cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From college composition to ESL: Negotiating professional identities, new understandings, and conflicting pedagogies

Abstract This study examined how teaching assignments in the university's first-year composition program and graduate coursework informed six MA TESOL students' identity development and negotiations as ESL/EFL teachers in the United States. The collection and analysis of the data, which consisted of two sets of interviews and online discussion posts, were guided by poststructural understandings of identity. The findings describe the complex negotiations of participants' teacher identities, their new understandings about English and teaching, and the conflicting pedagogies they experienced. The article concludes by discussing the implications of this study for practitioners and teacher educators in TESOL, college composition, and teacher education programs.
Effect of radiation and endurance on pulsed programming of commercial NAND Flash memory

Independent and coupled effects of radiation and endurance on commercial NAND Flash memory is studied using pulsed programming enabled by interrupting the programming command at the chip-level. The effects of total ionization dose (TID) and endurance stress increase and decrease, respectively, the number of pulses needed to program an entire page. The coupled effect of endurance stress and TID appear to exhibit linear correlation. A neutral electron/ hole trap model is evaluated and correlates well with our results.
Reversal of Salt Concentration Dependencies of Salt and Water Diffusivities in Polymer Electrolyte Membranes

Recent experimental results have shown that transport properties of salt ions and water in charged polymer membranes exhibit an intriguing dependence on salt concentration that is opposite to that ...
Ablative and Non-ablative Fractional Resurfacing

Fractionated laser resurfacing leads to improvement of photodamaged skin, rhytides and acne scars. In contrast to non-fractionated ablative laser resurfacing, fractionated ablative laser resurfacing is associated with lower risk of complications and less downtime. Compared to fractional non-ablative resurfacing, fractional ablative laser resurfacing is more effective and does not require as many treatments. When used with caution, fractionated ablative and fractionated non-ablative laser resurfacing is safe and effective for patients with higher Fitzpatrick skin types.
Optimal Designs for Time—Dependent Responses

The purpose of this paper is to investigate methods for the design of optimal dynamic experiments. In Section 2, we introduce notation and a determinant criterion for dynamic experiments. In Section 3, optimal dynamic designs are constructed analytically in a number of simple cases. As will be seen, the dimension of the design problem increases with the dimension of the control vectors (equivalently, the response vector). In Section 4, we discuss the use of suitable parameterizations of the control variable trajectories to reduce the dimensionality of the optimization problem. The relationship between the design of optimal dynamic experiments and the results developed for marginally restricted designs is considered in Section 5. Numerical methods are discussed in Section 6. We close, in Section 7, with an extension of the methodology to the case where one or more linear combinations of the response trajectory is observed for each control trajectory.
An improved numerical scheme for predicting sound propagation in a vertically stratified medium

Propagation of sound in a stratified medium has been studied for many decades. The ray tracing method, which is one of the most popular ways to solve this kind of problems, involves identifying the sound rays connecting the source with the receiver. However, the ray method does not yield accurate solutions when either the source or the receiver is placed near a turning point. Under these circumstances, it is found necessary to use a wave-based approach leading to a more accurate solution for predicting the sound fields. Typically, the solution is written in a form of a highly oscillatory integral that can be evaluated numerically. High computational times are required to obtain accurate solutions. There have been significant developments in the numerical approximation of highly oscillatory integrals. An improved scheme, which is known as Levin’s collocation method, has low computational costs but it gives accurate numerical solutions for high-frequency sound fields. In this paper, the propagation of sound in a stratified and unbounded medium is considered where there is only one turning point. The Levin collocation method is explored for calculating the sound fields efficiently. In addition, an asymptotic solution is also derived for comparison with the Levin collocation method.Propagation of sound in a stratified medium has been studied for many decades. The ray tracing method, which is one of the most popular ways to solve this kind of problems, involves identifying the sound rays connecting the source with the receiver. However, the ray method does not yield accurate solutions when either the source or the receiver is placed near a turning point. Under these circumstances, it is found necessary to use a wave-based approach leading to a more accurate solution for predicting the sound fields. Typically, the solution is written in a form of a highly oscillatory integral that can be evaluated numerically. High computational times are required to obtain accurate solutions. There have been significant developments in the numerical approximation of highly oscillatory integrals. An improved scheme, which is known as Levin’s collocation method, has low computational costs but it gives accurate numerical solutions for high-frequency sound fields. In this paper, the propagation of sound...
Estrogen-dependent DLL1-mediated Notch signaling promotes luminal breast cancer

Aberrant Notch signaling is implicated in several cancers, including breast cancer. However, the mechanistic details of the specific receptors and function of ligand-mediated Notch signaling that promote breast cancer remains elusive. In our studies we show that DLL1, a Notch signaling ligand, is significantly overexpressed in ERα+ luminal breast cancer. Intriguingly, DLL1 overexpression correlates with poor prognosis in ERα+ luminal breast cancer, but not in other subtypes of breast cancer. In addition, this effect is specific to DLL1, as other Notch ligands (DLL3, JAGGED1, and JAGGED2) do not influence the clinical outcome of ERα+ patients. Genetic studies show that DLL1-mediated Notch signaling in breast cancer is important for tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and cancer stem cell function. Consistent with prognostic clinical data, we found the tumor-promoting function of DLL1 is exclusive to ERα+ luminal breast cancer, as loss of DLL1 inhibits both tumor growth and lung metastasis of luminal breast cancer. Importantly, we find that estrogen signaling stabilizes DLL1 protein by preventing its proteasomal and lysososmal degradations. Moreover, estrogen inhibits ubiquitination of DLL1. Together, our results highlight an unexpected and novel subtype-specific function of DLL1 in promoting luminal breast cancer that is regulated by estrogen signaling. Our studies also emphasize the critical role of assessing subtype-specific mechanisms driving tumor growth and metastasis to generate effective subtype-specific therapeutics.
A Flying Capacitor Multilevel Flyback Converter for Pulsed Power Applications

This paper presents the development of a Flying Capacitor Multilevel Flyback Converter (FCMFC) that provides easily scalable peak output voltage, while providing rapid pulse repetition, and magnetic volume reduction. Based on a combination of the flyback and flying capacitor multilevel (FCML) boost converter topologies, the FCMFC achieves faster slew rates and peak power compared to previous pulsed power converters. The new converter improves on the conversion ratio of the flyback converter by a multiple of the number of switched-diode-capacitor (SDC) cells. It additionally distributes the high output voltage across the SDCs, yielding faster slew rates, while maintaining similar or greater power density to existing architectures. Adding the SDC stages to a series FCMFC yielded a 3kV increase in voltage pulse peak with a $\mathbf{385}\mathbf{V}/\mu \mathbf{s}$ rise time net change compared to the latest series structures in the literature.
Cytology with rapid on-site examination (ROSE) does not improve diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA of pancreatic cystic lesions

Background Cytology with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) has been shown to increase the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for solid pancreatic lesions. No data exists on the need for rapid onsite cytology in the evaluation of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). The purpose of this study is to determine whether onsite cytology impacts the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA of PCLs. Methods We prospectively examined all patients with PCLs who underwent EUS-FNA without onsite cytology over a 6-month period and compared this to a historical cohort of patients with PCLs who underwent EUS-FNA with ROSE in the previous 6 months. Comparison was made between the two groups based upon patient demographics, EUS cyst characteristics, and FNA fluid & cytopathology results. Results A total of 100 EUS-FNA exams for PCLs were identified: 46 with ROSE and 54 without onsite cytology. The majority of cytology findings were negative or nondiagnostic, 87.0% in the ROSE group, 77.8% in the group without onsite cytology. There was no difference using EUS-FNA without onsite cytology compared to ROSE when measuring total diagnostic yield (22.2% vs 13.0%, P = .30), number of nondiagnostic specimens (50% vs 54%, P = .69), and number of needle passes (1.51 vs 1.57, P = .68). Conclusions (a) The majority of cytology results from EUS-FNA of cystic lesions are negative or nondiagnostic. (b) Having rapid onsite cytology evaluation of cystic lesions does not affect the number of needle passes nor diagnostic yield and is thus not recommended.
The Empire Strikes Back: Propagating AKP’s Ottoman Empire Narrative on Turkish Television

Turkish drama series aired on state network TRT (Turkish Radio and Television) connect Ottoman history with contemporary events in Turkey and have been instrumental agents in the government’s attem...
Characterization of 244Cm neutron sources.

Abstract There is a need to find a replacement for the 252Cf sources currently used in Standards-based performance testing of neutron instrumentation. This is a result of its relatively short half-life, concerns about future availability and recent increases in cost. A potential replacement source, 244Cm is evaluated in this study where two commercially available sources have been acquired and their neutron emission spectra measured using a pair of spectrometers. Both instruments showed the 244Cm spontaneous neutron spectrum to be fully consistent with a MCNP6®-calculated spectrum using published Watt fission parameters for 244Cm. In addition, the emission rate of the weaker 244Cm source was established through a direct count rate comparison against a calibrated and similarly encapsulated 252Cf source. The 244Cm source emission rate was found to be in excellent agreement with value stated on the manufacturer's source certificate. It is concluded that 244Cm would be an ideal replacement for 252Cf based on its longer half-life (18.1 y) and its essentially identical neutron emission spectrum. In addition, 244Cm sources are commercially available at reasonable cost.
Rolling of asymmetric discs on an inclined plane

In recent papers, Turner and Turner (2010 Am. J. Phys. 78 905–7) and Jensen (2011 Eur. J. Phys. 32 389–97) analysed the motion of asymmetric rolling rigid bodies on a horizontal plane. These papers addressed the common misconception that the instantaneous point of contact of the rolling body with the plane can be used to evaluate the angular momentum L and the torque in the equation of motion . To obtain the correct equation of motion, the 'phantom torque' or various rules that depend on the motion of the point about which L and are evaluated were discussed. In this letter, I consider asymmetric discs rolling down an inclined plane and describe the most basic way of obtaining the correct equation of motion, that is, to choose the point about which L and are evaluated that is stationary in an inertial frame.
Dynamic, In-situ, Nonlinear-Inelastic Response and Post-Cyclic Strength of a Plastic Silt Deposit

This study presents the use of controlled blasting as a source of seismic energy to obtain the coupled, dynamic, linear-elastic to nonlinear-inelastic response of a plastic silt deposit. Characteri...
Probabilistic Atlas of the Mesencephalic Reticular Formation, Isthmic Reticular Formation, Microcellular Tegmental Nucleus, Ventral Tegmental Area Nucleus Complex, and Caudal-Rostral Linear Raphe Nucleus Complex in Living Humans from 7 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Introduction: The mesencephalic reticular formation, isthmic reticular formation, microcellular tegmental nucleus, ventral tegmental area-parabrachial pigmented nucleus complex, and caudal-rostral ...
Unpacking Identity: Opportunities and Constraints for Cross-Racial Collaboration

We argue that two factors are important for cross-racial coalition building: policy convergence in key issue arenas and perceived interest alignment with other racial groups. Drawing on the 2016 National Asian American Survey, we examine two of the most salient issues Asian Americans consistently rate as among the most important: immigration and economic policy. Using principal component analysis, we plot mean scores by group to analyze national-origin clustering along these two dimensions. Next, we analyze national-origin differences in perceived interest alignment with Blacks and Latinos. Combining these two factors, we identify clusters of groups that have a strong potential for cross-racial coalition building and that face greater constraints. In sum, we propose a theoretical framework for understanding cross-racial coalition building that includes disaggregating Asian Americans by national origin, and then identify which national-origin groups have the greater opportunity to form such coalitions.
The effects of prenatal predator cue exposure on offspring substrate preferences in the wolf spider Tigrosa helluo

Prey may gain fitness benefits from recognizing predators at an early age. Predator cues perceived by gravid prey have the potential to prime offspring to alter their behaviour in the presence of predation threats after birth. Wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae) provide an opportunity to explore this phenomenon since females carry their eggsacs prior to eclosion and, after emergence, carry spiderlings for days as they disperse. During maternal care, mothers may prenatally expose offspring to predator odour cues and potentially influence their posteclosion dispersal when in the presence of these cues. Spiderlings of the wolf spider Tigrosa helluo are eaten by adults of the wolf spider Pardosa milvina. We measured differences in substrate preferences of spiderlings produced from egg-carrying T. helluo females that had or had not been exposed to cues of adult P. milvina. Over a 15-day period we counted the number of offspring climbing on substrates previously walked on by P. milvina, crickets or blank control substrates. For the first 10 out of 15 days, spiderlings of predator-exposed mothers climbed on Pardosa substrates significantly more compared to control mothers. We found no significant spiderling preference in time spent on cricket-cued or control substrates across treatments and no difference in chemical cue substrate preference of the mothers while spiderlings dispersed. Among wolf spiders, vertical climbing and contact with predator-cued substrates can induce adaptive tonic immobility (freeze response) that has been associated with increased survival in the presence of live predatory lycosids. Spider predator cues may prime spiderling antipredator behaviour either directly through prenatal exposure in the eggsac or indirectly by modifying the mother's behaviour prior to eclosion, but we found no evidence of mother substrate preference influencing spiderling distribution during dispersal.
Activation of Sperm and Egg During Fertilization

The sections in this article are: 1 Chemotaxis (or, the Dating Game) 1.1 Historical Background 1.2 Motility and Chemotactic Substances in Sea Urchin Gametes 1.3 Does Chemotaxis Exist in the Real World? 2 The Acrosome Reaction 2.1 Description of the Phenomenon 2.2 Signal Transduction Molecules 3 Sperm-Egg Binding 4 Passage of the Sperm Through the Egg Coat 5 Sperm-Egg Receptors and Speciation 6 A Description of Egg Activation 6.1 What Happens When Sperm Meets Egg? 7 The Role of Calcium in Egg Activation 7.1 Historical Background 7.2 The Natural History of Calcium Changes at Fertilization 7.3 Mechanisms of the Calcium Increase 7.4 How Does the Sperm Trigger the Calcium Increase? 8 What is Calcium Doing to Activate the Egg? 8.1 The Timetable of Fertilization Responses in the Sea Urchin Egg 8.2 Intracellular pH Changes 9 Entry into the Cell Cycle 9.1 Synthesis of Cyclin as a Prerequisite for Mitosis 9.2 Activation of Protein Kinase Activity As a Prerequisite for Mitosis 10 Structural Changes as an Important Concomitant of Fertilization 10.1 Microfilaments 10.2 Microtubules 10.3 Endoplasmic Reticulum 10.4 Introduction of the Centrosome as a Critical Event 10.5 Ooplasmic Segregation 11 Epilogue—Is Fertilization a Unique Event in the Life History of the Organism?
A Simple Robust Test for the Presence of Jumps in Asset Prices

We develop a simple robust test for the presence of jumps in the price of an asset underlying an option. Our test examines the prices of at and out-of-the-money options as the time to maturity of the option approaches zero. We show that these prices converge to zero at speeds which depend on whether the price process is pure diffusion, pure jump, or a mixture of both. By applying our test to S&P 500 options data, we conclude that this index contains a jump component. Furthermore, there are strong indications of both a diffusion component and stochastic volatility.
High Performance CMOS Analog Arithmetic Circuits

Unique designs for CMOS analog arithmetic circuits are presented which perform addition (V_1 + V_2), subtraction (V_2 − V_1), add/invert −(V_1 + V_2), and multiply (V_1 × V_2). The circuit operation is based on the inherent square law of MOS transistor drain current when operating in the saturation region. Key features include: good linearity and accuracy, single ended voltage inputs and output, wide input and output range and no input bias voltages. The circuits can be directly coupled (no buffer) and serve as basic building blocks for analog signal processing implementations such as analog filters and adaptive equalizers. All circuits were implemented in 1.2 μm CMOS technology.
Variability in the attainment of functional milestones during the acute care admission after total joint replacement.

Objective. To quantify patients'functional improvement in the immediate postoperative period after total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods. A prospective observational study design was used to examine the number of physical therapy treatment sessions and postoperative days required to attain independence in 4 critical functional milestones, with independence defined as the ability to perform the activity without the assistance of another person. The 4 functional milestones selected were the ability to perform supine to sit transfers; sit to stand transfers; ambulation to 100'; and the ability to climb stairs. Consecutive patients undergoing elective THA or TKA for the first time at a community teaching hospital were entered into the study. Results. The study group consisted of 81 patients undergoing elective THA or TKA (33 THA and 48 TKA). There was wide variability in the number of physical therapy sessions and postoperative days required to attain each of the 4 milestones and all 4 milestones. Climbing stairs was the most difficult task, followed by walking 100', performing sit to stand transfers, and performing supine to sit transfers. The achievement of the latter 2 milestones was similar. Conclusion. Our examination of patients'progress in attaining specific functional milestones is a unique approach to outcome assessment that emphasizes the physical therapy aspect of postsurgical rehabilitation. A wide variability in patients' functional progress during the acute care admission after elective THA or TKA was demonstrated. The reasons for this variability need to be explored since they may have important implications for planning rehabilitation related to THA, TKA or other orthopedic reconstructive procedures
Symbolic Interaction, Public Policy, the Really Really Other, and Human Terrain System Training

I discuss the relevance of symbolic interaction to a misunderstood public policy program, the Human Terrain System.
Focus on a Medical Informatics Odyssey

Since its inception at a time when medical informatics was a new field, the Symposium on Computer Applications in Medical Care (now known as the AMIA Symposium) has provided an opportunity for attendees to hear about pioneering work. As part of the 25th Annual Symposium that was held in …
MULTI-ION PLASMAS IN ASTROPHYSICS I: General Requirements for the Existence of Critical Points

The steady-state motion of a quasi-neutraln-ion plasma is investigated using a fluiddynamical model. The main results obtained are that there are only two distinct ways in which such a plasma can make a transition from a subsonic state to a supersonic one. There is one unique possibility for which there exists one critical point where all the ion gases have their Mach numbers exactly to unity and where the individual ion forcing functios (the inhomogeneous terms) are non-zero but linearly related to each other. The other possibility which we find is that at a critical point all inhomogeneous terms are identically equal to zero and there exist as many critical points as there exist simultianeous zeros of the ion forcing functions. These results are necessary and sufficient forn≥3. For one- and two-ion plasmas special results can be obtained, some of which fit into the above two classes and some of which do not.
Theory of Complex Spectra.

A method for the calculation of the energy levels of an atom in terms of the experimentally observed energy levels of ions of higher ionization is developed. This method can be applied to a system of nonequivalent electrons, as well as equivalent electrons. The notion of fractional parentage is extended to systems of nonequivalent electrons. Tables of fractional parentage coefficients are calculated for ${p}^{2}s$, ${p}^{3}s$, and ${d}^{2}p$ configurations. Application is made by a least-squares calculation of the $3{d}^{2}4p$ configuration of Ti ii in terms of the experimentally observed energies of the $3{d}^{2}$ and $3d4p$ configurations of Ti iii. As a result, the root-mean-square deviation of our calculated values from the experimental energies is reduced to \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}249 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.
Privilege and exclusion at the farmers market: findings from a survey of shoppers

Research consistently shows the typical farmers market shopper is a white, affluent, well-educated woman. While some research to date examining farmers markets discusses the exclusionary aspects of farmers markets, little has expounded on this portrait of the typical shopper. As a result of this neglect, the potential of farmers markets to be an inclusive, sustainable development tool remains hindered. This study seeks to better understand this typical shopper by drawing upon anti-consumerism literature to examine the motivations of these shoppers. Findings from a survey of 390 shoppers in a predominately Hispanic community are discussed. Results from the survey indicate that even in a community in which white, non-Hispanics are the minority, the farmers market shopper is likely to be a white, non-Hispanic female who is more affluent and well educated than the average community member. Theoretical implications and suggestions for those working in community development are discussed. Suggestions for future research are also provided.
Imaging magnetic focusing of coherent electron waves

The magnetic focusing of electrons has proven its utility in fundamental studies of electron transport. Here we report the direct imaging of magnetic focusing of electron waves, specifically in a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG). We see the semicircular trajectories of electrons as they bounce along a boundary in the 2DEG, as well as fringes showing the coherent nature of the electron waves. Imaging flow in open systems is made possible by a cooled scanning probe microscope. Remarkable agreement between experiment and theory demonstrates our ability to see these trajectories and to use this system as an interferometer. We image branched electron flow as well as the interference of electron waves. This technique can visualize the motion of electron waves between two points in an open system, providing a straightforward way to study systems that may be useful for quantum information processing and spintronics.
Allelic gene structure variations in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes.

Author(s): Li, Jun; Ribeiro, Jose C.; Yan, Guiyun | Abstract: BackgroundAllelic gene structure variations and alternative splicing are responsible for transcript structure variations. More than 75% of human genes have structural isoforms of transcripts, but to date few studies have been conducted to verify the alternative splicing systematically.Methodology/Principal FindingsThe present study used expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and EST tagged SNP patterns to examine the transcript structure variations resulting from allelic gene structure variations in the major human malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae. About 80% of 236,004 available A. gambiae ESTs were successfully aligned to A. gambiae reference genomes. More than 2,340 transcript structure variation events were detected. Because the current A. gambiae annotation is incomplete, we re-annotated the A. gambiae genome with an A. gambiae-specific gene model so that the effect of variations on gene coding could be better evaluated. A total of 15,962 genes were predicted. Among them, 3,873 were novel genes and 12,089 were previously identified genes. The gene completion rate improved from 60% to 84%. Based on EST support, 82.5% of gene structures were predicted correctly. In light of the new annotation, we found that ∼78% of transcript structure variations were located within the coding sequence (CDS) regions, and g65% of variations in the CDS regions have the same open-reading-frame. The association between transcript structure isoforms and SNPs indicated that more than 28% of transcript structure variation events were contributed by different gene alleles in A. gambiae.Conclusions/SignificanceWe successfully expanded the A. gambiae genome annotation. We predicted and analyzed transcript structure variations in A. gambiae and found that allelic gene structure variation plays a major role in transcript diversity in this important human malaria vector.
Surface alumina species on modified titanium dioxide: A solid-state 27Al MAS and 3QMAS NMR investigation of catalyst supports

Abstract 27Al MAS and 3QMAS NMR have been used to study Al2O3/TiO2 catalyst supports synthesized via excess-solution impregnation and surface sol–gel methods. Temperature and alumina loading level strongly affect chemical states of aluminum oxide species observed. Surface cations, Al ( H 2 O ) 6 3 + , a surface alumina monolayer, and disordered transitional aluminas (multilayers) and α-alumina, coexist on the TiO2 surface. Chemical shift and quadrupole coupling constants are reported for the major species identified in 3QMAS experiments. Gold particle catalysts prepared from supports calcined at 500 °C have optimum catalytic activity in CO oxidation, and smallest gold particle size for supports, which show maximum monolayer type octahedral alumina on the titania surface.
Toward narrowing differences

. David Curson has spent many years working full time in the private sector, and his analysis of this area of addiction treatment is welcome. Private addiction treatment differs from Health Service treatment in that it seems to favour the Minnesota Model more frequently. There is no absence of reliable outcome studies on the effectiveness of the Minnesota Method, but some form of accreditation of treatment techniques in the private sector seems inevitable.
Water uptake by aerosol: Water activity in supersaturated potassium solutions and deliquescence as a function of temperature

Abstract Atmospheric aerosol models often calculate water uptake by particles based on information on salt deliquescence and electrolyte mixing rules. Therefore improvements in deliquescence predictions and in the water-activity relations used in mixing rules can improve estimates of size distributions. The primary goals of this work are to derive equations for the variation in the mutual deliquescence relative humidity (MDRH) with temperature ( T ) for a particle containing an arbitrary number of hydrated and anhydrous salts and to extend the range of validity of water–activity relations reported for binary solutions of KNO 3 , KCl, KBr, and K 2 SO 4 to greater supersaturations. Equations for MDRH( T ) are derived based on the equilibrium conditions that define deliquescence and the Gibbs-Duhem relation. MDRH is calculated from solubility data and the ZSR mixing rule to generate reference values for the equations and to evaluate their reliability. The ZSR mixing rule is also used to predict concentrations of KNO 3 , KCl, KBr, and K 2 SO 4 in highly supersaturated binary solutions. Polynomial fits are presented that relate water activity to concentration for these solutions. The deliquescence equations derived here predict MDRH( T ) for hydrate systems with sufficient accuracy for temperature excursions of about 25 K. MDRH( T ) usually follows the trend of DRH( T ) for the most soluble salt in the system, while the temperature dependence of saturation concentration can be neglected for some salt systems. A linear temperature dependence for saturation concentration appears necessary to capture MDRH( T ) for systems containing Ca(NO 3 ) 2 ·4H 2 O and CaCl 2 ·6H 2 O. Consideration of deliquescence for a representative sea-salt system indicates that minor hydrated components have an important influence on the uptake of water by sea-salt particles and should be considered in equilibrium aerosol models. Results of this study improve estimates of water uptake by atmospheric particles containing hydrates and potassium salts.
More dangerous than nonsense

In trying to provide evidence for Christian beliefs, a respectable physicist has bent science to its breaking point, says Lawrence Krauss
A Simplified Stability Criterion for Linear Discrete Systems

In this study a simplified analytic test of stability of linear discrete systems is obtained. This test also yields the necessary and sufficient conditions for a real polynomial in the variable z to have all its roots inside the unit circle in the z plane. The new stability constraints require the evaluation of only half the number of Schur-Cohn determinants [1], [2]. It is shown that for the test of a fourth-order system only a third-order determinant is required and for the fifth-order, one second-order and one fourth-order determinant are required. The test is applied directly in the z plane and yields the minimum number of constraint terms. Stability constraints up to the sixth-order case are obtained and for the nth-order case are formulated. The simplicity of this criterion is similar to that of the Lienard-Chipard criterion [3] for the continuous case which has a decisive advantage over the Routh-Hurwitz criterion [4], [5]. Finally, general conditions on the number of roots inside the unit circle for n even and odd are also presented in this paper.
Numerical Experiments in Using Voronoi Cell Finite Elements for Topology Optimization

This paper provides two separate methodologies for implementing the Voronoi Cell Finite Element Method (VCFEM) in topological optimization. Both exploit two characteristics of VCFEM. The first approach utilizes the property that a hole or inclusion can be placed in the element: the design variables for the topology optimization are sizes of the hole. In the second approach, we note that VCFEM may mesh the design domain as n sided polygons. We restrict our attention to hexagonal meshes of the domain while applying Solid Isotropic Material Penalization (SIMP) material model. Researchers have shown that hexagonal meshes are not subject to the checker boarding problem commonly associated with standard linear quad and triangle elements. We present several examples to illustrate the efficacy of the methods in compliance minimization as well as discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method.© 2009 ASME
Ionization balance in semiconductor quantum-dot lasers.

The commonly assumed quasiequilibrium particle distribution with the same quasi-Fermi-level for all quantum-dot carriers in the same energy (conduction or valence) band is found not to be valid for a wide range of temperatures at the inversion populations and bound energy separations (greater than a LO phonon energy) used in the literature. Bound state occupation factors obtained from the steady state solution of rate equations describing the ionization balance in room-temperature 100-\AA{}-radius GaAs quantum dots whose centers are separated by 400 \AA{} are found to be very different from the quasiequilibrium distribution used in an example from the literature. In such quantum dots, bound state transitions result from collisions between charged particles via the Coulomb interaction, and from interband and intraband radiative processes. The critical free electron concentration above which collisional processes can establish a quasiequilibrium in the conduction band is found to exceed ${10}^{19}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$. Our numerical solution is in good agreement with Pitaevskii's model from atomic physics of an electron random walk in energy as modeled by a Fokker-Planck equation. In our simple model, electrons are captured into a bound conduction band state via three-body recombination and phonon emission, and drop into lower energy bound states via a series of collisional deexcitations before combining with a valence band hole. Solution of the rate equations is standard in numerical studies of stimulated emission in atomic plasmas, but our present discussion is, to our knowledge, the first in the literature on semiconductor quantum-dot lasers.
Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of Omp6, a protoilludene synthase from Omphalotus olearius

Basidiomycetes produce a wide range of industrially relevant natural products. One of the main classes of natural products isolated from fungi are terpenoids, a highly diverse group of secondary metabolites, many of which are bioactive and have been adapted for pharmaceutical purposes. The discovery of a suite of novel sesquiterpene synthases from Omphalotus olearius via genome sequencing and bioinformatic analyses has recently been described. Here, the expression, purification and crystallization of one of these enzymes (Omp6), a protoilludene synthase, is reported. A native crystal diffracted to a resolution of 2.9 A and belonged to space group P21, with unit-cell parameters a = 43.67, b = 76.76, c = 107.22 A, α = γ = 90, β = 95°. A diffraction data set was collected on a home-source Rigaku/MSC MicroMax-007 X-ray generator.
Participant Observation and the Political Scientist: Possibilities, Priorities, and Practicalities

Surveys, experiments, large-N datasets and formal models are common instruments in the political scientist's toolkit. In-depth interviews and focus groups play a critical role in helping scholars answer important political questions. In contrast, participant observation techniques are an underused methodological approach. In this article, we argue that participant observation techniques have played and should continue to play a key role in advancing our understanding of political science. After demonstrating the use of these techniques, we offer readers advice for embarking upon participant observation research and explain how this approach should fit into a scholar's long-term career plans.
Systematic t-error correcting/all unidirectional error detecting codes with easy encoding/decoding

Codes which can correct t symmetric errors and detect all unidirectional errors have been shown to be useful in fault-tolerant applications. They provide protection against transient, intermittent and permanent faults. Efficient codes have already been developed for this purpose/ However, for most of these codes it is not possible to obtain a simple encoder and decoder. We have developed a systematic t-error correcting/all unidirectional error detecting code, which is comparable in redundancy to the most efficient known systematic codes with the same capability. In addition, our code is easy to encode and decode.
Utilitarianism and rules

(1965). Utilitarianism and rules. Australasian Journal of Philosophy: Vol. 43, No. 2, pp. 225-229.
High-speed transient sensing using dielectric micro-resonators

In this paper, we demonstrate the use of whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators for high-speed transient sensing. In the typical WGM sensor, the micro-resonator modes are interrogated by coupling light from a tunable laser through a single mode optical fiber. The laser is tuned over a narrow range by thermo-optic effect, and mode shifts in the transmission spectrum through the fiber are observed. For high-speed applications, thermal inertia of the optical system impedes the proper tuning of the laser, limiting the WGM sensor applications to slow varying phenomena. In order to use the sensors for high-speed transient applications, we tune the DFB laser using a harmonic rather than a ramp waveform and calibrate the laser response at various input frequencies and amplitudes using a Fabry-Perot interferometer. WGM shifts are tracked using a fast cross-correlation algorithm on the transmission spectra. We demonstrate dynamic force measurements up to 10 kHz using this approach. We also present a simple lumped-heat capacity thermal model to predict the laser response.
Effects of 17β-estradiol administration on cortical and cancellous bone of ovariectomized rats with and without hypophysectomy

Abstract Pituitary hormones are essential for bone growth and bone turnover. Hypophysectomy (HX) diminishes mitogenesis and abolishes the high bone turnover rate induced by ovariectomy (OV). It is not known whether the suppressive effect of estrogen on bone resorption is diminished or abolished by HX. The present study investigates the effects of 17β-estradiol (E 2 ) (20 μg/wk) on cortical and cancellous bone mass and bone turnover as measured by histomorphometry in HX + OV (HO) rats. Sprague-Dawley rats at 2 months of age were OV or HO and the experiment was performed over a 6 week period. Hypophysectomy + OV (HO) resulted in a cessation of periosteal bone formation, and longitudinal bone growth and a decrease in cancellous bone volume. The tibial dry weight and tibial density were significantly lower in the HO than in the intact or OV groups. Administration of E 2 to HO rats partially prevented cancellous bone loss, whereas the same dosage of E 2 fully prevented cancellous bone loss in rats with OV alone. Nevertheless, cancellous bone volume was higher in the HO + E 2 than in the HO-alone groups. Estradiol administration in HO rats did not suppress cancellous bone formation rate or the eroded surface as much as it did in the OV rats. The suppressive effect of E 2 on periosteal bone formation rate and mineral apposition rate was also diminished in HO rats. However, factorial ANOVA showed that the effects of E 2 on increasing cancellous bone volume and decreasing periosteal bone formation rate and mineral apposition rate were still significant in the HO rats. Tibial dry weight and tibial density did not differ between HO and HO + E 2 groups. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the estrogen-induced effects of preventing cancellous bone loss, of suppressing bone formation, and resorption as seen in OV rats was diminished but not abolished in HO rats.
Fermi-level stabilization energy in group III nitrides

Energetic particle irradiation is used to systematically introduce point defects into In{sub 1-x}Ga{sub x}N alloys over the entire composition range. Three types of energetic particles (electrons, protons, and {sup 4}He{sup +}) are used to produce a displacement damage dose spanning five decades. In InN and In-rich InGaN the free electron concentration increases with increasing irradiation dose but saturates at a sufficiently high dose. The saturation is due to Fermi level pinning at the Fermi Stabilization Energy (E{sub FS}), which is located at 4.9 eV below the vacuum level. Electrochemical capacitance-voltage (ECV) measurements show that the pinning of the surface Fermi energy at E{sub FS} is also responsible for the surface electron accumulation in as-grown InN and In-rich InGaN alloys. The results are in agreement with the amphoteric defect model that predicts that the same type of native defects are responsible for the Fermi level pinning in both cases.
Structure−Activity Relationships of Novel Cyclic α-MSH/β-MSH Hybrid Analogues That Lead to Potent and Selective Ligands for the Human MC3R and Human MC5R

It has been shown by extensive studies that α-MSH bioactivity is critically dependent on the core or central tetrapeptide sequence, His-Phe-Arg-Trp, however with poor selectivity for the human MC3R-MC5R. The structure−activity relationships study here is aimed at identifying lead structures or templates of this core sequence by the use of different conformational constraints that might impart changes in its topography and thus promote differences in potency and selectivity at these receptors. Our peptide library consists of a novel series of cyclic α-MSH analogues that have disulfide bridges between Cys or Cys-like residues at positions 4 and 10, giving rise to 23-membered rings fused at the C-terminal end with the C-terminal fragment of β-MSH (Pro-Pro-Lys-Asp). While such constraints of the peptide backbone with disulfide bridges of different chirality affect potency and selectivity at these receptors, further changes in the hydrophobicity at position 7 with either a d-Phe or d-Nal(2‘) and replacement of...
Whey Protein Isolate and α-Lactalbumin Recovery from Lactic Acid Whey Using Cation-Exchange Chromatography

: The objective of this work was to develop a process to fractionate proteins from lactic acid whey, which is underused compared with sweet whey, using food-grade buffers and cation-exchange chromatography. Bound proteins were desorbed either all at once to make whey protein isolate (WPI), or in 2 steps to 1st make α-lactalbumin (ALA) and then WPI depleted in ALA. Recovery and purity using lactic acid whey were comparable to previously reported processes using sweet whey. Capacity and throughput were slightly lower using lactic acid whey. This research provides a basis for adding value to the 6 million metric tons of lactic acid whey produced annually in the United States.
Activation of conventional PKC isoforms increases expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bad and TRAIL receptors.

Background. Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide; current treatment options have been ineffective in prolonging survival. Agents that target specific signaling pathways (e.g., protein kinase C [PKC]) may regulate apoptotic gene expression rendering resistant cancers sensitive to the effects of other chemotherapeutic drugs. The purpose of our study was to assess the effect of PKC stimulation on apoptotic gene expression in pancreatic cancer cells.
Learning non-taxonomical semantic relations from domain texts

Ontology of a domain mainly consists of concepts, taxonomical (hierarchical) relations and non-taxonomical relations. Automatic ontology construction requires methods for extracting both taxonomical and non-taxonomical relations. Compared to extensive works on concept extraction and taxonomical relation learning, little attention has been given on identification and labeling of non-taxonomical relations in text mining. In this paper, we propose an unsupervised technique for extracting non-taxonomical relations from domain texts. We propose the VF*ICF metric for measuring the importance of a verb as a representative relation label, in much the same spirit as the TF*IDF measure in information retrieval. Domain-relevant concepts (nouns) are extracted using techniques developed earlier. Candidate non-taxonomical relations are generated as (SVO) triples of the form (subject, verb, object) from domain texts. A statistical method with log-likelihood ratios is used to estimate the significance of relationships between concepts and to select suitable relation labels. Texts from two domains, the Electronic Voting (EV) domain texts and the Tenders and Mergers (TNM) domain texts are used to compare our method with one of the existing approaches. Experiments showed that our method achieved better performance in both domains.
Postmature scientific discovery

NEW scientific discoveries do not always flow directly from those made just before. Rather, several varieties of discontinuity can be identified in the growth of science. Premature discoveries are those that scientists do not attend to in a timely way, and are retrospectively described as having been “ahead of their time”. These have been examined by Barber’ and Stent’. Here, we suggest that there are also postmature discoveries, those which, are judged retrospectively to have been ‘delayed’. We analyse the arguments that the discovery of bacterial sex was postmature and take up the correlative questions of how the problem was identified, and why Lederberg and Taturn’,” were likely candidates for making it when they did. This paper draws on documents, published and private, and analyses by the sociologist-observer and the scientistparticipant. Our dialectic procedure departs from most oral histories’.h; first, the procedure was iterative: as new discussion raised further possibilities, we both searched for relevant documentation; and second, we both identified the underlying analytic questions and articulated tentative answers to them. We felt that personal reminiscence had to be validated by contemporary documents and other testimony as oral history and autobiography are prone to “unconscious falsification”‘.