cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discriminating between changes in bias and changes in accuracy for recognition memory of emotional stimuli

A debate has emerged as to whether recognition of emotional stimuli is more accurate or more biased than recognition of nonemotional stimuli. Teasing apart changes in accuracy versus changes in bias requires a measurement model. However, different models have been adopted by different researchers, and this has contributed to the current debate. In this article, different measurement models are discussed, and the signal detection model that is most appropriate for recognition is adopted to investigate the effects of valence and arousal on recognition memory performance, using receiver operating characteristic analyses. In addition, complementary two-alternative forced choice experiments were conducted in order to generalize the empirical findings and interpret them under a relatively relaxed set of measurement assumptions. Across all experiments, accuracy was greater for highly valenced stimuli and stimuli with high arousal value. In addition, a bias to endorse positively valenced stimuli was observed. These results are discussed within an adaptive memory framework that assumes that emotion plays an important role in the allocation of attentional resources.
SU-GG-T-276: Dosimetric Characterization of a Set of Surface Applicators from Xoft Inc

Purpose: A set of conical surface applicators with diameters ranging from 10 mm to 50 mm have been developed by Xoft Inc. These applicators are designed to be used with the Axxent® eBx System, allowing for conformal dose delivery for the treatment of surface lesions. Current methods of output verification for these applicators are based on the AAPM's TG‐61 protocol. Certain components of TG‐61 may need modification for applicators like those under investigation. The goal of this work is an accurate experimental determination of the output of each applicator with comparison to Monte Carlo determined values. Methods and Materials: Air‐kerma rate measurements along the central axis of each applicator were performed using an Attix free‐air chamber, and at the applicator window with two parallel plate chamber models. Each applicator was simulated using MCNP5 and a collision kerma tally was used to determine the air‐kerma rate along the central axis and at the applicator window. Results: Initial measurements of the air‐kerma rate at the applicator window with the parallel plate chambers agreed within the expected uncertainty. Extrapolation of the air‐kerma rate measured with the FAC back to the window surface agreed with the parallel plate chambers within 15% for all but the 50 mm diameter applicator. Monte Carlo calculated values agree with the parallel plate chambers for all applicators except the 50 mm diameter as well. Conclusions: Current forms of output verification for these applicators are based on TG‐61, which was designed for low‐energy external beams, not miniature X‐ray sources in an applicator. Initial work has shown that output verification may be performed using calibrated ionization chambers, however some aspects of TG‐61 need modification for use with applicators like those under investigation here. Conflict of Interest: Xoft Inc. provided sources and applicators.
Production of the exotic Θ baryon in relativistic nuclear collisions

Recent experimental data appear to confirm the existence of the exotic ${\ensuremath{\Theta}}^{+}(uudd\overline{s})$ baryon. Simple statistical considerations, which have generally proven rather successful, suggest that this particle should be produced in observable abundance in relativistic nuclear collisions at RHIC, where it may be identified through the ${\mathrm{pK}}_{s}^{0}$ invariant mass spectrum. The observation would not only add new evidence for its existence, but would also provide an additional means for probing the collision system, especially with regard to strangeness.
New Antifouling Silica Hydrogel

In this work, a new antifouling silica hydrogel was developed for potential biomedical applications. A zwitterionic polymer, poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (pCBMA), was produced via atom-transfer radical polymerization and was appended to the hydrogel network in a two-step acid-base-catalyzed sol-gel process. The pCBMA silica aerogels were obtained by drying the hydrogels under supercritical conditions using CO(2). To understand the effect of pCBMA on the gel structure, pCBMA silica aerogels with different pCBMA contents were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and the surface area from Brauner-Emmet-Teller (BET) measurements. The antifouling property of pCBMA silica hydrogel to resist protein (fibrinogen) adsorption was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). SEM images revealed that the particle size and porosity of the silica network decreased at low pCBMA content and increased at above 33 wt % of the polymer. The presence of pCBMA increased the surface area of the material by 91% at a polymer content of 25 wt %. NMR results confirmed that pCBMA was incorporated completely into the silica structure at a polymer content below 20 wt %. A protein adsorption test revealed a reduction in fibrinogen adsorption by 83% at 25 wt % pCBMA content in the hydrogel compared to the fibrinogen adsorption in the unmodified silica hydrogel.
Cervical radiographic evaluation of alert patients following blunt trauma

The records of 333 consecutive alert patients admitted to a trauma service for neurologic observation after sustaining significant blunt head trauma were reviewed. All patients had class I level of consciousness (alert, responds immediately to questions, may be disoriented and confused, follows complex commands); those with significant acute alcohol and/or drug intoxication were excluded from this study. Cervical spine injury did not correlate with the presence of major concomitant injuries, skull fractures, or major intracranial injuries. Cervical spine injury correlated only with the presence of signs and/or symptoms of cervical injury. This correlation was highly significant (P
Case studies: EPA's voluntary P2 programs pay off

Can “voluntary and flexible” sometimes work better than command and control? These case studies say “yes.”
Lysosome-dependent p300/FOXP3 degradation and limits Treg cell functions and enhances targeted therapy against cancers

p300 is one of several acetyltransferases that regulate FOXP3 acetylation and functions. Our recent studies have defined a complex set of histone acetyltransferase interactions which can lead to enhanced or repressed changes in FOXP3 function. We have explored the use of a natural p300 inhibitor, Garcinol, as a tool to understand mechanisms by which p300 regulates FOXP3 acetylation. In the presence of Garcinol, p300 appears to become disassociated from the FOXP3 complex and undergoes lysosome-dependent degradation. As a consequence of p300's physical absence, FOXP3 becomes less acetylated and eventually degraded, a process that cannot be rescued by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. p300 plays a complex role in FOXP3 acetylation, as it could also acetylate a subset of four Lys residues that repressively regulate total FOXP3 acetylation. Garcinol acts as a degradation device to reduce the suppressive activity of regulatory T cells (Treg) and to enhance the in vivo anti-tumor activity of a targeted therapeutic anti-p185(her2/neu) (ERBB2) antibody in MMTV-neu transgenics implanted with neu transformed breast tumor cells. Our studies provide the rationale for molecules that disrupt p300 stability to limit Treg functions in targeted therapies for cancers.
Multiple HPV genotypes in cervical carcinomas: improved DNA detection and typing in archival tissues.

Background:Human papillomaviruses (HPV) have been considered to be the necessary and central agents of cervical carcinoma. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and genotypes of HPV in archival cervical carcinomas. Study design:The study included 152 paraffin-embedded, formaldehyde-fixed cervical carcinoma specimens. To improve the detection and typing of HPV in archival tissues, we conducted a comprehensive study in which, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods using E7 type-specific (TS) and L1 modified general primers (MY11/GP6+ and GP5+/GP6+) were employed. Results: Overall HPV prevalence was 98% in the cervical carcinomas. HPV 16 was detected in 66% of the tumors, HPV 18 in 22%, HPV 31 in 13%, HPV 33 in 9%, and HPV 58 in 9%. Notably, multiple HPV types were present in 44 (28.9%) of the 152 cervical carcinomas. The most common co-infections were HPV types 16/18 (12 cases), followed by HPV types 16/31 (7 cases). Additionally, HPV 18 was more frequent in adenocarcinomas and adenosquamous carcinomas (86%) than in squamous cell carcinomas (15.8%) (P = 0.0002). Conclusions: The combination of L1 general primers and E7 type-specific primers can be of use in detecting HPV DNA in archival tissues. The present study showed a high frequency of multiple HPV infections in cervical carcinomas. Hence, relevant HPV typing information in cervical carcinoma is very important for further HPV vaccine design and application. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Measurement of Small Volume Flame Temperatures by the Two-line Atomic Fluorescence Method

Measurement of small volume temperatures of analytical flames by the two-line atomic fluorescence technique involving the use of direct-line Stokes and anti-Stokes fluorescence of indium and thallium has been examined. Spatial flame temperatures have been measured with a volume resolution of 0.3 mm by 2 mm by 5 mm in the flame. Theoretical and practical considerations of the method are given, particularly in terms of the limitation of using indium or thallium. The use of the two thallium lines (377.57 and 535.05 nm) was subject to fewer random errors than the use of the two indium lines (410.18 and 451.13 nm) for the range of temperatures studied. However, thallium lines are restricted to the measurement of temperatures above about 2000°K (for the air-acetylene and nitrous oxide-acetylene flames); for temperatures below about 2000°K, the fluorescence irradiance ratio could not be measured with sufficient signal/noise ratio due to the low intensity of the anti-Stokes fluorescence line. In the present experiment, indium lines were used for the measurement of a wide range of "low" flame temperatures (approximately 700 to 2600°K) owing to the better signal/noise ratios for both lines; indium lines were also preferable for the air-acetylene flame, even though the error produced by the random uncertainty in the fluorescence ratio was larger than for thallium. The present method has been successfully applied to the measurement of the spatial temperature profiles of analytical flames. such as argon-hydrogen(-entrained air), argon-oxygen-hydrogen air-acetylene, and nitrous oxide-acetylene.
Viscosity of critical mixtures

Measurements of the viscosity of critical mixtures were extended to high polymer solutions (polystyrene–cyclohexane). An anomaly is found in the temperature coefficient of the viscosity. An empirical expression for the viscosities of critical mixtures as a function of ΔT/Tc, where ΔT = T − Tc, and Tc is the critical temperature, is derived.
Third-harmonic generation in ultrathin films of MoS2.

We observe optical third-harmonic generation in atomically thin films of MoS2 and deduce effective third- order nonlinear susceptibilities on the order of 10 −19 m 2 /V 2 , which is comparable to that of commonly used semi- conductors under resonant conditions. By measuring the susceptibility as a function of light wavelength, we find significant enhancements of the susceptibility by excitonic resonances. The demonstrated third-harmonic generation can be used for nonlinear optical identification of MoS2 atomic layers with high contrast, better distinguishing power of multilayers, and less restrictions to substrate selections. The size of the third-order nonlinear susceptibility suggests feasibility of exploring other types of third-order nonlinear optical effects of MoS2 two-dimensional crystals.
Contraceptive knowledge and use among low-income Hispanic immigrant women and non-Hispanic women.

Abstract Background With the rising influx of Hispanics to the United States, there is an ongoing need to promote health and wellness care to this non-English-speaking, minority population group. Programs, specifically developed to address the unique cultural mores of Hispanics, need to focus on increasing knowledge about health issues, particularly in the area of reproductive health. A study was conducted in Memphis, TN, to examine the differences between low-income Hispanic immigrants' and low-income non-Hispanics' (1) contraceptive use; (2) reproduction and contraception knowledge; as well as (3) the demographic and knowledge factors associated with their choice of contraceptive, in order to better formulate successful educational programs for area Hispanics. Study Design A cross-sectional survey of 226 women, recruited through a federal assistance program in Tennessee, was performed over a 5-month period in 2000 to 2001. Women, between the ages of 18 and 42, were individually interviewed to learn more about their reproduction knowledge and method of contraception. Results This study found that knowledge about reproduction and contraceptive use was significantly lower among Hispanics than non-Hispanics. Furthermore, contraceptive use was significantly lower among Hispanics than among non-Hispanics. Hispanics were less likely to use the oral contraceptive or have a tubal ligation, preferring injectable contraceptive. Non-Hispanics, who were more likely to use contraceptive methods, were less likely to use injectables, preferring the oral contraceptive. Among Hispanics, knowledge about contraceptives, number of children and marital status were associated with contraceptive use. Among non-Hispanics, only education was associated with contraceptive use. Conclusion Interventions targeting Hispanic immigrants should be developed to increase their knowledge about contraceptive methods.
Chemical vapor deposition of an aluminum nitride-diamond composite in a triple torch plasma reactor

An aluminum nitride–diamond composite has been produced by sequential deposition of AlN and diamond in a triple torch plasma reactor (TTPR). AlN was deposited from AlN powder by injection into the argon–nitrogen, converging plasma plume of a TTPR. Velocity and temperature profiles of the converging plasma plume, obtained by enthalpy probe measurements, were used to show that the powder decomposed prior to reaching the substrate. Diamond was deposited in an argon–hydrogen–methane system onto the existing AlN film. Characterization of an AlN–diamond–AlN composite indicated a Vickers hardness of 18.6 GPa and a modulus of elasticity of 245–282 GPa.
Design methodology for defect tolerant integrated circuits

A single-spot defect which deforms the power of clock connections of a VLSI IC may affect the functionality of an entire die. Typical yield prediction procedures applied to circuits with redundancy do not take this possibility into account. Analysis of the defect's nature combined with the appropriate modifications of the existing models is used to address this problem. Applications of the yield models to ICs with redundancy indicate that direct power-ground or clock shorts are a very important limitation to the maximal size of such circuits. A novel design approach that uses circuit breakers to minimize consequences of shorts in the metallization of the IC with redundancy is indicated as a necessity for large-area defect-tolerant circuits. >
The Myth of Cyberwar: Bringing War in Cyberspace Back Down to Earth

Cyberwar has been described as a revolution in military affairs, a transformation of technology and doctrine capable of overturning the prevailing world order. This characterization of the threat from cyberwar, however, reflects a common tendency to conflate means and ends; studying what could happen in cyberspace (or anywhere else) makes little sense without considering how conflict over the internet is going to realize objectives commonly addressed by terrestrial warfare. To supplant established modes of conflict, cyberwar must be capable of furthering the political ends to which force or threats of force are commonly applied, something that in major respects cyberwar fails to do. As such, conflict over the internet is much more likely to serve as an adjunct to, rather than a substitute for, existing modes of terrestrial force. Indeed, rather than threatening existing political hierarchies, cyberwar is much more likely to simply augment the advantages of status quo powers.
Prostate bed localization with image-guided approach using on-board imaging: reporting acute toxicity and implications for radiation therapy planning following prostatectomy.

Abstract Objectives To report our experience using Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) in patients undergoing post-prostatectomy irradiation. Methods Twenty-six patients were treated with radiotherapy following radical prostatectomy using Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). Prostate bed localization was done using image guidance to align surgical clips relative to the reference isocenter on the planning digitally reconstructed radiographs. Assuming surgical clips to be surrogate for prostate bed, daily shifts in their position were calculated after aligning with the bony anatomy. Shifts were recorded in three dimensions. The acute toxicity was measured during and after completion of treatment. Results The average (standard deviation) prostate bed motion in anterior–posterior, superior–inferior and left–right directions were: 2.7mm (2.1), 2.4mm (2.1) and 1.0mm (1.7), respectively. The majority of patients experienced only grade 1 symptoms, two patients had grade 2 symptoms and none had grade 3 or higher acute toxicity. Conclusions Daily IGRT is recommended for accurate target localization during radiation delivery to improve efficacy of treatment and enhance therapeutic ratio. Larger studies with longer follow-up are necessary to make definitive recommendations regarding magnitude of margin reduction around clinical target volume.
Hemochromatosis: Genetics and Pathophysiology

A number of genetic disorders can result in the accumulation of excess iron in the body. These causes of hereditary hemochromatosis include defects in genes encoding HFE, transferrin receptor 2, ferroportin, hepcidin, and hemojuvelin. Hepcidin, with its cognate receptor, ferroportin, has emerged as a central regulator of iron homeostasis; all of the known causes of hemochromatosis appear to prevent this system from functioning normally. The most common form of primary hemochromatosis is that caused by C282Y mutation of the HFE gene. This mutation is most prevalent among Northern Europeans. Although the frequency of the homozygous genotype is approximately 5 per 1000, the disease itself is quite rare because the clinical penetrance of the genotype is very low.
Gender Differences in African American Adolescents' Personal, Educational, and Occupational Expectations and Perceptions of Neighborhood Quality

This study was conducted in an effort to generate information toward fostering academic outcomes among African American adolescents. Gender differences in African American adolescents' personal, educational, and occupational expectations were examined in relation to perceptions of neighborhood quality. Participants included 352 African American adolescents residing in an urban area. Measures were self-reported expectations and perceptions of neighborhood quality. Regression analyses indicated that (a) expectations were positively associated with perceptions of neighborhood quality, (b) female adolescents reported more positive expectations than male adolescents, and (c) the association between expectations and perceptions of neighborhood quality depended on gender, with male adolescents who rated their neighborhood higher in quality reporting higher personal and educational expectations than male adolescents who rated their neighborhood poorer in quality. Implications of this study for programs and resear...
Side Chain Orientation in the Selectivity Filter of a Voltage-gated Ca2+ Channel

Four glutamate residues (EEEE locus) are essential for ion selectivity in voltage-gated Ca2+channels, with ion-specific differences in binding to the locus providing the basis of selectivity. Whether side chain carboxylates or alternatively main chain carbonyls of these glutamates project into the pore to form the ion-binding locus has been uncertain. We have addressed this question by examining effects of sulfhydryl-modifying agents (methanethiosulfonates) on 20 cysteine-substituted mutant forms of an L-type Ca2+ channel. Sulfhydryl modifiers partially blocked whole oocyte Ba2+ currents carried by wild type channels, but this block was largely reversed with washout. In contrast, each of the four EEEE locus glutamate → cysteine mutants (0 position) was persistently blocked by sulfhydryl modifiers, indicating covalent attachment of a modifying group to the side chain of the substituted cysteine. Cysteine substitutions at positions immediately adjacent to the EEEE locus glutamates (±1 positions) were also generally susceptible to sulfhydryl modification. Sulfhydryl modifiers had lesser effects on channels substituted one position further from the EEEE locus (±2 positions). These results indicate that the carboxylate-bearing side chains of the EEEE locus glutamates and their immediate neighbors project into the water-filled lumen of the pore to form an ion-binding locus. Thus the structure of the Ca2+channel selectivity filter differs substantially from that of ancestral K+ channels.
The Enterohepatic Circulation of Aldosterone Metabolites and its Sex-Dependence in Rats

Sephadex LH-20 and DEAP-LH-20 column chromatography demonstrated significant differences in the types of conjugates of aldosterone and its metabolites present in the bile of male and female rats. The bile of male rats contained mainly “glucuronides” and “monosulfates” of aldosterone and its metabolites, whereas the bile of female rats contained mainly “monosulfates” and “disulfates” of aldosterone and its metabolites. This difference appears to account for both the differences in the biliary excretion and the enterohepatic circulation of the radiometabolites of [3H]aldosterone in male and female rats. The enterohepatic circulation of aldosterone metabolites was demonstrated to be sizeable and sexdependent in intact rats. Following intraduodenal injection of male and female bile, containing radiometabolites of [3H]aldosterone, into rats of the same sex, a greater percentage of the injected radiometabolities appeared in both the bile and urine of the males than in the females. By 4 h, ca. 20% of the injecte...
Anthropology and Globalization

Modernity at Large: Cultural Dimensions of Globalization. Arjun Appadurai. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1996. 229 pp. Transnational Connections: Culture, People, Places. Ulf Hannerz. New York: Routledge, 1996. 216 pp. Thai Women in the Global Labor Force: Consuming Desires, Contested Selves. Mary Beth Mills. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1999. 218 pp.
Accelerated characterization of a chopped fiber composite using a strain energy failure criterion

The creep and creep rupture response of a chopped fiber composite material (SMC-R50) were investigated experimentally and analytically. The goal of this research was to use the short time laboratory data to predict long time creep and creep rupture behavior. The creep response data up to 200 min duration were obtained at various constant temperature and stress levels. The short time creep data were then modeled using a modified power law equation. The modified power law equation contains the parameters of the so-called accelerated characterization procedure. Using this power law equation, the short time creep response at the elevated temperatures were able to successfully predict the long time creep response at a lower temperature and stress level. To predict the creep rupture behavior, the modified power law equation was then coupled with a strain energy based failure criterion. It was found that the same parameters that were used in the prediction of the long-time creep response can also be used to predict the creep rupture. At a given temperature level, the strain energy density related to creep rupture was found to be a constant. Furthermore, this strain energy density was found to increase with an increase in temperature. With a limited amount of data, it was found that the strain energy based failure criterion coupled with the modified power law equation can be used to predict long time creep rupture behavior.
The Consequences of Battleground and “Spectator” State Residency for Political Participation

This study uses pooled NES and state-level turnout data from 1988 through 2004 to assess whether a participation gap is emerging in the United States between the residents of battleground and non-battleground states in presidential elections. The analysis finds that Electoral College (EC) participatory disparities are more likely to occur in voting and meeting attendance than in donating and political discussion. Moreover, it suggests that such disparities are more likely to occur when presidential elections are nationally competitive. The study also demonstrates that when participatory gaps do occur they are the result of a surge in participation among battleground state residents—not of citizen withdrawal in safe states, as many EC critics contend.
A Low Power JPEG2000 Encoder With Iterative and Fault Tolerant Error Concealment

This paper presents a novel approach to reduce power in multimedia devices. Specifically, we focus on JPEG2000 as a case study. This paper indicates that by utilizing the in-built error resiliency of multimedia content, and the disjoint nature of the encoding and decoding processes, ultra low power architectures that are hardware fault tolerant can be conceived. These architectures utilize aggressive voltage scaling to conserve power at the encoder side while incurring extra processing requirements at the decoder to blindly detect and correct for encoder hardware induced errors. Simulations indicate a reduction of up to 35% in encoder power depending on the choice of technology for a 65-nm CMOS process.
Detection of Biological Agents Used for Terrorism: Are We Ready?

Countering the use of biological agents (biothreats) requires a complex network of intelligence, detectors, laboratories, and the personnel and facilities to treat exposed individuals. In October 2009, 8 years after the mailing of letters containing Bacillus anthracis , the causative agent of anthrax, the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism released an interim report asserting that the US is failing to address biological weapon proliferation and biological terrorism. The Commission Vice Chairman, Jim Talent, stated in that report that “It is only getting easier and cheaper to develop and use biological weapons—and our best defense is to mitigate the effects through faster, safer vaccines and therapeutics.” It is important to remember, however, that the decisions to administer vaccines and therapeutics require robust tools for the detection and identification of biological agents. The capabilities of current detection technology have been a limiting factor in creating a thorough process to deal with biological threats, and the matter is complicated even further by the almost infinite types of sample matrices and potential contaminants that confound analytical processes. Although technology and capabilities have improved since 2001, the majority of available devices are still based on chromatographic immunoassays, PCR, and ELISA. Newer, potentially faster and more sensitive technologies based on concepts such as nanowires, quantum dots, microcantilevers, and hand-held spectrometers are reported to be available or near availability, but most still require significant amounts of testing and validation under conditions replicating actual use. In this Q&A, 3 experts in the field of bioweapon detection answer questions about the current status of biothreat detection technology. Mark Hollis2 : Biothreat detection can happen in 2 ways: (1) people, animals, and/or plants fall ill in such a pattern that a biothreat can be suspected, and/or (2) the biothreat is identified via …
Chronic Leukemia of Childhood

The chronic leukemias of childhood include chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia in childhood is a monoclonal B-cell neoplasm of great infrequency. CML occurs with enough frequency to warrant a review for the general pediatrician. CML is a clonal (derived from a single cell line) myeloproliferative disorder that has two major forms in childhood, which, as a group, account for 2% to 5% of the childhood leukemias. "Adult" CML is a classic clonal myeloproliferative disease demonstrating the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1). Its chronic phase lasts 2 to 3 years, then evolves into an acute phase which terminates in the blastic crisis. "Juvenile" CML is more often seen in infants and toddlers and is notable for the presence of rash, adenopathy, absence of the Ph1 chromosome, and elevated level of hemoglobin F. In fact, the two diseases have less in common than the similar names would imply. Approximately one third of CML in childhood is of the juvenile type. A third type of myeloproliferative disorder resembling CML has been reported in two pairs of infant siblings. It clinically resembles juvenile CML, but does not appear to have the nearly universally fatal outcome. Finally, a familial myeloproliferative syndrome, which most closely resembles adult CML, has been reported in a large kindred.
Tokamaks and turbulence: research ensembles, policy and technoscientific work

Abstract A comparative analysis of two fusion energy research facilities is used to examine how the ensemble of research technologies (materials, methods, instruments, techniques, and the like) constructed and used by a group not only connects the group to other researchers and policymakers but also influences the group’s trajectory, performance, and the work of its members. We use a combination of historical, interview, and questionnaire data to describe the two facilities, position them within the field, and examine the working conditions and job satisfaction of their members. We develop the idea of research ensemble, characterize it in comparison with related concepts, explain how it reflects policy priorities and provides a new way for research groups to accumulate advantage and disadvantage. Using multiple regression models, we demonstrate how differences in research ensembles lead to differences in working conditions and job satisfactions. Some implications are proposed for policy in fast-changing, large-scale fields of science and technology.
Identifying the 3'-terminal exon in human DNA.

Motivation: We present JTEF, a new program for finding 3 ' terminal exons in human DNA sequences. This program is based on quadratic discriminant analysis, a standard nonlinear statistical pattern recognition method. The quadratic discriminant functions used for building the algorithm were trained on a set of 3 ' terminal exons of type 3tuexon (those containing the true STOP codon). Results: We showed that the average predictive accuracy of JTEF is higher than the presently available best programs (GenScan and Genemark.hmm) based on a test set of 65 human DNA sequences with 121 genes. In particular JTEF performs well on larger genomic contigs containing multiple genes and significant amounts of intergenic DNA. It will become a valuable tool for genome annotation and gene functional studies.
Risk factors for consecutive exotropia after vertical rectus transposition for esotropic Duane retraction syndrome

Purpose To define risk factors for postoperative exotropia after vertical rectus transposition (VRT) for Duane syndrome. Methods The records of patients with Duane syndrome who underwent augmented VRT were retrospectively reviewed; those with postoperative exotropia (study group) were compared with those with postoperative esotropia/orthotropia (controls). Results A total of 51 patients were included, of whom 14 were exotropic postoperatively. Of the 14, 6 became exotropic after augmented VRT, and 8 who were initially esotropic became exotropic after subsequent medial rectus muscle (MR) recession. Study subjects were significantly younger (2 ± 2 years vs 6 ± 10 years, P = 0.04) and demonstrated less restriction on intraoperative forced duction testing than control subjects. Subjects who became exotropic after MR muscle recession had significantly less esotropia at near (5.2 Δ ± 6.5 Δ vs 18.4 Δ ± 7.9 Δ esotropia, respectively; P = 0.005) and in adduction (1 Δ ± 2 Δ exotropia vs 3 Δ ± 4 Δ esotropia, respectively; P = 0.02) than control patients who also underwent VRT and MR muscle recession. Forced duction testing was also significantly different among these groups ( P = 0.03). Conclusions Risk factors for exotropia after augmented VRT include younger age and less restriction on forced duction testing. Additional risk factors for exotropia after VRT and subsequent MR muscle recession include preoperative exotropia in adduction and smaller deviation at near. These factors may be useful in distinguishing patients at risk, allowing for consideration of less powerful procedures.
Large-volume Rhyolite Genesis in Caldera Complexes of the Snake River Plain: Insights from the Kilgore Tuff of the Heise Volcanic Field, Idaho, with Comparison to Yellowstone and Bruneau–Jarbidge Rhyolites

Generation of large-volume rhyolites in the shallow crust is an important, yet enigmatic, process in the Snake River Plain and worldwide. Here, we present data for voluminous rhyolites from the 6·6–4·5 Ma Heise volcanic field in eastern Idaho. Heise is arguably the best site to evaluate shallow rhyolite genesis in the Snake River Plain; it is the youngest complete record of caldera cluster volcanism along the Yellowstone hotspot track and it culminated with the eruption of the most voluminous low-δ 18 O rhyolite known on Earth: the 1800 km 3 Kilgore Tuff (δ 18 O = 3·4‰). Such low-δ 18 O values fingerprint meteoric waters, and thus the shallow crust. New oxygen isotope data for phenocrysts, obtained by laser fluorination, correspond to a low-δ 18 O magma value of 3·4 ± 0·1‰ (2 standard error) for Kilgore Tuff samples erupted >100 km apart; however, ion microprobe data for single zircon crystals show significant diversity, with δ 18 O values that range from –1·3‰ to 6·1‰. U–Pb zircon ages, mineral chemistry, whole-rock major and trace element geochemistry, Sr and Nd isotope data, and magmatic (liquidus) temperatures are similar and/or overlapping for all studied samples of the Kilgore Tuff. Normal-δ 18 O Heise tuff units that preceded the Kilgore Tuff define a temporal compositional trend in trace element concentrations, trace element ratios, and Sr and Nd isotope ratios that is consistent with fractional crystallization from a common reservoir, whereas low-δ 18 O Kilgore cycle units have compositions that define a sharp reversal in the temporal trend back towards the composition of the first normal-δ 18 O Heise tuff (6·62 Ma Blacktail Creek Tuff). The data support derivation of the voluminous low-δ 18 O Kilgore Tuff from remelting of hydrothermally altered ( 18 O depleted) intracaldera and subvolcanic portions of the Blacktail Creek Tuff. Single pockets of melt with variable low-δ 18 O values were assembled and homogenized on a caldera-wide scale prior to the climactic Kilgore Tuff eruption, and the best record of this process is provided by the δ 18 O diversity in Kilgore Tuff zircons. Temporal trends of oxygen isotopic depletion and recovery in rhyolite eruptions of the Heise volcanic field are clearly linked to caldera collapse events, and remarkably consistent with trends in the Yellowstone Plateau volcanic field. At Heise and Yellowstone, magmatic δ 18 O values can be predicted on the basis of cumulative eruptive volumes, with a decrease in δ 18 O by ∼1‰ for every ∼1000 km 3 of erupted rhyolite. The Kilgore Tuff of the Heise volcanic field has the same timing, magnitude of δ 18 O depletion, and cumulative eruptive volume as the youngest phase of voluminous rhyolitic eruptions in the Yellowstone Plateau volcanic field, indicating that the Kilgore Tuff may serve as a useful analog for these and perhaps other large-volume low-δ 18 O rhyolites on Earth.
Surface Energy Balance and Surface Coefficients of a Corn Field during Non-Growing Periods

Efficient use of water in agroecosystems requires accurate quantification of evapotranspiration (ET) during growing and non-growing (dormant) periods. Prediction of ET during the growing season has been well researched, but relatively little information exists on evaporative losses during non-growing periods. The objective of this research was to evaluate ET in relation to available energy, precipitation, and reference ET for a corn field during the non-growing period (October 15 through April 30). Three consecutive non-growing periods were studied: 2004-2005 (season I), 2005-2006 (season II), and 2006-2007 (season III). Bowen ratio energy balance system-measured ET was approximately 50% of available energy during average and wet seasons (seasons I and III) and 41% of available energy during a dry season (season II). Cumulative ET ranged from 133 to 167 mm and exceeded precipitation by 21% during the dry season. Mean surface (crop) coefficients were 0.63 and 0.48 for grass and alfalfa-reference crops, respectively. Regression equations were developed that yielded reasonable estimates of ET for the average and wet seasons. Considering non-growing period evaporative losses in water budget calculations would enable water regulatory agencies to better account for water use over the entire year rather than only for the growing season.
Source and Propagation Effects on Near‐Field Co‐Eruptive Ground Motion at Santiaguito Volcano, Guatemala

Abstract Data from a December 2008–January 2009 seismometer deployment show substantial variation in seismic signal characteristics among different sites and eruptive events at Santiaguito volcano. A station on one of the inactive domes typically records higher amplitudes and a more peaked spectrum than does another station closer to the vent on lower ground. Amplitude ratios between the stations and spectral peakedness of the station on the dome vary substantially and depend on vertical signal polarity, which is controlled by seismic source mechanism. Finite‐difference models considering two likely source mechanisms and several hypothetical subsurfaces show that the topography of the free surface and subsurface units can increase or decrease amplitudes by focusing or obstructing body waves. A homogeneous velocity structure is shown not to be a close approximation to the actual shallow subsurface, while a subsurface including a dipping reflective layer produces results that fit observations better. These models also indicate that path effects act more strongly on waves originating from an implosion than from a downward force, possibly due to differences in body and surface wave proportions and differing susceptibilities of body and surface waves to these path effects. Thus, recorded data and models both indicate that the level of wave‐field distortion associated with propagation effects is controlled by the source mechanism.
Training recurrent networks using the extended Kalman filter

The author describes some relationships between the extended Kalman filter (EKF) as applied to recurrent net learning and some simpler techniques that are more widely used. In particular, making certain simplifications to the EKF gives rise to an algorithm essentially identical to the real-time recurrent learning (RTRL) algorithm. Since the EKF involves adjusting unit activity in the network, it also provides a principled generalization of the teacher forcing technique. Preliminary simulation experiments on simple finite-state Boolean tasks indicated that the EKF can provide substantial speed-up in number of time steps required for training on such problems when compared with simpler online gradient algorithms. The computational requirements of the EKF are steep, but scale with network size at the same rate as RTRL. >
A Semiconductor Model for Electronic Threshold Switching

In this short note I want to serve Heinz Henisch’s interest in switching phenomena by giving a simple and nonmathematical description of one of my favorite models for electronic threshold switching.
Organ donation video messaging in motor vehicle offices: results of a randomized trial.

Context—Since nearly all registered organ donors in the United States signed up via a driver's license transaction, motor vehicle (MV) offices represent an important venue for organ donation education.Objective—To evaluate the impact of organ donation video messaging in MV offices.Design—A 2-group (usual care vs usual care + video messaging) randomized trial with baseline, intervention, and follow-up assessment phases.Setting—Twenty-eight MV offices in Massachusetts.Intervention—Usual care comprised education of MV clerks, display of organ donation print materials (ie, posters, brochures, signing mats), and a volunteer ambassador program. The intervention included video messaging with silent (subtitled) segments highlighting individuals affected by donation, playing on a recursive loop on monitors in MV waiting rooms.Main Outcome Measures—Aggregate monthly donor designation rates at MV offices (primary) and percentage of MV customers who registered as donors after viewing the video (secondary).Results—Con...
Leaflet-to-Annuloplasty Ring Clipping for Severe Mitral Regurgitation.

An 86-year-old man presented with recurrent heart failure and severe mitral regurgitation in the setting of previous surgical mitral repair for degenerative valve disease. Surgery had consisted of placement of a 32-mm Carpentier-Edwards Physio II annuloplasty ring (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine,
System Design and New Materials for Reversible, Solid-Oxide, High Temperature Steam Electrolysis

High temperature solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) offer high electrical efficiency and a potential path to large scale hydrogen production. Solid oxide technology is capable of both power generation and hydrogen production. That makes it possible for the development of a reversible solid-oxide system that can respond to market conditions to produce electricity or hydrogen on demand. New high-temperature electrolyzer cell materials are needed to enable cost-effective hydrogen production system designs based on reversible steam electrolysis. Two test methods were established for the eventual development of the reversible, durable electrode materials: the button cell test and the oxygen electrode test. The button cell test is capable of evaluating the performance and degradation of full solid oxide cells with dual atmosphere of air and hydrogen-steam. The oxygen electrode test is capable of isolating the performance and degradation of the oxygen electrode. It has higher throughput and sensitivity than the button cell test.
‘American Needle 9 – National Football League 0’: Background and Implications of the Supreme Court’s Unanimous Denial of the NFL’s Attempt at Single Entity Status in Sports Law, Antitrust, IP and Labor Law

American Needle manufactured and sold hats for the National Football League (“NFL”) until December of 2000 when the NFL signed an exclusive ten-year licensing agreement with Reebok. As a result, American Needle’s licensing agreement was not renewed, prompting American Needle to file suit against the NFL under the Sherman Act in the Northern District of Illinois. American Needle alleged that the licensing agreement with Reebok was an unlawful restraint on trade and thus a violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act in that each of the 32 NFL teams had conspired to freeze it and other competitors out of the market for NFL merchandise.
Catholic Opposition to Hitler: The Perils of Ambiguity

In their introduction to Religion and Society in Tension, Charles Y. Glock and Rodney Stark make the point that, at least in Judeo Christian cultures, "religion is expected to be at odds with the world around it."1 If this is a normal state of affairs, how much more intense the strain and antagonisms must be in a "world" dominated by a state authority openly dedicated to the objective of subverting organized religion to serve its own purposes or, if that is not possible, eliminating it and its influence altogether. Since the emergence of such states seems to be a recurring event in the history of man, a definite sociological problem presents itself as to how the religious community is to cope with them. Adolf Hitler's Third Reich is deserving of special mention only in that it is among the most recent and more successful of such attempts. One might be tempted to balk at the "Judeo-Christian culture" description in the context of the Nazi experience, but the fact is that throughout its aborted "thousand year" reign, the National Socialist regime continued to present itself to supporters, admirers, and opponents alike as "the defender of Western Civilization." Even its efforts to expunge the "Judeo" component of that Western heritage (and, in the process, exterminate its living representatives) were justified, assuming that
Elucidation of Reaction Mechanisms Responsible for Afterglow and Reagent-Ion Formation in the Low-Temperature Plasma Probe Ambient Ionization Source

The development of ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry has shown promising applicability for the direct analysis of complex samples in the open, ambient atmosphere. Although numerous plasma-based ambient desorption/ionization sources have been described in the literature, little research has been presented on experimentally validating or determining the desorption and ionization mechanisms that are responsible for their performance. In the present study, established spectrochemical and plasma physics diagnostics in combination with spatially resolved optical emission profiles were applied to reveal a set of reaction mechanisms responsible for afterglow and reagent-ion formation of the Low-Temperature Plasma (LTP) probe, which is a plasma-based ionization source used in the field of ambient mass spectrometry. Within the dielectric-barrier discharge of the LTP probe, He2+ is the dominant positive ion when helium is used as the plasma supporting gas. This helium dimer ion (He2+) has two important...
Research methods in healthcare epidemiology and antimicrobial stewardship - Observational studies

Observational studies compare outcomes among subjects with and without an exposure of interest, without intervention from study investigators. Observational studies can be designed as a prospective or retrospective cohort study or as a case-control study. In healthcare epidemiology, these observational studies often take advantage of existing healthcare databases, making them more cost-effective than clinical trials and allowing analyses of rare outcomes. This paper addresses the importance of selecting a well-defined study population, highlights key considerations for study design, and offers potential solutions including biostatistical tools that are applicable to observational study designs. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1-6.
Receptor based design, synthesis and biology of novel somatostatin analogs

In this approach, we modeled somatostatin receptor-ligand complexes. Based on the information obtained from the structures of the ligand-receptor complexes, we designed and synthesized novel somatostatin analogs with enhanced selectivities.