cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Community Colleges and Market Responsiveness: A Conceptual Analysis and Proposed Model

In this article, we explore the functions of the traditional community college and its expanding mission in regard to its responsiveness to changing economic conditions and workforce development needs. To date, few researchers have specifically addressed market responsiveness in community college settings across the United States. In addition, we introduce a model in which a comprehensive framework of the components and dimensions that comprise a market responsive institution is provided. Examining dimensions that characterize market responsive community colleges helps to deepen the theoretical and practical understanding of market responsiveness in two ways. First, it helps educators gain a greater understanding about the internal and external contexts in which community colleges operate. Second, it helps educators better understand how core institutional internal and external dimensions interact to create a market responsive environment. The proposed Model of Market Responsive Institutions can be used b...
Endogenous correlated equilibria in noncooperative games

Most of the results of modern game theory presuppose that the choices rational agents make in noncooperative games are probabilistically independent. In this paper I argue that there is noa priori reason for rational agents to assume probabilistic independence. I introduce a solution concept for noncooperative games called anendogenous correlated equilibrium, which generalizes the Nash equilibrium concept by dropping probabilistic independence. I contrast the endogenous correlated equilibrium with the correlated equilibrium defined by Aumann (1974, 1987). I conclude that in general the endogenous correlated equilibrium concept is a more appropriate solution concept for noncooperative game theory than the less general Nash equilibrium concept. I close by discussing the relationship between endogenous correlated equilibrium and the game solution concept calledrationalizability introduced by Bernheim (1984) and Pearce (1984).
Produced In-House: AV Presentations save Hospital Time, Dollars

Abstract Far right, a Winona Memorial respiratory therapy technician prepares patient for a lung diagnostic test in a body plethysmograph. The unit is typical of the broad range of highly sophisticated medical equipment housed in the hospital complex. Middle photo shows medical techologist putting serum sample into an automatic clinic analyzer to diagnose cardiac enzyme. This is a typical scene which was photographed for inclusion in a hospital A-V orientation presentation. At right, Fred Price, former Winona public relations director and now associate public relations director at the nearby Methodist hospital, produced the visual-sync programs. Above, Julie Moorhead, Winona Memorial's acting public relations director, inserts a slide tray into one of the 36mm slide projectors used in the hospital's audiovisual presentations. After interconnecting projectors, Wollensak dissolver and recorder the first time, program is ready to roll, professionally automatic.
TU‐C‐214‐06: A Nonparametric Bayesian Approach to Real‐Time 3D Tumor Localization via Monoscopic Xray Imaging during Treatment Delivery

Purpose: Monoscopic x‐ray imaging with on‐board kV devices is an attractive approach for real‐time image guidance in modern radiation therapy, but it falls short in providing reliable information along the direction of imaging x‐ray. By effectively taking consideration of projection data at prior times and/or angles through a Bayesian formalism, we develop a nonparametric algorithm for real‐time and full 3D tumor localization with a single x‐ray imager during treatmentdelivery.Methods: First, we construct the a priori probability density function using the 2D tumor locations on the projection images acquired during patient setup. Whenever an x‐ray image is acquired during the treatmentdelivery, the corresponding 2D tumor location on the imager is used to update the likelihood function. The unresolved third dimension is obtained by maximizing the posterior probability distribution. The algorithm does not involve optimization of any model parameter and therefore can be used in a ‘plug‐and‐play’ fashion. We validated the algorithm using the 3D tumor motion trajectories of a lung and a pancreas patient reproduced by a physical phantom. Continuous kV images were acquired over a full gantry rotation with the TrueBeam onboard imaging system. Three scenarios were considered: fluoroscopic setup, cone beam CT setup, and retrospective analysis. Results: The 3D localization error is < 1 mm on average and < 1.5 mm at 95 percentile in the lung and pancreas cases for all three scenarios. The difference in 3D localization error for different scenarios is small and is not statistically significant. Conclusions: The proposed algorithm eliminates the need for any population based model parameters in monoscopic image guided RT and allows accurate and real‐time 3D tumor localization on current standard Linacs with a single x‐ray imager.
Rapid and Quantitative Activation of Chlamydia trachomatis Ribonucleotide Reductase by Hydrogen Peroxide

We recently showed that the class Ic ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) from the human pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis ( Ct) uses a Mn (IV)/Fe (III) cofactor in its R2 subunit to initiate catalysis [Jiang, W., Yun, D., Saleh, L., Barr, E. W., Xing, G., Hoffart, L. M., Maslak, M.-A., Krebs, C., and Bollinger, J. M., Jr. (2007) Science 316, 1188-1191]. The Mn (IV) site of the novel cofactor functionally replaces the tyrosyl radical used by conventional class I RNRs to initiate substrate radical production. As a first step in evaluating the hypothesis that the use of the alternative cofactor could make the RNR more robust to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species [RO(N)S] produced by the host's immune system [Hogbom, M., Stenmark, P., Voevodskaya, N., McClarty, G., Graslund, A., and Nordlund, P. (2004) Science 305, 245-248], we have examined the reactivities of three stable redox states of the Mn/Fe cluster (Mn (II)/Fe (II), Mn (III)/Fe (III), and Mn (IV)/Fe (III)) toward hydrogen peroxide. Not only is the activity of the Mn (IV)/Fe (III)-R2 intermediate stable to prolonged (>1 h) incubations with as much as 5 mM H 2O 2, but both the fully reduced (Mn (II)/Fe (II)) and one-electron-reduced (Mn (III)/Fe (III)) forms of the protein are also efficiently activated by H 2O 2. The Mn (III)/Fe (III)-R2 species reacts with a second-order rate constant of 8 +/- 1 M (-1) s (-1) to yield the Mn (IV)/Fe (IV)-R2 intermediate previously observed in the reaction of Mn (II)/Fe (II)-R2 with O 2 [Jiang, W., Hoffart, L. M., Krebs, C., and Bollinger, J. M., Jr. (2007) Biochemistry 46, 8709-8716]. As previously observed, the intermediate decays by reduction of the Fe site to the active Mn (IV)/Fe (III)-R2 complex. The reaction of the Mn (II)/Fe (II)-R2 species with H 2O 2 proceeds in three resolved steps: sequential oxidation to Mn (III)/Fe (III)-R2 ( k = 1.7 +/- 0.3 mM (-1) s (-1)) and Mn (IV)/Fe (IV)-R2, followed by decay of the intermediate to the active Mn (IV)/Fe (III)-R2 product. The efficient reaction of both reduced forms with H 2O 2 contrasts with previous observations on the conventional class I RNR from Escherichia coli, which is efficiently converted from the fully reduced (Fe 2 (II/II)) to the "met" (Fe 2 (III/III)) form [Gerez, C., and Fontecave, M. (1992) Biochemistry 31, 780-786] but is then only very inefficiently converted from the met to the active (Fe 2 (III/III)-Y (*)) form [Sahlin, M., Sjoberg, B.-M., Backes, G., Loehr, T., and Sanders-Loehr, J. (1990) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 167, 813-818].
Problems of alcohol and other drug use and abuse in adolescents

In summary, although there has been much progress, alcohol and other drug use and abuse in adolescents remains a major medical and public health problem. Epidemiological studies of adolescents and young adults provide important information about the frequency, quantity, and types of drugs used among these populations. A number of theories on causation and initiation of use of alcohol and other drugs have been postulated, and each adds important new information to the field. Impressive gains have been made in the identification of risk profiles which lead to alcohol and other drug use. Although this work has been comprehensive in its approach, studying the influences of family and peer factors, psychological and biological variables, and environmental and demographic characteristics, many questions remain unanswered with regard to the distinguishing features of those at risk who progress to problem use. Additionally, although treatment programs have been developed specifically to meet the special needs of adolescents, treatment outcome studies and better assessment procedures to determine which adolescents need which specific types of treatment are still needed. Finally, effective physician education strategies are needed to ensure appropriate practice behaviors among health care providers, who should be an important link in the coordination of efforts as the health care community responds to the problem of alcohol and other drug abuse.
Experimental Studies of Primate Vocalization: Specializations for Long-distance Propagation

Abstract Acoustic features of tropical forests which may influence the form of primate vocalizations were investigated experimentally. Background noise levels and the source sound levels of primate vocalizations were measured in the Kibale Forest, Uganda. Attenuation of primate calls and pure tones was measured by broadcasting and rerecording these signals through the forest. Transmission of four primate species' calls were investigated; among the variables manipulated were functional class of vocalization (particularly long-distance vs. intragroup), height of broadcast, and time of broadcast. Zusammenfassung Bei vier Arten waldbewohnender Primaten wurden spezielle Laute gefunden, deren Aufbau und Zeitverlauf eine grosere Reichweite schafft als bei den Lauten, die der Verstandigung innerhalb der Gruppe dienen. In alien Fallen wurden akustische Muster gefunden, die die Dampfung vermindern. Die Lautintensitat weicht nicht immer von der normaler Laute ab. Sie ist jedoch bei Fernrufen konstanter, deren Dampfungsgrade weniger schwanken als bei Rufen innerhalb der Gruppe. Reichweiteversuche mit reinen Tonen lassen schliesen, das die spektrale Energieverteilung als Hauptursache fur die verminderte Dampfung in Frage kommt. Temporare Mittelfrequenz-„Fenster” und zuverlassig gute Ubertragung niedriger Frequenzen waren charakteristisch fur die Baumkronen-Zone. Die Ubertragung von Fernrufen wird ferner beeinflust von ihrem Zeitmuster und besonders von ihrem Auftreten zu Tageszeiten mit wenig Storgerauschen und geringer Dampfung. Insbesondere scheint die Temperatur wahrend der fruhen Morgenstunden zu minimaler Dampfung zu fuhren; in dieser Zeit treten die Fernrufe der Primaten charakteristischerweise besonders haufig auf.
A mutated acetylcholine receptor subunit causes neuronal degeneration in C. elegans.

Abstract Neurotoxicity through abnormal activation of membrane channels is a potential cause of neurodegenerative disease. Here we show that a gain-of-function mutation, deg -3(u662), leads to the degeneration of a small set of neurons in the nematode C. elegans. The deg -3 gene encodes a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α subunit, which in the region of transmembrane domain II is most similar to the neuronal α7 subunits from rat and chicken. The u662 mutation changes a residue in the second transmembrane domain, the domain thought to form the channel pore. A similar change in the equivalent amino acid in the chick protein produces channels that desensitize slowly. Channel hyperactivity may underlie the degenerations seen in the C. elegans deg-3(u662) mutants, since antagonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors suppress the deg3(u662) mutant phenotypes.
Barbiturate depression of a K+ dependent inhibitory synapse is independent of dendritic cable filtering.

Technical limitations with intracellular electrophysiological methods usually restrict recording of postsynaptic potentials only from neuronal soma, a site remote from the actual synapse. The intervening dendritic cable interposed between the actual synapse and the site of recording can significantly filter the synaptic signal. Therefore, investigations of drug effect on synaptic mechanisms, based on postsynaptic recordings obtained at the soma, must be interpreted with care. The potential role of dendritic cable filtering in the atypical pentobarbital depression of a K+-dependent inhibitory synapse between the P to Nut cell in the posterior packet of the leech was investigated. The effective electrical geometry under the conditions of control and 0.5 mM PNB sufficient to completely abolish the postsynaptic potential were determined from analyses of the membrane charging curves assuming the lumped-soma-short-cable model. Under the control condition, the postsynaptic Nut cell exhibits dendritic dominance with rho = 2.52, normalized equivalent cable length l= 1.08, and a membrane time constant tauo=52 ms. With phenobarbital application, changes in the geometrical parameters consistent with a decrease in the specific membrane resistance Rm are observed. Simulation of the drug induced change in the electrical geometry demonstrates that the decrease in the post synaptic potential is largely due to the decrease in the soma input resistance and an increase in the cable filter contributes little to the observed depression of the postsynaptic potential. However, the combined effect of the decrease in the input resistance and the increase in the cable filtering of synaptic current is insufficient in explaining the observed total block of the synaptic potential by PNB. Therefore, in leech, PNB block of a K+-dependent inhibitory synapse is not an epiphenomenon due to altered cable filtering.
Identification of large (2-10 km) rayed craters on Mars in THEMIS thermal infrared images: Implications for possible Martian meteorite source regions

[1] Four definitive and three probable rayed craters have been identified on Mars using 100-m resolution thermal infrared images obtained by the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS). These seven craters are similar to the previously discovered rayed crater Zunil and are best recognized by a distinct thermal contrast with respect to their surroundings. Martian rays, unlike their lunar counterparts, only exhibit minor contrasts in visible albedo. As a consequence, their presence on Mars most likely went unnoticed until substantial global coverage of THEMIS thermal infrared was achieved. Their presence has since been discerned in the coarser-resolution Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) data set, which preceded THEMIS. Observations in visible images of the primary cavities, secondaries, and rays suggest that, like lunar ray counterparts, Martian rays are invariably young geomorphic features. Martian rays are typically greater than hundreds of kilometers in length and consist of numerous densely clustered secondary craters, and thereby are a physical manifestation of high-velocity ejecta. Spallation accounts for a small fraction of the high-velocity ejecta that experiences low-shock compression due to interference from the rarefaction wave with the free surface. Spallation is currently the favored mechanism responsible for ejecting meteorites from Mars and is likely responsible for some of the ray-forming secondaries. Additional observations and inferences based on Martian rayed craters are compared with current Martian meteorite delivery models and the Martian meteorites themselves. The correlations presented here suggest that Martian rayed craters are the most plausible candidate source craters for the Martian meteorites to date.
Exertional rhabdomyolysis and renal failure in patients with sickle cell trait: Is it time to change our approach?

Based upon numerous reported cases and despite widespread beliefs to the contrary, sickle cell trait (SCT) may be deemed a quantifiable risk factor in certain subsets of patients. As a result of common misconceptions regarding SCT, most individuals with the condition are generally not informed regarding the possible consequences of certain activities such as venturing to high altitudes or participating in overly exertional physical activities. Acute exertional rhabdomyolysis is a potentially serious clinical illness and is caused by skeletal muscle injury resulting in the release of myoglobin and other cellular contents, including creatine kinase, into the circulatory system. Mild to moderate cases of acute exertional rhabdomyolysis can cause metabolic disorders including hypernatremia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, lactic acidosis and hyperuricemia. Severe cases may result in renal failure and even death. Several case reports have been published since the early 1970s describing significant morbidity and mortality of acute exertional rhabdomyolysis in patients with SCT. We present the case of a 27-year-old male with a past medical history significant only for SCT who presented after a 1.5 mile run with severe exertional rhabdomyolysis and subsequent acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis (HD). In presenting this case, we hope to raise awareness of a possible underlying cause to many cases of exertional rhabdomyolysis and encourage physicians to counsel their patients with SCT in order to avoid the significant morbidity and mortality that may be associated with the condition.
New surface-coating materials: electron-beam curing of some silicon-containing acrylates

Abstract A series of silicon-containing mono-, di-, tri- and tetraacrylates have been synthesized. The tetraacrylates and triacrylates cure at very low doses to give hard, flexible films possessing good solvent resistance properties. The diacrylates cured rapidly to give soft films, whereas the monoacrylates polymerized to give highly viscous fluids. A quantitative evaluation of rate of cure showed that the order of reactivity was diacrylate > triacrylate > monoacrylate. The presence of silicon appears to confer many special properties. These are ascribed to the silicon atom effecting enhanced conformational mobility of the polymer chains. The high reactivity of the di- and triacrylates may be due to the silicon acting as a site for ionization, leading to the production of initiating species.
For the 'Preservation of Friends' and the 'Destruction of Enemies': Studying and Protecting Birds in Late Imperial Russia

This paper surveys major developments in the Imperial Russian history of wild bird protection and related issues of ornithology during the century or so leading up to the First World War. Emphasis is given to two related outcomes, both of which set the Russian Empire apart from many of its western neighbours: the country's refusal despite long negotiations to sign a landmark international treaty on cross-border bird protection (the 1902 Paris Convention) and the fact that the Empire did not pass any significant domestic legislation dedicated to wild bird protection. These are interpreted not so much as failures, however, but as evidence of a broader development. Whereas Russian ornithologists and bird-protection advocates had for most of the nineteenth century sought to imi tate or catch up with European and American approaches, by the end of that century many of them had instead become convinced that what worked further west was not appropriate for their circumstances. Pointing to the peculiarities of Russian public habits and culture, as well as to the supposed distinctive ness of the Russian Empire's environmental and geographic conditions, they instead began to focus on game law reform, public education and other issues ultimately to little effect.
Automated data verification in a format-free environment

Data collection and interpretation are vital for innumerable purposes: both commercial and academic. Sifting through vast mountains of data to separate correct information from incorrect can be expensive both in terms of money and of time. Automation of as much of this process as possible is the key to collecting useful information in an efficient and timely manner. This paper discusses a system designed to automate the comparison of raw collected data to store of previously verified data. This comparison can be used both to estimate the accuracy and the value of the collected data. In addition, it is possible to gauge the efficacy of various collection methods. In this system special attention was paid to accepting a wide range of document formats and to properly handling data sets whose attribute types might be differently organized than those in the reference data.
Characterization of the binding of valinomycin to bacteriorhodopsin

Circular dichroism spectroscopy has been used to investigate the binding of valinomycin to bacteriorhodopsin in purple membrane suspensions. Addition of valinomycin to purple membrane suspensions obtained from Halobacterium halobium causes the circular dichroism spectrum to shift from an aggregate spectrum to one resembling a monomer spectrum, indicating a loss of chromophore-chromophore interactions. By observing the spectral change upon titration of valinomycin, an apparent dissociation constant of 30-40 μM for valinomycin binding was determined. Kinetics of dark adaptation for valinomycin-treated purple membrane are comparable to those for monomeric bacteriorhodopsin. Centrifugation studies demonstrate that valinomycin-treated purple membrane sediments the same as untreated purple membrane suspensions. These results are consistent with a model in which valinomycin binds specifically to bacteriorhodopsin without disrupting the purple membrane fragments.
Effects Of Spatial Data Density, Sensor Noise And Position Errors On Uxo And Clutter Target Parameters From Inversions Of Alltem Data

ALLTEM is a multi-axis electromagnetic induction system designed for unexploded ordnance (UXO) applications. It uses a continuous triangle-wave excitation and provides good late-time signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) especially for ferrous targets. Inversions of field data acquired in survey (moving platform) mode over the Army’s UXO Calibration Grid and Blind Test Grid at the Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), Arizona in 2006 produced polarizability moment values for many buried UXO items that were reasonable and generally repeatable for targets of the same type buried at different orientations and depths. In 2007 we finished construction of a test stand that allows us to collect data with varying spatial data density and accurate automated position control. We have studied the behavior of physics-based nonlinear inversions of ALLTEM test stand data as a function of spatial data density, sensor SNR, and position error. These studies have been performed as part of our effort to develop quantitative confidence levels for our inversions. A high confidence level in inversion-derived target parameters will be required when a target is declared to be harmless scrap metal that may safely be left in the ground. Unless high confidence can be demonstrated, regulators will likely require that targets be dug regardless of any “no-dig” classifications produced from inversions, in which case remediation costs would not be decreased. Multi-axis transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) systems such as ALLTEM provide a richer data set from which to invert for the target parameters required to distinguish between clutter and UXO. Our inversions are more tolerant of sensor noise and position error than has been reported for single-axis, single-element data inversions and thus higher confidence in calculated target parameters can be achieved. This is especially important in the case of moving platform survey mode field data.
Test setup for static and dynamic measurements of an adaptive optics integrated circuit with pixel arrays

A test setup for static and dynamic measurements of a centroid circuit is presented in this paper. Centroid computations are used in wavefront sensing, motion tracking and in fiber optic sensors. Pixel arrays were fabricated using CMOS photodetectors and analog circuitry was designed to compute the centroid of an image. Generally, for testing the functionality and performance characteristics of pixel arrays and readouts built on an integrated circuit (IC), high precision optical setup and test equipment are required. This cost presents a limitation in testing optoelectronic integrated circuits. This paper provides a novel approach to building a simple test setup using optical lenses, filters/attenuators, a He-Ne laser, an IC probe station and other low-cost equipment present in an IC testing facility. Using this test setup the centroid of an image incident on a pixel array was measured and the performance of the centroid computation circuitry was also verified. The setup includes simple schemes to change the spot size of the laser beam incident on the pixel array. This provides the flexibility to test pixel arrays of different sizes with the same setup. Another scheme to pulse the laser beam externally using a chopper is also described. This scheme can be used for measurements involving time varying inputs. The test setup was used to successfully characterize the static and dynamic characteristics of a fully integrated CMOS centroid computation circuit.
Laser applications for water quality analyses

There are many problems with current environmental sampling and analysis programs. Foremost among these problems is the need to collect many samples in order to obtain the desired accuracy of the characteristics of interest. Other concerns involve inadvertent changes that may affect the sample characteristics between sample collection and analysis. The high cost of analyzing trace levels of organic and metallic toxicants is also restrictive. This paper summarizes sampling and analytical needs, based on current limitations of procedures and instrumentation, that may possibly overcome using laser-based procedures. These needs include current shortcomings in water and wastewater analyses, specifically problems with sample collection, preparation, and analysis. The use of inexpensive and fast instrumentation, especially if the procedures minimize sample preparation and can be used in-situ, will vastly improve environmental research and characterization efforts by enabling greatly increased sample sizes with better spatial and temporal resolution. Current research being jointly conducted by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Physics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Laboratory of Laser Spectroscopy of Solids at the General Physics Institute of the Russian Academia of Science, and Alabama Laser Technologies, is demonstrating he use of several configurations of laser-based instruments to cost- effectively analyze very low levels of toxicants. This National Science Foundation sponsored research effort has recently demonstrated the detection of copper and lead at low (mu) g/L levels using atomic laser fluorescence using a tunable color center laser, spectrometer, intensified TE- cooled CCD camera, and atomizing furnace. Fluorescence/Raman spectroscopic instrumentation with a He-Ne and/or Alexandrite laser, portable spectrograph and CCD camera has also been developed for qualitative characterization of water and solid waste samples.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Estriol in pregnancy. III. Development, comparison and use of specific antisera for rapid radioimmunoassay of unconjugated estriol in pregnancy plasma.

Abstract Estriol-6-(0-carboxymethyl) oxime (E 3 -CMO) and estriol-4-azobenzoic acid (E 3 -4-ABA) were linked to bovine serum albumin (BSA). Twelve rabbits were immunized, six with each E 3 -BSA conjugate. All six E 3 -6-CMO-BSA rabbits, but only one E 3 -4-ABA-BSA animal, responded with useful antibody titers. All antisera exhibited good Ring D specificity. E 3 -6-CMO-BSA (type 1) antisera cross-reacted up to 220 percent with 6-oxoestriol while the E 3 -4-ABA-BSA (type 2) antiserum cross-reacted only 3.8 percent with this steroid. Neither type of antiserum cross-reacted with neutral steroids nor with estriol-16-glucosiduronate and estriol-3-sulfate-16-glucosiduronate, but both cross-reacted with estriol-3-sulfate and estriol-3-glucosiduronate. Both types of antisera could be utilized for a rapid and specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) of unconjugated E 3 in third trimester pregnancy plasma without need for further purification of the plasma extract. Blanks were negligible, sensitivity was sufficient, recovery was virtually complete by using 3 H-E 3 as an internal standard, and precision was satisfactory. The measurements of unconjugated plasma E 3 concentrations in ninety apparently normal women between 29 and 40 weeks or gestation obtained by this RIA averaged 7.6, 10.2 and 16.7 ng/ml at 29 to 32, 33 to 36 and 37 to 40 weeks of gestation, respectively. The results obtained in this study indicate that antisera against E 3 -6-CMO-BSA, despite their appreciable cross-reaction with 6-oxoestriol, are as useful for a rapid RIA of plasma unconjugated E 3 as antisera against E 3 -4-ABA-BSA because very little, if any, 6-oxoestriol is present in late pregnancy plasma. As anti-E 3 titers were much higher and much more readily obtained in response to immunization with E 3 -6-CMO-BSA than with E 3 -4-ABA-BSA, E 3 -6-CMO-BSA appears to be the preferable antigen to develop antisera for a rapid, yet specific, E 3 RIA.
Mechanical characterization of zeolite low dielectric constant thin films by nanoindentation

Abstract With semiconductor technologies continuously pushing the miniaturization limits, there is a growing interest in developing novel low dielectric constant materials to replace the traditional dense SiO2 insulators. In order to survive the multi-level integration process and provide reliable material and structure for the desired integrated circuits (IC) functions, the new low-k materials have to be mechanically strong and stable. Therefore the material selection and mechanical characterization are vital for the successful development of next generation low-k dielectrics. A new class of low-k materials, nanoporous pure-silica zeolite, is prepared in thin films using IC compatible spin coating process and characterized using depth sensing nanoindentation technique. The elastic modulus of the zeolite thin films is found to be significantly higher than that of other low-k materials with similar porosity and dielectric constants. Correlations between the mechanical, microstructural and electrical properties of the thin films are discussed in detail.
The penetration of superfluid turbulence through porous filters

The equilibrium concentration of superfluid turbulence on two sides of small-pore filters is studied as a function of pore size. The filter forms a common wall between two second-sound resonance cavities. The attenuation of standing waves of second sound is used to detect the turbulence which is created in the superfluid with a rotating paddle. We find that superfluid turbulence does not pass through filters of 7.5 nm diameter, but penetrates filters with 50-nm pores.
Receptive amelodia in a trained musician.

Clinical case studies of patients with isolated disorders of musical perception are exceedingly rare, and help elucidate the localization of various components of music in the brain. We report a highly trained musician who experienced profound inability to discern melody due to right temporal lobe injury. A 91-year-old retired musicologist of great accomplishment with a history of diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease suddenly developed difficulty reading the left side of his newspaper, unsteady gait, and difficulty dressing. Initial examination showed no evidence of aphasia or dementia. He had a dense left homonymous hemianopia, mild left hemiparesis, and elements of left hemispatial neglect. On the evening of admission he experienced auditory hallucinations of a choir singing. All of these deficits cleared over the next 24 to 72 hours. During his hospitalization his auditory abilities were studied in detail. He was unable to identify the melody of any of a wide variety of …
Valuing Air Pollution Mortality in China's Cities:

Although China has made tremendous economic progress in recent years, air pollution continues to exact significant health and economic costs. Using pollution data from 38 Chinese cities and China-based epidemiological functions, this paper estimates some of the economic benefits of reducing urban air pollution. It calculates the averted mortality which would result from the clean-up of particulates, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide—a pollutant not included in most previous China studies. The paper expands on earlier studies by examining the impact of seasonal variations in pollution levels. Finally, the monetary valuation of pollution-related averted mortality is developed using a China-based valuation study and, for a number of cities, the valuation is compared with city-level GDP.
Site-specific recombination following conjugation in Escherichia coli K-12

In accord with the observations of other workers, unselected marker analysis of Escherichia coli K-12 transconjugants isolated from matings involving several different Hfr strains as donors has shown that most genetic exchanges and clustered either near the selected marker or near the origin of the transferred Hfr DNA. The present work increases the number of Hfr strains tested and shows that the clustering of the recombinational events near the origin of transfer is statistically significant. It is proposed that this clustering of genetic exchanges is due to the action of a unique recombination system (site-specific conjugal recombination or ssr) which recognizes the early transferred portion of the F plasmid and catalyzes a genetic exchange in or near the adjacent bacterial DNA. Twelve Hfr strains representing eleven different points of origin were tested, and only KL16 and Ra-1 did not demonstrate the typical clustering of genetic exchanges. Since these strains share a common transfer origin, they may represent spontaneous mutations affecting the ssr system.
ROLE OF INORGANIC IONS IN CONTROLLING SEDIMENTATION RATE OF A MARINE CENTRIC DIATOM DITYLUM BRIGHTWELLI1,2

The settling rates and intracellular levels of K+, Na+, Cl-, Mg2+ and Ca2+ were measured in Ditylum bright-welli (West) Grunow, grown axenically in an enriched seawater medium at 20 C at 4,000 lx on an 8:16 LD schedule. Cells at the end of the dark period have high Na+ (118 mM), low K+ (64 mM) and low Cl- (117 mM) relative to levels at the end of the light period when K+ (126 mM) and Cl- (154 mM) are high and Na+ (101 mM) is low. There is no significant change in Mg2+ (16–18 mM) or Ca2+ (3–4 mM) with time. The net result of the ion changes during the light period is to increase cell density by about 3.4 mg ml-1. This change can account for the increase in settling rate of ca. 0.3 day-1 during the same interval. The density of the cell contents, calculated from observed ion concentrations, is 15–18 mg.ml-1 less than that of the seawater medium. The ion and settling rate changes are light-dependent and do not persist in the dark or under constant light (ca. 850 lx), but cells do exhibit a free-running circadian rhythm in cell division under continuous dim illumination. The cell vacuole expands during the light period and contracts during the dark, apparently in response to the net ion fluxes. D. brightwelli appears to regulate its density by active ion selectivity accompanied by trans-vacuolar water movement.
The effect of surface curvature on wound healing in bone

The time-independent nonhomogeneous diffusion equation is solved for the equilibrium distribution of wound-induced growth factor over a hemispherical surface. The growth factor is produced at the inner edge of a circular wound and stimulates healing in regions where the concentration exceeds a certain threshold value. An implicit analytic criterion is derived for complete healing of the wound.
Accounting for promises: The impact of SFAS No. 116 on charities

Abstract SFAS No. 116, Accounting for contributions made and contributions received , issued in 1993, requires that nongovernmental organizations, both proprietary and nonprofit, recognize unconditional promises to give as current period revenue. This study examines whether charities—organizations that rely heavily upon contributions—are affected by SFAS No. 116 adoption along two dimensions: whether an accounting effect exists, and whether a subsequent economic, or behavioral impact is felt by charities reporting positive adjustments to net assets when adopting SFAS No. 116. First, this study documents the effect of SFAS No. 116 adoption on receivables, and considers whether increases in pledges that result from adoption persist in post-adoption periods. The evidence suggests that the accounting effect of SFAS No. 116—that is, the recognition of unconditional pledges—persists in the post-adoption regime. Second, the economic effect of SFAS No. 116 is considered by examining, for charities affected by adoption, whether cash contributions decline in post-adoption periods, whether fundraising increases, and whether reliance on cash contributions decreases in post-adoption periods. Results indicate that cash contributions decrease, that fundraising increases, and that reliance on cash contributions decreases for these organizations.
Unambiguous determination of the g factor for holes in bismuth at high B / T

Magnetotransport has been investigated in high-purity bismuth crystals in static magnetic fields as high as 20 T and temperatures as low as 25 mK. This high B/T ratio permits observation of pronounced Shubnikov--de Haas oscillations over a wide field range and up to fields where most of the carriers are in the lowest Landau level. For transport currents in the bisectrix or binary directions, and field in the perpendicular trigonal direction, we have observed doublet splittings centered on each Shubnikov--de Haas oscillation. These splittings exhibit a quadratic dependence on field and disappear before the last oscillation. Our observations allow us to conclude unambiguously that when the Landau-level index is as high as 2, the carriers are fully polarized and the g factor for holes with the field in the trigonal direction is 35.3(4).
A GEOMETRICAL OPTIMIZATION APPROACH TO MINIMIZE CONTACT STRESS IN MATING GEAR TEETH

This paper presents a technique to minimize contact stress in mating gear teeth. The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) approach uses contact stress equation that is highly detailed and requires many factors, charts, graphs and tables to produce limiting value of the contact stress. Departing from the complex AGMA approach, this paper utilizes the Hertzian contact stress equation to develop an optimization technique based on the geometry of the surface in contact for the minimization of the contact stress.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Kinetics and equilibria of cis/trans isomerization of backbone amide bonds in peptoids.

The biological activities of N-substituted glycine oligomers (peptoids) have been the subject of extensive research. As compared to peptides, both the cis and trans conformations of the backbone amide bonds of peptoids can be significantly populated. Thus, peptoids are mixtures of configurational isomers, with the number of isomers increasing by a factor of 2 with each additional monomer residue. Here we report the results of a study of the kinetics and equilibria of cis/trans isomerization of the amide bonds of N-acetylated peptoid monomers, dipeptoids, and tripeptoids by NMR spectroscopy. Resonance intensities indicate the cis conformation of the backbone amide bonds of the peptoids studied is more populated than is generally the case for the analogous secondary amide bond to proline residues in acyclic peptides. Rate constants were measured by inversion−magnetization transfer techniques over a range of temperatures, and activation parameters were derived from the temperature dependence of the rate cons...
Dr. Fred F. Kadlubar (1946–2010)

Dr. Fred Kadlubar passed away on December 4, 2010. He had trained at the University of Dallas (B.S.), the University of Texas, Austin (Ph.D.), and the University of Wisconsin (McArdle Laboratory). ...
Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) Positively Regulates Growth and Development of the Fetal Rat Lung

Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) Positively Regulates Growth and Development of the Fetal Rat Lung
Nested prospectivity in perception: Perceived maximum reaching height reflects anticipated changes in reaching ability

Perception of possibilities for behavior is a necessarily prospective (i.e., forward-looking) act. Such prospectivity is highlighted by the fact that, in general, behaviors are nested within behaviors over a number of spatial and temporal scales. Participants reported their maximum vertical reaching height when they expected to walk across the room and (1) reach for an object while standing on the floor, (2) step up on a step stool and then reach for the object, and (3) pick up a plastic rod and use it to reach for the object. The results show that perception of maximum reaching height was action scaled both when participants expected to perform a nested behavior that would change their action capabilities and when they expected to perform a nested behavior that would not do so. Moreover, the results suggest that nested behaviors that change reaching ability in functionally equivalent ways may bring about functionally equivalent changes in perception of maximum reaching height.
ROUGHENING-INDUCED DECONSTRUCTION IN (100) FACETS OF CSCL-TYPE CRYSTALS

The staggered six-vertex model describes the competition between surface roughening and reconstruction in (100) facets of CsCl-type crystals. Its phase diagram does not have the expected generic structure, due to the presence of a fully packed loop-gas line. We prove that the reconstruction and roughening transitions, cannot cross nor merge with this loop-gas line if these degrees of freedom interact weakly. However, our numerical finite size scaling analysis shows that the two critical lines merge along the loop-gas line, with strong-coupling scaling properties. The central charge is much larger than 1.5 and roughening takes place at a surface roughness much larger than the conventional universal value. It seems that additional fluctuations become critical simultaneously.
Optical Gain and Spontaneous Emission of Strain-Compensated InGaN-AlGaN Quantum Wells Including Carrier Screening Effect

Strain-compensated InGaN quantum well (QW) active region employing tensile AlGaN barriers was analyzed as improved gain media for laser diodes emitting at 430-440 nm by taking into account the carrier screening effect. The use of strain-compensated InGaN-AlGaN structure is advantageous because the tensile barriers compensate the compressive strain in the InGaN QW and the larger band offset allows high temperature operation. The band structure is calculated by using a 6-band k times p formalism, taking into account valence band mixing, strain effect, spontaneous and piezoelectric polarizations. The carrier screening effect is incorporated in the calculation, which is solved self-consistently. The spontaneous emission spectra show a significant improvement of the radiative emission for strain-compensated structure. The optical gain analysis shows enhancement in the peak optical gain for the strain-compensated QW structures. Threshold analysis of both the conventional InGaN-GaN QW and strain-compensated InGaN-AlGaN QW active regions indicate a reduction in the threshold carrier density and threshold current density for diode laser employing the strain-compensated QW as its active region.
The visual response of the human newborn to linear contour.

Abstract The visual response of 16 newborn infants to a black-white edge and to a blank homogeneous field was recorded by corneal-reflection photography. Each infant was presented the edge once in a vertical orientation, to the left or right of center, and once in a horizontal orientation, above or below center. Vertical edges clearly attracted the newborn's gaze but horizontal edges appeared to have no effect whatsoever. Various interpretations are offered for the greater attractiveness of vertical edges and some preliminary data on scanning patterns are discussed.
Lead and osmium isotopic constraints on the oceanic mantle from single abyssal peridotite sulfides

Abstract Single sulfides from abyssal peridotites have been analyzed for Pb and Re-Os to constrain the evolution of oceanic mantle composition. These represent the first analyses of Pb and Os isotopic compositions in the same sulfide grain. The sulfides are from Gakkel and Southwest Indian ridge peridotites, occur at 0.1 % modal abundances, and contain 0.001–0.4 ppm Re, 0.003–5 ppm Os, and 0.12–12 ppm Pb. Sulfide Pb isotopic compositions extend from depleted (e.g., 206Pb/204Pb=17.0) to enriched (19.6), covering a larger range than associated basalts. The Os isotopic range of sulfides is more restricted, but extends from depleted (187Os/188Os=0.116) to enriched (0.150). Pb and Os concentrations and isotopic compositions co-vary, with correlation coefficients of 0.76–0.94. Both Pb and Re–Os isotopic data follow ∼ 2 Ga isochrons, with isotopic compositions varying down to small ( ⪡ 1 km ) length-scales and some sulfides containing supra-chondritic 187Re/188Os and 187Os/188Os. These observations are best explained by long-term recycling of oceanic lithosphere combined with melt extraction and refertilization at ancient ocean ridges, rather than a specific event at 2 Ga. The concentration of Pb in sulfides indicates that they host 4 % of the mantle Pb budget. A re-evaluation of the mass balance of Pb in peridotites indicates that most mantle Pb is stored in silicate phases. The Pb partition coefficient between sulfide melt and silicate melt is estimated to be ∼ 3 , based on the correlation of Pb–Os concentrations in this study and measured Os partition coefficients from the literature. These observations indicate that sulfides do not exert a strong control on the fractionation of Pb during mantle melting, but they can be used to constrain mantle Pb isotopic composition. Sulfides in this study, combined with literature data for Pb isotopes in peridotite whole rocks and pyroxene separates, provide evidence for ultra-depleted mantle, as 24% of peridotites are unradiogenic (i.e., 207Pb/204Pb 15.440 and 206Pb/204Pb 17.726 ), compared to only 3% of ridge basalts. This suggests that the mantle contains volumetrically significant reservoirs of ultra-depleted material, probably derived from recycled oceanic lithospheric mantle. These depleted reservoirs contribute in only small amounts to oceanic crust generation, both due to a limited ability to melt and to the dilution of any melt by more enriched melts during crust formation.
Interactions between MSCs and Immune Cells: Implications for Bone Healing

It is estimated that, of the 7.9 million fractures sustained in the United States each year, 5% to 20% result in delayed or impaired healing requiring therapeutic intervention. Following fracture injury, there is an initial inflammatory response that plays a crucial role in bone healing; however, prolonged inflammation is inhibitory for fracture repair. The precise spatial and temporal impact of immune cells and their cytokines on fracture healing remains obscure. Some cytokines are reported to be proosteogenic while others inhibit bone healing. Cell-based therapy utilizing mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is an attractive option for augmenting the fracture repair process. Osteoprogenitor MSCs not only differentiate into bone, but they also exert modulatory effects on immune cells via a variety of mechanisms. In this paper, we review the current literature on both in vitro and in vivo studies on the role of the immune system in fracture repair, the use of MSCs in the enhancement of fracture healing, and interactions between MSCs and immune cells. Insight into this paradigm can provide valuable clues in identifying cellular and noncellular targets that can potentially be modulated to enhance both natural bone healing and bone repair augmented by the exogenous addition of MSCs.