cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Light Absorption by Horizontally Oriented Diatom Colonies

Through \textit{in situ} holographic imaging of undisturbed water, diatom colonies with high aspect ratios have been found to exhibit preferential horizontal orientation within high biomass subsurface layers. We analyzed holographic video to determine the abundance, size, and orientation of colonies over several vertical profiles from the surface to $\sim$25 m depth. A geometric optics model based on these measurements was then used to estimate light absorption by phytoplankton throughout the water column. Results show a substantial increase in absorption of downwelling irradiance (up to 24.5\%) for horizontally oriented colonies when compared to randomized orientations. The effect can be attributed to maximization of the projected area of colonies when oriented perpendicular to the direction of incident light. Formation of high aspect ratio cells and colonies may represent an adaptation to maximize light harvesting in low light environments through interaction with the low velocity shear fields commonly found along pycnoclines at the base of the surface mixed layer. The effect of orientation on light absorption by large chain forming diatoms could influence their abundance and distribution in the ocean as well as the broader structure and function of marine ecosystems.
Neighborhood Development Organizations and Neighborhood Disadvantage: Race, Resources, and Inequality in Chicago:

This article analyzes the relationship between neighborhood development organizations (NDOs) and neighborhood disadvantage in Chicago between 1990 and 2010. NDOs are often seen as interdependent pa...
Real-Time Edge Classification: Optimal Offloading under Token Bucket Constraints.

To deploy machine learning-based algorithms for real-time applications with strict latency constraints, we consider an edge-computing setting where a subset of inputs are offloaded to the edge for processing by an accurate but resource-intensive model, and the rest are processed only by a less-accurate model on the device itself. Both models have computational costs that match available compute resources, and process inputs with low-latency. But offloading incurs network delays, and to manage these delays to meet application deadlines, we use a token bucket to constrain the average rate and burst length of transmissions from the device. We introduce a Markov Decision Process-based framework to make offload decisions under these constraints, based on the local model's confidence and the token bucket state, with the goal of minimizing a specified error measure for the application. Beyond isolated decisions for individual devices, we also propose approaches to allow multiple devices connected to the same access switch to share their bursting allocation. We evaluate and analyze the policies derived using our framework on the standard ImageNet image classification benchmark.
Types of Childhood Maltreatment, Neighborhoods, and Intimate Partner Violence: An Ecological Perspective

Studies have begun to recognize the multilevel and complex nature of intimate partner violence. Yet, only a small number of studies have looked at the interactive relationship between proximal and ...
Longitudinal Relationship of Leisure Activity Engagement with Cognitive Performance among Non-Demented, Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Background and objectives Leisure activity engagement (LAE) may reduce the risk of incident dementia. However, cognitive performance may predict LAE change. We evaluated the temporal ordering of overall and subtypes of LAE (intellectual, physical, and social) and cognitive performance (global, language, memory, and visuospatial function) among non-demented older adults. Research design and methods The Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project concurrently administered a survey measure of 13 leisure activities and a neuropsychological battery every 18-24 months for up to 14 years to 5,384 racially and ethnically diverse participants. We used parallel process conditional latent growth curve models to examine temporal ordering in the overall sample and within baseline diagnostic groups (MCI vs. cognitively normal). Results Levels and changes of overall and subtypes of LAE were positively correlated with cognitive performance in the overall sample and within each diagnostic group. In the overall sample, higher initial memory was associated with slower declines in social LAE (Estimate=0.019, 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 0.001, 0.037). Among MCI, higher initial physical LAE was associated with slower declines in memory (Estimate=0.034, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.067), but higher initial intellectual LAE was related to steeper declines in visuospatial function (Estimate=-0.028, 95% CI: -0.052, -0.004). Among cognitively normal, higher initial memory was associated with slower declines in intellectual LAE (Estimate=0.012, 95% CI: 0.002, 0.022). Discussion and implications Dynamic interplay of LAE with cognitive performance was observed across diagnostic groups. Levels of LAE subtypes could be more predictive of change in certain cognitive domains within older adults with MCI.
A Dynamic Lot Sizing Model with Learning in Setups

This paper considers the dynamic lot sizing problem of H. M. Wagner and T. M. Whitin with the assumption that the total cost of n setups is a concave nondecreasing function of n. Such setup costs could arise from the worker learning in setups and/or technological improvements in setup methods. An efficient dynamic programming algorithm is developed to solve a finite horizon problem and results are presented to find decision/forecast horizons. Several new results presented in the paper have potential use in solving other related problems.
Does tree canopy moderate the association between neighborhood walkability and street crime

Abstract Creating walkable places and increasing urban vegetation in neighborhoods have emerged as important planning strategies to promote health, social, and environmental benefits. Although past studies have found that walkability and tree canopy are associated with crime, little research has comprehensively examined how neighborhood walkability and tree canopy are associated with street crime. The current study fills this gap by analyzing the relationship among walkable access to amenities measured by Walk Score, urban tree canopy, and the five-year violent and property street crime rates (2014–2018) across an entire city. This study used the case of Austin, Texas to investigate the association exists between 1) neighborhood walkability and street crime and 2) tree canopy and street crime. We also assessed whether the association between neighborhood walkability and street crime was moderated by tree canopy. The first set of models based on a negative binomial regression showed that neighborhood walkability was positively associated with both violent and property street crime rates while tree canopy was inversely associated with violent and property street crime rates. The second set of models revealed a nonlinear relationship between neighborhood walkability and the street crime rate. The final set of models showed that tree canopy cover can moderate the relationship between street crime and neighborhood walkability, suggesting that tree canopy can somewhat offset the negative influence of walkable neighborhoods, such as crowdedness and noise, in relation to street crime. The findings have implications for developing evidence-based planning, design, and policy strategies to create livable streets and prevent street crime by planting more trees in walking-friendly environments.
Overcoming the Current Limitations of GNSS-R Observation of Wetlands and Surface Water

Recent results from CYGNSS have highlighted the importance of coherent GNSS reflections for measuring and mapping surface water. However, the GNSS-R instrument aboard CYGNSS was intended for measuring diffuse scattering from the ocean, and the way in which it processes measurements is not optimal for coherent reflections. The goal of this work is to review recent investigations into how on-board algorithms in future instruments can take full advantage of coherent GNSS-R measurements, especially with how they apply to observation of inland water. It is understood that the proper utilization of coherent reflections will open the door to a number of new and interesting science applications for GNSS-R. Several algorithms are proposed.
German Expansionism, Imperial Liberalism and the United States, 1776–1945

Acknowledgments Abbreviations Introduction 1. Soil, liberty, and blood: Germans and American westward expansion before 1871 2. From theory to practice: German colonialism and American westward expansion before the Great War 3. The American South and racial segregation in the German colonies 4. America, race, and German expansionism from the Great War to 1945 Conclusion. Imperial liberalism, Nazi expansionism, and the continuities of German history Bibliography Index.
Comparison of methods for enumeration of selected coliforms exposed to ozone

mT7 medium performed no better than m-Endo medium in enumerating cells of Escherichia coli and Citrobacter freundii exposed to ozone. Also, there was no difference in the plate count of heterotrophic bacteria in ozonated raw water determined on modified Henrici agar or R2A agar. Statistically significant differences were seen between bacteria and the type of water in which they were suspended during ozonation.
MembershipMap: A Data Transformation for Knowledge Discovery Based on Granulation and Fuzzy Membership Aggregation

In this chapter, we describe a new data-driven transformation that facilitates many data mining, interpretation, and analysis tasks. This approach, called MembershipMap, strives to granulate and extract the underlying sub-concepts of each raw attribute. The orthogonal union of these sub-concepts are then used to define a new membership space. The sub-concept soft labels of each point in the original space determine the position of that point in the new space. Since sub-concept labels are prone to uncertainty inherent in the original data and in the initial extraction process, a combination of labeling schemes that are based on different measures of uncertainty will be presented. In particular, we introduce the CrispMap, the FuzzyMap, and the PossibilisticMap. We outline the advantages and disadvantages of each mapping scheme, and we show that the three transformed spaces are complementary. We also show that in addition to improving the performance of clustering by taking advantage of the richer information content, the MembershipMap can be used as a flexible pre-processing tool to support such tasks as: sampling, data cleaning, and outlier detection.
Distributed components in the Project54 system

The Project54 system integrates in-car based electronic systems, software and user interfaces. It also allows officers to access the in-car system using handheld devices. The Project54 system software implemented in the car is completely modular and is based on Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM). There is a main executable application and individual applications that control in-car electronic devices or provide other services. A simple modular COM architecture was developed for a handheld device in order to allow communication with the in-car Project54 system. Both, the in-car and handheld systems use a messaging scheme that allows one-to-one communication between applications. There is a proxy application on both sides that allows the communication among components via a wireless network. The system is currently being installed in 75 NH State Police cruisers.
Biomarkers in neonatology: the new “omics” of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

AbstractBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a complex disorder resulting from gene–environmental interactions. An improved understanding of the pathogenesis of this most common chronic lung disease in infants has been made by utilizing animal models and correlating with human data. Currently, while some (vitamin A, caffeine) pharmacotherapeutic options are being utilized to ameliorate this condition, there is still no specific or effective treatment for BPD. It would be helpful for prognostication and targeted potential novel therapeutic strategies to identify those babies accurately who are at risk for developing this disease. A reliable biomarker would have the capacity to be detected in the initial phase of the disease, to allow early interventions to avoid or minimize the detrimental effects of the disease. This review will focus on human studies performed with the “omic” techniques, specifically genomics, epigenomics, microbiomics, transciptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, and summarize the inform...
Importance of rotational motion in the vibrational relaxation of H2O molecules. Relaxation of the bending level in H2O+Ar collisions

Abstract A model of vibration-to-rotation energy transfer is developed for the relaxation of the bending mode of H2O in the H2O+Ar collision. In the model the energy release ΔE of the ν2=2→1 transition is efficiently removed by rotation. Transition probabilities are calculated by a semiclassical procedure. The model correctly predicts both the temperature dependence and magnitude of the (020→010) probability over the temperature range of 200–1000 K. The importance of the coupling of rotation with bending is discussed. A model which assumes the removal of the energy release by translation seriously underestimates the probability especially at lower temperatures and predicts a temperature dependence which is too steep.
Total skin electron beam and total nodal irradiation for treatment of patients with cutaneous t-cell lymphoma

Abstract Sixteen patients with advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) with or without lymph node involvement, but without evidence of extranodal manifestations, were treated with a combination of total skin electron beam therapy (TSEB) and total nodal irradiation (TNI). Fourteen (87%) patients achieved a complete response (CR) lasting from 1 to 84+ months (median, 8+ months) from the completion of treatment. The best results occurred in 6 patients with pretumorous intracutaneous CTCL (Stages IB and IIA) where the CR has lasted in all patients from 8 to 84+ months (median about 27+ months). Conversely, a long-term CR occurred in only one of five patients with tumor-phase intracutaneous CTCL (Stage IIB) and in none of the 5 patients with histopathologically proven nodal involvement (Stage IVA). Radiotherapy was well tolerated with the major toxicity being vone marrow suppression. We conclude that combined TSEB and TNI is a relatively safe and effective treatment for patients with CTCL prior to the development of lymph node involvement. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess the curative potential of this treatment.
EFFECTS OF LIGHT ON STEM AND LEAF GROWTH

OUR KNOWLEDGE of the effect of light on form or growth in general is in the same stage as the knowledge of phototropism before the work of Blaauw (1909). This means that qualitatively a number of effects are known, but that our knowledge of the quantitative relation between wave length, light intensity and total energy and their physiological effects is still shockingly deficient. This is clearly indicated in chapters 20-26 of "Biological Effects of Radiation" (Duggar, 1936) or by the statement (Kostytchew-Went, 1931, p. 293), "An understanding of the relation between light effect and form has hardly been approached." The light-growth reactions, which are the immediate response of growing organs to relatively short exposures to light, represent the only case which has been studied extensively, but even here much remains to be done before the relations between light and growth are clearly understood. Some experiments concerning the lightgrowth reaction of Avena coleoptiles are described below. The light effects are not only interesting in themselves, but they also offer a tool for further investigation of the growth processes, by enabling a separation between successive reactions. As an example, the analysis of photosynthesis might be mentioned, where a separation between light and dark reactions was possible, each of which could then be studied separately. Furthermore, the absorption spectrum of the reaction indicates which pigments are involved. Finally, a separation between light induced processes can be accomplished if their absorption spectra are very different. Although no different principles are involved, still a separation between the photosynthetic carbon dioxide assimilation carried out in the leaves, and the activation and inactivation reactions which are affected by light and which may occur also in nongreen plant parts is advantageous. The light energy required to keep up the proper nutritional level is very large, and in most cases is so much greater than the other light-dependent reactions require, that the latter are not directly analyzable. Their existence can be inferred only by indirect means from green plants growing in sufficient light to support their continued development. For a study of light-reactions in the plant other than CO2 assimilation, we can choose between three possible experimental approaches: 1. Using seedlings with large supplies of stored food, so that their energy requirements can be satisfied from this storage. 2. Using whole plants or parts of plants, growing them on complete nutrient medium containing carbohydrates.
Toward an Understanding of the Surface Chemical Properties of Ice: Differences between the Amorphous and Crystalline Surfaces

The interactions of several compounds with the surfaces of amorphous and crystalline ice-h2 and ice-d2 in ultrahigh vacuum were studied using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and Fourier transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (FTIRAS). The following compounds were studied: acetone, acetonitrile, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, diethyl ether, 1-hexene, and 2-propanol. Without exception, compounds possessing a functional group capable of accepting a hydrogen bond from the OH group of water show one or more thermal desorption states from amorphous ice that are absent from the crystalline surface. Conversely, for compounds with no such functional group, the desorption spectra from amorphous and crystalline ice are essentially identical. The unique states exhibit kinetic isotope effects for desorption from ice-d2, whereas states that are common to both amorphous and crystalline surfaces exhibit no isotope effect. FTIRAS measurements show that adsorption of good hydrogen bond donors on ...
Consequences of work-home segmentation or integration: a person-environment fit perspective

This study demonstrates how the interaction between an individual's work-home segmentation preference and the perceived segmentation provided by the workplace affects work-home conflict (WHC), stress, and job satisfaction. Using a person-environment (P-E) fit theoretical base and methodology, data from 325 employees in a wide variety of occupations and organizations illustrate significant fit effects on these outcomes. Results from polynomial regression and response surface methodology highlight important asymmetric effects found in these P-E fit relationships. By demonstrating the asymmetric results of fit effects, the findings challenge previous research, which has typically advocated an integration of work and home in order to ameliorate role conflict and stress. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular beam epitaxial growth of thin CaF2 films on vicinal Si(111) surfaces

Abstract The growth of CaF 2 on Si(111) 7 × 7 surface at ∼ 770°C and ∼ 250°C on both ∼ 2° and ∼ 0.5° off-normal, vicinal substrates (titled towards the [11 -2] azimuth) has been studied using RHEED, AFM and SEM. For growth at ∼ 770°C on both substrates, the CaF 2 grows in a layer-by-layer fashion for the first two monolayers which gives rise to RHEED intensity oscillations. Beyond two monolayers, relatively thick CaF 2 islands nucleate at the Si step edges (which are bunched into step bands) and grow laterally with constant height (∼ 5 nm for ∼ 2° and ∼ 2 nm for ∼ 0.5° miscut substrates) along the Si step edges and eventually form a flat overlayer. The height of the CaF 2 islands appears to be determined by the height of the Si step bunches which, in turn, is determined by the substrate miscut angle. For growth at ∼ 250°C, the integral diffraction spot RHEED intensity decreases exponentially for the first ∼ 2 monolayers of growth and then oscillates for ∼ 6 periods. In addition, the non-integral diffraction spots, corresponding to the Si(111) 7 × 7 pattern, are not fully removed until the integral diffraction spot intensity starts to oscillate at ∼ 3 monolayers. These results indicate that the CaF 2 initially grows by nucleation and coalescence of 2D islands which are 2 to 3 monolayers high, followed by a multilayer-by-multilayer mode which leads to a featureless, flat surface morphology.
Is an Incidental Meckel’s Diverticulum Truly Benign?

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract and it is found to affect nearly 2 percent of the population. Interestingly, the surgical management of an asymptomatic Meckel's diverticulum remains widely controversial in the adult population. Review of the literature finds the overall risk of Meckel's diverticulum becoming symptomatic to be low; however, the risk accompanying its resection also proves to be minimal thus perpetuating the question of its proper management. We report our experience with an elderly patient who required an emergent operative intervention and was incidentally found to have Meckel's diverticulum. Review of final pathology found Meckel's diverticulum to contain a carcinoid tumor. In our review, the presence of a carcinoid tumor within Meckel's diverticulum is a rare finding, but its incidence may further support the resection of incidentally found asymptomatic Meckel's diverticulum in patients of all ages.
Empathy and Life Support Decisions in Intensive Care Units

Background Although experts advocate that physicians should express empathy to support family members faced with difficult end-of-life decisions for incapacitated patients, it is unknown whether and how this occurs in practice.
Micro-CT Imaging of MEMS Components

Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) have become increasingly commonplace in varied uses such as miniature pumps, motors, and sensors. As MEMS size continues to decrease, the intricacy of their construction has increased. With this increase in complexity comes a need to evaluate the assembly and functionality of these devices in a nondestructive manner. We proposed the utilization of micro-CT imaging as a method of such evaluation for MEMS devices. Computational simulations were performed in order to determine optimal source materials and imaging parameters for micro-CT scans. Multiple MEMS components of various architecture, fabricated by Sandia National Labs, were then imaged in order to verify the simulations, as well as to prove the feasibility of micro-CT imaging of such devices. The raw data from these scans was run through computational simulations to verify the best choice of filter and interpolation method when reconstructing micro-CT images. The results of the simulations, as well as the level of detail present in the three dimensional reconstructed images of various MEMS devices proved the feasibility of micro-CT as an effective tool for the evaluation of such devices.
Hot rocks or no hot rocks: overnight retreat availability and selection by a diurnal lizard

I used radio telemetry to determine the effects of substrate size and composition on overnight retreat site selection by western fence lizards (Sceloporus occiden- talis). In watersheds of northern California (USA), these lizards occupy two habitat types differing in substrate characteristics: rocky cobble bars found in the dry, active channels of rivers and grassy upland meadows. Rocky substrates, found almost exclusively on cobble bars, provided warmer potential retreat sites than all available retreat sites on meadows during the first 5 h of inactivity. Only cobble and sand substrates provided retreats with temperatures within the preferred daily active range (32- 36�C) during the inactive period for these lizards (1900- 0900 hours). Females on a cobble bar used rocks as retreats on >90% of nights during the breeding season whereas females on a meadow used wood (>70% of nights) and burrows (>25% of nights). In contrast to females, cobble bar males used rocks significantly less frequently (<70%) and slept in the open air significantly more frequently (25% vs. <1%). Cobble bar females further, showed a significant preference for cobbles 15 cm thick, whereas the rocks used by males did not differ significantly in thickness from those measured in ran- domly placed transects. Rocks 15 cm thick were the warmest retreats commonly available on this habitat type. Thus, thermal microenvironments available to and chosen by gravid female lizards differ considerably between river and non-river habitats.
Generation of coherent cw radiation tunable from 211 nm to 216 nm.

Many spectroscopic studies require a source of coherent cw radiation tunable in the uv. Continuous wave radiation in the 257 to 360-nm range has been generated by sum frequency mixing, in potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) and its isomorphs, selected output lines from an argon or krypton ion laser with the output of a cw dye laser.
Convergence of calls as animals form social bonds, active compensation for noisy communication channels, and the evolution of vocal learning in mammals

The classic evidence for vocal production learning involves imitation of novel, often anthropogenic sounds. Among mammals, this has been reported for dolphins, elephants, harbor seals, and humans. A broader taxonomic distribution has been reported for vocal convergence, where the acoustic properties of calls from different individuals converge when they are housed together in captivity or form social bonds in the wild. Vocal convergence has been demonstrated for animals as diverse as songbirds, parakeets, hummingbirds, bats, elephants, cetaceans, and primates. For most species, call convergence is thought to reflect a group-distinctive identifier, with shared calls reflecting and strengthening social bonds. A ubiquitous function for vocal production learning that is starting to receive attention involves modifying signals to improve communication in a noisy channel. Pooling data on vocal imitation, vocal convergence, and compensation for noise suggests a wider taxonomic distribution of vocal production learning among mammals than has been generally appreciated. The wide taxonomic distribution of this evidence for vocal production learning suggests that perhaps more of the neural underpinnings for vocal production learning are in place in mammals than is usually recognized.
SU‐FF‐I‐46: Performance Evaluation and Comparison of Two Cadmium Zinc Telluride Gamma Cameras

Purpose: We evaluate and compare the imaging performance of two prototype CadmiumZinc Telluride (CZT) gamma cameras. The long‐term use of these systems is gamma‐ray imaging of small animals and laboratory research. Method and Materials: The two systems, made by Mosaic Imaging Technology, Inc., using CZT modules and components from IMARAD, Ltd., consist of a 25‐module carrier board, power supplies, and pulse processing and data acquisition boards. In testing we used 2 modules in the original prototype and 3 modules in the newer system. Each CZT module is a 38×38×5 mm monolithic crystal divided into 16×16 pixels, with two logic/pulse‐shaping ASICs. The original prototype uses older ASIC designs. We developed detector initialization and control software in LabVIEW 7.0. In operation, the detector processes each gamma ray interaction to produce energy and pixel information, which the LabVIEW program converts into energy spectra and images. The imaging performance of the two systems is evaluated using the NEMA NU 1 (2001) guidelines. Performance tests include energy resolution, spatial resolution, flood field uniformity, linearity and count rate performance. Results: In operation, the original prototype's modules generally show better performance than the newer modules, which require more tuning to achieve satisfactory imaging performance. Intrinsic spatial resolution is limited by the 2.4‐mm pixel pitch of the CZT modules. The original prototype's overall energy resolution is 7.2% FWHM for Tc‐99m and somewhat worse for the new system. Energy resolution for individual pixels is even better, but photopeak locations vary. Linearity, uniformity and count‐rate performance are comparable for the two systems, but the new modules generally have more dead pixels than the older modules. Conclusion: Individual CZT pixels have superior energy resolution compared to NaI(Tl), but intrinsic spatial resolution is slightly worse. The large pixel size impacts the utility of CZT gamma cameras for high‐resolution applications.
The potential for hybridization in freshwater copepods

The importance of hybridization and hybrid zones in pelagic systems is largely unknown, in part because planktonic species are generally assumed to be reproductively isolated. However, lakes in their entirety represent potential hybrid zones throughout which sympatric species may mate and hybridize. Recent field evidence for the existence of intermediate phenotypes together with behavioral observations of heterospecific matings suggest that hybridization may be much more common than previously thought in these systems. This study examines the potential for hybridization of two related copepod species, Diaptomus minutus and D. pygmaeus, that co-occur in lakes throughout the northeastern United States. Field and experimental laboratory data were collected to: (1) compare the spatial and temporal occurrence of these two congeners in a single lake; (2) quantify the extent to which mating errors occur insitu; (3) examine the species specific mating cues that potentially affect the probability of hybridization; and (4) determine the potential for gametic compatibility and hybrid viability of these two species. D. minutus and D. pygmaeus are spatially and temporally sympatric, and the timing of their reproductive activity can be coincident insitu. One-directional mating errors occur frequently in both the laboratory and the field (e.g., upto 70% of D.minutus females in situ may carry spermatophores from D.pygmaeus males). Very low but successful production of hybrids also occurs, demonstrating that their gametes are indeed compatible and their hybrids are sometimes viable. These results underscore the potential for hybridization to play a greater role in speciation and contribute more to phenotypic diversity in aquatic crustacean communities than previously shown.
Large-area bi-functional nano-mushroom plasmonic sensor for colorimetry and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Wafer-scale nano-mushroom sensor was demonstrated with the refractive index sensitivity of 373 nm/RIU, resulting in significant color shift detectable by eye. It also works for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy with the enhancement factor of 10^7.
Subject variables in cognitive self-instructional training

Cognitive self-instructional (CSI) programs have been successful in improving problem-solving skills in many, but not all, children. The importance of directing the most efficacious treatment toward particular groups of children is discussed. In a treatment analogue study, 15 children received CSI training and 15 were in an attention control group. The CSI group improved more than the control group on the Porteus Mazes; both groups improved over time on other measures. Cognitive maturity, personal attributions of causality, private speech, and therapist ratings were related for the CSI group to improvement on the Porteus Mazes but not the other measures. These same subject variables, especially the attribution measure, were related for the control group to all outcome measures. Prediction and detection of treatment versus practice effects are discussed.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Metabolism by 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase/Δ5-Δ4 Isomerase in Adult Zebra Finch Brain: Sex Difference and Rapid Effect of Stress

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a precursor to sex steroids such as androstenedione (AE), testosterone (T), and estrogens. DHEA has potent effects on brain and behavior, although the mechanisms remain unclear. One possible mechanism of action is that DHEA is converted within the brain to sex steroids. 3beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta5-Delta4 isomerase (3beta-HSD) catalyzes the conversion of DHEA to AE. AE can then be converted to T and estrogen within the brain. We test the hypothesis that 3beta-HSD is expressed in the adult brain in a region- and sex-specific manner using the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), a songbird with robust sex differences in song behavior and telencephalic song nuclei. In zebra finch brain, DHEA is converted by 3beta-HSD to AE and subsequently to estrogens and 5alpha- and 5beta-reduced androgens. 3beta-HSD activity is highest in the diencephalon and telencephalon. In animals killed within 2-3 min of disturbance, baseline 3beta-HSD activity in portions of the telencephalon is higher in females than males. Acute restraint stress (10 min) decreases 3beta-HSD activity in females but not in males, and in stressed animals, telencephalic 3beta-HSD activity is greater in males than in females. Thus, the baseline sex difference is rapidly reversed by stress. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of 1) brain region differences in DHEA metabolism by 3beta-HSD, 2) rapid modulation of 3beta-HSD activity, and 3) sex differences in brain 3beta-HSD and regulation by stress. Songbirds are good animal models for studying the regulation and functions of DHEA and neurosteroids in the nervous system.
Effects of cholesterol on nano-mechanical properties of the living cell plasma membrane

In this study, we investigated the effects of membrane cholesterol content on the mechanical properties of cell membranes by using optical tweezers. We pulled membrane tethers from human embryonic kidney cells using single and multi-speed protocols, and obtained time-resolved tether forces. We quantified various mechanical characteristics including the tether equilibrium force, bending modulus, effective membrane viscosity, and plasma membrane-cytoskeleton adhesion energy, and correlated them to the membrane cholesterol level. Decreases in cholesterol concentration were associated with increases in the tether equilibrium force, tether stiffness, and adhesion energy. Tether diameter and effective viscosity increased with increasing cholesterol levels. Disruption of cytoskeletal F-actin significantly changed the tether diameters in both non-cholesterol and cholesterol-manipulated cells, while the effective membrane viscosity was unaffected by F-actin disruption. The findings are relevant to inner ear function where cochlear amplification is altered by changes in membrane cholesterol content.
Selective Type II Muscle Fiber Hypertrophy in Severe Infantile Spinal Muscular Atrophy

The diagnostic muscle biopsy finding in severe infantile spinal muscular atrophy (Werdnig-Hoffmann disease, SMA type 1) is considered to be large-group atrophy with isolated clusters of hypertrophic type I myofibers. We present a unique case of severe infantile spinal muscular atrophy with selective hypertrophy of type II myofibers. A male infant presented at age 2 months with breathing difficulties and by age 4 months was hypotonic and weak. Electromyography revealed denervation in all extremity muscles, and nerve conduction velocities were normal but with small compound muscle action potentials. Quadriceps muscle biopsy revealed many hypertrophied type II myofibers (myofibers with a mean least diameter of 25.4 μm). In contrast, the largest type I myofibers were 20 μm in least diameter (mean diameter, 14.9 μm), and there was a normal-size population of type II fibers (mean diameter, 15.7 μm). In addition, sheets of atrophic type I and type II fibers averaged 2.0 μm in least diameter. Sural nerve biopsy w...
NMR hybrid relaxation methods of studying chemical, physical, and spin exchange. I. General theory and experimental methods

Abstract NMR hybrid relaxation, a resultant of periodic alternation of T 2 and T 1 relaxation modes, has been calculated for a two-phase system of nuclei undergoing atomic or spin exchange. The time dependence of magnetization is the sum of two exponentials, whose decay constants depend on the intrinsic relaxation rates and the exchange rates in a complex way. Experimental procedures for adjusting the multiple-pulse sequences are given, and instrumental imperfections illustrated; despite the latter, four decades of reliable magnetization decay can be measured. An appendix extends the theory to a three-phase system, involving both spin and atomic exchange.
X-RAY SPECTROSCOPY OF HUMAN SKIN AS A CONTAMINANT ON SEMICONDUCTORS

With shrinking geometries making some semiconductor devices more sensitive to ionic contamination than before, manufacturers are compelled to eliminate the contaminant to a higher degree. Before the contaminant can be eliminated though, it must be identified. Evidence points to the people involved in the process of wafer handling as being the major source of this contamination, and not alone from material borne on the skin, but from the skin itself. The make-up of our dermal and epidermal layers of skin, in addition to the other normal body processes make us a carrier of many harmful ions such as Na+, Cl-, HCO3--, Ca++, and others. This very mix of chemicals makes the job of identification very difficult under the best of circumstances. However, in a production situation where time lost in analysis equates to product lost from contamination, the time spent in rigorous analysis is a costly luxury. A method has been outlined from the results of analysis of failed semiconductor devices by which an operator can, with a high degree of reliability, identify skin as a contaminant. This is done from the spectra produced by an energy dispersive X-Ray spectrometer which can be inserted in the same SEM chamber with the specimen, thereby producing a relatively fast, cost optimized analysis.
Use of multidetector computed tomography 3D reconstructions in assessing lower tracheal-bronchial pathology and subsequent surgical interventions☆

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the contribution of 3D reconstruction in assessing lower tracheobronchial pathology and surgical interventions. Methods Twenty patients fit our criteria of lower tract tracheobronchial pathologies for a total of 25 abnormalities. Studies were reviewed by two board certified pediatric radiologists. Diagnostic value of 3D reconstruction in assessing surgical findings was evaluated. Results Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction was perceived to add specific information in seven cases: three cases clarifying how attempting surgical intervention would be helpful, and in four cases, 3D reconstruction gave added information that aided surgical planning. Conclusions Three-dimensional reconstructions can be a helpful tool in planning surgical interventions.
Rationale and requirements for lunar exploration

The moon has had a complex and geologically fascinating history. It is a natural laboratory in which to study planetary processes and is readily accessible, only 2.5 days away. The moon is the only planetary object from which there are samples of known geologic context, and its history is understood well enough to permit the posing and answering of sophisticated scientific questions. The moon also preserves information about the earth's early history and cratering record, and about the sun's history. To retrieve all this information, it is necessary to return to the moon and study it from orbit, establish surface geophysical networks, obtain reconnaissance samples, and perform field work. These ventures will require development of interesting technological systems, such as a robotic field geologist, automated roving vehicles (both pressurized for humans and unpressurized for robotic devices), a host of sampling tools, automated sample-return spacecraft, and all of the associated navigation, communication, and power systems.
Recurrent diaphragmatic hernia.

Recurrent congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a well-known complication, but one that has not been examined systematically. Review of the literature shows a varied incidence as well as a myriad of treatment strategies. Evaluation of the available data is made more difficult by lack of standardized repair techniques and comparable patient groups. As an increasing number of diaphragmatic hernia patients survive the newborn period, a study of the true incidence of recurrent diaphragmatic hernia, its etiologic factors, and the methods of repair is essential to prevent and treat this problem.
Use of the Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorter to Quantitate and Enrich for Subpopulations of Human Skin Cells

A variety of immunologic staining techniques were compared in a quantitative study of antigen expression by human epidermal cells. Virtually all nucleated epidermal cells express β 2 -microglobulin, which is associated with HLA-A, -B, and -C antigens, whereas only about 4% expressed T6, an antigen expressed by Langerhans cells but not other cells in the skin. With the fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS), epidermal cell suspensions were selectively enriched 10- to 15-fold for T6-positive Langerhans cells. An average of 6.5% of cells were specifically stained by anti-HLA-DR antibody. When dispersed cells stained with anti-DR plus peroxidase were examined with the technique of immunoelectron microscopy, only mononuclear leukocytes (probably Langerhans cells) were stained. After separating HLA-DR positive skin cells with the FACS, the DR-positive population but not the DR-negative population stimulated proliferation of allogeneic responder lymphocytes, indicating that sorted cells are metabolically active. We conclude that HLA-DR antigen is not expressed by keratinocytes in normal human skin cell suspensions and that the FACS can be used to selectively enrich or deplete skin cell suspensions of antigenically distinct subpopulations such as Langerhans cells.
The effect of photomask resolution on separation efficiency on microfabricated devices

Separation quality on glass microfluidic devices fabricated from photomasks of different optical resolutions was compared by measuring the dispersion (apparent diffusion) coefficients of a set of standard compounds separated on these devices. Currently, the channel manifolds of most microfluidic devices are patterned using chrome photomasks. A much cheaper, more robust alternative to chrome photomasks are laser photoplotted masks. The primary disadvantage to using laser photoplots is that the optical resolution of these masks is not as high as that of chrome masks, and this feature increases the side-wall roughness of etched channel manifolds patterned using such masks. The increased wall roughness may affect the fluid flow within the channels and, therefore, the separation quality. To determine the effect of increased sidewall channel roughness, microchip channel manifolds were patterned in soda lime glass using a chrome photomask and laser photoplots printed at resolutions of 620, 1240, 3100 and 6200 dots per centimetre (dpc). Separations were performed on these devices using dilute solutions of fluorescently labeled amino acids. The peak variances of the amino acids were calculated at increasing distances down the separation channel and plotted as a function of migration time. From this plot, dispersion coefficients of the analytes were measured. This allowed for a reliable, relatively easy, direct separation analysis among microchips fabricated from the various photomasks. After multiple separations using microchips fabricated from each resolution mask, we found that the change in sidewall surface roughness did not significantly affect the dispersion coefficients measured, and thus the separation quality. The lower mask resolution limit, rather, was governed by the fidelity to which the mask could capture the original CAD design.
Kinetic Ising Model of the Glass Transition

A graph theory of single-spin-flip kinetic Ising models is developed and applied to a class of spin models with strongly cooperative dynamics. Self-consistent approximations for the spin time correlation function are presented. One of the dynamical models exhibits a glass transition with no underlying thermodynamic singularity. The approximation for the time correlation function predicts a critical temperature, below which small fluctuations from equilibrium in the thermodynamic limit cannot relax in a finite amount of time.
Transcriptional control of Hox genes in the vertebrate nervous system

Abstract The identification, in transgenic mice, of Hox gene DNA regulatory elements that can recapitulate certain aspects of the endogenous gene expression pattern has proceeded with great success. Perfect reproduction of the correct expression pattern, however, is uncommon, even when large genomic fragments spanning neighboring genes are analyzed, suggesting that important regulatory regions may be located at large distances from the genes they control or that their specific context may be important. Four classes of transcriptional regulators have been identified recently that have been shown to directly regulate Hox gene expression in the murine nervous system: retinoic acid receptors, Krox20 , the Pbxlexd family, and the Hox genes themselves.
Resonance Raman Spectroscopic Identification of a Histidine Ligand of b595 and the Nature of the Ligation of Chlorin d in the Fully Reduced Escherichia coli Cytochrome bd Oxidase

Cytochrome bd oxidase is a bacterial terminal oxidase that contains three cofactors: a low-spin heme (b558), a high-spin heme (b595), and a chlorin d. The center of dioxygen reduction has been proposed to be a binuclear b595/d site, whereas b558 is mainly involved in transferring electrons from ubiquinol to the oxidase. Information on the nature of the axial ligands of the three heme centers has come from site-directed mutagenesis and spectroscopy, which have implicated a His/Met coordination for b558 (Spinner, F., Cheesman, M. R., Thomson, A. J., Kaysser, T., Gennis, R. B., Peng, Q., & Peterson, J. (1995) Biochem. J. 308, 641−644; Kaysser, T. M., Ghaim, J. B., Georgiou, C., & Gennis, R. B. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 13491−13501), but the ligands to b595 and d are not known with certainty. In this work, the three heme chromophores of the fully reduced cytochrome bd oxidase are studied individually by selective enhancement of their resonance Raman (rR) spectra at particular excitation wavelengths. The rR spe...
A nondeterministic approach to infer context free grammar from sequence

Grammar induction has received a lot of attention from researchers in the past decades because of its practical and theoretical impact on data compression, pattern discovery and computation theory. There are a bunch of grammar induction algorithms for a given sequence are introduced. Most existing work on learning grammar for a given sequence is based on deterministic approach. Such deterministic approaches used by grammar induction algorithms can be categorized as greedy heuristics. In addition, there are many grammars, which can be learned from a given sequence. The smallest grammar problem is defined by some researchers to evaluate different grammars learned from a given sequence by different algorithms. Such problem is proved as NP-hard. In this work, we introduce a nondeterministic approach to address grammar induction for a given sequence based on genetic algorithm. We demonstrate that our grammar induction algorithm can effectively identify smaller grammar than a well-known grammar induction algorithm. Experimental results, which are presented, illustrate that our approach and algorithm are feasible to resolve difficult problems such as identifying patterns of DNA sequence.