cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Galois action on the Neron-Severi group of Dwork surfaces

Abstract We study the Galois action attached to the Dwork surfaces X λ : X 0 4 + X 1 4 + X 2 4 + X 3 4 − 4 λ X 0 X 1 X 2 X 3 = 0 with parameter λ in a number field F. We show that when X λ has geometric Picard number 19, its Neron-Severi group NS ( X ‾ λ ) ⊗ Q is a direct sum of quadratic characters. We provide two proofs of this result in our article. In particular, the geometric proof determines the conductor of each quadratic character. Our result matches with the one in [DKS+18a] . With this decomposition, this leads to a new proof of Wan's result [Wan06] .
Enhanced satellite remote sensing of coastal waters using spatially improved bio-optical products from SNPP-VIIRS

Abstract The spatial dynamics of coastal and inland regions are highly variable and monitoring these waters with ocean color remote sensors requires increased spatial resolution capabilities. A procedure for the spatial enhancement of ocean color products, including chlorophyll and inherent optical properties (IOPs), is developed using a sharpened visible water-leaving radiance spectrum for the visible infrared imaging radiometer suite (VIIRS). A new approach for spectral sharpening is developed by utilizing the spatial covariance of the spectral bands for sharpening the M bands (412, 443, 486, 551, 671 nm; 750-m resolution) with the I-1 band (645 nm; 375-m resolution). The spectral shape remains consistent by the use of a dynamic, wavelength-specific spatial resolution ratio that is weighted as a function of the relationship between proximate I- and M-band variance at each pixel. A comparison of bio-optical satellite products at 375-m and 750-m spatial resolution with in situ measurements of water leaving radiance and bio-optical properties show an improved capability of the VIIRS 375-m products in turbid and optically complex waters, such as the Chesapeake Bay and Mississippi River Plume. We demonstrate that the increased spatial resolution improves the ability for VIIRS to characterize bio-optical properties in coastal waters.
Digest: Developmental life history and adaptive radiation in salamanders*

What determines the rate at which species adapt to new climatic conditions? Weaver et al. found that the evolution of short larval periods promotes climatic niche evolution in salamanders in the genus Desmognathus.
CD8+ T cells: The past and future of immune regulation.

Abstract Regulation of the adaptive immune response is critical for health. Regulatory activity can be found in multiple components of the immune system, however, the focus on particular components of the immune regulatory network has left many aspects of this critical immune component understudied. Here we review the evidence for activities of CD8+ T cells in immune homeostasis and regulation of autoimmune reactivity. The heterogeneous nature of identified CD8+ cell types are examined, and common phenotypes associated with functional activities are defined. The varying types of antigen signal crucial for CD8+ T cell regulatory activity are identified and the implications of these activation pathways for control of adaptive responses is considered. Finally, the promising capacity for transgenic antigen receptor directed cytotoxicity as a mechanism for modulation of autoimmunity is detailed.
The maternal microbiome modulates fetal neurodevelopment in mice.

‘Dysbiosis’ of the maternal gut microbiome, in response to challenges such as infection1, altered diet2 and stress3 during pregnancy, has been increasingly associated with abnormalities in brain function and behaviour of the offspring4. However, it is unclear whether the maternal gut microbiome influences neurodevelopment during critical prenatal periods and in the absence of environmental challenges. Here we investigate how depletion and selective reconstitution of the maternal gut microbiome influences fetal neurodevelopment in mice. Embryos from antibiotic-treated and germ-free dams exhibited reduced brain expression of genes related to axonogenesis, deficient thalamocortical axons and impaired outgrowth of thalamic axons in response to cell-extrinsic factors. Gnotobiotic colonization of microbiome-depleted dams with a limited consortium of bacteria prevented abnormalities in fetal brain gene expression and thalamocortical axonogenesis. Metabolomic profiling revealed that the maternal microbiome regulates numerous small molecules in the maternal serum and the brains of fetal offspring. Select microbiota-dependent metabolites promoted axon outgrowth from fetal thalamic explants. Moreover, maternal supplementation with these metabolites abrogated deficiencies in fetal thalamocortical axons. Manipulation of the maternal microbiome and microbial metabolites during pregnancy yielded adult offspring with altered tactile sensitivity in two aversive somatosensory behavioural tasks, but no overt differences in many other sensorimotor behaviours. Together, our findings show that the maternal gut microbiome promotes fetal thalamocortical axonogenesis, probably through signalling by microbially modulated metabolites to neurons in the developing brain. Small molecules that arise from the maternal gut microbiome in pregnant dams promote fetal thalamocortical axonogenesis in their offspring.
Epidemiology and outcomes of invasive mechanical ventilation without ICU admission in acute care hospitals in Texas: A population-based cohort study.

Abstract Purpose The high ICU bed capacity in the United States (US) allows ICU care of patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), absent public health crisis. The use of IMV without ICU admission (non-ICU) in acute care hospitals in the US and its impact on patients' outcomes were not examined. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed using statewide inpatient data in Texas to identify hospitalizations aged ≥18 years receiving IMV in acute care hospitals with ICU care capability during January 2014 through September 2015. Use of non-ICU IMV, patient characteristics, and hospital mortality were examined. Results Among 136,728 IMV hospitalizations, 4531 (3.3%) were non-ICU. As compared to ICU admissions, non-ICU IMV hospitalizations were younger (age 18–44 years: 24.9% vs. 17.2%), with lower burden of major comorbidities (no major comorbidity: 24.7% vs. 14.5%), and lower occurrence of non-respiratory organ failures (no non-respiratory organ failure: 32.7% vs. 19.8%). Risk-adjusted hospital mortality of non-ICU vs. ICU IMV hospitalizations was 48.7% (95% CI 48.1–49.4) and 29.9% (95% CI 29.8–30.0), respectively. Conclusions Non-ICU IMV was provided in 1 in 30 IMV hospitalizations in acute care hospitals. Although non-ICU IMV hospitalizations were younger and healthier than those admitted to ICU, their hospital mortality was markedly higher.
Large-scale origami locks into place under pressure

Inflatable, metre-scale origami structures have been designed to transform from flat structures into expanded forms and then to lock into their new shape. This technology opens the way to the use of large origami structures for engineering. Metre-scale folded structures that inflate into fixed 3D shapes.
Regularized Feature Selection in Categorical PLS for Multicollinear Data

Article presents the algorithm which models the categorical multicollinear data by providing the balance in model accuracy on test data and number of selected features in the model. In all scientific fields, multicollinear data is being generated, where obviously some variables are noise and some are influential reference to response variable. Features and response appeared to be categorical in mathematical and statistical modeling of public health data. These datasets usually appeared to collinear, where partial least squares (PLS) is the potential method, which is not feature selection at its default level and deals with quantitative features. Recently, categorical PLS (Cat-PLS) is introduced. We have implemented the regularized feature selection in Cat-PLS where filter-based feature selection and categorical mean through Cramer’s V, Phi coefficient, Tschuprow’s T coefficient, Contingency Coefficient, and Yule’s Q and Yule’s Y are used. Monte carlo simulation with 100 runs indicates is the better choice in terms of better model performance, number of feature selection, and interpretations for modeling the stillbirths, which is taken as the case study. The framework can be used in related areas to explore and model the related data structures.
Addressing Student Motivation and Learning Experiences When Taking Teaching Online

This article discusses the role of student motivation in online course environments at the post-secondary level. Motivating students to learn in online environments presents unique challenges and o...
Selective laser sintering in reactive atmospheres: Towards in-situ synthesis of net-shaped carbide and nitride ceramics

Abstract Selective laser reaction sintering techniques (SLRS) were investigated to produce near net-shape non-oxide ceramic materials that were previously incompatible with powder-bed fusion additive manufacturing (AM) methodologies. Specifically, reaction-bonded layers of carbide and nitride materials (Cr3C2 and CrN) were fabricated using SLRS from a model system of Cr and Cr2O3 precursor materials. Varied particle sizes (
A Framework for Route Based Pathway Analysis of Gene Expression Data

Pathway analysis is a key step in genomics study to reduce the data complexity and associate prior biological knowledge. Over representation analysis (ORA), Functional class scoring (FCS), and Topology based (TB) analysis are considered as three generations of pathway analysis techniques. These methods only detect the differential activity of an entire pathway, thereby ignoring the importance of routes and sections within the pathway. A novel route-based pathway analysis framework, Route based Pathway Analysis in Cohorts (rPAC), is discussed in this paper which uses pathway topology in true sense by identifying and scoring individual routes within pathways. Activity scores and p-values are calculated for all signaling and effector routes from KEGG signaling pathways with transcriptomics data from each sample in the given cohort. Overall route activity in a cohort is assessed in terms of two summary metrics, “Proportion of Significance” (PS) and “Average Route Score” (ARS). A systematic evaluation based on large number of simulated data showed rPAC significantly outperforming the traditional pathway analysis methods. Case studies of three epithelial cancers from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) repository revealed that some pathway routes (e.g., tight junction, Th17 cell differentiation, adipocytokine signaling etc.) can notably differentiate cancer types, while other pathway routes that are related to lipid metabolism and adipocytes metabolism are co-regulated in different cancers. While most of the findings are corroborated by the current understanding of cancer biology, many previously uncharacterized mechanisms were identified by rPAC analysis, exhibiting the potential to yield new insights into cancer phenotypes.
Effectiveness of Credit Management System on Micro Credit Performance: Case Study of East Africa Commercial Banks and Mobile Operators

Credit management is the process of granting credit, terms and conditions definition, compliance with credit policy, and then payment on the due date. The core business for financial institutions is to improve revenues and profit by facilitating sales and reducing loss and financial risks. This research is to assess the effectiveness of credit management principles and their impact on loan performance for a specific type of loan “microcredit”. The case study is microcredit in East Africa especially provided by commercial banks in partnership with mobile network operators. The purpose of the research will be mainly to assess the applicability of credit management principles to achieve better performance in microlending. This research's target sample is East Africa commercial banks in conjunction with mobile operators providing online microcredit to mobile money subscribers and commercial banks ‘customers.
Creative Authorship and the Filipina Diva Atang de la Rama

This essay focuses on the career of Honorata “Atang” de la Rama on the popular sarsuwela and vaudeville stages during the period of American colonization in the Philippines. Through sound recording...
Chapter 9 GABAA Receptor-Activated Chloride Channels

Publisher Summary About 30% of neurons in the brain, particularly small interneurons, are thought to be gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic (contain GAD) and most neurons responds to γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) by reducing their firing rate. The receptors mediating this effect are designated A and B. GABA A receptors, blocked by bicuculline, are found on virtually all neurons, both pre- and postsynaptically. Much of the interest in GABA A receptors arises from their being the major site of action of the benzodiazepines, a very important class of drugs used as anticonvulsants, sedative-hypnotics, muscle relaxants, and antianxiety agents. Not all chloride channel-linked GABA receptors are modulated by benzodiazepines; however, not all benzodiazepine effects are GABA related. The structural basis of these observations has become clearer with the cloning of many subunits of the GABA A receptor and the partial delineation of their functional roles. Recent cloning of subunits has changed the picture of receptor composition from four to five subunits. More refined protein chemistry has revealed the existence of multiple α - and β -subunit isoforms that have mostly been identified with specific complementary DNAs (cDNAs), using selective antibodies. This chapter emphasizes such recent findings.
Why the Sixth Amendment Right to Confer with Counsel Includes Access to an Out-of-Court Interpreter for Limited English Proficiency Defendants

The Sixth Amendment provides defendants the right to confer with counsel before trial and during recesses. The federal and most state court systems provide a court interpreter for in-court proceedings for indigent defendants who cannot speak English. However, neither the federal nor state systems provide an interpreter for out-of-court communications between attorneys and limited English proficiency (“LEP”) defendants. This Note examines the undesirable consequences of the lack of an out-of-court interpreter, including poor attorney preparation for court proceedings and inadequate substitutes for interpretation. The Note concludes that courts need to provide out-of-court interpretation services for indigent, LEP defendants in order to protect their Sixth Amendment rights.
American Indian Life Skills Development Curriculum

Suicide is a major problem for many adolescents in Native American Indian populations. After first increasing awareness and knowledge of suicide, this book teaches students specific methods and life skills to help a peer turn away from suicidal thinking and seek help from an appropriate help-giver.
“It's That Easy”: Designing Assignments That Blend Old and New Literacies

Abstract This article recounts what happened when one of the authors, a pre-service teacher, introduced a digital multimodal composition project in her 9th-grade inclusion English classes to support junior high students as they read the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Rather than regard new literacies as competing with print literacy for attention, the authors argue that teachers serve students best when they design assignments that blend old and new literacies in ways that allow them to coexist and inform one another.
Role of enzyme-enzyme interactions in the regulation of gluconeogenesis. Properties and subunit structure of fructose 1,6-diphosphatase from swine kidney.

Abstract Fructose 1,6-diphosphatase has been isolated from swine kidney extracts by a procedure which yields large quantities of homogeneous enzyme. The purified preparation has an extinction coefficient (E280nm1%) of 8.9 in 0.05 m Tris-HCl, pH 8.0 and a specific activity of 25 to 30 µmoles per min per mg. The molecular weight of the native protein, as determined by sedimentation velocity, sedimentation equilibrium analysis, sucrose gradient centrifugation, and gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 is 130,000 ± 2,500. Sedimentation equilibrium analysis of the enzyme denatured in 4 m guanidine hydrochloride indicated that four polypeptide chains might be present. These results were confirmed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate which showed that the native enzyme contained 4 identical subunits with molecular weights of 34,000 ± 1,500. Further evidence for the presence of 4 subunits was obtained from a determination of the number of peptides formed after digestion of the enzyme with trypsin. The COOH-terminal amino acid residues of all 4 subunits were identified as alanine by hydrozinolysis and by digestion with carboxypeptidases. The NH2-terminal amino acid was serine. Quantitative Edman degradations on oxidized denatured samples showed that the native enzyme contained 4 serine NH2-terminal residues per mole. All of the determinations gave nearly the same values for the subunit molecular weight of about 34,000, which is in good agreement with a tetrameric structure for the native enzyme with a molecular weight of 130,000. Examination of fructose 1,6-diphosphatase in the electron microscope by the negative staining technique revealed the presence of a flattened ellipsoidal particle with cross-section diameters of 60 and 120 A and a width of about 30 A.
Electrometric titration of copper and zinc in biologic material.

Copper and zinc are determined in biologic material by titration with tetraethylenepentamine (Tetren) at selected p H levels by means of a dual polarized mercury electrode. The procedure is rapid and eliminates wet ashing of organic material.
Ecology and horticultural potential of Dirca palustris

69 Introduction 70 Materials and Methods 72 Results 74 Discussion 76 Literature Cited 80 Tables 83 Figures 86 CHAPTER 5. GENERAL CONCLUSIONS 90 Conclusions 90 Suggestions for Further Research 92 APPENDIX. INFLUENCE OF ROOT-ZONE PH ON GROWTH OF DIRCA 94 PALUSTRIS IN HYDROPONIC CULTURE
Theoretical and experimental approaches to improve the accuracy of particulate absorption coefficients derived from the quantitative filter technique

The quantitative filter technique (QFT), whereby particles are concentrated onto glass-fiber filters and analyzed in a spectrophotometer, is used extensively to estimate the absorption coefficients of aquatic particles. A number of empirically derived correction factors (β) have been developed to account for the amplified optical path length associated with the highly scattering glass-fiber filters. Published results are inconsistent, and β remains the largest source of uncertainty in estimated absorption coefficients. In this study, path-length amplification was estimated from the average cosine of diffusely traveling photons in the filter pad using a theoretical approach. This amplification factor, combined with variability in blank filter pad optical density, explains many of the confounding observations in the literature. Absorption coefficients for phytoplankton cultures and field samples were estimated from a modified QFT using the new model for path-length amplification and tested against absorption coefficients measured with a nine-wavelength absorption and attenuation meter (ac9, WETLabs). A linear regression between the modeled and measured particulate absorption coefficients was highly significant (r 2 > 0.99, n = 99), with estimated slope and intercept not significantly different from 1 and 0, respectively (P < 0.001). The model out-performs published, empirically derived correction factors over a broad range of absorption coefficients and particulate compositions. Results indicate that the modified QFT combined with the new model for path-length amplification yields accurate estimates of spectral particulate absorption coefficients regardless of the concentration or composition of the particulate material.
Long-term potentiation, cooperativity and Hebb's cell assemblies: a personal history

The early history of the experimental work leading to the discovery that long-term potentiation (LTP) embodies Hebb's principle of association is described. In addition, the fallacy underlying the sometimes presumed distinction between 'cooperativity' and 'associativity' in the induction of LTP is pointed out.
Commensurate antiferromagnetism in CePt 2 In 7 , a nearly two-dimensional heavy fermion system

${\text{CePt}}_{2}{\text{In}}_{7}$ is a new heavy fermion system with a structure similar to the $\text{Ce}M{\text{In}}_{5}$ system but with greater two-dimensional character. We report the synthesis and characterization of phase pure polycrystalline material, which reveals an antiferromagnetic transition at ${T}_{N}=5.2\text{ }\text{K}$. Nuclear quadrupolar resonance studies indicate that the antiferromagnetism is commensurate and exhibits strong antiferromagnetic fluctuations in the paramagnetic state.
Different slopes for different folks: Self-esteem instability and gender as moderators of the relationship between self-esteem and attitudinal aggression

The present research examined the relationships among self-esteem level, temporal self-esteem instability, gender, and self-reported aggression. Self-esteem level was negatively related to attitudinal aggression, although this relationship varied as a joint function of self-esteem instability and gender. It was strongest among men with unstable self-esteem and among women with stable self-esteem. Although self-esteem instability and narcissism (Study 3) were each positively related to behavioral aggression, the relationship between narcissism and attitudinal aggression varied as a function of self-esteem instability. The relationship between narcissism and attitudinal aggression was positive among people with stable self-esteem, but negative among people with unstable self-esteem, regardless of gender. The importance of considering gender, self-esteem instability, and narcissism in the self-esteem/aggression debate is discussed.
Toward a NNLO calculation of the anti-B ---> X(s) gamma decay rate with a cut on photon energy: I. Two-loop result for the soft function

Abstract The complete two-loop expression for the jet function J ( p 2 , μ ) of soft-collinear effective theory is presented, including non-logarithmic terms. Combined with our previous calculation of the soft function S ( ω , μ ) , this result provides the basis for a calculation of the effect of a photon-energy cut in the measurement of the B ¯ → X s γ decay rate at next-to-next-to-leading order in renormalization-group improved perturbation theory. The jet function is also relevant to the resummation of Sudakov logarithms in other hard QCD processes.
Home and leisure activities and childhood knee injuries

Summary Aim: To assess the relative occurrence of non motor-vehicle knee injuries and identify important clusters that can be targeted for preventive interventions. Methods: The study subjects covered 2167 children (0–14 years) who suffered non motor-vehicle knee injuries out of 66 870 registered during a three-year period in an established Emergency Department Injury Surveillance System (EDISS). A more serious joint injury was identified in 263 (12%) children, whereas the remaining 1904 children had only soft tissue knee injuries. Results: The incidence of non motor-vehicle knee injuries was estimated at 6.5 per 1000 children-years. Both the incidence of knee injuries and the male-to-female ratio increase with increasing age, reflecting the gender and age pattern of physical activity. Three clusters were identified: The first consisted of more serious knee injuries among older children, frequently resulting after a fall from stairs or a collision in school during winter months; the second cluster consisted of rather minor knee injuries occurring mostly among younger girls at home or in playgrounds, following a fall after stumbling or hit by an object while playing, especially during the summer; the third cluster comprised injuries among older boys, sustained mainly subsequent to overexertion in a sports area. Conclusion: Knee injuries tend to be more common among boys but more serious among girls. More and less serious knee injuries tend to fall into distinct clusters that could facilitate prioritisation of preventive measures.
Popular movements, the legacy of the left, and the fall of Fujimori

(2000). Popular movements, the legacy of the left, and the fall of Fujimori. Socialism and Democracy: Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 53-74.
Stereo imaging velocimetry for microgravity applications

Stereo imaging velocimetry is the quantitative measurement of three-dimensional flow fields using two sensors recording data from different vantage points. The system described in this paper, under development at NASA Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, uses two CCD cameras placed perpendicular to one another, laser disk recorders, an image processing substation, and a 586-based computer to record data at standard NTSC video rates (30 Hertz) and reduce it offline. The flow itself is marked with seed particles, hence the fluid must be transparent. The velocimeter tracks the motion of the particles, and from these we deduce a multipoint (500 or more), quantitative map of the flow. Conceptually, the software portion of the velocimeter can be divided into distinct modules. These modules are: camera calibration, particle finding (image segmentation) and centroid location, particle overlap decomposition, particle tracking, and stereo matching. We discuss our approach to each module, and give our currently achieved speed and accuracy for each where available.
Group participation computer demonstration

Engelbart1 has reported on some demonstrations in which a group functions as various parts of a digital computer. These demonstrations are concerned with binary operations including addition. However, there are occasions when it is desirable to have a group participate in a simulation which is not at this detailed level of computer operation. This note suggests a demonstration which allows a group to simulate the execution of a computer routine itself.
Dancing to the beat of the diaspora: musical exchanges between Africa and its diasporas

Abstract This essay examines the complex ebbs and flows of musical exchanges between Africa and its diasporas. Specifically, it focuses on musical engagements between, on the one hand, the Caribbean and West Africa and, on the other, the United States and Southern Africa. It argues that the influence of diasporan music on modern African music, especially popular music, has been immense. These influences and exchanges have created a complex tapestry of musical Afro-internationalism and Afro-modernism and music has been a critical site, a soundscape, in the construction of new diasporan and African identities. A diasporic perspective in the study of modern African music helps Africa reclaim its rightful place in the history of world music and saves Africans from unnecessary cultural anxieties about losing their musical ‘authenticity’ by borrowing from ‘Western’ music that appears, on closer inspection, to be diasporan African music.
A new source of tropospheric aerosols: Ion‐ion recombination

We propose a new source of aerosol particles in the lower atmosphere that is based on the formation, growth, and recombination of ubiquitous cosmogenically-generated ions. This mechanism provides a uniform, continuous fine-particle generator in the presence of precursor vapors, such as sulfuric acid, or certain organic compounds. Thus, for example, aqueous sulfate aerosols can form at sulfuric acid vapor partial pressures well below the supersaturations required for homogeneous nucleation. Detailed microphysical modeling shows that the highly nonlinear chemical/physical system comprising ions, vapors, and aerosols produces ultrafine and accumulation mode particles having characteristics similar to those detected in the lower troposphere. Accordingly, this mechanism may explain the presence of a stable boundary layer aerosol population of several hundred particles/ cm³. The theory of nucleation by ion-ion recombination (NIIR) is roughly calibrated here using observed ultrafine particle measurements, and is applied to interpret tropospheric aerosol observations.
The Economics of Poverty: Explanatory Theories to Inform Practice

ABSTRACT Blank (2003) identifies six perspectives that economists and policymakers use to understand the causes of poverty. They include issues of economic underdevelopment, human capital, contradictions in capitalism, structural causes, characteristics of the poor, and the incentive effect of welfare programs. This analysis uses Blank's framework to identify major economic theories and related recent research (1990-2005) to explain poverty. While each of the six perspectives provides explanations about the nature of poverty, the strongest factor relates to race. The analysis concludes with implications for practice.
fruitless Gene products truncated of their male-like qualities promote neural and behavioral maleness in Drosophila if these proteins are produced in the right places at the right times.

To bring GAL4 production under the control of the sex promoter (P1) contained within Drosophila's fruitless gene, a gal4 cassette was previously inserted downstream of P1. This insert should eliminate male-specific FRUM proteins, which normally contain 101 amino acids (aa's) at their N termini. Thus males homozygous for the P1-gal4 insert should be courtless, as was briefly stated to be so in the initial report of this transgenic type. But XY flies whose only fru form is P1-gal4 have now been found to court vigorously. P1-gal4 females displayed no appreciable male-like actions except courtship rejection behaviors; yet, they developed a male-specific abdominal muscle. No immunoreactivity against the male-specific aa's was detectable in P1-gal4 flies. But male-like neural signals were observed in XY or XX P1-gal4 pupae and adults after applying an antibody that detects all FRU isoforms; transgenic females displayed reduced expression of such proteins. RT-PCR's rationalized these findings: P1 transcripts inc...
Electronic raman scattering in quantum wells: Coupled levels in tilted magnetic fields

Abstract We report on a magneto-Raman scattering investigation of free and donor-bound electrons in GaAsAl x Ga 1−x As quantum wells. For fields perpendicular to the layers, the spectra show intersubband transitions of photoexcited electrons and 1s → 1s′ donor excitations. Tilted fields lead to subband-Landau level and 1s′ − 2p + coupling. Experimental results for the latter case agree very well with variational calculations. Data on combined intersubband-cyclotron resonances at arbitrary tilt angles are accurately described by expression valid for parabolic wells. The parabolic approach is shown to provide a good approximation in situations where coupling to higher subbands can be neglected.
Fabrication and evaluation of electrospun nanofibrous antimicrobial nylon 6 membranes

Abstract To achieve antimicrobial properties, three structurally different N-halamine additives, chlorinated 5,5-dimethylhydantoin (CDMH), chlorinated 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-imidozalidin-4-one (CTMIO) and chlorinated 3-dodecyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (CDDMH), were introduced into the electrospinning dope of nylon 6. Effects of N-halamine addition on the properties of electrospun nanofibrous membranes were investigated. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and attenuated total reflectance mode Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR) were used to identify the synthesized N-halamine structures. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that the fraction of γ form crystals (Tm ≈ 212 °C) increased with the increase in the N-halamine content. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping patterns confirmed the uniform distribution of N-halamines on the membrane surface. A total reduction of both Escherichia coli (gram-negative bacteria) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive bacteria) was observed after a short contact period of 5–40 min based upon the type of N-halamine and the active chlorine contents. No significant leaching of N-halamine additives from electrospun nylon 6 membranes was observed.
Diminished Interleukin-8 (IL-8) Production in the Fetal Wound Healing Response

Abstract Background.Fetal skin wound healing results in scarless repair with minimal cellular inflammatory response. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) stimulates inflammation in postnatal wound healing but little is known about its role in fetal wounds. We hypothesized that fetal tissues have diminished IL-8 during wound repair and in response to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a growth factor central to wound healing. Materials and methods.To examine the IL-8 response of fibroblasts to PDGF, cultures of human fetal (17–18 weeks) and adult dermal fibroblasts were incubated 8 h with PDGF (0, 0.1, 1, or 10 ng/mL) and supernatants and cells were collected for IL-8 ELISA and IL-8 RT-PCR. To evaluate the IL-8 response to wounding, human adult and fetal skin was placed subcutaneously in the SCID mouse, wounded, and the wound cleft excised after 4, 12, 24, or 72 h for IL-8 RT-PCR. Results.Fetal fibroblasts produced less IL-8 protein at baseline (50 ± 6 pg/mL versus 450 ± 115 pg/mL,P Conclusions.Diminished inflammatory cytokine response by fetal tissues may be responsible for the lack of cellular recruitment and inflammation seen in fetal wound healing and may contribute to scarless wound repair.
Traumatic rectal hematoma following anal rape

We describe the case of a 28-year-old male prisoner with a traumatic rectal hematoma caused by anal rape. Barium enema showed a large rectal mass confirmed to be a hematoma by proctoscopic examination. Surgery was performed due to a falling hemoglobin level, and an 800-mL hematoma was evacuated. The patient became febrile following surgery, and computed tomography revealed a pelvic mass consistent with recurrent hematoma or abscess. Repeat surgery showed recurrent hematoma. The patient recovered uneventfully.
A comparative study of plans for infant care made by adolescent and adult mothers.

Abstract This study evaluated the choices of primiparous adolescent and adult mothers about whom they believe will care fot their infant after they go home from the hospital. The responses of 70 younger adolescents (age 14–17 years) and 37 older adolescents (age 18–19 years) were compared with 80 adult (age 20–25 years) primiparas regarding their plans for school or work, type of child care arrangements planned, and the father's anticipated involvement in the care of the baby. There were no statistical differences among our three age groups. The results stow that first-time mothers in all three age groups more often expect themselves to be the primary care giver for their infant, all age groups expected their mother to help most when they lived with her, and about three quarters of each age group expect the husband/baby's father to help in some way.
Calculations for Uniaxial Stress and Strain Cycling in Plasticity

Abstract : Within the framework of an existing purely mechanical, rate-type theory of plasticity detailed calculations are presented for certain types of material response during stress and strain cycling in a uniaxial homogeneous deformation. These features pertain specifically to material response in stress cycling between fixed values of stress in tension and compression (not necessarily equal in magnitude) resulting in ratcheting of strain, and a type of saturation hardening caused by strain cycling between any two fixed values of strain when the mean value of stress (in tension and compression) tends to zero. (Author)
An Algorithm for Seam Tracking Applications

Abstract : Seam tracking is currently accomplished by special features of the robot and a priori knowledge of seam geometry. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of tracking a seam in real-time. A general-purpose seam tracking algorithm is developed for implementation on a robot with six degrees-of-freedom. The algorithm is motivated by a physical interpretation of the t sub 6 and dt sub 6 matrices, and the assumption that three dimensional seam data are available. In the past, dT sub s matrix and inverse Jacobian solutions have been used to compute the differential changes in the joint angles. By using the inverse Jacobian , an iterative algorithm is introduced to compute both large and small changes in the joint variables. The versatile seam tracking algorithm can be applied to a multitude of robotic seam tracking activities such as gluing, surface grinding and flame cutting. (Author)
Predicting expert-novice performance as serious games analytics with objective-oriented and navigational action sequences

New metrics are needed to produce insights in serious games analytics.Action sequences can be coded using task- or tile-based approach.Size of map grids can affects the accuracy in performance prediction.Grid size affects tile-based coding of action sequences and performance prediction.The optimal map grid size must be determined independently for each game. Previous research differentiated expert vs. novice performances based on how (dis)similar novices' action sequences were from that of the expert's by way of similarity measures. Action sequences were coded using an 'objective-oriented' (or task-based) approach based on the sequence of objectives/tasks completed in-game. Findings from these studies suggest that the task-based similarity measures is a better predictor than (a) distance traversed, and (b) time (of completion).In this study, we suggested an alternative method to code action sequences of experts and novices by way of a 'navigational' (or tile-based) approach. We divided a game-map into grids/tiles of different sizes to facilitate tracing of the path traversed by players in game and proceeded to test the effect of grid sizes on differentiating between experts and novices. We further compared the two different action sequence coding approaches and their abilities to measure players' competency improvement in serious games. The results of the study showed that the size of game grids does matter, and that both task-based and tile-based action sequence coding approaches are useful for serious games analytics.
Toward a turnkey femtosecond laser: elimination of grating-pair stretchers from chirped-pulse amplification systems

We describe a simple method for compensating large amounts of second- and third-order material dispersion, and we present two compact and robust stretcher-compressor systems for microjoule-and millijoule-level chirped pulse-amplification.
Detecting and predicting spatial and interannual patterns of temperate forest springtime phenology in the eastern U.S.

[1] We performed a diagnostic analysis of AVHRR-NDVI and gridded, temperature data for the deciduous forests of the eastern U.S., calibrating temperature accumulation model with satellite data for 1982–1993. The model predicts interannual variability in onset date based upon year-to-year changes in springtime temperature. RMS error over the period ranges from 6.9 days in the northern portion of the domain to 10.7 days in the south. The analysis revealed a relationship between temperature accumulation and satellite derived onset date (rank correlation = 0.31–0.62). The required temperature accumulation threshold can be expressed as a function of mean temperature (R2 of 0.90) to facilitate predictive analysis of phenological onset, or when remote sensing data are unavailable.
A Power Dense Planetary Drive for Rotorcraft Applications

Increasing power density is an on-going objective for engineers of fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. The powertrain system is one of the largest contributors to the total mass of the aircraft and the geartrain is the largest contributor to the mass of the powertrain system. As such, the geartrain becomes the primary focus of many power density studies and is the focus of this paper.Epicyclic geartrains are known to provide high power density and have become the geartrain of choice for the main power flow in virtually all aircraft designs. This paper presents a unique compound planetary design targeting a helicopter main gearbox transmission application. The design significantly improves power density through its innovative planet gear load-sharing configuration along with the utilization of high-performance materials for gears and bearings. Design studies were conducted comparing the power density of this new design to a baseline gearbox design. The results of these studies demonstrate an estimated 38% power density improvement over the baseline configuration. Of the total improvement, 86% is attributed to the novel load-sharing configuration while 14% is attributed to utilization of advanced materials and processes.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Classification of interframe difference image blocks for video compression

This paper presents classification of difference image blocks between the two successive image frames for video data compression. Difference blocks are classified to several activity categories according to the image activity distribution. The classification procedure goes in two steps: activity classification and distribution classification. In the activity classification, each interframe difference image block is classified into active or not-active class according to the amount of motion contained in the block. Distribution classification further classifies active image blocks to four activity categories, vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and uniform activities, based on the activity distribution measured by the edge feature vector in the discrete cosine transform domain. A multiplayer feedforward neural network, trained with a small set of sample classification data, successfully classified difference image blocks according to edge feature distribution. The classification scheme improves the performance of video compression at a cost of small increase in the overhead associated with the quantizer switching.
Practice and progress in kidney cancer: methodology for novel drug development.

ABSTRACT Purpose: The minimal efficacy of standard therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has resulted in the evaluation of numerous novel agents. Some agents have shown promise in phase II trials and yet none have improved survival over standard therapy in phase III trials. We examined existing data relevant to standard therapy and clinical trial methodology in RCC to understand patient, disease and trial design factors that have impacted clinical trial outcome and drug evaluation. Furthermore, we describe new paradigms for the evaluation of novel agents to optimize the yield of clinical research in RCC. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive review of published retrospective analyses and phase II/phase III trials in patients with metastatic RCC was undertaken. Publications with patient selection and/or therapeutic implications in our judgment are presented and evaluated. Results: Patients with good performance status and access to centers with experienced staff may appropriately receive high dose interleukin-2 after consideration of the relative risks and benefits. Alternatively low dose, single agent cytokine regimens are acceptable. Novel agents may be tested in untreated and refractory RCC. Consideration of the prognostic factors of a given phase II cohort is essential when interpreting single arm clinical trial results. RCC histological subtypes continue to be distinguished biologically and treatment relevant to the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway is most appropriately targeted to clear cell RCC. Nephrectomy in metastatic RCC may impact evaluation of the tumor response and survival in metastatic RCC. Thus, consideration of nephrectomy status in phase II trials and stratification in phase III trials is warranted. Clinical trials that include patients with central nervous system metastases should have standardized treatment of these metastases prior to systemic therapy. Objective response rate as an end point should be used with caution, given its unreliable history in metastatic RCC. Novel trial designs using time to disease progression may allow for interpretation of the antitumor effect in the absence of tumor shrinkage. Conclusions: Metastatic renal carcinoma is a model disease for the design of clinical trials and testing of novel agents. Novel trial designs and end points should be considered to evaluate new agents in RCC. Phase III trials must be carefully performed with the most promising agents to impact survival in this disease.
Assessing Medicaid patients' perceptions of the OB/GYN-patient relationship.

Abstract Objectives: The objective of this study was to understand how the dynamics of the health care provider-patient relationship differ between Medicaid patients and private pay patients in the context of obstetric care. Various aspects of the patient-physician relationship were examined including trust, commitment, dependence, social content, service quality, and behavioral outcomes such as satisfaction, referral behavior, ease of voice, and retention. Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to a sample of mothers who had recently given birth. MANOVA was used to compare the means of Medicaid patients with private pay patients for the variables of interest in the study. Results: Medicaid patients had lower commitment to their primary physician. They trusted the practice, the primary physician, and the other physicians in the practice less. They perceived themselves as less similar to both the overall practice and their primary physician and also rated their health care service experience lower. They were ...
A quantitative method for determination of trace metal concentrations in sedimentary pyrite

Abstract Trace metals commonly undergo chemical diagenesis in anoxic sediments from association with metal oxides, organic matter, and other reactive components to coprecipitates with authigenic pyrite. Whereas this process has long been recognized as a major aspect of trace metal diagenesis, no satisfactory method for quantifying trace metal concentrations in sedimentary pyrite has been available. We present a new method, derived from the Lord technique (as described in C.J. Lord, J. Sediment. Petrol., 52: 664–666), for the quantitative extraction of trace metals from sedimentary pyrite. The new method involves the sequential leaching of sediments using 1 M HCl (reactive fraction), 10 M HF (silicate fraction) and concentrated HNO 3 (pyrite fraction). Examples are presented of the application of this new method to trace metal diagenesis in two different sedimentary marine environments: Baffin Bay, TX, and the Mississippi Delta. To establish the relation between the transfer of Fe and the trace metal of interest to the pyrite phase, the degree of pyritization (DOP) was compared with the newly introduced degree of trace metal pyritization (DTMP). Results obtained by combining these two operationally defined parameters indicate that transition metals exhibit a trend of increasing DTMP with increasing DOP, whereas DTMP values for class B metals remain essentially constant with increasing DOP levels.
On temperature distribution over the external surface of screen tubes

Abstract An equation is presented which describes the temperature distribution over the external surface of a smooth tube of a single-row screen at different values of radiant flux from the furnace, thermal resistance of the soot layer, temperature of the heated medium and relative tube spacing. This equation also accounts for intrinsic radiation of the soot deposits and absorption of reflected heat fluxes, radiation of the lining being uniform. The integro-differential equation is solved by the finite-difference method on an electronic computer. Uniformity of the temperature distribution is shown to increase with the relative spacing, temperature of the heated medium, incident heat flux and with decreasing thermal resistance of the soot layer on the tubes. The predicted values are compared with experimental data.