cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered sporulation and respiratory patterns in mutants of Bacillus subtilis induced by acridine orange.

Abstract Bott, K. F. (The University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill.), and R. Davidoff-Abelson. Altered sporulation and respiratory patterns in mutants of Bacillus subtilis induced by acridine orange. J. Bacteriol. 92:229–240. 1966.—The addition of acridine orange to vegetative cultures of Bacillus subtilis induces the formation of sporulation mutants at a frequency of 20% or greater. These mutants are grouped into seven categories which reflect their different morphological properties. They are altered in their vegetative metabolism, as indicated by abnormal growth on synthetic media. Sporulation of these mutants is impaired at several levels, all of which are stable upon repeated subculturing. The initial stages of sporulation which require no increased metabolic activity (proteolytic enzyme activity and antibiotic production) are functional in all strains, but glucose dehydrogenase activity, an enzyme associated with early synthetic functions in spore synthesis, is significantly reduced. Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase is slightly depressed. It is suggested that acridine orange interacts with a cellular constituent controlling respiration and consequently prevents an increased metabolic activity that may be associated with normal spore synthesis.
Biophysical Studies of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus

McCombs, Robert M. (Baylor University College of Medicine, Houston, Tex.), Matilda Benyesh-Melnick, and Jean P. Brunschwig. Biophysical studies of vesicular stomatitis virus: J. Bacteriol. 91:803-812. 1966.-The infectivity and morphology of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) were studied after density gradient centrifugation in cesium chloride (CsCI), potassium tartrate (KT), and sucrose. Centrifugation in CsCl revealed two equally infectious bands corresponding to densities of 1.19 and 1.22 g/ml, and a third (density, 1.26 g/ml) band of low infectivity. Two bands (densities of 1.16 and 1.18 g/ml) were observed in the KT gradient, in which the lighter band contained most of the infectivity. Centrifugation in sucrose resulted in a single broad infectious band (density, 1.16 g/ml). The typical rod-shaped VSV particles were found mainly in the lighter bands obtained in CsCl (1.19 g/ml) and KT (1.16 g/ml) and in the single sucrose gradient band (1.16 g/ml). Bent particles equally as infectious as the rod-shaped particles were a constant finding in the CsCl preparations, and were observed mainly in the second band (density, 1.19 g). Numerous strands 15mmu wide were found in the third CsCl (density, 1.26 g/ml) and the second KT (1.18 g/ml) bands. Similar strands could be liberated from VSV particles after treatment with deoxycholate. Internal transverse striations were found to be a regular feature of VSV particles examined with the pseudoreplication negative-staining technique. For crude virus stocks, the physical particle-to-infectivity ratio ranged from 73 to 194. Several morphological similarities between VSV and myxoviruses were observed, including 10 mmu surface projections, pleomorphic morphological forms, and 15 mmu seemingly nucleoprotein strands.
Conservation Tillage for Sustainable Agriculture: Tropics Versus Temperate Environments

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the relation between conservation tillage and sustainable agriculture, and identifies appropriate conservation tillage systems for different soils, crops, and agroecological region. Conservation tillage is a generic term encompassing many different soil management practices. It is generally defined as any tillage system that reduces loss of soil or water relative to conventional tillage and often a form of noninversion tillage that retains protective amounts of residue mulch on the surface. Timing of tillage operations can also be adjusted to facilitate operations during the periods of peak labor demand. The latter includes practices such as plowing at the end of rains in the tropics and fall plowing followed by spring disking in temperate zone. A no-till system has proved effective for soil and water conservation and for production of pastures and grain crops on Alfisols prone to crusting and accelerated erosion in Northern Territory, Australia. There are subtle differences in tropical vis-a-vis temperate regions that must be considered when assessing the applicability of the no-till system. It is found that for soils prone to crusting and hard-setting, shallow tillage without inversion and with the crop residue retained on the surface as mulch is the most appropriate conservation tillage.
Different localization of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and ryanodine binding sites in rat liver

The distribution of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and ryanodine binding sites between plasma membrane, microsomal, and mitochondrial fractions of rat liver were compared. IP3 bound mostly to the plasma membrane fraction (Kd = 6 nM; Bmax = 802 fmol/mg protein). Some IP3 binding sites were also present in the microsomal and mitochondrial fractions (Kd = 2.5 and 2.9 nM; Bmax = 35 and 23 fmol/mg protein respectively). The possibility that these binding sites are due to contamination of the fractions with plasma membrane cannot be excluded. Binding of IP3 to the plasma membrane was inhibited by heparin but not by either caffeine or tetracaine. High-affinity ryanodine binding sites were present mostly in the microsomal fraction (Kd = 13 nM; Bmax = 301 fmol/mg protein). Lower affinity binding sites were also found to be present in the mitochondrial and plasma membrane fractions. Binding of ryanodine to the microsomal fraction was inhibited by both caffeine and tetracaine but not by heparin. These data demonstrate that IP3 and ryanodine binding sites are present in different cellular compartments in the liver. These differences in the localization of the binding sites might be indicative of their functional differences.
Influence of Sex and Race on Mycophenolic Acid Pharmacokinetics in Stable African American and Caucasian Renal Transplant Recipients

No evaluation of sex and race influences on mycophenolic acid (MPA) pharmacokinetics and adverse effects (AEs) during enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (ECMPS) and tacrolimus immunosuppression are available. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the influence of sex and race on MPA and MPA glucuronide (MPAG) pharmacokinetics in stable renal transplant recipients receiving ECMPS and tacrolimus The pharmacokinetics of MPA and MPAG and their associated gastrointestinal AEs were investigated in 67 stable renal transplant recipients: 22 African American males (AAMs), 13 African American females (AAFs), 16 Caucasian males (CMs), and 16 Caucasian females (CFs) receiving ECMPS and tacrolimus. A validated gastrointestinal AE rating included diarrhea, dyspepsia, vomiting, and acid-suppressive therapy was completed. Apparent clearance, clearance normalized to body mass index (BMI), area under the concentration–time curve from time zero to 12 h (AUC12) and dose-normalized AUC12 (AUC*) were determined using a statistical model that incorporated gastrointestinal AE and clinical covariates. Males had more rapid apparent MPA clearance (CMs 13.8 ± 6.27 L/h vs. AAMs 10.2 ± 3.73 L/h) than females (CFs 8.70 ± 3.33 L/h and AAFs 9.71 ± 3.94 L/h; p = 0.014) with a race–sex interaction (p = 0.043). Sex differences were observed in MPA clearance/BMI (p = 0.033) and AUC* (p = 0.033). MPA AUC12 was greater than 60 mg·h/L in 57 % of renal transplant recipients (RTR) with 71 % of patients demonstrating gastrointestinal AEs and a higher score noted in females. In all patients, females exhibited 1.40-fold increased gastrointestinal AE scores compared with males (p = 0.024). Race (p = 0.044) and sex (p = 0.005) differences were evident with greater MPAG AUC12 in AAFs and CFs. Sex and race differences were evident, with females having slower MPA clearance, higher MPAG AUC12, and more severe gastrointestinal AEs. These findings suggest sex and race should be considered during MPA immunosuppression.
The First Report of the Coccoid Green Alga Echinocoleum from North America and a Description of a new Species, E. Flocculosum (Trebouxiophyceae, Oocystaceae) from Kansas and Michigan

A new green chlorococcoid alga, Echinocoleum flocculosum sp. nov., is described. It was collected from Stoney Lake. Kalamazoo County, and Miller's Marsh, Charlevoix County, Michigan, and in Kansas from a residual streambed pool near Fall River, Greenwood County, and a pond in an old oxbow depression at Lawrence, Douglas County. It is characterized by being a free floating single celled or immobile aggregate colony. Individual cells are spherical and contain a cup-shaped chloroplast with a single pyrenoid. All cells bear characteristic mucilage protuberances giving the cell an overall starshaped appearance.
Vertical arrival structure of shipping noise in deep water channels

In passive sonar systems, knowledge of low-frequency shipping noise is significant for target detection performance. However, an accurate model for the shipping noise structure is difficult to obtain, because of the varying distributions of ships and complicated underwater environment. This work characterizes low-frequency distant shipping noise observed in deep water environments as a function of receiver depth and vertical arrival structure placed below the conjugate depth. Distant shipping noise is examined using a Monte Carlo simulation based on statistics derived from the Historical Temporal Shipping (HITS) database. Source levels and source depths of ships are assigned depending on the ship classification. The complex pressure field radiated from each interferer is computed using a normal mode propagation model, and the predicted values are summed coherently at each receiver location. Parameters for the ocean channel are chosen in agreement with the experimental observations, and sensitivity to exact parameters of the bottom sediment is explored. The depth dependence of the simulated shipping noise is in agreement with published experimental measurements. A Vertical Line Array (VLA) is used to produce vertical beams that isolate the surface interference from nearby targets. Simulation results quantifying the beamformer output as a function of ocean environment, receiver aperture, and frequency are presented for both conventional and adaptive beamformers. The results suggest a favorable detection performance of a target in the presence of distant shipping interferers and wind noise, by adaptive beamforming using diagonal loading with white noise gain constraint techniques.
Optimal placement of bicortical screws in sagittal split-ramus osteotomy of mandible.

Abstract When a biocortical screw is used for the rigid fixation of sagittal split-ramus osteotomy, by definition the threads of the screw should engage in the buccal plates as well as in the lingual plates. In a study of six dry mandibles we found that when 2 and 2.7 mm screws are used in noncountersunk holes, it is almost certain that a thread will engage the buccal cortical plate. With countersinking 55% of the 2.7 mm and 27% of the 2.0 mm screws had no threads engaged in the buccal cortical plate. This changes these screws from bicortical to compression type. An anatomic study of bone thickness demonstrated that the thickest buccal and lingual cortical plates were in the superior border of the ramus, just distal to the last molar. In addition, a change in the intercondylar distance before and after surgery was observed in every mandible.
The Sociology of Religious Organizations

Whether willingly or not, the sociology of religion has become increasingly influenced by organizational theories and research. Despite objections, the sociology of religious organizations is an area of study rising in prominence. Growth comes from both explicit and implicit applications of organizational theories. In a push toward more explicit connections, we review three organizational theories with particular relevance to the study of religion: organizational ecology, resource dependence, and new institutionalism. For each, we suggest possible paths for future research. Methodological challenges complicate this research. Religious organizations vary widely in size and scope. The advent of new nationally representative surveys of religious congregations opens new analytic opportunities, although these data remain limited in significant ways. In closing, theoretical and methodological implications for the sociology of religious organizations are discussed.
WHAT FACTORS AFFECT BUNDLE ADOPTION IN A VOLUNTARY QUALITY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN?: AN ASSESSMENT OF PROJECT JOINTS

Introduction While innovative strategies have been used to accelerate the spread of complex, evidence-based practices, few have been rigorously evaluated. Project JOINTS is a national QI campaign in the U.S. undertaken by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement to spread evidence-based practices to prevent surgical site infection (SSI) after hip and knee arthroplasty. Building on social network theory, Project JOINTS was designed to activate a “rapid spread network” (RSN) of state-level organizations (“nodes”) to help disseminate an enhanced SSI prevention bundle. An evaluation by the RAND Corporation aimed to (a) describe the RSN and the role of nodes, and (b) determine whether campaign engagement affects the uptake of a bundle of evidence-based practices. Methods After the 6–month intervention period, RAND conducted telephone interviews to measure node and hospital engagement with Project JOINTS, hospital adherence to QI methods, and hospital bundle uptake. We interviewed representatives of node organizations in nine out of ten states participating in Project JOINTS. We also interviewed representatives of 73 of the 109 participating Project JOINTS hospitals (67% participation rate) in five of the states. Thematic analysis was used to describe the RSN; logistic and OLS regression models were used to evaluate the impact of hospital engagement and adherence to QI methods on bundle uptake. Results Qualitative results show that nodes helped recruit hospitals and disseminate campaign information. Quantitative findings suggest that complete bundle uptake was positively associated with both adherence to the QI methods and hospital engagement. Initiation of and improved adherence to individual bundle components was positively associated only with hospital engagement, and especially with the use of project materials and tools. Discussion Our qualitative results illustrate the important role nodes play in helping IHI recruit hospitals and disseminating campaign information, thereby serving as trust brokers. While nodes may be a necessary component of a successful QI campaign, campaign organizers may also need to reach out to hospitals directly, or ask their nodes to more actively encourage hospitals to use campaign resources and participate in campaign activities, to facilitate intervention uptake. Our quantitative results further support QI campaigns as a means of increasing adoption of evidence-based patient safety bundles in orthopedic practice and stress the importance of relying on QI methods and actively engaging hospitals. Declaration of competing interests This study was funded by a demonstration and evaluation grant (1 R18 AE000051) awarded to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the RAND Corporation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. All authors report no competing interests.
Multicolor Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy with a Rapidly Tunable Optical Parametric Oscillator

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy allows label-free chemical imaging based on vibrational spectroscopy. Narrowband excitation with picosecond lasers creates the highest signal levels and enables imaging speeds up to video-rate, but it sacrifices chemical specificity in samples with overlapping bands compared to broadband (multiplex) excitation. We develop a rapidly tunable picosecond optical parametric oscillator with an electro-optical tunable Lyot filter, and demonstrate multicolor SRS microscopy with synchronized line-by-line wavelength tuning to avoid spectral artifacts due to sample movement. We show sensitive imaging of three different kinds of polymer beads and live HeLa cells with moving intracellular lipid droplets.
Changes in affinity of 19 and 7S antibodies at the cellular level in responses to hapten conjugates of varying T dependency

Abstract The increase in affinity and heterogeneity of antibody with respect to time after immunization to the 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP) determinant was studied using TNP-brucella (BA) and TNP-type III pneumococcal polysaccharide (SIII). Experimental evidence is presented in support of the maturation of 19S antibody affinity. The difficulties which have been encountered in some previous investigations in detecting such a maturation appear to be the tendency of the cells to switch from IgM to IgG synthesis early after the peak of the primary response. Data are presented indicating that this switch occurs in a non-antibody-secreting memory cell population prior to, or more likely very shortly after, boosting. We also present evidence that the use of an antigen that does not induce a massive switch from IgM to IgG antibody synthesis offers a way of unmasking maturation of the 19S response. Thus, with the T-independent antigen TNP-SIII, a definite increase in heterogeneity could be detected in the 19S response upon secondary boosting. A greater increase in heterogeneity was noted in nude mice and was possibly due to the absence of suppressor T cells.
Creep experiments and examples for viscoelastic material under combined stress with abrupt changes in state of stress

Creep experiments under combined tension and torsion loading are reported for tubular specimens of polyvinyl chloride copolymer. Experiments include a sequence of several combinations of tension and torsion on each specimen with abrupt changes between combinations, including reversal of sense of torsion, recovery and reloading after recovery. Results show a strong path and time dependence for the strain and for the direction of the strain-rate vector at constant state of stress following a change in state of biaxial stress. The character of the results is described reasonably well by the Boltzmann superposition principle of linear viscoelasticity using a constitutive equation of the form: Examples are given of the use of this equation for common states of stress. Better agreement with the data is obtained from a similar but non-linear equation employing hyperbolic sine functions of stress.
Electrochemical synthesis of flat-[Ga13−xInx(μ3-OH)6(μ-OH)18(H2O)24(NO3)15] clusters as aqueous precursors for solution-processed semiconductors

Flat-[Ga13(μ3-OH)6(μ-OH)18(H2O)24](NO3)15 (Ga13) and heterometallic [Ga13−xInx(μ3-OH)6(μ-OH)18(H2O)24](NO3)15 (x = 5, 4) clusters were synthesized by the electrolysis of metal nitrate salt solutions to directly form, without purification, aqueous precursor inks for InxGa13−xOy semiconducting films in <2 h. Raman spectroscopy and 1H-NMR spectroscopy confirm the presence of [Ga13−xInx(μ3-OH)6(μ-OH)18(H2O)24(NO3)15] clusters. Bottom-gate thin-film transistors were fabricated using ∼15 nm-thick Ga13−xInxOy films as the active channel layer, displaying turn-on voltages of −2 V, and on/off current ratios greater than 106. The average channel mobility of the transistors fabricated from the cluster solutions generated by electrolysis was ∼5 cm−2 V−1s−1 which was more than twice that of transistors fabricated from control solutions with the simple nitrate salt precursors of ∼2 cm−2 V−1s−1. Electrochemical cluster synthesis thus provides a simple and direct route to aqueous precursors for solution-processed inorganic electronics.
Wickham steed and German biological warfare research

(1992). Wickham steed and German biological warfare research. Intelligence and National Security: Vol. 7, No. 4, pp. 379-402.
Classification of brain tumors using MRI and MRS data

We study the problem of classifying brain tumors as benign or malignant using information from magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to assist in clinical diagnosis. The proposed approach consists of several steps including segmentation, feature extraction, feature selection, and classification model construction. Using an automated segmentation technique based on fuzzy connectedness we accurately outline the tumor mass boundaries in the MR images so that further analysis concentrates on these regions of interest (ROIs). We then apply a concentric circle technique on the ROIs to extract features that are utilized by the classification algorithms. To remove redundant features, we perform feature selection where only those features with discriminatory information (among classes) are used in the model building process. The involvement of MRS features further improves the classification accuracy of the model. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in classifying brain tumors in MR images.
Outcomes in World Health Organization Group II Pulmonary Hypertension: Mortality and Readmission Trends With Systolic and Preserved Ejection Fraction–Induced Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract Background Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has been increasingly recognized as a leading cause of pulmonary hypertension (HFpEF-PH). It remains unknown how HFpEF-PH fares in relation to systolic HF (reduced ejection fraction)–induced PH (HFrEF-PH). Therefore, we sought to determine the long-term morbidity and mortality of HFpEF-PH and HFrEF-PH. Methods and Results We studied all patients over a 6-year period with symptomatic HF and severe PH (PASP ≥65 mm Hg) in The Bronx, New York. We classified patients as having either preserved (≥50%) or reduced (≤35%) left ventricular ejection fraction. Trends in mortality and HF readmission rates were defined in 650 patients (HFrEF-PH: n = 277; HFpEF-PH: n = 373). HFpEF-PH patients were older and more often female and white. HFrEF-PH patients were more often black, had ischemic cardiomyopathy, and were on typical HF drug regimens. Patients with HFpEF-PH had a significantly increased all-cause 5-year mortality (52% vs 42%; P = .024). HFpEF-PH was a significant predictor of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.70; P = .012). Patients with HFrEF-PH had more HF readmissions (≥1) than patients with HFpEF-PH (28.6% vs 15%; P = .003), especially within the 1st year (9.1% vs 1.7%; P = .005). Conclusions Patients with HFrEF-PH and HFpEF-PH have a significantly elevated long-term mortality, with HFpEF-PH having a higher 5-year mortality rate. These findings testify to the overall poor prognosis of World Health Organization Group II PH, especially HFpEF-PH.
Modeling Multiscale Contact in MEMS

A model is presented to investigate contact and friction between sliding microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) surfaces. Roughness of MEMS surfaces exhibits multiscale structure. This was observed with analysis of asperities on atomic force microscope (AFM) images of real MEMS surfaces. The contact model is developed using multiple scales of surface roughness, with a single asperity contact model for the behavior of an asperity at a particular length scale, including effects such as surface forces (adhesion). The roughness information for the model is obtained from the AFM image of the MEMS surface under consideration. Results for true contact area and a prediction of the macroscopic coefficient of friction are discussed.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Bayesian estimation of differential interferometer phase

We apply Bayesian logic to optimally estimate the differential phase in a discrete-time, dual-interferometer measurement. This method is particularly relevant to the case of a gravity gradiometer, where the gravity gradient between cold-atom fountain interferometers can be estimated from the differential phase, despite the presence of large common phase (acceleration) fluctuations. Given an accurate model, the bias-free algorithm we present is optimal and leverages experimental knowledge of the system noise, classical or quantum, to outperform other typical estimators, including ellipse-fitting techniques.
Fundamentals of Auditory Masking

The definition of masking is extended to include both complete and partial masking. The masking of one sound by another is the increase in the SPL of the masked sound needed to reach a given loudness level or to reach threshold. Plotting old and new data in accordance with this definition shows that complete and partial masking obey the same basic rules. There is no discontinuity in the masking functions when the criterion level is raised from threshold to suprathreshold levels. Three fundamental aspects of masking are dealt with. (1) The asymmetry of masking whereby low frequencies mask high frequencies better than high frequencies mask low. This asymmetry holds mainly at threshold and at low criterion loudness levels against strong maskers. At higher loudness levels or against weak maskers, the masking is nearly symmetrical, and may be reversed at the highest loudness levels. (2) Masking increases in nearly direct proportion to the masker level provided the amount of masking exceeds about 15 dB and prov...
Pancreatic pathology in pentamidine-induced diabetes in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients

An acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patient who was treated with pentamidine for a pneumocystis infection developed hypoglycemia followed by diabetes mellitus. The pathologic findings in the pancreas consisted of a significant decrease in the number of insulin-positive cells as measured by immunoperoxidase techniques when compared with comparable tissue from an age- and sex-matched control. There was also a decrease in the staining intensity of the insulin-positive cells, an absolute increase in the glucagon-positive cells, and no significant change in the number of somatostatin-positive cells. Routinely stained histologic sections showed morphologic changes in the islets with features different from those described in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or those caused by the toxin Vacor. The islets had increased vascular spaces, no islet cell necrosis, no fibrosis, and no lymphocytic infiltrates when compared with an age-matched control.
A PSCAD/EMTDC model of a marine vehicle propulsion system

This paper examines the modeling of the propulsion system of a large electric vehicle in the emtp-type program PSCAD/EMTDC. Challenges encountered during the modeling process are presented and discussed, and drawbacks of the model are presented as well. Results with the full propulsion system functioning and responding to torque commands from an indirect field oriented controller. The results presented in this paper provide an explanation of how modeling was approached for benefit in modeling similar systems. Results also prove that like propulsion systems may be modeled beneficially in electromagnetic transient programs.
Simulation of abrupt climate change induced by freshwater input to the North Atlantic Ocean

TEMPERATURE records from Greenland ice cores1,2 suggest that large and abrupt changes of North Atlantic climate occurred frequently during both glacial and postglacial periods; one example is the Younger Dryas cold event. Broecker3 speculated that these changes result from rapid changes in the thermohaline circulation of the Atlantic Ocean, which were caused by the release of large amounts of melt water from continental ice sheets. Here we describe an attempt to explore this intriguing phenomenon using a coupled ocean–atmosphere model. In response to a massive surface flux of fresh water to the northern North Atlantic of the model, the thermohaline circulation weakens abruptly, intensifies and weakens again, followed by a gradual recovery, generating episodes that resemble the abrupt changes of the ocean–atmosphere system recorded in ice and deep-sea cores4. The associated change of surface air temperature is particularly large in the northern North Atlantic Ocean and its neighbourhood, but is relatively small in the rest of the world.
American Pediatric Society Presidential Address 1986. Nutritional research: what benefits besides nutrition?

American Pediatric Society Presidential Address 1986: Nutritional Research: What Benefits Besides Nutrition?
Beyond faith and identity: mobilizing Islamic youth in a democratic Indonesia

Abstract There is a prevailing assumption amongst scholars and observers of Indonesian politics that there is a close link between religious identity and political identity. How valid is this socio-cultural identity model in explaining the party affiliation and political allegiance of increasingly pious Muslim youth to a political organization in the context of democratic consolidation? In particular, how valid is this assumption with consideration to contemporary Indonesian politics? This article engages this debate through a careful analysis of the member recruitment and mobilization of the most successful religious-based Islamist organization in post-authoritarian Indonesia, the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS). The article combines two strands of social movement theory, resource mobilization and opportunity structures, to argue that the PKS's relative success in recruiting committed Muslim youth is explained by two interrelated factors: (1) merit-based cadre recruitment and promotion, which offers young...
Soft-Mode Theory of Surface Reconstruction

We present a mechanism capable of explaining surface reconstruction which is based on the fact that the presence of the surface can change the value of the dynamic effective charge on the atoms near the surface. We perform a lattice dynamical calculation and find that the long-range interaction between these induced charges can lower the frequency of the surface phonon to the point where the surface region becomes unstable and reconstruction must occur.
An Improved Implicit Enumeration Approach for Integer Programming

This paper synthesizes the Balasian implicit enumeration approach to integer linear programming with the approach typified by Land and Doig and by Roy, Bertier, and Nghiem. The synthesis results from the use of an imbedded linear program to compute surrogate constraints that are as "strong" as possible in a sense slightly different from that originally used by Glover. A simple implicit enumeration algorithm fitted with optional imbedded linear programming machinery was implemented and tested extensively on an IBM 7044. Use of the imbedded linear program greatly reduced solution times in virtually every case, and seemed to render the tested algorithm superior to the five other implicit enumeration algorithms for which comparable published experience was available. The crucial issue of the sensitivity of solution time to the number of integer variables was given special attention. Sequences were run of set-covering, optimal-routing, and knapsack problems with multiple constraints of varying sizes up to 90 variables. The results suggest that use of the imbedded linear program in the prescribed way may mitigate solution-time dependence on the number of variables from an exponential to a low-order polynomial increase. The dependence appeared to be approximately linear for the first two problem classes, with 90-variable problems typically being solved in about 15 seconds; and approximately cubic for the third class, with 80-variable problems typically solved in less than 2 minutes. In the 35-variable range for all three classes, use of the imbedded linear program reduced solution times by a factor of about 100.
Raman scattering of Ni and Cr amorphous disilicides

Abstract The Raman spectra and reflectivity of r.f. sputtered amorphous semimetallic a -NiSi 2 and a -CrSi 2 thin films are reported. Substantial differences between the two amorphous disilicide Raman spectra are associated with changes in the phonon density-of-states as a result of variations in Si( p )-transition metal ( d ) interactions. The greater width of the bands in the Cr alloy suggests a less ordered local environment. Neither spectrum indicates distinct a -Si-like bands, demonstrating that significant short range order changes have occured.
Intravascular ultrasound to assess anastomotic patency after lung transplantation

Pulmonary arterial anastomotic stenosis is an unusual complication after single-lung transplantation. Intravascular ultrasound, performed at the bedside with an introducer sheath and guidewire, is a new technique that provides high-resolution tomographic images of the anastomotic site. This modality was used early in the postoperative course of a 58-year-old man to exclude significant pulmonary arterial anastomotic narrowing after right single-lung transplantation for primary pulmonary hypertension.
Modeling the Impact of TSVs on Average Wire Length in 3DICs Using a Tier-Level Hierarchical Approach

In a 3-dimensional integrated circuit (3DIC) the active tiers are interconnected using top-metal layer micro-bumps or through-silicon-vias (TSVs). The active area occupied by a TSV is typically several times larger than that of a gate and cannot be ignored while estimating average wire length. Additionally, the Rents rule parameters used in modeling may not be the same for all tiers, especially when a 2DIC design is modified for 3DIC implementation, or when diverse logic circuits at different technology nodes are stacked into a single 3DIC. Hence, a tier-by-tier hierarchical wire-length distribution estimation method is introduced that can also be applied for cases of different Rents parameters for each tier. Moreover the model can handle variable TSV dimensions and different bonding techniques. It also provides an upper bound estimate on the number of TSVs, above which the resulting average wire length degrades. Several experimental results are presented to demonstrate the utility of the proposed model. Results show that a slight difference in the Rents exponent (about 0.01) between tiers and different TSV sizes have significant effects on 3DIC average wire length. Additionally, the face-to-back bonding method results in a higher upper bound (1.9x to 2.2x) than back-to-back bonding for a two-tier 3DIC.
Anaerobic transformation of 2,4,6-TNT and related nitroaromatic compounds by Clostridium acetobutylicum

The transformation of TNT and related aminated nitrotoluenes by Clostridium acetobutylicum was investigated. 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) was rapidly reduced (537 nM min−1 mg protein−1) to undetermined end products via monohydroxylamino derivatives. TNT reduction was more rapid than that of 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene, 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene and 2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene. The metabolic phase of clostridial cultures affected rates and extents of transformation of TNT and its intermediates. Acidogenic cultures showed rapid transformation rates and the ability to transform TNT and its primary reduction products to below detection limits; solventogenic cultures did not transform TNT completely, and showed accumulation of its hydroxylamino derivatives. Carbon monoxide-induced solventogenesis was capable of slowing the transformation of TNT and intermediates. Studies employing [ring-U-14C]-TNT demonstrated that no significant mineralization occurred and that products of transformation were water-soluble.
69. Prenatal diet programs altered expression of immune and epigenetic related genes in the offspring brain

“Bigger is better” is a commonly held belief with regard to infant birthweight, however, epidemiological data support the conclusion that “optimal” birthweight is ideal, as offspring born either small for gestational age (SGA) or large for gestational age (LGA) are at increased risk for adverse neurobehavioral outcomes, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and emotional dysregulation. Using mouse models of SGA (maternal low protein diet) and LGA (maternal high fat diet), we have identified a number of behavioral deficits in these offspring, including altered social behavior, executive function deficits (inattention/impulsivity) and hyperresponsivity to stress. In the present study, adult male C57xDBA F1 mice were sacrificed at baseline or 2 h after either restraint or lipopolysaccharide (LPS, ip, 10 μg/mouse) and brains were collected. Gene expression in the hypothalamus was investigated using a custom PCR array (Open Array), with a focus on genes related to epigenetic and immune regulation. Two common response patterns were observed across both domains; (1) baseline elevation in gene expression (e.g., DNMT1, CCR2) in SGA and LGA animals compared to controls and (2) a hyporesponsivity of SGA and LGA animals, seen in response to both LPS and restraint (e.g., DNMT1, CXCL10, CB2). The identification of dysregulation of immune-related genes suggests the possibility that altered neuroinflammation may underlie some of the adverse neurobehavioral outcomes observed in SGA and LGA offspring.
The use of large area silicon sensors for thermal neutron detection

Abstract The use of large area planar silicon detectors coupled with gadolinium foils has been investigated to develop a thermal neutron detector having a large area-efficiency (Aϵ) product. Noise levels due to high detector capacitance limit the size of silicon detectors that can be utilized. Calculations using the Monte Carlo code, MCNP, have been made to determine the variation of intrinsic detection efficiency as a function of the discriminator threshold level required to eliminate the detector noise. Measurements of the noise levels for planar silicon detectors of various resistivities (400, 3000 and 5000 Ω cm) have been made and the optimal detector area-efficiency products have been determined. The response of a Si-Gd-Si sandwich detector with areas between 1 cm2 and 10.5 cm2 is presented and the effects of the detector capacitance and reverse current are discussed.
Noninvasive Electrocardiographic Imaging (ECGI): Comparison to intraoperative mapping in patients

Objectives/background Cardiac arrhythmias are a leading cause of death and disability. Electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) is a noninvasive imaging modality that reconstructs potentials, electrograms, and isochrones on the epicardial surface from body surface measurements. We previously demonstrated in animal experiments through comparison with simultaneously measured epicardial data the high accuracy of ECGI in imaging cardiac electrical events. Here, images obtained by noninvasive ECGI are compared to invasive direct epicardial mapping in open heart surgery patients. Methods Three patients were studied during sinus rhythm and right ventricular endocardial and epicardial pacing (total of five datasets). Body surface potentials were acquired preoperatively or postoperatively using a 224-electrode vest. Heart-torso geometry was determined preoperatively using computed tomography. Intraoperative mapping was performed with two 100-electrode epicardial patches. Results Noninvasive potential maps captured epicardial breakthrough sites and reflected general activation and repolarization patterns, localized pacing sites to ∼1 cm and distinguished between epicardial and endocardial origin of activation. Noninvasively reconstructed electrogram morphologies correlated moderately with their invasive counterparts (cross correlation=0.72 ± 0.25 [sinus rhythm], 0.67 ± 0.23 [endocardial pacing], 0.71 ± 0.21 [epicardial pacing]). Noninvasive isochrones captured the sites of earliest activation, areas of slow conduction, and the general excitation pattern. Conclusions Despite limitations due to nonsimultaneous acquisition of the surgical and noninvasive data under different conditions, the study demonstrates that ECGI can capture important features of cardiac electrical excitation in humans noninvasively during a single beat. It also shows that general excitation patterns and electrogram morphologies are largely preserved in open chest conditions.
Systematic land cover bias in Collection 5 MODIS cloud mask and derived products — A global overview

Identifying cloud interference in satellite-derived data is a critical step toward developing useful remotely sensed products. Most MODIS land products use a combination of the MODIS (MOD35) cloud mask and the ‘internal’ cloud mask of the surface reflectance product (MOD09) to mask clouds, but there has been little discussion of how these masks differ globally. We calculated global mean cloud frequency for both products, for 2009, and found that inflated proportions of observations were flagged as cloudy in the Collection 5 MOD35 product. These erroneously categorized areas were spatially and environmentally non-random and usually occurred over high-albedo land cover types (such as grassland and savanna) in several regions around the world. Additionally, we found that spatial variability in the processing path applied in the Collection 5 MOD35 algorithm affects the likelihood of a cloudy observation by up to 20% in some areas. These factors result in abrupt transitions in recorded cloud frequency across land cover and processing-path boundaries impeding their use for fine-scale spatially contiguous modeling applications. We show that together, these artifacts have resulted in significantly decreased and spatially biased data availability for Collection 5 MOD35-derived composite MODIS land products such as land surface temperature (MOD11) and net primary productivity (MOD17). Finally, we compare our results to mean cloud frequency in the new Collection 6 MOD35 product, and find that land cover artifacts have been reduced but not eliminated. Collection 6 thus increases data availability for some regions and land cover types in MOD35-derived products but practitioners need to consider how the remaining artifacts might affect their analysis.
Forms of lay association with the Order of the Temple

The present study investigates the development of three concepts of lay association with the Order of the Temple that have hitherto often been considered as distinctive from each other but that are, in fact, in many ways interconnected: the confrater, the donatus and the miles ad terminum. Examining the motivation of lay men and women to associate with the Temple, as well as the various implications of the forms of association they chose, the study argues that at the turn of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries the constellation of the Order's confraternities underwent drastic changes and that these had been instigated by canon lawyers and formulated in the decrees of Lateran III and IV. As a response the donats, as a particular category of confratres, established themselves as the most prominent expression of lay association with the Temple. What is more, since the concept of the donat gained prominence when that of the Templar novice was in decline, it will also be argued that, for very different reasons, the concept of the Templar donat as well as that of the ‘temporary knight’ (miles ad terminum), which was as old as the Order itself, could eventually have been conceived and employed as two forms of novitiate in disguise, which helped attract the attention of laymen who would have otherwise been reluctant to profess fully into a military order.
Novel Fault Monitoring and Localization Scheme in WDM-PONs with Upstream VCSEL Transmitters

A simple and highly-sensitive (-67 dBm) fault monitoring and localization scheme is achieved without modifications to the ONU, by utilizing a low bandwidth (~2 kHz) and low power (~-7 dBm) fault monitor and the high reflectivity mirror of VCSEL transmitters.
A differential geometry approach to analysis of thermal forming

Many products, such as ship hulls, require that metal plates or sheets be formed into complex curvatures. Line heating is a technique commonly used to thermo-mechanically form desired curvatures into plate. The in-plane and bending strain induced by application of a heat line on a plate are embodied in the fundamental coefficients of the resultant shape. It is proposed that the fundamental coefficients from a single heat scan can be superimposed to represent a complex, multi-line heating pattern. An optimization algorithm can then be employed to estimate the resultant shape. This technique is developed and used to provide a method to analyze the thermal forming process based on differential geometry that is more computationally efficient than standard large deformation finite element analysis (FEA) simulations. First, the groundwork for this approach is laid by briefly reviewing the mathematical description of formed surfaces based on differential geometry. The fundamental coefficients of surfaces generated through large-deformation moving-source FEA line-heating simulations are compared at different mesh densities, to gain insight into the physical interpretation of the fundamental coefficients, specifically as applied to the line heating problem. This comprises a suitable framework in which to introduce a method to utilize differential geometry for analysis of deformations caused by line heating patterns. Finally, the practicality of the technique is evaluated as the structural rigidity of the plate is increased through application of multiple heat lines through comparison to large deformation FEA simulations. The new technique exhibits significant computational savings compared to conventional simulation methods.
The Impact of Platinum Loading on Oxygen Transport Resistance

The effect of cathode platinum loading on oxygen transport resistance in a fuel cell electrode was determined by measuring limiting current in fuel cells over a wide range of platinum loadings (0.03 to 0.40 mgPt/cm2). The measurements show that the electrode oxygen transport resistance is inversely proportional to platinum loading or, equivalently, platinum surface area, and is mathematically similar to a 12 s/cm resistive film coating the active platinum sites. At low platinum loading this anomalous resistance significantly reduces the partial pressure of oxygen at the platinum surface and seriously degrades fuel cell performance at high power conditions. The magnitude of this film-like resistance is equivalent to ~35 nm of bulk-like ionomer but only 4–10 nm, assuming uniform coating, is present in the electrode. Alternatively, 380 nm diameter agglomerates with 20 nm of ionomer coating their external surface would create the same resistance, but such agglomerates are not apparent in SEM micrographs. As a result, the source of this resistance remains unknown, and further investigations are required to understand and mitigate it.
Learning-centered assessment in teacher education

Abstract The collection of which this article is a part is entitled “Functions of Assessment in Teacher Education.” The other papers in this set draw our attention to multiple functions of assessment including peer evaluation, promoting reflection, use of technology in demonstrating teacher competence, and validating new national standards of excellence among veteran teachers. Our contribution to the conversation is a modest one — a simple heuristic device that we have found useful in designing and administering assessments in teacher education programs in the USA. Our purpose is to give a brief description of the heuristic device and the assumptions that support it and then to illustrate how we have made use of it in our work as teacher educators.