cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deposition of Highly Transparent and Conductive Fluorine Doped Zinc Oxide Films

Zinc oxide films have been deposited from dimethyl zinc and oxygen in an atmospheric pressure laminar flow reactor at temperatures ranging from 300°C to 450°C. Highly oriented, conductive and transparent films were obtained at temperatures above 400°C by doping the films with fluorine. The crystallite sizes increase with increasing deposition temperature. From electron microprobe analysis, the doped films usually contained 0.5% to 2% fluorine atoms. Hall coefficient and resistance measurements at room temperature gave electron concentrations above 1020cm-3 and resistivities around 10-3 Ω.cm. The doped films had mobilities varying from 20 to 40 cm2/V-s depending on the deposition temperature and fluorine concentration. These are the highest mobilities reported for zinc oxide films. The experimental results were then compared with those obtained from a simple resistivity network model which includes the effects of impurity and grain boundary scattering. Films with a sheet resistance of 5 Ωsquare have visible absorption of about 5 to 10%. These properties are very suitable for applications as transparent electrodes for flat-panel displays and other electro-optical devices.
Part VI: How Should Reputations be Managed in Good Times and Bad Times?: Two-way mirroring: identity and reputation when things go wrong

Reputations rise and fall. In this Part of the Corporate Reputation Review attention focusses on companies whose star is waning. The presentations made at the Stern School of Business conference and now published below comprise a distillation of the insights gained by a senior crisis-management practitioner, as well as three case studies and three more empirically-oriented crisis communication studies. Included in panelists' presenta- tions are theoretical frameworks which seek to explain the behavior of managers and opponents during crisis situations.
A Global Analysis of Groundwater Recharge for Vegetation, Climate, and Soils

Because groundwater is an essential resource for people and ecosystems, a better understanding is needed of the fundamental controls on recharge and its interactions with vegetation change. We analyzed >600 estimates of groundwater recharge to obtain the first global analysis of recharge and vegetation types. Globally, croplands had the highest proportion of water input (WI = precipitation + irrigation) that become recharge, followed by grasslands, woodlands, and scrublands (average proportional recharge: 0.11, 0.08, 0.06, and 0.05, respectively; P < 0.0001). A stepwise regression model revealed that WI had the strongest association with recharge overall, followed by vegetation type, potential evapotranspiration (PET), saturated hydraulic conductivity based on soil texture ( K s), and seasonality of rainfall ( R 2 = 0.29, 0.16, 0.12, 0.06, and 0.01, respectively; P < 0.0001). Recharge increased with increasing WI, K s, and seasonality of rainfall and decreased with increasing PET. Relative differences in recharge among vegetation types were larger in drier climates and clayey soils, indicating greater biological control on soil water fluxes under these conditions. To further test the relationship between recharge and vegetation, we compared global synthesis data to our parallel field estimates of recharge in paired grasslands, croplands, and woodlands across the Argentinean Pampas and the southwestern United States. Our field estimates of recharge were similar to, and followed the same pattern of, recharge under vegetation types in the synthesis data, suggesting that land-use changes will continue to alter recharge dynamics and vadose zone processes globally. The results of this study highlight the implications of land-use management for sustainable groundwater use and should also help test and improve recharge estimates in large-scale water balance and climate models.
Designing an autonomous robot vehicle

In the fall of 1996, at Texas Tech University, a class of 32 EE students was asked to build a mobile robot vehicle. It would, under Region 3 Student Conference robotics competition guidelines: 1) complete three laps around a wooden track, and 2) at the beginning of each lap, drop a coin in a toll slot in an order specified to the vehicle at the starting line. A vehicle was built on a modified radio-controlled car chassis, rigged with optical sensors and a Motorola 68HCll microcontroller. This vehicle completed the laps and deposited one quarter in the correct toll slot. The vehicle stopped at the other two toll slots in the correct order, but missed them by about one third of an inch. All eight groups demonstrated their cars and their performance at a campus event. All teams were able to make their vehicles complete three laps, although some of them were not able to deposit quarters in the toll slots.
Constant twist deformations of cables

Abstract The 3-dimensional constant twist deformations of cables and rods of symmetrical sections are considered. It is shown that under the stated conditions, certain reductions can be achieved. The specific example of stability of helical equilibrium configuration is analyzed.
The Temperature Dependence of the Zero Field Splitting of Eu++ in Fluorine Cubic Crystals

The orbit-lattice interaction has been used to explain the temperature-dependent crystal-field parameter b 4 of Eu ++ in CaF 2 and SrF 2 . By admixing the excited 4 f 6 n s configuration, this theory is successful in explaining the temperature dependence of b 4 , but the theoretical estimate in the magnitude dependence is about a factor 10 3 smaller than the observed value. The covalency is believed to be the main source of this discrepancy. It is also shown that in the point-charge approximation, the effect due to thermal expansion is too small to account for the measured temperature-dependent part of b 4 .
Ultrasensitive plasmonic fano sensor enables seeing protein monolayers with naked eye

By exploiting plasmonic sub-radiant dark modes, we demonstrate ultrasensitive biosensors with record high figure of merits (FOM∼162). We also show direct detection of single monolayers of proteins with naked eye using associated fundamental Fano resonances.
Defect-blurred two-dimensional phase transition

Abstract The role of defects in phase transitions is an important subject, especially in systems of low dimensionality. The two-dimensional system Sn/Ge(1 1 1)- ( 3 × 3 )R 30° is an excellent example. The surface undergoes a gradual ( 3 × 3 ) to (3×3) phase transition upon cooling, and much debate has arisen over the exact physical mechanism responsible for the transition. Concepts such as Fermi surface nesting, charge density waves, Jahn–Teller distortions, metal–insulator fluctuations, and soft phonons have been invoked to explain the experimental findings, and there is now a growing understanding that substitutional Ge defects play an important role. A brief historical overview is presented of the work done on the Sn/Ge(1 1 1) system and of the different reported explanations of the phase transition. An extensive discussion of the phase-transition mechanism, and of the role played by defects, is provided. It is argued that the transition should be classified as displacive-like rather than order–disorder-like, but that defects obscure a clear distinction. The definitive experiments to test this conclusion are suggested.
Effect of antiphase domains on shape and spatial arrangement of coherent ordered intermetallics

The behavior of precipitation of an ordered intermetallic from a disordered matrix differs from that of an isostructural decomposition. The microstructural development in an isostructural decomposition is solely determined by the time-evolution of alloy composition. The precipitation of ordered intermetallics, however, involves simultaneous compositional and structural changes. Particularly, it produces antiphase domains (APDs) separated by antiphase domain boundaries (APBs). There is, however, a question of whether the presence of APDs affects the microstructural evolution in a misfitting coherent system. If the answer is yes, then some of the widely accepted notions related to the coherent precipitation of ordered intermetallics have to be critically reassessed. This is because these notions, in fact, are mostly obtained from studies of the isostructural decomposition where effect of structural variables is ignored. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this problem.
Blood cardioplegia supplementation with the sodium-hydrogen ion exchange inhibitor cariporide to attenuate infarct size and coronary artery endothelial dysfunction after severe regional ischemia in a canine model.

Abstract Background: Activation of the sodium-hydrogen ion exchange mechanism results in accumulation of intracellular calcium through the sodium-calcium ion antiport mechanism. Administration of a sodium-hydrogen ion exchange inhibitor before or during ischemia attenuates myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. However, the cardioprotection exerted by sodium-hydrogen ion exchange inhibitors as adjuncts to cardioplegia without perioperative administration has not been tested in a model of surgical reperfusion of acute coronary occlusion with cardiopulmonary bypass. This study tested the hypothesis that sodium-hydrogen ion exchange inhibitor-supplemented blood cardioplegia would reduce postcardioplegia injury after severe regional ischemia. Methods: In anesthetized open-chest dogs, the left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded for 75 minutes, after which total cardiopulmonary bypass was initiated. After crossclamping, cold (4°C) antegrade blood cardioplegia was delivered every 20 minutes for a total of 60 minutes of cardioplegic arrest. In 8 dogs, the blood cardioplegic solution was unsupplemented (vehicle group), whereas in 8 others the solution was supplemented with the sodium-hydrogen ion exchange inhibitor cariporide (10 μmol/L, cariporide group). Results: In the in vitro studies, the direct effects of cariporide on neutrophil function were determined. Isolated canine neutrophils were stimulated by platelet activating factor. Cariporide attenuated superoxide anion production in a concentration-dependent manner, with no appreciable effect at 10 μmol/L (the concentration used in blood cardioplegia) and a peak effect at 100 μmol/L. In the in vivo cardiopulmonary bypass model, infarct size was significantly ( P Conclusion: In this canine model, supplementation of blood cardioplegia with cariporide, a sodium-hydrogen ion exchange inhibitor, reduced infarct size, attenuated neutrophil accumulation in the area at risk, and reduced postischemic coronary artery endothelial dysfunction without directly inhibiting neutrophil activity. Cariporide as an adjunct to blood cardioplegia without perioperative administration attenuated surgical ischemia-reperfusion injury in jeopardized myocardium. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003;125:155-64
Doubling the Energy Advantage of Waste-to-Energy: District Heating in the Northeast U.S.

In District Heating (DH), a large number of buildings are heated from a central source by conveying steam or hot water through a network of insulated pipes. Waste-to-Energy (WTE) signifies the controlled combustion of municipal solid wastes to generate electrical and thermal energy in a power plant. Both technologies have been developed simultaneously and are used widely in Europe. In the United States, however, WTE is used principally for the generation of electricity. The advantages of district heating using WTE plants are: overall fuel conservation, by increasing the thermal efficiency of WTE, and overall reduction of carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. The purpose of this study was to examine the current situation of district heating in the U.S. and determine the potential for applying DH to existing WTE plants. A preliminary evaluation was conducted of DH application at two WTE facilities in Connecticut: the Wheelabrator Bridgeport and the Covanta Preston facilities. Using a Canadian methodology, the minimal distribution heating network costs for Bridgeport were estimated at about $24 million dollars for providing heat to a surrounding area of one square mile and the DH revenues at $6.8 million.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Techniques for detecting and measuring developmental and maturational changes in tuber native periderm

We developed a technique to quantitate native periderm permeability during tuber growth and maturation by porometrically determining vapor conductances. We also describe a simple, inexpensive means of determining the corresponding weight per unit area of suberized phellem cells (skin) in native periderm during tuber growth and maturation as a means of assessing the developmental status of native periderm. The porometric technique is very sensitive and rapid. Porometrically derived vapor conductances of mature native periderms were measured without difficulty, and native periderms were found to release ~0.005 moles of water vapor/meter2 native periderm surface/sec. into a dry test atmosphere. Immature native periderm released up to 28 times more water vapor than mature periderm even though the phellem cells were histochemically determined to possess both major components of suberin. We demonstrated use of the porometric technique by determining maturational changes in periderm permeability of growing/immature tubers and mature tubers at harvest. The technique revealed that the native periderm of Russet Burbank tubers was more permeable and had the potential to lose more water vapor, until becoming permeably mature, than Norchip or Norland tubers harvested on the same dates. The dry weight of the skin (phellem tissue) of native periderm (mg/ cm2) for all three cultivars increased during tuber growth, but plateaued to a relatively constant level, or slightly declined, while plants were still alive during the latter period of tuber growth. During this period, periderm vameable conductances were undergoing substantial declines. Comparison of skin dry weights of immature tubers indicated that stem end regions of tubers were developmentally ahead of equatorial and bud end regions; this difference decreased as the tubers matured at harvest time and was less apparent with some cultivars.
A study of mineral density surrounding resorption sites in teeth

An investigation of mineral density surrounding lacunar resorption sites in cases of both internal and external root resorption, was carried out on 37 human primary and permanent teeth. In addition, equivalent areas of the roots of 14 normal appearing teeth were studied for comparison. Thirty-two of the teeth were analyzed using microradiographic and microhardness techniques and the remainder were studied microscopically after histologic preparation. The teeth used for microradiographic analysis were embedded in plastic, bisected and half of each tooth was sectioned at 70–100 μ. Microadiographs were taken at 9.5 kv and exposed to 30 milliamperes for 25 to 40 minutes. The other halves of the teeth were used for microhardness tests using a Tukon Microhardness Tester. One series of microhardness measurements was made 10 to 40 μ from sites of active resorption in root dentin and a second series was made 250 to 500 μ from these sites. The hardness measurements of the first series were found to be significantly lower than those of the second in cases of both external and internal resorption. Hardness values of the surface of normal appearing roots were also less than areas 250 to 500 μ deeper in the dentin. Microradiographs did not reveal any definite zone of subsurface demineralization although some resorption sites were bordered by irregular areas of decreased radiodensity which may be due to superimposition of several resorption sites within the thickness of the tooth section. Histologic observations did not reveal a definite subsurface demineralization gradient. The lacunar resorption front was found to be a multilocular and completely interconnected system.
Pressure recovery in a radiused sudden expansion

Experiments on a steady flow through a nominally 2-D exit geometry with rounded edges are presented for the Reynolds number range 300<Re<25,000. The results indicate that the channel flow expands and decelerates upstream of the exit plane resulting in large pressure recovery, especially for turbulent channel flow. It is shown that pressure recovery is a function of the dimensionless edge radius and Re. Pressure recoveries of up to 20% are reported at large Re for dimensionless radii as small as r/h=0.625. It is also found that the rounded exit results in turbulence levels as much as 25% higher than sharp-edged exits.
P3DB: An Integrated Database for Plant Protein Phosphorylation

Protein phosphorylation is widely recognized as the most pervasive, enzyme-catalyzed post-translational modification in eukaryotes. In particular, plants have purloined this signaling mechanism as evidenced by the two-fold higher frequency of protein kinases within the genome compared to other eukaryotes. While all aspects of plant protein phosphorylation research have grown in the past ten years; phosphorylation site mapping using high-resolution mass spectrometry has grown exponentially. In Arabidopsis alone there are thousands of experimentally-determined phosphorylation sites. To archive these events in a user-intuitive format we have developed P3DB, The Plant Protein Phosphorylation Database (p3db.org). This database is a repository for plant protein phosphorylation site data, currently hosting information on 32,963 non-redundant sites collated from 23 experimental studies from seven plant species. These data can be queried for a protein-of-interest using an integrated BLAST function to query similar sequences with known phosphorylation sites among the multiple plants currently investigated. Thus, this resource can help identify functionally-conserved phosphorylation sites in plants using a multi-system approach.
Cat triceps surae motor nuclei are organized topologically.

Abstract A “compartment nucleus” consists of a group of spinal motoneurons that supply the individual primary branches of a muscle nerve. Each primary muscle nerve branch innervates a specific subvolume or compartment of a muscle. The spatial and size distributions of motoneurons supplying primary nerve branches of the cat medial gastrocnemius muscle were examined to: (i) determine whether or not the medial gastrocnemius motor nucleus is organized in the same manner as that of the lateral gastrocnemius; (ii) determine the type of organization which collectively governs the triceps surae (lateral and medial gastrocnemius, soleus) motor nuclei. Individual primary branches of the medial gastrocnemius nerve were exposed to a horseradish peroxidase solution to retrogradely label their cells of origin. Each compartment nucleus was compared with the distribution of the entire medial gastrocnemius motor nucleus. These data were also compared with data on the spatial and size distribution of motoneurons in the lateral gastrocnemius motor nucleus. Results indicate rostrocaudal overlap in the distribution of motoneurons in each compartment nucleus. However, a rostral to caudal topographic arrangement and preferential size distribution for each compartment nucleus exist for proximal to distal muscle compartments. These and other results indicate that the motor nuclei of the entire triceps surae muscle group are organized by a topologic type map.
Melanocyte changes following PUVA therapy

The effect of psoralens and long-wave ultraviolet light (PUVA) therapy on human melanocytes was studied at the ultrastructural level. The results demonstrate an increase in the number of melanocytes, a change in their location, and an increase in the size of the melanosomes. Significantly, some of the melanocytes extend in narrow columns deep into the dermis, limited by the basal lamina, while others are found free within the dermis. Other morphologic alterations in the melanocytes consist of abnormal mitochondria, a swollen and distorted endoplasmic reticulum, and large lysosomes. The aforementioned abnormalities were also present in PUVA-treated skin that was examined 15 months after the treatment had been stopped.
Histology of a Sexually Dimorphic Integumentary Gland in Macroglossus lagochilus (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae)

A sexually dimorphic integumentary gland is described in the pteropodid bat, Macroglossus lagochilus . This gland is restricted to males from Central Province (mainland), Papua New Guinea and is not found in either males or females taken from the Bismarck Islands (Manus, New Britain, New Ireland, Duke of York). Histological examination of the glandular structure, which is readily identified externally as a crescent-shaped welt occupying the lower neck and upper chest, reveals that it is comprised of numerous hypertrophied tubular apocrine-type glands. Comparisons of the integumentary gland of Macroglossus males with those of other pteropodids that have been reported in the literature document striking differences in the organization and histology of sexually dimorphic glandular structures in Pteropodidae. The absence of the Macroglossus chest gland in individuals from the Bismarck Islands is not related to reproductive seasonality or to any apparent biological features of island and mainland populations.
A prompt gamma neutron activation analysis facility using a diffracted beam

Abstract A prompt gamma neutron activation analysis facility has been constructed at the MIT Research Reactor using a diffracted beam from a multilayered graphite monochromator. A beam of 0.0143 eV neutrons of intensity 6 × 106 n cm 2 s is available at the sample position. Backgrounds are low due to the use of the diffracted beam and are further improved by a sapphire crystal in the beam line. This design allowed the Ge detecting crystal to be placed close to the sample position, ~ 4 cm, with a resultant high detection efficiency. The sensitivity of the facility is reported for several representative pure elements. The major impetus for the construction of this facility was the need for accurate analyses of 10B in biological samples for neutron capture therapy research. Detailed results for this type of analysis are provided. The sensitivity of this diffracted beam facility currently exceeds that of two representative direct beam facilities using reactors of twice the power of the MITR-II. Possible major improvements in sensitivity, more than an order of magnitude, and in background levels are outlined for future development.
Magnetic circular dichroism analysis of the ihp effect on spin equilibria in human ferric hemoglobins

Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy has been to explore the connection between optical spectra and the high spin population of several hemoglobins under various conditions. It is found that the effectiveness of IHP in inducing spectral changes can be markedly affected by solvent. For example, the IHP-induced spectral changes in the visible region for nitritomethemoglobin-A in mixed buffer solvent systems (glycerol or polyethylene glycol (PEG), mw 190-210) are more than double those observed in aqueous buffers. We estimate that IHP induces a mix of R/T forms in bis-tris phosphate buffers, for NO-2metHb that is only about 50%. While PEG and glycerol both lead to enhanced IHP-induced spectral differences, they behave differently in two aspects. PEG shifts the visible MCD and absorption spectra of F-metHb-A, supposedly already biased towards the T form by ligand, in the same direction that IHP does. PEG also maximizes the spin state changes with IHP for three R from hemoglobins and N-3metHb-A, and so appears to stabilize the T form in all cases. Glycerol does not. In addition, the apparent binding constant for NO-2 to H2OmetHb-A differs between these two solvents. Comparison of the data from several hemoglobins leads to the conclusion that the changes in spin state distributions induced by IHP correlate well with quaternary structure for a given hemoglobin. An analogous correlation amongst various proteins between initial spin state distribution (IHP) absent) and quaternary structure is not found.
Preschoolers' mutualistic conception of seeing is related to their knowledge of the pronoun ''each other''

Abstract Previous research has shown that young children deny being able to see an agent whose eyes are covered. The current study explored this phenomenon further. In Experiment 1, 3-year-olds denied that they could “see,” but affirmed that they could “look at,” a doll whose eyes were covered—indicating that they demand mutuality for seeing another but not for looking at another. In Experiment 2, 3.5-year-olds drew the same distinction between “see” and “look at” when facing a doll or a human. A strong correlation between children’s knowledge of the reciprocal pronoun “each other” and their adherence to the mutuality demand was found. The results are discussed with respect to children’s bias for second personal encounters and children’s relational concept of persons.
Goals and challenges in experimental nuclear astrophysics

This paper provides an overview of the present questions, goals, and challenges in the field of experimental nuclear astrophysics. A number of different stellar environments and the associated conditions for nuclear-reactions–driven nucleosynthesis events and patterns are discussed. Experimental goals are presented and specific activities and initiatives are summarized for each of these burning environments. New facilities are under development and will help to provide a sound experimental base for understanding the evolution of the elements in our Universe.
Effects of thyroxine, epinephrine and cold exposure on lipolysis in genetically obese (ob/ob) mice.

SummaryTreatment of ob/ob mice with T4 24 hr prior to cold exposure did not alter plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin and FFA during cold exposure although ob/ob mice remained hyperglycemic and hyperin-sulinemic when compared to nonobese mice. FFA content of and FFA release from isolated adipocytes were significantly elevated in T4-treated obese mice after cold stress as compared to untreated obese mice. T4 treatment also produced a marked increase in epinephrine-stimulated FFA release from fat cells of obese mice in vitro.These results indicate that correction of the hypothyroid status of ob/ob mice with pharmacological doses of T4 improved the in vitro lipolytic response of fat cells, but did not alter the circulating concentrations of important energy sources for thermogenesis in vivo.The technical assistance of Ms. Teresa Pasquine is gratefully acknowledged.
Attention-deficit disorder and conduct disorder in girls: evidence for a familial subtype

Abstract Background: The frequent comorbidity between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder (CD) raises the possibility that ADHD+CD is a distinct and separate condition. Methods: We tested hypotheses about patterns of familial association between ADHD, CD, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and adult antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Using family study methodology in a sample of girls, we found 11 children with diagnoses of ADHD+CD, 39 with ADHD+ODD, and 90 with ADHD only. These were compared with 122 non-ADHD, non-CD control probands. Familial risk analysis was utilized. Results: Relatives of each ADHD proband subgroup were at significantly greater risk for ADHD, and the relatives of ADHD-only subjects were at a greater risk of ODD than relatives of control subjects. Also, rates of CD were elevated among relatives of ADHD+CD probands only, and the coaggregation of ADHD and the antisocial disorders could not be accounted for by marriages between ADHD and antisocial spouses. Both ADHD and antisocial disorders occurred in the same relatives more often than expected by chance. Conclusions: These findings suggest that ADHD with and without antisocial disorders may be etiologically distinct disorders and provide evidence for the nosologic validity of ICD-10 hyperkinetic conduct disorder.
Trp53 inactivation in the tumor microenvironment promotes tumor progression by enhancing pro-inflammatory tumor stromal populations

Inactivation of the tumor suppressor p53 is one of the leading causes of cancer as p53 inactivation via somatic mutations occurs in 50% of human cancers and sometimes in fibroblasts within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent studies by our laboratory and others suggest that p53 inactivation promotes a pro-inflammatory host microenvironment - elevated serum inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, enhanced Th17 cells, and augmented differentiation of myeloid cells, including myeloid derived suppressors (MDSCs). As chronic inflammation plays a vital role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastases, we hypothesized that p53inactivation in the TME favors tumorigenesis by promoting inflammation. To test our hypothesis and elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which p53 inactivation augments pro-inflammation and tumor progression, we compared the growth of subcutaneously inoculated B16F1 melanoma with a functional p53 in p53null and WT mice. As expected, tumor growth in p53nullmice was greatly accelerated. Remarkably, the accelerated tumor growth in p53null hosts was associated with an extensive expansion of stromal populations, including various myeloid populations, as well as non-hematopoietic reticular fibroblastic cells (FRC) reminiscent of stromal cells of the secondary lymphoid organs (SLO), both within the TME and the secondary lymphoid tissues. Further cellular and molecular analyses revealed that these CD106hiCD54+GP38+Sca-1lo/- FRCs, especially from p53null hosts, expressed high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and immunosuppressive mediators that supported the survival and proliferation of various myeloid populations, including CD11b+Gr-1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Together, our results suggest that p53null stroma is highly immunosuppressive, which modulates host immune-microenvironment via cytokine/chemokine and stroma-immune cell interaction and promotes tumor progression. This study underscores the immunological function of p53 in tumor suppression and broadens our appreciation of the p53 as a guardian and gatekeeper not only via inducing apoptosis and cellular senescence, but also via regulating the immunological microenvironment.
Effects of Written Feedback in Reading on Behaviorally Disordered Students

Abstract The effects of written feedback on accuracy in reading with 5 students enrolled in a self-contained classroom for behaviorally disordered children and youth were evaluated. Written feedback, placed on students' reading assignments, was evaluated in a multiple baseline design across students. The outcomes indicated improved accuracy in reading when written feedback was provided by the teacher. This finding was replicated across all 5 students. The students also rated the written feedback procedure favorably. Differences between previous research and the present outcomes were examined. The benefits of using written feedback as an intervention procedure with behaviorally disordered children, youth, and other student populations are discussed.
The partition of unity method for the elastically supported beam

Abstract The partition of unity method (PUM) is used to solve the Timoshenko beam with elastic support. Some important features of this new method are addressed, but the main concern is to overcome locking and to resolve boundary layer. We prove that by a proper selection of the local basis functions, the method is free of locking at the thin beam limit and exhibits no numerical boundary layer for strong elastic support. Optimal convergent rate is established in the energy norm and it is uniformly valid with respect to the thickness of the beam and toughness of the elastic support. Furthermore, the computed shear stress is also convergent uniformly with optimal rate.
High efficiency plastic scintillator detector with wavelength-shifting fiber readout for the GLAST Large Area Telescope

Abstract This paper describes the design and performance studies of the scintillator tile detectors for the anti-coincidence detector (ACD) of the Large Area Telescope (LAT) on the Gamma ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST), scheduled for launch in early 2008. The scintillator tile detectors utilize wavelength-shifting fibers and have dual-photomultiplier-tube readout. The design requires highly efficient and uniform detection of singly charged relativistic particles over the tile area and must meet all requirements for a launch, as well as operation in a space environment. We present here the design of three basic types of tiles used in the ACD, ranging in size from ∼450 to ∼2500 cm2, all ∼1 cm thick, with different shapes, and with photoelectron yield of ∼20 photoelectrons per minimum ionizing particle at normal tile incidence, uniform over the tile area. Some tiles require flexible clear fiber cables up to 1.5 m long to deliver scintillator light to remotely located photomultiplier tubes.
Electrical properties of V2O5-PbO-GeO2 glasses

Glasses in the V2O5-PbO-GeO2 system containing 55 mol% V2O5 were found to undergo a droplet-type phase separation. The dispersed phase is rich in GeO2. The volume percent of this phase increases with increasing GeO2/PbO ratio in the glass. When the volume percent of dispersed phase is small, the direct current conductivity depends mainly on the continuous phase. When the dispersed phase reaches about 42 vol%, a second kind of phase separation appears in the continuous phase and thus alters the conductivity dramatically. Providing that the heterogeneity is taken into consideration, all the conductivities of phase-separated glasses can be explained by the theory proposed by Mott.
Isolation of bacteriophages from the bovine rumen

Die Isolierung der im Pansen vorkommenden Bakteriophagen wird erstmals beschrieben. Bakteriophagen, dieStreptococcus bovis und PansenSerratiae spp. angreifen, wurden aus vielen Pansen-Proben isoliert und eingehend untersucht;Bacteroides ruminicola Phage wurde dabei nicht aufgefunden.
Double Beta Decay Experiments

The experimental observation of neutrino oscillations and thus neutrino mass and mixing gives a first hint at new particle physics. The absolute values of the neutrino mass and the properties of neutrinos under CP-conjugation remain unknown. The experimental investigation of the nuclear double beta decay is one of the key techniques for solving these open problems.
Mapping the phrenic nerve motor point: the key to a successful laparoscopic diaphragm pacing system in the first human series.

Background For patients with high spinal cord injury and chronic respiratory insufficiency, electrically induced diaphragm pacing is an alternative to long-term positive pressure ventilation. The goal of this study was to laparoscopically assess the phrenic nerve motor point of the diaphragm and then implant electrodes to produce chronic negative pressure ventilation. Methods Patients undergoing elective laparoscopic procedures (volunteer patient group) underwent a series of electrical stimuli (2 to 24 mA at 100-microsecond pulse widths) with a mapping probe to identify the motor point through qualitative visualization of diaphragm motion and quantitative measurement of the abdominal pressure to assess the strength of the contraction. After Food and Drug Administration and Institutional Review Board approval, tetraplegic patients (spinal cord injured patient group) who were ventilator dependent underwent mapping and implantation of electrodes for pacing in both diaphragms. Results In the volunteer group, 28 patients underwent 3 to 50 stimulations per diaphragm to identify the motor points. Throughout this series the surgical tools and software were improved to allow rapid motor point location with a grid-mapping algorithm. In the spinal cord injured group, 5 of 6 patients had electrodes successfully implanted at the motor point to produce adequate tidal volumes. The one failure caused a change in our inclusion criteria to include fluoroscopic confirmation of diaphragm movement during surface nerve stimulation. Three patients are completely free of the ventilator, and the other 2 are progressively increasing their time off the ventilator with conditioning. Conclusions Mapping and implantation of the electrodes can be done laparoscopically, providing for a low-risk, cost-effective, outpatient, diaphragm pacing system that will support the respiratory needs of patients.
Mechanobiological oscillators control lymph flow

The ability of cells to sense and respond to physical forces has been recognized for decades, but researchers are only beginning to appreciate the fundamental importance of mechanical signals in biology. At the larger scale, there has been increased interest in the collective organization of cells and their ability to produce complex, "emergent" behaviors. Often, these complex behaviors result in tissue-level control mechanisms that manifest as biological oscillators, such as observed in fireflies, heartbeats, and circadian rhythms. In many cases, these complex, collective behaviors are controlled--at least in part--by physical forces imposed on the tissue or created by the cells. Here, we use mathematical simulations to show that two complementary mechanobiological oscillators are sufficient to control fluid transport in the lymphatic system: Ca(2+)-mediated contractions can be triggered by vessel stretch, whereas nitric oxide produced in response to the resulting fluid shear stress causes the lymphatic vessel to relax locally. Our model predicts that the Ca(2+) and NO levels alternate spatiotemporally, establishing complementary feedback loops, and that the resulting phasic contractions drive lymph flow. We show that this mechanism is self-regulating and robust over a range of fluid pressure environments, allowing the lymphatic vessels to provide pumping when needed but remain open when flow can be driven by tissue pressure or gravity. Our simulations accurately reproduce the responses to pressure challenges and signaling pathway manipulations observed experimentally, providing an integrated conceptual framework for lymphatic function.
The association of native and non-native annual plants with Larrea tridentata (creosote bush) in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts

Creosote bushes (Larrea tridentata) form islands of fertility that influence annual plant abundances in desert ecosystems, and the distribution of native and non-native annuals with respect to creosote may differ. We established plots on the north and south facing sides of L. tridentata in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts within four different microhabitats spanning from under the shrub canopy into the open. We counted native and non-native annuals twice during the winter growing season to determine the effects of L. tridentata on the spatial distribution of native and non-native annuals. In both deserts, annual plant abundances were higher on the north side of L. tridentata and in open areas. Native annuals in the Mojave were most abundant near the edge of the shrub canopy, whereas native annuals in the Sonoran were most abundant in open areas. The effects of L. tridentata fertility islands on annual abundances were not consistent between the two deserts we studied. Our study emphasizes the importance of research on native and non-native annuals in multiple regions before generalizations can be made about the effects of L. tridentata on annual plant abundances in desert scrub ecosystems.
Scenario analysis predicts context-dependent stream response to landuse change in a heavily mined central Appalachian watershed

AbstractScenario analysis has the potential to improve management of aquatic systems throughout the Mountaintop Removal–Valley Fill mining (MTR–VF) region of central Appalachia. However, the extent to which surface mining interacts with other landuse stressors (i.e., cumulative effects) is unclear, and this limits our ability to predict the effects of new mines on physical, chemical, and biological conditions downstream. We tested for additive and interactive effects of landuse change (surface mining, deep mining, and residential development) on water quality (specific conductance and Se), habitat quality, and benthic macroinvertebrates via a uniquely designed watershed-scale assessment of the Coal River, West Virginia (USA). We derived equations for predicting in-stream response to landscape changes and predicted the outcome of a realistic future scenario involving development of 15 permitted mines. Elevated Se concentrations were directly correlated with incremental increases in surface-mining extent. S...
Eisenhower versus the spin-off story: Did the rise of the military-industrial complex hurt or help America's commercial aircraft industry?

In his Farewell Address, President Eisenhower warned that the military-industrial complex (MIC) threatened to dominate American research, crowding out commercial innovation. Ironically, a number of analysts point to spin-off benefits of the 1950s' military effort as a crucial source of American high-tech competitiveness, often citing the key example of the relationship between military jet aircraft and the Boeing's 707. But the huge military investment in jet aviation had both benefits and costs for the commercial industry. This article compares the development of the Boeing 707 and its relationship to military projects like the KC-135 tanker to the contemporary development of commercial jet aircraft by other companies that were also integral parts of the military-industrial complex (MIC), including Douglas Aircraft and its commercial DC-8 and Convair and its commercial 880 and 990. Using evidence from archives, interviews with retired company executives, contemporary trade press, and academic studies, the article concludes that membership in the MIC did not offer firms a leg up in commercial markets. President Eisenhower was generally right about the costs of the military effort, but military spending remained low enough to allow commercial industry to thrive in parallel to the defense industry.
A useful knot in ptosis surgery

Skin closure in ptosis surgery requires deeply placed stitches which encompass the edges of the skin and the levator aponeurosis. In the authors' modification, a friction knot is tied with stiff monofilament suture material. This technique substantially simplifies subsequent removal of the suture.
Impact of Gene Patents and Licensing Practices on Access to Genetic Testing and Carrier Screening for Tay-Sachs and Canavan Disease

Genetic testing for Tay-Sachs and Canavan disease is particularly important for Ashkenazi Jews, because both conditions are more frequent in that population. This comparative case study was possible because of different patenting and licensing practices. The role of DNA testing differs between Tay-Sachs and Canavan diseases. The first-line screening test for Tay-Sachs remains an enzyme activity test rather than genotyping. Genotyping is used for preimplantation diagnosis and confirmatory testing. In contrast, DNA-based testing is the basis for Canavan screening and diagnosis. The HEXA gene for Tay-Sachs was cloned at the National Institutes of Health, and the gene was patented but has not been licensed. The ASPA gene for Canavan disease was cloned and patented by Miami Children's Hospital. Miami Children's Hospital did not inform family members and patient groups that had contributed to the gene discovery that it was applying for a patent, and pursued restrictive licensing practices when a patent issued in 1997. This led to intense controversy, litigation, and a sealed, nonpublic 2003 settlement that apparently allowed for nonexclusive licensing. A survey of laboratories revealed a possible price premium for ASPA testing, with per-unit costs higher than for other genetic tests in the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health, and Society case studies. The main conclusion from comparing genetic testing for Tay-Sachs and Canavan diseases, however, is that patenting and licensing conducted without communication with patients and advocates cause mistrust and can lead to controversy and litigation, a negative model to contrast with the positive model of patenting and licensing for genetic testing of cystic fibrosis.
Security for workflow systems

Workflow technology is often employed by organizations to automate their day-to-day business processes. The primary advantage of adopting workflow technology is to separate the business policy from the business applications so that flexibility and maintainability of business process reengineering can be enhanced. Today’s workflows are not necessarily bound to a single organization, but may span multiple organizations where the tasks within a workflow are executed by different organizations.
Tissue factor encryption

Tissue factor (TF) encryption is the post-translational suppression of TF procoagulant activity (PCA) on the cell surface. There is emerging evidence of encrypted TF in normal blood associated with monocytes and platelets. Expression of this latent TF PCA during the propagation phase of blood coagulation may contribute to hemostasis. One pathway leading to the decryption of TF PCA begins with an increase in cytosolic calcium. A large calcium influx triggers both the exposure of phosphatidylserine and the expression of TF PCA on cell surfaces. The connections between these events are reviewed along with evidence that lipid raft association may also contribute to TF encryption. The last step in the decryption of TF PCA is the proteolytic activation of zymogen factor VII. This event may be a key to understanding the different roles of intravascular and extravascular TF in the process of blood coagulation.
The role of locomotor posture and experience on handedness and footedness in infancy.

Abstract This research examined the development of handedness and footedness in infancy. We measured footedness by documenting the limb infants used to “lead-out” as they crawled or walked down a path several times. We measured handedness by documenting the hand infants used to reach for a goal at the end of each trial. Study 1 showed that locomotor skill affects limb lateralization preferences and that most 13-month-old infants demonstrated a side preference for reaching and leading out “in the moment.” Study 2 longitudinally examined the developmental trajectories of handedness and footedness as they related to locomotor posture and experience. The findings suggest high variability in the developmental trajectory of footedness, with frequent fluctuation between side preferences. The developmental trajectory of handedness was more stable over the transition between locomotor milestones. The transition between crawling and walking decreased the proportion of infants demonstrating side preferences for leading out and the onset of walking decreased the proportion of infants demonstrating side preferences for reaching. These findings demonstrate the importance of making behavioral observations at multiple time scales to understand underlying developmental trajectories, specifically the stability or instability of the motor system associated with the acquisition of new motor abilities.