cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Coadsorbed Water on the Photodecomposition of Acetone on TiO2(110)

The influence of coadsorbed water on the photodecomposition of acetone on TiO2 was examined using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and the rutile TiO2(110) surface as a model photocatalyst. Of the two major influences ascribed to water in the heterogeneous photocatalysis literature (promotion via OH radical supply and inhibition due to site blocking), only the negative influence of water was observed. As long as the total water and acetone coverage was maintained well below the first layer saturation coverage (‘1 ML’), little inhibition of acetone photodecomposition was observed. However, as the total water+acetone coverage exceeded 1 ML, acetone was preferentially displaced from the first layer to physisorbed states by water and the extent of acetone photodecomposition attenuated. The displacement originated from water compressing acetone into high coverage regions where increased acetone-acetone repulsions caused displacement from the first layer. The immediate product of acetone photodecomposition was adsorbed acetate, which occupies twice as many surface sites per molecule as compared to acetone. Since the acetate intermediate was more stable on the TiO2(110) surface than either water or acetone (as gauged by TPD) and since its photodecomposition rate was less than that of acetone, additional surface sites were not opened up during acetone photodecompositionmore » for previously displaced acetone molecules to re-enter the first layer. Results in this study suggest that increased molecular-level repulsions between organic molecules brought about by increased water coverage are as influential in the inhibiting effect of water on photooxidation rates as are water-organic repulsions.« less
Experimental procedures for the determination of amperometric selectivity coefficients

Abstract Procedures for the determination of amperometric selectivity coefficients, expressing the extent of interference of foreign electroactive substances on the amperometric sensing of the target analyte, are critically assessed. Separate solution (equiconcentration, matched current, measurement matching sample composition, separate calibration) and mixed solution methods (fixed analyte and fixed interferent, with single or multiple addition, alternate analyte and interferent addition) are examined. The performance of different methods and procedures with a model system (catechol and ferrocyanide) and a system with direct interaction between the electroactive species (dopamine and ascorbic acid) is experimentally explored. The advantages of mixed solution methods are discussed.
Molecular modelling of cation–π interactions

Cation–π interactions have long been considered a challenge for molecular modelling and a shortcoming of most of the commonly used biomolecular force fields. In this article, we provide an overview of current research on molecular modelling of cation–π interactions, with an emphasis on applications to proteins and on our recent polarisable models based on the classical Drude oscillator. We describe the main approaches used to model cation–π interactions in solution and illustrate their relevance to a few case studies: the stability of the villin headpiece subdomain, the blockade of potassium channels by quaternary ammonium ions, and the permeation of ammonium across transporters of the Amt/MEP family.
Effects of Extreme Scour and Soil Subgrade Modulus on Bridge Pile Bent Buckling

A common design/construction procedure for highway bridges that are over marshes, small creeks, and shallow bodies of water is to have the bridge superstructure supported on pile bents. During major flood events, the volume and velocity of flood waters can cause considerable scouring to occur at the bents. As the elastic buckling capacity and stability of these bents vary inversely with the square of the bent height, a scour of 4.6 m (15 ft) at a bent that was originally 4.6 m (15 ft) in height will reduce its elastic buckling capacity by a factor of 4. Also the correct buckling load of such bents is somewhat questionable because of the unknown degree of fixity afforded by the soil at the pile ground line. This paper summarizes an investigation of the effect of the soil subgrade modulus on bridge pile bent buckling and pushover capacity. Analysis results indicate that bent pile buckling and pushover loads are not very sensitive to the soil subgrade modulus, k0 , unless the value of k0 is very small, i.e.,...
Si indiffusion on Ge(100)-(2×1) studied by core-level photoemission

Core-level photoemission spectroscopy has been utilized to study the adsorption and growth of Si on Ge(100)-(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) by molecular-beam epitaxy. The populations of Si and Ge atoms in the surface are monitored by measuring the intensities of the surface-shifted Si and Ge core-level components. After several atomic layers of Si are deposited on Ge(100) at a growth temperature of 450 C, the top layer which forms the (2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) reconstruction consists of Ge atoms only. This tendency for Si atoms to move below the surface persists even for growth at about room temperature.
Design of an integrated high-speed HBT-based electroabsorption modulator and driver in SiGe BiCMOS technology

Monolithic optoelectronic integrated circuits are a primary focus of research for high-speed optical communication system development. Standard silicon processes provide a cost effective way for electro-optic system integration. This paper presents a monolithic optical modulator and driver design based on 130nm SiGe BiCMOS technology. Post-layout simulation results demonstrate that the modulator achieves a switch frequency of 10GHz.
Maternal expectations mother-child connectedness and adolescent sexual debut.

Background: This study examined 3 hypotheses: (1) adolescents who perceive maternal disapproval of sexual activity will initiate sexual intercourse later than other adolescents; (2) adolescents who feel highly connected to their mothers will initiate sexual intercourse later than others; and (3) adolescents who perceive maternal disapproval of sexual intercourse are more likely than others to experience high levels of connectedness to their mothers, and to have mothers who state strong disapproval and talk more frequently with them about sex. Design/Setting: The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), a longitudinal study of US students in grades 7 through 12. The Add Health core in-home sample consisted of 12105 students who completed in-school and in-home surveys at wave 1). Members of this sample completed a second in-home survey 9 to 18 months later at wave 2. Participants: Wave 1 and wave 2 in-home surveys were completed by 3322 core sample members who had reported being virgins at wave 1, and had resident mothers who completed wave 1 surveys. Main Outcome Measures: Time to first sexual intercourse, adolescents’ wave 2 reports of month/year of first sexual intercourse. Results: Adolescents’ perceptions of maternal disapproval and high levels of mother-child connectedness were directly and independently associated with delays in first sexual intercourse. Adolescents were most likely to perceive maternal disapproval if their mothers reported strong disapproval and if they reported being highly connected to their mothers. Conclusion: Perceived maternal disapproval of sexual intercourse, along with mother-child relationships characterized by high levels of warmth and closeness, may be important protective factors related to delay in adolescents’ first sexual intercourse. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2000;154:809-816
Effects of Reading Storybooks Aloud to Children

Abstract Findings from a longitudinal study of reading comprehension development that revealed a negative relationship between the amount of time kindergarten teachers spend reading to kindergarten children and the children's reading achievement are presented. The amount of time first-grade teachers spent reading to their students was unrelated to the reading achievement of their students. Results are discussed in terms of a “displacement theory.” In other words, teachers who read the most spent the least amount of time in teaching activities that were positively correlated with reading achievement. Further information gathered from parent questionnaires about the time they spend reading to their children and the children's independent reading reveal a positive relationship between reading achievement and the time children spend engaged with print, but no relationship between reading achievement and the amount of time parents spent reading to their children. Further analyses revealed no relationship betwe...
Assessment of fatigue, monitor placement, and surgical experience during simulated laparoscopic surgery.

Background Laparoscopic surgery requires the surgeon to assume atypical postures for extended periods of time, potentially leading to fatigue and chronic injury. This study assessed the level of muscle activity and compared the effects of fatigue, monitor placement, and surgical experience during simulated laparoscopic surgery.
An Alternative to Print-Centric Design for Online Health Literacy: The Redevelopment of a Cancer Information Portal

Despite the increasing use of online health literacy resources, scholars and practitioners assess Web sites based on readability measures such as sentence length, word choice, and other “print-centric” features to the exclusion of features unique to online media. In this article, we offer an alternative approach that accounts for multiple modes of communication and non-linear arrangement—features that characterize online media. To demonstrate this approach, we detail a recent project to redesign a cancer patient web portal. Included in our discussion of the project is a heuristic tool for designing web navigation as well as detailed examples of reworded content.
Simple diagnostic approach to childhood fecal retention using the Leech score and Bristol stool form scale in medical practice.

Background and Aim: To assess fecal retention, plain abdominal radiography is frequently used to complement the clinical history and physical examination, and three scoring systems have been proposed by Barr, Blethyn, and Leech on a single abdominal radiography. The aim of the present study was to find simple and useful diagnostic tools for an approach to fecal retention by correlation of the three scoring systems with the clinical characteristics. Methods: This study included 76 children (5.6–15.4 years, male : female = 33:43) who presented with various gastrointestinal complaints and 20 healthy children from the years 2004–2008. Defecation characteristics, abdominal pain, anorexia and nausea, the Bristol stool form scale, and colonic transit time were studied. Plain abdominal radiographs were independently scored with the three scoring systems by a pediatrician and a radiologist. Results: The k-value of the Leech score (0.912) between two of the observers was higher than the others (Barr 0.870 and Blethyn 0.670), and the correlation coefficients of the Leech scoring system by a pediatrician in relation to the colonic transit time (r = 0.861, P < 0.001) and the Bristol stool form scale (r = −0.818, P < 0.001) were highest in the constipated children. Furthermore, there were statistically significant associations between the Leech scoring system and the defecation frequency per week (r = −0.569 and −0.625 in two observers) or abdominal pain (r = 0.574 and 0.567). Conclusions: The Leech score and the Bristol stool form scale may be simple and useful diagnostic tools for pediatricians to access childhood fecal loading in outpatient clinics along with a thorough clinical history.
A Scattering Study of Mixed Micelles of Hexaethylene Glycol Mono-n-dodecyl Ether and Sodium Dodecylsulfonate in D2O

Small angle neutron scattering and light scattering measurements have been used to probe interactions between mixed micelles composed primarily of hexaethylene glycol mono-n-dodecyl ether, C[sub 12]E[sub 6], with small amounts of added sodium dodecylsulfonate, C[sub 12]SO[sub 3]Na, in D[sub 2]O. The phase behavior of these two surfactants in D[sub 2]O varies little from their phase behavior in H[sub 2]O. As the ratio of anionic to nonionic surfactant increases at fixed nonionic surfactant concentration, static light scattering spectra from micellar solutions show growing evidence of an interaction peak that correlates with expected increases in electrostatic repulsions. Dynamic light scattering results are also consistent with an increase in the repulsive interactions between micelles as the amount of added C[sub 12]SO[sub 3]Na increases. Small angle neutron scattering spectra are used to test models of micelle interactions. A model incorporating an electrostatic perturbation to the sticky hard sphere model provides excellent fits to spectra from mixed micellar solutions. The size of the micelle remains constant with added anionic surfactant, and the charge per micelle increases steadily. Thus, the effect of adding anionic surfactant to aqueous micellar solutions of C[sub 12]E[sub 6] can be understood simply in terms of a strengthening repulsive electrostatic component ofmore » the micelle-micelle interaction potential that counteracts an attractive potential between C[sub 12]E[sub 6] micelles. 49 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.« less
Do birds select habitat or food resources? Nearctic-neotropic migrants in northeastern Costa Rica

Nearctic-neotropic migrant birds need to replenish energy reserves during stopover periods to successfully complete their semiannual movements. In this study we used linear models to examine the habitat use of 11 migrant species in northeastern Costa Rica to better understand the influence of food and structural resources on the presence of birds during stopover periods. Our models indicated that frugivorous migrants primarily used food abundance, while insectivorous migrants chiefly used vegetation structure as cues for habitat use during stopover. In addition to habitat use models, we documented fruiting plant phenology and found a general relationship between migrant arrival and the timing of ripe fruit availability. Our results suggest that insectivorous migrants probably rely on structural features when using habitat because it may be inherently difficult to assess cryptic-arthropod availability during a short period of time in a novel habitat, such as stopover periods.
Genomic organization of tRNA and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase genes for two amino acids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract The genomic organization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae of the tRNA and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase genes for two amino acids was investigated. Aspartic acid and serine were chosen for the study because of the number and diversity of their tRNA gene sequences and the availability of cloned tRNA and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase genes. Chromosome assignments were determined by hybridization to DNA gel blots of chromosomal DNA resolved by contour-clamped homogeneous electric field gel electrophoresis. Our results show that the tRNA and the cognate synthetase genes in such a family are dispersed and, therefore, canot be regulated via a mechanism dependent on close proximity of genes. In general, the genome of S. cerevisiae contains randomly dispersed tRNA genes that are transcribed individually. We have supported and expanded this view by applying the facile method of contour-clamped homogeneous electric field gel electrophoresis to the investigation of these small multigene families.
Safety in Numbers: Bailouts and the Decision to Join the EMU

We use unique survey data from Bulgaria to investigate the effect of recent bailouts on the perceived benefits of joining the European Monetary Union (EMU). The data show that the EMU is perceived as an insurance mechanism where member states can receive financial assistance in times of crisis. Notwithstanding the conditions attached to such help and the expected negative impacts of adopting the euro on the economy, the perception drives the public support for eurozone membership in Bulgaria.
Stochastic–conceptual analysis of near‐surface hydrological response

The stochastic–conceptual rainfall–runoff simulator (SCRRS) developed by R. A. Freeze in 1980 was used in this study to demonstrate quantitatively the interplay of the factors that control the occurrence of overland flow by the Horton and Dunne mechanisms. The simulation domain and input data for the SCRRS simulations reported here were abstracted from the R-5 catchment (Chickasha, OK) data sets. The results illustrate that the identification of a dominant hydrological response process may not be as simple as a singular Horton or Dunne characterization. The SCRRS simulations show that the Horton and Dunne processes can (i) occur simultaneously at different locations during a given rainfall event, (ii) change from one process to the other with time depending on the characteristics of the rainfall event, and (iii) be strongly dependent on the initial conditions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Near-10-MeV ion acceleration in the forward direction and isotope production with a high-intensity laser

High energy protons with the energy up to 10 MeV were accelerated in the forward direction using a tabletop laser with focusing intensity of 6 X 1018W/cm2. When a deuterated polystyrene was deposited on a front surface of a Mylar film and a boron sample was placed behind the laser target we observed the production of approximately 105 atoms of positron active isotope 11C from the reaction 10B(d,n)11C. The activation results suggest that deuterons were accelerated from the front surface of the laser target.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Tyrosine augments acute clozapine- but not haloperidol-induced dopamine release in the medial prefrontal cortex of the rat: an in vivo microdialysis study.

Tyrosine availability can influence dopamine (DA) synthesis in highly electrophysiologically active DAergic neurons, such as those innervating the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). Whether tyrosine concentrations can also affect MPFC extracellular DA concentrations, measured in vivo, is not known. Since clozapine preferentially activates mesocortical DA neurons, we posited that tyrosine administration to a clozapine-pretreated rat would enhance the clozapine-induced augmentation of MPFC extracellular DA concentrations. Tyrosine alone (25–50mg/kg IP) did not affect mesocortical or striatal extracellular DA concentrations measured by in vivo microdialysis. Given 30 minutes after clozapine (10 mg/kg), tyrosine (50 mg/kg) significantly prolonged the clozapine-induced increase in MPFC extracellular DA concentrations but had no effect in the striatum. In contrast, tyrosine (50 mg/kg) significantly prolonged the haloperidol (1 mg/kg) induced increase in striatal extracellular DA concentrations but had no effect in the MPFC. These data constitute the first in vivo evidence that administration of tyrosine can selectively potentiate the clozapine-evoked increase in mesocortical extracellular DA concentrations.
Ultralow-power nonlinear optics using tapered optical fibers in noble gases

We demonstrate ultralow-power optical nonlinearities using a sub-wavelength diameter tapered optical fiber in a gas of metastable xenon atoms. The use of inert noble gases offers advantages over reactive alkali vapors such as rubidium.
Introduction: Youth and Cultural Politics in Latin America

Latin American countries have historically been young societies, with children and young adults making up a substantial portion of their popula tions. In the colonial and postindependence eras, the high percentage of children and youth commanded interest from government reformers, military regimes, and social welfare organizations as a potential source of political and social unrest (see Kuznesof, 2005, and contributors to Hecht, 2002). In recent years, the proportion that is under age 25, which we broadly term "youth," hovers at just over half of the population both regionally and in nearly every nation (CEPAL/ECLAC, 2007: 26). Youth movements, including the student protests of the 1960s and 1970s, have played critical roles in the shaping of modern history in the region. Sometimes such protests have had tragic ends, as in the case of the 1968 Tlatelolco massacre in Mexico City. Military regimes in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile from the 1960s through the 1980s specifically targeted young women and men?whether or not they were actually involved in political activism?for persecution and disappearance. A generation of youthful participants in the region's political culture was devastated in these nations. In other cases, as among the Sandinistas in Nicaragua and the Zapatistas in Chiapas, Mexico, young men and women were key players in more successful revolutionary uprisings and efforts toward democratic trans formation. The involvement of Latin American youth has had a profound influence on the tenor and demands of political and cultural movements in the region in recent times.
Experiments on the role of potassium in the blocking of neuromuscular transmission by curare and other drugs.

1. Experiments with perfused frog muscles and with isolated frog muscles immersed in Ringer's solution have failed to show any effect of curare in liberating potassium from muscle tissue. This makes it difficult to suppose that the paralytic effect of curare can be attributed to cation exchange between curare and K whereby a labile potassium compound needed for stimulation is removed from the neuromuscular junction. 2. Similar negative results were obtained with dihydro-β-erythroidine and myanesin. 3. A small liberation of K from perfused muscle does result from treatment with acetylcholine. This is probably due to the contracture of the muscle since the effect is largely eliminated by previous treatment of the muscle with curare. The amount of potassium lost in this way from perfused muscles is too small to detect when muscles are analyzed after immersion in Ringer's solution with and without acetylcholine. It is concluded that there is no significant cation exchange between acetylcholine and K in muscle, but only a small loss of K due to the contracture produced by the acetylcholine.
The Use of Enzyme Therapy to Regulate the Metabolic and Phenotypic Consequences of Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency in Mice: DIFFERENTIAL IMPACT ON PULMONARY AND IMMUNOLOGIC ABNORMALITIES *

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency results in a combined immunodeficiency brought about by the immunotoxic properties of elevated ADA substrates. Additional non-lymphoid abnormalities are associated with ADA deficiency, however, little is known about how these relate to the metabolic consequences of ADA deficiency. ADA-deficient mice develop a combined immunodeficiency as well as severe pulmonary insufficiency. ADA enzyme therapy was used to examine the relative impact of ADA substrate elevations on these phenotypes. A "low-dose" enzyme therapy protocol prevented the pulmonary phenotype seen in ADA-deficient mice, but did little to improve their immune status. This treatment protocol reduced metabolic disturbances in the circulation and lung, but not in the thymus and spleen. A "high-dose" enzyme therapy protocol resulted in decreased metabolic disturbances in the thymus and spleen and was associated with improvement in immune status. These findings suggest that the pulmonary and immune phenotypes are separable and are related to the severity of metabolic disturbances in these tissues. This model will be useful in examining the efficacy of ADA enzyme therapy and studying the mechanisms underlying the immunodeficiency and pulmonary phenotypes associated with ADA deficiency.
The Relationship between Structural Properties of Metal-Tris (Ethylenediamine) Montmorillonite and their Behavior as Gas Chromatographic Packing Materials

The tris(ethylenediamine) complex cations of chromium(III), cobalt(III), and copper(II) were exchanged onto sodium montmorillonite. The resulting cation exchanged clays were dried, ground, sieved and the 50/80 mesh size was retained for use as column packing material to be used in gas chromatographic analysis of light hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen. Studies indicated that the hydrocarbons were following a sieving action whereas the nitrogen oxides were involved in a surface adsorption process. The changes in door-spacing and surface area of tris(ethylenediamine)Cr(III)-montmorillonite were correlated with the changes in gas chromatographic retention time for the light hydrocarbons and the oxides of nitrogen. Retention time was obtained for the 100 per cent exchanged montmorillonites containing cations of tris(ethylenediamine)Cr(III), tris(ethylenediamine)Co(III), and tris(ethylenediamine)Cu(II). A compara- tive study of the d00~-spacing and surface area.of the three clays is shown to be directly related to the retention time. Heating effects were studied to determine thermal stability. Changes in retention times were compared with various structural changes. DTA and heatin~oscillating X-ray powder diffraction analysis were used to help explain the relationship between retention time and structural change.
Ethanol does not affect discriminative-stimulus effects of nicotine in rats.

Abstract The effects of ethanol were evaluated in rats trained to discriminate 0.4 mg/kg of nicotine from saline under a fixed-ratio 10 schedule of food delivery. Ethanol (0.1–1 g/kg, i.p.) did not produce any nicotine-like discriminative effects and did not produce any shift in the dose–response curve for nicotine discrimination. Thus, the ability to discriminate nicotine's effects does not appear to be altered by ethanol administration. However, the high dose of 1 g/kg ethanol, given either alone or in combination with nicotine, markedly depressed food-maintained responding. This later effect was associated in some rats with an attenuation of the discriminative-stimulus effects of the training dose of nicotine. This suggests that previous reports of increased tobacco smoking following ethanol consumption in humans are connected, in some way, with an increase in motivation to consume nicotine that is produced by ethanol, rather than with a decrease in the subjective response to nicotine.
Measurement of Intracellular Free Zinc in Living Neurons

Abstract Excessive Zn2+influx has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neuronal death after global ischemia or prolonged seizures, but little is presently known about cellular regulation of intracellular free Zn2+([Zn2+]i). In large part, this is because the tools currently available for measuring [Zn2+]iare limited in comparison to those available for measuring [Ca2+]ior other ions. We outline here approaches to this task that have been taken in the past, and summarize our recent experience using mag-fura-5 to measure [Zn2+]iin living cortical neurons exposed to toxic levels of extracellular Zn2+.
Improving trunk rotation.

Figure 1 Kneeling trunk rotation (a) start position (b) final position. Sports such as tennis, golf, baseball, and hockey each involve a tremendous amount of trunk rotation. It is not just striking sports, but also throwing, kicking, running, swimming, skiing, etcwhichall require yourbody to rotate throughyour core. In order to transmit forces from your bigger, stronger leg muscles to your arms, trunk rotation is needed. Back injuries, oblique abdominal strains, rotator cuff problems, and even reduced performance can directly result from diminished mobility in trunk rotation. This selfcare article shows a very simple trunk rotation exercise that can be performed as a warm-up or part of a daily stretching routine. Another benefit of trunk rotation training is that it can help improve to posture. A slouched posture with rounded shoulders will quickly straighten up with these simple stretches.
The Foundations of Positive and Normative Economics: A Handbook

The Foundations of Positive and Normative Economics: A Handbook. Edited by Andrew Caplin and Andrew Schotter. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008, xxii + 382 pp., ISBN 978-0-19-532831-8, $99.00...
Visual language programming: for robot command/control in unstructured environments

Behavior specification is a barrier to widespread use of robots in unstructured environments. Experience with storyboard graphics, animation, text, speech and sound effects used in a visual-language prosthesis, Lingraphica, suggests that robot motion and task planning can be specified efficiently and with a minimum of training using text-graphic primitives. The approach complements adaptive environmental sensing and control. >
Developmental disabilities: opportunities for social workers

Charles R. Horejsi, DSW, is Professor of Social Work, University of Montana, Missoula. A version of this article was presented at the Fifth Biennial NASW Professional Symposium, San Diego, California, November 1977. The social work profession as a is officially defined in P.L. 94-103. In whole has demonstrated little concern general, it refers to disabilities attrib with the field of mental retardation utable to mental retardation, cerebral and developmental disabilities, allowpalsy, epilepsy, autism, and certain ing itself to be represented by a relaother conditions closely related to re tively small number of standard-beartardation in terms of intellectual and ers. In the early 1960s, Dybwad adaptive problems and the types of expressed his dismay over how slow services needed, the Child Welfare League of America
Potential-Based Agnostic Boosting

We prove strong noise-tolerance properties of a potential-based boosting algorithm, similar to MadaBoost (Domingo and Watanabe, 2000) and SmoothBoost (Servedio, 2003). Our analysis is in the agnostic framework of Kearns, Schapire and Sellie (1994), giving polynomial-time guarantees in presence of arbitrary noise. A remarkable feature of our algorithm is that it can be implemented without reweighting examples, by randomly relabeling them instead. Our boosting theorem gives, as easy corollaries, alternative derivations of two recent nontrivial results in computational learning theory: agnostically learning decision trees (Gopalan et al, 2008) and agnostically learning halfspaces (Kalai et al, 2005). Experiments suggest that the algorithm performs similarly to MadaBoost.
Preparation of the ruminant stomach for classroom demonstration.

Abstract A method of preparation of the ruminant stomach is described that allows it to be sectioned longitudinally to reveal the structural details of the rumen and reticulum on one side and the omasum and abomasum on the other side.
Prevalence and Determinants of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Healthy Postmenopausal Women

Background and Purpose Subclinical atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries can be assessed noninvasively with B-mode ultrasound. Few studies have included enough younger postmenopausal women to examine risk factors specific to this group that were related to subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. Methods A subgroup of 200 participants of the Healthy Women Study underwent B-mode ultrasound of the carotid arteries. Intima-media thickness (IMT) and focal plaque were assessed in each carotid artery. Data regarding risk factors, including blood pressure parameters, lipid values, body mass index, smoking history, and hormone status, were collected at three separate time points ( before menopause, 1 year after menopause, and 5 or 8 years after menopause). Results The mean IMT was 0.76±0.11 mm, and 50% of the population had at least one focal plaque. Smoking had the strongest association with the presence of plaque. Women who smoked at the time of the ultrasound evaluation had five times the odds of having at least...
Bayes risk weighted VQ and learning VQ

This paper examines two vector quantization algorithms which can combine the tasks of compression and classification: Bayes risk weighted vector quantization (BRVQ) proposed by Oehler et al. (1991), and optimized learning vector quantization 1 (OLVQ1) proposed by Kohonen et al. (1988). BRVQ uses a parameter /spl lambda/ to control the tradeoff between compression and classification. BRVQ performance is studied for a range of /spl lambda/ values for four classification problems. Increasing the /spl lambda/ parameter in BRVQ is intended to improve classification performance. However, for two of the problems studied, increasing /spl lambda/ degraded classification performance. A majority rule reclassification of the final codebook (using only the training set) greatly improves high-/spl lambda/ BRVQ performance for these cases. Finally, we compare the classification performance and mean square error (MSE) performance of BRVQ to that of OLVQ1 for four classification problems. BRVQ with codebook reclassification is found to have a lower MSE than OLVQ1 while maintaining comparable, but slightly inferior, classification performance. >
Quantum cellular automata: the physics of computing with arrays of quantum dot molecules

We discuss the fundamental limits of computing using a new paradigm for quantum computation, cellular automata composed of arrays of coulombically coupled quantum dot molecules, which we term quantum cellular automata (QCA). Any logical or arithmetic operation can be performed in this scheme. QCA's provide a valuable concrete example of quantum computation in which a number of fundamental issues come to light. We examine the physics of the computing process in this paradigm. We show to what extent thermodynamic considerations impose limits on the ultimate size of individual QCA arrays. Adiabatic operation of the QCA is examined and the implications for dissipationless computing are explored. >
C and N availability affects the 15N natural abundance of the soil microbial biomass across a cattle manure gradient

The availability of C and N to the soil microbial biomass is an important determinant of the rates of soil N transformations. Here, we present evidence that changes in C and N availability affect the 15 N natural abundance of the microbial biomass relative to other soil N pools. We analysed the 15 N natural abundance signature of the chloroform-labile, extractable, NO 3 - , NH 4 + and soil total N pools across a cattle manure gradient associated with a water reservoir in semiarid, high-desert grassland. High levels of C and N in soil total, extractable, NO 3 - , NH 4 + and chloroform-labile fractions were found close to the reservoir. The δ 15 N value of chloroform-labile N was similar to that of extractable (organic + inorganic) N and NO 3 - at greater C availability close to the reservoir, but was 15 N-enriched relative to these N-pools at lesser C availability farther away. Possible mechanisms for this variable 15 N-enrichment include isotope fractionation during N assimilation and dissimilation, and changes in substrate use from a less to a more 15 N-enriched substrate with decreasing C availability.
Height recovery from intensity gradient

Unlike existing global shape-from-shading algorithms which involve the brightness constraint in their formulation, we propose a new algorithm which replaces the brightness constraint by an intensity gradient constraint. This is a global approach which obtains the solution by the minimization of an error function over the entire image. Through the linearization of the reflectance map and the discretization of the surface gradient, the intensity gradient can be expressed as a linear function of the surface height. A quadratic error function, which involves the intensity gradient constraint and the traditional smoothness constraint, is minimized efficiently by solving a sparse linear system using the multigrid technique. Neither the information at singular points nor the information at occluding boundaries is needed for the initialization. >
Using color and text in multimedia projections

Various problems afflict projected multimedia presentations. For example, certain colors that look good together and are easily distinguishable on the screen may not be easily recognizable as different when sent through a projection panel and displayed with an overhead projector. Developers of multimedia presentations should follow some guidelines-provided here-to avoid common problems associated with the projection of multimedia materials.
Functional Morphology and Virtual Models: Physical Constraints on the Design of Oscillating Wings, Fins, Legs, and Feet at Intermediate Reynolds Numbers

Abstract Why do some animals swim by rowing appendages back and forth while others fly by flapping them up and down? One hypothesis suggests the answer lies in the sharply divergent physical environments encountered by small, slow animals, and large, fast animals. Flapping appendages allow large animals to move through a fluid environment quickly and efficiently. As size and speed decrease, however, viscous drag increasingly dominates the force balance, with negative consequences for both rowing and flapping appendages. Nevertheless, comparative data suggest that flapping does not occur in animals at Reynolds numbers (Re) less than about 15. I used a computer simulation experiment to address the question, “Below what Re is rowing more effective than flapping?” The simulation, which employed a simple quasi-steady, blade-element model of virtual oscillating appendages, has several important results. First, the mechanical efficiency of both rowing and flapping decrease dramatically with scale. Second, the pe...
CD43 Regulation of T Cell Activation Is Not through Steric Inhibition of T Cell–APC Interactions but through an Intracellular Mechanism

CD43 is a large heavily glycosylated protein highly expressed on T cells and actively excluded from the immunological synapse through interactions with ezrin-radixin-moesin proteins. Due to its size and charge, it has been proposed that the CD43 ectodomain acts as a physical barrier to T cell–APC interactions. We have addressed this hypothesis by studying the effect of reconstituting CD43 mutants into the hyperproliferative CD43−/− T cells. Reintroduction of full-length CD43 reversed the CD43−/− T cell hyperproliferation. Interestingly, despite the lack of exclusion from the interaction site, a mutant containing the CD43 ectodomain on a glycosylphosphatidylinositol linkage was ineffective. Additionally, T cell–APC conjugate formation was not affected by this ectodomain-only construct. In contrast, CD43−/− T cell hyperproliferation was reversed by an intracellular-only CD43 fused to the small ectodomain of hCD16. Mutation of this intracellular-only CD43 such that it could not move from the T cell–APC contact site had no further affect on proliferation than the moveable CD43 but did dramatically reduce interleukin-2 production. Thus, the exclusion of the CD43 intracellular region from the immunological synapse is required for CD43 regulation of interleukin-2 production, but the presence of the cytoplasmic tail, independent of its location, is sufficient to reverse CD43−/− T cell hyperproliferation.
An experimental analysis of aversive imagery versus electrical aversive conditioning in the treatment of chronic alcoholics.

Abstract A series of three experiments is described comparing an aversive imagery and an electrical escape conditioning procedure in the treatment of chronic alcoholics. Treatment effects were objectively measured by recording subjects' alcohol consumption in a semi-naturalistic laboratory setting. In contrast to conventional group outcome studies, the use of single-subject methodology provided a fine-grained analysis of individual response patterns. The aversive imagery and escape conditioning methods did not differ from each other, and were relatively ineffective in suppressing alcohol intake. In contrast, a punishment procedure in which shock was contingent on drinking did effectively suppress drinking. The data suggest that alcoholics can control their drinking by self-administered shock. The implications for the analysis and treatment of alcoholics are discussed.
Optimum wavelength intervals for surface temperature radiometry.

Total reflectance measurements of some common surface minerals in the wavelength interval 0.5 μ to 23 μ show pronounced reflection maxima in some regions used for radiometric measurements of planetary surface temperatures. Variations in emissivity in the regions of such maxima could introduce significant errors into such temperature measurements. If measurements are restricted to the windows in the atmosphere of earth the 10-μ to 12-μ interval seems the best choice for radiometry since, in this interval, minerals are most uniformly black.
An efficient macromodeling approach for statistical IC process design

An efficient macromodeling approach for statistical IC process design based on experimental design and regression analysis is described. Automatic selection of the input variables is done as part of the model building procedure to reduce the problem dimension to a manageable size. The resulting macromodels are simple analytical expressions describing the device characteristics in terms of the fundamental process variables. The validity and efficiency of the macromodels obtained by the approach are illustrated through their use in an IC process device design centering example. >
A new junction technology for low-resistance contacts and Schottky barrier MOSFETs

By imposing an ultra-thin insulator between low-workfunction metals and silicon, the Schottky barrier of the junction can be substantially reduced, reducing junction resistance. With this approach, low Schottky barrier metal S/D MOSFETs with Mg and Yb as S/D metals are demonstrated.
Hrem of Grain Boundaries in Oxides

Recent progress in the understanding of the atomic structure of grain boundaries in ionic solids is briefly reviewed with emphasis on the application of the HREM technique to observations of tilt grain boundaries in NiO. The new generation of high-resolution electron microscopes which are capable of a point-to-point resolution of better than 2 A have allowed atomic-scale observations that can be directly compared to theoretical grain boundary models. Agreements and differences between theory and experiment are discussed.The importance and significance of faceting and asymmetrical boundaries is pointedout.
Nagorno Karabakh: An Alternative Legal Approach To Its Quest For Legitimacy

As the Soviet Union was crumbling, a number of simmering ethnic and religious geopolitical hotspots began to boil. For some of these oblasts, de facto statehood (but not necessarily international recognition) was the forced endgame. Georgia's former provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and Serbia's Kosovo, are familiar examples of post-Soviet unilateral declarations of independence.Nagorno Karabakh (NK) unilaterally declared its independence in 1991. The NK-Azerbaijan conflict has the potential to destabilize the Southern Caucasus, Iran, and beyond. This conflict resulted in trebling NK's size, well beyond its internal administrative borders within the former Azeri SSR.Given its de facto (at best) statehood posture, NK is yet another modern unilateral secession in need of a viable legal analysis, as opposed to the military and political ripostes that characterize NK-Azeri relations. NK should adopt the Canadian Supreme Court's Quebec Secession approach to legitimacy, rather than clinging to its questionable interpretation of a Soviet statute in its quest for legitimacy and international recognition.
Phase 1 Trial of Carfilzomib + Melphalan (CarMel) Conditioning and Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AHSCT) for Relapsed Multiple Myeloma (MM)

s / Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 20 (2014) S151eS164 S159 Institute, Tampa, FL; 5 BMT, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Institute, Tampa, FL; 6 BMT, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL Mature T-Cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a heterogeneous group of malignancies characterized by a poor outcome when treated with antracycline-based chemotherapy regimens. High-dose chemotherapy with autologous transplantation (auto-HCT) has emerged as a commonly used strategy for patients in first remission or at the time of first chemosensitive relapse. However, data are limited and the role of autografting remains undefined. Here, we present a retrospective analysis of 67 patients with PTCL who underwent autoHCT at our center between January 2000 and December 2011. Histological subtypes included anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL, n1⁄427, 40.3%), peripheral T-cell lymphoma not other specified (PTCL-NOS, n1⁄425, 37.3%), angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL, n1⁄47, 10.4%), other (n1⁄48, 11.9%). Median age at the time of auto-HCT was 52 years (22-75), median time from diagnosis to HCT was 10 months (6-193) and median follow up for surviving patients was 38 months (6-136). Forty-one (61%) were male. At diagnosis, 52 (77%) had stage III/IV, 39 (58%) had at least one extranodal site of disease, 18 (27%) had intermediate-high or high-risk by international prognostic index (IPI) and 16 (24%) had intermediate-high or high-risk by PTCL prognostic index (PIT). At transplantation, 32 (48%) had received 1 line of therapy and 35 (52%) had received 2 or more. Thirty-six patients (54%) were in first complete remission (CR1) and 62 (92%) had shown sensitivity tomost recent therapy. BEAM (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine and melphalan) was used as conditioning regimen in 52 patients (78%) and no patient received a radiation based regimen. Five-year overall survival (OS) was 65%. In univariate analysis, OS was associated with number of lines of therapy [>1 vs. 1, (Hazard ratio (HR)1⁄43.604; 95% CI: 1.335, 9.725; p1⁄40.011)] and remission status [(CR1 vs. other (HR1⁄40.303, 95% CI: 0.124, 0.741; p1⁄40.009); (CR vs. other (HR1⁄4 0.223, 95% CI: 0.096, 0.518; p1⁄40.0005)]. PFS was associated with age [age >50 vs. 50 (HR1⁄42.308, 95% CI: 1.01, 5.26, p1⁄40.047)] and remission status [CR1 vs. other (HR1⁄4 0.396, 95% CI: 0.185, 0.849, p1⁄40.017), CR vs. other (HR1⁄40.246, 95% CI: 0.115, 0.525, p<0.001)]. Only 4 patients died of causes other than relapse. In conclusion, patients with PTCL who underwent an autoHCT early in the course of the disease appear to benefit the most, achieving durable remissions. Disease relapse remains the most common cause of failure. Maintenance strategies with novel therapies remain a reasonable research question to address in large prospective clinical trials.
Neurophenomenology and Simulation: Philosophical Ground Control and a Sharpening of Our Tools

As research into emotions and affective phenomena, such as awe and wonder grows, so will the methodological challenges for addressing such inquiries. These inherently nebulous and conceptually ambiguous topics draw the interests of researchers from various disciplines, each coming with distinct perspectives and biases concerning what counts as good answers to their questions. While this meeting of perspectives will inevitably introduce some methodological conflict, there are specific practical considerations that can assist in disentangling such conflicts.
A Novel Plasminogen/Plasmin Binding Protein on the Surface of Group A Streptococci

The increasing occurence of invasive group A streptococcal infections is of special public concern. The invasive property of group A streptococci is attributed in part to its ability to bind plasmin or plasminogen. We reported earlier of a novel protein, streptococcal surface dehydrogenase (SDH) having glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, as a multifunctional major protein on the surface of group A streptococci3. A structurally and functionally (having GAPDH activity) similar protein, Plamin receptor Plr, has been reported to have a strong plasmin binding activity1. Unlike Plr, SDH binds very weakly to plasmin3. In addition, we reported earlier that SDH binds strongly to various mammalian proteins such as actin, myosin, fibronectin and lysozyme3. Since SDH is a weak plasmin(ogen) binding protein, we searched for a protein other than SDH that accounts for strong plasmin(ogen) binding activity of streptococci. We here report that group A streptococci that express SDH on the surface also show a plasmin/plasminogen binding activity directed to a unique 45 kDa protein.