cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ASE: VERBALIZING AND VISUALIZING CREATIVE POWER THROUGH ART*

An important aspect of verbal and visual arts in ritual contexts in Africa is the way they affect their audience, initiate and noninitiate alike. Often achieved through a careful choice and arrangement of a range of sculptures, objects, colors, sounds, phrases, and incantations, these artistic devices, whether they exist as assemblages or simply by themselves in sacred settings, confront the researcher in the field with an enormously complex religioaesthetic experience. This scenario does not lend itself easily to straightforward ethnographic description, translation and analysis, especially if we rely solely on terminologies and/or theoretical constructs derived from the traditionally relevant academic disciplines of art history, psychology, philosophy and anthropology as defined and practised in the West. The methodological challenges arising from this situation create, however, an opportunity to explore afresh African conceptual systems and oratory for new and contextually relevant theoretical alternatives. This exercise is most likely to advance the study of art in general, as it promises to add the badly-needed dimension of 'soul'" to a still essentially formalist, self-referential and Western-modernist approach to African art and aesthetics. Drawing mainly on my fieldwork and findings in Yorubaland, this essay will address the subject of ase, an enigmatic affective phenomenon in Yoruba art and culture, and elaborate on its critical role as a creative and effective power in the verbal and visual arts. An attempt will also be made to shed some light on the compelling aesthetic presence which invariably results from the logical combination of artistic components purposefully selected and designed to convey and accentuate the ise in a thing or subject. The concept of ase has intrigued many scholars of Yoruba culture in Africa and the New World. The word, ase, is generally translated
Diamond field emission devices

Electron field emitter two and three terminal devices can be a new generation of micro-vacuum devices with potential high-speed capability and high temperature and radiation tolerance. Diamond emitters have excellent emission properties. We have developed micro-patterned diamond microtips on diamond films by a mold technique. We will discuss the fabrication of a self-align gated diamond emitter triode and present the emission and device characteristics of the diode and triode with low turn-on voltage and high emission current. For example, a diamond triode with low gate turn-on voltage of 10 V and high gain factor of 250 is reported. The gated diamond triode was fabricated with a self-aligning gate technique on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer. Ia–Vg plot of emission characteristics with 4 tips shows a very low gate turn-on voltage of 10 V and high emission current of 6 μA at gate voltage of 20 V. Ia–Va plots of emission characteristics demonstrate the desired saturation behavior of field emission transistor with a high voltage gain of 250. The low turn-on gate voltage and high gain factor comparable to solid-state devices, confirming the diamond field emission triode has significant potential for IC-compatible vacuum microelectronic applications and beyond. Ia–Va plots of emission characteristics (Figure below) demonstrate the saturation behavior of a field emission transistor with a high voltage gain factor of 250. The diamond triode has a high transconductance of ∼2.5 μS (4 tips) at a low operating gate voltage of 20 V. Fowler–Nordhiem (F–N) plots confirm that diamond field emission triode conforms to emission behaviors.
New philosophies in control of laser hazards in the outdoors.

In 1969, the first laser safety guidance was published by the U.S. Army. Since that time, the approach to the analysis of potential laser hazards has changed in some ways, such as in the determination of appropriate exposure limits, in the use of optical viewing aids, and in regard to atmospheric attenuation. Approaches have not changed in regard to other factors, such as atmospheric scintillation and the use of probability. The author discusses the philosophy behind the changes and also discusses "eye-safe" lasers. Language: en
The Consequences of Bisulfite Exposure in Primary Chick Embryo Fibroblast in Culture

Bisulfite (HSO3−) was administered to chick embryo fibroblasts in culture. Incorporation of HSO3−/SO3= was rapid and dependent on the bisulfite concentration. Hexose uptake, glucose catabolism, and membrane permeability were not affected at the concentrations examined. Nevertheless, cell growth and the rate of DNA synthesis decreased after 18 hours of exposure to HSO3−/SO3= levels as low as 0.1 mM. These results indicate that the primary site of action of bisulfite is in the pathway of DNA synthesis.
Discharge characteristics of lithium-polymer batteries

Lithium-polymer batteries are used in many devices ranging from cell phones to electric vehicles, with possible uses in space-related applications. In this paper we present a study aimed at exploring the feasibility of using lithium polymer batteries in the context of small satellite experimentation where they are constantly being charged and discharged as the satellite system is illuminated and shadowed in its trajectory. Specifically, we performed testing on a common 5,000 mA-h lithium-polymer battery to evaluate its performance and lifespan, and we observed that the battery lifetime decreases as the number of charging/discharging cycles increases.
Measuring the modulation transfer function of image capture devices: what do the numbers really mean?

The modulation transfer function (MTF) is a fundamental tool for assessing the performance of imaging systems. It has been applied to a range of capture and output devices, including printers and even the media itself. In this paper, we consider the problem of measuring the MTF of image capture devices. We analyze the factors that limit the MTF of a capture device. Then, we examine three different approaches to this task based, respectively, on a slant-edge target, a sinewave target, and a grill pattern. We review the mathematical relationship between the three different methods, and discuss their comparative advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we present experimental results for MTF measurement with a number of different commercially available image capture devices that are specifically designed for capture of 2D reflection or transmission copy. These include camera-based systems, flat-bed scanners, and a drum scanner.
A structure based model for diffusion in glass and the determination of diffusion constants in silica

Abstract A general model for diffusion is presented which incorporates the general differences between crystalline and amorphous materials. It is shown that these structural differences will give rise to distinctly different behavior which has already been observed by other authors who have measured the diffusion rates in glasses. A calculation of the diffusion constants for several gaseous species has been made which show good correlation to experimentally determine values.
Assessing Progress: The State of Metropolitan Planning Organizations under ISTEA and TEA-21

Abstract The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) and the ensuing Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) established a central role for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in regional transportation planning. In this new role, MPOs found themselves bringing together governmental and nongovernmental organizations representing the various transportation modalities in the planning process. At the same time, these MPOs assumed responsibilities for more effectively integrating transportation plans with other public policy arenas that affect and in turn are affected by transportation at the regional level. This paper reviews the progress that MPOs have made in achieving these goals. It concludes that there has been some progress in most areas specified in the ISTEA/TEA-21 legislation, however, the institutional contexts of MPOs substantially limits their effectiveness as regional transportation planning organizations.
A Generalized System for Photoresponsive Membrane Rupture in Polymersomes

Polymersomes are vesicles whose membranes are comprised of self-assembled block co-polymers. We recently showed that co-encapsulating conjugated multi-porphyrin dyes in a polymersome membrane with ferritin protein in the aqueous lumen confers photo-lability to the polymersome. In the present study, we illustrate that the photo-lability can be extended to vesicles containing dextran, an inert and inexpensive polysaccharide, as the luminal solute. Here we explore how structural features of the polymersome/porphyrin/dextran composite affect its photo-response. Increasing dextran molecular weight, decreasing block copolymer molecular weight, and altering fluorophore-membrane interactions results in increasing the photo-responsiveness of the polymersomes. Amphiphilic interactions of the luminal encapsulant with the membrane coupled with localized heat production in the hydrophobic bilayer likely cause differential thermal expansion in the membrane and the subsequent membrane rupture. This study suggests a general approach to impart photo-responsiveness to any biomimetic vesicle system without chemical modification, as well as a simple, bio-inert method for constructing photo-sensitive carriers for controlled release of encapsulants.
Altered ratio of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in mouse striatum is associated with behavioral sensitization to cocaine

Background Drugs of abuse elevate brain dopamine levels, and, in vivo, chronic drug use is accompanied by a selective decrease in dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) availability in the brain. Such a decrease consequently alters the ratio of D1R∶D2R signaling towards the D1R. Despite a plethora of behavioral studies dedicated to the understanding of the role of dopamine in addiction, a molecular mechanism responsible for the downregulation of the D2R, in vivo, in response to chronic drug use has yet to be identified. Methods and Findings Ethics statement: All animal work was approved by the Gallo Center IACUC committee and was performed in our AAALAC approved facility. In this study, we used wild type (WT) and G protein coupled receptor associated sorting protein-1 (GASP-1) knock out (KO) mice to assess molecular changes that accompany cocaine sensitization. Here, we show that downregulation of D2Rs or upregulation of D1Rs is associated with a sensitized locomotor response to an acute injection of cocaine. Furthermore, we demonstrate that disruption of GASP-1, that targets D2Rs for degradation after endocytosis, prevents cocaine-induced downregulation of D2Rs. As a consequence, mice with a GASP-1 disruption show a reduction in the sensitized locomotor response to cocaine. Conclusions Together, our data suggests that changes in the ratio of the D1R∶D2R could contribute to cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity and demonstrates a role of GASP-1 in regulating both the levels of the D2R and cocaine sensitization.
Mixing and chemical reaction in continuous combustion

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the pollutant formation processes in continuous combustion devices such as power generation furnaces and gas turbine/turbojet combustors. The lack of success in the prediction of the pollutant formation processes in continuous combustion devices is because of two factors: first, the chemical-kinetic coupling of heat release and pollutant formation reactions and second, the turbulent fluctuations and spatial intermittency of temperature and species concentration. Heat release processes means the oxidative pyrolysis of heavier fuel hydrocarbon molecules to form CO and H 2 , and the subsequent exothermic oxidation of CO and H 2 to form the final combustion products CO 2 and H 2 O, respectively. If this process is not completed, the unburned CO, H 2 , and hydrocarbon fragments are discharged from the combustor as pollutants. The rates of all of the heat release reactions depend strongly on temperature and on the concentrations of active radical intermediates. The chapter presents the essentials of population balance (PB) concepts. The chapter also reviews the specific applications of PB analyses to problems of combustion stability and pollutant formation processes.
Parent-reported asthma in Puerto Rican children.

We conducted a survey to determine parent-reported asthma prevalence, morbidity, and healthcare utilization among 3,527 children attending public schools (n = 2,849) and private schools (n = 678) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Schools were randomly selected from each of 12 geographic regions of the San Juan metropolitan area. Parents of children age 4–7 years old completed a 12-item questionnaire on asthma diagnosis, respiratory symptoms and morbidity, and healthcare utilization. Parents of children in public schools and private schools reported similar rates of a physician having previously diagnosed asthma in their children (43.2% vs. 39.4%); however, significantly more children in public schools were reported to still have asthma at the time of the survey (32.6% vs. 23.7%). Children attending public schools vs. private schools were reported to have missed significantly more school and to have had more hospitalizations and emergency department visits. Among children reported to still have asthma, significantly more children visited an emergency department, were hospitalized, and missed more school days due to respiratory symptoms in the past year. The high prevalence of parent-reported asthma, respiratory symptoms, and healthcare utilization among Puerto Rican children in San Juan calls for further studies using objective methods for ascertaining asthma and asthma-related morbidity. Differences in healthcare utilization between children attending public vs. private schools suggest that socioeconomic factors play a role in asthma management in Puerto Rico. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:453–460. © 2004 Wiely-Liss, Inc.
Numerical Simulation of Nanopulse Penetration of Biological Matter Using the z-Transform

Short duration, fast rise time ultra-wideband (UWB) electromagnetic pulses (“nanopulses”) are generated by numerous electronic devices in use today. Moreover, many new technologies involving nanopulses are under development and expected to become widely available soon. Study of nanopulse bioeffects is needed to probe their useful range in possible biomedical and biotechnological applications, and to ensure human safety. In this work we develop a computational approach to investigate electromagnetic fields in biological cells exposed to nanopulses. The simulation is based on a z-transformation of the electric displacement and a second-order Taylor approximation of a Cole–Cole expression for the frequency dependence of the dielectric properties of tissues, useful for converting from the frequency domain to the time domain. Maxwell’s equations are then calculated using the finite difference time domain method (FDTD), coupled with a perfectly matched layer to eliminate reflections from the boundary. Numerical results for a biological cell model are presented and discussed.
Comment on "Li and Be isotopic variations in an Allende CAI: Evidence for the in situ decay of short-lived 10Be and for the possible presence of the short-lived nuclide 7Be in the early solar system," by M. Chaussidon, F. Robert, and K.D. McKeegan

Abstract Recently Chaussidon et al. reported isotopic measurements of the Allende meteorite Ca, Al-rich inclusion (CAI) 3529-41 that they claim as evidence that live 7Be was incorporated into this CAI at the time of its formation [Chaussidon, M., Robert, F., McKeegan, K.D., 2006. Li and Be isotopic variations in an Allende CAI: evidence for the in situ decay of short-lived 10Be and for the possible presence of the short-lived nuclide 7Be in the early solar system. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 70, 224–245]. They claim their data show excesses of 7Li/6Li above the chondritic value, and that the 7Li/6Li excesses correlate linearly with 9Be/6Li, implying that the excess 7Li arose from the decay of 7Be (t1/2 = 53 days). In this Comment we dispute this claim. We show that the authors did not statistically analyze their data correctly, and that a linear correlation between 7Li/6Li and 9Be/6Li can in fact be ruled out. We show that the authors over-corrected for the effects of spallogenic Li, and in fact no statistically significant excesses of 7Li above chondritic ratios exist. Finally, we show that many of the spots in Allende 3529-41 that the authors counted as isotopically undisturbed show evidence of isotopic disturbance. We demonstrate that while their data support the late addition of isotopically light Li in spots with low Be/Li, their data are otherwise consistent with constant 7Li/6Li at near-chondritic levels. The data do not provide support for live 7Be in the early Solar System.
Etch characteristics of GaN and BN materials in chlorine-based plasmas

Reactive ion etching (RIE) was performed on GaN and BN thin films using chlorine-based plasmas. The optimum chemistry was found to be BCl3/Cl2/N2/Ar and Cl2/Ar at 30 and 40 mtorr for GaN and BN etching, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) analysis of the GaN and BN etched surfaces show a decrease in the surface nitrogen atomic composition and an increase in chlorine impurity incorporation with increasing self-dc bias. A photo-assisted RIE (PA-PIE) process using an IR filtered Xe lamp beam was then used and resulted in improved etch rates and surface composition. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) measurements have also shown photoenhancement of the etch process.
A multi-parametric islet perifusion system within a microfluidic perifusion device.

A microfluidic islet perifusion device was developed for the assessment of dynamic insulin secretion of multiple islets and simultaneous fluorescence imaging of calcium influx and mitochondrial potential changes. The device consists of three layers: first layer contains an array of microscale wells (500 μm diameter and 150 μm depth) that help to immobilize the islets while exposed to flow and maximize the exposed surface area of the islets; the second layer contains a circular perifusion chamber (3 mm deep, 7 mm diameter); and the third layer contains an inlet-mixing channel that fans out before injection into the perifusion chamber (2 mm in width, 19 mm in length, and 500 μm in height) for optimizing the mixing efficiency prior to entering the perifusion chamber. The creation of various glucose gradients including a linear, bell shape, and square shapes also can be created in the microfluidic perifusion network and is demonstrated.
Gravitational Anomalies and Thermal Hall effect in Topological Insulators

It has been suggested that after being gapped by a small symmetry-breaking field, the Majorana quasiparticles localized on the surface of a class DIII topological insulator will exhibit a thermal Hall effect that arises from a gravitational Chern-Simons term. We critically examine this idea, and argue that the thermogravitational Hall effect is more complicated than its familiar analog. A conventional Hall current is generated by a uniform electric field, but computing the flux from the gravitational Chern-Simons functional shows that gravitational field gradients---i.e., tidal forces---are needed to induce an energy-momentum flow. We relate the resulting surface energy-momentum flux to a domain-wall gravitational anomaly via the Callan-Harvey inflow mechanism. We stress that the gauge invariance of the combined bulk-plus-boundary theory ensures that the current in the domain wall always experiences a ``covariant'' rather than ``consistent'' anomaly. We use this observation to confirm that the tidally induced energy-momentum current exactly accounts for the covariant gravitational anomaly in $(1+1)$-dimensional domain-wall fermions. The same anomaly arises whether we write the Chern-Simons functional in terms of the Christoffel symbol or in terms of the spin connection.
Effects of emotion on prospection during decision-making

In two experiments we examined the role of emotion, specifically worry, anxiety and mood, on prospection during decision-making. Worry is a particularly relevant emotion to study in the context of prospection because high levels of worry may make individuals more aversive toward the uncertainty associated with the prospect of obtaining future improvements in rewards or states. Thus, high levels of worry might lead to reduced prospection during decision-making and enhance preference for immediate over delayed rewards. In Experiment 1 participants performed a two-choice dynamic decision-making task where they were required to choose between one option (the decreasing option) which provided larger immediate rewards but declines in future states, and another option (the increasing option) which provided smaller immediate rewards but improvements in future states, making it the optimal choice. High levels of worry were associated with poorer performance in the task. Additionally, fits of a sophisticated reinforcement-learning model that incorporated both reward-based and state-based information suggested that individuals reporting high levels of worry gave greater weight to the immediate rewards they would receive on each trial than to the degree to which each action would lead to improvements in their future state. In Experiment 2 we found that high levels of worry were associated with greater delay discounting using a standard delay discounting task. Combined, the results suggest that high levels of worry are associated with reduced prospection during decision-making. We attribute these results to high worriers’ aversion toward the greater uncertainty associated with attempting to improve future rewards than to maximize immediate reward. These results have implications for researchers interested in the effects of emotion on cognition, and suggest that emotion strongly affects the focus on temporal outcomes during decision-making.
A pitch dependent time-frequency response for periodic signals

Although several kernel design methods have been proposed for improved time-frequency responses (TFRs) for various signal classes, the family of simple periodic signals has not been specifically considered. Many signals, such as speech and music, which are analyzed using time-frequency techniques exhibit a strong periodic structure. Here we develop an improved TFR designed for periodic functions, under the assumption that the fundamental period of the signal is known or can at least be accurately estimated.
MEMS directional sound sensor with simultaneous detection of two frequency bands

Conventional directional sound sensing systems use an array of spatially separated microphones to achieve directional sensing by monitoring the arrival times and amplitudes at each microphone. The directional accuracy is then determined by the spatial separation of the microphones. In contrast, the Ormia ochracea fly's ears are separated by merely 500 µm yet have remarkable sensitivity to the direction of sound even at wavelengths two orders of magnitude greater than the size of the fly's hearing structure. The fly uses a unique system which consists of two identical wings hinged at the center to determine the direction of sound. Recently, our group demonstrated a MEMS-based directional sound sensor modeled on the hearing system of the fly. The sensor response has two resonant modes (rocking and bending) and a strong response was only achieved at the bending frequency since the amplitude of the rocking mode depends on the tiny pressure difference between the two wings. In this paper, we report achievement of dual-band sensing using asymmetric wings to enhance the response at the rocking frequency. The fabricated sensor showed nearly equal responses at the rocking and bending frequencies.
The market for foster care: an empirical study of the impact of foster care subsidies

When parents are suspected of child abuse or neglect, their children may be placed with foster families. We estimate the relationship between the monthly subsidies paid to foster families and the quantity of foster care services provided. The empirical model uses variation in subsidies and foster care populations within 37 states and the years 1987–1995. One innovation in our approach is that we exploit the idea that states do not appear to set market clearing rates, as evidenced by a foster home shortage during this time period. In this case of excess demand, variation in the monthly subsidy traces out the supply curve. Our results show that states with high demand may be able to use economic incentives to recruit foster families.
Tomorrow's surgery: Micromotors and microrobots for minimally invasive procedures

SummarySurgical procedures have changed radically over the last few years due to the arrival of new technology. What will technology bring us in the future? This paper examines a few of the forces whose timing is causing new ideas to congeal from the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, micro-machining and smart materials. Intelligence systems for autonomous mobile robots can now enable simple, insect level, behaviors in small amounts of silicon. These software break-throughs, coupled with new techniques for micro-fabrication of miniature sensors and actuators from both silicon and ferroelectric families of materials, offer glimpses of the future where robots will be small, cheap and, potentially, very useful to surgeons. In this paper we relate our recent work with small mobile robots and in fabricating piezoelectric micromotors, in an effort to develop actuator technologies where brawn matches the scale of the brain. We discuss our experiments with thin film piezoelectric ultrasonic motors 2 mm ...
CCF analysis for new reactor designs

Abstract Common Cause Failures (CCF) have been an issue of safety consideration in nuclear safety since a long time. For the design of the European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) probabilistic safety goals in conjunction with the limit set by CCF on failure probability that can be achieved by redundancy led to the requirement to fulfil vital safety functions by functionally diverse systems. The probabilistic safety analysis (PSA) which was performed for EPR takes into account CCFs which are modelled using the beta-factor model of the European Utility Requirements (EUR). The PSA shows that the probabilistic safety goal for core damage frequency – CDF < 10−5/year – is met with sufficient margin. In addition to the modelling of CCF in the PSA a deterministic CCF analysis is being performed. It is a safety function based approach on component level analysing frontline and backup systems with respect to common components or type identical components. It ensures that diverse safety functions are fulfilled by systems...
Precision positioning using a microfabricated electrostatic actuator

This paper presents a microfabricated actuator designed for high precision servo-positioning in a magnetic hard disk drive. The device is actuated using electrostatic force generated with parallel-plate capacitive electrodes. The displacement of these electrodes is measured using a dedicated capacitive sensing interface, allowing closed-loop control to be used to extend the servo bandwidth. Using the sensing electronics and a simple phase-lead compensator, a prototype device was used to actuate a 1.6 mg ceramic slider over a 1.2 kHz bandwidth. Using optical position measurements, the same actuator was used to achieve a 2.5 kHz bandwidth.
Sexual dimorphism in prostanoid-potentiated vascular contraction: roles of endothelium and ovarian steroids.

The effects of constrictor prostanoid (CP) pathway inhibitors on vascular reactivity to vasopressin (VP) and phenylephrine (PE) were examined in thoracic aortas of male, female, and ovariectomized ...
Optimization of Injector Spray Configurations for an HSDI Diesel Engine at High Load

CFD simulations were conducted with the KIVA-3v code with improved spray and combustion sub-models. Combustion analysis was performed using micro-genetic optimizations for a 1.9L HSDI diesel engine at a high load operating conditions (∼15 bar imep). The study explored injector spray configurations, including the number of injector nozzle holes, the hole diameters, and their orientations. The engine swirl ratio and start-of-injection timing were also varied. The optimizations considered injector nozzles with 14, 12, 10 and 8 injector holes. Each configuration included consideration of a pair of injector holes. Variations in the orientation angle of the first hole were explored. For the second hole, both the orientation angle and the azimuthal spacing relative to the first hole were varied. The chosen parameters allowed the holes to be symmetrically spaced or coincident azimuthally. The performance of each simulation was based on a merit function which accounts for fuel economy, NOx and soot emissions. For the test conditions chosen, an 8-hole injector configuration was found to be the best. This is explained by the improved fuel spray penetration and mixing associated with a smaller number of large diameter nozzle holes. For all injector configurations, the optima selected groups of holes where the total angular spacing between holes was less than eight degrees. The optimum swirl ratio found was approximately that of the baseline engine design.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Asthma prevalence among Hispanic adults in Puerto Rico and Hispanic adults of Puerto Rican descent in the United States - results from two national surveys.

AbstractObjective: To assess whether asthma prevalence differs between Hispanic adults living in Puerto Rico and Hispanic adults of Puerto Rican descent living in the United States. Methods: We used 2008–2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, administered in Puerto Rico for Hispanic adults living in Puerto Rico (Hispanics in Puerto Rico), and 2008–2010 National Health Interview Survey data for Hispanic adults of Puerto Rican descent living in the United States (Puerto Rican Americans). We used 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to compare asthma prevalence between corresponding subgroups; non-overlapping CIs indicate statistical significance. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the association between current asthma status and socio-demographic factors and health risk behaviors within each Puerto Rican population. Results: Current asthma prevalence among Hispanics in Puerto Rico (7.0% [6.4%–7.7%]) was significantly lower than the prevalence among Puerto Rica...
A spectral method for discriminating thermodynamic phase and retrieving cloud optical thickness and effective radius using transmitted solar radiance spectra

Abstract. A new retrieval scheme for cloud optical thickness, effective radius, and thermodynamic phase was developed for ground-based measurements of cloud shortwave solar spectral transmittance. Fifteen parameters were derived to quantify spectral variations in shortwave transmittance due to absorption and scattering of liquid water and ice clouds, manifested by shifts in spectral slopes, curvatures, maxima, and minima. To retrieve cloud optical thickness and effective particle radius, a weighted least square fit that matched the modeled parameters was applied. The measurements for this analysis were made with the ground-based Solar Spectral Flux Radiometer in Boulder, Colorado, between May 2012 and January 2013. We compared the cloud optical thickness and effective radius from the new retrieval to two other retrieval methods. By using multiple spectral features, we find a closer fit (with a root mean square difference over the entire spectra of 3.1% for a liquid water cloud and 5.9% for an ice cloud) between measured and modeled spectra compared to two other retrieval methods which diverge by a root mean square of up to 6.4% for a liquid water cloud and 22.5% for an ice cloud. The new retrieval introduced here has an average uncertainty in effective radius (± 1.2 μm) smaller by factor of at least 2.5 than two other methods when applied to an ice cloud.
Chemolithotrophic primary production in a subglacial ecosystem

Glacial comminution of bedrock generates fresh mineral surfaces capable of sustaining chemotrophic microbial communities under the dark conditions that pervade subglacial habitats. Geochemical and isotopic evidence suggests that pyrite oxidation is a dominant weathering process generating protons that drive mineral dissolution in many subglacial systems. Here, we provide evidence correlating pyrite oxidation with chemosynthetic primary productivity and carbonate dissolution in subglacial sediments sampled from Robertson Glacier (RG), Alberta, Canada. Quantification and sequencing of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) transcripts suggest that populations closely affiliated with Sideroxydans lithotrophicus, an iron sulfide-oxidizing autotrophic bacterium, are abundant constituents of microbial communities at RG. Microcosm experiments indicate sulfate production during biological assimilation of radiolabeled bicarbonate. Geochemical analyses of subglacial meltwater indicate that increases in sulfate levels are associated with increased calcite and dolomite dissolution. Collectively, these data suggest a role for biological pyrite oxidation in driving primary productivity and mineral dissolution in a subglacial environment and provide thefirst rate estimate for bicarbonate assimilation in these ecosystems. Evidence for lithotrophic primary production in this contemporary subglacial environment provides a plausible mechanism to explain how subglacial communities could be sustained in near-isolation from the atmosphere during glacial-interglacial cycles.
Measurements of sound-speed and density contrasts of zooplankton in Antarctic waters

Sound-speed and density contrasts (h and g, respectively), two important acoustic material properties, of live zooplankton were measured off the western Antarctic Peninsula during a Southern Ocean GLOBEC cruise conducted from 9 April to 21 May 2002. The work included in situ sound-speed contrast and shipboard density-contrast measurements. The temperature and pressure (depth) dependence of the sound-speed contrast of Euphausia superba and E. crystallorophias as well as that of some other zooplankton species were investigated. The size range of E. superba used in the measurements varied from about 20 mm to 57 mm, with mean length of 36.7 mm and standard deviation of 9.8 mm, which covered life stages from juvenile to adult. For E. superba, there was no statistically significant depth dependence, but there was a moderate dependence of sound-speed and density contrasts on the size of the animals. The measured sound-speed contrast varied between 1.018 and 1.044, with mean value 1.0279 and standard deviation 0.0084, while the measured density contrast varied between 1.007 and 1.036, with mean value 1.0241 and standard deviation 0.0082. For E. crystallorophias and Calanus there was a measurable depth dependence in sound-speed contrast. The in situ sound-speed contrasts for E. crystallorophias were 1.025 ± 0.004 to 1.029 ± 0.009. For Calanus, they were variable, with one set giving a value of 0.949 ± 0.001 and the other giving 1.013 ± 0.002. Shipboard measurements of other taxa/species also showed substantial variation in g and h.In general, values of g ranged from 0.9402 to 1.051 and h ranged from 0.949 to 1.096. The variation of the material properties is related to species, type, size, stage, and in some cases depth of occurrence. The uncertainty of the estimates of zooplankton biomass attributable to these variations in g and h can be quite large (more than 100 fold). Improvements in making biological inferences from acoustic data depend strongly on increased information about the material properties of zooplankton and the biological causes for their variation, as well as a knowledge of the species composition and abundance.
The effect of an automatic feed dispenser on the behaviour of lactating dairy cows

Abstract The Alfa-Laval automatic feeder is designed to control the daily intake of concentrate by individual cows in a herd. Thirty-two cows which had not previously used feeders were allowed access to them. After three days, 28 cows were using them regularly. The remaining four cows also used them regularly after a 5-min training period. The number of visits each cow made to the feeders daily was consistent, but varied between cows from 4 to 46. Younger cows visited the feeder more often than older cows ( P P There was a good correlation ( r = 0.96) between the desired and measured concentrate intake, although 4 cows consistently used the feeder to only 74, 74, 82 and 86% of their allowance. Younger cows ate the greatest proportion of the concentrate allocation determined by their collar settings ( P Throughout the experiment there was a significant decrease in the number of cows waiting in the area of the feeders ( P P
Corticotropin for Acute Management of Gout

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate safety and efficacy of corticotropin for acute gout.DATA SOURCES:Clinical literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966–August 2000). Key search terms included gout, ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and corticotropin.DATA SYNTHESIS:Joint pain and local signs of inflammation characterize gout. Acutely, colchicine and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are first-line therapy. Adverse effects or concomitant diseases limit therapy and necessitate alternative options. An evaluation of studies involving corticotropin was conducted.CONCLUSIONS:Corticotropin alone or in combination with colchicine was more rapidly effective and associated with fewer adverse effects than indomethacin. This regimen may be considered an alternative, especially for patients with medical problems in which other regimens are contraindicated.
TrkB receptors are required for follicular growth and oocyte survival in the mammalian ovary

Although it is well established that both follicular assembly and the initiation of follicle growth in the mammalian ovary occur independently of pituitary hormone support, the factors controlling these processes remain poorly understood. We now report that neurotrophins (NTs) signaling via TrkB receptors are required for the growth of newly formed follicles. Both neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the preferred TrkB ligands, are expressed in the infantile mouse ovary. Initially, they are present in oocytes, but this site of expression switches to granulosa cells after the newly assembled primordial follicles develop into growing primary follicles. Full-length kinase domain-containing TrkB receptors are expressed at low and seemingly unchanging levels in the oocytes and granulosa cells of both primordial and growing follicles. In contrast, a truncated TrkB isoform lacking the intracellular domain of the receptor is selectively expressed in oocytes, where it is targeted to the cell membrane as primary follicles initiate growth. Using gene-targeted mice lacking all TrkB isoforms, we show that the ovaries of these mice or those lacking both NT-4 and BDNF suffer a stage-selective deficiency in early follicular development that compromises the ability of follicles to grow beyond the primary stage. Proliferation of granulosa cells— required for this transition—and expression of FSH receptors (FSHR), which reflects the degree of biochemical differentiation of growing follicles, are reduced in trkB-null mice. Ovaries from these animals grafted under the kidney capsule of wild-type mice fail to sustain follicular growth and show a striking loss of follicular organization, preceded by massive oocyte death. These results indicate that TrkB receptors are required for the early growth of ovarian follicles and that they exert this function by primarily supporting oocyte development as well as providing granulosa cells with a proliferative signal that requires oocyte-somatic cell bidirectional communication. The predominance of truncated TrkB receptors in oocytes and their developmental pattern of subcellular expression suggest that a significant number of NT-4/ BDNF actions in the developing mammalian ovary are mediated by these receptors.
Helicase Unwinding at the Replication Fork

Ring-shaped hexameric helicases play an essential role of double-stranded DNA unwinding during genome replication. The NTPase-powered unwinding activity of the hexameric helicases is required both for replication initiation and fork progression. We describe ensemble biophysical methods to measure the unwinding activity of ring-shaped helicases during fork progression using the T7 bacteriophage replicative helicase gp4A′ as a model enzyme. These assays provide insights into the stepping mechanism of translocation, active or passive mechanism of unwinding, and regulation by associated proteins such as single strand DNA binding protein, DNA polymerase, and primase enzymes.
Optimization based option pricing bounds via piecewise polynomial super- and sub-martingales

In this paper we first prove sufficient conditions for a continuous function of a diffusion process to be a super- or sub-martingale. This result is then used to create piecewise polynomial super- and sub-martingale bounds on option prices via a polynomial optimization problem. The polynomial optimization problem is solved under a sum-of-squares paradigm and thus uses semi-definite programming. The results are tested on a Black-Scholes example where a piecewise polynomial function of degree four in both the stock value and time is used to compute upper and lower bounds.
The Design of Advanced Multi-Junction Solar Cells Using Genetic Algorithm for the Optimization of a SILVACO® Novel Cell Model

MULTIJUNCTION solar cells consisting of series-stacked p-n junction layers offer a significant improvement in efficiency over conventional solar cells by generating power over a larger spectrum of sunlight. The design of multijunction solar cells is complicated by both the desire to have maximally efficient junction layers and the need to match the current produced in each junction layer under optimal load conditions. The ATLAS device simulator from Silvaco® International has been shown in exclusive research at the Naval Postgraduate School to have the capability to simulate multijunction solar cells. This simulation tool has the ability to extract electrical characteristics from a solar cell based on virtual fabrication of its physical structure and bypass the costly "build-and-test" design cycle. A paper introducing this modeling technique has been previously presented at the PVSC conference [2]. The current-matching problem is especially challenging for cells containing four or more junction layers. This paper proposes a method for using ATLAS data to optimize the power output of individual junction layers of an InGaP/GaAs/InGaNAs/Ge four junction solar cell and to construct these junction layers into a current-matched, optimum power multijunction solar cell. Individual junction layer optimization was accomplished through the use of a genetic search algorithm implemented in Matlab. The final multijunction cell current matching was performed using an iterative optimization routine also implemented in Matlab.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA expression by four chronically infected cell lines indicates multiple mechanisms of latency.

Recent information has suggested that posttranscriptional mechanisms, whereby human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA exists as multiply spliced transcripts without promoting an accumulation of the larger messages, are responsible for maintaining a stable state of nonproductive viral expression or viral latency. To test the universality of these observations, we compared the patterns of viral RNA splicing and the frequencies of cells actually harboring HIV-1 RNA in four chronically HIV-1-infected cell lines (U1 [promonocytic], ACH-2 [T lymphocytic], OM-10.1 [promyelocytic], and J1.1 [T lymphocytic]). In uninduced U1 and ACH-2 cultures, a high frequency of cells (approximately one in six) contained HIV-1 RNA but mainly as multiply spliced transcripts, again supporting a posttranscriptional mechanism maintaining viral latency. In sharp contrast, only 1 in 50 cells in uninduced OM-10.1 and J1.1 cultures contained HIV-1 RNA, indicating a primary transcriptional mechanism controlling viral expression in these cells. Furthermore, those OM-10.1 and J1.1 cells that did contain viral RNA were in a state of productive HIV-1 expression marked by the presence of both spliced and unspliced transcripts. Even though the total absence of viral RNA in the majority of OM-10.1 and J1.1 cells indicated a state of absolute latency, treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha induced transcription of HIV-1 RNA in nearly 100% of the cells in all four of the chronically infected cultures. Tumor necrosis factor alpha induction of U1, ACH-2, and OM-10.1 cultures resulted in an initial accumulation of multiply spliced HIV-1 RNA followed by a transition to the larger unspliced viral RNA transcripts. This RNA splice transition was less apparent in the J1.1 cell line. These results demonstrate that host cell-specific transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms are important factors in the control of HIV-1 latency. Images
Spatial and temporal patterns of tree encroachment into a Southern Appalachian grass/heath bald using tree rings.

ABSTRACT: Craggy Gardens, a Southern Appalachian grass/heath bald in western North Carolina, is experiencing Quercus rubra L. encroachment on the western slope. Grass balds provide habitat for a number of rare and endemic species and have been ranked by The Nature Conservancy as G1 (Critically Imperiled Globally). We used belt transects and dendroecological analysis to reconstruct Quercus rubra establishment and recruitment over the past 245 years. Tree-ring records from 128 trees yielded distinct spatial and temporal patterns of encroachment that appear to be explained in large part by historical land use. Grazing by European livestock suppressed tree establishment, and its cessation in the early 1930s facilitated tree establishment and recruitment. Reduced rates of tree encroachment after the 1960s appear to be linked to shading of the understory upon canopy closure after the initial surge of establishment. Tree encroachment declined significantly after 1980, and was followed by the initiation of an eco...
The role of institutional assessment in assessing student learning outcomes

Institutional Research has the potential to play an important role in assessment of student learning outcomes by lending leadership and assistance to departmental and institutional efforts.
Comparison of OnabotulinumtoxinA Intradetrusor Injection Needle Performance with Modern Flexible Cystoscopes.

Abstract Introduction: Intradetrusor injection of onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX-A) can be performed with rigid or flexible cystoscopy. The primary aim of this study was to analyze irrigant flow rate and total angle of deflection for the intradetrusor injection needles used for flexible cystoscopic injection of BTX-A to see if any needle provided a technical advantage. Methods: Three commercially available intradetrusor injection needles were evaluated using two modern flexible cystourethroscopes. The three needles analyzed were the NBI070 (Coloplast, Minneapolis, MN), DIS200 (Laborie, Williston, VT), and NM-101C-0427/MAJ-565/MAJ-655 (Olympus, Center Valley, PA). Angles of deflection and irrigant flow rates were calculated with an empty working channel and each injection needle in the working channel of the two flexible cystoscopes. Results: With the working channel empty, the Karl Storz 11272CU1 (KS) and Olympus CYF-V2 (O) cystoscopes had a total range of deflection of 341 degrees and 281 degrees, respectively....