cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inner space: reference frames.

How are we aware of our surroundings? Somehow, from a pair of tiny, two-dimensional pictures of the visual world – provided by our retinas – our brains are able to render the world as it is, accurately depicting the locations of both a distant mountain range and the camera we are pointing at it. To understand how space is represented in the brain, neurophysiologists have borrowed the useful concept of a reference frame (also called a coordinate frame) from engineers and physicists. A reference frame, in the mathematical sense, is simply a set of rigid axes that intersect at a point, the origin. These axes are usually perpendicular to each other, and they are marked with gradations. This system allows the location of any object to be described by a set of numbers, called coordinates – its position along each of the axes. How is this notion useful in neuroscience? It allows us to phrase questions about how the brain encodes space in very concrete terms. For example, suppose we wish to understand how it is that a person can catch a baseball. Using reference frames, we can state the question as, ‘How does the brain translate the position of the ball from the coordinates of the retinas into its coordinates in a reference frame centered on the left hand?’ (Figure 1) Some modifications to the physicist’s concep of a reference frame are needed to apply it in neuroscience. Neurons in the visual system do not report the coordinates of an object. Instead, neurons that encode visual space each represent a very restricted region of space. Cells will respond to stimuli located in one particular location, termed the response field of the neuron, or the receptive field in cases where the neuron’s response is considered to be strictly sensory, and will not respond to the same object positioned somewhere else. (Often, a visual stimulus must have other features in order for a neuron to respond to it, such as a particular color, a direction in which it is moving, or even how the animal intends to respond to that stimulus.) Areas of the brain that represent visual space do so by using a population of neurons with response fields at different locations. Once we locate the response field for a neuron, we can ask in which reference frame that neuron encodes space using some very simple manipulations: by moving one part of the body at a time, we can explore whether the neuron’s response field moves along with that body part. If it does, then we have reason to believe that the neuron encodes space in a reference frame anchored to that body part.
Determination of sex differences in personality and trainability of yearling horses utilizing a handler questionnaire.

Abstract Very little scientific evidence exists to quantify differences in trainability and personality between sex of horses in spite of numerous industry stereotypes. It could be of great benefit to the horse industry to categorize personality differences and isolate strengths and weaknesses of each sex. This could potentially lead to modifications of training programs based on sex differences. There are multiple methods of personality evaluation used in equine studies including measurement of physical reactions (e.g., heart rate), measurement of learning ability, or utilization of a personality questionnaire. The current study was undertaken to determine if personality and trainability differences do exist between mares (intact female horses) and geldings (castrated male horses) based on a previously validated handler questionnaire. Eighteen yearling horses were used in a paired t -test study performed in conjunction with an undergraduate course offered at the University of Georgia. Each student in the class was randomly assigned two yearling horses to handle for the semester (15 weeks). Nine students were assigned one mare and one gelding to handle for the semester, while two students were assigned two horses of the same sex. All students were given surveys at the midpoint and end of the semester to assess personality traits and skill levels of mares and geldings. Students were not told of the purpose of the surveys, and surveys were given in conjunction with a written exam. All students filled out surveys but results were only used from the nine students who worked with both a mare and a gelding. These measures were taken to avoid the chance that students may guess the purpose of the study. The survey asked handlers to rate their horses on personality traits that can be grouped into the following main factors: anxiety, trainability, and affability. Handlers also rated their horses on their first reaction, quickness to learn, and retention of concepts for skills typical of a yearling horse in training. After analyzing survey results for individual personality traits from the midpoint of the study, mares were found to be more aggressive, tense, and excitable as well as panic easier as compared to geldings at the P P P P P
Genetic analysis of admixture and patterns of introgression in foundation cottonwood trees (Salicaceae) in southwestern Colorado, USA

Cottonwoods are well known as foundation riparian trees that support diverse communities and drive ecosystem processes. Although hybridization naturally occurs when the distributions of two or more cottonwood species overlap, few cottonwood hybrid zones have been genetically characterized. We use genetic and genomic analyses to characterize patterns of admixture and introgression for a newly described hybrid zone at the intersection of three species (Populus L. Salicaceae—Populus deltoides, Populus fremontii, and Populus angustifolia) in southwestern Colorado, USA. Analysis of nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite marker data detected substantial genetic variation among individuals, revealing that (1) hybridization is occurring between two, not three, species (P. deltoides and P. angustifolia); (2) gene flow is bidirectional; (3) hybrids are not abundant (admixture detected in only 34 of 270 trees), with most being early-generation F1 hybrids; (4) cytonuclear disequilibria exists and F1 hybrids tend to retain P. deltoides—like chloroplasts; and (5) roughly 30 % of the nuclear markers deviated from a neutral pattern of introgression, suggesting that selection may play a role in shaping the genetic structure of the hybrid zone in this region. Overall, our results show that despite strong selection maintaining species divergence, transfer of allelic variants across species boundaries can occur. Our study assesses the fine-scale genetic structure of hybridization between P. angustifolia and P. deltoides and lays the foundation for examining how geographic differences in hybrid zone dynamics arise and may influence subsequent ecological and evolutionary processes.
Scatter-glare estimation for quantitative cardiac imaging

Convolution-filtering methods and direct beam stop techniques have previously been investigated for estimation of scatter-glare distribution in images acquired using digital fluoroscopic systems. The purpose of this study is to compare the error in scatter-glare estimation for a direct beam stop technique and a convolution technique. Also, the change in scatter-glare intensity due to contrast material injection for ventriculography and coronary arteriography was quantified. Three different methods were used to estimate scatter-glare intensity in humanoid chest phantom and animal model images. A lead strip was used to scan the x-ray field for direct measurement of scatter-glare intensity in every pixel in the image. An array of lead beam-stops were used in order to sample scatter-glare intensity. An interpolation technique was used to estimate scatter-glare intensity for the remaining pixels in the image. Scatter-glare intensity was also estimated using a convolution filtering technique. This technique utilizes exposure parameters and image gray levels to assign equivalent Lucite thicknesses for every pixel in the image. The thickness information is then used to estimate scatter-glare intensity on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Finally, an array of lead beam-stops were used to measure the change in scatter-glare intensity due to contrast material injection. This was done by leaving the array of lead beam-stops in the x-ray beam for ventriculography and coronary arteriography procedures. The results indicate that the array of lead beam-stops produces significant errors in estimating scatter-glare intensity. This is primarily due to the fact that contrast material injection significantly changes scatter-glare intensity. The scatter- glare intensity was changed by up to 19% and 88% during coronary arteriography and ventriculography, respectively. In conclusion, contrast material injection significantly changes the scatter-glare intensity during coronary arteriography and ventriculography procedures. Therefore, convolution-filtering techniques are more suited for cardiac imaging, where scatter- glare intensity significantly changes during image acquisition.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Response to second-line hormonal manipulation monitored by serum PSA in stage D2 prostate carcinoma.

Abstract Changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) have been demonstrated to accurately assess response to initial hormone deprivation in metastatic prostate cancer patients. The role of PSA in monitoring response to second-line hormonal treatment has not been documented. In a group of 20 patients with an initial response to androgen deprivation and subsequent relapse we monitored PSA levels before and after second-line therapy. Ten patients had a clinical response. Four had a more than 90 percent decrease in serum PSA compared with the level at initial progression. This clinical response was maintained for a mean of eighteen months. Six patients had a PSA decrease less than 90 percent; their clinical response was of a mean 5.5 months. Ten patients had no change or increase in PSA. Seven had no clinical response, and 3 responded for an average of four months. Although production of PSA might be under endocrine control, changes in PSA are useful for monitoring response to second-line hormonal therapy.
Affect, Rationalization, and Motivation

Recently, a number of writers have presented an argument to the effect that leading causal theories make available accounts of affect’s motivational role, but at the cost of failing to understand affect’s rationalizing role. Moreover, these writers have gone on to argue that these considerations support the adoption of an alternative (“evaluationist”) conception of pleasure and pain that, in their view, successfully explains both the motivational and rationalizing roles of affective experience. We believe that this argument from rationalization is ineffective in choosing between evaluationist and causal theories of affective experience, and that the impression to the contrary rests on a serious misunderstanding of the dialectic between the two views. We’ll describe general forms of causal and evaluationist theories, set out the argument that has been deployed by evaluationists against causal theorists, and then show how that argument rests on crucial and highly controversial presuppositions.
New technologies in fiber sensors

Since their inception in the 1960s, fiber sensors have been extensively developed for numerous applications, and they are deployed in increasing number every year. Several fiber sensors have had a major impact on important niche markets. In spite of this success, fiber sensors are having difficulty competing with established conventional sensor markets, and they still represent only a small fraction of the world's enormous market. To give them a better edge, several new technologies have been explored in recent years, with the common objective of further improving sensitivity, dynamic range, and stability, as well as reducing size and manufacturing cost.
Considerations of previous augmentation in subsequent breast reconstruction.

Background The number of patients receiving augmentation mammaplasty is rapidly growing. Breast cancer will develop in a significant number of these women. Objective The authors report on a series (expanding the size of a previous study by the senior author, S.L.S.), encompassing one surgeon's experience performing breast reconstruction in women who had undergone previous augmentation. They compare the stage and detection method in this series with other published studies and also review their experience with regard to the benefit of subpectoral versus subglandular implant placement. Methods A retrospective review of the senior author's reconstructive practice was performed, including the period from July 1983 to July 2007. Thirty-two consecutive women were identified who had previously received augmentation mammaplasty, were subsequently diagnosed with cancer, and then underwent breast reconstruction. Types of reconstructive procedures and outcomes were evaluated. A statistical analysis of the results was performed with a standard 2-tailed t test and χ 2 analysis. Results The occurrence of breast cancer diagnosis after augmentation ranged from 1 to 25 years (mean, 15 years). No implants were ruptured at the time of mastectomy. Of the 16 patients with previous subpectoral augmentation, cancer was detected mammographically in 12 (75%). Of the 16 patients with previous subglandular augmentation, cancer was detected mammographically in 7 (44%). This difference was not statistically significant, but that may be related to the insufficient population size ( P = .15). Twenty-two (69%) of the patients underwent a purely prosthetic reconstruction. Flaps were used in the other 10 (31%), including 5 (16%) latissimus dorsi flaps and 5 (16%) transverse rectus abdominis flaps. Nine (90%) of those 10 flaps were used in patients undergoing radiation therapy. There were 9 stage 0 (28.1%), 9 stage I (28.1%), 12 stage II (37.5%), and 2 stage III (6.3%) patients. Among the subglandular group, there were 5 stage 0 (31.3%), 2 stage I (12.5%), 7 stage II (43.8%), and 2 stage III (12.5%) patients. Among the subpectoral group, there were 4 stage 0 (25.0%), 7 stage I (43.8%), 5 stage II (31.3%), and no stage III or IV patients. There was no significant difference in the axillary status between the 2 implant location groups. Eleven of the total 32 (34%) patients were treated with radiation therapy. Of these patients, 2 received breast conservation therapy and the other 9 underwent mastectomy. Of the 11 augmented breasts that received radiation therapy, 9 had flaps used in their reconstruction, including 5 latissimus dorsi and 4 trans-rectus abdominis muscle flaps. The average length of follow-up for the entire group was 26.4 months (range, 1–109 months). Conclusions A history of breast augmentation was demonstrated to have consequences for future management of cancer in the areas of detection, cancer management, and reconstruction options. In addition, it was shown that the site of implantation may have an effect on the effectiveness of breast imaging.
Human plasma as a source of prothrombin in the Ac-globulin assay.

SummaryOxalated human plasma deficient in Ac-globulin as a result of storage can be used as a source of prothrombin in the 2-stage assay of Ac-globulin.
Investigating the effect of website quality on e-business success: an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach

This study investigates website quality factors, their relative importance in selecting the most preferred website, and the relationship between website preference and financial performance. DeLone and McLean's IS success model extended through applying an analytic hierarchy process is used. A field study with 156 online customers and 34 managers/designers of e-business companies was performed. The study identified different relative importance of each website quality factor and priority of alternative websites across e-business domains and between stakeholders. This study also found that the website with the highest quality produced the highest business performance. The findings of this study provide decision makers of e-business companies with useful insights to enhance their website quality.
The free amino acids in peripheral nerves and in isolated inhibitory and excitatory nerve fibres of Cancer magister.

— Free amino acids in whole nerve and in excitatory and inhibitory fibres isolated from the walking legs of the crab, Cancer mgister, have been determined, using a densitometric method which permits quantitative estimates of 1 nmol of a ninhydrin-positive substance on paper chromatograms. In confirmation of previous reports, whole nerve contained 5 amino acids at levels greater than 10 mmol/kg wet wt., including two anions (glutamate and aspartate) of major importance. The concentrations of 12 other amino acids were also estimated. The free amino acid fraction contributed about 40% (415 mosmol/kg of cell water) to the osmotic concentration of the tissue. Isolated inhibitory fibres were distinguished by a 15-fold higher level of GABA than that found in excitatory fibres (46 vs 3·1 mmol/l. of axoplasm). The level of proline also differed in the two types of fibres, but in contrast to GABA it was less concentrated in inhibitory fibres. As a consequence of these and of other smaller differences, the total concentration of free amino acids was slightly less in inhibitory fibres (365 vs 405 mmol/l. of axoplasm in excitatory fibres). The demonstration of the presence of GABA in crab inhibitory axons supports earlier suggestions that it may be the inhibitory transmitter at crab neuromuscular junctions.
CNTF and LIF are not required for the target-directed acquisition of cholinergic and peptidergic properties by sympathetic neurons in vivo.

Abstract During development, the sympathetic innervation of two targets, sweat glands and periosteum, changes the neurotransmitters it expresses from noradrenaline to acetylcholine and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). The target-derived molecules that induce these changes have not been identified. Neuropoietic cytokines, including ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), induce the same phenotypic changes in sympathetic neuronsin vitroas sweat glands and periosteum doin vivo,raising the possibility that one of these factors mediates induction of cholinergic traits and VIP by these target tissues. Because CNTF and LIF have overlapping functions and signalling pathways, they could act interchangeably or in concert to influence neurotransmitter expression. To determine whether CNTF or CNTF and LIF together are responsible for the induction of cholinergic and peptidergic functionin vivo,we analyzed the neurotransmitter properties of sweat gland innervation in mice lacking CNTF or CNTF and LIF. We find that, as in wild-type mice, gland innervation in mice lacking one or both molecules appropriately expresses cholinergic properties and VIP immunoreactivity. Furthermore, footpads of mice lacking one or both genes contain choline acetyltransferase activity comparable to that of wild-type mice, and CNTF- or CNTF/LIF-deficient mice possess the normal complement of active sweat glands. We analyzed the innervation of a second, recently identified cholinergic sympathetic target, the periosteum, which is the connective tissue surrounding bone. Periosteal innervation of mice lacking CNTF, LIF, or both, like that of wild-type mice, is immunoreactive for the vesicular acetylcholine transporter, a recently identified cholinergic marker, and VIP. These results provide evidence that neither CNTF, LIF, nor a combination of the two are required for the developmental change from noradrenergic to cholinergic function that occurs in sympathetic innervation of sweat glands and periosteum.
ENHANCED RESISTANCE TO STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTION INDUCED IN MICE BY CELL WALL MUCOPEPTIDE

The streptococcal cell wall mucopeptide when injected into mice either intraperitoneally or intravenously enhances the resitance to subsequent challenge with virulent Group A streptococci. Rabbits which are injected intravenously with solubilized mucopeptide develop a fever response which has a resemblance to that achieved with endotoxin. Mice which survive 6 to 7 weeks after challenge with virulent Group A streptococci yield at autopsy search Group A streptococci serologically identical to the challenge organisms. A preparative dose of cell walls injected into mice prior to challenge diminished this late recovery of streptococci. Group A-variant streptococci were recovered from mice which survived challenge and carried the organisms for several weeks. Filterable bacterial forms, which grew on L form media, were recovered from infected mice. The serologic type of the L forms was identical to that of the challenge organisms.
Ethics of selling skin care

One of the most controversial topics surrounding the practice of dermatology is in-office dispensing of nonprescription skin care products by dermatologists. The controversy is not new, with legitimate arguments debated for and against it. The ongoing debate will continue, emotionally charged and with sharply demarcated battle lines, but without the promise of ever reaching a consensus. Regardless of one's position, the objective is to develop strategies to improve the practice of dermatology and the welfare of patients.
Product yield in oxygenation of linoleate by soybean lipoxygenase: The value of the molar extinction coefficient in the spectrophotometric assay

Two iodimetric methods and a gravimetric method were used to determine the spectrophotometric molar absorptivity of the purified product of lipoxygenase-catalyzed dioxygenation of linoleate (13-LS-hydroperoxy-cis,trans-9,11-octadecadienoate). Earlier determinations had led to the use of values varying from 24,000 to 28,000 M-1 cm-1 for epsilon at 235 nm. In the current work, the two iodimetric values (spectrophotometric and titrimetric) average 22,500, while gravimetric analysis of scrupulously purified material gives 22,900. Final 235-nm absorbancies for lipoxygenase runs over a wide range of linoleic acid concentrations up to 200 microM give a constant final percentage completion. If one assumes a 100% reaction, epsilon is 23,600. Each method has less than 1.5% standard error; the average of the three independent methods is 23,000 +/- 580 (2.5%), all being lower than the previous values. In the enzyme-catalyzed reaction of linoleate at less than 200 microM substrate, only 235-nm-absorbing material is formed. Above 200 microM linoleate, yields at 235 nm decrease and yields of materials absorbing at 280 nm increase (the latter is known to arise from lipoxygenase-catalyzed reaction of linoleyl hydroperoxide). Below 200 microM substrate, linoleate purified by HPLC produces only one HPLC-observable product, 13-linoleyl hydroperoxide. At higher substrate concentrations other HPLC peaks arise, again with higher wave-length absorptions. Spectrophotometric data using the epsilon determined here agree with those from the O2 electrode. It is concluded that at S less than 200 microM, saturating air, and sufficient enzyme, soybean lipoxygenase-1 produces a sole product and the reaction proceeds to completion.
(α, d) reactions on odd targets

Abstract The reactions Li6(α, d)Be8 and N14(α, d)O16 were studied with 48 MeV helium ions. Deuteron angular distributions were obtained for several energy levels in the final nuclei. They, as well as distributions for the reaction C12(α, d)N14 previously studied, are compared with angular distributions calculated from the two-nucleon stripping theory of N. K. Glendenning. The integrated cross sections for formation of various levels of Be8 and O16 are discussed in terms of the spectroscopic states of these nuclei.
A Flexible Multibody Dynamic Approach for Virtual Shake Table Simulation

A linear finite element (FE) analysis based on modal superposition techniques is often the tool of choice for response analysis of automobile and heavy machine sub-systems. Dynamic input loads cause various structures to vibrate and rattle, thereby inducing nonlinear interaction at the interfaces of these components. These nonlinear interactions cannot be modeled using a linear approach. On the other hand, fully nonlinear FE methods possess all the features that are required to capture nonlinear interactions but they demands enormous computation overhead for large system level models. A hybrid approach based on flexible multibody dynamics offers a viable solution to this problem. The system is divided into several sub-structures and each individual structure is represented as a separate flexible body. Modal superposition is used for each flexible body to reduce the size of the model. However, the interaction in-between various bodies or sub-structures is modeled using nonlinear force elements. Therefore, with this hybrid approach, the computation cost remains comparable to the linear FE method, without compromising the fidelity of the model.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Lipid-Lowering Therapy in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease: Are Guidelines Being Met?

OBJECTIVE To determine the proportion of patients with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) who reach recommended low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels ( PATIENTS AND METHODS Eligible patients were identified from a roster of patients who had undergone testing at a nonvascular laboratory between September 1, 2001, and January 31, 2002, and were found to have evidence of PAD, defined as an anklebrachial index of 0.9 or less. We thoroughly reviewed patients' electronic medical records. Backward elimination multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to identify factors associated with reaching the goal LDL-C level. RESULTS Among 143 patients with PAD, 105 (73%) met the goal LDL-C level. Lipid-lowering therapy was prescribed for 109 (76%). Lower diastolic blood pressure and lower weight were independently associated with an LDL-C level of less than 100 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS We found higher rates of lipid-lowering therapy in patients with PAD than reported previously. Patients with diabetes mellitus or coronary artery disease were not more likely to meet the goal LDL-C level than those without these comorbidities. Clinical practice may be catching up to clinical guidelines.
Atomization and particle-jet interactions in the wire-arc spraying process

The wire-arc spraying process, one of several thermal spray processes, has gained a sizable part of the thermal spray market. However, better control is needed for this process to be used for applications of high precision coatings. This study is aimed at investigating the liquid-metal droplet formation process in order to identify methods for droplet trajectory control. A high speed Kodak imaging system has been used to observe the droplet formation for different operating conditions. Decreasing the upstream pressure and the current levels leads to a reduction in the asymmetric melting of both the anode and cathode. By decreasing the interactions of the large eddy structures with the formed metal agglomerates, one can achieve better control of the particle trajectories and jet divergence. Thus, coatings can be obtained with higher definition and improved reliability.
Interface fracture toughness evaluation for MA956 oxide film

Microelectronics, optoelectronics, and thermal barrier coating technologies are dependent on a thin or thick film of one material deposited onto a substrate of a different material. Fabrication of such a structure inevitably gives rise to stress in the film due to lattice mismatch, differing coefficients of thermal expansion, chemical reactions, and/or other physical effects. Therefore, the weakest link in this composite system often resides at the interface between the film and substrate. In order to assume the long-term reliability of the interface, the fracture behavior of the material interfaces must be known. A new approach of using a spiral notch torsion fracture toughness test system for evaluating interface fracture toughness is described. This innovative technology was demonstrated for oxide scales formed on high-temperature alloys of MA956. The estimated energy release rate (in terms of J-integral) at the interface of the alumina scale and MA956 substrate is 3.7 N-m/m2, and the estimated equivalent Mode I fracture toughness is 1.1 MPa √m.
Pedagogy and Performance in Black Popular Culture

Rap artists, in the wake of rap's popular crossover success in the early 1980s, explicitly defined rap as a pedagogical idiom. Lyrics became more complex while epithets of poet and artist prolifera...
Psychosocial coping of urban children in catholic elementary school classrooms

This exploratory survey of 723 kindergarten and first grade children in eight inner‐city and five more affluent urban Catholic elementary schools presents demographic characteristics, information about assets and vulnerabilities of children's psychosocial coping in the classroom, and comparisons of these items by school grouping. Chi square and analyses of variance yielded statistically significant differences in that schools located in the lower income neighborhoods were found to have more children who were younger, African‐American, and living with one parent and fewer who were Catholic. Children in inner city schools demonstrated more classroom behavioral assets supporting learning and fewer behavioral vulnerabilities inhibiting the process. Fewer inner‐city children were identified as having many behavior problems. The implications of this study are considered for future program development in school social work service provision.
Local-density calculations of the magnetic and paramagnetic phases of TmSe and TmTe

Results of local-density calculations are reported for both the paramagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases of mixed-valence TmSe. In the magnetic calculation, orbital moment effects are included self-consistently. Comparison of specific-heat data to the band density of states of the paramagnetic phase indicates a mass renormalization factor of 4.6, similar to what is seen in mixed-valence ${\mathrm{CeSn}}_{3}$. The moment-polarized calculation yields a total moment of 4.1${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}$, and an 86% gapping of the Fermi surface through the magnetic phase transition. The moment value is not consistent with the observed low-field-phase value of 1.7${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}$, but is consistent with the one in the higher-field metamagnetic phase. We also show evidence that the prediction of incomplete gapping of the Fermi surface is not inconsistent with specific-heat and resistivity data. Finally, we find that the insulating gap seen in TmTe can only be reproduced in a calculation where the f electrons are treated as core states.
The role of elicited responding in behavioral contrast

An attempt was made to separate operant and elicited pecks occurring in multiple schedules of food reinforcement by moving the component stimuli to a second key, upon which pecks had no effect. The operant key stimulus was constant, regardless of the reinforcement schedule in effect. Experiments included two- and three-component multiple schedules and a comparison of the single-key and the two-key procedures. In general, conditions that typically produce positive contrast in single-key procedures reduced responding to the constant-stimulus key (induction) and increased responding to the component-stimulus key (contrast) in the two-key procedure. The results were interpreted as supporting the contention that two response classes, operant and elicited, are present in standard multiple schedules. In addition, elicited responses were strongly implicated in contrast phenomena.
Sudden disappearance of a large quiescent prominence on the solar disk, April 28, 1967

Observations are described of the sudden disappearance of a long quiescent filament whose development could be traced through four rotations from its first appearance on the disk between two well-separated active centers. Following the disappearance, plage-like chromospheric brightenings were observed on either side of the filament axis, with the separation distance increasing with time.
Sexual Harassment? Cross-Cultural/Cross-Linguistic Perspectives

With the increasing numbers of international graduate students and faculty on US university campuses have come increasing reports of communication problems between these instructors and their US st...
Data manipulation techniques to reduce phase change memory write energy

Due to its great scalability potential, phase change memory has become a topic of great current interest. However, high write energy consumption appears to be one of the biggest challenges to be tackled before phase change memory can be adopted as a mainstream memory technology. This paper presents architecture level technique to reduce phase change memory write energy consumption through data manipulations. Motivated by the fact that phase change memory read incurs much less energy than write and write of different value to a phase change memory cell incurs largely different energy, we present two memory write data manipulation techniques that can effectively reduce the overall memory write energy consumption. Their effectiveness has been demonstrated based on mathematical analysis and computer system simulation using phase change memory as the main memory in the computer memory hierarchy. Significant energy savings with up to more than 60% have been shown over a wide range of computer system benchmarks.
Phosphatase-Triggered Fusogenic Liposomes for Cytoplasmic Delivery of Cell-Impermeable Compounds†

License to fuse! A phosphorylated fusion peptide can mediate membrane fusion when the phosphates (green triangles, see scheme) are removed by phosphatases (blue spheres), delivering the contents of the liposome into the cytosol. This phosphatase-triggered approach may be useful to create target-specific lipid nanocarriers.
Unbiased Learning of Controversial Topics

When presented with many relevant documents about a controversial topic, humans do not always read and trust them uniformly. Instead, they tend to follow and agree with articles and sources that hold similar viewpoints as theirs, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias. This suggests that when acquiring additional knowledge about a controversial topic, human biases and viewpoints about the topic may affect what information is considered trustworthy. We designed a user study to analyze various factors that may help in learning about a controversial topic without bias. In this paper, we study the impact of presenting contrasting viewpoints on learning about controversial claims. Our analysis shows that exposing subjects to contrasting viewpoints helped them learn more efficiently and reduce strongly-held biases.
The hydrogenases of Geobacter sulfurreducens: a comparative genomic perspective.

The hydrogenase content of the genome of Geobacter sulfurreducens, a member of the family Geobacteraceae within the δ-subdivision of the Proteobacteria, was examined and found to be distinct from that of Desulfovibrio species, another family of δ-Proteobacteria on which extensive research concerning hydrogen metabolism has been conducted. Four [NiFe]-hydrogenases are encoded in the G. sulfurreducens genome: two periplasmically oriented, membrane-bound hydrogenases, Hya and Hyb, and two cytoplasmic hydrogenases, Mvh and Hox. None of these [NiFe]-hydrogenases has a counterpart in Desulfovibrio species. Furthermore, the large and small subunits of Mvh and Hox appear to be related to archaeal and cyanobacterial hydrogenases, respectively. Clusters encoding [Fe]-hydrogenases and periplasmic [NiFeSe]-hydrogenases, which are commonly found in the genomes of Desulfovibrio species, are not present in the genome of G. sulfurreducens. Hydrogen-evolving Ech hydrogenases, which are present in the genomes of at least two Desulfovibrio species, were also absent from the G. sulfurreducens genome, despite the fact that G. sulfurreducens is capable of hydrogen production. Instead, the G. sulfurreducens genome contained a cluster encoding a multimeric Ech hydrogenase related (Ehr) complex that was similar in content to operons encoding Ech hydrogenases, but did not appear to encode a hydrogenase. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the G. sulfurreducens ehr cluster is part of a family of related clusters found in both the Archaea and Bacteria.
Fluctuating asymmetry and sexual selection

Abstract Behavioral ecologists are being attracted to the study of within-individual morphological variability, manifested in random deviations from bilateral symmetry, as a means of ascertaining the stress susceptibility of developmental regulatory mechanisms. Several early successes Indicate that incorporating measures of symmetry into sexual-selection studies may help link individual sexual success to a basic component of viability — developmental stability.
Airborne hyperspectral remote sensing to assess spatial distribution of water quality characteristics in large rivers: the Mississippi River and its tributaries in Minnesota.

Abstract Aircraft-mounted hyperspectral spectrometers were used to collect imagery with high spatial and spectral resolution for use in measuring optically active water quality characteristics of major rivers of Minnesota. Ground-based sampling undertaken concurrent with image acquisition provided calibration data for chlorophyll, suspended solids, turbidity and other measures of water clarity. Our approach identified the spectral characteristics that distinguish waters dominated by several inherent optical properties (IOPs), and we used those characteristics to develop models to map water quality characteristics in optically complex waters. For phytoplankton related variables (volatile suspended solids (VSS) and chlorophyll a (chl a)), the ratios of the scattering peak at the red edge (~ 700 nm) with the reflectance troughs caused by chlorophyll absorption at ~ 670 nm and other plant pigment absorption peaks at 592 and 620 nm all were strong predictors of chl a and VSS (r2 values of 0.73–0.94). The scattering peak at ~ 700 nm was a strong predictor of variables related to water clarity (total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity and turbidity tube (T-tube)) (r2 values of 0.77–0.93). For mineral-based variables (nonvolatile suspended solids (NVSS) and the ratio NVSS:TSS), combinations of the TSS and chl a relationships described above were strong predictors (r2 values of 0.73–0.97) and the most robust because this model corrects for the scattering of phytoplankton at ~ 700 nm. Application of the methods to quantify spatial variations in water quality for stretches of the Mississippi River and its tributaries indicate that hyperspectral imagery can be used to distinguish and map key variables under complex IOP conditions, particularly to separate and map inorganic suspended sediments independently of chlorophyll levels.
Face memory and hemispheric preference: Emotionality and extraversion

Subjects made arousing or nonarousing judgments about photographs of strangers, then had an unannounced recognition test over the photographs. Emotional orienting tasks led to better retention than nonemotional tasks. Assuming emotionality is predominantly a right-hemisphere activity, then this result is consistent with other research showing a right-hemisphere advantage in processing faces. This difference was most clear for subjects with a right-hemisphere cognitive style. Extraversion had no effect on face recognition, nor did a subject's cognitive style seem to be associated with extraversion or neuroticism scores.
Object-oriented programming for linear algebra

Many numerical analysts and Lisp/Smalltalk programmers share the assumption that languages like Fortran are more appropriate for traditional, quantitative scientific programming than object-oriented languages. To show how straightforward application of object-oriented design to standard algorithms in numerical linear algebra improves clarity and expressiveness, without sacrificing speed or accuracy, I describe parts of Cactus, a system for numerical linear algebra and constrained optimization, implemented in Common Lisp and CLOS.
ASIE: application-specific image enhancement for face recognition

In this paper, we propose a novel method to enhance low quality images. Specifically, we focus on facial images. Low quality images are often degraded by motion artifacts, sensor limitations, and noise contamination leading to loss of higher order information that is essential for face recognition. First, we demonstrate that conventional denoising and deblurring methods are not able to fully recover the latent image resulting in residual artifacts in the image. Then, we present a novel approach for image enhancement that removes these residual artifacts using sparse encoding methods. The potential of the method is demonstrated through promising results on facial images for face recognition application.
Sedimentation bordering the Rio Balsas delta and canyons, western Mexico

Western Mexico's second largest river apparently built its delta across the narrow continental shelf so that the river pours sediment directly onto the continental slope. As in other cases of shelf encroachment, the slope is characterized by numerous valleys, of which one with canyon-sized dimensions can be traced seaward to the Mid-America Trench. Evidence for turbidity currents was established by current-meter records and observations from scuba and vehicle diving. A dense grid of accurately located sounding and seismic lines shows the nature of deposition seaward of this delta, but in a zone off both sides of the main river mouth, seismic profiles of the slope suggest the presence of basement rock. However, it seems somewhat more likely that, despite some rock outcrops where erosion has exceeded deposition in Necesidad Canyon, the slopes are underlain mostly by an appreciable thickness of sediments that have been homogenized by extensive slumping which has destroyed any internal reflectors. Farther seaward from this zone, where slopes are gentler, there is a broad area in which good reflectors show clear evidence of natural levees, cross-bedding, valley fills, and other signs of slope progradation. Despite all the evidence of progradation of the slope beyond the delta, we have clear indications that much sediment is being bypassed along the two main canyons of the area. Turbidity currents partly initiated by submarine landslides are eroding locally the steep canyon heads and transporting a large amount of sediment toward the Mid-America Trench. These flows are powerful enough to move coarse sediment and coarse plant debris, and to leave large flow ripples along their broad, flat floors.
Choice of Species‐Area Function Affects Identification of Hotspots

: I tested the reliability of species-area curves for use in identifying hotspots, political or geographical regions of high species richness. On a species-area plot, hotspots are points (regions) that appear above the curve to a greater extent than other points. Because several different curves can be fit to species-area data, identification of hotspots may differ depending on the curve-fitting function used. I tested this hypothesis by comparing hotspots identified by the power function, the extreme value function, a linear function, and the exponential function. I examined several species-area data sets varying in size and in the presence of endemics. I defined hotspots as the highest 25% for small data sets and highest 10% and 25% for large data sets of standardized residuals from each function fitted to each data set. For some data sets, the functions agreed in identification of hotspots in that they identified 75% or more of the same hotspots. The extreme value function tended to identify hotspots not identified by the other three functions. For most data sets, the functions did not agree completely in identifying hotspots. Therefore, species-area curves should not be used as the sole means of identifying hotspots of species richness, although they can be used to examine the effect hotspot area has on richness for hotspots identified by other methods. Resumen: Determine la confiabilidad de curvas de especie-area a ser usadas en la identificacion de zonas clave, regiones politicas o geograficas de alta riqueza de especies. En graficas de especie-area las zonas clave son puntos (regiones) que aparecen por arriba de la curva con una extencion relativamente mayor que los otros puntos. Debido a que hay diferentes curvas que pueden ajustarse a datos de especie-area, la identificacion de zonas clave puede diferir dependiendo de la funcion de ajuste de curva utilizada. Examine esta hipotesis al comparar zonas clave identificadas por una funcion de potencia, la funcion de valor extremo, la funcion lineal y la funcion exponencial. Examine series de datos de especie-area que variaron en tamano y en presencia de especies endemicas. Defini las zonas clave como aquellas con porcentajes de residuos estandarizados de cada funcion ajustada en cada base de datos de 25% mayor para juegos de datos pequenos y 10% y 25% mayor para juegos de datos grandes. Para algunos juegos de datos, las funciones coincidieron en la identificacion de zonas clave en las que las funciones identificaron 75% o mas de ellas. La funcion de valores extremos tendio a identificar zonas clave que no fueron identificadas por las otras tres funciones. Para la mayoria de los juegos de datos las funciones no coincidieron completamente en la identificacion de zonas clave. Por lo tanto, las curvas de especie-area no deberian ser usadas como medio unico para la identificacion de zonas clave de riqueza de especies, aunque pueden ser utilizadas para examinar los efectos que las zonas clave tienen sobre la riqueza para zonas clave identificadas por otros metodos.
Metal accumulation rates in the central equatorial Pacific during Cenozoic time

Accumulation rates of Mg, Al, Si, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, opal, and calcium carbonate have been calculated from their concentrations in samples from equatorial Deep Sea Drilling Project sites. Maps of element accumulation rates and of Q -mode factors derived from raw data indicate that the flux of trace metals to equatorial Pacific sediments has varied markedly through time and space in response to changes in the relative and absolute influence of several depositional influences: biogenic, detrital, authigenic, and hydrothermal sedimentation. Biologically derived material dominates the sediment of the equatorial Pacific. The distributions of Cu and Zn are most influenced by surface-water biological activity, but Ni, Al, Fe, and Mn are also incorporated into biological material. All of these elements have equatorial accumulation maxima similar to those of opal and calcium carbonate at times during the past 50 m.y. Detritus distributed by trade winds and equatorial surface circulation contributes Al, non-biogenic Si, Fe, and Mg to the region. Detrital sediment is most important in areas with a small supply of biogenic debris and low bulk-accumulation rates. Al accumulation generally increases toward the north and east, indicating its continental source and distribution by the northeast trade winds. Maxima in biological productivity during middle Eocene and latest Miocene to early Pliocene time and concomitant well-developed surface circulation contributed toward temporal maxima in the accumulation rates of Cu, Zn, Ni, and Al in sediments of those ages. Authigenic material is also important only where bulk-sediment accumulation rates are low. Ni, Cu, Zn, and sometimes Mn are associated with this sediment. Fe is almost entirely of hydrothermal origin. Mn is primarily hydrothermal, but some is probably scavenged from sea water by amorphous iron hydroxide floes along with other elements concentrated in hydrothermal sediments, Ni, Cu, and Zn. During the past 50 m.y. all of these elements accumulated over the East Pacific Rise at rates nearly an order of magnitude higher than those at non–rise-crest sites. In addition, factor analysis indicates that some of this material is carried substantial distances to the west of the rise crest. Accumulation rates of Fe in basal metalliferous sediments indicate that the hydrothermal activity that supplied amorphous Fe oxides to the East Pacific Rise areas was most intense during middle Eocene and late Miocene to early Pliocene time.