cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biometric Sensor Interoperability: A Case Study In Fingerprints

The problem of biometric sensor interoperability has received limited attention in the literature. Most biometric systems operate under the assumption that the data (viz., images) to be compared are obtained using the same sensor and, hence, are restricted in their ability to match or compare biometric data originating from different sensors. Although progress has been made in the development of common data exchange formats to facilitate the exchange of feature sets between vendors, very little effort has been invested in the actual development of algorithms and techniques to match these feature sets. In the Fingerprint Verification Competition (FVC 2002), for example, the evaluation protocol only matched images originating from the same sensor although fingerprint data from 3 different commercial sensors was available. This is an indication of the difficulty in accommodating sensor interoperability in biometric systems. In this paper we discuss this problem and present a case study involving two different fingerprint sensors.
Chiral quasiparticle local density of states maps in graphene

We present a theory of momentum-space local density of states (LDOS) maps $N(\mathbit{q},\ensuremath{\omega})$ in graphene. The LDOS map has both intravalley contributions centered near zero momentum and reciprocal-lattice vectors and intervalley contributions displaced by the wave vector ${\mathbit{K}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathbit{K}$ which connects graphene's two distinct Dirac points. Using graphene's Dirac equation chiral quasiparticle continuum model, we obtain analytic results which explain the qualitative differences between these two LDOS-map features. We comment on the sensitivity of both $N(\mathbit{q},\ensuremath{\omega})$ features to the mix of atomic length scale and smooth disorder sources present in a particular graphene sample.
Covalently closed minicircular DNA in Micrococcuslysodeikticus

Abstract During the search for an intracellular form of N1 phage DNA in infected M. lysodeikticus cells described in the preceding communication ( Lee, Davidson, and Scaletti, 1968) , we have discovered the existence of small closed circular DNA molecules (which we call minicircles) in uninfected as well as infected cells. We estimate about one minicircle per bacterium. The minicircles have a uniform contour length of 0.445 (±0.024)μ, corresponding to a molecular weight of 0.88 × 10 6 . Very recently, Cozzarelli, Kelly, and Kornberg (1968) have found minute circular DNA molecules with a contour length of 0.96 μ in E. coli strain 15. The biological significance of these minicircles is not known.
Survey: Computational Models for Asymmetric Read and Write Costs

With the arrival of new emerging technologies for non-volatile main memory, the cost of reading from memory will be significantly cheaper than the cost of writing to memory. This raises new challenges to algorithm design since many of the classic algorithms use approximately the same number of reads and writes. In this survey, we review the existing computational models that measure the cost of operations and memory accesses to the NVMs, and scheduler of parallel algorithms on the new hardware. The new models meanwhile allow theoretical analysis and showing lower bounds on the hardness of the classic problems. We also list some existing results on lower and upper bounds on the most common problems like sorting, searching, graph traversal, based on these models.
Estimation of Random Mobility Models using the Expectation-Maximization Method

Random mobility models (RMMs) capture the statistical movement characteristics of mobile agents, and have been widely used for the evaluation and design of mobile wireless networks. In many RMMs, the movement characteristics are captured as stochastic processes constructed using two types of independent random variables. The first type describes the movement characteristics for each maneuver, and the second type describes how often the maneuvers are switched. In this paper, we develop a generic method to estimate RMMs that are composed of these two types of random variables. In particular, we formulate the dynamics of movement characteristics generated by the two types of random variables as a special Jump Markov system, and develop an estimation method based on the Expectation-Maximization principle.
Socially Engaged Art as Living Form: Activating Spaces and Creating New Ways of Being in a Middle School Setting

Over the years, in various capacities, I have moved through schools as an insider and an outsider bumping my way down busy halls filled with students—their bodies adapting and not adapting to the c...
Conclusion: Abolitionism and the Continuity of Slavery

This book has investigated a variety of forms of slavery in the first half of the nineteenth century while considering how the abolitionist debate and juridical abolitions of slavery in Italian states demonstrate the contradictions inherent in the Italian campaign against the slave trade and colonial slavery and the simultaneous persistence of slavery in Italian territory. In adopting innovative chronological and methodological approaches, it has strived to develop a new understanding of slavery in the period 1750–1850, while presenting the Mediterranean world as part of the Atlantic and Ottoman worlds. It will hopefully add value to the historiographical debate by reframing how slavery is viewed in the context of the Italian states as well as in the wider international abolitionist context. The legal abolitions of slavery in these states were mostly influenced or imposed from outside and were not the result of an internal legal debate.
Timing constraints of action potential evoked Ca 2+ current and transmitter release at a central nerve terminal

The waveform of presynaptic action potentials (APs) regulates the magnitude of Ca2+ currents (ICa) and neurotransmitter release. However, how APs control the timing of synaptic transmission remains unclear. Using the calyx of Held synapse, we find that Na+ and K+ channels affect the timing by changing the AP waveform. Specifically, the onset of ICa depends on the repolarization but not depolarization rate of APs, being near the end of repolarization phase for narrow APs and advancing to the early repolarization phase for wide APs. Increasing AP amplitude has little effect on the activation but delays the peak time of ICa. Raising extracellular Ca2+ concentration increases the amplitude of ICa yet does not alter their onset timing. Developmental shortening of APs ensures ICa as a tail current and faithful synaptic delay, which is particularly important at the physiological temperature (35 °C) as ICa evoked by broad pseudo-APs can occur in the depolarization phase. The early onset of ICa is more prominent at 35 °C than at 22 °C, likely resulting from a temperature-dependent shift in the activation threshold and accelerated gating kinetics of Ca2+ channels. These results suggest that the timing of Ca2+ influx depends on the AP waveform dictated by voltage-gated channels and temperature.
Maskless random antireflective nanotexturing of single crystal SiC

Random nanotexturing of optics and semiconductors has proven to be a highly effective way to produce high transmittivity, low reflective surfaces. Here, the authors report a one-step technique using SF6 reactive ion etching to produce nanotexturing of SiC. The effect of etching process power and time is optimized to demonstrate sub-1% specular reflectance and below 5% total reflectance over the 400–2000 nm spectral range. The technique is applied to compare measurements of a photoconductive switch with untreated and treated surfaces. Using a white light source emitting in the range 400–750 nm, the authors show that the decrease in specular reflectivity results in a 20% increase in the photocurrent response.
Seasonal variations in exotic earthworm populations in wheat fields of the Inland Pacific Northwest, U.S.A.

Abstract Through their manipulation of soil physical and chemical properties, earthworms have the potential to increase nutrient mineralization and benefit crop production. However, this effect is dependent on numerous factors including earthworm densities and ecological strategies. In addition to impacting density, soil environmental conditions may limit earthworm activity to specific times during the growing season, moderating their effects on nutrient availability and crop growth. The purpose of this study was to determine the active period of earthworms to better assess their potential impact on crop productivity in dryland wheat production systems in the Palouse region of northern Idaho and eastern Washington, U.S.A. Earthworm community density, age structure, diversity, and soil moisture and soil temperature were monitored over a 14-month (April 2014–June 2015) period in six dryland wheat fields. All earthworms collected were exotic species, with the endogeic species, Aporrectodea trapezoides being predominant at all sites (87% of all adults identified). Allolobophora chlorotica, Lumbricus terrestris and Aporrectodea tuberculata were collected at lower frequencies (1.8–6.4% of adults). Mean densities ranged from 14 to 75 individuals m−2, and populations transitioned to aestivation beginning in mid-June of both years. All earthworms were active (no aestivating individuals) on 56.9% of the sampling dates in 2014 and 71% of the days in 2015. A short active period and average densities at most sites of less than 100 individuals per m2 suggest that the impact of earthworms on crop growth may be limited in conventional, dryland agricultural fields of this region.
Six Realistic Workplace Classroom Interventions for Management Students

Six classroom interventions designed to continuously teach and acclimate our management students about their eventual realistic reward/punishment contingencies and managerial performance expectatio...
Three archetypical classes of macromolecular regulators of protein liquid–liquid phase separation

Membraneless organelles, corresponding to the droplet phase upon liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of protein or protein–RNA mixtures, mediate myriad cellular functions. Cells use a variety of biochemical signals such as expression level and posttranslational modification to regulate droplet formation and dissolution, but the physical basis of the regulatory mechanisms remains ill-defined and quantitative assessment of the effects is largely lacking. Our computational study predicted that the strength of attraction by droplet-forming proteins dictates whether and how macromolecular regulators promote or suppress LLPS. We experimentally tested this prediction, using the pentamers of SH3 domains and proline-rich motifs (SH35 and PRM5) as droplet-forming proteins. Determination of the changes in phase boundary and the partition coefficients in the droplet phase over a wide range of regulator concentrations yielded both a quantitative measure and a mechanistic understanding of the regulatory effects. Three archetypical classes of regulatory effects were observed. Ficoll 70 at high concentrations indirectly promoted SH35–PRM5 LLPS, by taking up volume in the bulk phase and thereby displacing SH35 and PRM5 into the droplet phase. Lysozyme had a moderate partition coefficient and suppressed LLPS by substituting weaker attraction with SH35 for the stronger SH35–PRM5 attraction in the droplet phase. By forming even stronger attraction with PRM5, heparin at low concentrations partitioned heavily into the droplet phase and promoted LLPS. These characteristics were recapitulated by computational results of patchy particle models, validating the identification of the 3 classes of macromolecular regulators as volume-exclusion promotors, weak-attraction suppressors, and strong-attraction promotors.
Performance Differences of the National Air Quality Forecasting Capability When There is a Major Upgrade in the Chemistry Modules

There have been large advancement in modeling science and chemical constituent measurement of air pollutants harmful to the public health. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Air Quality Forecasting Capability (NAQFC) is a vital service that NOAA provides to the general public to help safeguarding the public health as well as the environmental resilience through announcement of information-driver mitigation and adaptation action. NAQFC is poised to upgrade from using the Community Multiscale Air Quality Model (CMAQ) version 5.0.2 to version 5.2. This is noticeable a multiple sub-version number leaping forward corresponding to major upgrades in chemistry and emission sciences. The following lists the major science upgrade: (a) upgrade gas chemistry for the Carbon-Bond Mechanism version 5 (CB05) to version 5 Revision1 (CB05R1); (b) Inclusion of Halogen chemistry; (c) Employed more explicit speciation for isoprene and monoterpenes from biogenic sources; (d) Upgraded the aerosol module using a more sophisticated secondary aerosol production suite of multi-generational oxidation mechanism; and (e) Application of a fuller set of National Emission Inventory (NEI) from base year 2014. We tested the new system for a summer case retrospectively and compared its forecast performance with the real-time operational NAQFC. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) AIRNow monitoring network was used to verify the forecast accuracy. We noticed considerable discrepancies in the performance of the two realization of forecasting simulations.
Primer on Methylmercury Biomagnification in the Everglades

The purpose of this chapter is to provide background information on the entry of methylmercury into the food web and the process by which it biomagnifies through food webs.
COVID-19 Susceptibility Among Latin People in El Paso, TX

The Latin population in the United States has received relatively little attention despite their vulnerability to COVID-19 during the current pandemic On Monday, May 4, 2020, the City of El Paso recorded 1,029 cases and 22 deaths With rising rates of infection and the recent resignation of the city's Public Health Director, El Paso and the region must take proactive precautions to suppress the spread of the virus To assess the possible impact of COVID-19 in El Paso, we constructed a risk assessment about the populations that could be at higher risk To do this, we used detailed survey data on health from a sample of 1,152 Hispanic individuals that was gathered with the support of NIH in 2011 To understand how COVID-19 may impact the Latin residents of El Paso, we analyzed risk factors associated with the virus on their own as well as interacting with each other
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Alzheimer's Disease Risk Genes Are Associated with Intrinsic Connectivity in Middle Age.

BACKGROUND It is critical to identify individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) earlier in the disease time course, such as middle age and preferably well prior to the onset of clinical symptoms, when intervention efforts may be more successful. Genome-wide association and candidate gene studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in APOE, CLU, CR1, PICALM, and SORL1 that confer increased risk of AD. OBJECTIVE In the current study, we investigated the associations between SNPs in these genes and resting-state functional connectivity within the default mode network (DMN), frontoparietal network (FPN), and executive control network (ECN) in healthy, non-demented middle-aged adults (age 40 -60; N = 123; 74 females). METHODS Resting state networks of interest were identified through independent components analysis using a template-matching procedure and individual spatial maps and time courses were extracted using dual regression. RESULTS Within the posterior DMN, functional connectivity was associated with CR1 rs1408077 and CLU rs9331888 polymorphisms (p's 0.05). CONCLUSION This is the first demonstration of the relationship between intrinsic network connectivity and AD risk alleles in CLU, CR1, and SORL1 in healthy, middle-aged adults. These SNPs should be considered in future investigations aimed at identifying potential preclinical biomarkers for AD.
Interactions between Borrelia burgdorferi and its hosts across the enzootic cycle.

The bacterial pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease and is transmitted to humans through an Ixodes tick vector. B. burgdorferi is able to survive in both mammalian and tick hosts through careful modulation of its gene expression. This allows B. burgdorferi to adapt to the environmental and nutritional changes that occur when it is transmitted between the two hosts. Distinct interactions between the spirochete and its host occur at every step of the enzootic cycle and dictate the ability of the spirochete to survive until the next stage of the cycle. Studying the interface between B. burgdorferi, the Ixodes tick vector, and the natural mammalian reservoirs has been made significantly more feasible through the complete genome sequences of the organisms and the advent of high throughput screening technologies. Ultimately, a thorough investigation of the interplay between the two domains (and two phyla within one domain) are necessary in order to completely understand how the pathogen is transmitted.
Design a Better World

COVID-19 is indeed a clear and present danger to the world which is due to conventional design in building technology to the world. Simply we need advanced building design technology that can be implemented everywhere in the world in order to kill all pathogens including COVID-19 inside the buildings and houses naturally before it invades into the human body. Simply photon energy is being proposed to be implemented using exterior glazing wall surface to transform ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) from sunlight to kill all pathogens such as bacteria, protozoa, prion, viroid, fungus, molds, and virus including COVID-19 inside the buildings and houses around the globe in order to design a better world. Since killing pathogens with solar radiation will only require short-range wavelengths, 254–280 nm wavelength has been utilized to initiate UVGI light to destroy the pathogenic nucleic acids DNA and/or RNA, leaving all pathogens unable to perform their vital cellular functions, and letting them die in minutes. Simply, usage of exterior glazing wall surface in the building and house design as an acting photo-physical reaction technology application will be an innovative field of science to kill all pathogens inside the buildings and houses naturally.
Reply to What is a good medical choice

The authors of the letter to the editor are concerned that P3P does not improve uptake of active surveillance. That is not the purpose of P3P, they are misguided about exactly what decisional conflict entails, and decision aids like P3P are an integral component of shared-decision making.
Neuroscience, Epigenetics, and Psychotropic Substances

Substance use disorders (SUDs) is characterized by the deregulation of motivational brain circuits and involves neuroadaptation processes that contribute to the transition from controlled to compulsive consumption of drugs of abuse. Such neuroadaptations are consolidated in long-term changes due to changes in gene expression regulation. These changes are regulated by the chromatin structure and epigenetic changes in the DNA and histone proteins that make up the chromatin. The epigenetic mechanisms control the space between the nucleosomes and the levels of their condensation allowing the access of the transcriptional machinery to the promoter of a specific gene. In recent decades, studies with animal models have shown that the use of drugs of abuse can trigger epigenetic changes in several brain regions important for the perpetuation of the addiction cycle. This chapter discusses neurobiological aspects and epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of histones involved in SUDs.
Analysis of National Library of Medicine (NLM) DOCLINE® Interlibrary Loan System Request Patterns during Selected Public Health Events

DOCLINE®, the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s (NLM) interlibrary loan (ILL) request system, sought to better understand its role in providing information access during public health events (PHE...
Pandemics and the Anti-vaccination Movement: Analyzing Anti-Vaxxers’ Privacy Rights During a Global Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a resurgence of questions regarding individual freedoms and the anti-vaccination movement. In this article, I address those questions and what specific rights individuals have during a global pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Biosecurity, Biosafety & Biodefense Law is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
On the Comparison of the Quantum and Relativity Theories

In this chapter we will present a critical comparison of the quantum and relativity theories, as elementary theories of matter. The headings of this comparison is shown in Table I, and will be discussed in detail in the following paragraphs.
Metabolism of myo-inositol in animals: III. Action of the antagonist 2-O,C-methylene-myo-inositol☆

Abstract The biochemical effects of the myo -inositol antagonist 2- o , c -methylene- myo -inositol (MMO) have been studied. MMO administered to rats was found to inactivate the inositol oxygenase of the kidneys and block the catabolism of myo -inositol (MI). This effect paralleled the gross toxicity, and was total with large doses (several ld 50 ′s). The enzyme inactivation was time-dependent and irreversible, but was prevented by giving sufficient MI along with the MMO. High concentrations of MMO were required for partial inactivation of the enzyme in vitro . Significant amounts of radioactivity from injected MMO- 3 H were bound to the nonlipid, trichloroacetic acid-insoluble fraction of all tissues. Kidney tisue had the highest activity, both total and bound. small amounts of MMO- 3 H or a transformation product were incorporated into kidney lipid. MMO had no gross effect on the incorporation of MI- 14 C into kidney lipid.
On modeling the emergency management process: Conceptualizing disaster planning and recovery

Online resources and mobile applications are available to assist individuals with preparing for and recovering from various types of emergencies such as manmade and natural disasters; however, it can become a tedious task searching through webpage after webpage of data to find the information pertaining to one's situation. Various mobile applications are also available for download; however, one must question the validity of the information presented by many of these applications. Trust is very important when it comes to activities that can result in one's survival. In this paper, we present the development of conceptual maps that provide graphical, quick views of disaster planning and recovery activities from deconstructed federal emergency preparedness-related websites. In addition, current disaster planning and recovery mobile applications are evaluated and analyzed to gauge their use/non-use, and improvements to the applications are provided. Each of these applications will aid in the design and implementation of a government, data-driven disaster planning and recovery model and mobile application created using conceptual modeling techniques.
Prognosis communication in serious illness: perceptions of older patients, caregivers, and clinicians.

Objectives: To examine agreement between patients, caregivers, and clinicians regarding prognosis communication and to examine patients' and caregivers' desire for prognostic information. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Participants' homes. Participants: Two hundred fourteen persons aged 60 and older with a limited life expectancy secondary to cancer, congestive heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; caregivers; and clinicians. Measurements: Patient–clinician and caregiver–clinician agreement about the occurrence of prognosis discussions and patient and caregiver desire for prognostic information. Results: In 46% of patient/clinician and 34% of caregiver/clinician pairs, the clinician reported saying that the patient could die of the underlying disease, whereas the patient or caregiver reported no discussion. In 23% of patient/clinician and 30% of patient/caregiver pairs, the clinician reported discussing an approximate life expectancy, whereas the patient or caregiver reported no discussion. Of 205 patients who reported no life expectancy discussion, 40% did not want this discussion. Whereas 83% of those believing they had 1 year or less to live wanted to discuss prognosis, 79% of those believing they had 1 to 2 years, 53% of those believing they had 2 to 5 years, and 50% of those believing they had more than 5 years or who were unwilling to answer wanted this discussion (P=.007). Conclusion: Although clinicians report that they are discussing prognosis, patients and caregivers frequently do not corroborate these reports. Furthermore, many patients do not want prognostic information. Despite previous reports concluding that patients want full disclosure about their illness, many seriously ill older persons and caregivers may not be ready or able to receive prognostic information.
Synchronous frame model and decoupled control development for doubly-fed machines

Brushless doubly-fed machines (BDFM) show potential benefits in adjustable speed drive systems by reducing converter rating and cost. While the BDFM system is open-loop stable, the resulting performance is far from optimum. Although closed loop scalar control is acceptable for some drive applications, fast dynamic controllers are needed for many drive systems. This paper introduces a synchronous frame model suitable for decoupled control development. Field oriented control algorithms are proposed and illustrated using simulation studies. Simulation results show good system response and an experimental system is being developed. >
Emergency Screening of Urine, Plasma, or Gastric Contents for Barbiturates

A procedure is described for emergency screening for barbiturates that requires no specialized equipment and can be performed in less than 10 min; thus lending itself to emergency-room use. The method is highly specific and can be used to detect as little as 1 mg/100 ml.
Benzonitrile: Electron affinity, excited states, and anion solvation.

We report a negative-ion photoelectron imaging study of benzonitrile and several of its hydrated, oxygenated, and homo-molecularly solvated cluster anions. The photodetachment from the unsolvated benzonitrile anion to the X(1)A1 state of the neutral peaks at 58 ± 5 meV. This value is assigned as the vertical detachment energy (VDE) of the valence anion and the upper bound of adiabatic electron affinity (EA) of benzonitrile. The EA of the lowest excited electronic state of benzonitrile, a(3)A1, is determined as 3.41 ± 0.01 eV, corresponding to a 3.35 eV lower bound for the singlet-triplet splitting. The next excited state, the open-shell singlet A(1)A1, is found about an electron-volt above the triplet, with a VDE of 4.45 ± 0.01 eV. These results are in good agreement with ab initio calculations for neutral benzonitrile and its valence anion but do not preclude the existence of a dipole-bound state of similar energy and geometry. The step-wise and cumulative solvation energies of benzonitrile anions by several types of species were determined, including homo-molecular solvation by benzonitrile, hydration by 1-3 waters, oxygenation by 1-3 oxygen molecules, and mixed solvation by various combinations of O2, H2O, and benzonitrile. The plausible structures of the dimer anion of benzonitrile were examined using density functional theory and compared to the experimental observations. It is predicted that the dimer anion favors a stacked geometry capitalizing on the π-π interactions between the two partially charged benzonitrile moieties.
Evaluation of commonly used adjuvants in the prevention of postoperative adhesions

The uterine horns of 30 rats were subjected to both division and microsurgical anastomosis of the proximal segment and division only of the distal segment. They were equally assigned to three groups, of which group 2 received dexamethasone and group 3 received ibuprofen preoperatively and postoperatively for a total of eight doses. During operation, five rats of each group were irrigated with normal saline and the other five, with 32% dextran 70 (Hyskon). The left uterine horn was anastomosed with 7-0 coated Vicryl, and the right horn, with 7-0 Dexon-S sutures. At repeat laparotomy 2 weeks later, the intraperitoneal adhesions were graded blindly according to their severity. Tissue blocks were obtained from the areas of anastomosis and division only for histologic assessment. Total adhesion scores were 104 for group 1, 53 for group 2 (p less than 0.05), and 90 for group 3 (p = 0.7). The histologic evaluation showed no difference between the three groups. The inflammatory tissue reaction was least around the areas of division only and greatest at the anastomotic sites, where it was most pronounced around the surgical knots. No difference in gross adhesions or histologic assessment was observed between the left horn and the right horn. Adhesions were significantly less in the Hyskon-treated animals (p less than 0.05) but the histologic evaluation showed similar inflammatory reactions. These results suggest that in this species there is no difference between Dexon-S and coated Vicryl sutures, that dexamethasone and Hyskon are effective in preventing postoperative adhesions, and that the inflammatory tissue reaction is not altered by these adjuvants but is significantly augmented by the presence and quantity of suture material.
Cooperative Learning: Does it Improve the Academic Achievement of Students with Handicaps?

This article reviews the research on the effects of cooperative learning on the academic achievement of students with handicaps. Journal articles that included students with handicaps in the sample (achievement as a dependent variable and cooperative learning as an independent variable) were selected for inclusion. A limited number of studies (12) met the selection criteria, and the findings were inconsistent. More research is needed before teachers are encouraged to use cooperative learning methods to promote the academic achievement of mainstreamed special education students.
Network path advising service for the future Internet

A common feature of emerging future Internet architectures is the ability for applications to select the path, or paths, their packets take between the source and destination. Unlike the current Internet architecture where routing protocols find a single (best) path between a source and destination, future Internet routing protocols will need to present applications with a choice of paths. Even if the routing service can return a list of possible paths, the huge number of potential paths and the need to know the current network conditions of each of the proposed paths will make it virtually impossible for applications to select the best set of paths, or just the best path. In this paper, we present a new network path advising service (NPAS) that helps future applications choose network paths. Given a set of possible paths, the NPAS service helps applications select appropriate paths based on both recent path measurements and end-to-end feedback collected from other applications. We describe the NPAS service abstraction, API calls, and a distributed architecture that achieves scalability by determining the most important things to monitor based on actual usage. Finally, we describe a prototype implementation of the NPAS service.
Evaluation of the Relationship between the Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) Bioluminescence Assay and the Presence of Bacillus anthracis Spores and Vegetative Cells

Background: The Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay was utilized in laboratory evaluations to determine the presence and concentration of vegetative and spore forms of Bacillus anthracis Sterne 34F2. Methods: Seventeen surfaces from the healthcare environment were selected for evaluation. Surfaces were inoculated with 50 µL of organism suspensions at three concentrations of 104, 106, 108 colony forming units per surface (CFU/surface) of B. anthracis. Culture-based methods and ATP based methods were utilized to determine concentrations. Results: When all concentrations were evaluated together, a positive correlation between log-adjusted CFU and Relative Light Units (RLU) for endospores and vegetative cells was established. When concentrations were evaluated separately, a significant correlation was not demonstrated. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a positive correlation for ATP and culture-based methods for the vegetative cells of B. anthracis. When evaluating the endospores and combining both metabolic states, the ATP measurements and CFU recovered did not correspond to the initial concentrations on the evaluated surfaces. The results of our study show that the low ATP signal which does not correlate well to the CFU results would not make the ATP measuring devises effective in confirming contamination residual from a bioterrorist event.
Plasma disappearance and biliary excretion of indocyanine green in rats, rabbits, and dogs☆

Abstract The plasma disappearance of indocyanine green (ICG) was examined with a number of rapidly administered doses in the rat, rabbit, and dog. Over a 32-min period, the rate of disappearance was exponential in all three species, and the half-life increased with increasing doses of ICG. The rabbit exhibited a greater capacity to remove ICG from plasma than did the rat; the dog had the lowest capacity. With infusions of ICG, it was found that the flow of bile decreased as the dose of ICG was increased. This effect was most pronounced in the rat and least in the dog. In none of the three species was it possible to reach maximally sustained rates of biliary excretion of ICG. In contrast, the rapid administration of ICG had little or no effect on the flow of bile in the three species.
Isolation and characterization of three mRNAs enriched in embryos of the direct-developing sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma: evolution of larval ectoderm.

The Australian sea urchin Heliocidaris erythro-gramma utilizes a derived direct developmental mode that evolved 8–12 million years ago. From a differential screen we have isolated a small set of cDNAs corresponding to genes more greatly expressed in embryos of H. erythrogramma than in those of its indirect-developing nearest relative, H. tuberculata. The method was biased towards abundant transcripts and did not allow detection of modifications of usage of highly conserved gene family members. Three differentially expressed abundant transcripts were found that potentially encode secreted proteins. Two of these, the arylsulfatase HeARS and the putative lectin HeEL-1, were identifiable as homologues of known proteins. Another gene, HeET-1, may be exclusively expressed in the H. erythrogramma embryo. In situ hybridization experiments demonstrate that all three transcripts are localized to the ectoderm. Two of them, HeET-1 and HeEL-1, are transcribed in an identical domain comprising the larval ectoderm. This region of gene expression has acquired a novel columnar cytology during the evolution of the H. erythrogramma embryo. The third sequence, HeARS, encodes an arylsulfatase homologue. Its expression is uniform in the gastrula, but as the rudiment develops it accumulates to the greatest extent in the invaginating vestibular ectoderm. Through comparisons with indirect-developing species, we show that this concentration of arylsulfatase mRNA in the rudiment is a novel feature of H. erythrogramma development. These data suggest that H. erythrogramma has a unique arrangement of ectodermal gene expression territories. We propose that these reflect larval adaptations that have occurred in the lineage leading to H. erythrogramma, and enabled the evolution of direct development.
Validation of Arabic and English Versions of the ARSMA-II Acculturation Rating Scale

To translate and adapt the Acculturation Rating Scale of Mexican–Americans II (ARSMA-II) for Arab Americans. A multistage translation process followed by a pilot and a large study. The translated and adapted versions, Acculturation Rating Scale for Arabic Americans-II Arabic and English (ARSAA-IIA, ARSAA-IIE), were validated in a sample of 297 Arab Americans. Factor analyses with principal axis factoring extractions and direct oblimin rotations were used to identify the underlying structure of ARSAA-II. Factor analysis confirmed the underlying structure of ARSAA-II and produced two interpretable factors labeled as ‘Attraction to American Culture’ (AAmC) and ‘Attraction to Arabic Culture’ (AArC). The Cronbach’s alphas of AAmC and AArC were .89 and .85 respectively. Findings support ARSAA-II A & E to assess acculturation among Arab Americans. The emergent factors of ARSAA-II support the theoretical structure of the original ARSMA-II tool and show high internal consistency.
An adenovirus mutant defective in splicing RNA from early region 1A.

Many primary products of transcription in eukaryotes contain sequences that are removed during maturation of mRNAs, although the structural determinants that direct this highly specific splicing reaction are unknown. Comparative sequence studies of known splice points1–4 have identified a short consensus sequence to which all known splice points conform to varying degrees. However, there is no direct evidence that this consensus sequence is necessary for splicing to occur. In this communication, an adenovirus mutant is described which contains a cis dominant defect in the splicing of RNA from one of the early transcriptional units. The defect is ascribed to changes in two adjacent nucleotides within a splice site consensus sequence. The mutations lie in a region of the adenovirus genome (the transforming region 1A) which normally produces a set of three co-terminal mRNAs differing only by the internal sequences removed during post-transcriptional processing. The mutant has thus been used not only to define sequences required for splicing, but also to investigate the pathways along which a series of related mRNAs is generated.
Study of Carrier Statistics in Uniaxially Strained Ge for a Low-Threshold Ge Laser

In this paper, we present a comprehensive study of carrier statistics in germanium with high uniaxial strain along the [100] direction. Several types of PL experiments were conducted to investigate polarization-, temperature- and excitation-dependent carrier statistics in germanium under various amounts of uniaxial strain. With the ability to clearly resolve multiple photoluminescence peaks originating from strain-induced valence band splitting, we experimentally observed strongly polarized light emission from direct band gap transitions. Our experiments also confirm that uniaxial strain increases the hole population in the highest valence band as well as the electron population in the direct conduction band. Based upon our experimental results, we present theoretical modeling showing that the lasing threshold of a germanium laser can be reduced by >100× with 2.5% strain.
Discipline and Classroom Management: Different Strokes for Different Folks

There are as many ap proaches to classroom management as there are teachers and, like teachers, some are more effective than others. On the following pages this author reviews some of the major schools of thought related to disciplinary techniques.
Amplitude Distribution Measurement Using Heterodyne Interferometry And Its Application To Position Sensing

This paper describes a method of measuring the amplitude and phase distribution of the optical field at and in the vicinity of the focus of any imaging system. The directional characteristic of optical heterodyne detection provides a means of obtaining extremely high spatial resolution in measurement. Experimental results include the measured amplitude distribution at the focus of an off-axis holographic zone plate. The results are extended to the case of a diffusely reflecting or transmitting object to obtain a position-sensing gauge. Analysis shows that for good resolution in position sensing the illuminated area of the object should be equal to the diffraction limited spot size of the receiver aperture. A description of the heterodyne interferometer and its possible areas of application are included.
The burn victim: his psychosocial profile and post-injury career

Abstract A questionnaire has been designed to examine changes in role resulting from burn injuries. A small number of burn patients have been examined to test this instrument in a pilot study. The results of the pilot study are being used to design a more extensive long term study of the psychosocial profile and subsequent career of seriously burned patients.
Trace Analysis of NO 2 in the Presence of NO by Laser Photofragmentation/Fragment Photoionization Spectrometry at Visible Wavelengths

Trace concentrations of NO and NO2 molecules are differentiated spectrally by using a visible dye laser and a simple flow cell with a pair of miniature electrodes for ion detection. NO is detected near 452 nm by (2+2) resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization via its A2S+-X2II (0,0) transitions, while NO2 is detected by laser photofragmentation with subsequent fragment NO ionization via the A2S+-X2II (0,0) and (1,1) transitions. Spectral differentiation is possible since the internal energy of the NO photofragment differs from that of "ambient" NO. Measurement of vibrationally excited NO via its A2S+-X2II (0,3) band is also demonstrated at 517 nm. Rotationally resolved spectra of NO and fragment NO are analyzed by using a multiparameter computer program based on two-photon energy level expressions and line strengths for A2S+-X2II transitions. Boltzmann analysis of the P12 + O22 branch of the (0,0) band reveals that the rotational temperature of fragment NO is approximately 500 K compared to room-temperature NO. Limits of detection [signal-to-noise (S/N) = 3] of NO and NO2 are in the 20-40-ppbv range at 449.2, 450.7, and 452.6 nm for a 10-s integration time. The limit of detection of NO2 at 517.5 nm is 75 ppbv. The analytical utility of the technique for ambient air analysis is evaluated and discussed.
Combining SELEX with quantitative assays to rapidly obtain accurate models of protein–DNA interactions

Models for the specificity of DNA-binding transcription factors are often based on small amounts of qualitative data and therefore have limited accuracy. In this study we demonstrate a simple and efficient method of affinity chromatography-SELEX followed by a quantitative binding (QuMFRA) assay to rapidly collect the data necessary for more accurate models. Using the zinc finger protein EGR as an e.g. we show that many bindings sites can be obtained efficiently with affinity chromatography-SELEX, but those sequences alone provide a weight matrix model with limited accuracy. Using a QuMFRA assay to determine the quantitative relative affinity for only a subset of the sequences obtained by SELEX leads to a much more accurate model. Application of this method to variants of a transcription factor would allow us to generate a large collection of quantitative data for modeling protein–DNA interactions that could facilitate the determination of recognition codes for different transcription factor families.
Manipulation of free shear flows using piezoelectric actuators

An air jet emanating from a square conduit having an equivalent diameter of 4.34 cm and a centreline velocity of 4 m/s is forced using four resonantly driven piezoelectric actuators placed along the sides of the square exit. Excitation is effected via amplitude modulation of the resonant carrier waveform. The flow is normally receptive to time–harmonic excitation at the modulating frequency but not at the resonant frequency of the actuators. When the excitation amplitude is high enough, the excitation waveform is demodulated by a nonlinear process that is connected with the formation and coalescence of nominally spanwise vortices in the forced segments of the jet shear layer. As a result, the modulating and carrier wave trains undergo spatial amplification and attenuation, respectively, downstream of the exit plane. Strong instabilities of the jet column are excited when the jet is forced at phase relationships between actuators that correspond (to lowest order) to the azimuthal modes m = 0, ±1, ±2, and −1 of an axisymmetric flow. The streamwise velocity component is measured phase locked to the modulating signal in planes normal to the mean flow. Resonantly driving the actuators with different carrier amplitudes results in a distorted mean flow having a featureless spectrum that can be tailored to provide favourable conditions for the introduction and propagation of desirable low-frequency disturbances.
Nasal and Oral Inspiration During Natural Speech Breathing

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the typical pattern for inspiration during speech breathing in healthy adults, as well as the factors that might influence it. Method Ten healthy ...
Ridge estimation of house value determinants

Abstract This study considers structural and lot characteristics which are determinants of equilibrium prices of homes. Previous studies which have attempted this estimation have been plagued by problems of multicollinearity. Micro data on detailed house characteristics are used with a biased estimation technique called ridge regression to obtain estimated characteristic prices with more correct signs and increased stability. The ridge prices give a more precise indication of how characteristics influence house prices. As a method of finding house value determinants ridge regression is shown to be superior to ordinary least-squares regression.
Antimicrobial compounds in tears.

The tear film coats the cornea and conjunctiva and serves several important functions. It provides lubrication, prevents drying of the ocular surface epithelia, helps provide a smooth surface for refracting light, supplies oxygen and is an important component of the innate defense system of the eye providing protection against a range of potential pathogens. This review describes both classic antimicrobial compounds found in tears such as lysozyme and some more recently identified such as members of the cationic antimicrobial peptide family and surfactant protein-D as well as potential new candidate molecules that may contribute to antimicrobial protection. As is readily evident from the literature review herein, tears, like all mucosal fluids, contain a plethora of molecules with known antimicrobial effects. That all of these are active in vivo is debatable as many are present in low concentrations, may be influenced by other tear components such as the ionic environment, and antimicrobial action may be only one of several activities ascribed to the molecule. However, there are many studies showing synergistic/additive interactions between several of the tear antimicrobials and it is highly likely that cooperativity between molecules is the primary way tears are able to afford significant antimicrobial protection to the ocular surface in vivo. In addition to effects on pathogen growth and survival some tear components prevent epithelial cell invasion and promote the epithelial expression of innate defense molecules. Given the protective role of tears a number of scenarios can be envisaged that may affect the amount and/or activity of tear antimicrobials and hence compromise tear immunity. Two such situations, dry eye disease and contact lens wear, are discussed here.