cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of humic acid on titanium dioxide nanoparticle toxicity to developing zebrafish.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO2NP) suspension stability can be altered by adsorption of dissolved organic matter (DOM). This is expected to impact their environmental fate and bioavailability. To date, the influence of DOM on the toxicity of TiO2NPs to aquatic vertebrates has not been reported. We examined the impact of Suwannee River humic acid (HA) on the toxicity of TiO2NPs to developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) in the dark and under simulated sunlight illumination. Adsorption of HA increased suspension stability and decreased TiO2NP exposure. TiO2NPs were more toxic in the presence of HA. In the absence of simulated sunlight, a small but significant increase in lethality was observed in fish exposed to TiO2NPs in the presence of HA. Under simulated sunlight illumination, photocatalytic degradation of HA reduced suspension stability. Despite the lower concentrations of Ti associated with fish in the treatments containing HA, under simulated sunlight illumination, median lethal concentrations were lo...
1-D Photonic Crystal Exhibiting Degenerate Band Edge to Slow Light

We describe recent studies on slowing and trapping of light in artificial materials constructed from a dielectric superlattice. A device for use at microwave frequencies has been made and results from it will be described.
Analysis of the germination of spores of Bacillus subtilis with temperature sensitive spo mutations in the spoVA operon.

A Bacillus subtilis strain with a base substitution in the ribosome-binding site of spoVAC was temperature sensitive (ts) in sporulation and spores prepared at the permissive temperature were ts in l-alanine-triggered germination, but not in germination with Ca2+-dipicolinic acid (DPA) or dodecylamine. Spores of a ts spo mutant with a missense mutation in the spoVAC coding region were not ts for germination with l-alanine, dodecylamine or Ca2+-DPA. These findings are discussed in light of the proposal that SpoVA proteins are involved not only in DPA uptake during sporulation, but also in DPA release during nutrient-mediated spore germination.
Multiple measurement of anxiety and its effects on complex verbal learning.

Some studies have found positive correlations between self-report anxiety and physiological anxiety during learning while others have not. This study used four measures: trait anxiety (IPAT Self-analysis Form), state anxiety (self-evaluation), physiological assessment (respiration rate), and unobtrusive observation by a confederate. 50 undergraduate psychology students (20 males and 30 females) worked on a German-English translation after which they were tested for memory of the German words exposed exactly five times each. The two self-report measures correlated with each other .313, and the two physical measures were correlated .683. But the self-report measures were negatively and nonsignificantly correlated with the physical ones, of which only respiration rate correlated with learning (–.308). Apparently social desirability needs can interfere with anxiety measurement in learning experiments and this may help explain the different findings about learning among studies which used different types of me...
Applicability of the True Metabolizable Energy System in Practical Feed Formulation

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to investigate whether values obtained using the true metabolizable energy (TME) assay are applicable in the formulation of practical diets for poultry. In the first study, five diets of increasing energy and nutrient density were assayed for TME and nitrogen corrected, apparent metabolizable energy. (AMEn). Chick response to each diet was evaluated in a 3-week growth trial. The determined TME of three practical diets exceeded the respective determined AMEn by 13 to 14%. A comparison between feed efficiency of chicks and the TME and AMEn content of the test diets indicated that TME values more closely reflected observed chick performance than did AMEn. In the second study, seven feed ingredients were assayed for TME and crude protein content. On the basis of these analyses, four isocaloric, isonitrogenous diets were prepared using the assayed lots of ingredients in varying proportions. In all diets, critical nutrients were included in excess of requirements, energy thus being limiting for optimal chick performance. In a 3-week growth study, chicks receiving each of the test diets exhibited virtually identical body weight gains and feed conversion ratios. Assays of the mixed diets indicated TME values of individual ingredients to be additive to within 1.6% of calculated totals. It was concluded that the TME system provided an accurate measure of metabolizable energy.
An opsin gene expressed in only one photoreceptor cell type of the Drosophila eye

Abstract We have isolated an opsin gene from D. melanogaster that is expressed specifically in photoreceptor cell 8 of the Drosophila compound eye. This opsin is 381 amino acid residues long and is 67% homologous to the ninaE opsin, which is expressed in photoreceptor cells 1–6. The gene is divided into four exons; only one of the intron positions is conserved with that of the ninaE gene.
Milliwatt CO2 laser-assisted arterial anastomosis: a recent update

This article reviews recent data on milliwatt CO2 laser-assisted arterial anastomoses as an update to the review presented at last year's SPIE conference. Highlighted are the basic mechanical properties of vascular repair. New information which strengthens or refutes past theory about laser repair is also considered.
The effect of in vitro irradiation on the subsequent growth of ectopic splenic autoimplants.

Summary and ConclusionsFrom these data we conclude:1. In vitro irradiation of splenic fragments with doses less than 1500 rads does not prevent subsequent regeneration of splenic autoimplants in splenectomized rats.2. The relative radioresistance of this regenerative process suggests that splenic regeneration is dependent upon the viability of stromal elements. Once the stroma is reconstituted, it is probably'seeded by circulating lymphohemopoietic cells to form recognizable splenic tissue. In this respect the process is similar to that seen in regenerating marrow tissue.3. The relative radioresistance of splenic stroma must be taken into account when irradiation is considered as a therapeutic measure for management of splenic disorders.
Workshop Teaching DSP Concepts via LabVIEW

Participants in this workshop will learn how to use Lab VIEW to teach digital signal processing concepts. LabVIEW is a graphical-based programming language. This is a hands on BYOC (bring your own computer) workshop. Exercises are based on the text Signal Processing First
Engineered substrates and their future role in microelectronics

Progress in lattice engineering, planar ultra-strained epitaxial layer growth, and layer transfer technology has resulted in the ability to create many engineered substrate types. In particular, a wealth of possibilities exists in the SiGe/Si system. Engineered substrates based on relaxed SiGe layers on Si with strained Si and Ge layers have resulted in long channel MOSFETs with ∼2× enhancement in NMOS drive current and more than 10× enhancement in PMOS drive current as compared to control Si MOSFETs. We have attempted to increase the NMOS drive current further by beginning to explore strained GaAs on relaxed SiGe layers on Si.
Novel Mechanism for Negatively Regulating Rho-Kinase (ROCK) Signaling through Coronin1B Protein in Neuregulin 1 (NRG-1)-induced Tumor Cell Motility

Although many mechanisms that activate ROCK are known, corresponding negative regulatory mechanisms required for cytoskeletal plasticity are poorly understood. We have discovered that Coronin1B is a novel attenuator of ROCK signaling. We initially identified Coronin1A in a proteomics screen for ROCK2-binding proteins, and here we demonstrate that Coronin1A/B bind directly to ROCK2 through its PH (Pleckstrin Homology) domain. The consequence of the ROCK2-Coronin1B interaction was tested and revealed that increased expression of Coronin1B inhibited, whereas knockdown of Coronin1B stimulated, phosphorylation of the ROCK substrate myosin light chain phosphatase and subsequently, myosin light chain. Thus, Coronin1B is a previously unrecognized inhibitor of ROCK signaling to myosin. Furthermore, we found that the phosphatase Slingshot IL (SSH1L) was required for Coronin1B to inhibit ROCK signaling. To test the significance of this novel mechanism in tumor cell motility, we investigated its role in neuregulin 1 (NRG-1)-induced cell scattering. Importantly, we found that attenuation of the ROCK signaling by Coronin1B was required for NRG-1 stimulated scattering. Our data support a model in which Coronin1B fine-tunes ROCK signaling to modulate myosin activity, which is important for tumor cell motility.
Conformational Sampling and Structure Prediction of Multi-Loops in Proteins using Distance-Guided Sequential Chain-Growth Monte Carlo Method

Protein loops are critical to their overall biochemical functions. The irregularity and flexibility of loops make their structures difficult to determine experimentally and challenging to model computationally. As loops are often in spatial proximity and interact with each other, modeling multiple loops simultaneously is an especially challenging task for protein structure prediction. We have developed a new method called Multi-loops Distance-guided Sequential chain-GROwth Monte Carlo (m-DiSGRO) for conformational sampling and structure prediction of multi-loop regions in protein. m-DiSGRO simultaneously grows interacting loops. Our method successfully achieves an average minimum RMSD of 1.43 angstrom and an average lowest energy RMSD of 2.78 angstrom for 36 pairs of interacting protein loops of the total length ranging from 12 residues to 24 residues, with a mean length of 18. Our method also succeeded in modeling multi-loops in beta-barrel membrane protein. For the outer-membrane protein G (OmpG) with 3 interacted loops of a total length of 12 + 12 + 10 =34 residues, the minimal RMSD and lowest energy RMSD conformations of the loop region compared to the native structure is only 2.51 angstrom and 2.65 angstrom, respectively.
High Purity Germanium - Low Temperature Hall Analyses

We present below a synopsis of results of low temperature (to ~7° K) Hall measurements on 58 samples of high purity germanium obtained from six laboratories in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The measurements show the presence of deep (Cu) and shallow level (Group III and V) chemical impurities as well as deep energy levels associated with complex vacancy and/or oxide defects. In general, we have found that high purity germanium tends to be rather well compensated, i.e., the individua acceptor or donor concentrations are typically 3 to 10 times that of the net carrier concentration at 77° K. The results show that as far as chemical impurities are concerned, Cu contamination is generally a problem at those laboratories using resistance-heated pullers. Shallow level impurity problems seem to be associated with Al most frequently, with some boron contamination observed. The presence of defect-related deep levels has also been observed.
Stigma consciousness, social constraints, and lesbian well-being.

Stigma consciousness, the expectation of prejudice and discrimination, has been associated with negative psychological outcomes for lesbians. This research examined the moderating role of social constraints or difficulty lesbians experience in talking with others about sexual orientation-related issues. One hundred five, predominantly out, lesbians completed measures of stigma consciousness, social constraints, lesbian-related stress, intrusive thoughts, internalized homophobia, negative mood, and physical symptoms. For lesbians who were high (but not low) in social constraints, stigma consciousness was positively associated with intrusive thoughts, internalized homophobia, and physical symptoms. These results add to the literature on the negative consequences of social constraints by suggesting that constraints in combination with high stress that is not necessarily traumatic (i.e., stigma consciousness) are associated with the most negative outcomes.
Flash mobs: Social influence in the 21st century

In a flash mob, strangers come together in a public place, perform an unusual behavior, and randomly disperse. This article describes how the flash mob and a follow‐up discussion can be used as a class activity to learn about many social influence principles, including conformity, ostracism, and deindividuation. Data collected from two class sessions indicate that students felt the activity was useful, worthwhile, and should be repeated in future courses. This activity would be appropriate in a variety of courses, including introductory psychology, social psychology, organizational behavior, social influence and persuasion, and group dynamics. The author would like to thank Dr. Anthony Pratkanis for significant and helpful contributions to this article.
Polyphase evolution of the East Gobi basin: sedimentary and structural records of Mesozoic–Cenozoic intraplate deformation in Mongolia

Abstract Mapping and correlation of 2D seismic reflection data define the overall subsurface structure of the East Gobi basin (EGB), and reflect Jurassic–Cretaceous intracontinental rift evolution through deposition of at least five distinct stratigraphic sequences. Three major northeast–southwest‐trending fault zones divide the basin, including the North Zuunbayan (NZB) fault zone, a major strike‐slip fault separating the Unegt and Zuunbayan subbasins. The left‐lateral NZB fault cuts and deforms post‐rift strata, implying some post‐middle‐Cretaceous movement. This fault likely also had an earlier history, based on its apparent role as a basin‐bounding normal or transtensional fault controlling deposition of the Jurassic–Cretaceous synrift sequence, in addition to radiometric data suggesting a Late Triassic (206–209 Ma) age of deformation at the Tavan Har locality. Deposits of the Unegt subbasin record an early history of basin subsidence beginning ∼155 Ma, with deposition of the Upper Jurassic Sharilyn and Lower Cretaceous Tsagantsav Formations (synrift sequences 1–3). Continued Lower Cretaceous synrift deposition is best recorded by thick deposits of the Zuunbayan Formation in the Zuunbayan subbasin, including newly defined synrift sequences 4–5. Geohistory modelling supports an extensional origin for the EGB, and preliminary thermal maturation studies suggest that a history of variable, moderately high heat flow characterized the Jurassic–Cretaceous rift period. These models predict early to peak oil window conditions for Type 1 or Type 2 kerogen source units in the Upper Tsagantsav/Lower Zuunbayan Formations (Synrift Sequences 3–4). Higher levels of maturity could be generated from distal depocentres with greater overburden accumulation, and this could also account for the observed difference in maturity between oil samples from the Tsagan Els and Zuunbayan fields.
Prophylactic mitral reconstruction for mitral regurgitation

Abstract Background . Mitral regurgitation (MR) will produce myocardial dysfunction. The goal of this study was to review outcomes of mitral valve reconstruction in asymptomatic patients with severe MR. Methods . From 1992 to 2000, 93 asymptomatic patients with degenerative disease and severe MR underwent mitral valve reconstruction. Mean preoperative left ventricular internal diameter diastole was 56 ± 8 mm and ejection fraction was 60% ± 6%. Mean age was 47 ± 10 years and mean follow-up 23 ± 27 months. All patients underwent complex reconstruction. Results . There were no deaths and two late reoperations. One was for systolic anterior motion of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve requiring valve replacement and one for hemolysis requiring re-repair. There was one perioperative transient ischemic attack and no late thromboembolic events. At follow-up all but 1 patient remains in NYHA class I and all had no MR except in 2 patients at 63 and 89 months. Conclusions . Mitral valve reconstruction for "asymptomatic" MR can be performed with no mortality and low morbidity before development of left ventricular dysfunction. Early prophylactic repair is advocated in the presence of severe MR if valve reparability is assured.
Mutational analysis of nitrate regulatory gene narL in Escherichia coli K-12.

Abstract The narL gene product, NarL, is the nitrate-responsive regulator of anaerobic respiratory gene expression. We used genetic analysis of narL mutants to better understand the mechanism of NarL-mediated gene regulation. We selected and analyzed seven nitrate-independent narL mutants. Each of three independent, strongly constitutive mutants had changes of Val-88 to Ala. The other four mutants were weakly constitutive. The narL505(V88A) allele was largely dominant to narL+, while narX+ had a negative influence on its constitutive phenotype, suggesting that NarX may play a negative role in nitrate regulation. We also constructed two narL mutations that are analogous to previously characterized constitutive degU alleles. The first, narL503(H15L), was a recessive null allele. The second, narL504(D110K), functioned essentially as wild type but was dependent on narX+ for full activity. We changed Asp-59 of NarL, which corresponds to the site of phosphorylation of other response regulators, to Asn. This change, narL502(D59N), was a recessive null allele, which is consistent with the hypothesis that NarL requires phosphorylation for activation. Finally, we tested the requirement for molybdate on regulation in a narL505(V88A) strain. Although narL505(V88A) conferred some nitrate-independent expression of fdnGHI (encoding formate dehydrogenase-N) in limiting molybdate, it required excess molybdate for full induction both in the absence and in the presence of nitrate. This finding suggests that narL505(V88A) did not confer molybdate-independent expression of fdnGHI.
Evolution of yellow Gene Regulation and Pigmentation in Drosophila

Abstract Background: Changes in developmental gene expression are central to phenotypic evolution, but the genetic mechanisms underlying these changes are not well understood. Interspecific differences in gene expression can arise from evolutionary changes in cis -regulatory DNA and/or in the expression of trans -acting regulatory proteins, but few case studies have distinguished between these mechanisms. Here, we compare the regulation of the yellow gene, which is required for melanization, among distantly related Drosophila species with different pigment patterns and determine the phenotypic effects of divergent Yellow expression. Results: Yellow expression has diverged among D. melanogaster , D. subobscura , and D. virilis and, in all cases, correlates with the distribution of black melanin. Species-specific Yellow expression patterns were retained in D. melanogaster transformants carrying the D. subobscura and D. virilis yellow genes, indicating that sequence evolution within the yellow gene underlies the divergence of Yellow expression. Evolutionary changes in the activity of orthologous cis- regulatory elements are responsible for differences in abdominal Yellow expression; however, cis -regulatory element evolution is not the sole cause of divergent Yellow expression patterns. Transformation of the D. melanogaster yellow gene into D. virilis altered its expression pattern, indicating that trans -acting factors that regulate the D. melanogaster yellow gene have also diverged between these two species. Finally, we found that the phenotypic effects of evolutionary changes in Yellow expression depend on epistatic interactions with other genes. Conclusions: Evolutionary changes in Yellow expression correlate with divergent melanin patterns and are a result of evolution in both cis - and trans -regulation. These changes were likely necessary for the divergence of pigmentation, but evolutionary changes in other genes were also required.
Susceptibility to Peer Influence: Using a Performance-Based Measure to Identify Adolescent Males at Heightened Risk for Deviant Peer Socialization.

A substantial amount of research has suggested that adolescents' attitudes and behaviors are influenced by peers; however, little is known regarding adolescents' individual variability, or susceptibility, to peer influence. In this study, a performance-based index from an experimental paradigm was used to directly measure adolescents' susceptibility to peers. A total of 36 adolescent boys participated in a "chat room" experiment in which they ostensibly were exposed to deviant or risky social norms communicated either by high-peer-status (i.e., popular, well-liked) or low-peer-status (i.e., unpopular, disliked) grade mates who actually were electronic confederates. Changes in adolescents' responses before and after exposure to peer norms were used as a measure of peer influence susceptibility. These same adolescents completed a questionnaire assessment at the study outset and again 18 months later to assess their actual engagement in deviant behavior and their perceptions of their best friend's engagement in deviant behavior. Only among adolescents with high levels of susceptibility to high-status peers was a significant longitudinal association revealed between their best friend's baseline deviant behavior and adolescents' own deviant behavior 18 months later. Findings support the predictive validity of a performance-based susceptibility measure and suggest that adolescents' peer influence susceptibility may generalize across peer contexts.
Synthesis and Self-Assembly of Metal-Coated Nanoparticles

We report theoretical and experimental studies on the metal-dielectric photonic crystal structure, which is constructed by the self-assembly of metal-coated nanoparticles. The finite- difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations were carried out to predict the width and position of the 3D photonic bandgap. For fabrication, we first prepared gold-embedded silica nanoparticles containing extremely small gold nanoparticles. The core particles are then immersed in a gold- containing solution in which the gold shells were formed by subsequent reduction. Formation of continuous shells was confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the optical response due to the surface plasmons. We also performed self-assembly of both the gold- embedded core particles and metal-coated particles. SEM micrographs showed the formation highly ordered structures. The optical reflectance spectra exhibited shifts of the Bragg reflection peak due to the change in refractive index produced by gold nanoparticles.
Quantitative Analysis of VIIRS DNB Nightlight Point Source for Light Power Estimation and Stability Monitoring

The high sensitivity and advanced onboard calibration on the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Day/Night Band (DNB) enables accurate measurements of low light radiances which leads to enhanced quantitative applications at night. The finer spatial resolution of DNB also allows users to examine social economic activities at urban scales. Given the growing interest in the use of the DNB data, there is a pressing need for better understanding of the calibration stability and absolute accuracy of the DNB at low radiances. The low light calibration accuracy was previously estimated at a moderate 15% using extended sources while the long-term stability has yet to be characterized. There are also several science related questions to be answered, for example, how the Earth’s atmosphere and surface variability contribute to the stability of the DNB measured radiances; how to separate them from instrument calibration stability; whether or not SI (International System of Units) traceable active light sources can be designed and installed at selected sites to monitor the calibration stability, radiometric and geolocation accuracy, and point spread functions of the DNB; furthermore, whether or not such active light sources can be used for detecting environmental changes, such as aerosols. This paper explores the quantitative analysis of nightlight point sources, such as those from fishing vessels, bridges, and cities, using fundamental radiometry and radiative transfer, which would be useful for a number of applications including search and rescue in severe weather events, as well as calibration/validation of the DNB. Time series of the bridge light data are used to assess the stability of the light measurements and the calibration of VIIRS DNB. It was found that the light radiant power computed from the VIIRS DNB data matched relatively well with independent assessments based on the in situ light installations, although estimates have to be made due to limited ground truth data and lack of suitable radiative transfer models. Results from time series analysis are encouraging in potentially being able to detect anomalies in the DNB calibration. The study also suggests that accurate ground based active lights, when properly designed and installed, can be used to monitor the stability of the VIIRS DNB calibration at near the specified minimum radiances (3 nW∙cm−2∙sr−1), and potentially can be used to monitor the environmental changes as well.
Impact of surface chemistry

The applications of molecular surface chemistry in heterogeneous catalyst technology, semiconductor-based technology, medical technology, anticorrosion and lubricant technology, and nanotechnology are highlighted in this perspective. The evolution of surface chemistry at the molecular level is reviewed, and the key roles of surface instrumentation developments for in situ studies of the gas–solid, liquid–solid, and solid–solid interfaces under reaction conditions are emphasized.
Potential for clinical use of the analytical laser microprobe for element measurement.

Use of the laser microprobe for rapid emission spectroscopic analysis of elements in microscopic samples of biological material is described. The technique depends on vaporization of the microsample with a focused laser beam at a temperature that renders the vapor incandescent for spectrochemical analysis. Spectral line intensities are recorded photographically with densitometry of the negatives or photoelectrically. Current capability permits analysis of about 10-8 to 10-10 g of tissue, with detection limits of 10-12 to 10-15 g of element. Groups of elements can be simultaneously analyzed. Minimum sample preparation is required, and the analysis is done on the stage of a light microscope, usually on an air-dried sample on a plastic slide. We exemplify the technique in analysis of gold in cultured fibroblasts treated with gold salts and in human skin after treatment with gold salts for rheumatoid arthritis, in element changes in biopsies of transplanted human hearts, and in unique profiles of groups of elements in human cancer tissue.
Analysis of next-generation genomic data in cancer: accomplishments and challenges

The application of next-generation sequencing technology has produced a transformation in cancer genomics, generating large data sets that can be analyzed in different ways to answer a multitude of questions about the genomic alterations associated with the disease. Analytical approaches can discover focused mutations such as substitutions and small insertion/deletions, large structural alterations and copy number events. As our capacity to produce such data for multiple cancers of the same type is improving, so are the demands to analyze multiple tumor genomes simultaneously growing. For example, pathway-based analyses that provide the full mutational impact on cellular protein networks and correlation analyses aimed at revealing causal relationships between genomic alterations and clinical presentations are both enabled. As the repertoire of data grows to include mRNA-seq, non-coding RNA-seq and methylation for multiple genomes, our challenge will be to intelligently integrate data types and genomes to produce a coherent picture of the genetic basis of cancer.
USE OF STANDARDIZED PATIENTS IN CLINICAL ASSESSMENTS: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND MEASUREMENT FINDINGS

This article reviews recent developments and measurement findings on the use of live patient simulations or “standardized patients” in performance examinations to assess the competence of medical professionals. The results of large-scale standardized patient-based performance assessments are presented and discussed in terms of their feasibility, reliability, validity, and implications for assessing competence in other professions.
HIV-1 Maturation

To replicate, viruses must form stable particles that are released from infected cells, yet must disassemble and release their genomes following entry into target cells. Retroviruses, including the human immunodeficiency viruses HIV-1 and HIV-2, resolve this conundrum through assembly of particles from polyproteins followed by maturation of the core via proteolytic cleavage of the polyproteins. Cleavage of the Gag and Gag–Pol polyproteins results in morphogenesis of the core containing a metastable capsid that is competent for disassembly upon penetration of a cell. For HIV-1, inhibition of the viral protease results in immature particles that are impaired at entry as well as post-entry stages of infection. Hence, drugs targeting the viral protease represent a major arm of current therapy for HIV infection. In this chapter, we review the current state of knowledge regarding HIV-1 maturation, including structural and mechanistic aspects as well as the consequences of its inhibition.
Müller's conclusions and linguistic research

Because Muiller fails to distinguish between two senses of the term “autonomy,” there is a danger that his results will be misinterpreted by both linguists and neuroscientists. Although he may very well have been successful in refuting one sense of autonomy, he may actually have helped to provide an explanation for the correctness of autonomy in its other sense.
Impact of Temperature Acclimation on Photosynthesis in the Toxic Red-Tide Dinoflagellate Alexandrium Fundyense (Ca28)

This study assessed the impact of temperature on the photosynthetic activity in the dino- flagellate Alexandrium fundyense (Ca28) for cultures grown at 75 umol photons rrr2 s~' over a range of temperatures. Increasing light intensity under static temperatures caused a S-fold decrease in the maximum quantum yield for photosystem II (PSII) (FJFm). Carbon fixation rates mirrored high-light depressions in FJFm. Cells in the presence of streptomycin showed an 83% recovery in FJFm; therefore, only a minor proportion of the decline in FJFm was attributable to PSII damage by bright light. For cells transferred to higher temperatures, FJFm was less sensitive to high light, decreasing only 20-40% compared to the 80-90% decrease observed for cells incubated at their ambient growth temperature. For cells shifted to higher temperatures, the rapid recovery phase of FJFm was not present; therefore, cells did not initiate downregulation of PSII. Higher capacity to maintain electron transport, as indicated by the quantum yields, was confirmed by enhanced carbon fixation. Shifts to lower temperatures significantly increased PSII sensitivity to high light. Overall, these relationships reflect the synergy between photosynthetic light and dark reactions which are differentially impacted by changes in temperature.
Improving low-dose blood–brain barrier permeability quantification using sparse high-dose induced prior for Patlak model

Blood-brain barrier permeability (BBBP) measurements extracted from the perfusion computed tomography (PCT) using the Patlak model can be a valuable indicator to predict hemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute stroke. Unfortunately, the standard Patlak model based PCT requires excessive radiation exposure, which raised attention on radiation safety. Minimizing radiation dose is of high value in clinical practice but can degrade the image quality due to the introduced severe noise. The purpose of this work is to construct high quality BBBP maps from low-dose PCT data by using the brain structural similarity between different individuals and the relations between the high- and low-dose maps. The proposed sparse high-dose induced (shd-Patlak) model performs by building a high-dose induced prior for the Patlak model with a set of location adaptive dictionaries, followed by an optimized estimation of BBBP map with the prior regularized Patlak model. Evaluation with the simulated low-dose clinical brain PCT datasets clearly demonstrate that the shd-Patlak model can achieve more significant gains than the standard Patlak model with improved visual quality, higher fidelity to the gold standard and more accurate details for clinical analysis.
The Rising Instability of U.S. Earnings

The inequality of earnings and of family incomes in the United States has increased since the late 1970s (Autor, Katz, and Kearney, 2008). This increase in cross-sectional inequality has largely been interpreted as a growing disparity in permanent incomes between those with high incomes and those with low incomes. However, growing inequality could equally well be a result of growing income instability. If workers experience increasingly large fluctuations in earnings from year to year, this would also increase the measured inequality of earnings from year to year. For example, if everyone maintained the same level of permanent income but some experienced a $500 increase in their income in the first year and then a reversal to $500 below their permanent incomes in the following year, while an equal number experienced the opposite (a drop in income followed by an offsetting rise), measured inequality would rise though nothing would have happened to the dispersion of permanent incomes. While this example is an extreme one, it points to the fact that the large rise in earnings inequality between the 1970s and the 1990s could reflect either a rise in disparity of permanent incomes, a rise in earnings instability, or some portion of both. Without longitudinal data, it is impossible to distinguish between these two very different explanations for increased cross-sectional measures of inequality. In this paper, we provide longitudinal measures that separate changes in income inequality into changes that permanently change income to new levels and those that only reflect transitory change. We refer to the latter as changes in “income instability” and discuss how the instability of individual earnings and family income in the United States has evolved over the last quarter century.
Antiquing as a Tourism Recreational Activity in Southwestern Pennsylvania

An economic impact study of travel and tourism in southwestern Pennsylvania iden tified 25 travel-related activities and associated visitor expenditures. Purchases of antiques appeared to be understated, therefore antiquing was included as a separate recreational activity in the second year of the study. All regional expenditures made by nonresident visitors were entered into an input-output model of the region.The majority of antique shops in the region belong to four cooperatives or antiquing centers. Annual visitation totaled 278,352 for the retail antiquing trade and was evenly split among residents and nonresidents. Nonresident visitors spent an average of $32.47 per activity day. The value-added component of the economic impact totaled $3.36 million, and 149 jobs were supported. The pursuit of antiques supported the consumption of regional goods and services and the generation of additional income and spending.
“Shall We Go to Rome?”—The Last Days of Henry Adams

Henry Adams had a stroke upon hearing the news of the sinking of the Titanic and the Republican Party in 1912, but this was not the decline of the house of Adams from Puritanism to pessimism. Rather, Adams became America's first and most famous prickly Thomist–“Porcupinus Angelicus.”
Structured Regularizers for High-Dimensional Problems: Statistical and Computational Issues

Regularization is a widely used technique throughout statistics, machine learning, and applied mathematics. Modern applications in science and engineering lead to massive and complex data sets, which motivate the use of more structured types of regularizers. This survey provides an overview of the use of structured regularization in high-dimensional statistics, including regularizers for group-structured and hierarchical sparsity, low-rank matrices, additive and multiplicative matrix decomposition, and high-dimensional nonparametric models. It includes various examples with motivating applications; it also covers key aspects of statistical theory and provides some discussion of efficient algorithms.
Pannenberg's Fundamental Challenges to Theology and Science

This paper is a response to Wolfhart Pannenberg's God as Spirit-and Natural Science (2001). I argue that the distinctiveness and significance of Pannenberg's approach to the conversation between theology and science lies in his method of relating biblical-theological concepts specifically and directly to scientific knowledge and theories. The example at issue in this paper is his correlation of the biblical-theological term spirit to the scientific term field. This approach is both distinctive and the most difficult of challenges. However, it results in a genuinely theological interpretation of the scientific knowledge of the world. In his argument, Pannenberg asserts that his use of the term field is both similar to and different from the scientific use of the term. This assertion is provocative, but it also requires further discussion.
3-D companding using linear arrays for improved strain imaging

Three-dimensional (3-D) companding is applied to volume sets of RF echo signals to reduce decorrelation noise in strain images. Companding conditions echo signals to be cross-correlated to improve coherence and minimize decorrelation noise caused by complex 3-D motion. Previously, the authors showed that 2-D companding was able to eliminate decorrelation noise in strain images up to 50% compression if the out-of-plane displacement was negligible. This paper extends those methods to three dimensions, thus reducing the need to control boundary conditions. 3-D companding is also limited at high compressions (>5%) because of high strain gradients and rotation and shearing motions. A series of phantom studies illustrate the advantages and limitation of 3-D companding with and without aberrating layers.
Quality: Is Education Keeping Pace With Business?

Abstract During the 1980s and 1990s, there has been a high level of quality-related activity in the U.S. business sector. This article examines quality-related initiatives in the education sector to determine if education is keeping pace with business and argues for accelerated national efforts to improve education. The emergence of the Malcolm Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence is discussed in detail.
INFERRING REGIONAL STRUCTURE FROM PARTIAL TRANSPORTATION FLOW DATA

This paper modifies a doubly-constrained gravity model for use with incomplete, intercity flow data in a region where marginal trip totals are unknown. The model contains a new specification for the spatial separation term and uses dummy variables for balancing and trip-generation terms. From the data it infers regional structure in the form of trip-production and trip-altraction potentials. It also reveals demand elasticity with respect to variables describing the transportation system. The model is estimated with its uses are illustrated with 1933 rail-passenger traffic flows.
Robustness of multicast congestion control to inflated subscription

The Internet has grown from a small testbed shared by a close-knit community of researchers to a global commercial network with a huge number of users. The change in the scale requires revisiting original assumptions in the Internet design and checking whether they match the reality of today. One such assumption is trust. Conventional protocols for network bandwidth allocation assume that all communicating parties follow guidelines for fair bandwidth sharing. However, a selfish receiver has incentives to acquire data at an unfairly high rate. Furthermore, open-source operating systems create ample opportunities for receiver misbehavior. For example, Savage et al show that a misbehaving TCP receiver can increase its reliable throughput substantially at the expense of competing traffic [6]. Thus, network research faces a new important challenge of robust bandwidth allocation in the presence of distrusted receivers [2]. Multicast is a service for scalable dissemination of data to a group of receivers: a receiver subscribes to the group by submitting the group address to the local edge router, and the network forwards the data to subscribed receivers. Scalable protocols for multicast congestion control require additional mechanisms, e.g., for feedback aggregation or suppression. To address heterogeneity of receivers, multicast protocols compose a session from multiple groups and provide each receiver with guidelines for choosing a fair subscription level in the session [5]. Resolving the multicast-specific challenges of scalability and heterogeneity opens new opportunities for congestion control misbehavior of receivers. In this work, we focus on an attack of inflated subscription where a receiver ignores subscription guidelines to acquire
An alternative to data mapping for parallel PDE solvers: parallel grid generation

In this paper we identified and outlined the disadvantages of the traditional data mapping methods for the numerical solution of PDEs on distributed memory MIMD machines and we proposed a new approach that eliminates some of the disadvantages. Specifically, we presented a data-mapping approach based on parallel structured grid generation. The new approach is based on composite block structures to contract the size of the data-mapping problem. It is ten times faster than the fastest traditional data-mapping method, for relatively small problems, and approximately O(P) times faster, for very large problems (i.e., millions of grid points) that are processed on coarse-grain distributed memory MIMD machines with P processors. >
BROCA: A Computerized Environment for Mediating Scientific Reasoning through Writing

This paper describes a work-in-progress: a computerized learning environment for teaching the conceptual patterns of scientific reasoning. BROCA (Basic Research, Observations, Critical Analysis) is theory-driven, combining two very powerful conceptual models of thinking. The first — drawn from cognitive psychology and information theory — focuses on the mental manipulations by which data becomes information and information becomes knowledge. The second theoretical construct comes from rhetoric and describes the intellectual activities carried out in prewriting, drafting, and revision by an expert writing. As an interactive “cognitive tool,” BROCA provides scaffolding (through visual algorithms and adaptive prompting) to help a fledgling thinker practice the robust patterns of scientific reasoning.
High-temperature operation of InAs-GaAs quantum-dot infrared photodetectors with large responsivity and detectivity

We have optimized the growth of multiple (40-70) layers of self-organized InAs quantum dots separated by GaAs barrier layers in order to enhance the absorption of quantum-dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs). In devices with 70 quantum-dot layers, at relatively large operating biases (/spl les/-1.0 V), the dark current density is as low as 10/sup -5/ A/cm/sup 2/ and the peak responsivity ranges from /spl sim/0.1 to 0.3 A/W for temperatures T=150 K-175 K. The peak detectivity corresponding to these low dark currents and high responsivities varies in the range 6/spl times/10/sup 9//spl les/D/sup */(cm/spl middot/Hz/sup 1/2//W)/spl les/10/sup 11/ for temperatures 100/spl les/T(K)/spl les/200. These performance characteristics represent the state-of-the-art for QDIPs and indicate that this device heterostructure is appropriate for incorporation into focal plane arrays.
III-Nitride Wide Bandgap Semiconductors for Optical Communications

The III-nitride materials have been at the central stage in the semiconductor R&D effort for the last decade with the main focus on photonic devices operating in the visible and UV regions. We believe that III-nitride photonics hold great promise for applications in optical communications at 1.55 ?m. However, many fundamental issues must be addressed in order to realize this goal. For example, the optical propagation loss, temperature sensitivity, polarization effects in InGaN/AlGaN heterostructures, carrier-induced change of the index of refraction, modulation efficiency, and modulation induced polarization effects require further studies. Mechanisms that would enhance the Er emission at 1.55 ?m in Er-doped nitrides must be further explored. Novel designs for device integration have to be developed. As further improvements in material quality as well as fundamental understandings are achieved, it is conceivable that the future of III-nitrides for optical communication applications will be as bright as for blue/green and UV applications.
Development of a self-report measure of environmental spatial ability.

Abstract Environmental spatial abilities are involved in everyday tasks such as finding one's way in the environment and learning the layout of a new environment. Self-report measures of environmental abilities, e.g., asking people to rate their “sense of direction (SOD),” have been found to predict objective measures of these abilities quite highly. In this study, we developed a standardized self-report scale of environmental spatial ability, the Santa Barbara Sense of Direction Scale (SBSOD). The scale proved to be internally consistent and had good test–retest reliability. A series of four validity studies examined its relation to measures of spatial updating and acquisition of spatial knowledge at different scales and acquired from different learning experiences. These studies suggested that the SBSOD is related to tasks that require one to update location in space as a result of self-motion. It is more highly correlated with tests of spatial knowledge that involve orienting oneself within the environment than with tests that involve estimating distances or drawing maps. Self-report SOD is also somewhat more highly correlated with measures of spatial knowledge acquired from direct experience in the environment than with measures of knowledge acquired from maps, video, or virtual environments (VE).
Taxonomic revision of the ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) genus Paraparatrechina in the Afrotropical and Malagasy Regions

The taxonomy of the Afrotropical and Malagasy Paraparatrechina fauna is revised for the first time. Thirteen species are revealed, of which eight are described as new: P. brunnella LaPolla & Cheng; P. concinnata LaPolla & Cheng; P. gnoma LaPolla & Cheng; P. myops LaPolla & Fisher; P. ocellatula LaPolla & Fisher; P. oreias LaPolla & Cheng; P. splendida LaPolla & Cheng; P. umbranatis LaPolla & Cheng. An identification key to the worker caste is provided.
Seeking help for non-suicidal self-injury: A social network analysis approach

Individuals who self-injure have consistently reported less perceived social support; yet, little is actually known about the support they seek out from others specifically for non-suicidal self-injury. The goal of this study was to explore characteristics of support networks of those who self-injure. Twenty-three percent reported not seeking support for self-injury, while the remaining reported smaller social networks than typical. Most participants sought help infrequently, and when they did, found supporters to be only moderately helpful. Network characteristics were found to relate to self-injury behavior and patterns emerged regarding supporters in the networks. Implications for advocacy and education are provided.
Corporate Diversification and the Value of Individual Firms: A Bayesian Approach

Prior theory suggests that the performance effects of a firm’s diversification strategy depend on a firm’s individual resources and capabilities. However, prior tests of this theory have examined t...