cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How mechanisms of perceptual decision-making affect the psychometric function.

Psychometric functions are often interpreted in the context of Signal Detection Theory, which emphasizes a distinction between sensory processing and non-sensory decision rules in the brain. This framework has helped to relate perceptual sensitivity to the “neurometric” sensitivity of sensory-driven neural activity. However, perceptual sensitivity, as interpreted via Signal Detection Theory, is based on not just how the brain represents relevant sensory information, but also how that information is read out to form the decision variable to which the decision rule is applied. Here we discuss recent advances in our understanding of this readout process and describe its effects on the psychometric function. In particular, we show that particular aspects of the readout process can have specific, identifiable effects on the threshold, slope, upper asymptote, time dependence, and choice dependence of psychometric functions. To illustrate these points, we emphasize studies of perceptual learning that have identified changes in the readout process that can lead to changes in these aspects of the psychometric function. We also discuss methods that have been used to distinguish contributions of the sensory representation versus its readout to psychophysical performance.
Brominated vegetable oil myopathy: Inhibition at multiple sites

Skeletal muscle lipid storage was induced by feeding rats brominated vegetable oil (BVO). The defect was examined by measuring radioactive substrate oxidation, intermediates of fatty acid oxidation, and activities of oxidative enzymes. One- and U-[14C] palmitate and 1-[14C] pyruvate oxidation were reduced in muscle after four doses of BVO. Inhibition of U-[14C] palmitate oxidation occurred after two doses. Short chain acylcoenzyme A(CoA) derivatives accumulated in the muscle. Several enzymes of beta-oxidation were significantly reduced, with the greatest reduction in 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase. The inhibition probably affected multiple sites of CoA and CoA-derivative metabolism.
Amphiphilic and photocatalytic behaviors of TiO2 nanotube arrays on Ti prepared via electrochemical oxidation

Abstract Amphiphilic TiO2 nanotube arrays (TiO2 NTs) were fabricated through electrochemical oxidation of Ti in solution containing H3PO4 and NaF. Scanning electron microscopic analysis shows that the as-prepared TiO2 NTs have an average pore diameter of 100 nm and a wall thickness of 15 nm. The electrochemical oxidation of Ti can be divided into four stages. In the first stage, when the potential is very low, oxygen formation and Ti dissolution are the major reactions. The second stage corresponds to a slightly higher potential, but less than 2.5 V. In this stage, the formation of TiO2 film occurs. When the potential is increased to the even higher range from 2.5 V to 6 V, the TiO2 film dissolves and nanoporous surface structure is generated. This is the third stage. Further increase of the potential enters stage four. The high potentials cause the self-organization of the nanostructure and allow the formation of well-aligned TiO2 NTs. We also found that the change in surface condition of Ti by annealing heat treatment affects the film dissolution kinetics. As compared with TiO2 thin film, the TiO2 NTs show higher photocatalytic activity on decomposing Rhodamine B. The surface of the TiO2 NTs can be wetted by both water and oil. Such an amphiphilic property comes from the capillary effect of the nanochannel structure of the TiO2 NTs. Because of the amphiphilic property and the photocatalytic activity, we conclude that the TiO2 NTs have the capability of self-cleaning.
Regulatory role of ubiquitin in eukaryotic DNA translesion synthesis

Although often associated with proteasome-mediated protein degradation, ubiquitin plays essential nondegradative roles in a myriad of cellular processes, including chromatin dynamics, membrane trafficking, innate immunity, and DNA damage response. The recent progress in understanding DNA translesion synthesis (TLS), an important branch of DNA damage response, has largely been stimulated by the finding that ubiquitination of an essential nuclear protein, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), controls precisely how eukaryotic cells respond to DNA damage. Despite the remarkable activity of the TLS polymerases in synthesizing past the damaged nucleotides, they are intrinsically error-prone on the normal DNA template. Therefore, a stringent regulation of the TLS polymerases is essential for the faithful replication of the DNA genome. Here we review the structure and function of the Y-family TLS polymerases and their interactions with ubiquitin and monoubiquitinated PCNA (Ub-PCNA). Driven by the need for monoubiquitinated PCNA in a sufficient quantity and purity, researchers developed both chemical and enzymatic methods for PCNA monoubiquitination, which have propelled our understanding of the structure of Ub-PCNA by X-ray crystallography and small-angle X-ray scattering. Together with studies using a reconstituted polymerase switching assay, these investigations revealed a surprising conformational flexibility of ubiquitin as a modifier on PCNA. Although the molecular details of TLS in cells still need to be deciphered, two working models, polymerase switching and postreplicative gap filling, have been proposed and tested in both in vitro and cellular systems. Evidence for both models is discussed herein. Compared to PCNA monoubiquitination, polyubiquitination of PCNA in DNA damage response is much less well understood and will be the subject of a future investigation. Given the close connection of DNA damage response and anticancer therapy, an in-depth understanding of the eukaryotic translesion synthesis and its regulation by ubiquitin will likely provide new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
The influence of music on consumers' temporal perceptions: Does time fly when you're having fun?

Abstract The perceived duration of a time period may be influenced by properties of environmental stimuli that fill the period. Because music is often present in consumer environments, we conducted an experiment to explore the influence of a musical stimulus property (modality) on listeners' estimates of the duration of a time period. Findings suggest that perceptions of duration are influenced by music in a way that contradicts conventional wisdom (i.e., the "time flies when you're having fun" hypothesis). Perceived duration was longest for subjects exposed to positively valenced (major key) music, and shortest for negatively valenced (atonal) music. Thus, time did not fly when an interval was filled with affectively positive stimulation. An alternative hypothesis based on attentional and retrieval processes is supported. Implications for the design of consumer environments and for future research are discussed.
Human nature, tradition and law: a Burkean perspective in public administration

The article introduces Edmund Burke’s world‐view and its implications for public administration. From Burke’s idea about human nature, tradition, law and representation, it has been argued that in a Burkean world, administrative discretion is essential and inevitable. By using their discretionary power, Burke emphasized that public administrators as virtual representatives will meet the ends of the law made by elected representatives. Also to build a tradition and ethical foundation for administration, Burke argued for a unified administration. Given human fallibility and self‐interest such a unified body can internally check administrative actions. Furthermore, in order to demonstrate the contemporary relevance of Burke’s thought, the paper compares and contrasts this Burkean view of public administration with the views of other influential scholars in public administration. Important similarities exist that show that his views continue to demonstrate fruitful application in the art of governance.
False elevation of human chorionic gonadotropin in a patient with testicular cancer.

The authors describe a patient with a persistently elevated level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during chemotherapy for suspected low-risk, metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumor. His hCG level was found to have been falsely elevated owing to the presence of heterophile antibodies that interfered with the hCG immunoassay. Background. A 44-year-old, HIV-positive man presented with a painless swelling of his left testicle. He underwent left radical orchiectomy for a pathological stage T1 nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT). A persistently elevated postoperative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level resulted in the patient being diagnosed as having low-risk, stage 1S disseminated NSGCT. He was treated with four cycles of etoposide and cisplatin chemotherapy, but his hCG level had not returned to normal at the end of the treatment. Postchemotherapy CT showed no evidence of metastatic disease. Investigations. Measurement of serum levels of tumor markers, including α-fetoprotein, hCG and lactate dehydrogenase, scrotal ultrasonography, HIV-1 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, CT of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis, assessment of kidney function, and measurement of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels. Diagnosis. Falsely elevated serum hCG level caused by heterophile antibody interference in the hCG immunoassay. Management. The patient's postchemotherapy serum samples were reanalyzed using a heterophile antibody blocking agent, the results of which showed no detectable hCG. No salvage therapy was required, and the patient remains in complete remission.
Complementary activation of hippocampal–cortical subregions and immature neurons following chronic training in single and multiple context versions of the water maze

Neurobiological studies of memory typically involve single learning sessions that last minutes or days. In natural settings, however, animals are constantly learning. Here we investigated how several weeks of spatial water maze training influences subsequent activation of neocortical and hippocampal subregions, including adult-born neurons. Mice were either trained in a single context or in a variant of the task in which the spatial cues and platform location changed every 3 days, requiring constant new learning. On the final day, half of the mice in each training group were tested in a novel context and the other half were tested in their previous, familiar context. Two hours later mice were perfused to measure subregion-specific expression of the immediate-early gene zif268, a marker of neuronal activation. None of the training paradigms affected the magnitude of adult neurogenesis. However, different neuronal populations were activated depending on prior training history, final context novelty, or a combination of these 2 factors. The anterior cingulate cortex was more activated by novel context exposure, regardless of the type of prior training. The suprapyramidal blade of the dentate gyrus and region CA3 showed greater activation in mice trained in multiple contexts, primarily after exposure to a familiar context. In immature granule neurons, multiple context training enhanced activation regardless of final context novelty. CA1 showed no significant changes in zif268 expression across any training condition. In naive control mice, training on the final day increased zif268 expression in CA3, CA1 and the anterior cingulate cortex, but not the dentate gyrus, relative to mice that remained in their cages (transport controls). Unexpectedly, immature granule cells showed a decrease in zif268 expression in naive learners relative to transport controls. These findings suggest novel and complementary roles for hippocampal, neocortical, and immature neuronal populations in learning and memory.
Nuclear lamins and chromatin: when structure meets function.

In our model we propose that lamins are major components of a nuclear scaffold which is essential for various nuclear processes such as transcription, DNA replication, chromatin organization and DNA repair (Dechat et al., 2008; Goldman et al., 2002). We further speculate that this lamin based scaffold provides a docking site and organizing center for chromatin and the multicomponent complexes involved in chromatin regulation. Alterations in such a scaffold caused either by changes in lamin expression patterns or by the expression of disease causing mutant lamins can result in the misregulation of nuclear functions leading, for example, to defects in cell cycle progression and differentiation (Dechat et al., 2008). In support of this two recent studies show that adult stem cell differentiation is impaired in HGPS and in premature-aging mice (Espada et al., 2008; Scaffidi and Misteli, 2008).
Children’s probability learning as a function of the cross-sex effect

To assess the effects of the sex of E and S on the performance of S in a complex task employing social reinforcement, 6-yr.-old boys and girls were presented a probability learning task in which the sex of the reinforcing agent was varied. The general results indicated that when E was a male, girls made more correct responses than boys, while boys made more correct responses than girls, when E was a female.
Hearing What We See: Censoring “Nigga,” Vernaculars, and African American Agentic Subjects

Instead of analyzing the controversy through the politics of resignification, this article examines controversies involving the uses of words with the phoneme nigg – as part of a larger vernacular discourse and rhetoric. It proposes that the difference between “nigger” and “nigga” as suggested by the African American hip hop community is both phonetically not heard and rhetorically disregarded. This mishearing is not a mere mistake, but a symptom and an effect of positioning African American subjects as always already a victim, yet subject to Western standards of speaking and occularcentric ways of hearing. The article concludes that this controversy could be more productively articulated to vernacular rhetorical politics that challenge the multiculturalist, liberal acceptance of only people of color who conform to certain styles of speaking.
Differences in the consummatory and operant behaviors of male and female septal rats

Abstract Whereas both septal lesion groups showed increased water consumption, only the female lesion group evidenced increased food intake. Both lesion groups showed higher CRF and FI response outputs for food and obtained a significantly greater number of rewards during FI responding. Comparisons between this and a previous study suggested that following septal lesions: (1) increases in food intake are sex specific and independent of the type deprivation experienced; (2) the magnitude of some effects are greater in female than in male rats; and (3) sex differences in operant responding are seen only when water is employed as a reinforcer.
Soil denitrification rates in a subalpine watershed of the eastern Sierra Nevada

Abstract Denitrification rates in soils of six subalpine plant communities in an eastern Sierra Nevada watershed were determined by the acetylene inhibition method. Soil atmosphere samples were collected monthly from June 1986 through May 1987 in a riparian, wet meadow, dry meadow, north-facing forest, south-facing forest and barren site and analyzed for N2O content using gas chromatography. Soil temperature, moisture, organic matter, C,N,C:N ratio, NO3 N and pH were examined to assess their effects on denitrification rates. Mean denitrification rates for the year varied from 103.3 μg m−2h−1 in the north-facing forest to 120.2 μg m−2h−1 at the barren site, but did not differ significantly among any of the six plant communities. However, comparisons among months within individual communities revealed that the denitrification rates in each community varied significantly over the year, and in three of the six sites significant correlations between denitrification rates and other soil parameters were detected. Soil acidity was positively correlated with denitrification rate in the riparian and wet meadow communities, and in the dry meadow, soil moisture was positively correlated while soil temperature and organic matter were negatively correlated with denitrification rate. Comparisons among sites within individual months revealed significant differences in denitrification rates in June, September, October and January, but no single site consistently exhibited the highest or lowest rate in all 4 months, and only in October, when denitrification rates were positively correlated with soil temperature and moisture, was variation in denitrification rates among sites explained by other soil parameters. For the six plant communities overall, soil denitrification rates were highly variable from June to October, increased sharply from October to December, and then declined from December to May.
DNA replication: enzymology and mechanisms

Research into the enzymology of DNA replication has seen a multitude of highly significant advances during the past year, in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. The scope of this article is limited to chromosomal replicases and origins of initiation. The multiprotein chromosomal replicases of prokaryotes and eukaryotes appear to be strikingly similar in structure and function, although future work may reveal their differences. Recent developments, elaborating the activation of origins in several systems, have begun to uncover mechanisms of regulation. The enzymology of eukaryotic origins has, until now, been limited to viral systems, but over the past few years, enzymology has caught a grip on the cellular origins of yeast.
Localization of prolactin uptake by the kidney of the teleostean, Colisa lalia.

Abstract Although evidence has been presented that the hormone prolactin specifically binds to the kidneys of the teleost Sarotherodon mossambicus ( J. N. Fryer, 1979 , Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 39 , 397–403.) prolactin has not previously been shown to become localized at any particular morphological sites in fishes. This problem has been investigated in the dwarf gourami, Colisa lalia . Ovine prolactin was labeled with 125 I and injected intramuscularly. Fish were sacrificed after 15, 30, and 90 min. Other animals were injected with an excess of unlabeled prolactin, growth hormone, or luteinizing hormone 2 min prior to administration of the label. Paraffin-embedded tissues were sectioned, coated with Kodak NTB-3, and exposed for 3–5 weeks. After developing, samples of several body tissues were stained and examined for the presence of silver grains. The results indicate that, as in rat and frog, kidney tubules of C. lalia are sites of prolactin localization. No other sites of prolactin localization were identified.
Shear-induced self-diffusion in non-colloidal suspensions

Self-diffusion in a monodisperse suspension of non-Brownian particles in simple shear flow is studied using accelerated Stokesian dynamics (ASD) simulation. The availability of a much faster computational algorithm allows the study of large systems (typically of 1000 particles) and the extraction of accurate results for the complete shear-induced self-diffusivity tensor. The finite, and often large, autocorrelation time requires the mean-square displacements to be followed for very long times, which is now possible with ASD. The self-diffusivities compare favourably with the available experimental measurements when allowance is made for the finite strains sampled in the experiments. The relationship between the mean-square displacements and the diffusivities appearing in a Fokker–Planck equation when advection couples to diffusion is discussed.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Farmer Suicides: A Case for Benign Paternalism?

Although arguments are a good way of exploring the limitations and complexities of a concept or a theory we may find ourselves faced with a real phenomenon that challenges the existing formulations of a concept or a theory so strongly and reveals its limitations to us so starkly that we are forced to break away from the current discussion and start anew. Such is the challenge posed by the phenomenon of farmer suicides on our existing theories of corporate social responsibility. Contemporary discussions in corporate ethics are replete with many theories of corporate social responsibility which in one way or the other rely on the concept of the social contract. For the most part these theories have gone unchallenged and no fundamental limitations have been revealed. However, the phenomenon of farmer suicides in central India poses a serious challenge to them. This article attempts to show how the phenomenon of farmer suicides in central India starkly exposes some of the fundamental limitations of the contractarian formulations of corporate social responsibility.
Descriptive set theory over hyperfinite sets

The separation, uniformization, and other properties of the Borel and projective hierarchies over hyperfinite sets are investigated and compared to the corresponding properties in classical descriptive set theory. The techniques used in this investigation also provide some results about countably determined sets and functions, as well as an improvement of an earlier theorem of Kunen and Miller.
A model for triterpene side-chain synthesis. 2

Abstract A bicyclic model for 17-keto derivatives of triterpenes, trans -1,6-dimethyl-2-methoxybicyclo[4.3.0] nonan-7-one (1), was used to explore side-chain construction concurrent with oxidation at C-8 (triterpene C-16). Oxidation of methylene derivative 2 with selenium dioxide gave β alcohol 14, and borohydride reduction of the corresponding ketone (15) led to the α epimer 16. Each allylic alcohol (14 and 16) reacted stereospecifically with phenylsulfenyl chloride to give, respectively, diastereoisomeric sulfoxides 20 and 19. The latter yielded a conjugate base that was methylated selectively to give sulfoxide 21. Desulfuration of 21 with trimethylphosphite generated the ethylidene α alcohol 22, and following PDC oxidation, E enone 25.This enone was a minor product from an alternative synthesis beginning with ethylidene derivative 3. Treatment of 3 with selenium dioxide followed by PDC gave the isomeric Z enone 24 as the major product. Reaction of 24 with lithium bis-4-methyl-3-pentenylcuprate proceeded by a facial-selective conjugate addition to the euphane CD model 26. The E isomer 25, under similar conditions, gave only an unresolved mixture. These results are compared with similar steroid reactions reported by Trost and Schmuff11.
On the influence of energetic electron precipitation on the water cluster ion population in the upper D-region

Abstract Calculations have been carried out to show the influence of energetic electron precipitation on the water cluster ion composition in the 80–100 km region. The results obtained indicate that the relative abundance of cluster ions is shifted, disturbed conditions favoring the emergence of intermediate ions at the expense of water cluster ions further along the cluster chain. The extent of this shift is shown for various water vapor mixing ratios.
Erbium-doped tellurite glasses for 1.5-um broadband amplification

Er$3+) doped tellurite glasses with various Na2O/Li2O, Na2O/K2O and K2O/Li2O ratios were prepared. Absorption and emission spectra, glass transition temperatures, crystallization temperatures, densities, and refractive index of these glass samples were characterized. For all studied glass samples, the highest effective linewidth was obtained with mixed alkali molar ratio of Na2O/Li2O equals 1, Na2O/K2O equals 1 and K2O/Li2O equals 1. The studied glasses have a (Tx- Tg) exceeding 100 degree(s)C, indicating these glass samples are stable against devitrification. In addition, Judd-Ofelt analysis of several glasses was also performed.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
How to Develop, Submit, and Get an iPad Application Accepted to the Apple Store

t e t t C e t e o i t m f t t t i e m INTRODUCTION Internet use for medical information seeking and continuing medical education has become an integral component of medical education. The iPad, Apple’s latest mobile hand-held computing device (Apple Computer, Cupertino, California), has great potential for educational use because of the perfect compromise between transportability and screen size. It is lighter and smaller than a laptop but has a similar screen size of 768 1,024 pixels. Aditional advantages over computer lapops include the iPad’s touch screen nd lack of a default orientation (porrait vs landscape) [1]. The iPad is already extremely popuar, with current estimates that 25 illion have been sold [2]. With repect to physician use, survey data reeals that iPadsareusedby30%ofdocors for a range of clinical purposes, ncluding medical record access, radioogic study review, and patient comunication. An additional 28% of the octors surveyed reported that they inend to purchase iPads in the next 6 onths [3]. Reports in the literature escribe clinical uses, including the reiew of radiologic studies in intensive areunits andoperating rooms[4,5], as ell as access to patient data and comunication between physicians [4]. hedevice’smobilitymakes it anexcelent resource for education as well, with ne advantage being that once downoaded, a highly interactive application app)maynotrequireInternetaccess to unction. Recognizing this potential, we deeloped an educational app for body T imaging, CTisus iQuiz: The HD dition, which has currently been ownloaded by 7,500 users in 1 ear. This is a free offline iPad applicaion designed to test students’ knowldge of body CT as well as to increase heir understanding of many of the pahologies that can be diagnosed with Tscanning. Itprovidesaneasy-to-use nvironment, which combines images, ext, andsoundtoenhance the learning xperience (Figure 1). On the basis of ur experience creating and distributng CTisus iQuiz: The HD Edition, his paper reviews the process of subitting an app to the Apple App Store or acceptance and distribution. Rather han focusingonthecontentandstrucure of an app for medical education, he purpose of this paper is to instruct nterested developers on the steps necssary to successfully develop and subit an app to the App Store.
Echocardiographic Deformation Imaging for the Assessment of Left Ventricular Function: Clinical Implications and Perspectives— Update 2014

Echocardiographic deformation imaging is an emerging clinical method, which allows quantifying global and regional myocardial function. Its potential has been dem- onstrated in a large number of research settings, and it is now approaching routine clinical practice. This review provides an update on the recent developments in the field of deformation imaging and highlights current and potential future clinical applications of this promising technique.
Parameters of eyes-closed alpha enhancement.

The performance of subjects (Ss) receiving contingent feedback in an eyes-closed alpha enhancement setting was contrasted with changes in alpha of Ss receiving random feedback and no feedback. In addition, comparisons were made between: 1) binary and continuous feedback signals; 2) integrated and criterion alpha as dependent variables; and 3) eyes-open and eyes-closed alpha enhancement tasks. It was found that: 1) Increases in emitted occipital alpha under eyes-closed conditions are related to contingent reinforcement. 2) Proportional feedback was most efficient in the rapid development of eyes-closed training. 3) Larger changes in alpha were seen during eyes-open than during eyes-closed training. 4) Binary feedback appeared to be more efficient in increasing eyes-open alpha response. 5) No relationships between the ability to perform the eyes-open and eyes-closed alpha enhancement tasks were found within Ss.
Frequency of breast cancer, lung cancer, and tobacco use articles in women’s magazines from 1987 to 2003

Abstract Background. The objective of this study was to compare the frequency of articles in women's magazines that address breast cancer, lung cancer, and tobacco use from 1987-2003 and to ascertain whether the annual number of articles reflected corresponding cancer mortality rates from breast cancer and lung cancer and the number of female smokers throughout this time period. Methods. We reviewed 13 women's magazines published in the United States from 1987-2003 using the search terms breast cancer, lung cancer, smoking, and tobacco. We reviewed the abstracts or entire articles to determine relevance. Results. A total of 1044 articles addressed breast cancer, lung cancer, or tobacco use: 681 articles related to breast cancer, 47 related to lung cancer, and 316 related to tobacco use. The greater number of breast cancer articles compared to lung cancer articles was statistically significant (P value < .0001). The greater number of breast cancer articles compared to lung cancer articles combined with tob...
A Survey of Dual Career Hiring into Engineering Faculty Positions

Dual career couples are now the norm instead of the exception in the modern workplace. Many universities encounter couples who are seeking two tenure-track faculty positions, and the success of many academic searches hinges on finding suitable employment for each member of a dual career team. Couples in these situations are often unsure of the most effective strategy for finding two suitable academic positions and often rely on anecdotal information when searching for professorial positions. With these shortcomings in mind, we designed a survey to determine the common attributes of successful dual career searches where both members of the dual career team successfully found tenure-track positions in engineering. This paper reports the findings of this survey and provides some guidelines to dual career couples seeking academic positions and to administrators and faculty seeking to work out hires involving dual career couples.
A New Symbolic Method to Determine Base Inertia Parameters for General Spatial Mechanisms

Symbolic estimation of base inertia parameters is attractive. All published symbolic methods, however, are complicated and can only be applied to rotational joints and translational joints. This paper presents a new simple symbolic method to determine base inertia parameters for general mechanisms that include spherical joints and universal joints. The concepts of mass transfer and moment of inertia transfer are successfully extended to spatial joints and four propositions are developed based on the concepts. With the four propositions, a set of symbolic base parameters can be determined directly from the inspection of the joint configurations of general mechanisms. The determination of symbolic base inertia parameters of a spatial four bar mechanism is presented as an application example.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Titanium-doped sputter-deposited AlN infrared whispering gallery mode microlaser on optical fibers

Optical fibers of 12 μm diameter were coated with a sputter-deposited layer (4 μm thick) of titanium (1 at. %)-doped amorphous aluminum nitride. When optically pumped by an Nd:YAG green laser at 532 nm, laser action was observed in whispering gallery modes around the fiber (in a ring shape) at 780.5 nm with a quality factor Q > 1500. Other modes were also observed between 775 and 800 nm. The primary and secondary modes give a mode separation of 4.6 nm. No waveguide modes were observed in the cavity.
TU-SAM-304A-01: ACR MRI Accreditation Program Update

In October 2008 the American College of Radiology (ACR) expanded the MRI accreditation program to six modules (body, head, MR angiography (MRA), spine, muskuloskeletal and cardiac). The new program enables accreditation of dedicated MR systems, such as those used only for neuro or cardiac imaging, as well as accreditation of special‐purpose MR scanners, such as orthopedic systems. The program introduces a second, smaller ACR phantom, to be used for accreditation and quality control of these small bore orthopedic MR systems. ACR MRI accreditation is now available for a wide range of MRI system configurations and clinical uses. The expansion of the program presents a challenge to the medical physicist, who needs to be aware of which ACR phantom and coil to use for phantom image acquisition, as well as how to address specific image quality issues. Learning Objectives: 1. Present the requirements of the new six‐module ACR MRI accreditation program. 2. Discuss the medical physicist/MRI scientist qualifications and CME requirements. 3. Describe small and large phantom image acquisition and analysis. 4. Discuss considerations for low field, 3T, dedicated and special purpose MRI systems in the accreditation and phantom image evaluation process.
Review: Cellular Substrates of the Eukaryotic Chaperonin TRiC/CCT

The TCP-1 ring complex (TRiC; also called CCT, for chaperonin containing TCP-1) is a large (approximately 900 kDa) multisubunit complex that mediates protein folding in the eukaryotic cytosol. The physiological substrate spectrum of TRiC is still poorly defined. Genetic and biochemical data show that it is required for the folding of the cytoskeletal proteins actin and tubulin. Recent years have witnessed a steady stream of reports that describe other proteins that require TRiC for proper folding. Furthermore, analysis of the transit of newly synthesized proteins through TRiC in intact cells suggests that the chaperonin contributes to the folding of a distinct subset of cellular proteins. Here we review the current understanding of a role for TRiC in the folding of newly synthesized polypeptides, with a focus on some of the individual proteins that require TRiC.
Reversible local melting in polymer crystals

The melting of poly(ethylene terephthalate) is analyzed by quasi-isothermal, temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry. The measurement is done by sinusoidally changing the temperature in the melting range (± 1.0 K). In the melting range a small portion of the sample melts reversibly. This observation is taken as a direct observation of the reversibility of melting of specific macromolecules as long as they are melting only partially and need no molecular nucleation for recrystallization.
From ritual to grammar: sacrifice, homology, metalanguage

Abstract Vedic philosophers developed a doctrine of homological relations based on a principle of ‘resemblance’ in order to make meaningful the mediation of the microcosmic and macrocosmic realms through ritual practice. This general approach to signification is shown to inhere in a variety of other contexts, specifically in the structure of ritual manuals and in the use of metalinguistic devices in Sanskrit grammar, demonstrating the multiple ways that culturally specific means of construing signs and signification can regiment various orders of social life and knowledge production.
Open frameworks for information cities

Helping mimic full-scale urban environments, this middleware promises to help build a vast ecosystem of e-commerce, collaboration, and social computing, along with access to real-world municipal regulations and services.
Risk of Developing Pertussis among Vaccinees According to Brand of Whole Cell Vaccine Received

Risk of Developing Pertussis among Vaccinees According to Brand of Whole Cell Vaccine Received
Data Envelopment Analysis Comparison of Hospital Efficiency and Quality

Using a sample of Virginia hospitals, performance measures of quality were examined as they related to technical efficiency. Efficiency scores for the study hospitals were computed using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The study found that the technically efficient hospitals were performing well as far as quality measures were concerned. Some of the technically inefficient hospitals were also performing well with respect to quality. DEA can be used to benchmark both dimensions of hospital performance: technical efficiency and quality. The results have policy implications in view of growing concern that hospitals may be improving their efficiency at the expense of quality.
Power system event classification via dimensionality reduction of synchrophasor data

This paper explores a potential approach to fast classifying power system events using online synchrophasor measurements. The approach is based on dimensionality reduction of the emerging ambient phasor measurement unit (PMU) data. In contrast with model-based analysis, the proposed approach does not require a system model. It projects real-time PMU data onto the core subspace constructed from pre-event data, and then utilizes their scatter plots to detect and classify the system events. Projections lying outside the core subspace indicate the occurrence of an event, and the topological shapes of these projections classify the events. Numerical examples using synthetic PMU data are conducted to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Pashas: Traders and Travellers in the Islamic World

Pashas: Traders and Travellers in the Islamic World James Mather New Haven, CT, and London, Yale University Press, 2009 320 pp., ISBN: 978-0300126396 (£25.00 hardback) Pirates of Barbary: Corsairs,...
Applications of DAPI cytochemistry to neurobiology.

4′, 6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole hydrochloride (DAPI) is a fluorescent dye with high affinity for DNA. We have employed it as a fluorescent chromatin counterstain on sections immunofluorescent-stained using rhodamine and on tissues enzymatically stained using β-galactosidase. DAPI also allows easy identification of mitotic figures and can be used to supplement cytochemical studies involving cell division in the nervous system.
The effect of aerosol temperature and particle number density on light scattering

Abstract The effect of aerosol temperature and particle concentration upon the intensity of scattered light from an aerosol is investigated. The ratio of the scattered intensity at 30° to the incident intensity is examined by experiment using an incident helium-neon laser beam and mechanically dispersed and electrically neutralized suspensions of aluminum oxide particles in air. The average particle diameter is about 6 μ. The aerosol temperature range is 295°–410°K and the aerosol particle number density range is 140 cm −3 to 515 cm −3 . The predicted linear relationship between the angular scattered intensity ratio and temperature is verified over the temperature range investigated. Also, the intensity ratio at 295°K is shown to vary linearly with the aerosol particle density as expected for single particle scattering.
Ground-based laser radar measurements of satellite vibrations.

Vibration signatures from the low-power atmospheric compensation (LACE) satellite are obtained by using the MIT Lincoln Laboratory Firepond coherent CO2 laser radar facility located in Westford, Mass. The LACE satellite is equipped with IR germanium retroreflectors on deployable/retractable booms to enhance ground-based IR laser radar measurements of on-orbit boom vibrations. Analysis of pulsed cw laser radar measurements of the satellite during and subsequent to boom retraction indicates the presence of a complex time-varying model structure. The observed vibration spectra include vibration modes not previously predicted. These data represent the first observations of satellite vibration modes from a ground-based laser radar.
Exceptional bundles on nodal Enriques surfaces

In this paper we prove that an Enriques surfaceX has a smooth rational curve if and only if there exists an exceptional bundleE t of rank 2 withc 2 (E t )=t for any integer t onX. We describe all exceptional bundles of rank 2 on Enriques surfaces and show that they are all stable with respect to any ample divisor.
Rates and mechanisms for the reactions of chlorine atoms with iodoethane and 2-iodopropane.

The reaction of Cl atoms with iodoethane has been studied via a combination of laser flash photolysis/ resonance fluorescence (LFP-RF), environmental chamber/Fourier transform (FT)IR, and quantum chemical techniques. Above 330 K, the flash photolysis data indicate that the reaction proceeds predominantly via hydrogen abstraction. The following Arrhenius expressions (in units of cm 3 molecule - 1 s - 1 ) apply over the temperature range 334-434 K for reaction of Cl with CH 3 CH 2 I (k 4 H ) and CD 3 CD 2 I (k 4 D ): k 4 H = (6.53 ′ 3.40) x 10 - 1 1 exp[-(428 ′ 206)/T] and k 4 D = (2.21 ′ 0.44) x 10 - 1 1 exp[-(317 ′ 76)/T]. At room temperature and below, the reaction proceeds both via hydrogen abstraction and via reversible formation of an iodoethane/ Cl adduct. Analysis of the LFP-RF data yields a binding enthalpy (0 K) for CD 3 CD 2 I.Cl of 57 ′ 10 kJ mol - 1 . Calculations using density functional theory show that the adduct is characterized by a C-I-Cl bond angle of 84.5°; theoretical binding enthalpies of 38.2 kJ/mol, G2'[ECP(S)], and 59.0 kJ mol-', B3LYP/ECP, are reasonably consistent with the experimentally derived result. Product studies conducted in the environmental chamber show that hydrogen abstraction from both the -CH 2 I and -CH 3 groups occur to a significant extent and also provide evidence for a reaction of the CH 3 CH 2 I.Cl adduct with CH 3 CH 2 I, leading to CH 3 CH 2 CI formation. Complementary environmental chamber studies of the reaction of Cl atoms with 2-iodopropane, CH 3 CHICH 3 , are also presented. As determined by relative rate methods, the reaction proceeds with an effective rate coefficient, k 6 , of (5.0 ′ 0.6) x 10 - 1 1 cm 3 molecule - 1 s - 1 at 298 K. Product studies indicate that this reaction also occurs via two abstraction channels (from the CH 3 groups and from the -CHI- group) and via reversible adduct formation.
Optimizing Sensing: From Water to the Web

Where should we place sensors to quickly detect contamination in drinking water distribution networks? Which blogs should we read to learn about the biggest stories on the Web? Such problems are typically NP-hard in theory and extremely challenging in practice. The authors present algorithms that exploit submodularity to efficiently find provably near-optimal solutions to large complex real-world sensing problems.
Boll Retention and Boll Size among Intrasympodial Fruiting Sites in Cotton

Competition among cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) bolls for assimilates may affect boll retention and size, making it an important factor affecting productivity. A 4-yr field study was conducted on Commerce silt loam to evaluate relationships among fruiting sites (FS) on sympodial branches of cotton receiving preplant fertilizer N rates of 0, 28, 56, 84, 112, 140, or 168 kg ha -1 or a preplant + sidedress application of 56 + 56 kg ha -1 each year. For each FS on each sympodium, there were four possible competition levels based on boll retention or abscission at FS 1, 2, and 3. Competition levels were determined by natural retention or abscission of fruit. Boll retention and weight were influenced by competition level, year, sympodia, FS location on the sympodia and by N rate. Competition effects on boll retention were affected by N rate but not by sympodia. Conversely, competition effects on boll weight were not affected by N rate but were affected by sympodia. Boll weight at FS 1 increased when bolls were retained at FS 2 and 3. Retention of a boll at FS 1 increased boll retention at FS 2 but decreased boll weight at FS 2. In contrast, boll weight at FS 2 increased when bolls were retained at FS 3, or at FS 1 and 3. Fertilizer N increased boll weight at FS 2, except when a competing boll was present at FS 1. Apparent increased competition among FS on a sympodium had favorable effects on boll retention and on boll weight except for FS 2 when FS 1 retained a boll and FS 3 did not retain a boll.
The liquid annular reactor system (LARS) for deep space exploration

Abstract A new propulsion concept for high Δ V space missions, termed LARS (Liquid Annular Reactor System), uses liquid nuclear fuel elements to heat hydrogen propellant to very high temperatures (-6000 K). The molten fuel is contained in a lower-temperature solid container which rotates to stabilize and hold in the liquid layer by centripetal force. Containment of ultra high temperature molten refractories, using this method, has been experimentally demonstrated by A.V. Grosse. The specific impulse of a rocket exhausting hydrogen at 6000 K is 2000 seconds, approximately double that of solid-core nuclear rockets. A LARS-powered space probe could accomplish extra-solar missions to 550 A.U. in approximately 35 years.
Cytoskeleton: A catastrophic kinesin

Abstract The ‘plus' ends of microtubules exhibit dynamic instability, switching stochastically from growth to shortening phases. The first endogenous regulator of such ‘catastrophes' has been identified, and is a kinesin-related microtubule motor protein.
Evidence that both fast and slow water ADC components arise from intracellular space

Evaluation of water diffusion in the brain has revealed both fast- and slow-diffusing water populations. It has been suggested that these populations represent extra- and intracellular water, respectively. We have identified and characterized both populations in the intracellular space of the Xenopus oocyte. We have also determined their T1 and T2 relaxation properties. The fast and slow intracellular populations have diffusion coefficients of 1.06 ± 0.05 μm2/ms and 0.16 ± 0.02 μm2/ms, respectively, with the fast fraction representing 89% ± 1% of the total water signal. These values are quite similar to those for total water in brain and are observed in the absence of signal from the perfusate (extracellular) water population. Volumetric swelling (16% ± 4%) of the oocyte in hypoosmotic media increased the diffusion coefficients of both intracellular populations (fast = 1.27 ± 0.03 μm2/ms, slow = 0.22 ± 0.02 μm2/ms), but did not change their relative signal fractions. This phenomenon runs counter to the effects observed in brain injury, following which the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) decreases 30–50%. The results presented herein suggest that this ADC decrease in brain occurs despite cell swelling, which by itself would be expected to induce an increase in intracellular diffusion coefficients. Magn Reson Med 48:765–770, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cathodoluminescence Studies of the Inhomogeneities in Sn-doped Ga2O3 Nanowires

Cathodoluminescence real-color imaging and spectroscopy were employed to study the properties of Ga2O3 nanowires grown with different Sn/Ga ratios. The structures grown under Sn-rich conditions show large spectral emission variation, ranging from blue to red, with a green transition zone. Spectral emission changes correlate with changes in the chemical composition and structure found by energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron diffraction. A sharp transition from green to red emission correlates with a phase transition of β-Ga2O3 to polycrystalline SnO2. The origin of the green emission band is discussed based on ab initio calculation results.
MODULATION OF BETA-RECEPTOR BINDING BY CORTISOL, TRH AND BETA- AGONIST IN FETAL LAMB LUNG

Beta-agonists enhance fetal lung maturation, but decrease lung beta-receptor binding capacity (Bmax). We studied the modulation of lung Bmax (fmol 3-H dihydroalprenolol/mg prot) by cortisol (450μ g/h for 48 h) and TRH ( 25 μ g/h for 48 h ) with and without beta-agonist stimulation (Ritodrine (1.4±.3 μ g/kg/min, x±SD, for 24h) at 0.89 gestation in fetal lambs The KD was 3.6±1.4nM in controls and did not change. We conclude that cortisol+TRH elevated Bmax 34% without beta-agonist and inhibited the reduction of Bmax with beta-agonist. However, neither cortisol nor TRH acting alone changed Bmax, and cortisol did not significantly inhibit the reduction of Bmax by beta-agonist. We speculate that hormonal modulation of beta-receptor binding by cortisol and TRH together may play a role in the supra-additive effects of, cortisol, TRH and beta-agonist on fetal lamb lung maturation.
The Determination of Upper Air Densities from the Frictional Heating of a Satellite Probe.

Abstract Frictional heating of a satellite probe which occurs during the passage of the satellite through its perigee can be utilized to obtain density values. The magnitude of the heating effect is discussed and a possible design of such a probe is presented. Considerations important for the maximization of the effect are outlined.