cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Femtosecond time-resolved energy transfer from CdSe nanoparticles to phthalocyanines

The first real-time observation of the early events during energy transfer from a photoexcited CdSe nanoparticle to an attached phthalocyanine molecule are presented in terms of a femtosecond spectroscopic pump–probe study of the energy transfer in conjugates of CdSe nanoparticles (NPs) and silicon phthalocyanines (Pcs) with 120 fs time resolution. Four different silicon phthalocyanines have been conjugated to CdSe NPs. All of these have proven potential for photodynamic therapy (PDT). In such NP-Pc conjugates efficient energy transfer (ET) from CdSe NPs to Pcs occurs upon selective photoexcitation of the NP moiety. Spectral analysis as well as time-resolved fluorescence up-conversion measurements revealed the structure and dynamics of the investigated conjugates. Femtosecond transient differential absorption (TDA) spectroscopy was used for the investigation of the non-radiative carrier and ET dynamics. The formation of excitons, trapped carriers states, as well as stimulated emission was monitored in the TDA spectra and the corresponding lifetimes of these states were recorded. The time component for energy transfer was found to be between 15 and 35 ps. The ET efficiencies are found to be 20-70% for the four Pc conjugates, according to fluorescence quenching experiments. Moreover, as a result of the conjugation between NP and the Pcs the photoluminescence efficiency of the Pc moieties in the conjugates do not strictly follow the quantum yields of the bare phthalocyanines.
Effects of fire and environmental variables on plant structure and composition in grazed salt desert shrublands of the Great Basin (USA)

Abstract Fire in shrub-dominated portions of the Great Basin, largely fueled by non-native annuals such as Bromus tectorum , has become an important structuring force altering vegetation composition and soil characteristics. The extent to which fire affects native species in drier portions of the Great Basin, termed salt desert, is poorly documented. We conducted a survey of grazed salt desert habitat in northwestern Nevada 5 years after wildfires burned 650,000 ha, with the goal of investigating community response to fire and factors correlating with post-fire recovery. We found that recruitment of a dominant shrub, Artemisia spinescens , is severely restricted following fire: it occurred in only 2 of the 24 burned sites. The co-dominant shrub, Atriplex confertifolia , occurred in most burned sites although on average its percent cover was one-third lower than adjacent unburned sites. Biotic soil crust cover was four times lower, and non-native species cover 5 times higher, in burned sites compared to unburned. Ordination analyses confirmed differences among plant communities in burned versus unburned sites, with environmental variables soil conductivity, plant litter, soil potassium (K + ) and pH explaining 38% of the variance in community composition. However, we found no environmental predictors of recovery for native species in burned sites. Future recruitment is likely to be further limited, as fire frequency in the salt desert is expected to increase with invasion by non-native annual grasses and with global climate change.
Beringian climate during intercontinental dispersal: a mouse eye view

Abstract Microtine rodents (meadow mice [=voles], muskrats, and lemmings) have evolved so rapidly over the past 5 Ma that they can be correlated with specific climatic events and their habitats are so specific that they suggest climatic conditions in different areas at the time. Examination of these records not only provides strong evidence of the nature of climate over North America and the Bering Land Bridge, but also suggests some unconventional reasons for the development of continental glaciation.
Sexual Behaviors, Decisional Balance, and Self-efficacy Among a Sample of Chinese College Students in the United States

Abstract Objectives: To assess sexual behaviors and condom use including perceived benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy among Chinese college students in the United States. Participants: One hundred thirty-three Chinese undergraduate and graduate students studying at 3 US universities. Methods: Self-report Internet questionnaire grounded in the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) framework analyzed with multivariate linear regression. Results: More than half (57.9%) have initiated sex. Only 27.3% used condoms every time. Frequent reasons for not using condoms were trust in partner, reduced pleasure, and partner dislike for condoms. Participants in the earlier TTM stages (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation) reported more worry about making partners angry if condoms were used and lower self-efficacy in situations involving alcohol or drug use and perceived low-risk scenarios. Conclusions: Interventions should increase condom availability to students and should also make condom use more acceptable, more ...
Sorbitol gum in xerostomics: the effects on dental plaque pH and salivary flow rates.

Adequate salivary flow is important for patient comfort and maintenance of oral health. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common clinical complaint. Masticatory and gustatory activity can stimulate salivary flow from functional salivary tissue and the use of sugarless mints and gums have been recommended to individuals who complain of xerostomia, but there are minimum clinical data. A clinical study assessing the effect on salivary flow rates and dental plaque pH of a sorbitol-sweetened chewing gum in subjects with the complaint of xerostomia was conducted. The chewing of the gum in this present study stimulated salivary flow in the subjects with xerostomia. Statistically significant stimulated whole mouth and parotid salivary flow rate increases were found when compared to unstimulated whole mouth and parotid salivary flow rates. Chewing of the sorbitol-sweetened gum also effectively reduced the drop in pH seen following the exposure to a fermentable carbohydrate. The findings of this present study indicate that chewing of a sorbitol-sweetened gum may be of benefit to patients with the complaint of xerostomia.
Rotationally Resolved Spectra of Asteroid 16 Psyche

Abstract Asteroid 16 Psyche is likely the metal-rich core of a larger differentiated parent body which suffered a catastrophic collision. During July 1994, Psyche presented a near-equatorial aspect and we repeatedly measured its visible (0.5-0.9 μm) spectrum over its rotation to search for variations which might arise if large mafic silicate units remain on its surface. Within our measurement precision of 1%, we find no evidence for any significant variation in Psyche's visible reflectance spectrum. Comparisons with mixture models suggest that if any olivine is present, its large-scale distribution does not vary by more than 15% if it resides in a state physically separated from the metal phase. The upper limit for any olivine variation is 30% if it exists in an intimate mixture with metal.
Thermoelectric Nanowire Junction Photoresponse

Recently there have been reports of hot carrier thermoelectric response in nanostructured materials like graphene and MoS. We report observing that thermoelectric nanowire junctions detect light. In these experiments we employed devices composed of bismuth nanowire arrays which are capped with a transparent indium tin oxide electrode. The incident surface features very low optical reflectivity and enhanced light trapping. The unique attributes of the thermoelectric arrays are the combination of strong temporal and optical wavelength dependences of the photocurrent. Under infrared illumination, the signal can be completely described by “quasi-equilibrium” thermoelectric effects considering cooling rates given by heat diffusion through the array. The thermal diffusivity is found to be less (by a factor of 3.5) than in the bulk, a result that we discuss in terms of phonon confinement effects. In addition to a thermoelectric response, under visible illumination, we observe a photovoltaic response.
Range of high energy phosphorus and medium energy boron ions implanted in polymers

Abstract The range of phosphorus ions implanted at high energy in polymers, where wide disagreement among calculated values exists, is experimentally estimated. As Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) measurements in polymers are difficult for low impurity implant doses, these measurements were done on the underlying silicon material where sensitivity is enhanced, implanting through variable polymer thicknesses. The experimental profiles are approximated by a TRIM code, using the implantation energy as parameter. The same energy is then used to estimate the projected range and straggling of ions in the polymer. This method is also applied to calculate the range of boron implanted at medium energy. Comparison with other existing experimental data is made. Finally our results are compared with the tabular results of Smith and Gibbons.
Classification and modeling of human activities using empirical mode decomposition with s-band and millimeter-wave micro-doppler radars

The ability to identify human movements can be an important tool in many different applications such as surveillance, military combat situations, search and rescue operations, and patient monitoring in hospitals. This information can provide soldiers, security personnel, and search and rescue workers with critical knowledge that can be used to potentially save lives and/or avoid a dangerous situation. Most research involving human activity recognition is focused on using the Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) as a method of analyzing the micro-Doppler signatures. Because of the time-frequency resolution limitations of the STFT and because Fourier transform-based methods are not well-suited for use with non-stationary and nonlinear signals, we have chosen a different approach. Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) has been shown to be a valuable time-frequency method for processing non-stationary and nonlinear data such as micro-Doppler signatures and EMD readily provides a feature vector that can be utilized for classification. For classification, the method of a Support Vector Machine (SVMs) was chosen. SVMs have been widely used as a method of pattern recognition due to their ability to generalize well and also because of their moderately simple implementation. In this paper, we discuss the ability of these methods to accurately identify human movements based on their micro-Doppler signatures obtained from S-band and millimeter-wave radar systems. Comparisons will also be made based on experimental results from each of these radar systems. Furthermore, we will present simulations of micro-Doppler movements for stationary subjects that will enable us to compare our experimental Doppler data to what we would expect from an "ideal" movement.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Parasitism of the Strawberry Leaf-Roller Ancylis Comptana Frohl

In the accounts of the outbreaks of the strawberry leaf-roller, Ancylis comptana Frohl., which are more or less sudden and local, at no time have parasites been mentioned as common. In a study of the parasites of the leaf-roller under normal infestations, six species of Hymenopterous parasites, three more probable parasites, and one Tachinid fly were found to be parasitizing the leaf-roller. Four additional species are reported in the literature, which were not obtained in this study. Observations would indicate that at least during the season of 1924 in Ohio, the natural enemies maintained a sufficient check on the leaf-roller to prevent serious injury.
The Extended Cell Panel Assay Characterizes the Relationship of Prion Strains RML, 79A, and 139A and Reveals Conversion of 139A to 79A-Like Prions in Cell Culture

Three commonly used isolates of murine prions, 79A, 139A, and RML, were derived from the so-called Chandler isolate, which was obtained by propagating prions from scrapie-infected goat brain in mice. RML is widely believed to be identical with 139A; however, using the extended cell panel assay (ECPA), we here show that 139A and RML isolates are distinct, while 79A and RML could not be distinguished. We undertook to clone 79A and 139A prions by endpoint dilution in murine neuroblastoma-derived PK1 cells. Cloned 79A prions, when returned to mouse brain, were unchanged and indistinguishable from RML by ECPA. However, 139A-derived clones, when returned to brain, yielded prions distinct from 139A and similar to 79A and RML. Thus, when 139A prions were transferred to PK1 cells, 79A/RML-like prions, either present as a minor component in the brain 139A population or generated by mutation in the cells, were selected and, after being returned to brain, were the major if not only component of the population.
Chromosome numbers of Western Australian species ofVillarsia (Menyanthaceae)

Chromosome numbers are reported for eight of the nine Western AustralianVillarsia species.Villarsia albiflora, V. calthifolia, V. capitata, V. congestiflora, V. lasiosperma, V. latifolia, andV. violifolia are diploid with n=9. Five populations ofV. parnassiifolia are diploid and three are tetraploid (n=18). The morphological, ecological, and breeding-system diversity of the Western Australian species is largely not associated with the tetraploidy or hexaploidy that characterizes otherVillarsia species in eastern Australia and South Africa. The majority of Western AustralianVillarsia species are restricted to the high rainfall zone of southwestern Western Australia, where favorable climatic and edaphic conditions may have existed since mid-late Tertiary times.
Adsorption-induced lattice relaxation and diffusion by concerted substitution

{ital Ab initio} calculations show that the barrier to surface self-diffusion by concerted substitution (CS) is lower on those transition-metal (100) surfaces where the substrate relaxation around an adatom, and the corresponding energy gain, are greater. Stress calculations contradict the notion that lower barrier CS corresponds to larger tensile stress reduction along the CS diffusion path. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
The anomalous X-ray absorption spectrum of Vela X-1

The HEAO 2 satellite's Solid State Spectrometer and Monitor Proportional Counter was used to observe one orbit of the massive X-ray binary Vela X-1. Using spectral fits to the data as a function of orbital phase, the column density and state of the material along the line of sight to the X-ray source has been inferred. The spectrum near orbital phase 0.2 compares favorably with absorption by neutral material with a column density corresponding to plausible values of stellar wind velocity law and total primary mass loss rate. Spectra at later orbital phases, which show unexpected strong absorption features near 2.0 and 2.5 keV, are interpreted as due to absorption by material with suppressed opacity below 2.0 keV. The opacity required to produce the observed features implies either the presence of an intense soft X-ray flux, or altered elemental abundances in the gas near Vela X-1.
Deep‐well salinity‐exploration

One of the outstanding accomplishments of recent years in connection with the study of the geologic source of groundwater and the quality of water yielded by different formations has been the development of methods and equipment for the exploration of wells. The description and use of the deep-well current-meter on well-exploration work in Hawaii and New Mexico has already appeared in published literature (John McCombs and A. G. Fiedler, Methods of exploring and repairing leaky artesian wells, U.S. Geol. Sur. Water-Supply Paper 596, pp. 1–32, 1928) on hydrology but recent developments in the application of electrical conductivity-measurements for determining the salinity of water in wells have not heretofore been presented. In addition to being of considerable scientific importance in connection with problems of ground-water hydrology, the practical value of locating the place at which salt water is entering a well and contaminating a potable water-supply is great. Such information may be the means of preventing the loss of large investments in industries, irrigation-projects, and cities that are dependent upon well-water supplies that may at some time become contaminated by salty or other highly mineralized water.
Classical conditioning of reflexive fighting

This study demonstrated that reflexive fighting could be classically conditioned to a 80-db buzzer, usingboth simultaneous and delayed conditioning paradigms.
GROWTH AND CONVERSION EFFICIENCY OF JUVENILE AMERICAN LOBSTERS (Homarus americanus) IN RELATION TO TEMPERATURE AND FEEDING LEVEL

Juvenile lobsters were maintained in recirculating seawater systems at temperatures of 10, 15, 20 and 25°C. At each constant temperature, groups of 25 lobsters were fed rations of 0, 1, 2 and 4% of their body weight per day; 25 lobsters were also fed to excess at each temperature. For the starvation groups, time to 50% mortality (LT50) varied inversely with temperature. At 10°C the LT50 was 114 days while at 20°C it was only 47 days. Survival was high in all cases except for those groups starved or fed to excess, the latter indicating toxic effects from the decomposition of unconsumed food. Growth was exponential as described by the general growth equation W = αekt where W is weight, t is time and α and k are fitted parameters. Specific growth rate ranged from a low of 0.43% increase wet body weight per day at 10°C and a 1% feeding level to 1.38% at 25°C and a 4% feeding level. Gross conversion efficiency (increase in wet weight divided by dry weight of food fed) ranged from 30% at 10°C and a 4% feeding level to 91% at 15°C and a 1% feeding level. Efficiency values decreased with age. Feeding levels promoting most efficient growth and maximum growth increased with increasing temperature. The optimum combination of temperature and feeding level appears to be near 20°C and 2% of body weight.
Social Positioning, Participation, and Second Language Learning: Talkative Students in an Academic ESL Classroom

Guided by positioning theory and poststructural views of second language learning, the two descriptive case studies presented in this article explored the links between social positioning and the language learning experiences of two talkative students in an academic ESL classroom. Focusing on the macro- and micro-level contexts of communication, the article describes how one of the two talkative students became an accepted member of the class whereas the other one was excluded. Qualitative data and classroom talk were analyzed recursively. The findings suggest that social positioning has implications for developing useful classroom interactions that benefit all learners.
Toxicity Experiments with Fish in Reference to Trade Waste Pollution

(1927). Toxicity Experiments with Fish in Reference to Trade Waste Pollution. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society: Vol. 57, No. 1, pp. 100-119.
Sensitivity of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Capnocytophaga spp. to the bactericidal action of LL-37: a cathelicidin found in human leukocytes and epithelium

The bactericidal activity of synthetic LL-37, a cathelicidin, was assessed against Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (three strains) and Capnocytophaga spp. (three strains). All strains were sensitive to LL-37, and exhibited 99% effective dose of 7.5-to-11.6 micrograms/ml. An amidated form of LL-37, pentamide-37, killed with about the same efficacy as LL-37. Partial inhibition of killing was noted at physiologic concentrations of NaCl, and complete inhibition was observed at 400 mM NaCl. At approximately the 99% effective dose--i.e., 10 micrograms/ml--LL-37 also lost activity against A. actinomycetemcomitans in the presence of native or heat-inactivated 10-15% normal human AB serum. Pentamide-37 was less sensitive to serum inhibition than LL-37. In conclusion, certain oral, gram-negative bacteria are sensitive to the bactericidal activity of LL-37 at low concentrations of serum and salt, a condition likely to be found within the membrane-delimited phagolysosome. Modified forms of LL-37, such as pentamide-37, may be more suitable for future therapeutic application in the presence of serum.
Abstract 5473: The contribution of P-glycoprotein to clinical pharmacokinetic interactions between lenalidomide and temsirolimus

Purpose: To evaluate the source of an apparent clinical pharmacokinetic interaction between lenalidomide (an Immunomodulatory Drug, IMiD) and temsirolimus (mTOR inhibitor). Background: The combination of lenalidomide with temsirolimus demonstrated a synergistic effect in in vitro models of Multiple Myeloma (MM), thus providing rationale for this combination in patients with relapsed MM. However pharmacokinetic interactions between these two agents have not been reported. In the current study, clinical pharmacokinetic interactions of lenalidomide with temsirolimus and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. Methods: A phase I clinical trial was completed for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma with oral lenalidomide (15-25 mg) days 1-21 of a 28 day cycle and weekly × 4 intravenous temsirolimus (15-20 mg). Pharmacokinetic data for both agents were obtained and potential drug-drug interactions were further evaluated using in vitro transport and uptake studies. An apparent clinical interaction was observed between lenalidomide and temsirolimus as demonstrated by statistically significant changes in clearance, maximum concentrations (C max ), and area under the concentration-time curves (AUCs) for constant doses of lenalidomide with increased doses of temsirolimus. Similar and significant changes for temsirolimus pharmacokinetics at a fixed dose were also observed when lenalidomide doses were increased. In vitro studies indicated a higher basolateral-to-apical (BL-to-AP) flux compared to AP-to-BL flux for lenalidomide in MDCKII monolayers, suggesting an apically directed active transport of lenalidomide. Further evaluation of intracellular lenalidomide uptake showed an approximately 2-fold higher accumulation of lenalidomide in HL-60 than in P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1, MDR-1)-overexpressing HL-60/VCR cells (38.4 ± 13.2 vs. 19.2 ± 9.6 pmol/mg protein, respectively, P=0.005). Co-incubation with temsirolimus, a known P-gp substrate and inhibitor, resulted in increased lenalidomide accumulation (37.2 ± 6.0 vs. 19.2 ± 9.6 pmol/mg protein, respectively, P=0.002) in HL-60/VCR cells, which was equivalent to that in HL-60 cells. Clinical significance of this pharmacokinetic interaction in terms of either toxicity or response has also been evaluated. Conclusions: These results suggest that lenalidomide is a P-gp substrate, explaining the pharmacokinetic interaction between lenalidomide and temsirolimus. Quantifying the interaction of lenalidomide with other P-gp substrates, e.g. dexamethasone, is warranted to optimize dose administration of IMiD-based therapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5473. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5473
The importance of decisional balance and self-efficacy in relation to stages of change for fruit and vegetable intakes by young adults.

Abstract Purpose. To examine the stages of change, decisional balance, and self-efficacy constructs in relation to fruit and vegetable intakes by young adults 18–24 years old. Design. A cross-sectional project was conducted by 10 states in January–July 2000 to examine decisional balance and self-efficacy in relation to stage of change for increasing fruit and vegetable intake among young adults. Subjects. In all, 1545 usable surveys were returned (response rate = 55%). More non-respondents were men and precontemplators than respondents. Sixty-one percent of respondents were women, 90.3% were white, and 49.7% were current students. Setting. Alabama, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, Rhode Island, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Measures. A telephone screening interview and a self-administered mail survey. Analysis. Analysis of variance, principal components analysis, cluster analysis, and χ2 test. Results. From precontemplation to maintenance, a significant linear trend was found toward hig...
The transitional personality: dislocation as a major character dynamic.

Our species is capable of a vast range of adaptational inventions necessary to survive environmental demands. These changes include personality structure and its myriad values, pride investment, relating methods, and various coping mechanisms and systems. Pride investments and the images they support have a capacity for radical shifts. Since Karen Homey first conceptualized a neurotic personality of her time, vast changes affecting the human condition have taken place. Indeed, some fifty years ago it would have been impossible to predict the extraordinary rate of change as well as the resultant quantum changes that have taken place. Additionally, the birth of almost entirely new cultural or environmental influences have made for interesting and important accommodations and adaptations in terms of human personality. Perhaps one of the most significant adaptive needs has been to accommodate to rapid change itself or to process rather than to traditional institutions, systems, and stasis of any kind. In the last fifty to seventy-five years I believe a kind of ever-shifting or kinetic personality has been evolving. This personality type will, in significant part, eventually replace previous personality types and will be sustained for many years. It is entirely possible that the roots of this manifestation can be found in the beginning days of the industrial revolution or even earlier. I believe that the process of its development speeded up considerably at about the time of America's emergence as an industrial power in the mid-1800s. But real quantum leaps in cultural influences and personality changes have probably occurred since Homey wrote her great book, The Neurotic Personality of Our Time. In this paper I want to introduce the transitional personality. In subsequent papers I will attempt to extend our understanding of description, origin, dynamics, and possibilities for special treatment when necessary. The transitional personality is of course a product of our culture and produces its own culture and values as it evolves.
Novel micromolded structures

Current deep trench etch systems are able to etch two micron wide features ten’s of microns deep into a silicon substrate. Conformal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes are readily able to fill the trenches with reasonable deposition thickness by growing from the sidewalls in. We have used this approach to demonstrate 30 micron thick tungsten structural members integrated with 30 micron thick silicon nitride electrical isolation. The moving tungsten and silicon nitride structures are suspended 15 microns off the surface of the substrate by silicon nitride posts. Planarity is maintained throughout the process.
The effect of orthogonal electric fields on the molecular dynamics of liquid water, principle three of group theoretical statistical mechanics.

Abstract Molecular dynamics computer simulation has been used to investigate the effect of orthogonal electric fields on the molecular dynamics of liquid water. It is found that a combination of a static electric field E X in the x axis and an orthogonal static electric field E Z in the Z axis results in the appearance of symmetric cross correlation functions of the type X (O) Z A (t)> = Z (O) A X (t)> in the laboratory frame (X, Y, Z). This is in accordance with the third principle of group theoretical statistical mechanics (g.t.s.m.). These cross correlation functions (c.c.f.'s) are observable experimentally at dielectric and far infra red frequencies.
A comparative SEM study of the eggs of the Sepsidae (Diptera) with a cladistic analysis based on egg, larval and adult characters

The eggs of 21 species in 12 genera of Sepsidae were studied using scanning electron microscopy. All but the eggs of Ortalischema have respiratory filaments which aid in gas exchange. Judged by positional differences and the lack of a central canal, the two filaments of Orygma are not homologous to the single filament of most remaining sepsids. Hinton's hypothesis that egg filaments are plesiomorphic for the Sepsidae is therefore rejected. Three egg characters are added to an existing data set comprising 58 taxa and 85 larval and adult characters. The egg characters allow the unambiguous placement of Lasionemopoda, for which the larval and adult data set had suggested two different positions on equally parsimonious trees. Based on the position of Lasionemopoda, the evolution of the fore femora of the Sepsidae is briefly discussed. The egg morphology of the Sepsidae is also compared to the morphology of drosophiline eggs which also have egg filaments.
Erroneous elemental mass-size functions from a high-volume cascade impactor

Abstract Elemental mass median diameters for Fe, Al, Na and Pb have been determined in both continental and marine aerosols using a high volume cascade impactor with cellulose fiber impactor surfaces. Statistical tests demonstrated that the average elemental MMD values for the continental aerosols sampled with the high volume impactor were significantly lower than the respective average elemental MMD values for continental aerosols obtained by numerous investigators using low volume impactors. Particle bouncing in the high volume impactor is the suspected cause of these differences in the elemental MMD data. This potential error does not, however, appear to be significant when sampling marine aerosols.
Digital image processing for information extraction

In recent years the modern digital computer has been used to process images, to emphasize details, to sharpen pictures, to modify the tonal range, to aid picture interpretation, to remove anomalies, and to extract quantitative information. A price to be paid for this extreme flexibility in handling linear and non-linear operations is that a number of anomalies caused by the camera, such as geometric distortion, MTF roll-off, vignetting, and non-uniform intensity response must be taken into account or removed to avoid their interference with the information extraction process. Once this is done, computer techniques may be used to emphasize details, perform analyses, classify materials by multi-variate analysis (usually multi-spectral), detect temporal differences, etc. Digital processing may also be used to modify various aspects of pictures to enhance the ability of the human photo interpreter in extracting information. A number of these processes are illustrated in this paper.
Closing the gap between perceived and actual waiting times in a call center: results from a field study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate what factors influence the gap between caller's perception of how long they think they waited and how long they actually waited on hold and to determine what call managers can do to reduce this gap called estimation error.Design/methodology/approach – A field experiment was conducted with a corporation's call center.Findings – The findings were: the higher the estimation error of callers, the less satisfied they are; music increases estimation error, unless callers can choose the music; waiting information reduces estimation error; callers with urgent issues have more estimation error and they overestimate more; and females have higher estimation error and they overestimate more than males.Research limitations/implications – Limitations are one call center in one context. Implications are identification of antecedents of overestimation.Practical implications – The paper provides guidelines for call center managers for reducing estimation error and incr...
B cell activation versus anergy; the antigen receptor as a molecular switch.

Anergic B cells are autoreactive and are present in the periphery in an unresponsive state. Here we will discuss the difference in B cell receptor signaling between anergic B cells, chronically stimulated by autoantigen, and naive B cell encountering antigen.
Effects of gonadectomy and sex steroids on pituitary gonadotrophin release and response to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist in the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana

Gonadectomy of adult bullfrogs, Rana catesbeiana, elevated plasma levels of both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Profiles of plasma gonadotrophins after gonadectomy were similar in the two sexes; however, FSH increased faster in females than males. Both gonadotrophins continued to rise for several months and remained elevated after 1 year, but there was some dissociation between the two hormones; FSH increased sooner (1 week vs 3 weeks), reached higher levels (FSH/LH much greater than 1), and did not show the secondary decline exhibited in LH. Similarly, in subadult males and females, gonadectomy increased plasma FSH by 1 week but LH levels were less affected. Postgonadectomy increases in both gonadotrophins were prevented by chronic (6-week) implantation of capsules containing estradiol-17 beta (E2) or 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and treatment with DHT and E2 within physiological ranges starting 1 year after gonadectomy also suppressed chronically elevated levels of plasma gonadotrophins. Compared to untreated gonadectomized frogs, the rate of increase in both plasma gonadotrophins. Compared to untreated gonadectomized frogs, the rate of increase in both plasma gonadotrophins was accelerated after removal of DHT at 6 weeks. Acute pituitary responsiveness to a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist was markedly reduced in short-term (3.5-8 weeks) gonadectomized subadult males (but not females) and in long-term (1 year) gonadectomized males and females. Treatment with E2 had no effect on GnRH responsiveness in these frogs, but DHT implants significantly enhanced the response to agonist in both sexes. Thus, the nonaromatizable androgen--DHT--may have both negative feedback effects (at the hypothalamic level) and positive effects at the level of the pituitary, whereas, estrogen exhibited only the former, negative feedback activity. Sex differences in circulating DHT, which are detectable even in juveniles, may account for the sexual dimorphism in pituitary responsiveness to GnRH in the bullfrog.
Development and validation of a high- throughput method for the determination of titanium dioxide in rodent lung and lung-associated lymph node tissues

Abstract There is a need to determine the tissue burdens of inhaled titanium dioxide due to the widespread industrial use of this compound. A high-throughput method for the determination of TiO2 as titanium in rodent lung and lung-associated lymph node tissues by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was developed and validated. Samples were digested in open-vessel, disposable centrifuge tubes in the presence of nitric and hydrofluoric acids. The determined method quantitation limit (MQL) was 4.2 µg TiO2/g tissue. Replicate control samples prepared at this level were determined with a high level of accuracy (100%) and precision (2% RSD). After validation, the described method was applied to determine the concentration of TiO2 (as titanium) in 600 rodent tissue samples spanning a 16-month time period. During this time period, laboratory control samples (n = 48) were analyzed to assess the long-term precision and accuracy of the method. The average recovery of titanium in these ...
Pediatric aggressive fibromatosis: a retrospective analysis of 13 patients and review of literature.

BACKGROUND. Aggressive fibromatosis (AF) is a soft tissue tumor and is rare in childhood, with high potential for local invasiveness and recurrence. General recommendations for the clinical management of pediatric patients with AF remain undetermined. METHODS. The authors retrospectively analyzed 13 children with AF who were diagnosed from 1987 until 2004 in the Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, and a review of the pediatric literature was conducted. RESULTS. Two patients received preoperative chemotherapy with combined vincristine, actinomycin-D, and cyclophosphamide (VAC). All 13 patients underwent surgery. Three of six patients who underwent incomplete resection received adjuvant treatment, two patients received radiotherapy, and one patient received chemotherapy (VAC). The median follow-up was 3.9 years (range, 0.6-14.0 years). Three patients developed recurrent AF, including two recurrences after patients underwent incomplete resection without adjuvant treatment. Secondary resection was performed, which was incomplete in one patient who subsequently received chemotherapy (VAC). At the time of the current report, all 13 patients were in complete remission. Ten pediatric AF studies, including the current study, with a total of 187 patients were reviewed. Incomplete resection was the most important determinant for disease recurrence; in the authors' opinion, the role of adjuvant therapy needs to be studied further. CONCLUSIONS. Primary surgery with negative surgical margins was found to be the most successful primary treatment modality for children with AF. Positive margins after surgery indicated a high risk for disease recurrence. Multicenter, prospective (randomized) trials will be necessary to clarify the role of adjuvant treatment for patients with pediatric AF.
The Cauchy Problem for the Ishimori Equation

Abstract The Cauchy problem for the Ishimori equation is solved when initial spins are almost parallel by relating the Ishimori equation to the Davey–Stewartson II equation through a gauge transformation.
Flow cytometric analysis of cellular saxitoxin in the dinoflagellate Gonyaulax tamarensis var. excavata.

Abstract Vast improvements in optics, electronics and stain utilization result in the ability to quantitatively analyze large numbers of cells (e.g. 10 3 –10 6 ) of a population within minutes. Distribution of the saxitoxin content within a population of a variety of dinoflagellates, including Gonyaulax catenella, G. polyedra, G. monilata, G. tamarensis, G. excavata and G. tamarensis var. excavata , is highly variable, reflects cellular/environmental life history and age, and may be useful in chemotaxonomy. We demonstrate here the application of flow cytometry to the assaying of saxitoxin content in single cells of the New England red tide dinoflagellate G. tamarensis var. excavata .
The beta self-shielding correction for 2π geometries☆

Abstract A new method is developed for correcting β-count rates for absorption of β-particles in volume sources counted in 2π proportional counters. It assumes that β-absorption follows an exponential law along any flight path. The integration over all possible angles of β-penetrations through a thin foil is carried out analytically. The theory predicts that the β-transmission through a plane cover layer should vary as an exponential integral of the second kind (E 2 ( μ x)) as a function of cover thickness, x. With volume sources the transmission is shown analytically to be governed by the E3 function. Experimental measurements show excellent agreement with the theory and provide a demonstration of a simple, new way of determining experimentally the β-self-absorption correction for cover layers or for volume sources.
Biogeochemical mercury methylation influenced by reservoir eutrophication, Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir, Idaho, USA

Abstract Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir (SFCR) in southern Idaho has been under a mercury (Hg) advisory since 2001 as fish in this reservoir contain elevated concentrations of Hg. Concentrations of total Hg (Hg T ) and methyl-Hg (MeHg) were measured in reservoir water, bottom sediment, and porewater to examine processes of Hg methylation at the sediment/water interface in this reservoir. Rates of Hg methylation and MeHg demethylation were also measured in reservoir bottom sediment using isotopic tracer techniques to further evaluate methylation of Hg in SFCR. The highest concentrations for Hg T and MeHg in sediment were generally found at the sediment/water interface, and Hg T and MeHg concentrations declined with depth. Porewater extracted from bottom sediment contained highly elevated concentrations of Hg T ranging from 11–230 ng/L and MeHg ranging from 0.68–8.5 ng/L. Mercury methylation was active at all sites studied. Methylation rate experiments carried out on sediment from the sediment/water interface show high rates of Hg methylation ranging from 2.3–17%/day, which is significantly higher than those reported in other Hg contaminant studies. Using porewater MeHg concentrations, we calculated an upward diffusive MeHg flux of 197 g/year for the entire reservoir. This sediment derived MeHg is delivered to the overlying SFCR water column, and eventually transferred to biota, such as fish. This study indicates that methylation of Hg is highly influenced by the hypolimnetic and eutrophic conditions in SFCR.
Structure and dynamics of physisorbed phases

Abstract Neutron, X-ray and helium atom scattering techniques are ideally suited for the study of the structure and dynamics of atoms and molecules physisorbed on surfaces. High flux beam reactors, high intensity spallation sources, the growing number of third generation synchrotron X-ray sources and the increased number of compact helium beam sources have led to a steady increase in our knowledge of the adsorption process.
Linkage of the HMP pathway to ATP generation by the proline cycle

Abstract The reactions catalyzed by proline oxidase and pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase form a catalytic cycle linking the hexose-monophosphate pentose (HMP) pathway to mitochondrial ATP generation. The cycling of proline and pyrroline-5-carboxylate couples glucose oxidation to ATP generation by a mechanism independent of the Embden-Meyerhof pathway and the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
Impedance effects of rechargeable batteries on digital communication devices

Abstract Present (and future) wireless communications use (will use) digital electronics to bunch and pack more data into the available communications spectrum. This strategy requires an energy storage device capable of delivering large, pulsed currents which may approach 4 A for 15 msec once every 90 msec. Emerging energy storage technologies, such as nickel-metal hydride and Li-ion cells, have enhanced energy densities but greater internal impedance when compared to the traditional nickel-cadmium cells. Experiments simulating battery discharge in a digital wireless communications application demonstrate the effects of internal impedance on the overall ability of the cells to meet digital device requirements. Results indicate that, currently, nickel-cadmium may be the best available technology for these digital applications.
The Impact of Credit and Non-Credit Aspects on Self-Employment Profit: A Comparison of Microcredit Programs and Commercial Lenders in Rural Bangladesh

Rural credit programs in Bangladesh help the poor by providing collateral-free loans or credits at a low cost. In addition, they provide social development programs such as vocational and business training through a group-based peer monitoring system. These non-credit aspects may add to the success of microcredit programs. This article examines the effects of the credit and non-credit aspects of microcredit programs on self-employment profits. Using a household level data and an Instrumental Variable-Fixed Effect approach, the results show that the non-credit social aspects of the microcredit programs affect profit above and beyond the credit aspects and increase self-employment profit by 50% to 81%. This article also compares microcredit programs to existing commercial lenders which do not offer non-credit services. The results show that credit effects are larger while non-credit effects are smaller for commercial loans and demonstrate the efficacy of the non-credit aspects of the microcredit programs in raising profits.
Real-time EDL navigation performance using spacecraft to spacecraft radiometric data

A two-year task sponsored by NASA's Mars Technology Program's Advanced Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) work area includes investigation of improvements to EDL navigation by processing spacecraft-to-spacecraft radiometric data. Spacecraft-to-spacecraft navigation will take advantage of the UHF link between two spacecraft (i.e. to an orbiter from an approaching lander for EDL telemetry relay) to build radiometric data, specifically the velocity between the two spacecraft along the radio beam, that are processed to determine position and velocity in real time. The improved onboard state knowledge provided by spacecraft-to-spacecraft navigation will improve the performance of entry guidance by providing a more accurate state estimate and ultimately reduce the landed position error. A previous paper documented the progress of the first year of this task, including the spacecraft definitions, selection and documentation of the required algorithms and analysis results used to define the algorithm set. The final year of this task is reported here. Topics include modifications to the previously selected algorithm set for implementation, and performance of the implemented algorithms in a stand-alone filter, on an emulator of the target processor and finally on a breadboard processing unit.
Implementation of Plan Irregularity Rapid Visual Screening Tool for Wood-Frame, Single-Family Dwellings

A plan irregularity rapid visual screening method for seismic performance assessment of wood-frame, single-family dwellings is presented. Results from 124 samples were compared with (a) building-specific, nonlinear time-history analysis and (b) FEMA 154 and ASCE 31 Tier 1. Verification using two houses damaged in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake is presented. The method includes effects of shape, torsional forces from eccentricity, and is based on conservative values of shear wall capacities and a nonlinear time-history analysis. The method is relatively more conservative than ASCE 31 Tier 1 and FEMA 154, and provides conservative but reasonable predictions of actual earthquake damage.
Selection of Marek's disease virus recombinants expressing the Escherichia coli gpt gene.

Abstract We developed a positive selection method for recovering Marek's disease virus (MDV) recombinants. The Escherichia coli xanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase gene (gpt), under the control of the major immediate-early promoter from cytomegalovirus, was inserted into the inverted repeats flanking the unique long (UL) region of a non-pathogenic serotype 2 MDV strain 281 MI/1. In a second demonstration of the usefulness of the positive selection system, the gpt gene was inserted into the inverted repeats flanking the unique short (US) region of the turkey herpesvirus (HVT) strain FC 126. The targeted insertion site in 281 MI/1 was in a previously established nonessential site for virus replication. The targeted insertion site for FC126, at the junction of the UL and US regions, is a nonessential site for in vitro replication of herpes simplex virus. Recombinant viruses were easily selected by incubating the transfected cells in mycophenolic acid (MPA)-containing medium. Purification of recombinants resulted from a series of trypsinization and sonication steps combined with the culturing of virus in MPA-containing medium to inhibit wildtype virus replication. This simple technique for recovering MDV and HVT recombinants should increase the efficiency of identifying nonessential sites and gene function analysis by insertional mutagenesis.