cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered visual environment affects a tropical freshwater fish assemblage through impacts on predator–prey interactions

Increased turbidity and siltation caused by rock quarrying, mining, and deforestation are pervasive disturbances in aquatic systems. Turbidity interferes with vision for aquatic organisms, potentially altering predator–prey interactions. We studied the effects of these disturbances in Trinidadian streams by surveying predators and their shared prey both in streams with versus without quarries as well as in a focal stream before and after the establishment of a quarry. Then, to evaluate whether differential foraging success in turbid water might underlie abundance patterns of predators, we experimentally induced turbidity in mesocosms and measured predator foraging success. Upstream quarry presence had a dramatic effect on the benthic structure of streams, greatly increasing siltation. A substantial decrease in the abundance of a diurnal cichlid predator (Crenicichla frenata) was associated with quarry presence, while a nocturnal erytherinid predator (Hoplias malabaricus) was equally as abundant in streams with or without quarries. The density of their shared prey, the Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata) remained unchanged. In mesocosm trials, Crenicichla were less successful predators with turbidity, whereas Hoplias performed equally across turbidities. These foraging success results help explain differences in demographic shifts in response to turbidity for both predators. By relating short‐term effects of an anthropogenically altered visual environment on species interactions to abundance patterns of predators and prey, this study helps to identify an important mechanism whereby changes to species’ visual ecology may have long‐term effects on population biology.
Selective Modification of Tryptophan Residues in Peptides and Proteins Using a Biomimetic Electron Transfer Process

We report here a photochemical process for the selective modification of tryptophan (Trp) residues in peptides and small proteins using electron-responsive N-carbamoylpyridinium salts and UV-B light. Preliminary mechanistic experiments suggest that the photoconjugation process proceeds through photoinduced electron transfer (PET) between Trp and the pyridinium salt, followed by fragmentation of the pyridinium N-N bond and concomitant transfer of this group to Trp. The reaction displays excellent site selectivity for Trp and is tolerant to other, redox-active amino-acid residues. Moreover, the reaction proceeds in pure aqueous conditions without the requirement of organic cosolvents or photocatalysts, is enhanced by glutathione, and operates efficiently over a wide range of peptide concentrations (10-700 μM). The scope of the process was explored through the labeling of 6-Trp-containing peptides and proteins ranging from 1 to 14 kDa. We demonstrate the versatility of the N-carbamoylpyridinium salt both by tuning the electrochemical and photochemical properties of the pyridinium scaffold to enable challenging photoconjugation reactions and by using the carbamoyl moiety to tether a plethora of productive functional groups, including reactive handles, purification tags, and removable protecting groups.
Chapter 1 – Network Processors: An Introduction to Design Issues

Publisher Summary Designing cost-effective network processors (NP) is one of the most challenging tasks of current computer architecture problems. A network processor encompasses everything from task-specific processors, such as classification and encryption engines to more general-purpose packet or communications processors. This chapter introduces some of the central architecture themes that cut across a number of current NP designs. It is noted that the general issue remains that both the design space and the application space are very large and are continuously changing due to the emerging hardware technology, protocol standards, and driving applications. The chapter also discusses a set of research papers devoted to questions related to analyzing, simulating, and designing network processors. In addition, it presents industry analyst's perspective of the NP field and commercial network processors. Furthermore, the chapter introduces some of the design challenges and corresponding architectural approaches currently used in NP research and development.
Evaluating delirium outcomes among older adults in the surgical intensive care unit.

Abstract Background Delirium is prevalent in hospitalized older adults. Little is known about delirium among older adults admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU). Objectives The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of delirium, length of stay, 30-day readmission and mortality rates experienced by older adults in the SICU before and after a nurse-driven protocol for delirium-informed care. Methods This study employed a retrospective observational cohort design. Consecutive patients 65 years or older admitted to the SICU over six-month periods were compared before (n = 101) and following (n = 172) a nurse-driven protocol for delirium-informed care. Patient-level outcomes included incidence delirium, SICU and hospital length of stay, 30-day readmission and mortality rates. All measures were collected using medical record review. Results In the pre- and post-intervention cohorts, 37% (37/101) and 33% (56/172) of patients screened positive for delirium, respectively. Following implementation of the delirium-informed care intervention, the number of days where no CAM-ICU assessment was performed significantly decreased (Pre 1.1 ± 1.4; Post 0.45 ± 0.65; p Conclusions This study failed to show improvements in patient outcomes (SICU and hospital length of stay, 30-day readmission and mortality rates), before and following a delirium-informed care intervention. However, positive trends in the data suggest that delirium-informed care has the potential to increase rates of assessment and delirium identification, thereby providing the foundation for reducing the consequences of delirium and improve patient-level outcomes. Further better controlled prospective work is needed to validate this intervention.
Total Synthesis of Cladosins B and C.

A convergent synthetic route to the fungal metabolites cladosins B and C has been developed, affording these natural products in 29% and 27% overall yield, respectively. The cladosins are rare exam...
The miR-183/96/182 Cluster Regulates the Functions of Corneal Resident Macrophages

Tissue-resident macrophages (ResMϕ) play important roles in the normal development and physiological functions as well as tissue repair and immune/inflammatory response to both internal and external insults. In cornea, ResMϕ are critical to the homeostasis and maintenance, wound healing, ocular immune privilege, and immune/inflammatory response to injury and microbial infection. However, the roles of microRNAs in corneal ResMϕ are utterly unknown. Previously, we demonstrated that the conserved miR-183/96/182 cluster (miR-183/96/182) plays important roles in sensory neurons and subgroups of both innate and adaptive immune cells and modulates corneal response to bacterial infection. In this study, we provide direct evidence that the mouse corneal ResMϕ constitutively produce both IL-17f and IL-10. This function is regulated by miR-183/96/182 through targeting Runx1 and Maf, key transcriptional regulators for IL-17f and IL-10 expression, respectively. In addition, we show that miR-183/96/182 has a negative feedback regulation on the TLR4 pathway in mouse corneal ResMϕ. Furthermore, miR-183/96/182 regulates the number of corneal ResMϕ. Inactivation of miR-183/96/182 in mouse results in more steady-state corneal resident immune cells, including ResMϕ, and leads to a simultaneous early upregulation of innate IL-17f and IL-10 production in the cornea after Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Its multiplex regulations on the simultaneous production of IL-17f and IL-10, TLR4 signaling pathway and the number of corneal ResMϕ place miR-183/96/182 in the center of corneal innate immunity, which is key to the homeostasis of the cornea, ocular immune privilege, and the corneal response to microbial infections.
Atherosclerosis in Different Vascular Locations Unbiasedly Approached with Mouse Genetics.

Atherosclerosis in different vascular locations leads to distinct clinical consequences, such as ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. Genome-wide association studies in humans revealed that genetic loci responsible for carotid plaque and coronary artery disease were not overlapping, suggesting that distinct genetic pathways might be involved for each location. While elevated plasma cholesterol is a common risk factor, plaque development in different vascular beds is influenced by hemodynamics and intrinsic vascular integrity. Despite the limitation of species differences, mouse models provide platforms for unbiased genetic approaches. Mouse strain differences also indicate that susceptibility to atherosclerosis varies, depending on vascular locations, and that the location specificity is genetically controlled. Quantitative trait loci analyses in mice suggested candidate genes, including Mertk and Stab2, although how each gene affects the location-specific atherosclerosis needs further elucidation. Another unbiased approach of single-cell transcriptome analyses revealed the presence of a small subpopulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which are “hyper-responsive” to inflammatory stimuli. These cells are likely the previously-reported Sca1+ progenitor cells, which can differentiate into multiple lineages in plaques. Further spatiotemporal analyses of the progenitor cells are necessary, since their distribution pattern might be associated with the location-dependent plaque development.
Why are gambling markets organised so differently from financial markets

The market for sports gambling is structured very differently from the typical financial market. In sports betting, bookmakers announce a price, after which adjustments are small and infrequent. Bookmakers do not play the traditional role of market makers matching buyers and sellers but, rather, take large positions with respect to the outcome of game. Using a unique data set, I demonstrate that this peculiar price-setting mechanism allows bookmakers to achieve substantially higher profits. Bookmakers are more skilled at predicting the outcomes of games than bettors and systematically exploit bettor biases by choosing prices that deviate from the market clearing price.
Truck body type classification using a deep representation learning ensemble on 3D point sets

Abstract Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of commercial vehicles is essential for facilitating strategic pavement design, freight planning, and policy making. Hence, transportation agencies have been increasingly interested in collecting truck body configuration data due to its strong association with industries and freight commodities, to better understand their distinct operational characteristics and impacts on infrastructure and the environment. The rapid advancement of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology has facilitated the development of non-intrusive detection solutions that are able to accurately classify truck body types in detail. This paper proposes a new truck classification method using a LiDAR sensor oriented to provide a wide field-of-view of roadways. In order to enrich the sparse point cloud obtained from the sensor, point clouds originating from the same truck across consecutive frames were grouped and combined using a two-stage vehicle reconstruction framework to generate a dense three-dimensional (3D) point cloud representation of each truck. Subsequently, PointNet – a deep representation learning algorithm – was adopted to train the classification model from reconstructed point clouds. The model utilizes low-level features extracted from the 3D point clouds and detects key features associated with each truck class. Finally, model ensemble techniques were explored to reduce the generalization error by averaging the results of seven PointNet models and further enhancing the overall model performance. The optimal number of models in the ensemble was determined through a comprehensive sensitivity analysis with the consideration of the average correct classification rate (CCR), the variability of the prediction results, and the computation efficiency. The developed model is capable of distinguishing passenger vehicles and 29 different truck body configurations with an average CCR of 83 percent. The average correct classification rate of the developed method on the test dataset was 90 percent for trucks pulling a large trailer(s).
Analysis of the Fusion Breakeven Conditions for D-T Plasmas of Prescribed Temperature Evolution

In the past several years, the Lawson criteria (Proc. Phys. Soc. B70, 6, 1957) have provided guidelines to the fusion community on the conditions required for energy breakeven from a hot plasma. These criteria state that, in a pulsed system, breakeven can be achieved if the plasma temperature exceeds a certain critical number (30 million °K for deuterium-tritium reactions), and the reaction is sustained for a sufficient time τE such that nτE > 1014 cm−3 sec, where n is the particle density. In the present study, the complete pulsed system is analyzed from which breakeven is required, i.e., source from which energy flows into a plasma sink, and plasma sink from which energy returns to the source. The case is considered where the a particles escape from the plasma, and the alternative case where they are retained. The analysis departs from the conventional one because it introduces conduction losses from heat transfer theory rather than through the 3nkT/03C4;E term, and therefore the containement time τE does not play an explicit role in the breakeven conditions. These are now determined by particle density, temperature temporal profile, and dimension of the plasma. The analysis confirms the requirement of a threshold temperature for breakeven. However, it adds another threshold element, a particle density in excess of 1016 cm−3, below which breakeven cannot be achieved under realistic reactor conditions. Although a spherical geometry is considered here, such as the spherical pinch plasma configuration (J. Fusion Energy 13, 45, 1994), the analysis can be extended to the toroidal or other plasma geometries, when the appropriate heat conduction loss term is introduced.
The Reinvention of Mexico: National Ideology in a Neoliberal Era

Preface I Nationalism and Liberalism Introduction 1. From Nation-Building to Crisis II Construction: State Discourses 2. 'New Nationalism' and 'Social Liberalism' 3. The Reform of Article 27 4. Free Trade III Contestation: Opposition Discourses 5. The Intellectual Reassessment of National Ideology 6. Nationalism and the Left: The PRD 7. Nationalism and the Right: The PAN Conclusion Endnotes Bibliography
Outcomes of a Self-Regulated Learning Curriculum Model

The purpose of this study was to describe connections among students’ views of nature of science in relation to the goals of a curriculum delivered in a unique setting, one where a researcher and two teachers collaborated to develop a course devoted to teaching students about how knowledge is built in science. Students proceeded through a cycle of self-regulated phases, forethought, performance, and self-reflection, during each segment of the curriculum: (a) independent research, (b) knowledge building in the discipline of science, and (c) a citizen science project. Student views were measured at the beginning and end of the course using epistemic network analysis. The pretest map reported student understanding of science as experimentation and indicated three clusters representing the durability of knowledge, empirical evidence, and habits of mind, which were loosely connected and represented knowledge generation as external to personal thinking. The posttest map displayed a broader understanding of scientific endeavors beyond experimentation, a shift toward personal knowledge generation, and indicated a larger number of connections among three more tightly oriented clusters: empirical evidence, habits of mind, and tentativeness. Implications include the potential to build curriculum that purposefully considers reinforcing cycles of learning of the nature of science in different contexts.
Applying fault correction profiles

In general, software reliability models have focused on modeling and predicting the failure detection process and have not given equal priority to modeling the fault correction process. However, it is important to address the fault correction process in order to identify the need for process improvements. Process improvements, in turn, will contribute to achieving software reliability goals. We introduce the concept of a fault correction profile - a set of functions that predict fault correction events as a function of failure detection events. The fault correction profile identifies the need for process improvements and provides information for developing fault correction strategies. Related to the fault correction profile is the goal fault correction profile. This profile represents the fault correction goal against which the achieved fault correction profile can be compared. This comparison motivates the concept of fault correction process instability, and the attributes of instability. Applying these concepts to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center fault correction process and its data, we demonstrate that the need for process improvement can be identified, and that improvements in process would contribute to meeting product reliability goals.
Risk prediction and its use for control of constrained systems with disturbances

In this paper, we consider a class of systems with measured (but unknown in advance) disturbances that can be operated in two modes. The first mode is a nominal mode in which the system has high efficiency and performance but in which the constraint violation is more likely. The second mode is the safe mode in which the performance/efficiency is lower but the constraint violation is less likely. For such systems approaches for predicting the risk of constraint violation based on linear and nonlinear discrete-time system models and disturbance scenarios based on steps and fluctuation near a constant values are described. Two examples of a mass spring damper system (linear system) and of an engine (nonlinear system) are presented in which the risk calculation is exploited to define the logic for activating the safe mode. Simulation results are reported.
Neurovascular Mechanisms of Ischemia Tolerance Against Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in secondary ischemia. This secondary ischemic insult is implicated in post-TBI pathophysiology. Pharmacological intervention to elevate cerebral blood flow can improve outcomes following TBI. The brain and other organ systems have an innate ability to induce protection against ischemic injury, limiting the severity of the ischemia-induced damage. This “self” protection can be initiated by exposing the brain to a stimulus before ischemia called “preconditioning,” such as exposure to a mild episode(s) of ischemia, hypoxia, anesthesia, or pharmacologically induced mild cell stressors. Current efforts to reduce ischemia-induced brain damage have been the focus in determining the mechanisms of preconditioning-induced ischemia tolerance as findings may help lower cerebral ischemia-induced brain damage in at-risk patients including TBI patients. Different preconditioning paradigms have been shown to lower TBI-induced damage. Although not all of the mechanisms of preconditioning are confirmed in models of TBI, basic mechanisms of preconditioning applies here as ischemia is a major part of TBI. Ischemic preconditioning, in part, confers protection by modulating regulators of cerebral blood flow, increase angiogenesis, and prevent cerebral ischemia-induced increase in blood–brain barrier permeability. This chapter highlights preconditioning-induced changes in components of the neurovascular system involved in ischemia tolerance. Understanding of these pathways may aid in the development of novel therapies to protect the brain from TBI-induced secondary ischemic insult.
Pediatricians taking new look at corporal-punishment issue

When disciplining children, what is the difference between “reasonable” and “unreasonable” force? This contentious question was left unanswered in January when the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld a Criminal Code provision dating back to 1892 that allows parents and teachers to spank children
Cloning and nucleotide sequence of the Enterobacter aerogenes signal peptidase II (lsp) gene.

Abstract In Escherichia coli, prolipoprotein signal peptidase is encoded by the lsp gene, which is organized into an operon consisting of ileS, lsp, and three open reading frames, designated genes x, orf-149, and orf-316. The Enterobacter aerogenes lsp gene was cloned and expressed in E. coli. The nucleotide sequence of the Enterobacter aerogenes lsp gene and a part of its flanking sequences were determined. A high degree of homology was found between the E. coli ileS-lsp operon and the corresponding genes in Enterobacter aerogenes. Furthermore, the same five genes which constitute an operon in E. coli were found in Enterobacter aerogenes in the same order.
Radiactive calorimetry — A review of the work at the National Bureau of Standards

Abstract Calorimetric measurements in the field of radioactivity will be reviewed with special reference to the standardization of 63Ni. Intercomparative measurements with the National Research Council of Canada and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited will be discussed.
Predators feeding on the Colorado potato beetle in insecticide-free plots and insecticide-treated commercial potato fields in eastern North Carolina.

Field studies in insecticide-free research plots and insecticide-treated commercial potato fields were conducted to determine the identity and seasonal abundance of the predators feeding on the Colorado potato beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata(Say) in eastern North Carolina. Taxa were classified as predaceous on Colorado potato beetle eggs or larvae only if they were observed to feed on them in the field or to readily accept and survive for a prolonged period on a diet of eggs and small larvae in laboratory studies. Excluding soil arthropods, which were not sampled, Colorado potato beetle eggs and larvae were by far the most abundant prey available in potato fields during this study. The coccinellidColeomegilla maculata(DeGeer) was the most abundant predator but its abundance varied independently of prey abundance. In addition, 13 insect genera, at least three spider families, one phalangid, and one mite species were found to prey on the Colorado potato beetle. Prior to the application of carbofuran to commercial potato fields for control of the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalisHubner) and Colorado potato beetle, dynamics and composition of the predator communities were generally similar to those in the much smaller untreated research plantings. Although carbofuran applications always suppressed or eliminated the predator population, predators recolonized the commercial fields within 1 to 2 weeks following its application.
Reaction path Hamiltonian analysis of the dynamics for Cl− + CH3Br → ClCH3 + Br− SN2 nucleophilic substitution

Abstract Coupling terms in the reaction path Hamiltonian (RPH) provide a qualitative interpretation of the non-statistical effects observed in classical trajectory simulations and experiments for the Cl− + CH3Br → ClCH3 + Br− SN2 nucleophilic substitution reaction. The small couplings between the Cl− + CH3Br relative translational, which is the reaction coordinate as the reactants collide, and the CH3Br vibrational modes explain why translation to vibration (T → V) energy transfer is unimportant for Cl− ⋯CH3Br complex formation and, instead, the complex is formed by T → R energy transfer. A large coupling term between the ClCBr symmetric stretch and the reaction coordinate leads to a large reaction path curvature at regions along the reaction path separating the central barrier and the pre- and post-reaction complexes. Such sharp values for the curvature can trap trajectories in the vicinity of the central barrier, which is consistent with the central barrier recrossings observed in classical trajectory simulations. Because of singularities in the RPH it is difficult to use it in classical trajectory simulations. Numerical difficulties in evaluating the long-time flux-flux autocorrelation function for the RPH precludes using this approach for calculating the quantum mechanical rate constant for Cl− + CH3Br SN2 nucleophilic substitution. Also, since the RPH does not include overall rotation and rotational/vibrational coupling and assumes a quadratic expansion for displacements away from the reaction path, this Hamiltonian may not give an accurate quantum mechanical rate constant even if a converged flux-flux autocorrelation function could be evaluated.
Integrating EPICS and MDSplus

Abstract The National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) has been in operation at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) since 1999. Since then, NSTX has made use of the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) and MDSplus software packages, among others for control and data acquisition. To date, the two products have been integrated using special ‘bridging’ programs that include client-components for the EPICS and MDSplus servers. Recent improvements in the EPICS software have made it easier to develop a direct interface with MDSplus. This paper will describe the new EPICS extensions developed at PPPL that provide: (1) a direct data interface between EPICS process variables and MDSplus nodes; and (2) an interface between EPICS events and MDSplus events. These extensions have been developed for use with EPICS on Solaris and are currently being modified for use on real-time operating systems. Separately, an XML-RPC client was written to access EPICS ‘trended’ data, sampled usually once per minute during a 24 h period. The client extracts and writes a day's worth of trended data to a ‘daily’ MDSplus tree.
Country and firm level factors in international retail expansion

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate firm‐ and country‐level drivers of retail performance.Design/methodology/approach – A database of the top 200 global retailers was primarily constructed from the 2005 Global Powers of Retailing data. Regression was used to test the hypotheses.Findings – The predictors are able to explain firm level variations in sales growth, but not ROI. While retailers' sales growth is positively related to expansion speed, it is negatively related to number of retail formats and number of countries of operation. Moreover, retailers who choose to expand into a host country that is less developed, with relatively high disposable income, tend to be more successful than others.Research limitations/implications – This study is focused on the foreign expansion process and characteristics of the top performing retailers and their first foreign expansion destination.Practical implications – Findings reflect differences in internationalization strategies of top retailers. Fi...
Localization of hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase-like immunoreactivity in photoreceptors and cone bipolar cells in the human retina: a light and electron microscope study.

The localization of the melatonin-synthesizing enzyme hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT) was examined by light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry in the human retina. HIOMT-like immunoreactivity was observed in the photoreceptor layers and the inner nuclear layer (INL). The immunoreactive cells in the INL were more numerous in the central retina than in the peripheral retina and sent processes to both the outer plexiform and inner plexiform layers. The HIOMT immunoreactivity in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) appeared as punctate terminals in the proximal and distal one-thirds of that layer. At the ultrastructural level, HIOMT-like immunoreactivity was localized to the cytoplasm of rod and cone photoreceptors and to a population of cone bipolar cells. HIOMT-immunoreactive bipolar cell dendrites were observed to make both invaginating and flat synaptic contacts with cone pedicles. No immunoreactive invaginating contacts in rod spherules were observed. HIOMT immunoreactivity was observed in the bipolar cell cytoplasm in the INL, and in the bipolar synaptic terminals in the IPL. These terminals contained synaptic ribbons, which formed synaptic contacts with unlabeled cells in the IPL. HIOMT radioenzymatic assays confirmed the presence of HIOMT in the human retina. Average HIOMT activity of eight donors was determined to be 15.0 pmol/mg protein/hour ± 7.2 S.D. The ultrastructural localization of HIOMT observed in this study, combined with reports from other laboratories, suggests that the cytoplasm of the photoreceptors and a population of cone bipolar cells may be the sites of melatonin synthesis in the human retina.
The Strength of Conjunctive Explanations

Leddo, Abelson, and Gross (1984) reported two studies in which people rated conjunctions of two reasons as more likely explanations of event scenario outcomes than one or both of their component explanations even though objectively, the probability of a conjunction of two explanations can never exceed the probability of either of its component explanations. They interpreted this finding, "the conjunction effect," to mean that in general, conjunctive explanations are more persuasive than single explanations. The present article examines the results of those two studies plus four other studies in which conjunction effects occurred to find a mathematical model that can predict the conjoint explanation probability ratings from the probability ratings of their components. Several different models were evaluated according to two criteria: the number of parameters fitted and the multiple R of the model. The finding is that across all explanation triples (the conjoint explanation and its two component explanation...
GaN-based solid state lighting

Summary form only given. Charge separation due to spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization inherent to the wurtzite structure has deleterious effects on the performance of most c-axis oriented devices. To overcome this problem, Nonpolar GaN, such as a-plain and m-plain GaN or semipolar GaN substrates have been grown. We reported the fabrication of violet InGaN/GaN Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on the first nonpolar m-plane (11macr00) GaN bulk substrates. The output power and External Quantum Efficiency (EQE) at a driving current of 20 mA were 28 mW and 45% respectively, with peak electroluminescence (EL) emission wavelength at 400 nm. The first nonpolar m-plane (11macr00) nitride laser diodes (LDs) were realized on low extended defect bulk m-plane GaN substrates. Broad area violet lasers were fabricated and tested under pulsed and CW conditions. These laser diodes had threshold current densities (Jth) as low as 2.3 KA/cm2 for pulsed and 7.5 kA/cm2 for CW operation. Stimulated emission was observed around 405nm. Also, we fabricated high-efficient violet, blue, green and yellow LEDs, and violet laser diodes on semipolar GaN bulk substrates. The current biggest problem of nonpolar and semipolar devices is a limitation of the size of the GaN substrate. In order to make a real GaN bulk crystal, we have developed the ammonothermal method. Recently, we obtained the size of 6-8 mm bulk GaN crystal. The recent performance of nonpolar, semipolar and polar (c-plain) GaN-based devices, and bulk GaN growth are described.
The α1 subunit of GABAA receptor is repressed by c‐Myc and is pro‐apoptotic

The c-myc oncoprotein plays a critical role in the regulation of cellular proliferation and apoptosis. To mediate these biological functions, a variety of target genes are activated or repressed by c-myc, but few genes have yet been identified that directly mediate c-myc's role in proliferation or apoptosis. During a screen for genes that are repressed by c-myc, we identified the alpha1 subunit of gamma aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAAR-alpha1) as a novel target of c-myc. GABAAR is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor in the mammalian central nervous system and is involved in developmental events in the brain, such as neurite outgrowth, neuronal survival, neuronal migration, and proliferation. We show here that GABAAR-alpha1 expression is rapidly and directly repressed by c-myc. GABAAR-alpha1 expression is elevated in c-myc null cells and upregulation of GABAAR-alpha1 correlates with downregulation of c-myc protein expression during neuronal cell differentiation. We also show that overexpression of GABAAR-alpha1 causes apoptosis, which is blocked by the coexpression of Bcl-2 or Bcl-XL. Induction of apoptosis is specific for the alpha1 subunit, since neither the beta1 or beta2 subunits of GABAAR induced apoptosis. Derepression of GABAAR-alpha1 expression upon downregulation of c-myc represents a unique apoptotic mechanism and a distinct function for the alpha1 subunit, independent of its role as a component of the GABAAR in the plasma membrane. In addition, the regulation of GABAAR-alpha1 expression by c-myc provides a potential direct role for the Myc proteins in neurological processes and neurodegenerative disorders.
A device for the semiautomatic determination of oxygen-radical absorbance capacity.

The oxygen-radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay has become a standard method to quantify the antioxidative properties of phytonutrients in fruit and vegetable extracts. However, it is usually not possible to determine directly the contribution of specific phytonutrients to the total ORAC value. Separation of the components in the plant extracts by HPLC followed by ORAC analyses of the column fractions might permit the determination of free radical-scavenging profiles. The accurate determination of ORAC values may require 1 to 2 h/sample. Considering the number of samples that would be generated by a single HPLC separation, a device was constructed which permits up to 45 simultaneous ORAC analyses. Varying degrees of automation were included in the design. Furthermore, since the assay has a Q10 for peroxyl radical-scavenging of about 3, elevation of the assay temperature from the standard 37 to 47°C significantly reduced the assay times. Relatively simple modifications would allow the apparatus to be used in a variety of time-dependent fluorescence and absorbance assays.
Contraceptive use patterns within females' first sexual relationships: the role of relationships, partners, and methods.

This study used the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) to assess whether characteristics of females' sexual partners, relationships, and choice of contraceptive methods were associated with contraceptive use patterns within their first sexual relationship. White, Black, and Hispanic females under age 25 (N = 915) provided retrospective information on sexual activity and contraceptive use for first sexual relationships that occurred between 1991 and 1995. Females with older sexual partners and with same race/ethnicity partners (among Hispanics) had reduced odds of ever using contraception and/or uninterrupted use. Longer sexual relationships were associated with higher odds of ever using contraception but lower odds of uninterrupted use. Females who were older at first sex, who used hormonal methods (among Whites), or who switched to more effective methods during their first sexual relationships had higher odds of ever using contraception and/or uninterrupted use. In contrast, switching to less e...
Data-driven Spectral Model for Color Gamut Simulation

We present a new method to estimate color gamut from primary color spectra only. By using this method, the number of prints and measurements for printer characterization is greatly reduced, which is of particular importance if there are many ink candidates to be combined. The method consists in building a mapping between primary color spectra and their combinations, based on a training set. The mapping is data-driven, without relying on assumptions based on classic theoretical models. Furthermore, we study the effects of smoothing this mapping and its consequences in color estimation accuracy. We tested the method on recently released Latex-based ink-jet ink, for different pigment and latex loads. The mean simulation accuracy error, optimizing the smoothing parameter, was below 1.5 dE, and gamut estimation error below 2% error. For pigment kinds, mean accuracy was below 4 dE, and gamut estimation error about 5%. In all cases, this new method outperforms other overprint estimation methods, such as Kubelka-Munk.
Integrating wind output with bulk power operations and wholesale electricity markets

Wind farms have three characteristics that complicate their widespread application as an electricity resource: limited control, unpredictability and variability. Therefore the integration of wind output into bulk power electric systems is qualitatively different from that of other types of generators. The electric system operator must move other generators up or down to offset the time-varying wind fluctuations. Such movements raise the costs of fuel and maintenance for these other generators. Not only is wind power different, it is new. The operators of bulk power systems have limited experience in integrating wind output into the larger system. As a consequence, market rules that treat wind fairly—neither subsidizing nor penalizing its operation—have not yet been developed. The lack of data and analytical methods encourages wind advocates and sceptics to rely primarily on their biases and beliefs in suggesting how wind should be integrated into bulk power systems. This project helps fill this data and analysis gap. Specifically, it develops and applies a quantitative method for the integration of a wind resource into a large electric system. The method permits wind to bid its output into a short-term forward market (specifically, an hour-ahead energy market) or to appear in real time and accept only intrahour and hourly imbalance payments for the unscheduled energy it delivers to the system. Finally, the method analyses the short-term (minute-to-minute) variation in wind output to determine the regulation requirement the wind resource imposes on the electrical system. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of the fixed-flexion knee radiograph.

Summary Purpose To develop a user-friendly method of achieving optimal radiographs for measurement of joint space width of the knee with minimal radiation exposure. In order to accomplish this the X-ray technologist must (1) be able to identify the anterior and posterior rims of the tibial plateau at a variety of X-ray head angles and (2) be able to choose the direction to adjust the head angle to get a better view based on the criteria for acceptable radiographs. Methods We have developed a training manual and materials to instruct investigators and radiology technologists in a method that uses a commercially available Plexiglas positioning frame (Synaflexer™) and standard X-ray equipment to achieve optimal X-rays with regard to tibial plateau alignment of the knee. This should be accomplished with four or fewer radiographs. Results Optimized radiographs for joint space width measurements are achieved without the need for fluoroscopy or foot maps. Conclusions This method is readily understood and instituted by radiology technologists in the field.
Solitonic dark matter and the solar neutrino problem

Weakly interacting massive particles (known as cosmions) have been proposed as a possible solution to the solar neutrino problem. However, in order to succesfully reduce the neutrino flux, their scattering cross section on hydrogen must be two orders of magnitude larger than the typical weak cross section. We suggest that finite-size, bound configurations of weakly interacting particles, known as non-topological solitons, can naturally produce the necessary enhancement of the cross section. For a simple model exhibiting solitonic configurations formed in a primordial phase transition with a calculable mass spectrum, solitons with masses of a few GeV and higher are shown to solve the solar neutrino problem and to provide the energy density needed to close the universe.
Optical measurement of the roughness of sinusoidal surfaces

Abstract Results are presented for optical scattering measurements of six sinusoidal surfaces with a roughness average Ra ranging from 0.3 to 3 μm and wavelengths ranging from 40 to 800 μm. The probe was an He-Ne laser beam with a 0.6328 μm wavelength. The multipeaked scattering distributions were fitted by a straightforward phase screen integral to find the amplitude and spatial frequency parameters that then yielded results for Ra and the spatial wavelength for each surface. The agreement with the comparable parameters as measured by a stylus instrument is excellent. This leads to the observation that optical scattering with visible light in conjunction with a straightforward optical theory can yield accurate measurements of roughness parameters provided that the surface roughness itself can be accurately modeled with appropriate a priori knowledge and provided that the surface slopes and heights are in the ranges represented by these sinusoidal surfaces.
Description of the shuffle design software MARLA

Abstract MARLA is the Studsvik software for the automated design and analysis of a fuel shuffle. The software is currently being applied to Boiling Water Reactors, but will eventually be extended to all Light Water Reactor types. MARLA performs all tasks related to planning the fuel shuffle, including the optimisation of the fuel movement schedule, a complete shutdown margin analysis of all intermediate core configurations using the licensing-grade SIMULATE-3 nodal code, and generation of the official Fuel Movement Checklist used by the crane operators during core alterations. Shutdown margin analysis is interactive with the shuffle design and takes place during the planning stage – not after the sequence has been planned. In addition, MARLA provides the means to manage all fuel pools and nuclear components on site, as well as optimise the choice of bundles to be loaded into dry storage casks to open space in the storage pools to meet future storage needs. This paper describes the software in superficial detail.
Calcium signaling induces acquisition of dendritic cell characteristics in chronic myelogenous leukemia myeloid progenitor cells.

Effective host T lymphocyte sensitization to malignant cells depends on successful antigen presentation. In this study, we examined the capacity of malignant myeloid progenitor cells of patients in the chronic phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) to acquire characteristics of activated dendritic cells (DCs) after intracellular calcium mobilization, thereby bypassing a need for third-party antigen-presenting cells. Treatment of purified CD33+ CML cells from 15 patients with calcium ionophore (CI) consistently resulted in de novo expression of the costimulatory molecules CD80 (B7.1) and CD86 (B7.2), CD40 and the DC-specific activation marker CD83, as well as marked up-regulation of MHC class I and II molecules and the adhesion molecule CD54. Most of these changes occurred within 24 hr of treatment. Morphologically, CI-treated CML cells developed long dendritic projections similar to those seen in mature DCs. Functionally, CI-treated CML cells provided stimulation of allogeneic T lymphocytes 10- to 20-fold that of untreated CML cells or untreated monocytes. Fluorescent in situ hybridization of CI-activated CML cells confirmed their leukemic origin by displaying the typical bcr/abl fusion signal. No difference in bcr/abl translocation percentages between untreated and CI-treated CML nuclei was observed. These observations indicate that calcium mobilization may constitute a valuable approach for rapidly and reliably generating CML-derived DCs for immunotherapy of CML.
A Note on the Theory of Charitable Fund‐raising: The Role of Refunds

Andreoni (1998, Journal of Political Economy106, 1186–1213) shows that a small amount of seed money from the government can generate substantial additional private donations toward the provision of a public good, when there is a threshold level of provision below which no benefits are achieved. We argue that Andreoni's solution can be extended to a mechanism where refunds are possible. We then argue that a greater “bang per buck” may be achieved if the seed money is targeted to cover the administrative costs of providing refunds.
On the steroid requirement for induction of tyrosine aminotransferase by N6, O2-dibutyryl cyclic AMP in hepatoma cells

Abstract Dibutyryl cyclic AMP induces tyrosine aminotransferase significantly in several lines of cultured cells derived from either normal rat liver or hepatomas even when glucocorticoids are not present in the culture medium. Preincubation of the cells with glucocorticoids, however, markedly augments the subsequent response to the cyclic nucleotide. The ability of different classes of steroids to promote induction of tyrosine aminotransferase by dibutyryl cyclic AMP was defined by incubation with glucocorticoid agonists and antagonists prior to the addition of dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Steroids with glucocorticoid activity enhance the induction of tyrosine aminotransferase by dibutyryl cyclic AMP, and yield an increased level of immunoreactive enzyme in the cells. Inactive steroids and glucocorticoid antagonists are ineffective in this regard. Thus, dexamethasone (an optimal agonist) and 21-deoxycortisol (a partial agonist) promote enzyme induction by dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Progesterone, testosterone and 17β-estradiol (glucocorticoid antagonists) and tetrahydrocortisol (an inactive agent) neither induce the enzyme themselves nor amplify the induction by dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Progesterone and other antagonists, however, inhibit the induction of tyrosine aminotransferase by dexamethasone alone or combined with dibutyryl cyclic AMP in both HTC and H-35 monolayer cultures. Glucocorticoids and cyclic AMP therefore act independently to induce tyrosine aminotransferase in the basal state, but also interact to produce a response that is much more than additive and requires the steroid receptor.
Generalized congenital phlebectasia.

Summary A recently observed example of generalized congenital phlebectasia has been reviewed. To my knowledge, no similar instance with such generalized superficial dilatation of the venous system has been reported. As with many vascular nevi, the future course will undoubtedly continue to be benign.
Low noise high power ultra-stable diode pumped Er-Yb phosphate glass laser

We are developing a low noise high power ultra-stable diode pumped Er-Yb co-doped phosphate glass laser. Erbium doped phosphate glass permits high co-doping with ytterbium ions that strongly absorb at 976 nm and efficiently transfer their energy to the active erbium material. This drastically decreases the absorption length at the 976 nm pump wavelength and thus the overall size of the laser. Aside from the advantage for packaging a short cavity length results in a large longitudinal mode-spacing (>40 GHz), which allows for single longitudinal mode operation in the 1530-1565 nm C-band for telecommunication by inserting a tunable low-finesse etalon in the laser cavity. In addition, due to the energy transfer between the co-dopant and the active material, the laser shows a strongly reduced sensitivity to fluctuations in pump power. The strong peak in the RIN spectrum at the relaxation oscillation frequency (0.1-1 MHz) due to cavity-loss perturbations can be drastically reduced with a non-linear absorbing material inside the laser cavity. Using this approach for an optimized laser cavity design we have achieved -160 dB/Hz RIN at 1 MHz for 35 mW output. Above 100 MHz the RIN becomes shot noise limited (-168 dB/Hz @ 20mA photocurrent). The laser has excellent long-term frequency stability when locked to our wavelength locker (<250 kHz). Furthermore, the laser has been shown to have a narrow intrinsic linewidth (~10 Hz) that we are working towards by means of intra-cavity phase modulation.