cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technological Infrastructure and the Implementation of Technological Strategies

Technological change is an important strategic problem for many enterprises. Effectively implementing the technological aspects of a firm's strategy requires an understanding of the nature of the external infrastructure which supports technological change and the strategic capability to continuously interact with this infrastructure. After explaining why this infrastructure is important and how it is organized, we suggest the basic elements needed to implement a technological strategy successfully.
Contribution of excitatory amino acids to hypoglycemic counter-regulation.

We determined the contribution of central N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation to the neuro-endocrine counter-regulatory response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Glucose kinetics, gluconeogenic substrate balance and counter-regulatory hormonal responses were determined in two groups of conscious dogs fitted with chronic vascular catheters and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) cannula. Peripheral insulin infusion (5 mU/kg per min for 3 h) decreased plasma glucose levels 40% and increased the rate of glucose appearance (R(a)) 2-fold. This was associated with significant increases in net hepatic uptake of glycerol and lactate, without any change in the net hepatic uptake of alanine. i.c.v. pretreatment with MK-801, an NMDA receptor antagonist, blunted (50%) the rise in glucose R(a) as well as the increase in the net hepatic uptake of glycerol and lactate. Hypoglycemia increased plasma cortisol (3-fold to 14.3+/-1 mg/dl) and epinephrine levels (14-fold to 3811+/-172 pg/ml), and this stress response was attenuated (30% and 60%, respectively) by MK-801 pretreatment. In controls, MK-801 did not alter the increase in norepinephrine or glucagon elicited by hypoglycemia. These results indicate that during hypoglycemia, central excitatory amino acids contribute to the modulation of the glucoregulatory response through activation of NMDA receptors, resulting in stimulation of the sympathoadrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis. This mechanism appears to play an important role in the sustained elevation in hepatic glucose production during hypoglycemia.
High-k gate stack on GaAs and InGaAs using in situ passivation with amorphous silicon

Abstract To reduce density of interface states and avoid Fermi level pinning at the III–V-high-k interface we employed an amorphous Si interface passivation layer ( a -Si IPL) in situ deposited on top of GaAs or InGaAs MOSFET channels grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The high-k gate stack was further fabricated ex situ on top of the IPL with HfO 2 dielectric and TaN metal gate. Combination of transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and capacitance–voltage methods was applied to the samples with various IPL thicknesses to study correlations of the interface structure and its chemistry with the formation/passivation of interface states. An unpinned Fermi level is demonstrated on both GaAs and InGaAs wafers when Si IPL is partially oxidized, corresponding to the minimum thickness of the a -Si IPL of 1.5 nm. Thermal stability of the gate stack up to 750 °C was demonstrated, making it appropriate for Si implant activation within MOSFET technology. Both depletion mode and enhancement mode n-channel MOSFETs were demonstrated with transconductance 0.27 mS/mm for 100 μm—long channel and channel electron mobility as high as 1100 cm 2 /V s.
Student Pharmacists' Perceptions of Generic and Branded Drugs

This article assesses student pharmacists ' perceptions of the comparative risks associated with eight categories of branded and generic drugs. It specifically addresses the extent to which both risk perception and risk-taking propensity will affect subsequent decisions to recommend one type of drug over another. Data were obtained from 165 subjects. The results indicate significant relationships between selected components of perceived risk and probable recommendations.
Spatial and annual variation in the diets of juvenile smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu

We measured macroinvertebrate densities and abundance, size, and diet of juvenile smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu, at five sites located at varying distances from a metalimnetic release dam. We used these data to determine the influence of high prey abundances on stomach fullness and age-0 year-class strength. Summer diets of juvenile smallmouth bass (27.7–107.7 mm total length) were dominated by Ephemeroptera (primarily Baetidae) but diet composition was highly variable among years and sites. A linear index of prey selection showed that Ephemeroptera were preferred and Trichoptera were avoided at all sites in all years; but, selection indices were not consistent for Chironomidae or Amphipoda and Isopoda. In two of three years, stomach fullness (gut content mass relative to predicted maximum) of juvenile smallmouth bass decreased with distance downstream of the dam, which reflected patterns observed in benthic macroinvertebrate densities. However, in 1989 when flooding and increased turbidity reduced abundances of juvenile smallmouth bass, no differences in stomach fullness were found among sites. High stomach fullness of juvenile smallmouth bass was attributed to high prey abundances near the dam in years of low or normal streamflow. However, patterns in juvenile smallmouth bass abundances in mid-summer could not be attributed to longitudinal variation in prey abundance.
Photoelectric emission from the negative electron affinity (100) diamond surface — exciton effects

Investigation of the photoelectric yield characteristics of the negative electron affinity NEA (100) diamond surface (produced by hydrogen plasma exposure) finds a striking similarity to the emission from NEA (111) diamond surfaces. Work on NEA diamond (111) surfaces has revealed the important role (sometimes dominant) of photoexcited excitons in the photoelectric yield. Comparison of the electron emission properties among surfaces with different crystallographic orientations can give further insight into electron emission mechanisms. We find that the kinetic energy distribution, the photon energy dependence of photoelectric yield, and the photon energy dependence of constant final state measurements of NEA (100) diamond are characteristically similar to the emission from NEA (111) diamond surfaces. Observed differences appear related to the change in band bending at the surface.
Fusion of HYDICE hyperspectral data with panchromatic imagery for cartographic feature extraction

Research at the Digital Mapping Laboratory has focused on the automated analysis of aerial imagery for cartographic feature extraction. However, it has long been the authors' belief that optimal performance in cartographic feature extraction can be obtained only by the combination, or fusion, of feature extraction systems which use differing information sources and processing methods. This paper describes experiments on the pairwise fusion of cartographic feature extraction systems; surface material maps obtained from the classification of hyper-spectral imagery, digital elevation models derived from stereo panchromatic imagery, and three-dimensional (3D) building hypotheses generated from single panchromatic images. Fusion experiments were performed on three test areas and detailed evaluations conducted. The results showed that using surface material or stereo information to focus processing of the building extraction system led to significantly better overall performance and runtimes. Utilizing building hypotheses to refine material classification showed mixed results, due partially to residual registration errors.
Evidence for variability among squash seeds from the Hoxie site (11CK4), Illinois

Uncarbonized Cucurbita pepo L. (squash) seed coats were recovered from the base of a fortification ditch in water-saturated contexts at the Hoxie Farm site (11CK4) in northeastern Illinois. A direct date on one specimen indicated association with the Huber phase occupation, or about 1600 A.D. Sizes were highly variable, suggesting the presence of two or more squash varieties. To explore that possibility, length and width measurements were obtained for 21 specimens. A simple hierarchical cluster analysis revealed the presence of three distinct seed size groups. The two smaller conform to sizes displayed by modern varieties of subspecies ovifera which is the type domesticated in North America. Sizes for the third group of large seeds fall outside the range of any modern subspecies ovifera and within the range for the Mexican domesticate subspecies pepo. Similar large sized seeds first appear in the archaeological record from the Midwest during the Late Mississippian times. The potential for long-term prehistoric cultivation of two distinct lineages in the Midwest, and problems inherent in the scenario are discussed.
The Effect of Training Children to Consider Intentions When Making Moral Judgments.

Summary Prekindergarten children were trained to consider intentions when making moral judgments. Children were read pairs of stories that described an act producing damage. They were then asked to identify the worst act. In a verbal discrimination group, children were reinforced when they selected the act where the doer intended damage. The discussion group was also asked to identify the more negative act, but then participated in a discussion of their choices. The control group was given stories that did not contain acts producing damage. The results indicated that both types of training were instrumental in aiding children to consider the intentions of an agent when making moral judgments.
Use of High-definition Computed Tomography to Assess Endotracheal Tube Luminal Narrowing after Mechanical Ventilation

202 July 2013 P and clearance of mucus are key mechanisms in the physiology of the respiratory system. Their regulation is often impaired in intubated patients who show superabundant production and inefficient clearance. As a result, a variably thick layer of mucus ultimately adheres to the inner surface of the endotracheal tube (ETT), reducing its original cross-sectional area. This luminal narrowing significantly impacts airflow resistance that varies inversely to the fourth power of the conduit’s radius according to the Poiseuille’s equation (ΔP = 8 μLQ(πr4)−1). Patient’s work of breathing may consequently increase.1 However, the importance of ETT progressive luminal narrowing during mechanical ventilation is still widely unrecognized, and currently used suctioning systems are unable to maintain the ETT function.2 To study the magnitude of this adverse event, we developed an innovative approach to visualize the accretion of mucus in extubated ETTs with high-definition computed tomography. The ETT is collected on extubation and sealed. Scanning is performed on a positron emission tomography-computed tomography scanner (Siemens, Malvern, PA), with resolution down to 15 μm. Multiplanar images of the ETT, particularly its lung end (terminal 10 cm), show the reduced inner diameter on coronal (fig. A) and transverse (fig. B) sections. 3D-volume rendering reconstructions of the lumen can also be obtained (fig. C). This technique precisely visualizes the morphology of the lumen and quantifies the existing amount of mucus. Measurements such as volume of secretions/air or minimum cross-sectional area can be collected, all of which may have exerted significant effects in vivo. High-definition computed tomography may also be useful to study the efficacy of devices for the maintenance of the ETT function.3
Failure Criteria Development for Dynamic High-Cycle Fatigue of Ceramic Matrix Composites

Acoustic fatigue in aircraft is typically characterized by random, high-frequency excitation that results in fully reversed bending in panels. Because of the expense of testing panels in an acoustic environment, traditional methods have first tested small cantilevered coupons on electrodynamic shakers to determine the strain vs number of cycles to failure behavior. A number of variables have been studied to provide failure criteria for the specimens. Developing criteria are examined for a relatively new class of materials, ceramic matrix composites, which are characterized by having a brittle matrix, which has a stiffness that is a significant fraction of the fiber value. Also discussed are experimental techniques that reduce the scatter associated with such data.
The Concomitant Use of Fat and Methionine in Broiler Diets

Abstract CONSIDERABLE attention has recently been paid to the beneficial effects observed when fat is added to broiler diets. Slinger et al. (1952) and Siedler et al. (1953) studied the effects of fat in poultry rations. Sunde (1954) and Runnels (1955) called particular attention to the valuable increase in feed efficiency attained by the addition of fat to poultry feeds. The use of supplemental dl -methionine and the beneficial effects in growth and in efficiency of feed utilization obtained with practical chick starter and broiler diets are also well known from the work of Bird et al. (1945), Gerry et al.(1948), Saxena and McGinnis (1952), Matterson et al. (1953) and many others. In view of the rapid acceptance of nonfood animal fats in poultry feeds, a study of the combined effect of fat and dl -methionine as supplements in broiler rations was undertaken. Investigation of this problem has been in progress at the …
Migration of the digital interactive breast-imaging teaching file

The digital breast imaging teaching file developed during the last two years in our laboratory has been used successfully at UCSF (University of California, San Francisco) as a routine teaching tool for training radiology residents and fellows in mammography. Building on this success, we have ported the teaching file from an old Pixar imaging/Sun SPARC 470 display system to our newly designed telemammography display workstation (Ultra SPARC 2 platform with two DOME Md5/SBX display boards). The old Pixar/Sun 470 system, although adequate for fast and high-resolution image display, is 4- year-old technology, expensive to maintain and difficult to upgrade. The new display workstation is more cost-effective and is also compatible with the digital image format from a full-field direct digital mammography system. The digital teaching file is built on a sophisticated computer-aided instruction (CAI) model, which simulates the management sequences used in imaging interpretation and work-up. Each user can be prompted to respond by making his/her own observations, assessments, and work-up decisions as well as the marking of image abnormalities. This effectively replaces the traditional 'show-and-tell' teaching file experience with an interactive, response-driven type of instruction.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Arachidonic acid aggregates neutrophils

Arachidonic acid, but not several structurally similar fatty acids, stimulated neutrophils in suspension to aggregate; this effect was blocked by 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid, an inhibitor of arachidonic acid metabolism. Analagous to platelets, arachidonate may be a precursor of active metabolites which mediate neutrophil responses.
Faculty evaluation and the development of academic careers

National and campus discussions about what should count in faculty evaluation have helped broaden the idea of scholarship at many colleges and universities, but for faculty who wish to fashion careers that include new kinds of scholarly work, debates about actual cases for tenure and promotion matter the most.
The Effect of Unionism on Accidents in U.S. Coal Mining, 1897–1929

This study estimates the effect of unionism on accident fatalities using two data sets on early twentieth-century coal mining—a state-level data set and a mine-level data set. In both data sets, unionism is estimated to have reduced fatalities by about 40 percent. The union effect persists after controlling for state safety regulations, apparently supporting union president John Mitchell's claim that union miners supported each other in refusing to work in unsafe places.
Molecular species of mitochondrial phosphatidylcholine in rat liver and lung

The acyl species of mitochondrial phosphatidylcholine from rat liver and lung were analysed by HPLC separation of the 1,2-diacyl-3-naphthylurethane derivatives. Comparison of phosphatidylcholine species patterns in microsomal, mitochondrial and submitochondrial fractions revealed only minor differences, whereas mitochondria from liver and lung differed markedly in the molecular composition of their respective phosphatidylcholine species.
A proton and lithium-7 NMR investigation of triphenyl group IV lithium compounds

Abstract The proton NMR spectra of the triphenyl group IV lithium compounds have been analysed exactly in terms of the fundamental parameters, chemical shifts, and coupling constants. The para proton chemical shifts are consistent with electron donation from the group IV atom into the phenyl rings, as was reported previously. However, the para protons are shielded in the opposite order from that expected on the basis of the π-bonding trends of the group IV atoms. The 7Li NMR spectra were also obtained for information concerning the association between Li and the group IV atom. The data indicate that the degree of electron delocalization into the phenyl rings is controlled by the degree of association between lithium and the group IV atom.
Pricing Practices of Resellers in the Airline Industry: Posted Price vs. Name‐Your‐Own‐Price Models

I find that when a reseller with market power serves an airline company and only linear contracts are feasible, the airline prefers that the reseller utilizes the Name-Your-Own-Price (NYOP) (a la Priceline) instead of the Posted Price (PP) (a la Hotwire) model. Essentially, the airline can better extract the surplus of the reseller if power over pricing is in the hands of numerous consumers, each bidding according to her preferences, instead of being concentrated in the hands of the reseller. Introducing two part tariff contracts or competition among resellers eliminates the distinction between the two pricing models. Either form of pricing generates the same outcome as vertical integration of the airline with the downstream market of resellers.
Dorfman-Berbaum-Metz method for statistical analysis of multireader, multimodality receiver operating characteristic data: Validation with computer simulation

Rationale and Objectives. The authors examined the relationship between the critical P value (α) and the empirical type I error rate when using the Dorfman-Berbaum-Metz (DBM) method for analysis of variance in multireader, multimodality receiver operating characteristic (ROC) data. Methods. The authors developed a linear mixed-effect model to generate continuous, normally distributed random decision variables containing multiple sources (components) of variation. A range of magnitudes for these variance components was used to simulate experiments in which multiple readers (three or five) read images obtained with two modalities from the same set of cases with no re-reading. Three binormal population ROC curves, with areas of 0.962, 0.855, and 0.702, were included. Case-sample sizes ranged from 50 to 400, and either 50% or 10% of cases were actually positive. For each experiment, 2,000 data sets were analyzed by the computer program, and the proportion of 2,000 modality differences that was found to be statistically significant at an α level of .05 was tabulated. Results. The test for modality difference performed well for the low and intermediate ROC curves, even with small case samples. For the high ROC curve, the small-sample results were conservative. No relationship between observed type I error rate and the magnitude of data correlation was evident. Conclusion. For typical ROC curves, the DBM method is robust in testing for modality effects in the null case, given a sufficient sample size. Instructions for obtaining a free copy of the software are given.
Combining produce and consume operations in a pipelined shared memory multiprocessor

A technique for combining produce and consume operations is proposed. An Omega network was designed to work with a pipelined micro multiprocessor system, and each of its nodes to be implemented on a single chip. Without a significant increase in hardware complexity, the nodes combine produce and consume messages in an unbounded way. The combining technique that was developed guarantees that every produce and consume message that is combined will always succeed, adding a new benefit to combining. Results of several simulation runs are presented.
Lux transfer: CMOS versus CCD

This paper compares the performance of competing CCD and CMOS imaging sensors including backside-illuminated devices. Comparisons are made through a new performance transfer curve that shows at a glance performance deficiencies for any given pixel architecture analyzed or characterized. Called Lux Transfer, the curve plots signal-to-noise as a function of absolute light intensity for a family of exposure times over the sensor's dynamic range (i.e., read noise to full well). Critical performance parameters on which the curve is based are reviewed and analytically described (e.g., QE, pixel nonuniformity, full well, dark current, read noise, MTF, etc.). Besides S/N, many by- products come from lux transfer including dynamic range, responsivity (e-/lux-sec), charge capacity, linearity and ISO rating. Experimental data generated by 4 micrometers -- 3T pixel DVGA and a 5.6 micrometers -- 3T pixel DXGA CMOS sensors are presented that demonstrate lux transfer use.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
In-plane light particle correlations in 40 MeV/nucleon C+C, Ag, Au, and 50 MeV/nucleon C+C reactions.

Large angle correlations have been measured between two light particles (Z = 1,2) emitted from 40 MeV/nucleon C+C, Ag, Au, and 50 MeV/nucleon C+C reactions. The first particle is detected at theta = -45/sup 0/, and the second particle is detected in the same plane with -150/sup 0/less than or equal tothetaless than or equal to+150/sup 0/. The correlations are consistent with emission from a thermalized system that is constrained by momentum conservation effects. In addition, the decay of particle unstable states contributes heavily to the coincidence cross sections for p-p, p-t, p-/sup 4/He, d-/sup 4/He, t-/sup 4/He, and /sup 4/He-/sup 4/He correlations.
EXEMPLAR-BASED CLUSTERING VIA SIMULATED ANNEALING

Several authors have touted the p-median model as a plausible alternative to within-cluster sums of squares (i.e., K-means) partitioning. Purported advantages of the p-median model include the provision of “exemplars” as cluster centers, robustness with respect to outliers, and the accommodation of a diverse range of similarity data. We developed a new simulated annealing heuristic for the p-median problem and completed a thorough investigation of its computational performance. The salient findings from our experiments are that our new method substantially outperforms a previous implementation of simulated annealing and is competitive with the most effective metaheuristics for the p-median problem.
A task duplication based scheduling algorithm using partial schedules

We propose a novel replication-based two-phase scheduling algorithm designed to achieve DAG scheduling with small makespans and high efficiency. In the first phase, the schedule length of the application is minimized using a novel approach that utilizes partial schedules. In the second phase, the number of processors required is minimized by eliminating and merging these partial schedules. Experimental results on random DAGs show that the makespans generated by the proposed algorithm are slightly better than those generated by the well known CPFD algorithm whereas the number of processors used is less than half of what is needed by CPFD solutions.
Task performance in stapedotomy: comparison between surgeons of different experience levels.

Abstract Objectives: Two steps in stapedotomy are particularly challenging: (1) micropick fenestration of the stapes footplate (SF) and (2) crimping of the stapes prosthesis (SP) to the incus. We conducted trials to determine if experience correlates with differences in performance for these tasks. Methods: In a surgical model of stapedotomy, performance was measured for 3 experienced and 3 novice surgeons. For fenestration, we measured ability to target the fenestration and force applied to the SF. For crimping, we measured crimp quality, movement of the SP during crimping, and force applied to the SF. Results: Experienced surgeons demonstrated significantly better ability to target the fenestration and, during crimping, caused less SP movement and a significantly lower rate of SP dislodgment. Conclusions: Clear differences in task performance are measurable between more and less experienced surgeons during critical steps of stapedotomy. Clinical Significance: The observed differences in task performance may contribute to an understanding of maneuvers that increase the risk of inadequate prosthesis placement and cochlear trauma-factors likely responsible for variable hearing results with strapedotomy. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2003;128:71-7.)
A Dynamic Stochastic Model for the Single Airport Ground Holding Problem

In this paper, we present a dynamic stochastic integer programming (IP) model for the single airport ground holding problem, in which ground delays assigned to flights can be revised during different decision stages, based on weather forecasts. The performance gain from our model is particularly significant in the following cases: (1) under stringent ground holding policy, (2) when an early ground delay program (GDP) cancellation is likely, and (3) for airports where the ratio between adverse and fair weather capacities is lower. The choice of ground delay cost component in the objective function strongly affects the allocation policy. When it is linear, the optimal solution involves releasing the long-haul flights at or near their scheduled departure times and using the short-haul flights to absorb delays if low-capacity scenarios eventuate. This policy resembles the current practice of exempting long-distance flights during ground delay programs. For certain convex ground delay cost functions, the spread of ground delay is more or less uniform across all categories of flights, which makes the overall delay assignment more equitable. Finally, we also present a methodology that could enable intra-airline flight substitutions by airlines after our model has been executed and scenario-specific slots have been assigned to all flights, and hence to the airlines that operate them. This makes our model applicable under the collaborative decision making (CDM) paradigm by allowing airlines to perform cancellations and substitutions and hence reoptimize their internal delay cost functions.
More Long Term Compensation and... More Fraud

I show that heeding recent calls to reduce agency costs and managerial short-termism may, in fact, lead to more fraud but better welfare outcomes. In the model, shareholders choose the manager's compensation in light of the manager's dual roles of exerting eort and making disclosures regarding the …rm's value. A measure of agency cost is provided by the manager's relatively shorter time horizon. Where agency costs are small, shareholders award equity compensation, leading to both eort and some level of fraud. Where agency costs are large, shareholders will be unwilling to award performance-based compensation due to the high level of fraud that managers would undertake. The principal …ndings are (1) fraud can be a sign of relative economic health, in that it is more likely to occur when eort is exerted and returns to eort are higher, (2) the incidence of fraud-inducing compensation increases as agency costs decrease, and (3) when agency costs are high, reductions in agency costs actually increase the incidence of fraud. Regulatory implications include that deterring fraud, even absent adjudicatory error, may be socially ine¢ cient; rather, policy should be oriented toward internalizing costs of fraud onto shareholders and enhancing freedom of contract.
In Vitro and In Vivo Oxidation of Methionine Residues in Small, Acid-Soluble Spore Proteins from Bacillus Species

Methionine residues in α/β-type small, acid-soluble spore proteins (SASP) of Bacillus species were readily oxidized to methionine sulfoxide in vitro by t-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). These oxidized α/β-type SASP no longer bound to DNA effectively, but DNA binding protected α/β-type SASP against methionine oxidation by peroxides in vitro. Incubation of an oxidized α/β-type SASP with peptidyl methionine sulfoxide reductase (MsrA), which can reduce methionine sulfoxide residues back to methionine, restored the α/β-type SASP’s ability to bind to DNA. Both tBHP and H2O2 caused some oxidation of the two methionine residues of an α/β-type SASP (SspC) in spores of Bacillus subtilis, although one methionine which is highly conserved in α/β-type SASP was only oxidized to a small degree. However, much more methionine sulfoxide was generated by peroxide treatment of spores carrying a mutant form of SspC which has a lower affinity for DNA. MsrA activity was present in wild-type B. subtilis spores. However, msrA mutant spores were no more sensitive to H2O2 than were wild-type spores. The major mechanism operating for dealing with oxidative damage to α/β-type SASP in spores is DNA binding, which protects the protein’s methionine residues from oxidation both in vitro and in vivo. This may be important in vivo since α/β-type SASP containing oxidized methionine residues no longer bind DNA well and α/β-type SASP-DNA binding is essential for long-term spore survival.
Efficient Universal Computing Architectures for Decoding Neural Activity

The ability to decode neural activity into meaningful control signals for prosthetic devices is critical to the development of clinically useful brain– machine interfaces (BMIs). Such systems require input from tens to hundreds of brain-implanted recording electrodes in order to deliver robust and accurate performance; in serving that primary function they should also minimize power dissipation in order to avoid damaging neural tissue; and they should transmit data wirelessly in order to minimize the risk of infection associated with chronic, transcutaneous implants. Electronic architectures for brain– machine interfaces must therefore minimize size and power consumption, while maximizing the ability to compress data to be transmitted over limited-bandwidth wireless channels. Here we present a system of extremely low computational complexity, designed for real-time decoding of neural signals, and suited for highly scalable implantable systems. Our programmable architecture is an explicit implementation of a universal computing machine emulating the dynamics of a network of integrate-and-fire neurons; it requires no arithmetic operations except for counting, and decodes neural signals using only computationally inexpensive logic operations. The simplicity of this architecture does not compromise its ability to compress raw neural data by factors greater than . We describe a set of decoding algorithms based on this computational architecture, one designed to operate within an implanted system, minimizing its power consumption and data transmission bandwidth; and a complementary set of algorithms for learning, programming the decoder, and postprocessing the decoded output, designed to operate in an external, nonimplanted unit. The implementation of the implantable portion is estimated to require fewer than 5000 operations per second. A proof-of-concept, 32-channel field-programmable gate array (FPGA) implementation of this portion is consequently energy efficient. We validate the performance of our overall system by decoding electrophysiologic data from a behaving rodent.
The Effect of the Protein Matrix Proximity on Glycan Reactivity in a Glycoprotein Model

A series of biotinylated glycan-Asn derivatives has been synthesized containing either no extension arm between biotin and Asn (glycan-biotinyl Asn) or containing HN(CH2)nCO extension arms of differing lengths, where n denotes the number of methylene groups in the arm (glycan-biotinyl[HN(CH2)nCO]Asn, n = 1-5). The glycan structures used were Man6GlcNAc2-, Man5GlcNAc2-, GlcNAcMan5GlcNAc2- and Gal2GlcNAc2Man3GlcNAc2-, the substrates for mannosidase I, GlcNAc transferase I, mannosidase II and sialyltransferase, respectively. Each family of substrates was subjected to the action of its respective enzyme in the absence and in the presence of streptavidin, and the relative rate of processing (in the presence of UDP-GlcNAc and the mannosidase II inhibitor, swainsonine for GlcNAc transferase I and CMP-sialic acid for sialyl transferase) was measured to evaluate the effect of the proximity of the protein matrix on the glycan substrate quality. Mannosidase I was found to be strongly inhibited by the protein matrix in the proximal as well as in the distal positions relative to the glycan substrate. In contrast, GlcNAc transferase I and mannosidase II, which were both strongly inhibited by the proximal substrate complexes (no extension arm) showed complete release of the inhibition even with the shortest (n = 1) extension arm. Sialyl transferase showed inhibition of both reaction steps in the proximal complex, and complete release of the inhibition of the first step, but not the second step, in the distal complexes. The results show that the availability of different glycan substrates in a given protein environment reflects, to a great extent, the nature of each individual enzyme. The mechanisms by which the protein matrix affects glycan processing are proposed to involve simple steric effects, as well as more subtle effects of the protein in permitting or preventing certain active glycan conformations to form.
Predictors and Outcomes of Variability in Subjective Alcohol Intoxication Among College Students: An Event-Level Analysis Across 4 Years

Background: Individual differences in subjective alcohol intoxication, as measured by laboratory-based alcohol challenge, have been identified as a phenotypic risk factor for alcohol use disorders. Further, recent evidence indicates that subjective alcohol response is also associated with event-level physiological consequences among college students, including blackouts and hangovers. Methods: The current investigation tested predictors of and outcomes associated with subjective intoxication in the natural drinking environment. In a preliminary laboratory alcohol-challenge study (n = 53), we developed a brief measure of subjective alcohol intoxication for use in event-level research. Participating students in the principal study (n = 1,867; 63% women; 54% Caucasian) completed 30 days of Web-based self-monitoring in each of the 4 college years. Results: In the principal study, generalized estimating equation analyses revealed that both lighter drinking and a family history of alcohol problems predicted greater subjective intoxication after accounting for estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC). Moreover, greater subjective intoxication during a given drinking episode was associated with negative alcohol-related consequences, illicit drug use, and unsafe sex, and at higher eBACs, was associated with aggression, sex, and property crime. Students who on average experienced greater subjective intoxication were also more likely to experience negative consequences and engage in illicit drug use, sex, unsafe sex, and aggression. Conclusions: These findings suggest that both within-person variability and between-person individual differences in subjective intoxication may be risk factors for adverse drinking outcomes at the event level. Intervention efforts aimed at reducing problems associated with collegiate drinking may benefit from consideration both of who experiences greater subjective intoxication and of the situations in which they are more likely to do so. Language: en
Effects of the Atmosphere on the Propagation of 10.6-μ Laser Beams

This paper gives an overview of the use of a wave optics computer code to model the propagation of high power CO2 laser beams in the atmosphere. The nonlinear effects of atmospheric heating and kinetic cooling phenomena are included in the analysis. Only steady-state, nonturbulent cases are studied. Thermal conduction and free convection are assumed negligible compared to other effects included in the calculation. Results showing the important effect of water vapor concentration on beam quality are given. Beam slewing is also studied. Comparison is made with geometrical optics results, and good agreement is found with laboratory experiments that simulate atmospheric propagation.
Deformation Mechanisms, Rheology, and Tectonics: Current Status and Future Perspectives

The geosciences have come a long way in the last two decades as geologists, seismologists, numerical modelers, experimentalists, and materials scientists have interacted to dramatically increase our understanding of how the interior of the Earth deforms. It is remarkable to look back at the early days of plate tectonics and realize how little we knew about basic deformational processes at that time. Since then, we've seen dramatic advances in our understanding of how processes at the atomic level contribute to tectonic systems; and ultimately, we can hope that the combination of experimental rock deformation, numerical simulation, and studies of naturally deformed rocks will help us understand the full geodynamics of lithospheric deformation. From that perspective, it is great to see a book like this published, because it brings into focus many outstanding problems in our understanding of ductile deformational processes in the Earth.Deformation Mechanisms, Rheology, and Tectonics: Current Status and Future Perspectives includes several review papers that provide a good perspective on how far we have come, but the book also points out just how far we have to go in addressing some of these problems. Perhaps most important, the volume has several contributions on what is probably the most overlooked topic in the study of deformational processes: pressure solution. The book is a bit Eurocentric, but people in North America will, in general, benefit most. North Americans tend to focus more on large-scale tectonic processes and less on the details of how solid-state flow actually works; while in Europe, the emphasis is generally reversed.
Multiple developmental pathways for range-margin Pinus banksiana forests

Empirical knowledge of forest structure and development in early successional and range-margin populations is often lacking, limiting our ability to effectively model and manage these forests. Such is the case for jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) in central Minnesota, USA, where it reaches its southwestern range limit. Our objective was to quantify this population’s historical range of variability of structural conditions and developmental pathways. We collected structural, spatial, and dendrochronological data on 0.25 ha plots from 10 jack pine dominated sites that initiated and developed outside of active management. Our results revealed a broad range of structural characteristics and developmental pathways, including rapid and protracted recruitment windows (5–50 years), with subsequent even- and uneven-aged structures, and random and clumped stem spatial arrangements. As such, these mature, early successional forests often displayed a degree of complexity more typically associated with old-growth for...
Progress and Prospects in Permeation

Many laboratories study the movement of ions through single channel molecules every day using the dazzling techniques of molecular and membrane biology. Atomic details of a channel are changed and the correlations of structure and function are observed routinely, but the correlations have been
Objective setting in the micro‐business

Contends that micro‐business owner‐managers invariably have objectives, although they do not always make them explicit. These objectives tend to relate to personal rather than business criteria. In addition, the vast majority of micro‐business owner‐managers indicate little inclination to maximise profit or pursue growth. The supposed non‐existence and ambiguity of objectives amongst owner‐managers probably arise because they often subconsciously set objectives, rather than make them explicit as part of a written business plan. In practice, micro‐businesses generally pursue a number of economic and non‐economic objectives relating to factors such as income levels, job satisfaction, working hours, control and flexibility. These objectives were derived from the influence of the micro‐business owner‐manager’s individual, social and economic contexts. Moreover, the behaviour of owner‐managers is most appropriately characterised in terms of satisficing behaviour. The impact of this is very important, because it means that there is often no drive to improve the business in terms of growth, sales and profitability. Furthermore, the willingness of owner‐managers to alter their aspiration levels, if objectives were not being easily achieved, often means that they do not initiate changes in the way they run their business when perhaps they should.
The impact of penicillin resistance on the outcome of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in children.

Background: Invasive infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae with reduced susceptibility to penicillin are increasing in prevalence in Australia. Aims: To determine the impact of reduced susceptibility of S. pneumoniae to penicillin on morbidity, mortality and treatment of invasive infection. Methods: Retrospective case note review of children with invasive S. pneumoniae infection over a 26 month period. Penicillin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined by E test. Primary clinical outcome measures included days to defervescence, duration of hospital stay, complication rates and mortality. The secondary outcome of financial cost was examined. Comparisons between outcomes of patients with infections caused by susceptible and non-susceptible strains were performed with Student's t test, Pearson X 2 , Mann-Whitney U tests and multiple logistic regression. Results: Sixty-eight episodes of invasive pneumococcal disease were reviewed: 14 isolates (21.1%) had reduced susceptibility or resistance to penicillin (PNSSP, MIC 0.125 mg/L-1.5 mg/L). Ten patients had meningitis, 21 had pneumonia, 22 had bacteraemia with another focus and 15 had bacteraemia without an obvious focus. PNSSP were more common in patients with meningitis and pneumonia. No patients died. Overall, patients with infections caused by PNSSP had significantly longer hospitalisation and longer time to defervescence. Complication rates were not significantly different between groups. Outcome differences were no longer significant when meningitis patients were excluded from the analysis. The PNSSP group received more expensive intravenous antibiotics and their infections were significantly more costly to treat. Conclusions: Infections with penicillin non-susceptible S. pneumoniae are associated with higher morbidity than infections with penicillin susceptible strains, and treatment of these infections is more expensive, due to higher drug costs and longer hospital stay.
A Future Outlook

The organization which is now the National Enviromental Satellite Data and Information Service began its remote sensing efforts with the launch of TIROS-1 on April 1, 1960. This vast experience has developed into the sophisticated system we operate today and serves as a framework for future planning and development. The ultimate goal is to better understand our habitat in order to improve and preserve for the future our very existence.
The Middle Child Problem: Revisiting Parametric Min-Cut and Seeds for Object Proposals

Object proposals have recently fueled the progress in detection performance. These proposals aim to provide category-agnostic localizations for all objects in an image. One way to generate proposals is to perform parametric min-cuts over seed locations. This paper demonstrates that standard parametric-cut models are ineffective in obtaining medium-sized objects, which we refer to as the middle child problem. We propose a new energy minimization framework incorporating geodesic distances between segments which solves this problem. In addition, we introduce a new superpixel merging algorithm which can generate a small set of seeds that reliably cover a large number of objects of all sizes. We call our method POISE -- "Proposals for Objects from Improved Seeds and Energies." POISE enables parametric min-cuts to reach their full potential. On PASCAL VOC it generates ~2,640 segments with an average overlap of 0.81, whereas the closest competing methods require more than 4,200 proposals to reach the same accuracy. We show detailed quantitative comparisons against 5 state-of-the-art methods on PASCAL VOC and Microsoft COCO segmentation challenges.
Serotonergic neurons do not influence the regulation of beta adrenoceptors induced by either desipramine or isoproterenol

It has been suggested that 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin)-containing neurons influence the regulation of central beta adrenoceptors caused by antidepressants. [3H]Dihydroalprenolol ( [3H] DHA) was the radioligand used in these previous studies to measure beta adrenoceptors. In this study, we compared the binding characteristics of [3H]DHA with those of [125I]iodopindolol ( [125I]PIN) and used [125I]IPIN to study effects of lesioning serotonergic nerves on the regulation of beta adrenoceptors. A comparison was made in homogenates prepared from rat frontal cortex of the specific binding of [3H]DHA with that of [125I]IPIN to beta adrenoceptors. Nonlinear regression analysis of saturation experiments of [3H]DHA binding to cortical homogenates indicated that a two-component binding model fit the data significantly better than a one-component model. A dissociation constant value of 0.47 +/- 0.16 nM and a Bmax value of 62 +/- 7 fmol/mg protein were obtained for the high-affinity site. The low-affinity site was poorly defined. Rosenthal transformations of the saturation isotherms for [3H]DHA binding were clearly curvilinear. By contrast, nonlinear regression analysis of saturation experiments of the binding of [125I]IPIN indicated that the binding of this radioligand was described adequately by a one-component model and yielded a dissociation constant value of 147 +/- 10 pM with a Bmax of 80 +/- 5 fmol/mg protein. Rosenthal transformations of the [125I]IPIN data were linear. From such data, it was inferred that [3H]DHA binds to some site in addition to beta adrenoceptors, whereas [125I]IPIN does not.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)