cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solution for India Towards Clean and CO2 Efficient Mobility (2009-26-0075)

In the recent times in India the importance of environment, energy and CO2 reduction are being discussed and debated by all the government environmental agencies, automotive manufacturers and Tier-1 suppliers. With the advent of Tata Nano and introduction of other low end vehicles into the Indian automotive space, it is estimated that the number of on road vehicles would definitely cross over 40 Million by 2012. With this expected surge in the vehicle population on Indian roads the air quality has become a major concern to the government which in turn puts the pressure on the local OEM’s. This also calls for the enforcement of the strict emission norms (like BSIII and BSIV) and CO 2 reduction regulations as already announced in EU and USA. All the aforesaid statements definitely pose a greater challenge on the vehicle design aspects which include the efficient energy management system, implementation of stop/start and hybridization, electronically enabled engine management systems and CO 2 reduction in power train systems etc. Furthermore all the techniques mentioned above could only be achieved by incorporating efficient and powerful semiconductor systems like high performance microcontroller based EMSs, IGBT and microcontroller based hybrid systems etc. The scope of this paper discusses the detailed analysis of the technologies that could be implemented in all the vehicles which would enable CO 2 reduction and achieve the enforced emission standards for greener future. It also provides an insight into some technological challenges and solutions with semiconductors which could be successfully implemented with out compromising the safety and reliability aspects of the vehicle design. In extension to this, it also covers the importance of introducing semiconductors in the Indian automotive space today, which is the best solution for a greener tomorrow.
Investigating the authenticity of computer- and paper-based ESL writing tests

Abstract An assumption underlying replacing traditional paper-based (PB) writing tests with computer-based (CB) tests is that CB writing tests are more authentic than PB tests (Lessien, 2013). This study tested this assumption by examining the effect of test mode on the situational and interactive authenticity of English as a second language (ESL) writing assessments using an embedded correlational model of mixed-methods design. Sixty international ESL students enrolled at a university in the United States completed two writing tasks in the CB and PB modes. The participants then filled out cognitive processing questionnaires and participated in a post-test interview. All essays were scored by two raters both holistically and analytically. The results indicated higher authenticity for the CB test but also uncovered some concerns with the effect of typing skills on CB test performance. The findings have practical implications for test development, administration policies, and stakeholders in choosing delivery mode for ESL writing assessments.
Second Order Techniques for Learning Time-series with Structural Breaks

We study fundamental problems in learning nonstationary time-series: how to effectively regularize time-series models and how to adaptively tune forgetting rates. The effectiveness of L2 regularization depends on the choice of coordinates, and the variables need to be appropriately normalized. In nonstationary environment, however, what is appropriate can vary over time. Proposed regularization is invariant to the invertible linear transformation of coordinates, eliminating the necessity of normalization. We also propose an ensemble learning approach to adaptively tuning the forgetting rate and regularization-coefficient. We train multiple models with varying hyperparameters and evaluate their performance by the use of multiple hyper forgetting rates. At each step, we choose the best performing model on the basis of the best performing hyper forgetting rate. The effectiveness of the proposed approaches is demonstrated with real time-series.
Education Regarding and Adherence to Recommended Nutrition Guidelines among Dental Students

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) were developed to reduce or prevent many types of chronic illness, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Healthcare provider recommendations may be influenced by understanding of and adherence to the DGA, which may be incorporated into provider training, medical and dental clinical curricula-although few studies have evaluated adherence to the DGA among dental students. This approved retrospective study of voluntary student responses from a first-year dental school nutrition course included a short dietary and exercise survey administered as part of the DGA learning module. A total of N = 299 students completed the voluntary nutrition survey, yielding a response rate of 91.4%. Daily fruit and vegetable intake, dairy and whole grain servings among UNLV-SDM students were significantly lower than the DGA recommendations but higher than U.S. averages for 18-30-year-olds-although neither group met DGA recommendations. This study represents one of the first to evaluate the dietary intake of U.S. dental students for comparison with the DGA for positive health behaviors. These data demonstrate a lack of adherence to the DGA among highly educated dental students and the need for the curricular inclusion of diet and nutrition into the dental school curriculum.
How Updates in Chicago Classification Impact Clinical Practice

Chicago Classification version 4.0 (CC v4.0), published in 2021, presents several modifications largely aimed at minimizing over-diagnosis of inconclusive patterns on high-resolution manometry (HRM...
Neoliberal etiology and educational failure: A critical exploration

Blaming teachers and schools for perceived or actual educational failures are popular tropes for justifying educational reforms in the United States. Critical educational research implicates neolib...
Association of patient, provider and facility related characteristics with statin associated side effects and statin use: Insight from the veteran's affairs healthcare system.

Background Statin associated side effects (SASE) are a leading cause of statin discontinuation. Objective We evaluated patient, provider, and facility characteristics associated with SASEs and whether these characteristics impact statin utilization. Methods Patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) receiving care across the Veterans Affairs healthcare system from October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015 were included. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine (a) factors associated with SASE and (b) factors associated with statin use in those with SASE. Results Our cohort included 1,225,576 patients with ASCVD. Of these, 171,189 (13.7%) had at least 1 reported SASE since year 2000. The most significant odds for SASEs were observed with female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36, 1.45), White race (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.41, 1.45), hypertension (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.33, 1.41) and ischemic heart disease (IHD: OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.43, 1.47). Lower odds were noted with care at a teaching facility (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.88, 0.90). Factors most associated with being on a statin among patients with SASE included having diabetes (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.15, 1.20), IHD (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.35, 1.43) and a higher number of cardiology visits (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.07, 1.09), while female sex was associated with lower odds (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.61, 0.69). Conclusion There are significant disparities in statin use by sex, ASCVD type, and comorbidities among secondary prevention patients with SASE, which represent areas for improvement in optimizing statin utilization.
Fluorescence assays for G-protein interactions.

Publisher Summary Several fluorescence spectroscopic approaches have been investigated over the past several years for monitoring the guanosine-5'-triphosphate (GTP)-binding/GTPase cycle of G proteins and for monitoring the interactions of G-protein α and βγ subunits with one another and with the receptor and effector proteins. The vertebrate phototransduction system is used as a model for investigations because it is possible to isolate each of the components of this system in milligram quantities and in highly purified form. This system is comprised of the receptor protein rhodopsin, the G protein transducin, and the effector enzyme, the cyclic guanosine-monophosphate (GMP) phosphodiesterase; light activation of rhodopsin stimulates the exchange of guanosine-diphosphate (GDP) for GTP on transducin, and it leads to the stimulation of cyclic GMP hydrolysis by the phosphodiesterase. It is expected that the development of fluorescence approaches for studying the phototransduction system will be generally applicable to a number of G-protein signaling systems, especially as expression systems are developed for the large-scale generation of various signaling proteins. This chapter describes techniques that have been used to monitor the GTP-binding and the GTPase activities of G-protein a subunits through changes in intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence and the use of extrinsic reporter groups to read out G-protein interactions with other signal transduction components.
Twenty Years on: A Second Look at 10 Important Social Impact Characteristics of Computer Technology

Twenty years ago, Liffick [38] explored 10 characteristics of computer technology that contributed to their impact on societal issues of that era. The purpose of this exploration was to “anticipate the social consequences of a new product and mitigate any potential negative effects it may have on society.” Furthermore, “the intent of developing a list of these characteristics is that it could lead to a better understanding of the nature of the social impact of computers. In this way, it might be possible to examine a new computer project at the time of its design … to determine its potential impacts as a social change agent”. The purpose of this current paper is to review the characteristics originally proposed to determine whether they are more or less relevant, given the enormous changes in computer technology (CT) in the last 20 years.
Nicotinic Acid Metabolism VIII. TRACER STUDIES ON THE INTERMEDIARY ROLES OF α-METHYLENEGLUTARATE, METHYLITACONATE, DIMETHYLMALEATE, AND PYRUVATE

Abstract Extracts of nicotinate-grown Clostridum barkeri ferment [7-14C]nicotinate to 14CO2 and a mixture of volatile and non-volatile acidic products. This conversion is markedly stimulated by the addition of certain intermediates of the over-all fermentation pathway, namely pyruvate, α-methyleneglutarate, methylitaconate, or dimethylmaleate. In large scale experiments [14C]α-methyleneglutarate, [14C]methylitaconate, and [14C]dimethylmaleate were detected among the products of [7-14C]nicotinate metabolism. When specifically labeled α-methyleneglutarate and dimethylmaleate were fermented, the distribution of 14C among the final products (acetate, propionate, and carbon dioxide) was as predicted from the earlier tracer experiments. The carboxyl carbon of pyruvate is the most likely precursor of carbon dioxide in the fermentation.
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Rural Healthcare: A Case Study on Farmers with Disabilities

The impact of disability on farmers' personal affairs and work capacity has consequences not only on farmers, but also on their families, farm operations, and communities. Living in a rural area can play a role in recovery after disease or injury in that beneficial therapy services may not be available due to barriers such as meeting the needs of a widespread population, lack of physician referral, and travel time. To gain the perspective of the impact of disability on farmers' lives, face-to-face interviews were conducted with two farmers in rural Nebraska. Through these discussions five similar themes emerged which include: adaptations, safety, family assistance, therapy services, and specialty services.
Lattice structures for time-variant interpolation problems

The authors derive a recursive solution for a general time-variant interpolation problem of the Hermite-Fejer type, based on a fast algorithm for the recursive triangular factorization of time-variant structured matrices. The solution follows from studying the properties of an associated transmission-line. The line can be drawn as a cascade of first-order lattice sections, where each section is composed of a rotation matrix followed by a storage element and a tapped-delay filter. An application of the recursive algorithm to a so-called model validation (or Caratheodory-Fejer) problem is discussed. >
The Value of Things to Come

Human-Built World How to Think about Technology and Culture. Thomas P. Hughes. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2004. 235 pp. $22.50, £16. ISBN 0-226-35933-6. In discussions that stress that technology is far more than gadgetry, Hughes draws on history, art, literature, and architecture to explore the complex and varied nature of technology.
Fabrication, packaging, and testing of a wafer-bonded microvalve

The authors report the complete fabrication and packaging process which yields functional pressure-balanced microvalves and report the results on the fluidic behavior of the valve using pneumatic actuation. The process to implement the valve uses three silicon wafer bonding steps to form the structure. The valve is packaged by anodically bonding a machined glass part having the appropriately sized inlet and outlet ports to the top surface of the microvalve. A chrome/platinum layer on the glass side prevents the valve plunger from bonding to the glass so that the valve can be successfully actuated. Flow rates of up to 120 ml/min were measured when the differential pressure across the valve was 35 psi and the pneumatic actuation pressure was 5 psi absolute. The on-off ratio has been estimated to be over 300. The pressure-balancing concept has been shown to be successful. >
A 'Traditionalist's' Approach to Teaching O'Brien and to Ideology in the Classroom

This article attempts to provide an eclectic approach to teaching O'Brien v. Cunard S.S. Co., 28 N.E. 266 (Mass. 1891), reprinted at 57 Mo. L. Rev. 347 (1992) in a first year Torts course. The piece acknowledges the strength of seeing cases like O'Brien through the lens of critical legal theory, law and economics, feminism, and critical race theory, but in the end rejects any single approach in favor of a kind of unabashed eclecticism. It strongly suggests that teaching law from a single approach runs the risk of overreaching and coercion. In addition, it pointed out the utility of having professors who approach law from different "schools" of thought compare notes on how their perspectives color what and how they teach their students.
Understanding and Developing Resistance in Hemlocks to the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Abstract In light of the increasing need for long-term, sustainable management for Adelges tsugae (Hemlock Woolly Adelgid), researchers are investigating host-plant resistance as part of an integrated approach to combat the pest. This paper reviews the progress made towards developing a resistant hemlock in the southern Appalachians and highlights the importance of investing research and development resources in this field. Along with describing inter- and intraspecific resistance in hemlocks, this paper reviews investigations into resistance mechanisms and outlines the many options for actions that could be or are being taken to increase resistance and restore hemlock forests.
Self-Efficacy and the First-Year University Student’s Authority of Knowledge: An Exploratory Study

Interviews with a small group of first-year university students assessed perceived self-efficacy in the domain of the ability to locate information in two different research contexts. The study paid particular attention to differences between female and male participant responses. Directions emerged for further research into the relationship between students' perceived self-efficacy with regard both to locating information and to constructing new knowledge.
LIGAND-BRIDGED HETEROBIMETALLIC POLYMERS : SILVER(I)-BENZOTHIADIAZOLE-NICKEL PORPHYRIN CATION-BENZOTHIADIAZOLE ARRAYS

Stable crystals of (NiOETPP(BTD)2+)(Ag+)(ClO4)2·2CH2Cl2 were obtained from the oxidation of NiOETPP with AgClO4 in CH2Cl2 followed by addition of BTD. (OETPP = 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethyl-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin; BTD = 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole). An X-ray structure reveals that the complex is a bimetallic polymeric aggregate composed of [−Ag+−BTD−NiP+−BTD−] subunits in which the BTDs act as bidentate ligands that bind to the Ni and Ag ions via their their two nitrogens. As in the parent NiOETPP, the ligated oxidized porphyrin adopts a severely distorted saddle conformation. The saddle distortion and peripheral substituents form superstructural trenches that control the orientations of the two BTD axial ligands which are forced into a nearly orthogonal configuration along the axes defined by opposite porphyrin nitrogens.
A case-control investigation of alcohol, tobacco, and diet in head and neck cancer.

Abstract The importance of both smoking and drinking as risk factors in head and neck cancer was confirmed in a case-control investigation of 150 patients with cancer of the head and neck and 319 with other cancers diagnosed during the prior 2-yr period at five selected hospitals in New York City. Nonsmoking drinkers were at only slightly higher risk to head and neck cancer, whereas nondrinking smokers had 2 to 4 times the risk of abstainers of alcohol and tobacco. The risk for a heavy drinker who smoked was from 6 to 15 times greater than for the nondrinker and nonsmoker. Smoking and drinking appear to be less important risk factors in head and neck cancer that occurred in individuals age 65 and over. The average age of nonsmokers and nondrinkers with head and neck cancer was about 15 yr older than for nonabstaining head and neck cancer patients or for patients with nonsmoking-related cancer sites. A significantly greater proportion of head and neck cancer patients reported use of multiple alcoholic beverages than “other” cancer patients during the 5-yr period prior to diagnosis. Comparison of reported dietary intake between head and neck cancer and the control patients revealed little difference. Almost one-half of the total group of cancer patients were apparently unaware of their diagnosis or its implications.
Towards Reproducible eScience in the Cloud

Whether it be data from ubiquitous devices such as sensors or data generated from telescopes or other laboratory instruments, technology apparent in many scientific disciplines is generating data at rates never witnessed before. Computational scientists are among the many who perform inductive experiments and analyses on these data with the goal of answering scientific questions. These computationally demanding experiments and analyses have become a common occurrence, resulting in a shift in scientific discovery, and thus leading to the term eScience. To perform eScience experiments and analysis at scale, one must have an infrastructure with enough computing power and storage space. The advent of cloud computing has allowed infrastructures and platforms to be created with theoretical limitless bounds, thus providing an attractive solution to this need. In this work, we create a reproducible process for the construction of eScience computing environments on top of cloud computing infrastructures. Our solution separates the construction of these environments into two distinct layers: (1) the infrastructure layer and (2) the software layer. We provide results of running our framework on two different computational clusters within two separate cloud computing environments to demonstrate that our framework can facilitate the replication or extension of an eScience experiment.
Student Perspectives on Teaching and its Evaluation

The research on student ratings of instruction, while voluminous, has had minimal focus on the perceptions of the students who do the ratings. The current study explored student perspectives on course and teacher ratings as well as some issues related to teaching effectiveness and faculty roles. It was found that students are generally willing to do evaluations and to provide feedback, and have no particular fear of repercussions. However, they have little confidence that faculty or administrators pay attention to the results, and do not even consult the ratings themselves. The students view teaching and advising as the most important roles that should be played by faculty, yet project that faculty, while also viewing teaching as the most important, would rank research above the more student-interactive advising. Canonical correlations among various scales reveal a strong emphasis on such issues of the importance of faculty respect for student views.
CHARACTERIZATION OF CYTOKINE, GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR, COSTIMULATORY AND ADHESION MOLECULE EXPRESSION PATTERNS OF BONE MARROW BLASTS IN RELAPSED CHILDHOOD B CELL PRECURSOR ALL

Abstract Relapse of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) comprises a leading challenge of investigation. Characterization of leukaemic cells regarding their potency to express growth factors and surface molecules can provide insight into their aberrant biology. Thus, we analyzed bone marrow blasts from 10 children with relapsed B cell precursor ALL. The gene and protein expression of essential haematopoietic growth factors (IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15, IFN-γ, G-CSFR), their corresponding receptors as well as the expression pattern of adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, CD58) and costimulatory proteins (CD40, CD40L, B7.1, B7.2, CD28, MHC-I and II) was analyzed by RT-PCR and flow cytometry. Constitutive gene expression was found for IL-7, IL-10, IL-15 and IFN-γ and their corresponding receptors. Flow-cytometric analysis showed that IL-10R, IL-7Rα, IL-4Rα and the γcchain are constitutively expressed, and that some cells bear the G-CSFR. IL-10 and IL-15 protein-producing leukaemic cells were easily detectable. The neoplastic cells mainly lack B7.1, and ICAM-1 is mostly decreased. Furthermore, high CD40, and, surprisingly, CD40L expression could be found. These studies show that ALL cells are likely to be sensitive to many growth factors and some factors are produced by the neoplastic cell itself. The secretion of IL-10 by leukaemic cells, and the absence or downregulation of conventional adhesion and costimulatory molecules might represent an effective mechanism of escape of immune surveillance in relapsed ALL.
Polarized light scattering from surface contaminants

Abstract We develop a model to estimate the polarization state of the scattered light from certain surface particulates illuminated at near-grazing incidence. The polarization state of the light scattered by the isolated particle must resemble that of a Rayleigh particle. Although this condition appears constraining, it holds approximately for several particle systems, including Arizona Road Dust. The model results are independent of the actual shape and refractive index of the contaminant, but are sensitive to the dimensions of the particle and may be used in sizing contaminants on substrates. We examine the sensitivity of the model to contaminant size and compare the model with experimental results.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of New Capacitive Switches Activated by Mechanical Shock and Acceleration

This paper presents experimental and theoretical investigation into the characteristics and performance of a new class of switches (triggers) actuated at or beyond a specific level of mechanical shock or acceleration. The principle of operation of the switches is based on dynamic pull-in instability induced by the combined interaction between electrostatic and mechanical shock forces. Two commercial off-the-shelf capacitive accelerometers operating in air are tested under mechanical shock and electrostatic loading. A single-degree-of-freedom model accounting for squeeze-film damping, electrostatic forces, and mechanical shock is utilized for the theoretical investigation. Good agreement is found between the simulation results and experimental data. Our results indicate that designing these new switches to respond quasi-statically to mechanical shock makes them robust against variations in shock shape and duration. More importantly, this makes the switches insensitive to variations in damping conditions. This can be promising to lower the cost of packaging for these switches since they can operate in atmospheric pressure with no hermetic sealing or costly package required.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
LLCD Operations Using the Optical Communications Telescope Laboratory (OCTL)

The Optical Communications Telescope Laboratory (OCTL) located on Table Mountain near Wrightwood, CA served as an alternate ground terminal to the Lunar Laser Communications Demonstration (LLCD), the first free-space laser communication demonstration from lunar distances. The Lunar Lasercom OCTL Terminal (LLOT) Project utilized the existing 1m diameter OCTL telescope by retrofitting: (i) a multi-beam 1568 nm laser beacon transmitter; (ii) a tungsten silicide (WSi) superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD) receiver for 1550 nm downlink; (iii) a telescope control system with the functionality required for laser communication operations; and (iv) a secure network connection to the Lunar Lasercom Operations Center (LLOC) located at the Lincoln Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (LL-MIT). The laser beacon transmitted from Table Mountain was acquired by the Lunar Lasercom Space Terminal (LLST) on-board the Lunar Atmospheric Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) spacecraft and a 1550 nm downlink at 39 and 78 Mb/s was returned to LLOT. Link operations were coordinated by LLOC. During October and November of 2013, twenty successful links were accomplished under diverse conditions. In this paper, a brief system level description of LLOT along with the concept of operations and selected results are presented.
Two-dimensional deep-seated slope stability analysis of embankments over stone column-improved soft clay

A two-dimensional (2D) finite difference method was adopted in this study to estimate the factor of safety (FS) against deep-seated failure of embankments over stone column-improved soft clay based on individual column and equivalent area models. In the equivalent area model, the equivalent parameters (unit weight, cohesion, and friction angle) for the improved area were estimated based on the area average of the parameters from stone columns and soft clay. The factors influencing the FS against deep-seated failure of embankments over stone column-improved soft clay were investigated including the spacing, size, and friction angle of stone columns, cohesion of soft clay, friction angle and height of embankment fill, and existence of ground water. Based on the numerical results, a reduction factor was proposed to account for the difference in the FS when the individual column model is converted to the equivalent area model. The effects of the influence factors on the reduction factor were also investigated. The comparative study shows that the FS values obtained by the equivalent area model are higher than those by the individual column model. The results of these analyses are summarized into a series of design charts, which can be used in engineering practice. A reduction factor for FS of 0.90 is appropriate to convert the calculated FS by the equivalent area model to that by the individual column model based on the current study. Furthermore, the existence of the water table results in lower FS values than the cases without considering a water table because the groundwater reduces the shear strength of the improved foundation.
Solidification of ternary metal alloys—II. Predictions of convective phenomena and solidification behavior in Pb-Sb-Sn alloys

Abstract In Part I of this work, the continuum mixture model for binary alloys was extended to three component systems and used an idealized ternary phase diagram to provide the supplemental thermodynamic relations needed to close the model. In this paper, the new model is applied to the solidification of four lead-rich Pb-Sb-Sn alloys. System-specific information needed to close the model presented in Part I is extracted from the lead-antimony-tin phase diagram. Numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate similarities and differences between the macrosegregation patterns and convective flows of these ternary alloys and of two component systems. Macrosegregation of the solutes is altered significantly from the familiar patterns of the binary systems only when solidification in the doubly saturated binary troughs occurs near the liquidus interface. If the secondary and tertiary crystallization occur deep in the mushy zone, the resulting microsegregation has only small effects on the final redistribution of solute.
A COMBINED COMPUTATIONAL/EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF FLUORESCENT GOLD NANOCLUSTER COMPLEXES

We present a combined computational/experimental study of fluorescent Au nanocluster complexes synthesized using small biological molecules. Using density-functional theory, we calculated the binding energy, HOMO–LUMO gap, charge transfer, and bond length of the ligand–Au nanocluster systems. These calculations suggest the formation of ligand–Au nanocluster complexes. We further simulated the HOMO/LUMO states and the absorption spectra of the complexes. The HOMO and LUMO states of the complexes were confined within the Au nanoclusters, suggesting little ligand intrinsic fluorescence. The simulated absorption spectra agreed reasonably well with the experimental data. The simulation results of different systems demonstrate the strong ligand effects on the fluorescent emissions of ligand–Au nanocluster complexes. Our studies provide valuable information for the rational design of next-generation fluorescent tags.
Behavioral, affective, and cognitive effects of participant modeling and an equally credible placebo*

Thirty-eight subjects fearful of snakes were given one session of either participant modeling, an initially equally credible placebo treatment, or were in a notreatment control condition. Subjects in the two treatments showed significant changes on both behavioral and self-report indices, with the participant modeling producing significantly greater improvement than the other conditions. Betweengroup differences were not obtained at a 4-week follow-up, possibly a result of shortness of treatment and differential attribution. Although initially equivalent across treatments, credibility increased significantly for the participant modeling group and stayed virtually the same for the placebo group. Different concepts of credibility are postulated, with the observed increase in credibility attributed to self-observed behavior change for recipients of participant modeling.
Generation and transmission of eight-channel DWDM signals with 10 Gbit/s payloads and 2.5 Gbit/s labels over 200 km SMF-28

Generation of WDM labels over payload has been demonstrated using optical carrier suppression and separation. Eight-channel DWDM payloads and labels with ER larger than 11 dB were transmitted over 200 km SMF-28 with small power penalty (<0.5 dB) and no error floor.
Optimization of MBE-grown GaSb buffer layers and surface effects of antimony stabilization flux

Abstract Growth optimization of unintentionally doped GaSb buffer layers on (1 0 0) GaSb substrates by molecular beam epitaxy is reported. Several growth parameters were varied to determine the optimal oxide desorption and GaSb growth conditions, as well as to investigate the conditions under which antimony condenses on the wafer surface. Variation of group-V stabilization flux level, timing of flux application during wafer heating and cooling, desorption anneal temperature, and GaSb growth temperature were investigated. Epilayer quality was gauged by optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, 77 K photoluminescence, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results indicate that growth of GaSb at 520 ∘ C , the highest temperature used here, combined with appropriate heating and cooling steps produces the highest quality bulk GaSb.
Direct electron transfer in nanostructured sol–gel electrodes containing bilirubin oxidase

Bilirubin oxidase encapsulated within a silica sol–gel/carbon nanotube composite electrode effectively catalyzed the reduction of molecular oxygen into water through direct electron transfer at the carbon nanotube electrode surface. In this nanocomposite approach, the silica matrix is designed to be sufficiently porous for substrate molecules to have access to the enzyme and yet provides a protective cage for immobilization without affecting biological activity. The incorporation of carbon nanotubes adds electrical connectivity and increases active electrode surface area. The standard surface electron transfer rate constant was calculated to be 59 s−1 which indicates that the carbon nanotube side walls are primarily responsible for electron transfer. The use of direct electron transfer processes simplifies biofuel cell fabrication by eliminating the need for redox mediator and ion-conducting separators.
Stimulation of lymphocyte receptor capping by the ionophore monensin.

The carboxylic ionophore monensin has a biphasic effect on antibody-induced Thy-1 cap formation. At higher concentrations, 5×10−6−5×10−5m monensin causes a significant inhibition of receptor capping similar to that previously found with the Ca2+ selective ionophore A23187. At lower concentrations, 5×10−8−5×10−7m capping is stimulated. It is concluded that capping at lower ionophore concentrations is a secific response to the ability of monensin to induce a rise in intracellular Na+, which indirectly elevates intracellular Ca2+ activity. This in turn activates the contractile machinery required for the aggregation of surface receptors into capped structures. At higher concentrations monensin acts as a nonspecific detergent, which causes detrimental structural alterations in some of the membrane components involved in the capping process.
Transient-boundary voltage method for measurement of equivalent circuit components of rechargeable batteries

Abstract A method is presented for measuring the equivalent circuit components of rechargeable batteries. The temporal discharge–rest–charge–rest sequence of a rechargeable battery is described, using the principles of transient circuit analysis, to derive equations for the battery voltage as a function of time during voltage transients and at the boundaries at transitions between transient phases. The equations lead to a new measurement method for battery characterization. The equivalent circuit of the battery is described as an ideal voltage source in series with a resistor and the parallel combination of a resistor and a capacitor. The battery model uses different values of resistance and capacitance, in the parallel combination, during the different phases of the discharge–rest–charge–rest sequence. The method is used to measure the circuit parameters of a nickel–cadmium battery.
Eruptive vellus hair cysts--an inherited disorder.

A patient, her mother, and three siblings were noted to have benign papular eruptions—by history or physical examination—that were similar in appearance and distribution. The histologic findings confirm the diagnosis of a recently described entity, eruptive vellus hair cysts. This is the first evidence suggesting a hereditary nature for this disorder.
Development of an artificial neural network correlation for prediction of overall gas holdup in bubble column reactors

Abstract In the literature, several correlations have been proposed for gas holdup prediction in bubble columns. However, these correlations fail to predict gas holdup over a wide range of conditions. Based on a databank of around 3500 measurements collected from the open literature, a correlation for gas holdup was derived using a combination of Dimensional Analysis and artificial neural network (ANN) modeling. The overall gas holdup was found to be a function of four dimensionless groups: Re g , Fr g , Eo / Mo , and ρ g / ρ L . Statistical analysis showed that the proposed correlation has an average absolute relative error (AARE) of 15% and a standard deviation of 14%. A comparison with selected correlations in the literature showed that the developed ANN correlation noticeably improved prediction of overall gas holdup. The developed correlation also shows better prediction over a wide range of operating conditions, physical properties, and column diameters, and it predicts properly the trend of the effect of the operating and design parameters on overall gas holdup.
Synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of [Me2NH2]+[Al(OSiMe3)4]− and Al2(OSiMe3)6

Abstract The reaction between Al2(NMe2)6 and excess Me3SiOH in hydrocarbon solvents yields [Me2NH2]+[Al(OSiMe3)4]− (I), which has been characterized by X-ray crystallography. Hydrogen bonding occurs between oxygen atoms on the siloxides and hydrogen atoms of the dimethylammonium cations. Under a dynamic vacuum I sublimes (50°C, 10−2 torr) but with some decomposition to Al2(OSiMe3)6 (II). The latter compound is better prepared by addition of Me3SiOH to Al(OPri)3. The addition of Me3SiOH and Me2NH to hydrocarbon solutions of II regenerates I. These results are compared with previous studies of the reaction between Al2(NMe2)6 and ButOH. The X-ray crystal structure of II has been determined at −100°C.
Polarization-Spatial-Mode Entanglement of Photon Pairs

We developed a scheme to prepare photon pairs in polarization-spatial-mode entangled states. This entailed sending polarization-entangled states to a polarization interferometer where diffractive-optical elements encode spatial modes onto the light.
A Random Stroll

The interdisciplinary scope of Human Studies is both outstanding and unique. While many journals invite or encourage interdisciplinary research that spans the sciences and humanities, few journals deliver on their promise. The complexity and even surge of issues in today's socio-political-economic worlds require just such journals. With the rise in technology and the ever increasing hegemony of the sciences, a?dare I use the word??humanistically informed scientific perspective is at risk of disappearing. Among other things, this perspective keeps alive inquiries into meaning. In so doing, it keeps alive inquiries that acknowledge resonant living subjects and takes them into sub? stantive account. Such inquiries are categorically different from those rooted in information, information-processing, and-presuming they exist since they are not ordinarily mentioned ? information-processors. Inquiries into mean? ing furthermore engender values different from those rooted in an informa? tional epistemology. In what follows, I would like to try to demonstrate major values attaching to a humanistically-informed perspective by showing how the interdiscipli? nary research of Human Studies prominences these values. The way in which I've chosen to do this is by taking a random stroll through past issues of Hu? man Studies. I picked articles in journals from 1978 to 1996 at random1 with the idea of using each of them to exemplify interdisciplinary research that links the sciences and the humanities and that implicitly if not explicitly demon? strates a primary concern with living subjects and with meaning in particular.
Culture contact through literature performance

A reading hour series titled “Culture Contact: Performance of Cultural Literatures” is described. Interpretation class assignments could offer similar benefits to performers and listeners.
First Report of Colletotrichum lupini on Lupinus hartwegii and L. mutabilis.

During the 2013 winter cut flower production season, a severe anthracnose epidemic was observed on Lupinus mutabilis (syn L. cruckshanksii) on a commercial flower farm in Martin County, FL. Approximately 50% of the crop was lost to the disease. Symptoms included dark brown, irregularly shaped leaf spots, but more typically, there was a single severe twist in the stem, forming a distinctive necrotic crook. Margins of necrotic lesions were excised and surface sterilized by immersion in 1% sodium hypochlorite for 90 s, rinsed in sterile deionized water, and plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA). Plates were incubated at approximately 27°C with cycles of 12 h light/12 h darkness. Infected tissue consistently produced colonies that were typical of the genus Colletotrichum. Conidia were primarily oval, with one rounded end and one pointed end, and were highly variable in size, ranging from 10 to 15 μm in length and 3.5 to 5.5 μm in width. Cultures were gray with orange spots, and no setae were observed. These ...
Exploring the Potential of Information Gathering Robots

Autonomous mobile robots equipped with a number of sensors will soon be ubiquitous in human populated environments. In this paper we present an initial exploration into the potential of using such robots for information gathering. We present findings from a formative user survey and a 4-day long Wizard-of-Oz deployment of a robot that answers questions such as "Is there free food on the kitchen table?" Our studies allow us to characterize the types of information that InfoBots might be most useful for.
Mechanisms of neutrophil damage to human alveolar extracellular matrix: The role of serine and metalloproteases

Abstract Many syndromes of lung injury are associated with accumulation of neutrophils within the pulmonary parenchyma. These neutrophils have the capacity to produce lung injury by products including proteases and reactive oxygen species (ROS). We examined the ability of activated neutrophils to solubilize human alveolar extracellular matrix (ECM), and by use of scavengers and inhibitors, evaluated the role of ROS and proteases in this process. Supernatants of phorbol myristate acetate-activated neutrophils routinely solubilized 10.2% ± 0.8% (n = 30) of collagen in human alveolar ECM, as measured by hydroxyproline release. Scavengers of ROS had no significant effect on ECM solubilization. Inhibitors of metalloproteases partially inhibited ECM solubilization (38.5% ± 4.6% inhibition by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [n = 6], and 37.0% ± 14.7% by 1,10-phenanthroline [n = 6]; p α 1 -protease inhibitor [α 1 -PI] [n = 6] and 81.9% ± 0.1% by soybean trypsin inhibitor [n = 6]; p 1 -PI completely inhibited solubilization, metalloprotease activity appeared to be related to serine protease activity. This finding was confirmed by the observation that addition of a metalloenzyme activator, p-aminophenylmercuric acetate, in the presence of α 1 -PI, restored solubilization to the same level as that inhibited by metal chelators. We conclude that human neutrophil metalloproteases and serine proteases directly solubilize human alveolar ECM. Furthermore, neutrophil serine proteases activate latent metalloproteases. However, ROS were not demonstrated to play a major role in ECM solubilization in our system.
Severe adolescent head injury: Implications for transition into adult life

This report describes the outcomes of 28 children who had severe head injuries between 13-18 years of age. All were unconscious at least 24 hours and have been followed at least 2 years after injury. At present, their ages range from 18 to 27 years. Their educational achievements, social activities, marital status, functional independence, and employment at follow-up are described.
Atmospheric trace metals and sulfate in the Greenland Ice Sheet

Abstract Chemical analyses of surface snow and dated deep ice core samples from central Greenland suggest that Zn, Pb and sulfate are presently being deposited there at two to three times the natural rates. No recent increases in Cd or V concentrations were observed. Pre-1900 ice shows no measurable effect of the activities of man and represents a good natural aerosol baseline. High enrichment factors relative to average crustal material were observed for Zn, Pb, Cd and sulfate in all samples indicating a natural source other than continental dust is responsible. A high temperature process or vapor phase origin for these enriched elements, possibly volcanism, seems likely.
Probing cytoskeleton modulation by optical biosensors.

This paper reported the use of resonant waveguide grating biosensors for studying the cytoskeleton structure in cells. This was achieved by measuring the changes in mass within the bottom portion of cells upon exposure to saponin in the absence and presence of cytoskeleton modulators. Treatment of Chinese hamster ovary cells with saponin led to a dose-dependent and dynamic mass changes. When a higher concentration of saponin (>60 μg/ml) was used, a net loss in mass was observed. This is probably resulted from the diffusion of soluble intracellular materials away from the bottom portion of cells after pore formation in the cell plasma membranes by saponin. The pretreatment of cells with actin disruption agents, cytochalasin B and latrunculin A, led to significantly increased loss in cell mass induced by either 75 or 125 μg/ml saponin. These results suggested that optical biosensors provide an attractive means to study the cytoskeleton structure and screen modulators that affect the cytoskeleton structure.
Microstructural Evolution of Copper Thick Films Observed by Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy

A generic copper thick film ink system was formulated to be representative of the inks currently used in industry. The microstructural evolution of two of the copper-based inks based on the generic composition was investigated using an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) equipped with a hot stage. The first ink, consisting of copper and organic constituents (binder and solvent), oxidized heavily during firing while the second ink, consisting of copper, glass, and organic constituents, oxidized only slightly. The sequence of events observed in firing the ink comprised of copper, glass, and organics is as follows : The burnout process reached completion by about 320°C. Copper oxidation was observed to occur between 500° and 600°C in nitrogen. The glass was observed to soften over the same temperature range. By 700°C, the glass had softened and coated the copper particles. Prior to glass softening, oxidation occurred regardless of the presence of the glass. However, once the glass had softened, copper oxidation was retarded. Cu 2 O was found to be sufficiently soluble in the glass to allow it to be removed from the surfaces of the copper particles. Thus, the presence of glass facilitated the formation of conductive paths by two mechanisms. It inhibited oxidation and it dissolved the oxide that formed. Both processes allowed effective sintering.
THE CATABOLISM OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE: THE STABILITY OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE IN BLOOD, PLASMA, SERUM, AND SALINE1

Provisional USP Corticotropin (porcine ACTH) is inactivated by dog blood, plasma, and serum at 37° C in 3– 4 hours. This ACTH is stable in 0.9% sodium chloride over a temperature range of 20–37° C and a pH range of 2–7 for at least 5–6 hours. It is also generally stable in 0.9% sodium chloride for at least one hour at 100° C at a pH of 1–2 but some experiments suggested slight reduction of activity under these conditions. Endogenous ACTH activity in human plasma is destroyed at 37° C but appears to be stable for at least 5–6 months in the frozen state.
Politics and Eros in Aristophanes' speech: Symposium 191e-192a and the Comedies.

Analyse du discours d'Aristophane sur la politique, l'amour et l'homosexualite masculine dans le «Banquet» de Platon et dans le contexte satirique de ses comedies («Les Acharniens», «Les Cavaliers»). Definissant l'ironie comme un instrument logique pour corriger les erreurs des precedents locuteurs, l'A. montre que la critique du caractere ephemere et de la non-reciprocite de la pederastie par Aristophane sert a introduire la conception socratique de la quete philosophique