cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coupled-mode calculation with the R -matrix propagator for the dispersion of surface waves on a truncated photonic crystal

We describe a modal expansion method with an R-matrix propagation algorithm that can be applied to calculate the dispersion of surface and guided waves supported by a finite thickness photonic crystal. Easy to implement, the R matrix has the advantage of inherent numerical stability and allows photonic crystals of complex structure, which are many waves in thickness to be analyzed. This method is also computationally simpler that the supercell method when looking for surface modes. It can also be applied to many other dispersion problems including multilayer gratings and waveguides with internal structure. We apply this method to calculate dispersion of surface waves supported by a slablike photonic crystal structure, which consists of several rows of an infinitely periodic array of square dielectric cylinders. In the bulk, the periodic array has a photonic band gap and for the finite thickness structure, we calculate dispersion of surface waves that propagate along the boundaries at frequencies within the band gap. We vary the thickness of the cylinders in the outer layer and calculate the change in dispersion. When the overall thickness of the photonic slab is decreased, coupling and splitting between surface modes at each interface is observed. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Global and regional differences in cerebral blood flow after asphyxial versus ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest in rats using ASL-MRI.

Abstract Both ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest (VFCA) and asphyxial cardiac arrest (ACA) are frequent causes of CA. However, only isolated reports compared cerebral blood flow (CBF) reperfusion patterns after different types of CA, and even fewer reports used methods that allow serial and regional assessment of CBF. We hypothesized that the reperfusion patterns of CBF will differ between individual types of experimental CA. In a prospective block-randomized study, fentanyl-anesthetized adult rats were subjected to 8min VFCA or ACA. Rats were then resuscitated with epinephrine, bicarbonate, manual chest compressions and mechanical ventilation. After the return of spontaneous circulation, CBF was then serially assessed via arterial spin-labeling magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI) in cortex, thalamus, hippocampus and amygdala/piriform complex over 1h resuscitation time (RT). Both ACA and VFCA produced significant temporal and regional differences in CBF. All regions in both models showed significant changes over time ( p p p p p p This study was approved by the University of Pittsburgh IACUC 1008816-1.
Effects of aminophylline on respiratory center and reflex activity in premature infants with apnea.

Effects of Aminophylline on Respiratory Center and Reflex Activity in Premature Infants with Apnea
Innovative incorporation of industry certifications to enhance recruiting and retention in civil engineering

Recruiting and retention are common challenges that engineering programs deal with on a regular basis. To address these challenges, universities seek innovative ways to market their programs while simultaneously improving their curricula to align with industry standards. With this in mind, the Department of Civil Engineering at Lawrence Technological University is incorporating standard industry certifications in its undergraduate curriculum to enhance students' educational experience and increase the value proposition of the curriculum. The certifications provide students with an advantage when searching for internships and are offered through the regular curriculum saving students time and money. In addition, incorporating industry recognized certifications as part of the standard curriculum establishes the relevance of their coursework and demonstrates the Department is responsive to industry needs. The goal of this Work-in-Progress study is to collect data from certified students to determine the impact the certifications have on retention and how they can be used to recruit new students.
Time-Resolved Raman Studies In GaAs-Al x Ga 1_x As Multiple Quantum Well Structures

Time-resolved Raman scattering has been employed to investigate phonon-phonon interactions in GaAs-AlxGal_xAs multiple quantum well structures. By separately monitoring the growth as well as decay of the non-equilibrium LO phonons created by the relaxing carriers inside each type of layers, information about the hot carrier dynamics such as the population relaxation time of the LO phonons has been obtained. Our experimental results have shown that (1) phonon zone-folding plays little role in the determination of the population relaxation time of GaAs, GaAs-like and AlAs-like LO phonons; (2) hot-phonon effect should also be important in the AlxGal_xAs layers of GaAs-AlxGai_xAs multiple quantum well structures; (3) the average population relaxation time of the LO phonons which are active in hot-phonon effect in GaAs quantum wells is determined to be 8±1ps at T=10K.
Combining shape and physical modelsfor online cursive handwriting synthesis

This paper proposes a novel learning-based approach to synthesizing cursive handwriting of a user's personal handwriting style by combining shape and physical models. In the training process, some sample paragraphs written by a user are collected and these cursive handwriting samples are segmented into individual characters by using a two-level writer-independent segmentation algorithm. Samples for each letter are then aligned and trained using shape models. In the synthesis process, a delta log-normal model based conditional sampling algorithm is proposed to produce smooth and natural cursive handwriting of the user's style from models.
Preharvest quarantine treatments of chlorantraniliprole, clothianidin, and imidacloprid-based insecticides for control of Japanese beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) and other scarab larvae in the root zone of field-grown nursery trees.

ABSTRACT Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), is an important quarantine pest of nurseries. Nursery plant movement from P. japonica-infested regions is regulated by the U.S. Domestic Japanese Beetle Harmonization Plan (DJHP), which classifies states by risk categories. Treatments for category 2 states include preharvest soil surface treatment of nursery plants grown in field soil using Discus SC, Marathon (1G or 60 WP), or Flagship (0.22G or 25 WG). In this study, Discus, Marathon 60 WP, or Flagship 0.22G DJHP standards were compared with labeled rates of non-DJHP-approved insecticides, including neonicotinoids clothianidin (Arena 50WDG), generic imidacloprid (Quali-Pro Imidacloprid 2 F T&O Insecticide, Mallet 2 F T&O Insecticide, and Lada 2 F Insecticide), and imidacloprid + bifenthrin (Allectus SC), as well as the anthranilic diamide, chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn Insecticide). Arena provided 100% P. japonica control in May, June, and July over four test years, but had ...
The relationship of alternate state-space representations in linear fiitering problems

Proof of relationship between state estimates and error covariance matrices in state-space representations in linear filtering
Selective arginines are important for the antibacterial activity and host cell interaction of human α-defensin 5

Defensins constitute a major family of natural antimicrobial peptides that protect the host against microbial invasion. Here, we report on the antibacterial properties and cellular interaction of Human Defensin 5 as a function of its positive charge and hydrophobicity. We find that selective replacement of arginine residues in HD-5 by alanine or charge-neutral lysine residues reduces antibacterial killing as well as host cell interaction. We identify arginines at positions 9 and 28 in the HD-5 sequence as particularly important for its function. Replacement of arginine at position 13 to Histidine, as observed in a Crohn's disease patient, reduced bacterial killing strain-selectively. Finally, we find that HD-5 interacts with host cells via receptor-mediated mechanisms.
A tissue-specific MAR SAR DNA-binding protein with unusual binding site recognition

Abstract A human cDNA was cloned that encodes a DNA-binding protein (SATB1) that is expressed predominantly in thymus and binds selectively to the nuclear matrix/scaffold-associating DNAs (MARsSARs). Missing nucleoside experiments showed that SATB1 selectively binds in a special AT-rich sequence context where one strand consists of mixed A's, T's, and C's, excluding G's (ATC sequences). When this feature is destroyed by mutation, SATB1 binding is greatly reduced even if the direct contact sequence remains intact. Conjunctional SATB1-binding sequences become stably unpaired in supercoiled DNA. Specific mutations that diminish the unwinding potential greatly reduce SATB1 binding. However, SATB1 does not bind single-stranded DNA. Chemical interference assays show that SATB1 binds along the minor groove with very little contact with the bases. This suggests that SATB1 recognizes the ATC sequence indirectly through the altered sugar-phosphate backbone structure present in the double-stranded DNA.
Public preferences for environmental management practices at DOE's nuclear waste sites

Residents who lived within 50 miles of one of six major US Department of Energy nuclear waste sites were asked in 2005 and again in 2010 to rate environmental management options. Respondents expressed strong preference for continuously sampling the air and water, monitoring worker health, and providing training and equipment to local responders. They strongly supported some site restrictions, such as making sure that the federal government owns the site until no more hazards are present, keeping visitors and recreational users off the site, and requiring government officials to report information to community representatives. The public was much more equivocal about other options, such as restricting new nuclear-related activities and requiring site managers to live near sites. The authors summarize factors that lead to these public preferences and discuss five population types encountered at these and perhaps other waste management sites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blood Plasma Chemistries from Wild Mourning Doves Held in Captivity

Despite the extensive amount of research conducted on mourning doves (Zenaida macroura), no biochemical reference values exist for this species. Our objective, therefore, was to establish base line clinical chemistry reference values for mourning doves to assist with establishing clinical diagnoses. Wild mourning doves were captured 19 March 1996 to 8 August 1996, and 6 February 1998 to 12 May 1998; blood samples were collected from 382 mourning doves. Plasma biochemical values were established for glucose, sodium, potassium, chloride, enzymatic CO2, albumin, total protein, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, magnesium, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and uric acid. These reference values are invaluable for determining diagnosis of diseases of the gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and endocrine systems.
Plasmid Pattern Analysis of Staphylococcus Species Isolated from Bovine Mammary Secretions

Plasmid profiles of staphylococci isolated from bovine mammary secretions were heterogeneous as shown by the study of 94 isolates representing six species. Plasmids were identified in 19 of 94 staphylococcal isolates. Number of plasmids per isolate varied from 1 to 4. Size of plasmids ranged from 1.2 to 45 MDa; however, most were between 1.8 and 4.8 MDa. Some isolates with identical plasmid profiles were observed within and between species. Plasmid profiles observed in this study suggest that no specific plasmid pattern occurs within a species. Ability to differentiate isolates was not enhanced when antibiograms were used in conjunction with plasmid profiles. Plasmid pattern analysis does not appear to be an adequate method for discriminating between isolates of a species and would likely provide limited epidemiological information regarding staphylococci of bovine origin.
Reduction in thermal tolerance of Notropis lutrensis and Pimephales promelas exposed to cadmium

Abstract This study focused on the temperature tolerance of Notropis lutrensis and Pimephales promelas exposed to water-borne cadmium. After a 96 h LC 50 (mg Cd l −1 ) was determined for each species, groups of fish were exposed to one of a series of sublethal cadmium concentrations (LC 5 , LC 10 and LC 20 ) prior to temperature tolerance measurements via the critical thermal maximum (CTM) method. CTMs were determined on days 1, 5 and 10 of cadmium exposure. Lethal toxicity values (96 h LC 50 and 95% confidence limits, mg Cd l −1 ) were 6.62 (6.11–7.26) for Notropis lutrensis and 3.58 (3.11–4.01) for Pimephales promelas . Both cadmium concentration and exposure time had a highly significant effect on CTMs of both species. Subsequent to 10 days of cadmium exposure, CTMs of Notropis lutrensis were 2.3–4.4°C lower than controls and 4.2–5.7°C lower than controls in Pimephales promelas . These findings suggest that exposure to cadmium at sublethal concentrations can adversely affect the ability of fish to withstand high temperature stress.
Longitudinal Neighborhood Profiles in Delinquency: The Decomposition of Change

The methods that traditionally have been used to examine changing spatial distributions of crime and delinquency rates are not able to analyze parsimoniously the full range of within-community variation in these rates over time. In this paper, we present a variant of Bryk and Raudenbush's(Psychol. Bull. 101: 147–158, 1987) hierarchical linear model that can simultaneously examine the full range of within- and between-group variation contained in longitudinal data sets. The method is illustrated through an analysis of the delinquency rates characterizing Chicago's neighborhoods between 1930 and 1970.
Exporting professionalism: US efforts to reform the armed forces in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, 1916–1933

Why did the United States, a country notorious for supporting coups and military dictatorships in Latin America during the Cold War, seek to depoliticize security forces in the Caribbean basin during the early twentieth century? Drawing from primary sources, I argue that this emphasis on military non-partisanship abroad stemmed from Progressive Era reforms popular at home. These reforms, which stressed bureaucratic efficiency via nonpartisan expertise, had become institutionalized within the US military and State Department and then channelled into the imperial administration of Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. The State Department and Marine Corps attempted to replace local partisan armies with the kind of professional, nonpartisan armed forces that the US's own military had come to exemplify. That these civil-military reform efforts ultimately backfired should serve as a reminder of the difficulties inherent in using military interventions to transform coercive apparatuses and their societies.
Different lethal effects of mitomycin C and actinomycin D during the division cycle of HeLa cells.

The lethal actions of mitomycin C and actinomycin D were followed during the division cycle of HeLa cells. The cells were most susceptible to a 2 hr pulse of mitomycin C during the G1 phase, whereas their sensitivity to actinomycin D was most pronounced in the S phase. Posttreatment of the cells with acetoxycycloheximide, a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis, increased the survival (colony-forming ability) of cells treated with mitomycin C but had very little effect on the survival of cells treated with actinomycin D. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Self, Identity, and Reactions to Distal Threats: The Case of Environmental Behavior

This article examines self-relevant processes that sustain behaviors that have little or no direct implications for people’s well-being. When outcomes are low in direct personal relevance, far in the future, or only weakly linked to one’s present behavior, imagined personal incentives may not be enough to motivate behavior. Under such circumstances, people may nonetheless perform actions that are linked to their identity, self-evaluation, or public image. Using pro-environmental behavior as an exemplar, we examine self-processes that are involved when people engage in behaviors that do not directly affect their personal self-interest.
Pressure effect on the polymerization kinetics of sol-gel process

Abstract The effect of pressure on the polymerization kinetics of Si(OCH3)4 sol-gel process has been investigated at a molecular level using 29Si NMR spectroscopy. The condensation subsequent to hydrolysis of the initiating Si-alkoxide reagent, Si(OCH3)4 was monitored as a function of elapsed time at different pressures. It has been shown that high pressures considerably enhance the reaction rates without altering the condensation mechanism which operates during the initial stages of the polymerization process.
Development and implementation of a medical/management information system at the harvard community health plan

The Harvard Community Health Plan (HCHP) is a multi-clinic prepaid group practice currently serving 37,000 greater Boston subscribers. The original clinic in Kenmore Square, Boston opened in October, 1969. A second clinic opened in Cambridge in July, 1973, in order to meet a projected subscriber population of 75,000 by 1977.
Enhancing Neurosurgical Endoscopy with the Use of ‘Virtual Reality’ Headgear

Widespread use of neurosurgical endoscopy has been hampered by the necessity of looking up from the surgical field to view the endoscopic image on a video monitor. Here is demonstrated a simple, lightweight headpiece with a small, built-in video monitor that reflects the video image to the dominant eye, thus allowing the operator to continuously observe the surgical field either via peripheral vision or via the non-dominant eye. Successful use of the device is documented here in a minimally invasive fenestration of an arachnoid cyst into the lateral ventricle via a flexible endoscopic procedure.
Dual resonance theory

Abstract It is suggested that a dual model could provide a Born approximation to a complete theory of hadrons. After reviewing various properties of Veneziano model amplitudes, including their underlying algebraic structure, more recent developments are discussed. The spectrum generating algebra is constructed and used to prove the no-ghost theorem for space-time dimension d ⩽ 26. A modification of the Veneziano model incorporating SU(N) symmetry in a dynamical fashion is shown to have critical dimension 26−N. A detailed discussion of the dual pion model and its extension to fermions is presented. It is proved that both the meson and fermion sectors are ghost free for d ⩽ 10. Finally, there is a discussion of nonplanar models and their possible connection with the pomeron singularities arising from nonplanar loop diagrams.
Compliant Assembly Variation Analysis Using Component Geometric Covariance

Dimensional variation is one of the most critical issues in the design of assembled products. This is especially true for the assembly of compliant parts since clamping and joining during assembly may introduce additional variation due to part deformation and springback. This paper discusses the effect of geometric covariance in the calculation of assembly variation of compliant parts. A new method is proposed for predicting compliant assembly variation using the component geometric covariance. It combines the use of principal component analysis (PCA) and finite element analysis in estimating the effect of part/component variation on assembly variation. PCA is used to extract deformation patterns from production data, decomposing the component covariance into the individual contributions of these deformation patterns. Finite element analysis is used to determine the effect of each deformation pattern over the assembly variation. The proposed methodology can significantly reduce the computational effort required in variation analysis of compliant assemblies. A case study is presented to illustrate the methodology.
THE USE OF THE VENTILATORY ANAEROBIC THRESHOLD FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EXERCISE GUIDELINES

The general interest in the application of exercise testing to evaluate the work capacity or change in the functional ability of individuals has resulted in the development of a variety of noninvasive tests and test parameters such as the anaerobic threshold. This paper presents a computer program written in BASIC that determines the anaerobic threshold from expired respiratory gases collected from an incremental exercise test. Results are summarized in tabular as well as graphical format. The use of the incremental exercise test in conjunction with this computer program will provide another means of efficiently determining the exercise capability of the patient.
Energy Bands of Alkali Metals. I. Calculated Bands

The results of energy band calculations for all of the alkali metals Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs, obtained using the quantum defect method and the Green's function method, are reported for points of low symmetry within the Brillouin zone as well as for the usual points of high symmetry. Definite trends in the band structure are revealed through the alkali metal series and as a function of lattice constant. The Fermi surfaces of Li and Cs are the most distorted by bulges in the [110] directions, while those of Na and K are nearly spherical; the corresponding gaps (${N}_{1}\ensuremath{-}{N}_{{1}^{\ensuremath{'}}}$) at equilibrium at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K are (in rydbergs): Li, +0.209; Na, +0.018; K, -0.037; Rb, -0.063; Cs, -0.088. Except for Na the gaps and distortion increase significantly in magnitude with decreasing lattice constant. However the Fermi surface of Li is found not to contact the zone face even under substantial pressure, while contact occurs for Cs at a slight compression. Excited bands are also given; there is a pronounced trend for $d$ states to fall increasingly lower relative to $s$, $p$, and $f$ states in the sequence Li to Cs, and for $p$ states to rise in this sequence relative to $s$ and $f$ states. Detailed comparisons are given with calculations by Callaway, Brooks, Schlosser, Allen, and others. These comparisons support the view that the significant features of these band structures are not very sensitive to uncertainties in the crystal potential.
Isolation and characterization of β1-adrenergic receptors from adult, rat cardiac myocytes

The β-receptors were isolated from rat cardiac myocytes and characterized. Isolated myocytes were prepared from adult rat hearts and characterized for viability. Membrane proteins were solubilized from myocytes with 1% Triton X-102. The solubilized membrane proteins were fractionated by DEAE-Sephacel ion exchange column chromatography. Two major protein peaks were obtained. The second protein peak sample was found to contain β-receptors to which 125I-15-(4′-azido-3′-iodobenzyl)-carazolol (125I-ABC) ‖ was specifically bound. This sample was labeled covalently with 125I-ABC by UV. irradiation. The radiolabeled sample was applied to a Sepharose CL-6B gel column. Two radiolabeled protein peaks, one with a molecular weight of approximately 570,000 and the other with a molecular weight of approximately 95,000 were found. When the 570,000-dalton complex was subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) under reducing conditions, it was dissociated into a component with a molecular weight of 66,000. The 95,000-dalton complex was dissociated into a 58,000-dalton component upon SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions. An excess amount of isoproterenol and propranolol decreased photolabeling of the β-receptors with 125I-ABC by 60% and 40%, respectively.
Effects of thiophanate and thiophanate-methyl on the male reproductive system of the mouse

Abstract The daily administration of thiophanate (295 mg/kg) or thiophanate-methyl (195 mg/kg) had no effect upon spermatogenesis or the ability of the prostate gland to assimilate [1,2-3H] testosterone. Little change occurred in the weights of the sex accessory organs, though there were significant increases in the weight of the prostate gland. The weights of the adrenal glands also increased significantly in the treated mice.
Political Relativism in the Work of Martin Heidegger

Abstract Much of the scholarly debate over the Heidegger controversy has endeavored to either connect or free his philosophy from fascism. Against both these tendencies, I argue that the central concepts of Heidegger's philosophy are politically underdetermined. Throughout both his late and early periods, Heidegger's primary ambition remained the illumination of the question of being, a project that I argue made his ontological framework inherently relativistic.
The effect of wavelength on optical properties extracted from images of engineered tissue

Optical imaging modalities such as confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are emerging as appealing methods for non-destructive evaluation of engineered tissues. The information offered by such optical imaging methods depends on the wavelength vis-a-vis the optical scattering properties of the sample. These properties affect many factors critical to image analysis in a nonlinear and nontrivial manner. Thus, we sought to characterize the effect wavelength has on the optical properties collagen remodeled by cells at 3 common imaging wavelengths: 488, 633, and 1310 nm. To do this, we seeded smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in soluble collagen gels at a density of 1×106 cells/ml; similar acellular control constructs were also prepared. The constructs were allowed to remodel in the incubator for 5 days, and were examined at 24 and 120 hours by confocal imaging at 488 and 633 nm, and by OCT imaging at 1310 nm. From the confocal and OCT data, the attenuation and reflectivity were evaluated by fitting the data to a theoretical model that relates the tissue optical properties (scattering coefficient and anisotropy factor) and imaging conditions to the signal. In general, we found that at 1310 nm, the optical properties of the acellular control constructs had a lower reflectivity (higher anisotropy) than the SMC constructs. The difference in reflectivity between the SMC construct and acellular controls tended to decrease with wavelength, owing to a relative increase in reflectivity of acellular controls at lower wavelengths relative to the cellular constructs. Overall, the largest difference in optical properties occurred at 1310 nm. Taken together, the data show that the shift in optical properties of soluble collagen gels caused by cellular remodeling is nonlinearly wavelength dependent, and that this information should be considered when devising how to optimally characterize engineered tissues using optical imaging methods.
Vagal and somatic representation by the climbing fiber system in lobule V of the cat cerebellum.

Abstract The organization of the climbing fiber representation of the vagal afferents and the body surface in the vermal and intermediate zones of lobule V was examined in cats anesthetized with α-chloralose. Extracellular single-unit recordings were made from 428 Purkinje cells. Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve elicited climbing fiber responses in 40% of the cells, most of which had convergent somatic input. Activation of Aσ vagal afferent fibers accounted for 65% of the responses, whereas the Aβ fibers involved 27% and the C fibers included 8% of the responses. The responses driven by vagal nerve stimulation were encountered throughout the lobule, although a significantly increased representation of the vagus was identified for 3 longitudinal 0.5 mm wide sectors (two in the vermis and one in the intermediate region). In the vermis, the fine-grain organization consisted of a mixture of representations of the various parts of the body surface with and without convergent vagal input, although there was little convergence in the medial vermis where many of the responses were elicited by only vagal nerve stimulation. In the intermediate cortex, most of the vagal climbing fiber representation was convergent with forelimb input. These results suggest that vagal input into the cerebellum could have important modulatory effects on the cerebellar somatosensory input.
Rainfall: State of the science

In textbooks, rain is often considered either the first or final step in the Earth's global water cycle, either way marking a role of special significance. Its presence brings a nurturing flow of fresh water or a devastating flood. Its absence can parch the land. But while rain is spawned from large clouds, its measurement and detection hinge on the small-scale wobbles and interactions described by rainfall microphysics. In the AGU monograph Rainfall: State of the Science, editors Firat Y. Testik and Mekonnen Gebremichael explore the diverse body of research on all aspects of rainfall science. In this interview, Eos talks to Firat Testik.
William Stillman, Rhode Island mechanician and communicator : His lock patents and acrostics

Focusing only on the famous and celebrated has skewed military and political history; focusing only on Oliver Evans, Lauchlan McKay, John W. Griffiths, Joseph Crane, and John H. Patterson could similarly skew our sense of American technical communication in the nineteenth century. Exploring the written work of an ordinary American mechanician of the nineteenth century, William Stillman of Rhode Island, could help balance our appraisal of nineteenth-century American technical communication. Reviewing the writing and graphics in his 1851 Miscellaneous Compositions, as well as his 1839 lock patent and 1836 bank lock instructions, reveals Stillman's ambidextrous abilities in using both text and graphics to communicate; abilities similar to his more famous fellow citizens. However, the three-dimensional qualities of his 1839 patent graphic reveals an unusual ability to mimic the biological methods in which the human eye sees three dimensions.
Measurement of cytochrome P450 and NADPH–cytochrome P450 reductase

Cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes are important in the metabolism of steroids, vitamins, carcinogens, drugs and other compounds. Two of the commonly used assays in this field are the measurements of total P450 and NADPH–P450 reductase in biological preparations. A detailed protocol is presented for the measurement of P450 by its spectral properties, along with a protocol for measuring NADPH–P450 reductase by its NADPH–cytochrome c reduction activity. Each assay can be completed in 5–10 min. Detailed explanations for the rationale of particular sequences in the protocols are provided, along with potential confounding problems.
Has the last decade of challenges to the multiple realization argument provided aid and comfort to psychoneural reductionists

The previous decade has seen renewed critical interest in the multiple realization argument. These criticisms constitute a “second wave” of challenges to this central argument in late-20th century philosophy of mind. Unlike the first wave, which challenged the premise that multiple realization is inconsistent with reduction or type identity, this second wave challenges the truth of the multiple realization premise itself. Since psychoneural reductionism was prominent among the explicit targets of the multiple realization argument, one might think that this second wave of challenges provides important aid and comfort to reductionists. In this paper, however, I provide reasons for thinking it does not. This is not to the detriment of psychoneural reductionism because, as I also argue here, and unrecognized by the current non-reductive orthodoxy in philosophy of mind, one key argument among the first wave of criticisms of the multiple realization argument has never been adequately rejoined.
Neutrophil recruitment: perivascular macrophages 'duke it out' with Staphylococcus aureus

Control of infection with Staphylococcus aureus relies on the production of neutrophil-recruiting chemokines by perivascular macrophages. S. aureus counterattacks by secreting α-hemolysin, which lyses tissue macrophages.
Alternative splicing of Slo channel gene programmed by estrogen, progesterone and pregnancy

STREX alternative-exon adds to Slo channel a phosphorylation sequence that can invert protein kinase A (PKA) regulation from excitatory to inhibitory. Because pregnancy switches Slo responsiveness to PKA from inhibitory to excitatory, we hypothesized that STREX expression diminishes with pregnancy and is regulated by sex hormones. Different from total-rSlo, which is elevated around mid-pregnancy and decreases at term, STREX transcripts progressively decreased with pregnancy near 80% at term. STREX downregulation was mimicked by estrogen, and opposed by estrogen-receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 or progesterone (Pg). The regulation of STREX splicing directed by estrogen and Pg provides a mechanism for Slo's PKA-related phenotypic alteration with pregnancy.
Theoretical analysis of the channel die compression test—I. General considerations and finite deformation of F.C.C. crystals in stable lattice orientations

Abstract An extensive theoretical investigation of f.c.c. crystals under [110] loading in the channel die compression test is presented. Two lattice orientations known from experiment to be stable relative to the channel axes, through large deformations, are investigated for each of four hardening laws. These are Taylor's classical isotropic hardening rule, a 2-parameter empirical rule from the metallurgical literature, the “simple theory” of anisotropic latent hardening( Havner and Shalaby , Proc. R. Soc. A 358 ,47 (1977)), and a modification of the simple theory proposed by pfirce et al., Acta Met. 30 , 1087 (1982). Predictions of active systems, equal multiple-slip and consequent lattice stability, finite shape change, and lateral constraint stress are the same for all theories, corresponding to minimum rate of plastic work, and are in general agreement with experiments on copper crystals by Wonsiewicz and Chin , Met. Trans. 1 , 2715 (1970) and Wonsiewicz et al. , Met. Trans. 2 , 2093 (1971). The predictions of latent hardening differ among the theories, however, depending upon whether there is relative rotation of material and lattice. The potential significance of experimental studies of latent hardening in these particular stable lattice orientations is emphasized.
Female Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Implications for Couples’ Therapists

There is a well-established relationship between childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual functioning. Couples that include a partner who is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse are at increased risk for a wide variety of relationship problems that accompany or result in unsatisfying or dysfunctional sexual relationships. Couples’ therapists need an understanding of the long-term impact of such trauma as well as knowledge about specific interventions that might minimize the potentially damaging effects on significant intimate relationships.
An Interconnect Stress Testing (IST) and Thermal Cycle Test (TCT) approach on printed circuit boards reliability

This paper describes the procedure and the results of a comprehensive test series to clarify relationships between different accelerated lifetime tests for PCBs (IST, online-hard and -soft TCTs in both cases with real-time resistance measurement and with classic micro-section assessment). The strong influence of base material properties on reliability has been demonstrated. The influence of copper plating properties on the cycle capability was also discussed. Acceleration factors between IST, hard and soft TCTs were determined, however, they have high uncertainties. Furthermore, a qualitative correlation between resistance measurement and detailed failure assessment at micro-sections was illustrated.
The use of specific orienting cues for teaching discrimination tasks

Abstract A review of the experimental literature and frequent clinical observations suggest that autistic children are frequently unresponsive to necessary cues in complex discrimination tasks. This experiment attempted to remediate this problem by providing preliminary orienting instructions designed to enhance responding to problematic cues reported by the children's therapists. Three autistic children were taught a total of six discrimination tasks in the context of a multiple baseline design. During the baseline condition, which employed common, nonspecific orienting cues such as, “Look at the pictures,” or “Pay attention,” the children did not evidence acquisition for any of the referred tasks. In the treatment condition, additional orienting instructions were presented which required the children to make overt responses demonstrating that they had oriented to the specific relevant cues (i.e., they verbally labeled these specific cues) prior to responding. In each case, these procedures produced rapid achievement of the acquisition criterion. The results are discussed in terms of understanding and facilitating autistic children's complex discrimination learning.
The Asymptomatic Outpatient with Abnormal Liver Function Tests

Traditionally, the constellation of biochemistry tests including liver enzymes, total bilirubin, and hepatic synthetic measures (prothrombin time (PT) and serum albumin level) are referred to as liver function tests (LFTs). Abnormal LFTs can be encountered during primary health care visits, routine blood donation, and insurance screening. A reported 1% to 4% of asymptomatic patients exhibit abnormal LFTs, leading to a sizeable number of annual consultations to a gastroenterology and/or hepatology practice. A cost-effective and systematic approach is essential to the interpretation of abnormal LFTs. A review of pattern of abnormal LFTs, detailed medical history, and a comprehensive physical examination help establish a foundation for further individualized testing. Further investigation often involves biochemical testing for disease-specific markers, radiographic imaging, and even consideration of a liver biopsy. In the following account, markers of hepatic injury are reviewed followed by a discussion on an approach to various patterns of abnormal LFTs in an asymptomatic patient.
Rare But Routine: The Physician's Obligation to Protect Third Parties

Kenneth Kipnis (2006) presents a normative defense of strict confidentiality, but it follows from an empirical claim that allowing breach would result in all parties being worse off, including, par...
A fitting procedure for some generalized poisson distributions

Abstract Many of the contagious distributions considered in the biological sciences are members of the generalized Poisson family. Four distributions which belong to this family and have been used frequently are the Negative Binomial (cf. Bliss [2]), Neyman Type A (cf. Beall and Rescia [1]), Poisson Binomial (cf. McGuire et al. [10]) and the generalized Polya-Aeppli (cf. Skellam [14]).
Distributed robotic sampling of non-homogeneous spatio-temporal fields via recursive geometric sub-division

Environmental monitoring, an important application for robots, has begun to be addressed recently with linear least squares regression techniques because they estimate the values of measured attributes and their uncertainty. But several challenges remain when performing adaptive sampling in a communication-constrained distributed multi-robot setting. When the attributes of interest evolve over time (as is natural for many environments) any non-homogeneous spatial variability may necessitate continual re-modeling of the field dynamics and/or re-sampling of the field. This raises questions about the robots’ division of labor and workload balance that can be difficult to address when sample information is not stored centrally. This paper tackles these coordination problems efficiently by introducing a sub-division-based modeling technique appropriate for distributed decision-making. We augment Ordinary Kriging to enable representation of a field’s (potentially non-homogeneous) evolution through Bayes filtering that characterize the underlying dynamics. This approach not only enables adaptive path planning in the field, but the sub-divided areas lead to a straightforward formulation of the optimal workload distribution through modification of an approximate graph partitioning algorithm. Using a simulated multi-robot sampling scenario, we demonstrate and validate the approach. The experiments show good performance in terms of crossvalidation using real values and illustrate how hotspots are identified and modeled, in turn affecting the division of labor.
Micro-optical characterization of fluidic self-assembly of drosophila embryos through surface tension : Principle, simulation and experiments

We describe high precision experimental and numerical characterization of the positioning forces acting on Drosophila embryos that have self-assembled onto two-dimensional arrays of hydrophobic sites on a silicon substrate in water. The forces measured using a surface micromachined optical-encoder force sensor operating in reflection, are in good agreement with numerical simulations based on an extended surface energy model for the oil-based fluidic system. The positioning forces of ellipsoidal embryos on flat pads show a linear-spring-like relationship between the force and displacement on rectangular as well as cross-shaped pads. In contrast, the positioning forces of flat silicon chips, similar in size to the embryos, are linear in the displacement only over a limited range, and are then constant up to the detachment force. The optical force characterization method and the associated surface energy model for the self-assembly process can potentially be used for design optimization of fluidic self-assembly for a wide range of applications in biology.
A Textbook Approach to Teaching: Structural Uniformity among American High School Sociology Courses

There has been renewed interest over the past 5 years among sociologists in empirically examining the status of sociology in high school. The few studies that have recently been conducted, however, have focused almost exclusively on high school sociology teachers. The nature and structure of the courses themselves have been largely ignored. Given the American Sociological Association's recent attempts to develop and implement an Advanced Placement course, it seems especially important to examine the characteristics of existing sociology courses. This paper uses the results of a national mail survey to describe and discuss three aspects of the nature and structure of a random sample of sociology courses that were offered during the 2005-06 school year: instructional materials and pedagogical resources, teaching techniques, and course content. I demonstrate that these aspects of the courses look remarkably similar across the country: Teachers rely overwhelmingly on standard introductory textbooks to structure their courses. They are also apt to utilize supplemental materials from textbook publishers and from newspapers and newsmagazines, and to use a combination of lecture and discussion in their sociology classes. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research.
Circuit Coverings of Graphs and a Conjecture of Pyber

An equivalent statement of the circuit double cover conjecture is that every bridgeless graph G has a circuit cover such that each vertex v of G is contained in at most d(v) circuits of the cover, where d(v) is the degree of v. Pyber conjectured that every bridgeless graph G has a circuit cover such that every vertex of G is contained in at most ?(G) circuits of the cover, where ?(G) is the maximum degree of G. This paper affirms Pyber?s conjecture by establishing an intermediate result, namely that every bridgeless graph G has a circuit cover such that each vertex v of G is contained in at most d(v) circuits of the cover if d(v) ? 3 and in at most three circuits of the cover if d(v) = 2. Our proofs rely on results on integer flows.
Elastic response spectrum: a historical note

This is the first contribution in a new series of Historical Notes on seminal concepts in earthquake engineering and structural dynamics. It records the origins and early developments (up to the late 1960's) of the elastic response spectrum. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Fredholm index of a pair of commuting operators, II

This paper concerns Fredholm theory in several variables, and its applications to Hilbert spaces of analytic functions. One feature is the introduction of ideas from commutative algebra to operator theory. Specifically, we introduce a method to calculate the Fredholm index of a pair of commuting operators. To achieve this, we define and study the Hilbert space analogs of Samuel multiplicities in commutative algebra. Then the theory is applied to the symmetric Fock space. In particular, our results imply a satisfactory answer to Arveson’s program on developing a Fredholm theory for pure d-contractions when d = 2, including both the Fredholmness problem and the calculation of indices. We also show that Arveson’s curvature invariant is in fact always equal to the Samuel multiplicity for an arbitrary pure d-contraction with finite defect rank. It follows that the curvature is a similarity invariant.
A 25-year data record of atmospheric ozone in the Pacific from Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) cloud slicing: Implications for ozone trends in the stratosphere and troposphere

[1] The newly reprocessed solar backscatter ultraviolet (SBUV) and Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) version 8 data from 1979 to 2003 are used to estimate the seasonal cycle, latitude dependence, and long-term trends in ozone averaged over the Pacific region (120°W to 120°E) in three broad layers of the atmosphere: upper stratosphere (32 hPa and above), lower stratosphere (32 hPa to tropopause), and the troposphere. The ozone amount in these layers is derived by first determining stratospheric column ozone in the Pacific from TOMS using deep convective clouds, which are numerous in the region. Tropospheric column ozone (TCO) for the Pacific is then determined by taking the difference between total column ozone and stratospheric column ozone. This “cloud-slicing” technique is extensively tested from the tropics extending to ±60° latitude using stratospheric ozone data from the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment II instrument. The validity of the cloud-slicing technique in obtaining TCO is also tested using data from ozonesondes over a wide range of latitude. SBUV ozone profiles are used to measure upper stratospheric column ozone for the Pacific region. Lower stratospheric column ozone is then derived from the difference between stratospheric column ozone and upper stratospheric column ozone. This process yields a unique 25-year record of Pacific mean ozone in three atmospheric layers covering all latitudes and seasons. The analysis of the data shows that the seasonal cycles, latitude dependence, and trends in these layers are substantially different. Over the 25-year record most ozone depletion has occurred in the lower stratosphere below ∼25 km altitude. In middle and high latitudes, ozone losses are 3–4 times larger in the lower stratosphere compared with the upper stratosphere, even though the ozone amounts in the two regions are about the same. For the troposphere, TCO shows a statistically significant upward trend in the midlatitudes of both hemispheres but not in the tropics.