cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MAZE LEARNING BY SECONDARY REINFORCEMENT WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION TRAINING

An experiment was conducted to determine whether discrimination training is necessary to establish a neutral stimulus as a secondary reinforcer. Twenty rats were discrimination trained with 65 reward trials and 25 nonreward trials (black end-box positive, white end-box negative, and vice versa); 20 rats were single-stimulus trained to either a black or white end-box for 65 reward trials. T-maze test trials were given at a rate of 1 free choice and 3 forced-choice trials per day for 11 days. One-half of the Ss in each training group were given standard nonreward test trials; one-half of the Ss from each training condition were rewarded for both maze choices. The results showed that all 4 experimental groups performed significantly better than chance in the T maze. The successful test effects were attributed, in part, to the control of such factors as frustration and stimulus novelty. The data further suggest that discrimination training is not necessary for the production of secondary reinforcement effects.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in CD4+ T lymphocytes genetically deficient in LFA-1: LFA-1 is required for HIV-mediated cell fusion but not for viral transmission.

In the present study, we demonstrated that expression of the LFA-1 molecule is necessary for cell fusion and syncytia formation in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected CD4+ T lymphocytes. In contrast, the lack of expression of LFA-1 does not influence significantly cell-to-cell transmission of HIV. In fact, LFA-1- T lymphocytes obtained from a leukocyte adhesion deficiency patient were unable to fuse and form syncytia when infected with HIV-1 or HIV-2, despite the fact that efficiency of HIV infection (i.e., virus entry, HIV spreading, and levels of virus replication) was comparable with that observed in LFA-1+ T lymphocytes. In addition, we provide evidence that LFA-1 by mediating cell fusion contributes to the depletion of HIV-infected CD4+ T lymphocytes in vitro.
Ideal laser-beam propagation through high-temperature ignition Hohlraum plasmas.

We demonstrate that a blue ($3\ensuremath{\omega}$, 351 nm) laser beam with an intensity of $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{15}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{W}\text{ }{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ propagates nearly within the original beam cone through a millimeter scale, ${T}_{e}=3.5\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{keV}$ high density (${n}_{e}=5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{20}\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$) plasma. The beam produced less than 1% total backscatter at these high temperatures and densities; the resulting transmission is greater than 90%. Scaling of the electron temperature in the plasma shows that the plasma becomes transparent for uniform electron temperatures above 3 keV. These results are consistent with linear theory thresholds for both filamentation and backscatter instabilities inferred from detailed hydrodynamic simulations. This provides a strong justification for current inertial confinement fusion designs to remain below these thresholds.
The human intestinal tract – a hotbed of resistance gene transfer? Part II

Although bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics by mutation, a far quicker and easier way for them to achieve the same goal is to acquire pre-formed resistance genes from other bacteria. It is well established that such transfers across species and genus lines occur under laboratory conditions, but the important practical question is whether such transfers actually occur in situ and, if so, whether they occur rarely or frequently. Part II of this article summarizes the evidence that antibiotic resistance genes are, in fact, being transferred among bacteria in the colon and then goes on to explore how and why investigators are trying to determine what conjugative elements mediate this transfer. Vol. 29, No. 4
An Inexpensive Technique for Capturing Gregarious Wading Birds on their Foraging Grounds

Abstract. A method for trapping adult herons and egrets in foraging habitats is described. This method will give researchers access to adult members of Ardeidae. Over five trapping seasons, Great Egrets (Ardea alba) and Snowy Egrets (Egretta thula) (n = 78) were captured in non-tidal areas. The technique used decoys, live bait in basins and modified foot-hold traps. It is not appropriate for catching many birds at one time. The method could be modified for similarly-sized species.
On a generalization of variable precision logic

Variable-precision logic was introduced by R.S. Michalski and P.H. Winston (Artif. Intell., vol.29, p.121-46, 1986) as a means for representing reasoning in the face of exceptions. Using the framework of belief structures, some of their ideas are extended. In particular, a general framework that easily allows the representation of different types of rules in a unified manner is provided. This approach also allows for a lack of specificity in the associated qualifying probabilities. >
GaN HFETs and MODFETs with very high breakdown voltage and large transconductance

We have successfully fabricated GaN HFETs and MODFETs with very high breakdown voltage and large transconductance. In particular, a gate-drain breakdown voltage well exceeding 100 V, g/sub m/ up to 120 mS/mm, channel current density >300 mA/mm were realized in the same MODFET. These performances are attributed to the good crystal quality film close the substrate.
Parallel Complexity of Matrix Multiplication

Effective design of parallel matrix multiplication algorithms relies on the consideration of many interdependent issues based on the underlying parallel machine or network upon which such algorithms will be implemented, as well as, the type of methodology utilized by an algorithm. In this paper, we determine the parallel complexity of multiplying two (not necessarily square) matrices on parallel distributed-memory machines and/or networks. In other words, we provided an achievable parallel run-time that can not be beaten by any algorithm (known or unknown) for solving this problem. In addition, any algorithm that claims to be optimal must attain this run-time. In order to obtain results that are general and useful throughout a span of machines, we base our results on the well-known LogP model. Furthermore, three important criteria must be considered in order to determine the running time of a parallel algorithm; namely, (i) local computational tasks, (ii) the initial data layout, and (iii) the communication schedule. We provide optimality results by first proving general lower bounds on parallel run-time. These lower bounds lead to significant insights on (i)–(iii) above. In particular, we present what types of data layouts and communication schedules are needed in order to obtain optimal run-times. We prove that no one data layout can achieve optimal running times for all cases. Instead, optimal layouts depend on the dimensions of each matrix, and on the number of processors. Lastly, optimal algorithms are provided.
Decision directed estimation of the state sequence of an unknown Markov Chain

We address the simultaneous estimation of the state sequence of a discrete-time finite-state Markov chain and the unknown probabilities governing the Markov chain. The availability of discrete observations made in the presence of memoryless noise is assumed. We describe a decision-directed estimator based on the Viterbi algorithm. Simulation results are presented which indicate that the decision-directed estimator's performance compares favorably to the Viterbi algorithm using the true Markov chain probabilities.
The Evaluation of Principals: What and How Do States and Urban Districts Assess Leadership?

Abstract In this article we present results of a comprehensive review of principal leadership assessment practices in the United States. Our analyses of both the general content and the usage of 65 instruments, 56 at the district level and 9 at the state level, provided an in‐depth look at what and how districts and states evaluate principals. Using the learning‐centered leadership framework, we focused on identifying the congruence (or lack thereof) between documented assessment practices and the research‐based criteria for effective leadership that are associated with improved school performance. Using an iterative and deductive process for instrument content analysis, we found that states and districts focused on a variety of performance areas (e.g., management, external environment, or personal traits) when evaluating their principals, with different formats at various levels of specificity. We also found very limited coverage of leadership behaviors that ensure rigorous curriculum and quality instruc...
Consumers' and retailers' practices and attitudes towards energy‐efficient clothing

The purpose of this study was to compare the extent to which consumers and retailers consider energy efficiency in evaluating and selecting indoor sportswear. Little research has been conducted in which retail buyers are subjects; no published research has focused on a comparison of consumers and merchants in regard to their attitudes towards a specific product. The value of such research lies in determining whether a particular consumer need is being met. The results of the present study revealed that retail buyers were less concerned about energy-efficient clothing than were consumers. Significant differences were found between the two groups for four of the nine variables studied. In all cases, consumers gave greater consideration to the energy efficiency of indoor sportswear than retail buyers believed. Further investigation of differences in consumers' and retailers' attitudes and practices is needed.
Incubation temperature affects the metabolic cost of thermoregulation in a young precocial bird

Summary 1. The developmental environment plays a key role in determining offspring phenotype, and the parents’ behaviour and physiology often dictates developmental conditions. Despite the plethora of studies documenting the importance of incubation temperature on offspring phenotype in reptiles, very few studies have examined such relationships in birds. 2. Because nearly all birds physically incubate their eggs, altering the nest environment may be an important but previously overlooked way parents can influence their offspring’s phenotype. Here, we tested the hypothesis that incubation temperature would affect thermoregulation in wood duck (Aix sponsa) hatchlings. 3. We show that a reduction in <1 � C in incubation temperature affects the metabolic costs of thermoregulation in offspring of a non-domesticated bird, resulting in 27–40% greater increases in oxygen consumption of ducklings incubated at the lowest temperature relative to ducklings incubated at higher temperatures. 4. Because we demonstrate that incubation temperature affects hatchling phenotypic quality, our findings provide novel support for newly proposed frameworks that highlight the importance of incubation temperature to the evolution of clutch size in birds.
SIMULATED MICROMECHANICAL MODELS USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS

A new method, termed simulated micromechanical models using artificial neural networks (MMANN), is proposed to generate micromechanical material models for nonlinear and damage behavior of heterogeneous materials. Artificial neural networks (ANN) are trained with results from detailed nonlinear finite- element (FE) analyses of a repeating unit cell (UC), with and without induced damage, e.g., voids or cracks between the fiber and matrix phases. The FE simulations are used to form the effective stress-strain response for a unit cell with different geometry and damage parameters. The FE analyses are performed for a relatively small number of applied strain paths and damage parameters. It is shown that MMANN material models of this type exhibit many interesting features, including different tension and compression response, that are usually difficult to model by conventional micromechanical approaches. MMANN material models can be easily applied in a displacement-based FE for nonlinear analysis of composite structures. Application examples are shown where micromodels are generated to represent the homogenized nonlinear multiaxial response of a unidirectional composite with and without damage. In the case of analysis with damage growth, thermodynamics with irre- versible processes (TIP) is used to derive the response of an equivalent homogenized damage medium with evolution equations for damage. The proposed damage formulation incorporates the generalizations generated by the MMANN method for stresses and other possible responses from analysis results of unit cells with fixed levels of damage.
Carrier-mediated transport in model membranes monitored by Eu(III) fluorescence

Abstract The kinetics of Eu(III) ion transport between hydrophobic and hydrophilic phases using the ion carrier lasalocid is studied in detail using environment-sensitive Eu(III) ion excitation spectroscopy. The technique utilizes the environment-sensitive shift of the narrow 7 F 0 → 5 D 0 0–0 transition absorption line and the resolution of a tunable dye laser to monitor the kinetics of the ion in each distinct environment. Forward and reverse rate constants for the ion partition between an aqueous phase and a hydrophobic chloroform phase are similar to those for an ion partition between an aqueous phase and the more ordered bilayer membrane phase. Bimolecular rate constants are determined using limiting ion and ionophore conditions.
Amplification of wet and dry month occurrence over tropical land regions in response to global warming

[1] Quantifying how global warming impacts the spatiotemporal distribution of precipitation represents a key scientific challenge with profound implications for human welfare. Utilizing monthly precipitation data from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3) climate change simulations, the results here show that the occurrence of very dry ( 10 mm/day) months comprises a straightforward, robust metric of anthropogenic warming on tropical land region rainfall. In particular, differencing tropics-wide precipitation frequency histograms for 25-year periods over the late 21st and 20th centuries shows increased late-21st-century occurrence of histogram extremes both in the model ensemble and across individual models. Mechanistically, such differences are consistent with the view of enhanced tropical precipitation spatial gradients. Similar diagnostics are calculated for two 15-year subperiods over 1979–2008 for the CMIP3 models and three observational precipitation products to assess whether the signature of late-21st-century warming has already emerged in response to recent warming. While both the observations and CMIP3 ensemble-mean hint at similar amplification in the warmer (1994–2008) subinterval, the changes are not robust, as substantial differences are evident among the observational products and the intraensemble spread is large. Comparing histograms computed from the warmest and coolest years of the observational period further demonstrates effects of internal variability, notably the El Nino/Southern Oscillation, which appear to oppose the impact of quasi-uniform anthropogenic warming on the wet tail of the monthly precipitation distribution. These results identify the increase of very dry and wet occurrences in monthly precipitation as a potential signature of anthropogenic global warming but also highlight the continuing dominance of internal climate variability on even bulk measures of tropical rainfall.
Theodore Burr and the Harrisburg Old Camelback Bridge

Theodore Burr built many wooden bridges in the early 19th century, but his most well known was the one he built across the Susquehanna River at Harrisburg, Pa. The current bridge is called the Market Street Bridge, but Burr’s bridge on the same site that survived from 1816 to 1902 was called the Old Camelback Bridge. It was built in two sections with an island in between. The span lengths for the eastern section (Harrisburg side) were 22 5′ , 24 8′ , 25 0′ , 24 0′ , and 20 2′ . The road over the island was 77 1′ long and the western or Camelback section had span lengths of 21 2′ , 24 5′ , 25 8′ , 24 7′ , and 22 2′ for a total length of 3,63 1′ .
Playing the Game: An Ethnomethodological Perspective

This paper outlines a case study in which ethnomethodological principles are applied to the social practice of games-playing. Ethnomethodologists stress that social order is achieved not given; and...
Lateralized Finger Recognition in Three- and Four-Year-Old Children

Summary The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were development patterns of lateralized finger recognition in 3- and 4-year-old males and females when age appropriate tasks were used. The sample consisted of 160 3-year-olds (70 males and 90 females) and 205 4-year-olds (101 males and 104 females). Children were administered a warm-up task and three finger recognition tasks which increased in difficulty. Tasks were administered to both left and right hands. Different regression equations were obtained for 3- and 4-year-old males and females. Differences in regression equations were related to task difficulty and left and right hand conditions. Results were discussed in terms of cognitive and lateralization development.
Conservative treatment of pelvic inflammation with the newman thermo-flo

Abstract 1. 1. The Newman thermo-flo apparatus, in our hands, has proved an effective method for the application of prolonged intravaginal heat. The method utilizes heated air and presents advantages over other devices, because of simplicity of operation, comfort, freedom from potential burns, and because it gives uniformly effective application of pelvic heat. 2. 2. Two hundred patients with pelvic inflammatory disease were treated with the thermo-flo, of whom 141 (70.5 per cent) showed complete cure or marked improvement; 44 (22 per cent) moderate improvement, while 15 (7.5 per cent) obtained slight or no improvement. (a) Gonococcal infections in 132 cases showed in 94 (71.2 per cent) complete cure or marked improvement; in 28 (21.2 per cent) moderate improvement; and in 10 (7.6 per cent) slight or no improvement. (b) Nonspecific pelvic infection observed in 35 cases produced in 23 (65.7 per cent) complete cure or marked improvement; 8 (22.9 per cent) moderate improvement, and 4 (11.4 per cent) slight or no improvement. (c) Postoperative residual pelvic inflammatory disease seen in 33 cases yielded 24 (72.7 per cent) completely cured or markedly improved; 8 (24.2 per cent) moderately improved; and 1 case (3.1 per cent) slightly or not improved. 3. 3. Seven patients of the entire series presented additional complaints of sterile periods of two to four years and subsequently conceived after thermo-flo treatments. 4. 4. Bladder and rectal inflammation associated with pelvic infection is favorably influenced by the use of intravaginal heat. 5. 5. In cases of gonococcal, nonspecific, and postoperative residual infections of the pelvis, our clinical impression was that a more rapid and complete resolution of pathology and improvement of clinical symptoms takes place, in a shorter period of time, than with previous methods of treatment. 6. 6. We recommend the use of intravaginal heat therapy (thermo-flo) as a pre- and postoperative measure, in suitable cases. 7. 7. We wish to emphasize that the treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease by intravaginal heat (thermo-flo) does not replace operative therapy in all instances, particularly when associated pelvic pathology exists. In a large group of society, surgery is more frequently indicated because of economic dependency.
Assessment of the v45 blueberry harvester on rabbiteye blueberry and southern highbush blueberry pruned to V-shaped canopy

Mechanical harvesting systems for processed blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are available. However, low harvest efficiency and high fruit damage have limited the use of mechanical harvesters for picking blueberries for fresh market to specific cultivars under good weather conditions. New harvesting technology for fresh-market blueberries is needed. The V45 harvester was developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1994 to harvest fresh-market-quality northern highbush (V. corymbosum) blueberries in Michigan. The current study was performed in Georgia to evaluate the V45 harvester on specially pruned rabbiteye blueberry [V. virgatum (syn. V. ashei)] and southern highbush blueberry (V. darrowi x V. corymbosum) and included analysis of harvest efficiency and fruit quality (percent blue fruit, percent bloom, percent split skin, and internal bruise damage). Six-year-old, 6- to 8-ft-tall ‘Brightwell’ and ‘Powderblue’ rabbiteye blueberry plants were winter pruned to remove vertically growing and overarching canes in the center of the bush in Jan. 2004 and Feb. 2005 respectively. Three-year-old, 3- to 5-ft-tall ‘FL 86-19’ and ‘Star’ southern highbush blueberry plants were similarly pruned in summer (June 2004) or in winter (Feb. 2005). Pruning removed an estimated 30% to 50% of the canopy and opened the middle, resulting in V-shaped plants in both rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberries. Yield of winter-pruned ‘Brightwell’ rabbiteye blueberry was lower compared with unpruned plants during both years, but winter-pruned ‘Powderblue’ rabbiteye blueberry plants produced as much as unpruned plants in 2005. In ‘FL 86-19’ southern highbush blueberry, plants that were summer pruned in June 2004 produced as much as unpruned plants in 2005, but plants that were winter pruned in Feb. 2005 had lower yields than unpruned plants in 2005. The V45 harvester caused little cane damage on pruned blueberry plants. In rabbiteye blueberries, internal fruit damage and skin splitting was less in V45-harvested fruit than in fruit harvested by a sway harvester and nearly that of hand-harvested fruit. However, in ‘FL 86-19’ southern highbush blueberry, the V45 harvester detached a lower percentage of blue fruit and excessive amounts of immature and stemmed fruit. These findings suggest that the V45 harvester has the potential to harvest some rabbiteye blueberry cultivars mechanically with fruit quality approaching that of hand-harvested fruit.
Abstract 128: Six Months of Lifestyle Intervention Reduces Carotid Intima-media Thickness in African Merican Adults

Background: African Americans tend to have greater carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and are 60% more likely to have a stroke than Caucasians. Data on the effects of lifestyle intervention on c...
Abstract 90: Loss of Collectrin Augments Salt-sensitivity and Alters Nitric Oxide and Superoxide Balance.

Collectrin, an ACE-2 homologue, plays a major role in amino acid transport in renal epithelial cells. In the rodent kidney, the expression of collectrin is upregulated after reduction of nephron mass and during salt-sensitive hypertension. These observations raise the question of how collectrin might be functionally integrated in the ACE family in the context of blood pressure (BP) regulation. We previously reported that, on a susceptible genetic background, collectrin-deficient (KO) mice have elevated baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) and impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) of thoracodorsal arteries (TDA). Treatment with L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, normalized their BP and EDR of TDA. Here, to determine whether collectrin plays a role in salt-sensitivity (SS), we fed mice a high salt diet (HSD) for 2 weeks. By radiotelemetry, KO mice displayed augmented salt-sensitivity (SS) (Normal salt (NS): Wild-type (WT) 133 ± 1 mm Hg, KO 141 ± 3 mm Hg; HSD: WT 141 ± 2 mm Hg, KO 155 ± 3 mm Hg; change in SBP: WT 7.8 ± 1.4 mm Hg, KO 14.4 ± 1.5 mm Hg; p ≤ 0.02), and lower urinary sodium excretion (UNa) during the first 3 days of HSD (mean UNa over 3 days: KO: 1980 ± 193 μmol/24h, WT: 2650 ± 98 μmol/24h, p = 0.006, ANOVA; n ≥ 6). The impaired pressure natriuresis in KO mice was associated with altered urinary excretion of 8-isoprostane F 2 α (WT 3.0 ± 0.67 ng/mg, KO 7.7 ± 1.5 ng/mg creatinine, p = 0.008) and nitrates/nitrites (WT 10.2 ± 1.4 nmol/day, KO 6.2 ± 0.61 nmol/day, p = 0.03, n ≥ 4 each). We previously reported that KO mice have increased state of endothelial NOS (eNOS) uncoupling. Here, by immunostaining, we found that collectrin is expressed in endothelial cells (ECs). We next queried whether collectrin affects L-arginine (L-Arg) transport in ECs. After isolation from the pulmonary artery, primary ECs from KO mice displayed impaired [ 3 H]L-Arg uptake (WT 2.00 ± 0.19, KO 0.90 ± 0.06 pmol/mg protein/min, p=0.01) To establish direct cause and effect, we over-expressed collectrin in primary human coronary ECs which resulted in increased [ 3 H]L-Arg uptake (Control 4.20 ± 0.32; Overexpression 6.60 ± 0.59 pmol/mg protein/min, p
Effects of Copper Complexes on Multistage Carcinogenesis

The induction of cancer by chemicals involves multiple stages as the target cell progresses from its normal phenotype into a malignant neoplasm. These stages can be operationally defined as initiation, promotion, and progression. Although first described in mouse skin, the applicability of the concept of multistage carcinogenesis to many species and tissues has provided strong presumptive evidence for the likelihood of initiation, promotion, and progression in the etiology of human cancer.1,2 Cancers caused by environmental agents should be considered, at least in principle, avoidable cancers. The two major strategies for reducing human risk for cancer from environmental exposures are prevention and protection. Prevention entails the elimination of carcinogenic influences and clearly represents the ideal approach to cancer control. However, this solution remains unattainable at present, in large part because the causes of most human cancers simply are not known.
Electromagnetic effects in ψ′ → Jψ + π0 and quark masses

Abstract We investigate the contribution of electromagnetism to the decay ψ′ → J ψ + π 0 , and find it to be small compared to the effect of quark masses, calculated via the axial anomaly. The decay rate is then a reliable measure of quark masses, and we extract ( m d −m u ) m s = 0.033±0.005 .
“My Friend, The Fire Ant”: A Preliminary Analysis of the Role of Fire Ants in Grapevine Health

AbstractTexas is one of the most productive wine-producing states in the United States. However, both the physical and ecological environments of Texas can present challenges which can complicate viticultural practices. Insects in particular are difficult to control and growers typically use strong insecticides in order to sustain commercially viable vineyards. One grower claims to have observed a connection between vine health and the presence of fire ants and asserts that individual grapevines with ant mounds at their base tend to be healthier than others. Consequently, the grower uses fewer pesticides to combat other insect pests. The purpose of this exploratory research is to investigate the grower's claim and determine whether fire ants can be ignored or perhaps encouraged as a means of integrated pest control in vineyards. Vineyard soil features and in-situ spectral characteristics of individual plants in two vineyards in the Brazos Valley region of Texas were examined and compared. Preliminary resu...
Effects of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and Prolactin on EGF Receptor Cytoskeletal Association in Mammary Epithelial Cells

Prolactin treatment of NMuMG mammary epithelial cells inhibits the ability of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to transduce a variety of signals, possibly by interfering with receptor tyrosine phosphorylation. However, the mechanism by which prolactin inhibits EGF receptor signaling is unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of prolactin on the dynamics of EGF receptor degradation and resynthesis, and on the association of the receptor with the cytoskeleton. EGF decreased the EGF receptor content of NMuMG cells, and this decrease was unaffected by prolactin treatment. Subsequent to the decrease in EGF receptors, cells reaccumulated EGF receptors, and this re-accumulation was also unaffected by prolactin. In other studies, EGF induced a rapid association of EGF receptor with Triton X-100-insoluble (cytoskeletal) elements. The cytoskeletally associated receptors were more heavily tyrosine phosphorylated than soluble receptors in the absence of prolactin. In the presence of prolactin, similar amounts of EGF receptor associated with the cytoskeleton, but both cytoskeletal and soluble receptors exhibited decreased tyrosine phosphorylation. These studies indicate that the effects of prolactin on EGF receptor signaling are not likely to be due to altered receptor dynamics or cytoskeletal association but are more likely due to an alteration in receptor kinase activity.
Electron-impact ionization of Al 2+

We report on a nonperturbative $R$-matrix with PseudoStates (RMPS) calculation for the electron-impact ionization cross section of the ground state of ${\mathrm{Al}}^{2+}$. We include both the direct ionization of the $3s$ and $2p$ subshells and the indirect ionization from the $2p$ subshell. This calculation, thus, includes extra decay channels for the indirect-ionization process not included in previous RMPS calculations. This lowers the total-ionization cross section, resulting in closer agreement with the most recent experimental measurements. This calculation also shows better agreement with the position and height of the resonant-excitation double autoionization features seen in the experiment.
Stability of Cellulose Ester Base Photographic Film: Part I — Laboratory Testing Procedures

This article describes the studies done on the chemical stability of photographic film by incubation of a dozen different materials at five temperatures and four relative humidities (RH). Property changes were followed using Arrhenius plots. Predictions of useful life at room temperature storage were very dependent upon the property measured with base acidity being the most sensitive indicator. At 50% RH, the gelatin layer had greater stability than that of the base. There was no consistent difference between the stability of the uncoated base and emulsion-coated base.
Relationship Between Interfacial Strain and the Elastic Response of Multilayer Metal Film

We have used x-ray diffraction and picosecond transient piezoreflectance to investigate the structural and elastic properties of three distinct multilayer systems: Mo/Ni, Pt/Ni and Ti/Ni. We demonstrate that the commonly observed lattice expansion perpendicular to the film plane is not a bulk effect, but is localized at the interface between the contacting metals. Incorporating the measured interfacial expansion into a universal binding relation, we show that the measured elastic softening versus compositional repeat distance can result from the interfacial strain.
Novel molecular insights into the critical role of sulfatide in myelin maintenance/function.

Cerebroside sulfotransferase (CST) catalyzes the production of sulfatide, a major class of myelin-specific lipids. CST knockout (CST-/-) mice in which sulfatide is completely depleted are born healthy, but display myelin abnormalities and progressive tremors starting at 4-6 weeks of age. Although these phenotypes suggest that sulfatide plays a critical role in myelin maintenance/function, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. We analyzed the major CNS myelin proteins and the major lipids enriched in the myelin in a spatiotemporal manner. We found a one-third reduction of the major compact-myelin proteins (myelin basic protein, MBP, and proteolipid protein, PLP) and an equivalent post-developmental loss of myelin lipids, providing the molecular basis behind the thinner myelin sheaths. Our lipidomics data demonstrated that the observed global reduction of myelin lipid content was not due to an increase of lipid degradation but rather to the reduction of their synthesis by oligodendrocytes. We also showed that sulfatide depletion leads to region-specific effects on non-compact myelin, dramatically affecting the paranode (neurofascin 155) and the major inner-tongue myelin protein (myelin-associated glycoprotein). Moreover, we demonstrated that sulfatide promotes the interaction between adjacent PLP extracellular domains, evidenced by a progressive decline of high molecular weight PLP complexes in CST-/- mice, providing an explanation at a molecular level regarding the uncompacted myelin sheaths. Finally, we proposed that the dramatic losses of neurofascin 155 and PLP interactions are responsible for the progressive tremors and eventual ataxia. In summary, we unraveled novel molecular insights into the critical role of sulfatide in myelin maintenance/function. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
TCT-420 The fluoroscopy time, door to balloon time, contrast volume use and prevalence of vascular access site failure with transradial versus transfemoral approach in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction: A meta-analysis

Transradial approach (TRA) for percutaneous coronary intervention has been shown to decrease access site complications, bleeding and mortality compared to transfemoral approach (TFA). However, concerns about higher access site failure rate and door to balloon time with TRA in ST segment elevation
A Survey of Practical Experiences & Co-Curricular Activities to Support Undergraduate Biology Education

Abstract Active-learning experiences — in classrooms, laboratories, and outside of courses — are highly valued components of preparing undergraduates to become biologists. We characterized the educational opportunities available to students in the biological sciences at colleges and universities within the eastern Great Lakes region and student perceptions of a variety of opportunities. We surveyed biology departments at 33 institutions to determine the availability of and participation in educational travel, internships, laboratories, skill development, and undergraduate research involvement. There was variation in the availability of internships, the types of skill development and educational travel offered, and the numbers of labs required in different biology curricula. Undergraduate research was offered at all institutions, and most researchactive students presented results at least locally. Most colleges and universities offer a wide range of educational experiences and opportunities that complement...
On Exact Maximal Khinchine Inequalities

Let e 1 …, e n be independent Rademacher random variables, and let a l, …, a n be real numbers such that \(a_1^2 + \ldots a_n^2 = 1\). Let (B t ) be a standard Brownian motion. One has the generalized moment identity $$Eg\left( {\mathop {0 \leqslant t \leqslant 1|x + {B_t}|}\limits^{\max } } \right) = 2{\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {\left( {-1} \right)} ^{n-1}}Eg\left( {x \vee \frac{{|x + {B_1}|}}{{2n-1}}} \right),$$ where x > 0 and g is non-decreasing with g(x) = 0 and Eg(|x + B 1|) < ∞. This identity is used to show that the inequality $${\rm E}\mathop {\max }\limits_{1 \leqslant k \leqslant n} \left| {\sum\limits_{i = 1}^k {a_i \varepsilon _i } } \right|^p \leqslant {\rm E}\mathop {\max }\limits_{0 \leqslant t \leqslant 1} \left| {B_t } \right|^p ,$$ conjectured in [5], fails in a ne’ghborhood of p = 1. However, this inequality is proved to hold for p ≥ 3 in the case a l=⋯=a a=1/\(\sqrt {n;}\) the latter result is based on a “discrete” version of the above generalized moment identity.
Selection of Favorable Storage Sites

Majority of current geologic storage sites have largely been selected on the basis of petroleum industry’s practical experience and efforts that are used for screening suitable candidates (depleted oil fields) for commercial CO2-EOR projects. However, now, there are several methodologies and best practices are available for screening, selection, and characterization of favorable storage sites for future simultaneous CO2-EOR and storage projects. These methodologies and best practices can be used to the candidate sites according to their CO2-EOR and storage potential. After a regional proximity analysis and social context analysis for top candidate storage sites, initial characterization should be performed for most promising sites. Because detailed characterization is very expensive and lengthy process, hence, detailed characterization of any of the initially characterized sites should be con-ducted for only those sites that are being planned for commercial project status.
Unique Characteristics of Predator Frauds

ABSTRACT: Previous research has called for examination of differences in the fraud profile between “predator” fraudsters (repeat offenders) and “situational” fraudsters (first-time offenders). Usin...
Cerenkov radiation-induced phototherapy for depth-independent cancer treatment (Conference Presentation)

Light emitted as the result of high-energy particle transport through biological tissues (Cerenkov radiation) can be exploited for noninvasive diagnostic imaging using high sensitivity scientific cameras. We have investigated the energy transfer potential of Cerenkov radiation, discovering a new phototherapeutic technique for treatment of localized and disseminated cancers. This technique, Cerenkov radiation-induced phototherapy (CRIT), like photodynamic therapy, requires the presence of both light and photosensitive agent together to induce cytotoxicity and effective cancer treatment. But unlike conventional phototherapy strategies in which tissue ablation or activation of photoactive molecules is limited to superficial structures, radiation-induced phototherapy enables phototherapy delivery to the tumor sites throughout the body. Titanium oxide nanoparticles, which produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species upon irradiation with UV light, were targeted to tumor tissue by surface decoration with transferrin. Subsequent administration of tumor-avid radiotracer, 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) provided localized UV light source via Cerenkov radiation. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with the combination of Titanium nanoparticles and 18FDG resulted in effective reduction in tumor growth, while individual agents were not therapeutic. This new strategy in cancer therapy extends the reach of phototherapy beyond what was previously possible, with potential for treatment of cancer metastases and rescue from treatment resistance.
Zero-Tolerance Comes to International Law

It is difficult to engage from a theoretical perspective an advocacy piece that largely reads like a brief in favor of particular claim of law, namely, that a state’s failure to (vigorously) criminalize marital rape violates international human rights law. In a brief, the litigant pulls together various sources to prove the legal claim is correct. Opponents typically respond by cobbling together their own sources to undermine that claim. In their essay, Criminalizing Sexual Violence Against Women in Intimate Relationships , Randall and Venkatesh set out to prove that international human rights law, in fact , requires states to criminalize marital rape. I suspect there are international lawyers who can persuasively argue that international human rights law does not, in fact , require such criminalization.
Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside is a blood-brain barrier protective and anti-inflammatory agent: implications for neuroinflammation

Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), the main lignan in flaxseed, is known for its beneficial effects in inflammation, oxidative stress, heart disease, tumor progression, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. SDG might be an attractive natural compound that protects against neuroinflammation. Yet, there are no comprehensive studies to date investigating the effects of SDG on brain endothelium using relevant in vivo and in vitro models. We evaluated the effects of orally administered SDG on neuroinflammatory responses using in vivo imaging of the brain microvasculature during systemic inflammation and aseptic encephalitis. In parallel, the anti-inflammatory actions of SDG on brain endothelium and monocytes were evaluated in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) model. Multiple group comparisons were performed by one-way analysis of variance with Dunnet’s post hoc tests. We found that SDG diminished leukocyte adhesion to and migration across the BBB in vivo in the setting of aseptic encephalitis (intracerebral TNFα injection) and prevented enhanced BBB permeability during systemic inflammatory response (LPS injection). In vitro SDG pretreatment of primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVEC) or human monocytes diminished adhesion and migration of monocytes across brain endothelial monolayers in conditions mimicking CNS inflammatory responses. Consistent with our in vivo observations, SDG decreased expression of the adhesion molecule, VCAM1, induced by TNFα, or IL-1β in BMVEC. SDG diminished expression of the active form of VLA-4 integrin (promoting leukocyte adhesion and migration) and prevented the cytoskeleton changes in primary human monocytes activated by relevant inflammatory stimuli. This study indicates that SDG directly inhibits BBB interactions with inflammatory cells and reduces the inflammatory state of leukocytes. Though more work is needed to determine the mechanism by which SDG mediates these effects, the ability of SDG to exert a multi-functional response reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and BBB permeability makes it an exciting potential therapeutic for neuroinflammatory diseases. SDG can serve as an anti-inflammatory and barrier-protective agent in neuroinflammation.
Improving the estimated cost of sustained power interruptions to electricity customers

Abstract Electricity reliability and resiliency have become a topic of heightened interest in recent years in the United States. As utilities, regulators, and policymakers determine how to achieve optimal levels of electricity reliability while considering how best to prepare for future disruptions in power, the related issue of how much it costs when customers lose power remains a largely unanswered question. In 2006, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed an end-use based framework that estimates the cost of power interruptions in the U.S that has served as a foundational paper using the best available, yet far from perfect, information at that time. Since then, an abundance of work has been done to improve the quality and availability of information that now allow us to make a much more robust assessment of the cost of power interruptions to U.S. customers. In this work, we find that the total U.S. cost of sustained power interruptions is $44 billion per year (2015-$) −25% more than the $26 billion per year in 2002-$ (or $35 billion per year in 2015-$) estimated in our 2006 study.
EFFECT OF POLYMER-SURFACTANT INTERACTIONS ON POLYMER SOLUTION PROPERTIES

ABSTRACT Modifications in the polymer solution properties occur, in addition to changes in the solvent power of the medium also, due to associative interactions between polymer and surfactant species in the bulk. In this investigation effect of polymer (nonionic, anionic and cationic polyacrylamide) and sodium dodecylsulfonate or dodecylaminehydrochloride on polymer solution properties such as relative viscosity, conductivity, surface tension and precipitation behavior has been studied. Characteristics of both the surfactant and the polymer are found to exert significant influence on bulk and interfacial properties. The data obtained is analyzed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the interactions between various species and their effect on polymer solution properties.
Magnetic Properties of La Sn 3

The normal-state nuclear-magnetic-resonance (NMR) Knight shifts and spin-lattice relaxation times are reported for ${\mathrm{La}}^{139}$ and ${\mathrm{Sn}}^{119}$ in La${\mathrm{Sn}}_{3}$ from 1.6 to 300 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. New susceptibility data on higher-purity samples are reported for 4.2-700 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K which allow a more accurate determination of the susceptibility $\ensuremath{\chi}$ than previously reported. Above 100 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, $\ensuremath{\chi}$ is Curie-Weiss, but it increases by only 6% below 77 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The ${\mathrm{Sn}}^{119}$ relaxation time (${T}_{1}T=0.033$ sec \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K) and isotropic Knight shift (+0.640%) are temperature independent, while the anisotropic Knight shift is strongly temperature dependent. The ${\mathrm{La}}^{139}$ Knight shift (+0.207% at 4.2 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K) and relaxation time (${T}_{1}T=1.25$ sec \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K at 4.2 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K) have a temperature dependence more than an order of magnitude smaller than expected in the case of a strong exchange enhancement of the La $d$-spin susceptibility. Various partitions of the NMR and $\ensuremath{\chi}$ data are discussed using the customary approximations for transition metals. We find that the assumption of a dominant La $d$-orbital susceptibility which has the same temperature dependence as the La $d$-spin susceptibility gives the most reasonable results, although with the large number of assumptions involved the fit is not unique. Finally, we discuss the nature of this orbital susceptibility and point out that paramagnetic contributions exist which usually are neglected and which may have the observed magnitude and temperature dependence.
Communication: Philosophical Aspects

Philosophicl interest in communication turns on four interrelated issues. (a) The logical structure of communication. The most plausible account is to regard communicating as a three-place relation holding among a communicator, a proposition communicated, and the person to whom the proposition is communicated. (2) The explication of communication It is unlikely that conceptual analysis will yield an informative set of necessary and sufficient conditions for communication, but it may yield insight into the nature of the concept, and it is plausible that communication facts, like all other intentional facts, supervene on non-intentional facts. (c) Communication and the explication of linguistic meaning. The notion of communication must figure importantly in any adequate account of public-language meaning, but it is unlikely that public-language meaning can be reduced to, or defined in terms of, communication together with ancillary notions such as convention. (d) Knowledge by testimony. This is about the natur eof the knowledge one has because it was told to one. The current view is that this knowledge is non-inferential, perhaps in the way that perceptual knowledge is thought to be non-inferential. But I argue that the inferentialist account of knowledge by testimony is not so easily dismissed.
Impact of undergraduate research participation in characterization of materials

Nowadays, undergraduate research is recognized as an essential component of STEM discipline enhancing students learning outcome. As a result, governmental and non-governmental agencies have been allocating a substantial amount of funding and resources to support undergraduate students through scholarships and research activities. In addition to reinforcing the traditional classroom learning experience and providing the students with hands-on experience early on in their studies, undergraduate research is one of the key motivating factors to pursue graduate education and advance careers in STEM fields. In this paper, the positive impact of mentoring and engaging undergraduate students in paid research activities, and the project outcomes including awards and recognitions received by the students are discussed.
A portable optical diagnostic system for malaria screening

Malaria remains a global health challenge, especially in the developing world. Early diagnosis of malaria infected population in low-resource areas is of great interest and need, while the cost the reliability of the current methods is still a fundamental concern. Here, we demonstrated a portable optical diagnostic system (PODS) for malaria screening by detecting the malaria pigment, hemozoin. Detection limits of <0.0081 pg/mL are achieved with β-hematin (a hemozoin mimic) in whole rabbit blood.