cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of annealing on relaxation behavior and charge trapping in film-processed poly(phenylene sulfide)

The relaxation behavior of poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) RytonTM film has been studied as a function of annealing temperatures, Ta, ranging from 30°C to 140°C. Previously, this type of semicrystalline PPS film was shown to possess a very large fraction of constrained, or rigid, amorphous chains. Here we investigate relaxation of amorphous chains using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC). DSC studies suggest that annealing causes the as-received PPS film to relax some of its rigid amorphous fraction and increase its crystallinity, for Ta > Tg. DMA results show a corresponding increase in the temperature location of the dissipation peak and a decrease in its amplitude when Ta increases above 100°C. Analysis of the TSDC p-peak due to injected space charges trapped at the crystal/amorphous interphase provides additional information about amorphous phase relaxation. This peak does not exist in amorphous film, or as-received film, or as-received films annealed at lower Ta. The p-peak does exist in cold-crystallized films and as-received films annealed at higher Ta. We suggest that crystallinity is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for observation of a p-peak. In addition to crystallinity, the sufficient conditions for observation of a p-peak are existence of (1) a sharp and distinct crystal/amorphous interphase, to provide charge trapping, and, (2) a large fraction of liquid-like amorphous phase, to provide a pathway for charge transport. These conditions are not met in PPS semicrystalline films with very imperfect crystals and large amounts of rigid amorphous phase. In such films, the rigid amorphous phase has, like the crystal phase, a restricted molecular mobility that causes it also to restrict the mobility of space charge. The implications are that film PPS processed with a large amount of rigid amorphous phase chains will have superiour barrier properties to the build-up of interfacial space charge. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Automatic Selection of Visual Features and Classifiers

In this paper, we propose a dynamic approach to feature and classifier selection. In our approach, based on performance, visual features and classifiers are selected automatically. In earlier work, we presented the Visual Apprentice, in which users can define visual object models via a multiple-level object definition hierarchy (region, perceptual-area, object-part, and object). Visual Object Detectors are learned, using various learning algorithms- as the user provides examples from images or video, visual features are extracted and multiple classifiers are learned for each node of the hierarchy. In this paper, features and classifiers are selected automatically at each node, depending on their performance over the training set provided by the user. Thus, changes in the training data yield dynamic changes in the features and classifiers used. We introduce the concept of Recurrent Visual Semantics and show how it can be used to identify domains in which performance-based learning techniques such as the one presented can be applied. We then show experimental results in detecting Baseball video shots, images that contain handshakes, and images that contain skies. These results demonstrate the importance, feasibility, and usefulness of dynamic featurelclassifier selection for classification of visual information, and the performance benefits of using multiple learning algorithms to build classifiers. Based on our experiments, we also discuss some of the issues that arise when applying learning techniques in real-world content-based applications.
Equations of Motion for Spinning Particles in External\\Electromagnetic and Gravitational Fields

The equations of motion for the position and spin of a classical particle coupled to an external electromagnetic and gravitational potential are derived from an action principle. The constraints ensuring a correct number of independent spin components are automatically satisfied. In general the spin is not Fermi-Walker transported nor does the position follow a geodesic, although the deviations are small for most situations.
Nitric oxide (NO) protects against cellular damage by reactive oxygen species

Since the discovery of nitric oxide (NO) as an endogenously formed radical, its effect on numerous physiological processes has been intensively investigated. Some studies have suggested NO to be cytotoxic while others have demonstrated it protective under various biological conditions. Though NO shows minimal cytotoxicity to a variety mammalian cell cultures, it does modulate the toxicity of some agents such as reactive oxygen species. Often, NO is generated in the presence of these reactive oxygen species in response to foreign pathogens or under various pathophysiological conditions. We will show that NO can play a protective role under oxidative stress resulting from superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and alkyl peroxides. It was found by measuring the time-concentration profiles of NO released from various NO donor compounds that only microM levels of NO were required for protection against the toxicity of these reactive species. It was found that there are several chemical reactions which may account for these protective effects such as NO preventing heme oxidation, inhibition of Fenton-type oxidation of DNA, and abatement of lipid peroxidation. Taken together, NO at low concentrations clearly protects against peroxide-mediated toxicity.
A spontaneous outbreak of colibacillosis in antimicrobial-fed piglets and their response to therapy

Abstract In determining the effect of prior feeding of antimicrobials on subsequent antimicrobial therapy in induced colibacillosis of piglets with Escherichia coli serotype O 62 (Dey et al., 1977), study groups in one trial developed spontaneous colibacillosis due to a different Escherichia coli serotype O 147 . This paper reports the results and conclusion drawn from this outbreak. Both groups, irrespective of antimicrobial feeding, developed disease, and the attack rates for the groups were not significantly different. Neither mortality nor the clinical course of illness in animals without therapy changed significantly as a function of antimicrobial feeding. The antimicrobial feeding had no effect on the therapeutic efficacies of chloramphenicol or chlortetracycline utilized for treating the disease. Chloramphenicol therapy was more effective in terminating the disease.
Quantitative positron emission tomography studies of the serotonin transporter in humans previously treated with the appetite suppressants fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine.

Purpose The appetite suppressants fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine were widely prescribed before being withdrawn from the market in 1997. Both drugs are known to have the potential to damage brain serotonin (5-HT) axons and axon terminals in animals, including nonhuman primates. This study used quantitative positron emission tomography (PET) with [11C] McN5652, a serotonin transporter (SERT) ligand to determine whether humans previously exposed to fenfluramines showed reductions in SERT binding parameters.
Heart disease in industry and the role of organized medicine.

A MONG the leading chronic diseases are the cardiovascular disorders. Such ailments are estimated to be responsible for 700,000 new victims each year.l The prevention of the degenerative arterial disorders, which afflict the bulk of such patients has, to date, met with no striking success. In fact, our aging population has brought an increase in the number of patients with vascular disease. Through the kindness of natural restorative processes, our therapeutic efforts fortunately promote varying degrees of rehabilitation in these patients. To what extent can these men and women contribute to our economy? A physician knows that all men and women fall short of their maximal usefulness. Bluntly, we are all physically, mentally, or emotionally handicapped to some degree. Our objective, therefore, is to match the productive capacities of our people to the work needs of the world. Rare is the person who cannot contribute something if he is sufficiently motivated and if his abilities are harnessed. The role of organized medicine is obvious. It is to bring the art and science of medicine to the support of the will, the ability, and the opportunity to engage in useful work. The role has proved not to be a simple one in a society which specializes in creating work strait jackets and factitious devices whereby one may subsist without working !
Hotel revenue management and the Internet: the effect of price presentation strategies on customers' willingness to book.

A decision that is intrinsic to the application of hotel best available rate (BAR) pricing is how to present the BARs for individual nights within a multiple-night stay to prospective hotel guests. We discuss two alternative price presentation strategies, a blended and a nonblended rate approach, and examine their effect on customers’ willingness to pay in the context of Internet-based reservation requests. Study findings indicate that a nonblended rate presentation approach generates higher willingness to book ratings than a blended rate presentation approach. Furthermore, when it comes to nonblended rates, familiarity with BAR pricing moderates the effect of rate sequence on customers’ willingness to book.
Fibroblast growth factor 23, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with CKD ([1][1],[2][2]). There is clear evidence that in patients with CKD on dialysis, the major cause for mortality, morbidity, and hospitalization is relentless CVD ([3][3]). This excess cardiovascular risk is
Declaring and checking non-null types in an object-oriented language

Distinguishing non-null references from possibly-null references at the type level can detect null-related errors in object-oriented programs at compile-time. This paper gives a proposal for retrofitting a language such as C# or Java with non-null types. It addresses the central complications that arise in constructors, where declared non-null fields may not yet have been initialized, but the partially constructed object is already accessible. The paper reports experience with an implementation for annotating and checking null-related properties in C# programs.
The Validity of DSM‐IV Alcohol Dependence: What Do We Know and What Do We Need to Know?

This article presents the proceedings of a symposium at the 2002 RSA Meeting in San Francisco, California. Deborah S. Hasin organized the symposium and co-chaired it with Marc Schuckit. The purpose of the symposium was to provide an overview of what is known about the validity of DSM-IV and ICD-10 alcohol dependence and abuse, with a focus on work done since 1994. Presentations included: (1) Validity of DSM-III-R alcohol dependence in adolescents, by Christopher S. Martin; (2) Reliability and validity of DSM and ICD formulations of alcohol use disorders: findings from epidemiology, by Bridget F. Grant; (3) Validity and reliability of the alcohol-dependence phenotype in the context of genetic studies, by Kathleen K. Bucholz; and (4) DSM-IV and beyond: uniting the clinical utility of categories with the precision of dimensions, by John E. Helzer. The findings supported the validity of DSM-IV alcohol dependence across numerous study designs and samples, suggested some value in a dimensional dependence measure, and raised questions about the validity of the diagnosis of alcohol abuse as currently defined. Marc Schuckit, as discussant for the symposium, placed the issues in perspective for the upcoming DSM-V.
REC, Drosophila MCM8, drives formation of meiotic crossovers.

Crossovers ensure the accurate segregation of homologous chromosomes from one another during meiosis. Here, we describe the identity and function of the Drosophila melanogaster gene recombination defective (rec), which is required for most meiotic crossing over. We show that rec encodes a member of the mini-chromosome maintenance (MCM) protein family. Six MCM proteins (MCM2–7) are essential for DNA replication and are found in all eukaryotes. REC is the Drosophila ortholog of the recently identified seventh member of this family, MCM8. Our phylogenetic analysis reveals the existence of yet another family member, MCM9, and shows that MCM8 and MCM9 arose early in eukaryotic evolution, though one or both have been lost in multiple eukaryotic lineages. Drosophila has lost MCM9 but retained MCM8, represented by REC. We used genetic and molecular methods to study the function of REC in meiotic recombination. Epistasis experiments suggest that REC acts after the Rad51 ortholog SPN-A but before the endonuclease MEI-9. Although crossovers are reduced by 95% in rec mutants, the frequency of noncrossover gene conversion is significantly increased. Interestingly, gene conversion tracts in rec mutants are about half the length of tracts in wild-type flies. To account for these phenotypes, we propose that REC facilitates repair synthesis during meiotic recombination. In the absence of REC, synthesis does not proceed far enough to allow formation of an intermediate that can give rise to crossovers, and recombination proceeds via synthesis-dependent strand annealing to generate only noncrossover products.
Persistent right jugular lymph sac simulating cervical tumor.

A patient who had had trauma to the right shoulder and upper chest complained of a right supraclavicular mass. Examination revealed a cystic tumor made larger by performance of the Valsalva maneuver. Angiocardiography demonstrated that there was partial stenosis of the terminal end of the right innominate vein. This and the Valsalva maneuver were responsible for the filling of a right persistent jugular lymph sac that simulated a cervical tumor.
Small‐angle x‐ray scattering of semicrystalline polymers. I. Review of existing models

The effect of previously proposed distributions of particle size and interparticle “gap” lengths on the small-angle x-ray scattering of a paracrystalline one-dimensional macrolattice has been examined. It was concluded that the general paracrystalline model, in which the fluctuations of crystalline and amorphous thickness both contribute to the destruction of long-range order, best describes the structure of lamellar aggregates in semicrystalline polymers. By using this model, the influence of symmetric and asymmetric lattice statistics on the positions of the scattering maxima were investigated. It was found that positively skewed thickness distributions result in the second-order maximum occurring at an angle greater than twice that of the first-order maximum (sx2/sx1 > 2.0); the position of the first-order maximum is generally greater than the Bragg angle of the structure. With negatively skewed distributions, the ratio of the scattering angles, sx2/sx1, is less than 2.0, and the first maximum is displaced below the Bragg angle. Qualitatively similar behavior is found with lattices characterized by symmetric lattice statistics, though these deviations from the Bragg conditions are smaller than in the case of negatively skewed distributions. The ratio of the scattering angles of the second and first maxima best reflects the general shape of the lattice statistics in a paracrystalline lattice. The effect of a transition zone, having properties intermediate between those of the crystalline and amorphous regions, was also considered. While the intensity of the higher-order maxima is decreased, no significant shift of the scattering angles results from the incorporation of such a transition zone.
Re: Acknowledgement of human bioequivalency of matrix's lopinavir-ritonavir formulation to Kaletra, comment to article on Bioavailability of generic ritonavir and lopinavir/ritonavir tablet products in a dog model, by Garren et al.

We have read with great interest the article published online in January 2009, ‘‘Bioavailability of Generic Ritonavir and Lopinavir/Ritonavir Tablet Products in a Dog Model,’’ by Garren KW, Rahim S, Marsh K, and Morris JB, of Abbott Laboratories. This dog study represented a preliminary investigation which suggested possible bioequivalency issues in man, for generic formulations of ritonavir and lopinavir/ritonavir. The article makes reference to a scientific investigation of a Lopinavir–Ritonavir Tablet formulation manufactured by Matrix Laboratories Limited. Matrix is a majority-owned affiliate of Mylan, Inc. and together, we have a vested interest in representation of this product. The data presented by Abbott in the online journal have indicated that some commercially available generic formulations of ritonavir and lopinavir–ritonavir tablets appear to have lower bioavailability than Norvir and Kaletra when compared in cross-over bioequivalency studies in beagle dogs. We also note that these findings have
Sequence determinants of enhanced amyloidogenicity of Alzheimer Aβ42 peptide relative to Aβ40

Aggregation of proteins into insoluble deposits is associated with a variety of human diseases. In Alzheimer disease, the aggregation of amyloid beta (Abeta) peptides is believed to play a key role in pathogenesis. Although the 40-mer (Abeta40) is produced in vivo at higher levels than the 42-mer (Abeta42), senile plaque in diseased brains is composed primarily of Abeta42. Likewise, in vitro, Abeta42 forms fibrils more rapidly than Abeta40. The enhanced amyloidogenicity of Abeta42 could be due simply to its greater length. Alternatively, specific properties of residues Ile(41) and Ala(42) might favor aggregation. To distinguish between these two possibilities, we constructed a library of sequences in which residues 41 and 42 were randomized. The aggregation behavior of the resulting sequences was assessed using a high throughput screen, based on the finding that fusions of Abeta42 to green fluorescence protein (GFP) prevent the folding and fluorescence of GFP, whereas mutations in Abeta42 that disrupt aggregation produce green fluorescent fusions. Correlations between the sequences of Abeta42 mutants and the fluorescence of Abeta42-GFP fusions in vivo were confirmed in vitro through biophysical studies of synthetic 42-residue peptides. The data reveal a strong correlation between aggregation propensity and the hydrophobicity and beta-sheet propensities of residues at positions 41 and 42. Moreover, several mutants containing hydrophilic residues and/or beta-sheet breakers at positions 41 and/or 42 were less prone to aggregate than Abeta40 wherein these two residues are deleted entirely. Thus, properties of the side chains at positions 41 and 42, rather than length per se, cause Abeta42 to aggregate more readily than Abeta40.
Plutonium-244 in the Early Solar System

Plutonium-244 (half-life, 8.2 × 107 years) and iodine-129 (half-life, 1.7 × 107 years) existed in nature during the early history of the solar system. The occurrence of plutonium-244 in the early solar system can be considered as proof that the transuranium elements were synthesized by the r-process in exploding stars (supernovae). There remained, however, uncertainties concerning the origin of iodine-129 and the interpretation of the isotopic compositions of xenon in meteorites.
Effect of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate on subtilisin Carlsberg proteolysis of an immobilized ovalbumin film

Enzymatic degradation of immobilized ovalbumin multilayer films by subtilisin Carlsberg was investigated using in situ ellipsometry. Changes in the substrate cleavage rate in the presence of an anionic surfactant, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS), were assessed. Exposure of the protein film to SDBS prior to introduction of the enzyme increased the measured proteolysis rate threefold. Surfactant increased the measured film thickness, absorbing into the protein film and causing swelling. Surfactant-induced film swelling was reversible upon aqueous rinsing. Nevertheless, exposure of enzyme to the surfactant-rinsed film increased the proteolysis rate, most likely due to irreversible conformational changes induced in the substrate film by the surfactant. Simultaneous addition of SDBS with enzyme after the initial surfactant exposure did not produce additional protein-removal benefit.
Location of a gene (ssrA) for a small, stable RNA (10Sa RNA) in the Escherichia coli chromosome.

Abstract The gene for 10Sa RNA, which is a major small, stable RNA in Escherichia coli, is a unique gene in the E. coli chromosome. The 10Sa RNA gene (ssrA) has been located between 2,760 and 2,761 kilobases on the E. coli genome.
Reading to write: Self‐regulated learning strategies when writing essays from sources

Abstract Student use of two self‐regulated learning strategies during a reading‐to‐write task was investigated. Seventy‐one college undergraduates read two source texts and then wrote a comparison/ contrast essay based on these texts. Use of one self‐regulated learning strategy, organizing/ transforming, was assessed by scoring subjects’ pre‐writing notes on their level of organization. Use of the second strategy, task‐information seeking, was measured by timing how long students accessed guidelines for writing comparison/ contrast essays and two model comparison/ contrast essays, which were available to subjects but were not required reading. Two other contributing variables, reading ability and self‐efficacy for writing, were also assessed. Results showed that essay writing quality, as measured by primary trait scoring, was significantly correlated with each of the four variables. However, a multiple regression revealed that only two variables, reading ability and task‐information seeking, contributed u...
ARTHRODESIS OF THE WRIST WITH THE USE OF GRAFTS OF CANCELLOUS BONE

1. The writers wish to stress the importance of arthrodesis of the wrist for the improvement of function in disabilities arising from various paralytic conditions which affect the upper extremity. The operation has also been used successfully in the treatment of traumatic and infectious arthritis, particularly in cases of tuberculous origin. 2. This operative technique presents a method for securing rapid and certain fusion of the wrist with the use of grafts of cancellous bone from the ilium. Cancellous bone has advantages over compact bone. 3. An understanding of the surgical and functional anatomy of the wrist in performing arthrodesis of the wrist is important, because preservation of motion in the inferior radio-ulnar and carpometacarpal joints has functional value.
River-Coast Interaction: Laboratory Simulation

The flow of a river into the ocean is often obstructed by a sand bar at the river mouth. The interaction of a river with the coast can be simulated in a hydraulic model with a movable bed. Use was made of the equation of continuity of sediment flow to arrive at similarity relationships. The method was used successfully for the Yaguez River in Puerto Rico. The results of the study indicate that water surface elevation in the river rises because of the obstruction of the bar at the river mouth. The highest water elevation occurs before the peak flow arrives at the mouth. Coastal structures were tested to minimize the water elevation. The method offers a useful coastal engineering tool but future work is needed to include the influence of waves.
Laminar and Turbulent Natural Convection in Solar Energy Applications

A computational approach is presented for the analysis of types of natural convection problems that are common in solar energy systems. Such configurations are characterized as tilted slender enclosures where the flow regime can be both laminar and turbulent. The computations are based on a finite-difference technique where the difference equations are obtained using an integration cell approach. The full set of Navier-Stokes equations are considered to be able to simulate recirculating flows. Turbulent regime computations are performed using a two-equation model where turbulence is characterized by turbulent kinetic energy K and its dissipation rate e.
Mechanisms of Air-Sea Turbulent Interactions at Small Scales

The understanding of air-sea coupling dynamics is of vital importance to Navy operations as well as to other concerns such as global warming and pollutant transport. Considerable work has been done to model the turbulent boundary layers at the atmosphere-ocean interface. Nevertheless, essential mechanisms of the air-sea turbulent interactions at small scales remain elusive. Existing modeling and parameterization all rely heavily on empirical input. Therefore, a detailed understanding of the small scale physics is necessary to provide a bridge between the small-scale processes and large-scale modeling and predictions. In this work, we use direct simulation of both the air and water turbulent flows to investigate the air-sea coupling mechanisms. We aim at fully resolving and capturing the coupled air-water dynamics at small scales. Our objectives are to identify and assess key transport processes at the air-sea interface and to establish a physics basis for the characterization and parameterization of the momentum and mass transfer within the atmosphere-ocean boundary layer.
Notes on the Preservation of Eggs

Abstract In January 1918 the writer took up the experimental work on the preservation of eggs begun by T. B. Charles of the Cornell University Poultry Department in 1916 and continued by an undergraduate F. A. Weeks during 1917. The object of this experimental work was to try out a number of different methods of preservation and discover, if possible, a practical method of treating cold storage eggs to improve their quality. Eggs have, therefore, been treated a number of different ways and some of them kept under cellar conditions and some in cold storage. Among the methods of treatment tried so far are, dipping in hot water for six seconds, immersing in boiling water for six seconds, coating with vaseline, coating with paraffin and with a mixture consisting of five parts vaseline to two parts paraffin. No very startling results have been secured thus far but there are a few …
Ecological and Chemical Associations Among Late-Season Squash Pests

Interactions can occur among insects and plant pathogens exploiting the same host plants, and induced changes in plant chemistry may mediate these interactions. Most studies have examined interactions from the perspective of individual insects or plant pathogens. We determined whether co-occurring insects and plant pathogens alter each other's exploitation patterns in late-season surveys of mature cucurbits. We made field observations of the densities of 3 herbivore species, percentage of leaf damage and powdery mildew coverage, and occurrence of 2 common disease symptoms on F2 individuals of domestic zucchini × wild gourd plants. We extracted bitter, toxic cucurbitacins and antipathogenic peroxidase enzymes from leaves and examined variation in chemistry based on the presence or absence of exploiters. We found that cucumber beetles were present in lower densities on plants with powdery mildew. No other interactions between insect occurrence and plant pathogen symptoms were found. Levels of insect infestation and plant pathogen symptom occurrence were not related to cucurbitacin content or peroxidase activity. Some exploiters do influence host use patterns by other pest insects and pathogens, but most insects and pathogens appear to interact idiosyncratically with the host plant late in the season in this system, perhaps because of low densities of exploiters and low induction of plant chemical resistance.
Technical Test for Boiler

There were three SHF-35-39/450 fluidized bed boilers in a power plant,the boilers were reformed into circulating fluidized bed boilers for enhancing economical benefit.After reformation,because the efficiency of plate seperators was low,they were reformated again,the maximum continuous rating of boilers was increased from 35 t/h to 42 t/h.
Iliac Artery Aneurysm

Although aneurysms of the iliac artery often accompany those of the abdominal aorta in 20–30 % of cases, isolated iliac aneurysms represent merely 2 % of intra-abdominal aneurysmal disease. There is a strong 7:1 male to female predominance. The pathophysiology of these aneurysms is similar to their aortic counterparts, with atherosclerosis and a strong smoking history being the principal etiologies. Approximately half of patients with iliac aneurysms will present asymptomatically. Frank rupture or rapid aneurysmal growth accounts for 20–100 % of symptomatic patients in reported series, with other presentations including chronic pelvic pain, hip pain, heart failure due to arteriovenous fistula formation, and urologic obstructive symptoms.
Badges of status in worker and gyne Polistes dominulus wasps

Despite widespread interest in quality signals, a broad understanding of quality that incorporates information about signals used in a variety of contexts remains elusive. For example, relatively little is known about arbitrary signals of quality used during aggressive competition (badges of status). Recently, a new badge of status was found: black facial patterns in Polistes dominulus wasps. Previous work on P. dominulus facial patterns focused on queens, finding that facial patterns predict body size and social dominance. Here, I examine worker facial patterns for the first time. Worker facial patterns provide an interesting comparison with queens and help shed light on two unresolved issues: (1) Is there pre-imaginal caste bias in these primitively eusocial insects? (2) Is badge-of-status elaboration influenced by developmental environment? I show that worker and gyne (future queen) facial patterns are correlated with body size. Larger individuals have a larger proportion of their clypeus pigmented black, corroborating the relationship between body size and facial pattern found previously in queens. Independent of the size relationship, workers and gynes have different facial patterns. Gynes have the disrupted, black facial patterns that signal a high level of quality, while workers have yellow facial patterns associated with a low level of quality. The differences between worker and gyne facial patterns suggest that there is some pre-imaginal caste bias in these eusocial wasps. Workers and gynes are genetically similar but experience different developmental environments, so the differences between worker and gyne facial patterns suggests that badge development is influenced by environmental factors.
Conformai and tunable optical dielectric metasurfaces based on flexible stretchable substrates

We introduce an elastic dielectric metasurface platform for developing ultra-slim arbitrarily shaped multifunctional and tunable optical devices. We demonstrate conformal metasurfaces for decoupling optical function and geometrical form, and elastic metasurface lenses with high tunability.
The Periplasmic Carbonic Anhydrase, CAH1, is Absent in the Sequenced Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii Strain, CC-503

The Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain CC-503 (cw-92, mt+), is a cell wall deficient strain that was used in the C. reinhardtii genome sequencing project. During the course of working with this strain, it was discovered that it lacks the periplasmic carbonic anhydrase, CAH1. The protein is undetectable on immunoblots probed with a polyclonal CAH1 antibody although other Carbon Concentrating Mechanism (CCM) proteins are found to be present in the expected amounts. However, the amount of CAH1 mRNA in CC-503, analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), shows no significant difference when compared to other wild-type strains, both walled and cell wall deficient. CC-503 shows reduced growth at lower pH conditions but no significant deficiency in the induction of the CCM. By serving as a natural CAH1 mutant, this strain could be used in experiments investigating the importance of this carbonic anhydrase in C. reinhardtii.
PROPERTIES OF ESTIMATES OF THE MEAN SQUARE ERROR OF PREDICTION IN AUTOREGRESSIVE MODELS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the properties of estimates of the mean square error of prediction in autoregressive models. A selection criterion is used to choose a suitable finite order approximation to the infinite order autoregression. There are several criteria available: final prediction error method of Akaike; AIC, an information criterion; and the criterion autoregressive transfer function method of Parzen. All of these methods require an estimate of the mean error of one-step-ahead prediction when an optimal predictor of finite memory is used. The chapter also discusses the bias to terms of order n-1 of several estimates of the mean square error of one-step-ahead prediction for an optimal predictor of finite memory. In the estimates, the autoregressive coefficients, forming the optimal predictor of finite memory, are estimated by regression methods. The chapter describes estimates of the autoregressive coefficients, constructed from both biased and unbiased estimates of the population covariances.
Development of an expert system for urban runoff

The U.S. EPA's Storm Water Management Model, SWMM, (Version 4.20, 1988) is a comprehensive water quality and quantity mathematical model for simulation of urban runoff in storm and combined sewer systems (USEPA, 1988a). Data to be processed by the SWMM model is entered into an editor text file, which is then loaded into the executable SWMM program as an input data file. This paper proposes an alternative method involving the use of a Knowledge Based Expert System (KBES) to prompt the user for this data with a series of questions. The KBES program, called SWMM-ES, has been developed for use in the PC/Windows environment (Microsoft, 1990).
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma post−radioactive iodine treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma: unique presentation and putative etiologic association

We report the development of mucoepidermoid carcinomas of the parotid gland in 2 adult patients after a relatively short duration of radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Both instances, together with those previously reported, underscore the selective nature of the mucoepidermoid carcinoma phenotype development in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma as a consequence of RAI treatment. Efforts to alleviate salivary pathophysiologic damage by RAI in these patients are warranted.
Multicolor Emission in Chemically and Structurally Tunable Er:Yb:SrFX (X = Cl, Br) Upconverting Nanocrystals

The synthesis, structural analysis, and NIR-to-visible upconversion luminescence of color-tunable Er:Yb:SrFX (X = Cl, Br) nanocrystals are reported. Green, orange, and red-emitting upconverters were achieved by employing chemically and structurally tunable alkaline-earth fluorohalides as hosts for Er3+–Yb3+ activator–sensitizer pairs. Solution-phase thermolysis of metal trifluoroacetates and of the corresponding trihaloacetic acid was utilized to synthesize Er:Yb:SrFCl and Er:Yb:SrFBr nanocrystals with average sizes of ≈15 and 50 nm, respectively. X-ray total scattering and Sr K edge absorption spectroscopy showed that a bulk-type crystallographic model provided an adequate description of the average and local structures of Er:Yb:SrFBr but failed to describe the local structure of Er:Yb:SrFCl nanocrystals, as deviations from the model were observed in the second coordination shell of strontium. Steady-state and time-resolved spectrofluorometric analyses showed that the red-to-green ratio of the upconverte...
Inter-rater Agreement of Clinicians’ Treatment Recommendations Based on Modified Barium Swallow Study Reports

The modified barium swallow study (MBSS) is a commonly used radiographic procedure for diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders. Despite attempts by dysphagia specialists to standardize the MBSS, most institutions have not adopted such standardized procedures. High variability of assessment patterns arguably contribute to variability of treatment recommendations made from diagnostic information derived from the MBSS report. An online survey was distributed to speech-language pathologists (SLPs) participating in American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) listservs. Sixty-three SLPs who treat swallowing disorders participated. Participating SLPs reviewed two MBSS reports and chose physiologic treatment targets (e.g., tongue base retraction) based on each report. One report primarily contained symptomatology (e.g., aspiration, pharyngeal residue) with minimal information on impaired physiology (e.g., laryngeal incompetence, reduced hyolaryngeal elevation/excursion). In contrast, the second report contained a clear description of impaired physiology to explain the dysphagia symptoms. Fleiss kappa coefficients were used to analyze inter-rater agreement across the high and low physiology report types. Results revealed significantly higher inter-rater agreement across clinicians when reviewing reports with clear explanation(s) of physiologic impairment relative to reports that primarily focused on symptomatology. Clinicians also reported significantly greater satisfaction and treatment confidence following review of reports with clear description(s) of impaired physiology.
Precoding Optimization for Copper Line Networks

Achieving high data rates on low quality twisted pair cables under certain power and complexity constraints requires optimized physical layer transmission. This chapter discusses signal transmission in G.fast with the focus on precoding and spectrum optimization in downstream direction. The power constraints to be considered for wireline transmission are different than a sum-power constraint that is mostly used in literature, requiring a more general optimization framework. A realistic estimation of the achievable data rates under the conditions of an implementable G.fast transceiver is provided.
Serum Response Factor-NK Homeodomain Factor Interactions, Role in Cardiac Development

Publisher Summary Defining the molecular basis underlying the establishment and maintenance of cardiac muscle differentiation presents a fundamental challenge in the study of developmental biology and molecular genetics. This chapter focuses on the recently identified tinman gene family members, vertebrate Nkx2-5 and the closely related Nkx-2.8, and their roles in the specification of the cardiac lineage and patterning of the embryonic heart. The chapter also examines the biological role of serum response factor (SRF), a purported ubiquitous transcription factor, which is required for the expression of contractile protein genes, such as the oL-actins. Serum response factor was recently demonstrated to be highly expressed in embryonic muscle lineages. In addition, this chapter will explore SRF's interaction with Nkx2-5. Nkx2-5 and SRF are capable of activating cardiogenic gene activity in fibroblasts. Finally, a discussion attempts to explain how Nkx2-5 and SRF function in a phylogenetically conserved pathway that does not utilize the skeletal myogenic MyoD family and is instrumental for cardiac cell differentiation.
Structurally Novel Platinum Antitumor Compounds

The more widespread and effective use of platinum complexes in cancer treatment is limited by inherent resistance (limited activity against many common human tumors) and the phenomenon of acquired drug resistance (reduced efficacy upon repeated treatment). The goals for new platinum complex synthesis thus remain activity in cisplatin-resistant cells and an altered spectrum of antitumor activity. Drug modifications may further allow for reduced toxicity and altered mode of delivery, such as by oral route or by liposome encapsulation. The complex biochemical factors which affect acquired resistance and cytotoxicity in both murine and human tumor cell lines include platinum uptake and efflux, enhanced repair of Pt-DNA lesions and increased levels of glutathione and/or metallothionein in resistant cells. Chemical modification directed to overcoming one or more of these factors can thus increase activity in cisplatin-resistant cells. Delineation of the molecular mechanisms of the various contributing factors to resistance can permit design of strategies to diminish or overcome completely the resistance. Clinical application of these studies could, in principle, produce a very useful adjunct to cisplatin treatment.
Application of Fuzzy-Integration-Based Multiple-Information Aggregation in Automatic Speech Recognition

Many real-world problems can be cast into a multiple-information aggregation framework where preliminary evaluations of separate information sources are combined to produce more accurate and reliable evaluation than would otherwise be the case. In this paper we describe a syllable-proximity evaluation problem in automatic speech recognition that fits well into this aggregation framework. A fuzzy-integration-based approach is adopted as the aggregation operator and a gradient-based algorithm is described for learning parameters automatically from training data. Experiments using spontaneous speech material demonstrate that the fuzzy-integration-based aggregation approach has many advantages over other techniques in terms of both performance and interpretability of the system.
Umgang mit Fehlern auf individueller Ebene

In diesem Abschnitt soll zunachst der individuelle Umgang mit Fehlern als Forschungsgegenstand dargelegt werden. Dieser wurde in der Literatur bisher im Vergleich zum Fehlerklima weit umfanglicher bearbeitet. Insbesondere zum Bereich der Beschreibung und Erklarung motivationaler und emotionaler Reaktionen nach Fehlern liegen vielfaltige Theorien und Befunde vor. Nach deren Vorstellung wird auf eine Konzeptualisierung des individuellen Umgangs mit Fehlern eingegangen. Dieser gliedert sich in zwei Bereiche, namlich in affektivmotivationale Adaptivitat und Handlungsadaptivitat von Reaktionen auf Fehler (vgl. Dresel, Schober, Ziegler, Grassinger & Steuer, 2013; Dresel & Ziegler, 2002, 2007).
Future Science with the James Webb Space Telescope (Conference Presentation)

Planned for launch in 2019 on an Ariane 5 from French Guiana, JWST will observe at wavelengths from 0.6 to 28 µm with a full suite of imagers, spectrometers, and coronagraphs. JWST will extend the discoveries of the Hubble and Spitzer observatories in all areas from cosmology, galaxies, stars, and exoplanets to our own Solar System. With a 6.5 m primary mirror it has a collecting area 7 times that of Hubble and 50 times that of Spitzer. The image quality is diffraction limited at 2 µm with near IR camera pixels of only 0.03 arcsec. I will outline the planned observing program, showing how the instrument capabilities enable new discoveries in new territories. What were the first objects that formed in the expanding universe? How do the galaxies grow? How are black holes made, ranging from stellar mass to supermassive, over a billion solar masses, and what is their effect on the neighborhood? How are stars and planetary system formed? What governs the evolution of planetary systems, with the possibility of life? How did the Earth become so special? But the most important discoveries will be those we have not even imagined today.
Hyaluronan-Mediated CD44 Signaling Activates Cancer Stem Cells in Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an aggressive disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Hyaluronan (HA), a major component in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of most mammalian tissues, is accumulated in many types of tumors including HNSCC and is also highly concentrated in stem cell niches. The unique HA-enriched microenvironment appears to be involved in both the self-renewal and differentiation of human cancer stem cells (CSCs). HA binds to a ubiquitous, abundant, and functionally important family of cell surface receptors, defined by CD44. This article reviews the current evidence for the existence of a subpopulation of CD44-expressing cancer stem cells (CSCs) in HNSCC. A special emphasis is placed on HA/CD44-dependent expression of stem cell transcription factors (Nanog, OCT4, and SOX2), cell signaling, and oncogenic microRNA activation, and how the action of these factors supports CSC functions including formation of spheroid cells, self-renewal, clone formation, and chemotherapeutic drug resistance. All of these events are known to contribute to CSC-associated tumor initiation and HNSCC progression in head and neck cancer. HA/CD44-mediated CSC signaling pathways are emerging as important structural and functional tumor markers. In addition, these proteins may be valuable as drug targets in strategies to inhibit tumor cell growth, survival, and invasion/metastasis as well as to overcome chemoresistance in HNSCC.
A parameterized digital 3D model of the Rhesus macaque face for investigating the visual processing of social cues.

Abstract Background Rhesus macaques are the most popular model species for studying the neural basis of visual face processing and social interaction using intracranial methods. However, the challenge of creating realistic, dynamic, and parametric macaque face stimuli has limited the experimental control and ethological validity of existing approaches. New method We performed statistical analyses of in vivo computed tomography data to generate an anatomically accurate, three-dimensional representation of Rhesus macaque cranio-facial morphology. The surface structures were further edited, rigged and textured by a professional digital artist with careful reference to photographs of macaque facial expression, colouration and pelage. Results The model offers precise, continuous, parametric control of craniofacial shape, emotional expression, head orientation, eye gaze direction, and many other parameters that can be adjusted to render either static or dynamic high-resolution faces. Example single-unit responses to such stimuli in macaque inferotemporal cortex demonstrate the value of parametric control over facial appearance and behaviours. Comparison with existing method(s) The generation of such a high-dimensionality and systematically controlled stimulus set of conspecific faces, with accurate craniofacial modelling and professional finalization of facial details, is currently not achievable using existing methods. Conclusions The results herald a new set of possibilities in adaptive sampling of a high-dimensional and socially meaningful feature space, thus opening the door to systematic testing of hypotheses about the abundant neural specialization for faces found in the primate.
Piecewise polynomial approximation of probability density functions with application to uncertainty quantification for stochastic PDEs.

The probability density function (PDF) associated with a given set of samples is approximated by a piecewise-linear polynomial constructed with respect to a binning of the sample space. The kernel functions are a compactly supported basis for the space of such polynomials, i.e. finite element hat functions, that are centered at the bin nodes rather than at the samples, as is the case for the standard kernel density estimation approach. This feature naturally provides an approximation that is scalable with respect to the sample size. On the other hand, unlike other strategies that use a finite element approach, the proposed approximation does not require the solution of a linear system. In addition, a simple rule that relates the bin size to the sample size eliminates the need for bandwidth selection procedures. The proposed density estimator has unitary integral, does not require a constraint to enforce positivity, and is consistent. The proposed approach is validated through numerical examples in which samples are drawn from known PDFs. The approach is also used to determine approximations of (unknown) PDFs associated with outputs of interest that depend on the solution of a stochastic partial differential equation.