cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IN VITRO REINFORCEMENT OF HIPPOCAMPAL BURSTING: A SEARCH FOR SKINNER'S ATOMS OF BEHAVIOR

A novel "in vitro reinforcement" paradigm was used to investigate Skinner's (1953) hypotheses (a) that operant behavior is made up of infinitesimal "response elements" or "behavioral atoms" and (b) that these very small units, and not whole responses, are the functional units of reinforcement. Our tests are based on the assumption that behavioral atoms may plausibly be represented at the neural level by individual cellular responses. As a first approach, we attempted to reinforce the bursting responses of hippocampal units in a highly reduced brain-slice preparation with local micropressure applications of behaviorally reinforcing dopaminergic drugs. The same injections were administered independently of bursting to provide a "noncontingent" control for nonspecific stimulation or facilitation of firing. It was found that the bursting responses of individual CA1 pyramidal neurons may be progressively facilitated in a dose-related manner by response-contingent (but not noncontingent) injections of dopamine itself, the dopamine D1-preferring agonist SKF 82958, the D3-preferring agonist quinpirole, and the D2-like selective agonist (+)-4-propyl-9 hydroxynapthoxazine. These findings support the conclusion that unit bursting responses can be reinforced in vitro in hippocampal slices, and they further suggest that the same dopamine receptor subtypes are involved in both cellular and behavioral operant conditioning. The results thus provide indirect support for Skinner's atoms-of-behavior hypothesis.
An aircraft cabin wireless system for games and video entertainment

Current aircraft cabin systems utilize a wired network topology and offer only limited passenger entertainment services. In this article we explore the feasibility of utilizing a wireless network to reduce cabin wiring and reconfiguration costs and to provide passengers with a high-quality entertainment experience, including personalized video and audio as well as state-of-the-art computer games. The problem is to determine whether this is feasible given the computer system demands of state-of-the-art network-based games, combined with the design constraints imposed by the aircraft cabin environment and the bandwidth demands of streaming video. These constraints have both hardware and network design factors. In both cases, the study assumes functionality that would be commercially available in the 2008 timeframe and beyond. We develop several architectures, and through a combination of emulation and simulation, assess the viability of each alternative. We show that a highly distributed architecture, utilizing trends in mobile gaming devices and high-speed (802.11a/n) wireless LANs, together with MPEG-4 encoded video, yield a promising approach to providing passengers with a highquality entertainment.
Distribution of income in advanced capitalist states: political parties, labour unions, and the international economy

. Hypotheses about determinants of income inequality in advanced capitalist societies are tested with data from the World Bank for 1975–80 across virtually the complete population. The results support most of the propositions of a model that takes into account differences in partisan control of government, the organization strength of labour, and the openness of the economy to international market forces. Hypotheses derived from global models of income distribution are not supported. The major findings are (1) that labour organization has no direct effect on income inequality; (2) that strong socialist parties have a negative effect on the size of the gap between the rich and the poor but no effect on the gap between the rich and the middle class; (3) that the governmental strength of conservative parties is unrelated to the size of the gap between the rich and the poor but has a very strong positive effect on the gap between the rich and the middle class; and (4) that, regardless of partisan control of government, relatively small trade dependent economies are more egalitarian than relatively large economies which are less dependent on international trade.
Relativistic molecular orbital theory of zero-field splittings in triplets

Abstract A method of calculating matrix elements of 1/ r 12 in a basis of Dirac scattered-wave (DSW) orbitals is outlined. In the limit c → ∞, this method reduces to that described by Cook and Karplus for non-relativistic orbitals. For triplet states that can be described by a single configuration with two unpaired electrons, the relativistic exchange integrals give not only the singlet—triplet splittings (as in non-relativistic theory), but also the spin—orbit contributions to the triplet zero-field splittings. Results are reported for the 3 ( n → π*) excited state of γ-thiopyrone (4H-pyran-4-thione), which has a very large value of D (calc. −31 cm −1 , exp. −24 to −28 cm −1 ).
Differences in Total White Blood Cell Counts and Absolute Neutrophil Counts between Very Low Birth Weight African American and Caucasian Neonates

Differences in Total White Blood Cell Counts and Absolute Neutrophil Counts between Very Low Birth Weight African American and Caucasian Neonates
Cloning of a 5.8 kb cDNA for a mouse type 2 deiodinase.

From studies with their cDNA, the types 1 and 3 deiodinases (D1 and D3) have been shown unequivocally to be selenoproteins. Studies with recently cloned cDNAs for the mammalian type 2 deiodinase (D2) indicate that they also code for selenoproteins. However, these D2 cDNAs are not full length and they do not contain an essential selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) in their 3′UTR; a heterologous SECIS had to be ligated to the coding region before expression of the D2 could be achieved. Thus their role as cDNAs for the native D2 is open to question. We now report the cloning of a 5.8 kb cDNA for the mouse D2. This cDNA contains a SECIS in its 3′UTR located more than 4.5 kb from the coding region. When the mRNA transcribed in vitro from this cDNA is injected into X. laevis oocytes, a deiodinase with characteristics of D2 is expressed.
Solution combustion synthesis of (La, K) FeO3 orthoferrite ceramics: structural and magnetic property studies

Polycrystalline La1−xKxFeO3 ceramic oxides were synthesized by a solution combustion process using glycine as a fuel. The synthesized ceramic powders were characterized for structural features applying characterization techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and magnetic and optical property studies applying characterization techniques such as SQUID magnetometer and diffuse reflectance (DR). The changes in magnetic properties are correlated to changes in structural features resulting from Rietveld structural refinement.
Practical Implementation of Resistance Feedback Measurement for Position Control of a Flexible Smart Inhaler Nozzle

Many “smart materials” have the capacity to be used simultaneously as both an actuator and sensor. For example, SMA actuator wires can be heated by Joule heating to induce contraction; at the same time, the resistance across the SMA wire can be measured to give the user some indication of the strain in the wire. This multi-functional capability enables the design of applications requiring extremely light-weight and streamlined embedded sensors and actuators. One such “smart structure” application is the flexible nozzle used in the Smart Inhaler system under development at North Carolina State University. The Smart Inhaler allows a doctor to control the locations within the pulmonary system that are medicated by controlling the location at which medication is injected into an inhaled airflow. This can reduce the amount of healthy tissue that is exposed to potentially toxic medications, such as those used to treat lung cancer. However, the practical challenge of injecting medication into a flow without disturbing the flow requires a highly controllable yet non-obstructive nozzle. This paper presents a scheme that correlates the resistance measurement across an SMA actuator wire to the wire strain and the resulting deformation of the flexible nozzle. The relationship between resistance and nozzle deformation is nonlinear and hysteretic; however, the repeatability of the relationship allows the user to calibrate the feedback measurement. This enables the wire to be used as both position sensor and positioning actuator. The results represent the first experiments that exploit the multi-functional capabilities of SMA wires in the context of a practical embedded sensor and actuator application.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Molecular dynamics simulations of phenolic resin: Construction of atomistic models

Abstract Algorithms to generate atomistic models of cross-linked phenolic resins suitable for molecular dynamics simulations were investigated. The influence of five parameters (initial volume of uncross-linked material, cross-linking approach, relaxation time, equilibration temperature) on generating cross-linked structures was studied quantitatively using a full factorial sensitivity analysis. The parameters were found to be dependent on the degree of cross linking (D). For low cross-linking, only the equilibration temperature has a significant impact on the final energetics and densities. However, for higher cross-linking (D > 70%), the equilibration temperature, initial volume and cross-linking approach were shown to influence the phenolic structures. Iterative, rather than single step, methods were shown to produce better structures. The initial volume of the uncross-linked material was identified as having the most influence on the final volume of fully cross-linked systems. By optimizing all five parameters, highly cross-linked samples with low energetics and consistent densities could be generated. To validate the models, thermo-mechanical properties of cross-linked phenolic samples were characterized as a function of density and degree of cross-linking. Good agreement with experimental values was obtained for properties such as the glass transition temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), elastic moduli, and thermal conductivity.
REDUCED CYSTINE CONCENTRATION IN BLOOD PLASMA EXPOSED TO BROAD SPECTRUM LIGHT

Abstract— Heterozygote and homozygote Gunn rat blood plasma, as well as human blood plasma, was exposed for 24 h to broad-spectrum fluorescent light (Dura-Test Vita-Lite). The result of this exposure was the reduction of half-cystine concentrations in all exposed samples when compared to unexposed controls. The data suggests that the effect observed was not the result of direct photic energy absorption by cystine but was the result of a photic intermediate.
Candidate techniques for non-intrusive measurement of flight boundary-layer properties

Techniques to measure gas composition and chemical activity in the hypersonic boundary layer associated with entry research vehicles and with a tethered satellite deployed at 100-125 km altitude are currently being investigated at the NASA-Langley Research Center. These measurements are appropriate for the study of the aerothermodynamic properties of these vehicles when operating with controlled trajectories in the thermosphere between 125 and 55 km. A number of the required quantitative physical measurements have been identified, and candidate techniques to obtain the measurements without perturbing the flow are being considered. Two candidate techniques are discussed in this paper: a mass spectrometer to analyze the gas composition at the vehicle surface, and Rayleigh scattering to obtain density, velocity, and temperature gradients from the surface to the edge of the boundary layer.
Fallout from the Mutual Fund Trading Scandal

In September 2003, several prominent mutual fund companies came under investigation for illegal trading practices. Allegations suggested these funds allowed certain investors to profit from short-term trading schemes at the expense of other investors. Surprisingly, regulatory authorities have known for more than two decades of the potential for such abuses, yet have taken limited steps to correct the problem. We explore investor reaction to the scandal by measuring assets under management, stock returns, and performance. Mutual funds managed by investigated firms show a substantial decline in post-announcement assets under management. These firms also experienced significantly negative announcement-period returns. Finally, we discuss several policy suggestions to prevent future trading abuses and provide direction for future research.
Successful clinical trial research in nursing homes: the Improving Decision-Making Study:

Background One in four Americans, and 70% of people who have dementia, will spend their final days in nursing home care. Clinical research, particularly clinical trials, rarely includes this population due to unique challenges in research methods and ethics. Families of advanced dementia patients make choices about tube feeding and other feeding options with limited access to information or communication. The cluster randomized trial, Improving Decision Making about Feeding Options for Dementia Patients, tests a decision aid intervention to improve the quality of decision making for this choice.Purpose Our objectives are (1) to describe the methods used in this trial; (2) to describe challenges and strategies for effective nursing home and nursing home resident recruitment and retention; and (3) to describe research ethics approaches to minimize harms and maximize benefits for this population.Methods The study is a cluster randomized trial of a decision aid to inform and support the choice between tube fe...
Restoration of woody plants to capped landfills: Root dynamics in an engineered soil

Closed or abandoned landfills represent significant land areas, often in or near urban centers, that are potential sites for ecological restoration of native woodlands. But current guidelines in many jurisdictions do not allow for the installation of trees or shrubs above landfill clay caps, although these plants have many environmental, functional, and aesthetic advantages, including a rapid start to community succession. Typical closure procedures for capped landfills include only a grass cover to control moisture infiltration and impede soil erosion. The main concern that limits the application of a woody cover to a closed landfill is that roots may penetrate and weaken the clay cap. As part of a comprehensive experimental program on woodland restoration, we installed 22 tree and shrub species on Staten Island, New York (the Fresh Kills Sanitary Landfill). We found no evidence that roots of the transplanted woody plants penetrate caps used on these landfills. Root growth requirements and dynamics stop penetration of these materials. Anoxic and acidic conditions were found in the sandy subsoil above the cap, as indicated by corrosion patterns on steel test rods. Also, the intensity of mycorrhizal infection on the experimental plants was high in the surface soil and decreased progressively with increasing soil depth. The potential vertical rooting depth during this time period was greater than that occurring over the clay cap. This was shown from data collected on a nearby control site, where seven of the species were installed on an engineered soil lacking a clay barrier layer, and roots of all seven species penetrated deeper than on the landfill. The engineered landfill soils are poor growth media for roots, and below ground constraints that limit restoration on these sites must be addressed.
The viscous boundary layer at the free surface of a rotating baroclinic fluid: effects due to the temperature dependence of surface tension

A theoretical study is made of the effects due to the dependence on temperature ( T ) of the coefficient of surface tension (S) on the flow in the viscous boundary layer at the free surface of a baroclinic fluid which rotates rapidly about a vertical axis. Although each component of the flow is altered by an amount of the order of the corresponding ageostrophic component arising when dS/dT = 0 multiplied by the dimension-less parameter C ≡ 2 ω. (d S /d T )/( g α?0 v ) (where ω is the rate of rotation of the system, g the acceleration of gravity, and ?0, v and α denote, respectively, the mean density, kinematic viscosity and thermal coefficient of cubical expansion of the fluid), when the interior flow is strictly geostrophic boundary layer suction remains unaffected. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1965.tb00206.x
Apodized grating silicon waveguides for tunable optical delay lines

Modern optical communication systems require tunable optical delay lines for synchronization of data packages. Chirped fiber grating are typically used as a dispersive element for this application. Fiber-based schemes, however, suffer from bulkiness, slow response and/or low time resolution. Integrated photonics on silicon is one alternative approach. Several more advanced device architectures have been subsequently demonstrated on silicon, including ringresonator and photonic crystal (PhC) line-defect waveguide types. The coauthors of this paper have recently proposed a novel class of tunable optical delay lines based on apodized grating waveguides. It was shown that high bit-rate operation is achievable by cascading two complementary (inward and outward) apodized gratings. In this paper, we have experimentally demonstrated our proposed approach and studied performance of the fabricated delay lines for optical telecommunication applications. The bit-rate was extracted from broadening of transform-limited input pulses of the measured dispersion of the delay lines. Characterization of the compact delay lines shows that the single grating devices offer true-time delays as long as 164 ps, tuning range of ~ 81 ps, and a minimum bit rate of ~ 15 Gb/s. The cascaded scheme offer true-time delays of 82 ps and tuning range of 32 ps and can potentially operate at bit rates as high as 107 Gb/s.
Internal mammary artery bypass after the arterial switch operation

Abstract Myocardial ischemia may ensue after coronary artery translocation during the arterial switch operation. We report the successful use of a right internal mammary artery to right coronary artery bypass graft in an infant with angiographic documentation of persistent graft patency 6 months postoperatively.
Control of eating by hepatic oxidation of fatty acids. A note of caution.

Abstract Langhans [Langhans, W. (2008). Fatty acid oxidation in the energostatic control of eating—a new idea. Appetite, 51, 446–451] suggested that the liver might not be involved in the control of eating by fatty acid oxidation (FAO). However, the evidence presented against the role of the liver is weak at best, and may be incorrect. Inhibition of FAO by metabolic inhibitors generally stimulates eating, but in recent experiments from the author's laboratory, inhibition of β-oxidation failed to stimulate eating when FAO was elevated by fasting or adrenoceptor agonists. The author used these experiments as evidence that the liver is not involved in the control of eating by FAO, but this conclusion is open to question because mercaptoacetate, the agent used to inhibit FAO, stimulates anorexia through adrenergic mechanisms. The evidence supporting a role for hepatic FAO in metabolic regulation of food intake remains strong.
The Older Adult and FEAR OF CRIME

1. Set within the context of Johnson's behavioral theory and Creditor's theory of excess disability, a review of current research shows that fear of crime can affect older adults' quality of life, ability to function independently, ability to socialize, and health and health-seeking behaviors. 2. Older adults particularly at risk for fear of crime and its negative sequelae tend to live in urban, high-crime areas, to live alone and not in senior housing, to be of a low socioeconomic status, and to be women. 3. As a part of the routine comprehensive assessment of the older adult, nurses must include an assessment for fear of crime. Whenever excess disability is present, the nurse should suspect fear of crime as a possible cause. Language: en
Biofiltration of isopentane in peat and compost packed beds

Commercially available biofiltration systems have used natural bioactive materials in packed beds due to low media cost and easy availability. Detailed understanding and modeling of biofiltration systems are lacking in existing literature. Experimental studies on the isopentane treatment in air using peat- and compost-packed beds were conducted with inlet isopentane concentrations of 360 to 960 ppmv, and empty-bed gas-phase residence times of 2 to 10 min. High removal efficiences (> 90%) were achieved at low contaminant concentrations ( 8 min). For both peat and compost biofilters, there was an “optimal” water content that gave the highest removal efficiency. For higher water content, mass transfer of isopentane through the liquid phase controlled the biofiltration removal efficiency. At low water content, irreversible changes in the bioactivity of peat and compost occurred, resulting in an irrecoverable loss of removal efficiency. Increases in biofilter bed temperature from 25 to 40°C improved the removal efficiency. A mathematical model incorporating the effect of water content and temperature was developed to describe the packed-bed biofilter performance. Model predictions agreed closely with experimental data.
Moment-tensor solutions estimated using optimal filter theory: global seismicity, 1998

Abstract Moment-tensor solutions, estimated using optimal filter theory, are listed for 204 moderate-to-large size earthquakes that occurred during 1998.
Effects of DNA synthesis inhibitors on early antigen expression following primary infection or superinfection by Epstein-Barr virus.

Seven lymphoid cell lines previously characterized with respect to their resident Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome content were infected or superinfected with concentrated EBV from supernatant of the P3 HR-1 cell line. Immunofluorescence assays were conducted on smears 48 hours after infection, using human sera containing antibodies to EBV early antigen (EA). Two EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA) negative cell lines containing no detectable resident EBV DNA and five EBNA positive cell lines containing EBV genomes were tested. The cell lines did not spontaneously express EBV EA (i.e., they were non-producers). All cell lines responded to infection or superinfection with EBV by expressing EA. Treatment of the cell lines with arabinosylcytosine (Ara-C) 10 µg/ml, at the time of infection resulted in significant decreases in the number of cells expressing detectable EA after drug treatment in all cell lines (72±5 percent inhibition of EA expression). Experiments were also conducted with hydroxyurea (HU) and phosphonoacetic acid (PAA). It was found that treatment with HU (100 µg/ml) inhibited EA production in cell lines containing EBV genome copies by 81 percent as compared to the superinfected cultures receiving no drug. In primary infection of EBNA negative cell lines, HU had minimal effects. PAA (100 µg/ml), on the other hand, had very little effect on EA expression following superinfection of cell lines harboring the EBV genome, but reduced the EA expression after primary infection of EBNA negative cell lines by 70 to 80 percent. All drugs were used at concentrations having little effect on RNA and protein synthesis. However, HU and Ara-C significantly reduced DNA synthesis and cell division in the treated cultures.
Compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards and auditor choice: New evidence on the importance of the statutory audit

Abstract We examine the impact of auditor choice on IFRS compliance under the assumption of strict exogeneity of auditor choice. Our results reveal that compliance is positively related to auditor choice after controlling for firm size, profitability, leverage, degree of international diversification, and whether a firm has a U.S. listing or was audited according to International Standards of Auditing. We also find that auditor choice is positively related to firm compliance when controlling for unmeasured, firm-specific effects. The results of our study reinforce the importance of developing institutional mechanisms (e.g., enforcement, auditing, or corporate governance structures) to encourage compliance with IFRS.
Antagonist Minigenes Identify Genes Regulated by Parathyroid Hormone Through G Protein-Selective and G Protein Co-regulated Mechanisms in Osteoblastic Cells

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the major hormone regulating bone remodeling. Binding of PTH to the PTH1 receptor (PTH1R), a heterotrimeric G protein coupled receptor (GPCR), can potentially trigger multiple signal transduction pathways mediated through several different G proteins. In this study, we employed G protein antagonist minigenes inhibiting Gαs, Gαq or Gα12 to selectively dissect out which of these G proteins were responsible for effects of PTH(1–34) in targeted signaling and osteogenesis arrays consisting of 159 genes. Among the 32 genes significantly regulated by 24 hr PTH treatment in UMR-106 osteoblastic cells, 9 genes were exclusively regulated through Gs, 6 genes were solely mediated through Gq, and 3 genes were only controlled through G12. Such findings support the concept that there is some absolute specificity in downstream responses initiated at the G protein level following binding of PTH to the PTH1R. On the other hand, 6 PTH-regulated genes were regulated by both Gs and Gq, 3 genes were regulated by both Gs and G12, and 3 genes were controlled by Gs, Gq and G12. These findings indicate potential overlapping or sequential interactions among different G protein-mediated pathways. In addition, two PTH-regulated genes were not regulated through any of the G proteins examined, suggesting additional signaling mechanisms may be involved. Selectivity was largely maintained over a 2 – 48 hour time period. The minigene effects were mimicked by downstream inhibitors. The dissection of the differential effects of multiple G protein pathways on gene regulation provides a more complete understanding of PTH signaling in osteoblastic cells.
Modulation Transfer Function Degradation And False Resolution In Radiographic Imaging Systems

Radiographic imaging systems appear, at the outset, to be a relatively simple class of image forming devices. The radiologist relies on the equipment to provide him with images upon which he must base, in some cases, life and death decisions. One would then assume that the quality of the images, or radiographs, which the radiologist utilizes should provide him with the highest quality diagnos tic information that our technology can produce. The cost of most radiological equipment would imply that he is surely utilizing the best equipment available from the industry today. However, much of the effort in design and technology of radiological equipment disregards one of the simplest yet most important limiting factors in the radiographic imaging system, the x-ray focal spot.
A Comparison of Traditional Homework to Computer-Supported Homework.

AbstractThis study compared learning for fifth grade students in two math homework conditions. The paper-and-pencil condition represented traditional homework, with review of problems in class the following day. The Web-based homework condition provided immediate feedback in the form of hints on demand and step-by-step scaffolding. We analyzed the results for students who completed both the paper-and-pencil and the Web-based conditions. In this group of 28 students, students learned significantly more when given computer feedback than when doing traditional paper-and-pencil homework, with an effect size of .61. The implications of this study are that, given the large effect size, it may be worth the cost and effort to give Web-based homework when students have access to the needed equipment, such as in schools that have implemented one-to-one computing programs.
Constructing Proofs in Symmetric Networks

This paper considers the problem of expressing predicate calculus in connectionist networks that are based on energy minimization. Given a first-order-logic knowledge base and a bound k, a symmetric network is constructed (like a Boltzman machine or a Hopfield network) that searches for a proof for a given query. If a resolution-based proof of length no longer than k exists, then the global minima of the energy function that is associated with the network represent such proofs. The network that is generated is of size cubic in the bound k and linear in the knowledge size. There are no restrictions on the type of logic formulas that can be represented. The network is inherently fault tolerant and can cope with inconsistency and nonmonotonicity.
Periostin is required for maximal airways inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in mice

Background Periostin, a secreted extracellular matrix protein, has been localized to deposits of subepithelial fibrosis in asthmatic patients, and periostin levels have been linked to increases in IL-13. Objective We hypothesized that periostin is required for airway inflammatory responses to a physiologic aeroallergen, house dust mite (HDM). Methods We studied F4-F6 B6;129- Postn tm1Jmol /J wild-type ( Postn +/+ ) and null ( Postn −/− ) mice, as well as C57BL/6 mice treated with either IgM or OC-20 periostin neutralizing antibody. Mice were exposed to 5 doses of HDM intranasally over a 16-day period. Results HDM increased airways responsiveness in Postn +/+ but not Postn −/− mice. In addition, HDM-treated C57BL/6 mice injected with OC-20 had lower airways responsiveness than HDM-treated mice injected with IgM. Compared with Postn +/+ mice, Postn −/− mice showed decreases in HDM-induced inflammation and mucous metaplasia, as well as reduced IL-4, IL-25, CD68, Gob5, and periostin mRNA expression. OC-20 antibody produced similar results. HDM exposure increased periostin expression in the airway epithelium, subepithelium, smooth muscle and inflammatory cells. OC-20 blocked the HDM-induced IgE response, and T cells incubated with dendritic cells (DCs) from Postn −/− mice or treated with OC-20 showed deficient DNA synthesis and IL-13 responses compared with T cells incubated with wild-type DCs. Finally, adoptive transfer of bone marrow–derived DCs from Postn +/+ mice was sufficient to promote allergic responses in F6 Postn −/− littermates. Conclusions In mice, periostin is required for maximal airways hyperresponsiveness and inflammation after HDM sensitization and challenge. Periostin is required for maximal HDM-induced T-cell responses.
Moving beyond collections: Academic library outreach to multicultural student centers

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to identify opportunities for effective collaboration between academic libraries and student services offices dedicated to providing services to students of color.Design/methodology/approach – A survey research method was used to gather demographic information about students affiliated with one of four “cultural centers” at Washington State University and to generate descriptive statistics regarding their patterns of information use and the degree to which they made use of library resources and services.Findings – Findings are reported in five tables describing library use by students of color as well as their preferences for targeted library programming. Survey results were used to identify a number of potential service enhancements to encourage more effective use of library and information resources by students of color.Research limitations/implications – Survey dissemination was limited to those students either actively affiliated with one of four cultural cente...
Supermembrane with non-Abelian gauging and Chern-Simons quantization

We present the non-Abelian gaugings of supermembranes for general isometries for compactifications from eleven-dimensions, starting with an Abelian case as a guide. We introduce a super Killing vector in eleven-dimensional superspace for a non-Abelian group G associated with the compact space B for a general compactification, and couple it to a non-Abelian gauge field on the world-volume. As a technical tool, we use teleparallel superspace with no manifest local Lorentz covariance. Interestingly, the coupling constant is quantized for the non-Abelian group G, due to its non-trivial mapping \(\pi_3(G)\).
Linear amplifier model for optomechanical systems

We model optomechanical systems as linear optical amplifiers. This provides a unified treatment of diverse optomechanical phenomena. We emphasize, in particular, the relationship between ponderomotive squeezing and optomechanically induced transparency, two foci of current research. We characterize the amplifier response to quantum and applied classical fluctuations, both optical and mechanical. Further, we apply these results to establish quantum limits on external force sensing both on and off cavity resonance. We find that the maximum sensitivity attained on resonance constitutes an absolute upper limit, not surpassed when detuning off cavity resonance. The theory is extended to a two-sided cavity with losses and limited detection efficiency.
Application of abstract variational theory to hereditary systems--A survey

In this survey paper, results for optimal control problems governed by hereditary systems are presented and discussed. Although fundamental results (controllability, existence and uniqueness of optimal controls, feedback controls) obtained without employing abstract variational approaches are briefly reviewed, emphasis is placed on those results established through the use of general abstract variational theories, and, in particular, on those growing out of the theories developed by the late Lucien W. Neustadt. Motivating examples of hereditary systems encountered in applications (technological, biological, and biomedical) are given. Abstract variational theories involving the Lagrange Multiplier rule and the Kuhn-Tucker conditions in a Banach space, the approach of Dubovitskii-Milyutin, the quasiconvexity ideas of Gamkrelidze, and the abstract maximum principles developed in the work of Halkin and Neustadt are summarized briefly. A more detailed discussion of applications of the quasiconvexity ideas and the Neustadt theory to systems governed by differential-difference, functional-differential, and Volterra integral equations is presented for control problems both with and without state constraints. Recent results for control of hereditary systems with terminal function space boundary conditions are also reviewed.
Mesenteric rheumatoid nodules masquerading as an intra-abdominal malignancy: a case report and review of the literature

Background Rheumatoid nodules are the most common extra-articular findings in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They occur most commonly at pressure points such as the extensor surfaces of the forearms, fingers, and occiput, but have also been reported to occur in unusual locations including the central nervous system, pericardium, pleura, and sclera. We present the unusual case of rheumatoid nodules in the small bowel mesentery masquerading as an intra-abdominal malignancy.
A generalized model for passively Q-switched lasers including excited state absorption in the saturable absorber

A generalized model of a passively Q-switched laser is presented. It enables performance optimization including cases in which the saturable absorber exhibits both ground and excited state absorption (ESA) at the laser wavelength. The model accounts for the properties of the lasing material, the saturable absorber, and the resonator. The procedure for using this model to determine resonator and Q-switch parameters which optimize the laser's performance is described and the model is applied to reported systems to demonstrate its use.
Potential response of pacific northwestern forests to climatic change, effects of stand age and initial composition

We used an individual-based forest simulator (a gap model) to assess the potential effects of anthropogenic climatic change on conifer forests of the Pacific Northwestern United States. Steady-state simulations suggested that forest zones could be shifted on the order of 500–1000 m in elevation, which could lead to the local extirpation of some high-altitude species. For low-elevation sites, species which currently are more abundant hundreds of kilometers to the south would be favored under greenhouse scenarios. Simulations of transient responses suggested that forest stands could show complex responses depending on initial species composition, stand age and canopy development, and the magnitude and duration of climatic warming. Assumptions about species response to temperature, which are crucial to the model's behaviors, were evaluated using data on species temperature limits inferred from regional distributions. The high level of within-species variability in these data, and other confounding factors influencing species distributions, argue against over-interpreting simulations. We suggest how we might resolve critical uncertainties with further research.
VISUALIZING STOCK-MUTUAL FUND RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS

In this paper we analyze the network structure of stocks (as actors in a 2mode/affiliation social network) and their relationship to mutual funds. The analysis reveals a network structure that has both the “hub” and “small world” characteristics of many common social and physical networks thus suggesting that stock affiliation in mutual funds is not a random phenomenon even though the mutual fund selection was done randomly. The data for the analysis is based on a random sample of 18 mutual (stock) funds from the Vanguard and Fidelity family of funds and 99 unique stocks which were part of the 10 top holdings in each fund. This study may also suggest that institutional investors are prone to herd behavior (a social network phenomena), and/or risk aversion shown by the high concentration of (similar) blue-chips in their portfolios.
Telomere formation on macronuclear chromosomes of Oxytricha trifallax and O. fallax: alternatively processed regions have multiple telomere addition sites

Ciliates employ massive chromatid breakage and de novo telomere formation during generation of the somatic macronucleus. Positions flanking the 81-MAC locus are reproducibly cut. But those flanking the Common Region are proposed to often escape cutting, generating three nested macronuclear chromosomes, two retaining "arms" still appended to the Common Region. Arm-distal positions must differ (in cis ) from the Common Region flanks. The Common-Region-flanking positions also differ from the arm-distal positions in that they are "multi-TAS" regions: anchored PCR shows heterogeneous patterns of telomere addition sites, but arm-distal sites do not. The multi-TAS patterns are reproducible, but are sensitive to the sequence of the allele being processed. Thus, random degradation following chromatid cutting does not create this heterogeneity; these telomere addition sites also must be dictated by cis -acting sequences. Most ciliates show such micro-heterogeneity in the precise positions of telomere addition sites. Telomerase is believed to be tightly associated with, and act in concert with, the chromatid-cutting nuclease: heterogeneity must be the result of intervening erosion activity. Our "weak-sites" hypothesis explains the correlation between alternative chromatid cutting at the Common Region boundaries and their multi-TAS character: when the chromatid-breakage machine encounters either a weak binding site or a weak cut site at these regions, then telomerase dissociates prematurely, leaving the new end subject to erosion by an exonuclease, which pauses at cis -acting sequences; telomerase eventually heals these resected termini. Finally, we observe TAS positioning influenced by trans -allelic interactions, reminiscent of transvection.
Frequency estimation techniques for high dynamic trajectories

A comparison is presented of four different estimation techniques applied to the problem of continuously estimating the rapidly varying parameters of a sinusoidal signal, observed in the presence of additive noise. Frequency estimates are emphasized, although phase and/or frequency rate are also estimated by some of the algorithms. These parameters are related to the velocity, position, and acceleration of the maneuvering receiver or transmitter. Estimated performance at low carrier-to-noise ratios and high dynamics is investigated for the purpose of determining the useful operating range of an approximate maximum likelihood estimator, an extended Kalman filter, a cross-product automatic frequency loop and a phase-locked loop. Numerical simulations are used to evaluate performance while tracking a common trajectory exhibiting high dynamics. >
Microorganism selection and biosurfactant production in a continuously and periodically operated bioslurry reactor.

Abstract A continuous-flow reactor (CSTR) and a soil slurry-sequencing batch reactor (SS-SBR) were maintained in 8 l vessels for 180 days to treat a soil contaminated with diesel fuel (DF). Concentrations of Candida tropicalis, Brevibacterium casei, Flavobacterium aquatile, Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Pseudomonas fluorescens were determined using fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis. DF removal (biological and volatile) and biosurfactant concentrations were measured. The SS-SBR encouraged the growth of biosurfactant-producing species relative to the CSTR. Counts of biosurfactant-producing species ( C. tropicalis, P. aeruginosa, P. fluorescens ) relative to total microbial counts were 88% in the SS-SBR and 23% in the CSTR. Biosurfactants were produced in the SS-SBR to levels of nearly 70 times the critical micelle concentration (CMC) early in the cycle, but were completely degraded by the end of each cycle. No biosurfactant production was observed in the CSTR. DF biodegradation rates were over 40% greater and DF stripping was over five times lower in the SS-SBR than the CSTR. However, considerable foaming occurred in the SS-SBR. Reversing the mode of operation in the reactors on day 80 caused a complete reversal in microbial consortia and reactor performance by day 120. These results show that bioslurry reactor operation can be manipulated to control overall reactor performance.
Certificate-of-need regulation and the diffusion of innovations: A random coefficient model

In this paper, we examine empirically the effect that certificate-of-need regulation by state health planning organizations has had on the speed of diffusion of a relatively new medical technology—haemodialysis. Specifically, we test the hypothesis that a requirement that investments be subject to certificate-of-need review has significantly slowed the rate of adoption of this particular treatment modality. In subjecting this hypothesis to empirical verification, we estimate a random coefficient model. This approach allows us to make more efficient use of the available data than the traditional two-stage approach to modelling diffusion processes wherein separate logistic functions are first estimated over the time series observations followed by hypothesis tests conducted over the cross-sectional observations. We find evidence that certificate-of-need regulation slows the spread of haemodialysis technology.
Phase Instabilities in the Laser Vector Complex Ginzburg-Landau Equation

The interplay between the polarization state of light and transverse effects in lasers is analyzed through an amplitude equation description of an atomic transition between spin sublevels. Linearly polarized traveling waves are found, whose stability is restricted by a phase instability associated with the direction of polarization. The instability persists for polarization stabilized lasers. Novel states of laser light such as standing waves with a spatially periodic linear polarization or coexisting traveling waves with different wave numbers and circular polarizations are also found.
Protection traps and alternatives for memory management of an object-oriented language

Many operating systems allow user programs to specify the protection level (inaccessible, read-only, read-write) of pages in their virtual memory address space, and to handle any protection violations that may occur. Such page-protection techniques have been exploited by several user-level algorithms for applications including generational garbage collection and persistent stores. Unfortunately, modern hardware has made efficient handling of page protection faults more difficult. Moreover, page-sized granularity may not match the natural granularity of a given application. In light of these problems, we reevaluate the usefulness of page-protection primitives in such applications, by comparing the performance of implementations that make use of the primitives with others that do not. Our results show that for certain applications software solutions outperform solutions that rely on page-protection or other related virtual memory primitives.
Effects of TNFα on the Expression of Class II MHC Molecules in Macrophages Induced by IFNγ: Evidence for Suppression at the Level of Transcription

Tumor necrosis factor-a (TNFa) induces surface expression of class II major histocompatibility (MHC) molecules (Ia molecules) in many cells, including macrophage-like cell lines. When we tested the effects of this cytokine on murine peritoneal macrophages, TNFc had little effect on surface expression of Ia. The strong expression of such molecules induced by interferon-y (IFNy) was, however, suppressed moderately by TNFa. These effects were reflected at the level of specific messenger RNA (mRNA) as detected by Northern blot analysis. Furthermore, the locus of control appears to be transcriptional; in nuclear run-on assays, TNFa suppressed the IFN-y-inducedenhancement of transcription for the murine 13-chainof I-A (l-A13.).Taken together the data suggest that TNF has little effect on class II MHC genes and surface expression in murine peritoneal macrophages, that TNFa is a modest suppressant of such molecules when their levels are raised by IFNy, and that these suppressive effects are mediated at the level of transcription.
The Art of Storytelling: A Pedagogy for Proposal Writing

This article is based on the idea that there is latent storytelling already in proposals. It explores the various ways in which storytelling functions as a pedagogical model of teaching the writing of proposals in business and technical writing courses. The central premise is that stories, like proposals, are forms of discourse that place events sequentially from beginning to end with meaningful and graspable connections in between. Stories take (identified) audiences into account by being selective of events that are carefully rearranged and described through composites of scenarios and characters. This article explores those storytelling patterns in theory and in practice. It aims to enhance the perspective of teaching proposal writing by calling attention to a seemingly inconsequential or unrelated notion – storytelling.
Macrolichen substrate selection: Patterns among aspen, non-aspen hardwood, and conifer-dominated forests in the Wasatch Mountains, Utah

Abstract Lichens in montane, forested ecosystems of the Intermountain West and central Rocky Mountains tend to be understudied. Focusing on forested ecosystems in Utah, specifically Santaquin and Payson Canyons, we describe lichen community diversity and composition and their relation to percent aspen cover, and contrast lichens in aspen, non-aspen hardwood and coniferous environments. We collected 351 macrolichens, a total of 34 species and 15 genera, from 22 circular plots with a 34.7 m radius. We found three major gradients in lichen community composition in our study area. First, many species of Xanthomendoza had strong positive correlations with increasing aspen cover, while several Melanohalea species declined with greater aspen cover. Xanthomendoza galericulata was a significant indicator for aspen forests, but this lichen was not limited to aspen as it colonizes various barks flexibly. Second, corticolous and saxicolous taxa positively associated with a trend in lichen species richness, while terr...