cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The sensitivity of response rate to the rate of variable-interval reinforcement for pigeons and rats: a review.

The relation between the rate of a response (B) and the rate of its reinforcement (R) is well known to be approximately hyperbolic: B = kR/(R + Ro), where k represents the maximum response rate, and Ro indicates the rate of reinforcers that will engender a response rate equal to half its maximum value. A review of data reported in 17 published papers revealed that, under variable-interval schedules of reinforcement, Ro was usually lower when pigeons were the subjects than when rats were the subjects. The value of k, in contrast, did not differ consistently between pigeons and rats. Some accounts interpret Ro as the rate of alternative, unscheduled reinforcers in the situation, expressed in units of the scheduled reinforcer. So interpreted, the difference in Ro implies that less alternative reinforcement (relative to the scheduled reinforcement) typically is available to pigeons in their operant conditioning chambers than it is to rats in theirs. Whether or not that interpretation of Ro is valid, the pigeon–rat difference in Ro ensures that for reinforcer rates above about 10 per hour, response rate will be noticeably less sensitive to changes in reinforcer rate (and presumably to changes in other incentive and motivational operations) with pigeons than with rats as subjects, at least with the experimental conditions typically employed.
Time‐resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies of DNA bending in double‐stranded oligonucleotides and in DNA–protein complexes

Time-resolved Forster resonance energy transfer (trFRET) has been used to obtain interdye distance distributions. These distributions give the most probable distance as well as a parameter, σ, that characterize the width of the distribution. This latter parameter contains information not only on the flexibility of the dyes tethered to macromolecules, but on the flexibility of the macromolecules. Both the most probable interdye distance as well as σ provide insight into DNA static bending and DNA flexibility. Time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy and static anisotropy measurements can be combined to provide a measure of the cone angle within which the tethered dyes appear to wobble. When this motion is an order of magnitude faster than the average lifetime that characterizes transfer, an average value of the dipolar orientational parameter κ2 can be calculated for various mutual dye orientations. The resulting κ2 distribution is very much narrower than the limiting values of 0 and 4, allowing more precise distances and distance changes to be determined. Static and time-resolved fluorescence data can be combined to constrain the analyses of DNA–protein kinetics to provide thermodynamic parameters for binding and for conformational changes along a reaction coordinate. The parameter σ can be used to model multiple DNA–protein complexes with varying DNA bend angles in a global fitting of trFRET data. Such a global fitting approach has shown how the range of bends in single base DNA variants, when bound by the TATA binding protein (TBP), can be understood in terms of two limiting forms. Time-resolved FRET, combined with steady-state FRET, can be used to show not only how osmolytes affect the binding of DNA to proteins, but also how DNA bending depends on osmolyte concentration in the DNA–protein complexes. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopoly (Nucleic Acid Sci) 61: 180–200, 2002
Geology and geochemistry of the Ol Doinyo Nyokie trachyte ignimbrite vent complex, south Kenya rift valley

The Ol Doinyo Nyokie complex is of late Pleistocene age and occurs in the floor of the south Kenya rift valley. It consists of a shallow depression 5 km long and 3 km wide occupied by ash-flows, surrounded by a zone of trachyte dykes, and with a dome-shaped ignimbrite vent at its eastern end. The complex began to form approximately 0.7 m.y. ago with eruption of ash-flows from fissures accompanied by subsidence, followed by emplacement of dykes in the fissures and the growth of a steep-sided ignimbrite tuff-ring. The rocks are all of quartz trachyte compositions similar to those of the flood lavas upon which the complex is built. Detailed geochemical evidence indicates that the ignimbrite magma was derived from the flood lava magma by alkali feldspar fractionation.
Ag-assisted electrochemical etching of silicon for antireflection in large area crystalline thin film photovoltaics

We report here an electroless metal (Ag) - assisted chemical etching (MacEtch) process as light management surface-texturing technique for ultra-thin single crystalline Si thin film photovoltaics. Monolayer Ag nanostructures were formed on the top of the Si surface based on thin film evaporation and annealing process. Large area thin film black Si sample was obtained with simple wet etching process, with ∼2% reflection over a wide spectra range (300 to 1050 nm). The work demonstrates the potential of MacEtch process for the fabrication of large area, flexible, high efficiency, and low cost thin film solar cells.
A critical programmer searches for professionalism

The phrase "critical programmer" in this article's title is meant to be thought of as the programmer who carefully, respectfully, questions conventional wisdom. The particular conventional wisdom under consideration here (held mainly by those who do not write programs, as part of a team, for pay) to be critically thought about is the accountability of the software programmer, whether the programmer should alone be held strictly accountable for software faults, that if the programmer were provided a more rigorous education, if the programmer were to conduct him or herself in a more professional manner and held to a greater professional standard, that fewer software faults would result. The critical question is, is the premise valid? Should the programmer be the one solely held accountable for software faults? Would greater education and professionalism solve all software faults or only some, and if only some, then which ones? The critical analysis that follows investigates these as well as other radical questions, (radical as in "root", not as in "revolutionary"), such as: What is accountability? What is trust? What is professionalism? Where do software faults come from, and What can be done?
Surgical repair of rabbit tibia osteotomy using isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate.

Isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate was employed in the surgical repair of the osteotomized rabbit tibia in vivo. Union occurred at 24.3±3.1 days postoperatively when the adhesive had been used, compared with 35.5±3.6 days when no intervention was implemented. Healing of the osteotomy was not aided by external fixation or immobilization in either case. The results indicate the feasibility of using isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate in the repair of load-bearing bones.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR microscopy identifies regions of therapeutic response in a preclinical model of colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Purpose: A typical dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI study often compares the derived pharmacokinetic parameters on manually selected tumor regions or over the entire tumor volume. These measurements include domains where the interpretation of the biomarkers may be unclear (such as in necrotic areas). Here, the authors describe a technique for increasing the sensitivity and specificity of DCE-MRI by identifying tumor regions with a variable response to therapy. Methods: Two cohorts (n = 8/group) of nu/nu mice with LS-174T implanted in the mammary fat pad were imaged at five time points over four weeks. The treatment/control group received bevacizumab/saline at a dose of 5 mg/kg or 5 ml/kg twice weekly; imaging experiments were performed weekly. MR images were acquired at an isotropic resolution of 156 μm3(2.4 nl) and with a sampling rate of 9.9 s. The histogram of the time-to-peak (TTP) was used to identify two (fast- and slow-enhancing) regions based on a threshold of TTP = 1000 s. The regions were correlated with histology, and the effect of therapy was locally examined. Results: Tumors in the treatment group had a significantly longer doubling time. The regions defined by thresholding the TTP histogram identified two distinct domains correlating significantly with tumor permeability and microvessel density. In the fast-enhancing region, the mean permeability constant (K trans) was significantly lower in the treatment group at day 9; in the slow-enhancing region, K trans was not different between the control and treatment groups. At day 9, the relative volume of the fast-enhancing region was significantly lower in the treatment group, while that of the slow-enhancing region was significantly higher. Conclusions: Two regions with distinct kinetic parameters were identified based on the histogram of TTP. The effect of bevacizumab, as measured by a decrease in K trans, was confined to one of these regions. High spatiotemporal resolution MR studies may contribute unique insights into the response of the tumor microenvironment to therapy.
Sea Ice Cover and Related Atmospheric Conditions in Arctic Canada During the Summer of 1978

Abstract Maps are presented of sea ice cover and open water in the Canadian Arctic for the final day of each month, June–September, 1978. The maps are derived from NOAA satellite imagery and show an extent of open water which is considerably smaller than that in the summers of 1975–77. Areal and temporal variations in sea ice cover and open water in the Canadian Arctic are related to atmospheric conditions particularly the locations of high- and low-pressure cells and the prevailing winds over the region and to melting degree days at four selected stations. The prevailing winds bring warm or cold air masses which increase or decrease air temperatures/melting degree days and consequently speed up or delay the time of ice melting. Moreover, strong prevailing winds depending on whether offshore or onshore take ice away from the roast or push ice toward the coast and thus cause a real variations of open water and ice cover.
Proton magnetic resonance studies of cytochrome c peroxidase: pD dependence of the isotropically shifted resonances.

Abstract Proton nuclear magnetic resonance studies of the isotropically shifted resonances of native cytochrome c peroxidase have been carried out at 360 MHz. Proton resonances extend to 84 ppm downfield and 12 ppm upfleld from 2,2-dimethyl-2-silapentane-5-sulfonate and are characteristic of high-spin iron +3 heme proteins. Between pH 8 and 4.1 the isotropic resonances exhibit dramatic pH-dependent behavior which demonstrates the presence of two acid-base interconversions. One process, with a p K a of 5.8, is slow on the NMR time scale and probably represents a protein conformation change. This process correlates with an apparent p K a observed in the kinetic properties of the enzymes, with the alkaline form being the enzymatically active species. A second ionization with a p K of 4.9 is fast on the NMR time scale and probably represents a true ionization.
Porapak-Q collection of airborne organic compounds serving as models for insect pheromones

Organic compounds with properties resembling those of insect pheromones can be removed from an airstream by absorption on Porapak Q and recovered from the absorbent by extraction. When this procedure is applied to aeration of live insects, the Porapak extract represents a concentration of the chemical message.
Evaluation of RNAs Present in Synaptodendrosomes: Dendritic, Glial, and Neuronal Cell Body Contribution

Abstract: “Synaptodendrosomes” are subcellular fractions that contain pinched-off axon terminals and dendrites. These fractions are a potential source of RNAs that are localized in dendrites. However, these fractions may also contain RNAs that are seen in situ in neuronal cell bodies and glia. To evaluate whether Synaptodendrosomes could be used as a source of dendritic RNA, we studied the RNA content of this fraction as compared with RNA isolated from total forebrain and a cell body-enriched fraction. RNA was analyzed by gel electrophoresis, oligo-dT chromatography, and northern blot hybridization. RNA from Synaptodendrosomes contained a greater proportion of low-molecular-weight nonpolyadenylated RNAs. RNAs known to be present in dendrites (mRNA for the a subunit of the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and the polymerase III transcript BC1) were detected in Synaptodendrosomes; RNAs that are restricted to neuronal and glial cell bodies (mRNAs for the 68-kDa neurofilament protein, 43-kDa growth-associated protein, β-tubulin, and β- actin) were present only at low levels. However, the mRNA for glial fibrillary acidic protein (seen in situ in glial cell bodies and processes) was present at high levels in the synap- todendrosomes. These results support and extend previous studies indicating that a limited subset of mRNAs is present in neuronal and astrocyte processes and reveal that both of these types of mRNAs are present in Synaptodendrosomes. Thus, Synaptodendrosomes may be useful as a source of dendritic RNAs, but it will be necessary to develop strategies to subtract mRNAs present in astroglial processes.
Gas-Phase Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of (15N)Trifluoroacetamide: Comparison of Experimental and Computed Kinetic Parameters

Rate constants obtained from total line-shape analysis of 11 temperature-dependent gas-phase NMR spectra of (15N)trifluoroacetamide yielded the following kinetic parameters: ΔG⧧298 = 15.1(0.36) kc...
Transplantation of seagrasses, with special emphasis on eelgrass, Zostera marina L.

Abstract A background, listing the history of transplanting seagrasses is given. There is a need for seagrass field planting methods owing to the extremely high productivity of seagrasses and the perturbations they are subjected to. I have planted vegetative stocks and seeds of Zostera marina L. (eelgrass) across tidal zones, across latitudinal zones (from Alaska into Puget Sound), and into water deeper than indigenous growth. Data from these plantings indicate: (1) varietal distinctions based on leaf dimensions are invalid; (2) the possibility of local physiological race distinction in eelgrass; (3) the depth limit of eelgrass is due to a lack of suitable light deeper than a certain minimum depth; and (4) eelgrass seedlings require a higher light intensity than is present deeper than a certain minimum depth. Thus, transplanting experiments yield much more data concerning seagrass biology than just planting method information.
Protein kinase C β modulates thrombin‐induced Ca2+ signaling and endothelial permeability increase

We investigated the function of the Ca2+-dependent protein kinase C (PKC) beta1 in the regulation of endothelial barrier property. Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were transduced with full-length PKCbeta1 antisense (AS) cDNA or control pLNCX vector to generate stable cell lines (HMEC-AS and HMEC-pLNCX, respectively). Analyses indicated that HMEC-AS expressed the antisense PKCbeta1 transcript with decreased PKCbeta protein level (without a change in PKCalpha or PKCepsilon). The baseline transendothelial 125I-albumin clearance rates of HMEC-1, HMEC-pLNCX, and HMEC-AS were 5.0+/-0.5 x 10(-2), 6.8+/-0.4 x 10(-2), and 6.9+/-0.6 x 10(-2) microl/min, respectively. Activation of HMEC-1 and HMEC-pLNCX with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) increased the rates to the respective 14.5+/-1.7 x 10(-2) microl/min and 16.9+/-2.8 x 10(-2) microl/min (corresponding to 191% and 149% increases over baseline). However, in HMEC-AS, PMA increased the rate to 9.8+/-1.0 x 10(-2) microl/min (42%). When HMEC-1 and HMEC-pLNCX were activated with thrombin, the rates increased to 10.8+/-1.4 x 10(-2) and 14.0+/-1.9 x 10(-2) microl/min, respectively (116% and 106%). In contrast, thrombin stimulation of HMEC-AS more than doubled the increase to 27.2+/-3.5 x 10(-2) microl/min (294%). Furthermore, the thrombin-induced peak increase in the [Ca2+]i in HMEC-AS was greater than in control cells. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis of thrombin receptor expression indicated that the augmented thrombin-induced responses were not attributable to altered receptor density in HMEC-AS. These results indicate that PKCbeta functions in a negative feedback manner to inactivate thrombin-generated signals and thereby modulates the endothelial permeability increase. Because decreased PKCbeta expression significantly reduced the PMA-induced permeability increase, PKCbeta may downregulate thrombin receptor function upstream of PKC activation (i.e., Ca2+).
Transmission Line Models for Switching Studies: Design Criteria I. Effects of NonTransposition and Frequency

A study is made of the effects of nontransposition on the performance of transmission lines. A non-transposed, lumped parameter model is presented. The dependence of line parameter values on frequency up to 6 kilohertz is developed and is used to calculate model parameter variations with frequency. It is concluded that nontransposition and frequency dependent models are necessary to design accurate transmission line models. The results are used in a companion paperl as criteria for transmission line model design.
SU‐FF‐I‐44: Iterative Image Reconstruction for CBCT Using Edge‐Preserving Prior

Purpose: To improve the image quality of low‐dose cone‐beam CT (CBCT) using an iterative image reconstruction algorithm with an edge‐preserving prior. Method and Materials: We reconstructedCBCTimage by minimizing the objective function based on the penalized weighted least‐squares (PWLS) criterion with an anisotropic quadratic penalty. The penalty or the prior constraint is applied on neighboring voxels in the image domain, where the gradient of image intensity controls the degree of smoothness in the reconstructed image. For neighbors associated with large gradient, such as the region around sharp edges, equivalence between them will be discouraged. CBCT projection data of a quality assurance phantom was acquired by a Varian Acuity simulator (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). Contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) and modulation transfer function(MTF), which characterizes the spatial resolution of the reconstructed image, are used to quantitatively evaluate the proposed algorithm. Results: At matched spatial resolution,CNR of a low‐contrast region‐of‐interest in the imagereconstructed by the proposed algorithm is 2 times higher than that in the corresponding imagereconstructed by the analytical FDK algorithm. Compared with the projection domain smoothing algorithm, the iterative image reconstruction algorithm based on the image domain PWLS criterion produces higher resolution image at matched noise level. Comparison studies with conventional isotropic quadratic penalty and Huber penalty also show that the proposed anisotropic penalty generates images of better spatial resolution at matched noise level. Conclusion:CNR in the low‐dose CBCTimage can be significantly improved without loss of spatial resolution by using the proposed iterative image reconstruction algorithm. Imaging dose of CBCT can be lowered using statistical image reconstruction algorithms.
Effect of experimental diabetes on the protection by angiotensin blockers on nitric oxide deficient stroke in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Recently, we have shown that chronic administration of N-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase) precipitates stroke in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Angiotensin receptor antagonist (L-158,809) was shown to delay the onset of such stroke. In the present study, five groups of 4-week-old SHRSP were used. Three groups of SHRSP were made diabetic using streptozotocin (100 mg/kg i.p.) SHRSP from groups I (non-diabetic) and III (diabetic) chronically received L-NAME(0.5 g/L) and L-158,809 (20 mg/L) in saline to drink. Diabetic SHRSP (group C) received only saline to drink. SHRSP groups I and III developed stroke in 10±2 and 11±2 days. Average stroke-free period in groups II and IV was 18±2 and 29±2 days, respectively. Protective effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes disappeared when SHRSP drinking L-NAME and L-158,809, also received subcutaneous injections of insulin. Present data suggest that experimental diabetes delays the onset of L-NAME-indu...
Pooling controls from different studies.

This paper develops a method for estimating the odds ratio in a case-control study that ‘borrows’ strength from the controls in similar previous studies. We assume that the observations within each stratum in the current study are generated from a pair of independent binomial distributions. We assume that the observations on the controls, again within each stratum and from the previous studies, are independent binomial random variables. We use these controls to construct a prior distribution for the stratum specific log-odds for the controls in the current study which we then combine with the likelihood from the current study to arrive at the posterior distribution of the target quantities of interest, the adjusted or stratum specific log-odds ratios. We assume a diffuse prior distribution for the stratum specific log-odds ratio. A simulation study investigates the frequency or repeated sampling properties of the inference based upon the posterior distribution of the log-odds ratio so constructed.
SSDM: smart stack data management for software managed multicores (SMMs)

Software Managed Multicore (SMM) architectures have been proposed as a solution for scaling the memory architecture. In an SMM architecture, there are no caches, and each core has only a local scratchpad memory. If all the code and data of the task to be executed on an SMM core cannot fit on the local memory, then data must be managed explicitly in the program through DMA instructions. While all code and data need to be managed, an efficient technique to manage stack data is of utmost importance since an average of 64% of all accesses may be to stack variables [16]. In this paper, we formulate the problem of stack data management optimization on an SMM core. We then develop both an ILP and a heuristic - SSDM (Smart Stack Data Management) to find out where to insert stack data management calls in the program. Experimental results demonstrate SSDM can reduce the overhead by 13X over the state-of-the-art stack data management technique [10].
Enumeration of sequences of given specification according to rises, falls and maxima

Letn = (a"1.a"2 ... a"N) denote a sequence of integers a"i={1.2....n}. A rise is a part a"i.a"i+1 with a"i =a"i+1. If e"i is the number of a"[email protected] witha"j = i, then [e"1...e"n] is called the specification of n. In addition, a conventional rise is counted to the left of a"1 and a conventional fall to the right of a"N: ifa"1>=a"2, then a"1 is counted as a conventional maximum, similarly if a"N-1 =< a"N thena"N is a conventional maximum. Simon Newcomb's problem is to find the number of sequences n with given specification and r rises; the refined problem of determining the number of sequences of given specification with r rises and s falls has also been solved recently. The present paper is concerned with the problem of finding the number of sequences of given specification with r rises, s falls. @l levels and @l maxima. A generating function for this enumerant is obtained as the quotient of two continuants. In certain special cases this result simplifies considerably.
Directed self-assembly of block copolymers: a tutorial review of strategies for enabling nanotechnology with soft matter

Self-assembly of soft materials is broadly considered an attractive means of generating nanoscale structures and patterns over large areas. However, the spontaneous formation of equilibrium nanostructures in response to temperature and concentration changes, for example, must be guided to yield the long-range order and orientation required for utility in a given scenario. In this review we examine directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCPs) as canonical examples of nanostructured soft matter systems which are additionally compelling for creating functional materials and devices. We survey well established and newly emerging DSA methods from a tutorial perspective. Special emphasis is given to exploring underlying physical phenomena, identifying prototypical BCPs that are compatible with different DSA techniques, describing experimental methods and highlighting the attractive functional properties of block copolymers overall. Finally we offer a brief perspective on some unresolved issues and future opportunities in this field.
The preparation of tetragalacturonic acid

Abstract Pectic acid was subjected to partial hydrolysis by yeast polygalacturonase which was halted when the oligouronides larger than tetragalacturonic acid had disappeared, as shown paper-chromatographically. From this hydrolyzate, tetragalacturonic acid was isolated in 12.7% yield by fractional precipitation with cupric ions. Various properties of the acid were determined.
Copper in the resurrection fjord, Alaska

Copper concentrations have been measured in more than 200 samples collected from an Alaskan fjord and continental shelf and slope regions in the northwestern Gulf of Alaska. Concentrations were lowest (2·1 nmol kg−1) at depths of 400–1000 m in the continental slope waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Copper increased systematically with decreasing salinities shoreward to concentrations >30 nmol kg−1 in fjord surface waters during summer months of high freshwater runoff. Copper concentrations increased with depth at an inner fjord station where deep basin waters have restricted circulation, and these data together with surface (<5 cm) pore water copper concentrations (mean=122 nmol kg−1) about an order of magnitude higher than bottom water copper concentrations are indicative of a flux of copper across the sediment-seawater interface. This latter was estimated at 32±12 nmol cm−2 annually, and represented less than 20% of the annual input to fjord surface water (228–411 nmol cm−2) added during summer months. Mass balances in bottom waters indicate a vigorous recycling of copper with a residence time estimated at 21±11 days. Most copper that is remobilized in surface sediments is returned to bottom waters and little (∼3%) is removed by subsequent diagenetic reaction in the buried sediments. However, an estimate of copper accumulating in anoxic fjord sediments was comparable with copper added to fjord surface waters suggesting that input-removal reactions rather than internal cycling controls copper geochemistry in this estuary.
The Lessons of the Development of the First APA Ethics Code: Blending Science, Practice, and Politics

The Ethics Code of the American Psychological Association (APA) is a bedrock of the profession. The contextual factors of society affect the Ethics Code of the APA, resulting in an ever-changing document. The context of the reorganization of the APA after World War II created an initial impetus toward a formalized code. A key contextual feature of the Code's development was the use of the Critical Incident Technique, which was based in the empirical aspirations of the psychological field. This article explores the historical context around the APA's decision to draft an ethics code, reviews its development, and discusses its role for psychologists today.
Políticas de la alteridad: Etnización de "comunidad negra" en el Pacífico sur colombiano

The ethnicization of the "black community" in the southern Colombian Pacific region is a process that originated at the beginning of the 1990s. Associated with the ruling of the article in the Political Constitution of 1991, which recognizes cultural rights and specific territories for the "black community," an innovative dynamic of organization was consolidated, articulated to politics of alterity in which multiple mediations and actors intervened. The present article is a contribution to the ethnography of the production of alterity, focusing on the black community as a political and legal subject in the region of the southern Colombian Pacific.
Plasma and momentum transport processes in the vicinity of a magnetic island in a tokamak

In the vicinity of a magnetic island in tokamaks, the toroidal symmetry in the magnitude of the magnetic field |B| is broken. This leads to enhanced radial transport fluxes and momentum dissipation. The radial electric field can be determined from the quasineutrality condition, or equivalently the momentum equation, on the island magnetic surface. The equation that governs the radial electric field is nonlinear and can have bifurcated solutions. This may suppress turbulence fluctuations and improve plasma confinement. The theory remains valid for a rotating island with an appropriate re-interpretation of the radial electric field.
The pedagogic opportunities of touch-screen voting

Touch-screen systems have been used to count votes in a growing number of precincts across the United States. These controversial systems provide an opportunity for valuable classroom discussions both for service courses and courses for computer science majors.This paper begins with an overview of touch-screen voting systems in the United States. It describes ways to productively address this issue with university classes at various levels in the curriculum. It is hoped that this paper will be a useful resource to professors looking to bring this important issue into their classroom, perhaps as a partial requirement of an ethics and social implications module of a course's coverage.
3D imaging, visualization, and recognition of biological micro-organisms

In this paper, we address coherent optical imaging techniques for real time automated three-dimensional (3D) sensing, visualization and recognition of dynamic biological microorganisms. Real time sensing and 3D reconstruction of the dynamic biological microorganisms is performed using the single-exposure on-line (SEOL) digital holographic microscopy. A coherent 3D microscope-based interferometer is used to record digital holograms of dynamic micro biological events. Complex amplitude 3D images of the biological microorganisms are computationally reconstructed at different depths by Fresnel propagation algorithm. Statistical segmentation algorithms are applied to identify regions of interest for further processing. Statistical pattern recognition approaches are addressed to identify and recognize the microorganisms. Experimental results with biological microorganisms are presented to illustrate detection, segmentation, and identification of biological events.
Perylenediimide nanowires and their use in fabricating field-effect transistors and complementary inverters.

Perylenetetracarboxyldiimide (PTCDI) nanowires self-assembled from commercially available materials are demonstrated as the n-channel semiconductor in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and as a building block in high-performance complementary inverters. Devices based on a network of PTCDI nanowires have electron mobilities and current on/off ratios on the order of 10-2 cm2/Vs and 104, respectively. Complementary inverters based on n-channel PTCDI nanowire transistors and p-channel hexathiapentacene (HTP) nanowire OFETs achieved gains as high as 8. These results demonstrate the first example of the use of one-dimensional organic semiconductors in complementary inverters.
Phonon Emission from a 2D Electron Gas: Evidence of Transition to the Hydrodynamic Regime.

Using as a thermometer the temperature dependent magnetotransport of a two-dimensional electron gas, we find that the effective temperature scales with current as ${T}_{e}\ensuremath{\sim}{I}^{a}$, where $a\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}0.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2%$ in the Shubnikov--de Haas regime, and $0.53\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2%$ at the critical points between adjacent quantum Hall plateaus, both integer and fractional. This implies the phonon energy emission rate changes from the expected $P\ensuremath{\sim}{T}^{5}$ to $P\ensuremath{\sim}{T}^{4}$. We explain this as well as the dramatic enhancement in phonon emission efficiency using a hydrodynamic model.
Overcoming Inertia: Do Automated Saving and Investing Strategies Work?

Many workers do not take advantage of savings opportunities provided to them at their workplace, nor do they always make wise investment decisions regarding employer plans. Various automated strategies have been implemented by employers with the objective of increasing retirement plan participation and, hence, the financial security of workers. Automatic strategies work by proactively arranging some type of action (e.g., plan enrollment) to occur unless people specifically opt out. This article examines and synthesizes previous empirical research about five automatic savings and investing strategies: (a) automatic retirement savings plan enrollment, (b) automatic contribution increases, (c) automatic portfolio rebalancing, (d) automatic rollovers, and (e) automatic investment plans. Advantages and disadvantages of each strategy are discussed, along with implications for financial educators.
Behavior of a Nuclear Steel Containment Equipment Hatch at Large Strain

During a severe accident, buckling of a steel containment hatch door, large deformation and ovaling of the hatch sleeve are potential causes of mismatch at the sealing surface which can result in a leakage path. A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis of a typical steel containment/sleeve/hatch assembly that includes containment stiffeners, pretensioned swing bolts, and hatch door geometric imperfection is presented. The analysis was carried out to the nonlinear range up to large strains. The results indicated that the buckling load occurs at pressure, far above that which causes gross yielding of the shell plate. Although buckling of the hatch door increased the relative motions of the hatch sleeve and the hatch door, the motions remained sufficiently small to prevent leakage.
Attachment mode performance of network-modeled ballistic fabric shielding

A central issue in the use of ballistic fabric shielding is the mode of attachment to the structure that it is intended to protect. In order to investigate this issue, a discrete multi-scale yarn-network model is developed for structural fabric undergoing ballistic impact, based on work found in Zohdi and Powell [Zohdi TI, Powell D. Multiscale construction and large-scale simulation of structural fabric undergoing ballistic impact. Comput Meth Appl Mech Eng 2006;195:94–109] and Zohdi [Zohdi TI. Modeling/simulation of progressive penetration of multilayered ballistic fabric shielding. Comput Mech 2002;29:61–7]. The model is comprised of a network of yarn with stochastic properties determined by smaller-scale fibrils, which are randomly misaligned. The effects of stochasticity on the overall response are explored, and the model is compared against macro-scale experiments. The key feature of the model is the fact that it does not depend on phenomenological parameters, and can be calibrated by simply measuring the properties of an individual, smallest-scale, fibril. The properties of a fibril are easily ascertained from a simple tension test. The response of the overall fabric model and ballistic experiments are in excellent agreement. The model indicates that fabric which is attached by being pinned at the corners generally absorbs more energy, relative to fabric clamped along the sides. The basis for this result is discussed at length in the body of this work. Furthermore, it is observed that a uniform-yarn model, one which ignores the stochastic nature of the yarn, over-estimates the amount of energy absorbed.
Frequency-domain displacement sensing with a fiber ring-resonator containing a variable gap

Ring-resonators are in general not amenable to strain-free (non-contact) displacement measurements. We show that this limitation may be overcome if the ring-resonator, here a fiber-loop, is designed to contain a gap, such that the light traverses a free-space part between two aligned waveguide ends. Displacements are determined with nanometer sensitivity by measuring the associated changes in the resonance frequencies. Miniaturization should increase the sensitivity of the ring-resonator interferometer. Ring geometries that contain an optical circulator can be used to profile reflective samples.
An Atomic Force Microscopy Study of the Initial Nucleation of GaN on Sapphire

Preliminary results of a study of GaN nucleation and growth by molecular beam epitaxy using a nitrogen rf plasma source are presented. Nucleation layers and 3000 A thick layers were investigated by atomic force microscopy and x-ray diffraction. Growth under gallium-rich conditions both increased nucleation island size and promoted two-dimensional growth.
Engineering polyphosphate metabolism in Escherichia coli: implications for bioremediation of inorganic contaminants.

Polyphosphate metabolism plays an important role in the bioremediation of phosphate contamination in municipal wastewater, and may play a key role in heavy metal tolerance and bioremediation. However, little is known about the regulation of polyphosphate metabolism in microorganisms and its role in heavy metal toxicity. We have manipulated polyphosphate metabolism in Escherichia coli by overexpressing the genes for polyphosphate kinase (ppk) and for polyphosphatase (ppx) under control of their native promoters and inducible promoters. Overexpression of ppk results in high levels of intracellular polyphosphate, improved phosphate uptake, but no increase in tolerance to heavy metals. Overexpression of both ppk and ppx results in lower levels of intracellular polyphosphate, secretion of phosphate from the cell, and increased tolerance to heavy metals. Metabolic flux analysis indicates that the cell responds to increased flux through the PPK-PPX pathway by altering flux through the TCA cycle.
Community Incidence of Hepatitis B and C among Reincarcerated Women

Background The incarceration rate has increased 239% in the United States over the past 2 decades. This increase in incarceration has been fueled by the movement towards a criminal, rather than medical, response to the problem of drug dependence. For women in particular, incarceration and drug use are interdependent epidemics. Given that incarceration is common among drug-dependent persons, infectious diseases--including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection--are prevalent among incarcerated persons. We sought to determine the incidence of HBV and HCV infection among recidivist women prisoners. Methods From 1996 through 1997, excess from serum samples collected during HIV testing of female admittees to a state Department of Corrections facility were tested for HBV and HCV. Multiple samples obtained from women incarcerated multiple times during the study period were compared for incidence. Results Baseline prevalences of markers of HBV and HCV were 36% and 34%, respectively. Incidence rates for HBV and HCV infection among reincarcerated women were 12.2 and 18.2 per 100 person-years, respectively. The majority of the time spent between serial intakes was not spent in the correctional facility; thus, incident infections likely occurred in the community. Conclusions Incidences of HBV and HCV infection among reincarcerated women were high. Prisons and jails can be efficient locations for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of hepatitis B and C through programs such as testing, counseling, education, vaccination, and linkage to medical and drug treatment services.
An examination of perceived behavioral control: Internal and external influences on intention

We explore the dimensionality and structure of internal and external perceived behavioral control, extending research on the relationship between these control components. Two conceptual models were identified and tested in Study 1. External control was manipulated in Study 2 to further explicate hypothesized variation in perceived internal control. The results from both studies provide support for an antecedent relationship between control constructs with external control as an antecedent and internal control as the more proximate determinant of behavioral intent. Theoretical implications of findings are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The arogenate dehydratase gene family: Towards understanding differential regulation of carbon flux through phenylalanine into primary versus secondary metabolic pathways

Phe is formed from arogenate in planta through the action of arogenate dehydratase (ADT), and there are six ADT isoenzymes in the "model" vascular plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. This raised the possibility that specific ADTs may be differentially regulated so as to control Phe biosynthesis for protein synthesis vs its much more massive deployment for phenylpropanoid metabolism. In our previous reverse genetics study using 25 single/multiple ADT knockout (KO) lines, a subset of these knockouts was differentially reduced in their lignin contents. In the current investigation, it was hypothesized that Phe pool sizes might correlate well with reduction in lignin contents in the affected KO lines. The free amino acid contents of these KO lines were thus comprehensively analyzed in stem, leaf and root tissues, over a growth/developmental time course from 3 to 8 weeks until senescence. The data obtained were then compared to, and contrasted with, the differential extent of lignin deposition occurring in the various lines. Relative changes in pool sizes were also analyzed by performing a pairwise confirmatory factor analysis for Phe:Tyr, Phe:Trp and Tyr:Trp, following determination of the deviation from the mean for Phe, Tyr and Trp in each plant line. It was found that the Phe pool sizes measured were differentially reduced only in lignin-deficient lines, and in tissues and at time points where lignin biosynthesis was constitutively highly active (in wild type lines) under the growth conditions employed. In contrast, this trend was not evident across all ADT KO lines, possibly due to maintenance of Phe pools by non-targeted isoenzymes, or by feedback mechanisms known to be in place.
Inter and intra-molecular branching distribution of tailored LLDPEs inferred by melting and crystallization behavior of narrow fractions

Here we report the melting and isothermal crystallization behavior of two sets of fractions obtained from a film-grade metallocene catalyzed ethylene-1-hexene resin with enhanced mechanical properties. One set of fractions was obtained by molecular weight fractionation, the second set was obtained fractionating by content of 1-hexene. The melting behavior, crystallization kinetics and supermolecular morphology of the fractions are analyzed in reference to the behavior of model systems with uniform inter-chain branching content and a random intra-chain distribution. While melting and crystallization kinetics of molecular weight fractions conforms to the bivariate (molecular weight-comonomer content) distribution of the original copolymer, the behavior of 1-hexene compositional fractions indicate a blockier branching distribution in the highly branched high molar mass fractions. Major differences with model random copolymers are also observed in the supermolecular morphology of the latter fractions.
In Vitro Activities of the Glycylcycline GAR-936 against Gram-Positive Bacteria

The in vitro activities of GAR-936, the 9-t-butylglycylamido derivative of minocycline, were compared with those of doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline against 527 gram-positive clinical isolates. GAR-936 inhibited all strains, including those resistant to other tetracyclines, at concentrations of ≤2 μg/ml, except two strains of JK diphtheroids for which the MIC was 4 μg/ml.
Confirmation of the assignment of the Sanjad-Sakati (congenital hypoparathyroidism) syndrome (OMIM 241410) locus to chromosome lq42-43

Editor—Over the past 12 years, 26 patients with an unusual syndrome of congenital hypoparathyroidism associated with severe prenatal and postnatal growth retardation and a pattern of facial anomalies have been seen at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Saudi Arabia.1 2 The disorder has been listed by McKusick in OMIM as “hypoparathyroidism-retardation-dysmorphism syndrome; HRD” as entry 241410. Recently, Parvari et al 3 reported the assignment of the gene for this disorder to chromosome 1 at 1q42-43. Their report was based on a study of consanguineous Bedouin families from Israel and their linkage analysis was based on homozygosity by descent.4 This reports describes a study of three consanguineous Saudi families, which yielded results consistent with the 1q42-43 location of the responsible gene. Blood samples were collected and DNA …
Electrical Stimulation of Fabric Filtration

With zero airflow, the currents passing between parallel wires in contact with a fabric appear to be the sum of corona currents and of non-ohmic conduction currents. The origins of the latter are not clear. Wheo an aerosol is flowing, electrode currents increase with increasing air velocity. Part of this effect seems due to charges carried on the aerosol particles, and part may be due to distortion of the ion cloud by the moving air stream.Pressure-drop reduction by external electric fields generated with wire electrodes occurs in two ranges: below corona voltages there is a small dependence on applied field, while above that voltage the dependence is much steeper. It is assumed that the latter case is the result of heavier particle-charging by the ion cloud. It seems, therefore, that corona-charging of the aerosol can play an important role in reducing pressure drop by ESFF. However, another mechanism appears to operate—one which becomes apparent if fabrics with different degrees of packing density are c...
Inappropriate shocks and elevation of defibrillation thresholds in a patient with automatic defibrillator patch Silastic erosion and titanium mesh fraying.

A case is presented of a defibrillator patch erosion, inappropriate shocks, and high defibrillation thresholds in a 59-year-old man requiring thoracotomy for proper diagnosis and management.
National Sovereignty and Individual Behavior

National sovereignty is generally considered the chief obstacle to the growth of an international society. Sovereignty means supreme power within a territorially defined social order, power designed to decide about its own interests, determine its own policies, administer its own affairs, and lay down its own laws. The fact that such sovereignty is vested in numerous nations at the same time causes conflicts not only because it brings into existence conflicting claims to national security, but also because it tends to create conflicting group moralities. There is almost universal agreement that national sovereignty must be overcome if there is to be an international society. How is this general problem connected with individual motives, beliefs and loyalties? Can individual attitudes affect national sovereignty; can they change the nature of this phenomenon? National sovereignty has often been blamed on a fixation in the minds of statesmen or scholars. Actually it can be shown that it is rooted in the daily behavior of millions of individuals who habitually rely on the sovereign power of their nation and thereby contribute, materially and psychologically, to its strength. In the last analysis, soveignty springs from the functional and ideal solidarity of people living together within a certain territory. Hence it cannot be "given up" by governments unless the mental and physical habits of people in general are also re-conditioned. I
Upper 95th and 99th Percentiles of Chi-Square Distributions

Upper 95th (5 % upper tail) and 99th (1 % upper tail) percentiles of chi-square distributions