cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards estimating web search result relevance from touch interactions on mobile devices

Fine-grained search interactions such as mouse cursor movements and scrolling have been shown to be valuable for modeling user attention and preferences of Web search results, in the desktop setting. However, users increasingly search the Web on touch-enabled devices such as smart phones and tablets, where they zoom and swipe instead of mousing and scrolling. In this paper, we present, to our knowledge, the first study of the utility of touch interactions on a mobile devices for estimating Web search result relevance -- which can in turn be used for search result ranking and evaluation. In particular, we explore a variety of touch interaction signals as implicit relevance feedback, based on a user study of 26 users and hundreds of unique Web search queries, result clicks, and page examinations. Our experimental results show that touch interactions provide more effective implicit feedback compared to only the time spent visiting a document, resulting in substantially higher correlation of the estimated document relevance with the explicit relevance judgments.
Factors associated with the adoption of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy in the United States

Purpose: Minimally invasive radical prostatectomy has supplanted radical retropubic prostatectomy in popularity despite the absence of strong comparative effectiveness data demonstrating its superiority. We examined the influence of patient, surgeon and hospital characteristics on the use of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy vs radical retropubic prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: Using SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results)-Medicare linked data we identified 11,732 men who underwent radical prostatectomy from 2003 to 2007. We assessed the contribution of patient, surgeon and hospital characteristics to the likelihood of undergoing minimally invasive radical prostatectomy vs radical retropubic prostatectomy using multilevel logistic regression mixed models.Results: Patient factors (36.7%) contributed most to the use of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy vs radical retropubic prostatectomy, followed by surgeon (19.1%) and hospital (11.8%) factors. Among patient specific factors As...
New model for ULF Pc5 pulsations: Alfvén cones

It is proposed that nightside auroral Pc 5 signals are inertial Alfven resonance cones excited by localized field-aligned current pulses in the distant magnetotail.
Steady, two-dimensional Brownian motion with an absorbing boundary.

We consider steady Brownian motion in the infinite strip with boundaries at x=0,x=L, with the latter absorbing. Our specific interest is to obtain insight into how a prescribed ``far away'' density at x=0 is mapped onto the absorbing boundary. The diffusion equation description cannot address this problem; instead we utilize an approximate solution of the Fokker-Planck equation. The major result we obtain is qualitative\char22{}that there may exist points or regions along the boundary where absorption takes place to a greater (or lesser) extent than might be inferred from the given far away data. A specific example illustrating this point is included.
Is hoping the same as expecting? Discrimination between hopes and response expectancies for nonvolitional outcomes

Despite the large literature on response expectancy effects, it is not clear to what degree individuals' hopes are associated with their response expectancies for nonvolitional outcomes. Indeed, it is not clear whether these two constructs are separate. The present study sought to: (1) determine if participants can distinguish between expectancies and hopes; and (2) examine the relations between expectancies and hopes in regard to non-volitional outcomes. Seventy-three volunteers completed items regarding 10 non-volitional outcomes, as well as measures of dispositional traits (i.e. optimism, pessimism, suppression). The results revealed significant differences between expectancies and hopes (P<0.001), and that these constructs were also correlated. Dispositional traits and prior experience were also found to contribute to hopes and expectancies.
Design and Analysis of Urban Building Integrated Photovoltaic System Simulation Software

A single comprehensive software package was developed for architects and building designers to optimize suitable location on various facades of urban buildings, where when photovoltaic modules were placed, would generate maximum energy. AutoCAD, the most widely used software by building architects, along with the ECOTECT, a building analysis tool, were used as primary tools in this software package. The process of solar analysis was automated with the help of customizing tools such as LISP, Visual Basic for Application and LUA scripts, creating a single plug-in for AutoCAD. The objective of this software package is to perform solar radiation analysis and obtain performance characteristics of the Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) system, taking into account shading and reflection from neighboring buildings, all within AutoCAD environment. In this project, we developed an urban building model in AutoCAD and performed the solar radiation analysis with the developed software tool. The performance characteristics were obtained and compared with the results from MATLAB model, previously presented [1]. The software package also incorporates provision to calculate energy from various commercially available solar modules.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Finite Element Simulation Analysis for Cutter Head of Slurry Balance TBM

This study present a finite element model of Ф11.18m Slurry Balance TBM. Loads on the cutter head in different geological conditions and different working conditions is discussed and stress distribution of the cutter head in three typical working conditions is obtained. The stress distribution and deformation trend of the cutter head in various working conditions have been shown in this paper. Weak areas of structural strength and stiffness of the cutter head have been obtained and the dangerous condition has been identified through the analysis results. These results provide necessary reference to evaluate performance of the cutter head.
Reactor Power Monitor Utilizing Cerenkov Radiation

Cerenkov light in the central region of a water-moderated reactor has been measured as a function of reactor power. Simple photovoltaic light detectors were used with a recording microammeter. The electrical current responded to a power increment increase with an initial rise proportional to the reactor power. This was followed by an additional increase in current of from 4 to 5% with a time constant of approximately 4 minutes.
The effect of the shiverer mutation on myelin basic protein expression in homozygous and heterozygous mouse brain

We report (a) that the shiverer mutation has pleiotropic phenotypic effects on myelin basic protein expression in the CNS of homozygous (shi/shi) mice and (b) that each of the effects of the shiverer allele is expressed co-dominantly with the wild-type allele in heterozygous (+/shi) animals. First, the total amount of myelin basic protein, as determined by radioimmunoassay, that accumulates in the CNS is approximately 0.1% of the wild-type amount in shi/shi animals and approximately 50% in +/shi animals. Second, the four major forms of myelin basic protein, with molecular weights of 21,500, 18,500, 17,000, and 14,000, that are present in wild-type mouse CNS are undetectable in either whole brain or purified myelin of shi/shi animals, and each of the four proteins is reduced commensurately in brain and myelin of +/shi animals. Third, the small amount of myelin basic protein-related material that does accumulate in the shi/shi brain consists of several polypeptides, with molecular weights ranging from 25,000 to 100,000, the pattern of which is different from that found in wild-type brain. The pattern of myelin basic protein-related polypeptides in +/shi brain is a composite of the wild type and the shiverer mutant. Fourth, messenger RNA from shi/shi brain, when translated in vitro, encodes a set of myelin basic protein-related polypeptides qualitatively similar to that encoded by wild-type messenger RNA, except that the 18,500 and 14,000 translation products are greatly reduced, while other myelin basic protein-related translation products are spared. The pattern of myelin basic protein-related translation products for +/shi messenger RNA is intermediate between the patterns for +/+ and shi/shi messenger RNAs. The results suggest that the genetic lesion in the shiverer mutation impinges on the structural gene (or genes) encoding myelin basic protein or on a cis-acting regulatory element controlling that gene (or genes).
The role of financial innovation in raising capital Evidence from deep discount debt offers

Abstract We investigate the market's reaction to original-issue deep discount (OID) bonds, which are issued at prices well below par and with coupons set below the market rate. Until July 1982 OID debt offered large tax advantages. Before that date stock-price responses to announcements of OID debt are significantly positive, in contrast to the negative, albeit insignificant, responses associated with par debt announcements. No stock-price gains are observed for OID debt issued after the tax advantages are removed. We conclude that in 1981–82 opportunities provided by financial innovation offset the negative information effects typically associated with debt-financing announcements.
Aroma Volatiles in Cooked Alligator Meat

Volatile components from cooked (convection oven at 176.7°c for 30 min) alligator meat were isolated by vacuum simultaneous distillation and solvent extraction (V-SDE) and dynamic headspace sampling (DHS) and analyzed by gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, or olfactometry. We identified 56 compounds in V-SDE extracts and 13 in DHS extracts. Volatile profiles were similar for all alligator meat samples regardless of alligator size (length). However, concentration of volatiles increased as alligator size increased. Most volatile compounds were lipid-derived aldehydes, which made up 73.9-79.4% of total volatiles in V-SDE extracts and 82.4-89.2% in DHS extracts. Hexanal, the most abundant compound, and (Z)-4-heptenal were considered responsible for the green, grassy and fishy, rancid off-odor of cooked alligator meat samples.
Near real-time simultaneous range and velocity processing in a random noise radar

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has developed an ultrawideband (UWB) random noise radar (RNR) that operates in the UHF band. The large fractional bandwidth and lack of phase coherency within the AFIT RNR necessitate an alternative to classical Doppler processing for velocity estimation. A time-domain approach to simultaneous range and velocity processing has been implemented in the AFIT RNR but results in significant memory requirements and impractical processing times. This paper presents a method to reduce the two-dimensional (2D) processing time by over an order of magnitude by segmenting the signal processing algorithm in order to parallelize on a graphics processing unit (GPU).
BETHE-BLOCH STOPPING-POWER PARAMETERS FOR GAAS AND ZNSE

If one is to calculate the stopping power for a specified projectile–target combination within the energy interval of applicability of modified Bethe–Bloch theory, values of several parameters appearing in the formulation must be ascertained. In the past, the author has established such values for numerous target materials through fits of stopping-power measurements with modified Bethe–Bloch theory. However, the semiconductor materials ZnSe and GaAs have not yet been thus characterized. A set of very recent measurements of the stopping powers of each compound for low-energy protons and alpha particles, reported by members of the Helsinki group, has been analyzed in order to remedy this dearth of parameter values. Moreover, some corresponding measurements for 7Li ions traversing ZnSe have been analyzed for the purpose of obtaining the value of a single effective charge parameter. Results of these studies are reasonably consistent with expectations, and values are recommended for the mean excitation energy and the Barkas-effect parameter for each compound. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 70: 919–924, 1998
Surfactant/polymer assemblies. 1. Surfactant binding properties

The binding characteristics of aggregates formed between neutral polymer (PVP) and anionic surfactant (SDS) are explored by light scattering. As added SDS binds to PVP polymers, the mass increase of the scattering aggregates is reflected in higher scattered intensity, so long as electrostatic interactions due to the SDS charge (as reflected in the second virial coefficient, A2) are suppressed by high ionic strength. Although there is an equilibrium between bound and free SDS, the majority of the scattering observed is due to SDS/PVP aggregates. These aggregates appear to consist of single PVP polymer chains with multiple bound SDS micelle-type structures. Attempts are made to quantify the binding of SDS to PVP in terms of the binding energy and binding volume, using both a model of scattering from multicomponent systems and a model of the thermodynamics of the binding process. Additionally, the saturation of PVP with SDS allows us to determine the stoichiometry of the SDS/PVP aggregation and suggest a physical cause for the saturation.
Optimal approximation of continuous-time systems

In [1], the problem of optimally approximating a discrete-time system by a lower-order system was solved based on a remarkable theoretical result of Adamjan, Arov and Krein [2]. In this paper, we derive similar reduced models for continuous-time systems using a new approach based on the system structure of the finite dimensional model. Concrete algorithms are developed for finding approximations of any specified order. These approximations are optimal in a well defined sense.
Three Words and the Future of the Affordable Care Act

As an essential part of its effort to achieve near universal coverage, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) extends sizable tax credits to most people who buy insurance on the newly established health care exchanges. Yet several lawsuits have been filed challenging the availability of those tax credits in the thirty-four states that refused to set up their own exchanges. The lawsuits are premised on a strained interpretation of the ACA that, if accepted, would make a hash of other provisions of the statute and undermine its effort to extend coverage to the uninsured. The courts should reject this latest effort to dismantle a critical feature of the ACA.
Urine markers of interstitial cystitis.

This article describes the current state of the art with regard to urine markers of interstitial cystitis (IC), and describes the areas that need continuing research. Articles referenced in MEDLINE that describe urine alterations in IC were reviewed. Additional articles were identified by cross-referencing. The different marker alterations were tabulated. The relevant articles were discussed, considering different purposes for urine markers including: (1) diagnosing IC; (2) confirming a specific pathophysiology for IC; and (3) predicting or following response to a specific treatment. Currently, 2 markers (glycoprotein-51 and antiproliferative factor [APF]) clearly separate IC and control subjects, with minimal overlap. Markers that correlate with specific bladder biopsy features include 1,4-methylimidazole acetic acid and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), which correlate with mast cell density, and interleukin (IL)-6, which correlates with mononuclear inflammation. Markers that changed after treatment were as follows: (1) nitric oxide synthase and cyclic guanosine monophosphate increased with oral L-arginine; (2) ECP decreased with subcutaneous heparin; (3) prostaglandin E(2) and kallikrein decreased after bladder distention; (4) neutrophil chemotactic activity decreased after dimethyl sulfoxide; (5) IL-2 inhibitor decreased after oral nifedipine; (6) IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8 decreased after bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine; and (7) APF and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor changed to or toward normal levels after bladder distention or sacral nerve stimulation. A larger number of urine alterations have been reported, and a few are being pursued further by correlating with bladder biopsy findings or treatment responses. Further research is needed.
Coyotes, deer, and wildflowers: diverse evidence points to a trophic cascade

Spatial gradients in human activity, coyote activity, deer activity, and deer herbivory provide an unusual type of evidence for a trophic cascade. Activity of coyotes, which eat young mule deer (fawns), decreased with proximity to a remote biological field station, indicating that these predators avoided an area of high human activity. In contrast, activity of adult female deer (does) and intensity of herbivory on palatable plant species both increased with proximity to the station and were positively correlated with each other. The gradient in deer activity was not explained by availabilities of preferred habitats or plant species because these did not vary with distance from the station. Does spent less time feeding when they encountered coyote urine next to a feed block, indicating that increased vigilance may contribute, along with avoidance of areas with coyotes, to lower herbivory away from the station. Judging from two palatable wildflower species whose seed crop and seedling recruitment were greatly reduced near the field station, the coyote-deer-wildflower trophic cascade has the potential to influence plant community composition. Our study illustrates the value of a case-history approach, in which different forms of ecological data about a single system are used to develop conceptual models of complex ecological phenomena. Such an iterative model-building process is a common, but underappreciated, way of understanding how ecological systems work.
Isolated Right Superior Vena Cava Into the Left Atrium Detected by Contrast Echocardiography

The patient is a 56-year-old woman admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for an acute traumatic subdural hematoma. Her medical history was significant for progressive, severe hypoxia reported to be secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, despite absence of supporting pathology on chest radiogram (Figure 1). An electrocardiogram on admission revealed sinus rhythm with left atrial enlargement and a prolonged QT (Figure 2). She underwent emergent craniectomy and evacuation, thereafter experiencing a prolonged Intensive Care Unit course with difficulty weaning off mechanical ventilation. During the hospitalization, intravenous access was obtained with a subclavian venous line (Figure 1). Intravenous agitated saline was injected into this subclavian line under echocardiographic guidance to confirm correct line placement. Within seconds, saline microbubbles were visualized in the left atrium (LA), without transit …
Study on thick film conductor performances on AlN substrate

For the purpose of development of thick film conductor materials for aluminum nitrate (AlN) substrate, adhesion promoting additives are studied. As a result of this work, it is confirmed that the metal borides worked as adhesion promoting additives without glass frit in thick film conductor composition. The advantages of this paste material are that there is no necessity to prepare oxidized surface of AlN by pre-oxidizing treatment and firing is possible in air atmosphere. In addition, this material has excellent anti-acid treatment performance such as excellent aged adhesion after plating. The results of performance evaluation after plating and the bonding mechanism are discussed in this paper.
Effect of self‐absorption on attenuation of lightning and transmitter signals in the lower ionosphere

The attenuation of VLF signals from lightning and ground-based VLF transmitters during transionospheric propagation has been the subject of recent interest, as discrepancies have been found between satellite data and model calculations. Previous modeling efforts, however, have not considered the self-absorption effect due to nonlinear heating and ionization in the lower ionosphere. A self-consistent model of ionospheric heating is presented here using a time-domain model of VLF wave propagation through the ionosphere. The model is able to estimate the attenuation of signals due to heating below ∼100 km altitude. In this model, the ionospheric state is updated as the fields propagate, leading to changes in collision frequency and electron density, which in turn affect the wave propagation. We use this model for ground-based VLF transmitters at different frequencies, amplitudes, and latitudes (i.e., magnetic dip angle), and for lightning-generated sferics with different amplitudes, at different latitudes, and using a variety of ionospheric density profiles. We find that the inclusion of self-consistent heating causes a change in the transionospherically propagating wave amplitude that varies considerably with the source amplitude and other parameters. Typical values for the heating contribution to wave attenuation are 1−2 dB for VLF transmitters, but greater than 10 dB for large amplitude lightning discharges. An interesting effect is observed for VLF transmitters and low-amplitude lightning, where the signal is actually enhanced due to heating, rather than attenuated, in the direction propagating across the Earth's magnetic field.
Where we stand in multilevel security (MLS): requirements, approaches, issues, and lessons learned

Many government planners and trusted system vendors have an oversimplified view of actual user needs for multilevel security (MLS). The purpose of this paper is to improve insight into what users really need and want in the name of MLS. This paper is primarily derived from work performed under Contract DAAB07-94-C-H601 for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). >
Adaptive teaching strategies to improve student learning in problem-based learning environments

The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of adaptive teaching strategies and resource allocation to enhance training in cooperative learning settings. The Biology Sleuth is a multi-media learning environment developed as a testbed to vary the distribution of critical resources and the use of teaching strategies, and to study their effects on group dynamics and individual learning. Students work in a cooperative environment, aided by various resources including a knowledge-base, each other, the software, and the teacher. This study examines the effects of two teaching and resource allocation strategies in this environment and suggests these strategies can have a large impact on both group dynamics and individual learning.
Hat guessing games and the use of coding for decentralized control

We study a class of decentralized team decision problems over discrete state spaces with non classical information structures. We present a simple class of problems, where an optimal solution can be obtained via coding. For the example presented, we explicitly construct a coding scheme, called the binary sum coding scheme, and show that it is optimal. This class of problems is motivated by a famous mathematical puzzle called the hats problem.
Potentially induced earthquakes in Oklahoma, USA: Links between wastewater injection and the 2011 Mw 5.7 earthquake sequence

Significant earthquakes are increasingly occurring within the continental interior of the United States, including five of moment magnitude (Mw) ≥ 5.0 in 2011 alone. Concurrently, the volume of fluid injected into the subsurface related to the production of unconventional resources continues to rise. Here we identify the largest earthquake potentially related to injection, an Mw 5.7 earthquake in November 2011 in Oklahoma. The earthquake was felt in at least 17 states and caused damage in the epicentral region. It occurred in a sequence, with 2 earthquakes of Mw 5.0 and a prolific sequence of aftershocks. We use the aftershocks to illuminate the faults that ruptured in the sequence, and show that the tip of the initial rupture plane is within ∼200 m of active injection wells and within ∼1 km of the surface; 30% of early aftershocks occur within the sedimentary section. Subsurface data indicate that fluid was injected into effectively sealed compartments, and we interpret that a net fluid volume increase after 18 yr of injection lowered effective stress on reservoir-bounding faults. Significantly, this case indicates that decades-long lags between the commencement of fluid injection and the onset of induced earthquakes are possible, and modifies our common criteria for fluid-induced events. The progressive rupture of three fault planes in this sequence suggests that stress changes from the initial rupture triggered the successive earthquakes, including one larger than the first.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Ethanol Neurotoxicity

Ethanol abuse affects virtually all organ systems and the central nervous system (CNS) is particularly vulnerable to excessive ethanol exposure. Ethanol exposure causes profound damages to both the adult and developing brain. Prenatal ethanol exposure induces fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) which is associated with mental retardation and other behavioral deficits. A number of potential mechanisms have been proposed for ethanol-induced brain damage; these include the promotion of neuroinflammation, interference with signaling by neurotrophic factors, induction of oxidative stress, modulation of retinoid acid signaling, and thiamine deficiency. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) regulates posttranslational protein processing and transport. The accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the ER lumen triggers ER stress and induces unfolded protein response (UPR) which are mediated by three transmembrane ER signaling proteins: pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). UPR is initiated to protect cells from overwhelming ER protein loading. However, sustained ER stress may result in cell death. ER stress has been implied in various CNS injuries, including brain ischemia, traumatic brain injury, and aging-associated neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson's disease (PD). However, effects of ethanol on ER stress in the CNS receive less attention. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the study of ER stress in ethanol-induced neurotoxicity. We also examine the potential mechanisms underlying ethanol-mediated ER stress and the interaction among ER stress, oxidative stress and autophagy in the context of ethanol neurotoxicity.
Overexpression of Akt (protein kinase B) confers protection against apoptosis and prevents formation of ceramide in response to pro‐apoptotic stimuli

An immortalized dorsal root ganglion cell line F-11 exhibits many properties of spinal cord neurons and undergoes apoptosis in response to growth factor withdrawal and the exogenous addition of inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K). To elucidate the mechanism of apoptosis we generated F-11 clones which overexpressed either the p110 subunit of PI3K, a constitutively active form of protein kinase B/Akt (Myristoylated Akt), or a dominant-negative form (c-Akt). The first two constructs were protective against apoptosis induced by PI3K inhibitors such as wortmannin and LY294002. Caspase-3 (CPP32) levels peaked at 4 hr to 6 hr in response to pro-apoptotic drugs, and this increase was attenuated by 50% in F-11 with constitutively active Akt. The Akt protection was confirmed by DNA fragmentation studies. Both neo-transfected and the c-Akt dominant-negative transfected F-11 cells showed increased ceramide formation (twofold) in response to staurosporine, wortmannin, or LY294002; whereas cells with a constitutively active Akt (Myr-Akt) showed no increase in ceramide when treated with staurosporine, wortmannin, or LY294002. Ceramide was a more potent activator of CPP32 and an inducer of apoptosis when added as the native form (hydroxy- or nonhydroxy-), rather than the more water-soluble C(2)-ceramide. Overexpression of PI3K (p110) and Akt protected cells against ceramide-induced apoptosis, suggesting that Ceramide action is upstream of Akt in these cells and suggesting that Akt might be a target for inhibition by ceramide. Both staurosporine and C(2)-ceramide activated the Jun kinase (JNK) cascade and C(2)-ceramide increased caspase-3 (CPP32) activity in cells expressing wild-type c-Jun, but not dominant-negative (TAM-67) c-Jun. We suggest that this pathway is also involved in apoptosis, consistent with the idea that ceramide has multiple kinase and kinase-modulating targets in the apoptotic pathway of neurons. J. Neurosci. Sci. 57:884-893, 1999.
Transcriptional response of Mycoplasma genitalium to osmotic stress

Mycoplasma genitalium is the causative agent of non-gonococcal, chlamydia-negative urethritis in men and has been linked to reproductive tract disease syndromes in women. As with other mycoplasmas, M. genitalium lacks many regulatory genes because of its streamlined genome and total dependence on a parasitic existence. Therefore, it is important to understand how gene regulation occurs in M. genitalium, particularly in response to environmental signals likely to be encountered in vivo. In this study, we developed an oligonucleotide-based microarray to investigate transcriptional changes in M. genitalium following osmotic shock. Using a physiologically relevant osmolarity condition (0.3 M sodium chloride), we identified 39 upregulated and 72 downregulated genes. Of the upregulated genes, 21 were of unknown function and 15 encoded membrane-associated proteins. The majority of downregulated genes encoded enzymes involved in energy metabolism and components of the protein translation process. These data provide insights into the in vivo response of M. genitalium to hyperosmolarity conditions and identify candidate genes that may contribute to mycoplasma survival in the urogenital tract.
Gas source molecular beam epitaxy of ZnSe and ZnSe:N

The use of gas source molecular beam epitaxy, using hydrogen selenide and elemental Zn as source materials, has resulted in the growth of high quality ZnSe on closely lattice-matched GaAs and (In,Ga)P. The undoped ZnSe epilayers are comparable in quality to material grown by molecular beam epitaxy, as indicated by narrow double-crystal x-ray diffraction rocking curves and intense photoluminescence dominated by a single donor-bound near-bandedge excitonic feature. Nitrogen species, derived from a radio frequency plasma source, are successfully used as acceptor impurities for ZnSe; photoluminescence spectra confirm the incorporation of nitrogen by the presence of the expected donor-to-acceptor pair recombination. Atomic concentrations of nitrogen as high as 5 x 1018 cm-3, are measured by secondary ion mass spectroscopy. Thus far, capacitance-voltage measurements indicate net acceptor concentrations (NA -ND) of approximately 1017 cm-3.
The effects of yaw and finite length upon the vortex wakes of stationary and vibrating circular cylinders

The present investigation considers the vortex wakes behind finite-length yawed cylinders that are stationary or vibrating transversly in a uniform flow. In the Reynolds-number range 160–103 a number of three-dimensional and nominally two-dimensional wake flows are observed and attributed to the dominance of end conditions over rather large spans of the cylinder (aspect ratios up to 100).
Learning from evaluation at the Millennium Challenge Corporation

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a US foreign aid agency working with selected countries, emphasises rigorous evaluations to support poverty reduction through economic growth. MCC’s experience with early impact evaluations and its growing evaluation portfolio has motivated actions to enhance the quality of evaluations. Specifically, MCC has introduced formal reviews that (i) better balance evaluation designs to ensure learning while respecting accountability, (ii) more selectively use impact evaluations and (iii) strengthen the programme logic and its documentation. MCC has also developed an explicit results dissemination strategy to ensure public access to evaluation results and most evaluation data, subject to ethical protections of respondents.
Status of x-ray lithography

This paper will review some of the current approaches to x-ray lithography technology for device and circuit fabrication. Recent results in source, mask, process, and alignment research will be surveyed. A special emphasis will be placed on the differences in approach using full wafer, conventional source systems compared with those which are based on step and repeat and which may use a storage ring source. Systems which use a full wafer approach can compete with full wafer optical lithography at minimum circuit feature dimensions greater than about 1 1/2µm. Their resolution is also competitive with that of optical wafer steppers, but the overlay achievable with wafer steppers is potentially better. If the resolution achievable with x-rays (≪1µm) is combined with the local control over alignment obtainable with a step-and-repeat approach, then a lithographic technology compatible with dense submicron circuits is potentially obtainable. However, this case will need the increased exposure speed which is achieved most easily by use of a synchrotron radiation source.
Hymenoptera Genome Database: integrating genome annotations in HymenopteraMine

We report an update of the Hymenoptera Genome Database (HGD) (http://HymenopteraGenome.org), a model organism database for insect species of the order Hymenoptera (ants, bees and wasps). HGD maintains genomic data for 9 bee species, 10 ant species and 1 wasp, including the versions of genome and annotation data sets published by the genome sequencing consortiums and those provided by NCBI. A new data-mining warehouse, HymenopteraMine, based on the InterMine data warehousing system, integrates the genome data with data from external sources and facilitates cross-species analyses based on orthology. New genome browsers and annotation tools based on JBrowse/WebApollo provide easy genome navigation, and viewing of high throughput sequence data sets and can be used for collaborative genome annotation. All of the genomes and annotation data sets are combined into a single BLAST server that allows users to select and combine sequence data sets to search.
Property Data from Tax Assessors

Transamerica Information Management Services and other companies throughout the United States are making tax assessor's property data available on CD-ROM for numerous counties in the United States....
Moving Beyond Fight and Flight: A Contingent Model of How the Emotional Regulation of Anger and Fear Sparks Proactivity

Although the experience of negative emotions is generally associated with negative behaviors and outcomes, researchers have largely overlooked the possibility that negative emotions can lead to pro...
Periodicities in the X-Ray Diffraction of Low Order AlAs/GaAs Superlattices

In this work we examine the physical properties for the superlattice system (GaAs)n1 (AlAs)n2/GaAs(100) for low values of n1 and n2, i.e., n1 = n2 = 3, 6, 12. Normal, interrupted growth, and migration enhanced epitaxy (MEE) growth techniques were used to grow the superlattice structures in a molecular beam epitaxy system. X-ray diffraction spectra were obtained, and the major and satellite peak positions were analyzed to obtain the superlattice periodicity. An analysis of the major diffraction peaks and their associated satellites produced superlattice periodicity in good agreement with theory. Diffraction peaks were also observed in regions adjacent to the primary diffraction peaks which did not occur in the expected satellite positions. An analysis of these peaks relative to the primary peak indicate periodicities corresponding to layer thickness greater than the intended period. One possible cause for these periodicities is growth conditions that exist during the growth of the superlattice which result in the deposition of fractional monolayers. In this study we present results which suggest that an arsenic-deficient growth condition may be a contributing factor in the deposition of fractional monolayers.
Effect of folic acid, liver extract, and vitamin B12 on hemoglobin regeneration in chicks.

SummaryA severe anemia was induced in chicks by the intramuscular injection of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (2.0 mg per 100 g body weight) following a depletion period on a folic acid deficient pu...
Photochemical Studies of CH3C(O)OONO2 (PAN) and CH3CH2C(O)OONO2 (PPN): NO3 Quantum Yields

The quantum yields for the production of NO3 in the gas-phase UV photolysis of peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN, CH3C(O)OONO2) and peroxypropionyl nitrate (PPN, CH3CH2C(O)OONO2) at 248 and 308 nm were measured. We report room-temperature quantum yield values of 0.19 ± 0.04 and 0.41 ± 0.10 at 248 and 308 nm, respectively, for PAN and 0.22 ± 0.04 and 0.39 ± 0.04 at 248 and 308 nm, respectively, for PPN. UV absorption cross sections for PPN between 200 and 340 nm over the temperature range 296−253 K are also reported. The atmospheric implications of these results are discussed.
The diets of neotropical trogons, motmots, barbets and toucans

Although membership in broad diet categories is a standard feature of community analyses of Neotropical birds, the bases for assignments to diet categories are usually not stated, or they are derived from anecdotal information or bill shape. We used notations of stomach contents on museum specimen labels to assess membership in broad diet categories (“fruit only,” “ arthropods only,” and “fruit and arthropods”) for species of four families of birds in the Neotropics usually considered to have a mixed diet of fruit and animal matter: trogons (Trogonidae), motmots (Momotidae), New World barbets (Capitonidae), and toucans (Ramphastidae). An assessment of the accuracy of label data by direct comparison to independent microscopic analysis of actual stomach contents of the same specimens showed that label notations were remarkably accurate. The specimen label data for 246 individuals of 17 species of Trogonidae showed that quetzals (Pharomachrus) differ significantly from other trogons (Trogon) in being more fiugivorous. Significant differences in degree of frugivory were found among various Trogon species. Within the Trogonidae, degree of frugivory is strongly correlated with body size, the larger species being more frugivorous. The more frugivorous quetzals (Pharomachrus) have relatively flatter bills than other trogons, in accordance with predictions concerning morphology of frugivores; otherwise, bill morphology correlated poorly with degree of fiugivory. An analysis of label data from 124 individuals of six species of motmots showed that one species (Electron platyrhynchum) is highly insectivorous, differing significantly from two others that are more frugivorous (Baryphthengus martii and Momotus momota). An analysis of 135 individuals of 12 species of barbets showed that although “fruit only” predominated among almost all species, arthropods are more frequently recorded in the stomachs of species in the genera Eubucco and Capito than in Semnornis. The highly frugivorous diet of Semnornis species is yet another parameter in which they resemble toucans more than New World barbets. Data from 326 individuals of 32 species of toucans showed that the family is remarkably homogeneous in the predominance of fruit in the stomachs of all species. These data suggest hat the degree to which toucans prey upon bird eggs and nestlings, and animal matter in general, is overemphasized. Although our data suggest that it is safe to assign toucans to a “fruit only” category in community analyses, such assignments must be taken on a genus-by-genus or species-byspecies basis in trogons, motmots, and barbets.
Thermochemistry of Paddle Wheel MOFs: Cu-HKUST-1 and Zn-HKUST-1

Metal–organic framework (MOF) porosity relies upon robust metal–organic bonds to retain structural rigidity upon solvent removal. Both the as-synthesized and activated Cu and Zn polymorphs of HKUST-1 were studied by room temperature acid solution calorimetry. Their enthalpies of formation from dense assemblages (metal oxide (ZnO or CuO), trimesic acid (TMA), and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)) were calculated from the calorimetric data. The enthalpy of formation (ΔHf) of the as-synthesized Cu-HKUST-H2O ([Cu3TMA2·3H2O]·5DMF) is −52.70 ± 0.34 kJ per mole of Cu. The ΔHf for Zn-HKUST-DMF ([Zn3TMA2·3DMF]·2DMF) is −54.22 ± 0.57 kJ per mole of Zn. The desolvated Cu-HKUST-dg [Cu3TMA2] has a ΔHf of 16.66 ± 0.51 kJ/mol per mole Cu. The ΔHf for Zn-HKUST-amorph [Zn3TMA2·2DMF] is −3.57 ± 0.21 kJ per mole of Zn. Solvent stabilizes the Cu-HKUST-H2O by −69.4 kJ per mole of Cu and Zn-HKUST-DMF by at least −50.7 kJ per mole of Zn. Such strong chemisorption of solvent is similar in magnitude to the strongly exothermic binding ...
The self-limited nature of chronic idiopathic diarrhea.

Abstract Background. Little is known about the clinical presentation and natural history of previously healthy patients in whom chronic idiopathic diarrhea develops. Methods. We reviewed the case records of 152 patients with chronic diarrhea who had no history of gastrointestinal surgery and who were evaluated in detail as part of a chronic-diarrhea protocol from 1985 to 1990. Patients were considered to have chronic idiopathic diarrhea if they had persistently loose stools for more than four weeks, no systemic illness, and no identifiable cause of diarrhea. Results. Seventeen patients (10 men and 7 women) ranging in age from 33 to 72 years met the criteria for chronic idiopathic diarrhea. Each patient had a history of a relatively abrupt onset of symptoms, often soon after returning home from a trip, starting two to seven months before evaluation. Their diarrhea did not occur during a local outbreak of diarrhea, and other family members did not become ill. Stool frequency ranged from 5 to 25 movements pe...
Activation of PI3K signaling prevents aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death in the murine cochlea

Loss of sensory hair cells of the inner ear due to aminoglycoside exposure is a major cause of hearing loss. Using an immortalized multipotent otic progenitor (iMOP) cell line, specific signaling pathways that promote otic cell survival were identified. Of the signaling pathways identified, the PI3K pathway emerged as a strong candidate for promoting hair cell survival. In aging animals, components for active PI3K signaling are present but decrease in hair cells. In this study, we determined whether activated PI3K signaling in hair cells promotes survival. To activate PI3K signaling in hair cells, we used a small molecule inhibitor of PTEN or genetically ablated PTEN using a conditional knockout animal. Hair cell survival was challenged by addition of gentamicin to cochlear cultures. Hair cells with activated PI3K signaling were more resistant to aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death. These results indicate that increased PI3K signaling in hair cells promote survival and the PI3K signaling pathway is a target for preventing aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss.
ConfChem Conference on Interactive Visualizations for Chemistry Teaching and Learning: Research into Practice—Visualizing the Molecular World for a Deep Understanding of Chemistry

A deep understanding of chemistry requires internal visualization of structures and processes at the molecular level to rationalize observable chemical and physical properties, and make sense of chemistry symbolism and mathematical relationships. The paper argues that accurate mental models of the molecular world are needed to address the student misconceptions described in the literature, and describes the potential and limitations of the VisChem animations to develop useful mental models. A constructivist learning design has been developed and evaluated as a best-practice strategy for effectively using the VisChem resources for learning. This communication summarizes one of the invited papers to the Interactive Visualizations for Chemistry Teaching and Learning ACS CHED Committee on Computers in Chemical Education online ConfChem held from May 8 to June 4, 2015. The lively discussions that followed addressed the difficulty of showing the crucial role of ion hydration without producing cognitive overload...
Evaluating CVSS Base Score Using Vulnerability Rewards Programs

CVSS Base Score and the underlying metrics have been widely used. Recently there have been attempts to validate them. Some of the researchers have questioned the CVSS metrics based on a lack of correlation with the reported exploits and attacks. In this research, we use the independent scales used by the vulnerability reward programs (VRPs) to see if they correlate with the CVSS Base Score. We examine 1559 vulnerabilities of Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome browsers. The results show that there is a significant correlation between the VRPs severity ratings and CVSS scores, when three level rankings are used. For both approaches, the sets of vulnerabilities identified as Critical or High severity vulnerabilities include a large number of shared vulnerabilities, again suggesting mutual conformation. The results suggest that the CVSS Base Score may be a useful metric for prioritizing vulnerabilities, and the notable lack of exploits for high severity vulnerabilities may be the result of prioritized fixing of vulnerabilities.
Perspectives on the impact of storage duration on blood quality and transfusion outcomes.

Background & Objectives Red blood cells (RBCs) may be stored up to 42 days before transfusion, per US and EU standards. Although there is ample evidence that RBCs undergo deleterious changes during storage, studies assessing outcomes relative to storage time report conflicting findings. This study investigated RBC storage duration perspectives and practices among blood banking and transfusion professionals. Materials & Methods A survey was administered at the American Association of Blood Banking annual meeting in October 2014 (N = 69). Results On average, participants believed RBC storage should not exceed 34 days (median: 35; range: 1–52), and estimated that RBCs are typically stored 21 days before transfusion at their institutions (median: 20; range: 10–40). There was 97% agreement that minimizing/reversing changes during RBC storage may produce clinical benefits; however, 80% believed the research does not consistently demonstrate worse outcomes using older blood. Two-thirds agreed that RBC storage duration is a major concern, but 81% agreed most institutions are not pursuing measures to shorten storage. Conclusions This study found that many transfusion professionals believe RBCs should be stored for fewer than the 42 days currently allowed and that further efforts are warranted to abrogate changes in stored RBCs. These findings suggest a need for increased awareness of potential consequences of extended RBC storage and for strategies to maximize transfusion benefits.
Structural Rearrangements in R432A Variant of AAV2 Affect Genome Packaging

Author(s): Drouin, Lauren M; Lins, Bridget; Janssen, Mandy; Bennett, Antonette; Chipman, Paul R; McKenna, Robert; Chen, Weijun; Muzyczka, Nicholas; Cardone, Giovanni; Baker, Timothy S; Agbandje-McKenna, Mavis