cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From molecular dynamics to fluorescence anisotropy of fluorophores bound to oriented structures

Molecular dynamics are often used to analyze and interpret fluorophore motions in relation to observed fluorescence anisotropy measurements. The Soleillet method allows computation of fluorescence anisotropy from molecular dynamics for isotropically oriented fluorophores, but not for oriented fluorophores, such as might be used to study oriented bacterial cultures, oriented, functionalized nanotubes, or oriented, stacked planar bilayers. A numerical approach to distribute molecular dynamics systems appropriately into a larger experimental frame context, allowing prediction of time-resolved and steady-state anisotropies for fluorophores distributed in the crystal-like arrays, is presented. The classical principles of absorption selectivity and motional effects on fluorescence anisotropy for isotropically distributed fluorophores are confirmed. Fluorescence anisotropy for fluorophores distributed on oriented cylinders are predicted to show a rich cylinder-angle dependence.
Executions in the Bahamas

The stories of those who have been executed in the Bahamas are heretofore untold. In telling these stories and in linking them to the changing course of Bahamian history, the present research adds an important dimension to our understanding of Bahamian history and politics. The major theme of this effort is that the changing practice of the death penalty is much more than a consequence of changes in crime. The use of the death penalty parallels the changing interests of colonial rulers, the changing practice of slavery, and the changing role of the Bahamas in colonial and regional affairs. Four distinctive eras of death penalty practice can be identified: (1) the slave era, where executions and commutations were used liberally and with a clear racial patterning; (2) a long era of stable colonialism, a period of marginalization and few executions; (3) an era of unstable colonialism characterized by intensive and efficient use of the death penalty; and (4) the current independence era of high murder rates and equally high impediments to the use of executions.
Elevation of serum creatine phosphokinase in hospitalized patients.

Abstract Background The clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with significant noncardiac and cardiac serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevations are not well described. Methods One hundred fifty-eight inpatients who had CPK elevation of > 1000 IU/L were identified. One hundred thirty-seven patients whose CPK elevations could be attributed to either noncardiac or cardiac etiologies were included and analyzed for clinical characteristics, 30-day, 3-month, and 1-year all-cause mortality rates. Twenty-one patients were excluded, in whom noncardiac and cardiac CPK (CCPK) elevations coexisted, or etiologies were unclear. Results Of the 137 patients, 43 (31%) patients had CCPK elevation and 94 (69%) patients had noncardiac CPK (NCCPK) elevation. One-year mortality rate was 26.6% (25 of 94 patients) in NCCPK elevation group. Decedents were older ( P P P P P P P Conclusion The incidence of NCCPK elevation is greater than that of CCPK elevation in a veteran, mostly male, population. One-year mortality rate in patients with NCCPK elevation is comparable to that in patients with CCPK elevation (26.6% versus 37.2%, P = 0.290). Age and renal insufficiency are 2 major predictors for increased mortality in both groups.
New questions regarding bioequivalence of levothyroxine preparations: a clinician's response.

A recent decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to declare various brands of levothyroxine bioequivalent has provoked objections from several physicians' organizations. These organization assert that the method of testing bioequivalence is flawed, and that indiscriminate switching among preparations could lead to serious instances of undertreatment and overtreatment of hypothyroid patients. In this review we first list common indications for thyroid hormone administration, distinguishing its use as replacement therapy in hypothyroidism from its use to suppress thyrotropin (TSH) secretion in cases of thyroid cancer, nodules, and goiter. The dangers associated with changing to a preparation with different biovailability are summarized, noting the particular danger of giving a more active preparation to a patient receiving TSH-suppressive doses of levothyroxine. However, these dangers are part of a larger problem: there are data showing that large numbers of patients are already receiving an improper dosage of levothyroxine, as judged from measurements of serum TSH. The recent history of FDA actions concerning levothyroxine bioequivalence and the arguments of those in disagreement are summarized. The immediate response to these problems should be better education of both patients and physicians. It is also recommended that there be further discussion of the problems in determining bioequivalence, and that consideration be given to more accurate and clinically relevant methods. Such methods should include assessment of the changes in TSH induced by each preparation in athyrotic patients.
3D range image surface feature classification using tripod operators

The tripod operator consists of a class of feature extraction operators for range images. Each tripod consist of three points in a 3D space fixed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. A triangle is moved as a rigid body unit the three vertices lie on the range image surface. Several angle measurements can be made from the linkable tripod operators. The resulting angles between linkable triangles are local shape features which are invariant to scale, transformation and rotation. In this report a new approach to shape classification is proposed. The first step in the approach is to take angle measurement through random placement of the tripod operators in a range image. The second step is to generate two histograms based on two resulting angle features generated from the first step. The third step is to extract a number of invariant features, such as SIGN of coefficients, using the Fourier transforms of the two histograms. Based on the analysis of these invariant features, 3D surfaces can be classified. The experiments show that tripod operators can generate a large number of surface features for object classification and further for recognition.
Measurements of methane in the troposphere and lower stratosphere

Two profiles of air samples have been collected over Southern U.S.A. (3° N latitude) between ground level and 23 km and analysed for methane. The results show, with increasing altitude, a mixing ratio nearly constant to the tropopause and decreasing rapidly in the lower stratosphere. The results suggest that the troposphere is the major region of destruction of methane. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1966.tb00230.x
Successful event management: a practical handbook/third edition

I recently made a decision to complete a dissertation heavily steeped in event management. I chose this direction because event management is a timely topic and an industry experiencing exponential...
Mechanisms driving shape distortion in two-dimensional flow

In order to elucidate the physical processes governing the evolution of material areas in complex flow, we study the shape dynamics of three-point Lagrangian clusters in an experimental quasi–two-dimensional flow. By comparing our measurements with simulations of triangles evolving purely diffusively, we show that the path taken by the mean triangle shape through a suitably defined phase space is indicative of the underlying flow dynamics. We demonstrate the existence of organizing curves in shape space for the evolution of triangles with different initial shapes. Our results suggest a detailed, multi-step process governing the shape dynamics of clusters in complex flow.
COMPARATIVE SENSORY EVALUATIONS OF TWO CULTIVATED MUSHROOMS: A. bisporus AND A. bitorquis

Comparative sensory evaluations were made between sauteed mushrooms of commonly cultivated Agaricus bisporus and related A. bitorquis, being considered for cultivation, to determine whether nontrained persons could distinguish them, which was preferred, and how they differed. Modified triangle tests showed the species distinguishable. Half the correct responses preferred A. bisporus; 1/3, A. bitorquis. A texture profile panel found A. bitorquis firmer, crisper and chewier. Comments on flavor indicated that A. bitorquis had a stronger flavor than A. bisporus.
The upgrade of the DIII–D EC system using 120 GHz ITER gyrotrons

Abstract The planned growth in the EC system on DIII–D over the next few years requires the installation of two depressed collector gyrotrons, a high voltage power supply, two low loss transmission lines, and the required support equipment. This new DIII–D EC equipment could be made identical to the ITER EC system requirements. By building the DIII–D hardware to the ITER specifications, it will allow ITER to gain beneficial prototyping experience on a working tokamak, prior to committing to building the hardware for delivery to ITER.
The role of public service librarians in promoting use of CRL’s collections

(1988). The role of public service librarians in promoting use of CRL’s collections. Library Acquisitions: Practice & Theory: Vol. 12, No. 3-4, pp. 415-418.
The purification and properties of superoxide dismutase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract Superoxide dismutase has been isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a unicellular eucaryote, and has been found to be a blue-green, copper and zinc containing enzyme similar to those already described from a number of multicellular eucaryotes.
Naloxone blocks the excitatory effect of ethanol and chlordiazepoxide on lateral hypothalamic self-stimulation behavior.

Abstract Ethanol (ETOH, 0.5 g/kg) and chlordiazepoxide (CDP, 4.0 mg/kg) enhance operant responding by rats for lateral hypothalamic (LH) self-stimulation (SS). Naloxone (NOX, 5.0 mg/kg) does not affect LH SS or blood alcohol level, but prevents the increased responding for LH SS produced by ETOH and CDP. Thus, ETOH and CDP, but not brain stimulation reward itself, may release an endogenous opioid whose action at opiate receptors results in an excitatory behavioral (euphorigenic?) effect which can be blocked by NOX.
Desegregation and Multicultural Education: Teachers Embracing and Manipulating Reforms

The purpose of this paper is to examine the remnants of desegregation curricular reforms in a small urban district. This study documents the affects of various policies that were implemented to create equity and equality in urban, multi-racial and socio-economically diverse classrooms. These reforms were created due to a court desegregation order that demanded the district take multiple steps to raise the academic achievement levels of students of color in the district. Using the lens of Critical Race Theory to examine issues of interest-convergence and the effects of court-ordered desegregation initiatives, the researcher documents how teachers have come to terms with two major curricular changes that work in conjunction with other curricular reforms. Research that considers the affects of large-scale policy initiatives on classroom practices is necessary to further current conversations on successful reform implementation.
Identification of volatile constituents of Sassafras albidum root oil

Abstract Sassafras root bark oil was examined by GC-MS for the possible natural occurrence of 1′-hydroxysafrole a potent hepatocarcinogenic mammalian metabolite of safrole. Six monoterpenes, 2 sesquiterpenes, 6 allylbenzenes, 2 propenylbenzenes, 2 acroleins and 1 benzaldehyde derivative were identified. Eleven out of these 19 sassafras constituents are reported for the first time. However, 1′-hydroxysafrole was not detected.
Stage specific inhibition of osteoblast lineage differentiation by FGF2 and noggin.

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and noggin are two unrelated ligands of two distinctly different signaling pathways that have a similar inhibitory effect on osteoblast differentiation. Because of their differences, we postulated that they probably acted at a different stage within the osteoprogenitor differentiation pathway. This study was performed on primary murine bone cell cultures under conditions where alkaline phosphatase (AP) and type I collagen expression (Col1a1) were observed by day 7 (preosteoblast stage), followed by bone syaloprotein (BSP) at day 11 (early osteoblast) and osteocalcin (OC) by day 15-18 (mature osteoblast stage). FGF2 completely inhibited expression of AP and the mRNA transcript for Col1a1, while noggin showed only a partial inhibition of these markers of preosteoblast differentiation. However, the markers of differentiated osteoblasts (BSP and OC) were completely inhibited in both the FGF2 and noggin treated cultures, suggesting that noggin acts at later point in the osteoprogenitor differentiation pathway than FGF2. To further verify that the inhibition was occurring at a different stage of osteoblasts development, primary cultures derived from transgenic mice harboring segments of the collagen promoter driving green fluorescent protein (GFP) that activate at different levels of osteoblast differentiation were analyzed. Consistent with the endogenous markers, pOBCol3.6GFP and pOBCOL2.3GFP transgene activity was completely inhibited by continuous addition of FGF2, while noggin showed partial inhibition of pOBCol3.6GFP and complete inhibition of the pOBCol2.3GFP transgene. Upon removal of either agent, endogenous and GFP markers of osteoblast differentiation reappeared although at a different temporal pattern. This work demonstrates that FGF2 and noggin can reversibly modulate osteoblast lineage differentiation at different maturational stages. These agents may be useful to enrich for and maintain a population of osteoprogenitor cells at a defined stage of differentiation.
Interaction corrections to thermal transport coefficients in disordered metals: The quantum kinetic equation approach

We consider singular electron-electron interaction corrections to transport coefficients in disordered metals to test the validity of the Wiedemann-Franz law. We develop a local, quantum kinetic equation approach in which the charge and energy conservation laws are explicitly satisfied. To obtain the local description, we introduce bosonic distribution functions for the neutral low-energy collective modes (electron-hole pairs). The resulting system of kinetic equations enables us to distinguish between the different physical processes involved in charge and energy transport: elastic electron scattering affects both, while the inelastic processes influence only the latter. Moreover, neutral bosons, although incapable of transporting charge, contribute significantly to energy transport. In our approach, we calculate on equal footing the electric and thermal conductivities and the specific heat in each dimension. We find that the Wiedemann-Franz law is always violated by the interaction corrections; the violation is larger for one-and two-dimensional systems in the diffusive regime Tτ≪ and is due to the energy transported by neutral bosons. For two-dimensional systems in the quasi-ballistic regime Tτ≫, the inelastic scattering of the electron on the bosons also contributes to the violation.
Magnetic properties of TiBe2−xCux for large X

Abstract Magnetization measurements have been made on TiBe2−xCux for x = 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5. Further Curie-Weiss parameters are reported for samples of lower copper concentration. The magnetic properties vary smoothly from x = 0 to 0.5 showing the band nature of the magnetism.
Electrospun nanofibrous structure: A novel scaffold for tissue engineering

The architecture of an engineered tissue substitute plays an important role in modulating tissue growth. A novel poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) structure with a unique architecture produced by an electrospinning process has been developed for tissue-engineering applications. Electrospinning is a process whereby ultra-fine fibers are formed in a high-voltage electrostatic field. The electrospun structure, composed of PLGA fibers ranging from 500 to 800 nm in diameter, features a morphologic similarity to the extracellular matrix (ECM) of natural tissue, which is characterized by a wide range of pore diameter distribution, high porosity, and effective mechanical properties. Such a structure meets the essential design criteria of an ideal engineered scaffold. The favorable cell-matrix interaction within the cellular construct supports the active biocompatibility of the structure. The electrospun nanofibrous structure is capable of supporting cell attachment and proliferation. Cells seeded on this structure tend to maintain phenotypic shape and guided growth according to nanofiber orientation. This novel biodegradable scaffold has potential applications for tissue engineering based upon its unique architecture, which acts to support and guide cell growth.
Prostacyclin reduction of regional ischemic injury in the canine myocardium.

Abstract The effect of prostacyclin (PGI2) on the myocardium of the awake dog subjected to coronary artery occlusion was examined. Animals were randomly administered PGI2 200 ng/kg/min (n = 6), PGI2 100 ng/kg/min (n = 6), or the vehicle control (n = 6), beginning 30 min prior to coronary artery occlusion. Radiolabeled microspheres (15 μm) were used to measure myocardial blood flow. The myocardial region at risk was determined by fluorescein injection, and infarct size was assessed by triphenyl tetrazolium staining. Segmental myocardial function was evaluated from the systolic ejection shortening (SES) by subendocardial ultrasonic dimension crystals in normal, ischemic, and border zones. PGI2 200 ng/kg/min produced significant decreases in aortic pressure and systemic vascular resistance. PGI2 100 ng/kg/min, which achieves 95% platelet inhibition, had no significant hemodynamic effects. Animals receiving PGI2 200 ng/kg/min had significantly higher blood flow to the ischemic region, better border zone SES, and a smaller infarct. PGI2 ameliorates myocardial injury and reduces functional impairment produced by ischemia in doses that elicit vasodilation. This beneficial effect of PGI2 does not appear to be mediated solely by an antiplatelet mechanism.
A Gigantic Basal‐Cell Carcinoma on the Plantar Arch of a Foot: Report of a Case

A rare case of a large basal-cell carcinoma on the plantar arch of a sole and its ablation by Mohs' fresh-tissue technique are described.
Children's use of the Yahooligans! Web search engine: II. cognitive and physical behaviors on research tasks

This study reports the results of Part II of a research project that investigated the cognitive and physical behaviors of middle school students in using Yahooligans! Seventeen students in the seventh grade searched Yahooligans! to locate relevant information for an assigned research task. Sixty-nine percent partially succeeded, while 31% failed. Children had difficulty completing the task mainly because they lacked adequate level of research skills and approached the task by seeking specific answers. Children's cognitive and physical behaviors varied by success levels. Similarities and differences in children's cognitive and physical behaviors were found between the research task and the fact-based task they performed in the previous study. The present study considers the impact of prior experience in using the Web, domain knowledge, topic knowledge, and reading ability on children's success. It reports the overall patterns of children's behaviors, including searching and browsing moves, backtracking and looping moves, and navigational styles, as well as the time taken to complete the research task. Children expressed their information needs and provided recommendations for improving the interface design of Yahooligans! Implications for formal Web training and system design improvements are discussed.
Collective intelligence and ethical individualism

Many commentators conceive the self in either atomistic or holistic terms, even as our understanding of the self as a node of processing within the wider network for revealing the "wisdom of crowds" has long transcended this dichotomy. Understanding the self as a "center of narrative gravity" leaves room for a robust individualism in the context of rich sociality. Such a conception is already present in the classic individualism of the 19th Century and supports optimism that digital culture at once encourages individual flourishing and cultural progress alike.
Use of Plastic Mulch for Successive Crops

ABSTRACT Using plastic mulch for multiple (successive) crops spreads the installation and removal costs of plastic mulch and drip irrigation tubing over two or more crops, thus reducing the cost per crop. When using plastic mulch for a summer crop, white rather than black is preferred to reflect light and reduce soil temperature. Painting black mulch white allows the reuse of black mulch from a winter/spring crop. A study was conducted to determine the effect of the amount of white interior latex paint used to coat black plastic mulch on production of yellow summer squash (Cucurbitapepo var. melopepo (L.) Alef.). Ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 (paint:water) were applied in a band on top of the bed at broadcast equivalent rates (BER) of 225, 450, and 900 l/ha (24, 48, and 96 gal/a). Spring 2000, fall 2000, and summer 2001 plantings of ‘Lemon Drop’ squash were seeded through the painted mulch. Rate of paint per acre had little effect on yield results. Regardless of paint: water ratio or application rate of the...
A Single Gene Causes Both Male Sterility and Segregation Distortion in Drosophila Hybrids

A central goal of evolutionary biology is to identify the genes and evolutionary forces that cause speciation, the emergence of reproductive isolation between populations. Despite the identification of several genes that cause hybrid sterility or inviability—many of which have evolved rapidly under positive Darwinian selection—little is known about the ecological or genomic forces that drive the evolution of postzygotic isolation. Here, we show that the same gene, Overdrive, causes both male sterility and segregation distortion in F1 hybrids between the Bogota and U.S. subspecies of Drosophila pseudoobscura. This segregation distorter gene is essential for hybrid sterility, a strong reproductive barrier between these young taxa. Our results suggest that genetic conflict may be an important evolutionary force in speciation.
Missing data estimation for fully 3D spiral CT image reconstruction

It is often the case in tomography that a scanner is unable to collect a full set of projection data. Reconstruction algorithms that are not set up to handle this type of problem can lead to artifacts in the reconstructed images because the assumptions regarding the size of the image space and/or data space are violated. In this study, we apply two recently developed geometry-independent methods to fully 3D multi-slice spiral CT image reconstruction. The methods build upon an existing statistical iterative reconstruction algorithm developed by our group. The first method reconstructs images without the missing data, and the second method seeks to jointly estimate the missing data and attenuation image. We extend the existing results for the 2D fan-beam geometry to multi-slice spiral CT in an effort to investigate some challenges in 3D, such as the long object problem. Unlike the original formulation of the reconstruction algorithms, a regularization term was added to the objective function in this work. To handle the large number of computations required by fully 3D reconstructions, we have developed an optimized parallel implementation of our iterative reconstruction algorithm. Using simulated and clinical datasets, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the missing data approaches in improving the quality of slices that have experienced truncation in either the transverse or longitudinal direction.
A risk-adjusted approach for assessing factors that determine utilities' allowed returns on equity

This paper demonstrates that, even after adjustment for risk, state utility commissions are sensitive to the return on equity requests of electric utilities. This supports the hypothesis that commissions and utilities implicitly compensate for other ratemaking factors, so as to arrive at a reasonable rate of return. Publicized differences in allowed returns have superficial informational content with regard to regulatory treatment. An implication is that commissions are more efficient in both the performance of their duties and in the allocation of resources than is usually assumed.
CMOS Hardness Prediction for Low-Dose-Rate Environments

Exposure of MOS devices to different dose-rate ionizing radiation environments indicates an apparent dependence of radiation charging upon the dose rate. It is shown in this paper that over a wide range of dose rates there is no true dose rate dependence and that the differences in radiation charging can be attributed to annealing effects. It is shown that convolution integrals and linear system theory accurately predict charging behavior and that the impulse response of the system can accurately be predicted for very long times since the annealing phenomenon is temperature activated.
Mucinous carcinoma of anal duct origin presenting clinically as a vaginal cyst

The vast majority of vaginal submucosal cysts are benign lesions. Primary malignant tumors of the vagina are infrequent and most are mucosal lesions. A case is described in which an unusual neoplasm, anal duct carcinoma, presented clinically as a vaginal lesion. The importance of considering anal neoplasia in the differential diagnosis of cystic vaginal lesions is noted.
Time, hedonic migration, and household production.

A hedonic migration model is developed where regional amenities are viewed as influencing household production within the framework of the new demand theory. The inputs to household production are goods time and housing. It is shown that economic growth in the economy as a whole will increase the relative attractiveness of regions that are relatively time-saving in the sense that they have a lower time elasticity of household production. Hence migration will flow into time saving regions and housing costs in those regions will rise as real GDP grows. The implied geographical focus is on the United States. (EXCERPT)
Determination of a charged-particle-bunch shape from the coherent far infrared spectrum

Since perturbed relativistic charged particle bunches of millimeter or submillimeter size emit coherently in the far infrared frequency region, there is growing interest in using this spectrum to obtain precise information about the bunch form factor. It is described here how the maximal information, including bunch asymmetry, can be extracted from such measurements.
An Electronic Hand Hygiene Surveillance Device: A Pilot Study Exploring Surrogate Markers for Hand Hygiene Compliance

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of using an electronic hand hygiene surveillance and feedback monitoring device. Design A 2-phase pilot study included initial direct observation of hand hygiene practices as part of routine hospital quality assurance (phase I) and subsequent monitoring using an electronic hand hygiene surveillance device (phase II). Setting A 700-bed tertiary care teaching hospital. Participants Phase I included a convenience sample of healthcare workers. Phase II included 7 medical interns and 7 registered nurses recruited through email and at work-related meetings. Methods During phase I, healthcare workers were directly observed at patient room entry and exit during the period April through November 2008. During phase II, hand hygiene data were gathered through indirect observation using the electronic device during a 4-week period in August 2009. Twenty patient rooms were fitted with electronic trigger devices that signaled a reader unit worn by participants when they entered the room, and 70 dispensers for liquid soap or hand sanitizer were fitted with triggers that signaled the reader unit when the dispenser was used. The accuracy of the devices was checked by the principal investigator, who manually recorded his room entries and exits and dispenser use while wearing a reader unit. Results During phase I, hand hygiene occurred before room entry for 95 (25.1%) and after room exit for 149 (39.4%) of 378 directly observed patient room visits, for a cumulative composite compliance rate of 32.3%. Among the 378 room visits, 347 (91.8%) involved contact with the patient and/or environment. During phase II, electronic monitoring revealed a cumulative composite compliance rate of 25.5%. The electronic device captured 61 (98%) of 62 manually recorded room entries and 133 (95%) of 140 manually recorded dispensing events. Conclusions The electronic hand hygiene surveillance device seems to be a practical method for routinely monitoring hand hygiene compliance in healthcare workers.
Providing QoS guarantees for disk I/O

In this paper, we address the problem of providing different levels of performance guarantees or quality ofservice for disk I/O. We classify disk requests into threecategories based on the provided level of service. We propose an integrated scheme that provides different levels ofperformance guarantees in a single system. We propose andevaluate a mechanism for providing deterministic servicefor variable-bit-rate streams at the disk. We will show that,through proper admission control and bandwidth allocation,requests in different categories can be ensured of performance guarantees without getting impacted by requests inother categories. We evaluate the impact of scheduling policy decisions on the provided service. We also quantify theimprovements in stream throughput possible by using statistical guarantees instead of deterministic guarantees in thecontext of the proposed approach.
Methods for mitigating growth of laser-initiated surface damage on DKDP optics at 351 nm

We report an experimental investigation of mitigating surface damage growth at 351 nm for machine-finished DKDP optics. The objective was to determine which methods could be applied to pre-initiated or retrieved-from-service optics, in order to stop further damage growth for large aperture DKDP optics used in high-peak-power laser applications. The test results, and the evaluation thereof, are presented for several mitigation methods applied to DKDP surface damage. The mitigation methods tested were CW-CO2 laser processing, aqueous wet-etching, short-pulse laser ablation, and micro-machining. We found that micro-machining, using a single crystal diamond tool to completely remove the damage pit, produces the most consistent results to halt the growth of surface damage on DKDP. We obtained the successful mitigation of laser-initiated surface damage sites as large as 0.14 mm diameter, for up to 1000 shots at 351 nm and fluences in the range of 2 to 13 J/cm2, ≈ 11 ns pulse length. Data obtained to-date indicates that micro-machining is the preferred method to process large-aperture optics.
Competency-Based Education, Feedback, and Humility

ver the past 2decades, com-petency-based edu-cation (CBE) hasrapidly become thepredominant frame-work for medicaleducation innovationand change. It formsthecoreofgraduatemedicaleducationac-creditation in NorthAmerica and muchof Europe, and ismaking inroads intoundergraduate edu-cation. CBE is an approach to preparing physicians forpractice that is fundamentally oriented toward graduateoutcomes and organized around competencies derived froman analysis of societal and patient needs. It deemphasizestime-based training and promises greater accountability,ﬂexibility, and learner centeredness.
Bilateral J-curve between the UK vis-a`-vis her major trading partners

Currency depreciation is said to worsen the trade balance first before resulting in an improvement, yielding a short-run pattern labelled the J-curve phenomenon. While early studies tested the J-curve by using aggregate trade data, a few recent studies have employed bilateral data, mostly between the US and her major trading partners. In this paper we extend the literature by considering the experience of the UK. We test the phenomenon between the UK and her twenty major trading partners by employing data over 1973Q1–2001Q3 period. In most instances, we find no support for the J-curve in the short-run. In the long run, only in five cases has the exchange rate had significant impact on the bilateral trade balance.
Editorial: Trouble in Paris (Classification): Polyp Morphology Is in The Eye of The Beholder

Key challenges to colonoscopy outcomes include polyp detection, appropriate polyp resection, and prediction of recurrent polyps. The Paris classification of gastrointestinal neoplasia has been used to attempt to address these challenges based on the hypothesis that the visual appearance of a polyp (e.g., sessile, flat, depressed) has an impact on these outcomes. Although the Paris classification has been widely used as a measurement tool in research, and reported to predict outcomes such as risk for high-grade dysplasia and invasive carcinoma, interobserver variability associated with this classification scheme has not been studied. In the current issue of the Red Journal, van Doorn et al. studied the interobserver variation of Paris classification in 85 colorectal polyps assessed by seven expert colonoscopists. They found that interobserver variation measured by kappa was only moderate (kappa=0.42; 95% confidence interval: 0.39-0.45). These findings suggest that without methods to improve interobserver variability, the Paris classification cannot routinely be used for research or routine practice. New approaches to characterizing polyp appearance may be required to use morphology as a predictor of clinical outcomes.
Mechanisms of resistance to oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease

It is likely that amyloid beta-protein (A beta) mediates nerve cell death in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Some nerve cell populations, however, remain undamaged in AD brain. To understand the biochemical basis for resistance to A beta toxicity, a series of cell lines were isolated which are resistant to A beta toxicity. It is shown that a major component of the resistance mechanism is the transcriptional elevation of two H2O2 degrading enzymes, glutathione peroxidase and catalase. These data support other evidence for the role of oxidative damage in A beta toxicity, and suggest strategies for clinical approaches to the disease.
Electrical transport properties of (BN)-rich hexagonal (BN)C semiconductor alloys

The layer structured hexagonal boron nitride carbon semiconductor alloys, h-(BN)C, offer the unique abilities of bandgap engineering (from 0 for graphite to ∼6.4 eV for h-BN) and electrical conductivity control (from semi-metal for graphite to insulator for undoped h-BN) through alloying and have the potential to complement III-nitride wide bandgap semiconductors and carbon based nanostructured materials. Epilayers of (BN)-rich h-(BN)1-x(C2)x alloys were synthesized by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on (0001) sapphire substrates. Hall-effect measurements revealed that homogeneous (BN)-rich h-(BN)1-x(C2)x alloys are naturally n-type. For alloys with x = 0.032, an electron mobility of about 20 cm2/Vs at 650 °K was measured. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to determine the chemical composition and analyze chemical bonding states. Both composition and chemical bonding analysis confirm the formation of alloys. XPS results indicate that the carbon concentration in the alloys inc...
Invariant tensor fields of dynamical systems with pinched Lyapunov exponents and rigidity of geodesic flows

We consider in this note smooth dynamical systems equipped with smooth invariant affine connections and show that, under a pinching condition on the Lyapunov exponents, certain invariant tensor fields are parallel. We then apply this result to a problem of rigidity of geodesic flows for Riemannian manifolds with negative curvature.
Frictional Stress Evaluation along the Fiber-Matrix Interface in Ceramic Matrix Composites

A finite element algorithm, developed for frictional contact problems, has been used to evaluate the shear stresses along the fiber-matrix interface in a ceramic composite and the load point fiber displacements dining fiber compression. The induced peak shear stress and the shear stress gradient were found to increase with increasing coefficients of friction. Calculated fiber displacements asymptotically decayed to the perfectly bonded condition as the coefficient of friction was increased. The computed average interfacial shear stress showed remarkable agreement with recent experimental findings hi the SiC-LAS system.
The common prior assumption in economic theory

Why is (it that) common priors are implicit or explicit in the vast majority of the differential information literature in economics and game theory? Why has the economic community been unwilling, in practice, to accept and actually use the idea of truly personal probabilities in much the same way that it did accept the idea of personal utility functions? After all, in (Savage's expected utility theory), both the utilities and probabilities are derived separately for each decision maker. Why were the utilities accepted as personal, and the probabilities not?
Processing of the GALILEOTM fuel rod code model uncertainties within the AREVA LWR realistic thermal-mechanical analysis methodology

The availability of reliable tools and associated methodology able to accurately predict the LWR fuel behavior in all conditions is of great importance for safe and economic fuel usage. For that purpose, AREVA has developed its new global fuel rod performance code GALILEOTM along with its associated realistic thermal-mechanical analysis methodology. This realistic methodology is based on a Monte Carlo type random sampling of all relevant input variables. After having outlined the AREVA realistic methodology, this paper will be focused on the GALILEOTM code benchmarking process on its extended experimental database and the GALILEOTM model uncertainties assessment. The propagation of these model uncertainties through the AREVA realistic methodology is also presented. This GALILEOTM model uncertainties processing is of the utmost importance for accurate fuel design margin evaluation as illustrated on some application examples.With the submittal of Topical Report for GALILEOTM to the U.S. NRC in 2013, GALILEOTM and its methodology are on the way to be industrially used in a wide range of irradiation conditions.
Low-energy electron scattering by silane (SiH4).

We have applied the Schwinger multichannel formulation [K. Takatsuka and V. McKoy, Phys. Rev. A 24, 2473 (1981)] to the elastic scattering of low-energy (1–30-eV) electrons by silane. Our results, obtained within the fixed-nuclei, static-exchange approximation, are in generally good agreement with recent differential, integral, and momentum-transfer cross-section measurements between 5 and 30 eV. At lower energies, our results reflect the known limitations of the static-exchange approximation. Near the shape resonance, the calculated differential cross section shows significant enhancement at high angles, suggesting an explanation for differences between integral cross sections determined from integrated differential data and those obtained from transmission measurements.
Explicit addition of rigid-body motions in curved finite elements.

Several aspects of the representation of rigid-body modes in finite element displacement functions are discussed. First, a simple technique to compute six independent modes is demonstrated; it offers the possibility to estimate the extent to which the rigid modes are included in the specified interpolation functions; it also enables one to check the strain displacement relationships. Then, a procedure to find out how many and which rigid modes are present in a stiffness matrix is explained. Finally, the missing modes are explicitly added and the associated degrees of freedom are condensed out; in most cases the operation has the effect of rendering the elements incompatible. A doubly curved quadrilateral element for shells of revolution with 24° of freedom is used to illustrate these effects; several examples are solved with the element, demonstrating the advantages and drawbacks of explicitly adding rigid modes to an element.
Modeling Business Applications for Business Architecture

For several years the mantra has been “closing the Business – IT gap”, enabling business people to focus on strategic direction, while not being unnecessarily burdened by the complexity of the underlying support systems. The discipline of Business Architecture continues to evolve, attempting to bring rigor to the task of matching imprecise strategic needs to rigid IT systems. Increasingly literature acknowledges the need for precise connections between business needs and IT systems, however little usable guidance has been provided. This paper focuses narrowly but deeply at suggesting a precise way in which business applications and related elements of the business architecture can be modeled. It highlights the needs of business stakeholders and compares several existing models. The paper illustrates the inadequacy of these models in addressing our business questions, and proposes a model that offers some distinct advantages.
Peak-To- Average Power Ratio Reduction in Ofdm: Blind Selected Mapping For Psk Inputs

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a modern transmission format that has gained much popularity in the past decade. However, a serious drawback of OFDM is the high peak-to-average power ratio (PAR) of its time domain waveforms. Selected mapping (SLM) is a distortionless technique that has good PAR reduction capability; the biggest limitation of SLM however, is the need to transmit side information. In this paper, we assume constant modulus (i.e., phase shift keying - PSK) inputs and propose a novel technique that allows us to carry out SLM without having to transmit any side information and without causing any distortions
Mood dysregulation and affective instability in emerging adults with childhood maltreatment: an ecological momentary assessment study

Childhood maltreatment increases risk for mood, anxiety, substance use and personality disorders and is associated with alterations in structure, function and connectivity of brain regions involved in emotional regulation. We sought to assess whether maltreatment was specifically associated with disturbances in positive or negative mood regulation. Ecological momentary ratings were collected with a wristwatch-like device with joy-stick (Seiko ecolog) approximately six times per day over a week in 60 unmedicated participants (22 control, 38 maltreated, 18-25 years old). Forty-five percent of maltreated subjects had a history of major depression but all were currently euthymic. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was used to provide orthogonal measures of positive and negative valence, which were analyzed for indices of variability, circadian rhythmicity and persistence, using linear and non-linear hierarchical modeling and Hurst analysis. Groups did not differ in mean levels of positive or negative affect. Maltreated subjects had increased variability and circadian and hemicircadian abnormalities in ratings of positive but not negative affect. Conversely, they had higher estimated Hurst exponents for negative but not positive affect ratings indicating a greater degree of persistence. Abnormalities in variability, rhythmicity and persistence were present in both maltreated subjects with and without histories of major depression. These findings suggest that both positive and negative valence systems may be dysregulated in individuals with childhood maltreatment. However the nature of the dysregulation appears to differ fundamentally in these domains, as positive mood ratings were more variable and negative ratings more persistent.
High-level software energy macro-modeling

This paper presents an efficient and accurate high-level software energy estimation methodology using the concept of characterization-based macro-modeling. In characterization-based macro-modeling, a function or sub-routine is characterized using an accurate lower-level energy model of the target processor, to construct a macro-model that relates the energy consumed in the function under consideration to various parameters that can be easily observed or calculated from a high-level programming language description. The constructed macro-models eliminate the need for significantly slower instruction-level interpretation or hardware simulation that is required in conventional approaches to software energy estimation. We present two different approaches to macro-modeling for embedded software that offer distinct efficiency-accuracy characteristics: (i) complexity-based macro-modeling, where the variables that determine the algorithmic complexity of the function under consideration are used as macro-modeling parameters, and (ii) profiling-based macro-modeling, where internal profiling statistics for the functions are used as parameters in the energy macro-models. We have experimentally validated our software energy macro-modeling techniques on a wide range of embedded software routines and two different target processor architectures. Our experiments demonstrate that high-level macro-models constructed using the proposed techniques are able to estimate the energy consumption to within 95% accuracy on the average, while commanding speedups of one to five orders-of-magnitude over current instruction-level and architectural energy estimation techniques.
Finite element modelling of flow around a circular cylinder using LES

Abstract An implicit solution procedure to solve the Navier-Stokes equations using large eddy simulation (LES) and finite element method (FEM) to study flow around a circular cylinder is presented. The drag-crisis phenomena is simulated using a two-dimensional (2D) model. The computed drag and Strouhal numbers for Reynolds numbers (Re) of 10 4 , 10 5 , 5 × 10 5 and 10 6 are compared with available experimental and computational results. The drag-crisis trend is noted but the decrease in drag coefficient is not as much as reported in the wind tunnel measurement. The FEM model will be used to study flow around bridges.
An empirical study of a full-scale polymer thermochromic window and its implications on material science development objectives

Large-area polymer thermochromic(TC) laminated windows were evaluated in a full-scale testbed office. The TC interlayer film exhibited thermochromism through a ligand exchange process, producing a change in solar absorption primarily in the visible range while maintaining transparent, undistorted views through the material. The film had a broad switching temperature range and when combined to make an insulating window unit had center-of-glass properties of Tsol=0.12-0.03, Tvis=0.28-0.03 for a glass temperature range of 24-75°C. Field test measurements enabled characterization of switching as a function of incident solar irradiance and outdoor air temperature, illustrating how radiation influences glass temperature and thus effectively lowers the critical switching temperature of TC devices. This was further supported by EnergyPlus building energy simulations. Both empirical and simulation data were used to illustrate how the ideal critical switching temperature or temperature range for TC devices should be based on zone heat balance, not ambient air temperature. Annual energy use data are given to illustrate the energy savings potential of this type of thermochromic. Based on observations in the field,a broad switching temperature range was found to be useful in ensuring a uniform appearance when incident irradiance is non-uniform across the facade. As indicated in prior research, a high visible transmittance in both the switched andunswitched state is also desirable to enable reduction of lighting energy use and enhance indoor environmental quality.