cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning approach to computational microscopy

Emerging deep learning based computational microscopy techniques promise novel imaging capabilities beyond traditional techniques. In this talk, I will discuss two microscopy applications. First, high space-bandwidth product microscopy typically requires a large number of measurements. I will present a novel physics-assisted deep learning (DL) framework for large space-bandwidth product (SBP) phase imaging,1 enabling significant reduction of the required measurements, opening up real-time applications. In this technique, we design asymmetric coded illumination patterns to encode high-resolution phase information across a wide field-of-view. We then develop a matching DL algorithm to provide large-SBP phase estimation. We demonstrate this technique on both static and dynamic biological samples, and show that it can reliably achieve 5x resolution enhancement across 4x FOVs using only five multiplexed measurements. In addition, we develop an uncertainty learning framework to provide predictive assessment to the reliability of the DL prediction. We show that the predicted uncertainty maps can be used as a surrogate to the true error. We validate the robustness of our technique by analyzing the model uncertainty. We quantify the effect of noise, model errors, incomplete training data, and “out-of-distribution” testing data by assessing the data uncertainty. We further demonstrate that the predicted credibility maps allow identifying spatially and temporally rare biological events. Our technique enables scalable DL-augmented large-SBP phase imaging with reliable predictions. Second, I will turn to the pervasive problem of imaging in scattering media. I will discuss a new deep learning- based technique that is highly generalizable and resilient to statistical variations of the scattering media.2 We develop a statistical ‘one-to-all’ deep learning technique that encapsulates a wide range of statistical variations for the model to be resilient to speckle decorrelations. Specifically, we develop a convolutional neural network (CNN) that is able to learn the statistical information contained in the speckle intensity patterns captured on a set of diffusers having the same macroscopic parameter. We then show that the trained CNN is able to generalize and make high-quality object predictions through an entirely different set of diffusers of the same class. Our work paves the way to a highly scalable deep learning approach for imaging through scattering media.
29 Political Demography

Political demography addresses both the political determinants and the political consequences of demographic change. Over the past few decades the salience of these topics has risen to high levels in most countries and world regions. Passionate controversies about political demography have posed serious challenges to governments, governing elites, international and multilateral organizations, and longstanding provisions of international law.
Early Detection of Learning Problems: Questions, Cautions, and Guidelines

Assumptions underlying programs of early identification of young children viewed as educationally “at risk” are reviewed in terms of the research literature relevant to questions of validity of identifying or screening techniques, implications of recognition for remediation, and possible compounding negative effects of early identification. Guidelines for development and implementation of programs of early detection are proposed. Recommendations include emphasis upon techniques which are short term and educationally oriented and which are based on functional aspects of children's behavior in classroom settings.
Multiscale model of regional population decline in little brown bats due to white‐nose syndrome

The introduced fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans is causing decline of several species of bats in North America, with some even at risk of extinction or extirpation. The severity of the epidemic of white‐nose syndrome caused by P. destructans has prompted investigation of the transmission and virulence of infection at multiple scales, but linking these scales is necessary to quantify the mechanisms of transmission and assess population‐scale declines. We built a model connecting within‐hibernaculum disease dynamics of little brown bats to regional‐scale dispersal, reproduction, and disease spread, including multiple plausible mechanisms of transmission. We parameterized the model using the approach of plausible parameter sets, by comparing stochastic simulation results to statistical probes from empirical data on within‐hibernaculum prevalence and survival, as well as among‐hibernacula spread across a region. Our results are consistent with frequency‐dependent transmission between bats, support an important role of environmental transmission, and show very little effect of dispersal among colonies on metapopulation survival. The results help identify the influential parameters and largest sources of uncertainty. The model also offers a generalizable method to assess hypotheses about hibernaculum‐to‐hibernaculum transmission and to identify gaps in knowledge about key processes, and could be expanded to include additional mechanisms or bat species.
Determining the Reliability of Measuring Mercury Cycling Gene Abundance with Correlations with Mercury and Methylmercury Concentrations.

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a bioaccumulative toxic contaminant in many ecosystems, but factors governing its production are poorly understood. Recent work has shown that the anaerobic microbial conver...
Southeastern U.S. Tornado Outbreak Likelihood Using Daily Climate Indices

AbstractThis study investigates relationships between climate-scale patterns and seasonal tornado outbreaks across the southeastern United States. Time series of several daily climate indices—inclu...
Gas Temperature Determination of Nonthermal Plasma Through Boltzmann Plot Method

Nonthermal plasma (NTP) causes delayed melanoma cell death which is indicative of apoptosis. The NTP is produced by applying a high voltage signal to helium gas, causing ionization of a combination composed of neutral gas molecules and ambient air. By exploring the plasma's physical temperature, the energy exchanged during the plasma-cell interaction can be further understood. The NTP discharge contains radical species including ions, electrons, and neutrals. The temperature of the electrons exceeds the temperature of the gas due to high energy collisions which suggest that the NTP is not in a state of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE). The gas temperature can be understood as the physical temperature the test sample undergoes during the application of the plasma discharge. In order to determine the temperature of the gas, the Boltzmann plot method (BPM) has been utilized. This diagnostic has been used to estimate the physical temperature of the gas using spectroscopic measurements of the OH(A2Σ+,v = 0) → OH(X2 II,v = 0) molecular electronic transition and the N 2 +(A3Σ+) → N 2 +(X1Σ+) molecular electronic transition in the NTP discharge. For the application of the BPM, it is assumed the upper state of at least two spectral lines in the given transitions can be distinguished, the transition probabilities are accurately identified, and the plasma under study is in LTE. Even though the NTP is not in LTE, the temperature can still be resolved if the uncertainties of these assumptions are factored into calculations. The comparison of spectral standards to experimentally measured spectra under high resolution, provides a model of NTP temperature.
Problematic and addictive technology use

Abstract Adolescents today grow up in an environment saturated by screen-based technology. Hence, a growing area of concern is adolescent internet addiction and problematic internet use. This chapter will provide an overview of the issue, discussing how the design of screen-based technology can lead to addiction, the definitions and prevalence of internet addiction, and the risk factors of and populations at risk for Internet addiction. Finally, the chapter will conclude by discussing emerging areas for intervention and prevention.
Theoretical Investigation of Plasmonic Properties of Quantum-Sized Silver Nanoparticles

Plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) like silver (Ag) strongly absorb the incident light and produce enhanced localized electric field at the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) frequency. Enormous theoretical and experimental research has focused on the plasmonic properties of the metallic nanoparticles with sizes greater than 10 nm. However, such studies on smaller sized NPs in the size range of 3 to 10 nm (quantum-sized regime) are sparse. In this size regime, the conduction band of the metal particles discretizes, thus altering plasmon properties of the NPs from classical to the quantum regime. In this study, plasmonic properties of the spherical Ag NPs in size range of 3 to 20 nm were investigated using both quantum and classical modeling to understand the importance of invoking quantum regime to accurately describing their properties in this size regime. Theoretical calculations using standard Mie theory were carried out to monitor the LSPR peak shift and electric field enhancement as a function of the size of the bare plasmonic nanoparticle and the refractive index (RI) of the surrounding medium. Comparisons were made with and without invoking quantum regime. Also, the optical properties of metallic NPs conjugated with a chemical ligand using multi-layered Mie theory were studied, and interesting trends were observed.
Effect of Crop Canopy and Herbicide Application on Kochia (Bassia scoparia) Density and Seed Production

Understanding the effects of crop management practices on weed survival and seed production is imperative in improving long-term weed management strategies, especially for herbicide-resistant weed populations. Kochia [Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J. Scott] is an economically important weed in western North American cropping systems for many reasons, including prolific seed production and evolved resistance to numerous herbicide sites of action. Field studies were conducted in 2014 in a total of four field sites in Wyoming, Montana, and Nebraska to quantify the impact of different crop canopies and herbicide applications on B. scoparia density and seed production. Crops used in this study were spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), and corn (Zea mays L.). Herbicide treatments included either acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors effective on non-resistant B. scoparia or a non–ALS inhibiting herbicide effective for both ALS-resistant and ALS-susceptible B. scoparia. Bassia scoparia density midseason was affected more by herbicide choice than by crop canopy, whereas B. scoparia seed production per plant was affected more by crop canopy compared with herbicide treatment. Our results suggest that crop canopy and herbicide treatments were both influential on B. scoparia seed production per unit area, which is likely a key indicator of long-term management success for this annual weed species. The lowest germinable seed production per unit area was observed in spring wheat treated with non–ALS inhibiting herbicides, and the greatest germinable seed production was observed in sugar beet treated with ALS-inhibiting herbicides. The combined effects of crop canopy and herbicide treatment can minimize B. scoparia establishment and seed production.
Clonal diversity and polyphyletic origins of hybrid and spontaneous parthenogenetic Campeloma (Gastropoda: Viviparidae) from the south-eastern United States

Some theories for the maintenance of sexual reproduction indicate that parthenogens may persist if there is high clonal diversity and high dispersal rates. Using allozymic variation, we report on the origin, clonal diversity and population structure of hybrid and spontaneous parthenogens from south-eastern United States populations of the freshwater snail Campeloma. Independent origins of triploid hybrid parthenogens in the Florida panhandle occurred by hybridization between an Atlantic coastal species (C. limum or C. floridense) and the Florida sexual species (C. geniculum). Allozyme genotypic diversity is similar between these hybrid parthenogens and sexuals. Diploid spontaneous parthenogens originated multiple times from nonlocal C.limum sexual populations in Atlantic coastal rivers, and levels of genotypic diversity are significantly higher in sexual C. limum. How parthenogens originate, the degree of clonal diversity, and their subsequent dispersal influence whether basic assumptions of evolution-of-sex models are met.
Explaining the Inverse Association between Altitude and Obesity.

Purpose. To better understand the inverse association between altitude and adult obesity. Methods. An ecological study design was used, involving 3,108 counties in the contiguous United States. Data were from several national sources, and assessment involved various statistical techniques, including multiple regression analysis. Results. Living in counties at higher altitude is associated with lower adult obesity. Compared with counties <500 meters, the percent of adult obesity decreases by 5.18% at 500–999 meters, 9.69% at 1,000–1,499 meters, 16.77% at 1,500–1,999 meters, 24.14% at 2,000–2,499 meters, and 35.28% at ≥2,500 meters. After adjusting for physical inactivity, smoking, and other variables, corresponding decreases in adult obesity with higher altitude groupings are 3.87%, 5.64%, 8.03%, 11.41%, and 17.54%, respectively. Various mechanisms are presented as possible explanations for the association between higher altitude and lower obesity. In addition, altitude may indirectly influence adult obesity, primarily through its relationship with physical inactivity and smoking. In an adjusted regression model, adult obesity was most strongly associated with physical inactivity followed by adult smoking and then altitude. Together they explain 39.04% of the variation in adult obesity. After accounting for these variables, sunlight, precipitation, ambient air temperature, education, income, food insecurity, limited access to healthy foods, race, sex, and rural living explain an additional 4.68% of the variation in adult obesity. Conclusions. The inverse association between altitude and adult obesity remains significant after adjustment for several variables.
Location, Location, Location: Compartmentalization of NAD+ Synthesis and Functions in Mammalian Cells

The numerous biological roles of NAD+ are organized and coordinated via its compartmentalization within cells. The spatial and temporal partitioning of this intermediary metabolite is intrinsic to understanding the impact of NAD+ on cellular signaling and metabolism. We review evidence supporting the compartmentalization of steady-state NAD+ levels in cells, as well as how the modulation of NAD+ synthesis dynamically regulates signaling by controlling subcellular NAD+ concentrations. We further discuss potential benefits to the cell of compartmentalizing NAD+, and methods for measuring subcellular NAD+ levels.
The Lysosome at the Intersection of Cellular Growth and Destruction

The lysosome is an essential catabolic organelle that consumes cellular biomass to regenerate basic building blocks that can fuel anabolic reactions. This simple view has evolved more recently to integrate novel functions of the lysosome as a key signaling center, which can steer the metabolic trajectory of cells in response to changes in nutrients, growth factors, and stress. Master protein kinases and transcription factors mediate the growth-promoting and catabolic activities of the lysosome and undergo a complex interplay that enables cellular adaptation to ever-changing metabolic conditions. Understanding how this coordination occurs will shed light on the fundamental logic of how the lysosome functions to control growth in the context of development, tissue homeostasis, and cancer.
We average unbeautiful watchers: fan narratives and the reading of American sports: by Noah Cohan Lincoln, Nebraska, University of Nebraska Press, 2019, 276 pp., $45.00 (hardcover, eBook), ISBN 9780803295940

In We Average Unbeautiful Watchers, Noah Cohan displays a masterful ability to weave disparate texts into a cohesive and coherent narrative. That narrative seems straightforward at first glimpse: t...
Pseudo-Riemannian Symmetric Spaces: Uniform Realizations and Open Embeddings into Grassmanians

This paper aims at two major observations. The first is that all 54 series of classical symmetric spaces admit simple uniform realizations. Namely, a point of a symmetric space is represented by a pair of complementary linear subspaces V1, V2 in ℝk, ℂk or ℍk, subject to simple conditions (subspaces may be isotropic, or orthogonal, or rigged with an operator permuting V1 and V2). This observation allows one to work with arbitrary classical symmetric spaces by applying simple elementary methods. The second observation is that there always exists an open embedding of a classical symmetric space into a Grassmanian. Bibliography: 8 titles.
A Lottery for the Republic of Science: Chance, Merit, and Fairness in the Process of Awarding Research Grants

Federal agencies have a duty to seek the maximum social return from their investments in research (efficiency) and to confer research awards solely on the basis of merit (fairness). Consequently, the process of awarding grants relies on peer review to evaluate research proposals for merit. Peer review, however, also injects chance and bias into the process. Agencies could pass by good projects because of reviewer disagreement. Thus, any good project could use a little luck in being assigned to concurring reviewers. Formally internalizing chance may thus improve the system. I build on the Fang-Casadevall modified lottery proposal that consists of first screening projects for quality using peer review and then awarding funding via lottery to projects from that pool of preselected finalists. I argue that a modified lottery will encourage, in a few cases, a break from risk-averse projects, thus promoting the advancement of science. Researchers will also benefit because all preselected finalists will be recognized as equals in their profession, not only the lucky awardees. Agencies’ cost savings from streamlining the process could be plugged back into research. Furthermore, I suggest tweaks to the modified lottery to better align it with agencies’ missions and to discourage researchers from shirking in the performance of their projects.
The Mathematical Revolution in Economics: Factor Flows in the Production of Academics:

The main theme of this essay is that the mathematical revolution in economics precipitated factor flows in the production of academics, wherein able, if not creative, mathematicians moved into econ...
A Mixed Media Campaign to Promote Bystander Intervention and Reduce Alcohol Use Among College Students: A Pilot Study.

This study examined the limited efficacy of a mixed media campaign that promoted bystander intervention as a sexual violence (SV) prevention strategy and aimed to decrease alcohol use. A quasi-expe...
Statistical learning as a reference point for memory distortions: Swap and shift errors.

Humans use regularities in the environment to facilitate learning, often without awareness or intent. How might such regularities distort long-term memory? Here, participants studied and reported the colors of objects in a long-term memory paradigm, uninformed that certain colors were sampled more frequently overall. When participants misreported an object’s color, these errors were often centered around the average studied color (i.e., “Rich” color), demonstrating swap errors in long-term memory due to imposed statistical regularities. We observed such swap errors regardless of memory load, explicit knowledge, or the distance in color space between the correct color of the tested object and the Rich color. An explicit guessing strategy where participants intentionally made swap errors when uncertain could not fully account for our results. We discuss other potential sources of observed swap errors such as false memory and implicit biased guessing. Although less robust than swap errors, evidence was also observed for subtle shift errors towards or away from the Rich color dependent on the color distance between the correct color and the Rich color. Together, these findings of swap and shift errors provide converging evidence for memory distortion mechanisms induced by a reference point, bridging a gap in the literature between how attention to regularities similarly influences visual working memory and visual long-term memory.
The Rhetoric of the Roman Fake: Latin Pseudepigrapha in Context

Introduction 1. Literary fakes and their ancient reception 2. Constructing the young Virgil: the Catalepton as pseudepigraphic literature 3. Poets and patrons: Catalepton 9, the Panegyricus Messallae, the Laus Pisonis and the pseudo-panegyric 4. Prefiguring Virgil: the Ciris 5. Recreating the past: the Consolatio ad Liviam and Elegiae in Maecenatem Epilogue. Towards a rhetoric of the Roman fake: the Helen episode in Aeneid 2.
In Vitro Maturation and Fertilization of Immature Oocytes: A Comparative Study of Fertilization Techniques

Purpose: Our purpose was to investigate the factorsinfluencing maturation and fertilization of immature oocytes. Methods: Immature oocytes were obtained from womenundergoing cesarean section. They were cultured in thematuration medium either with or without cumulus cells. Aftermaturation to metaphase II, they were randomly fertilizedby in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperminjection (ICSI). Results: After incubation for 48 hr, 441 oocytes (42.8%)reached metaphase II. Among them, 56.6% ofcumulus-enclosed oocytes, but only 29.2% of denuded oocytes,reached metaphase II. Of the 289 cumulus-enclosed oocytes,the fertilization rates by IVF and ICSI were 56.3 and 84.1%,respectively (P < 0.01). Of the 152 denuded oocytes, thefertilization rates by IVF and ICSI were 39.5 and 84.5%,respectively (P < 0.01). The cleavage rates, however,were similar. Conclusions: Cumulus cells are beneficial in the maturationof human oocytes in vitro and that ICSI increases thefertilization rate for the in vitro matured oocytes. Thedevelopmental potential of the fertilized oocytes, however, is similarirrespective of the fertilization method or the presence orabsence of cumulus cells.
The Guanine Nucleotide-binding Regulatory Component of Adenylate Cyclase

ABSTRACT The guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory component (G/F) of adenylate cyclase can be purified to homogeneity from rabbit liver and other sources. This protein serves as an essential coupling factor between hormone receptors and the catalytic subunit of the enzyme and is an obligatory activator of the catalyst. The predominant species of G/F behaves as a heterodimer of 35,000– and 45,000–dalton subunits. G/F is a site of action of nonhydrolyzable guanine nucleotide analogs and fluoride; these activators of adenylate cyclase may act by promoting dissociation of the subunits of G/F.
Evaluating crime attributable to casinos in the U.S.: a closer look at Grinols and Mustard's "casinos, crime, and community costs".

This paper examines problems in studying the relationship between casinos and crime, with a focus on a recently published, influential study (Grinols and Mustard 2006) which concluded that casinos cause a significant amount of county-level crime in the U.S. Five key issues are examined. First, the most serious problem with their analysis is that it uses a crime rate that excludes the visiting population at risk, thereby overstating the crime rate in casino counties. Second, the crime data used are potentially inaccurate. Third, the results may suffer from a bias caused by counties self-selecting into the “casino county” category. Fourth, the dummy variables used to account for casinos do not allow the authors to isolate the crime effect caused by casinos. Finally, the authors make conclusions that are not supported by their data, analysis, and results. An examination of these issues is important because it will shed additional light on the debate over the effects of casinos, and provides valuable information for subsequent researchers who study the casino-crime relationship. I am grateful to Jay Albanese, Bill Eadington, David Forrest, Mark Nichols, Don Ross, and Richard Thalheimer for helpful comments and suggestions, and especially to John Jackson and Ben Scafidi for helpful discussions on this paper. I am responsible for the content and any errors.
ELIMINATION OF A GENETIC CORRELATION BETWEEN THE SEXES VIA ARTIFICIAL CORRELATIONAL SELECTION

Genetic correlations between the sexes can constrain the evolution of sexual dimorphism and be difficult to alter, because traits common to both sexes share the same genetic underpinnings. We tested whether artificial correlational selection favoring specific combinations of male and female traits within families could change the strength of a very high between-sex genetic correlation for flower size in the dioecious plant Silene latifolia. This novel selection dramatically reduced the correlation in two of three selection lines in fewer than five generations. Subsequent selection only on females in a line characterized by a lower between-sex genetic correlation led to a significantly lower correlated response in males, confirming the potential evolutionary impact of the reduced correlation. Although between-sex genetic correlations can potentially constrain the evolution of sexual dimorphism, our findings reveal that these constraints come not from a simple conflict between an inflexible genetic architecture and a pattern of selection working in opposition to it, but rather a complex relationship between a changeable correlation and a form of selection that promotes it. In other words, the form of selection on males and females that leads to sexual dimorphism may also promote the genetic phenomenon that limits sexual dimorphism.
Super noncoherent integration

This paper describes and analyzes a new method to detect targets. The new method, called "super noncoherent integration" (SNCI), can improve overall detection performance by typically 5 dB to 10 dB relative to conventional noncoherent integration. A simple back-of-the-envelope formula is derived which quantifies the performance improvement of SNCI. Conventional noncoherent integration (CNCI) uses only amplitude measurements to distinguish targets from noise or clutter. In contrast, SNCI uses amplitude data in addition to: monopulse data, quadrature monopulse data, range and Doppler data over a sequence of N transmitted radar waveforms. >
Wonder Woman for a day: Affect, agency, and Amazons

In this paper, I consider the ways in which the feminist utopian ethos of Wonder Woman, as defined by her creator, William Marston, has been used to actualize real-life social change. Specifically, I examine fan Andy Mangels's creation of Wonder Woman Day, a charity event held annually at a Portland, Oregon, comic book store to raise funds for local domestic violence programs. I look at how an affective bond with Wonder Woman informs and guides an affective attachment to one's local and national communities, actualizing the utopian promise of self, commodity icon, and America. These utopian iterations are primarily defined by a celebration of pluralism, and thus Wonder Woman is used to validate the inherent pluralism of the self in relation to society, an empowering strategy for all consumer-citizens.
Stage II endometrial carcinoma

Abstract Fifty-one patients with FIGO Stage II endometrial carcinoma are presented. Sixteen patients were treated by external pelvic radiation therapy followed by radical hysterectomy. Eighteen patients were treated by external pelvic and intracavitary radiation therapy followed by simple hysterectomy. Seventeen patients were excluded from this study. Complications in the two major groups were compared. Questions regarding tumor differentiation, residual carcinoma in the surgical specimen, and the need for radical hysterectomy in Stage II endometrial carcinoma are discussed.
Experimental Investigation of Resonances in Reactive Scattering: The F + H 2 Reaction

The reaction $\mathrm{F}+p\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{H}}_{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{HF}+\mathrm{H}$ was studied in a high-resolution crossed-molecular-beams experiment at a collision energy of 1.84 kcal/mole. Center-of-mass translational energy and angular distributions were determined for each product vibrational state. The $v=3$ product showed intense forward scattering while the $v=2$ product was backward peaked. These results suggest that dynamical resonances play an important role in the reaction dynamics of this system.
First operation of the Rocketdyne/Stanford free electron laser

Abstract A near infrared free electron laser (FEL) has been built and installed by Rocketdyne in the Stanford Photon Research Laboratory. The Rocketdyne/Stanford FEL utilizes a very high quality, 2 m long, permanent magnet planar wiggler whose gap may be continuously tuned, and magnetic field axially tapered by varying the gap at one end relative to the other. The laser is operated with an e-beam supplied by the Stanford Mark-III accelerator. A stable resonator with a broadband, dielectric coated element permits transmissive outcoupling over the 2.7–3.7 μm wavelength range. Results from initial operation of this laser are presented.
Long-Term Complications of Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections (ESI) are common pain-relief procedures performed throughout the world, yet there remains controversy regarding their long-term safety. On the basis of current literature, serious long-term complications are rare yet can have devastating results. Potential etiologies for long-term complications associated with ESI include infection, bleeding, endocrine effects, neurotoxicity, and neurologic injury. Despite the multitude of literature on ESI, there is still a lack of studies specifically addressing possible long-term complications. Further research is therefore warranted.
An Ultimate, Compact, Seal‐less Centrifugal Ventricular Assist Device: Baylor C‐Gyro Pump

We have developed a compact, seal-less, all-purpose centrifugal pump, the Baylor C-Gyro pump, which is intended as a long-term ventricular assist device (VAD) as well as a cardiopulmonary bypass pump. In attaining this goal, we began with eliminating the shaft seals by adopting a pivot bearing system at the impeller shaft. In addition, a ring magnet encased in the bottom of the impeller was coupled magnetically to a driver magnet placed outside the pump housing (C1 Prototype). This first model yielded satisfactory performance in vitro with a flow rate of 8 L/min against 250 mm Hg at 2,400 rpm, and an index of hemolysis (IH) of 0.0083 g/100 L using bovine blood. In the second model, the C1 Eccentric Inlet Port Model, the inlet bearing support bar in the prototype were eliminated without reducing the prototype's performance. These designs for antithrombogenicity are being tested by the first in vivo experiment, which has lasted for more than 2 weeks.
Texture Control and the Drawability of α-Brass

Texture strengthening analyses for cubic metals predict enhanced deep drawing performance with {110} and/or {111} components in the plane of the sheet. Since {110} is the primary texture in heavily cold rolled α-brass, an attempt was made to retain this texture through recovery of the cold rolled material at low temperatures. A second approach is suggested by the observation of the {110} texture in α-brass on annealing ≳600°C (873°K), and involves short time exposures to limit grain size. It is found that low temperature recovery treatments, while partially retaining the rolling texture, produce a hard condition of low drawability. High temperature annealing produces appreciable {110} textural components only at grain sizes too large for many commercial applications. A potentially more tractable approach is discussed.
On the Inherent Robustness of a Class of Nonlinear Systems

This paper deals with the inherent robustness of simple controllers for a certain class of nonlinear systems. In particular, we show that the error in the trajectory of the closed-loop nonlinear system is bounded when a controller is designed for a simplified system, and a scalar gain in the control law is larger than a certain finite value.
Design and growth of III-V on Si microwire array tandem solar cells

Tandem Ga1-xInxP/Si microwire array solar cells are a route towards a high efficiency, low cost, flexible, wafer-free solar technology. Coupled full-field optical and device physics simulations of a Ga0.51In0.49P/Si wire array tandem are used to predict device performance. A 500 nm thick, highly doped “buffer” layer between the bottom cell and tunnel junction is assumed to harbor a high density of lattice mismatch and heteroepitaxial defects. Under simulated AM1.5G illumination, the device structure explored in this work has a simulated efficiency of 23.84% with realistic top cell SRH lifetimes and surface recombination velocities. The relative insensitivity to surface recombination is likely due to optical generation further away from the free surfaces and interfaces of the device structure. To move towards realizing these device structures, GaP and Ga1-xInxP layers were grown heteroepitaxially with metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on Si microwire array substrates. The layer morphology and crystalline quality have been studied with scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and they provide a baseline for the growth and characterization of a full device stack.
Near Field Optical Imaging of Carrier Localization in Al x Ga 1-x N Alloys

The wide band gap semiconductor alloys have attracted considerable attention for efficient UV emitters and laser applications. In the presence of high dislocation densities associated with growth on lattice mismatched substrates, it has been shown that carrier localization created by nanoscale compositional inhomogeneities can lead to enhanced emission efficiencies, we have investigated the origin of the localization effect using near-field optical spectroscopy using fiber coupled UV laser. We compare the spectral and spatial properties of the localization features under excitation at 244nm (above bandgap of the matrix) and 325nm (below bandgap of the matrix). Even under the latter excitation, the localized emission peak appears, suggesting a direct excitation of the localization regions.
In Vitro Study of the C2-C7 Sheep Cervical Spine

Due to the limited availability of human cadaveric specimens, animal models are often utilized for in vitro studies of various spinal disorders and surgical techniques. Sheep spines have similar geometry, disc space, and lordosis as compared to humans [1,2]. Several studies have identified the geometrical similarities between the sheep and human spine; however these studies have been limited to quantifying the anatomic dimensions as opposed to the biomechanical responses [2–3]. Although anatomical similarities are important, biomechanical correspondence is imperative to understand the effects of disorders, surgical techniques, and implant designs. Some studies [3–5] have focused on experimental biomechanics of the sheep cervical functional spinal units (FSUs). Szotek and colleagues [1] studied the biomechanics of compression and impure flexion-extension for the C2-C7 intact sheep spine. However, to date, there is no comparison of the sheep spine using pure flexion-extension, lateral bending, or axial rotation moments for multilevel specimen. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct in vitro testing of the intact C2-C7 sheep cervical spine.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECTIONS FOR THE UNITED STATES MIDWEST

Environmental and societal factors such asair quality, water quality andavailability, land use changes andexpanding urbanization are alreadyaffecting human health and welfare,agriculture, and natural ecosystems in theMidwestern United States. Over thiscentury, these existing stresses willlikely be exacerbated by climate changesresulting from human activities. It isessential that policy decisions aimed atpreserving the well-being of a region beinformed by a good understanding of theregion's climate, how climate might change,and the uncertainties inherent in futureprojections. Recent updates in climatemodeling expertise and an expanded view ofpossible non-intervention emissionscenarios have narrowed the range of changethat can be expected over the Midwestthroughout the next century in some ways,while broadening it in others. In contrastto previous studies, which generallyconsider a mid-range scenario for futureemissions, this study presents the range ofchange that would result from low to highscenarios for climate change. In this waywe account for uncertainties inanthropogenic forcing on climate change inthe region and quantify the potentialeffects of human actions on future climate.This analysis also combines the latestclimate model projections with historicalrecords of observed climate over the pastcentury, effectively placing potentialchanges in extreme event frequencies suchas heavy rainfall events and temperaturethreshold exceedances within the context ofobserved variability over the past century.The purpose of this study is to provide anupdated picture of the potential impacts ofclimate change on the Midwest to inform theimpact assessment and policy developmentcommunity. From the magnitude of thechanges projected by this study, it isclear that these must be included in futurepolicy decisions in order to ensure thesuccessful adaptation and survival ofexisting human and natural systems in theMidwest.
Object localization with multiple sensors

We present a method to obtain the position and orientation of an object through measurement from multiple sensors. Raw sensor measurements are subject to limitations of sensor precision and accuracy. Although for most measurements the estimate of position parameters is a linear function of the measurements, the estimate of orientation parameters is a nonlinear function of the measurements. Thus, error in orien tation estimate depends on the distance over which the raw measurements are made. For example, the estimate of the orientation of a line is better, the farther apart two points on the line are. The problem of finding the orientation parame ters is formulated in two steps. The first step computes vec tors from sensor measurements of points. A concept of best features is developed to select an optimal set of all possible vectors. The second step relates the orientation parameters to the vectors from the first step as a linear system. The best estimate is obtained by solving a weighted linear system of...
Femoral subtrochanteric shape variation in Albania: implications for use in forensic applications.

Abstract This paper investigates temporal trends in femoral subtrochanteric shape in Albanian skeletal material to evaluate levels of platymeria in a set of populations with European ancestry. Although flattening of the diaphysis in the subtrochanteric region has been associated with individuals of Native American and Asian ancestry, high levels of platymeria may not be unique to those groups. The forensic utility of Gilbert and Gill's (Skeletal Attribution of Race: Methods for Forensic Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 1990) method for identifying ancestry from femoral subtrochanteric shape is examined using non-American skeletons of European ancestry. Femoral subtrochanteric anteroposterior and mediolateral diameters for Albanian skeletons from Apollonia ( n = 117) and Lofkend ( n = 50) are assessed for temporal trends and then compared with published data using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests. High degrees of subtrochanteric flattening are identified in the Albanian samples and statistically significant temporal trends of decreasing platymeria are documented. Although recent publications suggest that subtrochanteric shape is less effective in identifying ancestry then was initially proposed, forensic anthropologists still commonly use femoral subtrochanteric shape to determine ancestry among skeletonized remains. This paper's findings support the assertion that proximal femoral morphology is functionally related, and more likely to be influenced by biomechanical adaptation and body proportions than genetic constraints.
Monte Carlo Treatment of Data Uncertainties in Thermal Analysis

Alternatives to "worst-case" thermal analysis are discussed, and a Monte Carlo method is developed for treating the uncertainties inherent in property data for such analysis. Comparison is made with another treatment of such problems using sensitivity analysis. Comments are given on the combined use of Monte Carlo and sensitivity analysis as an efficient and accurate way of improving thermal analysis. Comparison of various analytical treatments is given by means of an example problem.
Elevation of blood pressure and plasma renin levels by venom from scorpions, Centruroides sculpturatus and Leiurius quinquestriatus

Abstract Rats, anesthetized with pentobarbital, were injected with saline—reconstituted, lyophilized venom from C. sculpturatus (67–134μg/kg) and L. quinquestriatus (35–67 μg/kg). Mean values for systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure increased by 29, 19 and 22 mm Hg respectively for C. sculpturatus venom and 39, 20 and 26 mm Hg for L. quinquestriatus venom at the maximum dose used. Plasma renin activity increased 2·2 fold for C. sculpturatus venom and 2·8 fold for L. quinquestriatus venom. Blood pressure effects peaked at approximately 5 min and slowly decreased, remaining above control values for up to 60 min. Repeated doses had cumulative effects on blood pressure and plasma renin activity. Phenoxybenzamine (effective blocking dose) blunted but did not completely block the blood pressure response to venom injection whereas plasma renin activity continued to be elevated commensurate with the blood pressure elevation. It is proposed that the renin-angiotensin system participates in the hypertensive response to scorpion venom along with the previously demonstrated elevation in circulating catecholamines.
(n, m) Structural Assignments and Chirality Dependence in Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Raman Scattering

Raman spectra were obtained from thin bundles containing just a few single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). These spectra exhibit new characteristics absent in the ensemble Raman measurements. A large variation in the radial breathing mode (RBM) Stokes to anti-Stokes Raman intensity ratio was observed for different metallic tubes and can be understood with a simple resonant Raman analysis. An (n, m) structural assignment for many tubes at 632 nm laser excitation was tentatively achieved on the basis of the RBM frequency and the Stokes to anti-Stokes Raman ratio. The (9, 9) armchair tube fits the simple model poorly. The varying relative intensities of different components observed in the tangential G-band Raman modes provide convincing evidence for a recently predicted chirality dependence of Raman scattering. A new Raman feature at 1417 cm-1 was assigned to achiral tubes.
Use of the Hiller–Sucher–Feinberg identity for spin‐density calculations

The identity recently presented by Hiller, Sucher, and Feinberg relating the expectation value of a δ-function operator to that of another operator is rederived for the case of the Fermi contact interaction and the required expectation values expressed in terms of the spin-density and conditional spin-density matrices. The ground state of the H atom is considered as an example and it is shown that, for approximation by a linear combination of Gaussian orbitals, use of the identity improves the estimate of spin density at the nucleus by an order of magnitude or more.
United Airlines’ and American Airlines’ online crisis communication following the September 11 terrorist attacks

Abstract The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, provided a challenging series of events for the crisis communication efforts of American Airlines and United Airlines. Based on crisis communication theory and organizational use of the Web, this study examined how the two companies used their Web sites during the first three weeks after the incidents as one means of conveying information following the attacks. Theoretically, analysis of incident-related segments of the two sites showed that the airlines evidenced key elements of crisis response. They provided instructing communication by giving facts, stating how their publics should take action, and providing information regarding how the problem was being corrected. Additionally, they offered adjusting communication through a series of condolence messages and links to relief organizations before emphasizing normal operations. From an online perspective, this study revealed that the Web enabled both companies to provide an immediate response to the attacks. The Web also allowed United and American to offer frequent updates about the incidents to their publics and to communicate their crisis response process to various publics simultaneously.
Combined power harvesting from AC and DC sources

There are a number of approaches to power harvesting that are under-exploited in many applications germane to sensing and communication. Power can usually be obtained from numerous sources - such as solar, thermal, vibrational, and electromagnetic energy - using a variety of transduction methods. However, in general a power harvesting system and its associated electronics interface are designed only to exploit a single energy source. This research presents the development of innovative ways of gathering power and addressing the design issues in providing a unified energy source from disparate power harvesting approaches, specifically alternating and direct current methods. These power sources are integrated into a single source to be utilized for sensing and communication. Several circuit designs are offered to improve the combined energy harvesting performance over that of the individual harvesters. The transient dynamics of charging a storage capacitor are presented for the individual and combined power sources. Complications arising from backwards electromechanical and mutual coupling are discussed.
Efficient Delivery of Antisense Oligodeoxyribonucleotide G3139 by Human Serum Albumin-Coated Liposomes

Human serum albumin (HSA)-coated liposomal formulations were synthesized and evaluated for the delivery of antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) G3139 in KB human oral carcinoma cells. Liposomes composed of dimethyldioctadecyl ammonium bromide/egg phosphatidylcholine/alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (58:40:2 molar ratio) complexed with G3139 and coated with HSA were investigated for Bcl-2 downregulating activity. Cellular uptake of HSA-coated liposome-ODN complexes was more efficient than the uncoated liposome-ODN complexes. Treatment of the cells with HSA-coated liposome-ODN complexes resulted in efficient Bcl-2 mRNA downregulation that was approximately 3-fold greater than with uncoated liposomes (p < 0.05) and 6-fold greater than with free ODN. The transfection efficiency of liposome-ODN complexes coated with HSA was dependent on the concentration of HSA used and on the contents of alpha-helix and beta-strand in HSA. HSA-coated liposomes are effective delivery vehicles for antisense ODN.
Methylation of rapidly reannealing DNA during the cell cycle of chinese hamster cells

Abstract Measurements were made of DNA methylation during the cell cycle of Chinese hamster ovary cells collected in mitosis by the mitotic selection procedure. It was observed that a rapidly reannealing DNA component constituting approximately 10 % of the DNA synthesized during the cyle was enriched in 5-methylcytosine. The rapidly reannealing DNA was synthesized throughout S phase. However, the rapidly reannealing DNA synthesized early in the S phase was especially methyl rich and may reflect the onset of initiation of replication synthesis as the cells enter S phase.