cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deep neural networks for estimating speech model activations

This paper presents an approach for improving the perceptual quality of speech separated from background noise at low signal-to-noise ratios. Our approach uses two stages of deep neural networks, where the first stage estimates the ideal ratio mask that separates speech from noise, and the second stage maps the ratio-masked speech to the clean speech activation matrices that are used for nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF). Supervised NMF systems make assumptions about the relationship between the activation and basic matrices that do not always hold. Other two-stage approaches combining masking with NMF reconstruction do not account for mask estimation errors. We show that the proposed algorithm achieves higher objective speech quality and intelligibility compared to these related methods.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Fourth Amendment: The Plight of Unreasonably Seized Passengers Under the Heightened Factual Nexus Approach to Exclusion

Over thirty years ago, the Supreme Court, in Rakas v. Illinois, made it abundantly clear that “mere passengers” do not have “standing” to contest the searches of the cars in which they are riding. However, the Court offered a glimmer of hope to passengers in California v. Brendlin, by holding that passengers, like drivers, are seized when the police effectuate a traffic stop. Theoretically, then, unlawfully seized passengers can seek suppression of the evidence found in the stopped vehicles as fruit, not of the search of the vehicle, but of their unlawful detentions. Three circuits, however, have expressly adopted a heightened factual nexus test in determining whether passengers can successfully move to suppress evidence discovered in cars that are initially stopped lawfully, but whose occupants are then unlawfully detained, for example, when the duration of the stop exceeds the stop’s lawful scope. The Sixth, Ninth, and Tenth Circuits utilize a counterfactual hypothetical, typically to reach a finding that because the passenger is unable to demonstrate that the evidence would not have been found but-for her and only her detention, the passenger fails to establish the causal relationship between the constitutional violation and the discovery of evidence necessary to trigger the exclusionary rule. These courts force the passenger defendant to prove the following unlikely scenario: that had she asked the police for permission to leave, the police would have permitted her not only to leave, but to take the car (not belonging to her) as well. This Article surveys the relevant case law in the circuits that have considered and either adopted or rejected this approach and argues that the heightened factual nexus approach is inconsistent with the Court’s holdings in Brendlin and its other decisions defining seizures, particularly with respect to automobile passengers. Further, this Article posits that the heightened factual nexus approach creates a no-win situation for passenger defendants, where the very fact of their unlawful detention, necessary for standing to seek suppression, seems to preclude their success in doing so. Further, this Article argues that the subjective motivations of officers who prolong a seizure beyond its lawful scope should be taken into account when making exclusionary rule determinations, and that the Court’s decision in Whren v. United States, holding that when a traffic stop is predicated on objective probable cause, the subjective motivations of the officer are irrelevant in determining the reasonableness of the stop, does not preclude such scrutiny of officer motives in this context. Finally, the Article seeks to illustrate the danger to Fourth Amendment rights and values engendered in the heightened factual nexus approach by examining data on traffic stops and motions to suppress arising from such stops.
Training a Parser for Machine Translation Reordering

We propose a simple training regime that can improve the extrinsic performance of a parser, given only a corpus of sentences and a way to automatically evaluate the extrinsic quality of a candidate parse. We apply our method to train parsers that excel when used as part of a reordering component in a statistical machine translation system. We use a corpus of weakly-labeled reference reorderings to guide parser training. Our best parsers contribute significant improvements in subjective translation quality while their intrinsic attachment scores typically regress.
On the Job Training

We propose a new framework for building and evaluating machine learning algorithms. We argue that many real-world problems require an agent which must quickly learn to respond to demands, yet can continue to perform and respond to new training throughout its useful life. We give a framework for how such agents can be built, describe several metrics for evaluating them, and show that subtle changes in system construction can significantly affect agent performance.
A self-testing multiplexed CMOS stimulating probe for a 1024-site neural prosthesis

This paper describes a multiplexed silicon microprobe for selectively stimulating and recording in the central nervous system. The probe is used in a three-dimensional array and is designed as the basis for a fully-integrated neural prosthesis. CMOS circuitry delivers biphasic currents from -127 /spl mu/A to +127 /spl mu/A to selected sites with 1 /spl mu/A resolution. On-chip DACs operate with an integrated nonlinearity less than 0.2LSB while delivering an output voltage swing within 0.5 V of the (/spl plusmn/5 V) power rails. Simulataneous stimulation and recording is possible using on-chip preamplifiers having a gain 40 dB from 100 Hz to 10 kHz. In order to facilitate the microassembly of 3D arrays, the probe is designed to achieve full testability at the pre-release, post-release, and post-assembly levels.
Metabolic Fate of Dietary Carnitine in Human Adults: Identification and Quantification of Urinary and Fecal Metabolites

Results of kinetic and pharmacokinetic studies have suggested that dietary carnitine is not totally absorbed and is in part degraded in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. To determine the metabolic fate of dietary carnitine in humans, we administered orally a tracer dose of methyl-{sup 3}H L-carnitine with a meal to subjects who had been adapted to a low-carnitine diet or a high-carnitine diet. Urinary and fecal excretion of radiolabeled carnitine and metabolites was monitored for 5 to 11 d following administration of the test dose. Total radioactive metabolites excreted ranged from 13 to 34% (low carnitine diet) and 27 to 46% (high carnitine diet) of the ingested tracer. Major metabolites found were ({sup 3}H)trimethylamine N-oxide (8 to 39% of the administered dose; excreted primarily in urine) and ({sup 3}H)gamma-butyrobetaine (0.09 to 8% of the administered dose; excreted primarily in feces). Urinary excretion of total carnitine was 42 to 95% (high carnitine diet) and 190 to 364% (low carnitine diet) of intake. These results indicate that oral carnitine is 54 to 87% bioavailable from normal Western diets; the percentage of intake absorbed is related to the quantity ingested.
The Metaphysics of Mash‐Ups

Accounts of the ontology of musical works seek to uncover what metaphysically speaking a musical work is and how we should identify instances of musical works. In this article, I examine the curious case of the mash-up and seek to address two questions: are mash-ups musical works in their own right and what is the relationship between the mash-up and its source materials? As mash-ups are part of the broader tradition of rock, I situate this discussion within an ontology of rock as defended by Theodore Gracyk and Stephen Davies and offer some interpretation as to what their positions might be in regard to mash-ups. Finally, I argue that the account of mash-ups that best makes sense of our evaluative practices would hold that they are emergent musical works that are distinct in their own right and yet also happen to be cases of musical works that instantiate parts of other musical works
UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS AS PERCEIVED CRIMINAL THREAT: A TEST OF THE MINORITY THREAT PERSPECTIVE*

The link between immigration and crime has garnered considerable attention from researchers. Although the weight of evidence suggests that immigration is not linked to crime, the public consistently views immigrants, especially undocumented immigrants, as criminal and thus a threat to social order. However, little attention has been paid to why they are perceived this way. By drawing on the minority threat perspective, this article investigates the effects of objective and perceptual measures of community context on perceived criminal threat from undocumented immigrants. Analyses of data collected from four Southwest states and the U.S. Census show that the perceived size of the undocumented immigrant population, more so than the actual size of the immigrant population and economic conditions, is positively associated with perceptions of undocumented immigrants as a criminal threat. Additional analyses show that objective measures of community context do not affect native respondents’ perceptions of the size of the undocumented immigrant population. The study's findings and their implications for theory, research, and policy are discussed.
Conditioning Lesions Enhance Axonal Regeneration of Descending Brain Neurons in Spinal-Cord-Transected Larval Lamprey

In larval lamprey, with increasing recovery times after a transection of the rostral spinal cord, there is a gradual recovery of locomotor behavior, and descending brain neurons regenerate their axons for progressively greater distances below the transection site. In the present study, spinal cord “conditioning lesions” (i.e., transections) were performed in the spinal cord at 30% body length (BL; normalized distance from the head) or 50% BL. After various “lesion delay times” (D), a more proximal spinal cord “test lesion” (i.e., transection) was performed at 10% BL, and then, after various recovery times (R), horseradish peroxidase was applied to the spinal cord at 20% BL to determine the extent of axonal regeneration of descending brain neurons. Conditioning lesions at 30% BL, lesion delay times of 2 weeks, and recovery times of 4 weeks (D-R = 2–4 group) resulted in a significant enhancement of axonal regeneration for the total numbers of descending brain neurons as well as neurons in certain brain cell groups compared to control animals without conditioning lesions. Experiments with hemiconditioning lesions, which reduce interanimal variability, confirmed that conditioning lesions do significantly enhance axonal regeneration and indicate that axotomy rather than diffusible factors released at the injury site is primarily involved in this enhancement. Results from the present study suggest that conditioning lesions “prime” descending brain neurons via cell body responses and enhance subsequent axonal regeneration, probably by reducing the initial delay and/or increasing the initial rate of axonal outgrowth.
Critical order-parameter relaxation and hypersonic attenuation in helium☆

Abstract The asymmetry of the temperature dependence, the broad symmetric maximum, and the frequency dependence of hypersonic attenuation in helium near the λ-point can be understood qualitatively in terms of the critical relaxation of fluctuations in the order parameter.
Effect of estradiol on hyaluronic acid in the skin of aging mice

Abstract Estradiol dipropionate administered to male Swiss mice at a daily dose of 10 μg for 5 days increased the hyaluronic acid content of the skin. This effect was observed in groups of mice ranging in age from 100 – 750 days and was, thus, not affected by the age of the animals.
Two- and Three-Dimensional Nonlocal Density Functional Theory for Inhomogeneous Fluids

In a previous companion paper, we presented the details of our algorithms for performing nonlocal density functional theory calculations in complex two- and three-dimensional geometries. We discussed scaling and parallelization, but did not discuss other issues of performance. In this paper, we detail the precision of our methods with respect to changes in the mesh spacing. This is a complex issue because given a Cartesian mesh, changes in mesh spacing will result in changes in surface geometry. We discuss these issues using a series of rigid solvated polymer models including square rod polymers, cylindrical polymers, and bead?chain polymers. In comparing the results of the various models, it becomes clear that surface curvature or roughness plays an important role in determining the strength of structural solvation forces between interacting solvated polymers. The results in this paper serve as benchmarks for future application of these algorithms to complex fluid systems.
New method to determine the habit plane of precipitate plates

Abstract An investigation was undertaken to develop a more accurate method for determining the habit planes of plate-shaped precipitates in a cubic matrix. The method is based on the diffraction geometry of shape effects arising from thin plates. In the case of precipitate plates with rational-habit planes, the geometry of reciprocal-lattice rods (rel-rods) and the three-dimensional symmetry of the diffraction pattern can be used to determine the habit plane to within 0.5°. In the case of martensite plates that usually have irrational habit-planes, the diffraction geometry, along with the effect of the invariant plane strain condition on the diffraction pattern, is used to determine the habit plane. The technique is simple and as accurate as the best techniques currently available.
Peasants or Bankers? The American Electorate and the U.S. Economy.

T | 'he usual model of electoral reaction to economic conditions assumes the "retrospective" economic voter who bases expectations solely on recent economic performance or personal economic experience (voter as "peasant"). A second model assumes a "sophisticated" economic voter who incorporates new information about the future into personal economic expectations (voter as "banker"). Using the components, both retrospective and prospective, of the Index of Consumer Sentiment (ICS) as intervening variables between economic conditions and approval, we find that the prospective component fully accounts for the presidential approval time series. With aggregate consumer expectations about long-term business conditions in the approval equation, neither the usual economic indicators not the other ICS components matter. Moreover, short-term changes in consumer expectations respond more to current forecasts than to the current economy. The qualitative result is a rational expectations outcome: the electorate anticipates the economic future and rewards or punishes the president for economic events before they happen. Economics moves political behavior. With hard times, administrations lose support; with good times, they gain it. We know this to be true. But when we ask how-by what processes-the political translation of economic experience occurs, the an
Changes in cognition in Huntington’s disease and its relationship to future cognition

Background: Newman et al. (2001) noted that subtle changes in cognition of patients undergoing CABG surgery were predictive of cognition 5-years later. To our knowledge, similar comparisons have not been made in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, like Huntington’s disease (HD). Objective(s): The current study examined the relationship between shortterm changes in cognition and future cognitive functioning. Methods: One hundred seventy adults, who had been previously diagnosed with HD, were followed clinically on an “as needed” basis. The clinical visit included three cognitive tasks: 1) Digit Symbol, 2) verbal fluency, and 3) Stroop Color Word Test. The amount of time between Time 1 and Time 2 averaged 7 months, and the amount of time between Time 2 and the follow-up point, Time 3, averaged 29 months. Partial correlations were used to assess the relationship between short-term changes in cognition (Time 2 Time 1) and cognitive outcome (Time 3), while controlling for baseline functioning (Time 1). Results: Digit Symbol practice effects were significantly related to Time 3 Digit Symbol scores (pr[158] .56, p .01) after controlling for Time 1 Digit Symbol scores. Digit Symbol practice effects were also related to other cognitive scores, but to a lesser degree (verbal fluency: pr[158] .29, p .01; Stroop Interference: pr[154] .37, p .01). The other cognitive tasks showed similar, but weaker, relationships. Conclusions: Changes in test performance on repeated assessments were related to long-term cognitive performance in this large sample of patients with manifest HD. Digit Symbol showed the strongest relationship between short-term change and 29 month follow-up, possibly because of its more prominent motor component than the other cognitive tests and the underlying neuropathology of HD. This short-term change variable might offer a simple, convenient, and non-invasive marker for monitoring longterm changes in an individual patient’s cognitive status. This value might also serve as an outcome variable in clinical trials.
ASETS: A SDN Empowered Task Scheduling System for HPCaaS on the Cloud

With increasing demands for High Performance Computing (HPC), new ideas and methods are emerged to utilize computing resources more efficiently. Cloud Computing appears to provide benefits such as resource pooling, broad network access and cost efficiency for the HPC applications. However, moving the HPC applications to the cloud can face several key challenges, primarily, the virtualization overhead, multi-tenancy and network latency. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) as an emerging technology appears to pave the road and provide dynamic manipulation of cloud networking such as topology, routing, and bandwidth allocation. This paper presents a new scheme called ASETS which targets dynamic configuration and monitoring of cloud networking using SDN to improve the performance of HPC applications and in particular task scheduling for HPC as a service on the cloud (HPCaaS). Further, SETSA, (SDN-Empowered Task Scheduler Algorithm) is proposed as a novel task scheduling algorithm for the offered ASETS architecture. SETSA monitors the network bandwidth to take advantage of its changes when submitting tasks to the virtual machines. Empirical analysis of the algorithm in different case scenarios show that SETSA has significant potentials to improve the performance of HPCaaS platforms by increasing the bandwidth efficiency and decreasing task turnaround time. In addition, SETSAW, (SETSA Window) is proposed as an improvement of the SETSA algorithm.
Reactions of Laser Ablated Rhodium Atoms with Nitrogen Atoms and Molecules. Infrared Spectra and Density Functional Calculations on Rhodium Nitrides and Dinitrogen Complexes

Laser ablated rhodium atoms mixed with pure N2 and Ar/N2 during condensation at 8−10 K produced and trapped several rhodium nitride products and rhodium dinitrogen complexes. The Rh−N vibrations of new product molecules were characterized by nitrogen 14/15 isotopic ratios and intensity patterns. RhN and NRhN were observed in both solid nitrogen and argon. Molecules containing two rhodium atoms, including Rh2N, Rh2N2, and RhRhN, make an important contribution to the overall product yield. Density functional calculations provide support for the vibrational assignments.
Efficient memoryless protocol for tag identification (extended abstract)

This paper presents an efficient collision resolution protocol and its variations for the tag identification problem, where an electromagnetic reader attempts to obtain within is read range the unique ID number of each tag. The novelty of our main protocol is that each tag is memoryless, i.e., the current response of each tag only depends on the current query of the reader but not on the past history of the reader's queries. Moreover, the only computation required for each tag is to match its ID against the binary string in the query. Theoretical resulst in both time and communication complexities are derived to demonstrate the efficiency of our protocols.
Swarm Formation Control with Potential Fields Formed by Bivariate Normal Functions

A novel method is presented for swarm formation control with potential fields generated from bivariate normal probability density functions (pdfs) that construct the surface the swarm members move upon controlling the swarm geometry and member spacing as well as manage obstacle avoidance. Limiting functions provide tighter swarm control by modifying and adjusting a set of control variables, forcing the swarm to behave according to set constraints. Bivariate normal functions and limiting functions are combined to guarantee obstacle avoidance and control swarm member orientation and swarm movement as a whole. The presented approach, compared to others, is simple, computationally efficient, and scales well to different swarm sizes and swarm models. The method is applied to a simple vehicle model, and simulation results are presented on a homogeneous swarm of ten robot vehicles for different formations.
Modulus and permeability variations during air/water flow in shaley sandstones

Abstract Static deformations and simultaneous measurements of P- and S-wave velocities and air and gas permeabilities for dry, brine-saturated, and partially saturated shaley sandstones from a fluvial-deltaic depositional environment are reported and discussed. Correlations between measured elastic response and petrographic analyses of this material are explored. Variations in velocities for dry specimens are generally consistent with reported behavior in shaley sandstones, but systematic variations of dynamic shear moduli with quartz cement are also observed. Partially-saturated specimen behavior is effectively the same as that for brine-saturated specimens. Saturated behavior shows similar correlations with formation properties as those identified in previous studies of shaley sandstones.
Do Public Evaluations Of Congress Matter?: Retrospective Voting in Congressional Elections

Although recent research has made great strides in explaining the causes of public approval or disapproval of Congress, there has been little evidence that evaluations of Congress have had any demonstrable effects on the political system. In fact, the literature suggests that individual members are largely insulated from public judgments of Congress. In contrast, we show that attitudes toward congressional performance affect outcomes in congressional elections. Specifically, voters hold the congressional majority party responsible for Congress’s performance, punishing House candidates from this party when they disapprove of Congress and rewarding them when they approve, regardless of incumbent status. These findings carry implications both for the behavior of those in Congress, where majority party members would benefit from acting in ways that boost the public image of Congress, and for strategic politicians hoping to attain office, who should take congressional approval into account when deciding whethe...
Ornithine decarboxylase activity during gastric ulcer healing in dogs.

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity has been associated with mucosal growth and injury, yet, little information is available on ODC activity during gastric ulcer healing. We measured ODC activity in the ulcer base submucosa and the surrounding mucosa at 1 cm and 2 cm and assessed ulcer surface healing and a histologic score in experimentally induced ulcers (Quinton ulcer-maker) at 0 and 5 hr and at one, two, three, four, and seven days. A total of 26 dogs were studied, eight of which received 2% difluoromethylornithine (DFMO, a specific inhibitor of ODC) in drinking water. Ulcer healing was assessed by digitizing initial (plug size), and final ulcer surface area and was expressed as percent ulcer surface reduction. A histologic score was assessed by two independent pathologists unaware of the treatment. ODC induction was observed in the submucosa of the ulcer base but not in the surrounding mucosa. The baseline submucosal ODC activity was measured at 0.2±0.1 pmol (14CO2)/mg protein/hr, and at one day the ODC activity increased to 4.0±0.7, at three days to 15.2±5.5, and at seven days to 2.6±1.0 (P<0.001). DFMO treatment delayed GU healing significantly up to three days, but no difference was noted at seven days. The assessed histologic parameters did not correlate with ODC activity, and DFMO treatment did not alter the histologic score. These data suggest that polyamine biosynthesis occurs in the ulcer base submucosa during the first seven days of experimentally placed gastric ulcers. Suppression of ODC activity with DFMO delays ulcer surface reduction during the first three days, but the significance of ODC induction and polyamine biosynthesis during early ulcer healing remains in question.
Activation of Phospholipase Cγ1 Protects Renal Arteriolar VSMCs from H2O2-Induced Cell Death

Background: We evaluated the effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on viability of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of renal resistance arterioles and determi
Enantiomeric discrimination in the NMR spectra of underivatized amino acids and α-methyl amino acids using (+)-(18-crown-6)-2,3,11,12-tetracarboxylic acid

Abstract The compound (+)-(18-crown-6)-2,3,11,12-tetracarboxylic acid ( I ) is a useful chiral NMR discriminating agent for underivatized amino acids and α-methyl amino acids. The α-methyl amino acids, when mixed with I in methanol, are protonated through a reaction with a carboxylic moiety of I and associate with the crown ether. Amino acids such as tryptophan, valine, alanine, and phenylglycine can be solubilized at suitable concentrations in methanol through the addition of deuterium chloride. The NMR spectra of mixtures of these amino acids with I show enantiomeric discrimination. Addition of ytterbium(III)nitrate to crown-substrate mixtures causes only small shifts and no discernible enhancements in enantiomeric discrimination in the NMR spectra of the substrates.
Dilution effects on TN and SRO in MnxZn1−xF2 and FexZn1−xF2

Abstract Measurements of the temperature derivative of the linear magnetic birefringence have been used to study the effects of dilution on the Neel temperature and the short range order in the antiferromagnetic rutile systems MnxZn1−xF2 and FexZn1−xF2.
Myosin Light Chain Mono- and Di-Phosphorylation Differentially Regulate Adhesion and Polarity in Migrating Cells

Myosin II is a critical regulator of cell migration that generates polarity, controls protrusion, and promotes adhesion maturation and retraction of the rear. Myosin II has an ATPase motor domain that is regulated by phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain (RLC) on Thr18 and Ser19. Here, we address the activation and specific function of the two phosphorylation states of the RLC, mono- (S19) and/or di-phosphorylation (T18+S19), in cell polarity and adhesion. Specific phospho-antibodies reveal that adhesion to fibronectin via the α5β1 integrin promotes localized mono- and di-phosphorylation of the RLC that follow different kinetics. Using phospho-mimetic mutants, we show that mono-phosphorylation promotes adhesion maturation in protrusions resulting in focal adhesions throughout the cell. In contrast, di-phosphorylation produces large, stable actomyosin bundles and large, non-dynamic adhesions that define the rear. Finally, RLC phosphorylation regulates the assembly and stability of MIIB, but not MIIA. Our data reveal a novel mechanism by which the degree of phosphorylation of the RLC differentially controls cell adhesion and polarity.
Axonal Change in Minor Head Injury

Anterograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in selected cerebral and cerebellar efferents was studied in cats subjected to minor head injury. After trauma, the animals were allowed to survive from one to 24 hours, when they were perfused with aldehydes and processed for the light and electron microscopic visualization of the peroxidase reaction product. By light microscopy, the brain injury elicited an initial intra-axonal peroxidase pooling. With longer post-traumatic survival, HRP pooling increased in size, demonstrated frequent lobulation, and ultimately formed large ball- or club-like swellings which suggested frank axonal separation from the distal axonal segment. Ultrastructural examination revealed that the initial intra-axonal peroxidase pooling was associated with organelle accumulation which occurred without any other form of axonal change or related parenchymal or vascular damage. This accumulation of organelles increased with time and was associated with conspicuous axonal swelling. Ultimately these organelle-laden swellings lost continuity with the distal axonal segment and the axonal swelling was either completely invested by a thin myelin sheath or protruded without myelin investment into the brain parenchyma. This study suggests that axonal change is a consistent feature of minor head injury. Since these axonal changes occurred without any evidence of focal parenchymal or vascular damage, minor brain injury may ultimately disrupt axons without physically shearing or tearing them.
Soluble conducting polymers: The poly(3-alkylthienylenes)

Abstract The conjugated poly(3-alkylthienylenes) can be processed from solution and subsequently used as semiconducting and metallic polymers. Both as-synthesized and solution-cast films can be readily doped to give electrical conductivities that are quite high: θ ∼ 30 − 100 S/cm. Ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra of the neutral and doped forms have been obtained for solid films (as-synthesized and solution-cast) and for the polymers in solution. Excitation into the φ-φ ∗ transition (peak at ≈ 2.8 eV), leads to photoluminescence (peak at 2.16 eV). The Stokes' shift is consistent with radiative decay from photogenerated neutral bipolarons (exciton-polarons). From electron spin resonance measurements and spectroscopic data on the doped polymer in solution, we have determined the nature of the charge storage configurations. The results indicate that the spinless bipolaron is the lowest energy charge storage configuration on single poly(3-hexylthienylene) macromolecules in solution. Polarons are formed either as a result of an odd number of charges on a single polymer chain or as a result of interchain interactions (in the semi-dilute regime).
Self-consistent Hartree method for calculations of exciton binding energy in quantum wells

Abstract A new computationally efficient and flexible approach to calculating characteristics of excitons in quantum wells based on a self-consistent variational treatment of the electron–hole Coulomb interaction is developed. It is applied to several different quantum well materials and is shown to give much better (lower) values of exciton energies. The iterative scheme used to calculate the energies and respective wave functions is stable and rapidly convergent. The authors believe that the method can be an important computational tool in computing exciton characteristics in shallow quantum wells exceeding currently existing approaches in accuracy and efficiency. The method can also be naturally generalized for quantum wires and dots.
An interview with Thelma Estrin

I am delighted that Dr. Thelma Estrin, Professor Emerita in Computer Science at the University of California, Los Angeles, has agreed to share some of her experiences with you by means of this interview. Thelma and I work together on the IEEE History Committee and I felt it was important that SIGCSEites learn a part of her successful career. Thelma is a pioneer in biomedical engineering and was one of the first to use computer technology to solve problems in medical research. She helped design Israel's first computer, the WEIZAC, and was the first woman elected to national office as vice president of IEEE. Thelma has received the Achievement Award from the Society of Women Engineers and she is a model of excellence for women entering the field of engineering or computing.The dialogue that follows is a verbatim re-presentation of excerpts from an interview conducted over a dozen years ago. I do apologize, but due to content balance and space constraints, only parts of the interview appear. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks, Thelma.
The derivation of vector magnetic fields from stokes profiles: Integral versus least squares fitting techniques

The results of two methods for deriving photospheric vector magnetic fields from the Zeeman effect, as observed in the Fe I line at 6302.5 A at high spectral resolution (45 mA), are compared. The first method does not take magnetooptical effects into account, but determines the vector magnetic field from the integral properties of the Stokes profiles. The second method is an iterative least-squares fitting technique which fits the observed Stokes profiles to the profiles predicted by the Unno-Rachkovsky solution to the radiative transfer equation. For sunspot fields above about 1500 gauss, the two methods are found to agree in derived azimuthal and inclination angles to within about + or - 20 deg.
Growth of v‐src‐transformed cells in serum‐free medium through the induction of growth factors

The v-src oncogene is one of only two oncogenes capable of transforming mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking the IGF-IR gene (R-cells). R-/v-src cells grow robustly in the absence of serum, suggesting the hypothesis that they may produce one or more growth factors that would sustain their ability to proliferate in serum-free condition. Using proteomic approaches on serum-free conditioned media derived from v-src-transformed cells, we have identified two growth promoting factors: ostepontin and proliferin. Subsequent experiments have indicated that osteopontin plays a prevalent role in promoting growth of v-src-transformed cells in serum-deprived condition.
Characterization of Intracellular Reverse Transcription Complexes of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

To examine the early events of the life cycle of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), we analyzed the intracellular complexes mediating reverse transcription isolated from acutely infected cells. Partial purification of the reverse transcription complexes (RTCs) by equilibrium density fractionation and velocity sedimentation indicated that two species of RTCs are formed but only one species is able to synthesize DNA. Most of the capsid, matrix, and reverse transcriptase (RT) proteins dissociate from the complex soon after cell infection, but Vpr remains associated with the RTC. The RTCs isolated 1, 4, and 7 h after infection are competent for reverse transcription in vitro, indicating that a small proportion of RT remains associated with them. HIV RTCs isolated early after infection have a sedimentation velocity of approximately 560S. Later, different species with a sedimentation velocity ranging from 350S to 100S appear. Nuclear-associated RTCs have a sedimentation velocity of 80S. Shortly after initiation of reverse transcription, the viral strong-stop DNA within the RTC is sensitive to nuclease digestion and becomes protected when reverse transcription is almost completed.
Effects of a brief high-fat diet and acute exercise on the mTORC1 and IKK/NF-κB pathways in rat skeletal muscle

One exercise session can improve subsequent insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by skeletal muscle in healthy and insulin-resistant individuals. Our first aim was to determine whether a brief (2 weeks) high-fat diet (HFD) that caused muscle insulin resistance would activate the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and/or inhibitor of κB kinase/nuclear factor κB (IKK/NF-κB) pathways, which are potentially linked to induction of insulin resistance. Our second aim was to determine whether acute exercise that improved insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by muscles would attenuate activation of these pathways. We compared HFD-fed rats with rats fed a low-fat diet (LFD). Some animals from each diet group were sedentary and others were studied 3 h postexercise, when insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was increased. The results did not provide evidence that brief HFD activated either the mTORC1 (including phosphorylation of mTOR(Ser2448), TSC2(Ser939), p70S6K(Thr412), and RPS6(Ser235/236)) or the IKK/NF-κB (including abundance of IκBα or phosphorylation of NF-κB(Ser536), IKKα/β(Ser177/181), and IκB(Ser32)) pathway in insulin-resistant muscles. Exercise did not oppose the activation of either pathway, as evidenced by no attenuation of phosphorylation of key proteins in the IKK/NF-κB pathway (NF-κB(Ser536), IKKα/β(Ser177/181), and IκB(Ser32)), unaltered IκBα abundance, and no attenuation of phosphorylation of key proteins in the mTORC1 pathway (mTOR(Ser2448), TSC2(Ser939), and RPS6(Ser235/236)). Instead, exercise induced greater phosphorylation of 2 proteins of the mTORC1 pathway (PRAS40(Thr246) and p70S6K(Thr412)) in insulin-stimulated muscles, regardless of diet. Insulin resistance induced by a brief HFD was not attributable to greater activation of the mTORC1 or the IKK/NF-κB pathway in muscle, and exercise-induced improvement in insulin sensitivity was not attributable to attenuated activation of these pathways in muscle.
Linguistically Diverse Children and Educators (Re)Forming Early Literacy Policy.

The current context of increased accountability and the proliferation of skills-based literacy mandates at the early childhood level pose particular tensions for multilingual children and educators. In this article, we draw on data from two ethnographic studies to examine how educators and children negotiate the constraints of early childhood curricular mandates within two New York City schools with multilingual populations and long traditions of attending to their linguistic, cultural, and social resources. Our data documents how educators sought to understand, grapple with, and (re)form early literacy policies to make spaces for student languages, collaboration, and inquiry. We found that young children distinguished between scripted practices and authentic literacy learning, and despite constraints found openings to bend the curriculum to suit their linguistic, intellectual, and social repertoires. The studies also emphasized the role of administrators and teachers in navigating—and mitigating—curricular mandates that were often contradictory to the bilingual missions and practices of their schools and at times conflicting and confusing in and of themselves. We argue that while policy is very much a participant in today’s early literacy contexts, it is not deterministic. All members of the school community have an impact on mediating how policy is enacted and creating alternative opportunities for learning. The findings of these complementary studies illustrate how multilingual children and educators negotiated policy mandates in order to affirm the intellectual and cultural traditions of their schools.
Affine normability of partial sums of I.I.D. random vectors: A characterization

Let X, X 1,X 2,... be i.i.d. d-dimensional random vectors with partial sums S n . We identify the collection of random vectors X for which there exist non-singular linear operators T n and vectors υ n∈ℝ d such that {ℒ(T n (S n −υ n )),n>=1} is tight and has only full weak subsequential limits. The proof is constructive, providing a specific sequence {T n }. The random vector X is said to be in the generalized domain of attraction (GDOA) of a necessarily operator-stable law γ if there exist {T n } and {υ n } such that ℒ(T n (S n −υ n ))→γ. We characterize the GDOA of every operator-stable law, thereby extending previous results of Hahn and Klass; Hudson, Mason, and Veeh; and Jurek. The characterization assumes a particularly nice form in the case of a stable limit. When γ is symmetric stable, all marginals of X must be in the domain of attraction of a stable law. However, if γ is a nonsymmetric stable law then X may be in the GDOA of γ even if no marginal is in the domain of attraction of any law.
Impact of Feeding Program After Light Stimulation Through Early Lay on the Reproductive Performance of Broiler Breeder Hens

Skip-a-day feed restriction is a common industry management technique that is used in rearing broiler breeder pullets. Often pullets are maintained on a skip-a-day feeding program after they have been photostimulated for reproduction, and in some cases until 5% egg production is reached. The current research examined whether providing daily nutrient intake during the critical period of ovarian development that follows photostimulation for reproduction improves subsequent egg production. Pullets and cockerels were fed on a skip-a-day basis during rearing. Pullets were weighed at 20 wk of age and then distributed into 30 laying pens such that each pen had a similar BW distribution. Each individual laying pen consisted of 35 hens and 4 roosters. At 21 wk of age, the birds were photostimulated for reproduction; 15 of the laying pens were placed on an every-day feeding schedule, whereas the other 15 pens were maintained on a skip-a-day feeding schedule until they reached 8% egg production at 26.5 wk of age. From 26.5 to 65 wk of age, all hens were fed on an every-day basis. The CV of BW did not differ between the hens of the 2 treatment groups at any point from 21 to 64 wk of age. Weekly percentage hen-day egg production was greater (P < 0.05) in the hens fed on the every-day versus skip-a-day program after photostimulation from wk 25 of age to 65 wk of age except for wk 29, 30, 35, 37, 39, 46, and 47 of age. Total hen-day egg production through 65 wk of age in the hens that were provided feed every day after photostimulation was greater (172 vs. 155 eggs/hen) than in hens fed on a skip-a-day basis until 26.5 wk of age. These results suggest that continuing skip-a-day feeding after photostimulation until reaching 8% egg production does not improve BW uniformity, but does cause lasting reproductive dysfunction in broiler breeder hens.
The Factor Analysis of Ipsative Measures

This article deals with the problem of analyzing sets of ipsative variables using the common factor model. We demonstrate that the usual assumptions of the common factor model, especially the assumption of uncorrelated disturbances, are not appropriate for sets of ipsative variables. We develop a common factor model that takes into account the ipsative properties of such data and show how this model can be applied to any set of ipsative measures using the methods of confirmatory factor analysis. We then suggest that the application of this model may be useful in modeling the latent content of sets ofrankings and other measures that have the ipsative property as a result of the measurement procedure. Finally, we apply the model to Kohn's measures of parental values, using sample data from the General Social Surveys.
Evaluating the stage learning hypothesis

Abstract A procedure for evaluating the Genevan stage learning hypothesis is illustrated by analyzing Inhelder, Sinclair, and Bovet's ( Learning and the development of cognition . Cambridge: Harvard University Press 1974) guided learning experiments. The method is a chi-square-based model fitting strategy which enables comparisons to be made among different models. The method eschews critical measurement problems and is easily implemented. There appears little evidence for the Genevan position, although failure to report critical data and sample size considerations makes definitive evaluation of the Genevan position difficult. Suggestions for future research are proposed.
Immunosuppression and infectious complications in patients with stage IV indolent lymphoma treated with a fludarabine, mitoxantrone, and dexamethasone regimen.

BACKGROUND Myelosuppression and immunosuppression occur with purine analogs. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of combined fludarabine, mitoxantrone, and dexamethasone (FND) followed by interferon/dexamethasone on myelosuppression (absolute neutrophil counts), immunosuppression (CD4 and CD8 counts), and infectious complications in patients with previously untreated, Stage IV indolent lymphoma. METHODS Seventy-three patients were treated. All patients received Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis. CD4 and CD8 counts, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, and neutrophil counts were correlated with infectious complications. RESULTS The median follow-up was 6.1 years. Sixty of 73 patients had CD4, CD8, or Ig measurements. The median baseline CD4 count was 764/μL: This CD4 level decreased to 238/μL at 1 year and to 264/μL at 2 years; and it rose to 431/μL by 3 years and to 650/μL at 4 years. CD8 counts did not change significantly. The median baseline serum IgG level was 989 mg/d, decreased to 536 mg/dL at 1 year and to 693 mg/dL at 2 years, and it rose to 949 mg/dL at 3 years and to 1080 mg/dL at 4 years. Fourteen patients (19%) developed Grade 3–4 infections, the majority during FND therapy with neutropenia and/or accompanied by CD4 counts < 200/μL. CD4, CD8, and neutrophil counts did not differ between patients who developed Grade 3–4 infections, Grade 1–2 infections, or no infections. CONCLUSIONS Most infections with FND occurred during FND, in the setting of neutropenia, often with concurrent low CD4 counts. The overall safety profile for FND was good. However, patients should be monitored for opportunistic infections, and prophylactic antibiotics are recommended, particularly against PCP. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Phase diagram for the trapping kinetics of partially coherent excitons

Abstract The kinetics of exciton trapping within molecular assemblies similar to those of recently reported structural models of photosynthetic light-harvesting antennas have been described theoretically for any degree of exciton coherence. It is shown here that in the space of two of the kinetic parameters – the local exciton scattering rate constant and the nearest-neighbor separation distance of the exciton-generating transition dipoles – the trapping kinetics segregate into coherent and incoherent phases delineated by universal curves. Consequences of these findings are discussed, particularly as they may apply to purple photosynthetic bacteria.
Synthesis of Nonadjacently Linked Tetrahydrofurans: An Iodoetherification and Olefin Metathesis Approach

[reaction: see text] A convergent approach to the synthesis of the bis-tetrahydrofuran (THF) components of the nonadjacently linked THF-containing acetogenins is illustrated in the synthesis of 2, a potential intermediate for the antitumor agent bullatanocin (squamostatin C). The plan centers on the olefin cross-metathesis of THF allylic alcohol derivatives 3 and 4 as the key segment coupling step and the assembly of 3 and 4 through the iodoetherification of 1,2-O-isopropylidene-5-alkene precursors.
Working Safely with H5N1 Viruses

Research on H5N1 influenza viruses has received much attention recently due to the possible dangers associated with newly developed avian H5N1 viruses that were derived from highly pathogenic avian viruses and are now transmissible among ferrets via respiratory droplets. An appropriate discussion, based on scientific facts about the risks that such viruses pose and on the biocontainment facilities and practices necessary for working safely with these viruses, is needed. Selecting the right level of biocontainment is critical for minimizing the risks associated with H5N1 research while simultaneously allowing an appropriately fast pace of discovery. Rational countermeasures for preventing the spread of influenza can be developed only by gaining a thorough knowledge of the molecular mechanisms at work in host specificity and transmission.