cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utilização do serviço pós-venda como vantagem competitiva: uso do modelo de armas e campos de competição na empresa Tramontina Teec S.A

Este artigo teve como objetivo analisar a utilizacao do pos-venda da Tramontina TEEC S.A, como diferencial competitivo em meio as vantagens competitivas do modelo Campo e Armas de Competicao: preco, produto, prazo, atendimento e imagem. Procurou-se por meio da pesquisa entender como o campo atendimento encontrava-se dentro da empresa estudada, e como o pos-venda, integrante deste campo, estava situado na organizacao, no quesito competitividade. Foi utilizada a metodologia de estudo de caso exploratorio qualitativo. As tecnicas de pesquisa foram entrevistas em profundidade com vinte clientes da empresa Tramontina TEEC S.A e analise de documentos da empresa. Os resultados foram analisados com base no modelo de Campos e Armas de Competicao de Contador, por descrever e classificar as vantagens competitivas detalhadamente. Como resultado, foi observada a importância que a pos-venda possui, ligada ao campo atendimento, sendo considerado pelos entrevistados um diferencial no mercado. A principal contribuicao desta pesquisa foi o entendimento da pos-venda como uma vantagem competitiva ligada ao interesse do consumidor que por consequencia, podera determinar competicao no ambiente por meio de suas preferencias e percepcoes advindas do atendimento prestado
From Random Walks to Markov Chains

The simplest random walk may be described as follows. A particle moves along a line by steps; each step takes it one unit to the right or to the left with probabilities p and q = 1 − p respectively where 0 < p < 1. For verbal convenience we suppose that each step is taken in a unit of time so that the nth step is made instantaneously at time n; furthermore we suppose that the possible positions of the particle are the set of all integers on the coordinate axis. This set is often referred to as the “integer lattice” on R 1, = (−∞, ∞) and will be denoted by I. Thus the particle executes a walk on the lattice, back and forth, and continues ad infinitum. If we plot its position X n as a function of the time n, its path is a zigzag line of which some samples are shown below in Figure 30.
Radixin Is Required to Maintain Apical Canalicular Membrane Structure and Function in Rat Hepatocytes

Background & Aims: Ezrin-radixin-moesin proteins are cross-linkers between the plasma membrane and actin filaments. Radixin, the dominant ezrin-radixin-moesin protein in hepatocytes, has been reported to selectively tether multidrug-resistance–associated protein 2 to the apical canalicular membrane. However, it remains to be determined if this is its primary function. Methods: An adenovirus-mediated short interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to down-regulate radixin expression in collagen sandwich–cultured rat hepatocytes and morphologic and functional changes were characterized quantitatively. Results: In control cultures, an extensive bile canalicular network developed with properly localized apical and basolateral transporters that provided for functional excretion of fluorescent cholephiles into the bile canalicular lumina. siRNA-induced suppression of radixin was associated with a marked reduction in the canalicular membrane structure as observed by differential interference contrast microscopy and F-actin staining, in contrast to control cells exposed to adenovirus encoding scrambled siRNA. Indirect immunofluorescence showed that apical transporters (multidrug-resistance–associated protein 2, bile salt export pump, and multidrug-resistance protein 1) dissociated from their normal location at the apical membrane and were found largely associated with Rab11-containing endosomes. Localization of the basolateral membrane transporter, organic anion transporting polypeptide 2 (Oatp2), was not affected. Consistent with this dislocation of apical transporters, the biliary excretion of glutathione-methylfluorescein and cholylglycylamido-fluorescein was decreased significantly in the radixin-deficient cells, but not in the control siRNA cells. Conclusions: Radixin is essential for maintaining the polarized targeting and/or retaining of canalicular membrane transporters and is a critical determinant of the overall structure and function of the apical membrane of hepatocytes.
High precision solder droplet printing technology and the state-of-the-art

Abstract The continuing drive toward more complex integrated circuits (ICs) devices having lower cost, higher inputs/outputs (I/Os), greater operating speeds, increased functions per chip, and smaller device geometry has pushed the package requirements far beyond the capability of traditional packages, such as solder paste printing (SPP). Solder droplet printing technology is low cost, non-contact, flexible and data driven, and environmentally friendly has thus been discussed as an enabling technology for precisely placing fine solder deposits onto a variety of smaller substrates. It is therefore suitable for a variety of applications including direct chip attach site preparation, three-dimensional substrates, fine line interconnect, substrate via fill, optoelectronics and many others. It would also allow manufacturing techniques that are impossible or unfeasible with current technology, such as localized replacement of solder on board, depositing solder in different thickness on the same board, or using more than one type of solder on the same board. Recently, many experiments and studies have been under investigation by several groups. In this paper, the principle of the solder droplet printing technology is introduced and recent experimental results and potential application of the technology in the microelectronics industry are also included and evaluated.
REVERSIBLE ANESTHESIA OF CAPTIVE CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS (ZALOPHUS CALIFORNIANUS) WITH MEDETOMIDINE, MIDAZOLAM, BUTORPHANOL, AND ISOFLURANE

Two adult California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) were effectively anesthetized 13 times with medetomidine (0.010-0.013 mg/kg), midazolam (0.2-0.26 mg/kg), and butorphanol (0.2-0.4 mg/kg) by i.m. hand or pole syringe injection. For each anesthetic event, atropine (0.02 mg/kg, i.m.) was administered 6-20 min after initial injections, and oxygen administration via face mask or nasal insufflation began at the same time. Light anesthesia was induced in 8-22 min and lasted 13-78 min. During eight of the procedures, isoflurane (0.5-2.0%) was administered via face mask or endotracheal tube for an additional 30-120 min to facilitate longer procedures or surgery. Anesthesia was antagonized with atipamezole (0.05-0.06 mg/kg) and naltrexone (0.1 mg/kg) in seven events, with the addition of flumazenil (0.0002-0.002 mg/kg) in six events. The antagonists were administered by i.m. injection 42-149 min after administration of the induction agents. All sea lions recovered to mild sedation within 4-17 min after administration of the antagonists.
The interpyramidal glio-vascular region.

The ventral median fissure of the medulla oblongata is in the rabbit occupied by a triangular interpyramidal glio-vascular region composed of astrocytic fibers, collagen fibers, fibrous astrocytes, rare neurons and myelinated nerve fibers, and moderate amounts of glycogen. The tissue is only sparsely vascularized, but the large median arteries to the raphe enter this region along its lateral borders.
Midazolam as a pediatric premedicant in the ambulatory setting

In the preoperative setting, the nurse is responsible for the comprehensiveevaluation and preparation of the patient. Among these activities, the administration of various premedications to achieve a physiological (eg, raise gastric fluid pH) or psychological (eg, reduce apprehension) effect is commonplace. Midazolam, a benzodiazepine, is one of the more popular medications used preoperatively for its anxiolytic properties. Several studies have evaluated the variety of routes by which midazolam can effectively be administered to the pediatric patient. A review of midazolam as a premedication specific to the pediatric population in the ambulatory setting is presented.
Surface morphology of synthetic diamonds and cubic boron nitride

Abstract Surface topography of several types of synthetic diamonds and cubic boron nitride (CBN), have been studied using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Information relative to the geometry of cutting edges and smoothness of crystal faces (of importance to friction on the rake face and bonding ability) is presented and discussed. Observations are also given concerning the role of morphology with respect to grain strength and recommended use.
Multiphoton microscopy as a tool to study ovarian vasculature in vivo

To better understand the vascular changes that occur in the ovarian follicle around the time of ovulation, we developed a novel procedure to determine blood flow in the follicle-associated microvasculature in vivo using multiphoton microscopy and verified that this procedure is compatible with ovulation. This procedure will be useful to characterize vascular events in ovaries of wild-type mice as well as various strains of genetically altered mice with anovulatory phenotypes. Understanding the mechanism of ovulation is important to treat human infertility, develop contraceptive methods and manage reproductive traits in domestic and endangered wild life species.
Women's Work and Academic Culture: Adaptations and Confrontations.

This study presents a model of lifestyles based on the form of women's acculturation to academic life. The model rests on the assumptions of patterned behavior and values which can be termed “women's culture” and “academic culture” respectively. Since becoming academics requires women to mediate the boundary between behaviors expected of women and those expected by the overwhelmingly male academic profession, an acculturation rather than socialization model was employed. The in-depth study of the acculturative modes of professional behavior is both an exploratory and a qualitative effort to derive issues and categories from women's own perceptions. Forty-two women from diverse disciplines and institutions were interviewed. Interviewees were either advanced PhD candidates or had recently entered professional work. Three modal categories emerged from content analysis of intensive interviews. Reorientation reflected the effort of women to exemplify the norms of male academic culture. Reaffirmation required the command of both professional norms and traditional feminine roles and values. Reconstitution was an effort to reformulate professional participation into a lifestyle more compatible with women's cultural norms.
Crossing to the dark side: examining creators, outcomes, and inhibitors of technostress

Exploring the factors that may lead to the inability of professionals to adapt or cope with emerging IS in a healthy manner.
Connecting a promoter-bound protein to TBP bypasses the need for a transcriptional activation domain

Biochemical analyses have suggested potential targets for transcriptional activation domains, which include several components of the RNA polymerase II machinery, as well as the chromatin template. Here we examine the mechanism of transcriptional activation in yeast cells by connecting a heterologous DNA-binding domain (LexA) to the TATA-binding protein (TBP). LexA-TBP efficiently activates transcription from a promoter containing a LexA operator upstream of a TATA element. Activation is promoter-specific and is sensitive to mutations on the DNA-binding surface of TBP; hence it is not due to a fortuitous activation domain on TBP. Thus a promoter-bound protein lacking an activation domain can stimulate transcription if it is directly connected to TBP. This suggests that recruitment of TBP to the promoter can be a rate-limiting step for transcription in vivo, and that interactions between activation domains and factors that function after TBP recruitment can be bypassed for activation.
A deletion mutant of heregulin increases the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy without promoting tumorigenicity

Heregulin (HRG) is an activator of the erbB2-, erbB3- and erbB4-(erbB-2/3/4) signaling pathway. Transfection of full-length HRG cDNA into the estrogen (E2)-dependent cell line MCF-7 promoted an invasive E2-independent phenotype, as well as persistent activation of the erbB-2/3/4 receptors. Moreover, HRG expression in MCF-7 cells renders the cells sensitive to the topoisomerase II inhibitor doxorubicin (Doxo). In an attempt to dissociate the tumorigenic effect of HRG from the sensitizing effect to chemotherapy, we constructed a structural deletion mutant of HRG. Transfection of the deletion mutant of HRG described in this study (HRG/M) into MCF-7 cells resulted in the dissociation of the tumor-promoting activity of HRG from the sensitization to Doxo, that is, although the cells did not become more aggressive or E2-independent they became more sensitive to Doxo. HRG/M was unable to autophosphorylate the erbB receptors and did not affect the level of MAPK phosphorylation. Furthermore, the intracellular localization of the protein was different from that of the full-length protein. Our data show that the HRG/M sequences are sufficient to sensitize MCF-7 cells to Doxo, and provide evidence that this sensitization is independent of erbB2 activation.
SIMPLIFIED METHOD FOR DETERMINING LEFT-TO-RIGHT SHUNTS USING PULSED DOPPLER ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

SIMPLIFIED METHOD FOR DETERMINING LEFT-TO-RIGHT SHUNTS USING PULSED DOPPLER ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
Comment and Reply on “Late Triassic paleogeography of the southern Cordillera: The problem of a source for voluminous volcanic detritus in the Chinle Formation of the Colorado Plateau region”

On page 569 of our article (Stewart et al., 1986) we emphasized the critical dependence of our ideas upon the validity of the isotopic and paleontologic geochronology, and on the calibration between the two methods. Wyman also emphasizes this same point but introduces other information—namely, isotopic dates on uranium ores in the Chinle Formation. He indicates, citing the work of Miller and Kulp (1963), that the average date for uranium ores in the Chinle Formation in the Cameron area, Arizona, is 175 Ma and in Lisbon Valley, Utah, is 150 Ma. These averages, however, seem meaningless because they incorporate individual dates that range from 101 to 218 Ma at Cameron, and from 95 to 207 Ma at Lisbon Valley. In any case, recent data (not cited by Wyman) gives a concordant U-Pb age of 206 ±1 Ma for uranium ores from the Chinle Formation in Lisbon Valley (Ludwig et al., 1986).
A multiple criteria decision analytic approach for evaluating acid rain policy choices

Abstract Multi-Attribute Utility Theoretic Approach is adopted to analyze the problem of acid rain policy choices for multiple impacted groups (agents) under two conditions: exact and imprecise preference information. The analysis involves the setting up of attributes and feasible policy alternatives. Estimates of acid rain impacts are obtained from secondary data. The emphasis is more on framework which allows explorations of compromises and the identification of acceptable impact areas than on exact results. The strongest message of this paper is that even without specifying exact cardinal preferences some dominance relationships can be established between policies in a real-world setting.
Age-related decreases in SYN levels associated with increases in MAP-2, apoE, and GFAP levels in the rhesus macaque prefrontal cortex and hippocampus

Loss of synaptic integrity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) may play an integral role in age-related cognitive decline. Previously, we showed age-related increases in the dendritic marker microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP-2) and the synaptic marker synaptophysin (SYN) in mice. Similarly, apolipoprotein E (apoE), involved in lipid transport and metabolism, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a glia specific marker, increase with age in rodents. In this study, we assessed whether these four proteins show similar age-related changes in a nonhuman primate, the rhesus macaque. Free-floating sections from the PFC and hippocampus from adult, middle-aged, and aged rhesus macaques were immunohistochemically labeled for MAP-2, SYN, apoE, and GFAP. Protein levels were measured as area occupied by fluorescence using confocal microscopy as well as by Western blot. In the PFC and hippocampus of adult and middle-aged animals, the levels of SYN, apoE, and GFAP immunoreactivity were comparable but there was a trend towards higher MAP-2 levels in middle-aged than adult animals. There was significantly less SYN and more MAP-2, apoE, and GFAP immunoreactivity in the PFC and hippocampus of aged animals compared to adult or middle-aged animals. Thus, the age-related changes in MAP-2, apoE, and GFAP levels were similar to those previously observed in rodents. On the other hand, the age-related changes in SYN levels were not, but were similar to those previously observed in the aging human brain. Taken together, these data emphasize the value of the rhesus macaque as a pragmatic translational model for human brain aging.
Disease susceptibility of the human macula: Differential gene transcription in the retinal pigmented epithelium/choroid

The discoveries of gene variants associated with macular diseases have provided valuable insight into their molecular mechanisms, but they have not clarified why the macula is particularly vulnerable to degenerative disease. Its predisposition may be attributable to specialized structural features and/or functional properties of the underlying macular RPE/choroid. To examine the molecular basis for the macula's disease susceptibility, we compared the gene expression profile of the human RPE/choroid in the macula with the profile in the extramacular region using DNA microarrays. Seventy-five candidate genes with differences in macular:extramacular expression levels were identified by microarray analysis, of which 29 were selected for further analysis. Quantitative PCR confirmed that 21 showed statistically significant differences in expression. Five genes were expressed at higher levels in the macula. Two showed significant changes in the macular:extramacular expression ratio; another two exhibited changes in absolute expression level, as a function of age or AMD. Several of the differentially expressed genes have potential relevance to AMD pathobiology. One is an RPE cell growth factor (TFPI2), five are extracellular matrix components (DCN, MYOC, OGN, SMOC2, TFPI2), and six are related to inflammation (CCL19, CCL26, CXCL14, SLIT2) and/or angiogenesis (CXCL14, SLIT2, TFPI2, WFDC1). The identification of regional differences in gene expression in the RPE/choroid is a first step in clarifying the macula's propensity for degeneration. These findings lay the groundwork for further studies into the roles of the corresponding gene products in the normal, aged, and diseased macula.
Geomagnetic Reversals and Pleistocene Chronology

The palaeontology and palaeomagnetic stratigraphy of several Atlantic and Pacific cores has been determined to establish the age relationship of various palaeontological boundaries which have been used to define a Pliocene–Pleistocene boundary in deep sea sediments.
Multireference Ab initio study of ligand field d-d transitions in octahedral transition-metal oxide clusters

We have used multiconfigurational (MC) and multireference (MR) methods (CASSCF, CASPT2, and MRCI) to study d–d transitions and other optical excitations for octahedral [M(H2O)6]n+ clusters (M = Ti, V, Mn, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) as models of hematite and other transition-metal oxides of interest in solar fuels. For [Fe(H2O)6]3+, all calculations substantially overestimate the d–d transition energies (∼3.0 versus ∼1.5 eV) compared to what has been experimentally assigned. This problem occurs even though theory accurately describes (1) the lowest d–d transition energy in the atomic ion Fe3+ (∼4.4 eV), (2) the t2g–eg splitting (∼1.4 eV) in [Fe(H2O)6]3+, and (3) the ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) energy in [Fe(H2O)6]3+. Indeed, the results for Fe3+ and the t2g–eg splitting suggest that the lowest d–d excitation energy in the hexa-aqua complex should be ∼3 eV (or slightly below because of Jahn–Teller stabilization), as we find. Possible origins for the d–d discrepancy are examined, including Fe2+ and low-s...
RETROGRADE URETEROPYELOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF 2 CM. OR GREATER UPPER URINARY TRACT AND MINOR STAGHORN CALCULI

AbstractPurpose: Upper urinary tract calculi that are too large to treat with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy are most commonly cleared with percutaneous endoscopic techniques. In a select group of patients who were poor candidates for percutaneous nephrostolithotomy we used retrograde endoscopic lithotripsy, and define the safety and efficacy of this modality in treating large, noninfectious stone burdens (2 cm. or greater).Materials and Methods: A total of 51 patients with 66 large (2 cm. or greater) upper urinary tract stones were chosen for retrograde ureteroscopic surgery. Many of these patients had co-morbid conditions that precluded or complicated standard percutaneous treatment. Lithotripsy was based on the application of small diameter fiberoptic ureteroscopes and the holmium laser lithotriptor. Specifically, the 200 micro. laser fiber was used when lower pole renal access was required. Successful therapy was defined as total fragmentation of a stone burden with creation of fine sand and 2 ...
Syntactic cues in the acquisition of collective nouns

One basic finding in the study of word learning is that children tend to construe a word describing an object as referring to the kind of whole object, rather than to a part of the object, one of its properties, or the substance it is made of. This has been taken as evidence that there exist certain special constraints on word meaning that guide children to favor the kind-of-object interpretation when exposed to a new word. There are descriptive problems with this proposal, however, as it cannot explain how children learn other kinds of words, such as names for specific people, substances, parts, events, collections, and periods of time. These problems motivate an alternative theory in which young children possess several distinct conceptual categories--including "individual", which is more abstract than "whole object"--and can use syntactic cues to determine the conceptual category that a new word belongs to. This theory is explored in two experiments in which we attempt to use syntactic cues to teach children and adults novel collective nouns--words that refer to groups of objects. The results indicate that children can use such cues to learn names for kinds of individuals that are not whole objects, although they are less able to do so than adults. Candidate explanations for why this developmental difference exists are discussed and implications are drawn for theories of word learning and conceptual representation.
Discussion of ''The role of microstructure on strength and ductility of hot-extruded mechanically alloyed NiAl''

In a recent article by Dollar, Dymek, Hwang, and Nash (DDHN), they state that the presence of a fiber texture promotes [110] slip in NiAl during room-temperature compression. This conclusion is based on their observation that material with a fiber texture displayed greater compressive ductility than material with a texture. The rationale for this effect is that the combination of [110] slip with the usual [011] produces five independent slip systems, satisfying the von Mises criterion, and thereby increases the ductility. However, the authors feel that DDHN have made several assumptions in their work which weaken their conclusions. These concern the slip plane, amount of dislocation activity, treatment of compressive strain as ''ductility,'' and stoichiometry of the low ductility material. Each of these issues is discussed subsequently.
Selective chemodenervation with botulinum toxin in facial nerve disorders

Selective chemodenervation is an important adjunct in the management of several aspects of facial nerve paralysis and paresis. Herein, the authors describe the utility of chemodenervation in the treatment of the synkinesis and contralateral hyperkinesis often associated with facial nerve injury.
Intersensory conflict between vision and touch: the response modality dominates when precise, attention-riveting judgments are required.

In four experiments, reducing lenses were used to minify vision and generate intersensory size conflicts between vision and touch. Subjects made size judgments, using either visual matching or haptic matching. In visual matching, the subjects chose from a set of visible squares that progressively increased in size. In haptic matching, the subjects selected matches from an array of tangible wooden squares. In Experiment 1, it was found that neither sense dominated when subjects exposed to an intersensory discrepancy made their size estimates by using either visual matching or haptic matching. Size judgments were nearly identical for conflict subjects making visual or haptic matches. Thus, matching modality did not matter in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, it was found that subjects were influenced by the sight of their hands, which led to increases in the magnitude of their size judgments. Sight of the hands produced more accurate judgments, with subjects being better able to compensate for the illusory effects of the reducing lens. In two additional experiments, it was found that when more precise judgments were required and subjects had to generate their own size estimates, the response modality dominated. Thus, vision dominated in Experiment 3, where size judgments derived from viewing a metric ruler, whereas touch dominated in Experiment 4, where subjects made size estimates with a pincers posture of their hands. It is suggested that matching procedures are inadequate for assessing intersensory dominance relations. These results qualify the position (Hershberger & Misceo, 1996) that the modality of size estimates influences the resolution of inter-sensory conflicts. Only when required to self-generate more precise judgments did subjects rely on one sense, either vision or touch. Thus, task and attentional requirements influence dominance relations, and vision does not invariably prevail over touch.
Performance of Egg Production Stocks Under Three Cage Densities

Abstract NUMEROUS studies have been conducted to compare the performance of caged chickens maintained at different population densities (Shupe and Quisenberry, 1961; Bramhall et al., 1966; Logan, 1965; Lowe and Hewang, 1964; Moore et al., 1965; Magruder and Nelson, 1966; Owings et al., 1967; Marr et al., 1967; Tower et al., 1967). Although higher population densities per cage generally decreased the number of eggs per bird and increased mortality, only limited information is available to indicate whether strains differ in their ability to adapt to multiple bird cages. Cook and Dembnicki (1966) and Wilson et al. (1967) observed significant interactions for strain by cage type. The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate genotype by environment (strain by cage density) interactions when commercial egg production stocks are caged at different population densities. PROCEDURE Six commercial egg production stocks were evaluated in one-, two-, and five-bird cage units. There were 3600…
BLUE AND GREEN LIGHT EFFECTS, AND THEIR PHOTOREVERSIBILITY, UPON ZOOSPORE PRODUCTION AND THE SYNCHRONIZED CYCLE IN PROTOSIPHON BOTRYOIDES KLEBS*

—The synchronized asexual cycle in Protosiphon botryoides Klebs is described. A blue light (430 nm) inhibition of zoospore production can be photoreversed by green light (550 nm). Similarly, a green light (550 nm) stimulation of zoospore production can be photoreversed by blue (430 nm) light. 430 nm light also shortens the period of zoospore motility, and 550 nm light lengthens this period.
Effects of congenital heart disease on fetal and neonatal circulations

Abstract The normal fetal circulation and distribution of cardiac output in the fetus have been described. The manner in which various congenital heart malformations may influence the course of the fetal circulation and thereby alter the development of various vascular structures is presented. The clinical features of congenital heart disease are markedly influenced by the circulatory changes occurring at and after birth. Since fetal development of the ductus arteriosus and the pulmonary circulation may be abnormal in the presence of congenital heart malformations, their postnatal response may not be normal. Furthermore, since progressive maturation of the pulmonary arterioles and ductus arteriosus occurs during advancing gestation, in premature infants after birth these structures may not show the degree of responsiveness usually seen in the full-term infant. Experimental work on the effects of induced cardiac anomalies on the development of the fetal circulation should be encouraged to increase our understanding of the relationships between congenital heart disease and the cardiovascular adaptation following birth.
IBM CMOS compatible photonics and traveling wave electro-optic modulator design

Summary form only given. This talk will give a general overview of the IBM Silicon Photonics program and specifically discuss CMOS compatible traveling wave electro-optic modulator design. A Non-Return-to-Zero Transmitter-link penalty calculation protocol for Mach-Zehnder Interferometric modulators based on the phase shifter efficiency-loss figure-of-merit will be presented. Our Transmitter-link penalty analysis protocol allows one to easily assess an expected penalty estimation from only the RF Vpp drive, modulator efficiency loss FOM, and the assumption that transmitter bandwidth is sufficient to support the link data rate, which allows system designers to better understand how device-level performance metrics impact system link budget.
Optimization of extinction from surface plasmon resonances of gold nanoparticles

We present a method to determine the total extinction of laser light due to excitations of the surface plasmon modes in gold nanoparticles, even for very large particle concentrations. The method uses the Mie theory efficiency parameter for single-particle scattering and absorption, a single-particle extinction parameter. We have previously shown that, by properly screening the scattered light, we can determine the extinction of laser light when the beam transverses as many as ten scattering mean free paths in a dense medium, i.e. in the presence of significant multiple scattering. We present the application of the method to the total extinction due mainly to the excitations of the surface plasmon resonance in gold nanoparticles. Although the results obtained from measurements in this multiple-particle medium are explained in terms of the single-particle Mie extinction parameter, we find that the optimum particle size for maximum multiple-scattering extinction is smaller than that for the maximum single-particle extinction parameter predicted by the Mie theory.
Glomalin Production and Infectivity of Arbuscular-Mycorrhizal Fungi in Response to Grassland Plant Diversity

Arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are integral components of most terrestrial ecosystems, with complex interactions between plants and AMF. Our study assessed the impact of plant diversity of native grassland species on AMF infectivity and production of glomalin, an AMF hyphal glycoprotein that may play an important role in soil aggregation. The study was conducted over a 3-year period in field plots planted with 1, 2, 8, or 16 plant species. The mycorrhizal infection potential (MIP) of the plots was assayed in the greenhouse. Glomalin production and MIP were lowest in monocultures and were more closely correlated with plant diversity than with plant cover. Spore density was also greater in higher diversity plots. Lower AMF activity in monoculture plots may contribute to lower productivity and soil quality in plant monocultures. Immunoreactive glomalin levels varied seasonally, with higher levels in late summer than in late spring. Positive correlations were found between glomalin levels and spore density, and between MIP and spore density, but not between MIP and glomalin.
“There's Gold in Them Thar Hills”

Dahlonega, Georgia was the site of the first gold rush in the US. The quote above is attributed to its mayor, when he was trying to persuade miners to hang around and not leave for new discoveries reported in California. Where am I going with this? None of us would mind striking “gold” in our
Order and disorder in the approach to equilibrium of a classical gas

We study the approach to equilibrium of a classical gas. The initial condition corresponds to a Maxwell velocity distribution, but to a nonequilibrium binary correlation. We consider two cases. In the first, there are initially no spatial correlations, while in the second, initial correlations correspond to long-range spatial order. We show that the gas leaves the Maxwell velocity distribution function in the process of building up equilibrium correlations. The spatial correlations in the equilibrium state are seen to emerge from a self-organization process in the gas. Non-Markovian effects play an essential role in this process by coupling the velocity distribution and the binary correlations. For the case of initial long-range correlations we obtain “anti-Boltzmann” behavior in the evolution of the velocity distribution as the Boltzmann entropy decreases from the nonequilibrium to the equilibrium state. For this case we also have nontrivial behavior on a short time scale due to the non-Markovian effects. The approach used here is based on the theory of subdynamics as developed in previous publications. The results obtained show the interplay between irreversible processes leading to disorder and to order in a classical gas.
DDT, DDD, and DDE Dechlorination by Zero-Valent Iron

Traditionally, destruction of DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane] for environmental remediation required high-energy processes such as incineration. Here, the capability of powdered zero-valent iron to dechlorinate DDT and related compounds at room temperature was investigated. Specifically, DDT, DDD [1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane], and DDE [2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene] transformation by powdered zero-valent iron in buffered anaerobic aqueous solution was studied at 20 °C, with and without the presence of nonionic surfactant Triton X-114. The iron was successful at dechlorinating DDT, DDD, and DDE. The rates of dechlorination of DDT and DDE were independent of the amount of iron, with or without surfactant. The rates with surfactant present were much higher than without. Initial first-order transformation rates for DDT, DDD, and DDE were determined. For example, the initial first-order rate of DDT dechlorination was 1.7 ± 0.4 and 3.0 ± 0.8 day-1 or, normalized...
Synthesis and response of new microsensor coatings-II Acridinium betaines and anionic surfactants.

Abstract Four acridinium betaines and two ionic surfactants were synthesized, and evaluated as chemical microsensor coatings by exposure to vapors of chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP). Two of the acridinium betaines showed selective and reversible responses (of 9.8 and 6.8 kHz) as SAW (surface acoustic wave) coatings in the detection of CEES vapor: there appears to be a connection between the long alkyl chain (C-12 and C-14) in the acridinium molecules and the response. Response times were generally less than 30 sec but desorption was significantly slower. The ionic surfactant coatings show small SAW changes (> 0.5 kHz) in response to DMMP vapor, and somewhat greater responses (20- and 68-fold), as chemiresistors, to CEES vapor. In each case the response occurred within 3 min, with return nearly to baseline levels within 6 min of cessation of exposure to the vapor. The responses were reproducible within ± 5%.
Specificity and stability of guinea pig anti-progesterone antibodies

Antibodies against progesterone were induced in guinea pigs of both sexes by injection of progesterone-y beta-hemisuccinate conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) in a ratio of 16 moles of steroid per mole of protein. The concentration of antibody binding sites for progesterone of the animals studied ranged from 5 to 20 microM. The expected heterogeneity of binding affinity for progesterone was observed with two major populations apparently predominating. On bound progesterone with an average affinity greater than 2 X 10(9) M-1 and the other showed an average affinity less than or equal to 6 X 10(6) M-1. The antibodies were fond to be stable to extremes of pH and temperature in serum as well as in solutions of ammonium sulfate precipitates. The antibodies were not stable, however, in a more highly purified form. Attempts to obtain active preparations in high yield by purification beyond the ammonium sulfate step were unsuccessful. Competition studies and direct analysis with radiolabeled steroids showed the high-affinity population to be relatively specific for progesterone binding, whereas other steroids were bound according to the polarity rule indicating that the binding forces are predominantly hydrophobic.
Analysis of grating couplers in planar waveguides for waves at oblique incidence

A grating coupler is investigated for the case when the incident direction of a guided wave in a planar waveguide is inclined, within the guide plane, to the direction of a grating vector. The coupling and conversion between a TE, or TM, guided mode and the TE and TM radiative and nonradiative modes are considered in a weakly corrugated guide. The amplitude transport equation and the expressions for the leakage parameter, and the phase correction to a wave number of an unperturbed waveguide, are deduced using a quasi-optical technique. The power-conservation relation of a grating coupler for obliquely incident waves is established, and the coupling and conversion efficiencies are examined. It has been found that significant differences exist for excitation, or scattering, of waves at the normal and oblique incidences.
Mechanical Transduction Mechanisms of RecA-Like Molecular Motors

Abstract A majority of ATP-dependent molecular motors are RecA-like proteins, performing diverse functions in biology. These RecA-like molecular motors consist of a highly conserved core containing the ATP-binding site. Here I examined how ATP binding within this core is coupled to the conformational changes of different RecA-like molecular motors. Conserved hydrogen bond networks and conformational changes revealed two major mechanical transduction mechanisms: (1) intra-domain conformational changes and (2) inter-domain conformational changes. The intra-domain mechanism has a significant hydrogen bond rearrangement within the domain containing the P-loop, causing relative motion between two parts of the protein. The inter-domain mechanism exhibits little conformational change in the P-loop domain. Instead, the major conformational change is observed between the P-loop domain and an adjacent domain or subunit containing the arginine finger. These differences in the mechanical transduction mechanisms may l...
Economic Freedom, Economic Growth, and China

Cross-country data and the Index of Economic Freedom show that improvements in economic freedom are associated positively with real gross domestic product (GDP) growth, a finding at odds with the situation in China. The Chinese economy grew about 10 percent per year during the sample period, but its rapid economic growth was accompanied by a relatively undeveloped legal and financial system, lack of economic freedom, and a high level of corruption. China's rating for economic freedom is regularly below the world average and has not improved over time. Ranked only 124th in the 2008 Index of Economic Freedom, China seems to be an exception to the rule in the realms of law, institutions, economic freedom, and economic growth.
Discovery of a new synthetic tetrapeptide having luteinizing releasing hormone (LRH) activity

Abstract A new synthetic tetrapeptide, pGlu-Tyr-Arg-Trp-NH 2 , has been discovered which has the activity of the luteinizing releasing hormone (LRH) of the hypothalamus, and is, to our knowledge, the first one reported with LRH-activity. Studies indicated the presence of pGlu, Arg, Tyr, and Trp in bovine LRH and Trp in porcine LRH. Of the six possible tetrapeptides, only pGlu-Tyr-Arg-Trp-NH 2 , shows LRH activity. This tetrapeptide is less active than LRH, and is not the hormone, but it is relatively potent. A part or all of the sequence of pGlu-Tyr-Arg-Trp-NH 2 may be identical to part(s) of the sequence of LRH. All available data on LRH indicate it apparently is a decapeptide and not a nonapeptide reported by others.
BRAIN ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY DURING PRAYER

Electroencephalograms (EEGs) were recorded during rest and during prayer in the laboratory from 6 adults aged 24 to 70 yr. belonging to the Protestant faith. The purpose was to discover whether the electrocortical rhythms during prayer are slower than they are during rest as has been reported to be the case in Transcendental Meditation. Findings did not show any evidence of EEG slowing in prayer. Indeed, the opposite result, namely, a speeding-up of the EEG, was observed in the majority of subjects. In one subject the shift from rest to prayer amounted to an average increase in frequency of 1.6 c/sec. Findings were discussed in relation to similar results which have been reported in highly experienced Yoga meditators and advanced Transcendental Meditators capable of deep meditative states. Confirmatory evidence from one subject who was a highly experienced Sufi meditator is also presented.
Cell volume and plasma membrane osmotic water permeability in epithelial cell layers measured by interferometry

The development of strategies to measure plasma membrane osmotic water permeability (Pf) in epithelial cells has been motivated by the identification of a family of molecular water channels. A general approach utilizing interferometry to measure cell shape and volume was developed and applied to measure Pf in cell layers. The method is based on the cell volume dependence of optical path length (OPL) for a light beam passing through the cell. The small changes in OPL were measured by interferometry. A mathematical model was developed to relate the interference signal to cell volume changes for cells of arbitrary shape and size. To validate the model, a Mach-Zehnder interference microscope was used to image OPL in an Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell layer and to reconstruct the three-dimensional cell shape (OPL resolution
Doppler scaling correction in OFDM

This paper introduces the use of non-uniform fast Fourier transform (NUFFT) in detection of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) in a situation when the received signal samples are unevenly spaced. The application of interest to us is underwater acoustic communications, where the relatively low speed of (acoustic) signal propagation in water combined with movement of communicating vehicles introduces a time-varying time-scale to the received signal. This is called Doppler scaling. In the presence of Doppler scaling, when the received signal is sampled at the nominal rate, the samples will be seen as unevenly spaced within the domain of transmit signal. This leads to an undetectable OFDM signal, if not corrected. We develop the necessary equations that show how NUFFT should be applied to this application. We also discuss a method of Doppler scaling estimation by using of null subcarriers that we assume are inserted in the OFDM signal. Moreover, we examine our development on real signals obtained from an at-sea experiment (ACOMM10) and confirm its correct operation.
A social assessment of the Hebei-Spirit oil spill

This paper examines the early social consequences of the largest oil spill in Korea from December 2007 up to May 2008. The focus is on the social impact of the oil spill and its social implications in three major areas of oil spill response: (1) clean-up operations, (2) compensation, and (3) ecological impact. The paper highlights both the positive and negative consequences of the spill and the significance of the early social assessment to understand subsequent responses and adaptation in the long run.
Direct determination of the mobility-lifetime (μτ) product from the transient response of extrinsic Ge:Ga photoconductors

Abstract Measurements of the ratio of fast to slow component in the transient response of a Ge:Ga extrinsic photoconductor to a step function increase in photon flux have been used to determine the mobility-lifetime (μτ) product as a function of applied electric field. The μτ product is obtained from a single measurement, independent of the absolute value of the background flux or signal size. We find a linear increase in μτ over a field range from 0.4 to 1.0 V/cm.
Evaluation of a Conjunctive Surface–Subsurface Process Model (CSSP) over the Contiguous United States at Regional–Local Scales

AbstractThis study presents a comprehensive evaluation on a Conjunctive Surface–Subsurface Process Model (CSSP) in predicting soil temperature–moisture distributions, terrestrial hydrology variations, and land–atmosphere exchanges against various in situ measurements and synthetic observations at regional–local scales over the contiguous United States. The CSSP, rooted in the Common Land Model (CoLM) with a few updates from the Community Land Model version 3.5 (CLM3.5), incorporates significant advances in representing hydrology processes with realistic surface (soil and vegetation) characteristics. These include dynamic surface albedo based on satellite retrievals, subgrid soil moisture variability of topographic controls, surface–subsurface flow interactions, and bedrock constraint on water table depths. As compared with the AmeriFlux tower measurements, the CSSP and CLM3.5 reduce surface sensible and latent heat flux errors from CoLM by 10 W m−2 on average, and have much higher correlations with observ...
USE OF NON-DEGENERACY IN NOMINALLY AXISYMMETRIC STRUCTURES FOR FAULT DETECTION WITH APPLICATION TO CYLINDRICAL GEOMETRIES

A novel technique is proposed for the detection of localized flaws in otherwise axisymmetric structures. The technique is based on the split-mode phenomena that occurs when the degenerate vibratory modes of the axisymmetric structure become non-degenerate due to the flaw with altered mode shapes and shifted natural frequencies. A basic theoretical motivation is offered and computational and experimental studies on cylindrical structures are reported that verify the premises of the proposed methodology and provide an assessment of its specificity and sensitivity under confounding conditions, such as out-of-roundness.