cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Next-generation Raman tomography instrument for non-invasive in vivo bone imaging

Combining diffuse optical tomography methods with Raman spectroscopy of tissue provides the ability for in vivo measurements of chemical and molecular characteristics, which have the potential for being useful in diagnostic imaging. In this study a system for Raman tomography was developed and tested. A third generation microCT coupled system was developed to combine 10 detection fibers and 5 excitation fibers with laser line filtering and a Cytop reference signal. Phantom measurements of hydroxyapatite concentrations from 50 to 300 mg/ml had a linear response. Fiber placement and experiment design was optimized using cadaver animals with live animal measurements acquired to validate the systems capabilities. Promising results from the initial animal experiments presented here, pave the way for a study of longitudinal measurements during fracture healing and the scaling of the Raman tomography system towards human measurements.
Electromigration-resistant Cu-Pd alloy films

Abstract Copper is a prospective material for metal interconnects in microelectronic circuits since it has a high resistance to electromigration damage (EMD) and a low electrical resistivity. In the present work, a still higher resistance to EMD was achieved by alloying Cu with a small amount of Pd. Cu-Pd alloy films consisting of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.6 wt.% Pd were made on oxidized silicon wafers by vacuum evaporation. These films were EMD tested in a high vacuum system by an isothermal resistance change measurement method using a thin film thermistor technique. The activation energies of Cu, Cu-0.5 wt.% Pd, Cu-1.0 wt.% Pd and Cu-1.6 wt.% Pd films were found to be 0.79 eV, 1.01 eV, 1.26 eV and 1.15 eV, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the Cu and Cu-Pd alloy films after EMD testing. Many of the hillocks that formed had crystalline facets. Film thinning and voiding were also observed, the former being more prominent in the alloy films than in pure Cu. X-ray energy spectroscopy showed that the hillocks on the Cu-Pd alloy films had a measurably lower Pd concentration than the hillock-free areas. Thus Cu appears to diffuse faster than Pd when electromigration takes place. These results show clearly that adding small amounts of Pd to Cu improves the EMD resistance of the stripe.
Conventional mammography, physical examination, thermography and xeroradiography in the detection of breast cancer

From July 1, 1973, through January 15, 1975, at the Emory University Clinic independent physical examinations, conventional mammography, thermography and xeroradiography of the breast were carried out on 1,003 symptomatic patients by both physicians and radiologic technologists. One year after completion of the study there had been 360 breasts biopsied with 53 malignant and 307 benign lesions demonstrated. Seventy-three percent of the cancers were histologically Stage 0 or Stage I. The detection rate of the cancers by physician and technologist respectively were: 1) conventional mammography 87 and 74%; 2) xeroradiography 65 and 46%; 3) physical examination 62 and 51%; and 4) thermography 29 and 27%. In non-malignant breasts the physician and technologist designated cancer respectively in: 1) thermography 4 and 6%; 2) conventional mammography 6 and 6%; 3) xeroradiography 8 and 10%; and 4) physical examination 11 and 12%.
Spectroscopic and kinetic aspects of Elephas maximus hemoglobin.

In comparison with myoglobin and human and Glycera dibranchiata hemoglobins, the heme distal side amino acid exchanges within the heme environment of elephant tetrameric hemoglobin (Hbe) only slightly affect the electronic and ESR spectra of Hbe(III) and Hbe(II) derivatives, several of which were prepared and characterized by optical and ESR spectroscopy. Addition of 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate [Gri(2,3)P2] or inositol hexakisphosphate to Hbe(II)NO causes tension in the Fe-N(proximal His) bond, although the behaviour differs in detail from that of HbA(II)NO. There are two equilibrium states of Hbe having significantly different kinetics for the Hbe(III) Hbe(II) reaction of Hbe(III)NO. This autoreduction occurs in the form of two parallel processes, which collapse into one intermediate rate in the presence of Gri(2,3)P2. The temperature dependences of the rates enable deduction of H0 and S0 for the linked equilibrium, and yield liner Eyring plots for Hbe(III)NO, from which activation parameters were estimated on the basis of a previously described mechanism.
Soil nutrient differences between two krummholz-form tree species and adjacent alpine tundra

Above treeline at Goliath Peak, Colorado, Pinus aristata (bristlecone pine) and Picea engelmannii (Engelmann spruce) grow as krummholz tree forms. Due to the harsh alpine climate, these trees are dwarfed in size (approximately 0.5 to 3.0 m tall) and root along a horizontal stem. Soil nutrients, including carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus fractions were examined to 10-cm depth beneath P. aristata krummholz and P. engelmannii krummholz, as well as from adjacent, undisturbed alpine soils. Plant available phosphorus was higher under P. engelmannii than P. aristata, suggesting that although these two species exist in the same environment, they have a different effect on the availability of labile soil phosphorus. Mineral soils under P. aristata were not significantly different than under P. engelmannii for total carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. Soil phosphorus differences are important in this ecosystem because of the proposed P limitation in some alpine ecosystems.
Controlled Release of Tetracycline II: Development of an In Vivo Flow-Limited Pharmacokinetic Model

Controlled delivery of Pharmaceuticals at zero‐order rates from a polymer implant vehicle offers a valuable means by which constant drug levels may be maintained in the plasma over prolonged periods. A 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐methyl methacrylate copolymer was applied in the fabrication of a membrane‐controlled tetracycline delivery device with previously demonstrated in vitro zero‐order release rates. The trilaminate tetracycline‐releasing disks were evaluated in vivo by implantation in the peritoneal cavities of female Sprague‐Dawley rats. The implanted disks were coated with copolymer membranes of either 2:98 or 22:78 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐methyl methacrylate composition. In vivo release rates of tetracycline were constant with time, as measured by the cumulative drug release from disks recovered over different implantation periods. Steady‐state tetracycline release rates from the trilaminate devices—158 μ/day for the 22:78 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐methyl methacrylate copolymer‐coated disks and 123 Mg/day for the 2:98 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐methyl methacrylate‐coated disks—were in excellent correlation with the steady‐state total daily excretion of the drug (153 and 110 μg/day for the two systems, respectively) by the rats. Plasma tetracycline concentrations reached steady‐state levels within 2‐3 days of trilaminate disk implantation and remained constant over the 14‐day implantation period. Steady‐state tissue tetracycline concentrations averaged 10‐12 μg/g in the bone; 3‐4 μ/g in the liver, kidney, and GI tract; 2‐3 μg/g in the muscle; and < 1 μg/g in the fat tissue. A flow‐limited pharmacokinetic model was constructed to simulate in vivo tetracycline delivery from the trilaminate disks and the subsequent drug distribution. Model predictions of tissue and plasma tetracycline concentrations based on the experimentally determined zero‐order drug release rates were in good agreement with experimental measurements.
The livinghouse catalytic approach to the tandem Pauson-Khand reaction. Entry into the parent ring systems of dicyclopenta[a,f]pentalene and dicyclopenta[a,e]pentalene

Abstract The first photochemically-mediated catalytic tandem Pauson-Khand reaction has permitted the preparative scale synthesis of the parent ring systems 4 and 6 of dicyclopenta[a,f]pentalene 1 and dicyclopenta[a,e]pentalene 2, respectively.
Sodium Channel Activation Gating Is Affected by Substitutions of Voltage Sensor Positive Charges in All Four Domains

The role of the voltage sensor positive charges in the activation and deactivation gating of the rat brain IIA sodium channel was investigated by mutating the second and fourth conserved positive charges in the S4 segments of all four homologous domains. Both charge-neutralizing (by glutamine substitution) and -conserving mutations were constructed in a cDNA encoding the sodium channel alpha subunit that had fast inactivation removed by the incorporation of the IFMQ3 mutation in the III-IV linker (West, J.W., D.E. Patton, T. Scheuer, Y. Wang, A.L. Goldin, and W.A. Catterall. 1992. 89:10910-10914.). A total of 16 single and 2 double mutants were constructed and analyzed with respect to voltage dependence and kinetics of activation and deactivation. The most significant effects were observed with substitutions of the fourth positive charge in each domain. Neutralization of the fourth positive charge in domain I or II produced the largest shifts in the voltage dependence of activation, both in the positive direction. This change was accompanied by positive shifts in the voltage dependence of activation and deactivation kinetics. Combining the two mutations resulted in an even larger positive shift in half-maximal activation and a significantly reduced gating valence, together with larger positive shifts in the voltage dependence of activation and deactivation kinetics. In contrast, neutralization of the fourth positive charge in domain III caused a negative shift in the voltage of half-maximal activation, while the charge-conserving mutation resulted in a positive shift. Neutralization of the fourth charge in domain IV did not shift the half-maximal voltage of activation, but the conservative substitution produced a positive shift. These data support the idea that both charge and structure are determinants of function in S4 voltage sensors. Overall, the data supports a working model in which all four S4 segments contribute to voltage-dependent activation of the sodium channel.
Striking the balance between budgetary discretion and performance accountability: the case of the US Forest Service’s approach to integrated restoration

Budgetary discretion affords agencies flexibility to accomplish complex goals but must be balanced with accountability. Recently, Congress increased budgetary discretion and changed performance measures to support integrated forest restoration. We use this experiment to explore how an agency utilizes budgetary discretion and how this discretion interacts with performance measurement. We find that while the flexibility has allowed the agency to pursue integrated goals, performance measures divert attention from addressing complex problems. Our findings suggest that performance measures are not a panacea for accountability and need to be combined with other mechanisms, such as internal guidance and oversight from collaborative partners.
Maintaining Tradition, Encouraging Empirical Advancements, and Continuing the Upward Trajectory of the American Journal of Criminal Justice

It is with great pleasure that I welcome each of you to the first official issue of my Editorship at the American Journal of Criminal Justice! As many of you are well aware, I was recently handed the baton from Dr. George Higgins who has now transitioned into his new role as Editor of the Journal of Criminal Justice Education. I am excited about assuming this new role, and I look forward to maintaining the tradition, encouraging empirical advancements, and continuing the upward trajectory of the American Journal of Criminal Justice. It is important for me to briefly describe my perceptions of the role of the American Journal of Criminal Justice (AJCJ) in the discipline of criminology and criminal justice. In my opinion, AJCJ is one of the top criminal justice-oriented journals in the discipline. As such, the role of the Editor and the Editorial Board of AJCJ is to maintain its’ status as a top criminal justice-oriented journal and to continue to improve upon the quality of the published manuscripts, as has been the case over time under the direction of many reputable past AJCJ Editors, including the most immediate past Editor, Dr. George Higgins. Beyond maintaining and continuing to improve upon the quality of published manuscripts, an equally as important role of the Editor and the Editorial Board of AJCJ is to ensure that the manuscripts that are peer-reviewed and accepted for publication are grounded in theory, methodologically sound, accessible for academics, practitioners, and students, and have direct relevance and implications for criminological and criminal justice policy and practice. As Editor, I plan to make a concerted effort to promote and encourage submissions that address an array of topics germane to the criminological and criminal justice community in an effort at maintaining the tradition of AJCJ. Furthermore, I welcome manuscripts from a diverse set of methodologies including those commonly applied Am J Crim Just (2012) 37:1–3 DOI 10.1007/s12103-011-9151-1
Probing molecular-level organizational structure and electronic decoupling of tartaric acid domains supported on Ag(111)

Mechanisms of adsorption and organization of organic molecules on metallic surfaces play a significant role in the growth of chemically and electronically tuned monolayer thin films. Intercommunication between functional groups for individual adsorbates can serve as the primary driving force for monolayer crystallinity as well as electronic structure, especially in the limit of weak interaction between the adsorbate and substrate. In this article we discuss the submonolayer ordering of a chiral molecule, tartaric acid (C4H6O6), weakly bound to an achiral metal surface, Ag(111), as studied with low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and differential conductance imaging. Molecularly resolved images of enantiomerically pure (R,R)- and (S,S)-tartaric acid domains on Ag(111) are presented and the role of intermolecular hydrogen bonding in stereospecific domain and superlattice formation is addressed. Additionally, we consider films formed from the deposition of a racemic mixture of tartaric acid enantiomers. Lastly we present differential conductance mapping of tartaric acid molecular domains that highlights an intrinsic decoupling of molecular film electronic states with respect to the metallic lattice. While the chiral expression that drives the formation of enantiomeric domains does not induce stereospecific conductance, we demonstrate electronic differentiation of submonolayer organic domains from the Ag(111) surface.
Predator identity and consumer behavior : differential effects of fish and crayfish on the habitat use of a freshwater snail

Predators can alter the outcome of ecological interactions among other members of the food web through their effects on prey behavior. While it is well known that animals often alter their behavior with the imposition of predation risk, we know less about how other features of predators may affect prey behavior. For example, relatively few studies have addressed the effects of predator identity on prey behavior, but such knowledge is crucial to understanding food web interactions. This study contrasts the behavioral responses of the freshwater snail Physellagyrina to fish and crayfish predators. Snails were placed in experimental mesocosms containing caged fish and crayfish, so the only communication between experimental snails and their predators was via non-visual cues. The caged fish and crayfish were fed an equal number of snails, thereby simulating equal prey mortality rates. In the presence of fish, the experimental snails moved under cover, which confers safety from fish predators. However, in the presence of crayfish, snails avoided benthic cover and moved to the water surface. Thus, two species of predators, exerting the same level of mortality on prey, induced very different behavioral responses. We predict that these contrasting behavioral responses to predation risk have important consequences for the interactions between snails and their periphyton resources.
Telling, Re-Telling and Talking about Telling: Disclosure and/as Surviving Incest

This essay has two intertwined goals. First, grounded in feminist standpoint theory, we advance the layered account (Ronai, 1995) as a method for representing experience that captures the current epistemological tension between commonality and difference in feminist scholarship. Then we present a layered account of the incest disclosure experience where we examine the disclosure forms of telling, re-telling, and talking about telling. This account challenges the boundaries between author and subject, private and public, personal and professional.
Effects of lambda‐cyhalothrin on mosquito larvae and predatory aquatic insects

Agricultural insecticides can affect mosquito production in rice fields by controlling mosquitoes, disrupting biological control or contributing to selection of insecticide resistance. The duration of insecticidal activity of the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin was quantified on predatory insects in rice fields and on three kinds of mosquito larva: a pyrethroid-susceptible strain of Culex tarsalis Coquillet, a pyrethroid-resistant strain of Cx pipiens L. (sensu lato) and non-resistant Cx pipiens s.l. Lambda-cyhalothrin killed most caged, susceptible mosquitoes for up to 21 days. It killed fewer resistant Cx pipiens s.l., but suppressed their survival for over a week. Lambda-cyhalothrin suppressed field populations of predatory insects through day 29. Agricultural use of lambda-cyhalothrin can provide incidental mosquito control. However, the pyrethroid persisted in sediment and gradually decreased in activity, which could contribute to selection of pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes. Because caged mosquitoes showed good survival before predators recovered, disruption of biological control is possible. It is therefore advisable for growers and mosquito control agencies to communicate about pesticide use.
The influence of industry sponsorship on the acceptance of abstracts and their publication.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether abstracts with industry sponsorship are more likely to be oral presentations, be published, and the effect of nonspecific author disclosure on identification of sponsorship. Study Design We reviewed abstracts accepted for the urogynecology scientific meeting from 1998-2006 and subanalyzed publication status of studies from 2002-2004. Results One hundred twenty-four of 1091 abstracts (11.4%) and 45/376 (11.9%) of oral presentations had industry sponsorship. Industry-sponsored was not significantly more likely than nonindustry sponsored research (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.33-1.36) to be an oral presentation or be published (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.53-1.34). Twelve of 36 studies (34%) were correctly identified as sponsored with the use of a nonspecific author disclosure compared to 22/22 (100%) when sponsorship was disclosed separately. Conclusion Researchers without sponsorship can be reassured their work is as likely to be accepted for oral presentation and publication. A policy of full author disclosure makes identification of sponsored studies difficult, and specific sponsorship statement is necessary.
Solvent effects in tandem mass spectrometry: mechanistic studies indicating how a change in solvent conditions and pH can dramatically alter CID spectra.

Dramatically different CID (collision-induced dissociation) spectra are obtained when the complex [Zn(dien-glucose)]+ is electrosprayed from acidic and basic solutions. To understand this peculiar phenomenon, an in-depth mechanistic study was performed on one of the product ions that is present when the initial complex is diluted in basic solution but absent when the complex is diluted with acidic solution. On the basis of the results of this study, the differences in the CID spectra can be rationalized by the fact that the complex electrosprayed from basic solution was kinetically trapped, with the deprotonation site distal from the metal center. Under acidic conditions, the deprotonation site is at a hydroxyl group coordinated to the metal ion. A variety of experiments support this hypothesis. The studies herein underscore the importance of using identical solvent conditions when comparing sets of CID spectra. The data also highlight a very interesting phenomenon involving deprotonation of a hydroxyl gr...
Identifying the factors that influence the reactivity of effluent organic matter with hydroxyl radicals

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are an effective treatment technology for the removal of a variety of organic pollutants in both water and wastewater treatment. However, many background constituents in water are highly reactive towards hydroxyl radicals (HO) and decrease the efficiency of the process towards contaminant oxidation. Up to 95% of the HO scavenging can come from dissolved organic matter (OM). In this study, 28 wastewater effluent samples were analyzed to find correlations between the reactivity of HO with wastewater-derived OM (known as effluent organic matter, EfOM), water quality parameters, treatment train characteristics, and fluorescence-derived data. Rate constants for the reaction between HO and EfOM (kEfOM-HO) were measured using a bench scale UV-based AOP system with methylene blue as an HO probe and confirmed using an electron pulse radiolysis method for a subset of the samples. The EfOM was characterized using a series of physicochemical parameters, including polarity, average molecular size and fluorescence. The kinetic data were analyzed with principal component analysis and Akaike Information Criterion. Four predictors were identified as dominant: chemical oxygen demand, retention onto NH2 extraction medium, fluorescence index, and total organic carbon. These four variables accounted for approximately 62% of the variability in the value of kEfOM-HO The average kEfOM-HO value for EfOM in this study was 2.5 × 10(8) MC(-1) s(-1), which is about 31% lower than the 3.6 × 10(8) MC(-1) s(-1) value determined for natural organic matter isolates and commonly used in AOP modeling.
The Object Distribution Problem Revisited

The object distribution problem calls for a number of indivisible objects to be assigned to a set of individuals (e.g., the division of estate properties among heirs). Some thirty years ago Knaster and Steinhaus presented a distribution scheme based upon object values reported by individuals. The properties of this scheme are examined, and it is shown that the K-S procedure is the only scheme that satisfies a number of plausible equity requirements.
Anthocyanins. VI. Chelation Studies on Anthocyanins and Other Related Compoundsa

SUMMARY The metal-complexing properties of malvidin-3-monoglucoside, petunidin-3-monoglucoside, and 3′-methoxy-apigeninidin-chloride-4′-methyl-ether were studied polarographically and spectrophotometrically to complement bacteriological findings previously made. The molar ratios at which malvidin-3- monoglucoside combined with cupric ions depended on the pH of the supporting electrolyte solutions. The molar ratio of cupric ion to malvidin-3-monoglucoside was 2:1 at pH 3.9; the molar ratios were 1:2 at pH 3.5 and 4.5, but these ratios were 1:1 at pH 5.0 and 6.0. The absorption peaks of malvidin-3-monoglucoside were shifted to shorter wavelengths in the visible range but to longer wavelengths in the UV range upon addition of various concentrations of cupric ions. The absorption peaks of petunidin-3-monoglucoside were shifted to shorter wavelength in both the UV and the visible light ranges upon addition of various concentrations of cupric ions. The infrared absorbancies of 3′-metboxy-apigeninidin-chloride-4′-methyl-ether at 11 to 14.5 μ disappeared upon the addition of Ca and Mg ions.
Infertility classification: A work in progress sounds like SOAP revisited

Documentation and communication regarding infertility evaluation and management continue to be a work in progress. Grading systems focused on the degree of infertility and the associated prognosis are a step in the right direction. A subjective, objective, assessment, plan (SOAP) approach is a logical way to provide a detailed method of communication and documentation when dealing with infertile couples.
Impact of Stream Grazers on Periphyton Communities: A Laboratory and Field Manipulation

ABSTRACT We studied the effects of grazing by the mayfly Stenonema sp. and the caddisfly Psilotreta sp. on periphyton communities at two sites in the field, and we manipulated grazer densities in laboratory experiments to measure grazing effects on the periphyton community. In the field, periphyton abundance on unglazed clay tiles was compared between tiles elevated above the stream bottom to exclude Psilotreta sp. from the grazing community and tiles placed directly on the stream bottom allowing access by all grazers. There was no significant difference in ash free dry mass (AFDM) or chlorophyll a between these two treatments at either site, suggesting that Psilotreta sp. had little affect on the periphyton community. In the laboratory, two sets of experimental stream chambers containing tiles with natural periphyton assemblages were used, and grazer densities within the chambers were varied to reflect the different densities of grazers at the field. After two weeks, neither Psilotreta sp. nor Stenonema ...
The Role of Atmospheric Chemistry in Climate Change

Surface emissions and concentrations of globally important trace gases are increasing. Climate models indicate significant temperature increases could occur in the next century due to increasing CO...
Depths and Thermal Habitat Used by Large versus Small Northern Pike in Three Minnesota Lakes

Abstract We monitored depths and temperatures used by large (>71-cm) versus small Northern Pike Esox lucius in three north-central Minnesota lakes with either acoustic telemetry or archival tags. Individual Northern Pike demonstrated flexibility in depths used within a season and between years. The fish had some tolerance for low levels of dissolved oxygen (<3 mg/L), but depth selection was generally constrained by low dissolved oxygen in summer and winter. The fish more fully exploited all available depths during winter and thermal turnover periods. During July and August, large Northern Pike tended to follow the thermocline into cooler water as upper water layers warmed. Selection ratios indicated that large Northern Pike preferred water temperatures of 16–21°C during August when temperatures up to 28°C were available. In two lakes providing dense overhead cover from water lilies in shallow water, small Northern Pike used warmer, shallower water compared with large fish during summer. In a third lake pr...
The effect of particle size and protein content on nanoparticle-gold-nucleated cytochrome c superstructures encapsulated in silica nanoarchitectures

Abstract We recently reported the encapsulation of a heme protein superstructure within a sol–gel-derived material processed to form gas-phase-active bioaerogels. The protein superstructure, nucleated in the liquid phase by colloidal gold, protects cytochrome c protein molecules within the superstructure to the extent that they survive the harsh physical and chemical processing conditions necessary to form the aerogel and retain long-lived stability at room temperature. In this investigation, we report the effects of altering the size of the colloidal metal nanoparticle upon the viability of the aerogel-encapsulated proteins, and examine the number of protein molecules that can be assembled into a gold-nanoparticle-nucleated superstructure. The resultant bioaerogels exhibit stable electronic-state spectra at room temperature for 6 weeks for the protein molecules encapsulated in the biocomposite nanoarchitecture.
Tunable antenna-coupled metal-oxide-metal (MOM) uncooled IR detector (Invited Paper)

Missile Defense Agency/Advanced Systems, in partnership with both EUTECUS/University of Notre Dame (UND) and ITN Energy Systems/University of Central Florida (UCF) has embarked on developing a multispectral imaging IR sensor. This technology, when matured, could revolutionize IR sensor technology by reducing the need for cooling, eliminating lattice matching and avoiding epitaxial fabrication processes. This paper describes the approaches employed by both EUTECUS/UND and ITN/UCF teams to integrate nano-antenna technology with the existing cellular neural network (CNN) processor to produce multispectral IR sensors. This effort is a leap into the performance realm where biological systems operate.
Dynein Stepping Flexibility as a Mechanism for Optimal Trafficking in the Cell

Single molecule experiments have revealed that even under conditions of no load, backward stepping constitutes about 20 percent of cytoplasmic dynein's steps. Sideward steps are also common, and the motor's step size distribution is very broad. Such stepping flexibility might allow dynein to efficiently navigate the crowded cellular environment and avoid obstacles. However, the high speed and processivity of the motor implies strong coordination of its two heads. The idea of head coordination through a direct physical interaction seems plausible based on structural considerations, but such a mechanism raises the question of how tight coordination and stepping flexibility are simultaneously accomplished. We use physical reasoning and mathematical modeling to explore mechanisms that optimize these two opposing motor properties.
do child care centers benefit poor children after school entry

Attendance in preschool centers can yield short-term benefits for children from poor or middle-class families. Yet debate persists in Europe and the United States over whether centers yield gains o...
Translation Corpus Source and Size in Bilingual Retrieval

This paper explores corpus-based bilingual retrieval where the translation corpora used vary by source and size. We find that the quality of translation alignments and the domain of the bitext are important. In some settings these factors are more critical than corpus size. We also show that judicious choice of tokenization can reduce the amount of bitext required to obtain good bilingual retrieval performance.
Cell Cycle Arrest by Transforming Growth Factor β1 Enhances Replication of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Lung Epithelial Cells

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory viral infection in children which is associated with immune dysregulation and subsequent induction and exacerbations of asthma. We recently reported that treatment of primary human epithelial cells (PHBE cells) with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) enhanced RSV replication. Here, we report that the enhancement of RSV replication is mediated by induction of cell cycle arrest. These data were confirmed by using pharmacologic inhibitors of cell cycle progression, which significantly enhanced RSV replication. Our data also showed that RSV infection alone resulted in cell cycle arrest in A549 and PHBE cells. Interestingly, our data showed that RSV infection induced the expression of TGF-β in epithelial cells. Blocking of TGF-β with anti-TGF-β antibody or use of a specific TGF-β receptor signaling inhibitor resulted in rescue of the RSV-induced cell cycle arrest, suggesting an autocrine mechanism. Collectively, our data demonstrate that RSV regulates the cell cycle through TGF-β in order to enhance its replication. These findings identify a novel pathway for upregulation of virus replication and suggest a plausible mechanism for association of RSV with immune dysregulation and asthma.
New Aspects of Electromagnetic Information Theory for Wireless and Antenna Systems

This paper investigates information-theoretic characterization, via Shannon's information capacity and number of degrees of freedom, of wave radiation (antenna) and wireless propagation systems. Specifically, the paper derives, from the fundamental physical point of view of Maxwell's equations describing electromagnetic fields, the Shannon information capacity of space-time wireless channels formed by electromagnetic sources and receivers in a known background medium. The theory is developed first for the case of sources working at a fixed frequency (time-harmonic case) and is expanded later to the more general case of temporally bandlimited systems (time-domain fields). In the bandlimited case we consider separately the two cases of time-limited and essentially bandlimited systems and of purely bandlimited systems. The developments take into account the physical radiated power constraint in addition to a constraint in the source L 2 norm which acts to avoid antenna superdirectivity. Based on such radiated power and current L 2 norm constraints we derive the Shannon information capacity of canonical wireless and antenna systems in free space, for a given additive Gaussian noise level, as well as an associated number of degrees of freedom resulting from such capacity calculations. The derived results also illustrate, from a new information-theoretic point of view, the transition from near to far fields.
Recognition of Spellings Printed in Lower and Mixed Case: Evidence for Orthographic Images

Three experiments explored whether visual properties of word spellings are retained in memory. Two forms of a multiple-choice spelling recognition test were given to college students and seventh graders, one with the choices printed in lower-case type, the other printed in mixed-case type (e.g., eXaMpLe). Significantly more correct spellings were distinguished in the former case. Results are interpreted to support the view that orthographic images of words are retained in memory. Evidence for the relationship between spelling recognition, spelling production, and reading comprehension capabilities is also considered.
Capacitance calculation of TSVs using an integral equation method based on partial capacitances

An integral equation method based on partial capacitances is used to extract the capacitance between two through-silicon-vias (TSVs). The unrealistic assumption of equal potential along the vertical interface of silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) coating of TSVs in the analytical method has been removed by introducing unknown equivalent charges. The Galerkin method is used here to solve the unknown charge densities in the integral equation and thus, the capacitance between two TSVs can be efficiently calculated. The results are validated by comparing the extracted capacitances with commercial software based on the finite element method. The accuracy and efficiency have been demonstrated.
Land use effects on ecosystem service provisioning in tropical watersheds, still an important unsolved problem

Simonit and Perrings (1) endeavor to assess effects of land use decisions on hydrological behavior of the Panama Canal watershed. Although this is a worthy study topic, the authors used the US Department of Agriculture–Natural Resources Conservation Service Curve Number (CN) model to predict hydrologic response. Modeling of land-management effects on tropical hydrological behavior requires a model that can describe detailed spatial variability in watershed characteristics, properly simulate the effects of tropical land use on rainfall partitioning, and groundwater dynamics. The CN model does none of these (2).
Child Internalizing Symptoms: Contributions of Child Temperament, Maternal Negative Affect, and Family Functioning

Research has traditionally focused on the role of genetic and environmental variables in the development and maintenance of childhood internalizing disorders. Temperament variables, such as negative affect and effortful control have gained considerable interest within the field of developmental psychopathology. Environmental factors such as mother–child interactions and family cohesion have also been linked with internalizing disorders. The current study examines the relationship between child negative affect, effortful control, maternal negative affect, family functioning, and internalizing symptoms in a sample of preschool-aged children using a path analysis approach. Sixty-five children, aged 3–5 years and their mothers completed measures on child temperament, family environment, maternal personality, and child internalizing symptoms. Results support a complex model for the influence of both direct and indirect factors on internalizing symptoms in preschool-aged children.
Pooling Unshared Information: The Benefits of Knowing How Access to Information Is Distributed among Group Members

Abstract Our three-person groups read descriptions of three hypothetical candidates for student-body president. Each member of a group received more information about one of the candidates, making him or her relatively expert about that candidate. The identity of this candidate was revealed to members in half of the groups before they read the materials (expertise forewarning). For half of the forewarned and the not-forewarned groups, members' expertise was publicly identified at the onset of discussion (expert-role assignment). During collective recall, groups mentioned substantially more shared than unshared information. This sampling bias favoring shared information was reduced by expert-role assignment but not by forewarning. However, forewarning did increase the likelihood that unshared information would be retained on a written protocol once it was mentioned during discussion. These results replicated and extended findings of Stasser, Stewart, and Wittenbaum (1995). However, they attributed the role-assignment effect to coordinated recall prompted by expert-role enactment, and we found no evidence of the kind of division of labor that they proposed. Other possible mediating processes for these effects were explored.
Parallels in Academic and Nonacademic Discursive Styles: An Analysis of a Mexican Woman's Narrative Performance.

This article presents a rhetorical analysis of a Mexican woman's oral narrative performance using a discourse studies and interactional sociolinguistics framework. The results of the analysis suggest that the discursive practice of the oral narrative and that of academic discourse share certain rhetorical features. These features are (a) the fashioning of an authoritative voice, (b) the presentation of evidence for support of a claim, (c) the allusion to authorities for support of claims, and (d) the reaching of a general statement concerning the significance of the account. Given the parallels drawn out between this particular nonmainstream oral performance and the discourse of the academy, the assumptions concerning the link between form of expression and cognition must be reassessed to better understand the nature of constrative rhetorics, especially as this affects students of nonmainstream linguistic backgrounds in mainstream writing classrooms.
Scalable multicasting in mobile ad hoc networks

Many potential applications of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) involve group communications among the nodes. Multicasting is an useful operation that facilitates group communications. Efficient and scalable multicast routing in MANETs is a difficult issue. In addition to the conventional multicast routing algorithms, recent protocols have adopted the following new approaches: overlays, backbone-based, and stateless. In this paper, we study these approaches from the protocol state management point of view, and compare their scalability behaviors. To enhance performance and enable scalability, we have proposed a framework for hierarchical multicasting in MANET environments. Two classes of hierarchical multicasting approaches, termed as domain-based and overlay-based, are proposed. We have considered a variety of approaches that are suitable for different mobility patterns and multicast group sizes. Results obtained through simulations demonstrate enhanced performance and scalability of the proposed techniques
Design of holographic structures using genetic algorithms

We have developed a general technique using genetic algorithms to design photonic crystals to be fabricated by holographic lithography. In contrast to current analytical approaches that rely almost exclusively on symmetry considerations, this technique allows for high-fidelity approximations to real-space structures without limiting the search space to a prescribed set of symmetries. We have used this new technique to design a structure having a complete photonic band gap of 28%, the largest yet reported for holographic lithography.
Biogeography of the Devonian stromatoporoids

Abstract Stromatoporoids were a common component of shallow carbonate environments of North America, Eurasia, and Australia during the Devonian. They were least abundant during the Early Devonian. After that time abundance increased, and remained high steadily through the Frasnian. At the Frasnian-Famennian boundary the number of stromatoporoids was greatly diminished, but they did not become extinct until the end of the Devonian (at the end of the Strunian). The geographic extent of stromatoporoids expanded and contracted concurrently with increases and decreases in total population size. Provincialism at the genus level prevailed during the Early Devonian, with stromatoporoids inhabiting the Old World and Eastern Americas Realms; none are known from the Eastern Americas during the Siegenian. For the remainder of the Devonian stromatoporoids were cosmopolitan at the genus level. The abundance of stromatoporoids varied directly with eustatic sea level during the Devonian. Variations in depositional conditions apparently controlled the local distribution of genera.
Price discrimination and bargaining power in the global vaccine market

Since the 1980s, the market structure of vaccines has become increasingly oligopolistic, and in some cases, monopolistic. Alongside these supply trends, we see the emergence and growth of group procurement schemes on the demand side of the market. National governments and international organizations procure vaccines on behalf of end users. Two such organizations include the UNICEF Supply Division and the PAHO EPI Revolving Fund, for which participation is based on income or geography. Consistent with one of the main goals of group procurement, these groups obtain price discounts on vaccines relative to the private sector. This paper seeks to disentangle two possible explanations for this observed price dispersion using vaccine price data over the years 2002-2012 from UNICEF, PAHO, and the U.S. The two explanations are that of price discrimination and bargaining power. Using proxy variables in a fixed effects model, I find that price discrimination does have a significant impact on price discount. I also find support for a bargaining power effect, however, with less certainty, and the existence of supply constraints. These findings have important policy implications for national governments, as well as procurement groups.
Evolution in an RNA world.

A long-s tanding research goal has been to develop a self-sustained chemical system that is capable of undergoing Darwinian evolution. The notion of primitive RNA-based life suggests that this goal might be achieved by constructing an RNA enzyme that catalyzes the replication of RNA molecules, including the RNA enzyme itself. This reaction was demonstrated recently in a cross-catalytic system involving two R NA enzymes that catalyze each other’s synthesis from a total of four component substrates. The cross-replicating RNA enzymes undergo self-sustained exponential amplification at a constant temperature in the absence of proteins or other biological materials. Amplification occurs with a doubling time of ~1 hour and can be continued indefinitely. Small populations of cross-replicating RNA enzymes can b e made to compete for limited resources within a common environment. The molecules reproduce with high fidelity but occasionally give rise to recombinants that also can replicate. Over the course of many “generations” of selective amplification, novel variants arise and grow to dominate the population based on their relative fitness under the chosen reaction conditions. This is the first example, o utside of biology, of evolutionary adaptation in a molecular genetic system.
The Importance of Native In-Country Coordinators for Predictive Awareness of Cultural and Design Details for International Sustainable Engineering Projects

Construction of international sustainable engineering projects in developing communities by student organizations such as Engineers Without Borders involves a minimum of four basic stages: (1) project acquisition based on the communication of the need for the project; (2) travel to the project for site assessment; (3) project design, logistics, and communication of the design with the communities involved; and (4) travel to construct the project. In general, when construction projects are completed locally, there is an ease of communication and travel that shortens all four stages and inevitably the entire process. By comparison, distant locations, language and cultural differences, and exotic politics lengthen these processes, at times creating barriers that prevent the completion of much needed initiatives. An excellent counter to this situation is to utilize a native incountry coordinator who is privy to the local language and dialects, the cultural norms that stupefy outsiders, and is available for site visits to assess progress and answer any design questions the foreign engineers may have. The in-country coordinator predicts the needs of the projects based on his or her background knowledge gained from being native to the area, thus preventing the engineering group from many misunderstandings and perhaps poor design constraints. The fundraising that is required to pay in-country coordinators to ease these processes poses a threat to the ability of student organizations to hire them; however, without their expertise and inherent ability to communicate easily with the community receiving the project, the completed construction and sustainability of the venture is put at risk.
Vibrational energy transfer and relaxation processes in CH3Br. A detailed kinetic analysis of the lower vibrational levels

Abstract Energy transfer processes among the lower vibrational levels in CH 3 Br have been examined in an attempt to obtain information about the magnitude of the rate constants coupling these levels with one another and coupling ν 3 and ν 6 to the ground state. We conclude that there is a significant direct deactivation of both ν 3 and ν 6 to the ground state for CH 3 Br-CH 3 Br collisions. The magnitude of V-V rate constants for CH 3 Br-CH 3 Br and CH 3 Br-rare gas interactions are discussed. In the course of these studies, a numerical method has been developed which allows for the determination of kinetic rate constants from measured rates by iterative solution of the coupled set of kinetic equations. Propagation of error from experimental rates to kinetic rate constants has been explicitly considered. The impact of our kinetic analysis and resulting conclusions on previous studies of the methyl halides is also discussed.