cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimized User Experience Design for Augmentative and Alternative Communication via Mobile Technology: Using Gamification to Enhance Access and Learning for Users with Severe Autism.

One of the most significant disabilities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language. Approximately half of those on the autism spectrum are functionally non-verbal or minimally verbal and will not develop sufficient natural speech or writing to meet their daily communication needs. These individuals receive intervention in the area of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) using mobile technologies. AAC services ideally should be provided starting at an early age but many young learners experience some degree of difficulty in gross and fine motor functioning that prevents accessing and benefitting from mobile AAC applications.
Noninvasive Measures of Distorted Tonotopic Speech Coding Following Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Animal models of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) show a dramatic mismatch between cochlear characteristic frequency (CF, based on place of innervation) and the dominant response frequency in single auditory-nerve-fiber responses to broadband sounds (i.e., distorted tonotopy, DT). This noise trauma effect is associated with decreased frequency-tuning-curve (FTC) tip-to-tail ratio, which results from decreased tip sensitivity and enhanced tail sensitivity. Notably, DT is more severe for noise trauma than for metabolic (e.g., age-related) losses of comparable degree, suggesting that individual differences in DT may contribute to speech intelligibility differences in patients with similar audiograms. Although DT has implications for many neural-coding theories for real-world sounds, it has primarily been explored in single-neuron studies that are not viable with humans. Thus, there are no noninvasive measures to detect DT. Here, frequency following responses (FFRs) to a conversational speech sentence were recorded in anesthetized male chinchillas with either normal hearing or NIHL. Tonotopic sources of FFR envelope and temporal fine structure (TFS) were evaluated in normal-hearing chinchillas. Results suggest that FFR envelope primarily reflects activity from high-frequency neurons, whereas FFR-TFS receives broad tonotopic contributions. Representation of low- and high-frequency speech power in FFRs was also assessed. FFRs in hearing-impaired animals were dominated by low-frequency stimulus power, consistent with oversensitivity of high-frequency neurons to low-frequency power. These results suggest that DT can be diagnosed noninvasively. A normalized DT metric computed from speech FFRs provides a potential diagnostic tool to test for DT in humans. A sensitive noninvasive DT metric could be used to evaluate perceptual consequences of DT and to optimize hearing-aid amplification strategies to improve tonotopic coding for hearing-impaired listeners.
Persistent visual dysfunction following posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome due to COVID-19: Case series and literature review.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The full spectrum of neurological sequelae in COVID-19 is beginning to emerge. SARS-CoV-2 has the potential to cause both direct and indirect brain vascular endothelial damage through infection and inflammation that may result in long-term neurological signs and symptoms. We sought to illuminate persistent neuro-ophthalmological deficits that may be seen following posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) due to COVID-19. METHODS: We identified three individuals with PRES due to COVID-19 in our hospital system. One patient was identified on presentation to our neuro-ophthalmology clinic. The other patients were identified through internal records search. These cases were compared to published reports of PRES in COVID-19 identified through systematic literature search of PubMed/LitCOVID. RESULTS: All three patients were hospitalized with severe COVID-19 and developed altered mental status with new onset seizures that led to the recognition of PRES through diagnostic imaging. During recovery, two patients had persistent visual dysfunction including visual field deficits. One patient also experienced hallucinatory palinopsia and visual hallucinations. Literature search identified 32 other cases of PRES in the context of COVID-19. Visual disturbances were described in 14 cases (40%), with only seven cases (50%) reporting full recovery by the time of publication. CONCLUSIONS: As we learn about enduring neurological complications of COVID-19, it is possible that complications may be underrecognized and underreported. Understanding the range of complications can help in postcare evaluation and management changes in the critical care setting to potentially allow intervention before persistent deficits occur due to COVID-19.
Amplitude stabilization of micromechanical oscillators using engineered nonlinearity

Micromechanical oscillators provide periodic output signals for clocks and sensors by vibrating in a single mechanical mode. The mode is conventionally excited into self-sustained oscillations and stabilized with an external electronic feedback loop. A paradigm is emerging for sustaining vibrations by coupling the mechanical mode with internal degrees of freedom, such as photons, electrons, or auxiliary mechanical modes. An open question in these hybrid vibrational systems is the corresponding internal sources of nonlinearity that can stabilize the oscillations, and their impact on oscillator performance. Here, we delineate two kinds of amplitude-stabilization mechanisms in micromechanical oscillators, geometric nonlinear damping and repulsive contact, and show that these mechanisms can coexist in the same device and their interplay and resonance frequency stability can be tuned in situ by adjusting the feedback strength. An auxiliary source of viscous dissipation and nonlinear dissipation accompanies the repulsive contact, which stabilizes the amplitude during sidewall collisions. The onset of self-sustained oscillations yields distinct spectral-temporal signatures that can be used to identify the amplitude stabilization nonlinearities.
A Systematic Review of Cyberstalking Victimization and Offending Behaviors

A systematic review of literature investigating cyberstalking offending and victimization was conducted, considering multiple key words and phrases used to label the behavior: cyberstalking, cyber dating abuse, cybervictimization, Internet, interpersonal electronic surveillance, and victimization. The following electronic databases, with the indication of peer-reviewed journal articles as a requirement, were searched: Academic Search Complete, Criminal Justice Database (ProQuest), Google, JSTOR and PsychInfo. After sorting through the studies using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 31 studies remained for review. Correlates of the behaviors were discussed for each categorization, with main themes including negative characteristics of relationship behaviors, and social media and online use as main predictors of victimization and offending. There is a strong need for further research utilizing older age groups and individuals who are married, as well as a need for longitudinal research.
How Conceptions of Equity Inform Principal Data Use: A Purposeful Examination of Principals From Four School Districts:

In this study, we examine principals’ data use within four districts are engaged in district-level professional learning around equity. Drawing on Gutierrez's framework for dimensions of equity, we...
Evolved pesticide tolerance in amphibians: Predicting mechanisms based on pesticide novelty and mode of action

We examined 10 wood frog populations distributed along an agricultural gradient for their tolerance to six pesticides (carbaryl, malathion, cypermethrin, permethrin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam) that differed in date of first registration (pesticide novelty) and mode-of-action (MOA). Our goals were to assess whether: 1) tolerance was correlated with distance to agriculture for each pesticide, 2) pesticide novelty predicted the likelihood of evolved tolerance, and 3) populations display cross-tolerance between pesticides that share and differ in MOA. Wood frog populations located close to agriculture were more tolerant to carbaryl and malathion than populations far from agriculture. Moreover, the strength of the relationship between distance to agriculture and tolerance was stronger for older pesticides compared to newer pesticides. Finally, we found evidence for cross-tolerance between carbaryl and malathion (two pesticides that share MOA). This study provides one of the most comprehensive approaches for understanding patterns of evolved tolerance in non-pest species.
Identifiability of Diagnostic Classification Models

Diagnostic classification models (DCMs) are important statistical tools in cognitive diagnosis. In this paper, we consider the issue of their identifiability. In particular, we focus on one basic and popular model, the DINA model. We propose sufficient and necessary conditions under which the model parameters are identifiable from the data. The consequences, in terms of the consistency of parameter estimates, of fulfilling or failing to fulfill these conditions are illustrated via simulation. The results can be easily extended to the DINO model through the duality of the DINA and DINO models. Moreover, the proposed theoretical framework could be applied to study the identifiability issue of other DCMs.
Dependence and Diagnosis

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of the nature of substance use disorders, the common diagnostic systems used to determine their presence, mechanisms leading to suspicion for the presence of a substance use disorder and referral to an addiction specialist, and diagnostic assessment. Substance dependence is defined similarly regardless of the specific substance involved. In general, dependence is the use of a substance or excessive thoughts about a substance assuming great importance to the detriment of other activities that had previously had greater importance. Thus, the critical distinction that must be made in order to classify an individual as having substance dependence is an overall negative impact of drug involvement on that individual's functioning. To allow for reliable identification of individuals with dependence, two main diagnostic systems have arisen.
A Study of the Copper Content of β-Mercaptopyruvate Trans-sulfurase

Abstract The enzyme, trans-sulfurase, was partially purified from both liver and erythrocytes of the rat. It could not be confirmed that either enzyme was a copper protein.
Informational/Transformational Advertising

Abstract Using the two general categories of informational versus transformational advertisements, this study finds there are substantial differences in usage across media types, product categories, and national cultures. Implications for differences in usage are discussed.
The proteins specified by herpes simplex virus: I. Time of synthesis, transfer into nuclei, and properties of proteins made in productively infected cells

Abstract Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed at least 25 proteins synthesized at one time or another during productive infection of HEp-2 cells with herpes simplex virus. The proteins were made in the cytoplasm. The transfer of proteins from cytoplasm into the nucleus was slow and selective; less than half of the proteins synthesized during a short pulse appeared in the nucleus after a 3-hour chase. Moreover, proteins in 3 bands appeared to be restricted to the cytoplasm. Most of the proteins chased into the nucleus late in infection were identified on the basis of electrophoretic mobility as being structural viral proteins. All but a few proteins made late in infection could be chased into naked and enveloped nucleocapsids. The size of herpes virus proteins, estimated by co-electrophoresis with poliovirus proteins of known molecular weight, range to about 125,000 daltons.
History Comes Calling: Dean Griswold Offers New Evidence About the Jurisdictional Debate Surrounding the Enactment of the Declaratory Judgment Act

Dean Erwin Griswold sent a letter in response to the authors' original article 'The Trojan Horse: How the Declaratory Judgment Act Created a Cause of Action and Expanded Federal Jurisdiction While the Supreme Court Wasn't Looking', 36 U.C.L.A. L. Rev. 529 (1989), confirming that the jurisdictional concerns that surrounded consideration of the federal Declaratory Judgment Act focused on whether declaratory judgments violated the Case-or-Controversy Clause of Article III, not on whether, within those constitutional confines, the Act expanded federal jurisdiction. Dean Griswold's recollection of then-Professor Felix Frankfurter's position on declaratory judgments demonstrates that by the time Justice Frankfurter prescribed the Court's approach to declaratory judgment cases in 'Skelly Oil', his views had changed, which may have led him to ignore the Act's legislative history and to declare an analytical procedure that conflicts with Congress's intent.
Electric Power System Applications of Optimization

Electric power system models power flow computation constrained optimization and applications linear programming and applications interior point methods non-linear programming dynamic programming Lagrange relaxation decomposition method optimal power flow unit commitment genetic algorithm epilogue.
Vacuum Vessel Eddy Current Modeling for Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor Adiabatic Compression Experiments

A relatively simple current filament model of the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) vacuum vessel is described. It is used to estimate the three-dimensional structure of magnetic field perturbations in the vicinity of the plasma that arise from vacuum vessel eddy currents induced during adiabatic compression. Eddy currents are calculated self-consistently with the plasma motion. The Shafranov formula and adiabatic scaling laws are used to model the plasma. Although the specific application is to TFTR, the present model is of general applicability.
Wiener analysis of functionals of a Markov chain: Application to neural transformations of random signals

The Wiener method of nonlinear system identification is extended to systems with a Markov chain input. Multivariate functionals are constructed that are orthonormal with respect to the probability measure of the Markov input. Any system operating on a Markov chain may be represented by an orthogonal expansion in these functionals. The coefficients of the orthogonal expansion may be evaluated by crosscorrelation. Application of this technique to nonlinear neural systems with a Markov actionpotential input are discussed.
The Identification and Study of Indian Shell Middens in Eastern North America: 1643–1861

Although the interest in shell middens in North America is often traced to reports of the discoveries in Danish kjoekkenmoeddings in the mid-nineteenth century, extensive shell midden studies were ...
Relationships between the Brewer-Dobson circulation and the southern annular mode during austral summer in coupled chemistry-climate model simulations

The Brewer-Dobson circulation (BDC) is the mean transport circulation in the stratosphere. It consists of an upwelling branch in the tropics, poleward flows from the tropics to the extratropics, and downward flows in the extratropics. The BDC plays a crucial role in the distribution of important stratospheric trace gases, such as ozone and water vapor. Therefore changes in the strength of the BDC under global warming could have significant impact on stratospheric ozone depletion and recovery. For example, all climate models that are used by the World Meteorological Organization to predict ozone evolution in the 21 st century project a strengthening of the BDC that leads to ozone superrecovery in the mid-latitudes. On the other hand, ozone changes could also affect the strength of the BDC. This work investigates an outstanding question: whether and how changes in the Brewer-Dobson circulation are connected to climate change in the troposphere, in particular, the annular modes. The annular modes are the leading variability in the extratropical troposphere, which describes a seesaw pattern of circulation fluctuations between the polar and middle latitudes. Using simulations from the Goddard Earth Observing System Coupled Chemistry Climate Model (GEOS CCM), we found the strengthening of the BDC in the summer Southern Hemisphere is strongly correlated with a shift of the Southern Hemisphere Annular Mode (SAM) toward its positive phase for the last 4 decades of the 20th century. This relationship is only present in model runs that simulate the stratospheric ozone depletion. Therefore it is concluded that the BDC-SAM relationship is driven by Antarctic ozone depletion. The ozone hole significantly cools the Antarctic stratosphere in late spring/early summer, which leads to a delayed breakdown of the polar vortex: strong circumpolar eastward flows that usually shift to westward winds in late spring. The prolonged persistence of stratospheric eastward flow enhances upward propagation of tropospheric waves into the stratosphere and strengthens the BDC. The increased wave flux in the stratosphere in turn drives a SAM trend toward its positive phase. Our results also show that the BDC-SAM relationship is robust on the interannual timescale
Conferring Substrate Specificity to DNA Helicases: Role of the RecQ HRDC Domain

RecQ DNA helicases are multidomain enzymes that play pivotal roles in genome maintenance pathways. While the ATPase and helicase activities of these enzymes can be attributed to the conserved catalytic core domain, the role of the Helicase-and-RNase-D-C-terminal (HRDC) domain in RecQ function has yet to be elucidated. Here, we report the crystal structure of the E. coli RecQ HRDC domain, revealing a globular fold that resembles known DNA binding domains. We show that this domain preferentially binds single-stranded DNA and identify its DNA binding surface. HRDC domain mutations in full-length RecQ lead to surprising differences in its structure-specific DNA binding properties. These data support a model in which naturally occurring variations in DNA binding residues among diverse RecQ homologs serve to target these enzymes to distinct substrates and provide insight into a mechanism whereby RecQ enzymes have evolved distinct functions in organisms that encode multiple recQ genes.
Critical Issues in R&D of Soy Isoflavone‐enriched Foods and Dietary Supplements

ABSTRACT: Increasing consumer awareness of soy as a healthy food ingredient has led to a tremendous growth in sales of soy isoflavone-enriched foods and dietary supplements in the past 3 y. Because of their weak estrogenic activity, isoflavones are believed to have preventive effects for several hormone-dependent diseases. This article discusses some critical issues to be considered in any R&D program of novel soy and isoflavone products for the healthy-food market, such as (1) Which isoflavone compounds should be in the product? (2) Which individual isoflavones are the most beneficial ones? (3) Can certain isoflavone groups be targeted to specific disease prevention goals? (4) Are there any safety concerns in isoflavone consumption? (5) How are isoflavones affected by thermal processing and storage? (6) How should isoflavones be analyzed? These questions may affect the choice of isoflavone source, processing conditions, quality control procedures, and marketing considerations.
On the decay rate of sunspots

[1] We have analyzed the decay of 32 sunspots observed during the years 1988 through 2001 at the San Fernando Observatory (SFO). The data are from digital images obtained in the red (672 nm) with the Cartesian Full Disk Telescope No.1 (CFDT1). We find that the rate of decay is strongly correlated with the total sunspot area and the umbral to total area ratio. The multiple correlation coefficient is 0.93. Thus, the unexplained variance from this simple model is (1–0.87). We find that for the sunspots of this study, the decay rate is not a constant and that there is no significant correlation between the decay rate and the square root of the total spot area.
Noise-free similarity model for image retrieval systems

Reducing noise in image query processing is no doubt one of the key elements to achieve high retrieval effectiveness. However, existing techniques are not able to eliminate noise from similarity matching since they capture the features of the entire image are or pre-perceived objects at the database build time. In this paper we address this outstanding issue by proposing a similarity mode for noise- free queries. In our approach, users formulate their queries by specifying objects of interest, and image similarity is based only on these relevant objects. We discuss how our approach can handle translation and scaling matching as well as how space overhead can be minimized. Our experiments show that this approach, with 1/16 the storage overhead, outperforms techniques for rectangular queries and a related technique by a significant margin.
Epitaxial and endotaxial semiconductor quantum dots: atomic order, morphological transformations, and structural transitions

This updated review consists of three parts. The first part gives an introduction to epitaxially and endotaxially self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots. The second part of this review deals with both epitaxially grown (In,Ga)Sb compound semiconductor quantum dots in GaSb matrix and epitaxially grown In(As,Sb) compound semiconductor quantum dots in InAs matrix. These quantum dots are grown in the Stranski-Krastanow growth mode, are compressively strained to several percent and initially possess the sphalerite structure with the mixed cations and anions more or less randomly distributed over their respective sublattices. Experimental evidence for the existence of long-range atomic order within such III-V compound semiconductors quantum dots is reviewed. Employing the thermodynamics of small misfitting precipitates, a simple calculation for a model III-V compound semiconductor quantum dot system is given. This calculation demonstrates the possibility of structural transitions from ordinarily strained random semiconductor alloy quantum dots (with the sphalerite structure) to long-range atomically ordered quantum dots (i.e. crystallographic superlattices) that are negligibly strained because they possess lattice mismatch strain minimizing orientation relationships with the surrounding matrix. The third part of this review deals with endotaxially grown α-Sn (grey tin) quantum dots in Si matrix. Both the phase separation formation mechanism and the void-mediated formation mechanism of these entities are briefly discussed. The thermodynamics of small misfitting precipitates provide reasonable explanations for structural transitions and morphological transformations of such quantum dots. Morphological transformations within the diamond structure with the precipitate size are explained by an increasing contribution of the elastic mismatch strain energy to the Gibbs free energy.
Effect of Direct-Fed Microbials on Rumen Microbial Fermentation

Nonbacterial, direct-fed microbials added to ruminant diets generally consist of Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract, or Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures, or both. Results from in vivo research have been variable regarding effects of direct-fed microbials on ruminant feedstuff utilization and performance. Some research has shown increased weight gains, milk production, and total tract digestibility of feed components, but others have shown little influence of direct-fed microbials on these parameters. In vitro research with mixed ruminal microorganisms likewise has been inconsistent regarding the effects of direct-fed microbials. Several researchers observed that direct-fed microbials increased cellulolytic bacterial numbers in the rumen and stimulated the production of some fermentation end products. This suggests that direct-fed microbials may be providing growth factors for the ruminal microbes. However, other researchers have reported no effect of direct-fed microbials on in vitro fiber digestion. Recent research demonstrated that growth of the predominant ruminal bacterium Selenomonas ruminantium in lactate medium as well as lactate uptake by whole cells of Sel. ruminantium were markedly increased by an A. oryzae fermentation extract and an S. cerevisiae culture. In addition, both products increased the production of acetate, propionate, succinate, total VFA, and cell yield (grams of cells per mole of lactate). Therefore, it appears that these direct-fed microbials provide soluble factors that stimulate lactate utilization by Sel. ruminantium. Evidence is presented indicating that the malate content of the A. oryzae fermentation extract and S. cerevisiae culture may be involved in this stimulation.
Evaluation of renal artery stenosis by magnetic resonance angiography.

background : Accurate identification of patients with surgically correctable renovascular hypertension has been difficult by noninvasive means. Advances in the technique of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) have begun to provide detailed, accurate imaging of the vascular system. This study reports our recent experience in the evaluation of the renal arteries by this technique. methods : MRA and contrast arteriography were performed in 32 arteries (16 adult patients) for evaluation of hypertension, abdominal aortic aneurysm, mesenteric vascular disease, and aorto-iliac occlusive disease. Luminal diameter reduction (%) was determined from two-dimensional time-of-flight (TOF) axial images. Contrast arteriography served as the gold standard for comparison. results : Contrast arteriography revealed a 50% or greater stenosis in 11 of 32 vessels studied (34%). As a screening test for detection of greater than 50% diameter reduction, MRA had a sensitivity of 91%, a negative predictive value of 94%, and an overall accuracy of 81%. Linear regression analysis demonstrated significant correlation between MRA and arteriographic measurements (r = 0.8; P conclusions : This study demonstrates the ability of MRA to accurately assess the main renal arteries for the presence of critical stenosis. This noninvasive evaluation compares well with conventional angiography and may have increasing application in the screening of patients with suspected renovascular disease.
Decision-Support System: A Case Study in Evaluative Research:

ALICE: Please, can you tell me, what kind of research I should do?THE CAT: That depends on your funding source.ALICE: I don't much care.THE CAT: Then it doesn't really matter what kind of research ...
Urinary excretion of isethionic acid in man.

THE main end products of the metabolism of sulphur amino-acids in mammals are inorganic sulphate and taurine1,2. In mammalian liver, taurine participates in the formation of conjugated bile acids3. Substantial amounts of taurine are, however, present in many extra-hepatic tissues, notably heart, muscle, brain, skin, leucocytes and platelets4–7. The biological function, if any, of taurine in these tissues is unknown.
Refractory Ascites: How to Establish the Diagnosis and What Can Be Done?

Refractory ascites accounts for 5-10 % of all ascites and portends a very poor prognosis. Refractory ascites can be diuretic-resistant (unresponsive to maximal dose of diuretics) or diuretic-intractable (inability to use an effective dose of diuretics due to development of complications). Management is challenging as therapeutic options are limited. Available options include serial large volume paracentesis or placement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. A novel device involving an automated low flow ascites pump and a peritoneo-vesical shunt has been recently developed but long term safety and efficacy data are awaited. Liver transplantation is the only modality proven to improve long-term survival.
Phasic Coronary Flow: Intraoperative Evaluation of Flow Distribution, Myocardial Function, and Reactive Hyperemic Response

Using visual inspection of phasic flow patterns and understanding their physical determinants, intraoperative decisions regarding flow distribution, function of revascularized myocardium, and collateral communications can be made. Mean flow measurements cannot provide this information. Systolic compressive forces across most of the normally contracting left ventricle limit systolic myocardial perfusion. Consequently, normal flow through the left anterior descending, left circumflex, and dominant right coronary artery (supplying the inferior left ventricle) is predominantly diastolic (greater than 60%) and remains so during reactive hyperemia. Representative examples from 100 consecutive revascularizations are presented showing that when more than 40% of flow is systolic in the right coronary artery, high mean flows (greater than 100 ml/min) may go predominantly to the right rather than the left ventricle; in the case of the left coronary artery, high mean flow may supply myocardium undergoing infarction or replaced by scar rather than normally contracting muscle. When more than 60% of flow is diastolic without reactive hyperemia, borderline mean flow (40 to 60 ml/min) may indicate lack of distal ischemia rather than fixed distal resistance.
Simple Ways to Measure Behavioral Responses of Drosophila to Stimuli and Use of These Methods to Characterize a Novel Mutant

The behavioral responses of adult Drosophila fruit flies to a variety of sensory stimuli – light, volatile and non-volatile chemicals, temperature, humidity, gravity, and sound - have been measured by others previously. Some of those assays are rather complex; a review of them is presented in the Discussion. Our objective here has been to find out how to measure the behavior of adult Drosophila fruit flies by methods that are inexpensive and easy to carry out. These new assays have now been used here to characterize a novel mutant that fails to be attracted or repelled by a variety of sensory stimuli even though it is motile.
On the adjustability of the “abrupt” heterojunction band-gap discontinuity

Abstract There is growing evidence that the offset in the band edge between two different semiconductors is intimately linked to the chemical and geometric structure at the interface. By conducting experiments sensitive on an atomic scale, we focus on the relation of the nanostructure changes to the electronic barrier formation for heterojunctions between Ge, GaAs, and AlAs. We demonstrate that there is not a single value for the distribution of band gap differences between valence band and conduction band offsets. Attempting to apply the commonly used Anderson electron affinity rule (i.e., ΔEc = Δχ), shows no systematic behavior of band-gap discontinuities as measured by photoelectron spectroscopy. The discontinuity depends not on a simple scaling parameter such as electron affinity or LCAO bond strength, but rather depends on the precise processing and substrate conditions prior to and during the heterostructure growth. Examples are presented of dependences on crystallographic orientation, semiconductor crystallinity, and growth parameters (such as deposition sequence and rate, substrate temperature and preparation). The link between the chemistry and structure at the heterojunction interface is demonstrated by measurements of the evolution of GaAs/Ge(100) “band” offsets as the nanostructure changes during growth for a variety of starting GaAs surface stoichiometries and reconstructions. Such chemical rearrangements are controlled by local, interatomic interactions at the free surfaces, neither bulk, equilibrium thermodynamic parameters (such as enthalpy of formation) nor free surface parameters (reconstruction, or surface stoichiometry) are important. Rather, the free surface and interface phase diagrams must be understood to give proper consideration to the stable or even metastable compounds which form. In order to accommodate such energy considerations as surface-induced strain and electrostatic dipole forces, the “abrupt” epitaxial heteroj unction will have an interface whose extent may be greater than a single atomic layer even for nonpolar orientations of compound semiconductors. With this understanding, we consider the possibilities for experimentally adjusting the band edge discontinuity. Atomic site selection during growth, creation of stabilizing phases and other growth and processing possibilities are also explored.
Reactions to Dating Violence among Latino Teenagers: An Experiment Utilizing the Articulated Thoughts in Simulated Situations Paradigm.

Dating violence is a serious problem among adolescents and young adults. Understanding teens' reactions to dating violence offers the potential to understand the factors that lead to perpetration of violent behavior and to elucidate prevention strategies. Knowledge concerning youth attitudes about dating violence is limited, and has largely come from self-report questionnaires to date. We utilized the Articulated Thoughts in Simulated Situations (ATSS) paradigm to assessing Latino teens' reactions to dating violence. Forty-one 9th grade students were presented with four simulated dating violence scenarios, and articulated their thoughts in response to them. Teens' reactions to dating violence differed on a variety of dimensions as a function of their gender, the gender of the perpetrator, and familiarity with the perpetrator.
Isolation of human blood cells, platelets, and plasma proteins by centrifugal SPLITT fractionation

Centrifugal SPLITT fractionation, a technique designed for the continuous high-resolution separation of colloids and low-density particles, is applied here to fresh human blood, producing six purified fractions consisting of proteins and lipoproteins, platelets, red blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils. Production of the six fractions requires five steps, each yielding two fractions. These five steps are carried out in sequence using a single apparatus, with conditions varying from step to step in accordance with theoretical guidelines in order to achieve the desired cut points. In the first step, a stream of diluted blood is separated into one fraction consisting of platelets and plasma and another containing blood cells. The throughput of diluted blood is 162 mL/h and that of whole blood is about 2 mL/h or approximately 10(10) cells/h; guidelines are given for significantly increasing throughput. The purity of the blood cell fractions ranged from 92 to 98%, and the viability fell in the range 97-99%.
The future radioactive ion beam research program at Oak Ridge

Abstract Early in 1995, the ORNL Holifield Facility is scheduled to return to operation as a dedicated radioactive ion beam (RIB) facility. This enhanced capability will open up new possibilities for research on the structure of and phenomena occurring in proton-rich nuclei. Among the opportunities will be the creation of heavier N≈Z nuclei, approaching 100Sn, and the study of exotic nuclear shapes, extensions of studies of the p-n interaction and super-allowed beta decay, and examination of nuclear structure near the proton drip line. In addition to new nuclear and atomic physics research opportunities, the beams from the Holifield RIB facility are expected to provide new capabilities for measurements important to nuclear astrophysics. To carry out this experimental program, various upgrades are planned to the existing experimental apparatus, and a new, third-generation, recoil-mass separator is being constructed.
Excitation spectra with fixed-frequency recording: Application to dimethyl-s-tetrazine

Pour pallier aux ambiguites, dans l'attribution des spectres de fluorescence dispersee d'un simple niveau vibronique (SVLF) une technique supplementaire a ete introduite, dans laquelle la detection de la fluorescence se fait a une seule longueur d'onde. La technique est testee sur le spectre visible S 1 -S 0 de la dimethyl s-tetrazine
Multidimensional Variability Analysis of Complex Power Distribution Networks via Scalable Stochastic Collocation Approach

This paper presents a novel SPICE-compatible stochastic collocation approach for the variability analysis of complex and irregular-shaped power distribution networks (PDNs). The proposed methodology relies on the Stroud cubature rules for locating the sparse set of collocation nodes within the multidimensional random space where the deterministic SPICE simulation of the PDN needs to be performed. The key advantage of the proposed Stroud cubature approach is that the number of collocation nodes required scales linearly with the number of random dimensions as opposed to the exponential or polynomial scaling exhibited by the conventional nonintrusive polynomial chaos approaches, thereby resulting in significantly faster simulations. The validity of the proposed approach for both single-layered and multilayered PDNs characterized by holes/apertures, narrow slots, and irregular geometries is established through multiple numerical examples.
Predictors of Developmental Outcome in Very Low Birth Weight Infants.

Sociodemographic and biomedical predictors of development in very low birth weight (VLBW, #lt 1500 g) infants were examined in 85 VLBW infants (between the ages of 6 and 24 months) from racially and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds. Development was evaluated by the Bayley Infant Neurodevelopmental Screener (BINS), the Clinical Adaptive Test#shClinical Linguistic Auditory Milestone Scale (CAT#shCLAMS) and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development‐ll (BSID‐ll). Low Income and greater frequency of medical problems predicted developmental risk on the BSID‐ll. In two‐parent households, paternal education predicted developmental scores. Several individual biomedical factors (e.g., gender, IVH, and low Apgar score) distinguished infants rated as high vs. low risk on the BINS. Even In severely compromised children, both demographic and biomedical risk factors affect development Sample characteristics and instrumentation may influence results even in same data sets.
A pilot investigation comparing low‐energy, double pass 1,450 nm laser treatment of acne to conventional single‐pass, high‐energy treatment

Background and Objectives Laser treatment using a 1,450 nm diode laser has been shown to improve acne and acne scarring. Its widespread adoption in younger populations has been significantly limited by discomfort. Study Design/Materials and Methods Six subjects with active papular acne were treated in a pilot study to determine parameters for a split-face, double-pass, low-energy protocol of 1,450 nm laser treatment. Sides of the face were randomized to receive single-pass, high-energy treatment (13–14 J/cm2), or double-pass, low energy treatment (8–11 J/cm2), for a total of four treatments delivered at monthly intervals. Acne counts and standardized, digital photograph were performed 2 months following the final treatment, and compared to pre-treatment counts and photographs. Results Improvement was evaluated comparing pre- and post-treatment photos and averaged 2.5 for the high-energy, single-pass side and 2.3 for the low-energy, double-pass side, using a 0 (worse) to 4 (max improvement) scale. Acne counts were reduced 78% on the high-energy, single-pass side and 67% on the low-energy, double-pass side. Pain ratings on a 1 (min) to 10 (max) scale averaged 5.6 (range 1–9) for the high-energy, single-pass side and 1.3 (range 1–2) for the low-energy, double-pass side. Conclusions Low-energy, double-pass 1,450 nm laser treatment effectively reduces acne counts 2 months post-treatment, and dramatically reduces the pain associated with treatment. The treatment parameters used in this study have eliminated the need for anesthetic cream in daily practice. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:193–198, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Navigating the AIDS Epidemic in Rural Malawi

Below I describe and justify the unusual data on local conversations that I use and also acknowledge their limitations. I then distinguish three building blocks from which local strategies of behavior are constructed: crucial epidemiological information disseminated by international and national actors; visible evidence of the epidemic provided by deaths from AIDS which appear to have catalyzed the formulation of local strategies of prevention; and the social construction of sex in rural Malawi. I describe the prevention strategies themselves which range from the internationally and nationally prescribed abstinence fidelity and condom use to innovative strategies of partner selection divorce and renewed religious commitment. Although my aim here is to add to our understanding of collective responses to the epidemic in one rural population I end by considering the extent to which locally formulated strategies of prevention may be effective in altering the course of the epidemic and I speculate about the applicability of my findings to other populations. (excerpt)
Influence of Iron Chlorosis on Pigment and Protein Metabolism in Leaves of Nicotiana tabacum L.

Experiments were conducted on Nicotiana tabacum , L. to study the relation in the grana among chlorophylls, carotenoids, and proteins. The effect of iron chlorosis on protein and pigment synthesis was studied at different stages of chlorosis using glycine-U-C 14 . Pigments were separated by thin layer chromatography. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid, and protein contents of chloroplasts from chlorotic tissue were less than those of normal tissues. A 25% decrease in protein labeling and a 45% decrease in chlorophyll labeling was noted in deficient tissue compared to normal tissue even before chlorosis was perceptible. Both normal and iron deficient leaf discs which received iron in the incubation medium incorporated higher amounts of radioactive glycine into chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b at all stages of development than their respective counterparts not supplied with iron in the incubation medium. The presence of iron in the incubation medium reduced the amount of glycine incorporated into carotenes and xanthophylls, except where the tissue was severely chlorotic. This may be attributed to active competition for glycine between the iron-dependent- (chlorophyll) and iron-independent-(carotenoid) biosynthetic pathways. Incorporation of glycine into chloroplast pigments was lowest at severe chlorosis, probably due to a reduction in the overall enzyme activity.
Juror Judgments in Civil Cases: Hindsight Effects on Judgments of Liability for Punitive Damages

An experiment was conducted to investigate whether hindsight bias influences an important class of legal decisions—civil jurors' judgments of liability for punitive damages. Jury-eligible citizens were shown a videotaped summary of the circumstances surrounding an environmental damage lawsuit. Some subjects were presented a foresight perspective and asked to judge whether or not a railroad should comply with an order to stop operations on a section of track that had been declared hazardous. Other subjects were asked to judge whether the railroad was liable for punitive damages after an accident occurred. Three independent variables were manipulated: temporal perspective with one third of the subjects assessing risks in foresight and two thirds assessing risks in hindsight; subject role with one half of the subjects asked to assume the role of a juror rendering a verdict and one half the role of a citizen whose personal opinion was solicited; and, in the hindsight conditions only, the amount of damage ($240,000 vs. $24,000,000) caused by the accident. Almost all measures of participants' judgments and thoughts about the case showed dramatic foresight–hindsight differences. The participants' role had an effect on some measures; for example, participants in the juror role exhibited slightly smaller hindsight effects when judging liability than did those in the citizen role. The magnitude of the damage caused by the accident had no effects on any measures.
Applying behavioral management in Eastern Europe

Abstract As posed in the title, the authors make a case for the use of behavioral management as a pragmatic and effective way to help East European managers improve employee performance. After providing the cultural and theoretical grounding for the use of a behavioral approach, the five-step O.B. Mod. model is presented. The successful use of O.B. Mod. in a Russian factory is given detailed attention and then the case is made for using this approach in all Eastern European organizations. Particular attention is given to the nature and power of contingently administered social reinforcers to increase employee performance at no cost. The authors conclude that this approach can help meet the competitive challenges Eastern European management faces now and in the future.
Polarisation orientation angle measurements of ocean internal waves and current fronts using polarimetric SAR

Recent studies have shown that polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (POLSAR) data may be used to measure parameters such as bare surface roughness. Polarisation orientation angles, derived from POLSAR data, can be utilised to produce estimates of topography. Orientation angles have been used for SAR data compensation, in areas of rugged terrain, to ensure accurate estimation of geophysical parameters such as biomass and soil moisture. Orientation angles have also recently been investigated for use in measuring directional ocean wave spectra. Studies of these ocean features are conventionally done by measuring feature-related microwave backscatter intensity perturbations. In the work presented, a new approach is taken. Investigations have been made of changes in the polarisation orientation angle caused by ocean wave–current interaction features. The study uses airborne POLSAR data obtained in the New York Bight and in the Gulf Stream, east of Cape Hatteras. A model is used to determine the parametric dependencies of the orientation angle on internal wave current, wind–wave direction and wind–wave speed. An empirical relation is proposed to relate orientation angle perturbations to the underlying internal wave current strength.
Gender in the African Diaspora: Electronic Research Materials

Electronic resources, especially the World Wide Web, present important advantages for gendered analysis of the African Diaspora. For topics ranging from patterns of enslavement to current educational issues, this review emphasises the possibilities for crossing regional and linguistic boundaries in gender studies through use of the Internet. With citation of numerous websites and other resources, the essay identifies research issues, discusses research techniques, notes various forms of electronic publication and provides examples of searching electronically for different kinds of information.
In Vivo Expression of the Novel CXC Chemokine BRAK in Normal and Cancerous Human Tissue

Using differential display, we cloned a gene with reduced expression in short-term explants of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors compared to cultured normal oral epithelial cells. The differentially expressed gene was identical to the recently cloned CXC chemokine BRAK, which is ubiquitously expressed in normal tissue extracts but is absent from many tumor cell lines in vitro . To define the cell populations expressing BRAK in vivo, in situ mRNA hybridization was performed on normal and cancerous tissues from six different histological sites. The predominant normal cell type constitutively expressing BRAK in vivo was squamous epithelium. Expression in tumors was heterogeneous, with the majority of HNSCCs and some cervical squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs. showing loss of BRAK mRNA. Although absent in unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, high levels of BRAK were consistently found in infiltrating inflammatory cells (with lymphocyte morphology. in nearly all cancers examined. Furthermore, BRAK expression was demonstrated in B cells and monocytes, after stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with lipopolysaccharide. This study demonstrates for the first time up-regulation of BRAK mRNA by inflammatory cells in the tumor microenvironment and lost expression from certain cancers in vivo . The data suggest that BRAK may have a role in host-tumor interactions.