cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring random spin fluctuations for perturbation-free probes of spin dynamics and magnetic resonance (Invited Paper)

Random spin fluctuations in an equilibrium ensemble of paramagnetic spins are shown to contain valuable information about the system itself. We use off-resonant Faraday rotation to passively and sensitively "listen" to the random magnetization fluctuations (spin noise) in atomic alkali vapors. These random fluctuations generate spontaneous spin coherences which precess and decay with the same characteristic energy and time scales as the macroscopic magnetization of an intentionally polarized or driven ensemble. Correlation spectra of the measured spin noise reveals g-factors, nuclear spin, isotope abundance ratios, hyperfine splittings, nuclear moments, and spin coherence lifetimes -- without having to excite, optically pump, or otherwise drive the spin system away from thermal equilibrium. These noise signatures scale inversely with interaction volume, suggesting routes towards non-perturbative, sourceless magnetic resonance of small solid state spin systems.
Managerial use of video conferencing

Abstract The use of video conferencing systems (VCS) for meetings that transcend geographical dispersion in the workplace has increased significantlu in recent years. But, where do video conferencing systems fit in relation to traditional communication media used in the workplace? Research suggests that VCS is somewhere between the telephone and face-to-face meetings in terms of media richness. Guidelines on how to use this technology more efficiently and effectively focus on the type of meeting, the emotional content of the situation, the number of sites and individuals included and preparation for the meeting itself. Appropriate use of VCS promises to provide great benefits in productivity.
The Way Ahead for US Unconventional Reservoirs

The emergence of unconventional resources as a viable source of energy in the US is the combined result of persistent exploration efforts and development of new drilling, completions, and stimulation technologies. However, it is estimated that nearly 90% of tight oil and 65% of shale gas will be left in the reservoir using current methods of production (US Energy Information Administration, 2013). For the US to move “steadily towards meeting all its energy needs from domestic resources by 2035” (Bloomberg, 2013), proper management of its unconventional resources to achieve long-term sustained production and improved recovery is of significant interest to all stakeholders. While exploration, well construction, and stimulation will continue to be critical for unconventional resource recovery economics, sustained productivity and effective depletion are expected to be growing challenges in the way ahead for unconventional reservoirs.
Financial returns and strategic interaction: The case of instant photography

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of shareholder returns to study the impact of complex strategic interactions that involve a sequence of moves by competing firms. The paper seeks to begin to build a bridge between the capital asset pricing model of modern financial theory and competitive strategy. Competition in instant photography is used as an example. Results demonstrate how shareholder returns and changes in market risk (β) can be associated with both overall strategies and specific competitive moves.
Microelectromechanical Wavelength-Selective Switching for Integrated Optics

In this paper, we present design, fabrication, and test results of a novel wavelength-selective MEMS switch for integrated optics. The device is based on switching of a ring resonator add-drop filter by use of an electrostatically-actuated MEMS bridge. We have demonstrated the wavelength-dependant switching capabilities of a prototype device; however, the residual stress in the bridge caused sagging of the bridge and high insertion loss to the optical output. Therefore, we are investigating the use of titanium nitride (TiN) for the MEMS bridge material. TiN has ideal characteristics both mechanically and electrically. It can also be annealed to lower the residual stress to almost zero. We have fabricated the MEMS bridge with TiN and done some preliminary experiments on the structure. The results show promise for the use of this material in our device, and more generally as a structural material. We have also designed closed-loop feedback control for precision positioning of the bridge. This enables this device to tune the selected wavelength over one full channel (30nm) for use as a tunable optical filter. The feedback scheme is based on using the bridge as one electrode of a capacitive sensor, and simulations indicate that the bridge position can be controlled to 2.5pm accuracy. Modifications of the device could also be used as a variable optical attenuator.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Early sensing and gene expression profiling under a low dose of cadmium exposure.

Abstract Cadmium (Cd) has been shown to have various detrimental effects on health. In recent years progress has been made in dissecting apart the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of exposure to this toxic metal. In this paper we investigated changes in gene expression using a global transcript profiling approach to better understand the early molecular events that occur in primary rat hepatocytes when exposed to Cd at a concentration (4 μM) and time (3 h) that is prior to any significant increase in cytotoxic parameters. Gene expression changes were most dramatically noticed for proteins involved in transcriptional regulation, zinc finger protein production, and heat shock protein expression. Other genes whose expression changed significantly were those associated with maintaining cellular redox homeostasis such as increasing glutathione synthesis and antioxidant capacity, facilitating the survival or death response, and repairing damage or stimulating degradation. Expression changes were confirmed for selected genes in various groups utilizing qRT-PCR. Various times of Cd incubation were also used to assess the extent of the impact. To define whether or not any of these changes were associated with cadmium's ability to disturb the redox balance, we also tested the effects of Cd in the presence of a blocker of glutathione synthesis, d , l -buthionine-( S,R )-sulfoximine (BSO), and an antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC). The results show that the Cd induction of some genes can be categorized as occurring primarily in response to changes in the redox state as measured by attenuation of the response by the addition of NAC or to the availability of reduced glutathione as measured by the increase in response in the presence of BSO.
Activation of polyubiquitin gene expression during developmentally programmed cell death

Abstract Ubiquitin, a highly conserved 76 amino acid protein, plays a role in targeting intracellular proteins for degradation. Ubiquitin expression was examined during the developmentally programmed atrophy and degeneration of the intersegmental muscles (ISMs) in the hawkmoth, Manduca sexta. A clone containing nine repeats of the ubiquitin coding sequence was isolated from an ISM cDNA library and was used as a probe to examine polyubiquitin expression during development. When the ISMs became committed to degenerate, polyubiquitin gene expression increased dramatically. Injection of 20-hydroxyecdysone, which delays degeneration in this system, prevented the increase in polyubiquitin mRNA. The expression of polyubiquitin occurred without apparent activation of the cell's heat shock response. These data suggest that ubiquitin plays a role in programmed cell death.
Selective chirility and the origins of life

Abstract Despite 120 years of research into the origins of chirility, the problem of how one enantiomer was selected over its chiral pair for use in the origins of life is still unsolved. I suggest that no solution has been found because the assumptions implicit in the problem statement are invalid. An alternative description of the problem is given and demonstrated to be capable of resolution. Two possible resolutions are sketched. Methods and criteria are stated for testing and evaluating the problem statement and its possible solutions.
Photoreactivity of Self-assembled Monolayers of Azobenzene or Stilbene Derivatives Capped on Colloidal Gold Clusters

Trans-4-methyl-4‘-(−S−(CH2)n−O−)azobenzenes (1) with varying alkyl chain lengths (n = 4, 6, 9, 12) and trans-4-methyl-4‘-(−S−(CH2)n−O−)stilbenes (2) (n = 6, 7, 8, 9) were used to cap colloidal gold clusters, yielding composite shell−core nanostructures 3 and 4, respectively. Aggregation of the terminal arene moieties by π-stacking within the organic shells was weak in these composite particles. Upon irradiation at 350 nm, photoisomerization of the appended trans isomer to the corresponding cis isomer takes place both in solution and in the composite cluster. Inefficient photodimerization could be observed by 1H NMR spectroscopy for cluster 4. The quantum yields for photoisomerization of the composite clusters 3 and 4 were affected by the length of the linker because of distance-dependent through-bond quenching by the metal core.
A Study of the Enzyme Content of a Parenchymatous Adenocarcinoma of Pancreas and a Comparison with the Normal Human Pancreas

The chemical changes which occur in living matter are said to be profoundly influenced, and even may be said to be controlled by enzymes and their actions (1). Thus different enzymes in different parts of a living organism may produce different products from one and the same substrate supplied to the different parts. A systematic study of certain of the enzymes of various human and mammalian tumors as well as of normal tissues has shown that the enzyme actions of a definite material represent certain properties of that material (2). For the present study a large amount of pancreatic tumor was obtained from a specimen removed at operation. The tumor was of an unusual type in that it was a very large, solid, parenchymatous adenocarcinoma occupying the tail and much of the body of the pancreas (Figs. 1 and 2). Despite its large size the tumor was not necrotic and no metastases were found. This pancreatic tumor was studied from the physiological point of view and its enzyme content was compared with that of the normal human pancreas. For the latter purpose three normal organs, to be referred to as 1, 2, and 3, obtained at autopsy, were employed.
Polymeric Hydrate-Inhibitor Adsorption Measured by Neutron Scattering

We use small-angle neutron scattering to characterize a polymeric hydrate inhibitor, poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone), adsorbed onto hydrate crystal surfaces. Gas hydrates are crystals in which water molecules encage small molecules such as propane or methane. Their stability at temperatures above the freezing point of water presents a significant challenge to oil and gas transport. Hydrate formation can be kinetically suppressed by certain polymeric inhibitors, but little is known about the mechanism of this effect. We measure a polymer coverage of 5 ± 3 mg/m2, but on only a small (2%) fraction of the available surface. Unlike the expected self-similar structure seen in other systems, this layer has the unusual property of a thickness several times the polymer coil dimension. Therefore, most of the polymer is not bound directly to the surface, suggesting the formation of surface aggregates. We speculate on the role of these aggregates in the growth inhibition of hydrate crystals.
The pathophysiological effects of water and feed restriction in chickens

Summary Three‐to‐five days of water restriction in 5‐week‐old chickens produced mild dilatation of tubules in distal nephron segments and epithelial necrosis. Most dilated tubules were empty or contained proteinaceous casts. The histopathological changes were more frequent in the left kidney. Combined feed and water restriction decreased the incidence and severity of kidney changes. No histopathological changes were identified in kidneys of feed‐restricted chickens. The nephrosis produced by water restriction has features consistent with both prerenal and intrarenal pathophysiological mechanisms. Tubular transport of organic anions was increased by feed and water restriction.
Educational inequality in adult mortality: an assessment with death certificate data from Michigan.

Education was added to the U.S. Standard Certificate of Death in 1989. The current study uses Michigan’s 1989–1991 death certificates, together with the 1990 Census, to evaluate the quality of data on education from death certificates and to examine educational differences in mortality rates. With log-rates modeling, we systematically analyze the variability in educational differences in mortality by race and sex across the adult life cycle. The relative differences in mortality rates between educational levels decline with age at the same pace for all sex and race categories. Women gain a slightly greater reduction in mortality than men by reaching the secondary-education level, but a modestly smaller reduction by advancing beyond it. Blacks show a reduction in predicted mortality rates comparable to whites’ by moving from the secondary to the postsecondary level of education but experience less reduction than whites by moving from the primary to the secondary level. Thus, the secular decline in mortality rates that generally accompanies historical improvements in education might actually be associated with an increase in the relative differences between blacks’ and whites’ mortality. We discuss limitations of the data and directions for future research.
Single Molecule Studies of the Interactions between β-Amyloid 1-40 and Supported Planar Lipid Membrane

Recent evidence supports the hypothesis that the early oligomers formed by the β-Amyloid peptide are cytotoxic and may feature in Alzheimer's disease (AD). While the mechanism of this cytotoxicity remains unclear, interactions of these oligomers with neuronal membrane are believed to be involved. Identifying the cytotoxic species is challenging because the β-Amyloid oligomers are extremely heterogeneous, metastable, and form at very low physiological concentrations (nM). In our study, we use single molecule spectroscopy (SMS) to study the interactions between β-Amyloid 1-40 and supported planar lipid membranes. The evolution of β-Amyloid species on lipid membranes were monitored for up to a few days. The results indicate that the interactions between β-Amyloid 1-40 and planar lipid membranes follow three stages. First, a very small fraction of β-Amyloid peptide binds to the membranes with high affinity (Kd < 470pM), covering the membrane surface uniformly and also diffusing within the lipid molecules. In the second stage, β-Amyloid peptides assemble to form oligomers in the membrane. We observed at least two different pathways of oligomer formation, depending on the aqueous β-Amyloid peptide concentration. In the final stage, after prolonged incubation with the lipid membranes, β-Amyloid peptides start forming mesh-like deposits. With the high sensitivity and spatial and temporal resolution of single molecule spectroscopy, we successfully traced the interactions between β-Amyloid 1-40 peptide and planar lipid membranes at the molecular level. Our results are also in agreement with the molecular model of pore-forming peptides suggested by H.W. Huang et al. (1).1. Huang, H.W., F.Y. Chen, and M.T. Lee. 2004. Molecular Mechanism of Peptide-Induced Pores in Membranes. Physical Review Letters. 92:198304.
Temporal factors in the foveal ERG

Peak latencies of the foveal (4° diameter) ERG and the sensitivity of the technique in various diseases have been investigated. The method previously reported (1) uses a rapidly flickering red test light against a white surround of rod saturating luminance. Control ERG's from the same stimulus are also recorded from blind spot stimulation. In senile macular degeneration the sensitivity limit of the test is about 20/60 acuity. New findings include:(1) In senile macular degeneration, the foveal ERG peak latency is usually not abnormally delayed (only 7% of 30 eyes delayed).(2) In contrast, in Stargardt's macular dystrophy, the foveal ERG peak latency is frequently abnormally delayed (47% of 34 eyes). Even at 20/20 to 20/30 acuity, the majority of eyes with Stargardt's have either delayed peak latency, abnormal amplitude or both.(3) In retinitis pigmentosa the sensitivity limit of the foveal ERG (amplitude ratio) is 20/30 to 20/40 (29 eyes). Peak latencies were delayed in 31% of the eyes.
A low-cost PCB fabrication process

This paper investigates the resolution of a low-cost printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication process. A set of frequently used footprints is fabricated on a PCB and examined under a digital microscope. The results indicate that using the process described in this paper, a thin wire with a 0.38 mm (14.96 mils) width can be fabricated. The process described in this paper is useful for educators who wish to fabricate a fine structure on a PCB, but do not have access to a milling machine. It is also be useful for researchers who wish to quickly build an inexpensive prototype before sending out the final design to a commercial venue.
Processing of proenkephalin in bovine chromaffin cells occurs in two phases.

Abstract The processing of proenkephalin was studied in primary cultures of bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells by pulse-chase radiolabeling, immunopurification of proenkephalin and derivative peptides and quantitation following gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. Proenkephalin was processed with a t1/2 1 2 of approximately 1.1 h. Processing of proenkephalin-derived peptides of 15–25 kDa was essentially complete by 1 h. Treatment of chromaffin cells with brefeldin A to block the intracellular transport of proteins or with ammonium chloride to neutralize acidic intracellular compartments had only minor effects on the initial processing of proenkephalin. In contrast, both of these agents prevented a second, slower phase of proenkephalin processing. These studies suggest that proteolytic processing of proenkephalin in bovine adrenal medullary cells starts before transport to the trans-Golgi network and packaging into the chromaffin granules. A second phase of processing that requires an acidic environment occurs in or distal to the trans-Golgi network.
Flux dynamics and the growth of the superconducting phase.

We present a detailed investigation of the growth of the superconducting phase in a magnetic field. For type-I superconductors, the planar normal-superconductor interface is dynamically unstable. In the nucleation regime this feature leads to interface motion similar to that found in the solid-liquid transition. In the spinodal regime the spinodal growth proceeds by a sequence of phase-slip processes, unique to a system with a complex order parameter. In type-II superconductors, vortex absorption stabilizes a planar interface, despite the negative surface tension.
Synthesis of 2-[6-(2,4-Dinitrophenoxy)hexyl]oxiranecarboxylic acid: A selective carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 inhibitor

Carnitine palmitoyltransferases 1 and 2 (CPT-1 and CPT-2) catalyze the transfer of long chain fatty acids between carnitine and coenzyme A. Unlike CPT-2, CPT-1 exists in at least two isoforms with different physical and kinetic properties. Liver and skeletal muscle each contain a different isoform of CPT-1. Cardiac muscle contains both isoforms, and the minor component is identical to the isoform found in the liver. 2-[6-(2,4-Dinitrophenoxy)hexyl]oxiranecarboxylic acid (2) was reported to be a selective inhibitor for the liver isoform of CPT-1. A synthesis of 2 is described here which involves the reaction of diethyl malonate with 1-bromo-6-phenoxyhexane.
The use of retinoic acid to probe the relation between hyperproliferation-associated keratins and cell proliferation in normal and malignant epidermal cells

When cells from normal human epidermis and from the human squamous cell carcinoma line SCC-13 were seeded on floating rafts of collagen and fibroblasts, they stratified and underwent terminal differentiation. Although the program of differentiation in SCC-13 cells was morphologically abnormal, the cultures resembled normal epidermal raft cultures by expressing the terminal differentiation-specific keratins, K1/K10, and by restricting their proliferative capacity to the basal-like cells of the population. In addition, the differentiating cells of both normal and SCC-13 raft cultures expressed keratins K6 and K16, which are not normally expressed in epidermis, but are synthesized suprabasally during wound-healing and in various epidermal diseases associated with hyperproliferation. While the behavior of normal and SCC-13 rafts was quite similar when they were cultured over normal medium, significant biochemical differences began to emerge when the cultures were exposed to retinoic acid. Most notably, while the SCC-13 cultures still stratified extensively, they showed a marked inhibition of both abnormal (K6/K16) and normal (K1/K10) differentiation-associated keratins, concomitantly with an overall disappearance of differentiated phenotype. Surprisingly, the reduction in K6/K16 in retinoid-treated SCC-13 cultures was not accompanied by a decrease in cell proliferation. Using immunohistochemistry combined with [3H]thymidine labeling, we demonstrate that while the expression of K6 and K16 are often associated with hyperproliferation, these keratins are only produced in the nondividing, differentiating populations of proliferating cultures. Moreover, since their expression can be suppressed without a corresponding decrease in proliferation, the expression of these keratins cannot be essential to the nature of the hyperproliferative epidermal cell.
The Application of an On-Line Digital Computer to the Control System of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR)

A process control computer was combined with the analog control system of the HFIR to perform the function of limiting the shim-rod reactivity additions as well as direct shim-rod symmetry control. Automatic shim control is supervised by a computer program which uses the measured reactor power level to continuously compute the core reactivity requirements during the 23-day fuel cycle. The high power density (4 Mw/liter) in the HFIR requires that flux tilting be controlled to minimize the possibility of hot-spot formation. This is accomplished by limiting the difference in shim-rod positions for reactor operation above 10 Mw. The rod symmetry is controlled by a computer program that actuates rod control relays in the analog system in response to the asymmetry determined from shim-rod position sensors. The rod control algorithm was tested on-line at 10 Mw, and routine operation of the on-line programs is planned after the overall reliability of the system has been measured.
What is the clinical importance of small polyps with regard to colorectal cancer screening

What is the clinical importance of small polyps with regard to colorectal cancer screening?
Effects of Improved Water Quality and Stream Treatment Rotation on Sea Lamprey Abundance: Implications for Lake Trout Rehabilitation in the Great Lakes

Efforts over the past 25 years to improve water quality in the Great Lakes basin may be counteracting progress toward lake trout rehabilitation that has been made possible by sea lamprey control. Improved water quality in streams has been linked to increased amounts of suitable sea lamprey spawning and ammocoete habitat leading to increased sea lamprey production. To assess the impact of improved water quality on sea lamprey production, we simulated transformer (young adult stage) production in a model stream assuming 50%, 75%, and 100% habitat availability. We also assessed the effect of lengthening the lampricide treatment cycle in streams; a proposed solution to inadequate funding of the sea lamprey control program. Increasing habitat availability dramatically increased the number of transformers produced in the stream; for example, doubling the available sea lamprey habitat resulted in a 2.5 fold increase in sea lamprey production. In addition, we found that the combined effects of improved water quality and lengthened lampricide treatment rotation caused transformer production to increase at a faster rate than either factor acting alone. Increased sea lamprey production directly impacts lake trout mortality and retards efforts toward achievement of lake trout rehabilitation goals. To counteract the improvement of sea lamprey habitat in tributaries, sea lamprey control efforts must be increased in order to enable lake trout rehabilitation to succeed.
Applied Behavior Analysis for Criminal Justice Practice Some Current Dimensions

In this article, the seven dimensions of applied behavior analysis are related to criminal justice practice. Each of the dimensions is described and examined, and is illustrated by published behavioral literature on crime and delinquency. In addition, three general assumptions of applied behavior analysis are presented: (1) good practice should be good research; (2) behavioral goals, procedures, and effects should be socially validated; and (3) a systems perspective should be adopted when focusing on behavior analysis and intervention. The development of a behavior analysis approach to criminal justice— that is, a behavioral criminal justice—is viewed as an effective, efficient, and humane addition to current problem-solving practices.
Buffering accesses to memory-resident index structures

Recent studies have shown that cache-conscious indexes outperform conventional main memory indexes. Cache-conscious indexes focus on better utilization of each cache line for improving search performance of a single lookup. None has exploited cache spatial and temporal locality between consecutive lookups. We show that conventional indexes, even "cache-conscious" ones, suffer from significant cache thrashing between accesses. Such thrashing can impact the performance of applications such as stream processing and query operations such as index-nested-loops join. We propose techniques to buffer accesses to memory-resident tree-structured indexes to avoid cache thrashing. We study several alternative designs of the buffering technique, including whether to use fixed-size or variable-sized buffers, whether to buffer at each tree level or only at some of the levels, how to support bulk access while there are concurrent updates happening to the index, and how to preserve the order of the incoming lookups in the output results. Our methods improve cache performance for both cache-conscious and conventional index structures. Our experiments show that buffering techniques enable a probe throughput that is two to three times higher than traditional methods.
The Relationship of Nephrotoxicity to Vancomycin Trough Serum Concentrations in a Veteran's Population: A Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND:The risk of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity varies greatly depending on the trough concentration. Recent guidelines suggest target vancomycin trough concentrations of 15–20 mg/L as a predictor of efficacy in the treatment of severe gram-positive infections. Limited data exist quantifying the risk for nephrotoxicity with various ranges of vancomycin troughs.OBJECTIVE:To determine the occurrence of nephrotoxicity during vancomycin therapy and up to 72 hours after its completion, in relation to the maximum trough concentration value, and identify risk factors that impact nephrotoxicity associated with vancomycin use.METHODS:We reviewed the medical records of veterans with a baseline serum creatinine less than 2 mg/dL who received 48 or more hours of vancomycin therapy and had 1 or more vancomycin trough samples obtained within 96 hours of therapy initiation from January 1, 2006, to November 1, 2008, to determine the occurrence of nephrotoxicity (as defined by RIFLE [Risk, Injury, Failure, Los...
A random walk model of fast-phase timing during optokinetic nystagmus

Most vertebrate animals produce optokinetic nystagmus in response to rotation of their visual surround. Nystagmus consists of an alternation of slow-phase eye rotations, which follow the surround, and fast-phase eye rotations, which quickly reset eye position. The time intervals between fast phases vary stochastically, even during optokinetic nystagmus produced by constant velocity rotation of a uniform surround. The inter-fast-phase interval distribution has a long tail, and intervals that are long relative to the mode become even more likely as constant surround velocity is decreased. This paper provides insight into fast-phase timing by showing that the process of fast-phase generation during constant velocity optokinetic nystagmus is analogous to a random walk with drift toward a threshold. Neurophysiologically, the output of vestibular nucleus neurons, which drive the slow phase, would approximate a random walk with drift because they integrate the noisy, constant surround velocity signal they receive from the visual system. Burst neurons, which fire a burst to drive the fast phase and reset the slow phase, are brought to threshold by the vestibular nucleus neurons. Such a nystagmic process produces stochastically varying inter-fast-phase intervals, and long intervals emerge naturally because, as drift rate (related to surround velocity) decreases, it becomes more likely that any random walk can meander for a long time before it crosses the threshold. The theoretical probability density function of the first threshold crossing times of random walks with drift is known to be that of an inverse Gaussian distribution. This probability density function describes well the distributions of the intervals between fast phases that were either determined experimentally, or simulated using a neurophysiologically plausible neural network model of fast-phase generation, during constant velocity optokinetic nystagmus.
Comparison of the financial results of record-keeping and average farms in North Dakota.

Participation in a farm management association enhances members' recordkeeping abilities and provides standards of performance to measure achievement. However, these data can only be generalized to broader populations of farmers if association members are a representative sample. This study compares the financial characteristics of North Dakota farmers belonging to a recordkeeping program and those randomly surveyed by USDA. Association members had significantly different financial characteristics as compared to average farmers in the state. Member farms had substantially more acreage, hired labor, gross income, expenses, assets and liabilities. Equity levels on recordkeeping farms were higher but profitability and returns to equity were statistically lower.
Finite Element Based Hydrodynamic Sheath Model

In the present work, a finite element discretized one-dimensional formulation of plasma–sheath dynamics, using multi-fluid equations for a partially ionized plasma, is given. Based on the experimental data for multiple ionization of xenon gas, a third order polynomial has been used as a fit to describe ionization processes. Such a polynomial has been used to self-consistently calculate the rate of ionization in the plasma dynamic equations. The electron and ion number densities decrease in the plasma-sheath region as expected. The neutral number density decreases in the bulk plasma region and increases in the sheath region pointing to the dominant role of recombination near the wall. The ion velocity, sheath potential and electron temperature profiles exhibit the expected behavior.
Non-parametric tracking of shift and shape functions in medical images

Summary form only given, as follows. Several important estimation problems, in particular the quantification of blood vessel position and radius from projections, involve tracking of dynamics shift band shape parameters. The authors present an alternative algorithm for tracking shift and shape parameters that is based on nonparametric cubic-spline smoothing. Rather than requiring a known Gauss-Markov model, the algorithm assumes only that the shift and shape functions be smoothly varying in a sense defined. They discuss the physical motivation for their (global) optimality criterion, derive an efficient algorithm for computing the optimal estimates, and demonstrate the performance on angiographic data. The performance of the algorithm is demonstrated on simulated angiogram data. >
Mass stabilized projectile designs for electromagnetic launch

A dual-density Rodman cone, with 1/d=7, has been found to be attractive for electromagnetic launch and may have adequate terminal ballistic performance. Stable flight is achieved from the correct distribution of mass within the projectile body. The design provides some flexibility for the armature in that all the armature mass is used for aerodynamic stability. Furthermore, the acceleration can be supported by a simple one-piece armature. A bore rider, which is less than 10% of the total mass, is needed for in-bore stability and structural support at the tungsten/aluminum interface. Work to date has focused on small-caliber applications, but substantial gains can be achieved when the bore size is increased to cannon caliber. General design principles for a mass stabilized projectile are presented. Nearly all aspects of launch, flight, and terminal effects as a function of bore size are addressed. Flight and terminal effects are computed from curve fits to existing experimental data. >
Secondary measles vaccine failure in healthcare workers exposed to infected patients.

Objective To describe 4 healthcare workers who developed measles despite pre-existing antimeasles antibody levels. Design Hospital employees working in patient care areas from July through November 1990 were screened for measles antibody levels using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The clinical course and laboratory evaluation of the 4 healthcare workers who developed measles were reviewed. Setting An academic tertiary care children's hospital. Participants A convenience sample of resident physicians, nurses, ward clerks, Child Life workers, physical and occupational therapists, radiology technicians, and housekeeping staff were screened regardless of age, immunization status, or history of measles infection. Results Of 1,311 employees working in patient care areas, 900 (68.6%) had sera tested for measles antibody. Fourteen (1.5%) were negative, 338 (37.6%) had low positive antibody levels, 372 (41.3%) were mid-positive, and 171 (19%) were high-positive; 5 (0.6%) showed equivocal results. Four healthcare workers vaccinated in the past developed measles. All had positive pre-illness measles antibody levels and all had a significant rise in measles-specific IgG following infection. Three of the them had received at least 2 live measles vaccinations prior to caring for patients with measles. Conclusions These cases raise concerns regarding detection of adequate protective measles immunity. We recommend that all healthcare workers observe respiratory precautions in caring for patients with measles.
An end-to-end probing-based admission control scheme for multimedia applications

This paper proposes a new probing-based admission control scheme in which delay is taken as important admission criterion in conjunction with packet loss rate. The delay feature obtained by probing allows end systems to detect the network state fluctuation more sensitively and quickly without overloading the network. Our proposed approach is able to not only keep very low loss rate, but also provide end-to-end delay upper bound more accurately. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Evaluation of fisheries by-catch and by-product meals in diets for red drum Sciaenops ocellatus L.

This study evaluated various by-catch and by-product meals of marine origin with red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus L.). Four different kinds of by-catch or by-product meals [shrimp by-catch meal from shrimp trawling, Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone)) processing waste meal, red salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum)) head meal, and Pacific whiting (Merluccius productus (Ayres)) meal] were substituted for Special Select menhaden fish meal at 33% or 67% of crude protein in diets formulated to contain 40% crude protein, 12% lipid, and 14.6 kJ digestible energy g-1. Each of these diets and three additional diets consisting of shrimp processing waste meal formulated on a digestible-protein basis and two Pacific whiting diets containing reduced levels of ash were also evaluated in two 6-week feeding trials with juvenile red drum (initial weight of 4-5 and 1-2 g fish1 in trials 1 and 2). Red drum fed by-catch meal at either level of substitution performed as well as fish fed the control diet; whereas, fish fed shrimp processing waste meal diets had significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) reduced weight gain and feed efficiency ratio values compared with the controls, even when fed on a digestible-protein basis. The diets containing Pacific whiting at either levels of substitution and regardless of ash level supported similar performance of red drum as those fed the control diet. Fish fed the red salmon head meal diet fared poorly, probably owing to an excessive amount of lipid in the diet that became rancid. Overall, by-catch meal associated with shrimp trawling and Pacific whiting appear to be suitable protein feedstuffs for red drum.
Oncolytic Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Induces Apoptosis in U87 Glioblastoma Cells by a Type II Death Receptor Mechanism and Induces Cell Death and Tumor Clearance In Vivo

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is a potential oncolytic virus for treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an aggressive brain tumor. Matrix (M) protein mutants of VSV have shown greater selectivity for killing GBM cells versus normal brain cells than VSV with wild-type M protein. The goal of this research was to determine the contribution of death receptor and mitochondrial pathways to apoptosis induced by an M protein mutant (M51R) VSV in U87 human GBM tumor cells. Compared to controls, U87 cells expressing a dominant negative form of Fas (dnFas) or overexpressing Bcl-X(L) had reduced caspase-3 activation following infection with M51R VSV, indicating that both the death receptor pathway and mitochondrial pathways are important for M51R VSV-induced apoptosis. Death receptor signaling has been classified as type I or type II, depending on whether signaling is independent (type I) or dependent on the mitochondrial pathway (type II). Bcl-X(L) overexpression inhibited caspase activation in response to a Fas-inducing antibody, similar to the inhibition in response to M51R VSV infection, indicating that U87 cells behave as type II cells. Inhibition of apoptosis in vitro delayed, but did not prevent, virus-induced cell death. Murine xenografts of U87 cells that overexpress Bcl-X(L) regressed with a time course similar to that of control cells following treatment with M51R VSV, and tumors were not detectable at 21 days postinoculation. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated similar levels of viral antigen expression but reduced activation of caspase-3 following virus treatment of Bcl-X(L)-overexpressing tumors compared to controls. Further, the pathological changes in tumors following treatment with virus were quite different in the presence versus the absence of Bcl-X(L) overexpression. These results demonstrate that M51R VSV efficiently induces oncolysis in GBM tumor cells despite deregulation of apoptotic pathways, underscoring its potential use as a treatment for GBM.
The Icarus paradox revisited: how strong performance sows the seeds of dysfunction in future strategic decision-making

This article reports on two studies that examine the relationship between performance and strategic issue-framing and decision-processing.The results suggest strong performance promotes a defensive mindset that may lead to dysfunctional outcomes. Study 1 draws its data from 51 CEOs and shows that performance is associated with framing issues as threats rather than opportunities. Study 2 draws its data from 45 top management teams and shows that performance is associated with less comprehensiveness in decision-making. Implications of these findings provide insights into why organizations that perform well sometimes squander their success subsequently through poor decision-making.
Modelling ICT integration in teacher education courses using distributed cognition as a framework

Teacher education students have a significant role to play in the sustained application of ICT in schools. It is imperative therefore, that they are exposed to effective use of ICT in their training. However, 'effective use' is subjective and existing characterisations of this construct appear to drive different ICT implementation plans adopted by teacher education institutions (Steketee, 2005). While most of these plans have achieved varying degrees of success, the 'integration approach', has been the most promising. By integrating ICT as a learning resource during regular classes, lecturers are exposing students to innovative ways of learning. This exposure, however, must be supported by a relevant implementation framework if the potential of ICT is to be realised. The distributed learning environment framework (DLE) provides this support as it gives lecturers insight into what their classroom context should look and feel like if they are to encourage students to access technology as powerful learning tools. The principles underlying the DLE are explored in this paper. The learning outcomes to emerge from its introduction of an electronic concept-mapping tool into a teacher-education program are also discussed. These outcomes suggest that the DLE is a valuable catalyst for the successful application of ICT in teacher training, and subsequently in schools.
Factors influencing individual management preferences for facilitating adaptation to climate change within the National Wildlife Refuge System.

National Wildlife Refuge System policies reference both historical condition and naturalness, but these concepts may not be valid management goals in a world with rapid climate change. Currently, within the refuge system, managers and biologists can individually decide whether management actions to maintain historical condition (retrospective) or actions to promote and enhance future condition (prospective) are appropriate. In February 2008, we surveyed 203 refuge system managers and biologists (via email) about climate change and management strategies to facilitate adaptation to climate change. Our goal was to explore factors that influence preference for retrospective or prospective strategies. Most managers and biologists (76%) believe that climate change has already influenced their refuge, but land-use change and invasive species were considered more important landscape drivers. We did not find evidence that refuge purpose or inclusion of climate change in planning documents influenced individual preferences about strategies to facilitate adaptation. However, managers and biologists who conceptualize climate change as anthropogenic in origin were more likely to prefer retrospective strategies. Written responses indicate that managers and biologists prefer historical condition, but believe that retrospective strategies will be costly or impossible. Written comments also indicate that managers and biologists prefer strategies that allow species to adapt naturally and without intervention. We conclude that land management agencies need to provide the rationale for how climate change should be conceptualized in the short and long terms. Explicitly addressing conservation values may help to refine agency priorities in a rapidly changing world and to build the consensus necessary to strategically coordinate management across individual units in conservation reserves. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Advances in surgery of the newborn.

Substantial progress has occurred in the field of pediatric surgery and in particular, in the approach to surgical diseases of the newborn. This progress is due to many factors including advances in instrumentation, an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of disease entities and a greater ability to support critically ill neonates. In addition, improved prenatal diagnostic techniques have allowed optimal planning for perinatal care. This article will review several pediatric surgical diseases in which significant progress has been recorded.
Dynamic non-reciprocal meta-surfaces with arbitrary phase reconfigurability based on photonic transition in meta-atoms

We introduce a distinct class of dynamic non-reciprocal meta-surfaces with arbitrary phase-reconfigurability. This meta-surface consists of an array of meta-atoms, each of which is subject to temporal refractive index modulation, which induces photonic transitions between the states of the meta-atom. We show that arbitrary phase profile for the outgoing wave can be achieved by controlling the phase of the modulation at each meta-atom. Moreover, such dynamic meta-surfaces exhibit non-reciprocal response without the need for magneto-optical effects. The use of photonic transition significantly enhances the tunability and the possible functionalities of meta-surfaces.
Young Children's Reports of When Events Occurred: Do Event Type and Assessment Method Matter?

Studying young children's reporting about when various events occurred informs about the development of episodic memory and metacognition. In two experiments, 55 3- to 5-year-old children participated in two activity sessions, a week apart. During the activity sessions, they learned novel animal facts and body movements, and they coloured animal pictures and posed for body movement photos. Immediately after the second activity session, children were interviewed about when they experienced the various events. Overall, children were as accurate about learning events as physical events, but they were more accurate when asked temporal distance (e.g. ‘Which did you learn a longer time ago, “X” or “Y”?’) than temporal location questions (e.g. ‘Which did you learn before today, “X” or “Y”?’). The results suggest that young children's apparent difficulty recognizing new learning is not due to a rapid ‘remember-to-know shift’. Rather, the way we ask young children about when they experienced various events determines their accuracy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Guide to Interest on Overpayments and Underpayments of Internal Revenue Taxes

Drew believes that controversies between taxpayers and the government over the computation of interest on overpayments and underpayments of tax have become increasingly common in recent years. The interest provisions of chapter 67 of the code are quite complex, he argues, and this report analyzes the rules regarding the imposition of interest on overpayments and underpayments of internal revenue taxes and the rules that govern resolution of disputes over interest. Those issues can be traps for the unwary for practitioners handling tax controversies. According to Drew, he says that practitioners cannot assume that the computation of interest will be a simple mathematical exercise following resolution of a substantive tax dispute. Drew advises a practitioner handling tax controversies must have a familiarity with the general rules regarding interest and the many exceptions thereto. In this report, the author provides an overview of the rules and exceptions, as well as practical advice regarding the litigation of interest disputes.