cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimized link model for optical communications through clouds

The effects of clouds on optical down-links (satellite to ground) have been recognized by a variety of authors. Generally the approach taken for dealing with these effects is to seek statistics on the “cloud-free line of sight.” In contrast, our approach has been to develop a model that incorporates the effects of clouds on the performance of an optical communication system. We previously reported on the use of existing cloud data bases together with a radiative transport model to describe the spatio-temporal spreading effects of multiple scatter. In addition to the cloud optical properties, the communication channel model incorporates various geometrical features such as cloud base, detector aperture, field of view (FOV), and transmitter beam size. We illustrate how manipulation of the various model parameters allows optimization of the communication system. As an example, we note that the signal level increases with FOV. However, so too does pulse stretching. Competition between these two effects (greater signal level, lower allowable bandwidth) leads to an optimum FOV. This FOV, which maximizes the error-free data rate, depends in turn on the optical thickness of the cloud. Finally, consideration of the cloud statistics provides an optimum system design for a given geographical location.
Femtosecond Fiber Lasers Based on Dissipative Processes for Nonlinear Microscopy

Recent progress in the development of femtosecond-pulse fiber lasers with parameters appropriate for nonlinear microscopy is reviewed. Pulse shaping in lasers with only normal-dispersion components is briefly described, and the performance of the resulting lasers is summarized. Fiber lasers based on the formation of dissipative solitons now offer performance competitive with that of solid-state lasers, but with the benefits of the fiber medium. Lasers based on self-similar pulse evolution in the gain section of a laser also offer a combination of short pulse duration and high pulse energy that will be attractive for applications in nonlinear bioimaging.
Absorption laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Self-absorption is used in laser induced breakdown spectroscopy to obtain quantitative analytical information. In this approach two plasmas are generated with a laser pulse that is split into two beams separated by a few millimeters and incident on the target material. One of the beams generates plasma that acts as the light source analogous to that used in standard atomic absorption spectroscopy, while the other generates plasma that is used as the analyte. The lines emitted from the light source plasma are absorbed while passing through the analyte plasma. This technique was applied to Cu- Zn samples with different Cu/Zn concentrations. The results show that the strongly self absorbed Cu 324 nm and 327 nm lines can be effectively used to probe the Cu concentration, while the Cu 330 nm line does not show strong selfabsorption.
LATITUDE, ELEVATION, AND MEAN TEMPERATURE IN THE NORTHEAST

(1969). LATITUDE, ELEVATION, AND MEAN TEMPERATURE IN THE NORTHEAST. The Professional Geographer: Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 227-231.
Rules of Access and Shifts in Demand: A Comparison of Log-Linear and Two-Sided Logit Models

Abstract Hauser (1978) succinctly expressed a long-standing desideratum for the analysis of mobility regimes: to separate “rules of access” to social positions from “the interplay of supply and demand.” When an explicit, random matching model of opportunity is constructed from rules of access, with provisions for demand effects, it appears that log-linear models, as functions of odds ratios, do not in general satisfy Hauser's requirement. Analysis and simulation show that the two-sided logit model proposed in Logan (1996a) is superior to log-linear and related models in this respect.
Retinoblastoma Protein Expression in Endometrial Hyperplasia and Carcinoma

The retinoblastoma (RB) gene was the first defined tumor suppressor gene. While originally described in retinoblastoma, more recently alterations in RB have been described in a number of other human neoplasms and there has been a suggestion that alteration of RB may play a significant role in the development of endometrial carcinoma. We examined RB protein expression by immunohistochemistry in a series of cases including normal endometrium, endometrial hyperplasia, and endometrial carcinoma. A relatively homogeneous pattern of staining was observed in proliferative endometrium, while weak or absent reactivity was noted in secretory endometrium. A heterogeneous pattern of reactivity was observed in 10/10 cases of hyperplasia, 66/70 cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma, and 7/7 cases of uterine carcinosarcoma. An altered pattern of reactivity was observed in the remaining 4/70 cases of adenocarcinoma. All of the cases with altered reactivity were high grade neoplasms. We conclude that alteration of RB protein expression is uncommon in endometrial adenocarcinoma and when it does occur, it may represent a late event in carcinogenesis.
Preexponential factors in surface reactions

Preexponential factors for surface reactions have been estimated by use of transition state and hard sphere reaction models. We find that calculated values can be used to determine rate limiting steps in various surface reactions. In the case of H2-D2 exchange there are two reaction branches, and adsorption and/or surface reactions are the rate limiting steps. Typical pseudo first-order preexponential factors for various rate limiting steps are: adsorption 102–104 sec−1, diffusion 107–1011 sec−1, surface reaction 10-1013 sec−1, desorption 1013–1016 sec−1. The calculated values are compared to numerous examples of surface reactions compiled from the literature. In addition, conditions needed to apply these models to catalyzed reactions are discussed.
Comparison of Thermodynamic Loss Models Suitable for Gas Turbine Propulsion

The description of Several e gures of merit for estimation of loss in work potential based on the second law of thermodynamicsandevaluationoftheirrelativemeritsforpropulsionsystemanalysisanddesignaretheobjectives. Thelosse guresofmeritexamined areexergy,gashorsepower,and thrustwork potential.Dee nitionsandsimplie ed expressions for evaluating each are presented and related via contours on a Temperature-Entropy diagram, and a working comparison is provided by way of a pedagogical example using the J-79 turbojet engine. It is shown that thrust work potential is a special case of gas horsepower, which is in turn a special case of exergy. Based on these results, a general taxonomy is suggested to classify the various work potential e gures of merit. The results of this analysis are then used to draw inferences as to what applications each work potential e gure of merit is best suited, the general conclusion being that they are complimentary, with each e gure of merit being well suited to a particular application. Finally, a general work exclusion principal is suggested as a guide to which of the various loss e gures of merit is most appropriate for a given application.
Unified analysis of the sensitivities of reflectance and path length to scattering variations in a diffusive medium

A unified analysis is presented for the sensitivities of reflectance and path length to scattering variations in a diffusive medium, using an improved solution of the steady-state diffusion equation. This approach enables one to (1) explain theoretically two kinds of dependency of near-infrared reflectance on source-detector separations and (2) obtain an analytical expression for optical path lengths. The results shown here are consistent with those of Kumar and Schmitt [Appl. Opt. 36, 2286 (1997)] and Mourant et al. [Appl. Opt. 36, 5655 (1997)]. Also, discussions are given on (1) possible reasons for some inconsistency between the conclusion drawn by Mourant et al. and results given here and (2) the usefulness of making reflectance measurements while minimizing the sensitivity of reflectance and path length to scattering variations.
Responses of human T cells to dominant discrete protein antigens of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Normal human beings have circulating T lymphocytes that proliferate in response to Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We performed the present study to characterize the nature of the responding T cells and to determine whether distinct or shared conventional antigens, superantigens or polylonal activators account for T cell proliferation. Long term antigen-specific T cell lines were generated by repeated stimulation of PBMC from four donors with soluble antigen preparations of E. coli or P. aeruginosa. This resulted in the emergence of distinct T cell populations, which responded to strains of either E. coli or P. aeruginosa, but not to both. Trypsin treatment of the bacterial preparations largely eliminated their ability to stimulate the T cells. The T cell lines were predominantly CD4+ and their proliferation to bacterial antigens was optimal using autologous APC. E. coli T cell lines proliferated not only in response to the E. coli strain with which they were initially selected, but also to four different strains of E. coli, as well as to several related Gram-negative species. P. aeruginosa selected T cells exhibited proliferative responses to six different P. aeruginosa strains, but not to the other Gram-negative species. The finding that repeated stimulation of PBMC with E. coli or P. aeruginosa leads to CD4+ T cells highly reactive with conventional protein antigens specific either for E. coli or P. aeruginosa indicates that these bacteria possess separate dominant protein antigens that drive the proliferation of peripheral blood T cells.
Establishment of AIDS-related primary-effusion lymphoma (PEL) cell lines that proliferate continuously without serum

The gammaherpesvirus dually-infected (HHV8/EBV) PEL cell line, BC-1, was weaned gradually from fetal bovine serum (FBS) during successive feedings with RPMI 1640 medium containing human transferrin and selenium dioxide as the only additives. A serum-free cell line (sfBC-1) emerged that was 100% major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II negative, compared with 10% MHC class II-negative cells before serum removal. In contrast, MHC class I expression by sfBC-1 cells slightly exceeded that of BC-1 cells. BC-1 and sfBC-1 cells were indistinguishable in six polymorphic genetic loci, confirming their relatedness and sfBC-1 cells contained HHV8 and EBV. These findings were not attributable to dual infection because the PEL cell line, BCBL-1, which is infected with HHV8 but not EBV, also contained MHC class II positive (45%) and class II negative (55%) cells. Moreover, a serum-free BCBL-1 (sfBCBL-1) cell line was established and the sfBCBL-1 cells were MHC class I up modulated and 100% MHC class II negative. The serum-free cell lines established in this study may be useful for exploring PEL-cell autocrine-growth pathways and for assessing MHC class II-negative PEL cells for tumorigenesis in animal model systems.
Coverage dependent dissociation of NO on Rh supported on cerium oxide thin films

Abstract The decomposition of NO on Rh on oxidized and reduced cerium oxide was studied as a function of NO coverage and temperature by soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The degree of decomposition is increased and the onset temperature for decomposition is reduced when Rh is supported on reduced ceria (Rh/CeOx) compared to Rh on oxidized ceria (Rh/CeO2). When the initial NO coverage was reduced to 35% of saturation the dissociation activity was enhanced on both Rh/CeO2 and Rh/CeOx. However, at any given temperature and coverage, the dissociation activity was greater on Rh/CeOx. O vacancies on the reduced CeOx were poisoned by exposure to H2O at 300 K to produce a hydroxylated surface. The NO dissociation activity for Rh on the hydroxylated CeOx was the same as that on the open surface. These results demonstrate that O spillover and coverage effects are insufficient to explain the enhanced activity of Rh on reduced CeOx.
Political Socialization Research: The “Primacy” Principle

This paper discusses the trend in feelings of political efficacy among United States adults from 1964 to 1970 in the context of theories of political socialization. This literature has characteristically treated "regime norms" as established early in political socialization and largely independent of subsequent political events, a conception challenged herein. A second theoretical issue concerns the claim that stable democracies require large and constant "reservoirs of diffuse support" which enable them to weather periodic crises of effectiveness. The implication (drawn by the theorists themselves) is that components of diffuse support (including but not limited to political efficacy) are largely independent of disappointments with day-to-day political outputs, and this too is rendered unlikely by our results.
Field Immobilization of Raccoons (Procyon lotor) with Telazol and Xylazine

The effectiveness of tiletamine plus zolazepam (Telazol) and xylazine was evaluated as an immobilizing combination for raccoons (Procyon lotor). Fifteen raccoons were injected intramuscularly with a 3:2 mixture of Telazol (3.2±0.6 mg/kg [mean±SD]) and xylazine (2.1±0.4 mg/kg) at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan, USA, during May–October, 2001–03. Mean induction time was 4.8±3.8 min; mean recovery time was 128.5±48.4 min. No linear relationships were found between the amount (mg/kg) of Telazolxylazine injected and induction (r2=0.06, P=0.40) or recovery times (r2=0.01, P=0.78). Mean heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature declined through 20 min after induction (P<0.05). No mortality occurred and no short-term adverse effects were observed in recaptured individuals. I conclude that a 3:2 mixture of Telazol-xylazine is a safe and effective immobilizing agent for raccoons when conducting nonsurgical field procedures. Immobilizing raccoons with Telazol at 3 mg/kg and xylazine at 2 mg/kg s...
Optimum bandgap of several III–V heterojunction solar cells

Results of computer analysis of AlAs/Ga(1-x)As n-on-p heterojunction solar cells are presented with particular consideration given to interface recombination effects. It is found that, for an AlAs window layer, GaAs appears to be the optimum semiconductor for the active layer. Furthermore, even if the interface recombination is neglected, GaAs comes so close to being the optimum III-V active layer material that the additional effort required to incorporate a few percent of InAs into the active layer appears to be much greater than any expected efficiency increase.
Metallographic evaluation of welded forging preforms

Abstract Solid-state friction welding of forging performs is being investigated as a novel means to produce bi-metal performs, and for efficiently producing quality same-metal performs for metal forging. Bar-stock from several common alloys were friction welded on commercial equipment and then subsequently hot-forged in a laboratory press. As-forged mechanical properties and microstructural evaluations that were obtained are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of this unique processing approach. The work presented herein presents results for AA2024/AA2024 and AISI 304/304 same-metal welded preforms and dissimilar metal preforms composed of AISI 304/AISI 1018 and AISI 1018/ETP Cu.
Wear convergence of stochastic approximation processes with random indices

Conditions are given for weak convergence through random indices of a general stochastic approximation process which includes the Robbins-Monro and Kiefer-Wolfowitz processes. For a particular index, a sequential fixed-width bounded length confidence interval for the parameter being estimated is established. As an example, an optimal recursive estimator and confidence interval for the mode of a distribution function is constructed.
Diagnosis of mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy disease in gastrointestinal biopsies

A 14-year-old boy with mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy (MNGIE) disease had a lifelong history of failure to thrive and gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting, pain, and diarrhea, leading to progressive cachexia. At the age of 9 years, after an extensive workup, the diagnosis of Crohn disease was strongly suspected, and he underwent colonoscopy with multiple biopsies. At 11 years of age, vision change and poor balance lead to a diagnosis of leukodystrophy by magnetic resonance imaging. Investigations for metachromatic leukodystrophy, adrenal leukodystrophy, and globoid cell leukodystrophy were all negative. A diagnosis of MNGIE disease was suspected when he continued deteriorating with gastrointestinal symptoms, multiple neurologic deficits, and encephalopathy. Markedly diminished thymidine phosphorylase activity and increased thymidine plasma levels confirmed the diagnosis of MNGIE. At autopsy, megamitochondria were observed by light microscopy in submucosal and myenteric ganglion cells and in smooth muscle cells of muscularis mucosae and muscularis propria, along the entire gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum. Megamitochondria in ganglion cells were also observed in a retrospective review of the endoscopic intestinal biopsies taken at age 9 and 13 years and in the appendectomy specimen obtained 1 month before his demise. This study corroborates the presence of megamitochondria in gastrointestinal ganglion cells in MNGIE disease, better illustrates their detailed morphology, and describes for the first time similar structures in the cytoplasm of gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells. Pathologists should be able to recognize these structures by light microscopy and be aware of their association with primary mitochondriopathies.
Vibrational and optical properties of the mixed crystal NaCℓ1−xBrx

Abstract A one-dimensional model is developed for the [111] transverse modes of the mixed crystal NaCl 1−x Br x . The frequencies and eigenvectors of the normal modes of vibration are calculated for ten random configurations at each of a number of compositions. The imaginary part of the dielectric function is calculated for the average configuration at each composition. The behavior of the system cannot be classified in terms of the usual one-mode or two-mode categories. Representative eigenvectors are displayed, and the random element isodisplacement model is discussed in the light of our results.
Superfluid onset and prewetting of 4 He on rubidium

Quartz-crystal microbalance isotherms of ${}^{4}\mathrm{He}$ on rubidium are presented. The isotherms are used to locate the prewetting transition and the onset of superfluidity in the adsorbed helium films. The phase diagram of He on Rb is distinctly different from helium on either conventional strong substrates or on cesium. In particular, the superfluid transition is hysteretic and does not conform to the Kosterlitz-Thouless paradigm.
Comparison of intracranial infusions of colchicine and ibotenic acid as models of neurodegeneration in the basal forebrain.

Abstract Colchicine and ibotenic acid were compared for their ability to produce neurodegeneration and cognitive deficit after bilateral infusions into the nucleus basalis magnocellularis of male Long-Evans rats. Four weeks post-lesion, there was no difference in locomotor activity following infusion of either neurotoxicant or vehicle. In a passive avoidance task, both treated groups had significantly shorter step-through latencies compated with vehicle. Five weeks post-lesion, rats were killed for neurochemistry or histochemistry. Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in both the frontal and parietal cortex was significantly decreased (25–35%) in the colchicine- and ibotenic acid-infused rats when compared to control. There was no effect of either neurotoxicant on ChAT activity in the hippocampus or striatum. Both neurotoxicants produced damage in the general area of the ventromedial pallidum, although ibotenic acid infusion consistently produced a larger area of damage as assessed in Nissl-stained sections. Analysis of the number of ChAT-immunoreactive cells in the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) showed an average 60% cell loss following colchicine infusion and a 75% cell loss after ibotenic acid infusion. Area of glutamic acid decar☐ylase (GAD) staining was significantly decreased in several regions surrounding the NBM for ibotenic acid (51% average decrease), and showed non-significant decreases (28%) following colchicine infusion. Colchicine infusion decreased dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the striatum; ibotenic acid had no effect on brain catechol or indoleamine levels. The results indicate that although similar cholinergic hypofunction and behavioral deficits were achieved, several non-cholinergic differences between the neurotoxicants were detected.
Actions on Electric and Magnetic Units

The following authorized statement of the actions taken at the Paris meeting of the committee on electric and magnetic magnitudes and units of the International Electrotechnical Commission, prepared by Dr. A. E. Kennelly, chairman of the E.M.M.U. committee, is based upon the minutes of the meeting, as circulated among the various I.E.C. national committees. This statement, distributed by the I.E.C. General Secretariat in London, is, however, necessarily subsidiary to the official minutes (I.E.C. document R.M. 105) which should be consulted by those particularly interested.
History of Forced Sex and Recent Sexual Risk Indicators Among Young Adult Males

CONTEXT: It is unclear whether young adult men who have ever been forced to have sex are at increased risk for sexual risk-taking, and whether their risk differs according to the gender of the perpetrator. METHODS: Data from 1,400 males aged 18-24 who participated in the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth were used to determine the prevalence of a history of forced sex and the context of each respondent's most recent experience with such assaults. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between victimization and having a recent indicator of sexual risk (e.g., having had sex in the past year with five or more female partners, a female injection-drug user or an HIV-positive female). Separate analyses were performed for coercion by females and coercion by males. RESULTS: Six percent of men reported having been forced by a female perpetrator to have vaginal intercourse, while 1% said they had been forced by a male perpetrator to have oral or anal sex. Men had an elevated likelihood of having had one or more recent sexual risk indicators if they had ever been forced to have sex by a male (odds ratio, 6.9) or female (3.3). Verbal and physical forms of coercion and provision of alcohol and drugs were commonly used by perpetrators of both genders. CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of the pathways linking sexual victimization to sexual risk-taking among men is needed. Clinicians working with young men should screen them for victimization and provide STD testing and referrals for counseling if abuse is suspected or disclosed. Language: en
Social Learning Family Therapy and the Treatment of Conduct Disorder in Early Childhood: Premise, Procedures and Prospects

Social learning family therapy hypotheses on the development and sustenance of conduct disorder in early childhood are presented, together with treatment approaches that use parents as the primary agents of change. Research that shows that parent training procedures hold much promise for the treatment of conduct disorder in childhood is briefly reviewed. The prospects of social learning family therapy as a treatment of children with conduct disorder could be significantly enhanced with some attention to methodological and conceptual issues in social learning family therapy research and practice.
An interactive finite difference preprocessor for three-dimensional fluid flow system

Abstract A preprocessor, called PREFLO, consisting of data processing modules combined with a flexible finite difference grid generator is described. This economical, interactive computer code is a useful research tool contributing significantly to the accurate analysis and modeling of large and/or geometrically complex flow systems. PREFLO (PREprocessor for fluid FLOw problems), written in FORTRAN IV, consists of four modules which in turn call various subroutines. The main programs accomplish the following tasks: (1) system identification and selection of appropriate finite difference algorithms; (2) input devices for storage of natural flow boundaries; (3) interactive generation of finite difference meshes and display of computer graphics; (4) preparation of all data files for the source program. The computation of the velocity field near a power plant site is outlined to illustrate the capabilities and application of PREFLO.
Do apoptotic mechanisms regulate synaptic plasticity and growth-cone motility?

Signals between neurons are transduced primarily by receptors, and second messenger and kinase cascades, located in pre- and postsynaptic terminals. Such synaptic signaling pathways include those activated by neurotransmitters, cytokines, neurotrophic factors, and cell-adhesion molecules. Many of these signaling systems are also localized in the growth cones of axons and dendrites, where they control pathfinding and synaptogenesis during development. Although it has been known for decades that such signaling pathways can affect the survival of neurons, by promoting or preventing a form of programmed cell death known as apoptosis, we have discovered that apoptotic biochemical cascades can exert local actions on the functions and structural dynamics of growth cones and synapses. In this article, we provide a brief background on apoptotic biochemical cascades, and present examples of studies in this laboratory that have identified novel apoptotic and anti-apoptotic signaling mechanisms that are activated and act locally in synapses, growth cones, and dendrites to modify their structure and function. Apoptotic synaptic cascades that may play roles in neuronal plasticity include activation of caspases that can cleave certain types of ionotropic glutamate-receptor subunits and thereby modify synaptic plasticity. Caspases may also cleave cytoskeletal protein substrates in growth cones of developing neurons and may thereby regulate neurite outgrowth. Par-4 and the tumor-suppressor protein p53 are pro-apoptotic proteins that may also function in synaptic and developmental plasticity. Examples of anti-apoptotic signals that regulate the plasticity of growth cones and synapses include neurotrophic factor-activated kinase cascades, calcium-mediated actin depolymerization, and activation of the transcription factor NF-κB. The emerging data strongly suggest that many of the signaling mechanisms that control apoptosis are also involved in regulating the structural and functional plasticity of neuronal circuits under physiological conditions.
EFFECTS OF PHOTOSYSTEM II INHIBITORS ON ELECTRON PARAMAGNETIC RESONANCE SIGNAL II OF SPINACH CHLOROPLASTS

— In isolated spinach chloroplasts the light-induced electron paramagnetic resonance signal (signal II) associated with the oxygen evolving photosystem (photosystem II) decays slowly and incompletely in the dark. Tris-washing, hydroxylamine, or carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) enhance the decay of signal II, which can still be induced by red (645 nm) but not by far-red (735 nm) radiation. Although 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) alone has no effect on signal II, it blocks the induction of signal II in the presence of hydroxylamine or CCCP. These data suggest that signal II is an indicator of an oxidized intermediate on the water-splitting side of photosystem II.
Tilt compensation performance enhancement using off-axis higher-order modal wavefront measurements

Tilt compensation performance is generally suboptimal when phase measurements from natural or laser guide stars are used as the conjugate phase in an adaptive optics system. Optimal compensation is obtained when the conjugate phase coefficients are estimated from beacon measurements, given knowledge of the correlation between the on-axis object phase and the beacon measurements. In this work, optimal compensation theory is applied to tilt correction for the case of an off-axis higher-order modes are correlated with the on-axis tilt components, a performance gain can be realized when they tilt estimator includes higher-order measurements. For natural guide star compensation, it is shown that equivalent tilt compensation can be achieved at beacon offsets that are three times larger when higher-order modes through Zernike 15 are used in the tilt estimator. For a laser guide star, while tilt information cannot be measured directly due to beam reciprocity, off-axis higher- order modal measurements can be used to estimate tilt components, leading to a maximum Strehl ratio of approximately 0.3 for D/r0 equals 4 and L0/D equals 10.
Rapid, single-step nucleic acid detection

A rapid detection method for nucleic acid based on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) from the luminescence donor Renilla luciferase to an acceptor quantum dot upon oligonucleotide probe hybridization has been developed. Utilizing a competitive assay, we detected the target nucleic acid by correlating the BRET signal with the amount of target present in the sample. This method allows for the detection of as little as 4 pmol (20 nM) of nucleic acid in a single-step, homogeneous format both in vitro in a buffer matrix as well as in a cellular matrix. Using this method, one may perform nucleic acid detection in as little as 30 min, showing much improvement over time-consuming blotting methods and solid-phase methods which require multiple wash steps to remove unbound probe. This is the first report on the use of quantum dots as a BRET acceptor in the development of a nucleic acid hybridization assay.
Rayleigh-Taylor instability in phonon-wind-driven electron-hole plasma

Sufficiently intense photoexcitation of semiconductors produces initially continuous, extended regions of high-density electron-hole plasma. Recent observations in Ge at low temperatures (T=2 K) suggest that these large regions rapidly fragment to form droplet clouds. By incorporating the phonon wind into a hydrodynamic description of carrier transport, we show that continuous regions of plasma are subject to a Rayleigh-Taylor instability. This instability, together with effects related to the liquid--free-exciton phase transition, are alternative progenitors of the observed fragmentation. Using linear instability analysis, we estimate the size of fragments as produced by these two mechanisms. We then suggest how these alternative fragmentation processes may be distinguished in pulsed-excitation experiments by considering the nonlinear growth of instabilities in the plasma, where momentum damping through carrier-phonon interactions becomes important. We discuss the effects of damping by analogy with Rayleigh-Taylor instability in a porous medium (the Saffman-Taylor problem).
Anti-human helper T-lymphocyte antiserum: Generation and functional characterization

Abstract A rabbit antiserum (R208) generated against human thymic lymphocytes and sequentially adsorbed with human liver, kidney, lung, B lymphoblasts, and brain showed specificity for helper T lymphocytes. When T lymphocytes which had been pretreated with R208 and complement were added to B lymphocytes in a T-cell-dependent pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-stimulated culture system, the quantity of immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesized on Day 5 was less than 20% of that synthesized in cultures receiving equivalent numbers of T lymphocytes treated with normal rabbit serum and complement. The T lymphocytes remaining after R208 and complement treatment showed an increased specific activity for suppression of Ig production by B cells. T lymphocytes capable of enhancing IgM, IgG, and IgA biosynthesis appeared equally sensitive to the antiserum and complement treatment.
THz local oscillator technology

The last decade has seen a number of technological advancements that have now made it possible to implement fully solid state local oscillator chains up to 2 THz. These chains are composed of cascaded planar multiplier stages that are pumped with W-band high power sources. The high power W-band sources are achieved by power combining MMIC amplifiers and can provide in access of 150 mW with about 10% bandwidth. Planar diode technology has also enabled novel circuit topologies that can take advantage of the high input power and demonstrate significant efficiencies well into the THz range. Cascaded chains to 1.9 THz have now been demonstrated with enough output power to successfully pump hot-electron bolometer mixers in this frequency range. An overview of the current State-of-the-Art of the local oscillator technology will be presented along with highlighting future trends and challenges.
On the probability of resolution for the amplitude and phase estimation (APES) spectral estimator

The amplitude and phase estimation (APES) algorithm is a spectral estimation approach that estimates the complex amplitude of the power spectrum of a random process. Although its resolution performance has been observed to be slightly better than conventional FFT approaches, but quite inferior to super-resolution approaches like the Capon algorithm and MUSIC, no quantitative measure of resolution exists for the APES algorithm. This analysis provides a new exact two point measure of the large sample probability of resolution for the APES algorithm, as well as an approximation useful in capturing finite sample effects. This probability measure indicates that the APES algorithm resolution performance is fundamentally limited even in the limit of infinite signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Consumer Learning and the Effects of Virtual Experience Relative to Indirect and Direct Product Experience

The Internet has the ability to serve as a more powerful medium than traditional print or broadcast media because consumers are able to interact with products in 3D multimedia environments, thus simulating a new form of experience—a virtual experience. However, very little research has explored the impact of this new type of experience, especially in combination with indirect (advertising) and direct (product trial) experience. Therefore, this study presents the findings from two laboratory experiments designed to empirically test both the single and sequential impact of consumer exposure to indirect, direct, and virtual experiences on brand attitude, product knowledge, and purchase intention when evaluating a digital video camcorder. The results indicate that exposure to a virtual experience preceding both indirect and direct product experience is more effective at influencing brand attitudes. The research proposition is that virtual experience from 3D product visualization is more similar to direct experience than to indirect experience in terms of consumer learning. Implications for business-to-consumer Internet marketing and e-commerce are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Bosnian War Crimes Trial Simulation: Teaching Students about the Fuzziness of World Politics and International Law.

complex issues, and promote civility and professionalism in the conduct of serious political and legal business. In this article I will explain the Bosnian war crimes trial simulation, list its characteristics, and assess its effectiveness; describe students' reactions to the exercise; and evaluate the importance of simulation exercises as much-needed heuristic devices in international politics classes. Except where indicated, all specific examples come from the 1995 class.
Implementation and testing of an automated EST processing and similarity analysis system

Expressed sequence tag (EST) sequencing projects are being undertaken in an effort to identify the function of as many genes as possible from entire genomes. Putative function can be determined by analyzing the similarity of the ESTs to sequences in the public databases. We are involved in a long-term project to research and develop database technology to store and analyze ESTs for Arabidopsis thaliana. The massive amounts of ESTs being produced through automated sequencing technologies necessitates the automated processing and similarity analysis of the ESTs. This paper describes a complete software system that takes ESTs from a sequencing machine, analyzes them for quality, and searches in public databases of previously known sequences. Automating the processing and analysis of the several thousand ESTs produced to date by the Michigan State University, Arabidopsis cDNA Sequencing Project has improved the quality of the EST data and the speed at which ESTs can be entered in the public databases. >
Limits on lateral density and velocity variations in the Earth's outer core

An approximate analysis is given for the likely fractional lateral density variations (δρ/ρ) in the outer core, caused by large scale-length fluid dynamical processes. It is first shown that fractional density and fractional seismic velocity variations are probably comparable, so that fluid dynamic arguments have relevance to seismic data. In regions of nearly neutral stability in the outer core, an analysis of convective vigour indicates an upper bound of δρ/ρ≲10^(−8). If the outer core possesses one or more layers of strong static stability then stationary contributions to δρ can be larger, if they are associated with axisymmetric (m = 0) harmonics, because of stabilizing zonal winds. Baroclinic instabilities nevertheless limit δρ/ρ≲ 10^(−6) but may not exist if the static stability is sufficiently large. Shear instabilities always limit δρ/ρ≲ 10^(−4). Magnetic field effects suggest comparable or more stringent upper bounds. It is concluded that scientists undertaking analysis of the Earth's geoid or seismic travel times or normal modes can safely assume that there are negligible lateral variations in the outer core.
Towards knowledge management in autonomic systems

The classical definition of knowledge management promises to get the right knowledge to the right people at the right time so they can make the best decision [G. Petrash, 1996]. Autonomic systems, on the other hand, are expected to find and apply the right knowledge for self-managing purposes without human intervention. This article discusses the components to be built around a system to enable self-healing and managing capabilities. These are defined and described in this article as self-knowledge, self-monitoring, self-learning, problem detection, diagnosis, and search and solution components. Interaction of these system components to make knowledge available for self-healing purposes is also discussed.
When Student Leaders Don't.

Summary This introspective and reflective idea brief explores the nature of the gap between what leadership educators hope to accomplish in the lives of students and what actually happens. The author draws upon 30 years of leadership education and a wealth of interactions with leadership educators and student leaders across North America. Five latent barriers to successful leadership education are presented for further discussion, debate, and application. These include hidden narratives, limitations of past leadership styles, student leader collapse, the attached umbilical cord, and the price of being a student leader. The reader is encouraged to engage in supportive dialogue with colleagues to address difficult questions and cultural obstacles to our work.
Mesostructured multifunctional nanoparticles for imaging and drug delivery

Mesostructured silica particles (∼100 nm diameter with ∼2 nm pores) prepared by surfactant-templated sol–gel techniques are versatile supports that can be easily derivatized with active molecules to create multifunctional materials. By deliberately placing active molecules in different regions of the mesostructure, fluorescent molecules, molecular machines, targeting ligands, and metal nanocrystals can be combined on a single particle. This review highlights the research in which multiple components are incorporated onto mesoporous silica for simultaneous imaging and delivery of molecules in biological applications.
France’s 35-Hour Week: Attack on Business? Win-Win Reform? Or Betrayal of Disadvantaged Workers?

France’s 35-hour workweek is one of the boldest progressive reforms in recent years. Drawing on existing survey and economic data, supplemented by interviews with French informants, this article examines the 35-hour week’s evolution and impacts. Although commonly dismissed as economically uncompetitive, the policy package succeeded in avoiding significant labor-cost increases for business. Most 35-hour employees cite quality-of-life improvements despite the fact that wage moderation, greater variability in schedules, and intensification of work negatively impacted some—mostly lower-paid and less-skilled—workers. Taking into account employment gains, the initiative can be considered a qualified success in meeting its main aims.
The Second Time as Farce: Archaeological Reflections on the New New Deal

Many connections have been made between the Great Depression and the current crisis in neoliberal capitalism, and many solutions proposed by the Left hearken to FDR’s New Deal programs. While New Deal policies had real benefits, assuming that they were uniformly beneficial to all lower class individuals is shortsighted. This is clear from the vantage point of our research in the Finger Lakes National Forest. The New Deal’s Resettlement Administration purchased these farms when implementing land-planning policies to move farmers off “sub-marginal” land to save families “stranded on sub-marginal farms.” Our research demonstrates that governmental land-use programs saved some farms by sacrificing others. This case makes it clear that solving current crises need more than nostalgic yearning for a mythic past. Solutions must come from a thorough examination of the “real concrete” past, not simply the past as imagined.
A system for automatic feedback control of plasma potassium concentration.

A system is described for automatic feedback control of plasma potassium concentration in experimental animals. Plasma potassium was monitored continuously and the signal compared with the desired plasma potassium concentration. The resulting error signal controlled the infusion rates of a concentrated potassium chloride solution (50 or 200 mmol litre−1) and a solution of 50% glucose with insulin 200 u litre−1. Plasma potassium was increased or decreased to the desired concentration at various rates, dictated by the controller constants. Increases were achieved significantly faster than reductions. The system may prove useful for elucidating the fate of infused potassium and for determining the optimum rate of insulin infusion in hyperkalaemia. If adapted for clinical use, it may find applications in the management of various abnormalities of potassium homeostasis.
Propagation characteristics of picosecond electrical pulses on a periodically loaded coplanar waveguide

A theoretical model which was developed to investigate the propagation characteristics of picosecond electrical pulses on a coplanar waveguide capacitively coupled to periodically spaced sampling channels is presented. Various factors which affect the signal waveform are analyzed in both the frequency and the time domains. The results show that in addition to modal dispersion, conductor loss, and radiation loss of the electrical signals, multiple reflections among the sampling gaps constitute another feature of the signal transfer along the waveguide. The authors have measured the picosecond pulse dispersion using the optoelectronic correlation technique. The experimental data are compared with the theoretical results. >
Discrete-time reference governors for systems with state and control constraints and disturbance inputs

Reference governors for discrete-time linear systems with state and control constraints are considered. The governors attenuate, but only when necessary, the reference inputs to the linear system so that the constraints are enforced and the system maintains it desirable linear behavior in the presence of nonlinear effects such as actuator saturation. Results of Gilbert and Kolmanovsky (1994) are extended in significant ways. It is possible to treat disturbance inputs and provide flexibility in the choice of the nonlinear function that determines the operation of the reference governor. It is proved that constraint satisfaction is guaranteed for all reference inputs and disturbance inputs. Moreover, under reasonable conditions on the reference input, the eventual action of the reference governor is a unit delay. An example, which illustrates the results of the paper, is given. It shows, among other things, that high sample rates need not increase the complexity of an effective reference governor.
Laboratory diagnosis of CNS infections by molecular amplification techniques

The initial presentation of symptoms and clinical manifestations of CNS infectious diseases often makes a specific diagnosis difficult and uncertain, and the emergence of polymerase chain reaction-led molecular techniques have been used in improving organism-specific diagnosis. These techniques have not only provided rapid, non-invasive detection of microorganisms causing CNS infections, but also demonstrated several neurologic disorders linked to infectious pathogens. Molecular methods performed on cerebrospinal fluid are recognized as the new ‘gold standard’ for some of these infections caused by microorganisms that are difficult to detect and identify. Although molecular techniques are predicted to be widely used in diagnosing and monitoring CNS infections, the limitations as well as strengths of these techniques must be clearly understood by both clinicians and laboratory personnel.
Comparative analysis of radiosensitizers for K-RAS mutant rectal cancers.

Approximately 40% of rectal cancers harbor activating K-RAS mutations, and these mutations are associated with poor clinical response to chemoradiotherapy. We aimed to identify small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) that synergize with ionizing radiation (IR) (“radiosensitizers”) that could be incorporated into current treatment strategies for locally advanced rectal cancers (LARCs) expressing mutant K-RAS. We first optimized a high-throughput assay for measuring individual and combined effects of SMIs and IR that produces similar results to the gold standard colony formation assay. Using this screening platform and K-RAS mutant rectal cancer cell lines, we tested SMIs targeting diverse signaling pathways for radiosensitizing activity and then evaluated our top hits in follow-up experiments. The two most potent radiosensitizers were the Chk1/2 inhibitor AZD7762 and the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235. The chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), which is used to treat LARC, synergized with AZD7762 and enhanced radiosensitization by AZD7762. This study is the first to compare different SMIs in combination with IR for the treatment of K-RAS mutant rectal cancer, and our findings suggest that Chk1/2 inhibitors should be evaluated in new clinical trials for LARC.