cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
T1 magnetic resonance imaging head segmentation for diffuse optical tomography and electroencephalography

Accurate segmentation of structural magnetic resonance images is critical for creating subject-specific forward models for functional neuroimaging source localization. In this work, we present an innovative segmentation algorithm that generates accurate head tissue layer thicknesses that are needed for diffuse optical tomography (DOT) data analysis. The presented algorithm is compared against other publicly available head segmentation methods. The proposed algorithm has a root mean square scalp thickness error of 1.60 mm, skull thickness error of 1.96 mm, and summed scalp and skull error of 1.49 mm. We also introduce a segmentation evaluation metric that evaluates the accuracy of tissue layer thicknesses in regions of the head where optodes are typically placed. The presented segmentation algorithm and evaluation metric are tools for improving the localization accuracy of neuroimaging with DOT, and also multimodal neuroimaging such as combined electroencephalography and DOT.
"Expect the Truth!" Exploiting History with Mandingo

The 1975 film Mandingo shocked audiences with its brutal and sexually-charged critique of the Hollywood plantation system canonized by Gone with the Wind. "Expect the Truth!" uses archival newspaper articles to tell the cultural history of Mandingo’s exhibition and reception, detailing the moral outrage of both white and black critics and the film’s acceptance by black audiences. These responses are then analyzed using Janet Staiger’s audience reception theory. The author concludes that the discourse surrounding Mandingo is best understood as a battle over the power to control both historical accounts of slavery and the cultural tastes of the viewing public.
Letter by Scheuer Regarding Article, “Trimetazidine, a Metabolic Modulator, Has Cardiac and Extracardiac Benefits in Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy”

To the Editor: I write about the excellent article describing studies of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy who were treated with Trimetazidine.1 The apparent beneficial effect of this agent on left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with congestive heart failure has been demonstrated previously.2 The current report describes metabolic and hormonally related factors that may in part …
Bayesian approach to measurement scheme analysis in multistation machining systems

AbstractDifferent measurement schemes in multistation machining systems carry different amounts of information about the root causes of dimensional machining errors. The choice of a measurement strategy in a multistation machining system is therefore crucial for subsequent successful identification of the machining error root causes. Recent advances in the linear state-space modelling of dimensional errors in multistation machining processes facilitate a formal and systematic characterization of measurement schemes. In this paper, the stream-of-variation methodology is employed to characterize various measurement schemes quantitatively in multistation machining systems using the Bayesian approach in statistics. Application of these methods is demonstrated in the characterization of measurement schemes in the machining process used for machining of an automotive cylinder head.
Effects of a frictional interface on the load diffusion from a broken filament embedded in an elastic medium

Abstract The effects of a frictional interface on the load diffusion from a broken fiber to the surrounding matrix material and the extent of debonding near the fiber break in a single-fiber reinforced composite of infinite extent are studied by using the finite element method. The numerically computed axial load carried by the fiber for the perfectly bonded case is first compared with analytical results. Then, the normal and shear stresses on the interface, the extent of the slip zone and the axial load of the fiber are evaluated for different factional coefficients and material parameters for both the fiber and the matrix. A shear-lag analysis is also carried out to obtain a closed form approximate solution of the fiber loud diffusion problem. The extent of the slip zone and the stresses predicted by the shear-lag model are compared with the finite element method results.
Candidates and Issues in Local Elections

This research examines the interplay of candidate choice and issue opinions in a local mayoral election. The data are from a panel survey of registered voters. Results indicate, first, that opinion on local issues is fairly stable compared to opinion on national issues. A proximity explanation is offered. Results also show reciprocal effects between candidate choice and other election attitudes. Issue opinions that affect the choice of a candidate are also affected by that choice. It is often a mistake to put candidates, especially an incumbent, at the end of the causal chain. The actual causal sequence is often a function of the particular election.
Picosecond spin dynamics in dilute magnetic systems

Abstract New techniques have been developed for measuring time-dependent magnetization in picosecond time scales. These methods have been employed to explore the dynamics of bound magnetic polaron formation in the dilute magnetic semiconductor Cd 1- x Mn x Te. The data reveal real-time formation and evolution of local magnetically organized states with characteristic times of 300 ps.
Towards the semi-synthesis of didemnin M. Solution and solid phase synthese of the pseudotetrapeptide: pGlu-Glnψ[COO]Ala-Pro-OH

Abstract Two approaches, solution and solid phase syntheses, were developed for the synthesis of the pseudotetrapeptide, pGlu-Glnψ[COO]Ala-ce:simple-pararo-OH. Both approaches gave comparable synthetic yields, but the latter approach provided an expedient entry to the synthesis of the target compound with higher product purity.
Modeling and Multivariable Control Design Methodologies for Hexapod-Based Satellite Vibration Isolation

A mathematical model of a six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) hexapod system for vibration isolation was derived in the discrete-time domain on the basis of the experimental data obtained from a satellite. Using a Box–Jenkins model structure, the transfer functions between six piezoelectric actuator input voltages and six geophone sensor output voltages were identified empirically. The 6×6 transfer function matrix is symmetric, and its off-diagonal terms indicate the coupling among different input/output channels. Various multi-input multi-output (MIMO) control techniques such as Linear Quadratic Gaussian and H∞ were proposed for active vibration isolation in the broadband up to 100 Hz. The simulation results using these controllers obtain 13 and 8 dB vibration attenuation at 25 and 35 Hz, respectively.
Biochemical and functional analysis of the YME1 gene product, an ATP and zinc-dependent mitochondrial protease from S. cerevisiae.

Inactivation of YME1 in yeast causes several distinct phenotypes: an increased rate of DNA escape from mitochondria, temperature-sensitive growth on nonfermentable carbon sources, extremely slow gr...
Rate constants of thermal energy binary ion-molecule reactions of aeronomic interest

Abstract Tabulated here are the available experimental, thermal-energy-reaction rate constants for a large number of aeronomically important binary positive- and negative-ion reactions.
Integrating active learning techniques into systems courses (abstract only)

There is a growing body of evidence showing active learning pedagogies are effective for ensuring long-term student learning, reducing course failure rates, and retaining majors. While active learning pedagogies are more often employed in lower divisional CS courses, systems classes-such as OS, architecture, and networks-are just beginning to see a shift from standard lecture to active learning. This BOF will provide a forum for sharing ideas of how to integrate active learning techniques into systems courses, using the following questions as starting points: What are active learning techniques, and how are they used? What impact does active learning have on coverage? Must adoption of active learning techniques entail abandoning lectures entirely? If not, how can I use active learning to augment, rather than replace, my lectures? What transitional steps can I take toward active learning methodologies? If you've tried active learning techniques, what results have you seen?
EFFECT OF DIAGONAL ENERGY DISORDER ON CIRCULAR DICHROISM SPECTRA OF FENNA-MATTHEWS-OLSON TRIMERS

Circular dichroism spectra of Fenna−Matthews−Olson trimers (bacteriochlorophyll a−protein antenna complexes from green photosynthetic bacteria) are unusually sensitive to diagonal energy disorder because the resonance interactions between pigments belonging to different protein subunits are weak (≤20 cm-1). Substantial differences occur between CD spectra in exciton simulations performed with and without realistic inhomogeneous distribution functions for the input pigment diagonal energies. Future simulations of FMO optical properties such as CD and pump−probe anisotropies should consider diagonal disorder in order to accurately describe this antenna's electronic structure.
Does the human odometer use an extrinsic or intrinsic metric

It is commonly assumed that path integration is based on an extrinsic measure of the objective distance traversed during locomotion. In contrast, biological odometers may rely on embodied intrinsic measures, such as idiothetic information specific to an action mode. We investigated this question using a distance reproduction task in which participants traveled an outbound distance and then reproduced that distance using the same or a different action mode. The extrinsic model predicted that distance reproduction should be invariant across action modes, whereas the intrinsic model predicted invariance only within an action mode. In Experiment 1, we held the outbound mode constant while varying the response mode (walk–walk, walk–throw) and corrected for response production error (view–walk, view–throw). In Experiment 2, we crossed different gaits in the outbound and response modes (walk, gallop). In both cases, we found that distance reproduction was significantly more accurate when the outbound and response modes matched, consistent with the intrinsic model. The results indicate that the human odometer preferentially relies on an intrinsic, rather than an extrinsic, metric. This solution is sufficient to support successful path integration within an action mode (but not across action modes), without the difficulties of objective distance estimation.
A high-temperature oxidation-resistant coating, for graphite, prepared by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition

A hot-wall atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) reactor has been adapted for silicon oxide thin film deposition using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) vapor carried in nitrogen gas. The deposition rate and film microstructure were investigated as a function of the substrate temperature (up to 800°C), and of the carrier gas flow rate. The decomposition of the precursor, initiated in the gas phase, induces the deposition of dense films, with an increasing roughness. After optimizing the control of film growth conditions, a silicon oxide coating was applied to graphite samples. The protection efficiency of the silicon oxide coatings in air was investigated at up to 1400°C, involving thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and three-point flexural strength techniques.
Ultrasound-guided shoulder joint injections

Subacromial bursa (SAB) and glenohumeral joint (GHJ) injections are commonly performed for shoulder pain and dysfunction. For patients with rotator cuff or impingement syndromes, the SAB injection may provide temporary relief of pain and increase shoulder mobility, as well as help confirm the diagnosis. Likewise, for patients with calcific tendonitis or arthritis of the GHJ, injection of the GHJ may be therapeutic. Although these procedures are usually performed "blindly" without image guidance, inadvertent extra-articular injections have been frequently reported; therefore, many practitioners use fluoroscopy for confirmation of proper needle placement. Avoiding the problems associated with radiation, ultrasound (US) guidance offers an alternative, real-time imaging modality that can also ensure accurate needle placement. This paper presents techniques of SAB and GHJ injections that are suitable for US guidance. A posterolateral approach targeting the SAB between the acromion and the greater tuberosity of the humerus will be introduced, as the authors find this approach simple and effective. For the GHJ, a traditional posterior approach and an alternative rotator interval approach will be described. With proper training, clinicians should be able to incorporate US-guided joint injections into their practice.
Oral iron chelation: new drug, old rules

The dose and schedule of an iron chelator, whether given parenterally or orally, is variable and depends on the rate of iron loading.
X-ray measurement of the (111) surface relaxation in gold

Abstract X-ray diffractometer lattice parameter measurements made on highly oriented polycrystalline Au films 80 A to 1000 A thick are interpreted in terms of an outward atomic relaxation at the surface. Measurements were made on four sets of films: (111) films deposited at 25°C on glass followed by a 500°C anneal, two sets of (111) films deposited at approximately — 160°C on glass and air-cleaved NaCl respectively followed by a 170°C anneal, and a final set with (100) orientations formed on NaCl cleavage faces between 500 and 600°C. Films that were undetached from their glass substrates as well as detached films, were studied. However, for NaCl substrates, only detached films were investigated. Analysis of the data from (111) films gave directly the sum of the fractional increases in interplanar spacings of the outer surface layers. It was concluded that this sum was 4.2 ±0.6%. The (100) epitaxial films did not yield useful results, apparently because individual films were not uniformly thick. Finally, a comparison of the total expansions obtained for films undetached and detached from their glass substrates allowed determination of the adhesion of film to substrate in the undetached case.
A greener, pressure intensified propylene epoxidation process with facile product separation

Abstract A novel biphasic process concept for the synthesis of propylene oxide (PO) from propylene is presented, using the long known catalyst, methyl trioxorhenium and aqueous hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. Propylene is fed as gas, which is transported to the liquid phase containing the oxidant, catalyst and methanol as a cosolvent that improves propylene solubility. The selective oxidation produces PO which is distilled easily from the liquid phase taking advantage of the relatively low normal boiling point of PO ( ∼ 34 ∘ C ) compared to those of methanol and water. The process satisfies the sustainability principles of waste minimization, use of benign reagents and process intensification at mild conditions. The process produces PO in yields exceeding 98%. It operates at essentially ambient temperature ( 20 – 35 ∘ C ) and moderate pressures ( ∼ 20 bar ) , using easily recyclable, low hazard aqueous methanol, as solvent. The catalyst, methyl trioxorhenium, is robust under the operating conditions. A key aspect of the innovation is the use of nitrogen gas pressure to enhance propylene availability in the liquid phase increasing its conversion from ∼ 80 % (without N 2 ) to complete (with ∼ 20 bar N 2 ) in a few hours. These findings pave the way for catalyst durability and recycle studies, aimed at demonstrating a continuous process that is economically and environmentally sustainable compared to existing processes.
Cryptosporidiosis: A Global Challenge

During the last 30 years, our concept of cryptosporidiosis has changed from that of a rare, largely asymptomatic disease, to an important cause of diarrhea in animals and humans worldwide. Significant disease first appeared in cattle. Subsequently, the zoonotic danger of the organism was recognized in HIV-infected persons and young children. Cryptosporidium are now ubiquitous and disease has been described in over 79 host species. Cryptosporidiosis has become a major cause of calfhood diarrhea worldwide. In humans it accounts for up to 20% of all cases of childhood diarrhea in developing countries and is a potentially fatal complication of AIDS. Waterborne contamination is a growing concern as a source of widespread outbreaks of disease. Factors that have contributed to the emergence of cryptosporidiosis in animals include biological features of the organism, the lack of an effective treatment or preventative, increased environmental contamination, and trends in livestock production. In humans the zoonotic nature of infection and an increased at-risk population have contributed to disease. Genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium, improved detection methods, and a better understanding of the factors that predispose to disease are important contributions to understanding the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis.
Community-Based Case–Control Study of Childhood Stroke Risk Associated With Congenital Heart Disease

Background and Purpose—A better understanding of the stroke risk factors in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) could inform stroke prevention strategies. We analyzed pediatric stroke associated with CHD in a large community-based case–control study. Methods—From 2.5 million children (aged 30-fold (odds ratio, 31; confidence interval 4–241) increase...
Regulating technology: Can administrative agencies cope with technological change?

The debate over scientific issues has made a difficult transition from the scientific community to the public-polity process. The traditional view of scientists undertaking “pure” science in their laboratories did not envision government intervention into scientific and technological discovery through administrative agency regulation of risks associated with the results of such research. Yet examples of government regulation of technological risks abound as the nation grapples with nuclear power issues, new-drug testing, and environmental issues, to name a few. This paper considers whether the presently constituted regulatory apparatus is capable of responding to dramatic advances in technology in a timely and effective way. Concluding that it is not, the paper examines the circumscribing characteristics of the regulatory process. Then it discusses alternate approaches for regulating the risks posed by science and technology without doing too much violence to due process or the notion of public participation in the regulatory function.
A numerical study of the convective boundary layer

Computations of the buoyantly unstable Ekman layer are performed at low Reynolds number. The turbulent fields are obtained directly by solving the three-dimensional time-dependent Navier-Stokes equations (using the Boussinesq approximation to account for buoyancy effects), and no turbulence model is needed. Two levels of heating are considered, one quite vigorous, the other more moderate. Statistics for the vigorously heated case are found to agree reasonably well with laboratory, field, and large-eddy simulation results, when Deardorff's mixed-layer scaling is used. No indication of large-scale longitudinal roll cells is found in this convection-dominated flow, for which the inversion height to Obukhov length scale ratio −z i /L *=26. However, when heating is more moderate (so that −z i /L *=2), evidence of coherent rolls is present. About 10% of the total turbulent kinetic energy and turbulent heat flux, and 20% of the Reynolds shear stress, are estimated to be a direct consequence of the observed cells.
Dose and behavioral context dependent inhibition of movement and basal ganglia neural activity by Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol during spontaneous and treadmill locomotion tasks in rats.

The effects of Δ−9-tetrahydrocannabinole (Δ−9-THC) on locomotor activities and related basal ganglia neural responses were investigated in rats. A multiple-channel, single unit recording method was used to record neuronal activity in the dorsal lateral striatum, the globus pallidus, the subthalamic nucleus, and the substantia nigra pars reticulata simultaneously during spontaneous movement and treadmill locomotion. Δ−9-THC treatment (0.05–2.0 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently decreased spontaneous motor activity and altered walking patterns in treadmill locomotion in that stance time was increased and step number was decreased. In parallel with the behavioral effects, Δ−9-THC treatment inhibited neural activity across all four basal ganglia areas recorded during both motor tests. Further, this inhibition of basal ganglia neural activity was behavioral context-dependent. Greater inhibition was found during resting than during walking periods in the treadmill locomotion test. Δ−9-THC treatment also changed firing patterns in the striatum and globus pallidus. More neurons in these regions discharged in an oscillatory pattern during treadmill walking with Δ−9-THC, and the oscillatory frequency was similar to that of the step cycle. Synchronized firing patterns were found in few basal ganglia neurons in the control condition (∼1%). Synchronized firing patterns increased during the treadmill resting phase after Δ−9-THC treatment, but still represented a very small proportion of the total neural population (1.9%). The drug treatment did not change neural responses to the tone cue proceeding treadmill locomotion. This study demonstrates dose-dependent inhibitory effects of cannabinoid injection on motor activity. This effect may be related to the behavioral context-dependent inhibition observed in the basal ganglia system where CB1 receptors are densely distributed. Synapse 55:1–16, 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Illness Cognition of Hiv-Infected Mothers

Despite the increasing prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the female population the responses of women to their HIV-positive status and their resultant needs remain largely unexplored. This investigation explored the needs, choices, and decisions faced by 38 mothers since becoming HIV-positive. Participants were recruited from an infectious disease clinic in a large mid-Atlantic urban area. The results are based on data from taped, semistructured interviews with participants. Themes that emerged from these verbal reports illustrated that decisions and choices, uncertainty, their relationship to their children, and a renewed spirituality influenced the actions that they took in response to their HIV-positive status. Themes are discussed in relation to needs for further research and health-related interventions.
Multivariate statistical image processing for molecular specific imaging in organic and bio-systems

Processing TOF-SIMS images to obtain clear contrast between chemically distinct regions, distinguish between chemical and topographic effects and identify chemical species can be a formidable challenge, particularly when working with organic and biological molecules that have similar spectral features. Three multivariate statistical techniques, including principal components analysis (PCA), multivariate curve resolution (MCR), and maximum auto-correlation factors (MAF) have been explored to determine their utility for processing TOF-SIMS images. The methods have been exhaustively tested on synthetic images to allow quantitative assessment of their utility. The methods are compared here based on enhancement of image contrast, enhancement of image resolution, and isolation of pure component spectra. MAF, which includes information on the nearest neighbors to each pixel, shows clear advantages over PCA and MCR for enhancing image contrast and identifying sparse components in the matrix. However, MCR is better suited to identification of unknown compounds. No single method proves superior for all of these objectives so a simple strategy is presented for combining these methods to obtain optimal results.
Distribution of Metastases in the Brown-Pearce Tumor. V. Comparison with Certain Tumors in Man.∗

SummaryIt is demonstrated by an appropriate statistical method that the relative distribution of distant metastases from the Brown-Pearce tumor in the rabbit is unique, and that the relative distributions of distant metastases from certain tumors of man are both constant and characteristic.
Effectiveness metrics and cost benefit analysis methodology for machine-to-machine interoperability standards

When to implement a standard and how much benefit would result from its implementation is often a seat of the pants value judgment. We will address lack of cost/benefit metrics for interoperability standards by presenting a generalized model of the interoperability problem which defines the tasks required to implement an NxN matrix of interoperating system types. The model is then used to assess the work load required to achieve interoperability and quantify the extent to which the introduction of standards reduces the work load as a function of delineated standards characteristics. Characteristics such as format, execution, speed, bandwidth, and, must notably knowledge definition mechanisms are delineated. Standards effectiveness in terms of task costs are then estimated as a function of standards characteristics, latent ambiguities, and number interoperating nodes. Use case studies of several standards and guidelines for standards effectiveness evaluation will be discussed.
Abstract 404: Regulation of NKG2D expression and NKG2D-positive T cell tumor-specific trafficking by doxorubicin and IL-12in vivo

IL-12 and doxorubicin treatment are known to polarize anti-tumor immune response and induce tumor cell death, respectively, when each is administered alone. IL-12 treatment can boost NKG2D receptor expression on immune cells, enhancing NK cell cytotoxicity against different tumor cell lines. However, IL-12 treatment alone can only modestly increase expression of NKG2D receptor. In tumor immuno-surveillance, it is important to create an environment in which spleen cells constitutively express the NKG2D receptor thereby triggering NKG2D-dependent tumor cell death. In an earlier study, we found that coadministration of the anti-neoplastic drug doxorubicin and IL-12 greatly boosted anti-tumor efficacy. This increased anti-tumor efficacy was associated with a substantial increase in immune cell infiltration at tumor sites, but the underlying mechanism by which the increased number of immune cells was trafficked into the tumors remains largely unknown. This report demonstrates that doxorubicin plus IL-12 treatment induces the higher expression of NKG2D receptor in CD8 T cells than IL-12 treatment alone, resulting in an increased infiltration of NKG2D-positive CD8 T cells, and leading to an NKG2D-dependent tumor growth inhibition in vivo. These in vivo observations are in agreement with our in vitro result, in which the encounter between NKG2D receptor-positive effector cells and NKG2D ligand-positive tumor cells yields an NKG2D-dependent tumor cell death as determined by cytolytic activity assay. Blocking the NKG2D receptor by using neutralization antibody impaired doxorubicin plus IL-12 treatment-mediated tumor eradication in vivo and effector cell-mediated tumor cell death in vitro. Together, the evidence links the higher IL-12 plus doxorubicin treatment-induced NKG2D expression to greater CD8 T cell infiltration into tumors, tumor cell death, and anti-tumor efficacy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 404. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-404
An Introduction to Dynamical Systems

This Teaching Resource provides lecture notes, slides, and a problem set that can assist in teaching concepts related to dynamical systems tools for the analysis of ordinary differential equation (ODE)-based models. The concepts are applied to familiar biological problems, and the material is appropriate for graduate students or advanced undergraduates. The lecture explains how equations describing biochemical signaling networks can be derived from diagrams that illustrate the reactions in graphical form. Because such reactions are most frequently described using systems of ODEs, the lecture discusses and illustrates the principles underlying the numerical solution of ODEs. Methods for determining the stability of steady-state solutions of one or two-dimensional ODE systems are covered and illustrated using standard graphical methods. The concept of a bifurcation, a condition at which a system's behavior changes qualitatively, is also introduced. A problem set is included that (i) requires students to implement an ODE model of biochemical reactions using MATLAB and (ii) allows them to explore dynamical systems concepts.
Determination of total inorganic iodine in seawater by cathodic stripping square wave voltammetry

A method has been designed for the reduction of iodate to iodide in seawater and subsequent determination of total dissolved iodine as iodide by cathodic stripping square wave voltammetry. The pH of the sample is lowered to about 1-2 and iodate is reduced to iodide with sodium sulfite under this acidic condition. The pH of the sample is then raised to 8-9 before the concentration of iodide is measured.
"Some Do, Some Don't: Understanding why Managers Engage in Work-Life Supportive Behaviors"

The benefits of managers’ work-life supportive behaviors are well documented, but predictors have received little attention. We developed a theoretical model predicting managers’ supportive behavio...
Ethanol from cellulosic biomass

The major objective of this project is to achieve the direct microbiological conversion of cellulosic biomass to liquid fuel, ethanol. Within the scope of this objective, it is also the intent to maximize the conversion efficiency of ethanol production from biomass. This can be achieved through the effective utilization of both the cellulosic (six-carbon sugar) and hemicellulosic (five-carbon sugar) fractions in biomass. The degradation of cellulosic biomass is achieved through the use of a thermophilic and anaerobic bacterium, Clostridium thermocellum . This microorganism is unique in that it is able to hydrolyse both the cellulosic and hemicellulosic fractions of biomass but, unfortunately, it is not able to metabolize the pentoses. Therefore, to achieve total utilization of biomass, a second thermophilic and anaerobic microorganism, Clostridium thermosaccharolyticum , has been under study owing to its ability to convert pentoses to ethanol. Mutation, selection and adaption programmes have yielded ethanol tolerant strains of both organisms. A fermentation process using mutant strains of the anaerobic, thermophilic bacteria Clostridium thermocellum and Clostridium thermosaccharolyticum has been investigated for the direct production of ethanol from agricultural cellulosics. Through strain improvements for increased ethanol tolerance and catabolite selectivity, alcohol yields of 85% of the theoretical maximum have been obtained from solka floc with mixed culture. The method of isolation and the performance of these improved strains on both refined cellulosics and a realistic biomass, corn [maize] stover, is presented in detail.
Conductivity of iodine

An anisotropy of the electrical conductivity is observed in single crystals of iodine both by direct electrical measurement (a.c. and d.c.) and by thermally generated noise. These observations are inconsistent with the much smaller anisotropy found by Simhony and co-workers in the drift mobility unless one invokes a complex band structure or assumes that the light alters the properties of the crystal during the drift mobility measurements.
DX centers in II–VI semiconductors and heterojunctions

Measurements of the photoconductivity and Hall effect in Ga-doped ZnSe indicate that Ga donors form DX states in ZnSe. When the photocarriers remain in the ZnSe:Ga layer, the photoconductivity is persistent up to Ta= 100K, due to a barrier to recapture the photocarriers, Ec ≈ 0.3eV. Under certain growth conditions, there is a large conduction band offset at the heterojunction with the GaAs substrate. The photocarriers are trapped at the interface, causing an enhancement of the annealing temperature to Ta≈350K. We discuss the implications of these results to device applications.
The exchange reaction of tetramethyldipnictogens with dimethyldichalcogenides

Abstract Tetramethyldipnictogens Me4E2 (E = P, As, Sb, Bi) undergo exchange reactions with dimethyldichalcogenides Me2A2 (A = S, Se, Te) to produce the corresponding (dimethylpnicto)methylchalcogenides Me2EAMe. These compounds have been characterized by NMR, Raman and mass spectroscopy.
A conjugate-gradient-based block adaptive algorithm, its applications and performance evaluation

Recently, an adaptive algorithm with desirable properties and useful applications, namely the Optimum Block Adaptive Shifting (OBAS) algorithm has been proposed. This paper proposes a technique to enhance the performance of the OBAS algorithm by using search directions other than the negative gradient directions used in the OBAS algorithm. The proposed directions are based on the conjugate gradient optimization method which leads to a Block Conjugate (BC) algorithm for adaptive filtering. Simulations are performed to compare the BC and the OBAS algorithms. Results of the simulations verify that the BC algorithm converges faster than the OBAS algorithm when the size of the block is relatively large (twice the adaptive filter order) and the signal to noise ratio is relatively high.
The Role of Need Satisfaction in Self-Concealment and Well-Being

The present research tests a model derived from self-determination theory to explain why self-concealment (the tendency to keep distressing personal information secret) is associated with negative well-being outcomes. Two studies tested a model in which self-concealment predicts the thwarting of basic needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which then results in negative psychological outcomes. Study 1 involved a cross-sectional design. Structural equation modeling analyses revealed that the model provided an acceptable fit to the data. Study 2 involved a multilevel design. Participants completed daily measures of self-concealment, need satisfaction, and well-being over 16 days. Results supported the proposed mediation model. Furthermore, the associations between daily self-concealment, daily need satisfaction, and daily well-being were independent of trait self-concealment. Overall, the findings suggest that concealing personal distressing information is detrimental to the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, which in turn predicts negative well-being.
Human Rights in the Heart of Texas

: Shannon Speed is contributing editor of “Human Rights Forum”, the AAA Committee for Human Rights column in Anthropology News.
Niobium thin film properties affected by deposition energy during vacuum deposition

In order to understand and improve the superconducting performance of niobium thin films at cryogenic temperatures, an energetic vacuum deposition system has been developed to study deposition energy effects on the properties of niobium thin films on various substrates. Ultra high vacuum avoids the gaseous inclusions in thin films commonly seen in sputtering deposition. A retarding field energy analyzer is used to measure the kinetic energy of niobium ions at the substrate location. A biased substrate holder controls the deposition energy. Transition temperature and residual resistivity ratio (RRR) of the niobium thin films at several deposition energies are obtained together with crystal orientation measurements and atomic force microscope (AFM) inspection, and the results show that there exists a preferred deposition energy around 115 eV (the average deposition energy 64 eV plus the 51 V bias voltage).
Visiting Santa: A Further Look:

An informal enquiry of the facial expressions of children as they queued up to meet Santa Claus during the 2003 Yuletide season showed that about 8 out of 10 children appeared to be indifferent to seeing Santa. This replication of the study in 2004 resulted in an approximately similar finding. A repeat of these enquiries, in 2005, suggested that the indifference rate appeared to lessen (being somewhat more cheerful) the closer was Christmas.
A novel primary-side-assisted soft-switching and fault-tolerance of a high-frequency-link inverter for renewable-energy systems

A modulation-based soft-switching scheme is outlined for a high-frequency-link (HFL) inverter, which comprises a front-end HF isolated dc/ac converter followed by an ac/dc converter and an ac/ac converter. The proposed zero-voltage and zero-current switching (ZVZCS) scheme provides loss mitigation for all three legs of the ac/ac converter. Because the output of the ac/dc converter is pulsating-dc in nature, it retains the multi-phase encoded information generated by the dc/ac converter's sinusoidal modulation. Although the inverter only needs a two-phase HF transformer to generate a three-phase output, a third phase is used to yield higher fault-tolerance. That is, in case of a fault in one of the phases of the HF transformer, two other phases can carry on nominal operation. The results are verified using simulation and experiments on a 2 kW, 40 V/208 V three-phase inverter.
Hormonal characteristics of free-ranging female lions (Panthera leo) of the Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater

Pituitary responses to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and prolactin and steroid secretory profiles were examined in two populations of adult, female lions in the Serengeti (one outbred in the Serengeti Plains and one inbred in the Ngorongoro Crater) to determine whether reductions in genetic variability adversely affected endocrine function. GnRH\x=req-\ induced gonadotrophin secretion was also examined after adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) treatment to determine whether acute increases in serum cortisol altered pituitary function. Anaesthetized lions were administered (i) saline i.v. after 10 and 100 min of blood sampling; (ii) saline at 10 min and GnRH (1 \g=m\gkg-1 body weight) after 100 min; or (iii) ACTH (3 \g=m\gkg-1 ) at 10 min and GnRH after 100 min of sampling. Basal serum cortisol and basal and GnRH-induced gonadotrophin secretion were similar (P > 0.05) between females of the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Plains. After ACTH, serum cortisol increased two\x=req-\ to threefold over baseline values and the response was unaffected (P > 0.05) by location. ACTH-induced increases in serum cortisol had no effect on subsequent basal or GnRH\x=req-\ stimulated luteinizing hormone (LH) or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion. Overall mean serum progesterone concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 5.4 ng ml-1 with the exception of four females (two in the Serengeti and two in the Crater; progesterone range, 18.4\p=n-\46.5 ng ml-1) that were presumed pregnant (three of these females were observed nursing cubs several weeks later). There were no differences (P > 0.05) between Serengeti and Crater lions in mean serum progesterone, oestradiol or prolactin concentrations, and hormone secretion was not influenced (P > 0.05) by GnRH or ACTH treatment. Although Ngorongoro Crater lions have decreased genetic variability, the reproductive\p=n-\endocrine system of females appears functionally normal compared with outbred counterparts living in the Serengeti Plains. Furthermore, the acute rise in serum cortisol after ACTH administration in lions fails to alter subsequent GnRH-induced gonadotrophin release, suggesting that short\x=req-\ term changes in adrenal activity do not markedly affect pituitary responsiveness in this species.
A Consumer Model For TV Audiences The Case of TV Violence

A consumer behavior model is used to explore attitudes toward TV violence and censorship. Five viewing groups with distinct media use characteristics and TV attitudes were found in two separate samples. Findings suggest support for the anti- TV-violence campaign is not universal and that excessive violence is only one of four distinct viewer complaints about television programs. The study furnishes an example of how an expanded version of Hirschman's "exit, voice and loyalty" model can be used to investigate the political potential of various segments of the television audience.
Nesting Density of Hermit Thrushes in a Remnant Invasive Earthworm-free Portion of a Wisconsin Hardwood Forest

Abstract I observed an exceptionally high density of Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) nests (3.1 nests/ha) over two breeding seasons in an isolated 1.3-ha portion of an earthworm-free study site in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin. This density was much greater than the 0.1 to 0.6 nests/ha observed over the rest of the study area and exceeds by an order of magnitude most previously reported estimates for this species. The mean distance among Hermit Thrush nests in earthworm-free sites (215 m; 95% CI = 180–250 m) was lower than in invaded sites (250 m; 95% CI = 236–264 m); this difference was not statistically significant. Nest density did not differ significantly between categories. An abundance of suitable nest sites in a favored nesting substrate (clubmoss; Lycopodium spp.) could have contributed to the exceptionally high density of Hermit Thrush nests observed. High Hermit Thrush nest densities may occur in association with forest floor conditions that are characteristic of earth...
Potential for Microscale Bacterial Fe Redox Cycling at the Aerobic-Anaerobic Interface

Recent studies of bacterial Fe(II) oxidation at circumneutral pH by a newly-isolated lithotrophic β-Proteobacterium (strain TW2) are reviewed in relation to a conceptual model that accounts for the influence of biogenic Fe(III)-binding ligands on patterns of Fe(II) oxidation and Fe(III) oxide deposition in opposing gradients of Fe(II) and O2. The conceptual model envisions complexation of Fe(III) by biogenic ligands as mechanism which alters the locus of Fe(III) oxide deposition relative to Fe(II) oxidation so as to delay/retard cell encrustation with Fe(III) oxides. Experiments examining the potential for bacterial Fe redox cycling in microcosms containing ferrihydrite-coated sand and a coculture of a lithotrophic Fe(II)-oxidizing bacterium (strain TW2) and a dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing bacterium (Shewanella algae strain BrY) are described and interpreted in relation to an extended version of the conceptual model in which Fe(III)-binding ligands promote rapid microscale Fe redox cycling. The coculture...
Formalization of confidence levels in verification efforts

In the present day, program codes that are written in Hardware Description Languages such as Verilog and VHDL, are very complex that includes numerous state spaces, larger set of inputs and as many outputs to the system. The verification space is almost infinite over complex circuit designs written using these HDLs, and hence functional verification is seldom complete. For a given design, the confidence levels quoted by the verification engineers today is rather an estimate than being the actual number. It is quite impossible to put a percentage of confidence on these verification levels. This paper presents a methodology to formalize an equation to present a percentage of confidence level in verification for combinational logic. Arithmetic for single precision floating type numbers is presented as an example to apply the equation and present its percentage of confidence level during its verification.
Use of phased arrays for simultaneous estimation of angles of arrival and carrier frequencies

A high-resolution direction-finding technique using the moving window operator is presented. This method assumes m uniformly spaced sensors; (m-1) delay elements are introduced at the first sensor in conjunction with the pencil of functions approach. Two sets of matrix pencils are generated from the data. Their generalized eigenvalues are shown to be known functions of the carrier frequencies and angles of arrival. Simultaneous solution of these nonlinear equations yields the desired estimates. The method is shown to work well by computer simulations. >
Assessment and Treatment of Pragmatic Disorders: Integrating Linguistic and Neurocognitive Perspectives

Abstract The increasing demand for pragmatic intervention, paucity of standardized diagnostic tools targeting this domain, and the impressive advances in neuroscientific research over the past decade have made it necessary for us to re-examine the way we conduct assessment and treatment of pragmatic disorders. This article uses a case study format to summarize an intervention framework that views pragmatics as an integrative, neurocognitive-linguistic domain.
Identification of a male with fragile X syndrome through newborn screening

A pilot newborn screening (NBS) study for fragile X syndrome was recently conducted at the University of California, Davis Medical Center. The screening study identified a case of a male with the full mutation completely methylated and no detectable expression of the fragile X mental retardation-1 (FMR1) gene. The patient was initially seen in clinic at the MIND Institute, for medical follow-up and a genetic counseling session at the chronological age of 3 months. Since then, he has been seen in clinic every six months for follow up, medical examination and developmental assessments. Longitudinally administered developmental testing of the infant has revealed persistent delays in development, consistent with fragile X syndrome. Cascade testing revealed that the patient's mother and two siblings also have the full mutation. The patient has been receiving speech and language therapy, combined with physical and occupational therapies on a weekly basis since the age of one year. He is currently being treated with 2.5 mg of sertraline, which has been demonstrated to be helpful for improving language in young children with the syndrome.
Multiobjective optimization of expensive-to-evaluate deterministic computer simulator models

Many engineering design optimization problems contain multiple objective functions all of which are desired to be minimized, say. This paper proposes a method for identifying the Pareto Front and the Pareto Set of the objective functions when these functions are evaluated by expensive-to-evaluate deterministic computer simulators. The method replaces the expensive function evaluations by a rapidly computable approximator based on a Gaussian process (GP) interpolator. It sequentially selects new input sites guided by values of an “improvement function” given the current data. The method introduced in this paper provides two advances in the interpolator/improvement framework. First, it proposes an improvement function based on the “modified maximin fitness function” which is known to identify well-spaced non-dominated outputs when used in multiobjective evolutionary algorithms. Second, it uses a family of GP models that allows for dependence among output function values but which permits zero covariance should the data be consistent with this model. A closed-form expression is derived for the improvement function when there are two objective functions; simulation is used to evaluate it when there are three or more objectives. Examples from the multiobjective optimization literature are presented to show that the proposed procedure can improve substantially previously proposed statistical improvement criteria for the computationally intensive multiobjective optimization setting.