cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Approximate Bayesian framework for 3D reconstruction in a volumetric PIV/PTV measurement

Non-invasive flow velocity measurement techniques like volumetric Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) (Elsinga et al., 2006; Adrian and Westerweel, 2011) and Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV) (Maas, Gruen and Papantoniou, 1993) use multi-camera projections of tracer particle motion to resolve three-dimensional flow structures. A key step in the measurement chain involves reconstructing the 3D intensity field (PIV) or particle positions (PTV) given the projected images and known camera correspondence. Due to limited number of camera-views the projected particle images are non-unique making the inverse problem of volumetric reconstruction underdetermined. Moreover, higher particle concentration (>0.05 ppp) increases erroneous reconstructions or “ghost” particles and decreases reconstruction accuracy. Current reconstruction methods either use voxel-based representation for intensity reconstruction (e.g. MART (Elsinga et al., 2006)) or a particle-based approach (e.g. IPR (Wieneke, 2013)) for 3D position estimation. The former method is computationally intensive and has a lesser positional accuracy due to stretched shape of the reconstructed particle along the line of sight. The latter compromises triangulation accuracy (Maas, Gruen and Papantoniou, 1993) due to overlapping particle images for higher particle concentrations. Thus, each method has its own challenges and the error in 3D reconstruction significantly affects the accuracy of the velocity measurement. Though, other methods like maximum-a-posteriori (MAP) estimation have been previously developed (Levitan and Herman, 1987; Bouman and Sauer, 1996) for computed Tomography data, it has not been explored for PIV/ PTV 3D reconstruction. Here, we use a MAP estimation framework to model and solve the inverse problem. The cost function is optimized using a stochastic gradient ascent (SGA) algorithm. Such an optimization can converge to a better local maximum and also use smaller image patches for efficient iterations.
Molecular Epidemiology and Population Genetics of Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli

The strains of E. coli that cause such extraintestinal infection, in whatever host species, have long been recognized to differ, collectively, from those that colonize the intestinal tract or cause diarrhea in members of the same species. Such strains have been the subject of considerable study in an effort to better understand their distinguishing features, virulence mechanisms, host and syndrome range, evolutionary origins, reservoirs, and transmission pathways. This has led to the creation of various taxonomic categories and commensals. Such labels imply that the special ability of these strains to cause extraintestinal disease is their raison d'etre. Several broad generalizations can be made regarding the distribution of virulence factors among individual extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains. First, ExPEC strains typically express representatives of multiple different functional categories of virulence factors. Second, ExPEC strains commonly display multiple representatives of a particular functional class of virulence factors. Third, different ExPEC strains exhibit radically different combinations of virulence factors, evidence that multiple E. coli genotypes can cause extraintestinal virulence. An important aspect of virulence genes, aside from presence/absence and expression, is point mutations. In contrast, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis, which is relatively insensitive to broad phylogenetic relationships, provides resolution down to the level of individual clones within the larger clonal groups. Better understandings of ExPEC strains’ pathogenetic mechanisms, fecal reservoirs, transmission pathways, antimicrobial resistance development, and evolutionary origins are needed to guide the development of effective preventive measures against these important opportunistic pathogens.
Toxicity of the Mucigogue, Eugenol, Administered By Stomach Tube to Dogs

Summary A toxicity study is reported in which dogs were given intragastric instillations of eugenol emulsions, in order to determine the toxic reactions to this compound and the order of magnitude of safe dosage. In general, body temperature was slightly depressed, pulse rate increased, and respiratory rate was unaffected. Vomiting occurred only occasionally at a dosage level of about 2.5 gm./10 kg. body weight, but at the highest dosage employed (approximately 5 gm./10 kg.), its incidence was 65%. Marked motor dysfunction, primarily of the hind limbs, was observed only at this maximum dosage in half of the experiments. Death occurred only after the highest dosage of eugenol in 2 of the 4 dogs used for the 6 experiments at this level. Thus, it would appear that a dosage of about 0.2 gm./kg. (100 ml. of 2% emulsion) is safe for experiments in dogs requiring orogastric administration of eugenol emulsion. Repeated administration at this dosage level (10 doses over a 3-week period) gave no indication of a cumulative effect.
A Graphical Interval Logic Toolset for Verifying Concurrent Systems

Graphical Interval Logic is the foundation of a toolset we have developed to support formal specification and verification of concurrent systems. The logic is a discrete linear-time temporal logic with the distinguishing feature that formulas in the logic have an intuitive graphical representation. The toolset includes a graphical editor that allows the user to compose and edit graphical formulas on a workstation display and a theorem prover that mechanically checks the validity of proofs in the logic. This paper describes the toolset and illustrates its use.
Extracellular Collagenase from Trichophyton schoenleinii

The dermatophyte Trichophyton schoenleinii elaborates an extracellular collagenase which is specific for native collagen and gelatin and is separable from an enzyme which is active against Azocoll. The fungal enzyme differs from the bacterial collagenases in its acid pH and small molecular weight. In addition, the fungal enzyme is irreversibly inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, whereas the bacterial enzymes can be restored by divalent cations, such as Mg++ and Ca++.
SeReNe: On Establishing Secure and Resilient Networking Services for an SDN-based Multi-tenant Datacenter Environment

In the current enterprise data enter networking environment, a major hurdle in the development of network security is the lack of an orchestrated and resilient defensive mechanism that uses well-established quantifiable metrics, models, and evaluation methods. In this position paper, we describe an emerging Secure and Resilient Networking (SeReNe) service model to establish a programmable and dynamic defensive mechanism that can adjust the system's networking resources such as topology, bandwidth allocation, and traffic/flow forwarding policies, according to the network security situations. We posit that this requires addressing two interdependent technical areas: (a) a Moving Target Defense (MTD) framework both at networking and software levels, and (b) an Adaptive Security-enabled Traffic Engineering (ASeTE) approach to select optimal countermeasures by considering the effectiveness of countermeasures and network bandwidth allocations while minimizing the intrusiveness to the applications and the cost of deploying the countermeasures. We believe that our position can greatly benefit the virtual networking system established in data Centerior enterprise virtual networking systems that have adopted latest Open Flow technologies.
Membrane Targeting: Methods

Receptor proteins in the outer cell membrane transmit environmental signals into the cell by the recruitment and assembly of internal proteins in an organized complex around the receptor on the inner surface of the cell membrane. Lipids (fats) that are physically attached to some proteins in these complexes help to tether key components to the lipid bilayer of the membrane to increase signalling efficiency. Scientists have learned how to introduce these membrane-targeting lipids into many proteins to produce and study how this may alter cell behaviour. Keywords: fatty acid modification; lipid bilayer; membrane proteins; protein design; chimaeric protein
Microbial Transformations of Radionuclides in the Subsurface

Microorganisms are ubiquitous in subsurface environments although their populations sizes and metabolic activities can vary considerably depending on energy and nutrient inputs. As a result of their metabolic activities and the chemical properties of their cell surfaces and the exopolymers they produce, microorganisms can directly or indirectly facilitate the biotransformation of radionuclides, thus altering their solubility and overall fate and transport in the environment. Although biosorption to cell surfaces and exopolymers can be an important factor modifying the solubility of some radionuclides under specific conditions, oxidation state is often considered the single most important factor controlling their speciation and, therefore, environmental behavior.
Integrated Sensor Durability and Reliability

Significant progress has been made recently in the development of numerous integrated sensing approaches in support of structural health monitoring. To a large degree, however, many of these sensing approaches and methodologies are unproven in fielded, operational environments where the long-term reliability of the sensors and associated hardware needs to be insured. In this article, some of the physical principles of integrated sensor durability and reliability are covered. In particular, the primary factors that can influence the performance and reliable output of an integrated sensing system are described. The aging, damage, and degradation of a sensing system are also covered. Several specific examples are given, including surface-bonded piezoelectric sensor disks, direct-write thermocouples, comparative vacuum sensors, and layered piezoelectric actuator/sensor networks. Lessons learned and opportunities for sensor durability/reliability improvement are also briefly covered. Keywords: integrated sensors; reliability; durability, environmental exposure
High-energy trajectories from earth to Mars and return.

High energy trajectories from Earth to Mars and return for 1970-1980 - three-dimensional conic approximation used for calculations
MCSTEP ‐ A Multiconfigurational‐based Spin Adapted Electron Propagator Approach for Ionization Potentials and Electron Affinities

With electron propagator (also known as single particle Green's function) techniques, electron removal and attachment energies are calculated directly. This avoids the sometimes inaccurate process of separately determining the total electronic energies of the neutral and ionic state and subtracting one large number from another to obtain a relatively small value, that is, the ionization potential (IP) or electron affinity (EA) of a molecule. Traditionally, these electron propagator methods used a single determinant wave function as the ‘zero order’ initial state, which was improved with Moller–Plesset perturbation theory. Although these usual perturbative electron propagator methods have been very successful, they are limited in applicability. Usual perturbative approaches usually cannot handle reliably (or at all) systems with initial states that are open shell and/or highly correlated (nondynamical correlation) for either IPs or EAs. We specifically designed the multiconfigurational spin tensor electron propagator method (MCSTEP) and its predecessor the multiconfigurational electron propagator (MCEP) method to provide accurate IPs and EAs for systems that cannot be accurately handled by usual perturbational approaches to single particle Green's function methods, namely, when the initial state is open shell and/or has nondynamical correlation that must be accounted for. In addition, of course, the goal is to also be able to provide accurate IPs and EAs for systems with closed shell initial states without nondynamical correlation, that is, those systems that could be handled as well by usual perturbational electron propagator methods. In this article, I will first review the theory behind the multiconfigurational spin tensor electron propagator method. Since the introduction of MCSTEP over 15 years ago, several accurate MCSTEP atomic and molecular IPs and EAs have been determined. I will summarize several of the more significant calculations to date. An electron propagator method using a multiconfigurational second-order perturbation theory wave function as the initial state in the fermion operator block (block 1) in the MCSTEP matrix equations was initially developed by Heryadi and Yeager. In the other blocks, an MCSCF wave function is the initial state. This new method is called EPCASPT2 and should be viewed as an extension of MCSTEP. In this article, we will review the theory behind EPCASPT2 and some of the recent calculations done using a CASPT2 wave function as the initial state in the electron propagator. We compare our results with the results of the calculations using multiconfigurational spin tensor electron propagator, full configuration interaction, and for the molecules, the multireference configuration interaction method with the same geometries and basis sets. Keywords: ionization potentials; electron affinities; electron propagator; Green's functions; MCSTEP; EPCASPT2
Processes in Delay of Gratification

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of research on choice preferences for delayed, larger versus immediate, smaller gratifications. In spite of the widespread recognition of the important role of delay of gratification in human affairs, previous experimental research on the topic has been limited. At the empirical level, extensive experimental work has been done on delay of reward in animals. Surprisingly, although voluntary delay behavior has been assumed to be a critical component of such concepts as “ego strength,” “impulse control,” and “internalization,” prior to the present research program relatively little systematic attention had been devoted to it in empirical work on human social behavior. The chapter presents, in greater detail, selected studies that focus on the role of cognitive processes during self-imposed delay. Many theorists have paid tribute abstractly to the importance of cognition for the phenomena of personality in general and for self-regulatory processes in particular. These tributes have been accompanied by some correlational research that explores, for example, the links between intelligence, self-control, cognitive styles, and other dispositional. The chapter offers a further theoretical analysis of the determinants of delay behavior.
Constrained FIR filter design for 2-band filter banks and orthonormal wavelets

2-band paraunitary FIR filter banks can be used to generate a multiresolution analysis with compactly supported orthonormal (ON) wavelets. The filter design problem is formulated and solved (a) as a constrained L/sub /spl infin// optimization problem and (b) as a constrained L/sub 2/ optimization problem which allows arbitrary compromises between an L/sub 2/ and an L/sub /spl infin// approach with both of them as special cases. Additional flatness constraints can also be easily included. The L/sub 2/ and the L/sub /spl infin// design are based on the Kuhn-Tucker (KT) conditions and the alternation theorem, respectively. Therefore, optimality of the solution is guaranteed. The method (a) is a simpler alternative to a known method. The method (b) solves a more general problem than the approaches known in the literature including all of them as special cases. >
A new n-type and improved p-type pseudo-ternary (Bi 2 Te 3 )(Sb 2 Te 3 )(Sb 2 Se 3 ) alloy for Peltier cooling

The pseudo-ternary alloy of (Bi/sub 2/Te/sub 3/)(Sb/sub 2/Te/sub 3/)(Sb/sub 2/Se/sub 3/) has been explored for over twenty-five years with little progress in the figure of merit, p-type 3.4/spl times/10/sup -3//K and n-type 3.2/spl times/10/sup -3//K. Using multiple dopants, Te and SbI/sub 3/, higher figure of merit material can be achieved without creating more of the deleterious pure Te commonly found as a second phase in the p-type alloy, (Bi/sub 2/Te/sub 3/)/sub 25/(Sb/sub 2/Te/sub 3/)/sub 72/(Sb/sub 2/Se/sub 3/)/sub 3/. Using a combination of the two dopants figures of merit as high as 3.7/spl times/10/sup -3//K have been achieved. Using two dopants has also permitted the creation of an n-type alloy with a composition of (Bi/sub 2/Te/sub 3/)/sub 70/(Sb/sub 2/Te/sub 3/)/sub 25/(Sb/sub 2/Se/sub 3/)/sub 5/. Previously n-type doping could not be achieved with a single dopant because the alloy as grown always exhibits p-type conductivity. Using Te and SbI/sub 3/ together as dopants, or SbI/sub 3/ by itself in this alloy produces n-type material with a figure of merit of 3.4/spl times/10/sup -3//K.
Design of a test simulation environment for test program development

Analog Devices has developed its own custom test simulation environment. Five pilot projects have been successfully completed to-date using this product. The design of this test simulation environment is presented.
The yeast and mammalian Ras pathways control transcription of heat shock genes independently of heat shock transcription factor

Yeast strains in which the Ras-cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathway is constitutively active are sensitive to heat shock, whereas mutants in which the activity of this pathway is low are hyperresistant to heat shock. To determine the molecular basis for these differences, we examined the transcriptional induction of heat shock genes in various yeast strains. Activation of heat shock genes was attenuated in the strains in which the Ras-cAMP pathway is constitutively active. In contrast, in a strain deficient in cAMP production, several heat shock genes were induced by removal of cAMP from the medium. These results indicate that the Ras-cAMP pathway affects the induction of heat shock genes. In all of the mutants, heat shock transcription factor expression and activity were identical to those in wild-type cells. The response to heat shock in Ha-ras-transformed rat fibroblasts was also studied. While no induction of Hsp68 was observed in Ha-ras-transformed cells, proper regulation of heat shock transcription factor was found. Therefore, in mammals, as in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the Ras pathway controls the transcription of heat shock genes via a mechanism not involving the heat shock transcription factor.
What's love got to do with it? Sexual prejudice predicts unitization of men in same-sex romantic relationships

Abstract We hypothesized that perceivers high in sexual prejudice would fail to unitize romantically involved men into a single mental representation, instead of perceiving the men as separate individuals. Two studies provided support for our hypothesis. In Study 1, sexual prejudice predicted perceptions of compatibility, intimacy, emotional satisfaction, and temporal stability for couples described as same-sex male but not for couples described as opposite sex. In Study 2, participants completed a modified who-said-what task in which men of two different same-sex couples presented facts about their relationships. Those low, versus high, in sexual prejudice committed significantly more within-couple relative to between-couple errors in their ascriptions, indicating that prejudice negatively predicted categorization along the dimension of couple. These results have important implications for how those high in sexual prejudice form impressions of same-sex couples and, ultimately, for how prejudiced attitudes affect mental representations of romantic couples.
Can Good Questions and Peer Discussion Improve Calculus Instruction

ABSTRACT Preliminary report of the results of a project 1 to introduce peer instruction into a multi-section first semester calculus course taught largely by novice instructors. This paper summarizes the instructional approaches instructors chose to use, and the subsequent results of student performance on common exams throughout the course of the term. 1 Support for the Good Questions project was provided by the National Science Foundation's Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement Program under grant DUE-0231154. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Foundation.
Effects of Chronic Emetine Treatment on Mitochondrial Function

Emetine has long been recognized as a cardiotoxic drug, but its mechanism remains unknown. Since many studies reported an effect of emetine on cardiac metabolism, permanent damage to the heart could result from such treatment. To investigate this action of emetine in relation to the cardiotoxicity seen after a therapeutic regimen, New Zealand albino rabbits were given 2 mg/kg/day ip of emetine for 9 days. Heart and liver mitochondrial metabolism was assessed polarographically using pyruvate, pyruvate plus malate, or succinate as the substrate. Heart mitochondrial metabolism was reduced in emetine-treated rabbits in comparison to the normal controls. However, the metabolic activity of the pair-fed control group was equally reduced. Only the liver mitochondrial metabolism of the pair-fed control group was reduced in relation to the normal controls, while the liver mitochondrial metabolism of emetine-treated rabbits remained unchanged. These data indicated that the reduction in heart mitochondrial metabolism resulted from the inanition induced by the chronic emetine treatment and not from a primary effect of the drug.
ENF Extraction From Digital Recordings Using Adaptive Techniques and Frequency Tracking

A novel forensic tool used for assessing the authenticity of digital audio recordings is known as the electric network frequency (ENF) criterion. It involves extracting the embedded power line (utility) frequency from said recordings and matching it to a known database to verify the time the recording was made, and its authenticity. In this paper, a nonparametric, adaptive, and high resolution technique, known as the time-recursive iterative adaptive approach, is presented as a tool for the extraction of the ENF from digital audio recordings. A comparison is made between this data dependent (adaptive) filter and the conventional short-time Fourier transform (STFT). Results show that the adaptive algorithm improves the ENF estimation accuracy in the presence of interference from other signals. To further enhance the ENF estimation accuracy, a frequency tracking method based on dynamic programming will be proposed. The algorithm uses the knowledge that the ENF is varying slowly with time to estimate with high accuracy the frequency present in the recording.
Ethical Inclinations of Tomorrow's Advertising Practitioners:

This study, which examines the ethical inclinations of undergraduate advertising students (N = 257) who indicate career interests in advertising, finds that student responses to four scenarios about advertising ethics tend not to indicate an application of absolute moral standards. A factor analysis of student responses to 17 statements about the ethics of advertising practices show three underlying dimensions; these are labeled, respectively, Advertising Claims and Standards, Agencies' Public Responsibility, and Agencies' Moral Standards. This study also offers suggestions for research.
Leadership Begins With an Inner Journey

Drawing on the stories of exemplary leaders, the authors argue that all effective leaders must make an inner journey “to discover who you are and what you care about.” Developing your ability to lead, they show, “is not about stuffing in a whole bunch of new information or trying out the latest technique. It's about leading out of what is already in your soul. It's about liberating the leader within you.”
Analysis of C3A hydration using soft X-rays transmission microscopy: Effect of EVA copolymer

Abstract The hydration of pure C 3 A (Ca 3 Al 2 O 6 ) in calcium hydroxide–gypsum saturated solution was analyzed using soft X-ray microscopy. The images show the presence of at least two different types of ettringite crystals during the first 4 h of hydration. They differ in morphology and growing rate. When poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) is present, there is a significant change in the hydration kinetics and morphology of the hydration products. EVA particles inhibited or even prevented the formation of ettringite crystals during the early stage of hydration. A cloud of small, bright particles are observed concentrated around the hydrating C 3 A grains. The particles are most likely to be a product of reaction between EVA and inorganic species in solution.
Durable hepatic tumor regression after arterial chemoembolization-infusion in patients with islet cell carcinoma of the pancreas metastatic to the liver

Background. Islet cell carcinoma of the pancreas is a neuroendocrine tumor often presenting with left upper quadrant mass and radiographic evidence of liver metastases. Because survival among these patients is determined largely by the pace of metastatic events in the liver, significant palliation may be achieved by regional hepatic therapy. Methods. Five patients with islet cell carcinoma of the pancreas metastatic to the liver (four nonfunctional, one gastrin producing), were treated by hepatic arterial chemoembolization-infusion consisting of a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol sponge (150 mg) and cisplatin (150 mg) followed by 2-hour intraarterial infusion of vinblastine (10 mg/m2). Each patient received two such treatments, 1 month apart, requiring 3 to 6 days of hospital admission. Results. Significant tumor regression (> 50%) was observed in four of five patients, lasting from 8 to 44 months. Toxicity was limited to right upper quadrant pain, paralytic ileus requiring nasogastric suction for 24 to 72 hours, transient, mild bilirubinemia and liver enzyme elevation, hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia, and occasionally, moderate, self-limiting granulocytopenia. Conclusions. This preliminary, albeit limited, experience with hepatic chemoembolization-infusion in patients with islet cell carcinoma metastatic to the liver emphasizes the high incidences of durable tumor regression that can be achieved with minimal iatrogenic intervention.
Kernel Distributions in Main Spikes of Salt-Stressed Wheat: A Probabilistic Modeling Approach

Grain development in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a complex process tha tresponds to interactions among primary genotypic factors and the environment. This study was conducted to determine the effects of salinity stress on kernel occurence and kernel mass distributions within the main spike. Mexican semidwarf wheat cultivars Yecora Rojo and Anza were grown in sand tanks in the greenhouse with saline and nonsaline nutrient solutions. At harvest, each spikelet position and grain position was identified and the weight of every kernel was determined (...)
A study of an entity-based database user interface

A study is presented of a database system interface in which an entity (a concept) and the relationships in which it is involved are displayed to the user; the user is permitted to move about in the database by selecting entities related to the current one displayed. The database system was designed as a personalized database (PDB) for a scientist, student, manager, or anyone who has a need for a fast mechanism for storing and organizing a wide variety of information. The study is exploratory recording baseline times and types of behavior for a variety of personal information management tasks performed by an individual. Data entry, information retrieval, and browsing behavior are examined and contrasted to behavior with more conventional storage media.
The kinetics and mechanism of spillover

Abstract The rate of reduction r of WO3 to HxWO3 (x ~ 0.35) by H2 at room temperature was studied in mechanical mixtures of WO3 with supported or unsupported Pt catalysts and in the presence of co-catalysts with varying proton affinity (PA). As PA increased, r decreased in the order: H2O, CH3OH, C2H5OH, n-C3H7OH, n-C4H9OH, t-C4H9OH. For these co-catalysts, r did not change with Pt surface area S. It did not change as the amount n of adsorbed co-catalyst was decreased to about a monolayer below which r fell linearly with n. For a co-catalyst with low PA, such as CH3COOH, r depended on S. For co-catalysts with high PA, log r was proportional to PA over three decades of r. It appears that a solvated proton is formed on the metal. If PA is low, this is the rate determining process (rdp). But if PA is high, the rdp is shifted to the end of the reduction following the last surface migration of the proton in the adsorbed monolayer of co-catalyst, as the proton is released to the WO3 surface. This model explains why H2 spillover can be a fast process at low temperatures.
The integrated process of microwave torrefaction and pyrolysis of corn stover for biofuel production

Abstract The integrated process of torrefaction and pyrolysis of corn stover were investigated in this study. The effects of torrefaction conditions on both torrefaction and pyrolysis products were determined. The heating values of torrefied biomass were similar to those of coals and increased comparing to raw biomass. The torrefaction oils contained high value chemicals such as furans and phenolics. The torrefaction process caused a decrease in the pyrolytic oil yields but the total bio-oil yield from torrefaction and pyrolysis were similar to those from raw biomass pyrolysis. The pyrolytic oil from torrefied biomass contained more hydrocarbons and phenols and less organic acids than raw biomass pyrolysis, which indicates that the quality of pyrolytic oil was improved with torrefaction as a thermal pretreatment. The optimum torrefaction condition for both high yield and quality of pyrolytic oil was determined at the reaction temperature around 275 °C and torrefaction time of 30 min. This study implied that torrefaction as a pretreatment can be combined with the pyrolysis for high quality biofuel production.
Reversible laser damage of dichroic coatings in a high-average-power laser vacuum resonator

In our application, dichroics in a high average power, near- IR, laser system have short operating lifetimes. These dichroics were used as the resonator fold mirrors and permitted the transmission of the pumping argon (Ar) ion laser light. Representative samples of two different dichroic optics were taken off-line and the transmission performance monitored in various scenarios. Irradiating these topics under resonator vacuum conditions, resulted in a degradation of transmission with time. Irradiating these optics in a rarefield oxygen atmosphere, the transmission remained steady over a period of days. The transmission loss observed in the optic tested in vacuum was somewhat reversible if the optic was subsequently irradiated in a rarefield oxygen atmosphere of 10 T of air also prevented the transmission degradation. In addition, test were performed to demonstrate that the optic damage was not caused by the ultra UV component in the Ar ion laser. Mechanisms that may account for this behavior are proposed.
A family of small cyclic amphipathic peptides (SCAmpPs) genes in citrus

Citrus represents a crop of global importance both in economic impact and significance to nutrition. Citrus production worldwide is threatened by the disease Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by the phloem-limited pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter spp.. As a source of stable HLB-resistance has yet to be identified, there is considerable interest in characterization of novel disease-associated citrus genes. A gene family of Small Cyclic Amphipathic Peptides (SCAmpPs) in citrus is described. The citrus genomes contain 100–150 SCAmpPs genes, approximately 50 of which are represented in the citrus EST database. These genes encode small ~50 residue precursor proteins that are post-translationally processed, releasing 5–10 residue cyclic peptides. The structures of the SCAmpPs genes are highly conserved, with the small coding domains interrupted by a single intron and relatively extended untranslated regions. Some family members are very highly transcribed in specific citrus tissues, as determined by representation in tissue-specific cDNA libraries. Comparison of the ESTs of related SCAmpPs revealed an unexpected evolutionary profile, consistent with targeted mutagenesis of the predicted cyclic peptide domain. The SCAmpPs genes are displayed in clusters on the citrus chromosomes, with apparent association with receptor leucine-rich repeat protein arrays. This study focused on three SCAmpPs family members with high constitutive expression in citrus phloem. Unexpectedly high sequence conservation was observed in the promoter region of two phloem-expressed SCAmpPs that encode very distinct predicted cyclic products. The processed cyclic product of one of these phloem SCAmpPs was characterized by LC-MS-MS analysis of phloem tissue, revealing properties consistent with a K+ ionophore. The SCAmpPs amino acid composition, protein structure, expression patterns, evolutionary profile and chromosomal distribution are consistent with designation as ribosomally synthesized defense-related peptides.
Profiles of ortho-polychlorinated biphenyl congeners, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, hexachlorobenzene, and Mirex among male Lake Ontario sportfish consumers: the New York State Angler cohort study.

Abstract Great Lakes sportfish consumption is a recognized human exposure source to environmental organochlorine compounds. Using data collected as part of the New York State Angler Cohort Study, 203 males were considered with regard to history of Lake Ontario sportfish consumption and sera levels of 57 ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, hexachlorobenzene, and Mirex. Consumption of six species of highly contaminated Lake Ontario sportfish during the years 1980 to 1990 was considered. Exposure was weighted by average annual frequency of consumption, whole-fish PCB estimates, and meal size to determine a continuous index of exposure. This index was dichotomized to compare “consumers” to “nonconsumers” in several procedures. Recovery and lipid-adjusted serum values for PCB congener IUPAC Nos. 138+163 ( r sp = 0.3 ), 183 ( r sp = 0.3 ), 187 ( r sp = 0.4 ), and 188 ( r sp = 0.3 ) and Mirex ( r sp = 0.4 ) were significantly correlated with the index of fish consumption ( P 0.001 ). A logistic regression model, using forward stepwise selection procedures ( α in/out=0.002/0.004), was employed to account for high intercorrelations among organochlorine predictor variables. Mirex was the sole statistically significant predictor variable of “consumer/nonconsumer.” A one-unit increase in log Mirex was associated with a 92.0% increase in the odds of having reported sportfish consumption (OR=1.92, 95%CI=1.43, 2.58). Age, body mass index, cigarette smoking, water/wildfowl consumption, and year of sampling were considered covariates. The results of this study support the premise that long-term dietary consumption of Lake Ontario sportfish, even at comparatively low levels, contributes significantly to the body burden of organochlorine compounds in western New York anglers and sportsmen.
Treatment of familial dysautonomia with bethanecol (urecholine).

The effects of Urecholine have been investigated in six children with familial dysautonomia. There was an increase in eye moisture, a reduction in gastric distension and vomiting, improvement in esophageal motility, and better bladder control. Urecholine may prove an effective therapeutic agent for selected patients with familial dysautonomia.
An analysis of dental services based in the emergency room

This study evaluated the utilization, cost-effectiveness, and marketing of emergency dental services in a 700-bed university-affiliated hospital. Sequential analysis of 445 emergency room dental visits was performed during a 3-month period. Services were most used on weekend days by patients who had chief symptoms lasting varying lengths of time (43% had them 21 days). The majority of patients sought care for relief of pain. A diagnosis of infection was made in 82% of the patients. An analysis of costs, revenues, marketing, and service design is included.
On the nature of the lowest triplet excited state of the [Rh 2(1,3-diisocyanopropane)(4)]2+ ion.

The nature of the ground state and the lowest triplet excited state of the [Rh2(1,3-diisocyanopropane)4]2+ ion have been investigated by the density functional theory. Two locally stable geometrical conformations are found on the potential energy surfaces of both the ground and excited states, corresponding to the eclipsed and twisted conformations, the eclipsed conformation being more stable and having the shorter Rh−Rh bond length. While the Rh−Rh distances of the two conformations differ by ∼0.4 A, they shorten to the same value upon excitation (∼3.1 A). The excited state originates from the dz2* (metal antibonding) to pz (ligand−metal bonding) electronic transition. The Mayer Rh−Rh bond order increases from ∼0.2 to more than 0.8 upon excitation, while the Rh−CN bond order shows a slight decrease. A topological bond path between the Rh atoms is found in both the ground and excited states, while the electron localization function (ELF) indicates weak Rh−Rh covalent bonding for the excited state only.
Evaluation and Acceleration of High-Throughput Fixed-Point Object Detection on FPGAs

Reliance on object or people detection is rapidly growing beyond surveillance to industrial and social applications. The histogram of oriented gradients (HOG), one of the most popular object detection algorithms, achieves high detection accuracy but delivers just under 1 frame/s on a high-end CPU. Field-programmable gate array (FPGA) accelerations of this algorithm are limited by the intensive floating-point computations. All current fixed-point HOG implementations use large bit width to maintain detection accuracy, or perform poorly at reduced data precision. In this paper, we introduce the full-image evaluation methodology to explore the FPGA implementation of HOG using reduced bit width. This approach lessens the required area resources on the FPGA, and increases the clock frequency and hence the throughput per device through increased parallelism. We evaluate the detection accuracy of the fixed-point HOG by applying state-of-the-art computer vision pedestrian detection evaluation metrics and show it performs as well as the original floating-point code from OpenCV. We then show our single FPGA implementation achieves a $68.7 \times $ higher throughput than a high-end CPU, $5.1 \times $ higher than a high-end graphics processing unit (GPU), and $7.8 \times $ higher than the same implementation using floating-point on the same FPGA. A power consumption comparison for different platforms shows our fixed-point FPGA implementation uses $130 \times $ less power than CPU, and $31 \times $ less energy than GPU to process one image.
Human resource management: The missing link

The complexity of the personnel performance appraisal process prompts the authors to label it the “missing link” in human resource management. Three major purposes or uses of appraisals are identified--motivation, information and development. In addition, four key factors are examined which influence the success of appraisals: (1) the timing of them; (2) the selection of the evaluator; ( 3 ) the variables used for evaluation; and (4) the appraisal technique used. Seven techniques are analyzed and shown to be different in their optimum uses. Addit- ional pitfalls are identified, based upon a thorough literature search, which are categorized into three separate categories: instrumental, evaluator and environmental pitfalls. The problems with the processes and techniques of employee performance appraisals are then examined in the light of the implications they raise for basic societal values such as the merit system, productivity and bureaucratic responsibility. Without drastic revision, the utility of appra...
Lattice location of ion implanted 3He in sapphire

Abstract The lattice location of 3He implanted near room temperature at 200 keV in sapphire has been specified by techniques of ion channeling and nuclear reaction analysis. Channeling angular scans indicated that a typical helium atom preferentially resides in a position slightly displaced from an octahedral interstitial site, referenced relative to the oxygen sublattice, that was intrinsically unfilled by an aluminum cation. With an apparent substitutional fraction of 0.70 ± 0.10 inferred from 〈0001〉 axial channeling, occupation of an intrinsically unfilled octahedral interstice by a single helium atom dominated over other potential trapping locations such as irradiation-produced vacancies. A channeling angular scan for the (1 1 02) plane was instrumental for verification of the lattice site. The tendency for helium to accumulate in vacancy clusters or bubbles was found to be minimal.
Sedimentation and Boundary Changes of Virginia Salt Marshes

Abstract Sediment collections on a mainland fringing marsh, a lagoon marsh and a barrier island fringing marsh were conducted in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis of aerial photographs to relate changes in marsh area to sedimentary processes. The island marsh lost 7·2% of its area in 8 years by overwash. The lagoon marsh lost 10·6% of its area over 41 years by recession of marsh edges. The mainland marsh area increased by 8·2% over 50 years, primarily by upland encroachment. Surface sediment was collected monthly at the mainland and lagoon marshes for 1 year to identify changes in the mean grain size, organic content and mass of sediment deposited on sampling plates. Short-term variability in these characteristics obscured seasonal differences. Grain size and monthly sediment accumulation decreased towards the interior of both marshes, while the organic matter content increased. On the lagoon marsh, coarse sediment at creekside stations, as well as grain size contrasts between surface and subsurface sediment, are consistent with erosion evident in GIS analysis. On the mainland marsh, sediment does not vary as much with location or depth, and topography appears stable. Tidal currents appear to be competent to resuspend most particle sizes represented in surface sediment samples, including aggregates, except at the edge of the lagoon site. Decreasing rates of marsh edge change reflect moderation of oceanic processes, while the interior of both lagoon and mainland marshes remained stable throughout the study. Both lagoon marsh losses to recession and mainland marsh gains from upland reflect the submergence which this shoreline experiences.
Effect of temperature on soil-water diffusivity

Abstract Laboratory experiments were conducted to study temperature dependence of soil-water diffusivity and specific water capacity coefficients. Duplicate determinations of soil-water diffusivity, as a function of water content, were made at constant temperatures of 15, 25, and 35 °C on the same sample of Dundee silt loam. Diffusivity was determined by a one-step pressure-plate outflow method. Specific water capacity was computed from the slope of desorption curves obtained during the diffusivity measurements over the pressure head range of 0 to −0.66 bar. In general, diffusivity as a function of water content increased with increase in temperature. However, the effect of temperature was not large and probably can be neglected at normal field temperatures. Near saturation, it is difficult to interpret the thermal influence, for diffusivity approaches infinity and becomes indeterminate at saturation. Variations in soil-water diffusivity in low-swelling soils due to thermal effects can be explained on the basis of temperature dependence of surface tension and viscosity ratio. Specific water capacity of soil as a function of water content increased with increasing temperature with the largest response in the region of inflection of water content-pressure head desorption curves. Specific water capacity was essentially independent of temperature near saturation and low water contents.
Two conformations of the cyclic tetrapeptide, [dMeAla1]-tentoxin have different biological activities

Abstract The cyclic tetrapeptide [ d -MeAla 1 ]-tentoxin ( 2 ) has been found to exist in multiple conformations in solution. Two of these ( 2U and 2L ) have been isolated. Circular dichroism spectroscopy was used to show that the conformations of 2U and 2L differed from each other in water. The potencies of 2U and 2L as inhibitors of coupled electron transport in isolated chloroplasts and as inhibitors of chloroplast coupling factor one ATPase (CF 1 -ATPase) were determined. Conformer 2L is the more potent inhibitor of coupled electron transport. In the CF 1 -ATPase assay, conformer 2L is a more potent inhibitor than 2U but the potency of each is much less than that of tentoxin. The reported results provide the first demonstration that separate conformers of a single molecule can have differing biological activities.
Predicting the orientation-dependent stress-induced transformation and detwinning response of shape memory alloy single crystals

The present investigation examines three models that predict the orientation dependence of the stress-induced transformation strain in shape memory alloys (SMAs). The merits of each model are con-sidered in light of experimental results for three SMAs: NiTi, Cu-Ni-Al, and Ni-Al. Published experimental results fit model predictions well in most cases; the few exceptions can be accounted for by factors not included in the present models. As part of the comparison of model results with experimental observations, Ni-Al stress-strain curves generated by one of the models are found to closely match experimental stress-strain curves for the [001], [011], and [111] stress axis orientations. Finally, the predicted transformation stress anisotropy is analyzed in detail to examine the effect of detwinning of the stress-induced martensite.
Career influences among final year dental students who plan to enter private practice

Existing research about the influence of educational debt on students’ decision to enter general practice immediately after graduation is conflicting. Other potential factors that could affect this decision include the influence of a spouse or other family member, the importance of a mentoring dentist, and how students perceive the burden of their debt. The goal of this study was to examine the importance of debt on career decision-making while also considering the role of other influences. Responses to a self-completed questionnaire of all final (fourth) year students at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry from 2007 through 2010 were analyzed to identify the importance of educational debt and the influence of spouses, other family members, and mentoring dentists in the decision to enter private general practice immediately after graduation. Statistical analysis included bivariate tests (t-tests and Chi-square tests) and multivariable logistic regression. 58.9% of respondents (N = 156) planned to immediately enter private practice after dental school. Bivariate analyses revealed women to be more likely to enter private practice than their male counterparts (69.0% vs. 51.8%, p = .006). Students planning to enter practice immediately did not differ significantly from those with other career plans on the basis of marital status or having a family member in dentistry. Anticipated educational debt of at least $100,000 was positively associated with plans to enter private practice immediately after graduation. Self-reported importance of educational debt was not associated with career plans. However, the influence of a spouse, other family members, and family dentists were also positively associated with the decision to enter private practice. These factors all maintained significance in the final multivariable model (p < 0.05); however, educational debt of at least $100,000 was the strongest predictor of plans to enter private practice (OR = 2.34; p = 0.023). Since the 1970s, increasing numbers of dentists in the U.S. have pursued specialty training after dental school. However, rising educational debts may counter this trend as increasing numbers of dentists choose to immediately pursue general dentistry at graduation. This project has demonstrated the significant influence of educational debt, beyond other external influences.