cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel system for bi‐ocular eye‐tracking in vertebrates with laterally placed eyes

Summary Animals use vision to gather information about their environment and then use that information to make behavioural decisions that affect fitness. They will often move their heads or eyes to inspect areas of interest with their centres of acute vision, such as foveae, to gather high resolution information about potential mates, predation risks, or other aspects of the environment. Few studies to date have been able to accurately determine where laterally eyed animals direct their visual attention and how they use their eyes to gather information. We present a non-invasive eye-tracking system that can simultaneously track the gaze of two eyes. This is particularly useful for studying animals with laterally placed eyes (most vertebrates) where the two eyes are viewing different images. This system can also accommodate comparative studies using animals of varying size, including small animals that are not frequently used in eye-tracking studies due to constraints of existing eye-tracking systems. We conducted an eye-tracking experiment with European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) to test the eye-tracking system, calibration methods and highlight relevant aspects of experimental design. We were able to accurately track the gaze of European starlings with <5 degrees of error. We also found that starlings are more likely to fixate on biologically relevant visual stimuli (e.g. predators and active prey) than simple stimuli (e.g. a dot) in video playbacks. The method presented here can be used to address ecological and evolutionary questions about where animals direct their attention and how they visually inspect mates, food and predators, as well as address management questions about how animals inspect man-made objects. This method can also be used to answer fundamental questions about vision, such as how laterally eyed vertebrates coordinate the use of their eyes laterally and binocularly.
Effects of TNF-α and curcumin on the expression of thrombomodulin and endothelial protein C receptor in human endothelial cells

Abstract The objective of this study was to elucidate the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) on the expression of thrombomodulin (TM) and endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) in human endothelial cells as well as the effect of curcumin, a spice and coloring food compound, as a potential therapeutic agent. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with TNF-α (2.0 ng/ml) showed reduced TM mRNA levels by 80%, 97%, 94%, and 97% at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, respectively (P
Combinatorics of giant hexagonal bilayer hemoglobins.

The paper discusses combinatorial and probabilistic models allowing to characterize various aspects of spacial symmetry and structural heterogeneity of the giant hexagonal bilayer hemoglobins (HBL Hb). Linker‐dodecamer configurations of HBL are described for two and four linker types (occurring in the two most studied HBL Hb of Arenicola and Lumbricus, respectively), and the most probable configurations are found. It is shown that, for HBL with marked dodecamers, the number of ‘normal-marked’ pairs of dodecamers in homological position follows a binomial distribution. The group of symmetries of the dodecamer substructure of HBL is identified with the dihedral group D6. Under natural symmetry assumptions, the total dipole moment of the dodecamer substructure of HBL is shown to be zero. Biological implications of the mathematical findings are discussed. ” 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Numerical simulation of smoke plumes from large oil fires

Abstract A large eddy simulation (LES) model of smoke plumes generated by large outdoor pool fires is presented. The plume is described in terms of steady-state convective transport by a uniform ambient wind of heated gases and particulate matter introduced into a stably stratified atmosphere by a continuously burning fire. The Navier-Stokes equations in the Boussinesq approximation are solved numerically with a constant eddy viscosity representing dissipation on length scales below the resolution limits of the calculation. The effective Reynolds number is high enough to permit direct simulation of the large-scale mixing over two to three orders of magnitude in length scale. Particulate matter, or any non-reacting combustion ;product, is represented by Lagrangian particles which are advected by the fire-induced flow field. Background atmospheric motion is described in terms of the angular fluctuation of the prevailing wind, and represented by random perturbations to the mean particle paths. Results of the model are compared with two sets of field experiments.
Conformational Memory in Enantioselective Radical Reductions and a New Radical Clock Reaction

The radical decarboxylation of acid 1 led to tetrahydropyran 3 with significant optical activity. This transfer of chirality is an example of a conformational memory effect and derives from the slo...
Video dialtone reconsidered: Prospects for competition in the wake of the telecommunications act of 1996

This study provides a context for exploring implications of greater merger activity facilitated by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Drawing from parallel experiences with the 1984 and 1992 cable acts, this article examines the extent to which the 1996 act can deliver on the promise of lower rates via intensified competition in United States telecommunication markets. Prospects for longer term competition also are explored, drawing from recent trends in industry consolidation. A review of industry concentration suggests that concentration of ownership in cable exhibition is accelerating rapidly, and now approaches levels traditionally deemed to be excessive under Justice Department guidelines.
On the condition of algebraic equations

Given an algebraic equation, in which the polynomial in question is expressed in terms of any set of basis polynomials, we study the sensitivity of the roots with respect to small perturbations in the coefficients of the equation. The degree of sensitivity of each root is measured by an appropriate condition number. We analyze this condition number first in the case where the basis polynomials are the powers, and then, in less detail, in the case where the basis is a set of orthogonal polynomials. Several examples are treated, allowing for a comparative study.
Normative and Deviant Violence from a Conflict Perspective

My aim in this paper is to propose ways of overcoming obstacles to the development of a theory of violence that can bridge previously fragmented domains of inquiry. The solutions proposed are to (1) neutralize the definition of violence by (2) locating the phenomenon of violence within the conceptual framework of conflict such that (3) the same set of basic assumptions may be employed to analyze instances of violence exhibited by the powerful or the powerless-instances which vary in their degree of social acceptability. The assumptions presented move progressively from purported relations between 1) unequal distribution of resources, 2) asymmetric social relations, and 3) conflict-to the conditions that affect a transition from a) latent to manifest conflict, b) nonviolent to violent manifest conflict, and c) from normative to deviant violence. Conditions that limit the applicability of these assumptions are discussed, followed by illustrative applications of the approach to two forms of interpersonal violence-parental violence and differential rates of male and female violence. The phenomenon of violence cuts across numerous disciplines and fields of inquiry. The study of violence, therefore, tends toward a fragmented inquiry into this or that form of violence. There are specialists in criminal violence, collective violence, family violence, political violence, media violence, social control violence, self-inflicted violence, international violence, social change violence, and so on. Such fragmentation undermines the development of the motivation and the requisite expertise to build more general theoretical frameworks. The most serious fragmentation has occurred between explanations of "deviant" violence or violence that is socially defined as illegal, unacceptable or immoral (e.g., parents beating their child) and "normative" violence or violence that is socially defined as legal, acceptable or moral (e.g., parents spanking their child). My aim in this paper is to propose ways for us to overcome this fragmentation and other obstacles to the development of general theories of violence. The specific obstacles considered are (1) biased definitions of violence that have led to (2) the assumptions that "deviant" or socially disapproved violence is caused by some personal or social system deficit while "normative" or socially approved violence is caused by normal processes of conflict, change and control. I propose that we (1) neutralize the definition of violence so that its social definition is treated as a variable rather than a phenotype; and that we (2) locate the phenomenon of violence within the conceptual framework of conflict such that (3) one set of basic assumptions can orient analyses of all forms of social violence.
Endolymphatic pseudohydrops of the cochlear apex

Abstract Objective To demonstrate that what appears to be endolymphatic hydrops of the apical scala media is normal anatomy. Study Design Computer-generated three-dimensional reconstruction of the cochlear apex and tabulation of the number of cases with arched Reissner's membranes (pseudohydrops) versus flat membranes. Setting Temporal bone laboratory consisting of 809 documented pairs of temporal bones. Subjects and Methods Archival temporal bone sections from 107 bones (65 patients) were used to determine the percentage of arched (pseudohydrops) versus flat Reissner's membranes. Two bones, one of each membrane shape, were randomly selected for computer-generated three-dimensional reconstructions showing the cochlear apical anatomy. Results An arched Reissner's membrane was found in 48.6 percent of bones. In the cochlear apex, Reissner's membrane appears to be distended, simulating hydrops, due to its transition from a conical structure to a triangle bounded by the basilar membrane with the organ of Corti, the stria vascularis, and Reissner's membrane. Membrane findings were similar in both ears in 73.8 percent of the bilateral cases studied. There were no significant relationships between membrane type and clinical characteristics. Conclusion What appears to be endolymphatic hydrops of the cochlear apex is the transition area of the cochlear duct from a conical shape at the extreme apex to the triangular shape found in the rest of the cochlea. The appearance of distension is dependent upon the cochlear length and the level of the microscopic section.
Time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy for the detection of cysteine and other thiol containing amino acids in complex strongly autofluorescent media

A thiol probe based on an iridium complex with long-lived photoluminescence was synthesized, which can be used for the detection of thiols even in the presence of strong background fluorescence. This system provides an easy and fast methodology for detecting thiol containing amino acids, which has potential applications in clinical diagnostics.
A page-swapping prototype for VM/HPO

This paper discusses a series of changes that were made to a system running the Virtual Machine/System Product with the High Performance Option to enhance paging. The motivation and the background for these enhancements are discussed, and the design of a series of experimental paging subsystems is described and contrasted with the old design: specifically, the new algorithms for main memory management, block paging, working set identification, trimming, prepaging, page replacement, page-out device selection, and page-out slot selection. The performance impact of these changes is illustrated by results of benchmark measurements, which are then contrasted to measurements without the enhancements. Some things learned in running the prototype are discussed and conclusions drawn.
Some comments on Chern-Simons gauge theory

Following M. F. Atiyah and R. Bott [AB] and E. Witten [W], we consider the space of flat connections on the trivialSU(2) bundle over a surfaceM, modulo the space of gauge transformations. We describe on this quotient space a natural hermitian line-bundle with connection and prove that if the surfaceM is now endowed with a complex structure, this line bundle is isomorphic to the determinant bundle. We show heuristically how path-integral quantisation of the Chern-Simons action yields holomorphic sections of this bundle.
Which pivot calibration

Estimating the location of a tracked tool’s tip relative to its Dynamic Reference Frame (DRF) and localizing a specific point in a tracking system’s coordinate frame are fundamental tasks in image-guided procedures. The most common approach to estimating these values is by pivoting a tool around a fixed point. The transformations from the tracking system’s frame to the tool's DRF are the input. The output is the translation from the DRF to the tool’s tip and the translation from the tracker’s frame to the pivoting point. While the input and output are unique, there are multiple mathematical formulations for performing this estimation task. The question is, are these formulations equivalent in terms of precision and accuracy? In this work we empirically evaluate three common formulations, a geometry based sphere fitting formulation and two algebraic formulations. In addition we evaluate robust variants of these formulations using the RANSAC framework. Our evaluation shows that the algebraic formulations yield estimates that are more precise and accurate than the sphere fitting formulation. Using the Vicra optical tracking system from Northern Digital Inc., we observed that the algebraic approaches have a mean(std) precision of 0.25(0.11)mm localizing the pivoting point relative to the tracked DRF, and yield a fiducial registration error with a mean(std) 0.15(0.08)mm when registering a precisely constructed divot phantom to the localized points in the tracking system's frame. The sphere fitting formulation yielded less precise and accurate results with a mean(std) of 0.35(0.21)mm for precision and 0.25(0.14)mm for accuracy. The robust versions of these formulations yield similar results even when the data is contaminated with 30% outliers.
Mössbauer Absorption in Zinnwaldite Mica

DURING the past few years there have been several investigations of the sheet silicates by Mossbauer effect spectroscopy1–5. Previous measurements have included micas from the muscovite1 and biotite2–5 series. We now report new results on zinnwaldite, an elastic mica from the lepidolite series.
Dynamic simulation of freely-draining, flexible bead-rod chains : Start-up of extensional and shear flow

We present a study of the rheology and optical properties during the start-up of uniaxial extensional and shear flow for freely-draining, Kramers bead-rod chains using Brownian dynamics simulations. The viscous and elastic contributions to the polymer stress are unambiguously determined via methods developed in our previous publication [1]. The elastic contribution to the polymer stress is much larger than the viscous contribution beyond a time of 5.3l1:N 2 where N is the number of beads in the chain and l1 is the longest relaxation time of the chain. For small Wi (at arbitrary strains) and for small strains (at arbitrary Wi) the stress-optic law is found to be valid. The stress-optic coefficients based on the shear stress and first normal stress difference are equal for all Wi (even when the stress-optic law is not valid) suggesting the stress-optic coefficient is in general a scalar quantity rather than its most general form as a fourth order tensor. We show that a multimode FENE-PM or Rouse model describes the rheology of the bead-rod chains at small strains, while the FENE dumbbell is an accurate model at larger strains. We compare the FENE-PM and FENE model to experimental extensional stress data of dilute polystyrene solutions and find that a multimode FENE-PM with a Zimm relaxation spectrum describes the data well at small strains while a FENE dumbbell with a conformation dependent drag is in quantitative agreement at larger strains. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
A simple-rapid method to separate uranium, thorium, and protactinium for U-series age-dating of materials.

Uranium-series dating techniques require the isolation of radionuclides in high yields and in fractions free of impurities. Within this context, we describe a novel-rapid method for the separation and purification of U, Th, and Pa. The method takes advantage of differences in the chemistry of U, Th, and Pa, utilizing a commercially-available extraction chromatographic resin (TEVA) and standard reagents. The elution behavior of U, Th, and Pa were optimized using liquid scintillation counting techniques and fractional purity was evaluated by alpha-spectrometry. The overall method was further assessed by isotope dilution alpha-spectrometry for the preliminary age determination of an ancient carbonate sample obtained from the Lake Bonneville site in western Utah (United States). Preliminary evaluations of the method produced elemental purity of greater than 99.99% and radiochemical recoveries exceeding 90% for U and Th and 85% for Pa. Excellent purity and yields (76% for U, 96% for Th and 55% for Pa) were also obtained for the analysis of the carbonate samples and the preliminary Pa and Th ages of about 39,000 years before present are consistent with (14)C-derived age of the material.
Tissue Shotgun Proteomics: Applications to the Clinical Laboratory

Shotgun proteomics method starts by digesting the proteins into peptides. The peptide mixture is subjected to tandem mass spectrometry. Peptides and proteins are identified from the resulting tandem mass spectra using database search software. This technology has matured in the research laboratories and is poised to enter clinical laboratories. However, the road to this transition is sprinkled with major technical unknowns like long-term stability of the platform, reproducibility of the technology and clinical utility over traditional antibody-based platforms. Further, regulatory bodies that oversee the clinical laboratory operations are unfamiliar with this new technology. As a result, diagnostic laboratories have avoided using shotgun proteomics for routine diagnostics.In this presentation, we describe the clinical implementation of a shotgun proteomics assay for amyloid subtyping, with a special emphasis on standardizing the platform for better quality control and earning clinical acceptance. This assay is the first shotgun proteomics assay to receive regulatory approval for patient care. Implementation of this assay in a CAP/CLIA clinical laboratory has transformed the amyloidosis standard of care at the Mayo Clinic and across the country. We utilized this assay to identify 20 different amyloid subtypes distributed among 4167 patients, allowing for confident individualized treatment. Data mining these clinical amyloid proteomes revealed surprising new insights in to the clinical biology of amyloidosis. We identified a universal proteomic signature (APOE, SAP and APOA4) that can more sensitively detect amyloid laden tissues when compared to traditional Congo red staining of fat aspirate specimens. We also detected amino acid sequence abnormalities that are associated with hereditary amyloidosis syndromes. In summary, amyloidosis patient care was optimized based on accurate determination of the amyloid type using tissue shotgun proteomics technology.
A two-step model of pion induced nucleon knockout reactions

Abstract A two-step model is utilized to explain the puzzling isospin dependence of pion induced nucleon knockout reactions. The model treats the pions as strongly absorbed by nuclei. The pion is assumed to interact only once, even in the two-step mechanism. Energy transfer systematics suggest the pion interaction is with a four-nucleon cluster. If so, this helps to explain the surprisingly large pion induced α-knockout cross sections seen recently.
Sulfonation of polymer surfaces - II. Chemical changes on polypropylene and polystyrene surfaces after gas phase sulfonation

This study investigates the chemical changes effected on the surface of polypropylene and polystyrene as a result of sulfonation using an SO3-air mixture (1% SO3 v/v). Polypropylene is a purely aliphatic system and is characterized by the tertiary carbon which it has on its backbone. On the other hand, polystyrene is characterized by an aromatic ring on its backbone. Different surface analytical techniques (XPS, FTIR-ATR, and contact angle measurements) were used to quantify the changes. It was concluded that the formation of sulfonic acids was the main chemical change which occurred on the surfaces of polypropylene and polystyrene. Besides sulfonic acids, there was an indication of several side reactions occurring in the case of polypropylene while polystyrene did not show any such side reactions. The surfaces of both polymers reached a state of treatment saturation (~ 6.5% for polypropylene and 7% for polystyrene). Sulfonation of polypropylene beyond the saturation limit led to degradation, as manifeste...
Population Genomics of Secondary Contact

One common form of reticulate evolution arises as a consequence of secondary contact between previously allopatric populations. Using extensive coalescent simulations, we describe the conditions for, and extent of, the introgression of genetic material into the genome of a colonizing population from an endemic population. The simulated coalescent histories are sampled from models that describe the evolution of entire chromosomes, thereby allowing the expected length of introgressed haplotypes to be estimated. The results indicate that our ability to identify reticulate evolution from genetic data is highly variable and depends critically upon the duration of the period of allopatry, the timing of the secondary contact event, as well as the sizes of the populations at the time of contact. One particularly interesting result arises when secondary contact occurs close to the time of a severe founder event, in this case, genetic introgression can be substantially more difficult to detect. However, if secondary contact occurs after such a founding event, when the range of the colonizing population increases, introgression is more readily detectable across the genome. This result may have important implications for our ability to detect introgression between ancestrally bottlenecked modern human populations and archaic hominin species, such as Neanderthals.
Utility of B-Natriuretic Peptide in Detecting Diastolic Dysfunction Comparison With Doppler Velocity Recordings

Background— Although Doppler echocardiography has been used to identify abnormal left ventricular (LV) diastolic filling dynamics, inherent limitations suggest the need for additional measures of diastolic dysfunction. Because data suggest that B-natriuretic peptide (BNP) partially reflects ventricular pressure, we hypothesized that BNP levels could predict diastolic abnormalities in patients with normal systolic function. Methods and Results— We studied 294 patients referred for echocardiography to evaluate ventricular function. Patients with abnormal systolic function were excluded. Cardiologists making the assessment of LV function were blinded to BNP levels. Patients were classified as normal, impaired relaxation, pseudonormal, and restrictivelike filling patterns. Patients diagnosed with evidence of abnormal LV diastolic function (n=119) had a mean BNP concentration of 286±31 pg/mL; those in the normal LV group (n=175) had a mean BNP concentration of 33±3 pg/mL. Patients with restrictivelike filling ...
Optimizing cooperative control based on genetic algorithm for electroSlag remelting process

The cooperative control of both electrode remelting rate and position was applied in order to obtain optimal electroslag remelting metallurgy effect and improve melting production efficiency. The electroslag remelting process model was analyzed. Cooperative controller parameters were optimized by improved genetic algorithm based on ITAE criterion. The dynamic performance was analyzed to electroslag remelting control system. Study results show that optimizing cooperative control comes true stable control both electrode melting rate and electrode position. The control system has faster dynamic response and not overshoot.
Thermal and chemi-ionization processes in afterburning rocket exhausts

Mathematical model for thermal and chemi- ionization processes in turbulent nonequilibrium afterburning rocket exhausts plume, studying neutral and charged species distribution
Platelets are efficient and protective depots for storage, distribution, and delivery of lysosomal enzyme in mice with Hurler Syndrome

Use of megakaryocytes/platelets for transgene expression may take advantage of their rapid turnover and protective storage in platelets and reduce the risk of activating oncogenes in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSCs). Here, we show that human megakaryocytic cells could overexpress the lysosomal enzyme, α-l-iduronidase (IDUA), which is deficient in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I). Upon megakaryocytic differentiation, the amount of released enzyme increased rapidly and steadily by 30-fold. Using a murine MPS I model, we demonstrated that megakaryocyte/platelets were capable of producing, packaging, and storing large amounts of IDUA with proper catalytic activity, lysosomal trafficking, and receptor-mediated uptake. IDUA can be released directly into extracellular space or within microparticles during megakaryocyte maturation or platelet activation, while retaining the capacity for cross-correction in patient’s cells. Gene transfer into 1.7% of HSCs led to long-term normalization of plasma IDUA and preferential distribution of enzyme in liver and spleen with complete metabolic correction in MPS I mice. Detection of GFP (coexpressed with IDUA) in Kupffer cells and hepatocytes suggested liver delivery of platelet-derived IDUA possibly via the clearance pathway for senile platelets. These findings provide proof of concept that cells from megakaryocytic lineage and platelets are capable of generating and storing fully functional lysosomal enzymes and can also lead to efficient delivery of both the enzymes released into the circulation and those protected within platelets/microparticles. This study opens a door for use of the megakaryocytes/platelets as a depot for efficient production, delivery, and effective tissue distribution of lysosomal enzymes.
Proteasomal Degradation of Smad1 Induced by Bone Morphogenetic Proteins

The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) regulate early embryogenesis and morphogenesis of multiple organs, such as bone, kidney, limbs, and muscle. Smad1 is one of the key signal transducers of BMPs and is responsible for transducing receptor activation signals from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, where Smad1 serves as a transcriptional regulator of various BMP-responsive genes. Based upon the ability of Smad1 to bind multiple proteins involved in proteasome-mediated degradation pathway, we investigated whether Smad1 could be a substrate for proteasome. We found that Smad1 is targeted to proteasome for degradation in response to BMP type I receptor activation. The targeting of Smad1 to proteasome involves not only the receptor activation-induced Smad1 ubiquitination but also the targeting functions of the ornithine decarboxylase antizyme and the proteasome β subunit HsN3. Our studies provide the first evidence for BMP-induced proteasomal targeting and degradation of Smad1 and also reveal new players and novel mechanisms involved in this important aspect of Smad1 regulation and function.
Genes, time to first cigarette and nicotine dependence in a general population sample of young adults.

Aim To examine variation in nicotine dependence scores and covariation between different dependence symptoms. Design A 12-year, nationally representative, probability-based survey of adolescent health-related behaviors and their outcomes during young adulthood in the United States. The genetic contribution to nicotine de- pendence was evaluated in the sibling-pairs sample of the US National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Measurements Nicotine dependence (ND) was assessed using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI) in 1154 young adults, between the ages of 18 and 25 years, who were from twin, full sibling and half-sibling pairs. Findings Dependence in this sample was common and varied in degree. Total HSI scores evidenced moderate to large heritable contributions (61%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46-0.72), as did the quantity of cigarettes smoked (52%, 95% CI: 0.39-0.63) and urgency to smoke (55%, 95% CI: 0.38-0.68). Multivariate modeling identified a highly heritable underlying factor (76%, 95% CI: 0.56-0.91) that influenced the covariation of dependence symptoms and loaded most heavily on how soon after waking a smoker uses his or her first cigarette. The quantity of cigarettes smoked per day also evidenced residual genetic influences that were not common to other dependence-related behaviors.Conclusions In this sample of young adults from the general population, both genes and individual-specific environments are important etiological factors in ND. The urgency to smoke, as measured by the time to first cigarette, may be the most informative measure on the FTND for genetic studies of nicotine
Alternative covariance models for the 2-way crossed classification

Analysis procedures are outlined for covariance models In the 2-way crossed classification that permit coefficients for covariates to "be different for each row, andor each column and or different combinations thereof.
In Vitro Comparison of Four Aminoglycoside Antibiotics: Sisomicin, Gentamicin, Tobramycin, and BB-K8

Abstract The activity of sisomicin, gentamicin, and tobramycin against 273 clinical bacterial isolates was about equal (except for greater activity of tobramycin against Pseudomonas) and was greater than that of BB-K 8 as determined by antibiotic dilution methods in agar and broth.
Magnetic and structural study of the spinel MnYb2S4

Abstract The compound MnYb 2 S 4 has the normal spinel structure with no measurable mixing of atoms in octahedral and tetrahedral sites. The sulfur parameter is 0.380 ± 0.002, which is lower than unusally found in spinels. Magnetic susceptibility shows no magnetic order to liquid He temperature and a temperature dependence that is the simple sum of the theoretical contributions for Yb 3+ and Mn 2+ ions.
Strategies for Comprehending Text and Coping with Reading Difficulties.

Reading is a foundation for literacy and education, yet it presents formidable problems for learning disabled children. Although some of these difficulties may have specific perceptual or phonologi...
Effect of Network Elasticity on Nematic Liquid Crystal/Cross-Linked Polymer Phase Diagram

The influence of elasticity on the phase behavior of a mixture of nematic liquid crystal (LC) and in-situ cross-linked polymer has been investigated. Unlike the phase diagram of the LC/pre-cured polymer, the experimental diagram of LC/cross-linked polymer phase supported by theoretical calculation showed no critical point. Instead, the binodal curve exhibits an upward asymptotic behavior as the LC volume fraction approaches unity due to domination arising from network elasticity, particularly at high LC volume fraction. An examination of the effect of cross-links segment length and network functionality on the phase diagram of LC/cross-linked polymer showed that the segment length between cross-links exerts a greater influence.
Two Lower Estimates in Greedy Approximation

We prove one lower estimate for the rate of convergence of the Pure Greedy Algorithm with regard to a general dictionary and another lower estimate for the rate of convergence of the Weak Greedy Algorithm with a special weakness sequence τ = {t}, 0 < t < 1, with regard to a general dictionary. The second lower estimate combined with the known upper estimate gives the right (in the sense of order) dependence of the exponent in the rate of convergence on the parameter t when t ↠ 0.
Ultra-rapid elimination of biofilms via the combustion of a nanoenergetic coating

Biofilms occur on a wide variety of surfaces including metals, ceramics, glass etc. and often leads to accumulation of large number of various microorganisms on the surfaces. This biofilm growth is highly undesirable in most cases as biofilms can cause degradation of the instruments and its performance along with contamination of the samples being processed in those systems. The current “offline” biofilm removal methods are effective but labor intensive and generates waste streams that are toxic to be directly disposed. We present here a novel process that uses nano-energetic materials to eliminate biofilms in 2500 K) for an extremely brief period (~100 ms) that destroys the biofilm underneath. However, since the total amount of heat produced is low (~0.1 kJ/cm2), the underlying surface remains undamaged. Surfaces with biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa initially harboring ~ 107 CFU of bacteria /cm2 displayed final counts of less than 5 CFU/cm2 after being subjected to our process. The byproducts of the process consist only of washable carbonaceous residue and gases, making this process potentially inexpensive due to low toxic-waste disposal costs. This novel method of biofilm removal is currently in the early stage of development. However, it has potential to be used in offline biofilm elimination as a rapid, easy and environmentally friendly method.
Early response of free airway cells to “amosite”: A correlated study using electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analysis

The acute response of free airway cells following an intratracheal injection of “amosite” was studied by light microscopy, electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis. It was determined that the use of fixative as a lavage fluid provided a superior level of morphological information. The free cell population consisted of macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. The early phagocytic response (2 or 4 hours post injection) largely involved the neutrophil population with a minimal uptake of fibers by macrophages. There was an increased population of lymphocytes in the free cell preparation after the first week. The intramacrophagic response to particle ingestion consisted of two types of intracellular packaging, representing different stages of the same process. While some fibers were simply membrane-bound, large numbers of fibers were within siderosomes. These iron-rich organelles were also shown to be present within macrophages obtained from untreated controls. Both inorganic contaminants and organic asbestiform-like entities were observed within macrophages. The latter were found to be normal constituents of macrophages in the control samples. These observations emphasize the importance of supplementing identification of intracellular fibers by analytical methods.
Mid-IR photoluminescence and lasing of chromium doped II-VI quantum dots

Here we report a new method for transition-metal (TM) doped II-VI Quantum Dots (QD) fabrication and first mid-IR (2-3 μm) lasing at 77K of Cr 2+ :ZnS QD powder (~ 27 nm grain size). Cr 2+ :ZnS nanocrystalline dots (NCDs) were prepared using laser ablation. The mid-IR photoluminescence (PL) and lasing were studied. The dependence of PL spectrum profile on pump energy demonstrated a threshold behavior accompanied by the appearance of a sharp stimulated emission band around 2230 nm. The stimulated emission band is shifted to the longer wavelength with respect to the spontaneous emission and corresponds to the peak of the Cr:ZnS gain spectrum. This was also accompanied by a considerable lifetime shortening.
Leakage Biased Sleep Switch Domino Logic

A low overhead circuit technique is proposed in this paper for simultaneously reducing subthreshold and gate oxide leakage currents in domino logic circuits. PMOS sleep transistors and a dual threshold voltage CMOS technology are utilized to place an idle domino logic circuit into a low leakage state. A sleep transistor added to the dynamic node strongly turns off all of the high threshold voltage transistors. Similarly, a sleep switch added to the output inverter exploits the initially high subthreshold and gate-oxide leakage currents for placing a circuit into an ultimately low leakage state. The proposed circuit technique lowers the total leakage power by 56.1% to 97.6% as compared to standard dual threshold voltage domino logic circuits. Similarly, a 4.6% to 50.6% reduction in total leakage power is observed as compared to a previously published sleep switch scheme in a 45nm CMOS technology.
The role of discourse context in developing word form representations: a paradoxical relation between reading and learning

To acquire representations of printed words, children must attend to the written form of a word and link this form with the word's pronunciation. When words are read in context, they may be read with less attention to these features, and this can lead to poorer word form retention. Two experiments with young children (ages 5-8 years) confirmed this hypothesis. In our experiments, children attempted to read words they could not previously read, during a self-teaching period, either in context or in isolation. Later they were tested on how well they learned the words as a function of self-teaching condition (isolation or context). Consistent with previous research, children read more words accurately in context than in isolation during self-teaching; however, children had better retention for words learned in isolation. Furthermore, this benefit from learning in isolation was larger for less skilled readers. This effect of poorer word retention when words are learned in context is paradoxical because context has been shown to facilitate word identification. We discuss factors that may influence this effect of context, especially the role of children's skill level and the demands of learning new word representations at the beginning of reading instruction.
Nonlinear Finite-Element Analysis Software Architecture Using Object Composition

Object composition offers significant advantages over class inheritance to develop a flexible software architecture for finite-element analysis. Using this approach, separate classes encapsulate fu...
EXPANSIONS OF THE FREE ENERGY NEAR A PHASE TRANSITION.

Abstract A phenomenological theory describing the uniform and non-uniform properties of a system near a critical point is proposed. This theory allows for quite general exponents satisfying certain relations e.g. scaling relations. The form of the expansion in powers of the order-parameter is different from previous attempts to generalize the Landau-Ginzburg theory. This change in the form of the expansion allows for the allocation of a well defined region in the order-parameter temperature plane in which the theory is expected to be a good approximation. The expectation is reinforced by a recent experiment of Ho and Litster. The proposed expansion includes in a natural way a possible logarithmic divergence in the specific heat without affecting other properties with logarithm terms. The determination of the parameters in the theory is discussed both for cases in which the orderparameter is experimentally accessible and for cases, like the superfluid, in which it is not accessible.
Lactate-Induced Release of GABA in the Ventromedial Hypothalamus Contributes to Counterregulatory Failure in Recurrent Hypoglycemia and Diabetes

Suppression of GABAergic neurotransmission in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) is crucial for full activation of counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia, and increased γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) output contributes to counterregulatory failure in recurrently hypoglycemic (RH) and diabetic rats. The goal of this study was to establish whether lactate contributes to raising VMH GABA levels in these two conditions. We used microdialysis to deliver artificial extracellular fluid or l-lactate into the VMH and sample for GABA. We then microinjected a GABAA receptor antagonist, an inhibitor of lactate transport (4CIN), or an inhibitor of lactate dehydrogenase, oxamate (OX), into the VMH prior to inducing hypoglycemia. To assess whether lactate contributes to raising GABA in RH and diabetes, we injected 4CIN or OX into the VMH of RH and diabetic rats before inducing hypoglycemia. l-lactate raised VMH GABA levels and suppressed counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia. While blocking GABAA receptors did not prevent the lactate-induced rise in GABA, inhibition of lactate transport or utilization did, despite the presence of lactate. All three treatments restored the counterregulatory responses, suggesting that lactate suppresses these responses by enhancing GABA release. Both RH and diabetic rats had higher baseline GABA levels and were unable to reduce GABA levels sufficiently to fully activate counterregulatory responses during hypoglycemia. 4CIN or OX lowered VMH GABA levels in both RH and diabetic rats and restored the counterregulatory responses. Lactate likely contributes to counterregulatory failure in RH and diabetes by increasing VMH GABA levels.
b-Bit Minwise Hashing for Estimating Three-Way Similarities

Computing1 two-way and multi-way set similarities is a fundamental problem. This study focuses on estimating 3-way resemblance (Jaccard similarity) using b-bit minwise hashing. While traditional minwise hashing methods store each hashed value using 64 bits, b-bit minwise hashing only stores the lowest 6 bits (where b ≥ 2 for 3-way). The extension to 3-way similarity from the prior work on 2-way similarity is technically non-trivial. We develop the precise estimator which is accurate and very complicated; and we recommend a much simplified estimator suitable for sparse data. Our analysis shows that b-bit minwise hashing can normally achieve a 10 to 25-fold improvement in the storage space required for a given estimator accuracy of the 3-way resemblance.
Fission Hindrance in Hot Nuclei

The role of dynamics in fission has attracted much interest since the discovery of this process over fifty years ago. However, the study of the dynamical aspects of fission was for many years hampered by the lack of suitable experimental observables against which theoretical calculations could be tested. For example, it was found that the total kinetic energy release in fission can be described equally well by very different dissipation mechanisms, namely the wall formula, that is based on the collisions of the nucleons with the moving wall of the system, as well as a bulk viscosity of the nuclear matter. Although early theoretical work[1] suggested that the fission process may be described as a diffusion process over the fission barrier, this was largely forgotten because of the success of a purely statistical model which instead of enumerating the ultimate final states of the process argues that the fission rate is determined at the ‘transition state’ as the system traverses the fission saddle point[2].
Gene and protein expression of Transforming growth factor β2 gene during murine primary palatogenesis

The molecular mechanisms by which the primordia of the midface grow and fuse to form the primary palate are not well characterized. This is in spite of the fact that failure of growth and/or fusion of these facial primordia leads to the common human cra- niofacial birth defects, clefts of the lip with or without clefts of the palate. Members of the transforming growth factor b (Tgfb) superfamily have been shown to play critical roles during craniofacial development. Specifi- cally, the role of Tgfb-3 in mediating the fusion of the embryonic secondary palatal shelves is well document- ed. In a screen for genes expressed during fusion of the murine midfacial processes, Tgfb2 was identified as a gene differentially expressed during fusion of the lateral and medial nasal processes. The objective of our study was to analyze the spatial and temporal expression of Tgfb2 during critical stages of midfacial morphogenesis at both the transcript and protein levels. We also com- pared the pattern of expression of Tgfb2 with that of Bmp4, a gene shown previously to be involved in me- diating the fusion process in the midface. Our results showed Tgfb2 expression in a very restrictive area of the epithelial layer along the borders of the midfacial prim- ordia, in a pattern very similar to that of Bmp4. The highly restrictive and spatial and temporal pattern of expression of Tgfb2 implicates its role in mediating the fusion of the midfacial processes, possibly through in- teracting with Bmp4 in the regulation of apoptosis and/ or epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. A greater understanding of the role of this gene will clarify how the normal midface grows and the mechanisms behind cleft development.
Agitation effects in yeast propagation

The influence of mechanical agitation in aerobic fermentations is felt mainly through increased aeration efficiency. For yeast propagations in which oxygen supply is abundant—and presumably not limiting to growth—a specific, but limited, effect of fluid agitation on growth rate has been demonstrated. The improved growth rate is attributed primarily to better mixing of the entire fluid mixture rather than to improved cell-fluid mass transfer.
The effect of food deprivation on cigarette smoking in females

Food deprivation is associated with increased self-administration of nicotine and other substances in laboratory animals, although little is known about the effects of food deprivation on substance use in humans. A within-subjects design was utilized to test the primary hypotheses that smoking rate and expired carbon monoxide (CO) levels would be greater among 15 female participants following a 24-hour fasting period than when participants were not food-deprived. Food-deprived participants were also expected to endorse greater negative mood, smoking urges, and pleasure from smoking, as well as less positive mood. Analyses indicated that CO levels were significantly greater in the food-deprived condition than in the non-deprived condition (p=.05), although no differences were found in the number of cigarettes smoked during the laboratory session. Participants reported significantly lower Vigor-Activity in the food-deprived condition (p=.02). No differences were found between conditions in urges to smoke or pleasure from smoking. Findings suggest that nicotine intake may increase among females during acute food deprivation.
A simple parameterization of ozone infrared absorption for atmospheric heating rate calculations

A simple parameterization of ozone absorption in the 9.6-micron region which is suitable for two- and three-dimensional stratospheric and tropospheric models is presented. The band is divided into two parts, a brand center region and a band wing region, grouping together regions for which the temperature dependence of absorption is similar. Each of the two regions is modeled with a function having the form of the Goody random model, with pressure and temperature dependent band parameters chosen by empirically fitting line-by-line equivalent widths for pressures between 0.25 and 1000 mbar and ozone absorber amounts between 1.0 x 10 to the -7th and 1.0 cm atm. The model has been applied to calculations of atmospheric heating rates using an absorber amount weighted mean pressure and temperature along the inhomogeneous paths necessary for flux computations. In the stratosphere, maximum errors in the heating rates relative to line-by-line calculations are 0.1 K/d, or 5 percent of the peak cooling at the stratopause. In the troposphere the errors are at most 0.005 K/d.