cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shot noise in nanoscale conductors from first principles

We describe a field-theoretic approach to calculate quantum shot noise in nanoscale conductors from first principles. Our starting point is the second-quantization field operator to calculate shot noise in terms of single quasiparticle wave functions obtained self-consistently within the density-functional theory. The approach is valid in both linear and nonlinear response and is particularly suitable in studying shot noise in atomic-scale conductors. As an example, we study shot noise in Si atomic wires between metal electrodes. We find that shot noise is strongly nonlinear as a function of bias and it is enhanced for one- and two-Si wires due to the large contribution from the metal electrodes. For longer wires it shows an oscillatory behavior for even and odd number of atoms with opposite trend with respect to the conductance, indicating that current fluctuations persist with increasing wire length.
Matching motion trajectories using scale-space

Abstract The goal is to design a recognition system which can distinguish between two objects with the same shape but different motion, or between two objects with the same motion but a different shape. The input to the system is a set of two-dimensional (2D) trajectories from an object tracked through a sequence of n frames. The structure and three-dimensional (3D) trajectories of each object in the domain are stored in the model. The problem is to match the information in the model with the input set of 2D trajectories and determine if they represent the same object. The simplest way to perform these steps is to match the input 2D trajectories with the 2D projections of the 3D model trajectories. First, a simple algorithm is presented which matches two single trajectories using only motion information. The 2D motion trajectories are converted into two one-dimensional (1D) signals based on their speed and direction components. The signals are then represented by scale-space images, both to simplify matching and because the scale-space representations are translation and rotation invariant. The matching algorithm is extended to include spatial information and a second algorithm is proposed which matches multiple trajectories by combining motion and spatial match scores. Both algorithms are tested with real and synthetic data.
Technical Note: A Rapid Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Method for Analysis of Bifidobacteria

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) is a widely used and highly discriminatory molecular typing method that has been applied to bifidobacteria. However, published PFGE protocols used with bifidobacteria require between 5 and 7 d to complete. A rapid PFGE method was developed that can be completed within 24 h.
Forskolin and phorbol esters reduce the same potassium conductance of mouse neurons in culture

Second messenger systems may modulate neuronal activity through protein phosphorylation. However, interactions between two major second messenger pathways, the cyclic AMP and phosphatidylinositol systems, are not well understood. The effects of activators of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C on resting membrane properties, action potentials, and currents recorded from mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons and cerebral hemisphere neurons grown in primary dissociated cell culture were investigated. Neither forskolin (FOR) nor phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) altered resting membrane properties but both increased the duration of calcium-dependent action potentials in both central and peripheral neurons. By means of the single-electrode voltage clamp technique, FOR and PDBu were shown to decrease the same voltage-dependent potassium conductance. This suggests that two independent second messenger systems may affect the same potassium conductance.
Thermal-mechanical properties of a graphitic-nanofibers reinforced epoxy

We previously developed a series of reactive graphitic nanofibers (r-GNFs) reinforced epoxy (nano-epoxy) as composite matrices, which have shown good wetting and adhesion properties with continuous fiber. In this work, the thermal-mechanical properties of the nano-epoxy system containing EponTM Resin 828 and Epi-cure Curing Agent W were characterized. Results from three-point bending tests showed that the flexural strength and flexural modulus of this system with 0.30 wt% of reactive nanofibers were increased by 16%, and 21% respectively, over pure epoxy. Fracture toughness increased by ca. 40% for specimens with 0.50 wt% of r-GNFs. By dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) test, specimens with 0.30 wt% of r-GNFs showed a significant increase in storage modulus E' (by ca. 122%) and loss modulus E" (by ca. 111%) with respect to that of pure epoxy. Also thermo-dilatometry analysis (TDA) was used to measure dimensional change of specimens as a function of temperature, and then, coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) before and after glass transition temperature (Tg) were obtained. Results implied that nano-epoxy materials had good dimensional stability and reduced CTE values when compared to those of pure epoxy.
Fluorescence based temperature measurements and applications to real-time polymer processing

eal-time temperature and pressure measurementsof polymer resins have been the backbone of proc-ess monitoring for many years. For temperature meas-urements, both thermocouple and infrared radiometertransducers have been commercially available for in-sertion into standard instrumentation ports on proc-essing machines. It is well known that experimentaldifficulties are experienced with both measurements(1–3). For example, when a melt thermocouple probe ispositioned in the barrel of an extruder, the machinebarrel temperature dominates its response because heattransfer from the barrel to the thermocouple junctionis much more efficient than is heat transfer from resinto thermocouple. Phenomena such as shear heatingand large temperature profiles in the resin flow streamare not seen because the large thermal mass of themachine damps the response of the thermocouple. In-frared radiometry can yield accurate resin tempera-tures for transparent resins of known emissivity, butproblems exist for the calibration of this instrumentshould the resin emissivity change such as with afilled resin.The inadequacies of temperature measurements havemajor implications regarding rheological understand-ing of the process and the onset of resin degradationtemperatures. To address these issues we have en-gaged in a program to use fluorescence spectroscopyas a tool for monitoring resin temperature duringprocessing. The hardware of the measurement appa-ratus involves an optical fiber sensor that is insertedinto existing instrumentation ports and is used totransmit excitation light to the resin and to collect theresultant fluorescence and transmit it to the detector(4, 5). Fluorescence is produced from a dye that ismixed with the resin at dopant concentrations, lessthan 10
A comparative study of contaminant levels in Long Island Sound

This paper uses results from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Status and Trends Program (NS&T) to place the environmental quality of Long Island Sound in a broader perspective. It compares levels of contaminants in blue mussels from ten Long Island Sound sites and in sediments from seven Long Island Sound sites with concentrations in the same media at 87 and 221 other sites, respectively, where comparable samples were obtained. In sediments, the levels of both trace metals and organic contaminants tend to be relatively high for Long Island Sound sites. This is especially true for five of the twelve metals (silver, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc) and for five of six categories of organic contaminants (total chlordane, low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), high molecular weight PAHs, total polychlorinated biphenyls, and total dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes). In mussels, the organic contaminant categories exhibit relatively high levels, but this is not true for most of the metals. In fact, four of the metals—arsenic, mercury, selenium, and zinc—show evidence of relatively low levels in mussels from Long Island Sound compared to other NS&T locations.
Computer simulation of steady polymer melt spinning

An interactive computer simulation program has been developed for steady polymer melt spinning. The program includes inertial and air drag effects, and fluid viscoelasticity is described by the Phan-Thien and Tanner constitutive equation. Simulation results are compared with experiments by George on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) at spinning speeds of 1000 and 3000 m/min, and the effect of elasticity under other spinning conditions is explored with computer experiments.
Polymer-Coated Nanoparticles for Enhanced Oil Recovery

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes aim to recover trapped oil left in reservoirs after primary and secondary recovery methods. New materials and additives are needed to make EOR economical in challenging reservoirs or harsh environments. Nano- particles have been widely studied for EOR, but nanoparticles with polymer chains grafted to the surface—known as polymer- coated nanoparticles (PNPs)—are an emerging class of materials that may be superior to nanoparticles for EOR due to improved solubility and stability, greater stabilization of foams and emulsions, and more facile transport through porous media. Here, we review prior research, current challenges, and future research opportunities in the application of PNPs for EOR. We focus on studies of PNPs for improving mobility control, altering surface wettability, and for investigating their transport through porous media. For each case, we highlight both fundamental studies of PNP behavior and more applied studies of their use in EOR processes. We also touch on a related class of materials comprised of surfactant and nanoparticle blends. Finally, we briefly outline the major challenges in the field, which must be addressed to successfully implement PNPs in EOR applications. V C 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40576.
The reproductive biology, age and growth of the North American cyprinid, Notropis longirostris (Hay)

Notropis longirostris (Hay), the longnose shiner, in Catahoula Creek, Jourdan River drainage, Hancock County, Mississippi, was studied from May 1970 to May 1972. In 1971 reproduction occurred from late March into October, as indicated by gross examination of testes, breeding tubercles and breeding colour in males, and ovarian weights, measurements of ova, and gross examination of ovaries in females. Gross examination of ovaries in 1970 also indicated an extended reproductive season. Generally no significant differences from a 1 : 1 sex ratio or in the size of males and females in collections taken during the reproductive season were indicated. Males and females matured about the same size. Most females were sexually mature when 29–30 mm SL. The smallest female with mature ova was 28 mm; however, the majority of females did not have mature ova until 31–33 mm. The number of mature ova produced prior to spawning ranged from 15 to 129 for females 30.8–44 mm SL. There were significant differences in the number of mature ova with time, two peaks being indicated: the first in late March and April at the beginning of the reproductive period and the second in early July about the middle of the season. This conclusion is also supported by ovarian weight measurements and length frequency histograms. The mean diameters of mature ova ranged from 0.70–1.05 mm, averaging 0.90 mm, and were not significantly correlated with length. Most fish live about 1–1.5 years and do not live through two winters, indicating an annual turnover in the population. Maximum size was about 48 mm SL. Specific characteristics of the life history pattern of N. longirostris are discussed in relation to ecological conditions of the habitat.
Proposed determination of many-body effects in heavy-fermion systems by conduction-electron-spin resonance.

We propose that it might be possible to determine the contribution of many-body interactions to the large effective mass in ''heavy-fermion'' materials, e.g., UPt/sub 3/, by the method of conduction-electron-spin resonance (CESR). A microwave transmission observation of CESR may show a resonance pattern which, based on already measured parameters, would clearly distinguish among suggested models.
Modernizing Military Organizations and Political Control in Central Europe

The public policy issues of modernizing public agencies in Central Europe are nowhere more pressing than in the process of modernizing militaries. The leaders of central Europe – Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia – plan to deploy smaller, more professional forces equipped with advanced weapons and support systems, changing their organizations accordingly. This paper argues that the political and organizational circumstances roughly common to Central European countries make such modernization highly problematical for effective civilian policy in crises. Advanced technologies can compound the normal problems of civilian ministerial control by altering modernizing military organizations in unexpected ways. The more intricate, critical and expensive the machines, the more organizational effects they induce. Even in minor crises, military leaders will probably want to move to heightened states of readiness to be sure the machines are in place and functional. Under these circumstances, there is greater potential for each otherwise noisy but survivable crisis to escalate through regrettable military guidance and destabilizing military actions, with or without full civilian understanding.
Utility of Hyperbaric Oxygen in Treatment of Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws

Bisphosphonates suppress bone turnover by disrupting osteoclast signal transduction, maturation, and longevity. In some patients, it has been hypothesized that suppressed turnover can impair oral wound healing, leading to a distressing, osteopetrosis-like jaw necrosis called bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ). Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), as an adjunct to surgery and antibiotics, might have utility in the treatment of BRONJ because it produces reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that positively modulate the redox-sensitive intracellular signaling molecules involved in bone turnover. The efficacy of HBO in the treatment of BRONJ is currently under investigation in randomized controlled trials at Duke University and the University of Minnesota, and the early results have been encouraging. This report discusses osteoclast biology, how HBO has the potential to augment bone turnover by way of the signaling effects on osteoclasts, the available clinical data on HBO in the treatment of BRONJ, the ongoing randomized controlled trials of HBO, and the study-associated efforts to find biomarkers to characterize an individual's risk of developing this disease.
Late Holocene Slip Rate and Ages of Prehistoric Earthquakes along the Maacama Fault Near Willits, Mendocino County, Northern California

Abstract The Maacama fault is the northward continuation of the Hayward–Rodgers Creek fault system and creeps at a rate of 5.7±0.1 mm/yr (averaged over the last 20 years) in Willits, California. Our paleoseismic studies at Haehl Creek suggest that the Maacama fault has produced infrequent large earthquakes in addition to creep. Fault terminations observed in several excavations provide evidence that a prehistoric surface‐rupturing earthquake occurred between 1060 and 1180 calibrated years (cal) B.P. at the Haehl Creek site. A folding event, which we attribute to a more recent large earthquake, occurred between 790 and 1060 cal B.P. In the last 560–690 years, a buried channel deposit has been offset 4.6±0.2 m, giving an average slip rate of 6.4–8.6 mm/yr, which is higher than the creep rate over the last 20 years. The difference between this slip rate and the creep rate suggests that coseismic slip up to 1.7 m could have occurred after the formation of the channel deposit and could be due to a paleoearthquake known from paleoseismic studies in the Ukiah Valley, about 25 km to the southeast. Therefore, we infer that at least two, and possibly three, large earthquakes have occurred at the Haehl Creek site since 1180 cal B.P. (770 C.E.), consistent with earlier studies suggesting infrequent, large earthquakes on the Maacama fault. The short‐term geodetic slip rate across the Maacama fault zone is approximately twice the slip rate that we have documented at the Haehl Creek site, which is averaged over the last approximately 600 years. If the geodetic rate represents the long‐term slip accumulation across the fault zone, then we infer that, in the last ∼1200 years, additional earthquakes may have occurred either on the Haehl Creek segment of the Maacama fault or on other active faults within the Maacama fault zone at this latitude. Online Material: Trench logs, discussion of channel B, photographs of compressional features, and table of radiocarbon analyses.
Application of the Chemiosmotic Hypothesis to Ion Transport Across the Root

The evidence on how ions accumulated in the root symplasm are released to the xylem vessels is examined. It is suggested that Mitchell's chemiosmotic hypothesis as applied to ion transport might account for the process. A model based on this hypothesis shows the symplasm as an osmotic unit connecting two isolated solutions, but with no significant difference in proton motive force across the unit. If it is assumed that the resistance to transport by plasmalemma uniports and antiports differs in the cortical and stelar ends of the symplasm, the model will provide for an influx of ions to the xylem. The reported properties of isolated steles suggests that the porters (carriers) do have properties in accord with the model.
The smallest stroke: Occlusion of one penetrating vessel leads to infarction and a cognitive deficit

Microinfarctions are present in the aged and injured human brain. Their clinical relevance is controversial, with postulated sequelae ranging from cognitive sparing to vascular dementia. To address the consequences of microinfarcts, we used controlled optical methods to create occlusions of individual penetrating arterioles or venules in rat cortex. Single microinfarcts, targeted to encompass all or part of a cortical column, impaired performance in a macrovibrissa-based behavioral task. Furthermore, the targeting of multiple vessels resulted in tissue damage that coalesced across cortex, even though the intervening penetrating vessels were acutely patent. Post-occlusion administration of memantine, a glutamate receptor antagonist that reduces cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, ameliorated tissue damage and perceptual deficits. Collectively, these data imply that microinfarcts likely contribute to cognitive decline. Strategies that have received limited success in the treatment of ischemic injury, which include therapeutics against excitotoxicity, may be successful against the progressive nature of vascular dementia.
Changes in behavioral sensitivity to SKF-38393 and quinpirole following withdrawal from continuous cocaine administration in rats

Abstract The effects of withdrawal from continuous administration of cocaine on spontaneous locomotor activity and behavioral sensitivity to SKF-38393 and quinpirole were examined in rats. Subdermal minipumps that delivered either saline or 20 mg/kg/day cocaine hydrochloride were implanted for 14 days. Spontaneous locomotor activity, SKF-38393-induced (10 mg/kg, SC) grooming and tongue protrusions, and quinpirole-induced locomotor activity and stereotypy (0.32 and 1.0 mg/kg, SC) were examined either 4–5 h or 7 days after removal of the minipumps. Animals withdrawn from cocaine for 4 h exhibited a decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity relative to saline-pretreated controls, whereas animals withdrawn for 7 days did not differ from controls. Animals withdrawn from cocaine for 4 h did not differ from controls in their sensitivity to SKF-38393, whereas animals withdrawn from cocaine for 7 days exhibited an increase in SKF-38393-induced tongue protrusions relative to controls. In contrast, animals withdrawn from cocaine for 4 h exhibited a decrease in quinpirole-induced locomotion, whereas animals withdrawn for 7 days did not differ from controls. There were no differences in sensitivity to quinpirole-induced stereotypy relative to controls at either withdrawal period. These findings suggest that an increased sensitivity of D 1 -like receptors emerges within 7 days during the course of withdrawal from continuous cocaine administration, whereas a change in sensitivity of D 2 -like receptors may occur early during withdrawal but normalizes within 7 days.
Video call, or not, that is the question

New technologies have made video calling in vehicles possible. Results from a driving simulator experiment indicate that video calling reduces visual attention on the road. While in some situations drivers would refrain from engaging in this activity, our results should serve as a warning to interface designers, lawmakers, transportation officials, and drivers that video calling presents a real distraction from driving.
The influence of cecectomy on metabolizable energy and amino acid digestibility of select feedstuffs for white Pekin ducks

Twenty-four cecectomized and 24 intact White Pekin ducks were used in two experiments to assess the influence of cecectomy on ME and amino acid digestibility of several feed ingredients for ducks. Corn and soybean meal (SBM) were evaluated in Experiment 1, and bakery meal (BM), red dog (RD), and wheat middlings (WM) were evaluated in Experiment 2. Nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy and amino acid digestibility of the ingredients were assayed concurrently. In Experiment 1, TME of corn was higher (P or = 0.05) between cecectomized and intact ducks. In Experiment 2, cecectomized ducks exhibited greater (P < or = 0.05) ability to utilize the energy in RD. Intact ducks exhibited greater (P < or = 0.05) ability to utilize the energy in WM. True digestibility of indispensable amino acids in BM, RD, and WM was variable. Results of the present study suggest that the effect of cecectomy on nutrient digestibility in ducks is dependent on the feedstuff assayed.
Idealized Large-Eddy Simulations of Sea and Lake Breezes: Sensitivity to Lake Diameter, Heat Flux and Stability

Idealized large-eddy simulations of lake and sea breezes are conducted to determine the sensitivity of these thermally-driven circulations to variations in the land-surface sensible heat flux and initial atmospheric stability. The lake-breeze and sea-breeze metrics of horizontal wind speed, horizontal extent, and depth are assessed. Modelled asymmetries about the coastline in the horizontal extent of the low-level onshore flow are found to vary as a function of the heat flux and stability. Small lake breezes develop similarly to sea breezes in the morning, but have a significantly weaker horizontal wind-speed component and a smaller horizontal extent than sea breezes in the afternoon.
Exploratory analysis of the effects of particulate characteristics on the variation in partitioning of nonpolar organic contaminants to marine sediments.

Abstract The partitioning of nonpolar organic contaminants to marine sediments is considered to be controlled by the amount of organic carbon present. However, several studies propose that other characteristics of sediments may affect the partitioning of contaminants. For this exploratory analysis, we measured 19 sediment characteristics from five marine sediments and 11 characteristics of humic acids extracted from the sediments. These characteristics included elemental composition, grain size, soot carbon, polarity indices and molar ratios. Each individual characteristic and combinations of these characteristics were then used to normalize partition coefficients (Kp) generated for three organic contaminants: lindane, fluoranthene and a tetrachlorinated biphenyl (PCB). A coefficient of variation (CV) was then calculated for each contaminant to determine which normalization characteristic (individually or in combination) resulted in the lowest variability in partitioning between study sediments. For lindane and the PCB, normalization by the amount of sediment organic carbon resulted in the lowest variability in partition coefficients with CVs of 16.2% and 37.7%, respectively. However, normalization of fluoranthene by silt content resulted in lower CVs than those generated by organic carbon normalization: 31.0% vs. 37.6%. Normalization of contaminants Kp's by combined values of sediment characteristics resulted in lower CVs but only by a few percent. Using humic acid characteristics, humic organic carbon reduced variability between sediments most effectively. But only the normalized fluoranthene values had a CV (i.e., 25.4%) lower than the one based on normalization by sediment characteristics. When combined, humic acid characteristics resulted in lower CVs than normalization by individual or combinations of sediment characteristics for fluoranthene and the PCB with CVs of 19.3% and 28.7%, respectively. This analysis indicates variability associated with the partitioning of some organic contaminants to marine sediments can be further reduced when normalization by sediment characteristics other than organic carbon are utilized.
Use of a breastfeeding intervention by nutrition paraprofessionals

Abstract As part of a formative evaluation of an Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) breastfeeding intervention program, we investigated the relationship between selected experience, attitude, knowledge, and expectation variables and EFNEP aides' intentions to use the new and optional program. To quantify these variables we collected data using questionnaires distributed to all EFNEP aides immediately after the program was introduced and again eight months later. Regression analysis indicated that EFNEP aides' attitudes concerning the drawbacks of breastfeeding and the drawbacks of teaching about breastfeeding, their perceived confidence of their knowledge of the topic, and the expectations of others, best predicted aides' intentions to implement the program. Eight months later, the best predictors of their intentions to continue to use the intervention program were the number of pregnant homemakers the aides had worked with, concerns related to the drawbacks of teaching about breastfeeding, and the expectations of others. These findings suggest that although positive attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions concerning breastfeeding may be necessary for implementation of a breastfeeding intervention program, these factors are not sufficient. To maximize implementation, program training and support should help potential and actual users address negative feelings and reservations concerning the intervention.
Behavioral responses of red‐winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) to viewing a conspecific distressed by 4‐Aminopyridine

4-Aminopyridine (4-AP) is the only pesticide that can be legally used in the US to reduce bird damage in ripening grain fields. Birds that consume grain baits treated with 4-AP (‘Avitrol’ FC-99®) exhibit erratic behavior and emit vocalizations that presumably scare away the rest of the flock. Yet the behavior of 4-A Pintoxicated birds has not been documented, and we do not know how other birds react when observing these intoxicated birds or what these observers learn from their experience. Hence, we examined the behavior of 15 4-A Pintoxicated red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus (L.)) and found that initial signs of intoxication occurred 12.5 min after consumption of the bait, with death following 16.3 min later. During this 16-min intoxication period, birds gradually lost muscular control, making their movements and vocalizations weaker until hardly perceptible. Other captive red-winged blackbirds (‘observers’) gave more alarm calls while witnessing a 4-A P-intoxicated bird in one room of their cage (treatment period) than they did during the pre-treatment period. Immediately after the intoxicated bird died and was removed from the room, the observers' behaviour returned to pre-treatment levels. Broadcasting calls of an intoxicated bird or the placement of an untreated bird in one of the rooms had little effect on the observers' behavior. In another experiment, the placement of a 4-A Pintoxicated or untreated red-winged blackbird or the broadcast of calls of an intoxicated bird at a feed station did not affect the number of free-ranging conspecifics feeding, within sight of, or vocalizing at, these feeder stations. These results suggest that red-winged blackbirds learn little from witnessing a distressed conspecific.
Otoacoustic emission, evoked potential, and behavioral auditory thresholds in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta).

Abstract Distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), auditory brainstem evoked response (ABR), and behavioral thresholds were recorded in a group of 15 adult rhesus monkeys with normal auditory function. DPOAE thresholds were recorded with stimulus parameters selected to maximize signal-to-noise ratio. Additional averaging at the lowest frequencies ensured comparable noise levels across frequencies. DPOAE thresholds decreased with increasing frequency ( f 2 =0.5–16 kHz) and at 16 kHz were close to 0 dB SPL. ABR thresholds were best from 1 through 16 kHz (32–38 dB peSPL); higher at 0.5 (45 dB peSPL), 24 (39 dB peSPL), and 30 kHz (49 dB peSPL). At all levels including threshold, the early ABR waves (II and I) were more prominent at the high frequencies while the later waves (IV and V) were more prominent at the low frequencies. The behavioral thresholds recorded were similar to those reported by other researchers although elevated by about 10 dB presumably because of the complexity of the threshold task. DPOAE and ABR thresholds can be reliably and efficiently recorded in the rhesus monkey and provide information concerning site of processing in the auditory pathway not directly available from behavioral data.
Al-Fārābī’s Cave: Aristotle’s Logic and the Ways of Socrates and Thrasymachus

AbstractIn his commentary on Aristotle’s Rhetoric al-Fārābī harmonizes Plato and Aristotle in terms of philosophic education by ordering Aristotle’s eight logical works onto Plato’s famous image of the cave. He represents the way out of the cave with Aristotle’s four logical works of ascent (Categories, On Interpretation, Prior Analytics, and Posterior Analytics) and the return into the cave through Aristotle’s four logical works of the descent (Topics, Sophistical Refutations, Rhetoric, and Poetics). Al-Fārābī’s image of ascent and descent also alludes to Socrates’ conception of protreptic education in Book VII of the Republic. In essence, protreptic education consists in the Socratic art that freely turns the soul from the images and political interpretations of things to being itself. In this essay I argue that for al-Fārābī the four logical works of ascent guide the soul to free itself from its habituations so as to contemplate real beings, particularly the good of one’s own soul and the souls of one’...
Efficacy of Hydrogen Peroxide to Control Mortalities Associated with Bacterial Gill Disease Infections on Hatchery-Reared Salmonids

Abstract The efficacy of hydrogen peroxide to control mortalities associated with bacterial gill disease (BGD) was evaluated in three trials conducted at two Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources hatcheries. Microscopic examination of the fish gills before treatment revealed gill damage and the presence of bacteria indicative of BGD. In separate trials, brown trout Salmo trutta, chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, and rainbow trout O. mykiss were exposed to hydrogen peroxide concentrations of 0, 56, 110, or 230 mg/L for 30 or 60 min every other day. In all three trials, at least one of the hydrogen peroxide treatment regimens reduced cumulative fish mortality in comparison with the controls. Exposures of 230 mg/L for 60 min increased the risk of mortality in brown trout and chinook salmon relative to that at other treatment concentrations. Exposures of up to 230 mg/L for 30 min decreased the risk of mortality in rainbow trout. Posttreatment qualitative gill examination indicated that gills of the...
A sketchbook of production problems

This paper sets out five problems of language production that dominate current research in the area. Four of them are problems that the formulator must solve in order to carry out its functions. Consideration of these problems has spawned different theoretical perspectives on and a variety of empirical findings about how the formulator works, and these are briefly surveyed. The fifth problem is metatheoretical, and concerns the proper domain of production theory.
Ledge growth defect structures in platinum catalyst particles

Abstract The crystallography and ledge growth defect structures has been studied in plate-like platinum catalyst particles. It is found that these particles contain an included twin with two twin planes parallel to the broad external faces. A percentage of these particles also contain perfect screw twin dislocations. Four different mechanisms for preferential nucleation events leading to two dimensional growth are presented and discussed. Two mechanisms, screw twin dislocation and rigid body translations mechanisms were found to be the most probable in view of experimental findings.
Large scale mitochondrial sequencing in Mexican Americans suggests a reappraisal of Native American origins

The Asian origin of Native Americans is largely accepted. However uncertainties persist regarding the source population(s) within Asia, the divergence and arrival time(s) of the founder groups, the number of expansion events, and migration routes into the New World. mtDNA data, presented over the past two decades, have been used to suggest a single-migration model for which the Beringian land mass plays an important role. In our analysis of 568 mitochondrial genomes, the coalescent age estimates of shared roots between Native American and Siberian-Asian lineages, calculated using two different mutation rates, are A4 (27.5 ± 6.8 kya/22.7 ± 7.4 kya), C1 (21.4 ± 2.7 kya/16.4 ± 1.5 kya), C4 (21.0 ± 4.6 kya/20.0 ± 6.4 kya), and D4e1 (24.1 ± 9.0 kya/17.9 ± 10.0 kya). The coalescent age estimates of pan-American haplogroups calculated using the same two mutation rates (A2:19.5 ± 1.3 kya/16.1 ± 1.5 kya, B2:20.8 ± 2.0 kya/18.1 ± 2.4 kya, C1:21.4 ± 2.7 kya/16.4 ± 1.5 kya and D1:17.2 ± 2.0 kya/14.9 ± 2.2 kya) and estimates of population expansions within America (~21-16 kya), support the pre-Clovis occupation of the New World. The phylogeography of sublineages within American haplogroups A2, B2, D1 and the C1b, C1c andC1d subhaplogroups of C1 are complex and largely specific to geographical North, Central and South America. However some sub-branches (B2b, C1b, C1c, C1d and D1f) already existed in American founder haplogroups before expansion into the America. Our results suggest that Native American founders diverged from their Siberian-Asian progenitors sometime during the last glacial maximum (LGM) and expanded into America soon after the LGM peak (~20-16 kya). The phylogeography of haplogroup C1 suggest that this American founder haplogroup differentiated in Siberia-Asia. The situation is less clear for haplogroup B2, however haplogroups A2 and D1 may have differentiated soon after the Native American founders divergence. A moderate population bottle neck in American founder populations just before the expansion most plausibly resulted in few founder types in America. The similar estimates of the diversity indices and Bayesian skyline analysis in North America, Central America and South America suggest almost simultaneous (~ 2.0 ky from South to North America) colonization of these geographical regions with rapid population expansion differentiating into more or less regional branches across the pan-American haplogroups.
Options for Administrators Teacher Evaluation Without Classroom Observation

Classroom teacher evaluations, done properly, are very time-consuming, says this writer, who offers some alternatives.
TU‐B‐204B‐02: A Study of the Effect of Inline and Perpendicular Magnetic Fields on Beam Characteristics of Medical Linear Accelerator Electron Guns

Purpose: Integrated MRI‐linacs have the potential for real‐time volumetric imaging and targeting. Both inline (main MRI field parallel to linac beam) and perpendicular (main field orthogonal to linac beam) configurations are considered. The MRI fringe fields affect beam generation and transport, particularly the electron gun, where the electron energy is the lowest and thus magnetic fields have the largest effect. This work characterizes the electron gun behavior in external magnetic fields for inline and perpendicular configurations. Methods: Two electron guns were studied, the Litton L2087 and Varian VTC6364. Based on fringe field measurements of a 0.5T open bore MRI scanner (GE Signa SP), field strengths of 0–0.16T were computed with the finite elements method. Space charge beam simulations were performed for both inline and perpendicular configurations. Emitted current and beam deflection were determined. Results: For the inline configuration, the electron beam remains aligned with the gun axis. As the field strength increases, the emitted current has an initial plateau of constant value after which its value decreases to a minimum near 0.06T. The minimum of the emitted current is 26% and 21% from the zero field value for Litton and Varian guns respectively. Above 0.06T, the emitted current increases monotonically. For the perpendicular configuration, the electron beam is deflected from the gun axis even at small field strengths. The beam deflection increases with the magnetic field value, leading to a sharp decrease of the emitted current which completely vanishes at about 0.007T for Litton and 0.006T for Varian. Conclusion: For the inline configuration, there is always emitted current along the gun axis thus leading to the possibility to adapt the gun geometry for optimal beam generation compatible with the inline configuration. For the perpendicular configuration, magnetic shielding of the electron gun is required to avoid beam bending. Support: NIH T32‐CA09695
Recent Monographs and Interpretations of the Mexican-American War

Timothy J. Henderson. A Glorious Defeat: Mexico and Its War with the United States. New York: Hill and Wang, 2007. 240 pp., $25.00, ISBN 978-0-8090- 4967-7. Laura E. Gomez. Manifest Destinies: The ...
Localization of a mouse submandibular sialomucin by indirect immunofluorescence

A sialomucin from the mouse submandibular gland was localized in the gland by indirect immunofluorescence. Fluorescence was localized over the acinar cells and, to a lesser extent, in the lumen of the ducts. The mucin antiserum did not show cross-reactivity with cells from the sublingual gland or with other mucous-producing cells from the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts of the mouse, or with salivary gland tissue of the rat. The sialomucin lacks both sulphate andl-fucose. Localization of a mucin with such a composition, within acinar cells of the mouse submandibular gland, is consistent with previous observations from histochemistry and autoradiography.
Psychosocial components of the stress process in bulimia

Increasingly, investigators have sought to relate stress to the etiology and maintenance of bulimia. The current research literature on stress in general now views stress as a process that includes not only stimulus and response but mediators such as appraisal, control, coping, and social support that may predispose one to experience stress or to be more reactive to potential stressors. We suggest that viewing the stress process comprehensively may have heuristic value in the study of bulimia. Such an approach provides a clearly articulated, testable model and facilitates organization of a currently confusing literature. We review current research on stress and bulimia in this context and try to identify what knowledge exists, where the gaps are, and what kinds of questions must be asked in future research.
Earth and Nature-Based Spirituality (Part II): From Earth First! and Bioregionalism to Scientific Paganism and the New Age

Earth and nature-based spirituality is proliferating globally. In Part I of this study, I argued that although participants in these countercultural movements often eschew the label religion, these are religious movements, in which persons find ultimate meaning and transformative power in nature. Focusing on the deep ecology movement, I further argued that (1) experiences of nature spirituality are evoked by practices as diverse as mountaineering, neo-shamanic ritualising and states of consciousness induced by hallucinogens; (2) earthen spiritualities are often contested and may be viewed as inauthentic or dangerous by practitioners of other forms of nature spirituality, and (3) despite significant diversity, a sense of connection and belonging to nature (sometimes personified as a transforming if not transcendent power) unites these cross-fertilising, and sometimes competing, spiritualities. Part II examines additional forms of nature-oriented religion, searching further for continuities, discontinuities and ironies among its diverse forms.
Polarization-correlated photon pairs in the fluorescence from a bichromatically driven four-level atom

We examine the correlation between photons in the resonance fluorescence of a bichromatically driven four-level atom. The four-level atom consists of two twofold degenerate states and, as a consequence, spontaneous emission events become sensitive to polarization. Depending on the interaction strength with the bichromatic field as well as its polarization direction, nonlinear two-photon emission takes place which, in turn, leads to extremely strong correlations between certain polarized photons. On the other hand, correlations between photons differently polarized from the distinctive ones are suppressed. Thus, the light source establishes a promising candidate for the generation of Bell-type correlated photon pairs. We explain the unusual large correlations with a nonlinear four-photon process which crucially depends on the strength of the driving as well as its polarization.
The Friedman two-Way Analysis of Variance as a Test for Ranking Error:

Recent research has indicated that the initial position in which a group of entities is presented can spuriously affect the subsequent rankings of these entities along some prescribed dimension. It has also been demonstrated that the location of this "ranking error" is variable and may occur anywhere across a set of rankings. It was suggested that a methodological variation of the Friedman Two-Way Analysis of Variance could be used for detecting this type of error.
Structure and Interfacial Aspects of Self-Assembled Cationic Lipid−DNA Gene Carrier Complexes§

Cationic lipid−DNA (CL−DNA) complexes were recently found to exhibit a novel multilamellar structure composed of alternating lipid bilayer and DNA monolayer with distinct interhelical DNA spacings (Radler et al. Science 1997, 275, 810). We report on the aggregation behavior, morphology, and interfacial properties related to the solution structure of DOPC/DOTAP−DNA complexes. Using optical microscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction, we found two discrete regimes for the complex size and surface charge as a function of the lipid-to-DNA mass ratio. The regimes correspond to the coexistence of complexes with either excess DNA or excess liposomes, characterized by a negative and positive surface potential of the complexes, respectively. The internal structure in these cases exhibited different but constant DNA packing distances of 35 and 46 A, respectively. The regimes are separated by a transition region around the isoelectric point, where the number of cationic lipids equals the number of DNA phosphate gro...
The location of functionally related motoneuron somata in the abdominal ganglia of Limulus polyphemus (Linnaeus)

Abstract 1. 1. The somata of functionally related motoneurons were located using axonal iontophoresis of cobalt chloride. 2. 2. The somata of synergistic motoneurons lie in specific regions of the ganglion in discrete populations. 3. 3. These populations consist of distinct clusters of somata whose axonal processes innervate restricted areas of muscle. 4. 4. The relative anteroposterior location of the spatially separated populations reflect the positions of the muscles they innervate.
Prey capture by the four larval instars of Chaoborus crystallinus

Prey capture ability of fourth-instar Chaoborus larvae has been studied widely but relatively little comparable information is available for the first three larval instars. In this laboratory study I measured strike and contact efficiencies of all four instars of Chaoborus crystallinus. The effectiveness of prey escape behavior was also recorded. As larval size increased the size of successfully captured and ingested prey also increased. There was no loss of ability to ingest the smallest prey by the largest larvae. Prey width was a better index of successful capture and ingestion than was prey length. Fast swimming and infrequent swimming were effective precontact prey escape behaviors. The effectiveness of akinesis and spininess, two postcontact escape mechanisms, depended on larval size; they were effective when prey width approached larval gape diameter but relatively ineffective when prey width was much less than larval gape diameter. Gelatinous prey were readily attacked once but were almost always immediately rejected and seldom attacked again. Early instar Chaoborus larvae are abundant and effective predators whose role in structuring zooplankton communities is only beginning to be appreciated.
Public sector layoffs, severance pay, and inflation in the small open economy

Abstract Because severance pay is worth 2–5 years of wages in many LDCs, public sector layoffs increase the fiscal deficit in the short run. Nevertheless, generous severance pay is not as serious a macroeconomic problem as generally thought. In the case where the fiscal deficit is financed by printing money, inflation is continuously lower under plausible conditions. When the government can borrow in world capital markets and layoffs reduce the present-value wage bill, there exists a sequence of bond sales and subsequent redemptions that guarantees continuously lower inflation. This result does not hold, however, if the reform lacks credibility.
Variation in semantic priming across age groups: an AERP study.

AbstractObjective: To study the semantic priming effect on words across the life span by means of auditory event-related potentials (AERPs). Design: Participants heard a series of three words (S1, S2, and S3). The task was to indicate whether S2 was in the same semantic category as S3. Semantic priming was quantified as the difference between AERPs to the second word when it was semantically related to the first word (S2-R) or unrelated to the first word (S2-UR). Interest was focused entirely on the processing negativity (PN) component of the AERP to S2. The purpose of S3 was to delay the task decision so that the LPC generated by the decision would not confound the measurement of the PN component to S2. Sample: Ten children (9–11 years), 11 young adults (20–30 years), and 10 seniors (60–70 years). Results: The semantic priming effect was evident in the difference between peak amplitude of the PN component of the AERP to S2R and S2UR in all three groups. Children showed a clear asymmetry favoring the left...