cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spin relaxation resonances due to the spin-axis interaction in dense rubidium and cesium vapor.

Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706(February 2, 2008)Resonances in the magnetic decoupling curves for the spinrelaxation of dense alkali-metal vapors prove that much of therelaxation is due to the spin-axis interaction in triplet dimers.Initial estimates of the spin-axis coupling coeﬃcients for thedimers (likely accurate to a factor of 2) are |λ|/h = 290 MHzfor Rb; 2500 MHz for Cs.
Relationships between residence time and process variables in a corotating twin-screw extruder

Abstract Degerminated yellow corn meal was extruded with a Werner and Pfleiderer ZSK-30 corotating twin-screw extruder under a wide range of processing conditions. The effects of process variables on mean residence time were examined by changing one variable at a time, as well as by applying statistical models to analyze situations when two or more process variables were changing. The most significant process variables affecting mean residence time were screw speed followed by throughput. Moisture content had only borderline effect, while die pressure and die temperature had no significant effect.
Elementary divisors of s-symmetric matrices

Abstract Let A be an n X n matrix over a field of characteristic 2. If n is odd, then A is similar to an s -symmetric matrix (one symmetric around the diagonal from lower left to upper right). If n is even, this holds iff the elementary divisors of A that are odd powers of separable polynomials occur with even multiplicity. The proof uses the structure theory for pairs consisting of an inner product and a self-adjoint mapping for that inner product.
Speed bumps and barricades in the carbon cycle: Substrate structural effects on carbon cycling

Abstract The observation that a fraction of organic matter produced in marine systems evades the concerted efforts of microbial communities and is buried in sediments suggests that there are ‘speed bumps’ in carbon degradation pathways that impede microbially driven remineralization processes. The initial step in degradation of macromolecules, extracellular enzymatic hydrolysis, is often stated to be ‘the’ rate-limiting step in carbon remineralization. Experimental investigations described here, however, demonstrate that at least in certain cases, microbes produce extracellular enzymes on time scales of hours to tens of hours in response to substrate addition, and hydrolysis is extremely rapid. If enzymatic hydrolysis can be rapid, what factors slow or stop organic matter degradation? A lack of the correct inducer to initiate enzyme production, and/or a lack of the correct organism to produce the required enzyme, may result in a complete lack of hydrolysis in certain environments—a barricade, rather than a speed bump. Preliminary evidence supporting this hypothesis includes a comparison of polysaccharide hydrolysis in seawater and sediments, which demonstrates that the spectrum of enzymes active in seawater and sediments are fundamentally different. Furthermore, a survey of enzyme activities in surface waters from a range of locations suggests that pelagic microbial communities also differ widely in their abilities to express specific extracellular enzymes. Trans-membrane transport through porins is yet another potential location of structure-related selectivity. Our efforts to identify speed bumps and barricades are hampered by our inability to structurally characterize in sufficient detail the macromolecular structures present in marine systems. Furthermore, assessments of organic matter ‘quality’ from a chemical perspective do not necessarily accurately reflect the availability of organic carbon to microbial communities. For these communities, in fact, ‘quality’ may be a variable, which depends on the enzymatic and uptake capabilities of community members. To begin to assess substrate structure and quality from a microbial perspective, we will have to combine specific knowledge of macromolecular structures with detailed investigations of the enzymatic and transport capabilities of heterotrophic marine microbes.
Isolation of acidic and conjugated ecdysteroid fractions from Manduca sexta pupae

Abstract Radiolabeled polar ecdysteroids were isolated from Manduca sexta pupae and applied to a column of the ion-exchange adsorbent DEAE-Sephadex. Elution with a NaCl gradient solvent system efficiently separated the polar ecdysteroids into three groups, eluted in order of their increasing ionic strength: free ecdysteroids, ecdysteroid acids, and ecdysteroid conjugates. The separation method afforded excellent sample recovery and purification, and facilitated HPLC analysis of the ecdysteroid acids which may be key inactivation products of molting hormones in M. sexta . Isolation procedures are described in detail.
The durability of professional and sociomathematical norms intentionally fostered in an early pedagogy course

This study investigated the extent to which three sociomathematical and four professional norms intentionally fostered in an early mathematics pedagogy course through the use of a video-case curriculum re-emerged in a similar context with two groups: (1) teacher candidates in the final mathematics pedagogy course of the same teacher education program and (2) program graduates in their beginning years of teaching. All seven norms were found to be durable over time, with the sociomathematical norm of providing a mathematical argument being the most widely and consistently exhibited among the participants. Comparisons of the behaviors exhibited by the two groups revealed that five of the norms were consistently durable over time with both groups and suggested that participants’ engagement with two of the norms was positively affected by additional classroom experience. Details of differences among the groups and ways in which the norms appeared to support continued teacher learning are examined. The results point to the long-term benefits of developing productive norms early in a teacher education program.
Symmetries for Conditioned Ruin Problems

(2) 1 t( )g'X' [ 1. ~~~x ' [xF'(x ) + mF(x)] G 2() (2) lim f (x)"(x) - exp [lim x4F() Fx]2x X-O+ LX-~O+ -F(x)[xG'(x)+ nG(x)] The numerator N(x) xn[xF'(x) + mF(x)]G2(x) as well as the denominator D(x) -F(x)[xG'(x)+nG(x)] in this last limit are analytic at x=O. Since D(0)X 0, it follows from continuity at x = O that limx-0+ D(x) O 0, and therefore limx0o [N(x)ID(x)] = O. Hence limx-0+f(x)g(x)= 1.
High-efficiency joint-transform correlator for symbolic substitution

Symbolic substitution was firet proposed by Haung as a mean of utilising the parallelism of optics to perform digital computing. Essentially, it is a combination of recognition and substitution phase. In addition, although synibolic substitution is not restricted to space invariant operations, it is indeed based on the space invariant connectivity of optics. Therefore, holographic associative memory techniques may be alternatively applied to implement a symbolic substitution logic system.
Dramatic Stereo- and Enantiodivergency in the Intermolecular Asymmetric Heck Reaction Catalyzed by Palladium Complexes with Cyclopropane-Based PHOX Ligands

A series of novel chiral phosphanyl-oxazoline (PHOX) ligands possessing a cyclopropyl backbone were synthesized. It was shown that introduction of a strained cyclic fragment in the ligand platform helped restrict conformational fluctuations of the metallacycle and provided the catalyst with marked steric effects. It was demonstrated that insignificant alterations in the ligand structure had a dramatic influence on the stereochemical outcome of the intermolecular asymmetric Heck reaction.
Practical approach to observability of bearings-only target tracking

A simple and practical approach to observability analysis of bearings-only target tracking is developed. The emphasis is on discrete time cases. The uniqueness of this approach is that the observability properties are derived directly from the concise relationships between target bearings and the observability matrix, instead of the much more complicated relationships between own-ship state and the observability matrix. Some observability criteria are obtained very naturally using such an approach. Its potential in such applications as own-ship maneuver optimization and tracking algorithm development is also very prospective.
TLR9 is expressed in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and its activation promotes in vitro myofibroblast differentiation

Infectious diseases can be cofactors in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP) pathogenesis; recent data suggests that toll-like receptors 9 (TLR9) ligands contribute to experimental chronic tissue remodeling. Real-time TAQMAN and immunohistochemical analysis of IIP normal surgical lung biopsies (SLBs), primary fibroblast lines grown from both IIP and normal SLBs indicate that TLR9 is prominently and differentially expressed in a disease-specific manner. TLR9 expression was increased in biopsies from patients with IIP compared with normal lung biopsies and its expression is localized to areas of marked interstitial fibrosis. TLR9 in fibroblasts appeared to be increased by profibrotic Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) and this was true in fibroblasts cultured from the most severe form of IIP, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) SLBs, in non-specific interstitial pneumonia fibroblast lines, and in normal fibroblasts. Finally, confocal microscopy studies have shown that TLR9 activation by its synthetic agonist CpG-ODN significantly increased the expression of alpha smooth muscle actin, the main marker of myofibroblast differentiation. These data indicate that TLR9 expression may drive the abnormal tissue healing response in severe forms of IIP and its activation can have a key role in myofibroblast differentiation promoting the progression of disease during the terminal phase of IPF.
Parity and perceived job stress elevate blood pressure in young normotensive working women.

This study examined the effect of physiological, behavioral, and psychosocial stressors on blood pressure measured in the work environment, home environment, and during sleep in a sample of 50 normotensive working women (average age = 30.2 +/- 7.4 years; average education = 4.3 years college). The results of separate stepwise regression analyses performed on the pressures measured in each environment showed that perceived job stress (P less than .05) and body fat or mass (P less than .05) significantly elevated systolic pressure in all situations, whereas home stress (P less than .05) and number of children (P less than .05) had the most marked effect on diastolic pressure variation over the day. These results suggest that the daily variation of systolic pressure in working women is related to stress on the job, and that diastolic pressure variation is associated with home stress, which may include stress arising from child care.
Leadership Turnover and Foreign Policy Change: Societal Interests, Domestic Institutions, and Voting in the United Nations†

This study examines the effect of domestic political change on United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voting. We argue that foreign policy change is most likely when a new leader—one who relies on different societal groups for support than her predecessor—comes to power. We then examine the extent that domestic institutional context—in particular, democracy—shapes this process. We test our hypotheses using a new measure of UNGA voting patterns and new data on changes in leaders' supporting coalitions. We find that change in the societal support base of leaders leads to change in UN voting, especially in nondemocracies. This study lends credence to the perspective that foreign policy, like domestic policy, can vary with the particular interests that leaders represent; it encourages scholars to focus less on leadership change per se and more on changes in the societal groups to which leaders are most accountable. This study also suggests that democratic institutions inspire policy consistency not only in areas governed by treaties and international law, but also in areas of foreign policy that are easier to alter in the short term.
Ocular effects in dogs and pigs treated with dichloran (2,6-dichloro-4-nitroaniline).

Abstract Beagle dogs and miniature swine were fed dichloran (2.6-dichloro-4-nitroaniline) at levels of 0.75, 6.0, 24, 48 or 192 mg/kg/day in the diet for periods of 50–306 days. Corneal opacities appeared in the eyes of dogs given the 24- or 48-mg levels in 53–104 days in animals exposed to sunlight. Dogs unexposed to the light or with one eyelid sutured in the closed position failed to develop lesions in the unexposed eye or eyes. Slit-lamp examinations revealed that the corneal changes were located in the anterior corneal stroma just below the epithelium. Lens damage was confined to the central anterior cortical areas, giving a circular plaque appearance. These lesions were not reversible when the compound was withdrawn from the diet. Paraffin sections of the damaged corneas of dogs showed, when stained with haematoxylin and eosin, small yellow globules associated with the superficial corneal stromal-cell nuclei. Frozen sections stained with Oil Red O and toluidine blue revealed the globules as light-to-dark orange droplets. These droplets were more numerous in the group given 48 mg/kg/day but could also be observed in the groups given 6.0 and 0.75 mg/kg/day. The eyes of swine were unaffected by the feeding of dichloran at the dietary levels that were fed to dogs. Heinz bodies were present in the red blood cells of both dogs and swine given dichloran. Other toxic manifestations were not present in either species, except in the group of dogs given 192 mg/kg/day.
Efficient Similarity Estimation for Systems Exploiting Data Redundancy

Many modern systems exploit data redundancy to improve efficiency. These systems split data into chunks, generate identifiers for each of them, and compare the identifiers among other data items to identify duplicate chunks. As a result, chunk size becomes a critical parameter for the efficiency of these systems: it trades potentially improved similarity detection (smaller chunks) with increased overhead to represent more chunks. Unfortunately, the similarity between files increases unpredictably with smaller chunk sizes, even for data of the same type. Existing systems often pick one chunk size that is ``good enough'' for many cases because they lack efficient techniques to determine the benefits at other chunk sizes. This paper addresses this deficiency via two contributions: (1) we present multi-resolution (MR) handprinting, an application-independent technique that efficiently estimates similarity between data items at different chunk sizes using a compact, multi-size representation of the data; (2) we then evaluate the application of MR handprints to workloads from peer-to-peer, file transfer, and storage systems, demonstrating that the chunk size selection enabled by MR handprints can lead to real improvements over using a fixed chunk size in these systems.
Neuronal isolation by combined midline and transverse section of the cat brain

Abstract The hemi-decerebrate preparation described above provides a means by which long term studies can be made on relatively large segments of the brain which have a normal vascular supply, but which are neuronally isolated from the remainder of the central nervous system. Complete isolation can be achieved by eliminating input from the first two cranial nerves by appropriate tract sections. The absence of commissural connections is cited as a possible explanation for the prolonged periods of asymmetric electrocortical activity between isolated and non-isolated segments. It is suggested that the brief periods of symmetric activity may be due to humoral or circulatory factors. Acknowledgment-I wish to thank Mr. Ralph Morgan for his assistance in this work.
Application of one-chip signal processor in digital controller implementation

This paper describes the application of the Intel 2920 one-chip signal processor for digital control. The architecture, data conversion, instruction set, and input/output of the processor are illustrated with particular emphasis on the features that make it suitable for digital control and signal processing applications. It is demonstrated how the z - transfer function or difference equation of a digital controller can be programmed on the processor. A linear and one nonlinear controller are used as examples for implementation. Available design tools and software packages are introduced; the factors that one must consider in using the chip for control purposes are discussed.
Combined SFK/mTOR Inhibition Prevents Rapamycin-Induced Feedback Activation of AKT and Elicits Efficient Tumor Regression

Resistance to receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) blockade in breast cancer is often mediated by activation of bypass pathways that sustain growth. Src and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) are two intrinsic targets that are downstream of most RTKs. To date, limited clinical efficacy has been observed with either Src or mTOR inhibitors when used as single agents. Resistance to mTOR inhibitors is associated with loss of negative feedback regulation, resulting in phosphorylation and activation of AKT. Herein, we describe a novel role for Src in contributing to rapalog-induced AKT activation. We found that dual activation of Src and the mTOR pathway occurs in nearly half of all breast cancers, suggesting potential cross-talk. As expected, rapamycin inhibition of mTOR results in feedback activation of AKT in breast cancer cell lines. Addition of the Src/c-Abl inhibitor, dasatinib, completely blocks this feedback activation, confirming convergence between Src and the mTOR pathway. Analysis in vivo revealed that dual Src and mTOR inhibition is highly effective in two mouse models of breast cancer. In a luminal disease model, combined dasatinib and rapamycin is more effective at inducing regression than either single agent. Furthermore, the combination of dasatinib and rapamycin delays tumor recurrence following the cessation of treatment. In a model of human EGFR-2-positive (HER2(+)) disease, dasatinib alone is ineffective, but potentiates the efficacy of rapamycin. These data suggest that combining mTOR and Src inhibitors may provide a new approach for treating multiple breast cancer subtypes that may circumvent resistance to targeted RTK therapies.
Climate change: Impacts in the third dimension

Despite reports of no trends in snow- and rainfall, rivers in the northwest USA have run lower and lower in recent decades. A closer look at high- and low-altitude precipitation suggests that observational networks have missed a decline in mountain rain and snow that can explain the discrepancy.
The bacterial actin MreB rotates, and rotation depends on cell-wall assembly

Bacterial cells possess multiple cytoskeletal proteins involved in a wide range of cellular processes. These cytoskeletal proteins are dynamic, but the driving forces and cellular functions of these dynamics remain poorly understood. Eukaryotic cytoskeletal dynamics are often driven by motor proteins, but in bacteria no motors that drive cytoskeletal motion have been identified to date. Here, we quantitatively study the dynamics of the Escherichia coli actin homolog MreB, which is essential for the maintenance of rod-like cell shape in bacteria. We find that MreB rotates around the long axis of the cell in a persistent manner. Whereas previous studies have suggested that MreB dynamics are driven by its own polymerization, we show that MreB rotation does not depend on its own polymerization but rather requires the assembly of the peptidoglycan cell wall. The cell-wall synthesis machinery thus either constitutes a novel type of extracellular motor that exerts force on cytoplasmic MreB, or is indirectly required for an as-yet-unidentified motor. Biophysical simulations suggest that one function of MreB rotation is to ensure a uniform distribution of new peptidoglycan insertion sites, a necessary condition to maintain rod shape during growth. These findings both broaden the view of cytoskeletal motors and deepen our understanding of the physical basis of bacterial morphogenesis.
Hemolysis falsely decreases intraoperative parathyroid hormone levels.

Abstract Background Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) measurement is used to confirm biochemical cure during parathyroidectomy. Falsely decreased IOPTH measurements could result in false-negative or false-positive results and lead to failed parathyroidectomy or unnecessary additional exploration. Study design The records of all patients who underwent parathyroidectomy with IOPTH between May and August 2007 were retrospectively reviewed, and the frequency of hemolysis of IOPTH samples was determined. Separately, 10 split-samples were hemolyzed using the freeze-thaw technique. Results Forty-seven patients underwent parathyroidectomy, and 226 IOPTH samples were sent. Seventeen (7.5%) specimens from 9 (18.8%) patients were hemolyzed. In 8 split-samples, the range of decrease caused by hemolysis was 24.5% to 53.8% compared with nonhemolyzed controls. Conclusions Hemolysis of IOPTH samples occurs commonly and falsely decreases IOPTH levels. Unrecognized hemolysis in pre-excision specimens could result in false-negative IOPTH results and lead to unnecessary continued exploration. Unrecognized hemolysis in postexcision specimens could lead to false-positive IOPTH results and lead to failed parathyroidectomy and the need for reoperation. Thus, hemolysis may be an easily preventable cause of erroneous IOPTH measurements.
Epitaxial Structure Design of a Long-Wavelength InAlGaAs/InP Transistor Laser

The threshold condition in long-wavelength InAlGaAs/InP transistor lasers is theoretically and numerically investigated. The optical gain in the In0.58Ga0.42As/In(Al0.4Ga0.6)As strained quantum well is calculated using a simplified k-selection model while intervalence band absorption is considered as the major intrinsic optical loss in the transistor lasers. It is found that room-temperature lasing of an N-InP/p-In(Al0.4Ga0.6)As/N-InP double heterostructure transistor laser is achieved only when the base thickness and doping level are within a specific narrow range. However, the selectable range is significantly expanded by means of facet coating, structure engineering, and quantum well design. By using a more compressively-strained or thicker quantum well as the active region in a separate confinement heterostructure transistor laser, it is possible to obtain a threshold current density as low as sub-100 A/cm2.
Collagen Deposition Limits Immune Reconstitution in the Gut

Despite suppression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication by antiretroviral therapy, reconstitution of CD4+ cells is variable and incomplete, particularly in gut-associated lymphatic tissues (GALT). We have previously shown that immune activation and inflammation in HIV-infected and simian immunodeficiency virus-infected lymph nodes results in collagen deposition and disruption of the lymphatic tissue architecture, and this damage contributes to CD4+ cell depletion before treatment and affects the extent of immune reconstitution after treatment. In the present study, we compared collagen deposition and the extent of depletion and reconstitution of total CD4+ cells and subsets in peripheral blood, lymph nodes, and inductive and effector sites in GALT. We show that CD4+ cell depletion in GALT correlates with the rapidity and greater magnitude of collagen deposition in this compartment, compared with that in peripheral lymph nodes, and that although treatment does not restore CD4+ cells to effector sites, treatment in the early stages of infection can increase CD4+ central memory cells in Peyer patches.
Force variations on particle induced by bubble-particle collision

Abstract The force variation on a particle during a bubble-particle collision is investigated in two different liquid phases: (1) distilled water and (2) 80 wt% glycerin in water solution. The force variations on a stationary particle due to the collision are experimentally measured and the collision processes are visualized. A simple analytical model of the collision process is developed to account for the pressure force on a particle induced by bubble–particle contact. To obtain physical insight into the bubble–particle collision process, numerical simulations are performed. The computational study agrees closely with the experimental results. Furthermore, the collision between a falling particle and a rising bubble is simulated and compared to the stationary particle case. The simulation of the collision between a bubble and a stationary particle reveals that the force on the particle oscillates: first increases, then decreases, and again increases. The magnitude of the force variation is comparable to the product of the hydrostatic pressure difference across the bubble height and the cross-sectional area of the particle. When the collision takes place in water, the pressure force predominates and the particle experiences both upward and downward forces. When the collision takes place in the glycerin solution, both pressure and viscous forces predominate and the force on the particle induced by the rising bubble is always upward. If a particle is moving downward with a speed relatively faster than that of the rising bubble, the particle experiences an upward drag force due to its downward motion before colliding with a bubble. At the beginning of the collision, the upward force decreases greatly, and recovers quickly. At the end of the collision process, the upward force increases significantly due to the pressure and the wake effect of the bubble. The magnitude of the force variation is comparable to the drag force on the particle before the collision.
Short-Term Presynaptic Plasticity

Different types of synapses are specialized to interpret spike trains in their own way by virtue of the complement of short-term synaptic plasticity mechanisms they possess. Numerous types of short-term, use-dependent synaptic plasticity regulate neurotransmitter release. Short-term depression is prominent after a single conditioning stimulus and recovers in seconds. Sustained presynaptic activation can result in more profound depression that recovers more slowly. An enhancement of release known as facilitation is prominent after single conditioning stimuli and lasts for hundreds of milliseconds. Finally, tetanic activation can enhance synaptic strength for tens of seconds to minutes through processes known as augmentation and posttetantic potentiation. Progress in clarifying the properties, mechanisms, and functional roles of these forms of short-term plasticity is reviewed here.
Understanding WorldCom's Accounting Fraud: Did Groupthink Play a Role?:

WorldCom, Inc. perpetrated the largest accounting fraud in U.S. history. WorldCom, now called MCI, emerged from bankruptcy protection on April 20, 2004 after being fined $750 million. In total, Wor...
Flying height modulation estimation from pseudo-random readback signal in disk drives

In drive testing, pseudorandom data is very often used to avoid biasing results to a particular pattern, e.g., constant frequency. Using the readback signal to measure flying height modulation (FHM) is the most convenient method, but available methods need a special data pattern. In this paper, we present a method that can be used to measure FHM from a pseudorandom readback signal. The method was applied to measure the FHM due to slider-lubricant impact during read. The obtained FHM is a half-sinusoidal-like pulse with about 40 nm amplitude and 4 /spl mu/s width that is very similar to results measured on spin-stand tests by using a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV).
G protein modulates thyroid hormone-induced Na channel activation in ventricular myocytes

To evaluate the effects of liothyronine (3,5,3′-triiodo-l-thyronine, T3) on Na+ channel current (I Na) properties, I Na was recorded in adult guinea pig ventricular myocytes. T3 (1 nM) acutely incr...
Wi-Fi/WiMAX dual mode RF MMIC front-end module

A dual-mode RF front-end module is designed and implemented for Wi-Fi/WiMAX applications. It consists of a front-end MMIC and a dual-band power amplifier MMIC, both fabricated by 0.5μm E/D-mode p-HEMT process. The front-end MMIC integrates a single-pole triple-throw antenna switch, two low noise amplifiers, a low pass filter and a diplexer in single chip. Overall module size is compact 7 mm × 10 mm, well tested with Wi-Fi/WiMAX OFDM signals.
Connectivity clues from short-term variability in settlement and geochemical tags of mytilid mussels

Abstract The use of geochemical tags in calcified structures of fish and invertebrates is an exciting tool for investigating larval population connectivity. Tag evaluation over relatively short intervals (weeks) may detect environmental and ecological variability at a temporal scale highly relevant to larval transport and settlement. We collected newly settled mussels ( Mytilus californianus and M. galloprovincialis ) weekly during winter/spring of 2002 along the coast of San Diego, CA, USA, at sites on the exposed coast (SIO) and in a protected coastal bay (HI), to investigate temporal patterns of geochemical tags in mussel shells. Analyses of post-settlement shell via LA-ICP-MS revealed statistically significant temporal variability for all elements we examined (Mg, Mn, Cu, Sr, Cd, Ba, Pb and U). Despite this, our ability to distinguish multielemental signatures between sites was largely conserved. Throughout our 13-week study, SIO and HI mussels could be chemically distinguished from one another in 78–87% of all cases. Settlement varied between 2 and 27 settlers gram-byssus −1 week −1 at SIO and HI, and both sites were characterized by 2–3 weeks with “high” settlement. Geochemical tags recorded in early larval shell of newly settled mussels differed between “high” and “low” settlement weeks at both sites (MANOVA), driven by Mg and Sr at SIO (p = 0.013) and Sr, Cd, Ba and Pb at HI (p
Examining the Urban Legend of Common Method Bias: Nine Common Errors and Their Impact

In this paper, we examine the "urban legend" of CMB and question the impact of nine common errors that researchers make when designing survey instrument. We define the nine most common errors and implement these errors in an empirical study of 537 undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory psychology course at a large southeastern university. By analyzing this data in PLS, we discover that each of the sources of CMB differently impacts the measurement and structural model for researchers.
Acoustic-Imaging Computations by Echolocating Bats: Unification of Diversely-Represented Stimulus Features into Whole Images

The echolocating bat, Eptesicus fuscus, perceives the distance to sonar targets from the delay of echoes and the shape of targets from the spectrum of echoes. However, shape is perceived in terms of the target's range profile. The time separation of echo components from parts of the target located at different distances is reconstructed from the echo spectrum and added to the estimate of absolute delay already derived from the arrival-time of echoes. The bat thus perceives the distance to targets and depth within targets along the same psychological range dimension, which is computed. The image corresponds to the crosscorrelation function of echoes. Fusion of physiologically distinct time- and frequency-domain representations into a final, common time-domain image illustrates the binding of within-modality features into a unified, whole image. To support the structure of images along the dimension of range, bats can perceive echo delay with a hyperacuity of 10 nanoseconds.
Optimal policies and marketing board objectives

Abstract In this paper, we examine optimal tax/subsidy policies with export marketing boards that compete as oligopolists in world markets. By taking a targeting approach to identifying optimal policies, we are able to show how optimal policies vary with the objectives of board, the nature of competition in world markets, as well as assumptions about market segmentation and regulation. In none of the cases examined does a marketing board without tax/subsidy policy replicate the social optimum. Moreover, we show that the policies necessary to attain the social optimum are quite different with the institutional variation considered. Arbitrage and regulation is the only case considered in which the optimal export policy is definitely a tax and in which the marketing board's objective does not affect policy.
Ignitability of Furniture Upholstery Fabrics: Effect of Fiber Composition, Fabric Construction, and Backcoating

Ignitability tests were performed on 94 samples of furniture upholstery fabrics provided by the California Bureau of Home Furnishings. Time to ignition appeared to be a function of fabric weight, f...
Auroral modeling of the 3371 Å emission rate: Dependence on characteristic electron energy

An efficient two-stream auroral electron model is used to study the deposition of auroral energy and the dependence of auroral emission rates on characteristic energy. This model incorporates the concept of average energy loss to reduce the computation time. This simple two-stream model produces integrated emission rates that are in excellent agreement with the much more complex multistream model of Strickland et al. (1983) but disagrees with a recent study by Rees and Lummerzheim (1989) that indicates that the N2 second positive emission rate is a strongly decreasing function of the characteristic energy of the precipitating flux. These calculations reveal that a 10 keV electron will undergo approximately 160 ionizing collisions, with an average energy loss per collision of 62 eV before thermalizing. The secondary electrons are created with an average energy of 42 eV. When all processes including the backscattered escape fluxes are taken into account, the average energy loss per electron-ion pair is 35 eV in good agreement with laboratory results.
Toward content-based indexing and retrieval of brain images

In this paper, we explore the concept of a "library of brain images", which implies not only a repository of brain images, but also efficient search and retrieval mechanisms that are based on models derived from IR practice. As a preliminary study, we have worked with a collection of functional MRI brain images assembled in the study of several distinct cognitive tasks. We adapt several classical IR methods (inverted indexing, TFIDF and Latent Semantic Indexing(LSI)) to content-based brain image retrieval. Our results show that efficient and accurate retrieval of brain images is possible, and that representations motivated by the IR perspective are somewhat more effective than are methods based on retaining the full image information.
Cul-de-Sac Kids.

Previous research indicates that adults who live on cul-de-sac streets are more likely to have positive experiences with neighbors than residents of other street types (Brown and Werner, 1985; Hochschild Jr, 2011; Mayo Jr, 1979; Willmott, 1963). The present research ascertains whether street design has an impact on children's neighborhood experiences. The author interviewed 73 adults who live on cul-de-sacs and 37 adults who live on through-streets (N = 110) to determine adults' understandings of children's neighborhood experiences. The data reveal three primary benefits for children raised on cul-de-sacs. First, because cul-de-sacs tend to be territorial streets, parents are more likely to let their children play outside unattended under the watchful eyes of neighbors. These neighbors provide a social safety net for cul-de-sac children and their friends. Second, because they are aware that they are likely being watched, cul-de-sac children are less likely to partake in deviant activities while on their street. The author refers to this internalized form of self-discipline as street panopticism. Third, the low traffic levels on cul-de-sacs create greater opportunity for uninterrupted play, thus drawing cul-de-sac kids outside for individual and group recreation. The author argues that cul-de-sacs, as well as other low-traffic streets, can enhance children's neighborhood experiences and create more vibrant neighborhoods.
Modal-based tomographic imaging from far-zone observations: multifrequency case

A recently developed optical diffraction tomography technique [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 26, 19 (2009)] is modified to handle the special case of a dispersionless scatterer, where the relative permittivity contrast of the object is independent of the operation frequency, allowing the fusion of multifrequency data. The modified technique is illustrated with a simulation scenario involving a dispersionless and lossless object being probed with plane waves of distinct incidence angles and frequencies. Superiority of the fusion of multifrequency data over the use of single-frequency data is demonstrated.
Response of Canine Synovial Membrane to Three Different Types of Suture Material

The synovial tissue response to three different suture materials was assessed in nine dogs. Stifle joint arthrotomies were sutured with either chromic gut, teflon coated polyester suture, or polypropylene suture; all joint capsule layers were penetrated, exposing the suture material to the joint cavity. The synoviocytic and subsynviocytic layers at the arthrotomy site were examined histologically one, two, and three weeks following surgery. Chromic gut caused the greatest cellular inflammatory response and polypropylene the least. Teflon coated polyester and chromic gut were associated with nearly the same degree of tissue fibrosis. Polypropylene was associated with much less fibrosis than the other suture materials.
AMP-activated protein kinase response to contractions and treatment with the AMPK activator AICAR in young adult and old skeletal muscle.

One characteristic of ageing skeletal muscle is a decline in mitochondrial function. Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) occurs in response to an increased AMP/ATP ratio, which is one potential result of mitochondrial dysfunction. We have previously observed higher AMPK activity in old (O; 30 months) vs young adult (YA; 8 months) fast-twitch muscle in response to chronic overload. Here we tested the hypothesis that AMPK would also be hyperactivated in O vs YA fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus muscles from Fischer344× Brown Norway (FBN) rats (n= 8 per group) in response to high-frequency electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve (HFES) or injection of AICAR, an activator of AMPK. Muscles were harvested immediately after HFES (10 sets of six 3-s contractions, 10 s rest between contractions, 1 min rest between sets) or 1 h after AICAR injection (1 mg (g body weight)−1 subcutaneously). The phosphorylations of AMPKα and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC2; a downstream AMPK target) were both greatly increased (P≤ 0.05) in response to HFES in O muscles, but were either unresponsive (AMPK α) or much less responsive (ACC) in YA muscles. AMPK α2 activity was also greatly elevated in response to HFES in O muscles (but not YA muscles) despite a lower total AMPK α2 protein content in O vs YA muscles. In contrast, AMPK α2 activity was equally responsive to AICAR treatment in both age groups. Since mitochondrial content and/or efficiency could potentially underlie AMPK hyperactivation, we measured levels of mitochondrial proteins as well as citrate synthase (CS) activity. While CS activity was increased by 25% in O vs YA muscles, uncoupling protein-3 (UCP-3) protein level was upregulated with age by 353%. Thus, AMPK hyperactivation in response to contractile activity in aged fast-twitch muscle may be the result of compromised cellular energetics and not necessarily due to an inherent defect in responsiveness of the AMPK molecule per se.
Perceived strategic value and adoption of electronic commerce: an empirical study of small and medium sized businesses

By combining two independent research streams, we examine the strategic value and adoption of electronic commerce (e-commerce) as perceived by top managers in small and medium sized enterprises (SME). We propose a research model that posits three factors that have been found to be influential in previous research in the perception of strategic value of other information technologies. Inspired by the technology acceptance model of Davis (1989) and other relevant research in the area, we also identify four factors that we believe will influence e-commerce adoption. We hypothesize a causal link between the perceived strategic value of e-commerce and e-commerce adoption. To validate the research model, we collected data from top managers/owners of SME via an Internet survey. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the factors utilized in this study while canonical correlation analysis was employed to validate the causal link between the two main constructs of this study.
Regulation of endolymphatic fluid volume.

: Direct measurements of the dispersal of markers in endolymph have failed to support previously established hypotheses of endolymph homeostasis, specifically longitudinal flow, radial flow, and dynamic flow theories. Rather, they suggest that in the normal state endolymph is maintained without a significant involvement of volume flow at all. Ions appear to be transported into and out of the endolymphatic space in a similar manner to that for a single cell, with each ion transport process contributing to the electrolyte pool. In abnormal volume states, however, longitudinal volume flow of endolymph may contribute to homeostasis. Procedures that enlarge the endolymphatic space result in endolymph flow toward the base of the cochlea, contributing to the removal of electrolytes and volume. Similarly, procedures that decrease cochlear endolymph volume induce apically directed flow in the cochlea, contributing to the addition of electrolytes and volume to the endolymphatic space. The endolymphatic sac responds to endolymph volume disturbance, showing opposite responses to volume increases and decreases. Although evidence is still limited, the endolymphatic sac appears to act as a “bidirectional overflow” system. While volume disturbances originating from out-of-balance transport processes anywhere in the labyrinth may be corrected by the sac, dysfunction of the sac itself is likely to have a substantial effect on endolymph status.
PPARγ Staining as a Surrogate for PAX8/PPARγ Fusion Oncogene Expression in Follicular Neoplasms: Clinicopathological Correlation and Histopathological Diagnostic Value

The PAX8/PPARγ (PPFP) fusion-oncogene is moderately specific for follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTC). It remains unknown whether this can be translated into improved diagnosis, classification, or outcome prediction. We studied a cohort of well-characterized follicular adenomas (FA), FTC, and Hurthle cell carcinomas (HCC) from patients with complete clinical follow-up, to determine whether PPARγ immunohistochemistry (as a surrogate of PAX8/PPARγ expression) helps to distinguish FA from FTC and to assess its diagnostic accuracy as an adjunct to frozen section. We also correlated PPARγ staining with clinical outcomes to assess its role as a prognostic marker. PPARγ staining was more common in FTC (31 of 54; 57%) than in HCC (one of 23; 4%) or FA (four of 31; 13%) (P < 0.000001). Adjunctive use of PPARγ immunohistochemistry improved diagnostic sensitivity of intraoperative frozen section from 84% to 96% (P < 0.05) but reduced specificity from 100% to 90% (P < 0.05). PPARγ staining was associated with favorabl...
Mutant-specific gene expression profiling identifies SRY-related HMG box 11b (SOX11b) as a novel regulator of vascular development in zebrafish

Previous studies have identified two zebrafish mutants, cloche and groom of cloche, which lack the majority of the endothelial lineage at early developmental stages. However, at later stages, these avascular mutant embryos generate rudimentary vessels, indicating that they retain the ability to generate endothelial cells despite this initial lack of endothelial progenitors. To further investigate molecular mechanisms that allow the emergence of the endothelial lineage in these avascular mutant embryos, we analyzed the gene expression profile using microarray analysis on isolated endothelial cells. We find that the expression of the genes characteristic of the mesodermal lineages are substantially elevated in the kdrl+ cells isolated from avascular mutant embryos. Subsequent validation and analyses of the microarray data identifies Sox11b, a zebrafish ortholog of SRY-related HMG box 11 (SOX11), which have not previously implicated in vascular development. We further define the function sox11b during vascular development, and find that Sox11b function is essential for developmental angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos, specifically regulating sprouting angiogenesis. Taken together, our analyses illustrate a complex regulation of endothelial specification and differentiation during vertebrate development.
Predicting the performance and reliability of future field programmable gate arrays routing architectures with carbon nanotube bundle interconnect

The authors investigate the performance and reliability of routing architectures in field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) that utilise bundles of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) as wires in the FPGA interconnect fabric in future process technologies here. To leverage the performance advantages of nanotube-based interconnect, we explore several important aspects of the FPGA routing architecture including the wire length segmentation distribution and the switch/connection block configurations. The authors also investigate the impact of statistical variations in interconnect properties on FPGA timing yield. The results demonstrate that FPGAs utilising SWCNT bundle interconnect can achieve up to a 54% improvement in area-delay product over the best performing architecture with standard copper interconnect in 22 nm process technology. Furthermore, FPGAs implemented using SWCNT-based interconnect can provide a superior performance-yield trade-off of up to 43% over FPGAs implemented using traditional copper interconnect in future process technologies.
Developing Biomimetic Guidelines for the Highly Optimized and Robust Design of Complex Products or Their Components

Improved complex system design methods can lead to innovative, efficient, and robust product designs. This research aims at improving the design of products that compose a portion of, or exist within, a complex system. Before attempting to improve product designs, one requires a better understanding and characterization of complex systems. One method to characterize optimized and robust complex systems is to use the Theory of Highly Optimized Tolerance (HOT). The theory states that highly optimized and tolerant complex systems are robust in conditions for which they were designed, but fragile in the face of unanticipated events. Highly robust and optimized complex systems are abundant in the biological domain. In fact, nature represents a vast resource for innovative solutions to varied design problems. Leveraging these solutions to solve engineering problems is often referred to as biomimetic design. This research analyzes twenty bio-inspired engineering products including the biological system from which they were derived. The HOT theory is used analyze the biomimetic systems and identify the inherent characteristics that make the designs robust to their environment. These characteristics were reviewed to identify common features and trends present within the information transfer between the biological and engineering domains. Finally, the inferred features and trends were abstracted into usable guidelines stated as nine biomimetic design guidelines. Similar to the forty Theory of Inventive Problem Solving principles, these bio-inspired guidelines could aid engineers in developing innovative and robust solutions to design problems. In fact, a similarity between some of the biomimetic design guidelines and TRIZ principles is observed. This correlation suggests that solutions perceived as innovative in the engineering domain match those in nature.Copyright © 2010 by ASME