cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a-SiCx:H thin films as an encapsulation material for integrated silicon based neural interface devices

A fully integrated, wireless neural interface device is being developed to free patients from the restriction and risk of infection associated with a transcutaneous wired connection. This device requires a hermetic, biocompatible encapsulation layer at the interface between the device and the neural tissue to maintain long-term recording/stimulating performance of the device. Hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC(x):H) films deposited by a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition using SiH(4), CH(4), and H(2) precursors were investigated as the encapsulation layer for such device. Si-C bond density, measured by Fourier transform infrared absorption spectrometer, suggests that deposition conditions with increased hydrogen dilution, increased temperature, and low silane flow typically result in increase of Si-C bond density. From the variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry measurement, no dissolution of a-SiC(x):H was observed during soaking tests in 90°C phosphate buffered saline. Conformal coating of the a-SiC(x):H in Utah electrode array was observed by scanning electron microscope. Electrical properties were studied by impedance spectroscopy to investigate the performance of a-SiC(x):H as an encapsulation layer, and the results showed long term stability of the material.
Natural selection for altruism in structured populations

Abstract Simulation of a population that is divided into “clans,” with clan membership determined by father's clan membership, shows that natural selection may favor extending altruism to fellow clan members, without regard to biological kinship. Large clans fission along genealogical lines, so there is a substantial overlap between social kinship and biological kinship. This overlap allows us to explain the result in terms of inclusive fitness, or as combined individual and group selection effects. There are advantages to retaining the distinction between group and individual selection; in particular, it accords well with how we intuitively explain behavior. I suggest that this intuitive compatibility arises because in at least some cases we actually use group membership, without reference to biological kinship, as a heuristic decision rule guiding our own behavior. Some normative behaviors (e.g., reciprocity and beneficence) may be favored by natural selection, rather than being inculcated by the group in opposition to the genetic predispositions of individuals.
Hierarchical Representation of Three-Dimensional Objects Using Verbal Models

We present a formalism for the computer representation of three-dimensional shapes, that has as its goal to facilitate man-machine communication using verbal, graphic, and visual means. With this method, pieces may be assembled hierarchically using any of severalways of specifying attachment. The primitives of the representation are generalized cylinders, and the creating of assemblies may make use of the axes inherent in the primitives. Generic models may be described that may leave some parameters or dimensions unspecified, so that when a specific instance of the model is described, those parameters may either be explicitly specified or take on default values. The axes of local coordinate frames may be given symbolic names. A set of computer programs translates descriptions of objects into polyhedral models and line drawings.
Computer-enhanced robotic telesurgery minimizes esophageal perforation during Heller myotomy.

Background Laparoscopic Heller myotomy has emerged as the treatment of choice for achalasia. However, intraoperative esophageal perforation remains a significant complication. Computer-enhanced operative techniques have the potential to improve outcomes for certain operative procedures. Robotic, computer-enhanced laparoscopic telemanipulators using 3-dimensional magnified imaging and motion scaling are designed uniquely to facilitate certain operations requiring fine-tissue manipulation. We hypothesized that computer-enhanced robotic Heller myotomy would reduce intraoperative complications compared with laparoscopic techniques. Methods All patients undergoing an operation for achalasia at 3 institutions with a robotic surgery system (DaVinci; Intuitive Surgical Corporation, Sunnyvale, Calif) were followed-up prospectively. Demographics, perioperative course, complications, and hospital stay were recorded. Follow-up evaluation was obtained via a standardized symptom survey, office visits, and medical records. Data were compared with preoperative symptoms using a Mann-Whitney U test, and operating times were compared using the ANOVA test. Results Between August 2000 and August 2004 there were 104 patients who underwent a robotic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplicaton. There were 53 women and 51 men. All patients were symptomatic. The operative time was 140.55 minutes overall, but improved from 162.63 minutes to 113.50 minutes from 2000-2002 to 2003-2004 (P = .0001). There were no esophageal perforations. There were 8 minor complications and 1 patient required conversion to an open operation. Sixty-six (62.3%) patients were discharged on the first postoperative day and the average hospital stay was 1.5 days. A symptom survey was completed in 79 of 104 patients (76%) at follow-up evaluation. Symptoms improved in all patients with an average follow-up symptom score of 0.48 compared with 5.0 before the operation (P = .0001). Forty-three of the 79 patients from whom follow-up data were collected had a minimum follow-up period of 1 year. The follow-up period averaged 16 months. No patients required reoperation. Conclusions Computer-enhanced robotic laparoscopic techniques provide a clear advantage over standard laparoscopy for the operative treatment of achalasia. We have shown in this large series that Heller myotomy can be completed using this technology without esophageal perforation. The application of computer-enhanced operative techniques appears to provide superior outcomes in selected procedures.
Scanning force microscopy and fluorescence microscopy of microcontact printed antibodies and antibody fragments.

Unlabeled primary immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and its F(ab‘)2 and Fc fragments were attached to oxygen-plasma-cleaned glass substrates using either microcontact printing (MCP) or physical adsorption during bath application from dilute solutions. Fluorescently labeled secondary IgGs were then bound to surface-immobilized IgG, and the relative surface coverage was determined by measuring the fluorescence intensity. Results indicated that the surface coverage of IgG increased with increasing protein solution concentration for both MCP and bath-applied IgG and that a greater concentration of IgG was transferred to a glass substrate using MCP than during physisorption during bath applications. Scanning force microscopy (SFM) showed that patterned MCP IgG monolayers were 5 nm in height, indicating that IgG molecules lie flat on the substrate. After incubation with a secondary IgG, the overall line thickness increased to around 15 nm, indicating that the secondary IgG was in a more vertical orientation wit...
Influenza vaccination : knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among high-risk outpatients

The Minneapolis and Pittsburgh Veterans Affairs Medical Centers conduct virtually identical institution-wide influenza vaccination programs that include annual educational and publicity mailings to all outpatients. Despite these efforts, 40% to 50% of high-risk outpatients at both centers fail to receive influenza vaccine each year. To assess differences between high-risk vaccine recipients and nonrecipients, a self-administered questionnaire was mailed to 500 randomly selected outpatients from each site. The questionnaire asked about risk factors, vaccination status, and knowledge and attitudes regarding influenza and "flu shots." Patient risk characteristics and vaccination rates in Minneapolis and Pittsburgh were similar with 75.6% and 76.3% reporting high-risk conditions and 65.6% and 56.1% of high-risk respondents reporting influenza vaccination, respectively. High-risk vaccine recipients and nonrecipients had similar knowledge but different attitudes about influenza and "flu shots." Using stepwise logistic regression, factors positively associated with vaccination behavior were: intention to follow physician or nurse recommendations for "flu shots" (odds ratio [OR] = 7.09); previous vaccination behavior (OR = 6.36); and physician or nurse recommendations for a "flu shot" (OR = 4.29). Factors negatively associated with vaccination behavior were difficulty in coming to the medical center (OR = 0.42) and previous side effects from the vaccine (OR = 0.19). These findings suggest areas in need of additional emphasis if influenza vaccination rates are to be improved. ( Arch Intern Med. 1992;152:106-110)
The Crystal Structure of the IκBα/NF-κB Complex Reveals Mechanisms of NF-κB Inactivation

IkappaBalpha regulates the transcription factor NF-kappaB through the formation of stable IkappaBalpha/NF-kappaB complexes. Prior to induction, IkappaBalpha retains NF-kappaB in the cytoplasm until the NF-kappaB activation signal is received. After activation, NF-kappaB is removed from gene promoters through association with nuclear IkappaBalpha, restoring the preinduction state. The 2.3 A crystal structure of IkappaBalpha in complex with the NF-kappaB p50/p65 heterodimer reveals mechanisms of these inhibitory activities. The presence of IkappaBalpha allows large en bloc movement of the NF-kappaB p65 subunit amino-terminal domain. This conformational change induces allosteric inhibition of NF-kappaB DNA binding. Amino acid residues immediately preceding the nuclear localization signals of both NF-kappaB p50 and p65 subunits are tethered to the IkappaBalpha amino-terminal ankyrin repeats, impeding NF-kappaB from nuclear import machinery recognition.
Assessment of left ventricular enlargement from planar thallium-201 images

Although a subjective assessment of left ventricular (LV) size can be made from planar thallium images, the validity of this practice had not been critically assessed. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of planar thallium imaging in the assessment of LV size by using two-dimensional guided M-mode echocardiographic measurements as the standard. Consecutive patients (n = 100) who had clinically indicated stress thallium and echocardiography done within a time interval of 1 month were selected. LV size was classified as dilated or normal on immediate and 4-hour-delayed thallium scans by the consensus of two blinded observers. When present, perfusion defects were noted. LV end-diastolic internal diameter (LVIDd) was measured on M-mode images. The mean LVIDd was 5.7 cm in patients with dilated LVs compared with 5.0 cm in those with normal LVs (p < 0.01). By using an LVIDd of 5.6 cm as the upper limit of normal, the sensitivity and specificity of planar thallium imaging for detection of left ventricle enlargement were 87% and 86%, respectively. Corresponding positive and negative predictive accuracies in this population were 65% and 96%, respectively. There was a higher incidence of fixed defects in group 1 (p < 0.01). We conclude that LV enlargement can be easily and reliably determined from routine planar thallium images.
Barriers to swimming and water safety education for African Americans.

This investigation used case studies to identify barriers to swimming and water safety education for African Americans. The focus was on urban areas and examines the physical and social settings offering recreational learn-to-swim programs through the experiences of African Americans. The findings include statements by parents of participants, swimming instructors, and nonswimmers. There was agreement that a lack of access and exposure to swimming exists for people who are African American. Knowledge or learning to swim can be viewed as cultural capital; for those not learning to swim, it is a cultural liability. This is a cycle in which the lack of access results in institutional decisions that maintain the lack of access to knowledge on water safety. KEYWORDS: swimming, water safety, learn-to-swim, African American Language: en
Seminal Plasma Free Amino Acids and Seminal and Blood Plasma Proteins of the Guinea Fowl (Numidia meleagris)

Abstract Glutamic acid was the major free amino acid in guinea seminal plasma, representing 90.00% of the total amino acids. Threonine comprised 3.74%, aspartic acid 3.23%, and serine 1.50%. Others were detected at less than .50% of the total free amino acids. Blood plasma protein concentration and SE were 2.68 ± .35 g/100 ml, and the proteins were fractionated by disc acrylamide electrophoresis into seven major bands: albumin, alpha-1, a dense beta fraction, and four postbeta, or gamma, proteins. Seminal plasma protein concentration and SE were .45 ± .03 g/100 ml, and the proteins separated into nine fractions: albumin, alpha-1 and -2, beta-1, -2, and -3, and three postbeta, or gamma, bands.
CHAMELEON: A Framework for Coexistence of Wireless Technologies in an Unlicensed Band

The recent increase in the number of technologies operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band has drawn attention towards the impact they can have on each other. In this paper, we have conducted a case study about coexistence of IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.4 which has led us to discover previously unknown interactions. We show through extensive experiments that CCA method used by a wireless device can significantly change the coexistence scenario. We also highlight the ways in which coexistence can be improved by making runtime adjustments to some MAC/PHY layer parameters and show their effectiveness. Furthermore, we propose a framework which exploits the pervasiveness and ubiquity of Wi-Fi to improve coexistence among wireless technologies in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. Our framework has the capability to detect the presence of wireless technologies operating anywhere in the 2.4 GHz ISM band and also accounts for devices whose signatures do not exist in the database. It facilitates the Wi-Fi AP to make decisions such as changing the channel or making MAC/PHY layer adjustments which are compliant with the configured coexistence policy thus improving the performance of the wireless devices. We have implemented our framework on real hardware and evaluated its performance in the presence of ZigBee.
ANALYSIS OF SEPARATION ENERGIES.

The various quantities, calculated with microscopic models, which have been called separation energies are discussed and related. The relationship of these quantities to experimentally observed quantities is also discussed. The Hartree-Fock method provides the framework for all discussions and is used to carry out calculations of the various quantities which are then compared to the results of experiments in O16.
Material descriptors for predicting thermoelectric performance

In the context of materials design and high-throughput computational searches for new thermoelectric materials, the need to compute electron and phonon transport properties renders direct assessment of the thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) for large numbers of compounds untenable. Here we develop a semi-empirical approach rooted in first-principles calculations that allows relatively simple computational assessment of the intrinsic bulk material properties which govern zT. These include carrier mobility, effective mass, and lattice thermal conductivity, which combine to form a semi-empirical metric (descriptor) termed βSE. We assess the predictive power of βSE against a range of known thermoelectric materials, as well as demonstrate its use in high-throughput screening for promising candidate materials.
The effect of substrate bias on the electrical and optical properties of In2O3 films grown by RF sputtering

Partially degenerate n-type semiconducting films of In2O3 which are transparent in the visible spectrum have been grown on Corning 7059 glass substrates by rf sputtering. The films ranged in thickness from 0.25 to 1.5 μm and are deposited in Ar at a pressure of 15 m Torr (2 Pa) with a target voltage of −750 V. It is found that both the electrical and optical properties of as-deposited films depend strongly on the applied negative substrate bias Us. Film carrier concentration, n, reaches a minimum of 1 × 1020 cm−3 at Us = −25 V while the electron mobility increases continuously with negative substrate biases up to 60 V. Films with high values of n exhibit free carrier absorption effects in the visible and infrared regions of the spectrum. A smearing out of the valence band edge is observed in all films, with the degree of band tailing decreasing with increasingly negative values of Us. Annealing the films at 400°C tends to diminish differences in as-deposited film properties. [Russian Text Ignored].
Do Individual Attendings’ Post-rotation Performance Ratings Detect Residents’ Clinical Performance Deficiencies?

AbstractPurpose.To determine whether attending physicians’ post-rotation performance ratings and written comments detect surgery residents’ clinical performance deficits.Method.Residents’ performance records from 1997–2002 in the Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Minimax estimation of a multivariate normal mean under arbitrary quadratic loss

Let X be a p-variate (p ≥ 3) vector normally distributed with mean θ and known covariance matrix . It is desired to estimate θ under the quadratic loss (δ − θ)t Q(δ − θ), where Q is a known positive definite matrix. A broad class of minimax estimators for θ is developed.
Inner functions in the unit ball of Cn

Abstract Let B be the open unit ball of C n, n > 1. Let I (for “inner”) be the set of all u ϵ H ∘(B) that have ¦u¦ = 1 a.e. on the boundary S of B. Aleksandrov proved recently that there exist nonconstant u ϵ I. This paper strengthens his basic theorem and provides further information about I and the algebra Q generated by I. Let XY be the finite linear span of products xy, x ϵ X, y ϵ Y, and let ¦X¦ be the norm closure, in L∞ = L∞(S), of X. Some results: set I is dense in the unit ball of H∞(B) in the compact-open topology. On S, Q Q is weak∗-dense in L ∞ , ¦ Q Q¦ does not contain H ∞ , C(S) ⊂¦ Q H ∞ ¦ ≠ ¦ H ∞ H ∞ ¦ ≠ L ∞ . (When n = 1, ¦Q¦ = H ∞ and ¦ Q Q¦ = L ∞ .) Every unimodular ƒ ϵ L ∞ is a pointwise limit a.e. of products u v , u ϵ I, ν ϵ I . The zeros of every ƒ ≢ 0 in the ball algebra (but not of every H∞-function) can be matched by those of some u ϵ I, as can any finite number of derivatives at 0 if ∥ƒ∥ ∞ . However, ƒ u cannot be bounded in B if u ϵ I is non-constant.
Posttraumatic stress disorder in peers of adolescent suicide victims : predisposing factors and phenomenology

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the factors predisposing to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in peers of adolescent suicide victims. Method One hundred forty-six adolescents who were the friends of 26 suicide victims were studied. Five percent (n = 8) developed PTSD after exposure to suicide. These 8 subjects with PTSD were compared to the remainder of the exposed subjects (n = 138). Results Subjects with PTSD were more likely than those without PTSD to have had a history of substance abuse, agoraphobia, and suicide attempts. Subjects who developed PTSD were more likely to have developed a new-onset depression, to have more severe grief, and to have been closer to the suicide victim. Subjects with PTSD tended to have more severe exposure to suicide and came from discordant households with a history of disruptions in key relationships. The 8 subjects who developed PTSD were compared to 38 subjects who developed new-onset depression but not PTSD. Those with PTSD were more likely to have had past substance abuse, prior suicide attempts, family history of panic disorder, a history of parent-child disruption, and a history of loss. Symptoms of intrusive visual images, hypervigilance, and avoidance of reminders discriminated subjects who had PTSD from new-onset depressives without PTSD. Conclusion PTSD is an expectable outcome in youth exposed to suicide. Further work is required to differentiate symptoms of depression from PTSD.
Sequence distribution and neighbor effects of various orders in polynucleotides

Abstract The series of experimental investigations which have been motivated by the central importance of the sequence problem in polynucleotides have established significant departures from randomness. Thus, in particular, longer sequences can be estimated only very inaccurately from the composition alone. We have previously shown that next nearest neighbor (penultimate) interactions must be invoked in the case of an adenine-uracil copolymer to explain the observed distribution of A-sequences. Similar effects may exist in polynucleotides in general. A mathematical framework is developed for the description and systematic evaluation of non-random effects in two- and four-component copolymers. The methods lead to the calculation of any specified sequence frequency in terms of nearest neighbor and higher order configurational probabilities. However, we do not attempt here to relate these considerations to possible mechanisms for the formation of DNA or RNA. For the AU-copolymer sufficient data are available to permit our relations to serve essentially as consistency criteria. For calf thymus DNA, trinucleotide and longer runs of pyrimidines have been measured to a limited extent. This allows us to make: (a) a comparison of observed pyrimidine sequences and those computed by utilizing independent measurements of the frequency of nearest neighbor pairs; (b) a systematic search for any inconsistencies which arise from the disregard of penultimate or higher order effects in the calculation of pyrimidine runs. The evidence which is deduced for DNA on the basis of currently available experimental data is of an indirect rather than a positive nature. However, the inconsistencies which are obtained suggest the existence of, at least, second nearest neighbor effects in the formation of pyrimidine sequences in calf thymus DNA and possibly other DNAs.
Magnetoencephalographic recording of steadystate visual evoked cortical activity

Steady-state visual evoked magnetic fields (SSVEFs) were recorded in response to a flickering light source using a 37-channel magnetometer. The SSVEF had a sinusoidal waveform having the same fundamental frequency as the driving stimulus, which was either 6.0 Hz, 11.9 Hz, or 15.2 Hz. SSVEF topographies at each frequency had a dipoloar form over the posterior head that could well-modelled by single equivalent current dipoles. The best-fit dipoles were localized in posterior occipital cortex for the SSVEFs to 6.0 and 11.9 Hz stimuli and in more anterior and ventromedial occipital cortex for the 15.2 Hz SSVEP.
Myths of Science Misconceptions of Science in Contemporary Psychology

There is, unfortunately, a large vestigial heritage of positivist errors, and distortions of positivist errors, concerning the nature of science that still permeate psychology. This paper contributes to contemporary debates concerning the metascience of psychology not by proposing a positive program of scientific norms and values, but by addressing and countering a number of these errors, these residual myths, concerning the nature of science.
Food patterns and food assistance programs in the Cocopah Indian Community

The Cocopah are a small Colorado River Indian tribe. A period of transition in Arizona from a Surplus Commodities Distribution Program to a Food Stamp Program provided an opportunity to study factors affecting participation rates and to assess the possible impact of these programs on food intake patterns. About 90 percent of the 115 identified families were eligible for food aid. During sample months only two families received commodities, in contrast to over 20 in the previous year when the distribution point was more conveniently located. Commodities issued provided about 4.18 MJ (1000 kcal) per head per day and failed to meet recommended allowances of several nutrients. An outreach effort succeeded in provisional enrollment in the Food Stamp Program of 88 percent of eligible households but participation had fallen below 15 percent in less than one year, due to a number of accidental and institutional factors. Food intake patterns indicated the nutrients most at risk to be vitamines A, B‐6 and C, pantot...
Asymmetry of Collector Currents

The two unsymmetrical components of current to a collector in mercury vapor were separarely measured from the anode and the cathode directions. A collector taking current from both directions would receive the approximate sum of these unsymmetrical components. Sets of readings at different positions in an arc type of discharge show that both random electron currents and random positive ion currents are greater to the cathode face of the collector than to the anode face except in a region near the cathode where exactly the reverse is true. Determinations of space potentials and electron energies were not greatly affected by the asymmetry of the currents but determinations of electron concentrations were and the results indicate a region of maximum concentration from which positive ions and electrons may diffuse or drift in both directions. From a consideration of the rate of absorption of the primary beam a value of the mean free path is obtained and the region of maximum ionization appears at approximately this distance from the cathode.
Experimental investigation of the multisignal operation of microwave tubes

The results to be described herein concern the multisignal operation of a UHF Crestatron (100-300 MHz) and an S-band TWT using a tapered helix. The Crestatron was operated with two input signals (frequencies f 1 and f 2 ) which were independently varied from low power levels to above saturation. The intermodulation frequencies ( 2f_{1}-f_{2}, 2f_{2}-f_{1} , etc.) generated within the tube were analyzed for various frequencies, frequency separations and relative power levels. Generally the results indicated that the intermodulation and second harmonic signals were proportional to the input power. With one saturated signal and one small-signal applied, the intermodulation frequency associated with the stronger input signal predominates. However, with two large input signals the stronger intermodulation signal depends on the frequency of operation.
Teaching design in a computer architecture course

This article presents an approach to teaching computer architecture. This approach introduces design to computer architecture students at an appropriate concise, high level of abstraction. It provides significant student design experiences and a wide coverage of higher level architectural concepts. At Bucknell University we've taught this approach for the past five years to mostly computer science and computer engineering seniors who have had previous courses in computer organization and digital logic.
Simulated Respiratory System for In Vitro Evaluation of Two Inhalation Delivery Systems Using Selected Steroids

A simulated respiratory system was developed for the in vitro evaluation of two differently designed oral inhalation delivery systems. The deposition properties of a newly designed delivery system used for triamcinolone acetonide were compared to the more conventional, commercially available adapter utilized for an aerosol containing beclomethasone dipropionate. The simulated respiratory system was constructed so that the delivered dose of active ingredient could be classified into two fractions: the fraction that would be deposited in the oral cavity and throat and the fraction that would reach the desired site of activity in the respiratory tract. Based on this method, the newly designed system delivered more than 95% of the labeled dose to the desired site. The beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol system, which was observed to discharge the active ingredient with a greater intensity, delivered approximately 40% of the labeled dose. The particle-size distribution of the dose dispensed from the newly designed delivery system attached to the triamcinolone acetonide aerosol was determined using an impactor technique. No effort was made to correlate these results with an in vivo response.
Finding Data Sets Online

Data seems to be an increasingly important part of everyone's life, both within librarianship and the social sciences. Most librarians are able to easily find charts and tables, but sometimes more ...
Redefining Autonomy of Universities

Defining autonomy is an elusive undertaking. While autonomy may be described in relation to the authority of the state, all proposals when implemented appear to result in residual control by the state. A brief survey of several European countries reveals varying degrees of autonomy resulting from their particular cultural history. Emphasis on autonomy has brought in its wake the need for distinguishing between management, administration and leadership. Autonomy for universities may ultimately be seen as autonomy from the state or society rather than as an end in itself as conditioned by the varying constraints of differing national societies.
Major Proterozoic basement features of the eastern midcontinent of North America revealed by recent COCORP profiling

COCORP profiling in the eastern midcontinent of North America has (1) traced an extensive sequence of Precambrian layered rocks beneath southern Illinois, Indiana, and western Ohio; (2) detected a broad zone of east-dipping basement reflectors associated with the Grenville front beneath western Ohio; and (3) discovered a wide region of west -dipping reflectors penetrating most of the crust beneath eastern Ohio. The Precambrian layered assemblage may be as much as 11 km thick beneath southern Illinois, extends at least 170 km in an east-west direction, and contains several strong reflectors that have a lateral continuity of 80 km or more. Industry seismic data indicate that the layering is extensive in a north-south direction as well. Possible explanations for the layering include the silicic igneous rocks of the ca. 1.48 Ga eastern granite-rhyolite province, which are penetrated by basement drill holes throughout the region, perhaps intermixed or underlain by mafic igneous or sedimentary rocks. The 40-50-km-wide zone of strong, east-dipping (25°-30°) reflectors beneath west-central Ohio corresponds to the position of the Grenville front as determined from potential field and drill-hole data. These dipping reflectors in the upper and middle crust are interpreted to result from ductile deformation zones (mylonites) like those exposed at the Grenville front in Canada and imaged on the GLIMPCE seismic reflection lines in Lake Huron. Both the COCORP and GLIMPCE lines show a remarkably similar reflection geometry, despite the more than 500 km separating the two profiles. Easternmost Ohio appears to be underlain by pronounced west-dipping (<40°) reflectors in the middle and lower crust, which are also interpreted as marking a region of pervasive ductile deformation 80 km or more in width. Analogy with similar reflection packages elsewhere suggests that these reflections may mark a major collision zone. The west-dipping reflectors may be correlative with similar reflectors imaged on another COCORP survey in northern Alabama. The correlations suggested by these new results, though tentative, imply that the eastern midcontinent is composed of a relatively simple assemblage of crustal blocks.
A computer-based method to analyze electrostatic, surface-ionization ion-source configurations

Abstract This article describes a computer-based method to analyze the optics of axially symmetrical, electrostatic, surface-ionization, ion-source configurations. The method can be applied with a personal computer. It employs matrix formulation, which simplifies the solution of a complex system, called the optical stack, by multiplying the transfer matrices of the simpler component systems. The method computes the source efficiency and the beam losses caused by collimation at points upstream, and it plots the luminosity and divergence profiles. One simulates focusing by changing the values for the voltages applied to the electrodes and noting the effect on the luminosity profiles. When the theory is applied to the design of a source that was tested in 1960, it agrees satisfactorily with the experiment and provides new insights.
Face recognition in hyperspectral images

Hyperspectral cameras provide useful discriminants for human face recognition that cannot be obtained by other imaging methods. We examine the utility of using near-infrared hyperspectral images for the recognition of faces over a database of 200 subjects. The hyperspectral images were collected using a CCD camera equipped with a liquid crystal tunable filter. Spectral measurements over the near-infrared allow the sensing of subsurface tissue structure, which is significantly different from person to person but relatively stable over time. The local spectral properties of human tissue are nearly invariant to face orientation and expression, which allows hyperspectral discriminants to be used for recognition over a large range of poses and expressions. We describe a face recognition algorithm that exploits spectral measurements for multiple facial tissue types. We demonstrate experimentally that this algorithm can be used to recognize faces over time in the presence of changes in facial pose and expression.
On the concept of biological function, junk DNA and the gospels of ENCODE and Graur et al.

In a recent article entitled On the immortality of television sets: "function" in the human genome according to the evolution-free gospel of ENCODE, Graur et al. dismantle ENCODEs evidence and conclusion that 80% of the human genome is functional. However, the article by Graur et al. contains assumptions and statements that are questionable. Primarily, the authors limit their evaluation of DNAs biological functions to informational roles, sidestepping putative non-informational functions. Here, I bring forward an old hypothesis on the evolution of genome size and on the role of so called junk DNA (jDNA), which might explain C-value enigma. According to this hypothesis, the jDNA functions as a defense mechanism against insertion mutagenesis by endogenous and exogenous inserting elements such as retroviruses, thereby protecting informational DNA sequences from inactivation or alteration of their expression. Notably, this model couples the mechanisms and the selective forces responsible for the origin of jDNA with its putative protective biological function, which represents a classic case of fighting fire with fire. One of the key tenets of this theory is that in humans and many other species, jDNAs serves as a protective mechanism against insertional oncogenic transformation. As an adaptive defense mechanism, the amount of protective DNA varies from one species to another based on the rate of its origin, insertional mutagenesis activity, and evolutionary constraints on genome size.
Synergistic effect of crude oil plus dispersant on bacterial community in a louisiana salt marsh sediment

A combined effect of crude oil plus dispersant (Corexit 9500A) significantly altered indigenous bacterial communities in a Louisiana salt marsh sediment after 30 days of incubation; the crude oil and/or Corexit 9500A treatments triggered shifts in bacterial communities and the shifted bacterial structure by crude oil plus Corexit 9500A was considerably different from those by either crude oil or Corexit 9500A. However, the synergistic effect of crude oil plus Corexit 9500A was not observed after 7 days of incubation; the bacterial community was slightly shifted by Corexit 9500A and the crude oil did not trigger any bacterial community shift after 7 days of incubation. DNA sequencing data indicated that Chromobacterium species was enriched in the Corexit 9500A microcosms after 7 days of incubation, while Pseudomonas, Advenella, Acidocella and Dyella spp. were enriched after 30 days of incubation. Parvibaculum was a dominant species in the crude oil microcosms after 30 days of incubation. Rhodanobacter, Dyella and Frateuria spp. were dominant in crude oil plus Corexit 9500A microcosms after 30 days of incubation. Our data show that the effect of crude oil plus Corexit 9500A on bacterial community is synergistic, and thus the dispersant effect should be considered with the spilled oil to correctly evaluate the environmental impact.
ICTs and political life

L'A. examine le discours et la recherche empirique sur les technologies de l'information et de la communication (TICs) et la vie politique, plus particulierement a travers les concepts de gouvernement/gouvernance/democratie electroniques, tels qu'ils apparaissent dans la litterature publiee entre la fin des annees 1990 et 2002. Le discours normatif domine. Il s'agit d'examiner la preuve empirique des effets des TICs sur la vie politique, mais il est encore trop tot pour savoir si les TICs sont des instruments efficaces pour l'elargissement de la citoyennete, l'institutionnalisation de nouvelles formes d'actions politiques, le renforcement ou la mise en difficulte des institutions gouvernementales, l'affermissement ou l'affaiblissement des structures de pouvoir, la creation ou la modification des identites politiques et de la communaute politique.
Benefits & barriers to adoption of health IT in an elderly low-income, minority community-based environment

This paper provides a detailed discussion regarding the attitudes, benefits, and barriers to adoption of health IT for low income, minority, elderly populations in a community-based affordable housing setting. Results show that despite challenges to adoption of technology amongst minority populations, senior residents will adopt technology if they understand the benefits of these technologies for improving their health and for remaining independent, thereby enabling them to age-in-place.
The Retrieval of Related Information Influences Tip-of-the-Tongue States

Abstract The sources underlying tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) states were examined by manipulating the amount of information provided at encoding. Using imaginary animals (TOTimals) as targets, we presented participants with three encoding conditions; a minimum-information condition (the country and the animal name, such as “Panama-Yelkey”), a medium-information condition (country, animal name, picture of TOTimal), and a maximum-information condition (country, animal name, picture, and description). Medium and maximum-information conditions resulted in more reported TOT states than the minimum-information condition when the country was the cue at test. The encoding conditions did not differ in recall. In Experiments 2 and 3, we manipulated cue familiarity by priming the countries, leading to an increase in reported TOT states only in the minimum-information condition. In Experiment 3, we found that TOT states were associated with more retrieved pictorial information than non-TOT states. Results suggest that participants use the products of retrieval as a source of information for TOT states.
The tube cement of Phragmatopoma californica: a solid foam

Phragmatopoma californica is a marine polychaete that builds protective tubes by joining bits of shell and sand grains with a secreted proteinaceous cement. The cement forms a solid foam (closed cells) via covalent crosslinking, as revealed by electron and laser scanning confocal microscopy. The cement contains extractable calcium and magnesium, and non-extractable phosphorus. Amino acid analysis demonstrated that the phosphorus is in the form of phosphoserine and that >90% of serine in the cement (i.e. 28 mol% of residues) is phosphorylated. In addition to previously identified basic proteins, the cement contains a highly acidic polyphosphoserine protein as a major component. We propose a model for the structure and bonding mechanism of the cement that has the following major features: (1) within the secretory pathway of cement gland cells, the electrostatic association of the oppositely charged proteins and divalent cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+) condense the cement proteins into dehydrated secretory granules; (2) the condensation of the cement leads to the separation of the solution into two aqueous phases (complex coacervation) that creates the closed cell foam structure of the cement; (3) rehydration of the condensed cement granules after deposition onto tube particles contributes to the displacement of water from the mineral substrate to facilitate underwater adhesion; and (4) after secretion, covalent cross-linking through oxidative coupling of DOPA gradually solidifies the continuous phase of the cement to set the porous structure.
Crystallization of PbO·2B2O3 from Its Supercooled Melt

The growth of lead diborate and the viscosity of its melt were determined as a function of temperature. These data were used to examine several theories of the growth of crystals from the melt. The data were in good agreement with the theory of Tornbull and Cohen. At large under coolings the growth rate appeared to be controlled by the rate of diffusion across the crystal-melt interface, whereas at smaller undercoolings the growth rate appeared to be controlled by reaction at the crystal-melt interface.
Volatility spillover effects and cross hedging in corn and crude oil futures

Using a volatility spillover model, we find evidence of significant spillovers from crude oil prices to corn cash and futures prices, and that these spillover effects are time-varying. Results reveal that corn markets have become much more connected to crude oil markets after the introduction of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Furthermore, when the ethanol–gasoline consumption ratio exceeds a critical level, crude oil prices transmit positive volatility spillovers into corn prices and movements in corn prices are more energy-driven. Based on this strong volatility link between crude oil and corn prices, a new cross-hedging strategy for managing corn price risk using oil futures is examined and its performance is studied. Results show that this cross-hedging strategy provides only slightly better hedging performance compared with traditional hedging in corn futures markets alone. The implication is that hedging corn price risk in corn futures markets alone can still provide relatively satisfactory performance in the biofuel era. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark
Using Block Norms for Location Modeling

In formulating a continuous location model with facilities represented as points in Rn e.g., typically in the plane, one must characterize the distance between two points as a function of their coordinates. Two criteria in selecting a distance function are 1 to obtain good approximations of actual distances, and 2 to obtain a mathematical model of the location problem that is easy to solve. In this paper, we show how a class of norms with polygonal contours, called block norms, can yield attractive choices as distance functions with respect to these criteria. In particular, we consider the following relevant properties of block norms: they generalize the concepts of rectilinear or city-block travel; they are dense in the set of all norms; they have interesting travel interpretations; in the plane, they can be expressed as a sum of the absolute values of linear functions; they often give better approximations to actual highway distances than the most frequently used family of norms, the lp norms; and, finally, they yield linear programming formulations of certain facility location problems i.e., the Weber problem and the Rawls problem.
Cod1p/Spf1p is a P-type ATPase involved in ER function and Ca2+ homeostasis

The internal environment of the ER is regulated to accommodate essential cellular processes, yet our understanding of this regulation remains incomplete. Cod1p/Spf1p belongs to the widely conserved, uncharacterized type V branch of P-type ATPases, a large family of ion pumps. Our previous work suggested Cod1p may function in the ER. Consistent with this hypothesis, we localized Cod1p to the ER membrane. The cod1Delta mutant disrupted cellular calcium homeostasis, causing increased transcription of calcium-regulated genes and a synergistic increase in cellular calcium when paired with disruption of the Golgi apparatus-localized Ca2+ pump Pmr1p. Deletion of COD1 also impaired ER function, causing constitutive activation of the unfolded protein response, hypersensitivity to the glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin, and synthetic lethality with deletion of the unfolded protein response regulator HAC1. Expression of the Drosophila melanogaster homologue of Cod1p complemented the cod1Delta mutant. Finally, we demonstrated the ATPase activity of the purified protein. This study provides the first biochemical characterization of a type V P-type ATPase, implicates Cod1p in ER function and ion homeostasis, and indicates that these functions are conserved among Cod1p's metazoan homologues.
EU FUNDS IN EU NEW MEMBER STATES: AVAILABLE RESOURCES AND POSSIBLE ECONOMIC IMPACT

EU funds have been an important component of economic landscapes in the new member states (NMS) after their EU accession in 2004. A review of funds allocated to NMS under the 2007–2013 financial perspective shows a substantial growth in nominal terms. The increase relative to the GDP of the beneficiary countries is much more modest. This implies that the economic impact could be less spectacular than expected. From this viewpoint, it is crucial to ensure high absorption and efficient allocation of Structural Funds which are gaining importance in total transfers. Different frameworks established by NMS to manage EU funds show that there is no one-fits-all model. Experiences with absorption of Structural Funds in NMS have been mixed, with no conclusive evidence for superiority of any particular approach. NMS tend to streamline their initial frameworks to improve absorption, a reasonable approach to help utilise the increasing 2007–2013 allocations. At the end of the day, the goal of EU transfers is increasi...
Signal Transduction in Maize and Arabidopsis Mesophyll Protoplasts

Plant protoplasts show physiological perceptions and responses to hormones, metabolites, environmental cues, and pathogen-derived elicitors, similar to cell-autonomous responses in intact tissues and plants. The development of defined protoplast transient expression systems for high-throughput screening and systematic characterization of gene functions has greatly contributed to elucidating plant signal transduction pathways, in combination with genetic, genomic, and transgenic approaches.
Ultrasound devulcanization of SBR : Molecular mobility of gel and sol

Abstract In an effort to support the recycling of rubbery polymers and composites, 1H NMR relaxation and pulsedgradient spin echo diffusion measurements have been performed on virgin and unfilled vulcanized strene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and networks after various extents of devulcanization using an ultrasound technique. The NMR methods recognize unentangled light molecules (e.g. sol), but do not distinguish between unattached entangled large molecules and chemical network segments. Devulcanization generates additional sol with a wide mass distribution, thus increasing both sol and gel mobility, but decreasing sol mean diffusivity. The latter effect is accounted for by the increasing mean sol molecular mass but also by the increasing glass transition temperature, which is related to main-chain stiffening seen in our earlier 13C NMR experiments. In addition to improving the molecular-level understanding of devulcanization, this study provides guidance for the optimization of the devulcanization parameters.