cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catch-Per-Unit-Effort Models: An Application to an Elk Population in Colorado

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) models have been a traditional tool of fisheries management but have been relatively unexplored and unused for estimating abundance and survival rates of terrestrial game populations. CPUE models are appealing because they use harvest data traditionally collected by wildlife managers and do not require marking animals. The major difficulty in their use in fisheries management is that they require knowledge of annual recruitment, a quantity that is frequently difficult to estimate. Dupont (1983) developed a general multi-cohort model which does not require an estimate of recruitment but does require age determination of harvested animals. The technique is applied to elk (Cervus elaphus) harvest data from the White River herd in Colorado. Problems and possible improvements of the method are discussed.
Theory of Atoms in Dense Plasmas

High-charge ions are easily produced in the laboratory by intense pulsed laser radiation. With laser intensities of 1013 to 1015 Watt/cm2, the surface of a solid target is heated to temperatures of 200 to 1000 eV and the target material is strongly ionized (Fig. 1). The ions are identified by their x-ray line emission. Neon-like and nickel-like ions are easily produced and identified because they have closed-shell configurations.
Spatial surface temperature correlates of American lobster (Homarus americanus) settlement in the Gulf of Maine and southern New England shelf

American lobster, Homarus americanus H. Milne-Edwards, 1837, populations along the east coast of North America are geographically distributed over some of the steepest latitudinal ocean temperature gradients in the world. A disconnect between spawner biomass and postlarval settlement, i.e., young-of-year (YoY) recruitment, to the sea bed at the end of the larval season highlights the role of external environmental factors. To understand the spatial dimension of sea surface temperature correlates of settlement, we compared over two decades of inter-annual variation in lobster settlement at three oceanographically contrasting areas: the Bay of Fundy, coastal Gulf of Maine, and southern New England, with satellite-derived sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTa) patterns over the coastal regions and shelf waters. Correlations were performed between the settlement time series and monthly SSTa maps at time lags relevant to larval hatching, development, transport, and settlement. Settlement was significantly and positively correlated with SSTa in southern New England, showing associations with upstream areas over Georges Bank and southern Nova Scotia during months when larvae are expected in the water column (July–August). The Gulf of Maine site was correlated with SSTa in the immediate vicinity of the settlement site, and only in the month of settlement sampling. Settlement at the Bay of Fundy site was not correlated to SSTa patterns. The observed associations are consistent with larval advection by residual oceanic flow structure in the region, and are further supported by studies on lobster larval supply and genetic connectivity reported in the literature.
Texts and Treatises in Searches for Excellence: Sorting Through Public Affairs Dynamics and Enduring Governance Fundamentals

(2003). Texts and Treatises in Searches for Excellence: Sorting Through Public Affairs Dynamics and Enduring Governance Fundamentals. Journal of Public Affairs Education: Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 139-146.
Prevalence of Self-Reported Head Injury in the United States

Prevalence of Head Injury in the U.S. In a survey of adults 40 years of age or older from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cohort, the prevalence of recalled ...
Synthesis Gas Conversion over Rh-Mn-WxC/SiO2 Catalysts Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition

The catalytic conversion of synthesis gas to value-added oxygenates and light hydrocarbons was studied on Rh and Rh–Mn clusters on tungsten carbide-overcoated silica (WxC/SiO2) at 523 K, 580 psi, and CO/H2 = 1/1. The WxC-modified SiO2 support was prepared by the overcoating of WOx on SiO2 using atomic layer deposition (ALD) followed by carburization. The reactivities of Rh/WxC/SiO2 catalysts with varying number of ALD cycles (number of cycles = 2, 5, 10, 20, and 30) were measured and showed that 5 ALD cycles of WxC suppressed the formation of methane. All WxC-modified catalysts showed enhancement in selectivity toward methanol and ethanol through CO hydrogenation and acetaldehyde hydrogenation, respectively. These catalysts also improved the overall turnover frequency (TOF). The addition of Mn species further promoted the activity and the selectivity toward ethanol and C2+ hydrocarbons, especially light alkenes. The best performing Rh-2Mn/5cycle-WxC/SiO2 catalyst (Rh:Mn molar ratio = 1:2) achieved 84.7% s...
Incidence, predictors, and outcomes of DAPT disruption due to non-compliance vs. bleeding after PCI: insights from the PARIS Registry

The disruption of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) due to non-compliance or bleeding is known to significantly increase the risk of adverse outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, it is currently unknown if there are differences in the predictors and clinical impact of disruption due to non-compliance compared with bleeding. The patterns of non-adherence to antiplatelet regimens in stented patients (PARIS) registry was an international, multicenter prospective study of PCI patients discharged on DAPT (aspirin + a P2Y12 receptor). We analyzed the incidence, patient characteristics, predictors, and outcomes in patients with DAPT disruption due to non-compliance as compared to DAPT disruption due to bleeding in the PARIS registry. Predictors of non-recommended disruption and bleeding disruption were assessed using logistic regression. Risks associated with disruption on major adverse cardiac events (MACE, a composite of cardiac death, definite or probable stent thrombosis, spontaneous myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization) were analyzed using time-updated Cox regression over 2-year follow-up. Out of 5018 patients, the rate of non-compliant DAPT disruption was 1.6% at 30 days (n = 79), 6.5% at 12 months (n = 328), and 9.1% at 2 years from PCI (n = 457). The rate of bleeding DAPT disruption was 0.6% at 30 days (n = 32), 3.1% at 12 months (n = 156), and 4.6% at 2 years (n = 229). Multivariate predictors of non-compliant disruption included female gender, history of smoking, acute coronary syndrome, and US patients which were associated with greater risk; and dyslipidemia and discharge PPI which were associated with lower risk. Multivariate predictors of bleeding disruption included older age, prior MI, and discharge warfarin which were associated with greater risk; and US region and intervention to the LAD which were associated with lower risk. Non-compliant disruption was associated with a significantly greater risk for MACE (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.17–2.54, p = 0.006) and spontaneous myocardial infarction (HR 2.93, 95% CI 1.85–4.65, p < 0.001). Bleeding disruption was associated with a significantly greater risk for all-cause death (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.22–3.08, p = 0.005). Approximately 1 in 10 patients disrupts DAPT due to non-compliance and 1 in 20 disrupts DAPT due to bleeding. Disruption due to non-compliance resulted in higher risk for ischemic events and disruption due to bleeding had higher subsequent mortality. These data warrant efforts to focus on patient education in those at high risk of non-compliance.
DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL DEEP LEARNING MODEL FOR RIGHT VENTRICULAR QUANTIFICATION ON ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY: A MULTIMODALITY VALIDATION STUDY

Echocardiography is widely used to assess right ventricular (RV) function; current techniques are limited by need for dedicated imaging and manual analysis. Deep learning holds potential to improve RV assessment but has yet to be well validated. A deep learning model was developed to track
Re-conceptualizing functional status through experiences of young adults with inflammatory arthritis

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of inflammatory arthritis on young adults’ activity participation using quantitative and qualitative methods to advance the field’s conceptualization of functional status. Young adults diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis completed (1) the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index to determine functional status and (2) the day reconstruction method to explore experiential dimensions of function, including functional performance, functional satisfaction, and severity of arthritis symptoms during activities on the previous day. Bivariate analyses were conducted to examine relationships between functional status, experiential variables, and demographic variables. Open-ended questions were provided for participants to report ways that arthritis affected their participation that were not otherwise reflected within survey questions; responses were numerically coded using summative content analysis. Among 37 participants (24.8 ± 3.3 years old), 70% reported moderate-to-severe disability. On average, participants experienced pain, stiffness, or fatigue for more than 50% of their waking hours. Functional status significantly correlated with functional performance (r = − 0.39, p = 0.02) and satisfaction (r = − 0.39, p = 0.02), yet did not correlate with stiffness or fatigue severity or duration of symptoms throughout the day. Participants described strategies that improved their ability to participate in certain activities but reduced their overall quality of activity engagement and caused emotional distress. Young adults with arthritis may experience more significant functional limitations than previously reported. Traditional measures of functional assessment may not capture experiential components of activity that affect participation, such as severity of stiffness or fatigue or the duration of symptoms throughout the day.
The Justice and Security Dialogue Project: Building the Resilience of Non-State Actors to Atrocity Crimes

The doctrine of “responsibility to protect” obliges all states to protect populations from “atrocity crimes”—namely, genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing—under three “pillars” of protection. Pillar One requires a state to protect its own population from atrocity crimes. Pillar Two obliges the international community to help states to exercise this responsibility through diplomatic, humanitarian, and other peaceful means. When both of these approaches fail, states must pursue a “Pillar Three” strategy: the UN Security Council must “take collective action, in a timely and decisive manner.”
A closer look at determining burning rates with imaging diagnostics

Abstract Energetic composites such as pyrotechnics and thermites often produce high-brightness reactions such that measuring burning rate is challenging because of camera sensor saturation. The objective of this study was to compare burning rate measurements of reacting powders utilizing various filtration and illumination techniques. Experiments were designed using aluminum (Al) and molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) powder mixtures. The mixture was loaded into transparent tubes at a constant bulk density and ignited. Burning rate was determined using a high-speed camera and applying a series of neutral density filters to the camera lens. Another approach used a copper vapor laser (CVL) and 511 nm notch filter on the camera lens. Two methods of image analysis were compared. The first was based on propagation of the reaction front using still-frame images processed by the camera software (frame-by-frame analysis). The second used a MATLAB software program to analyze pixel-by-pixel intensity as a function of time (pixel-intensity analysis). Results showed an average 8.31 cm/s burning rate that remained constant for all image filtration techniques using the frame-by-frame analysis. The pixel-intensity analysis showed an average burning rate of 8.05 cm/s for all filtration levels. The two methods of image analysis resulted in approximately the same burning rate when the standard deviation of the samples was considered (∼0.4 cm/s). A sensitivity test to explore the influence of the number of frames analyzed to compute the burning rate was also performed. Results showed large inconsistencies in determined burning rate when less than 100 frames were analyzed but converged with relatively small (i.e., 1%) error once a minimum of ∼150 frames were analyzed. The analysis revealed the stochastic nature of flame propagation that occurs in cyclic stages of stationary heating followed by energy propagation. If the number of frames used for data analysis are limited, it is possible to include only propagation or only heating steps leading to a faster or slower burning rate, respectively.
Do Cholesterol and Sphingomyelin Change the Mechanism of Aβ25-35 Peptide Binding to Zwitterionic Bilayer?

Using replica exchange with solute tempering all-atom molecular dynamics we studied the equilibrium binding of Abeta25-35 peptide to the ternary bilayer composed of an equimolar mixture of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), N-palmitoylsphingomyelin (PSM), and cholesterol. Binding of the same peptide to the pure DMPC bilayer served as a control. Due to significant C-terminal hydrophobic moment, binding to the ternary and DMPC bilayers promotes helical structure in the peptide. For both bilayers a polarized binding profile is observed, in which the N-terminus anchors to the bilayer surface, whereas the C-terminus alternates between unbound and inserted states. Both ternary and DMPC bilayers feature two Abeta25-35 bound states, surface bound S and inserted I, separated by modest free energy barriers. Experimental data are in agreement with our results, but indicate that cholesterol impact is Abeta fragment dependent. For Abeta25-35 we predict that its binding mechanism is independent of the inclusion of ...
Ethics in the Time of Coronavirus: Recommendations in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons, The - Sous presse. Epreuves corrigees par l'auteur. Disponible en ligne depuis le lundi 20 avril 2020
Capability for suicide: Discrimination as a painful and provocative event.

Objective Developing the capability to die by suicide, and overcoming one's natural instinct of self-preservation, is thought to occur as a result of habituation to the fear and pain surrounding suicide. However, investigations of suicide capability have yet to examine whether perceived discrimination serves as a painful and provocative event that contributes to capability for suicide. The purpose of the current study was to examine the association of perceived discrimination and suicide capability for Black and White adults. Method The study sample included 173 Black adults (67.6% female; Mage = 23.18, SD = 5.74) and 272 White adults (60.7% female; Mage = 22.80, SD = 5.90). Participants completed a questionnaire battery that included measures of perceived discrimination, depression, and suicide ideation. Results Regression analyses revealed for Black adults (but not White adults), perceived discrimination was associated with an increased capability for suicide after accounting for depressive symptomatology, suicide ideation, non-discriminatory painful and provocative events experienced, age, and gender (β = .226, t = 3.154, p = .002). Conclusions These findings provide preliminary evidence that perceived discrimination may play a role in suicide capability for Black adults and highlight the importance of considering contextual experiences when examining suicidality in underserved groups.
Role of Inflammasomes in HIV-1 and Drug Abuse Mediated Neuroinflammaging.

Despite the effectiveness of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) in suppressing virus replication, chronic inflammation remains one of the cardinal features intersecting HIV-1, cART, drug abuse, and likely contributes to the accelerated neurocognitive decline and aging in people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) that abuse drugs. It is also estimated that ~30–60% of PLWH on cART develop cognitive deficits associated with HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), with symptomatology ranging from asymptomatic to mild, neurocognitive impairments. Adding further complexity to HAND is the comorbidity of drug abuse in PLWH involving activated immune responses and the release of neurotoxins, which, in turn, mediate neuroinflammation. Premature or accelerated aging is another feature of drug abusing PLWH on cART regimes. Emerging studies implicate the role of HIV-1/HIV-1 proteins, cART, and abused drugs in altering the inflammasome signaling in the central nervous system (CNS) cells. It is thus likely that exposure of these cells to HIV-1/HIV-1 proteins, cART, and/or abused drugs could have synergistic/additive effects on the activation of inflammasomes, in turn, leading to exacerbated neuroinflammation, ultimately resulting in premature aging referred to as “inflammaging” In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of inflammasome activation, neuroinflammation, and aging in central nervous system (CNS) cells such as microglia, astrocytes, and neurons in the context of HIV-1 and drug abuse.
Intelligent hurricane resilience enhancement of power distribution systems via deep reinforcement learning

Abstract Power distribution systems are continually challenged by extreme climatic events. The reliance of the energy sector on overhead infrastructures for electricity distribution has necessitated a paradigm shift in grid management toward resilience enhancement. Grid hardening strategies are among effective methods for improving resilience. Limited budget and resources, however, demand for optimal planning for hardening strategies. This paper develops a planning framework based on Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) to enhance the long-term resilience of distribution systems using hardening strategies. The resilience maximization problem is formulated as a Markov decision process and solved via integration of a novel ranking strategy, neural networks, and reinforcement learning. As opposed to targeting resilience against a single future hazard – a common approach in existing methods – the proposed framework quantifies life-cycle resilience considering the possibility of multiple stochastic events over a system’s life. This development is facilitated by a temporal reliability model that captures the compounding effects of gradual deterioration and hazard effects for stochastic hurricane occurrences. The framework is applied to a large-scale power distribution system with over 7000 poles. Results are compared to an optimal strategy by a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model solved using Branch and Bound (BB), as well as the strength-based strategy by U.S. National Electric Safety Code (NESC). Results indicate that the proposed framework significantly enhances the long-term resilience of the system compared to the NESC strategy by over 30% for a 100-year planning horizon. Furthermore, the DRL-based approach yields optimal solutions for problems that are computationally intractable for the BB algorithm.
Using Simulation to Accelerate Autonomous Experimentation (AE): A Case Study Using Mechanics

Autonomous experimentation (AE) accelerates research by combining automation and machine learning to perform experiments intelligently and rapidly in a sequential fashion. While AE systems are most needed to study properties that cannot be predicted analytically or computationally, even imperfect predictions can in principle be useful. Here, we use a case study on the mechanics of additively manufactured polymer structures to investigate whether imperfect data from simulation can accelerate AE. Initially, we study resilience, a property that is well-predicted by finite element analysis (FEA), and find that FEA can be used to build a Bayesian prior, and that experimental data can be integrated using discrepancy modeling to reduce the number of needed experiments ten-fold. Next, we study toughness, which is not well predicted by FEA, and find that FEA can still improve learning by transforming experimental data and guiding experiment selection. These results highlight multiple ways in which simulation can improve AE through transfer learning.
Designing plots for precise estimation of forest attributes in landscapes and forests of varying heterogeneity

Models of relationships among forest inventory sampling efficiency and cluster plot configuration variables inform decisions by inventory planners. However, relationships vary under different spati...
A Bayesian optimized framework for successful application of unscented Kalman filter in parameter identification of MDOF structures

The success of the unscented Kalman filter can be jeopardized if the required initial parameters are not identified carefully. These parameters include the initial guesses and the levels of uncerta...
Identification of a Golgi-localized peptide encoded by the CENP-R transcript

Understanding cell biological behaviors requires the ability to visualize different cellular structures and compartments. Excellent markers and tagged proteins exist to detect key cellular structures such as the ER and mitochondrion, where minimal targeting motifs can be used to image and target proteins to these specific organelles [1-3]. These markers make visualizing these organelles robust and easy, and provide insights into the requirements for targeting proteins to these subcellular compartments. In the course of our ongoing work, we identified a 37 amino acid peptide that is encoded by a hypothetical alternative open reading frame (altORF) within the mRNA produced for the CENP-R gene. Unlike the centromere-localized canonical CENP-R protein, we find that this small peptide localizes specifically to the Golgi compartment. Our studies demonstrate that this altORF peptide can serve as a valuable tool for cell biology experimentation to visualize the Golgi for both fixed and live cell analyses.
Polarization-engineering in group III-nitride heterostructures: New opportunities for device design

The role of spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization in III–V nitride heterostructure devices is discussed. Problems as well as opportunities in incorporating polarization in abrupt and graded heterojunctions composed of binary, ternary, and quaternary nitrides are outlined.
An ergonomic design process for a US transit bus operator workstation

A bus operator workstation design neglecting ergonomic features can cause undesirable effects, such as overall discomfort and increased injuries. This paper presents a systematic design process for an ergonomic workstation. In the design process, the design scope is clarified by utilising the selection of an appropriate datum point and design criteria, the definition of standard bus driving postures, and the construction of hierarchies of the design and anthropometric variables. The relational attributes between the design and anthropometric variables are evaluated by a relationship analysis, and then utilised for the formulation of functional design relationships in conjunction with the geometrical configuration. These functional design relationships effectively present the interdependency of the workstation elements and enhance the flexibility of the acquired design knowledge. The design guidelines are recommended based on the functional design relationships and compared to results of other similar studies. Finally, the design guidelines are verified by a laboratory–based mockup which is evaluated by 103 jurors.
Enzymatic Production of Sugars from Hemicellulose

For many years there has been an intense research effort to unlock the secrets of the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose. More recently the breakdown of lignin by enzymes has drawn interest. Comparatively neglected has been the enzymatic hydrolysis of the third major component of cellulosic materials, hemicellulose. Yet no breakdown of native cellulose is likely to be economically feasible without incorporating a means to hydrolyze the hemicelluloses that may comprise up to 30% of the total dry weight.
Demographic Data and Demonstrations of Difference

An article in this issue, entitled "Executive Function and Behavioral Problems in Students with Visual Impairments at Mainstream and Special Schools," by Heyl and Hintermair, offers a good example of how statistics should be used to illustrate differences in data that might, without the guidance of statistics, be given too much or not enough consideration by readers. In Table 1 of this article, the authors list several demographic variables (measures that describe the participants who took part in the study). It is very useful for authors to provide such a table that includes information about means and standard deviations--not only for descriptive characteristics of their participants, but also for their experimental measures. Providing such information offers readers a sense of the overall scope of the data and sometimes reveals general patterns in the data. Since means and standard deviations are generally the building blocks upon which further statistical testing is based, such information can also offer a way to analyze whether the statistical results are reported accurately and what the clinical or practical meaning of the statistical testing might be. A useful preliminary analysis of data, before the primary statistical testing is performed, is to look at reported demographic variables to see whether there are any important ways in which the participants varied as individuals within the group. Finding such differences might have an effect on how later analyses are conducted or even whether the results are meaningful at all. What Heyl and Hintermair have done in Table 1 is to present the demographic variables they consider might potentially impact the outcomes of the study and judge whether these variables are significantly different for the two main conditions of their study (mainstream schools and special schools) by conducting a [chi square] (pronounced "chi square") test on these variables that looks at the frequencies of categorical variables. Any significant differences identified in Table 1 would then have to be taken into account in further analyses or an explanation would have to be offered as to why the differences would not impact the outcomes significantly. When a variable is made of categories (like "cold," "warm," and "hot" as opposed to numerical values for temperatures), the [chi square] test compares how well the frequency of occurrence for each of the categories of one variable are similer to the categories of another variable. …
NO$\nu$A Data Acquisition Software System

NO{nu}A is an accelerator-based neutrino oscillation experiment which has a great potential to measure the last unknown mixing angle {theta}{sub 13}, the neutrino mass hierarchy, and the CP-violation phase in lepton sector with (1) 700 kW beam, (2) 14 mrad off the beam axis, (3) 810 km long baseline. The Near Detector on the Surface is fully functioning and taking both NuMI and Booster beam data. The far detector building achieved beneficial occupancy on April 13. This proceeding will focus on the DAQ software system.
Approaching multiple-access channel capacity via turbo multiuser detection

Summary form only given. Turbo multiuser detection refers to joint multiuser detection and channel decoding via an iterative exchange of soft information between the two processes. This technique, which offers an attractive combination of low complexity and near-optimal performance, has been applied to a number of systems with very promising results. In this talk, we give an overview of the recent development of analytical tools for assessing and optimizing the performance of various turbo multiuser detection techniques, and its application in emerging wireless systems. Specifically, we discuss performance analysis of several turbo receivers using density evolution and EXIT chart techniques. We also discussed the use of large-system asymptotic analysis tools to treat the problem of coding-spreading tradeoff in CDMA systems with turbo multiuser detection. Moreover, we treat the design of capacity-achieving LDPC codes for various turbo multiuser detection schemes. Finally, we describe a new turbo multiple-access scheme that features extremely low receiver complexity and capacity-approaching performance.
Idiosyncratic Z Score, Reversion to Fair Value and the Cross Section of US Stocks Daily Returns

We construct a risk adjusted version of return reversal within the US stock universe, which we name idiosyncratic Z score (IZ). Stock ranking in the IZ portfolios is based on the ratio of individual stocks’ idiosyncratic return and its idiosyncratic risk. We link IZ with the stocks’ demand shocks that are not information driven – a theory developed by Greenwood (2005). During our study period, the IZ factor exhibits excellent risk adjusted excess return. More importantly, our empirical result shows that there is systematic information embedded in IZ that is independent of other well-known pricing factors like value and momentum. Factor loading of IZ on Fama-French portfolios and industrial portfolios is shown to be statistically significant, and its magnitude is on the same order as SMB and HML factors. Therefore, we do not reject the notion that IZ represents a systematic risk factor that can in part explain the cross section of US stocks’ daily returns. We also experiment with several different schemes to construct the IZ factor and the results remain to be robust.
On the Complexity of Computing Zero-Error and Holevo Capacity of Quantum Channels

One of the main problems in quantum complexity theory is that our understanding of the theory of QMA-completeness is not as rich as its classical analogue, the NPcompleteness. In this paper we consider the clique problem in graphs, which is NPcomplete, and try to find its quantum analogue. We show that, quantum clique problem can be defined as follows; Given a quantum channel, decide whether there are k states that are distinguishable, with no error, after passing through channel. This definition comes from reconsidering the clique problem in terms of the zero-error capacity of graphs, and then redefining it in quantum information theory. We prove that, quantum clique problem is QMA-complete. In the second part of paper, we consider the same problem for the Holevo capacity. We prove that computing the Holevo capacity as well as the minimum entropy of a quantum channel is NP-complete. Also, we show these results hold even if the set of quantum channels is restricted to entanglement breaking ones.
Time-resolved measurement of temperature dependent carrier dynamics in self-organized InGaAs quantum dots

Summary form only given. Directed improvements in the performance of quantum dot optoelectronic devices at room temperature require a full understanding of the temperature dependent carrier dynamics. Recent measurements indicate that thermal reemission and nonradiative recombination may play a role in the dynamics at high temperatures. The carrier reemission is strong above 100 K because carriers couple to a large density of states in the wetting layer (WL). We show direct evidence of this thermalization process in In/sub 0.4/Ga/sub 0.6/As quantum dots through time-resolved differential transmission (DT) measurements of the dot, WL, and barrier populations. We perform an ensemble Monte Carlo analysis of the carrier dynamics to understand our observations.
Ordering the zeroes of Legendre functions Pvm(Z0) when considered as a function of v

Abstract In the following, we will consider the problem of ordering the zeroes of the Legendre functions P v m ( Z 0 ) when m is a nonnegative integer and 0 z 0 v = v j m ( z 0 ) denote the j th positive root of P v m ( z 0 ) = 0, where j = 1, 2, …. It is well known from the Sturm-Liouville theory that v j m ( z 0 ) v j m + 1 ( z 0 ) v j + 1 m ( z 0 ). We will show that v j m + 2 ( z 0 ) v j + 1 m ( z 0 ). Using these and several other inequalities, we will also show that v 1 0 v 1 1 v 1 2 v 2 0 v 1 3 v 2 1 v 1 4 v 2 2 v 3 0 v 1 5 for all 0 z 0 v j m ( z 0 )′s for 0 z 0
Biology of the banded cucumber beetle, Diabrotica balteata, in Louisiana.

The banded cucumber beetle, Diabrotica balteata LeConte, has become an increasingly important pest of sweet potato in Louisiana since 1958. In Louisiana, there are 6 or 7 generations per year. Beetle activity was observed in the field during every month of the year. Eggs were deposited in the soil singly or in clusters. In the field as many as 12 were observed in a single cluster. Under laboratory conditions, 20 to 100 eggs were laid during a 24-hour period. Oviposition usually occurred at intervals of 2 to 3 days beginning when the female was about 3 weeks old and lasted from 2 to 8 weeks. The number of days during which oviposition occurs ranged from 2 to 15, a single female laying as many as 849 eggs in a lifetime. Three larval instars were observed during the larval feeding period. Mean larval developmental period was 17 days at 80° F. and 23 days at 70° F., when larvae were reared on sweet potato. Pupation takes place within a pupal cell near the soil surface and the pupal period lasted 7 to 9 days at temperatures of 70°F., and 80°F.
Reconstruction of (100) diamond surfaces using molecular dynamics with combined quantum and empirical forces.

Classical trajectory calculations were employed to study diamond (100) surface reconstructions. Atomic forces were computed from two types of potential-energy functions. A quantum mechanical potential based on the semiempirical PM3 (parametric method number three) Hamiltonian was used to describe the central core of the surface model, while an empirically parametrized potential was developed to extend the size of the model surface. The results indicate that the most energetically favorable surface consists of alternating monohydride dimers and dihydride sites. The global topology of reconstructed (100) surfaces can include dimer rows and zigzag dimer sites. The two configurations are close in energy, for both dehydrogenated and monohydride surfaces, with the row configuration being slightly more favorable. The minimum-energy dehydrogenated (100) diamond surface was found to consist of dimers with biradical electronic structures. The presence of atomic-level steps was found to prevent the formation of nearby dimer bonds, even when each of the available carbon atoms has a free valence.
A new ejecta shell surrounding a Wolf-Rayet star in the LMC

We have obtained CCD spectra of newly discovered shell-like nebulae around the WN4 star Breysacher 13 and the WN1 star Breysacher 2 in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). The shell around Br 13 shows definite signs of enrichment in both nitrogen and helium, having much stronger (N II) and He I emission lines than are seen in typical LMC H II regions. From the measured electron temperature of about 17,000 K in the shell, we derive He/H and N/O abundance ratios which are factors of 2 and more than 10 higher, respectively, than the average LMC interstellar values. The derived oxygen abundance in the Br 13 shell is down by a factor of 8 compared to the local LMC interstellar medium (ISM); however, the derived electron temperature is affected by the presence of an incomplete shock arising from the interaction of the stellar wind with photoionized material. This uncertainty does not affect the basic conclusion that the Br 13 shell is enriched by processed material from the Wolf-Rayet star. In contrast, the shell around Br 2 shows no clear evidence of enrichment. The nebular spectrum is characterized by extremely strong (O III) and He II emission and very weak (N II). We derive normal He, O, and N abundances from our spectrum. This object therefore appears to be simply a wind-blown structure associated with a relatively dense cloud near the Wolf-Rayet star, although the very high-ionization state of the gas is unusual for a nebula associated with a Wolf-Rayet star.
Effect of Deterministic Asperity Geometry on Hydrodynamic Lubrication

This paper presents a numerical study of the effects of different shapes of deterministic microasperities in sliding surface lubrication when hydrodynamic films are found. Positive (protruding) and negative (recessed) asperities of constant height (depth) are considered with circular, square, diamond, hexagonal and triangular cross-sections. Of particular interest is the impact of asperity/cavity cross-sectional geometry on friction and leakage, which has importance in sealing applications. The results indicate that the friction coefficient is insensitive to asperity/cavity shape, but quite sensitive to the size of the cross-section. By contrast, leakage rates are found to be quite sensitive to both cross-sectional shape and size, with triangular asperities giving the smallest leakage rate and square asperities giving a largest leakage rate. The minimum coefficient of friction for all shapes is found to occur at an asperity area fraction of 0.2 for positive asperities and 0.7 for negative asperities. Finally, the results indicate the existence of a critical asperity area fraction where the performance curves for positive and negative asperities cross over These cross-over points are identified for friction coefficient and leakage rate.
Bioenergetics of cross-ice movements by Microtus pennsylvanicus Peromyscus leucopus and Blarina brevicauda

Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to investigate bioenergetics of winter dispersal and to compare winter (cross-ice) dispersal abilities of three small mammals: Microtus pennsylvanicus, Peromyscus leucopus and Blarina brevicauda. Total metabolic rates increased with running activity and decreased as ambient temperatures increased for all species. Thermal conductance was significantly higher for running than for resting Microtus and Peromyscus, but decreased significantly with activity for Blarina. Winter dispersal abilities, calculated from treadmill experiments, increased with ambient temperature and with body size of the species. The superior dispersal ability of Microtus in comparison with Peromyscus results from the former's ability to utilize more energy reserves during running. The comparatively low winter dispersal ability of Blarina, which was less than a third of the two rodent species, resulted from its high weight specific cost of transport at winter temperatures and its relatively low energy stores and/or energy utilization during running.
A Bayesian Analysis of Avionic Subsystem Built-in Test

A major development in test philosophy of aircraft being built today and those being designed for the immediate future is the incorporation of on-board, computer-controlled "built-in" testing (BIT) into the airplane as part of the avionic subsystem. A requirement being imposed by today's specifications is a probability of 0.95 or better that the BIT function will detect a failure. The discussion presented in this paper will show that a single specification of BIT capability is insufficient to completely define the requirements for BIT. The proof of this conclusion is offered in the form of an analysis of the conditional probabilities involved in the occurrence and reporting of subsystem failures. As a result of this analysis it is imperative that the customer be cognizant of the significance of the BIT requirements levied on the contractor and that the designer be allowed more latitude in his BIT requirements so that an optimum product will be obtained.
Early osmoregulatory stimulation of neurohypophyseal hormone secretion and thirst after gastric NaCl loads

Cerebral osmoreceptors mediate thirst and neurohypophyseal secretion stimulated by increases in the effective osmolality of plasma (Posmol). The present experiments determined whether an intragastr...
Purification of acyl CoA:1-acyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphorylcholine acyltransferase

Acyl coenzyme A:1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.23) is capable of forming lipid bilayer vesicles from its soluble substrates lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and oleoyl CoA. This suggested a purification method in which rat liver microsomes are first washed with deoxycholate to increase specific activity of the endogenous acyltransferase approximately fivefold, then solubilized by the detergent effect of excess LPC and oleoyl CoA in 1:1 stoichiometric ratios. As the LPC is converted to phosphatidylcholine by acyl group transfer, the detergent effect is lost and lipid vesicles containing the enzyme activity are produced. Other microsomal proteins are excluded from the vesicles. The vesicles may be separated by density gradient flotation and are found to contain acyltransferase with a specific activity of 9–10 µmol/mg/min. This reflects a purification of approximately 140-fold, about ten times greater than achieved in previous studies.
Restoring implants in the esthetic zone after sculpting and capturing the periimplant tissues in rest position: a clinical report

Obtaining an accurate representation of the soft tissue contours developed around an implant in the esthetic zone is crucial to the success of a restoration. The technique presented emphasizes "guiding" of the soft tissue by modifying a provisional restoration to obtain an emergence profile that appears natural and blends with the gingival contour of the adjacent teeth. The technique provides an accurate impression of the soft tissue through the intraoral use of autopolymerized acrylic resin supported by the impression coping and vinyl polylsiloxane impression material. The eventual restoration uses an esthetic zirconia custom abutment and an implant-supported single crown to fulfill the esthetic and functional expectations of the patient and the provider.
Three-dimensional volumetrics for tracking vestibular schwannoma growth in neurofibromatosis type II.

Objective Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are common, benign, VIIIth cranial nerve tumors. Treatment in patients with the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) is complicated by their development of bilateral VS and risk of complete deafness. Intervention decisions consider several clinical factors including tumor size and growth rate evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging. The current study evaluated the relative sensitivity of volumetric versus linear diameter measurement for assessing VS growth rate and progression. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on 43 magnetic resonance imaging scans acquired longitudinally (range, 2-7 yr) from 10 patients with NF2. Fifteen VS were measured (five patients had unilateral lesions meeting inclusion criteria) using both maximum linear diameter and semiautomated volumetric analysis. Progression was defined according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors and its volumetric (cubed linear) equivalent. Measurement techniques were compared by assessing sensitivity to lesion growth. Results Volumetric measures were significantly more sensitive to VS growth, both for total change and change per year percentages; cubed linear growth measures (proportional to volume growth) underestimated volume growth by 50%. Seven lesions showed progression on volumetric analysis, but two of these did not show progression based on linear measures. Thus, for 29% of lesions showing progression based on volume, linear measures did not detect progression. Conclusion Linear measurements underestimate VS growth rate compared with volumetric measures in NF2 patients. These results provide clear, quantitative proof that diameter measures are not as sensitive to change as volumetric measurements and that volumetric measurements should be strongly considered when making VS treatment decisions.
Perceptions of Urinary Incontinence Among Elderly Outpatients

We examined the perceptions about urinary incontinence (UI) among 164 females and 35 males (mean age = 78.5) referred to an outpatient continence clinic. Between 60 and 76% of the patients felt that the UI was inconvenient, embarrassing, or distressing, and 37% indicated that it significantly interfered with their daily lives. Over half said they would consider surgery if necessary to correct the UI. Amount rather than frequency or duration of urinary loss was significantly associated with negative perceptions of the UI.
Reducing Environmental Risks to Modify Lifestyle Behaviors

It has been more than 10 years since the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) reported that changes in diet and physical activity resulted in a larger reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes than medication alone (1). We have acquired abundant and well-replicated scientific evidence from national and international multisite, multiyear intervention trials showing the benefits of lifestyle change for health, yet prevention programs and healthier behaviors are not being widely adopted and translated to reach the population at large. Consequently, the prevalence of diabetes and associated risk factors has continued to increase. Between 1999 and 2010, the prevalence of hyperglycemia increased from 12.9 to 19.9%. The portion of the population having a waist size above the recommended threshhold also increased from 45.4 to 56.1%, indicating a rise in the rate of abdominal obesity (2). Among the U.S. elderly Medicare population, diabetes is estimated to have increased by 1.69% per year between 1999 and 2005 (3). The co-occurrence of two or more lifestyle-related chronic conditions also increased between 2002 and 2009 by 2% (4). Successfully disseminating lifestyle interventions requires over-coming many challenges—screening and recruiting individuals, providing instruction, promoting adherence, and supporting maintenance. When the interventions are long and complex, as was the case with the DPP, which had a core curriculum of 16 weekly education sessions, these challenges and costs can be overwhelming. Group interventions that have been developed to reduce costs and reach a larger population may not be able to replicate the magnitude of impact of the original DPP. For example, a community-based lifestyle intervention program in Pennsylvania yielded a <20% reduction in diabetes and no change in complications rates (5). Even if the efficacy of the DPP can be maintained in programs that can be widely disseminated, …
Previous exposure to nicotine enhances the incentive motivational effects of amphetamine via nicotine-associated contextual stimuli.

The effect of nicotine exposure on the subsequent self-administration of amphetamine, extinction of this behavior, and amphetamine-induced reinstatement of drug seeking was assessed with particular attention to the contribution of contextual stimuli paired or unpaired with nicotine during exposure. Rats were exposed to five injections, one injection every third day, of either saline or nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, IP, base) in three experiments. In one, exposure injections were administered in the home cage. In another, they were administered in the self-administration chambers with the levers retracted. In a third, nicotine was administered either explicitly paired or unpaired with the self-administration chambers using a discrimination learning procedure. Starting 13–15 days later, rats were trained to self-administer amphetamine (100 μg/kg/infusion, IV), tested under a progressive ratio (PR) schedule for 6 days, subjected to up to 20 days of extinction training, and were then tested for reinstatement by non-contingent injections of amphetamine (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.75 mg/kg, IP). Nicotine enhanced the self-administration of amphetamine under the PR schedule and amphetamine-induced reinstatement but only when rats were tested in the chamber in which they were previously exposed to nicotine. These effects were not observed in rats exposed to nicotine in the home cage or in rats exposed to nicotine explicitly unpaired with the self-administration chambers. Exposure to nicotine also rendered rats resistant to extinction when amphetamine was withheld but this effect was observed regardless of nicotine exposure context, suggesting a separate consequence of drug exposure. Together, these results show that previous exposure to nicotine can enhance the incentive motivational effects of other psychostimulants like amphetamine and indicate a critical role for nicotine-associated contextual stimuli in the mediation of this effect. These findings have important implications for the treatment of addictions in humans.