cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the effect of the total pressure and methane concentration on the growth rate and quality of diamond thin films grown by MPCVD

Abstract The influence of total gas pressure (50–125 Torr) and methane concentration (0.75%–10%) on diamond growth by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) was investigated. Within the regimes studied, the growth rate was proportional to the methane concentration in the source gas while it exhibited a super-linear dependence on total pressure. For a fixed methane concentration, characterization by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction indicated there was a minimum pressure required for the growth of large grain diamond, and conversely, for a fixed pressure, there was a maximum methane concentration that yielded diamond deposition. Higher pressures and higher carbon concentrations yielded diamond growth rates more than 10 times higher than achieved by the conventional low pressure MPCVD process.
Photoproduction and electroproduction

Abstract Various aspects of the electromagnetic interactions of hadrons (strongly interacting particles) are reviewed in these lectures. After a discussion of the properties of the electromagnetic current of the hadrons and the idea of vector meson dominance, the general features of photoproduction cross sections are presented and compared with the very similar behavior of purely strong interaction processes. Given this close similarity in behavior, particular photon induced reactions are then considered in some detail, illustrating the application of theoretical ideas used in treating both strong and electromagnetic processes. The particular subjects discussed in some detail are photoproduction of pions at low energy and partial wave analysis, Compton scattering, vector meson photoproduction and tests of the vector dominance model, and photoproduction of charged pions at high energy. In the second half of the lectures inelastic electron-nucleon scattering is the principal topic. After a presentation of the kinematics and structure functions of the nucleon, the principal results of the inelastic electron scattering experiments are given together with the evidence for the remarkable scaling behavior of the structure functions. This leads to a presentation of the parton model of point constituents of the nucleon and the interpretation of the experimental results in terms of the properties of the constituent partons. A different view of inelastic electron scattering in terms of strong interaction ideas is presented in the last two lectures. These concern the high energy behavior of the scattering and the application of duality concepts which tie the behavior of nucleon resonance electroproduction to the behavior of the deep inelastic scattering. This is a revised version of the 1971 Les Houches lecture notes by the author, to be published by Gordon and Breach, which were brought up to date after the International Symposium on Electron and Photon Interactions at High Energies, Cornell University, 1971.
Visualization and measurements of void fraction in a gas-molten tin multiphase system by X-ray absorption

A technique has been developed to measure void fraction using X-rays in a 10 cm thick pool of molten tin with gas injection at various flow rates. Visualization of the multiphase mixture using high energy X-rays can be performed at imaging rates of 220 fps with 256×256 pixel resolution or at 30 fps with 480×1128 pixel resolution. The images are subsequently processed to obtain two dimensional distributions of the chordal average void fraction in the mixture. The estimated relative uncertainty of the measurement is discussed in detail and shown to be of the order of 10% of the reported value.
Effects of positive attitude on earnings: Evidence from the US longitudinal data

Abstract To examine whether or not the worker's attitude to life affects his/her earnings, this study estimates wage equations with positive attitude as an explanatory variable under different econometric specifications. The results obtained from both cross-sectional and panel data confirm that positive and optimistic attitude to life influence the worker's wages positively, and that the magnitude of this effect is comparable to or even higher than the individual effects of the standard human capital variables on earnings. The study further demonstrates that in addition to its direct effects, positive attitude also affects earnings indirectly through its effects on schooling.
Welfare to work: the effect of a health-care program in child-care centers.

Objective.— Welfare reform has increased pressure on welfare recipients to enter the labor force. When they become employed, former recipients often do not have paid leave that can be used to care for their young children when they are sick. We wished to determine whether an on-site health-care program in child-care centers serving low-income families affected the amount of time parents took off of work to care for mildly ill children. Methods.— We surveyed parents in 6 child-care centers with an on-site health-care program and in 2 comparison centers without such a program. To analyze survey results, a regression model including demographic and other variables was used to determine which, if any, variables were associated with time taken by parents from work to care for sick children. Results.— Analyzing the variables of employer leave policy, poverty level, age of child, and enrollment in the health-care program, only the variable of health-care program enrollment was associated with taking less time from work to care for sick children. Conclusion.— Health-care programs in child-care settings can help parents meet the health needs of their children while reducing absenteeism from work, thereby contributing to job stability.
Synthesis and characterization of rare earth metal‐containing polymers. I. Fluorescent properties of ionomers containing Dy3+, Er3+, Eu3+, and Sm3+

Rare earth metal (Dy3+, Er3+, Eu3+, and Sm3+) salts of copolymers of methyl methacrylate–methacrylic acid, styrene–acrylic acid, 1-vinylnaphthalene–acrylic acid and 1-vinylanthracene–styrene–acrylic acid were prepared. The fluorescence of these polymer salts under ultraviolet excitation was investigated. The fluorescent intensity of polymer–Eu3+ films varied with film thickness because of incomplete absorption of exciting light, hence most of the measurements were made on pressed fine powders. The fluorescent intensity of mixed samples of Eu(III) acetate in a polymer matrix increased linearly with Eu content. However, the Eu3+–polymer complex system displayed typical concentration-quenching behavior, reaching a maximum at 4–5 wt % Eu and decreasing with further increases in Eu content. This suggests that the ionomer contains ionic aggregates, in agreement with a recently proposed model. Such aggregates would create locally high Eu ion concentrations, whose interactions lead to concentration quenching at low nominal concentrations. The fluorescent intensity of the acrylic copolymers decrassed in the order methacrylate > styrene > naphthalene > anthracene. This sequence is explained by incrasing competition for the exciting light by the aromatic groups with negligible energy transfer from the aromatic groups to the Eu3+ ions. This is also consistent with the hypothesis that the ionic regions of the polymer are segregated.
The cellular response to general and programmed DNA double strand breaks

DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) are among the most dangerous lesions that can occur in the genome of eukaryotic cells. Proper repair of chromosomal DSBs is critical for maintaining cellular viability and genomic integrity and, in multi-cellular organisms, for suppression of tumorigenesis. Thus, eukaryotic cells have evolved specialized and redundant molecular mechanisms to sense, respond to, and repair DSBs. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the progress that has been made over the last decade in elucidating the identity and function of components that participate in the cellular response to chromosomal DSBs. Then, we discuss, in more depth, the response to DSBs that occur in the context of the V(D)J recombination and IgH class switch recombination reactions that occur in cells of the lymphocyte lineage.
The Elastic Continuum Limit of the Tight Binding Model

The authors consider the simplest quantum mechanics model of solids, the tight binding model, and prove that in the continuum limit, the energy of tight binding model converges to that of the continuum elasticity model obtained using Cauchy-Born rule. The technique in this paper is based mainly on spectral perturbation theory for large matrices.
Effective connectivity associated with auditory error detection in musicians with absolute pitch

It is advantageous to study a wide range of vocal abilities in order to fully understand how vocal control measures vary across the full spectrum. Individuals with absolute pitch (AP) are able to assign a verbal label to musical notes and have enhanced abilities in pitch identification without reliance on an external referent. In this study we used dynamic causal modeling (DCM) to model effective connectivity of ERP responses to pitch perturbation in voice auditory feedback in musicians with relative pitch (RP), absolute pitch and non-musician controls. We identified a network compromising left and right hemisphere superior temporal gyrus (STG), primary motor cortex (M1) and premotor cortex (PM). We specified nine models and compared two main factors examining various combinations of STG involvement in feedback pitch error detection/correction process. Our results suggest that modulation of left to right STG connections are important in the identification of self-voice error and sensory motor integration in AP musicians. We also identify reduced connectivity of left hemisphere PM to STG connections in AP and RP groups during the error detection and corrections process relative to non-musicians. We suggest that this suppression may allow for enhanced connectivity relating to pitch identification in the right hemisphere in those with more precise pitch matching abilities. Musicians with enhanced pitch identification abilities likely have an improved auditory error detection and correction system involving connectivity of STG regions. Our findings here also suggest that individuals with AP are more adept at using feedback related to pitch from the right hemisphere.
The UC Berkeley IC Lab

Education and research in microelectronics, including fabrication and demonstrations of novel devices and circuits, began at Berkeley in 1961. Many creative accomplishments moved Berkeley to national and international leadership in this field. The vision and commitment of founding Professors Don Pederson, Tom Everhart, and Paul Morton were essential to the success of this program, despite initial skepticism in both academic and industrial communities. The development and evolution of laboratory capabilities relied heavily on a skilled and dedicated technical staff. Support from Federal agencies and friends in the industry also was critical. Thousands of Berkeley students have had career-shaping experiences. Many of the graduates have become leaders in industry and academia.
Recognition of Mannosylated Ligands and Influenza A Virus by Human Surfactant Protein D: Contributions of an Extended Site and Residue 343†,‡

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) plays important roles in antiviral host defense. Although SP-D shows a preference for glucose/maltose, the protein also recognizes d-mannose and a variety of mannose-rich microbial ligands. This latter preference prompted an examination of the mechanisms of mannose recognition, particularly as they relate to high-mannose viral glycans. Trimeric neck plus carbohydrate recognition domains from human SP-D (hNCRD) preferred alpha1-2-linked dimannose (DM) over the branched trimannose (TM) core, alpha1-3 or alpha1-6 DM, or D-mannose. Previous studies have shown residues flanking the carbohydrate binding site can fine-tune ligand recognition. A mutant with valine at 343 (R343V) showed enhanced binding to mannan relative to wild type and R343A. No alteration in affinity was observed for D-mannose or for alpha1-3- or alpha1-6-linked DM; however, substantially increased affinity was observed for alpha1-2 DM. Both proteins showed efficient recognition of linear and branched subdomains of high-mannose glycans on carbohydrate microarrays, and R343V showed increased binding to a subset of the oligosaccharides. Crystallographic analysis of an R343V complex with 1,2-DM showed a novel mode of binding. The disaccharide is bound to calcium by the reducing sugar ring, and a stabilizing H-bond is formed between the 2-OH of the nonreducing sugar ring and Arg349. Although hNCRDs show negligible binding to influenza A virus (IAV), R343V showed markedly enhanced viral neutralizing activity. Hydrophobic substitutions for Arg343 selectively blocked binding of a monoclonal antibody (Hyb 246-05) that inhibits IAV binding activity. Our findings demonstrate an extended ligand binding site for mannosylated ligands and the significant contribution of the 343 side chain to specific recognition of multivalent microbial ligands, including high-mannose viral glycans.
Statistical estimation of physiological brain age as a descriptor of senescence rate during adulthood

Mapping aging-related brain structure and connectivity changes can be helpful for assessing physiological brain age (PBA), which is distinct from chronological age (CA) because genetic and environmental factors affect individuals differently. This study proposes an approach whereby structural and connectomic information can be combined to estimate PBA as an early biomarker of brain aging. In a cohort of 136 healthy adults, magnetic resonance and diffusion tensor imaging are respectively used to measure cortical thickness over the entire cortical mantle as well as connectivity properties (mean connectivity density and mean fractional anisotropy) for white matter connections. Using multivariate regression, these measurements are then employed to (1) illustrate how CA can be predicated--and thereby also how PBA can be estimated--and to conclude that (2) healthy aging is associated with significant connectome changes during adulthood. Our study illustrates a connectomically-informed statistical approach to PBA estimation, with potential applicability to the clinical identification of patients who exhibit accelerated brain aging, and who are consequently at higher risk for developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
Dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase occurs in a region of substantia nigra containing dopaminergic dendrites

The zona reticulata, the subdivision of the substantia nigra containing dendrites of the dopaminergic nigro-neostriatal neurons, contains dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity. This nigral dopamine receptor is similar to the striatal dopamine receptor. These and previous data suggest a physiological role (or roles) for dopamine in the substantia nigra.
Anthropogenically Driven Changes in Chloride Complicate Interpretation of Base Cation Trends in Lakes Recovering from Acidic Deposition

Declines in Ca and Mg in low ANC lakes recovering from acidic deposition are widespread across the northern hemisphere. We report overall increases between 1984 and 2004 in the concentrations of Ca + Mg and Cl in lakes representing the statistical population of nearly 4000 low ANC lakes in the northeast U.S. Increases in Cl occurred in nearly all lakes in urbanized southern New England, but only 18% of lakes in more remote Maine had Cl increases. This spatial pattern implicates road salt application as the major source of the increased Cl salts. Among the 48% of the lake population classified as salt-affected, the median changes in Cl (+133 microeq/L) and Ca + Mg (+47 microeq/ L) were large and positive in direction over the 20 years. However, in the unaffected lakes, Cl remained stable and Ca + Mg decreased (-3 microeq/L), consistent with reported long-term trends in base cations of acid-sensitive lakes. This discrepancy between the Cl groups suggests that changes in ion exchange processes in salt-affected watersheds have altered the geochemical cycling of Ca and Mg. One policy-relevant implication is that waters influenced by Cl salts complicate regional assessments of surface water recovery from "acid rain" related to the passage of the Clean Air Act.
Abstract 5067: Human prostate epithelial cells secrete the tumor suppressor maspin as a soluble and exosome-associated protein .

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Maspin, an epithelial-specific member of the serine protease inhibitor superfamily, inhibits tumor invasion and metastasis. Overall maspin expression is downregulated or lost in invasive and metastatic carcinomas. Maspin subcellular distribution among the nuclear, cytoplasmic and extracellular compartments is differentially regulated during tumor progression. Extracellular maspin has been shown to inhibit tumor cell invasion and motility in vitro. Also, recombinant maspin was shown to inhibit endothelial cell tube formation in vitro and tumor-angiogenesis in vivo. To date, the mechanisms governing maspin trafficking remain unclear. In the current study, we aim to investigate the mechanism and biological significance of maspin secretion. Normal and tumor cells known to secrete maspin, were treated with or without drugs targeting classical or non-classical secretory pathways. The CM were collected and analyzed for soluble and exosome-associated proteins. We also utilized atomic force microscopy to characterize the physical characteristics of exosomes. We found maspin as a soluble protein in the CM. Maspin secretion was not inhibited by the drug treatments. In fact, maspin secretion increased under drug treatment targeting the classical secretory pathway. Furthermore, maspin was detected in the exosomes. Under drug treatment, the overall increase in maspin secretion was accompanied by an increase in detection of maspin in the exosomes. Based on the drug treatment-induced changes in maspin's secretion patterns, we speculate that maspin is secreted via a non-classical pathway. In addition, we provide the first evidence that maspin is secreted inclusively as both a free and an exosome-encapsulated molecule in normal and tumor cells. The existence of extracellular maspin as a free and an exosome-associated molecule implies a dual role for maspin in the tumor microenvironment. These novel findings are currently under investigation since the tumor suppressive activity of exosome-associated maspin may be of particular significance in cell-cell communication, and tumor suppressive activity of free maspin may be associated with extracellular matrix remodeling. Citation Format: Ivory S. Dean, Sijana Dzinic, Alexander Kaplun, Yi Zou, Guangzhao Mao, Shijie Sheng. Human prostate epithelial cells secrete the tumor suppressor maspin as a soluble and exosome-associated protein . [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5067. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5067
An iterative, analytical method for solving conjugate heat transfer problems

Abstract Conjugate heat transfer involving convection and conduction in a fluid flow and a solid body in contact with each other occurs commonly in engineering applications. While analytical solutions for individual convection and conduction problems are relatively easier, it is a lot more challenging to solve the combined conjugate heat transfer problem. In this paper, an iterative method is developed for analytically solving conjugate heat transfer problems. Based on an initial assumption of the temperature field at the solid–fluid interface, the temperature distributions in the fluid and solid body are determined by separately solving the governing energy conservation equations in the two domains. These solutions are used to improve the initial assumption of the interface temperature until convergence. It is found that only a few iterations of this process are needed for convergence. Temperature fields computed from this analytical approach are found to be in good agreement with finite element simulation results. The iterative analytical approach is used to solve two technologically relevant problems related to internal and external flows. Given the general nature of the iterative approach, results from this paper may be helpful in solving a variety of conjugate heat transfer problems.
Drought Resistance in the Race Durango Dry Bean Landraces and Cultivars

Increasing water deficit or drought is a problem for dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production in the western USA. Identification of drought-resistant cultivars is crucial for sustainable production in the region. The objectives of this study were to (i) measure the effects of drought on seed yield, seed weight, and days to maturity; (ii) determine correlation among the three traits in drought-stressed (DS) and nonstressed (NS) environments; and (iii) identify drought-resistant dry bean landraces and cultivars. Three landraces and 17 cultivars of race Durango were evaluated in DS and NS environments. Drought intensity index ranged from 0.32 to 0.88. There was a mean reduction in yield of 60% due to drought stress. Also, seed weight was reduced by 14% and maturity was reduced by 4 d in DS. Yield, seed weight, and maturity in NS and DS were positively correlated, and so were seed weight and maturity in NS and DS. But, the DS yield was negatively correlated with seed weight in both DS and NS. The ability to detect yield differences among 20 genotypes decreased with increasing drought stress. Cultivars Viva, NW 63, UI 239, and Common Red Mexican landrace had high yield in both DS and NS and below average reduction in yield due to DS, thus, exhibiting drought resistance. Buster, UI 126, and UI 465 were most susceptible. The frequency and timing of irrigation for the four drought-resistant genotypes should be determined and breeding, genetics, and physiology research intensified to maximize yield and water use efficiency in the western USA, which is facing increasing water shortage.
Data compression of speech signals using time code modulation

The authors previously (1988, 1990) proposed a uniform amplitude coder as an alternative to traditional time domain coders. The encoder of time code modulation (TCM) transmits the quantized intervals corresponding to the time at which the input signal passes through uniform spaced amplitude levels (of a predetermined step size). The decoder reconstructs the signal by using linear interpolation in the amplitude domain. Allowing for a variable rate of transmission, TCM systems can effectively be used with packet switched networks. The sampling frequency and step size are shown to be the two dominant factors that affect TCM performance; the higher the sampling frequency and the smaller the step size the higher the SNR that can be achieved by TCM, but that also the higher the transmission rate. In order to determine the optimum of each factor, a comparison is conducted on the sampling theorems between time and amplitude domains. Several parallels between Nyquist-based PCM and TCM systems are described. Simulation results are presented. >
Pancreatic Safety of Newer Incretin-Based Therapies: Are the “-tides” Finally Turning?

Incretin-based therapies have greatly improved therapy of diabetes due to not only their antidiabetic effects but also their beneficial effects on blood pressure, dyslipidemia, reduction in body weight, and potential cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects. The most common of these are glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which act via the G-protein–coupled receptors to stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreatic β-cells in a glucose-dependent manner; the latter eliminates the risk of hypoglycemia seen with other antidiabetes therapies (1). As these incretins can be inactivated in the native form in vivo by the enzyme (2) dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), incretin analogs have been developed that are resistant to DPP-4 cleavage or act via inhibiting DPP-4 enzyme. These can be classified as the GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), such as exenatide, liraglutide, and semaglutide, and the DPP-4 inhibitors, such as sitagliptin, vildagliptin, and saxagliptin. Several lines of evidence from clinical trial data have emerged pointing to their efficacy and multiple beneficial effects; however, recent studies have questioned their potential safety. GLP-1RA, in addition to enhancing incretin signaling in pancreatic β-cells, also act on other pancreatic cells and tissues that express these receptors. Studies using rodent models have shown that these GLP-1RA enhance β-cell mass in vivo (3) and could stem the decline in β-cell mass and function observed with progressive diabetes. With regards to the mice studies, in diabetic mice, existing data suggest that the ability of GLP-1RA to enhance β-cell mass is possibly due to protection of pancreatic β-cells from apoptosis rather than actually regenerating new β-cells in the …
Blowing up affine hybrid systems

In this paper we construct the "blow up" of an affine hybrid system H, i.e., a new affine hybrid system Bl(H) in which H is embedded, that does not exhibit Zeno behavior. We show the existence of a bijection /spl Upsi/ between periodic orbits and equilibrium points of H and Bl(H) that preserves stability; we refer to this property as /spl Pscr/-stability equivalence.
An iterative switching heuristic to locate hospitals and helicopters

Abstract The Trauma Resource Allocation Model for Ambulances and Hospitals (TRAMAH) was created to guide health planners in locating important and expensive resources. The model’s solution algorithm combines a mixed-integer linear program and a new “iterative switching” heuristic. The TRAMAH has the computational flexibility to optimally locate various numbers of aeromedical depots and trauma centers as separate resources or in tandem. It can be engineered to build a regional trauma system from “clean slate” or to accommodate well-developed trauma systems that are only seeking incremental changes. In this first application of TRAMAH using the Maryland Trauma System, the “iterative switching” heuristic allowed us to obtain solutions within reasonable computer processing times. The TRAMAH can thus help trauma systems improve the survival rates of their most severely injured patients.
Hybrid approach to Bayesian image reconstruction

The approximate extended Kalman filter (AEKF) has been suggested as an appropriate inverse method for reconstructing fluorescent properties in large tissue samples from frequency domain data containing measurement error. The AEKF is an “optimal” estimator, in that it seeks to minimize the predicted error variances of the estimated optical properties in relation to measurement and system errors. However, due to non-linearities in the recursive estimation process, the updates are actually suboptimal. Furthermore, the computational overhead is large for the full AEKF algorithm when applied to large datasets. In this contribution we developed three hybrid forms of the AEKF algorithm that may improve the performance in frequency domain fluorescence tomography. Numerical results of image reconstruction from actual frequency domain emission data show that one hybrid form of the AEKF outperforms the traditional full AEKF in both image quality and computational efficiency for the two cases tested.
Notetaking by Junior High Students

Seventh graders heard a lecture. They took notes in their usual style; they took notes using a technique in which previously trained; or they listened, not taking notes. A multiple-choice posttest ...
Asymptotics of search strategies over a sensor network

We consider the problem of a user searching for information over a sensor network, where the user does not have prior knowledge of the location of the information. We consider three information search strategies: i) a source-only search, where the source (user) tries to locate the destination by initiating search which propagates as a continuous time random walk (Brownian motion); ii) a source and receiver driven "sticky" search, where both the source and the destination send a search or an advertisement, and these leave a "sticky" trail to aid in locating the destination; and iii) where the destination information is spatially cached (i.e., repeated over space), and the source tries to locate any one of the caches. After a random interval of time with average t, if the information is not located, the search times-out, and the search is unsuccessful. For a source-only search, we show that the probability that a search is unsuccessful decays as (log(t))/sup -1/. When both the source and the destination send search packets or advertisements, we show that the probability that a search is unsuccessful decays as t/sup -5/8/. Further, faster polynomial decay rates can be achieved by using a finite number of searches or advertisements. Finally, when a spatially periodic cache is employed, we show that the probability that a search is unsuccessful decays no faster than t/sup -1/. Thus, we can match the decay rates of the source and the destination driven search with that of a spatial caching strategy by using an appropriate number of search packets. The sticky search as well as caching utilize memory that is spatially distributed over the network. We show that spreading the memory over space leads to a decrease in memory requirement, while maintaining a polynomial decay in the search failure probability. In particular, we show that the memory requirement for spatial caching is larger (in an order sense) than that for sticky searches. This indicates that the appropriate strategy for searching over large sensor networks with little infrastructure support would be to use multiple search packets and advertisements using the sticky search strategy.
Task decomposition of laparoscopic surgery for objective evaluation of surgical residents' learning curve using hidden Markov model.

Objective: Evaluation of the laparoscopic surgical skills of surgical residents is usually a subjective process carried out in the operating room by senior surgeons. The two hypotheses of the current study were: (1) haptic information and tool/tissue interactions (types and transitions) performed in laparoscopic surgery are skill-dependent, and (2) statistical models (Hidden Markov Models—HMMs) incorporating these data are capable of objectively evaluating laparoscopic surgical skills.Materials and Methods: Eight subjects (six residents—two first-year (R1), two third-year (R3), and two fifth-year (R5)—and two expert laparoscopic surgeons) performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy on pigs using an instrumented grasper equipped with force/torque (F/T) sensors at the hand/tool interface, and F/T data was synchronized with video of the operative maneuvers. Fourteen types of tool/tissue (T/T) interactions, each associated with unique F/T signatures, were defined from frame-by-frame video analysis. HMMs for each s...
Women and Negotiations: Unveiling Some Secrets to Success

Effective leaders are decision makers, strategic planners, calculated risk-takers, and highly skilled negotiators. Interestingly, the critical skill of negotiating is not one that most women naturally demonstrate. Because the majority of women in the workplace do not negotiate, they often do not advance as quickly as they should, nor do their salaries increase as rapidly as those of their male counterparts. In this article, the authors will talk about some of the “secrets of negotiating success” that have been used for decades by those who have reached the top of their career ladders. These “secrets” include three critical attitudes and 15 strategies that may help to position women for success in the bargaining arena. In addition, the authors challenge leadership educators to develop experiences, courses, and modules for women to enhance their negotiating skills.
Microsite requirements, population structure and growth of the cushion plant Azorella compacta in the tropical Chilean Andes

In the altiplano of northern Chile, we investigated the microsite habitats, adult population structure and growth rates over 14 months for the giant cushion plant Azorella compacta. The majority of plants (52.0%) were found growing downslope of large (>50 cm diameter) boulders and on north-facing rocky slopes with a slope angle greater than 10° inclination (44.4%). Size was used as a surrogate for age. The youngest size class was most common; remaining size classes were roughly equal in frequency; but very large cushions were scarce. Growth rates were expressed as height, diameter and perimeter over a 14-month period. Height increased an average of 1.40 cm, perimeter increased an average of 10.28 cm and diameters actually decreased 2.30 cm, although this was not a significant difference. Using perimeter averages based on mean plant size, we estimated a radial growth rate of 1.70 cm per 14 months. Trenches 4 cm wide were cut over the length of five plants, and these trenches were nearly repaired after 1 year, indicating that growth is overall and not just on the perimeter of the plant. These findings indicate that although Azorella compacta populations may be recovering from past exploitation, future monitoring is still necessary to ensure viable populations.
Mutation of a transcriptional motif of a distant regulatory element reduces the expression of embryonic and fetal globin genes

High-level b-globin gene expression is dependent on the presence of the locus control region (LCR), a powerful regulatory element physically characterized by five DNase I-hypersensitive sites (HS), designated HS1–HS5. Of these, HS3 contains seven GT motifs that are essential for its activity. One of the motifs, GT6, has been shown by in vivo footprinting to display the largest difference in signal between fetal and adult globin expressing cells. We assessed the contribution of GT6 on the downstream globin gene expression by mutating this motif in a 248 kb b-globin locus yeast artificial chromosome and measuring the activity of b-globin genes in GT6 m b-YAC transgenic mice. Seven transgenic lines were established, three of which contained at least one intact copy of the b-globin locus and were further investigated. The mutation of the GT6 motif reduced the expression of e -a ndc-globin genes during embryonic erythropoiesis. During definitive erythropoiesis, c-globin gene expression was significantly reduced while b-globin gene expression was virtually indistinguishable from wild-type controls. We conclude that the GT6 motif of hypersensitive site 3 of the LCR is required for normal e -a ndc-globin gene expression during embryonic erythropoiesis and for c-globin gene expression during definitive erythropoiesis in the fetal liver. Our results provide evidence that mutations of single transcriptional motifs of distant regulatory elements can have profound effects on gene expression.
Transmission of 640-Gb/s RZ-OOK Channel Over 100-km SSMF by Wavelength-Transparent Conjugation

We report the first demonstration of 640-Gb/s return-to-zero ON-OFF keying channel transmission over a 100-km standard single-mode fiber link employing midspan phase conjugation. A frequency-degenerate conjugate field spanning more than 20 nm is created in a low-birefringence parametric mixer for the first time. Physical separation of the conjugate field from the original field is enabled by utilizing pump polarization nondegeneracy. Rigorous link characterization using a high-quality 640-Gb/s transmitter and a high-sensitivity receiver revealed error-free (bit error ratio <;10-9) performance, eliminating the need for impractical fiber length control or electronic signal processing. The compatibility of wavelength-transparent conjugation with spectrally inefficient channel implies that channels with higher bit rates and better spectral efficiency can also be compensated.
Primocane-fruiting Raspberry Production in High Tunnels in a Cold Region of the Upper Midwestern United States

Five primocane raspberry (Rubus idaeus) cultivars were evaluated in a high tunnel and in the field at Grand Rapids, MN, which is located in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zone 3b. Bare root plants of five cultivars (Autumn Bliss, Autumn Britten, Caroline, Joan J, and Polana) were planted in the high tunnel and in the field, each with a randomized complete block design at 2 · 5.2-ft spacing on 8 May and 14 May 2008, respectively. A propane heater was used periodically for frost protection in the high tunnel. All five cultivars overwintered well and primocanes emerged with minor or no winter damage in the high tunnel in 2009. The high tunnel extended the growing season for 4 weeks in both years. Raspberry plants in the high tunnel produced higher yield than those in the field, total 154 lb (6655 lb/acre) from the high tunnel vs. 0.5 lb (43 lb/acre) from the field in 2008 and 379 lb (16,378 lb/acre) vs. 80 lb (3457 lb/acre) in 2009. ‘Caroline’ and ‘Polana’ had higher yields than ‘Autumn Bliss’; ‘Joan J’ and ‘Autumn Britten’ yields were intermediate and not different from ‘Caroline’, ‘Polana’, or ‘Autumn Bliss’ yields. In terms of harvest date, ‘Polana’ was the earliest among the five cultivars tested, followed by ‘Autumn Britten’, ‘Autumn Bliss’, and ‘Joan J’. ‘Caroline’ was the latest. Essential nutrients in leaves for all cultivars both in the field and in the high tunnel were within sufficient ranges. Spider mites (Tetranychidae) and raspberry sawflies (Monophanoides geniculatus) were the major insect problems. In conclusion, primocane-fruiting raspberries can be successfully grown in high tunnels and produce substantially higher yields than in field plantations in northern Minnesota or areas with similar climatic conditions.
Prolactin, the Liporegulatory Hormone

Heavy stores of body fat in feral vertebrates are associated with periodic events such as overwintering and migration for which they serve as a source of metabolic energy. The timing of fattening by environmental cues suggests that neuroendocrine mechanisms are involved. The principal hormone that controls fat stores appears to be prolactin. Prolactin stimulates marked increases in fat stores in fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals within one week of daily injections. However, the time of injection is critical. Injections given at one time of day cause increases in fat stores whereas injections given at another time of day may decrease body fat. The daily rhythm in fattening response to prolactin is entrained by the daily photoperiod but the rhythm is circadian in that it persists for at least several days in constant conditions of temperature and light. The photoperiodic entrainment appears to be mediated by the daily rhythm of blood corticosteroid concentrations. Corticosteroid injections can entrain daily rhythms of fattening responses to prolactin in all vertebrate species tested, including fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The phases of the daily rhythms of endogenous hormones in several species support the hypothesis that the temporal relation of the rhythms of corticosteroids and prolactin regulate the amount of body fat stores. Knowledge of the role of circadian rhythms in the neuroendocrine control of fat stores might be utilized to develop new and simple ways to treat leanness and obesity.
Nd Isotopes as Tracers in Planetary Evolution

The principles underlying the application of the Sm-Nd radioactive system as a petrogenetic tracer are similar to those of Rb-Sr and U-Th-Pb (Faure 1977). To illustrate, an example is presented of the relationships between isotopic effects, petrogenetic processes, and time.
Simulation Tool for Asynchronous Cortical Streams (STACS): Interfacing with Spiking Neural Networks☆

Abstract We present a Simulation Tool for Asynchronous Cortical Streams (STACS) for studying spiking neural networks exhibiting adaptation in a closed-loop system. The goal is to develop a more complete understanding of the emergent behaviors at the network level, and attention is given to methods of analysis at this scale. In particular, STACS facilitates the development of network level metrics of spiking activity. At the same time, emphasis is placed on biologically faithful models of spiking and plasticity with respect to the underlying neural substrate. The essential component, however, is the ability of the neural system in interfacing with the environment. This is because behaviors such as learning and adaptation are inherently closed-loop processes that involve the interaction between an intelligent agent and its environment, here, embodied cognition. To this end, STACS utilizes a portable communication protocol, YARP, for interfacing and interacting with a wide range of external devices, both sensory and motor, as well as the ability to create user-defined methods. In doing so, we may capture and respond to real world input to a neural network, simulating experimentation of live cortical cultures such as on multielectrode arrays.
Before and After Evaluation of Biological Control of the Larch Casebearer (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) in the Blue Mountains of Oregon and Washington, 1972–1995

The larch casebearer, Coleophora laricella (Hubner), caused severe defoliation in the Blue Mountains in the 1970s. A biological control program using introduced parasitoids resulted in the establishment of 2 species, Agathis pumila (Ratzeburg) and Chrysocharis laricinellae (Ratzeburg). This article adds to earlier evaluations of 13 Blue Mountain plots by contrasting casebearer densities and dynamics before and after the introduced parasitoids became established. In the 10 yr before parasitism by A. pumila exceeded 10%, mean moth density averaged 50.03/100 buds and dynamics were characterized by nondelayed density dependence of large larvae. After a 5-yr transitional period for the populations to stabilize at new levels, moth density averaged 1.63/100 buds over the next 10 yr. A. pumila was associated with reduced casebearer density on all plots. The initial decline on 2 plots was coincident with a large impact by native parasitoids; A. pumila then assumed its apparent regulatory role. In the after period, mortality caused by A. pumila was delayed density-dependent based on significant, positive logistic regressions with casebearer larval density in the previous generation for 8 of the 13 plots. The casebearer population at the reduced density caused little or no significant defoliation. Aside from moderate parasitization levels in a few years at a few plots, C. laricinellae remained at low density, or was not recorded. A. pumila played the major role in this successful biological control.
Simulation of reacting vortex structures within a confined domain

An actively-forced confined annular diffusion flame configuration is modeled using direct numerical simulation strategies. Development has concentrated on the refinement of new boundary conditions to model rectangular, circular, or elliptic injection ports or annuli that introduce reacting scalars into the domain by driving them with time-dependent velocity profiles. With this flexibility, a variety of interesting configurations have been investigated which show promise as candidates for a compact vortex waste incinerator application. Shear layer forced vortex structures entrain the reactants in such a way that combustion is enhanced and the necessary length of the chamber is shortened. Sidewall injection strategies are also investigated which have the potential to re-energize the propagating vortex structure with needed reactants.
An Extraordinary Case of Polygyny in the Red Imported Fire Ant

In 1972, we reported the 1st observation of polygyny in colonies of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren. As many as 20 mated queens were found in a single mound. Banks et al. (1973) subsequently reported finding 2 mated queens in a single mound of the native fire ant species, Solenopsis geminata (F.).
Strategy Selection, Surrogation, and Strategic Performance Measurement Systems

Strategic performance measurement systems operationalize firm strategy with a set of performance measures. A consequence of such alignment is the tendency for managers to lose sight of the strategic construct(s) the measures are intended to represent, and subsequently act as though the measures are the constructs of interest, a phenomenon referred to as surrogation. We investigate how involvement in strategy selection affects managers’ propensity to exhibit surrogation. We predict and find that strategy selection reduces surrogation. Surprisingly, we do not find that engaging in strategy deliberation, a key process underlying strategy selection, reduces surrogation. Thus, managers’ involvement in the actual choice of strategy appears to be both a necessary and sufficient condition to mitigate surrogation. Our paper broadens understanding of factors that influence surrogation, such as the effects of different aspects of managers’ strategic involvement and buy-in. Further, by documenting how managers behave within (as opposed to simply with) strategic performance measurement systems, we highlight the potential for managers to endogenously influence the effectiveness of such systems.
Crystal Structure of Tetramethylammonium Fluoride Tetrahydrate

Tetramethylammonium fluoride tetrahydrate is tetragonal, space group I41/a with a=10.853 and c=8.065 A at −26°C. The crystal structure was determined from the crystal data and the Patterson synthesis and refined by least squares. It has a hydrogen‐bounded ionic/water framework composed of four‐coordinated fluoride ions and three‐coordinated water molecules. The tetramethylammonium ions are in voids within this framework.
Operating effect of automatic early warning system in infectious diseases,Pingdingshan,2008-2013

Objective To understand the performance of automatic early warning information system( AEWIS),evaluate its operating results,and to provide scientific basis for further improvement of communicable disease early warning patterns. Methods Descriptive analysis method was used to describe the characteristics of warning information sent out by AEWIS from 2008 to 2013. Sensitivity,positive predictive value and lead time were taken as the main evaluation indicators for analyzing operating results of AEWIS. Results AEWIS issued 13 021 warning signals from 2008 to 2013 and 12 of the signals were confirmed to be outbreaks or epidemics through field investigations. Twenty- four kinds of infectious diseases were identified from the all early warning information issued. A total of 11 888( 91. 30%) diseases were hand,foot,and mouth disease,other infectious diarrhea,mumps,dysentery,hepatitis C,and measles. The peak number of early warning signals were 4 880 from May to July,accounting for 37. 48% of the total signals. The median response time from early warning signal to submitting abnormal information card was 0. 40 hour. The sensitivity of AEWIS was 85. 71% and the positive predictive value was 0. 09%. The lead time of the 8 of 12 outbreaks of infectious diseases detected by AEWIS was negative. Conclusion The sensitivity of the warning system is high,but the positive predictive value is low. It is recommended to adjust the threshold timely and reasonable,so that the early warning system can play a role in early warning outbreaks of infectious diseases at the grassroots level.
How Causal Mechanism and Autocorrelation Beliefs Inform Information Search.

When testing which of multiple causes (e.g., medicines) works the best, the testing sequence has important implications for the validity of the final judgment. Trying one cause for a period of time is important if the cause has tolerance, sensitization, delay, or carryover effects (TSDC). Alternating between the causes is important in autocorrelated environments – when the outcome naturally comes and goes in waves. Across two studies, participants’ beliefs about TSDC influenced the amount of alternating; however, their beliefs about autocorrelation had a very modest effect on the testing strategy. This research helps chart how well people adapt to various environments in order to optimize learning, and it suggests that in situations with no TSDC effects and high autocorrelation, people may not alternate enough.