cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential processing of semicircular canal signals in the vestibulo- ocular reflex

Selective semicircular canal inactivation and three-dimensional eye movement recordings have been used to investigate the spatial organization of vestibular signals in the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) of rhesus monkeys. In animals with one pair of semicircular canals inactivated, afferent activity no longer codes all spatial components of head angular velocity. if it were the activation pattern of semicircular canal afferents alone that determines VOR slow phase eye velocity, the head velocity components along the sensitivity vectors of the remaining intact semicircular canals would determine the orientation of slow phase eye velocity. Thus, angular head velocity and slow phase eye velocity would not necessarily always align. Alternatively, if vestibulo-ocular signals coded absolute angular head motion in space based on both semicircular canal and otolith afferent information, one might expect a spatial transformation of the encoded head angular velocity signals such that slow phase eye velocity and angular head velocity continue to spatially align. Examination of the VOR at different frequencies between 0.01 Hz and 1 Hz revealed a frequency-specific spatial organization of vestibulo-ocular signals. Mid and high frequency vestibulo-ocular responses were determined exclusively by the orientation of the sensitivity vectors of the remaining intact semicircular canals. In contrasts, low frequency vestibulo-ocular responses were largely determined by the orientation of the head relative to gravity. These low frequency responses after selective semicircular canal inactivation could be predicted and simulated by a simple model where semicircular canal signals are spatially transformed from a head-fixed to a space-fixed (inertial) representation of angular head velocity. These findings suggest that low frequency vestibulo-ocular responses are dominated by inertial vestibular signals that detect absolute head motion in space based on both semicircular canal and otolith afferent information. Inertial vestibular signals are likely to contribute to head control and motor coordination of gaze, head and body posture.
Conformal direct written antenna on structural composites

The experimental studies of a conformal direct written antenna is presented. Investigation results of transmission lines fabricated using direct writing are presented followed by array results. It is shown that a direct written array on structural composite operates at around 2 GHz and can direct its beams in the 45 and −45 degree directions with the help of a metal reflector placed 1 inch below the array surface. The array provides a peak gain of 7 dBi.
A model-combined estimator of elasticity of scale

Zellner and Ryu examined several popular specifications of elasticity of scale that characterizes production functions. This note goes further by combining these functional forms and proposing a model-averaged estimator of elasticity of scale. The methodology used in Bayesin Model Averaging, and the procedure is illustrated by an empirical example. Results show that the data clearly prefer some models over the others, but it can be difficult to select a model that overwhelmingly dominates the rest. This model-combined estimator of elasticity of scale is free of choosing a single specification from many competing ones. Moreover, this approach is readily applicable to comparable issues regarding production functions.
Computer-assisted prediction of by-products for industrial organic reactions

Abstract Prediction of by-products for industrial reactions is central to the design of chemical process plants. By-products are formed in every chemical reaction used to transform raw materials into desired products. It is important for the designer to know what by-products can possible form, in the event that they are explosive or toxic in nature. Also, since the formation of by-products is related to the reaction conditions, attempts to optimize the process conditions requires knowledge about the type and amounts of the by-products formed. In this paper, the problem of predicting by-products has been formalized. An interactive computer program named PRODUCTS, an acronym for Prediction of Reasonable Organic Derivatives Using Computer Techniques has been developed to predict the by-products formed in organic reactions. The program uses a data-base of sub-structure and mechanistic reactions to generate possible by-products. By-products have been generated by the PRODUCTS program for an alkane oxidation example.
Monomethylamine oxidation over palladium catalysts

Abstract Oxidation of monomethylamine (MMA) over monolith-based catalysts has been studied as a pollutant abatement technology. The operating parameters of pollutant concentration and reactor residence time are similar to those found in exhaust stream treatment facilities. Product distribution as a function of temperature has been quantified. Palladium supported on alumina shows the ability for complete oxidation of monomethylamine to carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water. The effect of nickel oxide as an additive to palladium supported on alumina has been studied. Reactivity to complete oxidation products was determined as Pd + alumina > Pd + NiO + alumina > alumina. The decomposition of MMA was determined to occur through parallel reaction pathways. Alumina was primarily responsible for MMA adsorption and dehydrogenation. Palladium played a more significant role as an active site for C-N bond splitting and oxidation to CO2 and water. The dehydrogenation pathway was active even near room temperature.
Enhancement of the CD8+ T cell response to a subdominant epitope of respiratory syncytial virus by deletion of an immunodominant epitope

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are critical for the control of respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV) in humans and mice. Recently, we identified a new H-2K(d)-restricted subdominant epitope in the respiratory syncytial virus M2 protein. In this study, we investigated if modification of anchor residues at positions 2 and 9 in the dominant M2(82-90) epitope in the M2 protein would alter the CTL epitope dominance hierarchy following immunization with plasmid DNA encoding M2 proteins. We showed that immunogenicity of the subdominant epitope M2(127-135) was enhanced when the anchor residues of the dominant epitope were mutated, suggesting that the immunodominant epitope induces a suppression of response to the subdominant epitope.
Predicting injury in young cross country runners with the self‐motivation inventory

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relationship between the scores of young cross country runners on the Self‐Motivation Inventory (SMI) and their performance and severity of injury during a single season of competition. Although no relationship was found between the SMI and performance, a strong relationship was discovered between SMI scores and severe, season‐ending injuries, particularly in females.
Structural identification of the silicon and nitrogen dangling‐bond centers in amorphous silicon nitride

We report the observation of both silicon and nitrogen paramagnetic defect centers using X‐band and Q‐band electron spin resonance microwave excitation frequencies. By using two different microwave frequencies along with a computer analysis of the resonance lineshapes, we have been able to confirm and extend earlier observations regarding the chemical identity of these paramagnetic defects. Specifically, we provide additional evidence that the silicon dangling bond, i.e., K center, is an unpaired electron on a silicon atom bonded to three nitrogen atoms in stoichiometric silicon nitride. We further demonstrate that the g tensor of the K center exhibits very little anisotropy and that the lineshape is broadened primarily by hyperfine interactions of the nitrogens bonded to the silicon atom. We also confirm that the recently observed nitrogen dangling‐bond resonance in silicon nitride is indeed due to a hyperfine interaction with a nitrogen nucleus. This improved understanding of these two important paramagnetic defects may be of importance in eliminating or perhaps exploiting their chemical properties.
EEG alpha variants and alpha power in Hispanic American and white non-Hispanic American young adults with a family history of alcohol dependence.

Abstract Results from several studies support associations among variants in electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha voltage, alcohol dependence, ethnic heritage, and a family history of alcohol dependence, although no studies have as yet been conducted in individuals of Hispanic ethnicity. Categorization of EEG, by using spectral analyses, into high-, medium-, and low-voltage alpha, as well as absolute EEG power in alpha and beta frequency ranges, was carried out for Hispanic American ( n =108) and white non-Hispanic American ( n =269) young adult men and women (age range, 18 to 25 years) who had a family history, but no personal history, of alcohol dependence. Eighteen percent ( n =70) of the participants were categorized as having a low-voltage alpha EEG, 16% had high-voltage alpha, and 64% had medium-voltage alpha. In comparison with findings for men, women were found to have higher overall power in the low frequency alpha (7.5–9 Hz) and beta (12–20 Hz, 20–50 Hz) frequency ranges. Hispanic Americans had a lower percentage of individuals in the low-voltage alpha group (9%) and more individuals in the medium-voltage alpha group (73%) compared with findings for white non-Hispanic Americans (low-voltage alpha, 19%; medium-voltage alpha, 62%). Results of the current study confirm the presence of ethnic stratification in EEG alpha variants.
A data-driven methodology for assessing impact of earthquakes on the health of building structural systems

A data-driven approach for post-earthquake posting of buildings is presented. The approach is based on the analysis of residuals obtained as differences between measured responses and reference signals computed using a set of observers. The observers are particular to every output channel and can be described as mathematical structures that offer a reference signal for the channel in question when response at all the other channels is prescribed. The basic feature of the reference signals is that when there is no damage they closely match the actual measurements. The time histories of the residuals are used to calculate two metrics: the first one measures the extent of nonlinearity and the second captures how much the nonlinear response leads to permanent loss of stiffness. A suggested mapping from the selected metrics to the current ATC-20 posting categories is provided. The approach is tested, with encouraging results, using a number of buildings taken from the CSMIP database.
Pedunculated polyp of posterior urethra

Abstract A case of posterior urethral polyp presenting with gross hematuria and mild obstructive symptoms is reported.
Inhibition of NAD biosynthesis by paraquat in Escherichia coli

Abstract Niacin significantly reduced the bacteristatic effect of 1 mM paraquat for Escherichia coli . Without niacin (an intermediate in the salvage pathway for pyridine nucleotide coenzyme biosynthesis), the NAD concentration was decreased rapidly and significantly in E. coli during paraquat poisoning. Niacin prevented the decline in NAD in paraquat-poisoned cells; quinolinate (an intermediate in de novo NAD biosynthesis prior to the entry point of niacin) did not. These data suggest that paraquat poisons the de novo pathway of pyridine nucleotide coenzyme biosynthesis. Similar consequences have been reported to result from hyperbaric oxygen poisoning of E. coli ; thus, there is growing evidence for a common mechanism of toxicity for hyperoxia and paraquat.
Alteration of the neurofilament sidearm and its relation to neurofilament compaction occurring with traumatic axonal injury

Traumatic injury evokes two characteristic forms of focal axonal injury, one of which involves focal perturbation of axolemmal permeability associated with rapid compaction of the underlying axonal neurofilament lattice and microtubular loss. In this process, the neurofilament sidearms have been the subject of intense scrutiny in relation to their role in this NF compaction, with the suggestion that the sidearms, thought to maintain interfilament distance, are proteolytically cleaved and degraded at the time of injury. The current communication addresses the fate of the NF sidearms in such injured axons. Adult cats were subjected to moderate/severe fluid percussion brain injury after intrathecal administration of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). This tracer, excluded by the intact axolemma of uninjured axons, was used to recognize injured axons via HRP intra-axonal uptake/flooding with HRP. Animals were perfused and processed for light microscopic and electron microscopic study of both HRP-containing and non-HRP-containing axons from the same field. HRP-containing axons consistently displayed evidence of traumatically-induced (NF) cytoskeletal collapse. Electron micrographs of HRP-containing axons as well as uninjured, non-HRP-containing axons from the same fields were videographically captured, digitized, enlarged and analysed for NF sidearm length and NF density. HRP-containing axons were found to have increased NF density. Surprisingly, this increased NF density occurred despite the retention of the NF sidearms, which now, however, were reduced in height in comparison to the non-HRP-containing uninjured axons. These observations are not consistent with previously published reports suggesting that overt proteolytic degradation of sidearms was responsible for NF compaction. Based on our findings, we suggest that the NF compaction associated with traumatically-induced axolemmal permeability changes may have its genesis in more subtle sidearm modification, perhaps involving a change in phosphorylation state.
Why do we need a three-dimensional architecture of the ligand-binding domain of the nuclear 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor?☆

Abstract Highly specific binding of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3) by vitamin D receptor (VDR), a nuclear transcriptional factor, activates a genomic mechanism that is manifested in the multiple biologic properties of 1α,25(OH)2D3. Numerous synthetic analogs of 1α,25(OH)2D3 have been employed to study the interaction between 1α,25(OH)2D3 and VDR, and to identify structural markers in 1α,25(OH)2D3 that are important for VDR-binding. On the other hand the three-dimensional structure of VDR remained elusive till very recently. In the present study we employed affinity labeling (by 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-3-bromoacetate, 1α,25(OH)2D3-3-BE) of VDR to identify C288 as the anchoring residue for the 3-hydroxyl group of 1α,25(OH)2D3 inside the ligand-binding domain of VDR (VDR-LBD). In addition we carried out mutation/hormone-binding analyses to determine the importance of M284 and W286 toward hormone binding. We incorporated this information with the three-dimensional structure of the LBD of progesterone receptor to develop a homology-extension model of VDR-LBD. This model identified several amino acid residues as ligand-contact points inside the LBD. Mutational and hormone-binding analyses of these residues verified the structure-functional authenticity of this model, in comparison with the crystal structure of VDR, bound to 1α,25(OH)2D3.
Silicon-based glancing incidence reflection superposition lens

ABSTRACT Many topics of interest for neutron scattering demand small sampling volumes. Then the scattering instruments should include focusing devices in order to deliver a sharp spatially shaped neutron beam at the sample position. Moreover the wavelength bandwidth should be sufficiently large if time-of-flight method is used. In this contribution a new compact focusing device is proposed. The device is made of a stack of bent silicon wafers, each having a glancing reflective layer deposited on one side and a neutron absorbing layer on the other side. This device acts as a lens by superposing the images delivered by individual mirrors. The aberrations are minimized due to the short length of the device. From this point of view this type of superposition lens is equivalent to a long elliptic or parabolic mirror. Consequently a two dimensional focusing could be obtained by combining two devices in a Kirkpatrik-Baez set-up. Basic design principles are described and Monte-Carlo simulation results are presented. Possible applications in neutron instrumentation are reviewed. Keywords: neutron optics, neutron scattering instrumentation, supermirror, pulsed neutron source
American Joint Committee on Cancer Classification of Uveal Melanoma (Anatomic Stage) Predicts Prognosis in 7,731 Patients: The 2013 Zimmerman Lecture.

Purpose To analyze the clinical features and prognosis of posterior uveal melanoma based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) (7th edition) tumor staging. Design Retrospective interventional case series. Participants A total of 7731 patients. Methods Uveal melanoma management. Main Outcome Measures Melanoma-related metastasis and death. Results Of 7731 patients with posterior uveal (ciliary body and choroidal) melanoma, the AJCC tumor staging was stage I in 2767 (36%), stage II in 3735 (48%), stage III in 1220 (16%), and stage IV in 9 ( P P P P P P P P P Conclusions Compared with uveal melanoma classified as AJCC stage I, the rate of metastasis/death was 3 times greater for stage II, 9 to 10 times greater for stage III, and further greater for stage IV. Early detection of posterior uveal melanoma, at a point when the tumor is small, can be lifesaving.
Investigation of Tunneling States Using the Spin-Phonon Interaction. I. Experiment

Phonons in KCl doped with small amounts of LiCl or KCN are known to be strongly scattered at discrete energies by tunneling states of the impurity ions. The effect of a magnetic field on the low-temperature thermal conductivity of doped KCl containing $R$ centers was used to study this resonant scattering of phonons by C${\mathrm{N}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and $^{6}\mathrm{Li}^{+}$ impurity ions. By means of this technique it was possible to resolve the tunneling resonance in KCl:C${\mathrm{N}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ into two components. The resonant energies were 1.1 and 2.0 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The resonances in K${\mathrm{C}\mathrm{l}:}^{6}$Li were found to consist of three components: 1.0, 1.72, and 2.70 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The effect of an applied electric field in the 100g direction on the tunneling resonances of the Li ion was measured in fields of up to 12 kV/cm. The Devonshire model with potential minima for 100g orientations was applied to C${\mathrm{N}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ions in KCl. Good agreement between the predicted and measured tunneling energies was obtained with model parameters which also agree with the results of studies using other techniques. The observed tunneling energies of the $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$ ion were compared with the $X{Y}_{8}$ tunneling model of Gomez, and values of the tunneling parameters were deduced from the measured energies. The variations which were observed in the level spacing imply that although tunneling along the cube edge predominates, a significant amount takes place through the center of the unit cell, but that face-diagonal tunneling is negligible within experimental error. Using certain approximations to calculate the tunneling parameters from specific model potentials, agreement could be obtained between the measured energy levels and the levels of the $X{Y}_{8}$ tunneling model. Agreement with the observed levels could not be obtained using an elliptical potential well. The measured effects of an electric field on the resonances of the K${\mathrm{C}\mathrm{l}:}^{6}$Li system are consistent within experimental error with the predictions of the $X{Y}_{8}$ tunneling model and with the results of measurements using other techniques.
More Coffee, Less Crime? The Relationship between Gentrification and Neighborhood Crime Rates in Chicago, 1991 to 2005:

This study examines the relationship between gentrification and neighborhood crime rates by measuring the growth and geographic spread of one of gentrification's most prominent symbols: coffee shop...
Observations On the Relationship Between Octolasmis Grayii (Darwin, 1851) (Cirripedia, Thoracica) and Certain Marine Snakes (Hydrophiidae)

Over 1300 marine snakes were examined for epifaunal organisms. Thirteen species were found with the obligate epizoite barnacle, Octolasmis grayii. The sea snake Lapemis hardwickii had one of the higher rates of infestation and the distribution of O. grayii was examined in more detail for this species. In L. bardwickii estimates of infestation rates varied from 29% to 75%. The number of barnacles per snake varied (0-62) but of those snakes bearing barnacles most had only a few (1-3). The distribution of barnacles over the body of the snakes is not random. Many more barnacles are found on the posterior quarter of the body (s-v) and tail, and the barnacles show a definite tendency to clump locally. O. grayii grows to about 14.0 mm total length and becomes reproductively active at about 3.3 mm. Several stages of its life cycle are illustrated. Among them are: the attachment of the cyprid larva and the subsequent rotation to the adult position; a sub-adult, or recently metamorphosed form; and a gravid adult. At the time of attachment to the snake scale the larvae show a definite (93%, n = 100) anterior-posterior orientation parallel to the anterior-posterior axis of the snake and facing anteriorly. The cement pad secreted by the barnacle has an intimate relationship to the scale surface and its microomamentation but apparently does not permeate its surface.
Quantum theory of an optical maser. III - Theory of photoelectron counting statistics.

Quantum mechanics method for obtaining photocount distribution from optical maser photoelectron counting statistics
Using focus groups to explore the nature of prayer in late life

Abstract The purpose of this article is to present results from a series of focus groups that were designed to explore the nature and personal meaning of prayer in late life. Eight focus groups were conducted consisting of 63 adults age 65 and older. Three major themes associated with prayer emerged from the group discussions. First, study participants identified a number of beliefs about how prayer operates, including beliefs about the timing and nature of answers to prayers. Second, some participants felt it was important to distinguish between group and individual prayers. In the process, they discussed several ways in which the nature and impact of group and individual prayers may differ. Third, participants in our focus groups helped clarify what initially appeared to be a rather passive approach to the use of prayer during difficult times.
Toward a user-level real-time transport protocol with selective reliability

Application-controlled congestion control and feedback serve to support latency-sensitive streaming media applications. Moving parts of the protocol processing into user space is one of the promising techniques for providing applications with the flexibility of network control. This paper presents a user-level implementation of the transport functionality to support real-time streaming media applications. This transport functionality consists of a supportive framework and a selective retransmission method. The supportive framework facilitates the interaction between a real-time streaming media application and the user-level implementation of a transport protocol stack. The selective retransmission method allows an application to control the transmission of packets. The prominent feature of this user-level transport functionality is its ability of enabling real-time streaming media applications to control the transmission of data packets.
Partial Function Introducing of the Management System of Ultrasonic Digital Image in Visual C++.Net Condition

This paper presents the management system of ultrasonic digital image. The system is put forward because PACS technology prevails with various hospitals. The idea that we put forward the system is that we use modem computer and network technology setting up the mini-PACS
Heat capacities of 0.0150 mol·kg−1 NaCl(aq) from 604 to 718 K at 32 MPa☆

The difference in heat capacity between water and 0.0150 mol·kg−1 NaCl(aq) was measured from 604 to 718 K at 32 MPa with a modified flow calorimeter. The apparent molar heat capacities of NaCl(aq) calculated from these results drop quickly to a minimum. Cp, φ = −18000 J·K−1·mol−1 at 668 K, rise to a maximum Cp, φ = 12000 J·K−1·mol−1 at 686 K, and then decrease. These very large and rapidly varying effects are due to the proximity to the critical point of the solvent. The qualitative behavior of Cp, φ is predicted by theories of dilute solutions near the critical point of the solvent. The magnitude of the effects are not predicted by these theories. These are the first measurements of heat capacities of aqueous solutions near the critical point of water.
Electrodiagnosis of Brachial Plexopathies and Proximal Upper Extremity Neuropathies

This article describes the normal anatomy of the brachial plexus and its major terminal branches, as well as the major causes and clinical presentations of lesions of these structures. An approach to electrodiagnosis of brachial plexopathies and proximal upper extremity neuropathies is provided, with an emphasis on those nerve conduction studies and portions of the needle examination, which permit localization of lesions to specific trunks, cords, and terminal branches. The importance of specific sensory nerve conduction studies for differentiating plexopathies from radiculopathies and mononeuropathies is emphasized.
Effects of computer-assisted instruction on correct responding and procedural integrity during early intensive behavioral intervention

Abstract Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is used to teach a variety of skills to children with developmental disabilities. However, it remains unclear whether CAI or direct instruction from a therapist produces better learning outcomes. In addition, no studies have evaluated the ease of training therapists to implement CAI versus direct instruction. In the first experiment, the current study compared acquisition of mastered and unmastered targets during generalization training with CAI or one-on-one instruction with a child diagnosed with autism. Although correct responding was similar across CAI and one-on-one instruction, independent responding was higher during CAI. In the second experiment, we compared procedural integrity during teaching trials conducted either via CAI or one-on-one instruction by three inexperienced therapists. The therapists read a protocol and asked questions prior to implementation of the instructional trials. Results indicated that each therapist implemented CAI with 90–100% accuracy by the second session, whereas procedural integrity levels were 60% or lower during one-on-one instruction. The advantages of using CAI to promote independent responding during generalization training and procedural integrity for inexperience therapists are discussed.
An analysis of the effect of inventory record inaccuracy in a two-echelon supply chain

This paper examines the effect of inventory record inaccuracy within the context of a two-echelon supply chain. The system consists of an external supplier, a distribution centre, and a retail level. Each location operates under an (R, Q) reorder point reorder quantity inventory control policy with backordering permitted. The model introduces count-based discrepancies into the inventory records and measures the effect on system performance at the locations and throughout the supply chain. A set of simulation experiments examines two fundamental methods to mitigate the effect of inaccurate inventory records: carrying extra inventory to protect against the errors and using cycle counting procedures to correct the records over time. In addition, the effect of learning through the use of cycle counting procedures and error reduction methods and the effect of non-compliance (not correcting records) within the system are explored. The results indicate that cycle counting can have significant positive effects within the entire supply chain. In addition, the experiments show that the learning effect has benefits both locally and throughout the supply chain. The results also show that non-compliance to the cycle counting procedure by locations within the chain can have significant detrimental effects on supply chain partners and overall supply chain performance.
Biochemical characterization of a Naegleria TET-like oxygenase and its application in single molecule sequencing of 5-methylcytosine

Modified DNA bases in mammalian genomes, such as 5-methylcytosine ( 5m C) and its oxidized forms, are implicated in important epigenetic regulation processes. In human or mouse, successive enzymatic conversion of 5m C to its oxidized forms is carried out by the ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins. Previously we reported the structure of a TET-like 5m C oxygenase (NgTET1) from Naegleria gruberi , a single-celled protist evolutionarily distant from vertebrates. Here we show that NgTET1 is a 5-methylpyrimidine oxygenase, with activity on both 5m C (major activity) and thymidine (T) (minor activity) in all DNA forms tested, and provide unprecedented evidence for the formation of 5-formyluridine ( 5f U) and 5-carboxyuridine ( 5ca U) in vitro. Mutagenesis studies reveal a delicate balance between choice of 5m C or T as the preferred substrate. Furthermore, our results suggest substrate preference by NgTET1 to 5m CpG and TpG dinucleotide sites in DNA. Intriguingly, NgTET1 displays higher T-oxidation activity in vitro than mammalian TET1, supporting a closer evolutionary relationship between NgTET1 and the base J-binding proteins from trypanosomes. Finally, we demonstrate that NgTET1 can be readily used as a tool in 5m C sequencing technologies such as single molecule, real-time sequencing to map 5m C in bacterial genomes at base resolution.
Downtown Vitality Factors Influencing the Use of Dining and Entertainment Facilities

The changing function of downtowns from dominant centers to specialized service and office centers has made the maintenance of a vital downtown more problematic. The data are derived from a telephone survey of 735 city and suburban residents of metropolitan Atlanta. The analysis explores the impact of demographic, social background, and familiarity variables, as well as cognitive images, affective responses, and evaluative assessment on the use of downtown dining and entertainment facilities. Findings include the following: (1) people who go downtown regularly or work downtown and people who have a greater affective attachment to the area are more likely to participate in downtown drinking and dining activities and (2) younger, better educated, higher status adults and people who have a greater affective attachment to the area are more likely to go downtown for entertainment.
High-performance Sagnac interferometer using uncooled detectors for infrared hyperspectral applications

Results of field testing of a LWIR hyperspectral imager based on a Sagnac interferometer and uncooled microbolometer array are presented. Signal to noise ratios of nearly 1000 are found for 30 bands across the LWIR (8-14 microns) at useful data collection rates (7000 spectra/second). Spectra are compared to those collected simultaneously with a cryogenic LWIR hyperspectral system (U. Hawaii AHI).
Femtosecond photodichroism studies of isolated photosystem II reaction centers.

Abstract Photosynthetic conversion of light energy into chemical potential begins in reaction center protein complexes, where rapid charge separation occurs with nearly unit quantum efficiency. Primary charge separation was studied in isolated photosystem II reaction centers from spinach containing 6 chlorophyll a, 2 pheophytin a (Pheo), 1 cytochrome b559, and 2 beta-carotene molecules. Time-resolved pump-probe kinetic spectroscopy was carried out with 105-fs time resolution and with the pump laser polarized parallel, perpendicular, and at the magic angle (54.7 degrees) relative to the polarized probe beam. The time evolution of the transient absorption changes due to the formation of the oxidized primary electron donor P680+ and the reduced primary electron acceptor Pheo- were measured at 820 nm and 545 nm, respectively. In addition, kinetics were obtained at 680 nm, the wavelength ascribed to the Qy transition of the primary electron donor P680 in the reaction center. At each measured probe wavelength the kinetics of the transient absorption changes can be fit to two major kinetic components. The relative amplitudes of these components are strongly dependent on the polarization of the pump beam relative to that of the probe. At the magic angle, where no photoselection occurs, the amplitude of the 3-ps component, which is indicative of the charge separation, dominates. When the primary electron acceptor Pheo is reduced prior to P680 excitation, the 3-ps component is eliminated.
Hydrodynamic pair diffusion in isotropic random velocity fields with application to turbulent coagulation

Diffusion and coagulation are investigated in a random, isotropic flow in the presence of hydrodynamic interactions, interparticle forces, and Brownian diffusion. Different strain and rotation rate time scales characterize the velocity field and the particles are assumed small compared with the characteristic length of the flow, so that the velocity field is linear in the vicinity of the particles. The pair probability equation for the relative motion of two particles is written in terms of a diffusion tensor and a drift velocity. This technique is valid in the limit of small strain, i.e., when the product of the characteristic velocity gradient and time scale of the fluctuating velocity gradient is small. A consequence of the drift velocity is that, at steady state in a noncoagulating system, the pair probability distribution is nonuniform when hydrodynamic interactions are included, and there is a higher probability of particle pairs at close proximity. The pair probability conservation equation is used...
Urethral duplication with chordee – surgical management

Background Urethral duplication may be evident at birth or may present later in childhood with a double urinary stream, or infection. Methods In a retrospective review at 3 institutions, 13 cases of urethral duplication were identified between 1987-2004, ranging in age from 1 day to 14 years. Evaluation consisted of radiographic imaging, intraoperative urethroscopy and artificial erections. The urethral configuration, meatal position, presence of chordee and any associated anomalies were assessed. Results All boys were identified with a double meatus of which 54% had epispadias and 15% had hypospadias with a relatively normal position of the anomalous meatus. Voiding cystography or a retrograde urethrogram was beneficial to classify these lesions. Vesicoureteral reflux or ureteral ectopia was present in 15 of boys. According to the classification proposed by Effman – 15% of boys were Type II A1 and the balance were Type II A2. Operative management consisted of dorsal urethrectomy, often with release of suspensory ligament, in order to fully resect the extra urethra, as well as chordeelysis or ventral penile plication in 69% of patients. Surgical techniques will be reviewed. Surgery was uniformally successful with follow –up of 10 months-16 years. Conclusions Dorsal urethrectomy is curative for urethral duplication with concomitant chordeelysis or plication. Surgery should ideally be accomplished during infancy, as genital resconstructive surgery is best tolerated in this age group.
Effect of estradiol on estrogen receptor-alpha gene expression and activity can be modulated by the ErbB2/PI 3-K/Akt pathway.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and heregulin-β1 (HRG-β1), can modulate the expression and activity of the estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K)/Akt pathway in the ER-α-positive breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. Estradiol can also rapidly activate PI 3-K/Akt in these cells (nongenomic effect). The recent study examines whether Akt is involved in the ER-α regulation by estradiol (genomic effect). Stable transfection of parental MCF-7 cells with a dominant-negative Akt mutant, as well as the PI 3-K inhibitors wortmannin and LY 294,002, blocked the effect of estradiol on ER-α expression and activity by 70–80 and 55–63%, respectively. Stable transfection of MCF-7 cells with a constitutively active Akt mimicked the effect of estradiol. The changes in ER-α expression and activity were abrogated in response to estradiol by an arginine to cysteine mutation in the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of Akt (R25C), suggesting the involvement of this amino acid in the interaction between Akt and ER-α. Experiments employing selective ErbB inhibitors demonstrate that the effect of estradiol on ER-α expression and activity is mediated by ErbB2 and not by EGFR. Moreover, anchorage-dependent and -independent growth assays, cell cycle and membrane ruffling analyses showed that Akt exerts estrogen-like activity on cell growth and membrane ruffling and that a selective ErbB2 inhibitor, but not anti-ErbB2 antibodies directed to the extracellular domain, can block these effects. In the presence of constitutively active Akt, tamoxifen only partially inhibits cell growth. In contrast, in cells stably transfected with either a dominant-negative Akt or with R25C-Akt, as well as in parental cells in the presence of a selective ErbB2 inhibitor, the effect of estradiol on anchorage-dependent and -independent cell growth was inhibited by 50–75 and 100%, respectively. Dominant-negative Akt inhibited membrane ruffling by 54%; however, R25C-Akt did not have any effect, suggesting that kinase activity plays an important role in this process. Scatchard analysis demonstrated a 67% reduction in estrogen-binding capacity in cells transfected with constitutively active Akt. No change in binding affinity of estradiol to the receptor was observed upon transfection with either Akt mutant. Taken together, our results suggest that estradiol treatment results in binding to membrane ER-α and interaction with a heterodimer containing ErbB2, leading to tyrosine phosphorylation. This results in the activation of PI 3-K and Akt. Akt, in turn, may interact with nuclear ER-α, altering its expression and activity.
A modified Nyquist stability test for use in computer-aided design

This note shows that the Nyquist stability criterion is not a convenient tool for use in computer-aided design of feedback systems. A substitute graphical test is proposed which is more suitable for use in CAD.
Thermal relaxation in strained InGaAs/GaAs heterostructures

The kinetics of strain relaxation during annealing of epitaxial InGaAs films grown on GaAs by MOCVD at atmospheric pressure was studied by optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The density of misfit dislocations and crosshatching was measured as a function of annealing temperature and annealing time. These experiments show that the generation of misfit dislocations during the annealing process is thermally activated. The kinetic rate constant increases as thickness increases. After long annealing times, the sample reaches its steady-state condition in which a residual strain apparently still exists. Apparently this residual strain is not accommodated by misfit dislocations and does not change with annealing temperature nor sample thickness.
Two-level BEOL processing for rapid iteration in MRAM development

The implementation of magnetic random access memory (MRAM) hinges on complex magnetic film stacks and several critical steps in back-end-of-line (BEOL) processing. Although intended for use in conjunction with silicon CMOS front-end device drivers, MRAM performance is not limited by CMOS technology. We report here on a novel test site design and an associated thin-film process integration scheme which permit relatively inexpensive, rapid characterization of the critical elements in MRAM device fabrication. The test site design incorporates circuitry consistent with the use of a large-area planar base electrode to enable a processing scheme with only two photomask levels. The thin-film process integration scheme is a modification of standard BEOL processing to accommodate temperature-sensitive magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) and poor-shear-strength magnetic film interfaces. Completed test site wafers are testable with high-speed probing techniques, permitting characterization of large numbers of MTJs for statistically significant analyses. The approach described in this paper provides an inexpensive means for rapidly iterating on MRAM development alternatives to converage on an implementation suitable for a production environment.
Five year colorectal cancer outcomes in a large negative CT colonography screening cohort.

Objectives To assess the 5-year incidence of clinically presenting colorectal cancers following a negative CT colonography (CTC) screening examination, as few patient outcome data regarding a negative CTC screening result exist.
Visualization of high resolution spatial mass spectrometric data during acquisition

Mass Spectrometric Imaging (MSI) allows the generation of 2D ion density maps that help visualize molecules present in sections of tissues and cells. The combination of spatial resolution and mass resolution results in very large and complex data sets. New capabilities are necessary for efficient analysis and interpretation of this data. This work details the development and application of the capability to process, visualize, query, and analyze spatial mass spectrometry data. Applications include the generation of 2D maps for selected spectra, the manipulation of the heat maps, and the identification of spectral peaks. Heat maps are generated by projecting the sum of intensity vs. time spectra of each pixel for selected m/z value or range. These capabilities take the form of a new interactive software toolkit, MSI QuickView. This software approach is a significant advance over the previous state-of-the art methods that required the conversion of the RAW data using one software, manual assembly of the data, and visualization in another software.
Exploring Kinship and Social Support in Women With Criminal Justice Backgrounds

Women’s incarceration has broad social impacts because of the unique caregiving roles that women occupy in their families and communities. In this study, we used qualitative interviews to examine kinship and social support among 30 women who had been recently released from incarceration in either a New York State prison or Rikers Island, New York City’s main jail complex. Qualitative findings suggest that women relied heavily on biological and extended family members for support. Kin relationships described were with other women (i.e., mothers, grandmothers, and female friends/peers), older female relatives were commonly described as caregivers, and caregiving was a key aspect of social support (both provided by and given to participants). Relationships with God were also important. Findings from this study contribute to our understanding of kin relationships and social support in women who have been incarcerated.
Religious‐historical perspective on conflicts and violence: secular materialism versus spiritual humanism

International conflicts and violence are similar in nature to domestic conflicts and violence which are also similar to those taking place between individuals. Only difference between them is that of magnitude that increases as one moves from individual to societal national level and finally to international level of conflicts. The fundamental question at issue here is that of self‐interest with respect to social and political authority and economic power. The conflicts become most intense and violence gets widest and most cruel at the international level. There are two broad methods in dealing with this problem – use of force to coerce and subjugate or application of the power of persuasion to win the hearts and minds of the people. The former is the conventional secular materialistic method but often used invoking the name of religion and the latter is that of true spiritual humanistic practices and applications in preserving and promoting the cause of all of humanity.While the first does not require the system to be fair and just, the latter predicates them. The foundation of the first is “us” vs. “them” as it divides humanity into many nation states, but that of the second is “us” vs. “us” since it recognizes and practices universality of humanity. More importantly, the former grants unfettered authority to the leaders of the society in the form of sovereignty of the “nation state”, the latter subjugates the authority of the leaders to that of a higher supreme Authority.
Phase Transformation of FePt Nanoparticles

To transfer face-centered cubic (fcc) FePt nanoparticles to face-centered tetragonal (fct) structure with high magnetic anisotropy, heat treatments are necessary. The heat treatments, however, often lead to agglomeration and sintering of the nanoparticles. To prevent the particles from sintering, a new method, the salt-matrix annealing, has been adopted in our experiments recently. The fcc nanoparticles produced by chemical synthesis were mixed with NaCl or other salt powders. The mixture was then annealed at temperatures up to 750degC to complete the fcc to fct phase transition. After the annealing, the salt was washed out by water and monodisperse fct FePt nanoparticles free of non-magnetic impurities were obtained. Magnetic measurements show very high coercivity (up to 30 kOe) of the monodispersed fct nanoparticles. Size dependence of the phase transition and alignment of the ferromagnetic nanoparticles have also been investigated
World War I—Catalyst for the Creation of the Social Studies

(1989). World War I—Catalyst for the Creation of the Social Studies. The Social Studies: Vol. 80, No. 1, pp. 11-15.
The Effectiveness of Internet-Controlled Astronomical Research Instrumentation for Education

Over the last decade, remote instruments have become widely used in astronomy. Educational applications are more recent. This paper describes a program to bring radio astronomy into the undergraduate classroom through the use of a remote research-grade radio telescope, the MIT Haystack Observatory 37 m telescope. We examine the effectiveness of such remote access in the classroom. The remote use of the large telescope has opened up a research facility for undergraduate students. The experience has been largely successful with over 150 students from about 20 colleges using the telescope every year. The student experiments have included classroom demonstrations by faculty, and short-term laboratory experiments and long-term research experiments performed by students. Although a visit to the site provided students with a sense of the scale of the antenna, operating on a purely remote basis still gave the students a rewarding research and learning experience. The effectiveness of the remote instrument is judged mainly by the student presentations and papers that have been generated, by the enthusiasm of the faculty to continue using the facility as part of their curricula, and through a survey of students and faculty.