intent to leave. Some institutions offer various allowances that supplement staff members’ base salaries. Other creative ways of rewarding academic staff include salary “top-ups,” which come from income generated through students enrolled in fee-paying programs. While highly commendable, these efforts should not be seen as a substitute for providing academics with “livable” salaries. While salaries feature prominently in responses, staff are clearly willing to subordinate higher salaries to very good benefit packages that will enable them to live relatively comfortably during their working lives as well as after retirement. They, therefore, put a high premium on good health care coverage, car and housing loan schemes, support for children’s education, and a reasonable pension. The idea of merit pay and market supplements for academics has met with a lot of controversy and resistance in various universities around the world. Because of the politically charged reaction that they evoke, all of the case study universities shy away from them, certainly in explicit ways.
Longitudinal progression of Alzheimer's-like patterns of atrophy in normal older adults: the SPARE-AD index

A challenge in developing informative neuroimaging biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is the need to identify biomarkers that are evident before the onset of clinical symptoms, and which have sufficient sensitivity and specificity on an individual patient basis. Recent literature suggests that spatial patterns of brain atrophy discriminate amongst Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and cognitively normal (CN) older adults with high accuracy on an individual basis, thereby offering promise that subtle brain changes can be detected during prodromal Alzheimer's disease stages. Here, we investigate whether these spatial patterns of brain atrophy can be detected in CN and MCI individuals and whether they are associated with cognitive decline. Images from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) were used to construct a pattern classifier that recognizes spatial patterns of brain atrophy which best distinguish Alzheimer's disease patients from CN on an individual person basis. This classifier was subsequently applied to longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging scans of CN and MCI participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) neuroimaging study. The degree to which Alzheimer's disease-like patterns were present in CN and MCI subjects was evaluated longitudinally in relation to cognitive performance. The oldest BLSA CN individuals showed progressively increasing Alzheimer's disease-like patterns of atrophy, and individuals with these patterns had reduced cognitive performance. MCI was associated with steeper longitudinal increases of Alzheimer's disease-like patterns of atrophy, which separated them from CN (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve equal to 0.89). Our results suggest that imaging-based spatial patterns of brain atrophy of Alzheimer's disease, evaluated with sophisticated pattern analysis and recognition methods, may be useful in discriminating among CN individuals who are likely to be stable versus those who will show cognitive decline. Future prospective studies will elucidate the temporal dynamics of spatial atrophy patterns and the emergence of clinical symptoms.
A fluxless bonding technology using indium-silver multilayer composites

A fluxless bonding process has been developed using indium-silver multilayer composites deposited on silicon and GaAs wafers in one high vacuum cycle to inhibit the oxidation of the bonding media. The in situ formation of AgIn/sub 2/ intermetallic outer layer protects the inner media from oxidation when exposed to atmosphere. The bonding process is performed at 180/spl deg/C temperature in inert environment to prevent oxygen from getting into the specimens. High quality joints are produced as confirmed by a scanning acoustic microscope. The joints are very uniform with a thickness of 4 /spl mu/m. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluations reveal that the joint is composed of indium matrix with embedded intermetallic grains. Neither flux nor scrubbing motion is used in the bonding process. The process should be valuable in manufacturing applications where the use of flux cannot be tolerated.
Physical activity and gastric cancer: so what? An epidemiologist's confession.

Epidemiologists, like many scientists, tend to become specialized and focused on a particular disease, even though behavioral risk factors such as physical activity have effects across many diseases. This commentary is a personal reflection by an epidemiologist on the shortcomings of this disease-oriented approach to prevention. Cancer Prev Res; 7(1); 9–11. 2013 AACR. When I first read the meta-analysis published in this journal by Singh and colleagues concluding that risk for gastric cancer is 21% lower among those who engage in higher levels of physical activity, I must admit my reaction was "so what" (1). My first thought, frankly, was of the image of the iconic New Yorker cartoon that has frequented many epidemiology talks—a sketch of a newscaster in front of two spinning circles of chance.One of the circles lists risk factors like smoking, obesity, and physical activity, and the other lists various diseases. The newscaster is reporting about a new study showing that some random risk factor has now been linked to some random disease. What could any link between physical activity and gastric cancer possibly matter, I thought. Surely, we would not be designing prevention programs specifically promoting physical activity for a 21% reduction in gastric cancer risk, because physical activity is already known to have a larger and more certain impact on more common conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. That was my initial reaction to the finding linking physical activity to gastric cancer, but since that initial cynical impression, I have since been thinking a lot about physical activity and even more about my attitude. I am a cancer epidemiologist. I like to think I have broad interests and an open mind, but in fact, my professional behavior tends towards narrowness. The articles I read and the meetings I attend are mostly about a few specific diseases. Although I study risk factors, I tend to regard risk factors more as pieces of puzzles to be arranged to form picturesofspecificdiseasesthanasmattersofdirectinterest. The reality, though, is that quite often the very same risk factors impacting any single cancer site are also impacting both other cancers as well as many other chronic diseases. When it comes to public health impact, common risk factors trump common diseases every day. Physical activity isagoodexample.AsIhavereflectedmoreinrecentdayson the importance of the association between physical activity and gastric cancer beyond my initial "so what" reaction, I have come to see this relationship as important in two ways‐-as a finding of broad epidemiologic importance and as afindingwithmore global implications for publichealth that we epidemiologists should better appreciate.
Pubertal timing and smoking initiation in adolescent females: differences by race.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine whether (a) early pubertal timing effects on smoking onset existed for both White and Black girls and (b) whether the association between pubertal timing and smoking onset was moderated by race.
Evaluation of Cocaine Use During Pregnancy through Toxicological Analysis of Hair

Toxicological analysis of hair was used to detect cocaine use in a group of 615 pregnant women. Hair samples were washed, enzymatically digested, and analyzed by radioimmunoassay for cocaine. Positive results were confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after a solid-phase extraction. Benzoylecgonine (BZE) and cocaine were detected after derivatization with pentafluoropropionic-anhydride-pentafluoropropanol. Deuterated cocaine and BZE were used as internal standards. This study demonstrated a mean frequency of 1.9% cases positive for cocaine in all the hair samples examined. The positive rate was 6% among women admitted for spontaneous abortion (66 cases), and the positive rate was 1.4% for those who carried to full term (549 cases). These data underline the usefulness of hair analysis for the diagnosis of drug abuse and demonstrate that there is significant use of cocaine in the Italian population.
Phosphodiesterase inhibition with tadalafil provides longer and sustained protection of stem cells.

We hypothesized that inhibition of the cGMP-specific enzyme phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A) promoted cGMP/protein kinase G (PKG) activity to condition stem cells for enhanced survival and proliferatio...