cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound characterization of contact bonded bulk infrared optics

The optical community frequently relies on optical adhesives to join multi-component optical assemblies. However, options for bonding infrared materials are limited, since most optical adhesives are organic which means poor index matching to high index materials, and the introduction of their own IR absorption bands. Contact bonding is a potential solution, as it provides adhesion through intermolecular forces, capillary forces, and covalent bonds between bonding surfaces. However, to be successful, a reliable non-destructive characterization technique must be designed to evaluate bond quality. Many optical applications require low temperature processing to avoid degradation of any optical coatings. At room temperature, trapped water in the interface is a dominant contributor to the strength of contact bonded assemblies. Therefore, evaluating the interface is a crucial portion of determining bond quality. This report will analyze the potential of acoustic microscopy as a non-destructive technique to probe trapped water in the bonded interface. Several experiments were conducted to ascertain the sensitivity of acoustic microscopy to trapped water: (i) FTIR spectroscopy was used to provide a benchmark, (ii) bulk silicon samples were bonded in ambient atmosphere and aged over several weeks, (iii) and various annealing procedures were also performed to demonstrate water content evolution. A spring model of the bonded interface is used to quantify the amount of water in these studies through interfacial stiffness. Through these experiments, acoustic microscopy is shown to be an effective non-destructive technique to observe changes in interfacial water and may be used alongside other methods to screen high-value optical assemblies.
Modulation of histone methylation by hexavalent chromium

6 Hexavalent chromium is a mutagen and carcinogen, and occupational exposure could lead to lung cancer and other adverse health effects. Genetic change resulting from DNA damage has been proposed as an important mechanism that mediates chromium induced genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Interestingly, recent studies indicated the involvement of DNA methylation in chromium silenced tumor suppressor genes (e.g. p16, hMLH1) suggesting that potential epigenetic effects may also contribute to chromium’s carcinogenicity. DNA methylation occurs in cooperation with other epigenetic modifications, such as histone methylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9). However, little is known about whether Cr(VI) can induce changes in histone marks. Here, we report that chromate can modulate various histone methylation profiles. Exposure of human lung carcinoma A549 cells to potassium chromate (5-10 µM) increased the global levels of the gene silencing mark dimethylated H3K9 (H3K9me2), a mark known to be crucial for DNA methylation. In addition, increasing the cellular level of the primary reductant required for Cr(VI) metabolism, ascorbate (1 mM), partially reversed the Cr(VI)-increased H3K9me2 level, suggesting that the epigenetic effects involve the Cr(VI) reduction process. Moreover, both protein and mRNA level of G9a, the primary enzyme involved in di-methylating H3K9 were also increased upon Cr(VI) exposure, which may in part contribute to the increased H3K9me2 in cells. Furthermore, our ongoing study of Cr(VI)-induced H3K9me2 in hMLH1 and p16 gene promoters via CHIP assays will address whether Cr(VI)-increased histone methylation accounts for the silencing of specific tumor suppressor genes. Thus, our studies suggest a new mechanism whereby hexavalent chromate may modulate histone modification and sequentially promote DNA methylation and silence tumor suppressor genes. (This work was supported by grants ES00260, ES014454, ES005512, ES010344, and T32-ES07324 from the National Institutesof Environmental Health Sciences, and grant CA16087 from the NationalCancer Institute.)
Experiential Education in Justice

Individuals learn from experience throughout their lives. Experiential learning involves purposively engaging in direct experiences in order to develop skills or to clarify one’s motives and values. Experiential education involves the integration of formal classroom instruction with the learning gained from such experiences as completing a task, performing a duty, or interacting with others in the same social setting. The learner purposively engages in the experience, reflects on the experience, and uses the information obtained from the experience in the work performed.
The Untapped Potential of the Fair Housing Act in Addressing Aggressive Enforcement of "Walking While Black or Brown"

Part of the Civil Rights and Discrimination Commons, Constitutional Law Commons, Criminal Law Commons, Criminal Procedure Commons, Disability Law Commons, Education Law Commons, Environmental Law Commons, Family Law Commons, Fourteenth Amendment Commons, Fourth Amendment Commons, Health Law Commons, Housing Law Commons, Human Rights Law Commons, Immigration Law Commons, Juveniles Commons, Labor and Employment Law Commons, Law and Society Commons, Law Enforcement and Corrections Commons, Legal History, Theory and Process Commons, Legislation Commons, Litigation Commons, Other Law Commons, Public Law and Legal Theory Commons, Sexuality and the Law Commons, Social Welfare Law Commons, and the Women Commons
Listening to Hyun-woo: What Can We Learn from a Korean American English Learner?

Abstract English learners (ELs) from Confucian heritage culture (CHC) are often perceived to be reserved and conforming to the authority of the classroom. But a careful look at struggles between a CHC student and the mainstream teacher reveals that the teacher's views and pedagogical approaches shape academic and social hierarchy in the classroom. Implications regarding working with Asian- and CHC-background learners are included.
Preparation of Green‐Emitting Sr1 − x Eu x Ga2 S 4 Phosphors by a Solid‐State Rapid Metathesis Reaction

Fine‐particle‐size (1—2 μm), europium‐activated strontium thiogallate phosphors, , have been synthesized by a novel, solid‐state, rapid metathesis reaction with metal chloride and sodium sulfide precursor powders. The reaction was initiated in an agate crucible with a heated tungsten filament in a glove box. The resultant powders were weakly crystalline and not luminescent in the as‐synthesized state. Subsequent heat‐treatment in a atmosphere for 4 h at 750°C fully crystallized the powders and produced the characteristic photoluminescence broad‐band emission centered at 535 nm of . © 1999 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Quantum Singularity in Quasiregular Spacetimes, as Indicated by Klein-Gordon, Maxwell and Dirac Fields

Klein-Gordon, Maxwell and Dirac fields are studied in quasiregular spacetimes, those space-times containing a classical quasiregular singularity, the mildest true classical singularity [G. F. R. Ellis and B. G. Schmidt, Gen. Rel. Grav. 8, 915 (1977)]. A class of static quasiregular spacetimes possessing disclinations and dislocations [R. A. Puntigam and H. H. Soleng, Class. Quantum Grav. 14, 1129 (1997)] is shown to have field operators which are not essentially self-adjoint. This class of spacetimes includes an idealized cosmic string, i.e. a four-dimensional spacetime with a conical singularity [L. H. Ford and A. Vilenkin, J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 14, 2353 (1981)] and a Gal'tsov/Letelier/Tod spacetime featuring a screw dislocation [K. P. Tod, Class. Quantum Grav. 11, 1331 (1994); D. V. Gal'tsov and P. S. Letelier, Phys. Rev. D 47, 4273 (1993)]. The definition of G. T. Horowitz and D. Marolf [Phys. Rev. D52, 5670, (1995)] for a quantum-mechanically singular spacetime is one in which the spatial-derivative operator in the Klein-Gordon equation for a massive scalar field is not essentially self-adjoint. The definition is extended here, in the case of quasiregular spacetimes, to include Maxwell and Dirac fields. It is shown that the class of static quasiregular spacetimes under consideration is quantum-mechanically singular independent of the type of field.
BioDQ: data quality estimation and management for genomics databases

We present BIODQ, a model for estimating and managing the qualityof biological data in genomics repositories. BIODQ uses our Quality EstimationModel (QEM) which has been implemented as part of the Quality ManagementArchitecture (QMA). The QEM consists of a set of quality dimensions and theirquantitative measures. The QMA combines a series of software componentsthat enable the integration of QEM with existing genomics repositories. Thebasis of our experimental evaluation is a research study conducted amongbiologists. Evaluation results show that the QEM dimensions and estimationsare biologically-relevant and useful for discriminating high quality from lowquality data. The most relevant capabilities of the QMA are also presented.
Introduction to free atoms and particles

Abstract : An introduction to materials, uses, and methods of free atoms and particles is presented. High temperature evaporation methods such as resistive heating, electron beam, lasers, sputtering and magnetron sputtering, and induction heating are discussed. Chemical reactivity patterns of free atoms and particles are outlined. Much data on melting point, boiling point, evaporation temperatures, vapor composition, and films and their uses are given. Keywords: Free atoms; Free particles; Reactive; Molecular fragments; Coordinative unsaturation; Evaporation; Refractory; Vapor composition; Uses; Polymerization; Films.
A fractal dimension feature extraction technique for detecting flaws in silicon wafers

The authors present a feature extraction method for detecting flaws in silicon wafers based on the idea of fractal dimension. They begin by discussing why fractal dimension is a good way to model wafer surface images. They then describe how to calculate the fractal dimension of a computer image of a wafer and how the results of such a calculation can be used for fault detection and image segmentation. The results of the application of this process to some wafer images are included. >
Localization of heat shock protein 20 in swine carotid artery.

Background Cyclic nucleotides can relax vascular smooth muscle by mechanisms distal to myosin regulatory light chain (MRLC) phosphorylation. This mechanism, termed relaxation without MRLC dephosphorylation, may be regulated by ser16 phosphorylation of heat shock protein 20 (HSP20).
Multiple causes of wind erosion in the Dust Bowl

Abstract The Dust Bowl refers to a disaster focused in the Southern Great Plains of North America during the 1930s, when the region experienced extreme wind erosion. Dry farming techniques increased soil erodibility. Drought reduced both soil cohesion, making it more erodible, and land cover, leaving the soil less protected from wind action. Low crop prices (driven by the Great Depression), extremely poor harvests (driven by drought), and lack of knowledge of regionally-appropriate tillage practices left farmers unable to implement erosion control on their land. The 1930s drought was severe, but neither unusual in the region nor extreme in length from a climatological perspective. Sea-surface temperature changes in the Atlantic and Pacific forced changes in the large-scale atmospheric circulation over North America. The result was persistent, intensifying drought within the Southern Great Plains for multiple years, causing a cascade of desiccation. Increased atmospheric dust and increased frequency of cyclones crossing the region may also have exacerbated Dust Bowl conditions. The Dust Bowl resulted from the simultaneous combination of drought and economic depression in a region where farmers had not yet learned effective land management techniques. Economic recovery, cessation of drought, and implementation of erosion control programs combined to end the Dust Bowl by the end of the 1930s. Many lessons were learned from the 1930s Dust Bowl regarding the physical and anthropogenic causes of dust storms and how to mitigate them. As a result, though dust storms continue on the Southern Great Plains, their severity is significantly reduced.
The Philosophy of Quantum Field Theory

If we divide our physical theories (somewhat artificially) into theories of matter and theories of spacetime, quantum field theory (QFT) is our most fundamental empirically successful theory of matter. As such, it has attracted increasing attention from philosophers over the past two decades, beginning to eclipse its predecessor theory of quantum mechanics (QM) in the philosophical literature. Here I survey some central philosophical puzzles about the theory's foundations.
Transformative Learning, Affect, and Reciprocal Care in Community Engagement

Drawing on interviews with writing teachers, this article highlights some of the affective responses that may arise for students, community partners, and teachers when we situate our pedagogies in public sites beyond the classroom. I analyze a teacher-narrated moment of student distress to demonstrate how theories of transformative learning might help us productively theorize affect in service-learning and community-based education. To conclude, I offer a reciprocal model of care that employs tenets of feminist pedagogy, such as transparency and decentering of authority, and that acknowledges the valid emotions students, teachers, and community members may experience. I call for community literacy practitioners to see the power of all participants to both give and receive care in transformative education.
The force of contraction of isolated papillary muscle: A study of the interaction of its determining factors☆

Abstract This paper investigates the ways examples of three categories of experimental variables, changes in muscle length, variations in the rate and pattern of stimulation, and changes in the composition of the bathing medium, interact to determine the force of contraction—in particular the maximum rate of rise of force, F max ,—of isometric rabbit and cat papillary muscle. The shape of the Ḟ max -length relationship was unaltered by a change in calcium concentration or exposure to histamine; i.e. the effect of a given concentration was to multiply F max obtained at every muscle length by the same factor. The way changes in the bathing composition modified the rate dependency of contractile force, the Ḟ max -interval relationship, was also investigated. The effect of a change in calcium concentration or exposure of the muscle to one of a variety of inotropic agents (ouabain, histamine, norepinephrine or pentobarbital) was to modify the Ḟ max -interval relationship, in some instances radically. These results can be combined with the previous finding that a change of muscle length only scaled and did not modify the shape of the Ḟ max -interval relationship [2]. The way F max depends on muscle length, rate and pattern of stimulation and composition of the bathing medium can thus be described as the product of two functions: one function, λ, dependent on muscle length but unaffected by a change in the pattern of stimulation or an inotropic agent; the other function, φ, dependent on the rate and pattern of stimulation. φ was found to depend on the composition of the bathing medium but to be unaltered by muscle length, i.e. F max = kλphiv ;( w ) where k is a proportionality constant with dimensions of grams/second; λ and φ are dimensionless; ω denotes the concentration of calcium or of one of the inotropic drugs tested. In most instances, the function φ (ω) for each agent was distinctly different, perhaps characteristically so, from that of any of the other agents.
AN INSTRUMENT FOR SIGNALING HEART RATE TO I NRESTRAINED HUM AN SUBJECIS

The circuit described represents a relatively simple and economical solution to the problem of presenting to the human S his heart rate data in the form of an auditory signal. The requirements of portability, low cost, and long-term unattended operation have been met. In addition, portions of the circuit have additional uses in the general area of psychophysiological instrumentation.
Growth Models of Maternal Smoking Behavior: Individual and Contextual Factors.

Background: Persistent maternal smoking during pregnancy, reduction or cessation during pregnancy, and smoking initiation or resumption postpartum impel further research to understand these behavioral patterns and opportunities for intervention. Objectives: We investigated heterogenous longitudinal patterns of smoking quantity to determine if these patterns vary across three maternal age groups, and whether the influence of individual and contextual risk factors varies by maternal age. Methods: Separate general growth mixture models were estimated for mothers ages 15–25, 26–35, and 36+, allowing different empirical patterns of an ordinal measure of smoking behavior at six time points, from preconception through child entry to kindergarten. Results: We identify five classes for mothers ages 15–25, four classes for ages 26–35, and three classes for ages 36+. Each age group presents classes of nonsmokers and persistent heavy smokers. Intermediate to these ends of the spectrum, each age group exhibited its ow...
Inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis methionine aminopeptidases by bengamide derivatives

Methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) carries out an essential function of protein N-terminal processing in many bacteria and is a promising target for the development of novel antitubercular agents. Natural bengamides potently inhibit the proliferation of mammalian cells by targeting MetAP enzymes, and the X-ray crystal structure of human type 2 MetAP in complex with a bengamide derivative reveals the key interactions at the active site. By preserving the interactions with the conserved residues inside the binding pocket while exploring the differences between bacterial and human MetAPs around the binding pocket, seven bengamide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for inhibition of MtMetAP1a and MtMetAP1c in different metalloforms, inhibition of M. tuberculosis growth in replicating and non-replicating states, and inhibition of human K562 cell growth. Potent inhibition of MtMetAP1a and MtMetAP1c and modest growth inhibition of M. tuberculosis were observed for some of these derivatives. Crystal structures of MtMetAP1c in complex with two of the derivatives provided valuable structural information for improvement of these inhibitors for potency and selectivity.
Tinidazole or pivampicillin in third molar surgery

There is an increasing body of evidence implicating oral anaerobic bacteria in the aetiology of post-surgical dentoalveolar infections. This information has lead to several studies demonstrating the usefulness of specific anaerobicidal drugs in the prevention and treatment of dento-alveolar infection. One such study utilised a single 2 g preoperative oral dose of tinidazole which was found to be significantly better than placebo in preventing infective sequelae after removal of impacted mandibular third molars. The present study was designed to compare a high-dose short-term broad spectrum penicillin, (pivampicillin), with the previously described regimen, using tinidazole in order to discern the existence or otherwise of any practical difference between an anaerobicidal and a broad spectrum antibiotic when local infection was considered.
Sensitivity to bodily nonverbal communication as a factor in practitioner-patient rapport

The relationship between physicians' nonverbal sensitivity and the satisfaction of their patients was tested in two field studies. In the first study, 40 physicians were given a film test of nonverbal sensitivity (the PONS test) and were evaluated by their patients. The second study was a replication using 31 additional physicians. Most noteworthy for research in therapeutic interaction, the present studies contained three methodological advances: (1) the use of actual patients' ratings of satisfaction with treatment, (2) the extension of research from psychological to medical settings, and (3) the use of a standardized test of nonverbal decoding skill. Physicians' skill at reading the emotion conveyed through the nonverbal channel of body movement was found to be significantly correlated with their interpersonal success with patients in the clinical setting.
Weiße Biotechnologie bei Bayer HealthCare Product Supply: Mehr als 30 Jahre Erfahrung

Wichtige Projekte der Weisen Biotechnologie, die derzeit bei Bayer HealthCare Product Supply bearbeitet werden, reichen von der Fermentation von Sekundarstoffen uber die Herstellung und den Einsatz von Ganzzell-Biokatalysatoren im Technikums- und Produktionsmasstab bis zur Entwicklung und technischen Nutzung leistungsfahiger rekombinanter Expressionssysteme zur Gewinnung von Proteinwirkstoffen.
Development of a low-cost medium for production of nisin from Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis

The goal of this project was to develop a lower-cost medium for nisin production, so this bacteriocin could be used in a broader range of industrial fermentation processes. The objectives included: (1) evaluating methods for controlling the inhibitory effect of lactic acid produced during fermentation, and (2) comparing two inexpensive complex media for nisin production. Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis was cultured in shake flasks on Laurel–Tryptose broth to evaluate a range of buffers for pH control. NaHCO3 proved to be an effective buffer for increasing nisin production. Subsequent trials then evaluated condensed corn soluble (CCS, a fuel ethanol production byproduct) and cheese whey as inexpensive growth media. CCS was shown to be an efficient, low-cost medium for high nisin titers and yields. These modifications reduced the medium costs for nisin production from $600/kg nisin (based on Laurel–Tryptose broth medium) to $35–40/kg nisin for the corn solubles medium.
A new Timoshenko beam model incorporating microstructure and surface energy effects

A new Timoshenko beam model is developed using a modified couple stress theory and a surface elasticity theory. A variational formulation based on Hamilton’s principle is employed, which leads to the simultaneous determination of the equations of motion and complete boundary conditions for a Timoshenko beam. The new model contains a material length scale parameter accounting for the microstructure effect in the bulk of the beam and three surface elasticity constants describing the mechanical behavior of the beam surface layer. The inclusion of these additional material constants enables the new model to capture the microstructure-and surface energy-dependent size effect. In addition, both bending and axial deformations are considered, and the Poisson effect is incorporated in the current model, unlike existing Timoshenko beam models. The new beam model includes the models considering only the microstructure dependence or the surface energy effect as limiting cases and recovers the Bernoulli–Euler beam model incorporating the two effects as a special case. Also, the current model reduces to the classical Timoshenko beam model when the microstructure dependence, surface energy and Poisson’s effect are all suppressed. To demonstrate the new model, the static bending and free vibration problems of a simply supported beam are analytically solved by directly applying the general formulas derived. The numerical results for the static bending problem reveal that both the deflection and rotation of the simply supported beam predicted by the new model are smaller than those predicted by the classical Timoshenko beam model. In addition, the differences in both the deflection and rotation predicted by the two models are very large when the beam thickness is small, but they are diminishing with the increase of the beam thickness. Similar trends are observed for the free vibration problem, where it is shown that the natural frequency predicted by the new model is higher than that given by the classical model, with the difference between them being significantly large for very thin beams. These predicted trends of the size effect in beam bending at the micron scale agree with those observed experimentally.
The filamentation pathway controlled by the Efg1 regulator protein is required for normal biofilm formation and development in Candida albicans.

Candida albicans biofilms are structured microbial communities composed of a mixture of yeast cells and hyphal elements, suggesting a pivotal role for the dimorphic switch in the development of biofilms. We have used C. albicans mutants defective in genes involved in filamentation (Δcph1, Δefg1, Δhst7, and Δcst20) and compared these mutants to wild-type strains to determine whether filamentation is an integral factor for biofilm formation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that Δcph1, Δhst7 and Δcst20 mutants were able to filament and form structured biofilms displaying three-dimensional architecture similar to those formed by wild-type strains. However, Δefg1 and Δcph1/Δefg1 mutants were unable to filament and did not form biofilms, but rather sparse monolayers of loosely attached elongated, rod-like, cells. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed intrinsic resistance of all mutant strains to fluconazole and amphotericin B when attached to the surface of biomaterials. These results suggest that hyphal formation is pivotal for biofilm development in C. albicans. However, the sessile lifestyle associated with adherent cells confers antifungal resistance, regardless of coherent biofilm formation.
A Quest for Shiny Purple Crystals: Johnny and Max's Rock Hunting Adventure by Monica Tsang Rakovan. The Arkenstone, Dallas, Texas; www.iRocks.com. 32 pages; 2015; $10 (softbound).

A Quest for Purple Crystals is a nice children's book written with a bent toward the presentation of fundamental information about minerals, mineral collecting, and geology. The author is a profess...
Acute tolerance in inbred and selected lines of mice.

Abstract Mice of the C57B1 and C3H strains regained their righting reflex at higher brain ethanol levels than those at which they had lost their righting reflex, indicating that these animals developed acute tolerance. DBA mice did not develop acute tolerance. DBA mice “slept” significantly longer than C57B1 mice, but all mice lost their righting reflex at similar brain ethanol levels. Mice of SS and LS lines also showed no evidence for developing acute tolerance but differed significantly in brain ethanol levels upon loss of righting reflex. Both acute tolerance development and initial brain sensitivity to ethanol seem to determine duration of ethanol “sleep time” in mice.
Group Training in Family Therapy—The Student's Perspective*

This paper examines the experience of learning family therapy in a group training model from the trainees perspective. Five significant aspects of this learning experience are discussed. Supervision of family therapy and training within a group setting, multiple supervision, training with a peer co-therapist, using audio-visual feedback in group supervision of family therapy, and the impact on the trainee of doing family therapy for the first time. The trainees found that their learning experience was enhanced by this training approach. (Editors Note: The program referred to in this paper was described in Stier, Serena & Goldenberg, Irene, Training Issues in Family Therapy, Journal of Marriage and Family Counseling, 1975, 1, 63–68.
An Investigation of Spray Coverages and Arsenical Residue in Relation to the Control of the Codling Moth

During the years from 1920 to 1927, inclusive, extensive laboratory studies with newly hatched codling moth larvae were made and various orchard experiments were performed for the purpose of securing data concerning the effectiveness of control in relation to such factors as: (1) type and character of the spray covering, whether fine-spotted, coarse-spotted, overspray or film; (2) thickness of the covering as revealed by the average amount of As2O3 per square centimeter of apple surface; (3) thoroughness of spray application and completeness of covering as revealed by the quantity of spray applied per cubic yard of tree volume; (4) quantity of lead arsenate per hundred gallons of water; (5) weathering off of the poison as revealed by repeated analyses during the season; (6) entrance habits of the newly hatched larva; (7) excessive arsenical residue on the fruit at harvest. An important feature of the investigation was the effort made to conduct the experiments with such preciseness as. to eliminate to the greatest practicable degree the factors that might contribute to experimental error. The results of the investigation indicate, among other things, that the fine-spotted or “mist” coverage is decidedly the least protective of all, that the protectiveness of any type of coverage varies directly with the amount of arsenic: per square centimeter of fruit surface, that the thickness of the film is an important limiting factor in the protectiveness of the film coverage, that over spraying of trees and the use of more lead arsenate than has been recommended in the past are advisable if the maximum effectiveness of the spray is desired, that the completeness of coverage and the amount of arsenic deposited on the fruit vary directly, within certain limits, with the quantity of spray applied per cubic yard of tree volume, that a large percentage of larvae enter the apples unharmed or produce serious injury to the fruit by burrowing directly through the deposit of lead arsenate. and that the efficacy of arsenical sprays in protecting apples against the codling moth has been generally overestimated. Bibliography of 40 titles.
Adaptive Estimation of Time-Varying Sparse Signals

We consider the problem of adaptively designing compressive measurement matrices for estimating time-varying sparse signals. We formulate this problem as a partially observable Markov decision process. This formulation allows us to use Bellman's principle of optimality in the implementation of multi-step lookahead designs of compressive measurements. We compare the performance of adaptive versus traditional non-adaptive designs and study the value of multi-step (non-myopic) versus one-step (myopic) lookahead adaptive schemes by introducing two variations of the compressive measurement design problem. In the first variation, we consider the problem of sequentially selecting measurement matrices with fixed dimensions from a prespecified library of measurement matrices. In the second variation, the number of compressive measurements, i.e., the number of rows of the measurement matrix, is adaptively chosen. Once the number of measurements is determined, the matrix entries are chosen according to a prespecified adaptive scheme. Each of these two problems is judged by a separate performance criterion. The gauge of efficiency in the first problem is the conditional mutual information between the sparse signal support and measurements. The second problem applies a linear combination of the number of measurements and conditional mutual information as the performance measure. Through several simulations, we study the effectiveness of different designs in various settings. The primary focus in these simulations is the application of a method known as rollout. However, the computational load required for using the rollout method has also inspired us to adapt two data association heuristics to the compressive sensing paradigm. These heuristics show promising decreases in the amount of computation for propagating distributions and searching for optimal solutions.
Topological entropy of realistic quantum Hall wave functions

The entanglement entropy of the incompressible states of a realistic quantum Hall system is studied by direct diagonalization. The subdominant term to the area law, the topological entanglement entropy (which is believed to carry information about topologic order in the ground state), was extracted for filling factors $\ensuremath{\nu}=1/3$, $\ensuremath{\nu}=1/5$, and $\ensuremath{\nu}=5/2$. The results for $\ensuremath{\nu}=1/3$ and $\ensuremath{\nu}=1/5$ are consistent with the topological entanglement entropy for the Laughlin wave function. The $\ensuremath{\nu}=5/2$ state exhibits a topological entanglement entropy consistent with the Moore-Read wave function.
In vitro measurement of resting membrane potentials of thyroid follicles of the albino rat.

Abstract A modified technique for holding a minute amount of biological tissue by vacuum to make it possible for the electrophysiological worker to impale the follicles with microelectrodes is described. This technique is used in the present study to measure transmembrane potentials from in vitro preparation of thyroid follicles of the albino rat. The potentials recorded are of lower values than those potentials of nerve and muscle cells of the same or related animals. The variation in the observed values among the various follicles may be due either to their heterogeneous function, to electrode placement or to both factors. Manipulation of tissue as described may be useful in other applications than electrophysiological studies.
Regulation of cellular differentiation and apoptosis by fatty acids and their metabolites.

We have reviewed the literature regarding the effects of fatty acids and their metabolites on cellular differentiation and apoptosis. Results obtained in different studies have been variable, but some generalizations can be made. Differentiation was increased by incubation of cells with arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), or leukotriene D4 (LTD4). Effects of these agents on differentiation could be magnified with the simultaneous addition of other differentiation-inducing agents like dimethylsulfoxide or retinoic acid. AA and gamma-linolenic acid increased apoptosis while the effects of n-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and of eicosanoids varied from stimulation to inhibition. These inconsistencies are attributed to the differences in methods used to evaluate differentiation and apoptosis, concentrations of fatty acids and serum, exposure time and the cell models used. Studies using the physiological concentrations of the fatty acids and standardized experimental conditions need to be conducted to establish effects of fatty acids and their metabolites on these cellular processes.
Hepatic indices of thyroid status in rats treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

Abstract The functional thyroid status of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD)-treated rats is unknown. Therefore, activities of certain thyroid-responsive enzymes were examined in the livers of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats 1 week after treatment with TCDD (6.25, 25 or 100 μg/kg). Activity of the thyroid-responsive flavin L-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (per mg mitochondrial protein) was decreased slightly in livers of TCDD-treated rats, while that of succinate dehydrogenase remained unchanged. In contrast, activities (per mg supernatant protein) of three thyroid-responsive NADP-dependent cytosolic enzymes, malic enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, were increased by TCDD treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Lactate dehydrogenase (activity per mg supernatant protein) was also augmented slightly 1 week after TCDD administration. Liver mass was increased by TCDD treatment in a dose-dependent manner, but DNA content per liver was similar at all doses examined. Total hepatic protein, expressed per liver or mg hepatic DNA, was increased in TCDD-treated rats when compared to their pair-fed counterparts. The decreased activity of the mitochondrial l -glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, in contrast to the increased activities of the supernatant enzymes, malic enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, is not consistent with a shift in functional thyroid status following TCDD treatment.
Glomerulus-Specific Synchronization of Mitral Cells in the Olfactory Bulb

Abstract Odor elicits a well-organized pattern of glomerular activation in the olfactory bulb. However, the mechanisms by which this spatial map is transformed into an odor code remain unclear. We examined this question in rat olfactory bulb slices in recordings from output mitral cells. Electrical stimulation of incoming afferents elicited slow (∼2 Hz) oscillations that originated in glomeruli and were highly synchronized for mitral cells projecting to the same glomerulus. Cyclical depolarizations were generated by glutamate activation of dendritic autoreceptors, while the slow frequency was determined primarily by the duration of regenerative glutamate release. Patterned stimuli elicited stimulus-entrained oscillations that amplified weak and variable inputs. We suggest that these oscillations maintain the fidelity of the spatial map by ensuring that all mitral cells within a glomerulus-specific network respond to odor as a functional unit.
Chord and discord: organizational crisis, institutional shifts, and the musical canon of the symphony

Abstract The musical canon and the symphony orchestra co-evolved as highly institutionalized cultural forms. And yet, because of embedded ideological tensions, they are dynamic entities that can shift in response to pivotal events or crises. In this qualitative study, I explore how the repertoire of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) changed in response to the orchestral retrenchment predicated on the 1996 musicians' strike. Conducting a comparative historical analysis of ASO music reviews pre-and post-strike, supplemented by interviews with musicians, administrators and music critics, I investigate how the strike affected the content and performance of the musical canon. I find that, although the traditional repertoire remained substantially intact, shifts in the performance and packaging of the canon were evident as the ASO attempted to resolve the strains of balancing aesthetic ideology against fiscal reality.
Overview of U.S. fusion energy programs: January 1993

The US Fusion Program is in {open_quotes}Transition.{close_quotes} This happens so infrequently that no one knows exactly what to expect; it makes everyone a little skittish. Program leadership does make a difference; Secretary Watkins was a positive force for fusion. Energy Research Director Happer remains in his position and is a positive force for scientific quality. Secretary O`Leary has stated that {open_quotes}Fusion energy holds great promise as an element of the nation`s long-term energy supply.{close_quotes} While new leaders may seek new directions with important implications for fusion, it seems reasonable to expect that, for fusion, such changes are likely to emerge slowly. Thus the assumption now is that the fusion priorities remain unchanged. In the spirit of optimism surrounding the new administration, the Fusion Energy Program`s intention is to make as much progress as possible on the course presently established.
Molecular analysis of the INK4 family of genes in prostate carcinomas.

AbstractPurpose: A newly recognized class of INK4 family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors CDKIs) include its prototype, p16 (INK4A/MTS1/CDKN2), and three others, p15 (INK4B/MTS2), p18 (INK4C), and p19 (INK4D). The putative tumor suppressor gene, p16 is frequently altered in certain neoplasms and many cell lines. The potential role of INK4 CDKIs in pathogenesis of prostate carcinoma was studied.Materials and Methods: Thirty-two primary prostate cancer samples and two prostate cancer cell lines were examined for alterations of the p16, p15, p18, and p19 genes by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and Southern blot analysis.Results: Alteration of the p16 gene was found in one of 32 primary prostate cancer samples by PCR-SSCP. DNA sequencing of the sample showed a 24-basepair insertion in exon 1 of the p16 gene at codon 11. No other mutations were found in p15, p18, or p19 genes by PCR-SSCP. Furthermore, none of the p16, p15, p18, or p19 genes had alterations by ...
Very mild stress of pregnant rats reduces volume and cell number in nucleus accumbens of adult offspring: some parallels to schizophrenia

Pregnant rats subjected to very mild stress give birth to pups who, when examined as adults, exhibited behavioral and anatomical anomalies that resemble some aspects of schizophrenia. The nucleus accumbens (NAcc) is reduced in volume by 20.7 +/- 3.4% (p = 0.003) in pups born to mothers who were stressed during pregnancy by injections of either saline or amphetamine in saline. The total number of cells is decreased in proportion to the reduction in volume, so the volume cell density of the NAcc is not changed with treatment. The affected volume is localized in the ventral rostral area of the NAcc. Both males and females are affected, but males are slightly more sensitive to the challenge to the mother. Rats born to mothers stressed in mid-pregnancy appear to provide useful parallels to the fetal developmental hypothesis of schizophrenia and to the brain abnormalities seen in this disease.
Imaging X-ray crystal spectrometer for laser-produced plasmas

X-ray Thomson scattering (XRTS) is a powerful technique for measuring state vari- ables in dense plasmas. In this paper, we report on the development of a one-dimensional imaging spectrometer for use in characterizing spatially nonuniform, dense plasmas using XRTS. Diffrac- tion of scattered x-rays from a toroidally curved crystal images along a one-dimensional spatial profile while simultaneously spectrally resolving along the other. An imaging spectrometer was fielded at the Trident laser at Los Alamos National Laboratory, yielding a FWHM spatial resolu- tion of 3 mm. A geometrical analysis is performed yielding a simple analytical expression for the throughput of the imaging spectrometer scheme. The SHADOW code is used to perform a ray tracing analysis on the spectrometer fielded at the Trident Laser Facility understand the alignment tolerances on the spatial and spectral resolutions. The analytical expression for the throughput was found to agree well with the results from the ray tracing.
Diffusion and the Kirkendall shift in binary alloys

Abstract In alloys, the directions of successive vacancy jumps are correlated to one another. This tends to reduce the net vacancy flux in a Kirkendall shift experiment. The magnitude of the vacancy flux, including correlation effects, is calculated assuming that vacancies are not bound to any particular atoms and that fluctuations in average local composition can be ignored. New equations for the intrinsic diffusion coefficients, Kirkendall shift, and interdiffusion coefficient in binary alloys are obtained. The Kirkendall shift and interdiffusion coefficient given by these equations are larger than those predicted by Darken but smaller than those obtained when vacancy correlations are neglected. The appearance of cross terms and additional diagonal terms in the general thermodynamic equations is discussed.
Anomalous Pressure Dependences of the Superconducting Transition Temperature of Graphite Intercalation Compounds

Superconducting graphite intercalation compounds (GIC) exhibit a number of interesting properties such as a high anisotropy of the upper critical magnetic field H/sub c2/ and irreproducible values of the superconducting critical temperature T/sub c/ as measured for different samples of a given compound. Further, the observations of large c-axis compressibilities and a number of temperature- and pressure-induced phase transitions in GIC's imply that their T/sub c/'s may be highly pressure sensitive, and have motivated the present experiments.
The influence of Leucine-rich amelogenin peptide on MSC fate by inducing Wnt10b expression

Amelogenin is the most abundant protein of the enamel organic matrix and is a structural protein indispensable for enamel formation. One of the amelogenin splicing isoforms, Leucine-rich Amelogenin Peptide (LRAP) induces osteogenesis in various cell types. Previously, we demonstrated that LRAP activates the canonical Wnt signaling pathway to induce osteogenic differentiation of mouse ES cells through the concerted regulation of Wnt agonists and antagonists. There is a reciprocal relationship between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). Wnt10b-mediated activation of canonical Wnt signaling has been shown to regulate mesenchymal stem cell fate. Using the bipotential bone marrow stromal cell line ST2, we have demonstrated that LRAP activates the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. A specific Wnt inhibitor sFRP-1 abolishes the effect of LRAP on the stimulation of osteogenesis and the inhibition of adipogenesis of ST2 cells. LRAP treatment elevates the Wnt10b expression level whereas Wnt10b knockdown by siRNA abrogates the effect of LRAP. We show here that LRAP promotes osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells at the expense of adipogenesis through upregulating Wnt10b expression to activate Wnt signaling.
Exact Gaussian quadrature methods for near-singular integrals in the boundary element method

Abstract The boundary element method requires accurate calculation of line and surface integrals in which a factor such as 1n(1/ r ), 1/ r or 1/ r 2 is ill-behaved when r is nearly zero over a small portion of the domain. This paper shows that the underlying theory of Gaussian integration can be applied to get a quadrature formula for any particular distance from the element. An accurate integral can then be calculated with very few evaluation points by (a) computing the distance to the element; (b) interpolating in a table to obtain quadrature points and weights; and (c) summing the weighted values of the non-singular part of the integrand. This provides a fast, accurate value of the integral with no uncertainty as to the number of evaluation points that are required. Line integrals with near-singular 1/ r , 1/ r 2 and 1n(1/ r ) terms are used as examples. Accuracy of the formulas is verified experimentally for a wide range of distances. Interpolation in tabulated data is shown to intriduce only minor errors. The line integral formulas are applied to a triangular region, yielding exact formulas of any desired degree for the case where a 1/ r singularity is at a vertex of the triangle.
Model-Based Simulation for Early Neurosurgical Learners

BACKGROUND:Restrictions on duty hours and shift length by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and public pressure to reduce complications and to improve outcomes in the clinical educational environment have enhanced interest in the use of procedural and surgical simulation to tr
Vegetative impacts on hydraulics and sediment processes across the fluvial system

Summary Vegetation creates a complicated system of feedbacks and linkages across the fluvial system that is realized through river planform shape. Interactions occur among flow hydraulics, sediment deposition and erosion, and plant morphology, density, and biomechanics. Interest in the interactions and feedback loops between vegetation and the fluvial system has grown extensively in the past few years. This interest is partially driven by the popularity of stream restoration activities worldwide that include re-vegetation of stream banks and formation of an ecosystem that is intended to encourage the growth of aquatic macrophytes. We present a review of the research into the interactions and dependencies between vegetation and the fluvial system to identify hydraulic and sediment dynamics that are consistent around vegetation located in the channel, on channel banks, and over the floodplain. We illustrate process commonalities operating across spatial locations within the fluvial system and highlight some of the current research opportunities and challenges to encourage research collaborations between those working in areas of the fluvial system traditionally viewed as disparate.