cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fibre length-dependent fluorescence spectral characteristics in high erbium concentration fibres for the optimization of FBG-based fibre sensor systems

Abstract This paper reports the behavioural characteristics of the fluorescence spectrum in high concentration 5000 ppm erbium-doped fibre (EDF), as a function of the EDF length, showing their potential for optical sensor applications to increase the potential number of multiplexed ‘all fibre’ sensors on a single channel. Experiments were conducted to analyze the fluorescence peak wavelength shift, the bandwidth and output power at a convenient fixed low pump power of 37 mW, using excitation from two different laser diodes wavelengths, at 980 and 1480 nm. It was found that the fibre length of the high concentration EDF has a direct effect on the fluorescence peak shift. The fluorescence spectrum tends to show different spectral profiles with its maximum position shifting towards longer wavelengths as the length of the EDF increases, with a bandwidth at full width half maximum (FWHM) covering portions of the C-, L-, and U-band. It has also been shown that pumping with the 980 nm LD contributes to a higher fluorescence shift compared to the 1480 nm LD, at the expense of output power. The use of the fluorescence peak shift is important in the design and optimization of efficient fibre Bragg grating (FBG)-based optical fibre and fibre laser-based sensor systems.
Perceived Social Support and the Self-Concepts of Gifted Adolescents

This study investigated the relationship between perceived social support and the multidimensional self-concepts of gifted adolescents. Participants included 217 gifted students who had completed grades 5 through 10 and were attending a summer program for the gifted. Self-concept was measured using the Self-Description Questionnaire II (SDQ-II; H. W. Marsh, 1990). Perceived sources of social support were measured using the Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale (CASSS; C. K. Malecki, M. K. Demaray, & S. N. Elliott, 2000). Results revealed three distinct clusters of perceived social support, but minimal differences with regard to self-concept and gender. Conclusions and implications regarding the social support of gifted adolescents and its impact on self-concept are discussed.
A general theory of empirical state determination in quantum physics: Part I

This paper develops a method for extracting from data the quantum theoretical state representation belonging to any reproducible empirical scheme for preparing a physical system, provided only that at least one observable has its possible values limited to a finite set. In Part I, we formulate a general systematic procedure, based on the concept of irreducible tensor operators, for the selection of sets of observables sufficiently large to permit the unambiguous determination of an unknown quantum state.
Tall Fescue Forage Mass and Canopy Characteristics on Steer Ingestive Behavior and Performance

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is a well-adapted perennial pasture species utilized across the north-south transition zone of the United States. This 3-yr trial evaluated the influence of three forage masses (FM) on steer and pasture responses for spring (April to July) and fall (October) growths. Spring FM averaged 1450 kg ha ―1 (Short), 3032 kg ha ―1 (Medium), and 3812 kg ha ―1 (Tall) for the three treatments. Canopy in vitro true organic matter disappearance (ITOD) decreased linearly from Short (797 g kg ―1 ) to Tall (771 g kg ―1 ). Steer daily gains (0.88 kg) and gains per hectare (392 kg ha ―1 yr ―1 ) were not altered by FM, but the mean number of steers per hectare decreased linearly from Short (8.2 steers ha ―1 ) to Tall (6.1 steers ha ―1 ) as did effective feed units per hectare (2256 to 1712 kg ha ―1 yr ―1 ). Canopies were predominately leaf (53%) and averaged 847 g kg ―1 ITOD with estimates similar among FM treatments. Diet ITOD declined linearly from Short (870 g kg ―1 ) to Tall (839 g kg ―1 ) as did crude protein (CP) (from 235 to 192 g kg ―1 ). In the fall, FM averaged 1556, 3228, and 3494 kg ha ―1 for the three FM treatments. Canopy ITOD averaged 774 g kg ―1 and was not altered by FM. Canopy leaves averaged 60% with an ITOD of 864 g kg ―1 and were similar among FM treatments. Diets selected averaged 834 g kg ―1 ITOD and 233 g kg ―1 CP and were not altered by FM. Tall fescue pasture free of toxic endophyte needs to be effectively utilized to enhance production and can be managed flexibly in grazing systems.
DNA transitions induced by binding of PARP-1 to cruciform structures in supercoiled plasmids

Background Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 (PARP-1) binds to single and double-stranded breaks in DNA, but less well known is its affinity for undamaged DNA. Previously, we have shown that PARP-1 also binds to the hairpin structures in DNA models. The mechanism underlying these interactions remains to be defined. Methods We analyzed atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of complex of PARP-1 proteins with supercoiled plasmids containing cruciform structures. Using volume measurement analysis of molecules of PARP-1, we determined the numbers of PARP-1 molecules interacting with supercoiled DNA plasmids containing one cruciform structure. We also determined the extent of supercoiling of plasmids. Results Our observations show that PARP-1 binds to sequences that transition from B-DNA to cruciform structures. PARP-1 is present at the ends of hairpin arms, sites containing a 4-base single-stranded DNA. Furthermore, interaction of PARP-1 with supercoiled plasmids leads to a more relaxed plasmid-DNA conformation. Conclusions Binding of PARP-1 to cruciform DNA offers insight into possible mechanisms underlying with changes in DNA conformation. These observations may offer insight into mechanisms involving DNA conformation related to process such as DNA repair and transcription. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Dystonia, athetosis, and epilepsia partialis continua in a patient with late-onset Rasmussen's encephalitis

Rasmussen's encephalitis is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by intractable epilepsy and progressive hemispheric dysfunction. The disorder usually affects children, although cases have been reported with symptom onset in late adolescence or adulthood. Myoclonus is common in Rasmussen patients, usually occurring as part of epilepsia partialis continua (EPC); however, other hyperkinetic movements are rare. This report documents a 19-year-old woman with Rasmussen's encephalitis whose clinical presentation was dominated by foot dystonia, arm athetosis, and EPC. Intravenous immunoglobulin improved both hyperkinetic movements and EPC, but benefit was transient. The clinical significance and implications of these findings are discussed.
Angiotensin induction of PAI-1 expression in endothelial cells is mediated by the hexapeptide angiotensin IV.

Recent studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulates the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) in cultured endothelial cells. This response does not appear to be mediated via an interaction with either the AT1 or the AT2 receptor subtype. Since a novel angiotensin receptor has been identified in a variety of tissues that specifically binds the hexapeptide Ang IV (Ang II, [3-8]), we therefore examined the effects of Ang IV on the expression of PAI-1 mRNA in bovine aortic endothelial cells. Ang IV stimulated dose- and time-dependent increases in the expression of PAI-1 mRNA. The effect of Ang IV (10 nM) was not inhibited by Dup 753 (1.0 microM), a highly specific antagonist of the AT1 receptor, or by PD123177 (1.0 microM), a highly specific antagonist of the AT2 receptor. In contrast, the AT4 receptor antagonist, WSU1291 (1.0 microM), effectively prevented PAI-1 expression. Although larger forms of angiotensin (i.e., Ang I, Ang II, and Ang III) are capable of inducing PAI-1 expression, this property is lost in the presence of converting enzyme or aminopeptidase inhibitors. These results indicate that the hexapeptide Ang IV is the form of angiotensin that stimulates endothelial expression of PAI-1. This effect appears to be mediated via the stimulation of an endothelial receptor that is specific for Ang IV.
Mixed-mode hydrophilic interaction/cation-exchange chromatography: Separation of complex mixtures of peptides of varying charge and hydrophobicity

Mixed-mode hydrophilic interaction/cation-exchange chromatography (HILIC/CEX) was applied to the separation of two mixtures of synthetic peptide standards: (i) a 27-peptide mixture containing three groups of peptides (each group containing nine peptides of the same net charge of +1, +2 or +3), where the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of adjacent peptides within the groups varied only subtly (generally by only a single carbon atom); and (ii) peptide pairs with the same composition but different sequences, where the sole difference between the peptides was the position of a single amino acid substitution. HILIC/CEX is essentially CEX chromatography in the presence of high levels of organic modifier (generally ACN). The present study demonstrated the dramatic effect of increasing ACN concentration (optimum levels of 60-80%, depending on the application) on the separation of both mixtures of peptides. The greater the charge on the peptides, the better the separation achievable by HILIC/CEX. In addition, HILIC/CEX separation of both the peptide mixtures used in the present study was shown to be superior to that of the more commonly applied RP-HPLC mode. Our results highlight again the efficacy of HILIC/CEX as a peptide separation mode in its own right as well as an excellent complement to RP-HPLC.
Automatic registration for articulated shapes

We present an unsupervised algorithm for aligning a pair of shapes in the presence of significant articulated motion and missing data, while assuming no knowledge of a template, user-placed markers, segmentation, or the skeletal structure of the shape. We explicitly sample the motion, which gives a priori the set of possible rigid transformations between parts of the shapes. This transforms the problem into a discrete labeling problem, where the goal is to find an optimal assignment of transformations for aligning the shapes. We then apply graph cuts to optimize a novel cost function, which encodes a preference for a consistent motion assignment from both source to target and target to source. We demonstrate the robustness of our method by aligning several synthetic and real-world datasets.
On transfer times in tracer experiments.

Abstract A compartment is defined as a pool of material whose behavior can be described by a deterministic or by a stochastic equation; these two equations are used to define the transit time through the compartment, the total residence time , the time of entrance and the time of exit . If in a complex system one or more compartments are accessible, the transport of material through it can be studied using a tracer. Then the transfer time between any two compartments, or through the cycle around a compartment, can be analyzed under certain hypotheses, even if the transport along the route considered cannot be described by compartment equations.
Hemolysis induced by Prymnesium parvum toxin. Kinetics and binding.

Abstract Rates of hemolysis of rabbit erythrocytes induced by Prymnesium parvum toxin (prymnesin) have been measured colorimetrically at 25.5°. The data have been treated as consecutive first-order rate processes associated with the prolytic and lytic period for which two specific rate constants were obtained ( k′ and k ψ , respectively). Both are a function of concentration and temperature, though only the first constant has a linear Arrhenius relationship. The variation of the second constant with concentration of prymnesin follows Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Both constants are decreased by inhibitors (cholesterol and cephalin (approx. 10 μM)) at a given concentration of prymnesin, and the effect is ascribed to reduction in the effective concentration of prymnesin owing to the formation of a toxin-inhibitor complex. The binding of prymnesin to erythrocyte membranes during the prolytic period was investigated using tritium-labeled toxin, and it was found that about 10% of the labeled material is loosely bound and about 30% is more firmly bound.
Defect properties of CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2

Abstract Using first-principles electronic structure theory, we have calculated defect formation energies and defect transition levels in CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2. We show that (i) it is easy to form Cu vacancies in CuInSe2, and (ii) it is also relatively easy to form cation antisite defects (e.g. InCu) for this ternary compound. Consequently, defect pairs such as (2VCu+InCu) have a remarkably low formation enthalpy. As a result, the formation of a series of Cu-poor compounds (CPCs) such as CuIn5Se8 and CuIn3Se5, is explained as a repeat of (2VCu+InCu) pairs in CuInSe2. The very efficient p-type self-doping ability of CuInSe2 is explained by the easy formation of the shallow Cu vacancies. The electrically benign character of the natural defect in CuInSe2 is explained in terms of an electronic passivation of the In Cu 2 + by 2 V Cu − . For CuGaSe2, we find that (i) the native acceptor formation energies and transition energy levels are similar to that in CuInSe2, but the donor formation energy is larger in CuGaSe2. (ii) The GaCu donor level in CuGaSe2 is deeper than InCu donor level in CuInSe2, therefore, GaCu behaves as an electron trap in CuGaSe2, even when it is passivated by VCu. We have also calculated the band alignment between the CPCs and CuInSe2, showing that it could have significant effect on the solar cell performance.
Energetics for photoemission of electrons into NH3 and H2O

Abstract The process for photoinjection of electrons from a metal or semiconductor into NH 3 or H 2 O is considered. The electrons become solvated in the electrolyte. An electronic energy diagram for the solution and electrode is constructed. The energy levels of the electrolyte include the quasi-free electron ( V 0 or conduction band), the localized electron (solvated level) and unoccupied solvated electron levels (solvent traps). Evidence shows that injection does not occur into the conduction band followed by solvation. Rather injection occurs into a solvent trap formed by solvent dipole fluctuations. Trapping energy is demonstrated to be larger than the thermal energy required to form the trap. After injection, further solvent orientation occurs forming the solvated electron level.
Leukoencephalopathy, cerebral calcifications, and cysts: case report.

The triad of leukoencephalopathy, cerebral calcifications, and ysts (LCC) represents a very rare, and distinct clinico-radiologic ntity of unknown etiology, first described in children by Labrune t al. [1] in 1996. The onset ranges from infancy to adults 1–5], with varying clinical presentations including a combinaion of mild cognitive dysfunction or normal intelligence, seizures, erebellar, pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs. The disorder s characterized by diffusely progressive basal ganglia, brain tem and subcortical white matter calcifications, cerebellar, and upratentorial parenchymal cysts, as well as diffusely abnormal 2-weighted sequences on MRI [1–4]. The white matter abnoralities were described as a leukoencephalopathy rather than demyelinating process (leukodystrophy) [2]. Histopathologic xamination reveals angiomatous-like blood vessels, gliosis, and eaded, corkscrew-shaped intracytoplasmic inclusions typically ssociated with highly gliotic tissue surrounding cysts and vascuar malformations (Rosenthal fiber formation) in the white matter 1,3,4]. Complications are typically a consequence of mass effect ncluding cerebral edema leading to intracranial hypertension, apilledema, syringomyelia and eventually tonsillar herniation [4].
Impact of race on cardiac care and outcomes in veterans with acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES. The goal of this study was to assess racial differences in process of care and outcome for acute myocardial infarction in the VA health care system. DESIGN. Retrospective cohort study using clinical data. SETTING. Eighty-one acute care VA hospitals. PATIENTS. Four thousand seven hundred sixty veterans discharged with a confirmed diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. The analysis was restricted to 606 black and 4005 white patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES. Comparison of use of guideline-based medications, invasive cardiac procedures, and all-cause mortality at 30 days, 1 year, and 3 years. RESULTS. Black patients were equally likely to receive β-blockers, more likely than white patients to receive aspirin (86.8% vs. 82.0%; P <0.05), and marginally more likely to receive angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (55.7% vs. 49.6%; P = 0.07) at the time of discharge. In contrast, black patients were less likely than white patients to receive thrombolytic therapy at the time of arrival (32.4% vs. 48.2%; P <0.01). There was no significant difference in refusal of angiography or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty between black patients and white patients, or in crude rates of either of these procedures. There was also no difference overall in the percentage of patients who refused coronary artery bypass graft surgery. However, black patients were less likely than white patients to undergo bypass surgery (6.9% vs. 12.5% by 90 days; P <0.001). Black patients remained less likely to undergo bypass surgery even when high-risk specific coronary anatomy subgroups were examined. There was no difference in mortality in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS. In this integrated health care system, no significant racial disparities in use of noninterventional therapies, diagnostic coronary angiography, or short- or long-term mortality was found. Disparities in use of thrombolytic therapy and coronary artery bypass surgery existed, however, even after accounting for differences in clinical indications for treatment and patient refusals. Further work should assess the role of the medical interaction and physician behavior in racial disparities in use of health care.
Operational system testing for designed in security

To design secure systems, one needs to understand how attackers use system vulnerabilities in their favor. This requires testing vulnerabilities on operational systems. However, working on operational systems is not always possible because of the risk of disturbance. In this study, we introduce an approach to experimenting using operational system data and performing real attacks without disturbing the original system. We applied this approach to a network security experiment and tested the performance of three detection methods. The approach used in this study can be used when developing systems with Designed-in Security to identify and test system vulnerabilities.
The reaction of activated vinyl compounds with cotton cellulose via internal catalysis

The reactions of a variety of activated vinyl compounds with cotton cellulose fabric containing quaternary ammonium hydroxide substituents were explored. Each reaction, catalyzed by the basic groups in the cellulose, was followed to or near the point of leveling off. The results are analyzed and discussed in terms of accessibility of the cellulosic compositions and in terms of the efficiency of the quaternary ammonium substituents as catalysts for the addition reactions. Estimates of relative forward rate constants (kf) and equilibrium constants (K) for the reactions were made. The values of kf for reactions of the vinyl compounds with the quaternary ammonium celluloses show a relative order which is similar to that for the reactions of the vinyl compounds with simple alcohols. Evidence is presented to indicate that, in some cases, the addition of vinyl compounds is accompanied by anionic-catalyzed graft polymerization.
Transient liquid phase bonding of commercially pure iron using Cu and Au–12Ge interlayer

Abstract Commercially pure Fe was diffusion bonded using Cu (25 μm) and Au–12Ge eutectic interlayer (100 μm). At 1000–1090 °C bonding temperature and 10–30 h bonding time, Cu interlayer did not diffuse completely into the base metal. The compositions of residual interlayer and base metal at the interface were limited by the solubility range of ɛ-Cu and γ-Fe. Residual Cu interlayer was also observed after bonding at 1100 °C for 3–4 h. No residual Cu was found after 5 h bonding time at 1100 °C; however, porous microstructure was observed along the bond centerline. Cu diffused predominantly along austenite grain boundaries in all bonding conditions. Fe was diffusion bonded using Au–12Ge interlayer at 900–990 °C for 1–15 h. At 900 °C for 1 h the residual interlayer thickness was 12.6 μm; the thickness decreased to 6 μm when bonding time was increased to 10 h. Fingerprint-like microstructure was observed in the residual interlayer. At 920 °C for 15 h, the interlayer completely diffused into the base metal in some areas and was retained in some areas. The thickness of the residual interlayer was 1.25–3.8 μm. Dispersed Au-rich particles were observed in the base metal near interface. The highest ultimate tensile strengths obtained for the bonded Fe were 291 ± 2 MPa using a Cu interlayer at 1030 °C for 10 h and 315 ± 4 MPa using a Au–12Ge interlayer at 950 °C for 15 h.
Reply: 99mTc-MAA–Based Dosimetry for Liver Cancer Treated Using 90Y-Loaded Microspheres: Known Proof of Effectiveness

REPLY: We thank Dr. Garin et al. for their expert insights into the complex topic of radioembolization dosimetry. For 90Y hepatic radioembolization, 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) administered as an intraarterial simulation imaging agent is primarily used for calculation of the lung shunt
Correlation of Transmitter Release with Membrane Properties of the Presynaptic Fiber of the Squid Giant Synapse

Depolarization of the presynaptic terminal by current produced a postsynaptic potential (PSP) which increased with increasing presynaptic polarization and then reached a plateau. Iontophoretic injection of tetraethylammonium ions (TEA) into the presynaptic axon near the terminal produced a prolonged presynaptic spike. The resulting PSP is increased in size and its time course closely followed that of the presynaptic spike. The presynaptic fiber no longer exhibited rectification and strong depolarizations revealed that the PSP reached a maximum with about 110 mv depolarization. Further depolarization produced a decrease in PSP amplitude and finally transmission was blocked. However, a PSP then always appeared on withdrawal of the depolarizing current. Under the conditions of these experiments, the PSP could be considered a direct measure of transmitter release. Bathing the TEA-injected synapse with concentrations of tetrodotoxin (TTX) sufficient to block spike activity in both pre- and postsynaptic axons did not greatly modify postsynaptic electrogenesis. However, doubling TTX concentration reversibly blocked PSP. Thus the permeability changes to Na and K accompanying the spike do not appear necessary for transmitter release. Some other processes related to the level of presynaptic polarization must be involved to explain the data. The inhibition of transmitter release by strong depolarizations appears to be related to Ca action. A membrane Ca current may also be necessary for normal transmitter release.
Distal object perception through haptic user interfaces for individuals who are blind

This paper proposes design, development and testing of an assistive device for distal environment perception for individuals who are blind through a haptic user interface (touch-based interface).
Prolonged stationary-phase incubation selects for lrp mutations in Escherichia coli K-12.

Evolution by natural selection occurs in cultures of Escherichia coli maintained under carbon starvation stress. Mutants of increased fitness express a growth advantage in stationary phase (GASP) phenotype, enabling them to grow and displace the parent as the majority population. The first GASP mutation was identified as a loss-of-function allele of rpoS, encoding the stationary-phase global regulator, sigma(S) (M. M. Zambrano, D. A. Siegele, M. A. Almiron, A. Tormo, and R. Kolter, Science 259:1757-1760, 1993). We now report that a second global regulator, Lrp, can also play a role in stationary-phase competition. We found that a mutant that took over an aged culture of an rpoS strain had acquired a GASP mutation in lrp. This GASP allele, lrp-1141, encodes a mutant protein lacking the critical glycine in the turn of the helix-turn-helix DNA-binding domain. The lrp-1141 allele behaves as a null mutation when in single copy and is dominant negative when overexpressed. Hence, the mutant protein appears to retain stability and the ability to dimerize but lacks DNA-binding activity. We also demonstrated that a lrp null allele generated by a transposon insertion has a fitness gain identical to that of the lrp-1141 allele, verifying that cells lacking Lrp activity have a competitive advantage during prolonged starvation. Finally, we tested by genetic analysis the hypothesis that the lrp-1141 GASP mutation confers a fitness gain by enhancing amino acid catabolism during carbon starvation. We found that while amino acid catabolism may play a role, it is not necessary for the lrp GASP phenotype, and hence the lrp GASP phenotype is due to more global physiological changes.
Electron-photon cascade calculations and neutron yields from electrons in thick targets

Abstract The electron-photon cascades induced in cylindrical targets of various sizes and materials by electrons in the energy ranse of 30 to 200 MeV have been studied and calculations of the resulting neutron yields are presented. These calculated yields are compared with experimental yields and approximate agreement is obtained.
Editorial for “Special Issue on Radio-Frequency Nanoelectronics”

The four invited papers provide a perspective of the current state of the art and a vision for the future of this technology, while 16 more more papers describe various applications and descriptions of nanotechnology for RF circuits and systems.
Reduction of Sulfur Dioxide by Methane to Elemental Sulfur over Supported Cobalt Catalysts

Cobalt oxides supported on several types of carriers (silica, molecular sieves 5A and 13X, and γ-Al2O3) were evaluated for the reduction of sulfur dioxide by methane to elemental sulfur. Results showed that γ-Al2O3 is the most effective carrier and that, with a molar ratio of 2 to 1 of sulfur dioxide to methane in a feed gas, the sulfur yield reached a maximum value of 87.5% at a space velocity of 5000 h-1 and a temperature of 840 °C. X-ray diffraction results revealed that mixtures of cobalt oxide and cobalt sulfide components were observed. The effects of temperature, space velocity, and molar ratio of sulfur dioxide to methane in the feed on the activity of the cobalt catalyst supported on γ-Al2O3 were investigated. The effect of feed gas containing a hydrogen sulfide contaminant was also studied. A catalyst size-dependence study was performed to determine the influence of the internal diffusion.
Linking soil bacterial biodiversity and soil carbon stability

Native soil carbon (C) can be lost in response to fresh C inputs, a phenomenon observed for decades yet still not understood. Using dual-stable isotope probing, we show that changes in the diversity and composition of two functional bacterial groups occur with this ‘priming’ effect. A single-substrate pulse suppressed native soil C loss and reduced bacterial diversity, whereas repeated substrate pulses stimulated native soil C loss and increased diversity. Increased diversity after repeated C amendments contrasts with resource competition theory, and may be explained by increased predation as evidenced by a decrease in bacterial 16S rRNA gene copies. Our results suggest that biodiversity and composition of the soil microbial community change in concert with its functioning, with consequences for native soil C stability.
The Electrocardiographic Effects of Hypocalcemia Induced in Normal Subjects with Edathamil Disodium

In the past, it has not been possible to study the electrocardiographic effects of hypocalcemia in normal subjects. Edathamil disodium is a powerful chelating agent with a strong affinity for ionic calcium when given intravenously. This agent was used to produce hypocalcemia in normal subjects so that electrocardiographic effects could be studied. The major changes produced in the electrocardiogram with the induction of hypocalcemia were shortening of the R-R interval, prolongation of the RS-T and Q-T intervals, all of which were proportional to the degree of hypocalcemia. No change in the spatial P, QRS and T vectors, no T wave flattening or inversion and no elevation or depression of the RS-T segment appeared with hypocalcemia.
Mouse allergen exposure, wheeze and atopy in the first seven years of life

The prevalence of childhood asthma has increased significantly in the US, making it a major public health problem (2). More than 80% of children with asthma are allergic to one or more inhaled allergens (3, 4), and many studies have investigated the role of exposure to indoor allergens such as dust mites, pets, and cockroaches and the development of early childhood wheeze or asthma and atopy (5–8). There are few prospective studies of mouse allergen health effects in young children, while recent studies have shown that mouse allergen exposure in homes of children with established asthma are highly prevalent and potentially important in both urban and suburban environments (9–17). The Home Allergens and Asthma Study is a prospective birth cohort study of children with a parental history of asthma or allergies in the Boston metropolitan area. The primary purpose was to assess the relationship between exposure to indoor allergens in early childhood and the subsequent development of asthma and allergic disease. In this cohort, we have recently reported that mouse allergen exposure is highly prevalent (18), and that mouse exposure in these infants is also associated with wheeze in the first year of life (19). To date, there are no prospective studies evaluating the role of early mouse allergen exposure in home environments and the development of wheezing, asthma and atopy in later life. In this report, we examine the relationship between mouse allergen exposure in the first year of life and wheezing, atopy and asthma in childhood, as well as the longitudinal relation between mouse allergen exposure and wheezing over the first 7 years of life.
Numerical solution of high dimensional stationary Fokker-Planck equations via tensor decomposition and Chebyshev spectral differentiation

Abstract This paper focuses on the curse of dimensionality in the numerical solution of the stationary Fokker–Planck equation for systems with state-independent excitation. A tensor decomposition approach is combined with Chebyshev spectral differentiation to drastically reduce the number of degrees of freedom required to maintain accuracy as dimensionality increases. Following the enforcement of the normality condition via a penalty method, the discretized system is solved using alternating least squares algorithm. Numerical results for a variety of systems, including separable/non-separable systems, linear/nonlinear systems and systems with/without closed-form stationary solutions up to ten dimensional state-space are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Sensitivity Performance of the Human Eye on an Absolute Scale

An absolute scale of performance is set up in terms of the performance of an ideal picture pickup device, that is, one limited only by random fluctuations in the primary photo process. Only one parameter, the quantum efficiency of the primary photo process, locates position on this scale. The characteristic equation for the performance of an ideal device has the form BC2α2=constantwhere B is the luminance of the scene, and C and α are respectively the threshold contrast and angular size of a test object in the scene. This ideal type of performance is shown to be satisfied by a simple experimental television pickup arrangement. By means of the arrangement, two parameters, storage time of the eye and threshold signal-to-noise ratio are determined to be 0.2 seconds and five respectively. Published data on the performance of the eye are compared with ideal performance. In the ranges of B(10−6 to 102 footlamberts), C(2 to 100 percent) and α(2′ to 100′), the performance of the eye may be matched by an ideal device having a quantum efficiency of 5 percent at low lights and 0.5 percent at high lights. This is of considerable technical importance in simplifying the analysis of problems involving comparisons of the performance of the eye and man-made devices. To the extent that independent measurements of the quantum efficiency of the eye confirm the values (0.5 percent to 5.0 percent), the performance of the eye is limited by fluctuations in the primary photo process. To the same extent, other mechanisms for describing the eye that do not take these fluctuations into account are ruled out. It is argued that the phenomenon of dark adaptation can be ascribed only in small part to the primary photo-process and must be mainly controlled by a variable gain mechanism located between the primary photo-process and the nerve fibers carrying pulses to the brain.
A portfolio analysis model of the demand for nuclear power plants

Abstract Electric utilities are characterized as timid risk averters that select coal or nuclear plants or both, where the levellized cost of each is characterized by considerable risk. A portfolio selection model is developed to explain the historical demand for nuclear reactors by region. Some qualitative policy implications are derived with respect to the DOE's objective of reviving the nuclear power market.
Nearly Interactive Parabolized Navier-Stokes Solver for High Speed Forebody and Inlet Flows

A system of computer programs is being developed for the preliminary design of high speed inlets and forebodies. The system comprises four functions: geometry definition, flow grid generation, flow solver, and graphics post-processor. The system runs on a dedicated personal computer using the Windows operating system and is controlled by graphical user interfaces written in MATLAB (The Mathworks, Inc.). The flow solver uses the Parabolized Navier-Stokes equations to compute millions of mesh points in several minutes. Sample two-dimensional and three-dimensional calculations are demonstrated in the paper.
DIFFERENCES IN INCIDENCES OF ABSENTEEISM AND DISCIPLINE BETWEEN VIETNAMESE AND NON‐VIETNAMESE EMPLOYEES

The differences in incidences of absenteeism and discipline between Vietnamese and non‐Vietnamese employees in a food processing plant were examined Subjects were 80 non‐Vietnamese and 35 Vietnamese refugees living in a medium‐sized midwestern city. Three forms of motivational absenteeism (single‐day absences, part‐day absences, and no‐calls) and one form of ability to attend absenteeism (multiple‐day absences) were examined Two forms of discipline, warnings and suspensions, were also examined Based on a presumed impact of Confucianism upon Vietnamese work values, it was predicted that Vietnamese employees, compared to non‐Vietnamese employees, would experience less motivational absenteeism, less absence‐related discipline, and no difference in ability to attend absenteeism. All hypothesis were supported Potential impact of the research on cultural stereotypes and on the employment recruiting and selection process are discussed.
Mathematical Modeling of Gene Networks

We thank A. Angers, J. Chin, L. Cleary, S. Candy, E. Robson, and K. Scholz for their comments on the manuscript. This work was supported by National Institutes of Health grants T32 NS07373, R01 RR11626, and P01 NS38310.
Constraining the density dependence of the symmetry energy in the nuclear equation of state using heavy ion beams

Abstract The density dependence of the symmetry energy in the equation of state of asymmetric nuclear matter (N/Z > 1) is important for understanding the structure of systems as diverse as the atomic nuclei and neutron stars. Due to a lack of understanding of the basic nucleon–nucleon interaction for matter that is highly asymmetric and at non-normal nuclear density, this very important quantity has remained largely unconstrained. Recent studies using beams from the Cyclotron Institute of Texas A&M University constrain the density dependence of the symmetry energy. A dependence of the form Esym(ρ) = C(ρ/ρo)γ, where C = 31.6 MeV and γ = 0.69, is obtained. Their implications to both astrophysical and nuclear physics studies are discussed.
A competitive advantage from the implementation timing of ISO management standards

Abstract With the rise of globalization, firms increasingly implement management standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to assure they can meet their customers’ expectations. ISO management standards reduce performance variability among suppliers and promote global trade. However, ISO standards also promote a certain degree of commonality or isomorphism between firms. If the very notion of ‘standards’ encourages a certain level of commonality between firms, then how can firms achieve a competitive advantage from implementing ISO standards? This research argues that the timing of when a firm implements an ISO standard relative to their rivals has strategic benefits. Drawing on the competitive dynamics literature we argue that firms can achieve an early mover advantage when implementing ISO 14001. However, an early mover advantage depends on the level of a firm's absorptive capacity (prior experience with ISO 9001) and the competitive intensity of their industry. This study uses longitudinal data from firms that implemented ISO 14001 at varying points in time to examine the benefits of an early mover advantage. More broadly, this research sheds light on when firms benefit the most from implementing new management standards. The results provide insights into implementing other emerging management standards.
DCMTB: A Virtual Appliance DICOM Toolbox

Medical Imaging has been fortunate to see an avalanche of free and open source software become available in the last several years. Applications have been written to enable image viewing/storage/analysis/processing, DICOM and HL7 message parsing, results aggregation, anonymization, and more. While robust, many of these packages are difficult to install and configure. Our group desired an approach that would mitigate the efforts required to use these packages across different projects. We found such a solution in the context of using virtual machines.
Studying Quarks and Gluons On Mimd Parallel Computers

Numerical simulations of interacting quarks and glu ons may be the best way to calculate the structure of protons and neutrons, as well as the nature of the very early universe or the interiors of neutron stars. Such simulations are limited by the availability of computer power. We are carrying out a program of simulations on multiple instruction, multiple data MIMD parallel computers. We describe here the goals of this project, discuss the way in which the computations are adapted to parallel computers and the performance they achieve, and present a few preliminary results.
Post-Strike Behavior of Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) During Natural Predation Events

The complexity of natural environments is an important component of animal behavior, and laboratory environments often cannot reproduce that complexity. Strike-induced chemosensory searching (SICS) is a robust phenomenon among venomous snakes that has been studied extensively in the laboratory. To date, observations of this behavior in the field have been limited largely to anecdotes; the extent to which post-strike behaviors in the laboratory accurately reflect what occurs in nature has not been examined. In this study, I use time-lapse video equipment in the field to record the predatory behavior of timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus). This represents the first quantitative analysis of post-strike predatory behaviors associated with natural feeding events. As in the laboratory, stereotyped post-strike behaviors were only observed after successful strikes, and not after missed strikes. Snakes in the field were observed to proceed through the same basic behavioral stages that have been documented in the laboratory: striking prey, releasing prey immediately after strike, post-strike immobility, location of the chemosensory trail, trail following, and prey swallowing. However, the duration of post-strike immobility, trail location, and prey swallowing was substantially longer in field than in laboratory studies. Additionally, post-strike immobility was significantly longer when snakes struck large prey (prey over 100 g) than when they struck small prey. Overall, these results indicate that the behavioral challenges associated with SICS may be more robust than laboratory studies have indicated.
Variation of edge gradients with heat flux across L-H and H-L transitions in Alcator C-Mod

Local edge electron parameters are measured in the Alcator C-Mod tokamak, during discharges in which input power is continuously ramped up and down, leading to transitions from the low-confinement mode (L-mode) to high-confinement mode (H-mode) mode and back to L-mode. This allows measurement of the accessible portions of the non-monotonic flux-gradient relationship proposed by models of the H-mode as a critical transition. Results are consistent with a dependence of conductivity χ on the temperature gradient, where a very sharp decrease in χ occurs above a critical ∇T. Other possible flux-gradient relations are also examined, and the data are compared with theoretical formulations. The initial transient of pedestal energy in the first few ms after the L-H transition is also analysed and found to be consistent with a sudden decrease in χ across the pedestal region.
The spectacle of nature in the global economy of appearances: Anthropological engagements with the spectacular mediations of transnational conservation:

Demands for economic growth are often visibly at odds with public concerns about what this growth portends for the future of our planet. In this context the production and dissemination of images n...
Lateral nanomechanics of cartilage aggrecan macromolecules.

To explore the role of the brush-like proteoglycan, aggrecan, in the shear behavior of cartilage tissue, we measured the lateral resistance to deformation of a monolayer of chemically end-attached cartilage aggrecan on a microcontact printed surface in aqueous NaCl solutions via lateral force microscopy. The effects of bath ionic strength (IS, 0.001–1.0 M) and lateral displacement rate (∼1–100 μm/s) were studied using probe tips functionalized with neutral hydroxyl-terminated self-assembled alkanethiol monolayers. Probe tips having two different end-radii (R ∼50 nm and 2.5 μm) enabled access to different length-scales of interactions (nano and micro). The measured lateral force was observed to depend linearly on the applied normal force, and the lateral force to normal force proportionality constant, μ, was calculated. The value μ increased (from 0.03 ± 0.01 to 0.11 ± 0.01) with increasing bath IS (0.001–1.0 M) for experiments using the microsized tip due to the larger compressive strain of aggrecan that resulted from increased IS at constant compressive force. With the nanosized tip, μ also increased with IS but by a smaller amount due to the fewer number of aggrecan involved in shear deformation. The variations in lateral force as a function of applied compressive strain ɛn and changes in bath IS suggested that both electrostatic and nonelectrostatic interactions contributed significantly to the shear deformational behavior of the aggrecan layers. While lateral force did not vary with lateral displacement rate at low IS, where elastic-like electrostatic interactions between aggrecan dominated, lateral force increased significantly with displacement rate at physiological and higher IS, suggestive of additional viscoelastic and/or poroelastic interactions within the aggrecan layer. These data provide insights into molecular-level deformation of aggrecan macromolecules that are important to the understanding of cartilage behavior.
Learning to personalize query auto-completion

Query auto-completion (QAC) is one of the most prominent features of modern search engines. The list of query candidates is generated according to the prefix entered by the user in the search box and is updated on each new key stroke. Query prefixes tend to be short and ambiguous, and existing models mostly rely on the past popularity of matching candidates for ranking. However, the popularity of certain queries may vary drastically across different demographics and users. For instance, while instagram and imdb have comparable popularities overall and are both legitimate candidates to show for prefix i, the former is noticeably more popular among young female users, and the latter is more likely to be issued by men. In this paper, we present a supervised framework for personalizing auto-completion ranking. We introduce a novel labelling strategy for generating offline training labels that can be used for learning personalized rankers. We compare the effectiveness of several user-specific and demographic-based features and show that among them, the user's long-term search history and location are the most effective for personalizing auto-completion rankers. We perform our experiments on the publicly available AOL query logs, and also on the larger-scale logs of Bing. The results suggest that supervised rankers enhanced by personalization features can significantly outperform the existing popularity-based base-lines, in terms of mean reciprocal rank (MRR) by up to 9%.
Using the Extended Parallel Process Model to Examine Teachers' Likelihood of Intervening in Bullying

BACKGROUND: Teachers play a critical role in protecting students from harm in schools, but little is known about their attitudes toward addressing problems like bullying. Previous studies have rarely used theoretical frameworks, making it difficult to advance this area of research. Using the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM), we examined the association between teachers' perceived threat and perceived efficacy and their likelihood of intervening in bullying situations. We also explored whether the school level at which teachers taught (elementary vs secondary), and their years of experience of working at the school moderated these associations. METHODS: Data come from 1062 teachers who completed an anonymous Web-based survey regarding their attitudes and responses to bullying. Structural equation modeling and multiple group analyses were used to test the hypothesized relationships and for effect modification by teacher characteristics. RESULTS: Perceived threat and efficacy were associated with teachers' likelihood of intervening in bullying situations but varied based on teachers' years of experience at their school. For less experienced teachers, perceived efficacy, but not perceived threat, was strongly associated with likelihood of intervening. For more experienced teachers, both perceived threat and perceived efficacy were significantly associated. Finally, the associations did not differ by the school level. CONCLUSION: This is one of few studies examining possible predictors of teachers' likelihood of intervening in bullying situations. EPPM may inform the development of bullying interventions aiming to increase the likelihood that teachers will intervene in bullying situations. Language: en