cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Confinement Layer Design on the Luminescence of InGaN/GaN Single Quantum Wells

The effect of different confinement layers on the luminescence of InGaN single quantum well structures grown by MOCVD was studied. The brightest photoluminescence was observed for samples with superlattice (SL) confinement layers with internal quantum efficiencies reaching 90%. Picosecond carrier transport and capture investigations using wavelength dependent pump–probe measurements indicated that the enhanced luminescence efficiency of the samples with SL cladding layers is caused by the capture of carriers from the SL confinement region. The “funneling” effect is discussed with respect to the confinement layer design in the individual structures and the carrier lifetime.
Sample preparation of animal tissues and cell cultures for secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) microscopy

Sample preparation is a critical step in the elemental analysis of animal tissues and cell cultures with ion microscopy. Since live cells cannot be analyzed with ion microscopy, a careful sample fixation is necessary which preserves the native structural and chemical integrity of a specimen. The evaluation of morphological and chemical integrity of a fixed specimen is necessary before any physiological explanation of ion fluxes is interpreted based on ion microscopy. For diffusible ion localization studies, strict cryogenic procedures are recommended. Examples are shown for diffusible ion microanalysis in frozen-freeze-dried tissues and cell cultures. Ion microscopy studies of tightly bound elements/molecules may be conducted in chemically fixed and/or plastic embedded specimens. Since it is not generally known which elements/molecules are tightly bound to the tissue matrix, a confirmation of elemental distribution with cryogenic procedures is desirable. A recent approach of combining laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy and ion microscopy on the same frozen freeze-dried cell is also discussed for recognizing smaller cytoplasmic structures in ion microscopy images.
Phosphorylation of rat liver ribosomal subunits: partial purification of two cyclic AMP activated protein kinases.

Abstract Two protein kinases can be prepared from rat liver supernatant. The enzymes catalyze phosphorylation of three proteins when the 40S ribosome subunit is the substrate; nine when the 60S subunit is the substrate. Phosphorylation of ribosomal proteins is stimulated by cyclic AMP.
Charge transfer and excitation energy transfer between reduced and oxidized pyridine nucleotides.

Abstract The purpose of this communication is to describe two types of interaction between reduced and oxidized pyridine nucleotides.
Self-reported attention and mood symptoms in cocaine abusers: relationship to neurocognitive performance.

Abstract Objective : This study examined the relationship between subjective measures of inattention/hyperactivity−impulsivity and mood and objective measures of neurocognitive function in cocaine users. Design : Ninety-four active cocaine users not seeking treatment (73 male, 21 female) were administered two self-report psychiatric measures (the ADHD Rating Scale – Fourth Edition; ARS-IV), and the Beck Depression Inventory – Second Edition; (BDI-II), and a battery of tests measuring attention, executive, psychomotor, visual and verbal learning, visuospatial, and language functions. Correlations between scores on the psychiatric measures (total and subscale) and the neurocognitive measures were examined. Results : While scores on the BDI-II and ARS-IV were correlated with each other ( p p >0.05). Conclusion : There was a minimal relationship between psychiatric measures that incorporate subjective assessment of cognitive function, and objective neurocognitive measures in nontreatment-seeking cocaine users, consistent with previous findings in other samples of substance users. This suggests that self-report measures may have limited utility as proxies for neurocognitive performance.
Survival, Germination, and Growth of Epichloë typhina and Significance of Leaf Wounds and Insects in Infection of Orchardgrass.

Epichloe typhina is an important stroma-producing endophytic ascomycete that is responsible for significant yield loss in orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) seed production fields. Infection is presumed to occur through leaves or stems, although details of the infection process and conditions that favor leaf infection are not well understood. The primary objectives of this study were to investigate the early stages of infection, including the effect of temperature or water potential on ascospore germination and subsequent growth of E. typhina, the tolerance of ascospores to desiccation, the requirement of leaf wounds for infection of orchardgrass by E. typhina, and the potential for insects to facilitate infection. Ascospores tolerated dry conditions, with at least 40% surviving 12 days under desiccation. Germination and growth of E. typhina was greatest at 25°C, with little to no growth at 5 and 35°C. Mycelial growth decreased with decreasing water potential from -0.3 to -10 MPa. Ascospore germination on leaves was predominantly hyphal at wound sites and iterative (conidiogenous) at sites without wounds. E. typhina typically entered leaves through wounds. Direct penetration was rarely observed and appeared to be associated with ascospore clusters. Germ tubes were significantly longer at sites with honeydew deposits from the bird cherry-oat aphid than at sites without honeydew. Growth of E. typhina was also observed at feeding sites of eriophyid mites, suggesting that leaf-wounding or sap-excreting insects support epiphyllous growth of E. typhina on leaves.
Thyroglossal duct cyst or ectopic thyroid gland

We report a 16-year-old boy with an anterior midline neck mass clinically diagnosed as a thyroglossal duct cyst. An ultrasound scan performed prior to surgery suggested a normally located thyroid gland. Following surgical excision of the presumed thyroglossal duct cyst the patient became hypothyroid. A radioisotope scan confirmed no active thyroid tissue. A pitfall in the ultrasonographic identification of the thyroid gland is discussed.
The differential influence of instructional context on the academic engagement of students with behavior problems

Abstract The teacher–student interactions of 39 students exhibiting high externalizing behavior problems and 59 students exhibiting average behavioral adjustment from urban elementary schools were directly observed. Comparisons between these students within four different instructional contexts indicated that levels of student engagement were significantly related to both behavior and classroom context. Although teachers’ use of behavioral management strategies was minimal, it was significantly related to the type of instructional context in which it occurred. Findings are discussed in terms of how different instructional contexts place unique demands and offer distinct affordances for students with behavior problems. A more comprehensive understanding of the influence of these environmental contexts can allow teachers to scaffold task demands to bring them within the domains of the student's ability.
Survival and functional outcome of children with hypothalamic/chiasmatic tumors.

BACKGROUND The management of children with hypothalamic (H) and/or chiasmatic (C) tumors remains controversial. We evaluated the impact of clinical and neuroimaging parameters and primary therapy on overall (OS) and progression-free (PFS) survival and on neuroendocrine and neurocognitive outcome in children with H and/or C tumors. METHODS Records were reviewed for 73 children with H and/or C tumors treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital between October 1981 and December 1999. RESULTS Thirty-six patients received irradiation or chemotherapy immediately postdiagnosis and 37 were observed. The 6-year OS and PFS rates were 86 ± 5%; and 36 ± 7%, respectively. The 6-year PFS rates for the irradiation, chemotherapy, and observation groups were 69 ± 16%, 12 ± 11%, and 37 ± 9%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, intracranial NF1 lesions (P = 0.015) and initial irradiation (P = 0.056) led to better PFS rates. There was no difference in OS between those initially treated or observed. Mean serial intelligence quotient (IQ) scores were 86 and 86 at diagnosis and at 6 years later, respectively. Patients younger than 5 years old had a lower mean IQ score at diagnosis (79.1) than older patients (96.3; P = 0.003). Patients who were irradiated at diagnosis had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of endocrinopathy at 3 years (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS Overall survival for children with H and/or C tumors is excellent. Initial treatment with radiation and the presence of intracranial NF1 lesions were positive predictors of PFS. Mean IQ is significantly compromised at diagnosis, but does not change over time or with irradiation. Overall survival is not affected by initial observation. We recommend observation in asymptomatic patients, platinum-based chemotherapy in younger patients, and irradiation in older symptomatic patients. Cancer 2003;97:1084–92. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11119
Quantitative analysis of phantom images in mammography

We asked a number of readers to evaluate 28 images of the ACR phantom acquired under a broad range of conditions (varying kVp, mAs, grid, no-grid, scatter materials). The phantom contains three types of structures: fibrils, microcalcification groups, and masses. The evaluation was performed according to the standard ACR criteria (i.e. counting the number of visible structures). The resulting scores were averaged across readers to obtain the average number of fibers, masses, and microcalcification groups seen for each image. The images were digitized and analzyed to obtain values for the noise level, background pixel value, and the contrast of image structures. We then found the linear combination of the image measurements which best predicted the reader scores. The variablity of the reader scores and variablity of the computer measures were also analyzed. We found that the computer measures of image contrast provide a good prediction of observer scores, have much less variablity than the observer scores, are straightforward to obtain, and are reproducible.
Effect of Insulated/Uninsulated Channel Walls on Heat Transfer From a Horizontal Finned Tube in a Vertical Channel

Measurements were made of the combined natural convection and radiation heat transfer from a horizontal finned tube situated in a vertical channel open at the top and bottom. In one set of experiments, both walls of the channel were heavily insulated, while in a second set of experiments, one of the insulated walls was replaced by an uninsulated metallic sheet. In general, the heat transfer coefficients were found to be lower with the metal wall in place, but only moderately. With the finned tube situated at the bottom of the channel, the differences in the heat transfer coefficients corresponding to the two types of walls were only a few percent. When the tube was positioned at the mid-height of the channel, larger differences were encountered, but in the practical range of Rayleigh numbers, the differences did not exceed 5 percent.
Integration of classical and quantum physics

The perennial aspect of the Newtonian foundation of mathematical physics is that the concept of motion,'' that is, kinematics,'' is to serve as the interface between mathematics and physics. Kinematics subdivides into the theory of orbital translation and that of undulation and spinning. Newtonian mechanics is based on giving to translational kinematics a priority over the other modes, since planetary revolution can be represented as translation modified by gravitation. The so-called breakdown of classical physics stems from giving the translational priority a canonical status and extending it to the constituents of matter. We claim that in this case the priority is to be reversed. The main content of this paper is to establish the algebraic model for an indivisible, undulating entity that we call a wave simplex.'' It is used as the point of departure for a non-Newtonian quantum dynamics in which physical and algebraic concepts are in close correspondence. The postulates of the classical phenomenological theories and those of the canonical theories based on translational priority are established as theorems under the proper limiting conditions, and forces are constructed rather than postulated. While the formal structure of two-level quantum mechanics is established as well, exception is taken to treatingmore » spin as a property of a point particle. It is considered self-evident that a spinning object is orientable, a property accounted for in terms of a unitary triplet. This is the point of departure for an intrinsic particle dynamics. A main result is the integration of classical and quantum physics, thus closing the gap created by the heuristic method of canonical quantization.« less
Design approaches to adaptive control systems for arm prostheses

The arm amputee is limited in his ability to generate and receive the information necessary to achieve smooth, coordinated control of a multijoint prosthesis. To augment his information processing capability, various applications of reflex feedback loops in the prosthesis itself and computer aiding with micro computer technology appear to make it possible to develop sophisticated arm prostheses at reasonable cost. Based on a review of various techniques utilized for prosthetic control, a combination is proposed that makes use of myoelectric pattern recognition, local reflex control, and adaptive computer aiding with heuristic and algorithmic generation of multijoint trajectories.
Large-scale purification and characterization of human parathyroid hormone-1 receptor stably expressed in HEK293S GnTI− cells

Human parathyroid hormone-1 receptor (hPTHR1) belongs to class II of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, whose members all contain a seven-transmembrane helix domain. The receptor regulates bone metabolism through interactions with its ligand, human parathyroid hormone (hPTH). For structural studies of the hPTHR1/hPTH complex, we constructed a mammalian cell line to stably express recombinant hPTHR1 in large-scale. The receptor was solubilized with dodecyl maltoside and purified with affinity chromatography. The purified receptor displayed restricted N-glycosylation as expected. Functionality was demonstrated: the hPTHR1 retained affinity for bPTH-(1-34) and specifically cross-linked to a radioiodinated bPTH-(1-34) analog. This work describes an approach for preparing milligram-scale quantities of receptor for elucidation of the structural biology of this seven-transmembrane GPCR.
Nitric Oxide–Mediated Zinc Release Contributes to Hypoxic Regulation of Pulmonary Vascular Tone

The metal binding protein metallothionein (MT) is a target for nitric oxide (NO), causing release of bound zinc that affects myogenic reflex in systemic resistance vessels. Here, we investigate a role for NO-induced zinc release in pulmonary vasoregulation. We show that acute hypoxia causes reversible constriction of intraacinar arteries (<50 microm/L) in isolated perfused mouse lung (IPL). We further demonstrate that isolated pulmonary (but not aortic) endothelial cells constrict in hypoxia. Hypoxia also causes NO-dependent increases in labile zinc in mouse lung endothelial cells and endothelium of IPL. The latter observation is dependent on MT because it is not apparent in IPL of MT(-/-) mice. Data from NO-sensitive fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based reporters support hypoxia-induced NO production in pulmonary endothelium. Furthermore, hypoxic constriction is blunted in IPL of MT(-/-) mice and in wild-type mice, or rats, treated with the zinc chelator N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-ethylenediamine (TPEN), suggesting a role for chelatable zinc in modulating HPV. Finally, the NO donor DETAnonoate causes further vasoconstriction in hypoxic IPL in which NO vasodilatory pathways are inhibited. Collectively, these data suggest that zinc thiolate signaling is a component of the effects of acute hypoxia-mediated NO biosynthesis and that this pathway may contribute to constriction in the pulmonary vasculature.
Design, Construction, and Testing of RF Structures for a Proton Linear Accelerator

The factors influencing the choice of a RF accelerating structure for acceleration of protons to high energies in a high-current proton linac are reviewed. Characteristics of resonant periodic cavity chains are described, and the properties of two modes of operation, the ?-mode and the ?/2-mode, are discussed. The cloverleaf cavity chain, suitable for use in the ?-mode, and four possible configurations suitable for use in the ?/2-mode are described. A new accelerator coupling scheme usable in ?/2-mode tank operation is also discussed. Studies of possible fabrication techniques, and the results of a fabricational program utilizing machined forgings to produce a cloverleaf chain are described. Sparking and electron acceleration tests are also briefly mentioned.
Implicit Theories of Relationships: Moderators of the Link Between Conflict and Commitment

In two studies, implicit theories of relationships were examined as moderators of the association between experienced conflict and commitment. Study 1 involved 128 individuals in hetero-sexual romantic relationships and employed an event-contingent diary procedure in which disagreements were recorded throughout a 10-day period. Study 2 was conducted in the laboratory and involved 75 heterosexual couples who discussed problems in their relationship, with commitment measured before and after discussion. Multilevel random coefficient models revealed that conflict was generally associated with lower commitment but less so with growth belief. Also, growth belief was most beneficial under negative relationship conditions, such as when one possessed a less favorable view of the partner to begin with and when the issue remained unresolved after discussion.
REVIEW OF EPIDEMIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF HEALTH EFFECTS OF PARTICULATE AIR POLLUTION

AbstractThis article summarizes epidemiological evidence of health effects of particulate air pollution. Acute exposure to elevated levels of particulate air pollution has been associated with increased cardiopulmonary mortality, increased hospitalization for respiratory disease, exacerbation of asthma, increased incidence and duration of respiratory symptoms, declines in lung function, and restricted activity. Small deficits in lung function, higher risk of chronic respiratory disease and symptoms, and increased mortality have also been associated with chronic exposure to respirable particulate air pollution. Health effects have been observed at levels common to many U.S. cites and at levels below current US. National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Although the biological mechanisms involved are poorly understood, recent epidemiological evidence supports the hypothesis that respirable particulate air pollution is an important risk factor for respiratory disease and cardiopulmonary mortality.
An Adaptive Automated Robotic Task-Practice System for Rehabilitation of Arm Functions After Stroke

We present a novel robotic task-practice system, i.e., adaptive and automatic presentation of tasks (ADAPT), which is designed to enhance the recovery of upper extremity functions in patients with stroke. We designed ADAPT in accordance with current training guidelines for stroke rehabilitation; ADAPT engages the patient intensively, actively, and adaptively in a variety of realistic functional tasks that require reaching and manipulation. A general-purpose robot simulates the dynamics of the functional tasks and presents these functional tasks to the patient. A novel tool-changing system enables ADAPT to automatically switch between the tools corresponding to the functional tasks. The control architecture of ADAPT is composed of three main components: a high-level task scheduler, a functional task model, and a low-level admittance controller. The high-level task scheduler adaptively selects the task to practice and sets the task difficulty based on the previous performance of the patients. The functional task model generates desired trajectories based on learned models of task dynamics. Tasks dynamics are modeled with receptive field weighted regression (RFWR), such that the feel of the task tools is accurately modeled, and the task difficulty can be easily adjusted. The low-level admittance controller, which is also learned with RFWR, implements the selected task trajectory for robot-patient interaction. The results of a preliminary experiment with a healthy subject demonstrate the successful operation of ADAPT.
Effects of processing on the properties of polycrystalline CDTE grown by various deposition techniques

Enhanced performance of CdS/CdTe polycrystalline heterojunction solar cells has been observed following post-deposition chemical and temperature processing. However, correlation of the effects of the CdCl/sub 2/ and 300/spl deg/-500/spl deg/C treatments with the resulting film properties seems to vary with the origin of the material. This paper examines and compares the effects of these treatments on the physical, structural, chemical, compositional, and electro-optical properties of polycrystalline CdTe films produced by sputtering, close-spaced sublimation, physical vapor deposition and metallo-organic chemical vapor deposition. The chemical and heat treatments are shown to decrease Cd-vacancy levels (PL measurements) and quench deep electronic levels (DLTS). These defect level determinations are correlated with increases in the minority-carrier lifetimes. Differences in grain growth and densification are reported for various deposition techniques. The possibility of grain boundary passivation associated with Cl and oxygen diffusion at that defect is reported. Atomic-force microscopy (AFM) is used to investigate nanostructural differences among the films, especially the presence of small grains in the vicinity of grain boundaries. The change in structure in these intergrain regions and annihilation of these >
On fitting the conditional difference asymmetry models to square contingency tables with nominal categories

In this paper, we implement the conditional difference asymmetry model (CDAS) for square tables with nominal categories proposed by Tomizawa et al. (J. Appl. Stat. 31(3): 271–277, 2004) with the use of the non-standard log-linear model formulation approach. The implementation is carried out by refitting the model in the 3 × 3 table in (Tomizawa et al. J. Appl. Stat. 31(3): 271–277, 2004). We extend this approach to a larger 4 × 4 table of religious affiliation. We further calculated the measure of asymmetry along with its asymptotic standard error and confidence bounds. The procedure is implemted with SAS PROC GENMOD but can also be implemented in SPSS by following the discussion in (Lawal, J. Appl. Stat. 31(3): 279–303, 2004; Lawal, Qual. Quant. 38(3): 259–289, 2004).
Analysis and implications of parasitic and screening effects on the high-frequency/RF performance of tunneling-carbon nanotube FETs

Intrinsic and parasitic capacitances play an important role in determining the high-frequency RF performance of devices. Recently, a new type of carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNFET) based on tunneling principle has been proposed, which shows impressive device properties and overcomes some of the limitations of previously proposed CNFET devices. Although carbon nanotube based devices have been optimized for DC performance so far, little has been done to optimize them for high-frequency operation. In this paper, we present, detailed modeling and analysis of device geometry based intrinsic and parasitic capacitances of tunneling carbon nanotube field effect transistors (T-CNFETs) with both single nanotube as well as nanotube-array based channel. Based on the model, we analyze scaling of parasitic capacitances with device geometry for two different scaling scenarios of T-CNFETs. We show that in order to reduce the impact of parasitic capacitance, nanotube density has to be optimized. Furthermore, for the first time, we analyze various factors affecting the high-frequency/RF performance of back gated T-CNFETs and study the impact of parasitic and screening effects on the high-frequency/RF performance of these devices.
Biochemical Characterization of a Membrane Androgen Receptor in the Ovary of the Atlantic Croaker (Micropogonias undulatus)

Membrane androgen receptors have been biochemically characterized in only a few vertebrate species to date. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to comprehensively investigate the binding characteristics of a putative membrane androgen receptor in the ovary of the teleost, Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus). Specific androgen binding to an ovarian plasma membrane fraction was demonstrated using a radioreceptor assay protocol consisting of a short-term incubation with [ 3 H]testosterone (T) and subsequent filtration of bound steroid from free steroid. Saturation and Scatchard analyses of T binding to an ovarian plasma membrane fraction indicated the presence of a single, high-affinity (Kd 5 15.32 6 2.68 nM [mean 6 SEM]), low-capacity (Bmax 5 2.81 6 0.31 pmol/mg protein), androgenbinding site. Specific androgen binding to the receptor was readily displaceable, and the association and dissociation kinetics were rapid (half-time 5 3.7 6 1.7 and 4.7 6 0.2 min, respectively). Competitive binding assays showed that 5a-dihydrotestosterone, T, and 11-ketotestosterone had relative binding affinities (RBAs) of 193%, 100%, and 13%, respectively, whereas none of the C18 or C21 steroids tested bound with high affinity except for progesterone (RBA 5 191%). This androgen-binding moiety with high affinity for progesterone is unlikely to mediate the physiological actions of progestins in croaker, because it has low binding affinity for fish progestin hormones. Androgen-binding sites were also detected in membrane fractions of the brain, liver, kidney, and drumming muscle, whereas little or no binding was detected in the trunk muscle, heart, gills, or intestine. Receptor levels increased 10-fold during ovarian recrudescence, reaching maximum levels in fully mature ovaries, which suggests a likely physiological role for this receptor during the reproductive cycle of female croaker. It is concluded that the androgenbinding moiety identified in the plasma membrane fraction of Atlantic croaker ovarian tissue fulfils all the criteria for its designation as a steroid receptor.
Diagrammatic representation for amplitude transmittance and reflectance of planar layered media

New analytical expressions are given for the amplitude transmittance and reflectance for a planar multilayer dielectric region. A shorthand prescription using diagrams is presented, which easily permits the explicit representation of all the terms in the expressions for these amplitudes. The diagrammatic method is illustrated by a system consisting of three layers.
Therapy Groups for Schizophrenic Patients on Acute Care Units

Issues in selecting a format for group therapy for schizophrenic patients on a short-term acute care unit are discussed. After comparing the relative merits of open and closed groups and of diagnos...
Specific glycine uptake by identified neurons of Aplysia californica. II. Biochemistry

SUMMARY Glycine is taken up twice as rapidly by neurons R3-R14 as by other identified neurons in the Aplysia parietovisceral ganglion. Earlier studies had shown that R3R14 have much higher glycine concentrations than other Aplysia neurons. Most of the glycine taken up by R3-R14 was biochemically untransformed for at least 1 h following its uptake. Glycine is actively transported into R3-R14 and other Aplysia neurons by carrier-mediated processes. Glycine uptake by R3-R14 was markedly reduced in the absence of Na + and in the presence of Hg 2+, while these treatments had little effect on glycine uptake by other Aplysia neurons. There appears to be a special glycine uptake system present in R3-R14 and a general glycine uptake system common to all Aplysia neurons. The elevated glycine concentrations and special glycine uptake associated with R3-R14 may indicate that glycine is utilized as a neurotransmitter by those neurons.
Analysis and evaluation of a novel quality assurance device for ultrasonic medical imaging systems

A novel test device that has the potential to facilitate day-to-day maintenance and quality assurance of ultrasonic medical imaging systems was developed and tested. The device consists of small echogenic particles deposited on a thin film substrate in patterns similar to those found on conventional eye charts, which can be scanned to produce recognizable images that can be quantitatively evaluated in a quick and repeatable fashion. An evaluation system consisting of this device and a related assessment methodology was tested at several locations by both physicians and sonographers. The results of the testing and responses of the users were both encouraging and insightful.
A velocity decomposition approach for moving interfaces in viscous fluids

We present a second-order accurate method for computing the coupled motion of a viscous fluid and an elastic material interface with zero thickness. The fluid flow is described by the Navier-Stokes equations, with a singular force due to the stretching of the moving interface. We decompose the velocity into a ''Stokes'' part and a ''regular'' part. The first part is determined by the Stokes equations and the singular interfacial force. The Stokes solution is obtained using the immersed interface method, which gives second-order accurate values by incorporating known jumps for the solution and its derivatives into a finite difference method. The regular part of the velocity is given by the Navier-Stokes equations with a body force resulting from the Stokes part. The regular velocity is obtained using a time-stepping method that combines the semi-Lagrangian method with the backward difference formula. Because the body force is continuous, jump conditions are not necessary. For problems with stiff boundary forces, the decomposition approach can be combined with fractional time-stepping, using a smaller time step to advance the interface quickly by Stokes flow, with the velocity computed using boundary integrals. The small time steps maintain numerical stability, while the overall solution is updated on a larger time step to reduce computational cost.
The effects of different sensory augmentation on weight-shifting balance exercises in Parkinson’s disease and healthy elderly people: a proof-of-concept study

Earlier versions of biofeedback systems for balance-related applications were intended primarily to provide “alarm” signals about body tilt rather than to guide rehabilitation exercise motion. Additionally, there have been few attempts to evaluate guidance modalities for balance rehabilitation exercises. The purpose of this proof-of-concept study is to evaluate the effects of guidance modalities during common dynamic weight-shifting exercises used in clinical settings. A motion guidance system providing visual biofeedback, vibrotactile biofeedback, or both, was used during weight-shifting exercises. Eleven people with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) and nine healthy elderly people participated. Each participant wore a six-degree-of-freedom inertial measurement unit (IMU) located near the sacrum and four linear vibrating actuators (Tactors) attached to the skin over the front, back, and right and left sides of the abdomen. The IMU measured angular displacements and velocities of body tilt in anterior-posterior (A/P) and medial-lateral (M/L) directions. Participants were instructed to follow a slow moving target by shifting their weight in either the A/P or M/L direction up to 90 % of their limits of stability (LOS). Real-time position error was provided to participants in one of three sensory modalities: visual, vibrotactile, or both. Participants performed 5 trials for each biofeedback modality and movement direction (A/P and M/L) for a total of 30 trials in a random order. To characterize performance, position error was defined as the average absolute difference between the target and participant movements in degrees. Simultaneous delivery of visual and vibrotactile biofeedback resulted in significantly lower position error compared to either visual or vibrotactile biofeedback alone regardless of the movement direction for both participant cohorts. The pairwise comparisons were not significantly different between visual and vibrotactile biofeedback. The study is the first attempt to assess the effects of guidance modalities on common balance rehabilitation exercises in people with PD and healthy elderly people. The results suggest that combined visual and vibrotactile biofeedback can improve volitional responses during postural tracking tasks. Index Terms – sensory augmentation, weight-shifting balance exercise, guidance modality, vibrotactile biofeedback, visual biofeedback, Parkinson’s disease.
Substrate characteristics affect colonization by the bloom-forming diatom Didymosphenia geminata

The long-stalked Didymosphenia is capable of forming large blooms and is expanding its range. To better understand the colonization dynamics of this species, we investigated the role of substrate characteristics—rock roughness and biofilm condition—on Didymosphenia colonization in a montane Colorado stream. Rocks differing in roughness (shale and sandstone) were treated to manipulate the diatom-dominated biofilm by scrubbing or submersion in 30% hydrogen peroxide. Initial chlorophyll concentration differed among rock types (sandstone > shale) and biofilm treatments (untreated > scrubbed > hydrogen peroxide-treated). Rocks were placed in a Didymosphenia bloom area for 8 days. More Didymosphenia colonized the rougher sandstone than the smoother shale, and more colonized stones with intact biofilms than stones with reduced biofilms (intact > scrubbed > hydrogen peroxide). These results suggest that rougher stones may be targeted for surveillance for new populations and that the colonization of intact biofilms is consistent with Didymosphenia’s habitat in regulated rivers, where biofilm-scouring spates may be suppressed.
A Review of: “Daveed Gartenstein-Ross. My Year Inside Radical Islam: A Memoir.”

Over the past several years, numerous foiled terrorist plots have demonstrated that militant Islam has found a receptive audience in some quarters in the United States. Interesting, some of these a...
Quantifying Infinite-Dimensional Data: Functional Data Analysis in Action

Functional data analysis (FDA) is concerned with inherently infinite-dimensional data objects and therefore can be viewed as part of the methodology for big data. The size of functional data may vary from terabytes as encountered in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and other applications in brain imaging to just a few kilobytes in longitudinal data with small or modest sample sizes. In this contribution, we highlight some applications of FDA methodology through various data illustrations. We briefly review some basic computational tools that can be used to accelerate implementations of FDA methodology. The analyses presented in this paper illustrate the principal analysis by conditional expectation (PACE) package for FDA, where our applications include both relatively simple and more complex functional data from the biomedical sciences. The data we discuss range from functional data that result from daily movement profile tracking and that are modeled as repeatedly observed functions per subject, to medfly longitudinal behavior profiles, where the goal is to predict remaining lifetime of individual flies. We also discuss the quantification of connectivity of fMRI signals that is of interest in brain imaging and the prediction of continuous traits from high-dimensional SNPs in genomics. The methods of FDA that we demonstrate for these analyses include functional principal component analysis, functional regression and correlation, the modeling of dependent functional data, and the stringing of high-dimensional data into functional data and can be implemented with the PACE package.
Bryophyte Isozymes: Systematic and Evolutionary Implications

Traditionally, bryophytes have been treated as a single division comprising three classes: Musci (mosses), Hepaticae (liverworts), and Anthocerotae (hornworts). The relative sizes of these groups are estimated as 700 genera and 10.000 species of mosses; 330 genera and 8,000 species of liverworts; and four genera and 360 species of hornworts (Schofield, 1985). Estimates of the total number of bryophyte species vary from 16,000 to 22,000 (Bold et al., 1986). Much of the unity of bryophytes as a group derives from their uniform possession of an alternation of generations unique among land plants. The sexual cycle involves a dominant, free-living, haploid gametophyte alternating with a reduced, dependent, diploid sporophyte (Fig. 11.1). Despite the elaborate specialization of its tissues in some groups, the sporophyte remains attached to, and nutritionally dependent on, the gametophyte throughout its lifetime. Bryophytes have successfully exploited a diversity of habitats in which their direct competition with seed plants is minimized (Anderson, 1980). According to Anderson (1980), this may explain why the number of bryophyte species is nearly twice that of pteridophytes. Morphologically and anatomically, bryophytes are considered structurally simple compared to vascular plants, but they have proven to be unexpectedly rich in chemical variation (Giannasi, 1978).
The Justification of Religious Violence, by Steve Clarke

Clarke is a skilful writer and he incorporates work from multiple disciplines, fitting it together smoothly and enjoyably. I recommend the book to anyone interested in religion's role in the world....
Abstract 15275: Altered Extracellular Matrix Proteoglycan- Decorin, Collagens and Elastin Deposition May Enhance Atherosclerosis in Human Peripheral Artery Disease: Implication of Morphological Predictors in Restenotic Plaque Progression

Introduction: In coronary artery restenosis, reduced proteoglycan-decorin deposition in extracellular matrix (ECM) was shown to be associated with alterations in the types of collagens in ECM. However, in Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) restenosis, these ECM changes have not been carefully characterized. Alterations in proteoglycan-decorin expression in the ECM may change the fibrillar architecture of collagens, and may alter the type of collagen deposition. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that in PAD restenotic plaques, decreased deposition of proteoglycan-decorin is associated with increased type III collagen and elastin with decreased type I collagen content when compared to de novo control plaques. Methods: Thirteen restenotic and thirteen de novo superficial femoral artery plaques were obtained in-vivo during peripheral artery interventional procedure and compared histopathologically for ECM changes. Protein expression profiles of decorin, type I and type III collagen, and elastin deposition were evaluated and graded by immunohistochemistry. H& E stain was used to characterize the plaque morphology and stellate cell grade by scoring. Results: (See figure and table). In restenotic atheroma decorin, and type I collagen were decreased (p= 0.0001 for all comparisons). Type III collagen and elastin content were increased (p= 0.0001 for all comparisons) compared to de novo plaques. Conclusions: In PAD restenosis, we observed a reduction in decorin with an increase in type III collagen and simultaneous decrease in type I collagen as reported in CAD restenosis. Reparative injurious processes may underlie the associated observation in reduced proteoglycan-decorin in the ECM and altered types of collagen content. Additional molecular biological studies will address the mechanistic mediators which cause these ECM compositional changes.
Putnam's intuition

Multiple realizability has recently attractedrenewed attention, for example Bickle, 1998;Bechtel and Mundale, 1999; Bechtel and McCauley,1999; Heil, 1999; and Sober, 1999. Many of thesewriters revisit the topic of multiplerealizability in order to show that someversion of a mind-brain identity theory isviable. Although there is much of value inthese recent explorations, they do not addressthe underlying intuitions that have vexedphilosophers of mind since Hilary Putnamintroduced the concern (1967). I argue that thestandard way of construing multiplerealizability is a much stronger claim thanthat of Putnam's intuition alone. I distinguishfour interpretations of the multiplerealizability intuition. Some commonformulations of multiple realizability arealmost certainly true, while others are not atall plausible. I argue that the plausible formsof multiple realizability do not impugn theprospects for a mind-brain Identity Theory.
Glutathione-coated luminescent gold nanoparticles: a surface ligand for minimizing serum protein adsorption.

Ultrasmall glutathione-coated luminescent gold nanoparticles (GS-AuNPs) are known for their high resistance to serum protein adsorption. Our studies show that these NPs can serve as surface ligands to significantly enhance the physiological stability and lower the serum protein adsorption of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), in addition to rendering the NPs the luminescence property. After the incorporation of GS-AuNPs onto the surface of SPIONs to form the hybrid nanoparticles (HBNPs), these SPIONs’ protein adsorption was about 10-fold lower than those of the pure glutathione-coated SPIONs suggesting that GS-AuNPs are capable of providing a stealth effect against serum proteins.
Differing functions of deracialized speech: the use of place names to index race in focus groups with African American and White parents

Discursive deracialization—the use of veiled references to racial groups—is associated with the discourse of new racism, in which racist sentiments are conveyed in a subtle manner. This article presents a specific strategy of deracialization: using place names and terms to index race. In focus groups held in the United States with African American and White parents, this strategy allowed speakers to covertly connect race to school quality. With the White parents, the indexing of race through place names and terms functioned as a defense against interpretations of their words as racist, regardless of whether racialized groups were explicitly presented in a negative light. In contrast, in the African American group, the strategy allowed speakers to indirectly critique racial inequality in education.
Glutamic dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase in compensatory hypertrophy of the rat kidney.

SummaryUsing the ultramicro technique, the authors showed that on day 14 after unilateral nephrectomy there is a significant increase in the activity of the enzymes investigated. Specific activity of glutamic dehydrogenase increased from 6.1 μmoles/1 mg of protein/1 hr to 13.4 μmoles in proximal convoluted tubules and from 3.8 μmoles to 7.3 μmoles in distal tubules. Alkaline phosphatase activity increased from 32.6 to 56.5 μmoles in the proximal and from 14.9 to 25.3 μmoles in the distal ones. In discussing the results, the authors suggest that this increase may be due to the synthesis of the enzymes via the operon.
Issues in Transfusion Therapy in the Patient With Malignancy

The role of transfusion therapy has become increasingly more critical as improved therapeutic regimens augment the survival of the patient with malignancy. Curiously, these improvements have led to the realization that transfusion therapy has significant but previously unexpected sequelae. Fortunately, many of these complications are controllable with modified or specifically selected components.
In situ measurement of seismic shear-wave absorption in the San Francisco Holocene Bay Mud by the pulse-broadening method

By the pulse-broadening method, seismic absorption of San Francisco Holocene Bay Mud has been determined with the use of an impulsive shear-wave source at the surface, two receivers embedded in clay (Holocene Bay Mud), and digital seismic recording. The seismic anelastic quality factor is determined from 20 measurements to be 16.0 with a random error of ±0.9. Three sources of systematic error are examined. The fractional systematic error on the anelastic quality factor is estimated to be ∼ 11%. Details of experimental arrangement and error analysis are given.
Gefängnisbibliotheken in internationaler Perspektive

Die Fachliteratur uber Gefangnisbibliotheken besteht in der Mehrzahl aus Beitragen aus dem angelsachsischen Raum. Die wenigen relevanten Monographien zum Thema stammen alle aus den Vereinigten Staaten und auch die massgeblichen Richtlinien und Standards wurden abgesehen von zwei Ausnahmen von amerikanischen, britischen oder australischen Organisationen veroffentlicht. Untersuchungen und Zeitschriftenartikel zu Gefangnisbibliotheken in anderen Landern finden sich insbesondere fur Frankreich, Spanien, Deutschland, die Niederlande und die skandinavischen Staaten.
Providing Holistic Security in Sensor Networks

We propose a new paradigm for the secure operation of wireless sensor networks. The network model assumed in this paper consists of tiny, energy -constrained, commodity sensors massively deployed alongside with one or more sink nodes that provide the interface to the outside world. The sensors in the network are initially anonymous and unaware of their location. Our main contribution is a scalable and energy -efficient solution where security is based upon using parameterized frequency hopping and cryptographic keys in a unified framework to provide differential security services for wireless sensor networks.
First Principles Peierls-Boltzmann Phonon Thermal Transport: A Topical Review

ABSTRACTThe advent of coupled thermal transport calculations with interatomic forces derived from density functional theory has ushered in a new era of fundamental microscopic insight into lattice thermal conductivity. Subsequently, significant new understanding of phonon transport behavior has been developed with these methods, and because they are parameter free and successfully benchmarked against a variety of systems, they also provide reliable predictions of thermal transport in systems for which little is known. This topical review will describe the foundation from which first principles Peierls-Boltzmann transport equation methods have been developed and briefly describe important necessary ingredients for accurate calculations. Sample highlights of reported work will be presented to illustrate the capabilities and challenges of these techniques and to demonstrate the suite of tools available, with an emphasis on thermal transport in micro- and nanoscale systems. Finally, future challenges and oppo...
Legal Protections for Displaced & Stateless Persons in the Caribbean Region

This article gives an overview of the legal framework for displaced and stateless persons in the Caribbean, with a view towards enhancing available protections.
Acceptability of potatoes grown in West Texas

This study indicated that methods used to prepare fresh potatoes were, in decreasing order: Baking, mashing, boiling, and frying. The two varieties of potatoes commonly grown in West Texas were acceptable and compared favorably with similar varieties available in a local supermarket. However, the potatoes grown in West Texas had lower specific gravity. The Norgold Russet variety was judged by a sensory panel to be more acceptable than the Viking. Baked potatoes had superior texture but poorer color than boiled potatoes. Storing potatoes under home-like conditions for twenty-eight days resulted in lower acceptability, weight loss, and lower specific gravity. Some Norgold Russet potatoes were rotten after twenty-eight days' storage. Specific gravity on the day of cooking was correlated with texture of cooked potatoes. Supermarket shoppers' comments suggest that research is needed on the acceptability of West Texas potatoes baked in microwave ovens.