cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Let's make a deal

Abstract This paper describes experiments of variants of “Let's Make a Deal.” The experiments support three hypotheses: (1) people do better as the number of doors increases, (2) the performance improvement is gradual, (3) people cannot represent their logic using probability.
Alterations in synaptic membrane molecular order associated with alcoholization and protein deficiency in rats

The effects of chronic alcoholization and protein deficiency on synaptic membrane characteristics were studied in rats fed the following four liquid diets for 4 weeks: a protein-deficient diet containing alcohol, a protein-deficient diet containing no alcohol, a non-protein-deficient diet containing alcohol and a non-protein-deficient diet containing no alcohol. A fluorescent probe, diphenylhexatriene (DPH), was used to estimate the fluidity of synaptic membranes and their sensitivity to the fluidizing effect of ethanol added in vitro, in concentrations ranging from 50 mM to 800 mM. Prior to in vitro addition of ethanol, the difference between the fluidity of synaptic membranes of alcoholized and non-alcoholized animals was significant for the two groups of protein-deficient animals but not for the two groups of non-protein-deficient animals. After in vitro addition of ethanol, the differences between the fluidity of synaptic membranes of the alcoholized and non-alcoholized animals were larger and more frequently significant for the protein-deficient animals than for the non-protein-deficient animals. In view of previous observations that rats fed a protein-deficient diet experience more severe withdrawal symptoms following alcoholization than rats fed a nutritionally adequate diet, the results of the present experiment lend additional support to the hypothesis that tolerance and dependence may be mediated by alterations in biomembrane characteristics.
Label-free detection and molecular profiling of exosomes with a nano-plasmonic sensor

Exosomes show potential for cancer diagnostics because they transport molecular contents of the cells from which they originate. Detection and molecular profiling of exosomes is technically challenging and often requires extensive sample purification and labeling. Here we describe a label-free, high-throughput approach for quantitative analysis of exosomes. Our nano-plasmonic exosome (nPLEX) assay is based on transmission surface plasmon resonance through periodic nanohole arrays. Each array is functionalized with antibodies to enable profiling of exosome surface proteins and proteins present in exosome lysates. We show that this approach offers improved sensitivity over previous methods, enables portable operation when integrated with miniaturized optics and allows retrieval of exosomes for further study. Using nPLEX to analyze ascites samples from ovarian cancer patients, we find that exosomes derived from ovarian cancer cells can be identified by their expression of CD24 and EpCAM, suggesting the potential of exosomes for diagnostics.
Iterative Time-Reversed Ultrasonically Encoded Light Focusing in Backscattering Mode

The Time-Reversed Ultrasound-Encoded (TRUE) light technique enables noninvasive focusing deep inside scattering media. However, the time-reversal procedure usually has a low signal-to-noise ratio because the intensity of ultrasound-encoded light is intrinsically low. Consequently, the contrast and resolution of TRUE focus is far from ideal, especially in the backscattering geometry, which is more practical in many biomedical applications. To improve the light intensity and resolution of TRUE focus, we developed an iterative TRUE (iTRUE) light focusing technique that employs the TRUE focus itself as a signal source (rather than diffused light) for subsequent TRUE procedures. Importantly, this iTRUE technique enables light focusing in backscattering mode. Here, we demonstrate the concept by focusing light in between scattering layers in a backscattering configuration and show that the light intensity at the focus is progressively enhanced by a factor of ~20. By scanning across a fluorescent bead between these two scattering layers, the focusing resolution in the ultrasound axial and lateral directions was improved ~2-fold and ~3-fold, respectively. We further explored the application of iTRUE in biological samples by focusing light between 1 mm thick chicken tissue and cartilage, and light intensity enhancements of the same order were also observed.
Lensfree Optofluidic Microscopy and Tomography

Microfluidic devices aim at miniaturizing, automating, and lowering the cost of chemical and biological sample manipulation and detection, hence creating new opportunities for lab-on-a-chip platforms. Recently, optofluidic devices have also emerged where optics is used to enhance the functionality and the performance of microfluidic components in general. Lensfree imaging within microfluidic channels is one such optofluidic platform, and in this article, we focus on the holographic implementation of lensfree optofluidic microscopy and tomography, which might provide a simpler and more powerful solution for three-dimensional (3D) on-chip imaging. This lensfree optofluidic imaging platform utilizes partially coherent digital in-line holography to allow phase and amplitude imaging of specimens flowing through micro-channels, and takes advantage of the fluidic flow to achieve higher spatial resolution imaging compared to a stationary specimen on the same chip. In addition to this, 3D tomographic images of the same samples can also be reconstructed by capturing lensfree projection images of the samples at various illumination angles as a function of the fluidic flow. Based on lensfree digital holographic imaging, this optofluidic microscopy and tomography concept could be valuable especially for providing a compact, yet powerful toolset for lab-on-a-chip devices.
The search experience variable in information behavior research

A conceptually relaxed utilization of the variable “search experience” makes it difficult for researchers to perform meaningful cross-study comparisons. The purpose of this study was to examine how search experience is defined and measured when used as a research variable. We implemented a qualitative analysis of 32 library and information science (LIS) research articles. We found that there was inconsistent terminology usage and measurements. Specifically, there were 21 unique labels to describe the search experience and 18 different measurements. The majority of the studies used a generic label “search experience” and relied on the reader to grasp specific context of the electronic information retrieval environment to which the variable applies from the description of the overall research design. In addition, there was a strong preference for measures that represented subjective self-reporting about the level of exposure to some information retrieval system. It is evident that there is a need for articles to contain detailed definitions of search experience variables for readers to truly understand the findings. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optics in the atmosphere: what happened in the skies of St. Petersburg on 18 June 1790

There is a published, eyewitness record of a complex display of circles, arcs, and spots of light in the sky over St. Petersburg in 1790. The display can be explained as resulting from the reflection and refraction of light by small, air-borne ice crystals
Intra‐annual relationships between polar ozone and the SAM

[1] Observed co-variations between polar total column ozone and the Southern Hemisphere Annular Mode (SAM) during 1962-2004 are presented and evaluated in a chemistry-climate model (CCM). Results show that austral spring total column ozone variability at South Pole is significantly related to the SAM, perhaps up to four months later; this relationship is only seen in simulations that include ozone depletion. The austral spring SAM also is linked to following late spring - early summer total column ozone over the polar cap, since both respond to the wave-driving of the stratosphere. Overall, the CCM captures many of the observed ozone-SAM links, but over-predicts the relationship between spring ozone and austral summer SAM, as a consequence of the delayed breakdown of the polar vortex in the CCM.
Effects of dietary forage level and monensin on lactation performance, digestibility and fecal excretion of nutrients, and efficiency of feed nitrogen utilization of Holstein dairy cows

Two experiments (Exp. 1 and 2) were conducted using a 4 x 4 Latin square design with 2 replications (n = 8) to evaluate effects of feeding Holstein dairy cows a total mixed ration containing 50 or 60% of ration dry matter (DM) from forages with or without supplementation of monensin. In Exp. 1, alfalfa silage (AS) was used as the major forage (55% forage DM), and corn silage (CS; 45% forage DM) was used to make up the rest of the forage portion of diets (55AS:45CS). In Exp. 2, CS was used as the major forage (70% forage DM) and alfalfa hay (AH; 30% forage DM) was used to make up the rest of the forage portion of diets (70CS:30AH). Experimental diets were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial with 50 or 60% ration DM from forages and monensin supplemented at 0 or 300 mg/cow daily. In Exp. 1 (55AS:45CS), feeding 60% forage diets decreased DM intake (DMI; 27.3 vs. 29.6 kg/d) but maintained the same levels of milk (45.8 vs. 47.0 kg/d) compared with 50% forage diets. The efficiency of converting feed to milk or 3.5% fat-corrected milk was greater for cows fed 60% compared with 50% forage diets (1.7 vs. 1.6 kg milk or 3.5% fat-corrected milk/kg of DMI, respectively). Increasing dietary forage level from 50 to 60% of ration DM increased milk fat percentage (3.4 to 3.5%); however, adding monensin to the 60% forage diet inhibited the increase in milk fat percentage. Feeding 60% forage diets decreased feed cost, but this decrease ($0.5/head per day) in feed cost did not affect income over feed cost. Feeding 60% forage diets decreased fecal excretion of DM (10.6 to 9.6 kg/d) and nitrogen (N; 354 to 324 g/d) and improved apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber from 43 to 49% and apparent efficiency of feed N utilization from 32.3 to 35.9% compared with 50% forage diets. In Exp. 2 (70CS:30AH), feeding 60% forage diets decreased DMI from 29.6 to 28.2 kg but maintained the same level of milk (41.1 vs. 40.8 kg/d) and therefore increased the efficiency of converting feed to milk (1.46 vs. 1.38 kg milk/kg DMI) compared with 50% forage diets. Daily feed cost for feeding 60% forage diets was $0.3/head lower than for the 50% forage diets. Fecal excretion of DM (10.3 vs. 11.5 kg/d) was lower and fecal excretion of N (299 vs. 328 g/d) tended to be lower for 60% compared with 50% forage diets. Results from these 2 experiments suggest that a 60% forage diet consisting of either AS or CS as the major forage can be fed to high producing Holstein dairy cows without affecting milk production while improving or maintaining the efficiency of converting feed to milk and the apparent efficiency of utilization of feed N. Cows receiving a 60% forage diet had a similar or improved digestibility of nutrients with a similar or reduced fecal excretion of nutrients. Effects of monensin under the conditions of the current experiments were minimal.
Investigation of Barrett's esophagus by ultraviolet and visible fluorescence emission and excitation spectroscopy

In this work, ultraviolet and visible emission and excitation fluorescence spectroscopy was performed on excised human gastrointestinal tissue for the purpose of determining whether fluorescence measurements can be used to detect and monitor patients with BarrettOs esophagus. Tissue samples were acquired from eleven esophagectomy patients. For each excised esophagus, spectral measurements were taken from multiple locations of normal, malignant and, when present, suspected BarrettOs tissue. At each site scanned, a biopsy sample was removed for histopathology and the results were correlated with spectral measurements. Differences were observed in the spectra from BarrettOs, normal, and malignant esophageal tissue. Initial results indicate that these differences in spectra can clearly distinguish normal, BarrettOs and malignant tissue, and may allow in vivo optical detection of dysplasia in patients with BarrettOs esophagus during endoscopic examinations.
Evaluation of an alternating current plasma emission detector for high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract The details of construction and operation of an alternating current plasma (ACP) detector supported with helium gas for reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography is described. The system is evaluated as a selective detector for the determination of organomercury compounds. The chromatographic eluent is introduced into the plasma by means of a frit nebulizer and the plasma can tolerate the nebulization of 100% methanol without extinguishment. Detection limits of methylmercury chloride and ethylmercury chloride were found to be 4.5 and 2.2 ng Hg/sec, respectively. In the nanogram to microgram mass range studied the precision was found to be less than 10% (relative standard deviation). The deduction of organomercurials in complex sample matrices elustrates the selectivity of the ACP detector.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1250\deff0\deflang1038\deflangfe1038\deftab708{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset238{\*\fname Times New Roman;}Times New Roman CE;}} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Efficiency self-calibration of the HPGe detector for on-line assay of pebble bed reactor fuel \par }

Summary {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1250\deff0\deflang1038\deflangfe1038\deftab708{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset238{\*\fname Times New Roman;}Times New Roman CE;}} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\f0\fs24 Multi-pass pebble bed reactors are loaded with spherical fuel pebbles that are circulated through the core until they reach a proposed burnup limit (~100,000 MWD/MTU). An HPGe detector can be used to assay the fuel on-line to ensure that the burnup limit is not breached. The potential exists for using a relative burnup indicator, which would allow the use of a relative self-calibrating approach for efficiency determination. The utilization of several fission products as built-in on-line relative calibration standards is explored using the computer codes ORIGEN2.1, MCNP4C, and SYNTH to produce simulated gamma-ray spectra of the fuel pebbles at various levels of burnup. \par }
Atomic structure of dislocations in intermetallics with close packed structures: a comparative study

Abstract Dislocation cores influence very significantly plastic behavior of many materials and this is particularly important in intermetallic compounds. We first review the variety of possible core structures and related deformation phenomena and proceed then to show the most important features of dislocation cores that have been found in computer simulations for L12, L10, DO19 and DO22 intermetallic compounds. Unlike in elemental close-packed metals, cores of dislocations in these close-packed intermetallics are frequently non-planar and possess very high Peierls stresses. The first reason is, of course, the crystal structure. For example, both the L10 and DO22 structures are tetragonal and thus the close packed directions in {111} planes are not all equivalent. However, crystallography alone is not capable of explaining the tendency for non-planar core configurations. The analysis presented here shows that, besides the crystallography, the most important parameter controlling the dislocation core structures in intermetallics is the ordering energy. This effect is mediated via its influence on the energy of the stacking fault-like planar defects that are present in the cores and play role in dislocation dissociations.
Single Party Systems in West Africa

In this paper I propose to examine the tendency towards single-party systems in West Africa, particularly in relation to the social structure and the historical circumstances in which the parties emerged. I shall therefore point up the distinction between “mass” and “patron” parties, and then consider the new single-party governments, most of them based on mass parties, in relation to the prospects of of democracy in West Africa. My argument is that mass parties are created by African leaders out of the very liberating and egalitarian forces we in this country generally associate with democracy. Some of the mass parties encourage the growth of forces and institutions which may ultimately make possible the machinery of democratic systems familiar to us: as, for instance, competition for every citizen's vote by more than one organized team of candidates. At this stage of West African party history, it seems to me, the number of parties is far too simple a criterion upon which to decide whether or not a system is democratic.General statements about parties in the new West African states can be made only tentatively. Significant rights to vote and organize parties came to West Africa only after the Second World War. Since then formal institutional change has taken place at a rapid pace. The constitutional framework in which the parties grew changed continuously. The franchise expanded until it became universal, the powers of African elected representatives grew by stages from consultative to legislative and eventually to executive, and the locus of political power shifted from London or Paris to Africa.
TOF-SIMS analysis of sea salt particles: imaging and depth profiling in the discovery of an unrecognized mechanism for pH buffering

Abstract As part of a broader effort at understanding the chemistry of sea salt particles, we have performed time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TOF-SIMS) analysis of individual sea salt particles deposited on a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grid. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and TOF-SIMS analysis have, in conjunction with OH exposure studies, led to the discovery of an unrecognized buffering mechanism in the uptake and oxidation of SO2 in sea salt particles in the marine boundary layer. This chemistry may resolve some discrepancies in the atmospheric chemistry literature. Several challenges during the acquisition and interpretation of both imaging and depth profiling data on specific particles on the TEM grid identified by the SEM were overcome. A description of the analysis challenges and the solutions ultimately developed to them is presented here, along with an account of how the TOF-SIMS data were incorporated into the overall research effort. Several issues unique to the analysis of high aspect ratio particles are addressed.
Acne vulgar: diagnóstico e manejo pelo médico de família e comunidade

Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease worldwide. It affects 85-100% of the population at any point in life. Consequently, it is a frequent reason for primary care visits. It usually begins at puberty, reaching its peak between the age of 14-17 in girls, and 16-19 in boys, and it is more severe and prevalent in males. Although widely discussed, Acne vulgaris still requires constant updating. We conducted a survey of clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published over the past 15 years, concerning acne vulgaris and its treatment. Acne vulgaris is usually divided in three clinical types: comedonal, papulopustular, and nodular. The diagnosis is based on clinical signs; however, other conditions should be considered. There are several pharmacological therapies available, especially retinoids, antimicrobials, and hormone therapy, which should be used after considering its indications (type of acne and its severity) and side effects. Thus, the family physician plays a leading role in addressing acne vulgaris, from diagnosis to management of therapeutic options.
Health risk behaviors in an urban sample of young women who have sex with women

We examined the prevalence of sexual and substance use behaviors among a group of young women who have sex with women (WSW) aged 16 to 24. A convenience sample of 137 young WSW participants completed a confidential survey that included demographics, substance use, and sexual risk behaviors. Descriptive analyses were used to interpret the data. Comparisons were made between rates of risk behaviors in this sample and non-sexual minority youth in a national dataset. The mean age of participants was 19.6 (SD = 2.3) and 59% were from communities of color. Participants reported a history of risky behaviors including anal intercourse with men (26%), monthly binge drinking (22%), pregnancy (20%), and tobacco use (54%). These findings highlight the need for health promotion interventions aimed at reducing risky health behaviors in this highly vulnerable and underserved sub-population of young women.
Activation of adenylate cyclase by beta-adrenergic receptors: investigation of rate limiting steps by simultaneous assay of high affinity agonist binding and GDP release.

We report the development and application of a novel assay for high affinity binding of the agonist [3H]hydrozybenzyl-isoproterenol simultaneously with the agonist-promoted release of membrane bound [32P]GDP in the frog erythrocyte beta-adrenergic receptor system. We find that under various assay conditions both events occur with the same rate, ranging from 0.05 to 0.5 min-1. Addition of the non-hydrolyzable guanine nucleotide, guanylyl-imidodiphosphate simultaneously increases the rate of high affinity agonist binding and agonist promoted GDP release. In addition, the guanine nucleotide analog decreases the steady state level of high affinity agonist binding and increases the steady state level of agonist promoted GDP release with comparable potencies of 0.5 microM and 0.1 microM, respectively. The decrement in the steady state level of high affinity agonist binding (180 fmol/mg protein) due to the guanine nucleotide analog is in the same range as the reciprocal increment in the extent of agonist-induced [32P]GDP release (180 fmol/mg protein). The concommittant activation of adenylate cyclase, by submaximal concentrations of the agonist [3H]hydroxybenzylisoproterenol and guanylylimido-diphosphate under similar assay conditions proceeds with the same rate as for the two other measured functions of the system, i.e. 3H-agonist binding and agonist-promoted [32P]GDP release. This represents the first attempt at comparing the time course of adenylate cyclase activation with that of agonist binding and GDP release under similar assay conditions. The results indicate that GDP is not released prior to but rather coincident with formation of the complex of the hormone receptor with the regulatory protein and that enzyme activation proceeds with the same time course as agonist binds to the receptor. It is concluded that both high affinity agonist binding and GDP release represent integral aspects of the rate limiting step in the enzyme activation mechanism.
Receptor-mediated mitogenic effects of substance P on cultured smooth muscle cells.

Abstract The neuropeptide substance P, a known mitogen for human blood T-lymphocytes, now is shown to stimulate proliferation of embryonic rat aortic smooth muscle cells of the A7r5 line, at concentrations of 10 −9 M to 10 −6 M. Neurotensin (NT), that has vascular and smooth muscle activity similar to SP, failed to induce proliferation of A7r5 cells. At proliferation-enhancing concentrations, SP increased the concentration of cytosolic Ca 2+ in A7r5 cells, suggesting activation of the phosphatidylinositol pathway. Binding of [ 125 I]-substance P to A7r5 cells reached equilibrium rapidly at 4°C, and was saturable, implying that the activation of smooth muscle cells by SP is a receptor-mediated process.
Ethics and the Expert Witness: Statistics on Trial

When a statistician appears as an expert witness at trial, most judges and juries expect the expert witness to be a true expert. Yet the adversarial rules of the common law legal system often make it difficult for statisticians to proceed in a manner similar to that which they encounter in academic settings. The situation is exacerbated in a battle of expert statistical witnesses before the court. As a consequence, it is the statistical profession that is often on trial, not simply a defendant. This paper is, at least in part, about the seduction that occurs when a statistician becomes an expert witness at trial and how the statistician can attempt to protect against the most pernicious aspects of the game associated with the use of expert witnesses in the adversarial process.
Genome reprogramming and small interfering RNA in the Arabidopsis germline

The movement of mobile small RNA signals between cells has garnered much interest over the last few years, and has recently been extended to germ cells during gamete development. Focusing on plants, we review mobile RNA signals that arise following reprogramming in the germline, and their effect on transposable element silencing on the one hand and on meiotic and apomictic germ cell fate on the other. A potential role for reprogramming and small RNA in hybrid formation and speciation is proposed.
Inspiratory work of breathing is not decreased by flow-triggered sensing during spontaneous breathing in children receiving mechanical ventilation: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of pressure-trigger (PT) and flow-trigger (FT) sensing on the work of breathing (WOB) during spontaneous, unsupported breathing in children receiving mechanical ventilation. DESIGN Prospective clinical trial. SETTING Pediatric intensive care unit at a tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS Infants and children receiving mechanical ventilation for >24 hrs who were ready for extubation. INTERVENTIONS During synchronized mandatory ventilation, WOB values for spontaneous, unsupported, non-synchronized mandatory ventilation patient breaths were measured using an esophageal balloon and FT or PT sensing on Servo 300 and PT sensing on Servo 900C ventilators assigned in random order. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Sixteen patients with a median age of 12.8 mos (25th-75th quartile [IQR], 8.1-38.2 mos), weight of 11.0 kg (IQR, 8.9-18.8 kg), and duration of mechanical ventilation of 7.5 days (IQR, 5.0-18.0 days) participated in the study. WOB for patient breaths using the Servo 300 FT sensing (0.8 J/L [IQR, 0.5-1.0]) was not significantly lower than WOB for PT sensing on Servo 300 (0.9 J/L [IQR, 0.4-1.3 J/L]) or the Servo 900C (0.9 J/L [IQR, 0.5-1.3 J/L]). However, when lung compliance was <0.75 mL.kg(-1).cm H(2)O(-1), WOB using the Servo 300 FT sensing (0.8 J/L [IQR, 0.6-1.1 J/L]) mechanism was significantly lower than those for PT sensing on both the Servo 300 (1.1 J/L [IQR, 0.9-1.3 J/L]) and Servo 900C (1.2 J/L [IQR, 1.1-1.5 J/L]) ventilators (p </=.017). CONCLUSIONS FT may not decrease WOB compared with PT for unsupported spontaneous breathing in children receiving mechanical ventilation. However, when lung compliance is decreased, FT sensing may be advantageous in decreasing the WOB.
Analysis of Federal Design-Build Request for Proposal Evaluation Criteria

This study’s objective is to identify the benefits federal owners are seeking through the design-build process by analysis of research data gathered from 110 requests for proposal (RFP) evaluation plans issued for $1.5 billion of federal work by 11 different agencies. The output from this study was then compared to a 1996 study whose authors sought to analyze the reasons cited by owners to use design-build project delivery. That study included a survey of 108 owners of public and private projects, which represented over $12.5 billion of construction. The goal of comparing the 1996 survey with the results of the new research project is to discover correlations between owner attitudes and the selection criteria identified in government RFPs. The comparison produced some interesting results. First, although owners in 1996 cited schedule as the most significant reason for selecting design-build delivery, the federal RFP content analysis found it to carry a very low average weight. Another finding shows that f...
Relationship Between Professional Development, Teachers' Instructional Practices, and the Achievement of Students in Science and Mathematics

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between different types of professional development, teachers' instructional practices, and the achievement of students in science and mathematics. The types of professional development studied included immersion, examining practice, curriculum implementation, curriculum development, and collaborative work. Data regarding teachers' instructional practices and the amount of professional development were collected using teacher surveys. Ninety-four middle school science teachers and 104 middle school mathematics teachers participated in the study. Student achievement was measured using eighth grade state science and mathematics achievement test data. Regression analyses suggested that for both science and mathematics teachers, examining practice and curriculum development were significantly related to the use of standards-based instructional practices. Only curriculum development for mathematics teachers was significantly related to student achievement. Implications of results for the professional development of science and mathematics teachers are discussed.
Coming in the 1990s: the agency-friendly travel survey

Area wide travel surveys formed the backbone of transportation analysis and methodology in the initial development of transportation plans during the 1960s and early 70s, particularly in the United States. These general purpose surveys were extremely valuable as key elements of travel descriptions, new systems analysis, and plan development. Unfortunately, they were also very expensive, were often large and unwieldy, took many years to process, and produced less than manageable data sets which were often under-utilized; in short, decidedly agency-unfriendly. Squeezed by goals of shorter time frame, budget constraints, survey timing, limited analysis and single purpose usage, transportation agencies evolved during the 1970s and 80s a generally “kinder, gentler” survey methodology, focusing primarily on meeting immediate agency objectives with minimum hassle. In the 1970s, modal and group surveys were most common, and in the 1980s project surveys were the norm. The“agency-friendly travel survey” of the 1990s is described in this paper in terms of its general characteristics, its target population, cost, effectiveness, and timeliness.
Per-Vertex Defocus Blur for Stochastic Rasterization

We present user-controllable and plausible defocus blur for a stochastic rasterizer. We modify circle of confusion coefficients per vertex to express more general defocus blur, and show how the method can be applied to limit the foreground blur, extend the in-focus range, simulate tilt-shift photography, and specify per-object defocus blur. Furthermore, with two simplifying assumptions, we show that existing triangle coverage tests and tile culling tests can be used with very modest modifications. Our solution is temporally stable and handles simultaneous motion blur and depth of field. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Restorative Justice: A Model for Social Work Practice With Families

Restorative justice is an innovative concept that has received some attention in the field of criminal justice but that has been largely overlooked in the social work literature. Restorative initiatives (e.g., victim-offender mediation, family group conferencing) have special relevance for family practice. That these initiatives are effective in meeting participants' needs and consistent with social work values are major arguments of this article.
Sequence Diversity among Avocado Sunblotch Viroids Isolated from Single Avocado Trees

In previous studies we developed an avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) specific reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) protocol and tested all avocado germplasm accessions in the U.S. National Germplasm Repository (NGR) for ASBVd. It was found that 19% of the accessions were infected with the viroid. To characterize the population of sequence variants, single trees of seven accessions with a history of infection were selected. RT-PCR products were cloned and sequenced from these trees and a total of 60 sequence variants were identified from 122 clones. Most of the variants were found to be unique to the individual tree from which they were isolated. The fraction of unique variants was 81% in ‘Lima Late’, 81% in ‘Aycock Red’, 67% in ‘Hawaii’, and 60% in ‘Young Special’. Analysis of the sequence data suggests that variants evolved within a tree rather than arising from multiple infection events, supporting the quasispecies concept for ASBVd. Changes in the right terminal loop (Rtl), previously associated with leaf variegation and bleaching, were found in all variants isolated from bleached tissue; however, 16 clones isolated in non-symptomatic tissue also had changes in the Rtl. The addition of a U between bases 115 and 118 was found in 21 of the 23 clones isolated from the bleached tissue but not found in the 99 clones isolated from green tissue. These data suggest that the insertion of a U between bases 115 and 118 is responsible for the bleaching condition.
Effective procedures for conducting genetic prevalence studies with children

In this study, the effectiveness of genetic screening study procedures was examined. One analysis was designed to explore whether having a genetic screening study simply introduced by a physician who had just completed a child’s evaluation (vs. introduced by an unfamiliar individual) influenced whether the child’s parent enrolled the child in the study. Also examined were explanations for nonenrollment and final enrollment decisions among individuals initially uncertain about enrollment. The primary finding was that a physician’s introduction to the genetic screening study was associated with a 17% increase in enrollment, and with a 9.9% greater rate of enrollment overall. The rate of increase was greatest among physicians who were most consistent with introducing the screening study. Initially undecided individuals comprised 14% of the final sample. Many parents who chose not to participate felt that the research study was not important. A smaller percentage of parents chose not to enroll in the genetic study because of discomfort with genetic testing. The findings have important implications for designing effective procedures for prevalence research.
Contributions of pterin and carotenoid pigments to dewlap coloration in two anole species.

Animals can acquire bright coloration using a variety of pigmentary and microstructural mechanisms. Reptiles and amphibians are known to use two types of pigments—pterins and carotenoids—to generate their spectrum of colorful red, orange, and yellow hues. Because both pigment classes can confer all of these hues, the relative importance of pterins versus carotenoids in creating these different colors is not always apparent. We studied the carotenoid and pterin content of red and yellow dewlap regions in two neotropical anole species—the brown anole (Norops sagrei) and the ground anole (N. humilis). Pterins (likely drosopterins) and carotenoids (likely xanthophylls) were present in all tissues from all individuals. Pterins were more enriched in the lateral (red) region, and carotenoids more enriched in the midline (yellow) region in N. humilis, but pterins and carotenoids were found in similar concentrations among lateral and midline regions in N. sagrei. These patterns indicate that both carotenoid and pterin pigments are responsible for producing color in the dichromatic dewlaps of these two species, and that in these two species the two pigments interact differently to produce the observed colors.
Lipopolysaccharide and Inflammatory Cytokines Cause an Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase-Dependent Bladder Smooth Muscle Fibrotic Response

ABSTRACTPurpose: Bladder wall fibrosis is a sequela of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been shown to mediate the fibrotic response to inflammation in other tissues. We determined if iNOS could be involved in the fibrotic response to recurrent UTI.Materials and Methods: Human bladder smooth muscle cells (SMC) were treated with bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and a mixture of inflammatory cytokines. The level of collagen type III, and the levels of iNOS mRNA, protein and activity were determined. The effect of the iNOS inhibitor aminoguanidine on collagen type III expression was then assessed.Results: Expression of collagen type III, iNOS mRNA and iNOS protein as well as iNOS activity were increased in bladder SMC treated with the combination of LPS and cytokines. The increase in collagen type III expression was inhibited by pretreatment of cells with aminoguanidine.Conclusions: LPS and inflammatory cytokines induce collagen type III expression in an i...
Using fugacity to predict volatile emissions from layered materials with a clay/polymer diffusion barrier

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) have significant environmental and energy advantages. However, the tight structure that results may cause degraded indoor air quality and the potential release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from these layered materials must be considered. A physically based model for predicting VOC emissions from multi-layer materials is described. Fugacity is used to eliminate the concentration discontinuities at the interface between layers. This avoids an obstacle associated with numerically simulating mass transfer in composite materials. The numerical model is verified for a double-layer system by comparing predicted concentrations to those obtained with a previously published analytical model. In addition, hexanal emissions from multi-layer SIPs are simulated to demonstrate the usefulness of the fugacity approach. Finally, the multi-layer model is used to investigate the impact that clay/polyurethane nanocomposite diffusion barriers can have on VOC emissions. Indoor gas-phase concentrations can be greatly reduced with a barrier layer on the surface, thereby minimizing the environmental impact of SIPs.
Long-period seismographs

Descriptions and theories of a number of different seismographs developed particularly for recording of very long-period seismic waves are presented. These include (1) electromagnetic strain seismograph with galvanometer of 8 minutes period and photographic recording; (2) displacement transducer strain seismometer with resistance-capacitance network and short-period galvanometer photographic recorder or with ink-writing recorder; (3) electromagnetic pendulum seismometer with RC network having transfer characteristic of a long-period galvanometer recorder or a heated stylus visible writer; (4) electromagnetic pendulum with period increased tenfold or more using shunt capacitance; and (5) electromagnetic pendulum with condenser-lengthened period and triple RC integrating network recording with either heated stylus visible writer, ink writer, or short-period galvanometer photographic recorder.
Theoretical comparison of 0.35 mu m gate length GaAs and GaInAs HEMTs

The authors present a theoretical study of the performance of nearly identical 0.35- mu m-gate-length HEMTs (high electron mobility transistors) made from three different materials systems, GaAs-Al/sub 0.32/Ga/sub 0.68/As, In/sub 0.15/Ga/sub 0.85/As-Al/sub 0.15/Ga/sub 0.85/As, and Ga/sub 0.47/In/sub 0.53/As-Al/sub 0.48/In/sub 0.52/As. The calculations are made using an ensemble Monte Carlo simulation which includes the full details of real space transfer, the transport properties of the two-dimensional electron gas, nonstationary transport, and the two-dimensional electric field profile through the self-consistent solution of the Poisson equation. The performance of the devices, measured in terms of the current-voltage characteristic, transconductance, and cutoff frequency, is compared, allowing the effects of the material parameters on the device performance to be completely isolated and independently ascertained. It is found that the InGaAs-based devices well outperform the GaAs-AlGaAs device, consistent with recent experimental measurements. Of the three devices, the GaInAs-AlInAs structure and delivers the greatest current. >
Properties of hard x-rays generated by femtosecond laser interaction with Cu in a laminar helium flow in ambient air

Hard X-rays are generated in laminar helium flow in atmosphere by tightly focused 35 fs-3 mJ laser pulses interacting with Cu. Spectrum, efficiency and source size are compared with those measured in vacuum and in static helium.
Evolution of Asymptotic Giant Branch Stars

▪ Abstract The current status of modeling the evolution and nucleosynthesis of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars is reviewed. The principles of AGB evolution have been investigated in recent years leading to improved and refined models, for example with regard to hot-bottom burning or the third dredge-up. The postprocessing s-process model yields quantitative results that reproduce many observations. However, these and most other processes in AGB stars are intimately related to the physics of stellar mixing. Mixing in AGB stars is currently not well-enough understood for accurate yield predictions. Several constraints and methods are available to improve the models. Some regimes of AGB evolution have not yet been studied in sufficient detail. These include the super-AGB stars and AGB stars at extremely low or ultra low metallicity.
Overload-Driven Mobility-Aware Cache Management in Wireless Environments

In this paper, we propose a novel cache management strategy that uses the notion of "overload" where overload is defined as a situation when there is insufficient proxy cache for a new incoming user in a mobile region. In an overloaded situation, there will be increased network traffic (since the original server will need to be contacted) and increased service delays for mobile hosts (due to cache misses). The proposed techniques attempt to decrease the penalty of overloaded traffic and to reduce the number of remote accesses by increasing cache hit ratio. Our cache replacement algorithm is holistic in that it considers (i) mobility of the clients, (ii) predicted overloads, (iii) sizes of cached objects and (iv) their access frequencies in determining which object's cache (how much cache space) to be replaced, and when to replace. Performance results show that our overload-driven cache management strategy outperforms the existing popular policies.
Effect of treatment with a topical ophthalmic preparation of 1% nalbuphine solution on corneal sensitivity in clinically normal horses.

Objective—To assess the effect of treatment with a topical ophthalmic preparation of 1.2% nalbuphine solution on corneal sensitivity in clinically normal horses. Animals—8 horses. Procedures—Baseline corneal touch threshold (CTT) was measured (defined as the mean filament length [mm] at which a consistent blink response was elicited) for both eyes of each horse by use of a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer. Subsequently, 0.2 mL of 1.2% nalbuphine solution was instilled in 1 randomly selected eye of each horse, and 0.2 mL of artificial tears solution was instilled in the contralateral eye (control treatment). For all 8 horses, CTT of each eye was measured within 1 minute following nalbuphine or artificial tears administration and every 15 minutes thereafter for 60 minutes. For 5 of the 8 horses, CTT was also measured in both eyes at 120 minutes. Changes in CTT values from baseline over time were assessed, as were differences between treated and control eyes. Results—At any time point, corneal sensitivity follow...
DISCRIMINANT ANALYSIS OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS AND PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS OF 245 AUGUSTAN QUADRANTES

Previously 245 Augustan quadrantes were analysed for seven elements. Physical measurements comprised the weight, maximum thickness and diameter, minimum diameter, and die orientation for each coin. Both chemical and physical data were subjected to discriminant analysis, and centroids in multi-dimensional space were obtained for each of the four groups. A tetrahedron was drawn using the four centroids; each corner was separated from the other groups by a Mahalanobis distance. We hypothesize that the most probable relative chronology comprises the smallest sum of Mahalanobis distances connecting all four points. The most probable chronology for the quadrantes is c. 8, 9, 5, and 4 B.C.
On software and hardware techniques of data engineering

Methods are discussed to enhance the efficiency and speed of data compression techniques in DBMS (database management systems). Arithmetic coding utilizes the skewness of character distribution by assigning larger intervals (code ranges) to characters having higher probabilities of occurrence. A scheme is presented which effectively increases the code ranges of individual characters by splitting the interval assignment into different groups. This decreases the rate of interval narrowing and hence improves the compression efficiency. Hardware assistance for arithmetic and tree-based coding is also discussed and high-speed VLSI algorithms for data compression are presented. The proposed algorithms give rates that are an order of magnitude faster than currently attainable encoding speeds. >
SF1126, a Pan-PI3K Inhibitor has Potent Pre-Clinical Activity in Aggressive B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas by Inducing Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis

The PI3K pathway is activated in a variety of human tumors including B-cell Non Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL). Targeting this pathway has been validated in solid tumors, leukemia and lymphomas. SF1126, a novel pan-PI3K inhibitor designed by conjugating RGD peptide to LY294002 facilitates clinical testing of this prodrug, suppresses growth and survival of multiple solid tumors in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we demonstrated SF1126 had potent activity in a panel of aggressive B-NHL cell lines. Cells treated with SF1126 exhibited decreased phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β confirming the mechanism of action of a PI3K inhibitor. Also, treatment of B-NHL cell lines with SF1126 induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited cell proliferation with an IC50 < 4 μM. However, the selective p110δ inhibitor, CAL-101 was less potent in inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation compared to SF1126. Moreover, SF1126 induced G1 cell cycle arrest significantly at low concentrations which contributed to suppression of cell proliferation and corroborated to a decrease in cyclin D1. Finally, rituximab enhanced apoptosis induced by SF1126 and CAL-101. Taken together, our findings provide for the first time that SF1126 inhibits the constitutively activated PI3K/Akt pathway in aggressive B-cell NHL cell lines with associated inhibition of cell cycle progression, cell proliferation and promotion of apoptosis. These findings suggest that SF1126 is a novel therapeutic strategy in aggressive B-cell NHL and warrants early phase clinical trial evaluation ± rituximab.