cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decision Making in Adaptive Environments

The value of an adaptive environment is determined by the decision rules used to modify it. These rules are central to the effective use of such an environment, as well as forming the basis for its design. In this paper, standard replacement models are extended to provide rules for decision makers in different contexts, and applied to provide insights into the design and use of adaptive environmental systems.
Morphological and fluorescence analysis of the Montastraea annularis species complex in Florida

The taxonomic status of the Montastraea annularis species complex is unclear. Much evidence has been accumulated to support the separation into 3 species, but the presence of intermediate morphotypes and the apparent lack of effective reproductive barriers in some areas are yet unexplained. Several authors have made a call for the introduction of new traits that can be used to resolve differences among closely related coral species. We collected skeletal and tissue samples from corals within the M. annularis species complex (15 each of M. annularis, M. faveolata, and M. franksi) and 10 morphological intermediates from several reefs in the Florida Keys. Multivariate analysis of corallite skeletal measurements supported the separation of the species complex into three taxa. We detected two main fluorescence emission peaks at 480 nm (turquoise) and 515 nm (green) that were not distributed equally among the three species. Every M. annularis colony had a major turquoise fluorescence peak. Some had a weak green secondary fluorescence peak. Colonies of M. faveolata and M. franksi had either the green or turquoise fluorescence peak, but at significantly different frequencies. The intermediate morphotypes proved to be highly heterogeneous with respect to both micromorphology and fluorescence, and their nature could not be fully explained. We were not able to separate the three species using fluorescence characters alone, however this new trait does increase our understanding of the taxonomic structure within the M. annularis species complex.
Regional prediction of long-term landfill gas to energy potential.

Abstract Quantifying landfill gas to energy (LFGTE) potential as a source of renewable energy is difficult due to the challenges involved in modeling landfill gas (LFG) generation. In this paper a methodology is presented to estimate LFGTE potential on a regional scale over a 25-year timeframe with consideration of modeling uncertainties. The methodology was demonstrated for the US state of Florida, as a case study, and showed that Florida could increase the annual LFGTE production by more than threefold by 2035 through installation of LFGTE facilities at all landfills. The estimated electricity production potential from Florida LFG is equivalent to removing some 70 million vehicles from highways or replacing over 800 million barrels of oil consumption during the 2010–2035 timeframe. Diverting food waste could significantly reduce fugitive LFG emissions, while having minimal effect on the LFGTE potential; whereas, achieving high diversion goals through increased recycling will result in reduced uncollected LFG and significant loss of energy production potential which may be offset by energy savings from material recovery and reuse. Estimates showed that the power density for Florida LFGTE production could reach as high as 10 W m −2 with optimized landfill operation and energy production practices. The environmental benefits from increased lifetime LFG collection efficiencies magnify the value of LFGTE projects.
The bioavailability of intranasal lignocaine

Six healthy males participated in a single-dose two-way crossover study of the bioavailability of intranasal vs intravenous administration of lignocaine (lidocaine) hydrochloride. Subjects received a single 100 mg dose of lignocaine HCl intranasally from a gel preparation on one occasion and intravenously by a 3 min infusion on another occasion. Multiple plasma samples drawn during 8 h following each dose were analysed for lignocaine by gas chromatography using nitrogen phosphorous detection. The mean (+/- s.e. mean) peak plasma concentration of lignocaine following intranasal administration was 144 +/- 48 ng ml-1, and the time to peak was 0.92 +/- 0.12 h. The mean AUC values for intranasal and intravenous routes were 421 +/- 121 vs 1616 +/- 30 ng ml-1 h, respectively, and the mean bioavailability of the intranasal formulation (AUC ratio) was 0.26 +/- 0.08. In all subjects, intranasal absorption was less than 50% complete, and bioavailability varied from 0.05 to 0.48 between individuals. Thus lignocaine is variably and incompletely absorbed when administered by the intranasal route, in the dosage formulation and according to the method used in this study.
Some practical aspects of image restoration

Restoration procedures can greatly sharpen and beautify the details of an image, but they also have some drawbacks. Some of these adversely affect the photometry of stars in an astronomical image. One trouble is nonlinearity; another is that the restored pixels are no longer statistically independent. A more subtle problem is that the comparison of images in different wavelength bands poses an unusual requirement of identical restoration of two images that have different values of signal-to-noise ratio.
In defense of bank suspension

Resort to bank suspension is generally viewed as an unacceptable means for coping with bank panics, in part because suspension is assumed to involve unacceptably high welfare costs. In Diamond and Dybvig (1983), suspension is costly because it interferes with agents' welfare-maximizing consumption plans. Here a modified version of the Diamond-Dybvig model is used to show how suspension may have only minor welfare costs so long as bank debt is transactable and can serve as a medium of exchange.
Attributional Consistency and Subjective Perceptions of Success

This study investigated the attributions of successful and unsuccessful male and female distance runners given after each race during a competitive season. It was hypothesized that the 8 male and 8 female runners would be inconsistent in their support of the self-serving bias. Using the Causal Dimension Scale-II, responses showed that, as a group, the runners were consistent when coding their attributions into dimensions. When divided as to perceived success, successful runners gave more internal and stable reasons for their performance, while both groups reported high personal control and low external control.
Late Quaternary Lacustrine History and Paleoclimatic Significance of Pluvial Lake Cochise, Southeastern Arizona

During the latest Quaternary, freshwater pluvial lakes intermittently formed in the topographically closed Willcox basin, Arizona. A lacustrine sequence of six separate high stands of Lake Cochise is documented by stratigraphic studies, 19 radiocarbon ages, and supplementary evidence. Two stands of pluvial Lake Cochise, older than 14,000 yr B.P., reached elevations above 1290 m. The prominent 1274-m shoreline of Lake Cochise, which circumscribes the basin, was largely created during a high stand between 13,750 and 13,400 yr B.P. During the Holocene, water filled the Willcox basin three times to an elevation slightly below the crest of the 1274-m shoreline. This occurred once during the early Holocene around or before 8900 yr B.P. and twice during the later part of the middle Holocene. Since the middle Holocene, only shallow ephemeral lakes have occupied the deflated central portion of ancient Lake Cochise, a depression known as the Willcox Playa. The lacustrine sequence of Lake Cochise provides an independent evaluation of late Quaternary paleoclimatic reconstructions for southern Arizona and the American Southwest.
Minor Surfaces are Boundaries of Mode-Based Clusters

We show that mode-based cluster boundaries exhibit themselves as minor surfaces of the data probability density function. Based on this result, we provide a connectivity measure depending on minor surface search between sample pairs. Accordingly, we build a connectivity graph among data samples. The use of graph construction is particularly demonstrated for clustering, but applications in other machine learning areas are possible. On Gaussian mixture and kernel density estimate type probability density models, we illustrate the theoretical results with examples and demonstrate that cluster boundaries between sample pairs can be detected using a line integral. We also demonstrate an example where the data distribution has a continuous line segment as its set of local maxima (not strict), for which mean-shift like gradient flow and other mode-seeking algorithms fail to identify a single cluster, while the proposed approach successfully determines this fact.
Effect of oxygen on the stability of Ag islands on Si(111)-7 × 7

We have used scanning tunneling microscopy to probe the effect of oxygen exposure on an ensemble of Ag islands separated by a Ag wetting layer on Si(111)-7 × 7. Starting from a distribution dominated by islands that are 1 layer high (measured with respect to the wetting layer), coarsening in ultrahigh vacuum at room temperature leads to growth of 2-layer islands at the expense of 1-layer islands, which is expected. If the sample is exposed to oxygen, 3-layer islands are favored, which is unexpected. There is no evidence for oxygen adsorption on top of Ag islands, but there is clear evidence for adsorption in the wetting layer. Several possible explanations are considered.
Computing uses of the optical tunnel.

An optical tunnel configuration can perform crossover operations applicable to optical digital computing.
Nonsurgical Therapy for Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome.

The treatment of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) remains problematic and is less than ideal. Prospective, well-designed studies assessing the efficacy of treatment for SRUS are few; most of the knowledge imparted for treating SRUS is experiential. As such, firm treatment recommendations can not be made. Rather, a conservative, stepwise, individualized approach must be employed. Diagnostic modalities should be incorporated in the management scheme to direct treatment when indicated. Management must include patient reassurance that the underlying lesion is benign, because complete “cures” are uncommon in those with SRUS. The goals of therapy should be discussed with the patient prior to initiating treatment. Although the ultimate goal is macroscopic and microscopic healing, a realistic goal is cessation or minimization of symptoms. We outline a reasonable approach to the management of SRUS. Histologic confirmation of SRUS should prompt a discussion of the presumed pathogenic mechanisms with the patient. Conservative therapy with dietary fiber, bowel retraining, and bulk laxatives should be employed. If symptoms persist, the patient should receive a trial of sucralfate enemas for 6 weeks. Individuals who respond should continue conservative therapy. However, if symptoms persist, defecography can be done to assess for inappropriate puborectalis contraction and occult rectal mucosal prolapse. Patients with inappropriate contraction of the puborectalis can be offered biofeedback. Patients with occult rectal mucosal prolapse can be considered for surgery. However, the risks, benefits, and success rates of surgery should be discussed at length, prior to any procedure being performed. Rectopexy or Delorme’s procedure offer the best success rates to date; however, the choice of surgical procedure must take into account the experience of the surgeon and wishes of the patient.
Does Place Matter When Shopping Online? Perceptions of Similarity and Familiarity as Indicators of Psychological Distance

ABSTRACTThis research investigates the role of physical location in online consumer purchases, as demonstrated through the concept of distance. Distance conveys a sense of not only space between objects in the physical world but also psychological distance between people and others. This study tests various combinations of both physical and psychological distance between subjects and companies, brands, and cities in which the companies are located. The findings affirm the power of relationships to reduce feelings of mistrust and suggests a new avenue for research into the role of similarity and familiarity as important variables in purchase decisions online.
LHRH neurons and their projections in humans and other mammals: Species comparisons

Using light microscopic immunocytochemistry, we have identified LHRH neurons and their projections in humans, monkeys, ferrets, bats and rats. In all these species, LHRH neurons project to the vascular contact zone of the ME, but positions of perikarya vary. This cell population, confined largely to rostral forebrain regions in rats, expands into the medial basal hypothalamus in humans, rhesus monkeys, ferrets and bats. Accompanying this expansion is an augmentation of extrahypothalamic LHRH projections. In rats, LHRH projections are primarily confined to the ME and OVLT. In humans, monkeys, ferrets and bats, however, there are also substantial projections to the posterior pituitary, habenular complex and amygdala. Although the significance of these extrahypothalamic projections is unknown, LHRH may function at some of these sites as a neuromodulator. Humans, monkeys, ferrets and bats further differ from rats in the apparent presence of mature decapeptide within perikarya. Whether variations in the dynamics of maturation of LHRH are related to differences in location of these neurons is currently under investigation.
Augmented reality in surgery.

Objective To evaluate the history and current knowledge of computer-augmented reality in the field of surgery and its potential goals in education, surgeon training, and patient treatment. Data Sources National Library of Medicine's database and additional library searches. Study Selection Only articles suited to surgical sciences with a well-defined aim of study, methodology, and precise description of outcome were included. Data Synthesis Augmented reality is an effective tool in executing surgical procedures requiring low-performance surgical dexterity; it remains a science determined mainly by stereotactic registration and ergonomics. Strong evidence was found that it is an effective teaching tool for training residents. Weaker evidence was found to suggest a significant influence on surgical outcome, both morbidity and mortality. No evidence of cost-effectiveness was found. Conclusions Augmented reality is a new approach in executing detailed surgical operations. Although its application is in a preliminary stage, further research is needed to evaluate its long-term clinical impact on patients, surgeons, and hospital administrators. Its widespread use and the universal transfer of such technology remains limited until there is a better understanding of registration and ergonomics.
Genetic Mechanisms of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Blastic Transformation

The BCR-ABL1 oncogenic tyrosine kinase can transform pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells and initiate chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP), a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by excessive accumulation of mature myeloid cells. Patients in CML-CP usually respond to treatment with ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as imatinib, though some patients who respond initially may become resistant later. CML-CP leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are intrinsically insensitive to TKIs and thus survive in the long term. These LSCs or their progeny may at some stage acquire additional genetic changes that cause the leukemia to transform further, from CML-CP to a more advanced phase, which has been subclassified as either accelerated phase (CML-AP) or blastic phase (CML-BP). CML-BP is characterized by a major clonal expansion of immature progenitors, which have either myeloid or lymphoid features. CML-BP responds poorly to treatment and is usually fatal. This review discusses the role of genomic instability leading to blastic transformation of CML and proposes some novel therapeutic approaches.
Solution intercalation of polystyrene and the comparison with poly(ethyl methacrylate)

Abstract Polystyrene nanocomposites have been prepared via solution intercalation method. Combination of wide-angle X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis is used to study the effect of solvents on the morphology of the nanocomposites as a function of the amount of residual solvent. d -Spacing of the polystyrene nanocomposites has a minimum value when the residual solvent concentration is between 2 and 4 wt%. Different interaction level between the solvent molecules and polymer chains is considered to be the reason for this special d -spacing change behavior. By comparing the solution intercalation of polystyrene and poly(ethyl methacrylate) from different solvents, it is concluded that the interactions between polymer–surfactant, solvent–surfactant, and polymer–solvent play important role for the solution intercalation of polymers.
Biotin deficiency in mice and depigmentation: effect of dietary carbohydrates.

SummaryUncomplicated and reversible biotin-deficiency symptoms such as retarded growth, poor appearance, changes in skin, and impaired hair development and depigmentation were developed in young black mice by the inclusion of antibacterial agents in purified rations but without the use of dried egg white. The severity of the deficiency and the prevalence of depigmentation of the hair appeared to vary with the carbohydrate portion of the diet. The most severe deficiencies were obtained when a combination of glucose, sucrose, starch, and cellulose were fed in the diet.
Entropy and convergence in dynamics and demography

Demographic dynamics is formally equivalent to the dynamics of a Markov chain, as is true of some nonlinear dynamical systems. Convergence to demographic equilibrium can be studied in terms of convergence in the Markov chain. Tuljapurkar (1982) showed that population entropy (Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy) provides information on the rate of this convergence. This paper begins by considering finite state Markov chains, providing elementary proofs of the relationship between convergence rate and entropy, and discusses in detail the uses and limitations of entropy as a convergence measure; these results also apply to Markovian dynamical systems. Next, new qualitative and quantitative arguments are used to discuss the demographic meaning of entropy. An exact relationship is established giving population entropy in terms of the eigenvalues of the Leslie matrix characteristic equation. Finally, the significance of imprimitive and periodic limits is discussed in relation to population entropy.
Linking microbial community composition to function in a tropical soil

Abstract If changes in the composition of the soil microbial community alter the physiological capacity of the community then such changes may have ecosystem consequences. We examined the relationships among community composition (PLFA), microbial biomass (CFDE), substrate utilization profiles (BIOLOG), lignocellulose degrading enzyme activities (β-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, β-xylosidase, phenol oxidase, peroxidase), and nutrient releasing enzyme activities (phosphatase, sulphatase) in a Tropeptic Haplustol soil. The soils supported a tropical forest and pineapple plantations of varying ages that were at different stages within the management cycle. Conversion from forest to agriculture significantly decreased %C and %N of the soil by 50–55%, microbial biomass by 75%, β-glucosidase by 54%, sulphatase activity by 85%, decreased Ca, Mg, and Mn availability, and produced compositionally and functionally distinct microbial communities. Total enzyme activities were generally correlated with %C, %N, microbial biomass and, occasionally with community composition. We calculated the specific activities of the enzymes assayed (enzyme activity per unit microbial biomass C) in order to normalize activity to the size of the microbial community. Values for enzyme specific activities were more highly correlated with community composition than were total enzyme activities. In addition, BIOLOG was not correlated with community composition or enzyme activities. Enzyme activities and specific activities may provide a useful linkage between microbial community composition and carbon processing.
Effects of carbon chain substituents on the P⋯N noncovalent bond

Abstract The effects of carbon chains placed on the electron-accepting P atom of a P⋯N bond are examined via ab initio calculations. Saturated alkyl groups have a mild weakening effect, regardless of chain length. In contrast, incorporation of double bonds into the chain strengthens the interaction, C C triple bonds even more so. These effects are only slightly enhanced by additional conjugated double bonds or an aromatic ring. Placing F atoms onto the carbon chains strengthens the P⋯N bond, but only by a small amount, which wanes as the F atom is displaced further from the P along the chain.
Isochoric (p,ρ,T) Measurements for Liquid Toluene from 180 K to 400 K at Pressures to 35 MPa†

The (p,{rho},T) relationships were measured for a specially purified sample of toluene by applying an isochoric method with gravimetric determinations of the amount of substance. Temperatures ranged from 180 K to 400 K, while pressures were up to 35 MPa. Measurements were carried out on 20 compressed liquid isochores at a total of 311 state conditions. Saturated liquid densities were estimated by extrapolating each isochore to the vapor pressure, and determining the temperature and density at the intersection. Published (p,{rho},T) data are in good agreement with this study. For the (p,{rho},T) apparatus, the expanded uncertainty (at the 2{sigma} level) of the temperature is {+-}0.03 K, and for pressure it is {+-}0.01% at p > 3 MPa and {+-}0.05% at p < 3 MPa. The principal source of uncertainty is the cell volume (28.5193 cm{sup 3} at 0 K and 0 MPa) which has an estimated statistical uncertainty (at the 1{sigma} level) of {+-}0.003 cm{sup 3}. When the sources of uncertainty are combined, the expanded uncertainty (at the 2{sigma} level) of the density values is estimated to be {+-}0.05%.
Rectified single-phase power for traction motors

FOR YEARS attempts have been made to power locomotives by 25-cycle single-phase rectified voltage applied to d-c series motors. Early efforts were unsuccessful, mainly because of the faulty operation of the mercury-arc rectifiers. Continued research and development, however, made operation of d-c traction motors on mercury-arc rectifiers entirely feasible. The problem of such operation resolves itself into the problem of smoothing the undulating current sufficiently to avoid harmful effects on the motor.
Electroplated gold and copper contacts to cadmium sulfide

Abstract Rectifying contacts have been prepared by electroplating gold and copper onto crystallographically oriented, single crystal, cadmium sulfide blocks. Differential capacitance, current-voltage, and photoelectric measurements were made in an attempt to determine Δϑ, the net work function of the metal with respect to the semiconductor at the contact. The differential capacitance measurements could be interpreted in terms of a unique value of Δϑ for any given contact. However, neither the current-voltage measurements nor the photo-electric measurements could be easily interpreted in terms of the simple Bethe diode theory for a single value of Δϑ. It is concluded that there is good evidence for the existence of patches of different Δϑ at plated gold and copper contacts to cadmium sulfide. The effective values of Δϑ determined by the different measurements range from ~ 0.75 to 1.2 volts for gold and from ~0.6 to 0.8 volts for copper.
Mau Mau's Children: The Making of Kenya's Postcolonial Elite. By David P. Sandgren. (Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Press, 2012. Pp. xxv, 185. $26.95.)

This relatively brief contribution to postcolonial Kenyan social history, marked by a misleading subtitle, provides two studies in one. The first three chapters provide the reader with a brief back...
Host location and exploitation by the cleptoparasitic wasp Argochrysis armilla: the role of learning (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae)

The nesting behaviors of many solitary ground-nesting wasps incorporate temporal barriers against would-be cleptoparasites. Nests being excavated are conspicuous but relatively invulnerable to parasites, while nests being provisioned, often several hours to days later, are inconspicuous but highly vulnerable, Argochrysis armilla, a cleptoparasite of solitary ground-nesting wasps, Ammophila spp., bridges the temporal gap between nest excavation and provisioning by (i) visually locating digging hosts, (ii) learning the locations of associated nests, (iii) maintaining surveillance on a series of nests during the hosts' absence, and (iv) ovipositing in nests when the host returns with provisions. Patterns of surveillance and parasitism of Ammophila dysmica nests were generated by the number of cleptoparasites discovering and learning the nest's location during excavation. These results support recent suggestions that learning may play an important role in shaping foraging strategies of insect parasites.
The Lindelöf principle in several complex variables

We formulate and prove a new Lindelof principle in the function theory of several complex variables. Inspired by the classical result, as improved later by Lehto and Virtanen, this new result meshes closely with the well-established Fatou theorems of Koranyi and Stein. In particular, this is a Lindelof principle for admissible approach regions. We further adapt the new principle to the Levi geometry of various domains. The results in this paper improve on earlier results of Cirka, Cima/Krantz, Abate, and Abate/Tauraso.
Utility of Fever, White Blood Cells, and Differential Count in Predicting Bacterial Infections in the Elderly

A total of 221 elderly patients between the ages of 70 to 99 years who presented to a community-based teaching hospital emergency room were prospectively evaluated by assessing for fever (greater than or equal to 37.5 degrees C), leukocytosis (greater than or equal to 14,000/mm3) and bandemia (greater than 6%) as a screening method for predicting the presence of bacterial infection. Thirty-three patients had documented bacterial infections. Although with increasing body temperature the percent of patients who were infected increased, 48% of the infected elderly patients had no fever. In patients with fever, 39% had a bacterial infection compared to only 9% in the afebrile group. In patients with fever, leukocytosis, and bandemia, all patients were infected. Conversely, in the absence of fever, leukocytosis, and bandemia, only 6% had bacterial infection. All elderly patients who present with an acute or subacute change in health status or functional capabilities associated with fever, leukocytosis, or bandemia should be carefully assessed for the high probability of a bacterial infection.
Intentional Communication of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Judgments of Different Communication Partners

The purpose of this study was to examine judgments made by different listeners of the communicative intent, specifically requesting and rejecting, of young children with autism and limited expressive language. Video clips from a structured assessment study of three young children with autism spectrum disorder were edited and viewed by adult raters from four subgroups. Analysis of the findings indicated that those who were both familiar and expert were more accurate and more confident in their judgments than those who were unfamiliar and non-expert. There was more variation among the four subgroups of raters in accuracy related to rejecting compared to requesting behavior. It was concluded that collaboration in the determination of intention and consistency of responding to specific communicative forms among all individuals who are involved in the child’s life appear to be important steps in developing common communication goals.
Subjective Report of Word-Finding and Memory Deficits in Normal Aging and Dementia

Objective—Compare subjective reports of both memory and word-finding deficits to clinical diagnosis and objective neuropsychological testing. Background—With the increasing number of aging individuals with cognitive impairments, effective screening measures would improve the likelihood of detection. Subjective reports of symptoms are typically obtained in clinical settings, yet the validity of these reports is relatively unknown. Methods—Clinical screening for dementia was carried out at an Alzheimer’s disease center. Dichotomous ratings for memory and word-finding/language problems were given by subjects and neurologists. These ratings were compared with 13 neuropsychological measures of word finding/ language and episodic memory. Results—Ratings of memory by both subjects and neurologists correlated well with standard neuropsychological measures of memory. However, both the patients’ and physicians’ ratings of word finding/language impairments had notably less of a correlation with the relevant neuropsychological measures of word finding/language. Conclusion—Compared to ratings of memory, similar assessments of word-finding/language difficulties were relatively inaccurate and thus poor predictors of impairment. It is imperative to develop effective screening methods that will help reveal cognitive impairments, as this issue will almost certainly become more pressing given the projected increase in the number of aging individuals and those with dementia.
Stabilization and sintering of porous Pt/SiO2: a new approach

Abstract Pt/SiO 2 catalysts with well defined pore size distributions and metal particle sizes were prepared by the sol-gel method. Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and Pt(AcAc) 2 were used as precursors. Pore size distributions were controlled by varying the H 2 O/TEOS ratio during synthesis. It was found that when the particle size was matched to coincide with the average pore diameter the resulting Pt/SiO 2 catalysts were resistant to sintering in O 2 at temperatures up to 675°C. In order to insure that sintering did not occur it was found necessary to reduce the metal loading to between 0.2 to 0.3 wt.-%. In addition to a high resistance to sintering these catalysts were observed to be structurally stable. BET surface areas in excess of 800 m 2 /g were obtained and were found to decrease only slightly following thermal treatment in O 2 at 675°C. Additionally, pore structure and pore volume were observed to decrease only slightly following thermal treatment in oxygen.
Interaction of NO with the MgO(100) surface studied by infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy

Infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) at low temperatures (ca. 40 K) has been used to study the interaction of NO with highly ordered MgO(100) thin films. Dimer formation has been observed in the multilayer regime at (<60 K) and in the monolayer regime at 60−70 K. Using 15NO, it is shown that dimeric NO, (NO)2, is the key intermediate in the formation of N2O above 70 K.
Regulation of hepatic energy metabolism by epidermal growth factor.

Employing the non-recirculating perfused rat liver preparation, we have investigated the regulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis, and metabolic fluxes through the tricarboxylic acid cycle and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase reaction by epidermal growth factor (EGF) which mimics the actions of both insulin and Ca(2+)-mobilizing hormones (e.g. vasopressin). As monitored by the rate of 14CO2 production from [2-14C]pyruvate (0.5 mM), EGF (10 nM) transiently stimulated the activity of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. EGF also transiently stimulated hepatic gluconeogenesis from pyruvate. The transient stimulation of tricarboxylic acid cycle activity and gluconeogenesis were accompanied by an increase in perfusate Ca2+ content indicating that EGF also altered hepatic Ca2+ fluxes. EGF-elicited stimulation of gluconeogenesis was, at least in part, the result of a transient (50%) inhibition of pyruvate kinase activity. Likewise, EGF-mediated stimulation of tricarboxylic acid cycle activity can, in part, be attributed to EGF-elicited stimulation of metabolic flux through the mitochondrial, Ca(2+)-sensitive, 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase reaction. The regulation of hepatic metabolism by EGF appears to be the manifestation of alteration in cellular Ca2+ content since in experiments performed under conditions known to abolish the ability of EGF to alter cytosolic free-Ca2+ concentrations, i.e. in livers of pertussis-toxin-treated rats, EGF did not alter either perfusate Ca2+ content or any of the metabolic parameters monitored. Additionally, experiments involving pulsatile infusion of either EGF or phenylephrine into livers demonstrated that, unlike the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor, homologous desensitization of the EGF receptor occurs. Such a homologous desensitization of the EGF receptor can explain the transient nature of EGF-elicited stimulation of various metabolic processes. Since protein kinase C activation by EGF can lead to receptor desensitization, experiments were performed with phorbol esters which either activate or do not alter protein kinase C activity. While the inactive phorbol ester 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate did not modulate the hepatic actions of EGF, activation of protein kinase C by 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (70 nM) abolished the ability of EGF to stimulate gluconeogenesis, tricarboxylic acid cycle activity and metabolic flux through the 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex.
Titanium and titanium nitride contacts to n-type gallium nitride

Ti (150 nm), TiN (200 nm) and Ti (5 nm)/TiN (200 nm) contacts have been fabricated on n-type GaN (Si doped , ) and characterized by specific contact resistance measurements and by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiling. Ti contacts were annealed between 400 and C in Ar and to observe the effects of annealing environment on ohmic contact formation. Ti contacts annealed in became ohmic after 1 min at C and reached a minimum specific contact resistance of after 1 min at C. Ti contacts annealed in Ar required 20-25 min at C to become ohmic and also reached a minimum specific contact resistance of after 1 min at C. Depth profiles of Ti contacts showed that the presence of TiN at the metal-GaN interface was a necessary condition for ohmic contact formation. TiN and Ti/TiN contacts were annealed between 400 and C in Ar. TiN contacts became ohmic after 1 min at C but only reached a minimum specific contact resistance of after being annealed at C. Ti/TiN contacts became ohmic after being annealed for 1 min at C, similar to Ti contacts annealed in . Measurements at room temperature and 77 K revealed that annealed TiN ohmic contacts displayed increased specific contact resistance at 77 K (characteristic of thermionic or thermionic-field emission), while Ti/TiN and Ti contacts annealed in Ar showed no temperature dependence (characteristic of field emission). Based on the results of this study, we conclude that having TiN in intimate contact with n-type GaN was necessary for these contacts to be ohmic, while some reaction between Ti and GaN during the contact anneal caused the ohmic contacts to operate by field emission and to reach a lower specific contact resistance.
Empirically Assessing the Importance of Computer Skills

This research determines which computer skills are important for entry-level accountants, and whether some skills are more important than others. Students participated before and after internships in public accounting. Longitudinal analysis is also provided; responses from 2001 are compared to those from 2008–2009. Responses are also compared to small samples of faculty and certified public accountant firm recruiters. The computer skills examined are accounting software, databases, e-mail or Internet, programming, spreadsheets, and word processing. Students believe that grade point averages and all 6 computer skills are important. Faculty and recruiters believe all skills are important except programming skills. Differences exist based on audit versus tax and on gender. Spreadsheet skills are by far the most important.
Escaping the transitional gains trap

Government policies that increase an industry's cash flows, such as tax preferences or direct subsidies, initially raise the prices of assets in that industry. If new firms can enter the industry, asset values return to their prepolicy intervention level. At the new equilibrium, all firms in the industry earn normal returns, although too much capital and labor are now involved in the industry if the market was efficient prior to the enactment of the policy. If entry is not allowed or is not sufficient to dissipate the initial increase in asset prices, only those who owned assets at the time of the policy change receive the wealth gain. Subsequent owners of the assets will receive normal returns because the excess cash flow will be capitalized into the asset prices. Policy changes that reduce the cash flows to an industry by eliminating tax preferences or subsidies have the opposite effects. Initially the policy change reduces the cash flow to an industry and lowers the returns on assets. Disinvestment occurs to restore the equilibrium. Firms that entered the industry after the initial policy change lose wealth. Firms that were in business prior to the enactment of the initial privilege simply lose the gain that they received at the time of the initial enactment. If workers' income in their new employment is less than the earnings that they received in the sector aided by the policy privilege, then they were earning in excess of opportunity costs (rents) and are now earning their normal wage. Should government compensate those citizens who suffer wealth losses because public policies change? Hochman [1974] argues that, in most situations, the ethical answer is yes. He states, "current taxicab operators invested in existing franchises at the market price and did so with reason to believe that the licensing rules under which these franchises had been capitalized were permanent and legitimate." Reluctance to impose these losses creates the "transitional gains trap" [Tullock, 1975]. Tullock argues that the costs of identifying those who ought to receive compensation would in general outweigh the benefits of abolishing an inefficient policy. All we should do is avoid the enactment of such policy traps in the future. The claim that policy changes create "windfall losses" relies on a static model in which investors' expectations regarding future policy changes play no role. Posner [1980] maintains that compensation is not necessary to achieve equity because asset prices reflect the likelihood that majority-rule political activity will create wealth losses. Cordes, Goldfarb, and Barth [ 1983] consider the role of expectations of future policy changes in their assessment of whether losers should be compensated. They argue that when policy changes are perfectly anticipated, compensation is inappropriate because those expectations were taken into account when investment choices were
Processor Controlled Multichannel Microdensitometry for Gas Electron Diffraction Patterns

The design of a novel type of densitometer for evaluating photographic plates from gas electron diffraction is described. A commercially available linear diode array has been interfaced to a PDP-11/23 minicomputer via the DRV11 parallel interface. The diffraction pattern from a photographic plate is optically focused onto a solid state linear photodiode array. The position of each diode in the array provides the radial location information and the radial intensity of each diode is digitized with 14-bit resolution. Software development provides for control over the scan parameters for the array as well as for on-line manipulation of the collected data. The new instrument thus retains the advantages of digital data filtering described in a previous procedure, but allows for faster data recording since the total pattern is determined in one scanning measurement without the mechanical stepping process which is needed in single channel instruments to move the diffraction pattern through the measuring beam. Rapid acquisition of data with online transgeneration should prove to be valuable in the application of the new procedure as a real time data acquisition system for gas phase electron diffraction without photographic intensity recording.
Developing literacy in second‐language learners: Critique from a heteroglossic, sociocultural, and multidimensional framework

The authors review and discuss the work presented in Developing Literacy in Second-Language Learners: Report of The National Literacy Panel on Language Minority Children and Youth, edited by Diane August and Timothy Shanahan.
Masked Ion Beam Lithography Using Stencil Masks

Masked ion beam lithography has the potential to become a high resolution proximity printing technique which is capable of short exposure times. When used for proximity printing, the resolution of masked ion beam lithography is limited by the interaction of the transmitted ions with the ion beam mask. A straightforward approach to eliminating the mask induced scattering is to use a stencil mask where the transmission areas are simply holes in the mask. We have been developing an exposure process that uses a grid support mask which replaces completely open areas with a fine grid. The image of the grid can be eliminated by rocking the incident angle of the beam. We will discuss a fabrication procedure for such a mask as well as investigations into its uses and limitations.
A genetic system for isolation and characterization of TaqI restriction endonuclease mutants.

Abstract The gene encoding TaqI restriction endonuclease has been subcloned downstream from an inducible phoA promoter. Certain strains of Escherichia coli remain viable when endonuclease is expressed, even in the absence of (protective) methylation. Infecting λ phage DNA is not restricted in vivo. One E. coli strain, MM294, exhibited a temperature-sensitive phenotype when TaqI endonuclease was induced. This allowed for design of an in vivo plate assay for identification of specially constructed two-codon insertion mutants in the endonuclease gene. These mutants exhibited a wide range of in vitro activities, including wild-type activity, greater activity in low-salt buffer, and sequence-specific nicking activity.
Shear Wave Speed Measurement Using an Unfocused Ultrasound Beam

Tissue elasticity is related to pathology and, therefore, has important medical applications. Radiation force from a focused ultrasound beam has been used to produce shear waves in tissues for shear wave speed and tissue elasticity measurements. The feasibility of shear wave speed measurement using radiation force for an unfocused ultrasound beam is demonstrated in this study with a linear and a curved array transducer. Consistent measurement of shear wave speed was achieved over a relatively long axial extent (z = 10-40 mm for the linear array, and z = 15-60 mm for the curved array) in three calibrated phantoms with different shear moduli. In vivo measurements on the biceps of a healthy volunteer show consistent increase of shear wave speed for the biceps under 0, 1, 2 and 3 kg loading. Advantages and limitations of unfocused push are discussed.
The Inconvenient Truth about Teaching History with Documentary Film: Strategies for Presenting Multiple Perspectives and Teaching Controversial Issues

ABSTRACT How can teachers effectively use documentary film to teach history, and toward what goals? This article addresses these important questions by: (1) exploring what we know about secondary teachers' practices with documentary film and secondary students' beliefs about documentary film as a source of knowledge about the past, (2) proposing a rationale for the use of documentary film that supports the goals of history education, and (3) discussing examples of documentaries that can be shown to further the rationale presented. Although there are numerous suitable purposes and methods for using documentary film, we argue that two of the most powerful and appropriate are as a way to explore multiple perspectives and as a way to teach about controversial issues.
Transesophageal Echocardiography for the Intraoperative Evaluation of a Large Anterior Mediastinal Mass

A 17-yr-old, 56-kg male was referred to our institution with a 2-wk history of left-sided stabbing chest pain, cough, and progressive dyspnea. The patient was initially evaluated in the emergency room of a nearby hospital where chest radiography demonstrated a left-sided chest mass. The patient’s medical history was significant for asymptomatic mitral valve prolapse without mitral regurgitation. Diagnostic evaluation included a chest computed tomography (CT) scan with a needle-guided biopsy and a transthoracic echocardiogram. The CT scan results confirmed a highly vascular anterior mediastinal mass measuring 10 cm and compressing the left mainstem bronchus and the pulmonary artery. The biopsy results confirmed a malignant germ-cell tumor. Chemotherapy was initiated, yet the patient’s dyspnea increased over 2 days. Transthoracic echocardiogram confirmed compression of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and main pulmonary artery (maximal systolic dimension was 4 mm with complete diastolic collapse). Peak Doppler velocity through the pulmonary arteries was 3 m/s. A moderately sized apical pericardial effusion was also noted. The patient was urgently taken to the operating room for surgical resection with cardiopulmonary bypass. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography
Word-final stops in Brazilian Portuguese English: acquisition and pronunciation instruction

This paper presents current research on the second language acquisition of English phonology and its implication for (and applications to) pronunciation instruction in the language classroom. More specifically, the paper follows the development of English word-final consonants by Brazilian Portuguese speakers learning English as a foreign language. The findings of two parallel studies reveal that the acquisition of these constituents is motivated by both extralinguistic (proficiency, style) and linguistic (word size, place of articulation) factors, and that the process is mediated by an intermediate stage characterized by consonant lengthening or aspiration (Onset-Nucleus sharing). Based on these results, I propose that the segments and environments that seem to delay coda production (i.e., monosyllabic words, labial and dorsal consonants) should be given priority in pronunciation instruction. Along the lines of Dickerson (1975), this paper proposes (what we believe is) a more effective and socially realistic pedagogy for the teaching of English pronunciation within an approach that recognizes that "variability is the norm rather than the exception" in second language acquisition.
Application of robotics to prosthetic control.

Multiaxis robotic and prosthetic systems have a number of common characteristics such that control techniques for robots may sometimes be adapted for prosthetic devices. One characteristic that is particularly important for these systems is that good performance over a wide range of motion and loads is difficult since it is dependent upon complex time-varying, nonlinear dynamics. This paper gives an example of the complexity of the dynamics for a two degree-of-freedom, double-inverted pendulum which has been used as a model for study of biped locomotion. Two different methods called the “inverse plant” and State Space Memory, now being considered for robotic mechanisms, are then presented which base the control on the dynamics of the system and may have application for prosthetic devices.