cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methodology of NEQ (f) analysis for optimization and comparison of digital breast tomosynthesis acquisition techniques and reconstruction algorithms

As a new three-dimensional imaging technique, digital breast tomosynthesis allows the reconstruction of an arbitrary set of planes in the breast from a limited-angle series of projection images. Though several tomosynthesis algorithms have been proposed, no complete optimization and comparison of different tomosynthesis acquisition techniques for available methods has been conducted as of yet. This paper represents a methodology of noise-equivalent quanta NEQ (f) analysis to optimize and compare the efficacy of tomosynthesis algorithms and imaging acquisition techniques for digital breast tomosynthesis. It combines the modulation transfer function (MTF) of system signal performance and the noise power spectrum (NPS) of noise characteristics. It enables one to evaluate the performance of different acquisition parameters and algorithms for comparison and optimization purposes. An example of this methodology was evaluated on a selenium-based direct-conversion flat-panel Siemens Mammomat Novation prototype system. An edge method was used to measure the presampled MTF of the detector. The MTF associated with the reconstruction algorithm and specific acquisition technique was investigated by calculating the Fourier Transform of simulated impulse responses. Flat field tomosynthesis projection sequences were acquired and then reconstructed. A mean-subtracted NPS on the reconstructed plane was studied to remove fixed pattern noise. An example of the application of this methodology was illustrated in this paper using a point-by-point Back Projection correction (BP) reconstruction algorithm and an acquisition technique of 25 projections with 25 degrees total angular tube movement.
The scope and limitations of intramolecular Nicholas and Pauson-Khand reactions for the synthesis of tricyclic oxygen- and nitrogen-containing heterocycles.

We studied the scope and limitations of a tandem intramolecular Nicholas/Pauson−Khand strategy for the synthesis of tricyclic oxygen- and nitrogen-containing heterocycles. This methodology enables conversion of simple acyclic starting materials into a series of previously unknown heterocyclic architectures. For the preparation of cyclic ethers (Z = O), tricyclic [5,6,5]- through [5,9,5]-systems (m = 1, n = 1−4) are available with the [5,7,5]- and [5,8,5]-systems amenable to quick and efficient synthesis. Tricyclic [5,7,5]- and [5,8,5]-amine-containing (Z = NTs) heterocycles can be successfully prepared. Attempts to make larger ring systems (Z = O, m = 2; Z = O, n = 5; or Z = NTs, n = 4−5) or prepare lactones via Nicholas reactions with carboxylic acid nucleophiles (available via oxidation of alcohol nucleophiles, Z = O) result in decomposition or dimerization. The latter process enables formation of 14-, 16-, and 18-membered ring diolides when using carboxylic acid nucleophiles. We also investigated the u...
Integrating Technical Communications Into an Early Design Course

This paper describes the integration of a significant amount of instruction and technical communications assignments into an early design course in the BSME program at the University of Houston. While many of the examples presented in this paper were initially introduced into the course without outside involvement, many more have been developed and the initial assignments have been improved through collaborations with the recently established University of Houston Writing Center (2000) and the even newer (2004) Technical Communications Across the Curriculum Program in the Cullen College of Engineering. Approximately 55% of an individual’s course grade is based on a variety of team (18%) and individual (37%) writing and presentation assignments. In many ways, these assignments are similar to those given in a traditional technical communications course. The difference is that many of these assignments are directly linked to course material including, the design process, working in teams on design-fabricate-and-compete projects, engineering ethics, and intellectual property issues. The paper provides details of these activities (including examples of assignments) and the results from student surveys requesting feedback on their effectiveness.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Preferred number of sexual partners: tails of distributions and tales of mating systems

Buss and Schmitt [Psychol. Rev. 100 (1993) 204–232] found that men report preferring more sex partners than women do. Pedersen, Miller, Putcha-Bhagavatula, and Yang et al. [Psychol. Sci. 13 (2002) 157–161] reanalyzed the data of Buss and Schmitt and also collected their own. They found no sex differences in either data set. We show that, when appropriate graphical and statistical methods are used, men clearly report preferring more partners. At all comparable locations on curves showing cumulative number of desired partners, men report preferring more than three times as many partners as women do. Furthermore, the data show that men and women who desire between one and about five desired partners over their lifetime come from a normal distribution, with a standard deviation of about 5. Thus it is incorrect to conclude that men and women who desire more that one lifetime sexual partner come from a different population than those who want only one. We discuss the implication of the data for sexual strategies theory [Psychol. Rev. 100 (1993) 204–232] and attachment fertility theory (AFT; Miller & Fishkin, 1997).
Recoil Photons from Scattering of Starlight by Relativistic Electrons

Collisions between electrons that are known to produce nonthermal radio noise and the photons of starlight are considered as a source for the cosmic production of highenergy photons. The photon flux due to such collisions is calculated and compared with recent observations on photon flux in space. Simple models of electron distribution in space are considered and the corresponding photon fluxes are calculated. (C.E.S.)
Applications of the parametric programming procedure

Abstract Many classes of mathematical programming problems can be formulated as a linear program with a parametric objective function. Gass and Saaty developed in the early 1950's a parametric programming procedure for solving the latter problem. This procedure is relevant to solution strategies for many problem types but is underutilized, often because the relationship of the procedure to the relevant problem class is not recognized. In this paper five recent applications of the parametric programming procedure are presented.
CEO/CIO mutual understanding, strategic alignment, and the contribution of IS to the organization

Mutual understanding between the CEO and CIO is thought to facilitate the alignment of an organization's IS with its business strategy, and thereby enhance the contribution of the IS to business performance. A survey of 202 pairs of CEOs and CIOs was taken to investigate the relationships between them. Mutual understanding was measured as the role of IS in the organization, using the perspectives of both executives. Strategic alignment was measured as the fit between the CEO's assessment of eight STROBE dimensions and the CIO's assessment of the analogous STROEPIS dimensions; both the CEO and CIO evaluated IS contribution. Mutual understanding of the role of IT led to seven alignment dimensions whereas six alignment dimensions led to IS contributions. Our study extended the theory of IT strategic alignment and provided direction for CEOs and CIOs interested in improving the IS contribution of their organization.
The Gulf of Suez—northern Red Sea neogene rift: a quantitive basin analysis

Abstract Subsidence analysis (backstripping) was carried out on a series of wells from the Gulf of Suez and northern Red Sea region of Egypt in order to examine the interplay between tectonic events, basin subsidence, sedimentation and sea level changes in a young, developing ocean basin and continental margin. Using constraints on chronostratigraphy and paleodepth from various sources combined with stratigraphic and structural information from industry wells and other geophysical sources it has been possible to compile the data necessary to perform geohistory analyses throughout the region. Major subsidence due to crustal thinning began ∼25 Ma with sedimentation initially occurring in isolated sub-basins. These earliest sediments record the transition from continental to marine depositional environments. Subsequently during early and middle Miocene times subsidence was rapid and uniform along and across the entire rift basin. Open marine sedimentation occurred across all structural regimes. The mid-Clysmic tectonic event (16.5 Ma) resulted in structural rearrangement of the rift basin and uplift of the rift shoulders. Rapid subsidence continued as global sea level fell, producing a series of prograding, siliciclastic fan-deltas at the rift margins. At ∼15.5 Ma, opening of the Suez rift was terminated, tectonic subsidence decreased dramatically in the southern rift and ceased entirely in the northern rift. Tensional plate motion probably was transferred from the Gulf of Suez to sinistral strike-slip movement on the Dead Sea transform at this time. The quiescence in subsidence combined with a lowered global sea level resulted in the deposition of a thick (up to 4 km) series of evaporites within the central trough of the rift from the middle to latest Miocene. The accumulation of such a thick sequence of sediments during a phase of decreased tectonic subsidence is interpreted as a ‘filling-in’ of the rift topography which developed during the earlier period of rapid subsidence and rift-shoulder uplift and continued compaction. A rapid global sea level rise concomitant with a subsequent pulse of increased tectonic activity in the latest Miocene—earliest Pliocene returned the rift to dominantly marine conditions.
The effect of age on hepatic gene transfer with self-inactivating lentiviral vectors in vivo.

Abstract It is known that cellular proliferation, by either compensatory regeneration or direct hyperplasia, can augment lentiviral vector transduction into hepatocytes in vivo . For this reason, the present study was designed to determine if adolescent mice (3½ weeks of age), which still have relatively proliferating livers, would have differential transduction compared to older (7 weeks of age) mice. Self-inactivating lentiviral vectors containing the human α 1 -antitrypsin (hAAT) promoter driving the expression of either the bacterial lacZ gene or the hAAT cDNA were generated for these studies. We found that adolescent mice given lentiviral vectors expressing lacZ (50 μg p24/mouse) via intravenous administration had a significantly higher level of hepatocyte transduction as measured by X-gal staining of liver sections compared to the 7-week-old mice. In addition, serum hAAT levels were nearly 40-fold higher in 3½-week-old mice administered lentiviral vectors expressing hAAT (50 μg p24/mouse) compared to the 7-week-old mice. Moreover, the incorporation of a matrix attachment region from immunoglobulin κ significantly increased transduction of hepatocytes in vivo . Although there was a small reduction in the circulating levels of hAAT, likely due to an immune response against the transgene product, gene expression was sustained for the duration of the study (30 weeks in total). In conclusion, the present study strongly demonstrates that lentiviral vector transduction efficiency and transgene expression were significantly enhanced in adolescent compared to older mice.
Brain iron homeostasis and neurodegenerative disease

AD= : Alzheimer disease; APP= : amyloid precursor protein; ATP= : adenosine triphosphate; BBB= : blood–brain barrier; DMT1= : divalent metal transporter-1; FA= : Friedreich ataxia; FTL= : ferritin light chain; FTH= : ferritin heavy chain; NBIA= : neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation; NTBI= : non–transferrin-bound iron; PANK2= : pantothenate kinase 2; PD= : Parkinson disease; PKAN= : pantothenate kinase–associated neurodegeneration; TfR1= : transferrin receptor 1. Iron is essential for multiple functions in the CNS, including DNA synthesis, gene expression, myelination, neurotransmission, and mitochondrial electron transport. Several proteins implicated in brain iron homeostasis are involved in disorders associated with abnormal iron metabolism. A basic understanding of mechanisms of iron homeostasis is of clinical relevance, as either accumulation or depletion of intracellular iron may impair normal function and promote cell death. Iron accumulates in selective brain regions during aging, in acquired neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD), and in genetic disorders such as neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Dysregulation of iron homeostasis is also a critical feature of Friedreich ataxia (FA). The link between iron and neurodegenerative disease provides potential therapeutic targets for these disorders. Brain iron metabolism and its implications in neurodegeneration have been the subjects of excellent reviews.1–6 Some general concepts, unresolved issues, and clinical correlations are briefly discussed here. The CNS is separated from the systemic circulation by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), a tight epithelial barrier analogous to that of the mammalian duodenum, which is the site of absorption of dietary iron. After absorption, iron in its oxidized (ferric) form binds to serum transferrin and is distributed throughout the general circulation. The presence of a BBB explains the relative independence of the brain iron from the total body iron content. This is reflected by the absence of brain iron overload in mouse models and in humans with hemochromatosis due to mutations of the HFE gene, encoding a protein that regulates iron absorption.1,2 ### Incorporation and transport of iron in the nervous system. Iron incorporation and transport in the brain depends on interactions between the endothelial cells and astrocytes (figure). Brain endothelial cells express the transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) in their luminal membrane; this receptor binds iron-loaded transferrin and internalizes this complex in endosomes. Within the endosomes, …
More Than Motherhood: Reasons for Becoming a Family Day Care Provider

This article examines motivations for entering family day care work as they relate to responsibilities of motherhood and the prominence of these motivations for the women providing day care within and across groups of workers. Using data from a large-scale representative survey of family day care workers in Illinois, the author examines the range of reasons for job entry. The author also uses cluster analysis to categorize workers by the common patterns of these reasons and uses demographic, family, and work characteristics to predict membership in these categories. The finding is that the majority of family day care workers are trying to meet a broad range of mothering responsibilities—including economic provision and commitments to kith, kin, and community—rather than focusing only on physical and emotional care of their own children. Furthermore, these differences vary strongly by race.
Mice deficient in small leucine-rich proteoglycans: novel in vivo models for osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and corneal diseases

Small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) are extracellular molecules that bind to TGFbetas and collagens and other matrix molecules. In vitro, SLRPs were shown to regulate collagen fibrillogenesis, a process essential in development, tissue repair, and metastasis. To better understand their functions in vivo, mice deficient in one or two of the four most prominent and widely expressed SLRPs (biglycan, decorin, fibromodulin, and lumican) were recently generated. All four SLRP deficiencies result in the formation of abnormal collagen fibrils. Taken together, the collagen phenotypes demonstrate a cooperative, sequential, timely orchestrated action of the SLRPs that altogether shape the architecture and mechanical properties of the collagen matrix. In addition, SLRP-deficient mice develop a wide array of diseases (osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, muscular dystrophy, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and corneal diseases), most of them resulting primarily from an abnormal collagen fibrillogenesis. The development of these diseases by SLRP-deficient mice suggests that mutations in SLRPs may be part of undiagnosed predisposing genetic factors for these diseases. Although the distinct phenotypes developed by the different singly deficient mice point to distinct in vivo function for each SLRP, the analysis of the double-deficient mice also demonstrates the existence of rescuing/compensation mechanisms, indicating some functional overlap within the SLRP family.
Efficient Simulation Method for Polarizable Protein Force Fields: Application to the Simulation of BPTI in Liquid Water

A methodology for large scale molecular dynamics simulation of a solvated polarizable protein, using a combination of permanent and inducible point dipoles with fluctuating and fixed charges, is discussed and applied to the simulation of water solvated bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI). The electrostatic forces are evaluated using a generalized form of the P3M Ewald method which includes point dipoles in addition to point charge sites. The electrostatic configuration is propagated along with the nuclei during the course of the simulation using an extended Lagrangian formalism. For the system size studied, 20000 atoms, this method gives only a marginal computational overhead relative to nonpolarizable potential models (1.23-1.45) per time step of simulation. The models employ a newly developed polarizable dipole force field for the protein(1) with two commonly used water models TIP4P-FQ and RPOL. Performed at constant energy and constant volume (NVE) using the velocity Verlet algorithm, the simulations show excellent energy conservation and run stably for their 2 ns duration. To characterize the accuracy of the solvation models the protein structure is analyzed. The simulated structures remain within 1 A of the experimental crystal structure for the duration of the simulation in line with the nonpolarizable OPLS-AA model.
DNA strand displacement, strand annealing and strand swapping by the Drosophila Bloom's syndrome helicase

Genetic analysis of the Drosophila Bloom's syndrome helicase homolog (mus309/DmBLM) indicates that DmBLM is required for the synthesis-dependent strand annealing (SDSA) pathway of homologous recombination. Here we report the first biochemical study of DmBLM. Recombinant, epitope-tagged DmBLM was expressed in Drosophila cell culture and highly purified protein was prepared from nuclear extracts. Purified DmBLM exists exclusively as a high molecular weight ( approximately 1.17 MDa) species, is a DNA-dependent ATPase, has 3'-->5' DNA helicase activity, prefers forked substrate DNAs and anneals complementary DNAs. High-affinity DNA binding is ATP-dependent and low-affinity ATP-independent interactions contribute to forked substrate DNA binding and drive strand annealing. DmBLM combines DNA strand displacement with DNA strand annealing to catalyze the displacement of one DNA strand while annealing a second complementary DNA strand.
Methylene blue stimulates 2-deoxyglucose uptake in L929 fibroblast cells.

Methylene blue (MB), a common cell stain, has been shown to inhibit nitric oxide synthase and guanylate cyclase, which has led to the recent use of MB in nitric oxide signaling studies. This study documents the effects of MB on 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) uptake in L929 fibroblast cells where uptake is controlled by a single glucose transporter, GLUT 1. MB significantly activates cytochalasin B-inhibitable glucose transport in a dose dependent fashion within 10 min. A maximal stimulation of up to 800% was achieved by 50 μM MB after a 45-min exposure. The Vmax of transport increased without a change in the Km, which was accomplished without a significant change in the GLUT 1 content. The reduced form of MB, did not stimulate 2DG uptake and potassium ferricyanide, an extracellular redox agent, prevented both the staining and stimulatory effects of MB suggesting MB is reduced at the cell surface before it enters L929 cells. Phenylarsine oxide did not block cell staining as noted in other cells lines, but it did inhibit both basal and MB-stimulated 2DG uptake. Likewise, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, an agent used to remove membrane cholesterol, blocked both the staining and stimulatory effects of MB. The AMP analog, AICAR, inhibited rather than activated basal 2DG uptake, and it did not alter MB-stimulated uptake suggesting that AMP kinase activation is not critical to the MB effect. Wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI kinase, had no effect on MB-stimulated 2DG uptake. These data provide additional insight into the acute regulation of GLUT 1 transport activity in L929 cells.
Measurement of the duration of high harmonic pulses

Summary form only given. High harmonics are generated during the ionization of an atomic gas and therefore the probability of ionization, the number of unionized atoms, and the phase matching effects will impose a natural temporal envelope on the harmonic generation. We made some simulations which showed the maximal, minimal, and averaged possible values of the intensity of the harmonic as a function of the angular frequency detuning multiplied by the length of the harmonic pulse. From the envelope of the maximum signal we can extract the high harmonic pulse duration.
Older Americans Living Alone The Influence of Resources and Intergenerational Integration on Inequality

The number of older adults living alone in Western societies has steadily increased. Despite this trend, little is known about the overall experience of this population. In this article, I examine the condition of living alone in old age in urban America by drawing upon two years of participant observation and ethnographic interviews with older Americans living alone, as well as with participant observation. Findings contribute to the literature on inequality, with particular attention to the theory of cumulative disadvantage over the life course. First I reveal the reasons that make living alone in old age a unique condition. Then I discuss four profiles of older adults living alone based on observed empirical patterns: the resourceful, the precarious, the segregated, and the gated elite. A comparison of these profiles suggests that intra-cohort inequalities stem from the combination of resources available and degree of intergenerational integration.
Endogenous cathepsin D-mediated hydrolysis of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins in cultured human prostatic carcinoma cells.

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) seems to play an important role in prostate cell growth and its actions may be modified by IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) secreted by prostate epithelial cells. The IGFBP system was studied in two human prostate carcinoma cell lines, PC3 and LNCaP. Androgen receptor-negative PC3 cells secrete IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4, and IGFBP-5, as determined by immunoprecipitation of the serum-free conditioned medium with specific IGFBP antibodies. Androgen receptor-positive LNCaP cells secrete IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3. At neutral pH, there was little or no effect of a 24-h, 37 C cell-free incubation of PC3 and LNCaP conditioned media on IGFBP. On the other hand, when media was incubated at pH 3 for 24 h, [125I]IGFBP-3 hydrolysis and the virtual elimination of endogenous IGFBP detected by Western ligand blotting were observed. This loss was not due to the acid treatment, per se, since IGFBPs remained intact if the incubation at pH 3 was carried out at 4 C. The acid-activated IGFBP protease in LNCaP and PC3 cell-conditioned media was identified as cathepsin D based on acidic pH optimum and immunoblotting. Furthermore, immunoadsorption of cathepsin D from the media attenuated the acid-activated IGFBP hydrolysis [125I]IGF-I binding to prostate cancer cells was reduced in the presence of LNCaP conditioned media that had been incubated at neutral pH for 24 h (i.e. containing intact IGFBP) but not by acid-incubated conditioned media (i.e. cathepsin D-mediated hydrolyzed IGFBP). These data indicate that prostate carcinoma cells secrete specific IGFBPs, as well as a general IGFBP protease, cathepsin D. In the proper environment, cathepsin D is capable of hydrolyzing all endogenous IGFBP and, thus, modifying IGF-I action in prostatic cells.
A Conceptual Model for Victim Services Challenges and Opportunities for Counseling Psychologists

The past decade has brought an increasing awareness of victim needs and of the profound psychological impact of victimization. Public and private sector services have emerged to address these issues, as have recommendations for an evolving professional field. Despite this progress, victim services lack conceptual frameworks from which to define goals and organize interventions. This article outlines the current state of the victim services field, identifies eight consensus prescriptions for future development, and proposes the Cube Model (Morrill, Hurst, & Oetting, 1980; Morrill, Oetting, & Hurst, 1974) as an integrating conceptual framework. Three representative victim service agencies are described to illustrate the usefulness of the model Counseling psychologists are challenged to use their special skills and expertise to develop broadly based services necessary for mitigating the profound psychological consequences of victimization.
Patterning of Hard Coatings for Incorporation of Solid Lubricant Microreservoirs

Hard coatings containing microscopic reservoirs for solid lubricant storage have the potential to advance the development of dry, self-lubricating coatings. In the present study we have investigated several methods for fabricating hard coatings that incorporate microscopic reservoirs. These methods all involve the use of placeholders on the substrate surface that are later removed after deposition of the hard coating. One method uses a solution containing ceramic beads, while the second method uses conventional photolithography methods. Coatings using both of these methods were fabricated using TiN as the hard coating. The effectiveness of the microreservoirs for solid lubricant storage was examined by conducting pin-on-disk test using various solid lubricants, including graphite and indium. The performance of coatings with random arrangements of microreservoirs was scattered while samples with the ordered arrangements of microreservoirs all performed well. Optical microscopy examination of the wear tracks showed the microreservoirs were generally successful at trapping the graphite lubricant during wear. With a sufficient density and appropriate distribution of the microreservoirs, the significant improvements in tribological performance can be realized.
Rationality and Economic Education

Economists have long prided themselves on the positive intent of their work as researchers and teachers. That is, as scientists, economists insist that their goal has always been largely directed toward understanding the world as it is, not as they would will it to be or as it “ought to be,” to draw again on John Neville Keynes’ words. Thus, Milton Friedman contends that “positive economics is, in principle, independent of any particular ethical position or normative judgments” (1953, p. 4). As did Friedman in his seminal methodological essay (1953), many economists are willing to acknowledge the existence of normative economics, or the imposition of personal values – their own or others’ – into the selection of institutional and policy options. But, economists often hasten to add that their personal values should not be given any special consideration because economists’ professional skills lie in analyzing and empirically assessing the effects of proposed changes in institutional and policy options, not in judging their relative merits. Any instructional intention of the rationality premise has been limited to exploring the logic of how rational people, intent on maximizing their personal welfares as they themselves individually define their personal welfares, can be expected to behave, given changes in the “essential features” of their environment, not how they should behave or are advised to behave.
Adaptation of Haptic Interfaces for a LabVIEW-based System Dynamics Course

This paper describes the development of haptic paddle laboratory kits and associated National Instruments LabVIEW virtual instrumentation to support the adaptation of laboratory experiments for a required undergraduate system dynamics course at Rice University. The laboratory experiments use simple haptic interfaces, devices that allow the students to interact via the sense of touch with virtual environments. A clear benefit of this laboratory series is that students study the haptic paddle as a real electromechanical system in addition to using the haptic paddle as a tool to interact with virtual mechanical systems. The haptic paddle hardware has been modified to improve robustness, and the LabVIEW graphical programming language is used for data acquisition and control throughout the laboratory series.
Distributed load balancing over directed network topologies

In this paper we consider the problem of distributed load balancing over a directed graph that is not fully connected. We study the impact of network topology on the stability and balance of distributed computing. We furthermore propose Informed Load Balancing (I-LB), an approach in which the nodes first reach an agreement over the balanced state, through using a consensus-seeking protocol, before proceeding to redistribute their tasks. We compare the performance of I-LB with that of the Original Load Balancing (O-LB) approach in terms of speed of convergence and bandwidth usage. We prove that the O-LB approach can guarantee convergence to a balanced state as long as the underlying graph is strongly connected while I-LB may not converge. However, I-LB can increase the speed of convergence and/or reduce the bandwidth usage especially for low-connectivity graphs.
LAKE LAND COLLEGE/ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: QUALITY CONTROL/QUALITY ASSURANCE TRAINING PROGRAM - DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

This paper discusses the development and implementation of Lake Land College's (LLC's) Quality Control/Quality Assurance training program from the initial inquiries about a potential program to the success it has maintained today. The information will be detailed using a chronological approach and will focus on academic, industrial, and governmental collaborative success. The outlining of this triangulation will provide a roadmap for the development of similar programs in the area of hot mix asphalt construction certification and accreditation programs.
A cDNA for a human cyclic AMP response element-binding protein which is distinct from CREB and expressed preferentially in brain.

Abstract The cyclic AMP response element (CRE) is found in many cellular genes regulated by cyclic AMP, and similar elements are present in the early genes of adenovirus that are activated by E1A. The transcription factor CREB has previously been shown to bind this site, and cDNAs for CREB have recently been characterized. We report here the isolation of a cDNA encoding a human DNA-binding protein that also recognizes this motif in cellular and viral promoters. This protein, HB16, displays structural similarity to CREB and to c-Jun and c-Fos, which bind the related 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate response element (TRE). HB16 contains a highly basic, putative DNA-binding domain and a leucine zipper structure thought to be involved in dimerization. Deletional analysis of HB16 demonstrated that the leucine zipper is required for its interaction with DNA. In addition, HB16 could form a complex with c-Jun but not with c-Fos. Despite its structural similarity to c-Jun and c-Fos and its interaction with c-Jun, HB16 had approximately a 10-fold-lower affinity for the TRE sequence than for the CRE sequence. Although HB16 and CREB both recognized the CRE motif, an extensive binding analysis of HB16 revealed differences in the fine specificity of binding of the two proteins. HB16 mRNA was found at various levels in many human tissues but was most abundant in brain, where its expression was widespread. The existence of more than one CRE-binding protein suggests that the CRE motif could serve multiple regulatory functions.
Identification and subcellular localization of apolipoprotein N-acyltransferase in Escherichia coli

Apolipoprotein N-acyltransferase, the enzyme catalyzing the conversion of apolipoprotein to mature lipoprotein, was detected by an in vitro assay using [35S]methionine-labeled apolipoprotein as the substrate. Triton X-100 solubilized the enzyme, and was required for its activity. The enzyme showed a broad pH optimum (pH 6.5-7.5). N-Acylation of apolipoprotein with ethanol-washed membranes was dependent on exogenous phospholipids, with phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin all showing about 10- to 20-times enhancement of the enzyme activity in the delipidated membranes. Incubation of apolipoprotein with [3H]palmitate-labeled membranes resulted in the incorporation of [3H]palmitate into lipoprotein. The enzyme was found to be enriched in the inner membrane and in the inner membrane/outer membrane mixed fractions of the E. coli cell envelope.
Micro lasers on a silicon chip

Micro-resonators on silicon having Q factors as high as 500 million are described, and then are used to demonstrate micro-Raman and parametric sources with sub-100 micro Watt thresholds, as well as a novel radiation-pressure driven micro-mechanical oscillator.
CURRENT STATUS OF AMBEWELA RESERVOIR OF SRI LANKA WITH SPECIALREFERENCE TO WATER POLLUTION

The water pollution trends in the Ambewela reservoir at the uppermost catchment of Kotmale River was assessed through a study on chemical and bio monitoring programme that carried out from March to October 2008. The mean average value (mean ± SD) of the nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and ammonia concentrations in Ambewela reservoir were 0.780 ± 1.386 mg/l, 0.103 ± 0.223mg/l, 0.051 ± 0.061mg/l and 0.218± 0.261 mg/l whereas values for the streams selected from Dambagasthalawa Oya were 0.985 ± 0.902 mg/l, 0.099 ± 0.207mg/l, 0.038 ± 0.026 mg/l and 0.085± 0.077 mg/l respectively. Average Chlorophyll- a values of the reservoir were 17.85 ± 17.858 mg/m3 and 8.30 ± 4.686 mg/m3for other two streams accordingly. Average BOD values of the reservoir were 8.06 ± 3.494 and 4.25 ± 2.251 for other two streams correspondingly. The bio monitoring studies also clearly showed sudden records of huge colonies of Hydra(approximately 258/cm3) in the reservoir from time to time. This phenomenon was found in relatively dry period that directly coincided with intensified use of agro chemicals. Moreover, steady population of Chironomid (average population density 208/cm3) that is commonly accepted pollution indicator was reported at Ambewela reservoir throughout the study period. Therefore, both chemical and bio monitoring studies indicate eutrophic condition in Ambewela reservoir in which long run might affect on the ecology of the entire ecosystem. Hence prompt mitigatory action should be implemented to avoid further depletion. Key Words: Ambewela Reservoir, Water Pollution, Physico-Chemical Parameters, Chlorophyll –a
Nonparametric hierarchical Bayes analysis of binomial data via Bernstein polynomial priors

MSC 2011: Primary 62C10; secondary 62G07. Abstract: For binomial data analysis, many methods based on empirical Bayes interpretations have been developed, in which a variance-stabilizing transformation and a normality assumption are usually required. To achieve the greatest model flexibility, we conduct nonparametric Bayesian inference for binomial data and employ a special nonparametric Bayesian prior—the Bernstein-Dirichlet process (BDP)—in the hierarchical Bayes model for the data. The BDP is a special Dirichlet process (DP) mixture based on beta distributions, and the posterior distribution resulting from it has a smooth density defined on (0, 1). We examine two Markov chain Monte Carlo procedures for simulating from the resulting posterior distribution, and compare their convergence rates and computational efficiency. In contrast to existing results for posterior consistency based on direct observations, the posterior consistency of the BDP, given indirect binomial data, is established. We study shrinkage effects and the robustness of the BDP-based posterior estimators in comparison with several other empirical and hierarchical Bayes estimators, and we illustrate through examples that the BDP-based nonparametric Bayesian estimate is more robust to the sample variation and tends to have a smaller estimation error than those based on the DP prior. In certain settings, the new estimator can also beat Stein's estimator, Efron and Morris's limited-translation estimator, and many other existing empirical Bayes estimators. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 40: 328-344; 2012 © 2012 Statistical Society of Canada R´
Influence of illumination on dark current in charge-coupled device imagers

Thermal excitation of electrons is a major source of noise in charge-coupled-device (CCD) imagers. Those electrons are gen- erated even in the absence of light, hence, the name dark current. Dark current is particularly important for long exposure times and elevated temperatures. The standard procedure to correct for dark current is to take several pictures under the same condition as the real image, except with the shutter closed. The resulting dark frame is later subtracted from the exposed image. We address the ques- tion of whether the dark current produced in an image taken with a closed shutter is identical to the dark current produced in an expo- sure in the presence of light. In our investigation, we illuminated two different CCD chips with different intensities of light and measured the dark current generation. A surprising result of this study is that some pixels produce a different amount of dark current under illumi- nation. Finally, we discuss the implication of this finding for dark frame image correction. © 2009 SPIE and IS&T.
PA7300LC integrates cache for cost/performance

HP continues its development of low cost, high performance processors with an evolution of the PA7100LC which includes 128 kB of on-chip primary cache. It implements the full PA-RISC1.1 functionality including the little-endian, uncacheable memory, and multimedia extensions of the PA7100LC. The PA7300LC connects directly to an optional second level cache of 256 kB to 64 MB using plug-in cards. It also adds the ability to accelerate I/O stores to certain memory locations for greatly improved graphics performance. The cache system consists of on-chip, 2-way, separate instruction and data caches of 64 kB total each, plus the off-chip second level cache. Memory consists of 8 MB to 3.75 GB of standard DRAMs or SIMMs connecting directly to the processor chip, using either a 72 bit or 144 bit data path. The chip is fabricated in 0.5 micron, 4-level metal CMOS and is designed to run at frequencies up to 160 MHz. The PA7300LC exceeds performance levels of previous generation high-end workstations while lowering overall system cost and power consumption.
A high throughput DNA extraction method with high yield and quality

Background: Preparation of large quantity and high quality genomic DNA from a large number of plant samples is a major bottleneck for most genetic and genomic analyses, such as, genetic mapping, TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesion IN Genome), and next-generation sequencing directly from sheared genomic DNA. A variety of DNA preparation methods and commercial kits are available. However, they are either low throughput, low yield, or costly. Here, we describe a method for high throughput genomic DNA isolation from sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] leaves and dry seeds with high yield, high quality, and affordable cost. Results: We developed a high throughput DNA isolation method by combining a high yield CTAB extraction method with an improved cleanup procedure based on MagAttract kit. The method yielded large quantity and high quality DNA from both lyophilized sorghum leaves and dry seeds. The DNA yield was improved by nearly 30 fold with 4 times less consumption of MagAttract beads. The method can also be used in other plant species, including cotton leaves and pine needles. Conclusion: A high throughput system for DNA extraction from sorghum leaves and seeds was developed and validated. The main advantages of the method are low cost, high yield, high quality, and high throughput. One person can process two 96-well plates in a working day at a cost of $0.10 per sample of magnetic beads plus other consumables that other methods will also need.
College Students or Criminals? A Postcolonial Geographic Analysis of the Social Field of Whiteness at an Urban Community College Branch Campus and Suburban Main Campus:

Objective: This study illustrates how external factors of urban and suburban racializations contribute to criminalization and surveillance of an urban community college campus and bus shelters surr...
Wayfinding in Global Contexts – Mapping Localized Research Practices with Mobile Devices

Abstract Through the use of GPS-enabled mobile devices, writers are increasingly able to incorporate location into their writing and research and to do so from different points around the globe. This article articulates the importance of integrating location into writing research through wayfinding. The objective is to determine how writers locally situate their work in an increasingly globalized world. In so doing, the essay describes mobile tools, such as the Strava application and GPS-mapping, to demonstrate their usability and ubiquity. Further, findings include maps from the study which integrate student research into the global locations where that writing work happens. This form of visualizing research practice clarifies and reinforces student movement as an integral aspect of conducting research in global contexts.
Las supuestas tres etapas del seseo

A Amado Alonso se debe una teoria del origen del seseo, andaluz e hispanoamericano, encuadrada dentro de sus grandes estudios sobre el paso de la pronunciacion medieval a la moderna en espanol. Tanto estos ultimos estudios como los que versan especificamente sobre el seseo han ido recibiendo diversas criticas y rectificaciones por parte de varios estudiosos. Tres importantes puntos, sobre todo, han sido renovados: 1) el valor fonetico de las consonantes medievales representadas por c y z; 2) la interpretacion misma del fenomeno del seseo, considerado ahora como eliminacion de las antiguas ss y s en beneficio de c y z; y 3) se ha adelantado sensiblemente la cronologia del seseo: al siglo XV para Andalucia, frente al lapso 1546–1566 que proponia Alonso; la fecha del seseo americano experimento igualmente un avance analogo.1
Student Performance in an Undergraduate Advanced Real Estate Course: Real Estate Majors vs. Finance Majors

There are a number of studies that have examined the role of faculty, undergraduate and graduate curriculum, and textbook usage in real estate courses at the university level. There has been less w...
Abstract 9962: Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Carotid Distensibility are Associated with Incident Atrial Fibrillation: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background Increased carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and decreased carotid distensibility are associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. It is unclear whether these carotid indices are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence. In the ARIC cohort, we assessed whether carotid indices are associated with an increased risk of AF and improve risk prediction of AF. Methods We included 10,077 (mean age, 56.8 ± 5.7 yrs; 56% female; 24% black) subjects who were followed from 1990-92 through 2009. cIMT, arterial diameter change (ADC), Peterson’s elastic modulus (Ep), Young’s elastic modulus (YEM), and β index were measured using carotid ultrasound in 1990-92. Incident AF cases were identified from ECGs at study exams and hospitalization discharge codes. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to assess association between carotid indices and AF. Using the CHARGE AF score as the benchmark, we determined improvement in model discrimination by estimating the C statistic and calculating the net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). Results During follow-up (median 17.8 yrs), there were 1,028 incident AF cases. Greater levels of cIMT, Ep, and β index were significantly associated with an increased risk of AF (Table 1). The addition of cIMT and cIMT + plaque improved model discrimination marginally: C statistic (95% CI) improved from 0.795 (0.760-0.830) to 0.796 (0.761-0.831) and 0.797 (0.762-0.832), respectively. Although NRI was not statistically significant, IDI was significant for cIMT (P=0.02) and cIMT + plaque (P=0.005). Ep and β index did not improve model discrimination. Conclusions Increased cIMT and decreased carotid distensibility are associated with an increased risk of AF and modestly improve risk prediction of AF. This finding reinforces an emerging viewpoint on AF pathogenesis: AF is not purely an electrical disease, but is also a ‘vascular’ disease.
The Influence of Forage Type on the Production Response of Lactating Dairy Cows Supplemented with Different Types of Dietary Fat

Abstract Research has demonstrated a difference in fat utilization by lactating dairy cows with different dietary forage types. Responses appear to be greatest on alfalfa-based diets and poorest on all corn silage-based diets. The addition of extruded soybeans to dairy cow diets containing corn silage and alfalfa hay increased fat-corrected milk (FCM) production by an average of 2.4% compared to 10% for all alfalfa silage-based diets. In 11 experiments, the addition of whole cottonseed (WCS) to corn silage-based diets decreased FCM production by an average of 4% whereas the addition of WCS to alfalfa hay-based diets increased average milk fat percent and FCM production by 11 and 6%, respectively. When WCS was included in diets with corn silage as the primary forage and alfalfa hay or bermudagrass hay as a secondary forage, the fatinduced milk fat depression found on corn silagebased diets appeared to be alleviated. Alfalfa diets supplemented with yellow grease increased average milk production by 6.6% with milk fat percentage unchanged. Results supported the inclusion of tallow at 500 g/cow/day in diets based on ryegrass silage whereas the inclusion of tallow or blended animal-vegetable fats on corn silage- or cottonseed hull-based diets was not supported by summarized experiments. Supplementing corn silage/alfalfa silage-based diets with prilled fat increased FCM production by an average of 6.2% whereas the inclusion of prilled fat in alfalfa silage or corn silage based diets had inconsistent effects on production responses. The supplementation of different forage-based diets with Ca-salts of fatty acids resulted in an average FCM production increase of approximately 5%.
The Template of Photography in Nineteenth-century Architectural Representation

For the only perspectival view of the Bibliotheque Sainte-Genevieve he drew for publication in a professional magazine, Henri Labrouste traced a photograph commissioned for that purpose. Taken in 1852 by the Bisson Freres, the image is very likely the first commissioned photograph of a contemporary building as well as the firm’s first architectural photograph. This use of photography as a template in the architectural representation of a contemporary building predates by almost twenty years what later became common practice. Labrouste’s deployment of a mechanical interface in drawing mirrors his use of exposed iron in the building itself and carries with it many of the same implications regarding the search for a modern, realistic, and industrialized form of expression. In The Template of Photography in Nineteenth-century Architectural Representation, Neil Levine marshals histories of the book and of photography to help explain the context in which Labrouste developed this idea.