cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Video Games to Support Pre-Service Elementary Teachers Learning of Basic Physics Principles

The purpose of this work is to share our findings in using video gaming technology to facilitate the understanding of basic electromagnetism with pre-service elementary teachers. To this end we explored the impact of using a game called Supercharged! on pre-service teachers’ understanding of electromagnetic concepts compared to students who conducted a more traditional inquiry oriented investigation of the same concepts. This study was a part of a larger design experiment examining the pedagogical potential of Supercharged! the control group learned through a series of guided inquiry methods while the experimental group played Supercharged! during the laboratory sections of the science course. There was significant difference F(2,134) = 4.8, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.59 between the control and experimental groups on the gains from pre-to-post assessment with an effect size of d = 0.72. However, while students in the experimental group performed better than their control group peers, they rated their knowledge of the topic lower than the control group (M post-control = 3.0, M post-experiment = 2.7), leading to further examination of their laboratory journals. Results of this study show that video games can lead to positive learning outcomes, as demonstrated by the increase in test scores from pre- to post-assessment. Additionally, this study also suggests that a complementary approach, in which video games and hands-on activities are integrated, with each activity informing the other, could be a very powerful technique for supporting student scientific understanding. Further, our findings suggest that video game designers should embed meta-cognitive activities such as reflective opportunities into educational video games to provide scaffolds for students and to reinforce that they are engaged in an educational learning experience.
Orbital forces in the density-functional formalism: Application to the copper dimer.

The force field in an atomic cluster, given as the direct gradient of the total energy in the density-functional formalism, is expressed in terms of components corresponding to the solutions of the one-particle Schr\"odinger equation. The resulting relationship between eigenfunctions and orbital forces provides a useful framework for analysis of the bonding in the system. The expression for the orbital force is given as the sum of a traditional Hellmann-Feynman term and an orbital derivative term which cancels the first-order error due to basis-set incompleteness. The sum of orbital forces gives the total gradient force on the nuclei in the system to essentially the same accuracy as the total-energy surface itself. Results are reported for an all-electron calculation of the orbital forces in the copper dimer. This first local-spin-density calculation of the gradient force for a transition-metal dimer represents a challenging test because of the heavy core. By the introduction of a simple screening force, an orbital cohesive force is defined which provides an interesting and useful framework for quantifying the relative contribution of the molecular orbitals to the chemical bond. The effects of core polarization and valence hybridization and their compensating influence are demonstrated in the results.
Dynamin and its partners: a progress report.

Abstract Dynamin's role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis is now well established. Here we review new evidence from the past two years for the function of dynamin and related GTPases in other intracellular trafficking events. We then summarize current information on the domain structure and function of this multidomain GTPase. Finally, we describe dynamin partners and their function in the context of clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
A Survey of the Usability of Digital Reference Services on Academic Health Science Library Web Sites

Reference interactions with patrons in a digital library environment using digital reference services (DRS) has become widespread. However, such services in many libraries appear to be underutilized. A study surveying the ease and convenience of such services for patrons in over 100 academic health science library Web sites suggests that cumbersome access and difficulty of use may be a key restraining force.
Reactions to Framing of Cessation Messages: Insights From Dual-Smoker Couples

Introduction Couples in which both members smoke (dual-smoker couples) have not been the explicit target of cessation interventions. Quit rates are lower and relapse rates are higher among individuals in dual-smoker couples. A potentially effective strategy to motivate dual-smoker couples to quit is to convey messages that highlight how the positive outcomes of quitting (gain frame) or the negative outcomes of continued smoking (loss frame) affect the couple rather than the individual smoker. We explored whether dual-smoker couples' smoking behaviors (e.g., amount smoked) and desire to quit would differ as a function of message frame (gain vs. loss) or outcome focus (individual vs. couple). Methods Dual-smoker couples (N = 40) completed a baseline survey and were then randomized to review gain- or loss-framed messages that varied whether the outcomes influenced the individual or the couple. Main outcomes were desire to quit after reading messages and smoking behaviors at a 1-month follow-up. Results Couple-focused messages produced the strongest desire to quit and decreased amount of cigarettes smoked at follow-up. The latter effect was mediated by desire to quit. Loss-framed messages produced inconsistent effects on desire to quit. There were no significant interactions between outcome focus and message framing. Conclusions Findings suggest that messages emphasizing how smoking affects both partners can motivate cessation among dual-smoker couples. Contrary to findings showing that gain-framed messages motivate cessation targeting individual smokers, results suggest that loss-framed messages may be more persuasive than gain-framed messages when the target of the outcome involves significant others.
Spin directions of interfering beams in quantum interferometry

It is shown here that, in a fermion interferometer experiment, the notion of the relative orientation of the interfering beams can be given a sensible meaning—information may be extracted about the spin directions without destroying the interference pattern. This is done on a gedanken-experiment level by introducing into, say, a neutron interferometer Stern–Gerlach magnets with detectors placed into their respective ‘down’-spin beam paths. Similar considerations apply to experiments where spinor behaviour has been demonstrated in systems with higher spin.
Predictive value of EEG for outcome and epilepsy following neonatal seizures

The value of the electroencephalogram in predicting outcome and epilepsy was examined in neonates who had experienced EEG-confirmed neonatal seizures. Electroencephalogram, neuroimaging studies, and other clinical variables were systematically analyzed in 81 consecutive neonates with EEG-confirmed seizures. The surviving subjects were followed for a mean of 17 months to determine if they developed post-neonatal seizures (PNS) and abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome. Several EEG variables were correlated with neurodevelopmental outcome and PNS when analyzed with univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. The EEG background activity and the presence of status epilepticus were strong predictors of outcome, but were not associated with PNS. The presence of rhythmic theta-alpha bursts was highly favorable for both outcome and PNS. In the interictal EEG, the number of negative sharp waves in the temporal region correlated with outcome and PNS. Clinical variables associated with unfavorable outcomes included an abnormal neonatal neurologic exam and certain seizure etiologies (e.g. cerebral dysgenesis and infections). Global abnormalities on neuroimaging studies were invariably associated with an unfavorable outcome and with the development of PNS in 66% of cases. Using multivariate analysis, prediction of outcome (favorable versus unfavorable) was accurately achieved in 85% of cases when combining EEG variables with neuroimaging and clinical findings. In conclusion, in neonates with EEG-confirmed seizures, the EEG is a useful predictor of outcome, but is a less useful predictor of PNS.
Destruction of Freons by the Use of High-Voltage Glow Plasmas

The decomposition of two different Freon species, Freon 21 (CHFCl2) and Freon 142-B (CF2ClCH3), was carried out using a high-voltage glow discharge plasma. The plasma is produced in a tubular reactor consisting of an inner iron electrode and an outer electrode being either aluminum or copper, a glass tube between the electrodes serves as a dielectric. The reaction gases, 0.5% Freon in helium and 5% oxygen in helium (moisture added), are mixed on line. The conversion measured by a gas chromatograph as the disappearance of the Freon species is very high for both species. For Freon 21, the conversion ranges from 75% up to 100% in the input voltage regime between 1.60 and 5.44 kV depending on the mixture. In the case of Freon 142 B, higher voltages are needed to achieve similar conversions. The input voltage of 3.50 kV yields 70% conversion, 3.88 kV yields 77% conversion, and 5.44 kV gives 100%. The conversion of Freon 21 drops with increasing flow rate and decreases from 88% at 15 mL/min to 78% at 40 mL/min ...
Optimized temporal response in multichannel two‐photon fluorescence lifetime microscopy using a photonic crystal fibre

The integration of fibre optics into an imaging system for the convenient delivery and collection of light has resulted in many hybrid forms of novel biomedical optical instrumentation. Although it is extremely robust and cost effective, fibre integration requires special consideration in a time-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging schema where multipath propagation in the fibre causes significant spread in photon transit times. In this study, we investigated the effect of the length of a multimode collection fibre on the temporal performance of a multichannel fluorescence lifetime microscope and demonstrated the effectiveness of a photonic crystal fibre as a means of optimizing the collection and delivery of emitted fluorescence in terms of temporal resolution. The findings are pertinent to all studies that employ a multimode optical fibre to collect and deliver an emitted fluorescence signal from a sample to a remote detector for measurement of the characteristic fluorescence lifetime.
Coming down the e-mail mountain, blazing a trail to gmail

Knowing our e-mail server at Oberlin College was heading toward the end of its life, we began to investigate our potential alternatives. We considered: (1) upgrading our existing system, Sun UNIX, to new hardware and software with updated versions of the same product lines, (2) purchasing a new and completely different e-mail system, or (3) outsourcing e-mail to an external vendor. After many internal discussions, we concluded the first and second alternatives would be very resource-intensive with respect to personnel and funding, and would cause us to retain many areas of increasing concern, including anti-virus and spam detection and handling, the unquenchable need/desire by users for additional quota, and the ability to complete backups in a timely manner. We concluded that outsourcing was a very viable option and decided to explore this more in-depth. After an initial look at available hosting solutions, we decided to pursue a more thorough look at Google Apps for Education and its inherent Gmail solution. We conducted a pilot project among technology staff across campus, using Gmail configured for Oberlin College, as well as our internal mail system, in parallel. We concluded that Gmail was the way to go. This paper will provide background information on our environment and take the reader through the pilot project and the subsequent project planning and migration process, as we came down the e-mail mountain and blazed a trail to Gmail!
Determination of the thermal diffusivity and specific heat using an exponential heat pulse, including heat-loss effects

The one-dimensional heat diffusion equation has been solved analytically for the case of a heat pulse of the form F(t) = exp(−t/τ)/τ applied to the front face of a homogeneous body including the effects of heat loss from the front and back faces. Approximate expressions are presented which yield a simple, accurate technique for the determination of the thermal diffusivity and specific heat, suitable to a wide range of heat-pulse time constant and heat-loss parameters, without recourse to graphical techniques or requiring further computer analysis. A procedure is described for the determination of an effective time constant to allow application of the present results to the case of a nonexponential heat pulse. Experimental results supporting the theoretical analysis are presented for five samples of silicon germanium alloys of various thicknesses, determined using a xenon flash tube heat-pulse exhibiting an exponential dependence. Proper consideration of the experimental heat pulse shape is shown to lead to reliable corrections to the apparent thermal diffusivity, even for relatively long heat-pulse times.
High-Fidelity Computational Optimization for 3-D Flexible Wings: Part II—Effect of Random Geometric Uncertainty on Design

The effect of geometric uncertainty due to statistically independent, random, normally distributed shape parameters is demonstrated in the computational design of a 3-D flexible wing. A first-order second-moment statistical approximation method is used to propagate the assumed input uncertainty through coupled Euler CFD aerodynamic/finite element structural codes for both analysis and sensitivity analysis. First-order sensitivity derivatives obtained by automatic differentiation are used in the input uncertainty propagation. These propagated uncertainties are then used to perform a robust design of a simple 3-D flexible wing at supercritical flow conditions. The effect of the random input uncertainties is shown by comparison with conventional deterministic design results. Sample results are shown for wing planform, airfoil section, and structural sizing variables.
How Many Parties will New Zealand have under MMP

(1994). How Many Parties will New Zealand have under MMP? Political Science: Vol. 46, No. 2, pp. 139-160.
Design of a novel on-chip electronic refrigerator based on a normal-insulator-superconductor tunnel junction

We present a design for a novel electronic refrigerator having a base temperature of about 18 mK when operating from a bath temperature as high as 1.5 K. This all-electronic refrigerator is a factor of 104 smaller and lighter than dilution and adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators, and is compatible with conventional photolithographic fabrication. The refrigerator, based on the unique thermal transport properties of a normal-insulator-superconductor (NIS) tunnel junction, preferentially removes electrons whose energy is higher than the Fermi energy from a normal metal. Electrons with an average energy equal to the Fermi energy are returned to the metal by a superconductor contact. Consequently, high energy thermal excitations are removed from the normal metal, thus cooling the electrons. In our configuration, the junction is deposited on a Si3N4 membrane of submicron thickness that thermally isolates the normal electrode from the bath. As a result, both electrons and phonons in the metal are cooled below the bath temperature. We calculate a cooling power of 2 nW at 100 mK, and a base temperature of 18 mK for a refrigerator area of about 100X100 μm2. Using 105 such refrigerator circuits, the cooling power can be increased to 200 μW.
Kinetics of the depletion of linoleic acid in mice.

Abstract Two rates of disappearance of linoleate from the depot fat are observed. The more rapid rate is observed only when the depot fat level of linoleate is more than 12%. First-order rate constants for the slower rate are higher for females and immature males than for mature males. Despite a wide divergence in linoleic acid levels, the total unsaturated acids remained constant.
Soman-induced seizures rapidly activate astrocytes and microglia in discrete brain regions.

Neurons in the piriform cortex and the pontine nucleus locus coeruleus express elevated levels of the immediate early gene protein product, Fos, within 30–45 minutes of a seizurogenic dose of the anticholinesterase, soman (Zimmer et al., [1997] J. Comp. Neurol. 378:468–481). By 24 hours following soman injection, there is marked neuropathology in the piriform cortex. These findings suggest selective, regional vulnerability in response to the seizurogenic actions of soman. In the present study, we determined that soman-induced seizures also cause selective, rapid activation of astrocytes and microglia in the piriform cortex and other brain regions. Animals were killed at different intervals between 1 hour and 24 hours after a convulsive dose of soman. Brain sections were processed for immunocytochemical detection of astrocytes with antibodies against glial fibrillary acidic protein, and microglia and macrophages with antibodies against the complement receptor 3 protein, OX-42. The results demonstrate that following soman administration: (1) there is a rapid increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein staining in astrocytes of the piriform cortex (1 hour); (ii) reactive astrocytes are specifically restricted to layer II and the superficial boundaries of layer III of the piriform cortex. These are the same layers in which neurons express Fos within 30–45 minutes following soman administration; (3) between 1 and 4 hours, resting (ramified) microglia in the piriform cortex and the hippocampus alter their morphology to resemble active microglia. From 4–8 hours, active microglia undergo morphological changes characteristic of reactive microglia that resemble macrophages. Taken together, these observations indicate that astrocytes and microglia in brain regions susceptible to soman become rapidly “reactive” in response to seizures. The highly specific anatomical codistribution of reactive glia and Fos-expressing neurons suggests that intensely active neurons provide local signals that trigger reactive changes in neighboring glia. J. Comp. Neurol. 378:482–492, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Morality for the ““Democracy of God””: George Albert Coe and the Liberal Protestant Critique of American Character Education, 1917––1940

In the years between World War I and World War II in the United States, public and religious educators engaged in an extended struggle to define the appropriate nature of character education for American youth. Within a post-war culture agonizing over the sanctions of moral living in the wake of mass violence and vanishing certitudes, a group of conservative educators sought to shore up traditional values through the construction of morality codes defining the characteristics of the ““good American.”” At the same time, a group of liberal progressive educators set forth a vigorous critique of these popular character education programs. This article analyzes the nature of this liberal critique by looking at one leading liberal spokesperson, George Albert Coe. Coe taught at Union Theological Seminary and Teachers College, Columbia University, and used his platform in these institutions to forge a model of character education derived from the combined influences of liberal Protestantism and Deweyan progressive education. Coe posited a two-pronged vision for American moral education rooted in the need for both procedural democracy (collaborative moral decision making) and a democratic social order. Utilizing this vision of the ““democracy of God,”” Coe demonstrated the inadequacies of code-based models, pointing in particular to the anachronism of traditional virtues in a world of social interdependence, the misguided individualism of the virtues, and the indoctrinatory nature of conservative programs. He proposed that youth be allowed to participate in moral experimentation, adopting ideals through scientific testing rather than unthinking allegiance to authoritative commands. Expanding the meaning of morality to include social as well as personal righteousness, he also made character education a vehicle of social justice. In the end, I contend that Coe9s democratic model of character education, because of its scientific epistemological hegemony and devaluing of tradition, actually failed to promote a truly democratic character.
Changing Technology Requirements of Mask Metrology in Semiconductor Industry

Upcoming Semiconductor Technology Nodes will still be based on optical lithography by ArF water immersion technology because there are still too many open issues preventing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography from being introduced into production. Several kinds of multi- patterning technology are in use to overcome the optical resolution limitation of 193nm high NA illumination and still to achieve <32nm half-pitch. Mask registration metrology must be adapted to provide useful and comprehensive data on the mask contribution to wafer overlay
The effects of perceptual organization on performance in classification tasks

Three experiments are reported which investigated the relationship between stimulus organization and performance in classification tasks. In Experiment 1, a conjunctive solution involving proximate stimuli was learned more rapidly than a solution involving nonproximate stimuli. In Experiments 2 and 3, type of solution (similar stimuli vs nonsimilar stimuli in Experiment 2; and unique vs nonunique stimuli in Experiment 3) and number of dimensions had interaction effects on rate of learning.
Prediction of success in a master's degree program in nursing.

This study examined the predictive validity of the Undergraduate Assessment Program (UP) Aptitude Test, Verbal and Quantitative scores, Remote Associates Test scores, Formula Analysis Test scores, and undergraduate grade-point average (GPA). Criterion variables consisted of Master's GPAs and faculty ratings of six student characteristics. Subjects were 52 students enrolled in the Graduate School at the University of Minnesota majoring in Nursing. Undergraduate GPA correlated .45 with Master's GPA and .35 with one faculty rating. Formula Analysis Test scores correlated from .45 to .70 with all six faculty ratings. Remote Associates Test scores and UP aptitude test verbal and quantitative scores did not correlate at a statistically significant level with any criterion measure. Results show undergraduate GPA to be a valid predictor of graduate success. Although the Formula Analysis Test scores showed predictive ability of faculty ratings, this research instrument requires further study before use as a gradua...
Electronic Health Records: Improving Patient Safety and Quality of Care in Texas Acute Care Hospitals

Electronic health records (EHRs) have been proposed as a sustainable solution for improving the quality of medical care. This study investigates how EHR use, as implemented and utilized, impacts patient safety and quality performance. Data in this paper include nonfederal acute care hospitals in the state of Texas, and the data sources include the American Hospital Association, the Dallas Fort Worth Hospital Council, and the American Hospital Directory. The authors use partial least squares modeling to assess the relationship between hospital EHR use, patient safety, and quality of care. Patient safety is measured using 11 indicators as identified by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and quality performance is measured by 11 mortality indicators as related to 2 constructs, that is, conditions and surgical procedures. Results identify positive significant relationships between EHR use, patient safety, and quality of care with respect to procedures. The authors conclude that there is sufficient evidence of the relationship between hospital EHR use and patient safety, and that sufficient evidence exists for the support of EHR use with hospital surgical procedures.
PAX3 and ETS1 synergistically activate MET expression in melanoma cells.

Melanoma is a highly aggressive disease that is difficult to treat owing to rapid tumor growth, apoptotic resistance and high metastatic potential. The MET proto-oncogene (MET) tyrosine kinase receptor promotes many of these cellular processes, but while MET is often overexpressed in melanoma, the mechanism driving this overexpression is unknown. As the MET gene is rarely mutated or amplified in melanoma, MET overexpression may be driven to increased activation through promoter elements. In this report, we find that transcription factors PAX3 and ETS1 directly interact to synergistically activate MET expression. Inhibition of PAX3 and ETS1 expression in melanoma cells leads to a significant reduction of MET receptor levels. The 300-bp 5′ proximal MET promoter contains a PAX3 response element and two ETS1 consensus motifs. Although ETS1 can moderately activate both of these sites without cofactors, robust MET promoter activation of the first site is PAX dependent and requires the presence of PAX3, whereas the second site is PAX independent. The induction of MET by ETS1 via this second site is enhanced by hepatocyte growth factor-dependent ETS1 activation, thereby MET indirectly promotes its own expression. We further find that expression of a dominant-negative ETS1 reduces the ability of melanoma cells to grow both in culture and in vivo. Thus, we discover a pathway where ETS1 advances melanoma through the expression of MET via PAX-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
Moving averages for environmental standards

The use of moving averages is gaining acceptance in environmental standards and regulations. Indexes based on moving averages are useful because they summarize a fixed number of the immediately preceding observations. If calendar-based monthly averages, for example, are used rather than moving averages of the last 30 days, data from industrial sources would not have a uniform time base. Only four observations would be averaged from a source inspected on the 4th of the month, while 28 would be averaged for a source inspected on the 28th. Many problems occur in implementing a standard based on moving averages: (1) Most environmental data are autocorrelated because they are averages of successive measurements. Autocorrelation changes the variance of the statistical distribution and, therefore, the probability of detecting a violation. (2) When continuous monitors are installed, a suitable averaging time must be determined. (3) Time-averaging affects the variance of the statistical distribution. This effect must be incorporated into simulation studies. (4) The relationships between exceedances (probable violations), transient changes, and long-term trends should be specified and used as inputs in simulation models. In environmental monitoring, a statistical decision about whether a change is permanent may result in substantial penalties. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) chartsmore » are a practical approach to establishing standards and determining compliance for autoregressive data. An example of an air-quality monitor illustrates the procedure. 16 references, 8 figures, 5 tables.« less
Myosin motor function: the ins and outs of actin-based membrane protrusions

Cells build plasma membrane protrusions supported by parallel bundles of F-actin to enable a wide variety of biological functions, ranging from motility to host defense. Filopodia, microvilli and stereocilia are three such protrusions that have been the focus of intense biological and biophysical investigation in recent years. While it is evident that actin dynamics play a significant role in the formation of these organelles, members of the myosin superfamily have also been implicated as key players in the maintenance of protrusion architecture and function. Based on a simple analysis of the physical forces that control protrusion formation and morphology, as well as our review of available data, we propose that myosins play two general roles within these structures: (1) as cargo transporters to move critical regulatory components toward distal tips and (2) as mediators of membrane-cytoskeleton adhesion.
Parental Psychological Control and Autonomy Granting: Distinctions and Associations with Child and Family Functioning

SYNOPSIS Objective . This study utilized an observational coding scheme to identify parenting behavior reflecting psychological control and autonomy granting, and examined relations between these parenting dimensions and indices of child and family functioning. Design . A community sample of 90 preadolescents (aged 10.5 to 12 years) and both of their parents engaged in a triadic interaction that was coded for parental psychological control and autonomy granting. Participants also completed measures of child adjustment, interparental conflict, and triangulation. Results . Factor analyses indicated that a two-factor model better fit the data than a one-factor model, suggesting that psychological control and autonomy granting are best conceptualized as independent but related constructs. Parental psychological control and autonomy granting exhibited some shared and some unique correlates with indices of child and family functioning. Hierarchical regressions revealed significant interactions between these dim...
The effects of whole mushrooms during inflammation.

Consumption of edible mushrooms has been suggested to improve health. A number of isolated mushroom constituents have been shown to modulate immunity. Five commonly consumed edible mushrooms were tested to determine whether whole mushrooms stimulate the immune system in vitro and in vivo. The white button (WB) extracts readily stimulated macrophage production of TNF-α. The crimini, maitake, oyster and shiitake extracts also stimulated TNF-α production in macrophage but the levels were lower than from WB stimulation. Primary cultures of murine macrophage and ovalbumin (OVA) specific T cells showed that whole mushroom extracts alone had no effect on cytokine production but co-stimulation with either lipopolysacharide or OVA (respectively) induced TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β while decreasing IL-10. Feeding mice diets that contained 2% WB mushrooms for 4 weeks had no effect on the ex vivo immune responsiveness or associated toxicity (changes in weight or pathology of liver, kidney and gastrointestinal tract). Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) stimulation of mice that were fed 1% WB mushrooms were protected from DSS induced weight loss. In addition, 2% WB feeding protected the mice from transient DSS induced colonic injury. The TNF-α response in the colon and serum of the DSS challenged and 2% WB fed mice was higher than controls. The data support a model whereby edible mushrooms regulate immunity in vitro. The in vivo effects of edible mushrooms required a challenge with DSS to detect small changes in TNF-α and transient protection from colonic injury. There are modest effects of in vivo consumption of edible mushrooms on induced inflammatory responses. The result is not surprising since it would certainly be harmful to strongly induce or suppress immune function following ingestion of a commonly consumed food.
The role of sediment particle size in the nutritional energetics of a surface deposit-feeder. II. Energetic cost measured as 14C loss from uniformly labeled Hydrobia truncata (Vanatta)

Abstract Measurements of 14C loss from uniformly labeled Hydrobia truncata indicated an average energetic cost in this deposit-feeder of 1.7% of total body carbon · day−1. ≈40–50% of carbon lost was in particulate form, while the remaining 50–60% consisted of dissolved carbon (dissolved excretory products and CO2). Sediment particle size had no effect on total carbon loss or on the relative fractions of carbon lost in dissolved vs. particulate form. H. truncata from a sandy beach population had a higher particulate carbon loss rate and lower dissolved carbon loss rate than conspecifics from a muddy salt-marsh population. Total carbon loss did not differ between the two groups. Differences in net carbon intake by H. truncata in response to sediment particle size do not appear to be responsible for size and density distributions of field populations.
Hue geometry and horizontal connections

Primate visual systems support an elaborate specialization for processing color information. Concentrating on the hue component, we observe that, contrary to Mondrian-like assumptions, hue varies in a smooth manner for ecologically important natural imagery. To represent these smooth variations, and to support those information processing tasks that utilize hue, a piecewise smooth hue field is postulated. The geometry of hue-patch interactions is developed analogously to orientation-patch interactions in texture. The result is a model for long-range (horizontal) interactions in the color domain, the power of which is demonstrated on a number of examples. Implications for computer image processing, computer vision, visual neurophysiology and psychophysics are discussed.
Solving Stochastic Groundwater Problems using Sensitivity Theory and Hermite Interpolating Polynomials

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses solving stochastic groundwater problems using sensitivity theory and hermite interpolating polynomials.The stochastic groundwater problem consists of solving the classical equations for groundwater flow and contaminant transport with uncertainty associated with the parameters. This uncertainty is quantified by representing the parameters as random variables with some distribution and covariance structure. If this structure is known, then the solution of this problem consists of a probability distribution of the dependent variables. The chapter is concerned with solving the equations for ground-water flow and convective-dispersive transport for the distribution of concentration, when a distribution of hydraulic conductivity is given. A number of approaches have been proposed for addressing the stochastic contaminant transport problem. A common approach is the use of random sampling methods, such as the Monte Carlo method or stratified sampling. The stratified sampling methods described generate the distribution of concentrations based on the distribution of hydraulic conductivities in a three-step procedure.
Bio-origami hydrogel scaffolds composed of photocrosslinked PEG bilayers

We describe the self-folding of photopatterned poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogel bilayers into curved and anatomically relevant micrometer-scale geometries. The PEG bilayers consist of two different molecular weights (MWs) and are photocrosslinked en masse using conventional photolithography. Self-folding is driven by differential swelling of the two PEG bilayers in aqueous solutions. We characterize the self-folding of PEG bilayers of varying composition and develop a finite element model which predicts radii of curvature that are in good agreement with empirical results. Since we envision the utility of bio-origami in tissue engineering, we photoencapsulate insulin secreting β-TC-6 cells within PEG bilayers and subsequently self-fold them into cylindrical hydrogels of different radii. Calcein AM staining and ELISA measurements are used to monitor cell proliferation and insulin production respectively, and the results indicate cell viability and robust insulin production for over eight weeks in culture.
The Effect of Dislocation Dissociation on Crack Tip Plasticity in L12and B2 Intermetallic Alloys

Low toughness at ambient temperatures is an inherent problem in many ordered intermetallic alloys that otherwise have attractive properties for high temperature applications. One potential explanation of low toughness is the existence of an energy barrier for crack tip dislocation emission. A model describing the energy associated with emission of a dissociated superlattice dislocation from a crack tip in ordered intermetallic alloys has been formulated. Application of the model to a wide variety of intermetallic alloys with the L12 and B2 crystal structures has revealed a correlation between the observed macroscopic fracture mode and the calculated range of slip system orientations for which emission of a dissociated superlattice dislocation at ambient temperatures is possible. Additionally, the model has been used to predict the effects of lowering the stacking fault energy, increasing the thermal energy available for thermally activated dislocation emission, and changing the active slip system. Preliminary fractographic analyses have been conducted with a chromium-modified Al3Ti alloy to verify the model predictions.
The demographic significance of organized population transfers in communist China

A fin de aliviar el problema planteado por el crecimiento urbano quees mas rapido queel aumento de la ocupaci6n en actividades no agricolas, el Gobierno de la China Continental instituyo en 1955 un programa de transferencias de poblacion. El objetivo del programa era el de trasladar a las zonas rurales losexcedentes deinmigrantes que venian a las ciudades y un numero substancial de residentes nacidos en las areasurbanas. Aun cuando gran partede la poblacion que fue trasladada fue simplemente devuelta a las aldeas de origen, el programa trato de establecer poblacionesnuevas en tierras recuperadas en secciones de baja densidad del pais en el noroeste, noreste y sudeste. Hasta ahora se tienen datos solamente para el ano 1956, y el resultado final del programa no puede conocerse con cerieza. El numerode pobladores que pudo ser inducido a migrar resulto ser considerablemente inferior al numero necesario para eliminar los efectos del crecimiento de la poblacion. Se encontro que la cantidad de tierra que cada poblador necesitaba para poder vivir era mucho mayor que en las areas mas fertiles,de modo que el numero total de personas que puede ser trasladado a zonas nuevas esta muy por debajo de las necesidades nacionales. Finalmente, el costo de las transferencias en terminos de transporte, equipo agricola, costos de recuperacion de tierras, etc. es muy elevado. Es casi inevitable llegar a la conclusion preliminar de que las transferencias de poblacion a areas nuevas y la recuperacion de tierras solo pueden ser una solucion parcial y temporal del problema de la poblacion China.
RAP: a real-time communication architecture for large-scale wireless sensor networks

Large-scale wireless sensor networks represent a new generation of real-time embedded systems with significantly different communication constraints from traditional networked systems. This paper presents RAP, a new real-time communication architecture for large-scale sensor networks. RAP provides convenient, high-level query and event services for distributed micro-sensing applications. Novel location-addressed communication models are supported by a scalable and light-weight network stack. We present and evaluate a new packet scheduling policy called velocity monotonic scheduling that inherently accounts for both time and distance constraints. We show that this policy is particularly suitable for communication scheduling in sensor networks in which a large number of wireless devices are seamlessly integrated into a physical space to perform real-time monitoring and control. Detailed simulations of representative sensor network environments demonstrate that RAP significantly reduces the end-to-end deadline miss ratio in the sensor network.
An atomic force microscope tip designed to measure time-varying nanomechanical forces.

Tapping-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM), in which the vibrating tip periodically approaches, interacts and retracts from the sample surface, is the most common AFM imaging method. The tip experiences attractive and repulsive forces that depend on the chemical and mechanical properties of the sample, yet conventional AFM tips are limited in their ability to resolve these time-varying forces. We have created a specially designed cantilever tip that allows these interaction forces to be measured with good (sub-microsecond) temporal resolution and material properties to be determined and mapped in detail with nanoscale spatial resolution. Mechanical measurements based on these force waveforms are provided at a rate of 4 kHz. The forces and contact areas encountered in these measurements are orders of magnitude smaller than conventional indentation and AFM-based indentation techniques that typically provide data rates around 1 Hz. We use this tool to quantify and map nanomechanical changes in a binary polymer blend in the vicinity of its glass transition. Phase changes and chemical compositional variations in materials on the nanoscale have been studied using various scanning force microscopy techniques. In these techniques, a force-sensing cantilever with a sharp tip is placed in continuous contact with the sample surface. Dynamical properties of the cantilever are adjusted depending on the material in contact with the tip. Examples of these techniques include ultrasonic force microscopy 1 , force modulation microscopy 2 , shear modulation force microscopy and lateral force microscopy 3,4 .T hese
Effect of host availability and egg load in Trichogramma platneri Nagarkatti (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) and its consequences on progeny quality

Experiments were conducted to determine whether Trichogramma platneri Nagarkatti manifested a somatic-gametic trade-off and whether it was affected by host availability and host size. Large wasps produced on Trichoplusia ni Hubner and limited to five or 15 T. ni eggs daily, produced a similar number of progeny as wasps offered hosts from emergence. Similar results were obtained when they were deprived of T. ni eggs for one, three, five, or ten days and then provided with unlimited hosts daily until death. In contrast, small wasps produced from Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) and deprived of T. ni eggs for one to three days suffered a significant reduction in progeny production. Regardless of size, the egg load of non-ovipositing wasps increased significantly with time and a positive relationship existed between the life span of a female and the length of time she was deprived of hosts.
Highly Sensitive and Selective Spectroscopic Detection of Mercury(II) in Water by Using Pyridylporphyrin–DNA Conjugates

Single-labeled pyridylporphyrin–DNA conjugates are reported as highly sensitive and selective spectroscopic sensors for mercury(II) ions in water. The effects of chemical structure (thymine versus adenine), number of nucleotides (monomer versus octamer), and porphyrin metalation (Zn versus free base) on the sensitivity and selectivity of mercury(II) detection are explored. The results indicated that pyridylporphyrin rather than the nucleobase plays a crucial role in mercury(II) sensing, because porphyrin conjugates with both adenosine and thymidine exhibited excellent mercury(II) detection. Mercury(II) recognition was shown in emission quenching, as well as in a redshift of the porphyrin Soret band absorption. The limit of detection (LOD, 3σ/slope) of zinc(II) pyridylporphyrin-5′-oligodeoxythymidine (ZnPorT8) obtained by fluorescence quenching was calculated to be 21.14 nM. Other metal cations (Zn2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Mn2+, Ca2+, Ni2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, and Na+) did not interfere with the emission and absorption sensing of mercury(II). Free-base porphyrin–oligothymine conjugate 2HPorT8 displayed similar sensitivity to ZnPorT8 but different selectivity. The results also implied that the sensing properties of porphyrin–deoxythymidine conjugates could potentially be tuned by porphyrin metalation.
Study of blood flow impact on growth of thrombi using a multiscale model

An extended multiscale model is introduced for studying the formation of platelet thrombi in blood vessels. The model describes the interplay between viscous, incompressible blood plasma, activated and non-activated platelets, as well as other blood cells, activating chemicals, fibrinogen and vessel walls. The macroscale dynamics of the blood flow is represented by the continuous submodel in the form of the Navier–Stokes equations. The microscale cell-cell interactions are described by the stochastic Cellular Potts Model (CPM). Simulations indicate that increase in flow rates leads to greater structural heterogeneity of the clot. As heterogeneous structural domains within the clot affect thrombus stability, understanding the factors influencing thrombus structure is of significant biomedical importance.
Self-organized mapping of failure modes in portable electronics subjected to drop and shock

Portable electronic products subjected to transient shock may exhibit multiple failure modes in vicinity of the interconnects. Failure is often diagnosed by loss of functionality using techniques including the built-in self test, which provides limited insight into reliability and remaining useful life. In this paper prognostic framework for electronic systems has been developed with neural network based self organizing maps. The presented approach resides in the pre-failure space with a focus on electronic systems with multiple failure modes. Unsupervised learning of the neural net has been used to train the neural net for identification of individual failure modes. Feature vectors have been developed based on damage pre-cursors from time-spectral measurements. The clustered damage pre-cursors have been correlated with failure modes of the underlying damage. Several chip-scale packages have been studied, with leadfree second-level interconnects including SAC305, SAC405 alloys. Transient strain has been measured during the drop-event using digital image correlation and high-speed cameras operating at 100,000 fps. Continuity has been monitored simultaneously for failure identification. In addition, explicit finite element models have been developed and various kinds of failure modes have been simulated such as solder ball cracking, trace fracture, package falloff and solder ball failure. Fault modes predicted by simulation based pre-cursors have been correlated with those from experimental data. Activation of different neurons in the lattice for various failure modes and combinations of failure modes has been demonstrated. Previously the authors have developed techniques based on statistical pattern recognition for leading indication of impending failure and detection of damage initiation and progression [Lall 2006a, 2007a, 2008]. Early classification of multiple failure modes in the pre-failure space is new.
Efficient and scalable cache coherence schemes for shared memory hypercube multiprocessors

Large scale shared memory multiprocessors use directory based cache coherence scheme. The basic directory scheme, called full-map, is efficient but has a large memory overhead. Therefore, limited directory schemes have been proposed which limit the number of pointers in the directories. These schemes tradeoff smaller memory overhead for larger memory access latencies. In this paper, we propose a new limited directory scheme, which achieves lower memory overhead as well as smaller memory access latencies. The scheme uses ring embedding in a hypercube in conjunction with wormhole routing to reduce the invalidation delays. The proposed scheme performs as good as full-map for smaller degree of sharing and performs better than full-map for larger degree of sharing.
Experimental Status of Proton Decay

Proton-decay experiments carried out in the Kolar GF, NUSEX, FREJUS, IMB, KAMIOKANDE, and HPW projects are reviewed, considering their implications for the fundamental physical problem of baryon nonconservation. Sample data are presented in extensive tables, diagrams, and graphs and briefly characterized. The overall event detection rate (about 100 events/ktonne yr at energies greater than 200 MeV), nucleon-decay-candidate rate (about 5 events/ktonne yr), and classic two-track proton-decay rate (about 1 event/ktonne yr) are found to be consistent with theoretical predictions, and general limits of tau(p) greater than or equal to 5 x 10 to the 32nd/yr and tau(p) greater than or equal to 5 x 10 to the 31st/yr are estimated for classic and neutrino-dominated decay modes, respectively. 7 references.