cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alton Tabereaux: A Humble Individual Who Dedicates His Lifetime to Aluminum—An Aluminum Legend of Our Time

Dr. Alton Tabereaux retired from Alcoa a long time ago, but never quit working in the aluminum industry. He continues to be active in smelting technology advancement, and in serving the aluminum industry and particularly the light metals community. He is world renowned not only for his technical contributions to aluminum smelting technology but equally important for his dedication to teaching and training younger generations, providing consultancy and technical support to operations. He serves the light metals industry with a unique technical background and knowledge in areas from environment protection, helping to stewardship government policies, to strengthening aluminum society. In this special tribute session, I am honored to renew our learning of Alton and his major technical achievements—looking back from his very early career as a young scientist at Reynolds Metal Co to later becoming a world renown industry icon.
ERG assessment of altered retinal function in canine models of retinitis pigmentosa and monitoring of response to translatable gene augmentation therapy

To analyze ERG responses from two dog models of retinitis pigmentosa, one due to a PDE6A mutation and the other a CNGB1 mutation, both to assess the effect of these mutations on retinal function and the ability of gene augmentation therapy to restore normal function. Scotopic and photopic ERGs from young affected and normal control dogs and affected dogs following AAV-mediated gene augmentation therapy were analyzed. Parameters reflecting rod and cone function were collected by modeling the descending slope of the a-wave to measure receptor response and sensitivity. Rod-driven responses were further assessed by Naka-Rushton fitting of the first limb of the scotopic b-wave luminance–response plot. PDE6A−/− dogs showed a dramatic decrease in rod-driven responses with very reduced rod maximal responses and sensitivity. There was a minor reduction in the amplitude of maximal cone responses. In contrast, CNGB1−/− dogs had some residual rod responses with reduced amplitude and sensitivity and normal cone responses. Following gene augmentation therapy, rod parameters were substantially improved in both models with restoration of sensitivity parameters log S and log K and a large increase in log Rmax in keeping with rescue of normal rod phototransduction in the treated retinal regions. Modeling of rod and cone a-waves and the luminance–response function of the scotopic b-wave characterized the loss of rod photoreceptor function in two dog models of retinitis pigmentosa and showed the effectiveness of gene augmentation therapy in restoring normal functional parameters.
Association of Poor Mental Health Days With COVID-19 Infection Rates in the U.S

Introduction Limited evidence exists about the association between prior prevalence of poor mental health at the area level and subsequent rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. This association was tested using area-level nationwide population data in the U.S. Methods A nationwide study including 2,839 U.S. counties was conducted. Poor mental health was the age-adjusted average number of days within the past 30 days that adults reported poor mental health, including depression, stress, and problems with emotions, from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. COVID-19 infection rates were cumulative confirmed cases between January 22 and October 7, 2020 per 100,000 people in the general population. Bayesian spatial mixed-effects regression estimated the relationship between COVID-19 infection and poor mental health days at the county level in 2019 and change in poor mental health between 2010 and 2019, adjusted for several covariates. Results Poor mental health days in 2019 were positively associated with higher COVID-19 infection rates (relative risk ratio=1.059, 95% credible interval=1.003, 1.117). Change in mental health was not significantly associated with COVID-19. Conclusions Prior rates of poor mental health in a county were associated with a higher burden of COVID-19 infection. Interventions that improve well-being and strengthen mental health systems at the community and other geographic levels are needed to address post-COVID mental health problems.
Chromatin-associated protein phosphokinases of rat ventral prostate. Characteristics and effects of androgenic status.

Protein phosphokinase activity endogenous to rat ventral prostate chromatin was assayed by using edphosphophosvitin as an exogenous substrate. For maximal activity of the kinase reaction, the presence of 200 mM NaCl, 5 mM MgCl2, and 1 mM dithiothreitol was essential. Two apparent pH optima were observed, a broad one between pH 7 and 7.4, and one at pH 7.89. At pH 7.4 the apparent Km for 31% dephosphophosvitin was 0.3 mg per ml. With respect to ATP, two apparent Km values (0.04 and 0.41 mM) were found. The kinase activity was minimal toward exogenous histones when used as substrates (3% for lysine-rich and 0.3% for arginine-rich (f3) histones, compared with dephosphophosvitin controls). The protein phosphokinases were not significantly stimulated by cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) when histones used as substrate. With dephosphophosvitin as substrate, cyclic AMP produced a small inhibition (5 to 15%). Orchiectomy of adult rats resulted in a rapid decline in the chromatin-associated protein phosphokinase activity assayed using optimal experimental condition described above. At 9 hours postorchiectomy, a 30% decline in the activity was observed; this was further reduced to about 50% of the control by 18 hours. This decrease in the kinase activity (e.g. at 9 hours postorchiectomy) appears to precede measurable changes in the protein and RNA complements of chromatin. Testosterone replacement following orchiectomy abolished this decline in the chromatin-associated activity. The chromatin-associated protein phosphokinase activity toward lysine-rich and arginine-rich histones was also sensitive to androgenic status of the animals and declined rapidly postorchiectomy. The results suggest the presence of multiple and androgen-sensitive protien phosphokinases associated with rat ventral prostate chromatin, which may modulate the phosphorylation of nuclear nonhistone phosphoproteins with changing gene action mediated by testosterone in this target tissue.
Multiple failure restoration in mesh optical networks

We consider resilient design for stressed optical networks. We compare existing commercial architectures with alternative architectures in both the low and high stress regimes.
On the Finite Time Convergence of Cyclic Coordinate Descent Methods

Cyclic coordinate descent is a classic optimization method that has witnessed a resurgence of interest in machine learning. Reasons for this include its simplicity, speed and stability, as well as its competitive performance on $\ell_1$ regularized smooth optimization problems. Surprisingly, very little is known about its finite time convergence behavior on these problems. Most existing results either just prove convergence or provide asymptotic rates. We fill this gap in the literature by proving $O(1/k)$ convergence rates (where $k$ is the iteration counter) for two variants of cyclic coordinate descent under an isotonicity assumption. Our analysis proceeds by comparing the objective values attained by the two variants with each other, as well as with the gradient descent algorithm. We show that the iterates generated by the cyclic coordinate descent methods remain better than those of gradient descent uniformly over time.
Chronic myelocytic leukemia in identical twins and a sibling.

Identical twins and their older brother have been studied: all diagnosed within a span of three months as having chronic myelocytic leukemia; both twins were symptomatic and the brother asymptomatic. Chromosome analyses were made on peripheral blood cells. The asymptomatic brother had never been treated. The Ph1 chromosome was present in each of the three siblings. A number of other chromosome abnormalities were found. Results were interpreted in terms of a probable genetic factor in the Philadelphia chromosome and susceptibility to chronic myelocytic leukemia.
Time Reversal Invariance in Nuclear Physics: From Neutrons to Stochastic Systems

To test models of CP violation it is important to look for T-violating effects in as many different systems as possible. In this experimental search, nuclear tests with neutrons have played an important role. We review the basic issues underlying measurements of the neutron’s T-odd electric dipole moment, and discuss a promising new line of investigation involving transmission of polarized neutrons through spin polarized and aligned nuclear targets, particularly at epithermal neutron energies. We give a self-contained derivation of the generalization of the optical theorem to include polarization degrees of freedom, and derive the expressions required to analyze polarized neutron transmission in targets of arbitrary polarization state.
The ICT Laboratory: An Analysis of Computers in Public High Schools in Rural India

There has been a strong push towards e-literacy in India, particularly in the distribution and usage of information and communication technologies (ICT) in schools for economic and social growth. As a result, the Vidhya Vahini scheme was launched in Kuppam, a marginalized village constituency in Andhra Pradesh. This scheme strived to disseminate computers to all high schools by 2005 with the intention of scaling this pilot initiative nationwide. In this article, I argue that in spite of strong governmental initiative and multifarious private-public partnerships, there are considerable barriers in the implementation of computers in public high schools. To optimize these cost intensive resources, we need to address some of the chronic educational challenges prevalent in the school system. With the constant flux in participation by public and private actors in this process, the question of sustainability is critical in the transformation of schools as e-learning communities.
Highly cross-linked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene with improved fatigue resistance for total joint arthroplasty: recipient of the 2006 Hap Paul Award.

Abstract Eliminating postirradiation melting and stabilizing the residual free radicals of radiation cross-linked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with vitamin E resulted in improved fatigue crack propagation resistance without compromising wear resistance. We designed a cantilever postbending test to determine the bending fatigue resistance of α-tocopherol–doped, irradiated UHMWPE (α-TPE) in comparison to conventional UHMWPE. The bending fatigue behavior of α-TPE was comparable to conventional UHMWPE. Upon accelerated aging, the fatigue resistance of α-TPE was substantially better than that of conventional UHMWPE. α-TPE has shown improved wear and oxidation resistance, migration stability of vitamin E, and improved mechanical properties. The use of this material may be beneficial in total knee arthroplasty where its improved fatigue properties may be an advantage under high stresses.
Abstract 11928: Cardiospecific Overexpression of Carnosine Synthase Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

Even though myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) remains the leading cause of death, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Increased formation of reactive carbonyl has been shown to be a common biochemical feature of I/R injury. These carbonyls are generated from the oxidation of proteins and membrane lipids. Reactive carbonyls such as methylglyoxal are generated from increased glycolytic activity during ischemia. Previous work in our lab has shown that the endogenous dipeptide carnosine (β-alanine-histidine) quenches both protein and lipid derived carbonyls. It can also buffer changes in intracellular pH and chelate metals that catalyze ROS production. In the heart, carnosine is synthesized by the ATP grasp enzyme (ATPGD1). Hence, we examined whether overexpression of ATPGD1 could increase carnosine synthesis in the heart and attenuate I/R injury. To overexpress ATPGD1, we generated mice in which the expression of the transgene was driven by cardiospecific α-MHC promoter. Two differe...
ν 1 −ν 2 , ν 3 −ν 2 , ν 1 , and ν 3 bands of H 2 16 O: line positions and strengths

High-resolution spectra of H216O were recorded with a Fourier-transform spectrometer covering transitions in the (100)–(010), (001)–(010), (100)–(000), and (001)–(000) bands. The measured line frequencies were used to determine high-accuracy values of rotational energy levels in the (100) and (001) vibrational states. Measurements of the line strengths were fitted to a model in which 19 transition moment parameters were determined for the B-type bands and 8 parameters for the A-type bands. The fitting technique did not consider interactions between the (020), (100), and (001) vibrational states. The experimental results provide a more accurate representation of the line positions and strengths than those available at present for these bands.
Cutting Edge: Rapamycin Augments Pathogen-Specific but Not Graft-Reactive CD8+ T Cell Responses

Recent evidence demonstrating that exposure to rapamycin during viral infection increased the quantity and quality of Ag-specific T cells poses an intriguing paradox, because rapamycin is used in transplantation to dampen, rather than enhance, donor-reactive T cell responses. In this report, we compared the effects of rapamycin on the Ag-specific T cell response to a bacterial infection versus a transplant. Using a transgenic system in which the Ag and the responding T cell population were identical in both cases, we observed that treatment with rapamycin augmented the Ag-specific T cell response to a pathogen, whereas it failed to do so when the Ag was presented in the context of a transplant. These results suggest that the environment in which an Ag is presented alters the influence of rapamycin on Ag-specific T cell expansion and highlights a fundamental difference between Ag presented by an infectious agent as compared with an allograft.
I/O Implementation and Evaluation of Parallel Pipelined STAP on High Performance Computers

This paper presents experimental performance results for a parallel pipeline STAP system with I/O task implementation. In our previous work, a parallel pipeline model was designed for radar signal processing applications on parallel computers. Based on this model, we implemented a real STAP application which demonstrated the performance scalability of this model in terms of throughput and latency. The parallel pipeline model normally does not include I/O task because the input data can be provided directly from radars. However, I/O can also be done through disk file systems if radar data is stored in disks first. In this paper, we study the effect on system performance when the I/O task is incorporated in the parallel pipeline model. We used the parallel file systems on the Intel Paragon and the IBM SP to perform parallel I/O and studied its effects on the overall performance of the pipeline system. All the performance results shown in this paper demonstrated the scalability of parallel I/O implementation on the parallel pipeline STAP system.
A Preliminary Analysis and Case Study of Feature-Based Software Customization (Extended Abstract)

Modern software engineering practice heavily relies on third party libraries, existing frameworks, high level programming languages, and agile development methodologies, which allows us build more complex software and deliver it faster. However, on the other hand, such practice causes some negative consequences such as bloatware and feature creep. A phenomenon of importing and implementing redundant features into software products has been observed in many software evolution and iteration lifecycles. In this paper, we describe an approach to customizing Java bytecode by applying static dataflow analysis and enhanced programming slicing technique. This approach allows developers to customize Java programs based on various users' requirements or remove unnecessary features from tangled code in legacy projects. Our preliminary evaluation and case study results show that our approach has the potential for practical use.
How do mental health professionals evaluate candidates for bariatric surgery? Survey results.

Background: The prevalence of extreme obesity and the popularity of bariatric surgery have increased dramatically in recent years. Many surgery programs require that candidates undergo a preoperative psychological evaluation, but no consensus exists for guiding mental health professionals in the conduct of these evaluations. Method: A survey was sent to bariatric surgeons, who were asked to distribute the surveys to the mental health professionals to whom they refer surgery candidates for preoperative evaluations. 194 respondents provided information on the assessment methods they use, which psychosocial domains are the focus of their evaluations, and what they consider to be contraindications to surgery. Responses to open-ended questions were coded for content. Results: Most respondents reported using clinical interviews (98.5%), symptom inventories (68.6%), and objective personality/psychopathology tests (63.4%). A minority used tests of cognitive function (38.1%) and projective personality tests (3.6%). Over 90% of respondents listed mental health issues among the most important areas to assess. Similarly, 92.3% listed psychiatric issues as "clear contraindications" to surgery, but no specific disorder was listed by a majority of respondents. Issues related to informed consent and treatment adherence were the non-psychiatric domains most frequently listed as important areas to assess and as contraindications to surgery. Conclusion: The assessment practices of mental health professionals who evaluate bariatric surgery candidates vary widely. No consensus is likely to emerge until large long-term studies identify consistent psychosocial predictors of poor postoperative outcomes.
Laser-Plasma acceleration of electrons to 2 GeV and beyond

Laser-plasma acceleration is now entering an era of petawatt lasers, tenuous plasmas and multi-GeV electron energies. I will review initial results in this regime, and discuss plasma diagnostics needed to understand, optimize and scale them.
Phase coherence in a random one-dimensional system of interacting fermions: A density-matrix renormalization-group study.

Using the density-matrix renormalization-group algorithm, we study the model of spinless fermions with nearest-neighbor interaction on a ring in the presence of disorder. We determine the spatial decay of the density induced by a defect (Friedel oscillations), and the phase sensitivity of the ground-state energy \ensuremath{\Delta}E=(-${)}^{\mathit{N}}$[E(\ensuremath{\varphi}=0)-E(\ensuremath{\varphi}=\ensuremath{\pi})], where \ensuremath{\varphi}=2\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\Phi}/${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Phi}}}_{0}$ (N is the number of fermions, \ensuremath{\Phi} the magnetic flux, and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Phi}}}_{0}$=h/e the flux quantum), for a disordered system versus the system size M. The quantity ln(M\ensuremath{\Delta}E) is found to have a normal distribution to a good approximation. The ``localization length'' decreases (increases) for a repulsive (attractive) interaction. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Solvent Effects on the Kinetics of a Diels−Alder Reaction in Gas-Expanded Liquids

Gas-expanded liquids (GXLs) form a unique class of environmentally benign solvents that offer many of the benefits of both organic liquids and supercritical fluids. A more complete understanding of the interactions between the gas, the organic liquid, and solutes at the molecular level will enable the full exploitation of GXLs. Combining kinetic and solvatochromic studies, we have developed a comprehensive multiparameter approach to add insight into the molecular interactions related to a Diels−Alder reaction in CO2-expanded acetonitrile. We have studied the kinetics of the Diels−Alder reaction of anthracene and 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione as a function of solvent composition using in situ high-pressure fluorescence spectroscopy. We have also measured the values of the Kamlet−Taft solvatochromic parameters π* (dipolarity/polarizibility), α (hydrogen bonding acidity), and β (hydrogen bonding basicity) in CO2-expanded acetonitrile using in situ high-pressure UV/vis spectroscopy. A linear solvation e...
Many‐body approach to the properties of interacting atoms: II

The Brucckner-Goldstone many-body theory has been adapted to time-dependent perturbations and is utilized to study the frequency-dependent polarizability αHe(ω) of helium. The calculated αHe(ω) is compared with experimentally available refractive index data. The polarizability function αHe(ω) for imaginary frequencies has also been calculated by the extension of this procedure. Using this function αH(ω) for the hydrogen atom, we obtained for the Van der Waals dipole-dipole constants, CHH = 6.49903, CHHe = 2.820 and CHeHe = 1.500 (all in units of e2a50) in excellent agreement with experiment.
Lessons from learning theory for benchmark design

This discussion/tutorial consists of a few short discussions on the (theoretical) trade-offs of various choices in constructing benchmarks. Most of the results discussed here are "common sense" at high level. However, all of this "common sense" is (to some extent) quantifiable common sense, and occasionally that quantification is useful. These short discussions cover: 1) Prediction Domains & Loss functions, 2) Prediction settings, 3) Assumption Failures.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Double trisomy 48,XXX,+18 in a newborn

We report the 6th case of double trisomy X and 18, ie, 48,XXX,+18. The infant lacked overlapping fingers, simian creases, and structural heart disease and is alive at 275 days. Two X chromosomes were late replicating. Anomalies of the hands and kidneys involved only the right side in the present case; review of the five previous cases of 48,XXX,+18 also showed that anomalies of kidneys, hands, and ears affected predominantly the right side in three patients.
Safety and Preliminary Evidence of Biologic Efficacy of a Mammaglobin-A DNA Vaccine in Patients with Stable Metastatic Breast Cancer

Purpose: Mammaglobin-A (MAM-A) is overexpressed in 40% to 80% of primary breast cancers. We initiated a phase I clinical trial of a MAM-A DNA vaccine to evaluate its safety and biologic efficacy. Experimental Design: Patients with breast cancer with stable metastatic disease were eligible for enrollment. Safety was monitored with clinical and laboratory assessments. The CD8 T-cell response was measured by ELISPOT, flow cytometry, and cytotoxicity assays. Progression-free survival (PFS) was described using the Kaplan–Meier product limit estimator. Results: Fourteen subjects have been treated with the MAM-A DNA vaccine and no significant adverse events have been observed. Eight of 14 subjects were HLA-A2 + , and the CD8 T-cell response to vaccination was studied in detail. Flow cytometry demonstrated a significant increase in the frequency of MAM-A–specific CD8 T cells after vaccination (0.9% ± 0.5% vs. 3.8% ± 1.2%; P P Conclusion: The MAM-A DNA vaccine is safe, capable of eliciting MAM-A–specific CD8 T-cell responses, and preliminary evidence suggests improved PFS. Additional studies are required to define the potential of the MAM-A DNA vaccine for breast cancer prevention and/or therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 20(23); 5964–75. ©2014 AACR .
Further studies of a technique for total parenteral nutrition in the mouse

Abstract A method for total parenteral feeding in mice has undergone further evaluation in our laboratory. The procedure involved cannulation of the inferior vena cava, partial immobilization by tail restraint and continuous infusion of a solution containing 40% dextrose plus 4.3% amino acids. In previous studies with this method (1,14), no evidence of restraint stress was noted, although adrenal function was not assessed. This report demonstrates that, in tail-restrained mice, urinary excretion of corticosteroids and catecholamines is not increased, thus indicating that this form of immobilization does not stimulate the hypothalamo-adrenocortical system. The technique of parenteral feeding was further evaluated in a group of female Swiss mice that were fully supported by parenteral infusions at maintenance levels for seven days. No changes in body weight were found. The weights of the spleen, kidneys, lungs and heart were normal when compared with controls. Liver weight declined, although protein and fat concentrations were normal. Carcass water, fat and nitrogen content were also normal. Hepatocellular enzyme activities were slightly altered. However, a group of mice given the parenteral solution to drink showed similar changes in enzyme activities, indicating that diet composition and not route of feeding was the responsible factor. Plasma protein and albumin levels were normal in parenterally-fed mice, whereas glucose decreased 28% with no detectable rise in insulin level. No evidence of immobilization-induced stress was found. Mice infused at NAS/NRC (2) levels of energy and nitrogen appeared to show normal utilization of the nutrients. A comparison of these results with those reported in parenterally-fed rats indicates that mice show fewer metabolic and compositional alterations associated with parenteral nutrition. This study further validates our technique of parenteral feeding in the mouse.
Dietary Pantothenic Acid Requirement of the Blue Tilapia

Abstract The minimum dietary requirement of the blue tilapia (Tilapia aurea) for pantothenic acid was determined. Five semipurified diets supplemented with 0, 5, 10, 20, or 40 mg calcium D-pantothenate per kilogram of diet were evaluated. Fish fed unsupplemented diets showed significantly poorer (P < 0.05) weight gain, feed conversion efficiency (fish weight gained/dry weight fed), and survival after 12 weeks than fish that received the vitamin. Deficiency signs included exudated gills, fusion of gill filaments and lamellae, and severe fin erosion. Deficient fish recovered completely when fed a diet supplemented with 40 mg calcium D-pantothenate/kg. The minimum pantothenic acid requirement was estimated at 6 mg/kg based on growth. However, based on survival and lack of pathology, a level of 10 mg/kg of diet is recommended.
Biochemical Individuality Reflected in Chromatographic, Electrophoretic and Mass-Spectrometric Profiles

This review discusses the current trends in molecular profiling for the emerging systems biology applications. Historically, the methodological developments in separation science were coincident with the availability of new ionization techniques in mass spectrometry. Coupling miniaturized separation techniques with technologically-advanced MS instrumentation and the modern data processing capabilities are at the heart of current platforms for proteomics, glycomics and metabolomics. These are being featured here by the examples from quantitative proteomics, glycan mapping and metabolomic profiling of physiological fluids.
Why do adipocytes make the β3 adrenergic receptor

Adipocytes express a mixture of beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes, including the recently characterized beta 3 receptor. The co-expression of these subtypes by fat cells suggest they serve different signalling functions. In this review, the properties of recombinant and natively-expressed beta 3 receptors are detailed and contrasted with those of beta 1 and beta 2 receptors. The beta 3 receptor appears to differ from the other beta receptor subtypes with respect to receptor coupling efficiency, G-protein coupling specificity and regulation by agonist exposure. Lastly, the potential of the beta 3 receptor as a therapeutic target is discussed in view of new data regarding its tissue distribution in humans.
Regulation of calcium homeostasis in sensory neurons by bradykinin

The nonapeptide bradykinin (BK) activates sensory neurons and stimulates the transmission of nociceptive information into the CNS. We investigated the effect of this peptide on rat dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRG) grown in vitro. BK stimulated the synthesis of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and the breakdown of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate, the synthesis of diacylglycerol, and the release of arachidonic acid from DRG cells. The release of IP3 and arachidonic acid was not inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin. BK also mobilized intracellular Ca2+ stores in DRG cells as assessed by fura-2-based microfluorimetry. Two types of Ca2+ stores appeared to exist in DRG neurons. One type could be mobilized by caffeine (10(-2) M), and this effect could be blocked by ryanodine in a use-dependent manner. These stores occurred primarily in the cell soma and were virtually absent from cell processes. A second type of store could be mobilized by BK, presumably through the mediation of IP3. These latter stores were distributed equally between the cell soma and processes. Experiments with combinations of caffeine and BK suggested that the stores mobilized by these 2 agents may be separate entities. Both the caffeine and BK sensitive Ca2+ storage sites appeared to participate in buffering a Ca2+ load induced in DRG neurons by cell depolarization. The relevance of these observations to the mechanism of action of BK on sensory neurons is discussed.
Progress in far-infrared detection technology

II-VI intrinsic very long wavelength infrared (VLWIR, λ c ~20 to 50 μm) materials, HgCdTe alloys as well as HgCdTe/CdTe superlattices, were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The layers were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, conventional Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Hall effect measurements and transmittance electron microscopy (TEM). Photoconductor devices were processed and their spectral response was also measured to demonstrate their applicability in the VLWIR region.
Universal quantum gate set approaching fault-tolerant thresholds with superconducting qubits.

We use quantum process tomography to characterize a full universal set of all-microwave gates on two superconducting single-frequency single-junction transmon qubits. All extracted gate fidelities, including those for Clifford group generators, single-qubit $\ensuremath{\pi}/4$ and $\ensuremath{\pi}/8$ rotations, and a two-qubit controlled-not, exceed $95%$ ($98%$), without (with) subtracting state preparation and measurement errors. Furthermore, we introduce a process map representation in the Pauli basis which is visually efficient and informative. This high-fidelity gate set serves as a critical building block towards scalable architectures of superconducting qubits for error correction schemes and pushes up on the known limits of quantum gate characterization.
Tolerances in computer-aided geometric design

In the design of discrete part shapes, the specification of tolerance constraints can have major consequences for product quality and cost. Traditional methods for tolerance analysis and synthesis are time-consuming and have limited applicability. The thesis of this work is that geometric design systems based on solid modeling technology can be used to automate the solution of these problems. First, a mathematical theory of tolerances is developed. It is shown that a tolerance specification may be expressed as an "in-tolerance" region of a normed vector space over the reals. A representative selection of both dimensional (plus-minus) and geometric tolerance types is investigated. Using this theoretical framework, methods are developed for the solution of tolerance analysis and synthesis problems. Three methods for tolerance analysis are presented: a linear programming method, a Monte Carlo method, and a least squares fitting method. These methods differ as to linearity assumptions and computational costs. The linear programming method supports a worst-case solution basis. The other two methods also support the solution of tolerance analysis problems on a statistical basis. Next, models are developed for worst-case and statistical tolerance synthesis. It is shown that at least in some cases convex programming methods may be applicable. For both the analysis and the synthesis methods, all necessary geometric relationships are automatically derived from the geometric model. To provide a computational framework, a general strategy for constructive variational geometry is developed. This includes a general scheme for the relative positioning of parts and part features. Three relative positioning operators are described. Methods are given for the modeling of size, orientation, and position variations. Feasibility is demonstrated using an experimental geometric modeling system named GEOTOL. The linear programming and Monte Carlo methods are used in solving tolerance analysis problems for several simple assemblies, as well as for a larger bus bar assembly drawn from an actual product. It is shown that three-dimensional tolerancing problems can be solved by these methods.
Gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence responses of three south-western Yucca species to elevated CO2 and high temperature

The ability of seedlings to tolerate temperature extremes is important in determining the distribution of perennial plants in the arid south-western USA, and the manner in which elevated CO2 impacts the ability of plants to tolerate high temperatures is relatively unknown. Whereas the effects of chronic high temperature (30‐38 °C) and elevated CO2 are comparatively well understood, little research has assessed plant performance in elevated CO 2 during extreme (> 45 °C) temperature events. We exposed three species of Yucca to 360 and 700 μmol CO2 mol ‐1 for 8 months, then 9 d of high temperature (up to 53 °C) to evaluate the impacts of elevated CO2 on the potential for photosynthetic function during external high temperature. Seedlings of a coastal C3 species (Yucca whipplei), a desert C3 species (Yucca brevifolia), and a desert CAM species (Yucca schidigera), were used to test for differences among functional groups. In general, Yuccas exposed to elevated CO2 showed decreases in carboxylation efficiency as compared with plants grown at ambient before the initiation of high temperature. The coastal species (Y. whipplei) showed significant reductions (33%) in CO2 saturated maximum assimilation rate (Amax), but the desert species (Y. brevifolia and Y. schidigera) showed no such reductions in Amax. Stomatal conductance was lower in elevated CO2 as compared with ambient throughout the temperature event; however, there were species-specific differences over time. Elevated CO2 enhanced photosynthesis in Y. whipplei at high temperatures for a period of 4 d, but not for Y. brevifolia or Y. schidigera. Elevated CO2 offset photoinhibition (measured as Fv/Fm) in Y. whipplei as compared with ambient CO2, depending on exposure time to high temperature. Stable Fv/Fm in Y. whipplei occurred in parallel with increases in the quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) at high temperatures in elevated CO2. The value of ΦPSII remained constant or decreased with increasing temperature in all other treatment and species combinations. This suggests that the reductions in Fv/Fm resulted from thermal energy dissipation in the pigment bed for Y. brevifolia and Y. schidigera. The greater efficiency of photosystem II in Y. whipplei helped to maintain photosynthetic function at high temperatures in elevated CO2. These patterns are in contrast to the hypothesis that high temperatures in elevated CO2 would increase the potential for photoinhibition. Our results suggest that elevated CO2 may offset high-temperature stress in coastal Yucca, but not in those species native to drier systems. Therefore, in the case of Y. whipplei, elevated CO2 may allow plants to survive extreme temperature events, potentially relaxing the effects of high temperature on the establishment in novel habitats.
Physician Perceptions about Immunization Reimbursement in Urban and Rural Colorado 616

Background: Issues related to vaccine reimbursement influence physician decisions about service delivery policies. Vaccine reimbursement varies considerably depending on plan.
Complementation between mutants of Phycomyces deficient with respect to carotenogenesis

White and red mutants of Phycomyces, derived from two independent wild types (yellow) by mutagenesis using nitrosoguanidine, either in a single step (26 white, 5 red mutants), or in two steps (10 white mutants, from one of the red mutants) were studied with respect to complementation in heterokaryons. The tests clearly establish the involvement of three and only three genes, here named carA, carB, and carB. The carA and the carR mutants are white, the carA mutants do not accumulate phytoene, the carB mutants do. The carR mutants are red and accumulate lycopene. The two step mutants are either carA and carR, or carB and carR double mutants. A few of the white mutants obtained in a single mutagenization step are affected in carA and carR. They may be polar mutants in an operon or accidental double mutants.
OPTIMIZATION OF CONVECTIVE LONGITUDINAL FINS OF TRAPEZOIDAL PROFILE

This paper deals with optimum design of convective longitudinal fins of a trapezoidal profile. The optimum dimensions, and the associated heat dissipation, and efficiency are obtained in terms of dimensionless parameters, h√Ap/k and he/h. They are presented in graphical forms in order to aid thermal designers
Effects of Micronized Rubber Powders on Structure and Properties of Polypropylene Composites

This investigation focuses on understanding the effects of particle size and surface area of cryogenically-ground micronized rubber powders (MRP) on the properties of MRP/polypropylene (PP) composites. Comparisons are made with ambient-ground rubber powders and its PP composites. The morphology of the fracture surfaces of the composites is studied in relation to the effects of particle size on mechanical properties. In addition, this paper discusses utilizing a compatibilizer with MRP in improving the mechanical performance of the PP composites for its use in various market segments, such as automotive, consumer and, construction.
Novel extracellular matrix and microtubule cables associated with pseudopodia of Astrammina rara, a carnivorous Antarctic foraminifer.

Abstract Astrammina rara is a benthic foraminiferan protozoan which uses an extensive network of fine, branching, and anastomosing pseudopodia to capture and digest metazoans up to 12 mm long. During such predation the pseudopodia appear remarkably elastic and tensile. Electron microscopy has revealed a novel extracellular matrix of thin branching fibers associated with A. rara 's pseudopodia, which are otherwise typical in appearance. These fibers are structurally associated with the pseudopodial glycocalyx. Cytoplasmic microtubules are often found in close juxtaposition to the plasma membrane and overlying extracellular fibers. In the main pseudopodial trunks bundles of 30–300 microtubules are surrounded by a lightly staining matrix and linked by occasional bridges. The microtubules follow straight trajectories in distal filopodia, but in pseudopodial trunks they appear to coil around one another to form cables. These microtubuler cables and extracellular fibers are novel features of A. rara 's pseudopodia and may provide the structural basis for their tensile strength.
Some Meanings of Communicative Competence for Second Language Students

This article discusses three distinct groups of ESL users and considers some of the language skills which the speakers in these groups nieed in order to participate effectively in their particular situations. A review of data from observational and correlational studies and from needs analyses conducted by curriculum designers suggests that the communicative skills which need to be taught to second language students preparing for, or already in, these situations vary considerably. Occupational students of ESL, for example, need various types of listening comprehension and conversational skills, while university teaching assistants need to produce phonologically acceptable and fluent connected discourse in order to be rated as successful. Students in elementary and secondary schools need more diverse language skills, some related to literacy, in order to make normal progress in school. Of particular importance in the school setting is mastery and use of context-reduced language, a text-related type of language observed principally in formal school contexts. Furthermore, evidence suggests that the language skills which elementary and secondary students need can vary developmentally as well as contextually. Thus, communicative competence, as a concept, can mean different things for different groups of students; program planners, administrators, and teachers will be able to provide better instruction only after considering the specific communicative needs of specific learners in terms of the specific purposes for which the language is to be used.
Multi-level governance for large marine commons: Politics and polycentricity in Palau's protected area network

a b s t r a c t This paper brings together institutional theories of polycentricity and critical human geography theory on scalar politics to advance understanding of the form and function of nested, polycentric regimes for the governance of large-scale common pool resources. We focus on institutional changes associated with a national marine protected area network in Palau through which national government and NGOs gain influence in local decisionmaking processes. Influence is gained through an attempt to scale up common-pool resource governance to an ecologically-relevant spatial scale in an effort to protect coral reef resilience and biodiversity across Palau. An institutional approach informed by scalar politics brings into focus potential tradeoffs between organizing governance reform around ecologically versus institutionally relevant scales. Our analysis suggests that prioritization of ecologically-relevant scales in institutional reform resulted in more nested but less polycentric institutional arrangements governing the network. We conclude that less distributed decision-making in the overall nested governance system could threaten the sustainability and resilience of coral reefs in the long-term by constraining institutional innovation and diversity. Results demonstrate the potential for interdisciplinary dialog to advance the research frontier on multi-level governance for large common pool resources.
Processing and Recording Systems for the Next Generation Tide and Water Level Measurement System

NOAA's National Ocean Survey (NOS) desires to improve or replace the hardware presently installed in their National Tide and Water Level Measurement Network. The stilling well, float and wire and punched paper tape have unacceptable data defect rates and high costs. A study was undertaken to analyze these problems, survey the field of available sensor and recorder technologies, and through a cost effectiveness analysis recommend those most suitable to the NOS missions and constraints. This paper presents the results of that study in the areas of processor/controller and recorder. A companion paper deals with the sensor portion of the study. Discussed are the functional requirements imposed on a processor/controller/recorder to acquire, process, filter and record data, as well as the fault detection and operator interactions required. Presented are the alternative recording techniques considered and the results of the reliability, effectiveness and cost analyses performed. Recommended are a C-MOS microprocessor with a simplified operator interface and erasable UV PROM as a recording medium.
MINIMISATION OF DECISION ERRORS IN A PROBABILISTIC NEURAL NETWORK FOR CHANGE POINT DETECTION IN MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

Abstract Probabilistic neural nets have been applied in the detection of structural damage. These networks, which rely upon approximating the multivariate density of the training data, have been shown to be effective in some applications. However, quantification of decision errors, which must ultimately be used to rank their effectiveness, has received little attention. In this paper, a two-dimensional probabilistic pattern classifier (PPC) based on an L 2 detector is studied. Each dimension is modelled as a Gaussian random variable in order to directly study the effects introduced by a commonly used density estimator. The region of acceptance is examined for different parameters of the kernel density estimator. The detector behaviour of the original PPC is compared to theory. It is demonstrated that performance is affected by errors introduced by a kernel constructed using a finite set of data, and also from theoretical limitations inherent in the test statistic. A modification of the test statistic is suggested to improve the sensitivity for structural damage detection.
Dilemmas and Challenges for the Shelter Sector: Lessons Learned from the Sphere Revision Process

Key dilemmas and challenges for those involved in the shelter sector are described, based on issues that emerged from the extensive global consultative process undertaken to inform the revision of the Sphere handbook. The range of perspectives on the major themes is presented, with suggestions as to how these issues could be progressed. Themes include the poor definition of the sector and the lack of a consistent approach among the leading shelter actors; the absence of a common terminology; the conflict between "temporary" versus "durable" solutions; the disconnect between technical advisers and the field; the need for greater recognition of local coping strategies and the local context; the involvement of recipients and host governments in policy development; the need for better "how-to" guidance; and the limited incorporation of the emerging themes of livelihoods etc. to date.
Gender Differences in Cardiorespiratory Fitness With Advancing Age: Is the Age-Associated Decline in VO2max More Rapid in Men and Do Older Men and Women Respond Differently to Exercise?

Both cross-sectional and longitudinal data suggest that the age-associated decline in VO2max is greater in men when expressed in absolute terms such as L or mL·min—1. When expressed in relative terms (ie, percentage decline per decade), the apparent gender difference disappears. Cross-sectional studies report a slower rate of decline than longitudinal studies, probably due to selection bias. The impact of physical activity on the rate of decline in aerobic power with age is not entirely clear. Meta-analyses of cross-sectional studies did not find increased levels of physical activity to be associated with lower rates of decline in VO2max. Longitudinal studies suggest that regular vigorous exercise can slow the rate of decline in VO2max by as much as 50%, but the reduction or cessation of training with advancing age may result in a misleading acceleration in that decline. The most consistent finding in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies is a strong association between the age-associated declines in m...
Spark erosion behavior of silver-based particulate composites

Abstract The primary mechanism of spark erosion of high-capacity electrical relays comprises melting and splashing of the electrode material. It is hypothesized, therefore, that splashing and erosion can be mitigated by increasing the “effective” viscosity of the molten metal, such as by the incorporation of high melting-temperature particles in the electrode material. Thus three types of Ag-based composites (Ag CdO, Ag W and (Ag 15CdO) W) were prepared by the powder metallurgical method and static-gap, single-spark erosion experiments have been conducted. Scanning electron micrographs and profiles of the eroded surfaces were obtained to characterize the erosion behavior. Erosion volumes of the particulate composites were found to be smaller than those of pure Ag, thus validating the hypothesis.