cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dislocation Dynamics Modeling for Yield Strength of Nanoscale Film Heterostructures

A novel dislocation dynamics framework is developed to simulate dislocation evolutions in thin film heterostructures at nanoscale. It is based on 3-D dislocation motion together with its physical background by adding the solid viscous effect. As the numerical simulation results demonstrate, this new model completely solves a long-standing paradoxical phenomenon with which the simulation results were dependent on dislocation-segment lengths in the classical discrete dislocation dynamics theory. The proposed model is applied to simulate the effect of dislocations on the mechanical performance of thin films. The interactions among the dislocation loop, free surface and interface are rigorously computed by decomposing this complicated problem into two relatively simple sub-problems. This model is allowed to determine the critical thickness of thin films for a surface loop to nucleate and to simulate how a surface loop evolves into two threading dislocations. Furthermore, the relationship between the film thickness and yield strength is constructed and compared with the conventional Hall-Petch relation.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Vancouver workshop: overview and synthesis.

Abstract Investigators from the six PICES member nations conducted a May, 1999 interdisciplinary research assessment of Vancouver Harbour, BC, Canada. Sediment contaminants were analyzed at several sites along an assumed pollution gradient extending eastward into the harbour from the relatively less-impacted Howe Sound area (located outside and seaward, to the west). Subsets of a few representative benthic biota (English sole for general contaminants; specific mollusks for TBT) at the sampling sites were concurrently assessed for specific tissue contaminants. Measurements of biotic response to contaminants—across a wide spectrum of biological and ecosystem organization, and ranging from selected biomarkers and tissue responses, to observations at the organism and community level—were likewise conducted. Parameters examined included: P-450 expression, EROD induction and histopathologic assessment of toxicopathic liver lesions in English sole; prevalence and frequency of imposex in neogastropods; perturbations in benthic community responses to pollutants; tissue assays of various bivalve shellfish species for PSP. Results affirmed a consistent east-to-west trend in declining contaminant-associated effects, across a range of biological assessments, thus providing strong evidence that these effects are pollution-related. Specific findings revealed a significant distortion of benthic community structure along the pollution gradient, as well as biomarker evidence of histological and biochemical stress in English sole from central and inner harbour sites. Although the study reaffirms prior assumptions that various species of neogastropods have been extirpated from the harbour, most likely from the antifoulant uses of tributyltin, some of the adverse impacts from TBT may be declining. Also noted were strong biochemical inferences that sediments in the relatively “uncontaminated” Howe Sound, may well contain significant P450-inducing pollutants which were not included as analytes in the design of this limited and preliminary assessment. During the brief sampling period, PSP contamination did not appear to be a significant issue for the harbour.
Infants' symbolic comprehension of actions modeled with toy replicas

While very young children's understanding of objects as symbols for other entities has been the focus of much investigation, very little is known concerning the emergence of comprehension for symbolic relations among actions modeled with toy replicas and their real counterparts. We used videotaped depictions of real actions in a preferential looking task to assess toddlers' ability to comprehend such connections for action categories aligned with familiar object concepts. Across two experiments, 16- and 18-month-olds provided no evidence of understanding such relations, even when action categories were highlighted with verbal prompts. Among 24- and 26-month-olds, comprehension of relations between certain actions modeled with toys and videos of their real-world counterparts began to emerge, independent of expressive vocabulary size. Implications of our results for theoretical conclusions drawn from use of the generalized imitation procedure to study early conceptual development are discussed.
Signal to noise ratio considerations in radiographic imaging

The methodology employed to calculate radiographic signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) for the commonly used disk‐shaped test object is reviewed. Although the ‘‘matched’’ aperture yields the maximum SNR, its shape is difficult to achieve experimentally. On the other hand, a circular aperture having the same size as the object is much simpler to realize. We have performed a numerical analysis of the SNRs obtained with matched and circular apertures for two screen/film systems (a mammographic and a general purpose combination) for a range of test‐object sizes. We find that for object sizes greater than 0.5 mm in diameter, there is a less than 4% difference between the SNRs obtained with the two apertures. The shapes of some of the matched apertures are also presented. We conclude that the SNR determined with the circular aperture is a simpler and more useful determinant of system performance for the screen/film combinations studied.
Changes in plasma somatostatin associated with seawater adaptation and stunting of coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch

Abstract Somatostatins (SSs) are a family of peptide hormones made up of different molecular forms that have been found to modulate various aspects of growth, development, and metabolism of vertebrates. In this study, coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ) were used to evaluate the role of SSs in seawater (SW) adaptation. In experiment 1, pre-smolt and smolt coho salmon (age=1–1.5 years) were transferred to SW and sampled at zero, one, two, and seven days later. For both pre-smolts and smolts, plasma SS-25 concentrations rose following SW exposure and reached peak levels two days after transfer; thereafter, levels gradually declined. Interestingly, SS-25 levels were higher in pre-smolts than those in smolts, a difference that was similar to that noted for rectal [Na + ] and indicating a greater state of SW readiness for the smolt group. In experiment 2, pre-smolt coho salmon were transferred to SW and sampled eight weeks later. Pre-smolt SW exposure resulted in significant growth retardation (stunting). Plasma levels of both SS-25 and SS-14 were significantly higher in stunts than those in their normal (SW smolt) counterparts. These results indicate that changes in SSs accompany SW adaptation and that SSs may be involved with stunting associated with premature SW transfer.
Multilevel Multichannel Study of the Structure of N 15 from 12- to 14-MeV Excitation Energy

Measurements of the cross sections for the reactions $^{14}\mathrm{C}(p,p)^{14}\mathrm{C}$, $^{14}\mathrm{C}(p,{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{0})^{11}\mathrm{B}$, $^{14}\mathrm{C}(p,{n}_{0})^{14}\mathrm{N}$, $^{14}\mathrm{C}(p,{n}_{1})^{14}\mathrm{N}$, $^{14}\mathrm{C}(p,{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{0})^{15}\mathrm{N}$, and $^{11}\mathrm{B}(\ensuremath{\alpha},\ensuremath{\alpha})^{11}\mathrm{B}$ have been made for incident particle energies of 2 to 4 MeV. Preliminary Legendre-polynomial analyses of measured angular distributions were used to guide a multilevel multichannel $R$-matrix analysis. In the $R$-matrix formulation a set of level parameters for eight resonances has been found which can account for the observed cross sections in all of the channels. The level at ${E}_{x}=13.42$ MeV in $^{15}\mathrm{N}$ has been identified as the isobaric analog of the second excited state in $^{15}\mathrm{C}$. The reduced widths of this level in the various channels indicate that it contains at least a 10% admixture of $T=\frac{1}{2}$. A series of strong $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle levels has been found which fit into the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle core-excited threshold-state model scheme for $^{15}\mathrm{N}$.
High power linear accelerators for tritium production and transmutation of nuclear waste

Abstract Proton linacs driving high-flux spallation neutron sources are being considered for transmutation of nuclear waste and production of tritium. Advances in high-current linac technology have provided a basis for the development of credible designs for the required accelerator, which has a nominal 1.6-GeV energy, and a 250-mA cw current. A beam with these parameters incident on a lead or lead-bismuth (Pb-Bi) spallation target generates high fluxes of thermal neutrons which can be used in a surrounding blanket to produce tritium through the 6Li(n, α)T or 3He(n, p)T reactions, or to burn long-lived actinides and fission products in nuclear waste through capture and fission processes. In some scenarios waste actinides and/or other fissile materials in the blanket can produce sufficient fission energy to power the accelerator.
High-efficiency white phosphorescent OLEDs for lighting

Organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) are viewed as a potential next generation lighting source. Phosphorescent OLED (PHOLED) technology, with its inherently high efficiencies, represents the best opportunity to meet the challenging requirements of lighting. We discuss the requirements of OLEDs for lighting applications and present the state-of-the-art of white PHOLEDs, which have demonstrated the luminous efficiencies exceeding 30 cd/A at CIE coordinates of (0.35, 0.33).
Critical thinking and business process improvement

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamics of critical thinking (CT) in contrast with Six Sigma and the “5 Whys” approach that is used by many managers to conduct “Root cause analysis” in business process improvements.Design/methodology/approach – The research integrates principles of traditional literature review with a reflective inquiry of a practitioner.Findings – Six Sigma and its “5 Whys” methodology is insufficient in root cause analysis unless coupled with CT. The paper demonstrates that some extraordinary business successes were achieved by CT, while catastrophic failures were often the result of selective biases, rigid thinking, and/or tendencies to deal with steps of processes, isolated processes, and/or independent situations. Consequently, the paper identifies a new domain that can be added to training in Six Sigma and 5 Whys.Research limitations/implications – The study does not address specific ways to integrate CT into Six Sigma, 5 Whys, and/or root cause analysis in bu...
Using Personal Attitudes to Judge Others: The Roles of Outcomes and Consensus

Abstract The relative preference effect refers to the tendency for people with incompatible ethical views to differ in their evaluations of targets whose ethical decisions agree versus disagree with their own. For example, people who say they would keep a lost wallet ascribe less blame to a target who does the same than do people who say they would return the wallet. The relative preference effect does not require that people consider their ethical choices to be morally superior to the alternatives: The effect occurs even when people who endorse less ethically desirable alternatives (such as keeping a lost wallet) admit that the opposite alternative (such as returning the wallet) is more admirable or desirable, and also when they admit that they would teach their children to do the opposite. The two studies in this paper examined different explanations for the pervasiveness of the relative preference effect. Study 1 assessed the possibility that people evaluate targets who agree with them more favorably because they assume the targets' decisions will produce positive outcomes. Study 1 provided evidence against this interpretation by showing that the relative preference effect occurred when the target's decision produced negative as well as positive outcomes. Study 2 assessed the possibility that people evaluate agreeing others more favorably because they assume most people share their ethical preferences. This explanation was supported by a significant interaction between consensus information and agreement–disagreement information on blame attributions: The relative preference effect occurred when participants were provided with information indicating most of their peers agreed with their ethical decision, but not when they believed a majority of their peers disagreed.
Correction: Degree for Dr. Charles R. Cagin

Excerpt To the editor: In the by-line for the article "Bullets, Lead Poisoning, and Thyrotoxicosis" in the October issue (Ann Intern Med89:509-511, 1978), the degree for Charles R. Cagin should hav...
The Aramaic Dialect of the James Ossuary Inscription

Discussion of the Aramaic used in the James Ossuary inscription has so far been limited to whether the Aramaic grammatical forms could be found in the first century. There is a little evidence that supports a positive answer. This essay asks a different question, in which Aramaic dialect are the inscription's Aramaic forms most common? That answer is that they are the standard forms in Jewish Palestinian Aramaic, which was the Galilean dialect from the end of the second century onwards. The inscription is thus most likely later than the period claimed by its promoters.
Current Status of ABBIX Beamlines Developed for X-Ray Scattering and Macromolecular Crystallography at NSLS-II

We present the current development status of the Advanced Beamlines for Biological Investigations with X-rays (ABBIX) at NSLS-II. This NIH-funded project includes an x-ray scattering beamline (LIX) and two macromolecular crystallography beamlines (FMX and AMX). User operations are scheduled to begin in 2016.Facilitating x-ray scattering studies on proteins in solution, lipid membranes and biological tissues, the High Brightness X-ray Scattering for Life Sciences beamline - LIX - will be equipped with a single long undulator (IVU23). Via a two-stage demagnification scheme it will produce beams down to a size of ∼1 µm, and up to several hundred microns. With a broad energy range of 2.1 - 18 keV (0.7 - 5.9 A) and capable of simultaneously collecting data on 3 detectors, it will support a variety of x-ray scattering measurements.In the neighboring sector are the pair of MX beamlines, equipped with two identical canted undulators (IVU21). The beamlines' specializations are complementary. The Frontier Microfocusing Macromolecular Crystallography - FMX - will deliver a high photon flux of 1013 ph/s at the Se K-edge into a spot of 1 µm width. It will cover a broad energy range from 5 - 30 keV, corresponding to wavelengths from 0.4 - 2.5 A. Beam sizes up to 50 µm will be available. The Highly Automated Macromolecular Crystallography - AMX - will be optimized for high throughput applications, with beam sizes from 4 - 100 µm and an energy range of 5 −18 keV (0.7 - 2.5 A). Together, FMX and AMX will cover a broad range of applications from serial crystallography on micron sized crystals, over very large unit cell complexes, to rapid sample screening, e.g. for ligand binding studies.
Rainfall assimilation in RAMS by means of the Kuo parameterisation inversion: method and preliminary results

Abstract In order to improve high-resolution forecasts, a specific method for assimilating rainfall rates into the Regional Atmospheric Modelling System model has been developed. It is based on the inversion of the Kuo convective parameterisation scheme. A nudging technique is applied to ‘gently’ increase with time the weight of the estimated precipitation in the assimilation process. A rough but manageable technique is explained to estimate the partition of convective precipitation from stratiform one, without requiring any ancillary measurement. The method is general purpose, but it is tuned for geostationary satellite rainfall estimation assimilation. Preliminary results are presented and discussed, both through totally simulated experiments and through experiments assimilating real satellite-based precipitation observations. For every case study, Rainfall data are computed with a rapid update satellite precipitation estimation algorithm based on IR and MW satellite observations. This research was carried out in the framework of the EURAINSAT project (an EC research project co-funded by the Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development Programme within the topic ‘Development of generic Earth observation technologies’, Contract number EVG1-2000-00030).
Determination of tensile strength of paraffin waxes

The tens i le s t rength of paraff in wax is cons idered to be one of the impor tan t p rope r ty indices that a r e used to c h a r a c t e r i z e the s e r v i c e p r o p e r t i e s of this m a t e r i a l . Methods used to d e t e r m i n e the tens i le s t rength of waxes a r e based on the use of Pe rk ins and T in ius -Olsen t e s t e r s [1]. Essent ia l ly , these methods cons is t of de te rmina t ions of the fo rce requi red to b r e a k a spec imen in tension with constant ly inc reas ing load, this spec imen having a na r row pa r t with known c r o s s sect ion [2, 3]. These methods have been used in inves t iga t ing the mechanica l p rope r t i e s of waxes f r o m var ious sources , the influence of wax composi t ion on the s t rength, and the influence of modifying addi t ives on the mechan ica l s t reng th of waxes [4, 6]. In the U.S.A., a t e s t me th od for de te rmin ing the tens i le s t rength of wax has been s t andarda rd ized [7] and is being applied in ra t ing the quality of waxes used p r i m a r i l y in packing [8]. The shor tcoming of such methods is that, while they do define the b reak ing s t rength, they do not give any definition of the b reak ing p r o c e s s . The na ture of this p r o c e s s is e x t r e m e l y important , s ince the behav io r of wax dur ing extension can give ce r ta in informat ion on its p las t ic p rope r t i e s . In o r d e r to e l iminate the shor t comings just d i scussed , we have developed an ins t rument and a method for de te rmin ing the tens i le s t rength of paraf f in wax with automat ic r ecord ing of the load curve and s imul taneous m e a s u r e m e n t of the elongation of the t es t spec imen up to comple te b reak .
Genomic imprinting and chromatin insulation in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

Genes are recognized as undergoing genomic imprinting when they are capable of being expressed only from the paternal or only from the maternal chromosome. The process can occur coordinately within large physical domains in mammalian chromosomes. One interesting facet of the study of genomic imprinting is that it offers insight into the regulation of large chromosomal regions. Understanding this regulation involves elucidating thecis-acting regulators of gene expression and defining the elements that maintain chromatin insulation, both required for understanding more practically applicable areas of biological research, such as efficient transgene production. This review is focused on the regulation of the imprinted domain of human chromosome 11 p l5.5, responsible for Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS). Recent findings indicate that the maintenance of imprinting within this domain is critically dependent on the stable maintenance of chromatin insulation.
Fabrication and testing of ISFET based pH sensor for microliter scale solution targets

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the monitoring and controlling of pH. It has become an important aspect of many industrial wastewater and water quality treatment processes. At the same time, the demand for smaller electronic devices used for various industrial, commercial, and research applications has greatly increased. In this paper, we propose a fabrication method of Ion-Sensitive Field Effect Transistor (ISFET) using MEMS techniques for pH sensing application. The novelty of this device lies in the detection of target solution with volumes in the sub-micro liter range. This achievement has the potential to satisfy the research demands in various areas including chemistry, biology and medicine. Nanomaterials, such as Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) with excellent electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties can be incorporated to these small ISFET devices through certain nano techniques including Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) based surface nanomachining and Dielectrophoresis (DEP). With proper electrical packaging, our ISFET chip has been able to detect the pH values of 2.5 μl solutions. The results reveal a linearity of pH measurement with a corresponding sensitivity of 10.7 mV/pH.
Adaptive Rotation of a Smart Projectile Fin Using a Piezoelectric Flexible Beam Actuator

This paper is concerned with the question of control of the rotation angle of a projectile’s fin using a piezoelectric beam actuator. The smart fin system considered in this paper consists of a hollow rigid fin (or canard) and a flexible beam actuator. A finite element model of the fin-beam model is developed. The model also includes aerodynamic forces acting on the fin. The rotation angle of the fin is controlled by deforming the beam actuator, which is hinged at the tip of the rigid fin. First, a state feedback adaptive control law is designed for the trajectory control of the fin angle. This is followed by the design of an adaptive control system using only output feedback (fin angle and its derivative). In the closed-loop system, asymptotic trajectory tracking of the fin angle is accomplished. Simulation results are presented, which show that trajectory control of the fin angle is accomplished using state as well as output feedback, in spite of large uncertainties and aerodynamic disturbance forces, a...
The Sound of the Suburbs: A Case Study of Three Garage Bands in San Jose, California during the 1960s

The Chocolate Watchband, the Count Five, and the Syndicate of Sound were three garage bands from San Jose, California. During the 1960s, before the high‐tech economy transformed the Santa Clara Valley into Silicon Valley, San Jose was a culturally sleepy suburb. This paper will examine these three groups in the context of 1960s culture and society and will compare and contrast their image and musical output with that of the better‐known “hippie” music scene originating an hour north in San Francisco.
Rotenone Toxicity to Rainbow Trout and Several Mountain Stream Insects: Response to Comment

Erman (2012, this issue) raised several issues regarding our paper (Finlayson et al. 2010). We investigated the short-term (4- and 8-h exposures) toxicity of two liquid rotenone formulations (syner...
Toll-like receptor 3 and TICAM genes in catfish: species-specific expression profiles following infection with Edwardsiella ictaluri.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of transmembrane proteins that recognize specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns and use conserved signaling pathways to activate proinflammatory cytokines and type-1 interferons to fight infection. TLR3 in mammals is best known for its recognition of dsRNA as ligand and its MyD88-independent signaling. TLR3, upon recognition of dsRNA, recruits and binds its adaptor protein TIR domain-containing adapter molecule (TICAM) 1. Here we report the genomic sequences and structures of TLR3 and a TICAM adaptor from channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Whereas a partial TLR3 cDNA sequence has been reported from channel catfish, and complete TLR3 genes are known from other teleost fish species, a complete TICAM sequence has not been previously reported from a nonmammalian species. Analysis of catfish TLR3 and TICAM expression after infection with Edwardsiella ictaluri, the causative agent of enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC), suggested a conserved TLR3-TICAM receptor–adaptor relation in catfish. Comparison of TLR3 and TICAM expression profiles in channel catfish with those from the closely related blue catfish species (Ictalurus furcatus), which exhibits strong resistance to ESC, revealed a striking pattern of species-specific expression. A dramatic downregulation of TLR3 and TICAM gene expression was observed in blue catfish head kidney and spleen, which we speculate may be the result of maturation and migration of different cell types to and from the lymphoid tissues following infection.
The rotation-inversion spectra and vibration-rotation interaction in NH2D

An additional 86 lines of the NH2D rotation-inversion spectrum were measured between 7.5 and 850 GHz. These data and the existing NH2D and ND2H data are fitted to a Hamiltonian in which the vibration-rotation interaction is included in the form of an off-diagonal inertial tensor term. For comparison with the symmetric ammonias an oblate basis and a Watson-type reduced 'S' set of distortion constants are used. A theory for the interaction term is given which is in excellent agreement with experiment. Structural parameters are derived. The magnitude and relative sign of the two dipole moment components of NH2D are determined and previously measured nitrogen hyperfine structure for both species is reexamined using improved rotational wavefunctions.
A model for the selection of interdependent R&D projects

The R&D project selection model provides for three types of project interrelationships: overlap in project resource utilization, technical project interdependence, and the project interaction with respect to value contribution. It also provides an input structure that should help diverse people in the organization communicate their knowledge and opinions to the R&D planning process.
Kinetic magnetism and orbital order in iron telluride

Iron telluride (FeTe), a relative of the iron-based high-temperature superconductors, displays unusual magnetic order and structural transitions. Here, we explore the idea that strong correlations may play an important role in these materials. We argue that the unusual orders observed in FeTe can be understood from a picture of correlated local moments with orbital degeneracy, coupled to a small density of itinerant electrons. A component of the structural transition is attributed to orbital, rather than magnetic ordering, introducing a strongly anisotropic character to the system along the diagonal directions of the iron lattice. Double exchange interactions couple the diagonal chains leading to the observed ordering wave vector. The incommensurate order in samples with excess iron arises from electron doping in this scenario. The strong anisotropy of physical properties in the ordered phase should be detectable by transport in single domains. Predictions for ARPES, inelastic neutron scattering and hole/electron doping studies are also made.
Modeling the effect of social networks on adoption of multifunctional agriculture

Rotational grazing (RG) has attracted much attention as a cornerstone of multifunctional agriculture (MFA) in animal systems, potentially capable of producing a range of goods and services of value to diverse stakeholders in agricultural landscapes and rural communities, as well as broader societal benefits. Despite these benefits, global adoption of MFA has been uneven, with some places seeing active participation, while others have seen limited growth. Recent conceptual models of MFA emphasize the potential for bottom-up processes and linkages among social and environmental systems to promote multifunctionality. Social networks are critical to these explanations but how and why these networks matter is unclear. We investigated fifty-three farms in three states in the United States (New York, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania) and developed a stylized model of social networks and systemic change in the dairy farming system. We found that social networks are important to RG adoption but their impact is contingent on social and spatial factors. Effects of networks on farmer decision making differ according to whether they comprise weak-tie relationships, which bridge across disparate people and organizations, or strong-tie relationships, which are shared by groups in which members are well known to one another. RG adoption is also dependent on features of the social landscape including the number of dairy households, the probability of neighboring farmers sharing strong ties, and the role of space in how networks are formed. The model replicates features of real-world adoption of RG practices in the Eastern US and illustrates pathways toward greater multifunctionality in the dairy landscape. Such models are likely to be of heuristic value in network-focused strategies for agricultural development. Social networks composed of weak ties and strong ties affect adoption of multifunctional agriculture.Network effectiveness is contingent on social and spatial factors.Programs targeting network structure and function could facilitate expansion of alternative systems.
Strategies for metal processing industries: Competing in today’s global economy

Author’s Note: The Metal Processing Institute (MPI) is an industry-university alliance dedicated to advancing the state of the art in the metal processing industry. It is located at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. MPI’s mission is to carry out research projects identified and planned in collaboration with its industrial partners in its three centers—metal casting, powder metallurgy, and heat treating (www.wpi.edu/+mpi). More than 110 private manufacturers participate in the institute. A CD of presentations from the MPI symposium discussed here can be ordered from mpi@wpi.edu at a cost of $50.
Circadian Oscillations within the Hippocampus Support Memory Formation and Persistence

The ability to sustain memories over long periods of time, sometimes even a lifetime, is one of the most remarkable properties of the brain. Much knowledge has been gained over the past few decades regarding the molecular correlates of memory formation. Once a memory is forged, however, the molecular events that provide permanence are as of yet unclear. Studies in multiple organisms have revealed that circadian rhythmicity is important for the formation, stability, and recall of memories [1]. The neuronal events that provide this link need to be explored further. This article will discuss the findings related to the circadian regulation of memory-dependent processes in the hippocampus. Specifically, the circadian-controlled MAP kinase and cAMP signal transduction pathway plays critical roles in the consolidation of hippocampus-dependent memory. A series of studies have revealed the circadian oscillation of this pathway within the hippocampus, an activity that is absent in memory-deficient, transgenic mice lacking Ca2+-stimulated adenylyl cyclases. Interference with these oscillations proceeding the cellular memory consolidation period impairs the persistence of hippocampus-dependent memory. These data suggest that the persistence of long-term memories may depend upon reactivation of this signal transduction pathway in the hippocampus during the circadian cycle. New data reveals the dependence of hippocampal oscillation in MAPK activity on the SCN, again underscoring the importance of this region in maintaining the circadian physiology of memory. Finally, the downstream ramification of these oscillations in terms of gene expression and epigenetics should be considered, as emerging evidence is pointing strongly to a circadian link between epigenetics and long term synaptic plasticity.
“Kracking” the Missing Data Problem: Applying Krackhardt's Cognitive Social Structures to School-Based Social Networks:

Social network analysis can enrich school-based research on children's peer relationships. Unfortunately, accurate network analysis requires near-complete data on all students and is underutilized in school-based research because of low rates of parental consent. This article advocates Krackhardt's cognitive social structures (CSS) as a solution to the problem of missing data in social network research. It compares CSS to other common strategies for dealing with missing data and shows how CSS can be used to yield more complete and precise network data. The article also uses an example of a sixth-grade classroom network to demonstrate the application of CSS and potential analyses.
A Method for Measuring Interplanetary Plasma Streams Using Bistatic Radar

A method of measuring interplanetary plasmastream velocities using bistatic-radar transmissions from earth to a spacecraft is proposed. Nonrelativistic plasma velocities are considered, and the presence of a uniform interplanetary magnetic field is included. The effect of the streaming motion of the plasma medium is shown to introduce a second-order Faraday polarization change on a linearly polarized transmitted wave. Furthermore, this small second-order effect can in principle be conveniently measured using twoway propagation between the two transmission termini. This method represents an improvement over existing means of velocity measurement using plasma probes since the radar measurements establish the average stream velocity over the straight-line propagation path as opposed to the point samples of the plasma probe.
Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK): A regulator of CNS myelination

The formation of the myelin sheath is a crucial step during development since it enables fast and efficient propagation of signals within the limited space of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). During the process of myelination, oligodendrocytes actively interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM), and these interactions are considered crucial for proper and timely completion of the myelin sheath. However, the exact regulatory circuits involved in the signaling events that occur between the ECM and oligodendrocytes are currently not fully understood. In the present study we, therefore, investigated the role of a known integrator of cell-ECM signaling, namely focal adhesion kinase (FAK), in CNS myelination via the use of conditional (oligodendrocyte-specific) and inducible FAK knock-out mice (Fakflox/flox:PLP/CreERT mice). When inducing FAK knock-out just prior to and during active myelination of the optic nerve, we observed a significant reduction in the number of myelinated fibers at postnatal day 14. In addition, our data revealed a decreased number of primary processes extending from oligodendrocyte cell bodies at this postnatal age and upon induction of FAK knock-out. In contrast, myelination appeared normal at postnatal day 28. Thus, our data suggest that FAK controls the efficiency and timing of CNS myelination during its initial stages by, at least in part, regulating oligodendrocyte process outgrowth and/or remodeling.
Factory to fleet maintenance concept

The recent designation of CASS (Consolidated Automated Support System) as part of DoD's standard family of ATS gives us the opportunity to successfully implement the "Factory to Fleet" concept. CASS is a tool that can help meet the challenge of cost effective ATS for DoD in the 21st century. The requirements enhanced maintenance as close to the source as practical. CASS can be a tool to help meet the requirement in a cost effective approach. "Factory to Fleet" testing will not occur on its own. It will require detailed planning early in the product life to develop an integrated development/test strategy that allows for factory acceptance testing, TPS development and life cycle support. Testability/diagnostics and life cycle maintenance must be integrated into the design process. Cooperation and communication between the program acquisition requirements and the OEM must be achieved. Successful implementation can provide significant marketing advantages both domestically and foreign. >
Outcomes in Advanced Heart Failure Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices for Destination Therapy

Background—The HeartMate II (HMII) destination therapy (DT) trial demonstrated significant improvements in outcomes in continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices compared with patients implant...
Replication and optimization of hedge fund risk factor exposures

In this paper, we propose a novel approach for decomposing hedge fund returns onto observable risk factors. We utilize a vector stochastic-volatility model to extract the time-varying exposure of low frequency hedge fund returns on high frequency market data. We implement the estimation by using particle filtering and the concept of Rao-Blackwellization. With the latter, we remove all the static parameters of the model and thereby reduce the dimension of the parameter space for particle generation. Thus, we are able to obtain accurate estimates of the posterior distributions of the model states. For our model, this reduction is significant because the number of static parameters is large. We use the proposed model to analyze hedge fund performance and to optimally replicate hedge fund strategies economically. We demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the method by computer simulations.
Individual Contributions: A Fundraising Advantage for the Ideologically Extreme?

Some ideologically extreme candidates appear to generate enthusiastic support from individual donors, but previous systematic analysis has found no overall fundraising benefits accruing to extremis...
The Melanocortin-4 Receptor: Physiology, Pharmacology, and Pathophysiology

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) was cloned in 1993 by degenerate PCR; however, its function was unknown. Subsequent studies suggest that the MC4R might be involved in regulating energy homeostasis. This hypothesis was confirmed in 1997 by a series of seminal studies in mice. In 1998, human genetic studies demonstrated that mutations in the MC4R gene can cause monogenic obesity. We now know that mutations in the MC4R are the most common monogenic form of obesity, with more than 150 distinct mutations reported thus far. This review will summarize the studies on the MC4R, from its cloning and tissue distribution to its physiological roles in regulating energy homeostasis, cachexia, cardiovascular function, glucose and lipid homeostasis, reproduction and sexual function, drug abuse, pain perception, brain inflammation, and anxiety. I will then review the studies on the pharmacology of the receptor, including ligand binding and receptor activation, signaling pathways, as well as its regulation. Finally, the pathophysiology of the MC4R in obesity pathogenesis will be reviewed. Functional studies of the mutant MC4Rs and the therapeutic implications, including small molecules in correcting binding and signaling defect, and their potential as pharmacological chaperones in rescuing intracellularly retained mutants, will be highlighted.
Hunters as stewards of wolves in Wisconsin and the Northern Rocky Mountains, USA

Regulated hunting may help conserve wildlife. Advocates argue hunters will champion conservation and generate revenue for management, regulation will promote sustained, stable wildlife populations, and conflicts with game species will diminish. Applying this notion to predators such as the wolf presents difficulties because of widespread human intolerance for the species. We assessed potential hunter stewardship of wolves by measuring attitudes of hunters and nonhunters in three surveys spanning 2001–2007 among 2,320 residents of four states in wolf range. Two U.S. states implemented hunting and several more are contemplating it, all as part of long-term wolf conservation. At the time of our surveys, majorities supported hypothetical wolf hunting depending on the justifications used. Likely wolf hunters showed little inclination to conserve wolves. However some predict such attitudes might change if they were allowed to hunt wolves.
Out of harmony: health problems and young Native American men

Studies of the current health status of healthy young Native American men (American Indians and Alaska Natives) are rare compared with the attention researchers have given the many problems that plague the lives of these young men. Native American men are frequently not included in other studies focusing on men, and information on college-aged, healthy young Native American men is generally not readily available. Despite those drawbacks, this article brings together what is written or known about the health status of young Native American men. The emphasis, based on available information, is placed on some of the major health problems confronting this population.
Intellectual property rights and transfer of clean energy technologies

Transfer of clean energy technologies to developing countries is essential for climate change mitigation; however, it does not happen rapidly enough. On the supply side, industrialised nations’ companies see insufficient IPR protection in developing countries as a barrier to technology transfer while on the demand side, developing countries consider IPR protection as a barrier for them to access the clean energy technologies. This paper examines the role of IPRs in the transfer of clean energy technologies through a case study of wind energy technologies. Legal solutions are explored to make the current IPR regime work for transfer of clean energy technologies in the UNFCCC as well as the WTO framework.
The NS1 Protein of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Is a Potent Inhibitor of Minigenome Transcription and RNA Replication

The NS1 protein (139 amino acids) is one of the two nonstructural proteins of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and is encoded by a very abundant mRNA transcribed from the promoter-proximal RSV gene. The function of NS1 was unknown and was investigated here by using a reconstituted transcription and RNA replication system that involves a minireplicon and viral proteins (N, P, L and M2-1) expressed from separate cotransfected plasmids. Coexpression of the NS1 cDNA strongly inhibited transcription and RNA replication mediated by the RSV polymerase, even when the level of expressed NS1 protein was substantially below that observed in RSV-infected cells. The effect depended on synthesis of NS1 protein rather than NS1 RNA alone. Transcription and both steps of RNA replication, namely, synthesis of the antigenome and the genome, appeared to be equally sensitive to inhibition. The efficiency of encapsidation of the plasmid-derived minigenome was not altered by coexpression of NS1, indicating that the inhibition occurs at a later step. In two different dicistronic minigenomes, transcription of each gene was equally sensitive to inhibition by NS1. This suggested that the gradient of transcriptional polarity was unaffected and that the effect of NS1 instead probably involves an early event such as polymerase entry on the genome. NS1-mediated inhibition of transcription and RNA replication was not affected by coexpression of the M2 mRNA, which has two open reading frames encoding the transcriptional elongation factor M2-1 and the putative negative regulatory factor M2-2. The potent nature of the NS1-mediated inhibition suggests that negative regulation is an authentic function of the NS1 protein, albeit not necessarily the only one.
Medicare’s Hospital Compare Quality Reports Appear To Have Slowed Price Increases For Two Major Procedures

Previous research has found that Hospital Compare, Medicare’s public reporting initiative, has had little impact on patient outcomes. However, little is known about the initiative’s impact on hospital prices, which may be significant because private insurers are generally well positioned to respond to quality information when negotiating prices with hospitals. We estimated difference-in-differences models of the effects of Hospital Compare quality reporting on transaction prices for two major cardiac procedures, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). States that had mandated their own public reporting systems before the implementation of Hospital Compare formed the control group. We found that prices for these procedures continued to increase overall after the initiation of Hospital Compare quality scores, but the rate of increase was significantly lower in states with no quality reporting metrics of their own before Hospital Compare, when compared to the control...
A decision procedure for selecting among proposed automatic analog computer patching systems

In the recent literature, a paper1 and a contract report2 indicate that automatic analog computer patching sys tems have become economically and technologically feasible. In anticipation of the development of a variety of proposed patching systems, a specific decision pro cedure is developed for the rational evaluation of com peting automatic analog patching systems.The design procedure described in this paper facilitates selection of the patching system best suited for a partic ular computer and a particular problem class. Sufficient information is abstracted from a typical problem set to determine the number of relays required for (and thus to assign a cost figure to) each possible patching system without requiring the actual design of each system. Nom inally, the best system is that with the lowest cost figure. It is recognized, however, that there are many subjective decisions (e.g., captive vs. free pots) involved in the de sign process that are not quantified in this overall cost figure. This proble...
Color-feature-based finger tracking for breast palpation quantification

We have developed a system using vision-based motion tracking technology to gather quantitative data about the breast palpation process for analysis of breast self-examination (BSE) technique. By tracking the position of the fingers, the system is able to objectively quantify the procedure of the BSE process, thus can improve our knowledge on the effectiveness of BSE so as to optimize the search strategy and assure full coverage for breast cancer detection. By visually displaying all the touched position information to the patient as the BSE is being conducted, the system can provide an interactive feedback to the patient and create a prototype for a computer-based BSE training system. In this paper, we describe the vision-based finger tracking technique used in the system, which uses color information in feature extraction and can track 3D positions of the fingers in real time. Experimental results are shown to confirm the performance and effectiveness of the technique. Several issues on implementation of the technique are also discussed.
Competing interests and the political market for smart growth policy

The broad intent of smart growth is to reduce development in environmentally sensitive areas by limiting the outward expansion of development and redirecting private investment to urban areas. Local decisions that shape and constrain land uses can pit narrow economic interests against broader-based environmental organisations and impact decisions on smart growth. Based on the political market framework, this study specifically examines the influence of pro-growth and smart-growth interest groups on smart growth policies adopted by local governments in the state of Massachusetts, USA. The results suggest both real estate interests and environmental groups influence local policy decisions, and depending on the policy, the characteristics of local political institutions mediate these influences.