cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Next British Invasion Is Securities Crowdfunding: How Issuing Non-Registered Securities Through the Crowd Can Succeed in the United States

Securities crowdfunding is the novel concept of using the power of the internet to raise business capital through the “crowd.” British companies and investors have proven adept at using the relatively new medium of crowdfunding as a means of providing much needed capital to startups and other small businesses. This Comment examines securities crowdfunding in the United Kingdom in an effort to show how this means of capital formation might succeed in the United States once the SEC implements proposed rules exempting crowdfunded securities from registration. Other commentators have already provided ample criticism of the crowdfunding exemption in the JOBS Act, but none has yet to examine how this flawed legislation might add value to American entrepreneurial finance. This Comment asserts that securities crowdfunding stakeholders will likely overcome the regulatory hurdles to develop a robust market in the United States, particularly with regard to debt securities, that is similar to developments in the United Kingdom.
Collaboration with diamondtouch

We study the performance of collaborative spatial/visual tasks under different input configurations. The configurations used are a traditional mouse-monitor, a shared-monitor with multiple-mice, and a multi-user input device (DiamondTouch). Our experiments indicate that there is a significant variation in performance for the different configurations with pairs of users, while there is no such variation with individual users. The traditional configuration is not well-suited for collaborative tasks, and even after augmenting it to a shared monitor with multiple-mice it is still significantly inferior to the multi-user input device.
The Religion of Senators in the Roman Empire: Conclusion: Two saecular games

In 17 bce , during a week-long celebration around the ludi saeculares , numerous members of Roman society ritually enacted the social renewal brought about by the Augustan period. The new saeculum introduced by the ludi in actual fact delivered a new era: that of the rule of emperors and that of a new position, next to the emperor, for the Roman senate and its members. The involvement of the senatorial priesthood of quindecemviri sacris faciundis in the ludi , along with the associated role played by an oracle from the Sibylline Books, was said to be traditional, yet, in fact, their participation was probably invented for the ritual celebration of 17 bce . While the Sibylline Books allowed the emperor a claim to set this time for the festivity, which was more Greek and “knowledge”-based than the traditional portent-based system, the involvement of senators allowed them to take a principal and charismatic role in the event, as would not have been the case with the Etruscan, and non-senatorial, haruspices . The names of the senatorial priests participating were carefully listed in the detailed commentarium of the ludi , which was inscribed, at least in part, to set the model for future ludi saeculares . Involving the senatorial priests partially enabled the (specious) claim that the ritual was traditional, as a connection between past and future, and it was symbolically inscribed, along with the names of senators and the emperor, into the collective sense of renewal that the new saeculum represented.
A systematic review of the clinical performance of CAD/CAM single-tooth restorations.

Purpose This systematic review sought to determine the long-term clinical survival rates of single-tooth restorations fabricated with computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) technology, as well as the frequency of failures depending on the CAD/CAM system, the type of restoration, the selected material, and the luting agent. Materials and methods An electronic search from 1985 to 2007 was performed using two databases: Medline/PubMed and Embase. Selected keywords and well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria guided the search. All articles were first reviewed by title, then by abstract, and subsequently by a full text reading. Data were assessed and extracted by two independent examiners. The pooled results were statistically analyzed and the overall failure rate was calculated by assuming a Poisson-distributed number of events. In addition, reported failures were analyzed by CAD/CAM system, type of restoration, restorative material, and luting agent. Results From a total of 1,957 single-tooth restorations with a mean exposure time of 7.9 years and 170 failures, the failure rate was 1.75% per year, estimated per 100 restoration years (95% CI: 1.22% to 2.52%). The estimated total survival rate after 5 years of 91.6% (95% CI: 88.2% to 94.1%) was based on random-effects Poisson regression analysis. Conclusions Long-term survival rates for CAD/CAM single-tooth Cerec 1, Cerec 2, and Celay restorations appear to be similar to conventional ones. No clinical studies or randomized clinical trials reporting on other CAD/CAM systems currently used in clinical practice and with follow-up reports of 3 or more years were found at the time of the search.
Buddhism, Science, and the Truth About Karma

Buddhism's reputation as a ‘scientific religion’ has led contemporary Buddhists to advocate eliminating the doctrine of karma and its metaphysical concept of rebirth. This movement to modernize Buddhism evinces little understanding of how the karma concept actually functions in Buddhist societies. This article argues that traditional Buddhists invoke karma performatively in order to orient their personal experiences rather than to make metaphysical claims. In doing so, Buddhist tradition challenges and enriches the limited sense of realism that takes precedence in the dialogue between Buddhism and science. This challenge needs to be appreciated in order to render Buddhism an equal partner in the dialogue rather than the mere object of scientific critique.
Levels of Leadership: Developing Leaders Through New Models

Abstract Problems noted with recent organizational leadership suggest the need to look for different ways to develop leaders. To test the effectiveness of an innovative “levels of leadership” instructional model, the authors of this study asked 123 students to complete self-report measures of orientations toward service and attitudes in a cross-sectional design. Results indicate that students who completed the innovative strategy reported more developed orientations toward service and a deepened appreciation of leadership and its complexity.
Clinical Reviews in Andrologic Endocrinology: I. Physiology, Functional Pathology and Diagnosis

Therapy of deficient testicular function is indicated chiefly for two reasons, a), the rational treatment of various hypogonadal states in which alterations of body habitus assume clinical importance, and b), the correction of seminal inadequacy which impairs fertility. The internist, urologist and endocrinologist usually originate and supervise the therapeutic approach to the former group; the gynecologist, as a part of the gynecologic and andrologic investigation of barren couples, usually initiates investigation of the fertility of husbands. Professional contact is established when the wife of one of these couples seeks the gynecologist's advice as to why she has not become pregnant. Since, as a rule, the husband has not considered the likelihood of his sexual function being at fault, the responsibility of orienting him as to the necessity for, and the scope of his examination usually falls upon the gynecologist. Frequently, the seminal studies must be made by the gynecologist or his trained assistants...
Current management of laryngeal and laryngotracheoesophageal clefts

Laryngeal and laryngotracheoesophageal clefts (L-LTEC) are uncommon anomalies in neonates that cause significant morbidity secondary to aspiration, pneumonia, and respiratory distress. Other anomalies of development, such as esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF), are observed in 20% of patients with L-LTEC and often confuse the radiographic and clinical picture. Repair of L-LTEC depends on the length and location of the cleft, associated anomalies, and concurrent systemic illness. For type I L-LTEC, endoscopic repair occasionally is possible with microsurgical instrumentation. With types II to IV L-LTEC, an open approach must be used. Tracheotomy is a universal requirement, often for extended periods of time. Reported here is our experience with four cases of L-LTEC managed over the past 7 years at Texas Children's Hospital.
Approximate solutions for non-linear random vibration problems

Two methods are described for obtaining approximate solutions to non-linear random vibration problems. The first method approximates the non-linear system with the linear system whose corresponding probability density function best solves the Fokker-Planck equation associated with the non-linear system. In the second method, a class of non-linear systems with known solutions to the Fokker-Planck equation is used to best approximate the non-linear system of interest. Two illustrative examples are presented and the results are compared with existing methods.
Modeling gallium-nitride-based violet lasers for data storage of information technology

This work shows the process of computing coupling coefficients of first-order distributed feedback (DFB) metalsemiconductor quantum-well lasers which emit the violet light for data storage of information technology. The optical waveguide structure for such a laser has semiconductor layers and a built-in metal grating layer. The interface between the metal layer and its neighboring semiconductor layer has a sinusoidal corrugation functioning as the grating. To compute the coupling coefficient of the metal-grating waveguide, a model is constructed by Floquet-Bloch formalism (FB). Ray optics technique (RO) is also used to calculate the coupling coefficients. These two methods have close results.
Tor gives the inverse to the Hilbert function of a graded algebra

Abstract The Hilbert generating function of TorU(A, A) gives the inverse of the Hilbert generating function of U where U is a graded A algebra.
Evaluation of Solid Particle Erosion Damage on E-Glass/Epoxy Composites Using Acoustic Emission Activity

The effect of solid particle erosion on the strength properties of E-glass/epoxy composite was investigated. Solid particle erosion with SiC particles 400 μm to 500 μm in diameter was simulated on 12 ply [45°/−45°/0°/45°/−45°/0°]s E-glass/epoxy composites with constant particle velocity of 42.5 m/s at impact angles of 90°, 60°, and 30° for 30, 60, 90 and 120 seconds. Damaged and undamaged specimens were subjected to tensile tests while monitoring their acoustic emission (AE) activity. An erosion damage parameter was defined as a function of the particle impact angle and erosion duration to determine the residual tensile strength of the composite. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the erosion damaged specimens revealed the same damage mechanism occurred at different impact angles. The distribution of AE events by event duration, ring down counts and energy distribution were used to characterize the different damage mechanisms that occurred during tensile loading of damaged and undamaged specimens. The results showed AE activity could be used to distinguish between different damage mechanisms within the composite, such as fiber/matrix debonding, delamination and fiber fracture. The Weibull probability distribution model and the AE stress delay parameter model were developed to relate the AE activity to the erosion damage and residual strength. The results showed both the Weibull probability model and the stress delay model could be used to predict residual strength of the composites.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Experimental disturbance and the maintenance of species diversity in a stream community.

In order to test the role of disturbance and the effects of disturbance frequency on stream communities, an experiment was conducted in New Hope Creek, North Carolina, USA. Patches of cobbles were tumbled 0, 1 or 2 times in a 6 week span. These tumbling disturbances lasted only 30 seconds. The recovery of the macroinvertebrates was monitored.
Stability analysis of stationary nonlinear guided waves in self-focusing and self-defocusing Kerr-like layered media.

In this paper, we develop a linear stability analysis of stationary nonlinear guided waves in self-focusing and self-defocusing Kerr-like layered media. The analysis is applicable to the general problem of the stability of stationary nonlinear guided waves in layered structures including one or more self-defocusing media, a previously unsolved problem. Further, as a demonstration of its use, the technique is applied to the case of the fundamental dark surface wave (FDSW), a wave guided near the interface between two dissimilar defocusing media. We obtain results consistent with a numerical stability analysis of the FDSW performed previously [J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 8, 2265 (1991)]. Finally, the generalization of this technique to arbitrary layered structures of Kerr-like media is discussed.
On the bottleneck assignment problem

In this paper, a new approach for solving the bottleneck assignment problem is presented. The problem is treated as a special class of permutation problems which we call max-min permutation problems. By defining a suitable neighborhood system in the space of permutations and designating certain permutations as critical solutions, it is shown that any critical solution yields a global optimum. This theorem is then used as a basis to develop a general method to solve max-min permutation problems.
Simulator study of optimal switching rates for stepping-motor-driven systems

An analogue-computer study has been carried out which provides the optimal switching rates and stall boundaries for accelerating stepping-motor systems having various damping ratios.
A generic approach for developing process-level hydrologic modeling components

Component software architectures offer an alternative approach for building large, complex hydrologic modeling systems. In contrast to more traditional software paradigms (i.e. procedural or object-oriented approaches), using component-based approaches allows individuals to construct autonomous modeling units that can be linked together through shared boundary conditions during a simulation run. One of the challenges in component-based modeling is designing a simple yet robust means for authoring model components. We address this challenge by presenting an approach for efficiently creating standards-based, process-level hydrologic modeling components. Using this approach, a hydrologic process is implemented as a modeling component by (1) authoring a configuration file that defines the properties of the component and (2) creating a class with three methods that define the pre-run, runtime, and post-run behavior of the modeling component. We present the design and implementation of this approach, which we call the Simple Model Wrapper (SMW), and demonstrate how it can be applied to create an Open Modeling Interface (OpenMI)-compliant modeling component for a basic hydrologic process.
EXTRUDED CORN GRITS—QUINOA BLENDS: II. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS of EXTRUDED PRODUCTS

Quinoa was blended with corn grits at levels of 10%, 20% and 30% and extruded at 15% and 25% moisture respectively, using screws with a 1:1 or 3:1 compression ratio. Extrusion temperatures were 80° and 100°C at the feed section and 100° or 150°C at the compression section, respectively. RPM values were 100, 150 and 200. Quinoa addition produced a darker, less yellow product than corn grits alone. Density, expansion ratio and shear strength were lower for products containing greater levels of quinoa. the most favorable products were produced at a 15% initial moisture content and a 3:1 compression ratio. Products extruded under these conditions had the greater expansion, lower density and lower shear strength than products extruded at 25% moisture or at a 1:1 compression ratio. SEM showed larger, more uniform cells in the 100% corn grits product indicating a more even expansion. A product containing 30% quinoa had a rougher texture, many broken cell walls and less evenly distributed air cells.
Laser Absorption Spectroscopy of LaF+: Ligand Field Assignment of States in the Range 0–4 eV

Abstract The laser absorption spectrum of the LaF + molecular ion has been observed for the first time. Gas-phase LaF was obtained by heating a mixture of La metal and LaF 3 powder to 1900 K. LaF + ions were produced by passing a 25-kHz discharge through the vapor. Under these conditions the tantalum heating tube used to vaporize the sample also acted as a hollow cathode. One hundred thirty-eight lines of the 2 Φ 2.5 – 2 Δ 1.5 (0,0) band, with J up to 100.5, were recorded. Accurate term values and rotational constants are reported. Ligand field theory models were used to provide configurational assignments for the LaF + electronic states. The symmetry for the ground state of the LaF + molecular ion was assigned as X 2 Δ.
T-cell involvement in benign phase chronic myelogenous leukemia

Abstract T cells from the peripheral blood of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) were cultured with phytohemagglutinin and T-cell growth factor (TCGF) in agar culture. These T-cell colonies were pooled and expanded further in liquid culture with TCGF and then simultaneously analysed for the E-rosette receptor with the monoclonal antibody OKT11 and for the presence of the Philadelphia (Ph 1 ) chromosome. OKT11 analysis showed these populations to be composed 99.5% or more of T cells. In four of the seven patients the T-cell suspension showed 7/50 (14%), 3/36 (8%), 2/34 (6%), and 4/44 (9%) Ph' metaphases. Furthermore, Ph 1 metaphases were demonstrated in T-cell cultures in two patients when bone marrow metaphases simultaneously showed 90 and 100% Ph 1 negative metaphases secondary to human leukocyte interferon therapy or combination chemotherapy. A minority of T cells in benign phase CML have the Ph 1 abnormality despite reduced number of Ph 1 metaphases in bone marrow from therapy.
The notched cube tiles R n

Conlan proved that a polytope obtained from a unit cube in R 3 by deleting a corner box of which two dimensions are rational and one dimension ist a unit fraction tiles R 3 by translates. We generalize this result by replacing R 3 by R n and removing any restriction on the dimensions of the deleted box
Swiss recommendations for substitution treatment: a report that "got it right".

In 2005, the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, whose charge includes “collating the latest insights and findings regarding the prescription of narcotic drugs,” asked the Swiss Society for Addi...
Bioadhesion and cell behavior

Abstract Cell adhesion plays important roles in many normal and abnormal physiological processes and the molecular mechanisms involved in the modulation of cellular behavior by cell adhesion have long been of great interest. Extracellular adhesion molecules and their receptors have been biochemically characterized in increasingly greater detail. The cell adhesive activities of the non-collagenous adhesion glycoproteins fibronectin, laminin, and vitronectin have been localized, in some cases, to polypeptide regions as small as three to five amino acids. The best characterized receptors that recognize such adhesive regions are the integrins - a family of more than 20 heterodimeric, transmembrane glycoproteins. The interaction of integrins with adhesion proteins is not only important in cell adhesion but also in more complex processes such as migration and signal transduction. Integrin intracellular domains are likely to be important in mediating and regulating these processes. The reductionist approach of defining progressively smaller functional domains has been initially successful in delineating molecular aspects of integrin-mediated interactions.
Cross plane thermal conductance of graphene-metal interfaces

We present an experimental study of cross-plane thermal conductance in metal-graphene-oxide stacks employing time- domain thermoreflectance (TDTR) measurements on Al/m/graphene/SiO2 structures with monolayer graphene for varying adhesion metals m. Thermal conductance G in the range of 15-60 MWm -2 K -1 are found across several metals - a two-to-fourfold decrease over Al/m/SiO2 reference values, charted against metal Debye temperature over a 274-630 K range, as well as electronic work function. The results of this study help with a better understanding of the roles of electron and phonon transport in thermal conduction across graphene- metal interfaces, revealing potential trade-offs between electrical contact resistance and heat management in graphene devices.
Acceptable bubble size in potting materials

Air gaps or bubbles within the solid insulation used in high-voltage power supplies are discussed. These bubbles can be a cause of failure if the AC voltage across the gap or bubble is sufficient to cause ionization (corona). If the bubbles are small enough, they will not be a problem because there will not be enough voltage across the gas to cause ionization to start. The purpose of this work is to show how small is small enough. The results should apply equally well to naturally occurring bubbles in other kinds of insulation such as paper, Teflon, Kapton, and other plastics. The problem was approached by running an electrostatic field stress program for bubbles occurring in potting (encapsulation) materials, with various values of dielectric constant. A typical case is shown. Cases were run not only for bubbles but also for transverse cylinders. It was found that the voltage stress factor for bubbles and cylinders is surprisingly low, and it stays low even for large values of relative dielectric constant. It is concluded that since the maximum voltage stress in the potting material does not exceed 200 V/mil. even locally, bubbles up to 0.75 mm should be acceptable. >
Distribution and diet of Suwannee bass and largemouth bass in the lower Santa Fe river, Florida

Suwannee bass,Micropterus notius, and largemouth bass,Micropterus salmoides, were collected by electrofishing in six habitats in the lower Santa Fe River, Florida during May 1981–March 1982. Both bass species were collected concomitantly in all habitats and habitat segregation was not evident. Crayfish (Procambarus spp.) were the primary food of Suwannee bass. Fish were the primary food of largemouth bass, but crayfish were common in the diet of largemouth bass ≥300 mm long. Suwannee bass have a greater throat width and consumed longer and wider forage than did largemouth bass of equal length. Available evidence suggests that Suwannee bass exhibit a positive selection for crayfish and a diverse forage resource, including abundant crayfish, is necessary for a Suwannee bass to coexist with a largemouth bass.
Calibration of light-scattering instruments. III. Absolute angular intensity measurements on mie scatterers☆

Abstract The absolute angular scattered intensities for a Mie scattering system have been determined. A Dow polystyrene latex of large diameter (DEM = 1.305 μ) was studied with unpolarized, vertically polarized, and horizontally polarized incident light. The necessary expressions relating the geometrical, optical, and calibration constants of a Brice-Phoenix photometer with the quantities directly related to the Mie intensity functions were developed. Two features of the experimental technique were explored in detail: the use of polarized incident radiation and the effect of the solid angle subtended by the receiver aperture. Generally, excellent agreement between the theoretical Mie intensity functions and the corresponding experimental absolute intensities was obtained over the whole angular range.
Cholesterol as Treatment for Pneumococcal Keratitis: Cholesterol-Specific Inhibition of Pneumolysin in the Cornea

Bacterial infections of the cornea occur in approximately 25,000 people in the United States each year and in a variable number of people worldwide. Streptococcus pneumoniae often occurs as one of the top three species causing bacterial keratitis.1–16 Antibiotics are routinely used to treat ocular pneumococcal infections; however, this bacterium is developing resistance to antibiotics.17,18 Identification of the ocular virulence factors of this organism and development of new therapies to treat pneumococcal keratitis could prove useful for the prevention of loss of vision. One of the key virulence factors of S. pneumoniae is the toxin pneumolysin, which belongs to the family of pore-forming cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) including perfrin-golysin, streptolysin, and listeriolysin.19 The binding of cholesterol and the ability to form pores in host cell membranes are major characteristics of the members of this group of toxins.20–23 In addition to its cytolytic function, pneumolysin activates host complement, resulting in inflammation mediated by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). The cytolytic and complement-activating functions of pneumolysin are associated with different domains of the toxin.24–27 Pneumolysin is important for the inflammation associated with pneumococcal keratitis. Johnson et al.28 produced a pneumolysin-deficient strain of S. pneumoniae and showed that this strain was defective in causing the full effects of keratitis compared with the parent strain. Restoration of the gene for pneumolysin allowed this strain to recover its full virulence.29 The major clinical difference between the parent or rescued strain and the pneumolysin-deficient strain was the degree of inflammation, especially polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) infiltration into the cornea. When the complement activation domain of the pneumolysin gene was deleted from S. pneumoniae, corneal virulence was also significantly reduced, but to a lesser extent than when the entire gene was deleted.30 These results suggested that the complement activation domain of pneumolysin contributed to corneal virulence, though this domain was not fully responsible for the damage caused by the toxin. Binding of pneumolysin by exogenous cholesterol, the target site for pneumolysin binding, has been shown to inhibit the cytolytic function of the toxin.31,32 If the activity of pneumolysin is important in keratitis, then cholesterol could have therapeutic value by providing an excess of toxin-binding sites and inhibiting the binding of pneumolysin to host cells. In this study, soluble cholesterol was used as a topical treatment for S. pneumoniae keratitis to determine whether this treatment could inhibit the effects of pneumolysin in the cornea and thus could ameliorate the damage associated with pneumococcal keratitis.
Molecular mechanisms of caspase regulation during apoptosis

Caspases, which are the executioners of apoptosis, comprise two distinct classes, the initiators and the effectors. Although general structural features are shared between the initiator and the effector caspases, their activation, inhibition and release of inhibition are differentially regulated. Biochemical and structural studies have led to important advances in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of caspase regulation. This article reviews these latest advances and describes our present understanding of caspase regulation during apoptosis.
Alteration of environmental salinity modulates atrial natriuretic peptides concentrations in heart and hemolymph of the oyster, Crassostrea virginica

Atrial natriuretic peptides (ANPs) measured in the circulation (hemolymph) of eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica, by radioimmunoassays devised to detect amino acids 1–30, 31–67 and 99–126 (i.e. ANF) of the 126 amino acid atrial natriuretic factor prohormone were increased 100% in animals held in a high salinity environment (32 ppt), and decreased 50% in low salinity environment (8 ppt) relative to a medium (21 ppt) salinity. Within the oyster heart tissue, the concentration of ANPs decreased (P < 0.01) at 3 days and then increased (P < 0.01) at 1 and 2 weeks in high versus medium salinity. In 8 ppt external salinity, ANPs were significantly decreased (P < 0.01) compared to 21 ppt and 32 ppt salinities at each time period. ANPs increase and decrease within the hemolymph in direct relationship to environmental salinity, with their decrease in heart tissue at 3 days of high salinity suggesting release of stored forms that are re-synthesized by 1 week, while in low salinity environment ANP synthesis is decreased.
Semi-automated evaluation of high-resolution MRI preoperative cochlear implant screening

The success of cochlear implants is contingent on a functioning auditory nerve. An accurate non-invasive method of screening cochlear implant candidates for quantitative measurement of auditory nerve viability would allow physicians to better determine the likelihood for success of the procedure. Previous studies have indicated a relationship between auditory nerve diameters and their functionality. In order to investigate this finding, we made morphological measurements of the auditory and facial nerves and correlated these measurements with audiologic test results. In addition, we developed a technique to segment a portion of the nerves with minimal user interaction. The study included 11 cochlear implant candidates. Non-invasive high-resolution bilateral MR images were acquired from 3T and 1.5T scanners using either CISS or Fast Spin Echo sequences. The images were processed with an anisotropic diffusion filter to enhance the edges of the nerves. Segmentation involved morphological processing of the original filtered image to produce a related binary image, which was then subtracted from the original image at a suitable threshold to isolate the auditory and facial nerves from other structures in the internal auditory canal. The volumes of the auditory nerve and the facial nerve were computed from the five best continuously segmented saggital slices, and the corresponding ratios were then determined. Preliminary analysis of the segmentation process suggests that this method is most effective on images acquired using the CISS sequence. Correlation of the measurements of the subjects to the findings of collaborating audiologists was carried out. Preliminary results suggest there is a threshold of ratios below which a value is indicative of a degenerated nerve, and consequently a higher risk for unsuccessful cochlear implant. A semi-automated segmentation technique was developed which allows effective segmentation of multiple slices of MRI data. Since the segmentation and measurement processes require little user interaction, the results are significantly reproducible. In addition to this, volume measurements increase accuracy. This technique requires less than ten minutes for completion of one case by an experienced operator. This is a promising technique that should allow accurate, reproducible and rapid segmentation of the auditory and facial nerves for volume measurements in assessment of nerve viability. The information provided by these measurements can assist physicians in determination before the procedure of the efficacy of a cochlear implant.
Effect of film thickness on localized surface plasmon enhanced chemical sensor

A highly-sensitive, reliable, simple and inexpensive chemical detection and identification platform is demonstrated. The sensing technique is based on localized surface plasmon enhanced Raman scattering measurements from gold-coated highly-ordered symmetric nanoporous ceramic membranes fabricated from anodic aluminum oxide. To investigate the effects of the thickness of the sputter-coated gold films on the sensitivity of sensor, and optimize the performance of the substrates, the geometry of the nanopores and the film thicknesses are varied in the range of 30 nm to 120 nm. To characterize the sensing technique and the detection limits, surface enhanced Raman scatterings of low concentrations of a standard chemical adsorbed on the gold coated substrates are collected and analyzed. The morphology of the proposed substrates is characterized by atomic force microscopy and the optical properties including transmittance, reflectance and absorbance of each substrate are also investigated.
Shifting priorities in vector biology to improve control of vector-borne disease.

Summary Vector control remains the primary measure available to prevent pathogen transmission for the most devastating vector-borne diseases (VBDs): malaria, dengue, trypanosomiasis, filariasis, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease. Current control strategies, however, are proving insufficient and the remarkable advances in the molecular biology of disease vectors over the last two decades have yet to result in tangible tools that effectively reduce VBD incidence. Here we argue that vector biologists must fundamentally shift their approach to VBD research. We propose an agenda highlighting the most critical avenues to improve the effectiveness of vector control. Research priorities must be diversified to support simultaneous development of multiple, alternative control strategies. Knowledge across relevant diseases and disciplines should be better integrated and disease prevention efforts extended beyond the academic sector to involve private industry, ministries of health, and local communities. To obtain information of more immediate significance to public health, the research focus must shift from laboratory models to natural pathogen-transmission systems. Identification and characterization of heterogeneities inherent to VBD systems should be prioritised to allow development of local, adaptive control strategies that efficiently make use of limited resources. Importantly, increased involvement of disease-endemic country (DEC) scientists, institutes, and communities will be key to enhance and sustain the fight against VBD.
Figural goodness, stimulus heterogeneity, similarity and object segregation in infancy

The segregation of objects from other objects in visual arrays is a fundamental function of our visual system. Research suggests that adults’ detection of a target among nontargets is affected by the heterogeneity of array elements and the resulting changes in target–nontarget and nontarget–nontarget similarities. We examined the effects of heterogeneity and similarity on object segregation in infancy. In Experiment 1, 5.5-month-olds detected a misoriented element in an array when the array elements were spatially arranged in a ‘good’ configuration but not when they were arranged in a ‘poor’ configuration. In Experiment 2, infants detected a vertical line in a homogeneous array of 55° or 125° lines, but failed to do so in a heterogeneous array of 55° and 125° lines. Thus, heterogeneity in both the arrangement and identity of array elements affected infants’ discrepancy detection. Because the average target–nontarget similarity was the same in the two conditions of Experiment 2, the results also indicated that nontarget–nontarget similarity independently affects discrepancy detection in infancy. These results are consistent with models of object segregation by adults, and suggest that stimulus heterogeneity and similarity have analogous effects on object segregation at 5.5 months of age and in adulthood.
Operator-product expansion and vacuum instability

This paper examines the operator product using the example of scalar field theories with unstable vacuums. We find that an operator-product expansion about the unstable vacuum, with the additional assumption that nontrivial operators subtracted with respect to this vacuum have nonvanishing expectation value in the physical vacuum, does not reproduce the predictions of the operator-product expansion about the stable vacuum, except for the leading-twist contribution. We discuss the implications of this for applications of the operator-product expansion in QCD.
Clarifying the role of the mental health peer specialist in Massachusetts, USA: insights from peer specialists, supervisors and clients

Mental health peer specialists develop peer-to-peer relationships of trust with clients to improve their health and well-being, functioning in ways similar to community health workers. Although the number of peer specialists in use has been increasing, their role in care teams is less defined than that of the community health worker. This qualitative study explored how the peer specialist role is defined across different stakeholder groups, the expectations for this role and how the peer specialist is utilised and integrated across different types of mental health services. Data were collected through interviews and focus groups conducted in Massachusetts with peer specialists (N = 44), their supervisors (N = 14) and clients (N = 10) between September 2009 and January 2011. A consensus coding approach was used and all data outputs were reviewed by the entire team to identify themes. Peer specialists reported that their most important role is to develop relationships with clients and that having lived mental health experience is a key element in creating that bond. They also indicated that educating staff about the recovery model and peer role is another important function. However, they often felt a lack of clarity about their role within their organisation and care team. Supervisors valued the unique experience that peer specialists bring to an organisation. However, without a defined set of expectations for this role, they struggled with training, guiding and evaluating their peer specialist staff. Clients reported that the shared lived experience is important for the relationship and that working with a peer specialist has improved their mental health. With increasing support for person-centred integrated healthcare delivery models, the demand for mental health peer specialist services will probably increase. Therefore, clearer role definition, as well as workforce development focused on team orientation, is necessary for peer specialists to be fully integrated and supported in care teams.
Dependence on smell of social and overpopulation effects in the white rat

Sixty-four albino rats were obtained at 30 days of age, and half of them had their olfactorial bulbs aspirated. Two weeks later half of the Ss were housed in groups of 4 per cage and half in groups of 16 per cage. After 6 weeks all Ss were tested both individually and in groups in a counterbalanced manner in an open field where seven indices of emotionality were recorded. The results showed that smell is the dominant, if not sole, cue to group reduction of emotionality in the white rat. It is not, however, responsible for the increased emotionality found in overpopulated rats. The abnormal social behavior in overpopulated rats, however, tends to be eliminated by loss of smelling ability.
Athletic Perfection, Performance-Enhancing Drugs, and the Treatment-Enhancement Distinction

(2009). Athletic Perfection, Performance-Enhancing Drugs, and the Treatment-Enhancement Distinction. Journal of the Philosophy of Sport: Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 162-181.
Wireless image transmission using multiple-description-based concatenated codes

This work introduces a multiple-description product code which aims at optimally generating multiple, equally-important wavelet image descriptions. The codes used are a concatenated channel code including a row (outer) code based on RCPC codes with CRC error detection and a source-channel column (inner) code consisting of the scalable SPIHT image coder and an optimized array of unequal protection Reed-Solomon erasure- correction codes. By systematically matching the unequal protection codes to the embedded source bitstream using a simple, fast optimizer that can run in real time, we allow image quality to degrade gracefully as fade worsens and maximize expected image quality at the receiver. This approach to image transmission over fading channels offers significant improvements in both peak and expected image quality when compared to current state-of-the-art techniques. Our packetization scheme is also naturally suited for hybrid packet-network/wireless channels, such as those used for wireless Internet access.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Zero-core-contribution calculation of photodetachment cross sections and photoelectron spectra of transition-metal anions.

The zero-core-contribution model was used to calculate (1) the absolute total photodetachment cross sections as a function of photon energies and (2) the intensities for individual detachment channels for thirteen transition-metal anions at a fixed photon energy. A unique character of each transition-metal anion is that the photodetachment could occur involving either an ``s'' or a ``d'' outermost electron. A method for determining the relative weights of the s and the d detachment orbitals is presented. The intensities calculated for different channels are in excellent agreement with photoelectron-spectroscopy measurements, both for channels involving s-orbital detachment and d-orbital detachment. Total cross sections agree with the experimental results of Feldman et al.
High-resolution mass spectrometry with a multiple pass quadrupole mass analyzer.

The peak shape narrows and the resolution improves if the ions are simply reflected back and forth through a conventional quadrupole mass analyzer. CO+ and N2+ at m/z = 28 are separated to 50% valley with half of the original signal remaining. These two ions can be resolved to baseline (m/Δm) = 5000 with 1% of the original signal remaining.
Review of internet-based interventions for pain finds some evidence to support the effectiveness of cognitive and behavioural interventions, but further quality study is needed to assess the effect of peer support and social networking programmes

Commentary on: JL Bender, A Radhakrishnan, C Diorio, et al.. Can pain be managed through the Internet? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials.Pain2011;152:1740–50.
Assessing ecological integrity for impaired waters decisions in Chesapeake Bay, USA

To meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act, the States of Maryland and Virginia are using benthic biological criteria for identifying impaired waters in Chesapeake Bay and reporting their overall condition. The Chesapeake Bay benthic index of biotic integrity (B-IBI) is the basis for these biological criteria. Working together with the states and the US Environmental Protection Agency, we developed a method for impairment decisions based on the B-IBI. The impaired waters decision approach combines multiple benthic habitat-dependent indices in a Bay segment (equivalent to water bodies in the European Water Framework Directive) with a statistical test of impairment. The method takes into consideration uncertainty in reference conditions, sampling variability, multiple habitats, and sample size. We applied this method to 1430 probability-based benthic samples in 85 Chesapeake Bay segments. Twenty-two segments were considered impaired for benthic community condition. The final decision for each segment considers benthic condition in combination with key stressors such as dissolved oxygen and toxic contaminants.
Disturbance rejection of the WIYN telescope position control servosystem

The performance of a telescope position control servosystem depends on its ability to minimize changes in position due to wind and other disturbances. Modern, lightweight telescopes such as WIYN rely on feedback to achieve good disturbance rejection. While the simplicity of a direct, friction-drive system is attractive, the small drive ratio greatly diminishes the effectiveness of motor velocity control in reducing disturbance sensitivity. The WIYN servosystems use position feedback and motor torque control to achieve tracking accuracy and disturbance rejection. This type of control allows the use of larger position control bandwidth than is possible with motor velocity control. The factors affecting disturbance rejection are discussed. Motor velocity controlled and motor torque controlled servosystems are described and compared. The WIYN telescope is analyzed to show the expected performance of each type of system, and measured performance is presented.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
CORRECTION OF PHASE ERRORS IN FOURIER SPECTROSCOPY

The correction of phase error in Fourier transform spectroscopy is discussed. Phase error is corrected by multiplying the inverse transform of the measured interferogram by e−iϕ(ω), where ϕ(ω) is the phase error in the spectrum. This error is determined from a low-resolution, two-sided interferogram. It is absolutely essential that the truncation-apodization function which multiplies the interferogram have an even part which is symmetric about the x=0 position. If this function is not properly located, large errors in the corrected spectrum can occur.
Protein Kinase C (PKC) βII Induces Cell Invasion through a Ras/Mek-, PKCι/Rac 1-dependent Signaling Pathway

Protein kinase C βII (PKCβII) promotes colon carcinogenesis. Expression of PKCβII in the colon of transgenic mice induces hyperproliferation and increased susceptibility to colon cancer. To determine molecular mechanisms by which PKCβII promotes colon cancer, we established rat intestinal epithelial (RIE) cells stably expressing PKCβII. Here we show that RIE/PKCβII cells acquire an invasive phenotype that is blocked by the PKCβ inhibitor LY379196. Invasion is not observed in RIE cells expressing a kinase-deficient PKCβII, indicating that PKCβII activity is required for the invasive phenotype. PKCβII induces activation of K-Ras and the Ras effector, Rac1, in RIE/PKCβII cells. PKCβII-mediated invasion is blocked by the Mek inhibitor, U0126, and by expression of either dominant negative Rac1 or kinase-deficient atypical PKCι. Expression of constitutively active Rac1 induces Mek activation and invasion in RIE cells, indicating that Rac1 is the critical downstream effector of PKCβII-mediated invasion. Taken together, our results define a novel PKCβII → Ras → PKCι /Rac1 → Mek signaling pathway that induces invasion in intestinal epithelial cells. This pathway provides a plausible mechanism by which PKCβII promotes colon carcinogenesis.
Electron spin resonance study of peroxidase activity and kinetics.

An electron spin resonance (ESR) assay has been developed for peroxidase activity. The assay measures the formation of the paramagnetic nitroxide Tempol from the oxidation of its hydroxylamine derivative (TOLH) by short-lived radicals produced by peroxidase cycle intermediates, Compounds I and II. Using phenol as a peroxidase electron donor, the ESR approach is suitable for measurements of peroxidase activity ( > or = 0.003 U/ml) and micromolar quantities of H2O2 in sample sizes as small as 2 microliters. In addition, the ESR method can be used to continuously monitor activity in cell suspensions and other media that are susceptible to optical artifacts. The high membrane permeability of TOLH also makes it possible to estimate peroxidase activity in membrane-enclosed compartments, provided that TOLH oxidation rates can be stimulated with exogenous peroxidase reductants, e.g., phenol. Analysis of TOLH oxidation rates under conditions of low electron donor concentrations and high concentrations of H2O2 also shows clear indications of substrate-dependent inhibition and increased catalytic activity. Computer simulations indicate that the results obtained are consistent with the peroxidase reaction scheme proposed by Kohler et al. (1988, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 264, 438-449) modified to correct for a nitroxide dependent stimulation of peroxidase catalytic activity.