cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrical resistivity imaging of unknown bridge foundations

Unknown bridge foundations pose a significant safety risk due to stream scour and erosion. Records from older structures may be non-existent, incomplete or incorrect. We evaluate 2D and 3D electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) as a means to reliably identify the depth of unknown bridge foundations. A survey procedure is described for mixed terrain/water environments in the presence of rough terrain. Some electrodes are installed on the stream banks while others are adapted for underwater use. Tests were conducted at five field sites, including three roadway bridges, a geotechnical test site and a railway bridge, containing drilled shafts and spread footings of both known and unknown depth extent. The 2D data acquisition was carried out in the dipole-dipole configuration. The 2D ERI method resolved the shape and depth extent of the larger bridge foundations but, with less accuracy, the shape and depth extent of the smaller foundations. The 3D ERI method is timeconsuming and does not add sufficient additional value over 2D ERI to become a practical tool for unknown bridge foundation investigations. The 2D ERI method is a cost-effective geophysical method that is relatively easy to use by bridge engineers.
Work-product analysis: the philosopher's stone of software?

The author describes how to make metrics a useful part of the development process. He focuses on metrics for software complexity, which can be used to flag potentially nettlesome problems early in the life cycle, before they become expensive to undo or patch. He looks at metrics in the context of designing interfaces for engineers, managers, and both (i.e. a public, as opposed to private, interface). >
High-speed, photonic analog-to-digital conversion using phase modulation

Summary form only given. Photonic systems provide an attractive means for increasing the sampling rate and resolution of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) through their high dynamic range, broadband sampling, and low-noise optical clocks. Many techniques have been introduced over the past 25 years utilizing parallel-channel optical modulation, wavelength-division multiplexing, time-division multiplexing, and time-stretching techniques. Here a new technique is presented utilizing a pipeline method of analog-to-digital conversion by using phase modulators. This technique borrows the idea of converting the data from analog to digital in the optical system from H.F. Taylor (1979). Taylor has chosen to process the data in parallel optical channels with Mach-Zehnder interferometers, whereas the phase modulation technique in this paper allows a pipeline scheme utilizing just one channel. This reduces the system's electrical signal power, optical components, and size.
Determination of nanoindentation size effects and variable material intrinsic length scale for body-centered cubic metals

Abstract It is well-known by now that the micro and nanoindentation hardness of metallic materials displays a strong size effect. The objective of this work is to formulate a micromechanical-based model for Temperature and Rate Indentation Size Effects (TRISE) for body centered cubic (BCC) metals encountered in nanoindentation experiments. In this regard, two physically based models are proposed here in order to capture the TRISE in single and polycrystalline materials by considering different expressions of the geometrical necessary dislocations (GNDs) density. The gradient plasticity theory formulates a constitutive framework on the continuum level that bridges the gap between the micromechanical plasticity and the classical continuum plasticity by incorporating the material length scale. A micromechanical-based model of variable material intrinsic length scale is also developed in the present work. The proposed length scale allows for variations in temperature and strain rate and its dependence on the grain size and accumulated plastic strain. The results of indentation experiments performed on niobium, tungsten, and single- and polycrystalline commercially pure iron (very similar to iron alloys) are used here to implement the aforementioned framework in order to predict simultaneously the TRISE and variable length scale at different temperatures, strain rates and various distances from the grain boundary. Numerical analysis is performed using the ABAQUS/VUMAT software with a physically based viscoplastic constitutive model.
Phenobarbital Regulates Nuclear Expression of HNF-4α in Mouse and Rat Hepatocytes Independent of CAR and PXR

Phenobarbital is a lipophilic molecule used as a sedative and antiepileptic drug that elicits a multitude of effects in the liver, including gross liver enlargement, hepatocyte hypertrophy, and induced expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes and other liver-specific genes. The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR; NR1I3) and to a lesser extent the pregnane X receptor (PXR; NR1I2) are responsible for mediating induction of many phenobarbital-responsive genes. However, CAR-mediated transcriptional control of some genes is critically dependent on hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF-4α; NR2A1), which itself regulates multiple liver-specific genes involved in hepatic growth, metabolism, and differentiation. We studied the effects of phenobarbital on HNF-4α expression in hepatocytes and provide evidence that HNF-4α nuclear expression is regulated in response to phenobarbital. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that HNF-4α mRNA is modestly up-regulated by phenobarbital. In addition, nuclear expression of HNF-4α protein is significantly elevated 3 hours after the administration of phenobarbital in wild-type, CAR−/−, and CAR−/−/PXR−/− mice. In vitro analysis revealed that phenobarbital-induced HNF-4α expression is both time- and dose dependent. In addition, the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid and the Ca2−/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor KN62 block nuclear induction of HNF-4α by phenobarbital. Furthermore, HNF-4α nuclear expression is enhanced by inhibition of cyclic AMP– dependent protein kinase A. In conclusion, induced nuclear expression of HNF-4α and CAR is an integral part of the phenobarbital response, aimed at coordinated regulation of genes involved in drug metabolism and detoxification as well as maintenance of liver function.
Predictable spatial escapes from herbivory: how do these affect the evolution of herbivore resistance in tropical marine communities?

Between-habitat differences in macrophyte consumption by herbivorous fishes were examined on three Caribbean and two Indian Ocean coral reefs. Transplanted sections of seagrasses were used as a bioassay to compare removal rates in reef-slope, reef-flat, sand-plain, and lagoon habitats. Herbivore susceptibility of fifty-two species of seaweeds from these habitats was also measured in the field. Seagrass consumption on shallow reef slopes was always significantly greater than on shallow reef flats, deep sand plains, or sandy lagoons. Reef-slope seaweeds were consistently resistant to herbivory while reef-flat seaweeds were consistently very susceptible to herbivory. This pattern supports the hypothesis that defenses against herbivores are costly in terms of fitness and are selected against in habitats with predictably low rates of herbivory.
Northern Range Extension of Psorthaspis sanguinea (Smith) (Hymenoptera:Pompilidae) and a Record of Psorthaspis mariae (Cresson) from the Delmarva Peninsula

Specimens representing the Pompilid genus Psorthaspis are uncommon in collections. The spider wasp Psorthaspis sanguinea is a fairly large and striking pompilid that probably preys on members of the Family Ctenizidae (trapdoor spiders). There are few published distribution records for this wasp species in eastern North America and none north of Florida since 1952. I report the capture of an adult female on 6 August 2003 from a coastal xeric Pinus sp. (pine) forest at Cape Henlopen State Park, Sussex County, DE. This record represents a northern range extension for the species east of the Mississippi River and perhaps range-wide. The collection site is >300 km from the nearest known collection site in North Carolina. I also report the capture of the congener P. mariae from a different site in Sussex County, DE, taken on 9 July 2003. This individual was captured in a semi-xeric pine forest on an ancient inland sand ridge bordering the Nanticoke River. Although P. mariae is known from as far north as New Jersey, this record represents a Delaware state record, a Delmarva Peninsula record, and fills a distribution gap for the species. In the northeast, it appears that both species may be affiliated with forested sand formations.
Letting the Chat out of the Bag: Deconstruction, Privilege and Accounting Research*

There are signs on the intellectual scene that we are moving out of an era in the social sciences termed modernism — a belief that separating fact from value, truth from falsity, is just a matter of applying the right version of method. The purpose of this paper is to introduce accounting researchers to a movement termed “deconstruction” which reflects the postmodern view that modernism is an untenable philosophical position. Postmodern thought in general and deconstruction in particular demand self-reflection and abandon any desire to somehow “ground” knowledge in an external and transcendental metaphysic like the positivist's faith in observation or the Marxist's faith in historical determinism. Deconstruction differs from the academic tradition in which competing metaphysics attack each other with their different dogmas. Instead, it works from within a research paper (text), taking an author's own criteria for privileging his or her work, and then de-constructs the text by pointing out how the author violates his or her own system of privilege. In this study, we both introduce deconstruction and apply it to Michael Jensen's “Organization Theory and Methodology” [The Accounting Review(April 1983) pp. 319–339], a text which would suggest that positive theory in accounting should be privileged over other ways of knowing and writing accounting discourses. We show through deconstruction that positive theory and the empirical tradition are not entitled to the kind of epistemic privilege and authority that they have enjoyed in silencing other kinds of writings about accounting. Deconstruction, then, is a moment of resistance to the reductionism of modernism and its desire for knowledge closure. It resists metaphysical author[ity] and restores life to its original difficulty before our obeissance to metaphysics.
Regulation of Insulin and Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF) Responsiveness by IGFs in Rat Hepatoma Cells*

We have previously reported that insulin induces a complete and reversible desensitization to the induction of tyrosine aminotransferase by insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in HTC rat hepatoma cells. This loss of responsiveness cannot be accounted for by down-regulation of cell surface receptors, but occurs at a postbinding step in hormone action. Here we present evidence that IGF-I and IGF-II also induce desensitization to the actions of both IGFs and insulin and that this effect is mediated by IGF receptors. First, the concentration dependence for this effect is similar to that for the IGF-I and IGF-II induction of tyrosine aminotransferase, which has been shown to be mediated by IGF receptors. Second, antibody to the insulin receptor, which blocks insulin, but not IGF-II, binding to HTC cells, causes a rightward shift in the concentration dependence for insulin induction of desensitization, but does not significantly change the concentration dependence for IGF-II. These results indicate that IGF-II-induced desensitization to IGF-II is not mediated by the insulin receptor, but presumably by an IGF receptor. Although the IGFs do cause a moderate decrease in the binding of IGFs and insulin (to approximately 50-75% of the control value), this cannot account for the virtually complete desensitization to their actions. We conclude that IGFs, like insulin, induce a nearly complete loss of responsiveness to insulin and IGFs, that this effect is mediated via IGF receptors, and that desensitization occurs at a step distal to hormone binding which may be common to the actions of insulin and the IGFs.
Many body effects on the phase separation and structure of dense polymer-particle melts

Liquid state theory is employed to study phase transitions and structure of dense mixtures of hard nanoparticles and flexible chains (polymer nanocomposites). Calculations are performed for the first time over the entire compositional range from the polymer melt to the hard sphere fluid. The focus is on polymers that adsorb on nanoparticles. Many body correlation effects are fully accounted for in the determination of the spinodal phase separation instabilities. The nanoparticle volume fraction at demixing is determined as a function of interfacial cohesion strength (or inverse temperature) for several interaction ranges and nanoparticle sizes. Both upper and lower critical temperature demixing transitions are predicted, separated by a miscibility window. The phase diagrams are highly asymmetric, with the entropic depletion-like lower critical temperature occurring at a nanoparticle volume fraction of ∼10%, and a bridging-induced upper critical temperature at ∼95% filler loading. The phase boundaries are ...
Temperature dependence of CO insertion on S-, Ag-, and Cu-promoted Rh/SiO2 catalysts

The addition of sulfur and silver to Rh/SiO2 inhibits hydrogenation of C2H4, but promotes CO insertion and extends the linearity of Arrhenius curves for CO insertion above 543 K.
Babesiosis in asplenic hosts

A case of babesiosis in an asplenic individual is reported. A course characterized by fever, haemolysis, hepatitis, depressed mental status and non-cardiac pulmonary oedema was observed. Studies performed on the patient's lymphocytes revealed profound depression in mitogenic responses during her acute disease which returned to normal with recovery. Serum factor(s) were implicated in causing these changes. Review of the literature on babesiosis in asplenic hosts revealed European patients with disease caused by bovine species of Babesia are at significantly higher risk of a fatal outcome than North Americans with disease caused by murine species.
P-141: Pretilt Angle Effects on Liquid Crystal Response Time

Analytical expressions for correlating LC response time with pretilt angle are derived. The theoretical analysis is consistent with experimental results using vertically-aligned LC cells. This study improves the understanding of liquid crystal dynamic process which is helpful for optimizing liquid crystal response time.
On aerodynamic infrasound

Abstract We consider atmospheric pressure variations in the period range from a few seconds to a few minutes. These pressure fluctuations arise 1. (a) from local hydrodynamic effects which are estimated; 2. (b) from nonpropagating pressure effects associated, for example, with a jet stream; 3. (c) from propagating pressure effects associated with aerodynamic infrasound. Following standard aerosonic theory, which is briefly reviewed here, the intensity of aerodynamic sound is estimated. The estimated amount of power radiated by aerodynamic sources, chiefly fluctuating winds at high altitude, is approximately that observed in noise measurements on the ground. Comparison is made between these theoretical estimates and observed pressure fluctuations in the low frequency range.
Best practice in bereavement photography after perinatal death: qualitative analysis with 104 parents

Postmortem memento photography has emerged in Western hospitals as part of compassionate bereavement care for parents facing perinatal death. Many parents endorse this psychosocial intervention, yet implementation varies greatly and little research on parents’ specific needs guides health care professionals. Parents are in crisis and vulnerable after the death of their child, thus best practice is crucial. This study contributes 104 parents’ experiences and opinions toward the understanding of best practice in perinatal bereavement photography. Parents who experienced the perinatal death of their child were recruited from U.S.-based bereavement organizations and social media sites. Volunteers completed an anonymous internet survey with open- and closed-ended questions. Direct recommendations and pertinent statements regarding the process of postmortem photography were analyzed for thematic content in keeping with conventional content analysis. Recurrent themes and sub-themes were counted to identify response patterns. Of 93 parents with pictures, 92 endorsed them. Of 11 without pictures, nine wanted them. Parents made a variety of recommendations regarding appropriate psychosocial support, the consent process, obstacles to photography, logistics of photography, and material aspects of photographs themselves. Overall, parents wanted many pictures and much variety. Some wanted professional photography while others wanted support for taking their own pictures. Parents wanted guidance from staff who respected their particular needs. Many said decisions were difficult during their crisis. Parents who were initially resistant expressed current appreciation for pictures or expressed regret that they had not participated. Parents recommended that professionals strongly encourage parents to create memento photos despite parents’ initial reservations. Persistent cultural reasons against photography emerged in one case. Quotes by parents illuminate themes and enable respondents to speak directly to health care professionals. Parents overwhelmingly support postmortem bereavement photography when conducted sensitively, even if imperfectly executed. Providers significantly influence parents during their crises; mindful, patient-centered care with appropriate respect for difference is necessary. Providers must understand the importance of postmortem photographs to parents who have limited opportunity to capture memories of their child. Hospitals should provide education and support for this important psychosocial intervention.
Failure of phenobarbital to induce rat hepatic microsomal UDP-glucuronyltransferase toward phenolphthalein

Abstract Phenobarbital pretreatment was found not to induce Triton X-100 activated hepatic microsomal neonatal UDP-glucuronyltransferase activity towards phenolphthalein in male, female and pregnant female rats. This was not due to an insufficient concentration of the activating detergent or the choice of detergent. Other microsomal enzymes such as cytochrome P-450 were greatly induced by phenobarbital in the same experimental animals. Late fetal UDP-glucuronyltransferase activity induction by polycyclic hydrocarbons (β-naphthoflavone) was confirmed in this study. Phenobarbital inducibility of neonatal UDP-glucuronyltransferase may not be useful in discriminating between UDP-glucuronyltransferase isoenzymes.
Decay of correlations in the Lorentz gas

Abstract Computer molecular dynamics calculations give no support to the mode-coupling prediction that the power law of the asymptotic decay of the velocity autocorrelation function is independent of the density of the Lorentz scatters.
Collaborating on public health issues.

Marcia Hamburg's editorial “Public health preparedness” (22 Feb., p. [1425][1]) reminds us that public health remains the essence of domestic security. We neglect it at our peril. But if the anthrax scare was a wake-up call, many states have hit the snooze-alarm, cutting basic public health
Directional Preferences, Information Processing, and Investors' Forecasts of Earnings

This paper investigates the effects of preferences on judgments in an investing context, where investors should be motivated to interpret information objectively, yet have clear preferences with respect to what the information they are evaluating conveys (i.e., a gain or a loss on their investment). The results of the experiment are consistent with theories of motivated reasoning that predict when and in what manner directional preferences affect how information is processed. Specifically, investors are motivated to agree unthinkingly with information that suggests they might make money on their investment, but disagree with information that suggests they might lose money. In disagreeing, long investors expect earnings to be relatively high and short investors expect earnings to be relatively low. These results have implications not only for understanding investor behavior, but also for understanding the biased behavior of market participants who face conflicts of interest, such as analysts, managers, and auditors, by providing direct evidence that such behavior can arise for purely psychological reasons.
Gender, language attitudes, and language status in Ukraine

This article examines gender and language in post-Soviet Ukraine, where language laws and turbulent socioeconomic changes are affecting language use. It discusses ideologies of gender, language, and ethnicity in Ukraine and assesses the significance of gender in shaping stances toward three competing languages, Ukrainian, Russian, and English. The analysis focuses on language ideologies and attitudes, based on survey and matched-guise language attitude test data. Two kinds of explanations for the gendered patterning are considered: first, how socialization and cultural ideologies of women's relationship to language shape the attitudes documented; and second, how political/economic forces (differences in possibilities for social power and social advancement linked to language use) lead men and women to benefit from different strategies in their use and valuation of linguistic capital. It is shown that, while sociocultural and political/economic forces reinforce each other in some cases, in others they contradict each other, with economic motives prevailing over cultural paradigms of traditionalism.
Microcomputer utilization in basic programming courses

Traditionally, classroom demonstrations of computer programs have been done on time sharing terminals connected via modems, phones, and phone lines to the university “central” computer. As anyone who has ever conducted such a demonstration knows, this approach is, to say the least, unreliable. It is not uncommon for professors standing in front of their classes to find that one of the elements in the electronic path from the keyboard to the computer and back to the monitors has failed or that the response time of the central computer is now measured in minutes instead of seconds. The result is that the students, while they may be entertained, certainly lose the value of the “on-line” demonstration. This paper discusses an alternative approach to classroom demonstrations—namely the use of the microcomputers.
Support participation in chemistry of ethylene oxidation on silver catalysts

Abstract Activity and selectivity of supported silver catalysts in ethylene epoxidation and combustion is shown to be a strong function of the carrier employed. All supports used in this study, except for α-alumina, were found to exhibit significant activity in ethylene oxide isomerization and oxidation. Their activity was found to be proportional to their surface acidity. Poisoning of surface acid sites by alkali and alkaline earth metal impregnation resulted in suppression of isomerization activity and reduction of oxidation activity. These phenomena are explained evoking the concept of acid-base bifunctional catalysis.
Photoemission study of coverage-dependent chemisorption interaction between CO and Ir(111)

Abstract Chemisorption of carbon monoxide on the Ir(111) surface has been studied by UV-photoemission. A unique spectral feature interpreted as a split-off Co-1π level is seen at coverages less than 0.5 monolayer. At higher coverages this peak is not observed, indicating a coverage-dependent Co(1π)-Ir(111) interaction.
Fission cycling in a supernova r process

Recent halo star abundance observations exhibit an important feature of consequence to the $r$ process: the presence of a main $r$ process between the second and third peaks that is consistent among halo stars. We explore fission cycling and steady \ensuremath{\beta} flow as the driving mechanisms behind this feature. The presence of fission cycling during the $r$ process can account for nucleosynthesis yields between the second and third peaks, whereas the presence of steady \ensuremath{\beta} flow can account for consistent $r$-process patterns, robust under small variations in astrophysical conditions. We employ the neutrino-driven wind of the core-collapse supernova to examine fission cycling and steady \ensuremath{\beta} flow in the $r$ process. As the traditional neutrino-driven wind model does not produce the required very neutron-rich conditions for these mechanisms, we examine changes to the neutrino physics necessary for fission cycling to occur in the neutrino-driven wind environment, and we explore under what conditions steady \ensuremath{\beta} flow is obtained.
Vigilant vectors: adeno-associated virus with a biosensor to switch on amplified therapeutic genes in specific tissues in life-threatening diseases.

There are many life-threatening and chronic diseases in which physiological signals could be used to switch on therapeutic protective genes. We are developing a gene therapy approach in which a systemically injected "vigilant vector" waits for these signals and switches on genes to protect specific tissues with high amplification. The concept of a vigilant vector requires four components. The first component is a safe and stable vector that can be administered by systemic injection and express transgenes in a particular organ or tissue. The adeno-associated virus vector is safe and stable for this purpose. The second component is a reversible gene switch which is a biosensor that can detect certain physiological signals. We are developing a hypoxia switch, based on the oxygen-dependent degradation domain of hypoxia-inducible factor. The third component is a tissue-specific promoter, and we have used the myosin light-chain-2V promoter for specific expression in the heart. The fourth component is an amplification system. For this we have developed a double-plasmid/vector system based on the yeast GAL4 and human transcriptional activator p65 to produce a transactivating fusion protein that binds to a GAL4 activation sequence in an activating plasmid that then expresses high levels of cardioprotective genes.
Kv4.3 is not required for the generation of functional Ito,f channels in adult mouse ventricles.

Accumulated evidence suggests that the heteromeric assembly of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 α subunits underlies the fast transient Kv current (Ito,f) in rodent ventricles. Recent studies, however, demonstrated that the targeted deletion of Kv4.2 results in the complete elimination of Ito,f in adult mouse ventricles, revealing an essential role for the Kv4.2 α subunit in the generation of mouse ventricular Ito,f channels. The present study was undertaken to investigate directly the functional role of Kv4.3 by examining the effects of the targeted disruption of the KCND3 (Kv4.3) locus. Mice lacking Kv4.3 (Kv4.3−/−) appear indistinguishable from wild type control animals, and no structural or functional abnormalities were evident in Kv4.3−/− hearts. Voltage-clamp recordings revealed that functional Ito,f channels are expressed in Kv4.3−/− ventricular myocytes, and that mean Ito,f densities are similar to those recorded from wild type cells. In addition, Ito,f properties (inactivation rates, voltage-dependences of inactivation and rates of recovery from inactivation) in Kv4.3−/− and wild type mouse ventricular myocytes were indistinguishable. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analyses did not reveal any measurable changes in the expression of Kv4.2 or the Kv channel interacting protein (KChIP2) in Kv4.3−/−ventricles. Taken together, the results presented here suggest that, in contrast with Kv4.2, Kv4.3 is not required for the generation of functional mouse ventricular Ito,f channels.
Tests for relabelling the goldfish tectum by optic fibers

Abstract The temporal half of retina was removed in goldfish and the optic nerve was crushed. Electrophysiological recordings at 1–2 months revealed a retinotopic expansion of the nasal half retina across nearly the entire tectum. In other fish, an abnormal innervation of nasal fibers in anterior tectum was induced and allowed to persist for 51 months. When fibers were then crushed, nasal fibers innervated posterior tectum at 1–2 months showing no preference for anterior tectum. Apparently, fibers did not relabel tectum.
The great comedians: personality and other factors.

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between comedians and their anxiety and depression and to evaluate its function in their success as comedians. How this relationship is communicated to the audience and its interplay with the fears and anxieties of the audience will also be examined. The world of the theatre has always found meaningfully symbolic the alternate faces of comedy and tragedy. Historically, court jesters were tragicomic figures - the embodiment of the bittersweet of life. Among the oppressed, the role of social critic has been the comedian's forte. Freud indicated that humor is a release for anxiety. To quote Abe Burrows: "The comedian must practice his comedy in order to avoid destroying himself." Jack Carter, another leading humoristl says: "The funny part, the laughter, is given to the audience, but the comedian is left with the bitter dregs." Comedy has been described by a leading theologian as: "The ability to laugh at one's own tragedy." There appears to be an awareness on the part of the audience of the relationship between humor and anxiety. Consequently it would he reasonable to assume some awareness of the fact that comedians are very anxious and often depressed people. Some indication of the need to view humor as a release for tension can be seen in the increasingly sadomasochistic relationship between the comedian and his audience. As an example, witness the success of the recent Don RicHes album
Functional properties of models for direction selectivity in the retina

Poggio and Reichardt (Kybernetik, 13:223-227, 1973) showed that if the average response of a visual system to a moving stimulus is directionally selective, then this sensitivity must be mediated by a nonlinear operation. In particular, it has been proposed that at the behavioral level, motion-sensitive biological systems are implemented by quadratic nonlinearities (Hassenstein and Reichardt: Z. Naturforsch., 11b:513-524, 1956; van Santen and Sperling: J. Opt. Soc. Am. [A] 1:451-473, 1984; Adelson and Bergen: J. Opt. Soc. Am. [A], 2:284-299, 1985). This paper analyzes theoretically two nonlinear neural mechanisms that possibly underlie retinal direction selectivity and explores the conditions under which they behave as a quadratic nonlinearity. The first mechanism is shunting inhibition (Torre and Poggio: Proc. R. Soc. Lond. [Biol.], 202:409-416, 1978), and the second consists of the linear combination of the outputs of a depolarizing and a hyperpolarizing synapse, followed by a threshold operation. It was found that although sometimes possible, it is in practice hard to approximate the Shunting Inhibition and the Threshold models for direction selectivity by quadratic systems. For instance, the level of the threshold on the Threshold model must be close to the steady-state level of the cell's combined synaptic input. Furthermore, for both the Shunting and the Threshold models, the approximation by a quadratic system is only possible for a small range of low contrast stimuli and for situations where the rectifications due to the ON-OFF mechanisms, and to the ganglion cells' action potentials, can be linearized. The main question that this paper leaves open is, how do we account for the apparent quadratic properties of motion perception given that the same properties seem so fragile at the single cell level? Finally, as a result of this study, some system analysis experiments were proposed that can distinguish between different instances of the models.
Telescoping of Drinking-Related Behaviors: Gender, Racial/Ethnic, and Age Comparisons

Objective. To examine demographic differences in alcohol telescoping-the rate of self-reported movement from regular alcohol consumption to the onset of regular heavy drinking-as well as differences in ages of initiation of regular alcohol use and alcohol use to intoxication. Method. The present study compared the retrospective reports of 2037 clients (1252 males, 785 females) enrolled in substance user treatment facilities around the country in 1998 and 1999. Results. Overall, the findings support previous research, indicating that women generally move more rapidly than men from initiation of regular alcohol use to problem use (telescoping). The findings also indicate that African-Americans generally begin regular alcohol use later than their Anglo counterparts and move more rapidly from initiation of regular alcohol use to problem use (telescoping). Examining the sample by older vs. younger age groups demonstrates that gender and racial/ethnic differences in the age of initiation of regular alcohol use and in telescoping may be limited by age group, as these patterns appear in the older but not the younger cohort. Conclusions. These findings suggest that self-reported regular alcohol use, alcohol abuse, and telescoping differences vary dramatically by gender, race/ethnicity, and age cohort. Furthermore, the pattern of findings suggests that these differences are more likely the result of sociocultural than biological differences between the groups under study.
Performance Analysis of Multiple Antenna DS-CDMA UWB System with Noisy Channel Estimates and Narrow-Band Interference

In this work, performance of a multiple antenna DS-CDMA UWB system with multiple users and narrowband interference (NBI) is evaluated. A spatio-temporal UWB receiver is proposed which first forms an estimate of the channel in the presence of multi-access interference (MAI) and NBI, and then uses these estimates to optimally combine the multipath components such that the output signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio is maximized. The performance of this system through an analytically derived probability of error expression is investigated. In particular, the effects of both quality of channel estimates and antenna correlation on the system performance are analyzed
Pre - big bang requires the universe to be exponentially large from the very beginning

We show that in a generic case of the pre-big-bang scenario, inflation will solve cosmological problems only if the universe at the onset of inflation is extremely large and homogeneous from the very beginning. The size of a homogeneous part of the universe at the beginning of the stage of pre-big-bang (PBB) inflation must be greater than ${10}^{19}{l}_{s},$ where ${l}_{s}$ is the stringy length, which is the only natural length scale in PBB cosmology. The total mass of an inflationary domain must be greater than ${10}^{72}{M}_{s},$ where ${M}_{s}\ensuremath{\sim}{l}_{s}^{\ensuremath{-}1}.$ If the universe is initially radiation dominated, then its total entropy at that time must be greater than ${10}^{68}.$ If the universe is closed, then at the moment of its formation it must be uniform over ${10}^{24}$ causally disconnected domains. The natural duration of the PBB stage in this scenario is ${M}_{p}^{\ensuremath{-}1}.$ If the universe is open, then its initial state should have been very homogeneous over an infinitely large distance, in order to account for the homogeneity of our part of the universe. We argue that the initial state of the open PBB universe could not be homogeneous because of quantum fluctuations. Independently of the issue of homogeneity, one must introduce two large dimensionless parameters, ${g}_{0}^{\ensuremath{-}2}g{10}^{53},$ and $Bg{10}^{38}{g}_{0}^{\ensuremath{-}2}g{10}^{91},$ in order to solve the flatness problem in the PBB cosmology. A regime of eternal inflation does not occur in the PBB scenario. This should be compared with the simplest versions of the chaotic inflation scenario, where the regime of eternal inflation may begin in a universe of size ${O(M}_{p}^{\ensuremath{-}1})$ with vanishing initial radiation entropy, mass ${O(M}_{p}),$ and geometric entropy $O(1).$ We conclude that the current version of the PBB scenario cannot replace usual inflation even if one solves the graceful exit problem in this scenario.
Isometries on spaces of vector valued Lipschitz functions

This paper gives a characterization of a class of surjective isometries on spaces of Lipschitz functions with values in a finite dimensional complex Hilbert space.
Spectrum Variability of the A-Type Supergiant Star HD 223960

HD 223960, an A0 Ia-type supergiant in the Cas OB5 association, is unusual among Galactic supergiants of its class in having an Hα profile with double-peaked emission entirely above the continuum. We analyzed 12 high-resolution echelle spectra obtained in 1993-1995 and in 1999 with the 1 m telescope of Ritter Observatory. The radial velocities of photospheric Si, C, He, Ne, and S lines were found to be constant to within ±2 km s–1, but the data suggest variability in the equivalent widths of Si ii λλ6347, 6371 and several other photospheric lines. The radial velocities and equivalent widths and, especially, the ratio V/R of the Hα components vary. The present data do not indicate a binary explanation for the double-peaked emission feature. Alternative explanations are considered, but none is completely satisfactory. The available evidence is consistent with the star having a weak, fast wind.
Origins and accommodation of cell variations in Li-ion battery pack modeling

Rechargeable battery industry will see significant growth in the use of battery systems for portable devices and power electronics, renewable energy storage, power systems for transportation, and telecom backup power applications. Despite such promising market sentiment, the battery system management remains as a challenging issue to be resolved in order to provide a safe and reliable power and energy storage system. Here we report advancement in the battery management approach by providing a solution to analyze battery performance variations in a lot of batteries produced from the same manufacturing process. A lot of 100 Li-ion cells were analyzed in order to quantify the inherent cell variations associated with cell manufacturing process and test protocol. Both statistical and electrochemical analyses were used to characterize and quantify the capacity variations among the cells along with other parameters that can be readily derived from the test results. Information extracted from a minimal testing of the cells in the lot and more intensive characterizations on a few cells including one as the nominal sample cell allows the establishment of a single cell model (SCM), based on a generic equivalent circuit, with high accuracy in predicting cell performance. The analyses also permit a carefully crafted logic development of how to separate the origins that cause the cell variations in performance. Such separation of the attributes enable a proper tuning of the cell parameters in the model, which allows the accommodation of cell variations in a battery pack model to handle most of the imbalance issues. A careful validation of the SCM to predict performance of any arbitrary cell in the lot with high accuracy was demonstrated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transdermal Contraception as a Model for Adolescent Use of New Methods

Abstract Purpose To examine the factors related to adolescents' decisions to use the transdermal contraceptive patch (patch) so as to develop a model for understanding how adolescents decide to use new contraceptive methods. Methods We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 18 young women aged 15–21 years who had experience using the patch. Data were analyzed using a two-stage method informed by grounded theory. Results We constructed a two-level model, encompassing individual, social, and environmental factors, to explain adolescents' decisions to use a new method of hormonal contraception. Social and environmental influences on the decision-making process included media, social network experiences and opinions, healthcare providers, and partner relationships. These in turn affected the following individual factors in the decision to use the patch: individual characteristics, method knowledge and beliefs, method support, and past contraceptive experience. The newness of the patch permeated all levels of the decision-making process. Conclusions This model provides a framework for understanding the use of new contraceptive methods and can inform clinical strategies for contraceptive counseling with adolescents.
Ineffective esophageal motility: the most common motility abnormality in patients with GERD-associated respiratory symptoms

Ineffective esophageal motility: the most common motility abnormality in patients with GERD-associated respiratory symptoms
The clinical importance of flow cytometry crossmatch in the context of CDC crossmatch results.

Abstract Background The complement-dependent microcytotoxicity crossmatch (CDCXM) is a standard method for evaluating the presence of preformed antibodies before transplantation. The flow cytometry crossmatch (FCXM) is more sensitive, but there is controversy regarding translation of its increased sensitivity to clinically relevant graft outcomes. Methods We analyzed Organ Procurement and Transplant Network registry data for living and deceased donor kidney transplants performed in 1995 to 2009 after both CDCXM and FCXM testing. Transplants with negative CDCXM (CDCXM−) and with T-cell positive (T+), T-cell negative/B-cell positive (T−B+), or T- and B-cell negative (T−B−) FCXM results were included. Graft survival according to crossmatch results was compared by survival analysis. Results Among patients transplanted with negative CDCXM (CDCXM−), deceased and living donor graft recipients with T+ FXCM experienced significant absolute reductions in 5-year graft survival of 11.5% and 8.8% compared to those with T− FCXM (P Conclusion Positive FCXM has important prognostic implications even when CDCXM is negative. Thus, positive FCXM should not routinely be dismissed as “overly sensitive” when CDCXM is negative.
Metal- and intermetallic-matrix composites for aerospace propulsion and power systems

Successful development and deployment of metal-matrix composites and intermetallic- matrix composites are critical to reaching the goals of many advanced aerospace propulsion and power development programs. The material requirements are based on the aerospace propulsion and power system requirements, economics, and other factors. Advanced military and civilian aircraft engines will require higher specific strength materials that operate at higher temperatures, and the civilian engines will also require long lifetimes. The specific space propulsion and power applications require hightemperature, high-thermal-conductivity, and high-strength materials. Metal-matrix composites and intermetallic-matrix composites either fulfill or have the potential of fulfilling these requirements.
Nonlocal Gauge Theories

From a generalization of the covariant derivative, nonlocal gauge theories are developed. These theories enjoy local gauge invariance and associated Ward identities, a corresponding locally conserved current, and a locally conserved energy-momentum tensor, with the Ward identities implying the masslessness of the gauge field as in local theories. Their ultraviolet behavior allows the presence as well as the absence of the Adler-Bell-Jackiw anomaly, the latter in analogy with lattice theories.
Engineering mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative medicine and drug delivery

Researchers have applied mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to a variety of therapeutic scenarios by harnessing their multipotent, regenerative, and immunosuppressive properties with tropisms toward inflamed, hypoxic, and cancerous sites. Although MSC-based therapies have been shown to be safe and effective to a certain degree, the efficacy remains low in most cases when MSC are applied alone. To enhance their therapeutic efficacy, researchers have equipped MSC with targeted delivery functions using genetic engineering, therapeutic agent incorporation, and cell surface modification. MSC can be genetically modified virally or non-virally to overexpress therapeutic proteins that complement their innate properties. MSC can also be primed with non-peptidic drugs or magnetic nanoparticles for enhanced efficacy and externally regulated targeting, respectively. Furthermore, MSC can be functionalized with targeting moieties to augment their homing toward therapeutic sites using enzymatic modification, chemical conjugation, or non-covalent interactions. These engineering techniques are still works in progress, requiring optimization to improve the therapeutic efficacy and targeting effectiveness while minimizing any loss of MSC function. In this review, we will highlight the advanced techniques of engineering MSC, describe their promise and the challenges of translation into clinical settings, and suggest future perspectives on realizing their full potential for MSC-based therapy.
The effect of an ethanol extract of catnip (Nepeta cataria) on the behavior of the young chick.

The alcohol extract of catnip has a biphasic effect on the behavior of young chicks. Low and moderate dose levels (25–1800 mg/kg) cause increasing numbers of chicks to sleep, while high dose levels (i.e. above 2 g/kg) cause a decreasing number of chicks to sleep.
Improving Unsupervised Dependency Parsing with Richer Contexts and Smoothing

Unsupervised grammar induction models tend to employ relatively simple models of syntax when compared to their supervised counterparts. Traditionally, the unsupervised models have been kept simple due to tractability and data sparsity concerns. In this paper, we introduce basic valence frames and lexical information into an unsupervised dependency grammar inducer and show how this additional information can be leveraged via smoothing. Our model produces state-of-the-art results on the task of unsupervised grammar induction, improving over the best previous work by almost 10 percentage points.
Optical Manipulation of Hydrosomes

We present a novel implementation of optical tweezers and microfluidics that allow for the controlled production and manipulation of monodisperse water droplets in an immiscible phase - hydrosomes.
Active quenching of a set of predetermined vibratory modes of a beam by a single fixed point actuator

Active control of the vibratory motion of a beam by a single fixed actuator is considered. The vibratory motion is assumed to be initiated by a disturbance. An open loop strategy is constructed to eliminate the resulting motion in a finite time. The control force is determined by a linear combination of functions, each corresponding to the natural frequencies of initially active modes. Because this strategy requires that the control force be switched off at a prespecified final time it is an open loop control. A general statement of the problem identifies appropriate conditions for constructing such a control force. A complete solution with supporting simulation results is also given for a uniform, simply supported beam controlled by a single fixed point actuator.