cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of titania films on Mo(1 1 0)

Abstract Ultra-thin titania films were grown on a Mo(1 1 0) substrate by vapor depositing Ti in an O 2 ambient (5×10 −7 Torr) at 600 K, followed by annealing to 900–1200 K. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that titanium oxide films annealed to 900 K were partially reduced, exhibiting Ti 4+ , Ti 3+ and Ti 2+ species, whereas films annealed to 1200 K were fully oxidized and exhibited only Ti 4+ . Corresponding scanning tunneling microscopy measurements revealed layer-by-layer growth of titania films on Mo(1 1 0) at 900 K. Flat terraces with three different orientations were observed. The line spacings between the neighboring atomic rows for all terraces were ∼6.5 A, suggesting epitaxial growth of TiO 2 (1 1 0)-(1×1). A further anneal of the films to 1200 K led to three-dimensional, rough surfaces for the fully oxidized films, indicating the formation of stable crystallites at high temperature.
A population survey of forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) in northern Congo

Summary From February to April of 1989 transects were run in four forested areas of northern Congo (Brazzaville) to census elephant populations using dung counts. A total of 401.0 km of line transects was completed during the survey. An overall extrapolated density of 0.7 elephants/km2 was obtained with a variation from 0.3 to 0.9 elephants/km2. This study shows for the first time that elephants occur in high densities in a number of sites in northern Congo. When elephant dung density is plotted against distance from the nearest village for each transect a significant positive linear correlation results. Based on this correlation we hypothesize that the population of elephants in much of northern Congo is high. Local reports and our own observations indicate that elephant poaching is heavy in northern Congo and that the CITES ban on trade in African elephant ivory has had a limited effect on the level of poaching.
Enhanced Removal of Hydrophobic Organic Contaminants by Settling Sediments in Western Lake Superior

Abstract Sediment cores from Lake Superior were collected, dated, and analyzed for a suite of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and n-alkanes. The cores spanned an area from near Duluth/Superior in the western arm to the open waters of western Lake Superior. While accumulation rates for all HOCs were lower than in other Great Lakes, all analytes accumulated at a much higher rate in the western arm of Lake Superior closest to the Duluth/Superior area. The data indicate that HOCs in the western arm are removed from the water column more efficiently by settling particles resulting in higher accumulation rates and inventories. Atmospheric HOC loads focused via a terrestrial pathway by the St. Louis River also contribute to higher HOC loads to the western arm. A terrestrial biomarker, retene, and n-alkanes characteristic of higher terrestrial plant material exhibit a steep gradient decreasing from the western arm into the open waters of the western basin. A simple model was developed based on hydrophobicity and total suspended matter that supports the general observed pattern of PAH surface accumulation among the three coring sites. In particular, the model predicts a greater abundance of lower molecular weight PAHs in near-shore areas with higher total suspended material concentrations than in open waters. This phenomenon could explain the greater abundance of lower molecular weight PAHs observed in near-shore areas in other systems including the Black Sea and Lake Michigan. Differences in model results and measured surface accumulation rates and inventories of PAHs as well as carbon preference indices suggest that sediments from the western arm of Lake Superior are subject to local sources including uncombusted petroleum.
A Search for the Common Words within the Voluminous Phage Vocabulary

4^(900) is a number that surpasses the estimated number of protons in our observable universe by roughly 462 orders of magnitude. Yet, this number corresponds to the number of sequences that can be encoded using just 900 DNA base pairs, the average gene length! Astonishingly, despite the incomprehensible sequence diversity that the DNA alphabet allows for, there exist sequences that are highly conserved across all domains of life. Such sequences have been used as “universal” markers for both identification and evolutionary classification of organisms except for phages (and viruses in general), which are the most abundant of biological entities on our planet, with an estimated 10^(31) such viruses populating the world's ecosystems. In the absence of universal phage markers, we aimed to search for the most ubiquitous phage sequences within a given microbial environment, using the human mouth as an important and intriguing case study. Upon identifying ubiquitous phage markers using a bioinformatic search through oral metagenomic databases, we designed primers to capture them experimentally. To our surprise, using DNA amplification and sequencing, we have verified the presence of these phage markers in all human patients we have sampled so far. Using these markers, we have begun to study phage sequence diversity and evolutionary relationships across different patients, various other animals and natural environments in which these markers are also present. We further aim to use these markers in microsocopy studies where we can directly visualize the networks of phages and their particular hosts in their intact microbial communities.
Adaptability of the nociceptive withdrawal reflex

The nociceptive withdrawal reflex is a protective mechanism to mediate interactions within a potentially dangerous environment. The reflex is formed by action-based sensory encoding during the early post-natal developmental period, and it is unknown if the protective motor function of the nociceptive withdrawal reflex in the human upper-limb is adaptable based on the configuration of the arm or if it can be modified by short-term practice of a similar or opposing motor action. In the present study, nociceptive withdrawal reflexes were evoked by a brief train of electrical stimuli applied to digit II, 1) in five different static arm positions and, 2) before and after motor practice that was opposite (EXT) or similar (FLEX) to the stereotyped withdrawal response, in 10 individuals. Withdrawal responses were quantified by the electromyography (EMG) reflex response in several upper limb muscles, and by the forces and moments recorded at the wrist. EMG onset latencies and response amplitudes were not significantly different across the arm positions or between the EXT and FLEX practice conditions, and the general direction of the withdrawal response was similar across arm positions. In addition, the force vectors were not different after practice in either the practice condition or between EXT and FLEX conditions. We conclude the withdrawal response is insensitive to changes in elbow or shoulder joint angles as well as remaining resistant to short-term adaptations from the practice of motor actions, resulting in a generalized limb withdrawal in each case. It is further hypothesized that the multisensory feedback is weighted differently in each arm position, but integrated to achieve a similar withdrawal response to safeguard against erroneous motor responses that could cause further harm. The results remain consistent with the concept that nociceptive withdrawal reflexes are shaped through long-term and not short-term action based sensory encoding.
Resonance raman and hyper-Raman spectroscopy of organic chromophores for second-order nonlinear optics

Two-photon resonant hyper-Raman spectroscopy from large molecules in solution is discussed as a method for probing excited electronic states that are both one- and two-photon allowed. A number of electron donor–acceptor substituted conjugated organic molecules that have large first hyperpolarizabilities (β) have recently been shown to give strong resonance hyper-Raman (RHR) spectra in solution. The quantum mechanical formulation of RHR scattering is reviewed, and practical approaches to calculating RHR spectra and excitation profiles are proposed by reference to methods already developed for simulating linear resonance Raman spectra and profiles. The potential benefits of a close interplay between experiments, empirical simulations, and electronic structure calculations of ground-state and excited-state properties are emphasized. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Molecular structure of Pt(PF3)4 by gas-phase electron diffraction

Abstract The structure of Pt(PF 3 ) 4 was reinvestigated making use of a new theory of intramolecular dynamic scattering. Derived molecular parameters were insensitive to the dynamic corrections. Refinements for this tetrahedral molecule yielded r g (Pt-P) = 2.229(5) A, r g (P-F) = 1.550(4) A, and ∠PtPF = 118.9°(0.4), with the indicated uncertainties representing 2.5σ. Amplitudes of vibration were also determined. Diffraction patterns were consistent with freely rotating PF 3 groups.
Effects of feeding different forms of zinc and copper on the performance and tissue mineral content of chicks

Abstract A study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding inorganic or organic Zn and Cu on the performance and tissue mineral content of chicks. A corn-soybean meal diet without Cu and Zn supplementation, containing 31 mg of Zn/kg of diet and 6.6 mg of Cu/kg of diet, was used as a basal diet. Organic Zn (a chelated Zn proteinate) and organic Cu (a chelated Cu proteinate) were used as organic sources for comparison with inorganic reagent-grade sulfates. Supplements provided 20 mg/kg of Zn and 8 mg/kg of Cu. A 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments consisting of feeding the basal diet with 3 supplements (none, sulfate, or organic) of Cu and of Zn was used. Ten groups of 6 one-day-old male broilers were assigned to each of 9 dietary treatments. Tap water and feed were supplied on an ad libitum basis during the 3-wk trial. The Zn and Cu content in the mucosa of the duodenum of the chick was determined. Dietary supplementation of Zn increased (P
Efficient gamma-ray signal decomposition analysis based on orthonormal transformation and fixed poles

Gamma-ray energy tracking is a new technique for the detection of gamma radiation. In such scheme, the individual interactions of the gamma rays with the germanium detectors are described by the energy, position and interaction time. Signal decomposition is the name of the procedure used to estimate the three-dimensional positions of the interactions based on pulse-shape analysis of the signals on the two-dimensional segments deposited on the faces of the detector. The present signal decomposition algorithm is computational intensive. For GRETINA, a detector being built based on this concept and that covers just a quarter of a sphere, 140 quad-processors are required to decompose 20,000 gamma interactions per second. In order to reduce the computational cost, we have conceptualized that the segments waveforms are generated by amplitude modulated discrete-time unit impulse. Projection of these waveforms into a more suitable basis reduces the computation costs while optimizing the same cost function. In this article we describe the framework for such projection, and we provide an example. For the present example, the computational cost was reduced by a factor of 5 times.
Transience of peers & streaming media

Application level multicast schemes have traditionally been evaluated with respect to the efficiency penalties incurred in migrating the multicast functionality from the network layer to the application layer. We argue that the current performance measures, and therefore design strategies, are incomplete as they do not consider transience of peers. The routers in application level multicast systems are participant clients, and not infrastructure units. As such, the assumptions on the behavior of these application routers are significantly different from the infrastructure routing units that traditional research has dealt with, especially in a peer-to-peer setting where peers are multi-use and the management is decentralized. we argue that the transience in peer behavior has implications on end-performance enabled. We outline a design philosophy that seeks to separate policy decisions in handling peer behavior from the end-application at a basic infrastructural peering layer. As a proof of concept, we have implemented a peering layer prototype, which is available for download.
Enhancement of NCl(b) by excited iodine I(52P1/2)

ABSTRACT A promising candidate for a visible wavelength chemical laser is the NC! molecule in theb1 electronic state, emitting at 665 nm. This state can be generated by purely chemicalmethods, as this paper describes. The energy-pooling reaction, NCl(a1z) + I*(P1/2)(b 1E) is estimated to have a rate coefficient of 1 1 3/ fr a steady-state approximation. Experiments using a high speed flowtube have shown that NCl(a1i) isgenerated in high yield via the reaction of HN3 with chlorine atoms. The measured yieldis 65%. Preliminary measurements of gain were initiated employing the cavity ring-downtechnique. These experiments indicate that gain may be present under the operatingconditions used. Confirmatory experiments are in progress.1. INTRODUCTION The principle of a short-wavelength chemical laser is to generate, by chemical reactions,electronically-excited product molecules capable of sustaining laser action. In practice, most chemical reactions give ground electronic state products. Those that do not generally give
Development of an ultracold-neutron source at MLNSC

Ultra Cold Neutrons (UCN) can be produced at spallation sources using a variety of techniques. To date the technique used has been to Bragg scatter and Doppler shift cold neutrons into UCN from a moving crystal. This is particularly applicable to short-pulse spallation sources. We are presently constructing a UCN source at LANSCE using this method. In addition, large gains in UCN density should be possible using cryogenic UCN sources. Research is under way at Gatchina to demonstrate technical feasibility of a frozen deuterium source. If successful, a source of this type could be implemented at future spallation sources, such as the long pulse source being planned at Los Alamos, with a UCN density that may be two orders of magnitude higher than that presently available at reactors.
Ultraviolet spectroscopy of the outer layers of stars

In this article the discussion is limited to extended atmospheres and circumstellar envelopes, for which fundamental advantages are offered by ultraviolet observations. Thus, stellar winds, properties of Be and shell stars, and stellar chromospheres and coronae are included, while observations of stellar photospheres are not.
An introduction to Stuart Hall's essay

(1985). An introduction to Stuart Hall's essay. Critical Studies in Mass Communication: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 87-90.
Adenovirus-Directed Expression of Functional Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Receptors in Undifferentiated Rat Granulosa Cells: Evidence for Differential Signaling through Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and LH Receptors1

This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using replication-defective adenovirus vectors to express receptors for LH. Two vectors were constructed, one that directs the expression of wild-type human LH receptor (LHr; AdRSVLHrwt) and another that directs the expression of the constitutively activated D578H mutant human LH receptor (AdRSVD578HLHr). When infected with AdRSVwtLHr and AdRSVD578HLHr, COS-1 cells expressed LH/hCG-binding sites as reflected by specific binding of [125I]hCG. To determine the ability of the vectors to confer LH responsiveness, undifferentiated rat granulosa cells, which possess only FSH receptors, were infected with AdRSVwtLHr and AdRSVD578HLHr. Expression of the constitutively activated D578H LHr increased basal (gonadotropin-independent) estrogen and progesterone production. Expression of the wild-type LHr in granulosa cells did not stimulate basal steroid production, but conferred responsiveness to exogenous LH. For both wild-type LHr and D578HLHr, the absolute le...
Small molecular weight G-protein, H-Ras, and retinal endothelial cell apoptosis in diabetes.

We have demonstrated that the expressions of small molecular weight G-protein, H-Ras, and its effector protein, Raf-1, are increased in the retina in diabetes, and the specific inhibitors of Ras function inhibit glucose-induced apoptosis of retinal capillary cells. This study is to examine the contributory roles for H-Ras in glucose-induced apoptosis of retinal endothelial cells by genetic manipulation of functionally active H-Ras levels. Bovine retinal endothelial cells were transfected with the plasmids of either wild type (WT), constitutively active (V12) or dominant-negative (N17) H-Ras. Glucose-induced increase in apoptosis, nitric oxide (NO) levels and activation of NF-κB and caspase-3 were determined in these genetically manipulated cells. Exposure of bovine retinal endothelial cells to 20 mM glucose significantly increased H-Ras activation as determined by Raf-1 binding assay. Overexpression of V12 in the endothelial cells further increased their glucose-induced apoptosis by 40%, NO levels by about 50%, and activated NF-κB and caspase-3 by about 30–40% compared to the untransfected cells incubated in 20 mM glucose. In contrast, overexpression of the inactive mutant, N17, inhibited glucose-mediated increases in apoptotic cell death, NO levels and NF-κB and caspase-3 activation; the values were significantly different (p < 0.02) compared to those obtained from the untransfected cells incubated under similar conditions. Our findings demonstrate that H-Ras activation is important in the activation of the specific signaling events leading to the accelerated retinal capillary cell apoptosis in hyperglycemic conditions, suggesting the possible use of H-Ras inhibitors to inhibit the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
Applications of Lasers in Microelectronics and Micromechanics

Vigorous research activity has been directed over the last few years to laser processing for microfabrication. The new techniques that have emerged are motivated by possibilities ranging from the achievement of a 0.15-µm optical lithography to development of entirely nonlithographic laser direct writing methods for circuit prototyping and postfabrication (final step) processing. The former technology is poised as a simpler, faster, and less expensive alternative to x-ray, electron, or ion-beam lithography for fabricating next generation VLSI. The latter would make methods available for interactive circuit design, multichip modules, and 3-D micromechanics.
A Novel Structure for Cantilever-Beam MEMS Power Generator

A novel cantilever-beam type MEMS power generator is proposed for the conversion of vibration mechanical energy to electrical energy through piezoelectric effects. In the various MEMS-based micro power generating schemes, piezoelectric conversion usually achieves a higher efficiency than that of electromagnetic or electrostatic schemes. Currently, most cantilever-beam type MEMS power generators are suitable for harvesting energy in relatively high frequency ranges (500 Hz to 14 kHz), but are not effective in harvesting low frequency (<10 Hz) vibration energy, such as energy from human walking or ocean wave, for which MEMS power generators are most desired. In this paper, a new cantilever-beam MEMS power generator is proposed, which can greatly improve the power conversion for low frequency circumstances. The power generator consists of two sets of cantilever beams: 1. A properly designed mm-size cantilever-beam with metal as the proof mass, and having low resonant frequency matching that of the external low frequency excitation sources. This is to be used to effectively couple the external motion. 2. An array of micro thin film piezoelectric (PZT) cantilever-beams, each with metal as proof mass, and having higher resonant frequencies. The external excitation is coupled to the single cantilever beam with kinetic energy. Through impact between the mm-size cantilever beam (low frequency) and the micro cantilever beam array (high frequency), the coupled mechanical energy is transferred to electrical energy through piezoelectric effect. Simulation results show that energy conversion efficiency can be greatly improved by using such a coupled structure as compared to that of only using MEMS cantilever beams with high frequency or a single mm-size beam structure. This may have a wide range of applications in pervasive computing and biomedical engineering.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
A test of Lundman’s organizational product thesis with data on citizen complaints

Applying Lundman’s organizational product thesis in explaining citizen complaints against police use of excessive physical force, the current study tests several hypotheses with a national data set. Tobit regression analyses of the data show that Lundman’s thesis is partially supported. Both organizational behavior and organizational characteristics are important covariates of the complaint rate against police use of excessive physical force. Although generalization is limited, police departments need to actively recruit more mature persons into the police force, reinforce field training officer programs, and continually provide more in‐service training programs for its members if they are serious in reducing citizens’ complaints.
Three-electron SN2 Reactions of Arylcyclopropane Cation Radicals. 2. Steric and electronic effects of substitution.

The nucleophilic substitution reactions on substituted arylcyclopropane cation radicals were studied by a combination of methods including product studies, time-resolved laser flash photolysis, kinetic isotope effects, and quantum chemical calculations. The reactions were found to proceed stereospecifically with inversion of configuration, with high regioselectivity for nucleophilic attack at the more substituted carbon atom, and with very small steric effects. Electronic effects on the nucleophilic substitution regiochemistry and the rate constants were found to be substantial for substituents on the cyclopropane moiety and on the aryl ring.
Photoresist Modification of Sol–Gel Solutions for Texturing of Bi4Ti3O12 and Bi3TiNbO9 Thin Films

Bismuth titanate (Bi4Ti3O12) and bismuth titanium niobate (Bi3TiNbO9) c-axis textured thin films were fabricated using the sol–gel processing technique. Chemical modification of precursor solutions was performed using a proprietary photosensitive chemical (photoresist). Increases in crystallinity and texture of resulting films were seen over films that were made from unmodified solutions. Analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed c-axis orientation factors for Bi4Ti3O12 near 88% and Bi3TiNbO9 near 63% in “modified” films. Atomic force microscopy images of films show microstructural improvement between “modified” and “unmodified” films. Images generally show smaller randomly oriented grains in “unmodified” films, and larger oriented platelet structures related to growth due to crystal habit in “modified” films. Light scattering experiments show the addition of photoresist to the precursor solution initiates accelerated particle growth. AFM imaging of soft-baked films also suggests an enhancement of texture.
Micro-scale fabrication and characterization of a silver-polymer-based electrically activated antibacterial surface.

This paper reports the fabrication methodology and characterization results for an electrically activated silver-polymer-based antibacterial surface with primary applications in preventing indirect contact transmission of infections. The surface consists of a micro-scale grating pattern of alternate silver electrodes and SU-8 partitions with a minimum feature size of 20 µm, and activated by an external voltage. In this study, prototype coupons (15 mm × 15 mm) of the antibacterial surface were fabricated on silicon substrates using two sets of lithographies, and analyzed for their physical characteristics using microscopy and surface profilometry. The prototypes were also electrically analyzed to determine their current–voltage characteristics, and hence silver ion (Ag+) release concentrations. Finally, they were tested for their antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) using a newly engineered microbiological testing procedure. The antibacterial efficacy testing results show significant reductions in the number of viable organisms of both the species after 45 min of testing with 15 µA system current. Due to the growing incidences of hospital-acquired infections and rising treatment costs, study and application of such alternative antibacterial systems in critical touch-contact and work surfaces (e.g., door push plates, countertops, medical instrument trays) for healthcare environments has become essential.
On joint distributions for arbitrary variables

There has been considerable interest in the problem of joint representations for variables other than time and frequency. We compare the methods of Cohen (1991) and of Baraniuk and Jones (see Proc. IEEE Int. Conf. Acoust., Speech Signal Processing, ICASSP '93, p.320-323, vol.III) and show their equivalence for variables that have the same commutator as time and frequency. In addition, we report the following very general result. All pairs of variables connected by a unitary transformation have joint distributions that are functionally equivalent. >
Comparison of nickel-group metal cyanides and acetylides and their anions using anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations.

The photoelectron spectra of NiCN-, PdCN-, PtCN-, HNiC2H-, Ni(C2H)2-, PdC2H-, and PtC2H- are presented along with density functional theory calculations. Linear structures are predicted for all ani...
Minority and Sex Distribution of Graduate Students in Land-Grant University Departments with Poultry Programs

Abstract A survey of Land Grant Universities was conducted to determine the existing graduate student distribution for sex and minorities. The findings showed this distribution to be: 84.9%, male; 15.1%, female; 92.5%, Caucasian; .2%, Negro; 0%, American Indian; .9%, Spanish American; and 6.4%, Oriental.
Interpolated memory tests reduce mind wandering and improve learning of online lectures

The recent emergence and popularity of online educational resources brings with it challenges for educators to optimize the dissemination of online content. Here we provide evidence that points toward a solution for the difficulty that students frequently report in sustaining attention to online lectures over extended periods. In two experiments, we demonstrate that the simple act of interpolating online lectures with memory tests can help students sustain attention to lecture content in a manner that discourages task-irrelevant mind wandering activities, encourages task-relevant note-taking activities, and improves learning. Importantly, frequent testing was associated with reduced anxiety toward a final cumulative test and also with reductions in subjective estimates of cognitive demand. Our findings suggest a potentially key role for interpolated testing in the development and dissemination of online educational content.
An Analysis of Telephone Messages: Minimizing Unproductive Replay Time

This paper reports the results of a research project to study the nature and structure of phone messages and the design characteristics of phone messaging systems that would optimize the retrieval of relevant message information. of particular concern with respect to the structure of a phone message was the location of a phone number left in the message. in order to replay any portion of a message, most messaging systems require the user to listen to the message from its beginning. Because it was found that phone numbers are typically left towards the end of a message, such a system is quite inefficient. One proposed solution is the implementation of a “back” button. A simple equation is employed to optimize the length of time encompassed by the back button, which would result in substantial time savings to users at least 17 seconds per message in which it was used. The ramifications of such time savings are discussed.
A comparison of folic acid awareness and intake among young women aged 18–24 years

Purpose To investigate public understanding of the importance of folic acid intake in young women aged 18-24 years. Data sources A written questionnaire designed by the researcher was administered to 138 young women aged 18-24 years attending college or those seeking care in the county health facility. A total of 88 complete questionnaires were used for the data analysis. Conclusions Young women were not aware of the importance of folic acid, were not taking multivitamins containing folic acid, and were not consuming enough folic acid in their diets. No relationship existed between pregnancy intention and folic acid intake, suggesting that those who were planning a pregnancy in the near future were not consuming adequate amounts of folic acid. Implications for practice A lack of knowledge regarding the importance of folic acid may lead to poor pregnancy outcomes. Many educational opportunities exist and should be developed in clinics, physician's offices, and classes which involve young women in this age group.
The structure of visual pattern associates and pattern goodness

Two tasks were used with a total set of 126 dot patterns. In one task Ss rated the goodness of each pattern. In another task they produced a dot pattern as an associate to each of the patterns used as a stimulus. The distributions of the associates suggest that the total set of patterns is both partitioned and nested. Groups defined by rotation and reflection are partitioned, thus kept intact. These groups in turn form a series of nested subsets., Both partitioning and nesting produce subsets of different size. The size of these subsets is related to pattern goodness, with good patterns coming from small subsets.
NEURAL NETWORK TRAINING USING THE BIMODAL OPTICAL COMPUTER

Using the bimodal optical computer for training a hetroassociative memory of a neural network is introduced. The storage capacity of the trained hetroassociative memory is shown to be much higher than that for the Hopefield model. A comparison with the pseudoinverse model shows that in the proposed method the vector recall accuracy is higher when the number of vectors is greater than their size. This method has the potential of being faster than the other methods because of its parallel processing nature. I.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A composite model for establishing the microtubule arrays of the neuron.

Neurons generate two distinct types of processes, termed axons and dendrites, both of which rely on a highly organized array of microtubules for their growth and maintenance. Axonal microtubules are uniformly oriented with their plus ends distal to the cell body, whereas dendritic microtubules are nonuniformly oriented. In neither case are the microtubules attached to the centrosome or any detectable structure that could establish their distinct patterns of polarity orientation. Studies from our laboratory over the past few years have led us to propose the following model for the establishment of the axonal and dendritic microtubule arrays. Microtubules destined for these processes are nucleated at the centrosome within the cell body of the neuron and rapidly released. The released microtubules are then transported into developing axons and dendrites to support their growth. Early in neuronal development, the microtubules are transported with their plus ends leading into immature processes that are the common progenitors of both axons and dendrites. This sets up a uniformly plus-end-distal pattern of polarity orientation, which is preserved in the developing axon. In the case of the dendrite, the plus-end-distal microtubules are joined by another population of microtubules that are transported into these processes with their minus-ends leading. Implicit in this model is that neurons have specialized machinery for regulating the release of microtubules from the centrosome and for transporting them with great specificity.
Counselor Education Abroad: Selected Programs

This article discusses the current status of counselor education programs being operated for the benefit of military personnel and military dependents abroad. A major issue examined is the apparent inaccuracy of the stereotype of the professional military man as an individual unable to learn or present facilitative dimensions.
Mouse/human T-cell hybrids rosetting with sheep erythrocytes.

Hybrid cells have been recovered from selective culture medium after fusion of concanavalin-A-activated human lymphocytes with an AKR mouse thymoma (BW 5147). After 6 months of culture twenty-seven out of forty-nine clones still contained human chromosomes. Human chromosome 6 was present in 89% of these clones, and human X in 70%. Clones from one hybrid line contained several human chromosomes. In twelve of the clones carrying human chromosomes, the rosetting with sheep Erythrocytes (SRBC) was 3 times as high as In the BW 5147 cell line. All these clones Carried the human chromosome 6, and eight clones contained the human X chromosome as well. In some of these clones (25%) chromosome 6 was the only human one present. In the two clones In which human chromosome 6 was completely missing, the resetting with SRBC was at the level of the BW line. We therefore suggest that genes on human chromosome 6 are responsible for rosetting with SRBC.
Plasmonic photoconductive terahertz emitters based on nanoscale gratings

A photoconductive terahertz emitter based on a long-carrier lifetime semiconductor is demonstrated experimentally. Using plasmonic grating contact electrodes enables achieving high quantum efficiency and ultrafast operation simultaneously, eliminating the need for a short-carrier lifetime substrate.
The Growth‐maximizing Tax Rate

This note is a reply to Professor Kennedy’s criticism of the specification of my model on taxation and economic growth and my testing of the degree of homogeneity of the growth-generating function in an earlier paper in this journal. I find that the model relating the pattern in the growth rate to the pattern in the division of the share of output is not affected by incorporating factor inputs into the model, that the function is homogeneous of degree one, and that the growth-maximizing tax rate of about 20 percent of GDP stands, as in the original paper.
Propylene Glycol as a Cause of Lactic Acidosis

Propylene glycol (PG) concentrations were measured in 35 sera and eight cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) from five patients receiving intravenous medications containing PG as a vehicle. Serum concentrations ranged from 6 to 711 mg/L, and CSF concentrations from 11 to 566 mg/L. The CSF concentrations were as high as 85% of the serum concentrations. In several instances, PG was also measured in urine and pleural fluid. Lactate concentrations ranged up to 24.1 mEq/L (217 mg/dL) and showed statistically significant correlation (r = 0.921) with the PG concentrations in serum (p less than 0.01). The PG:creatinine clearance ratios in two patients were 35.5% and 48.8%. Serum half-lives in two patients were 4.7 and 5.6 hrs. Propylene glycol administration may be an important cause of lactic acidosis in the hospitalized patient.
Efficient Data Gathering with Mobile Collectors and Space-Division Multiple Access Technique in Wireless Sensor Networks

Recent years have witnessed a surge of interest in efficient data gathering schemes in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In this paper, we address this issue by adopting mobility and space-division multiple access (SDMA) technique. Specifically, mobile collectors, called SenCars in this paper, work like mobile base stations and collect data from associated sensors via single-hop transmissions so as to achieve uniform energy consumption. We also apply SDMA technique to data gathering by equipping each SenCar with multiple antennas such that distinct compatible sensors may successfully make concurrent data uploading to a SenCar. To investigate the utility of the joint design of controlled mobility and SDMA technique, we consider two cases, where a single SenCar and multiple SenCars are deployed in a WSN, respectively. For the single SenCar case, we aim to minimize the total data gathering time, which consists of the moving time of the SenCar and the data uploading time of sensors, by exploring the trade-off between the shortest moving tour and the full utilization of SDMA. We refer to this problem as mobile data gathering with SDMA, or MDG-SDMA for short. We formalize it into an integer linear program (ILP) and propose three heuristic algorithms for it. In the multi-SenCar case, the sensing field is divided into several regions, each having a SenCar. We focus on minimizing the maximum data gathering time among different regions and refer to it as mobile data gathering with multiple SenCars and SDMA (MDG-MS) problem. Accordingly, we propose a region-division and tour-planning (RDTP) algorithm in which data gathering time is balanced among different regions. We carry out extensive simulations and the results demonstrate that our proposed algorithms significantly outperform single SenCar and non-SDMA schemes.
An fMRI Investigation of Speech and Tone Segmentation

Recent research strongly indicates that phonological tasks activate a subregion of the inferior frontal gyrus. The purpose of the present fMRI study was to investigate the extent to which activation of this region during phonological processing is due to speech processes per se such as articulatory recoding or to other cognitive task demands such as working memory. Thus, we compared activation patterns during segmentation of speech and tone sequences to a tone discrimination task. In particular, participants performed same/different judgments on pairs of words, pseudowords, and tone sequences that required segmentation of a continuous acoustic signal as well as tone pairs that did not require segmentation. Accuracy and reaction time data showed that speech and tone sequence segmentation conditions patterned more similarly to each other than to tone discrimination pairs. Analyses of group data revealed strong activation of the region at the border of the left inferior and middle frontal gyrus for all three segmentation conditions compared to tone discrimination, but no consistent differences were observed when word and pseudoword segmentation were directly contrasted. Analyses of individual subjects indicated that a large number of participants activated a small area of the middle frontal gyrus during the speech conditions compared to the sequences. These results suggest that a significant portion of active frontal areas is recruited for extracting acoustic information and maintaining it in memory for decision. However, some regions at the border of the inferior/middle frontal gyrus may be unique to speech segmentation.
Discordant effects of weak prestimulation on magnitude and latency of the reflex blink

In three experiments, the human blink response to 50-msec 105-dB white noise was markedly reduced by prior stimulation with weak tones, either 20 msec long or coextensive with lead intervals of 30 to 240 msec. Although the inhibitory effect was greater with a 70-dB than with a 60-dB lead tone, it was not affected by increasing the lead-tone duration beyond 20 msec. At lead intervals of 30 and 60 msec, the latency of blink onset was also reduced by prestimulation, and this effect was greater with the longer lead tones. Neither effect was an artifact of responding to the lead tone itself. The simultaneous occurrence of an inhibitory change in magnitude and a facilitatory change in latency, and the differential influence of lead stimulus duration, suggest that the magnitude and latency modifications involve different neural mechanisms with different time constants.
Further Records of Deep-sea Shrimps of the Genus Glyphocrangon (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea: Glyphocrangonidae) from the Southwestern Pacific, with Descriptions of Two New Species

Collections made during recent French expeditions to the Solomon Islands (SALOMON 1 and 2) and Vanuatu (BOA 0 and 1) yielded 10 species of the caridean genus Glyphocrangon A. Milne-Edwards, 1881, including two new to science: G. boa sp. nov. from Vanuatu and G. prostrata sp. nov. from the Solomon Islands. Affinities of these two new species are discussed. The following eight species are newly recorded from the Solomon Islands: G. confusa Komai, 2004, G. faxoni De Man, 1918, G. indonesiensis Komai, 2004, G. lineata Komai, 2004, G. megalophthalma De Man, 1918, G. proxima Komai, 2004, G. pugnax De Man, 1918 and G. similior Komai, 2004. Glyphocrangon demani Komai, 2006 and G. rudis Komai, 2006 are shown to represent the male and female, respectively, of the same species, and the latter name is given priority over the former.
Artificial and natural seed banks differ in seedling emergence patterns

Abstract Artificial weed seed banks are practical for studying seed bank depletion and weed seedling emergence because the number, depth, and species composition of seed banks can be managed. However, no studies have determined whether artificial seed banks are representative of natural seed banks. We compared the emergence of velvetleaf, giant foxtail, and common waterhemp in a natural seed bank, an artificial seed bank with stratified seeds, and an artificial seed bank with nonstratified seeds. Velvetleaf seedling emergence was higher in the nonstratified seed bank in 2001, but no differences were observed in 2002. The number of viable velvetleaf seeds at the end of the experiment was lower in the natural seed bank than in the artificial seed banks in 2002. Velvetleaf emergence occurred earlier in the natural seed bank than in the artificial seed banks. Giant foxtail emergence was higher in the artificial seed banks (58 to 82%) than in the natural seed bank (5 to 23%). Common waterhemp emergence ranged ...
Scavenger Receptor BI (SR-BI) Clustered on Microvillar Extensions Suggests that This Plasma Membrane Domain Is a Way Station for Cholesterol Trafficking between Cells and High-Density Lipoprotein

Receptor-mediated trafficking of cholesterol between lipoproteins and cells is a fundamental biological process at the organismal and cellular levels. In contrast to the well-studied pathway of LDL receptor-mediated endocytosis, little is known about the trafficking of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by the HDL receptor, scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI). SR-BI mediates HDL cholesteryl ester uptake in a process in which HDL lipids are selectively transferred to the cell membrane without the uptake and degradation of the HDL particle. We report here the cell surface locale where the trafficking of HDL cholesterol occurs. Fluorescence confocal microscopy showed SR-BI in patches and small extensions of the cell surface that were distinct from sites of caveolin-1 expression. Electron microscopy showed SR-BI in patches or clusters primarily on microvillar extensions of the plasma membrane. The organization of SR-BI in this manner suggests that this microvillar domain is a way station for cholesterol trafficking between HDL and cells. The types of phospholipids in this domain are unknown, but SR-BI is not strongly associated with classical membrane rafts rich in detergent-resistant saturated phospholipids. We speculate that SR-BI is in a more fluid membrane domain that will favor rapid cholesterol flux between the membrane and HDL.
Input, triggering and poverty of the stimulus in the second language acquisition of Japanese passives

This article adopts an input perspective in examining a poverty-of-the stimulus (POS) learning situation in second language acquisition (SLA). Analysis of grammaticality judgement data from 81 Engl...
Immunoregulatory activity of adenosine and its role in human cancer progression

The adenosinergic pathway plays an important role in cancer progression. Aside from regulating functions of tumor cells and tissue cells present in the tumor microenvironment, extracellular adenosine is an autocrine or paracrine factor with powerful immunoregulatory activity. Adenosine signaling downregulates functions of most immune effector cells but enhances expansion and activity of immune cells responsible for suppression of anti-tumor immune responses. Adenosine is critical for limiting potential tissue-destructive effects of activated immune cells. It also facilitates tumor escape from the immune control. This review illustrates the involvement of adenosine and its four receptors, A1R, A2AR, A2BR and A3R, in the complex regulation of cellular and molecular cross talk that contributes to cancer progression. It also considers the potential of therapeutics targeting the adenosinergic pathway for benefiting cancer patients.
Efficient computation of trellis code generating functions

For trellis codes, generating function techniques provide the distance spectrum and a union bound on bit-error rate. The computation of the generating function of a trellis code may be separated into two stages. The first stage reduces the number of states as much as possible using low-complexity approaches. The second stage produces the generating function from the reduced-state diagram through some form of matrix inversion, which has a relatively high complexity. In this paper, we improve on the amount of state reduction possible during the low-complexity first stage. We also show that for a trellis code that is a linear convolutional code followed by a signal mapper, the number of states may always be reduced from N/sup 2/ to ((N/sup 2/-N)/2)+1 using low-complexity techniques. Finally, we analytically compare the complexity of various matrix inversion techniques and verify through simulation that the two-stage approach we propose has the lowest complexity. In an example, the new technique produced the union bound in about half the time required by the best algorithm already in the literature.
Compliance with guidelines to prevent surgical site infections: As simple as 1-2-3?

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to assess predictive factors and compliance with surgical site infection (SSI) prevention guidelines at 2 county hospitals. Design Chart review and analysis of laparotomy patients undergoing colorectal, hysterectomy, or abdominal vascular procedures over two 6-month periods 1 year apart and evaluation of safety climate using the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ). Results Overall compliance with all antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines was 62% (n = 442). Gynecologic surgery was an independent predictor of compliance with antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines in elective cases, and nonemergency status was an independent predictor when all cases were considered. Postoperative normothermia was predicted by hospital, procedure length, initial intraoperative temperature, and service. The SAQ had a 91% response rate. Contrary to expected, safety domain scores and agreement with statements on collaboration and teamwork were not predictive of compliance. Conclusion Interventions to improve poor compliance with infection prevention guidelines must be multifaceted, hospital- and service-specific, and resilient during emergencies. Good safety and teamwork climate are not sufficient.