cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Femtosecond photomodulation spectroscopy of a-Si:H using an optical parametric oscillator

Abstract Using an optical parametric oscillator, we obtain for the first time the low intensity femtosecond photomodulation spectrum of a-Si:H in the probe spectral region of 0.52 to 0.81 eV and 1.19 to 1.48 eV. The measured change in the complex dielectric constant Δ∈ is fit quantitatively with a model based on multiple trapping and intra-tail thermal transitions of the injected carriers. We find that holes make a major contribution to the Δ∈ spectrum.
Optimal granulometric-induced filters

Euclidean granulometries are used to decompose a binary image into a disjoint union based on interaction between image shape and the structuring elements generating the granulometry. Each subset of the resulting granulometric spectral bands composing the union defines a filter by passing precisely the bands in the subset. Given an observed image and an ideal image to be estimated, an optimal filter must minimize the expected symmetric-difference error between the ideal image and filtered observed image. For the signal-union-noise model, and for both discrete and Euclidean images, given a granulometry, a procedure is developed for finding a filter that optimally passes bands of the observed noisy image.
Sampling and Reconstruction of Non-Bandlimited Signals

We examine the problem of sampling and reconstructing non-bandlimited signals with sample sets of finite density. Three approaches are considered in the paper. The first approach, based on a method of Clark, involves time warping, or demodulating, a class of generalized phase modulated signals into bandlimited signals, which can then be sampled and reconstructed with the standard Shannon sampling theory. The second method applies Kramer generalization of Shannon's theory, and it is seen that the reconstruction processes derived from this application are, in general, for non-bandlimited signals. The final approach combines the first approach and a special case of the second approach wherein non-harmonic Fourier kernels are used. This approach allows the specification of a sampling and reconstruction process for certain classes of non-bandlimited signals for which uniform sampling is used.
Effects of hypothermia on the cat brain-stem auditory evoked response☆

Abstract Effects of systematic hypothermia on the brain-stem auditory evoked resposes (BAERs) in 4 pentobarbital anesthetized adult cats placed on total cardiopulmonary bypass were investigated. Hypothermia was achieved by slowly cooling the bypass blood through a heat exchanger. Serial BAERs were recorded at 2 min intervals as brain temperature was lowered from 37 to 22°C and then rewarmed over a 1–2 h period. Temperatures were recorded from the brain, esophagus and rectum. Three effects were produced by controlled systemic hypothermia. First, latencies of each component wave (I–V) of the BAER increased exponentially as brain temperature was lowered to 19°C. Latencies of earlier waves (I–III) increased less than those of the later waves (IV–V). Arrhenius plots of inverse latency (rate) versus reciprocal of the absolute temperature generated a family of straight lines of similar slope for each of the 5 component waves of the BAER. The activation energy for each of the 5 BAER waves was derived from the slope of the Arrhenius plot. The mean and standard deviation of the activation energy of all 5 waves was 9.7 ± 0.5 kcal/mole°C. The fact that the activation energy was similar for each BAER component wave (I–V) indicated that the increase in latencies for all 5 waves was governed by the same rate-limiting, temperature-dependent process(es). Second, the rise time and duration of each of the component waves of the BAER increased with decreasing temperature, Third, wave amplitudes increased from 37 to 32°C in a quasiparabolic relation and then, decreased at approximately a linear rate. The BAER wave form completely disappeared below 20.3°C. Slow rewarming of the brain to its initial temperature restored the BAER component waves to their original latencies and amplitudes.
Ultra-low Jitter Frequency Stabilized Mode-locked Laser

We report a low noise, frequency stabilized, semiconductor based, 10.287 GHz actively mode-locked laser with 1000 finesse intracavity etalon, with a timing jitter (1Hz - 100MHz) of 3 fs and optical linewidth <1 kHz.
Intraseasonal interactions between the tropics and extratropics in the Southern Hemisphere

Observational evidence is presented of connections between tropical heating and circulation changes in subtropical and extratropical latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere (SH) in summer and winter, and the processes responsible for these interactions are described. The observational evidence suggests that, during SH summer (but not SH winter), both the acceleration of westerly winds south of the heating region through meridional overturnings and excitation of Rossby waves are possible. During winter, the enhanced tropical convective activity results again in local meridional overturning with zonal wind acceleration of Rossby waves farther south.
Realization of cannonical digital networks

Formal realization procedures for digital networks (simulation diagrams, state diagrams) are presented. The methods provide step-by-step realization of all network elements either by repeated divisions and order reductions, or a continued fraction expansion. A total of 14 basic canonical forms has been obtained. The determination of multiplier constants in all cases involves only simple divisions, and is particularly simple.
Fear of Crime in Botswana: Impact of Gender, Victimization, and Incivility

The subject of fear of crime has generated a substantial body of empirical study within Western industrialized society. However, the current focus on comparative criminology inspires efforts to study fear of crime cross culturally. This study attempts to assess some of the widely accepted predictors and conclusions of fear of crime found in developed nations on the urbanized capital city of Botswana. More specifically, in this article, the author explores the relationships between gender, victimization, incivility, and fear of crime in Gaborone, Botswana. Findings suggest that gender, victimization, and, in part, the environment are all useful in explaining fear of crime in Gaborne. However, it appears that gender, more than victimization and incivility, is itself a genuinely powerful determinant of fear of crime.
Concurrent design of manufacturing cell and control functions: A neural network approach

This paper presents a neural network based decision support system (DSS) for use in concurrently determining cell configuration, operation plans, and complexity requirements of cell control functions. Advanced simulators and neural network technology are used in developing the DSS. Simulation experiments were conducted with many possible combinations of design changes to generate training pairs for a neural network. Complexity of cell control functions required by each design option was assessed, based on operational requirements, and was used to train another neural net. Once both neural networks are properly trained, one network can be used to predict the cell design configuration given a set of desirable cell performance measures, while the other network can be used to identify complexity requirements of the cell control functions by using the output provided by the first network as input to the second neural net. An operation-driven cell design methodology was applied to sequentially predict requirements of both cell configuration and cell control functions from the trained neural networks. This innovative new design methodology was illustrated via a successful implementation exercise in acquiring a real automated manufacturing cell at industrial settings. The exercise proves that such a DSS serves well as an effective tool for cell designers and the management in determining appropriate cell configuration and cell control functions at the design stage.
Unpacking the CRT in Negotiating White Science

In this forum, we summarize CRT’s origins, tenets common to most CRT writings, and CRT’s evolution. We discuss Yerrick’s article Negotiating White Science with respect to certain CRT premises. Specifically, we use the CRT tenet of racism as emphasized in first- and second-generation CRT and CRT elements liberal racial ideology and voices of color to critically examine Yerrick’s propositions.
Thermoelastic analysis of laminated plates. I - Symmetric specially orthotropic laminates

Thermally induced deformations and stress resultants in symmetric laminated plates are analyzed. The method of M. Levy is used to study the transverse bending of a specially orthotropic laminate having two simply supported edges and subject to a temperature distribution that does not vary in a direction parallel to the simple supports. A solution is also obtained for the problem of in-plane stretching of the plate middle surface caused by a general three-dimensional temperature field. As an illustrative example, the thermoelastic response of a unidirectionally fiber-reinforced plate to a temperature variation that is linear in the thickness direction is computed.
Postsynaptic α2-noradrenergic receptors mediate feeding induced by paraventricular nucleus injection of norepinephrine and clonidine

Abstract This study examines the feeding response induced by hypothalamic noradrenergic stimulation, in terms of the type and synaptic position of its mediating receptor. Tests with norepinephrine of the α2 receptor agonist clonidine, injected into the area of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), revealed a potent feeding response in satiated animals. This response by either agonist was blocked, in a dose-dependent fashion, by local injection of the α2-noradrenergic antagonists, rauwolscine and yohimbine. It was also blocked by the general antagonists, phentolamine. In contrast, it was unaffected by hypothalamic injection of the α1-noradrenergic antagonists, prazosin and corynanthine. These results indicate that feeding elicited by noradrenergic stimulation in the region of the PVN is mediated through α2-type receptors. These α2 receptors appear to be located postsynaptically, since the effectiveness of clonidine in eliciting eating was undisturbed by prior injection of the catecholamine synthesis inhibitor, α-methyl-p-tyrosine.
Moletronics: future electronics

Abstract Over the past several years there have been dramatic advances toward the realization of electronic computers integrated on the molecular scale. First, individual molecules were demonstrated that serve as incomprehensibly tiny switches and wires one million times smaller than those on conventional silicon microchips 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 . This has resulted very recently in the assembly and demonstration of tiny computer logic circuits built from such molecular-scale devices 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 . A major force responsible for these revolutionary developments has been the molecular electronics or ‘Moletronics’ Program organized by the US Government's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Previously, DARPA gave birth to the Internet in the 1970s and 1980s, revolutionizing the way the world communicates. Now, the agency is setting its sights on a new revolution in the nature, structure, and scale of the very materials with which the world both computes and builds. Ultimately, to compute with molecular-scale structures — i.e. nanometer-scale structures — one must learn how to characterize and organize them on similar scales, one by one and in vast arrays. This is creating a whole new science and industry of ‘nanostructured materials’, such as are portrayed in Fig. 1 Download : Download high-res image (14KB) Download : Download full-size image Fig. 1 . Moletronics nanostructured materials. (a) Electron micrograph of self-assembled ErSi2 nanowires developed at HP. (Reproduced with permission from 54 .); (b) electron micrograph of cowpea viral particle modified with gold nanoclusters developed at NRL to use as a template for molecular self-assembly; (c) simulation of Rice University's gold-nanoparticle electrical contacts on a surface in a ‘NanoCell’ molecular logic structure 51 ; (d) structural diagram of NDR diode switch molecule 20 , 28 , 35 and a simulation of its molecular orbitals involved in switching. (Reproduced with permision from 47 . Copyright 2000 American Chemical Society.); (e) gold nanobars synthesized at PSU; (f) electron micrograph of nanowire transistor-based logic circuit 4 that was self-assembled and demonstrated at Harvard University.(Reprinted with permission from 5 . Copyright 2001 American Association for the Advancement of Science.) .
Global and regional child mortality and burden of disease attributable to zinc deficiency.

Background/objectives Zinc is an essential micronutrient and deficiency can lead to an increased risk for infectious diseases and growth retardation among children under 5 years of age. We aimed to estimate disease-specific and all-cause mortality attributable to zinc deficiency. Subject/methods We estimated the prevalence of zinc deficiency in Latin America, Africa and Asia, where based on zinc availability in the diet and childhood stunting rates, zinc deficiency is widespread. The relative risks of death among zinc-deficient children for diarrhea, malaria and pneumonia were estimated from randomized controlled trials. We used the comparative risk assessment methods to calculate deaths and burden of disease (measured in disability-adjusted life years, DALYs) from each of these three diseases attributable to zinc deficiency in these regions. Results Zinc deficiency was responsible for 453,207 deaths (4.4% of childhood deaths), and 1.2% of the burden of disease (3.8% among children between 6 months and 5 years) in these three regions in 2004. Of these deaths, 260,502 were in Africa, 182,546 in Asia and 10,159 in Latin America. Zinc deficiency accounted for 14.4% of diarrhea deaths, 10.4% of malaria deaths and 6.7% of pneumonia deaths among children between 6 months and 5 years of age. Conclusions Zinc deficiency contributes to substantial morbidity and mortality, especially from diarrhea. Zinc supplementation provided as an adjunct treatment for diarrhea may be the best way to target children most at risk of deficiency.
Chemokine Signaling Regulates Apoptosis as well as Immune Cell Traffic in Host Defense

In the struggle for optimal host defense against infection with viruses, two major events are critical: death of the infected host cell and proper immune cell activation at the site of infection. Here we summarize our recent work indicating that chemokines exhibit a distinct capacity to regulate both of these events. We put particular emphasis on a recently completed study indicating that chemokine CCL5 may prevent cell death and thereby preserve innate immune cell function in the setting of viral infection. In addition, we introduce new work to support the more traditional role of CCL5 in mediating adaptive immune cell traffic and activation in this same setting.
Chromatographic and biological aspects of polychlorinated biphenyls.

Abstract The chromatographic (column, thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography and combined gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy) and biological aspects of the polychlorinated biphenyls have been reviewed with primary focus as to their utility, ecological distribution and toxicity as well as diverse techniques for their separation from chlorinated pesticides and subsequent analysis.
Maladapted gene complexes within populations of the intertidal copepod Tigriopus californicus

The prevalence of F2 hybrid breakdown in interpopulation crosses of the marine copepod Tigriopus californicus can be explained by disruption of coadapted gene complexes. This study further dissects the nature of hybrid gene interactions, revealing that parental populations may also harbor maladapted gene complexes. Diagnostic molecular markers (14) were assayed in reciprocal F2 hybrids to test for gene interactions affecting viability. Results showed some evidence of nuclear-nuclear coadaptation. Although there were no significant examples of pairwise linkage disequilibrium between physically unlinked loci, one of the two reciprocal crosses did show an overall excess of parental double homozygotes and an overall dearth of nonparental double homozygotes. In contrast, the nuclear-cytoplasmic data showed a stronger tendency toward maladaptation within the specific inbred lines used in this study. For three out of four loci with significant frequency differences between reciprocal F2, homozygotes were favored on the wrong cytoplasmic background. A separate study of reciprocal backcross hybrids between the same two populations (but different inbred lines) revealed faster development time when the full haploid nuclear genome did not match the cytoplasm. The occurrence of such suboptimal gene complexes may be attributable to effects of genetic drift in small, isolated populations.
Trapped neon in meteorites — II

Abstract Studies of the structure of trapped meteoritic neon are continued through stepwise heating experiments on carbonaceous chondrites and gas-rich meteorites. Trapped 20 Ne 22 Ne ratios are observed to vary by more than a factor 4, from extremes of 3.4–4.8 in 1000°C gas fractions from six carbonaceous chondrites to ∼14 in neon evolved from Kapoeta at very low temperatures. The description of trapped neon in meteorites as a variable mixture of two components with 20 Ne 22 Ne = 8.2 (Neon-A) and 12.5 (Neon-B) is qualitatively valid for total neon, but it cannot account for the extreme compositions revealed in these individual temperature fractions. At least two other components, with 20 Ne 22 Ne ≲ 3.4 and ≳ 14 , are required. The 20 Ne/ 22 Ne ratio in Neon-B is very close to 12.5 in all four of the gas-rich meteorites examined here. Evidence is presented for a third major neon component, 20 Ne/ 22 Ne = 11.2 in all carbonaceous chondrites and in most of the gas-rich meteorites. There is no firm evidence that any of these components originate from in situ mixing. There is no sign that diffusive fractionation is responsible for any of the isotopic variations. The great range of the variations effectively eliminates volume diffusion alone as a feasible mechanism. Suggestions for the origin of the component with 20 Ne 22 Ne ≲ 3.4 in nucleosynthesis or in a primitive irradiation are clearly speculative; the question is very much an open one.
Specific Heat and Transport “Anomalies” in Mixed Alkali Glasses

We show that changes in the relative mole fractions of Li2O and Na2O in alkali metaphosphate glasses lead to “anomalies” in the specific heat and structural relaxations. The heat capacity change between the liquid and glassy states, Δcp(Tg), at the calorimetric glass transition temperature, Tg, exhibits a minimum when the mole fractions of Li2O and Na2O are comparable. Moreover, systematic changes in the temperature dependence of the viscosity, η, i.e., changes in the “fragility” of the system, accompany these changes in mole fraction. This observed dependence of the “fragility” on the mixed alkali ion composition occurs in the absence of apparent changes in the covalent network connectivity which normally accounts for this behavior in glasses.
Hydrolysis of substance P in the rabbit retina: I. Involvement of acetylcholine and acetylcholinesterase. An in vivo study

Abstract The laminar patterns of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and substance P (SP) immunoreactivity within the inner plexiform layer (IPL) of the rabbit retina show striking similarities. Discrete bands of SP-immunoreactivity were seen at 1–7%, 40–48% and 85–95% depth of IPL. AChE activity was present throughout the entire thickness of the IPL with moderately stained bands in each sublamina (3–24% in sublamina a and 62–89% in sublamina b depth IPL). These bands were bordered on both sides by bands of even greater density (in sublamina a 0–3% and 24–34% and in sublamina b 55–62% and 89–100% depth IPL). Cell processes staining for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) have previously been shown to ramify at 19–24% and 63–79% depth levels (38). Thus, SP- and ChAT-immunoreactive bands are located in both sublaminae, positioned within regions of moderate AChE activity and flanked by bands with greater AChE activity. This strong morphological correspondence and reported interactions between acetylcholine (ACh), AChE and SP (23) in vitro provide the basis for the present study to determine whether such interactions can be demonstrated in vivo. Retinas infused with ACh showed a 60% average increase in SP-IR as compared with untreated retinas from the same animals. Treatment with diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) also resulted in a 56% increase in SP-IR. The ability of ACh to induce increased levels of SP was not inhibited by CoCl 2 , atropine or mecamulamine, ruling out the possibilities of polysynaptic transmission or involvement of muscarinic or nicotinic receptors. Infusion of ACh did not increase the levels of preprotachykinin-mRNA indicating that the increase in SP-IR is not due to de novo synthesis but rather to inhibition of the enzyme(s) responsible for SP degradation. Whether AChE functions alone or in concert with other enzymes to hydrolyze SP cannot be determined from these experiments but is addressed in a separate study (48).
The "invisible" faculty member: The university professor with a hearing disability

This article reviews the characteristics ofage-related hearing loss and discusses theconsequences of hearing loss for seniorprofessors at our universities and colleges. It presents some of the strategies, for use bythe hearing-impaired and thenon-hearing-impaired, to adapt successfully toage-related hearing impairments. Examples arecited for the classroom and for the generaluniversity environment. By commenting on herpersonal experiences as a senior facultymember, the author hopes to illuminate someimportant issues raised when a professor hasimpaired hearing.
Developing integrative methods for describing food production and consumption linkages: The case of the bicol FSR/E project

Although the integration of nutrition goals in agricultural projects has been suggested as an important nutrition strategy, there have been limited activities to develop methods appropriate to project needs. This particular case study illustrates food and nutrition methods developed by a multi‐disciplinary farming systems team and tested for use in the project's diagnostic and design process. The results indicate the important linkages between seasonal food and income gaps, food consumption practices, and household constraints for the design of relevant agricultural interventions. Ex ante analysis suggests the importance of evaluating proposed agricultural innovations for their potential contributions to the alleviation of seasonal food and income gaps and of limited nutrients in light of resource constraints.
The crystal structure of d-threitol at 119 K and 198 K

Abstract A sample of dl -threitol, C4H10O4 (Sigma Chemical Co.), on recrystallization provided crystals of d - and l -threitol. The crystal structure was determined at 119 K and 298 K. The space group of d -threitol is P3121, with three molecules in a unit cell at 119 K [298 K] of a = 10.0995(5) [10.1405(8)], c = 4.8407(4) [4.8767(4)] A. The final agreement R-factor was 0.050 for 302 intensities [0.069 for 244 intensities]. The molecules have the straight carbon-chain conformation with twofold axial symmetry. The hydroxyl groups are hydrogen bonded in infinite chains extending in the direction of the threefold screw axis. One of the hydroxylhydrogens is twofold disordered, so that alternate chains have reversed donor-acceptor directions.
Pacing of playful stimulation to young infants: Similarities and differences in maternal and paternal communication

A comparative analysis was conducted of similarities and differences in the temporal organization of playful stimuli provided by mothers and fathers to their 3- and 5-month-old infants. A sample of 32 mother-infant dyads (16 of each age and sex), and a sample of 24 father-infant dyads (14 3-month-olds; 10 5-month-olds; equally divided by sex) were studied in a laboratory free play situation with the same experimental manipulations. These instructions involved parental play with infants in four 2-minute play periods including a phase of natural, nonmanipulated play, a phase of slower-than-usual play, a return-to-natural play, and a phase of faster-than-usual play. Number and length of units of playful stimulation were compared; these comparisons indicated that fathers participated in parent-infant free play with faster-paced stimulation. Comparisons of playful stimuli per minute yielded higher levels across all play phases for fathers. With the exception of the faster-than-usual play phase, fathers interacted with shorter units of playful stimuli than mothers. These differences in parental temporal organization may be important for the infants' developing expectancies about social partners.
Paul Heger. The Three Biblical Altar Laws . Beihefte zur Zeitschrift für die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft, 279. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter, 1999. xi, 463 pp.

In this monumental book, Paul Heger attempts to explain how synagogue recital of biblical texts replaced the sacrificial cult (p. 366). He posits that gradual disaffection with the Temple enabled the rabbis to institute synagogue ritual for sacrifice even while the second Temple stood. The work is wide-ranging, yet focused, and provides a detailed history of the cult from the Bronze Age until the destruction of the second Temple. The first half is a diachronic study of the three biblical altar laws. The second half investigates the impact of Ahaz, Josiah, Ezra and Nehemiah, the Maccabees, and finally the rabbis on attitudes toward temple sacrifice.
Poorly Differentiated Oncocytic (Hürthle Cell) Follicular Carcinoma: an Institutional Experience

The proposed diagnostic criteria for poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (known as the Turin classification) were defined based on growth pattern (solid, trabecular, or insular) and high-grade morphologic features (nuclear pleomorphism, mitoses including abnormal forms, and coagulative tumor necrosis). The development of this classification specifically did not include tumors with oncocytic or Hurthle cell cytology, and only sparse literature describing poorly differentiated oncocytic carcinomas is available. In this study, we examined a cohort of 284 cases of oncocytic follicular carcinoma/Hurthle cell carcinoma (OFC/HCC) and identified 17 cases of oncocytic variant of poorly differentiated carcinoma (OV-PDTC) based on Turin criteria. Compared to minimally invasive and angioinvasive OFC/HCC, these tumors arose in older patients (range 44–88 years; average 71 years), were larger (average size 4.5 cm), and all had extensive vascular invasion (5–15 foci), and coagulative tumor necrosis and the tumor cells were arranged in a trabecular or solid growth pattern. All showed an admixture of oncocytic follicular/Hurthle cells arranged in solid and trabecular growth pattern. Aggregates of small sized cells with minimal eosinophilic cytoplasm, comprising 10–20 % of the entire tumor mass were also seen in 16/17 cases. Clinical follow-up was available in 12 cases and ranged from 6 to 120 months (average 41 months). Distant metastases were seen in 10/12 (83 %) patients; two had lung and one had bone metastases at the time of thyroid surgery, and four subsequently developed cervical lymph node metastases. Two patients died of disease, and ten are alive either with or free of tumor. The OV-PDTC is a distinct entity which can be identified based on Turin criteria and the presence of a distinct “small cell” component. It is frequently associated with regional recurrence and distant metastases and can lead to tumor-related demise.
Observation of optical photons in cascade.

Counting rate statistics and energy levels of optical photons in electron photon cascade in cooled mercury atoms
Suppressiveness of root-knot nematodes mediated by rhizobacteria

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial bacteria that colonize the rhizosphere and plant roots resulting in enhancement of plant growth or protection against certain plant pathogens. Studies were conducted to test the hypothesis that induction of soil suppressiveness against Meloidogyne incognita using rhizobacterial inoculants is related to soil microbial activity and rhizosphere bacterial populations. Commercially-available rhizobacterial inoculants (Equity , BioYield, and AgBlend) and FZB42, strain in the product RhizoVital, were selected based on elicitation of growth promotion in tomato and pepper in previous tests. The inoculants Equity (multiple strains), BioYield (two strains), and FZB42 induced significant reductions in nematode eggs per gram root, juvenile nematodes per ml of soil, and galls per plant on tomato. AgBlend, containing microbial metabolites, reduced number of galls. Treatment with each of the inoculants also increased root weight. Rhizosphere populations of total bacteria and aerobic endospore-forming bacteria (AEFB) were increased following treatment with AgBlend, BioYield and FZB42. Strain FZB42 had an unique colony morphology, allowing its detection in the rhizosphere where it became the dominant strain. Soil microbial activity, as assessed by fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, was not affected by inoculants. These results indicate that the selected microbial inoculants increase rhizosphere bacterial populations, and in the case of FZB42, actively colonize the rhizosphere, thereby inducing suppressiveness to nematodes, without necessarily enhancing soil microbial activity. Further, induction of soil suppressiveness against M. incognita was related to bacterial population size in the rhizosphere, when inoculants that contained two PGPR strains and also microbial metabolites were used.
A System of Teaching Cross Examination Techniques.

This article develops a system of questioning to be used by students of argumentation in the classroom at various stages in the course. A philosophical justification, methods of generating questions, and exercises for students in the classroom ate discussed.
Inter-RNA Interaction of Phage φ29 pRNA to Form a Hexameric Complex for Viral DNA Transportation

Ds-DNA viruses package their DNA into a preformed protein shell (procapsid) during maturation. Bacteriophage phi29 requires an RNA (pRNA) to package its genomic DNA into the procapsid. We report here that the pRNA upper and lower loops are involved in RNA/RNA interactions. Mutation in only one loop results in inactive pRNAs. However, mixing of two, three and six inactive mutant pRNAs restores DNA packaging activity as long as an interlocking hexameric ring can be predicted to form by base pairing of the mutated loops in separate RNA molecules. The stoichiometry of pRNA for the packaging of one viral DNA genome is six. Homogeneous pRNA purified from a single band in denaturing gels showed six bands when rerun in native gels. These results suggest that six pRNAs form a hexameric ring by the intermolecular interaction of two RNA loops to serve as part of the DNA transportation machinery.
Disciplinary Challenges: How Do Principals Address this Dilemma?

This article explores and compares the role of principals in predominantly African American urban middle schools with suspension rates. This study compares how principals in schools with low and high suspension rates differ in addressing disciplinary challenges. The selection of the principals was based on a purposeful sampling technique. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and document analysis. The findings indicate several factors contributing to lower suspension rates including high parental involvement, structured environment, schoolwide discipline programs, and mutual respect among students and teachers. Contrarily, schools with high suspension rates have ineffective use of these attributes.
Orbit determination by range-only data.

The determination of satellite orbits for use in geodesy using range-only data has been examined. A recently developed recursive algorithm for rectification of the nominal orbit after processing each observation has been tested. It is shown that when a synchronous satellite is tracked simultaneously with a subsynchronous geodetic target satellite, the orbits of each may be readily determined by processing the range information. Random data errors and satellite perturbations are included in the examples presented.
Slow light in Zeeman split hyperfine levels of hot Rb vapor

We investigate slow light behavior of warm Rb vapor in static magnetic fields. We present data showing two-photon resonance shifts and slow behavior. These results demonstrate feasibility of the previously presented channelization architecture.
Decision Accuracy and the Role of Spatial Interaction in Opinion Dynamics

The opinions and actions of individuals within interacting groups are frequently determined by both social and personal information. When sociality (or the pressure to con- form) is strong and individual preferences are weak, groups will remain cohesive until a consensus decision is reached. When group decisions are subject to a bias, representing for example private information known by some members of the population or imperfect infor- mation known by all, then the accuracy achieved for a fixed level of bias will increase with population size. In this work we determine how the scaling between accuracy and group size can be related to the microscopic properties of the decision-making process. By simulating a spatial model of opinion dynamics we show that the relationship between the instantaneous fraction of leaders in the population (L), system size (N ), and accuracy depends on the fre- quency of individual opinion switches and the level of population viscosity. When social mixing is slow, and individual opinion changes are frequent, accuracy is determined by the absolute number of informed individuals. As mixing rates increase, or the rate of opinion updates decrease, a transition occurs to a regime where accuracy is determined by the value of L √ N. We investigate the transition between different scaling regimes analytically by
The perception of three-dimensional structure from rigid and nonrigid motion

The ability of observers to perceive structure from motion was examined for rigid and non-rigid transformations under both parallel and polar projection. The accuracy of form perception was evaluated by asking observers to discriminate among a series of computer-generated surfaces that varied in curvature. The results demonstrated that the accuracy of an observer’s judgments is unaffected by the rigidity of an object’s motion or the type of projection with which it is presented. These results are discussed in relation to current algorithms for computing structure from motion that have recently been described in the literature.
“Compatible Alleles” and Extra-Pair Paternity: Conclusions Depend on the Microsatellite Loci Used

Abstract. Although females' mating with multiple males is widespread in socially monogamous species, its evolutionary significance is poorly understood. Tests of the hypothesis that socially monogamous females seek extra-pair copulations to increase the heterozygosity of their offspring have produced mixed results. Some of the inconsistency may be the result of technical limitations of the molecular analyses used. In a previous analysis using five microsatellite loci, we showed that in the House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) extra-pair sires had fewer alleles common to the population than did other nearby males that could have sired offspring but did not, suggesting a “rare male” effect (Masters et al. 2003, Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B 270:1393–1397). We repeated the previous analysis, including an additional set of seven microsatellite loci. An analysis that used all 12 loci (both the original and additional loci) produced results suggesting that genotype affects extra-pair paternity....
Broiler breeder semen quality as affected by trace minerals in vitro

Research has shown that trace elements, such as Se, Mn, and Zn, can alter reproductive functions. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the sperm quality index (SQI) and sperm viability as affected by various levels and sources of Se, Mn, and Zn when added in vitro to broiler breeder semen. In vitro treatments consisted of the following sources and levels of minerals: Control, no minerals added to sperm; seleno L-methionine, 4 levels ranging from 8.78 to 7,896 microg/L; sodium selenite, 4 levels ranging from 8.78 to 7,896 microg/L; MnSO4, 8 levels ranging from 6,500 to 65,000 mg/L; Zn 180 (Zinpro Corporation), 4 levels ranging from 0.65 to 650 mg/L; and ZnSO4, 4 levels ranging from 0.65 to 650 mg/L. The addition of 7,896 microg of sodium selenite/L to semen was detrimental to sperm motility. Also, MnSO4 adversely affected SQI and sperm viability at concentrations of 6,500 mg/L and greater. Sperm viability was decreased when 650 mg/L of Zn 180 was added to semen. Sperm motility was depressed by exposure to Zn 180 at 650 mg/L and ZnSO4 at 65 and 650 mg/L. Our results suggest that these trace minerals must act at the reproductive tissue level during spermatogenesis to improve semen quality. Direct in vitro application of these elements to semen appears to be detrimental to spermatozoa.
Embeddedness, Social Identity and Mobility: Why Firms Leave the NASDAQ and Join the New York Stock Exchange:

Organizations derive their social identity from membership in formal groups and strive to maintain a positive social identity. When their social identity is threatened and group boundaries are permeable, organizations defect to other groups. This paper suggests that organizations receive identity-discrepant cues when in-group members defect to an out-group, but how organizations respond to such cues hinges on their social affiliations to the in-group, out-group, and defectors. A study of organizations that migrated from the NASDAQ stock market to the New York Stock Exchange reveals that strong ties to in-group members (NASDAQ members) reduced the impact of identity-discrepant cues and diminished defections. Conversely, strong ties to out-group members (NYSE members) enhanced the impact of identity-discrepant cues and increased defection. Proximity to defectors increased cross-overs—organizations followed defectors to whom they had direct ties. Implications for the study of embeddedness are outlined.
Dietary Sodium and Cardiovascular Health in Hypertensive Patients: The Case against Universal Sodium Restriction

Salt and BP have been linked for more than a century. Recent data indicate that, given free access to sodium, in most populations, intake is between 100 and 200 mmol/d, although individual variation is wide. There is good evidence that individual differences are influenced by genetics, environment, and behavior. There is also solid clinical trial data suggesting that substantial reduction in sodium intake (75 to 100 mmol/d) will, on average, lower diastolic pressure by approximately 1 mmHg and systolic by approximately 3 to 5 mmHg. In addition, there is good evidence that sodium restriction is accompanied by other hemodynamic and nonhemodynamic effects. The health effect of sodium restriction can be assessed only by outcome study in humans. The best available evidence in this regard derives from observational study. The several available studies in the general population are inconsistent and demonstrate heterogeneity across subgroups in the relation of sodium intake to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Only a single study has been reported in hypertensive patients that links baseline sodium, measured by 24-h urinary excretion, and subsequent cardiovascular outcomes. In that study, controlling for other risk factors, there was a significant, independent, inverse association of urinary sodium excretion and coronary morbidity and mortality. Indeed, an increase of 66 mmol/24 h was associated with a 36% reduction in events. Taken together, these data provide no support for the notion that either normotensive or hypertensive individuals should routinely decrease (or increase) dietary sodium intake.
Nonlinear Saturation of Topographically Forced Rossby Waves in a Barotropic Model

A quasigeostrophic barotropic model is used to examine the nonlinear saturation of forced Rossby waves and the role of wave‐wave interactions in limiting the wave growth. A simple mechanism, based on wave interference, is used to produce strong transient eddy growth and an analytical linear solution for the flow evolution is used as a starting point. Given the rigid upper bound on wave growth, set by the potential enstrophy conservation principle, the linear solution is bound to break down at high forcing amplitudes. An analytical quasi-linear solution, which guarantees potential enstrophy conservation, is formulated and its domain of validity is examined with a numerical nonlinear model. The nonlinear flow evolution is shown to bear strong similarity to the analytical quasi-linear solution and wave‐mean flow interactions are found to be always sufficient to limit wave growth. The saturation of the forced disturbances is shown to come through the deceleration of the mean flow and the modification of the topographic vorticity forcing. Overall, wave‐wave interactions prove not to be important in the saturation process in the examples considered. While the authors consider the implications of this result for the observationally more relevant case of vertically propagating Rossby waves, explicit calculations are clearly called for.
VAT: a tool for visual assessment of (cluster) tendency

A method is given for visually assessing the cluster tendency of a set of Objects O = {o/sub 1/, . . . ,o/sub n/} when they are represented either as object vectors or by numerical pairwise dissimilarity values. The objects are reordered and the reordered matrix of pair wise object dissimilarities is displayed as an intensity image. Clusters are indicated by dark blocks of pixels along the diagonal.
Reconfigurable processor for real-time adaptive sample rate notch filtering

Adaptive sample rate filtering has been shown to be effective in notch filter realization for removing narrowband push-to-talk interference. A prototype architecture is proposed for application to adaptive sample rate filtering which is capable of being reconfigured in real-time. This proposed architecture features field programmable gate array (FPGA) devices and ROM, and is to be demonstrated on audio signals using an XC4000 BORG prototyping board. A comparison is made between the computational complexity of the proposed architecture for adaptive sample rate filtering to that of traditional adaptive techniques which update filter coefficients. The results provide a measure of the advantages of the adaptive sample rate approach for notch filter applications. >
Cyber-Investment and Cyber-Information Exchange Decision Modeling

Inefficiency of addressing cybersecurity problems can be settled by the corporations if they work in a collaborative manner, exchanging security information with each other. However, without any incentive and also due to the possibility of information exploitation, the firms may not be willing to share their breach/vulnerability information with the external agencies. Hence it is crucial to understand how the firms can be encouraged, so that they become self-enforced towards sharing their threat intelligence, which will not only increase their own payoff but also their peers' too, creating a win-win situation. In this research, we study the incentives and costs behind such crucial information sharing and security investments made by the firms. Specifically, a non-cooperative game between N-firms is formulated to analyze the participating firms' decisions about the information sharing and security investments. We analyze the probability of successful cyber attack using the famous dose-response immunity model. We also design an incentive model for CYBEX, which can incentivize/punish the firms based on their sharing/free-riding nature in the framework. Using negative definite Hessian condition, we find the conditions under which the social optimal values of the coupled constraint tuple (security investment and sharing quantity) can be found, which will maximize the firms' net payoff.
Provider Attitudes Toward the Implementation of Clinical Decision Support Tools in Dental Practice.

Abstract Purpose The objective of this paper is to assess clinical dental providers' baseline knowledge and attitudes about the implementation of three clinical decision support (CDS) tools built into the electronic health record (EHR) of a multi-specialty group dental practice. Procedures An electronic survey designed to examine predisposing factors for acceptance of EHR-based tools, caries and periodontal disease management by risk assessment and a risk assessment-based Proactive Dental Care Plan, was distributed to all Willamette Dental Group (WDG) employees. The survey collected demographic data, along with measures of job experience and satisfaction, comfort with dental information technology, and attitudes and knowledge of each CDS tool. WDG provided data on site-level patient and financing mix, patient satisfaction data, employee role (e.g. dentist) and tenure with company. The survey was conducted 3 months prior to the rollout of the CDS tools in November 2013. The survey was distributed electronically to all WDG employees ( n = 1166), of whom 58.5% ( n = 682) were clinicians, located in 53 sites in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. The overall response rate was 79.8% ( n = 930), with a response rate of 83.1% ( n = 567) from all clinicians. Of these, 24.3% were general and specialist dentists ( n = 138); 26.6% were dental hygienists ( n = 151), and 49% were dental assistants ( n = 278). Principal Findings The clinicians surveyed reported being highly amenable to implementation of the three CDS tools. Clinicians' attitudes reflected higher expected improvement in patient care and quality than in business processes due to the implementation. The clinician characteristics most strongly correlated with a positive attitude toward the CDS tool implementation (as measured on Likert scale 1 = low to 5 = high) included satisfaction with the EHR (0.499, p p p p p p p p Conclusion This is the first study to examine dental provider attitudes toward the implementation of CDS tools incorporated within an electronic health record. Provider attitudes toward CDS tools can shape the entire implementation process for better or worse. This study contributes to the literature by providing an understanding of factors related to positive attitudes at the outset of a system change and can help guide organizational administrators to better prepare their workforce and organization for adoption of evidence-based dentistry tools such as a CDS system.
Topological Adjustment of Polygonal Data

Qualitative spatial relations, in particular (mereo)topological relations such as those defined in the 9-Intersection model or RCC-8 and RCC-5, play an important role as constraints in many applications of spatial data processing such as conflation and data cleaning, map generalization, and solving layout problems in general. A fundamental problem in such applications is to adjust geometric data such that certain topological constraints are satisfied, while minimizing the changes that need to be made to the geometric input data. We develop an approach to solve this problem for topological relations between polygonal objects and with displacement of the objects being the only allowed adjustment operation. Our approach is based on a formalization of these relations as sets of (in)equations which can then be translated into a MNLP program and be solved using a dedicated MNLP solver. Our suggested adjustment algorithm uses Minkowski sums of the involved polygons to achieve a linear number of (in)equations per relation.
Phase II study of gefitinib and docetaxel as salvage therapy in patients (pts) with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (APC)

4120 Background: There is no standard-of-care second-line chemotherapy for APC. The combination of docetaxel and gefitinib, an inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) shows enhanced pr...