cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical Computing Systems, Materials, and Devices

The advancement in optical computing is impaired by a lack of development of optical computing devices leading to successful optical computing systems. In our special section published in March 1999,1 we aspired for more works in devices such that realistic optical systems might come to fruition. A similar concern was voiced recently, in the SPIE conference on Photonic Devices and Algorithms III held in San Diego.23 Therefore, this special section is a step toward addressing the needs in Optical Computing Systems, Materials, and Devices. The papers in our special section are broadly organized into three groups: (1) analysis and simulation of optical computing devices and systems; (2) implementation of optical computing systems; and (3) optical device characterization and optical materials.
Membrane association, mechanism of action, and structure of Arabidopsis embryonic factor 1 (FAC1).

Embryonic factor 1 (FAC1) is one of the earliest expressed plant genes and encodes an AMP deaminase (AMPD), which is also an identified herbicide target. This report identifies an N-terminal transmembrane domain in Arabidopsis FAC1, explores subcellular fractionation, and presents a 3.3-A globular catalytic domain x-ray crystal structure with a bound herbicide-based transition state inhibitor that provides the first glimpse of a complete AMPD active site. FAC1 contains an (α/β)8-barrel characterized by loops in place of strands 5 and 6 that places it in a small subset of the amidohydrolase superfamily with imperfect folds. Unlike tetrameric animal orthologs, FAC1 is a dimer and each subunit contains an exposed Walker A motif that may be involved in the dramatic combined Km (25-80-fold lower) and Vmax (5-6-fold higher) activation by ATP. Normal mode analysis predicts a hinge motion that flattens basic surfaces on each monomer that flank the dimer interface, which suggests a reversible association between the FAC1 globular catalytic domain and intracellular membranes, with N-terminal transmembrane and disordered linker regions serving as the anchor and attachment to the globular catalytic domain, respectively.
Acute Axonal Dystrophy Caused by Fluorocitrate: The Role of Mitochondrial Swelling

Fluorocitrate, a Krebs cycle inhibitor, induices neurons to rapidly expel multitudinous lysosomes, mitochondria, and other cytoplasmic constituents into their axons. After convulsive seizures commence, spectacular axonal balloons develop owing to obstruction of axonal flow by "log jams" of extruded organelles. A swelling of neuronal mitochondria is apparently responsible for the disgorgement of cytoplasmic material into axons.
Functional morphology and taxonomy of branch dimorphism in the Paleozoic bryozoan genus Rhabdomeson

Silicified maria of the widespread cylindrical genus Rhabdomeson have been discovered that bear conical branches traditionally assignable to Coeloconus. Other, conical stems gave rise to cylindrical branches. That the dimorphic branches are not encrustations is shown by the absence of overgrowths and the regular alignment of apertures between parent stem and branch. A similar relationship is true of the type species of Coeloconus, which is synonymized with Rhabdomeson. Both conical and cylindrical branches were broken but survived to resume growth; this is shown by basal healing patterns and growth reversals. Colony fragmentation has been described in certain Cenozoic and modern bryozoans as a mode of increase, and is inferred to have been important in Rhabdomeson. The presence of fragmentation in taxonomically and stratigraphically widely separated bryozoans suggests that this mode of increase may be more important than realized.
Children's Perceptions of others' Kindness in Helping: The Endocentric Motivations of Pride and Guilt

Elementary school and college students rated the kindness of helping by story protagonists with different attributed motivations. Of particular interest was the effect of the endocentric (self-serving) motivations of anticipated pride and guilt on the kindness ratings. A number of prosocial theorists view such endocentrically motivated helping as less altruistic than exocentrically (other-serving) motivated helping. Compared with helping attributed to the exocentric motivation of sympathy, helping attributed to guilt avoidance led to lower ratings of kindness by all but second graders. Pride-attributed helping, however, did not result in lower kindness ratings at any grade level. The motivational attributions of praise and reward attainment and criticism and punishment avoidance led to relatively low kindness ratings, with the two avoidance motivations leading to the lowest ratings. The latter finding suggests an alternative explanation of the kindness ratings for guilt-motivated helping.
A human anti-HIV autoantibody enhances EBV transformation and HIV infection

Abstract A highly specific, human IgG mAb, F223, which reacts with both HIV-1-infected cells and uninfected lymphoid cells, has been derived. F223 reacts with gp120 but fails to neutralize viral infection. The antibody does enhance HIV-1 infection in a complement-dependent manner. The autoantigen recognized by F223 is expressed on a small percentage of T cells and NK cells and the majority of B cells. Immunoprecipitation demonstrates F223 reactivity with an as of yet unidentified 159-kDa protein in uninfected lymphoid cells. This reactivity with uninfected cells is inhibited by free gp120 demonstrating the cross-reactive nature of this antibody. The F223 light chain demonstrates strong homology to VLλ2 family genes whereas the heavy chain is most homologous (84%) to the germline gene VH3-H.11. In vivo usage of VH3 family genes by F223 and an anti-HIV-1 (gp41) human mAb, 3D6, with related autoreactivity, suggests that VH3 sequences may be important components of potentially pathogenic human anti-HIV-1 envelope autoantibodies. F223 was isolated from an HIV-1 infected individual with lymphoma and in vitro F223 significantly enhances EBV transformation of normal B cells and increases immunoglobulin production without affecting B cell proliferation. Characterization of this antibody response may provide important insights and mechanistic information on HIV pathogenesis.
Logarithmic derivates of a square matrix

Abstract It is well-known that the value of the logarithmic derivative μ[A] of an n × n square matrix A is bounded from below by max Re(λi) with respect to any norm of A, where λi (i = 1, 2,…, n) are the eigenvalues of A. In the stability theory of differential equations it is desirable to know the smallest value of μ[A]. The purpose of this note is to give a direct method for the construction of an operator norm with respect to which μ[A] can be made arbitrarily close to max Re(λi) and to show that in general μ[A] ≠ max Re(λi). An application is given to the stability problem of a linear equation under nonlinear perturbations.
Marginal distributions for the estimation of proportions in m groups

A Bayesian Model II approach to the estimation of proportions inm groups (discussed by Novick, Lewis, and Jackson) is extended to obtain posterior marginal distributions for the proportions. It is anticipated that these will be useful in applications (such as Individually Prescribed Instruction) where decisions are to be made separately for each proportion, rather than jointly for the set of proportions. In addition, the approach is extended to allow greater use of prior information than previously and the specification of this prior information is discussed.
Interaction of nonlinear interiors with linear infinite exteriors

Abstract The dynamic response of a nonlinear structure-soil system supported by homogeneous linear soil is formulated. The near field is modeled by finite elements, and its motion is represented by a differential equation in the time domain. The boundary conditions are furnished by the force-displacement relationship of the exterior. Therein the effects of the outgoing waves are captured by the frequency-dependent boundary stiffness matrices. In this research the aforementioned temporal and frequency descriptions are synthesized. An integro-differential equation that completely describes the dynamic behavior of the nonlinear interior is constructed. The singular and regular portions of the kernel are separated. The former yields equivalent stiffness-damping and mass matrices according to the analytical transformation into the time domain. A numerical scheme based on the fast Fourier transformation is implemented on the frequency-dependent regular part. A time marching finite difference solution scheme is then proposed to compute dynamic responses due to arbitrary loads in the interior. The numerical technique developed herein furnishes a computer scheme to carry out design and analysis of structures under arbitrary dynamic excitations, including the local nonlinear effects of the supporting soil.
Vibrational spectroscopy and structure of polymer electrolytes, poly(ethylene oxide) complexes of alkali metal salts

Abstract Complexes of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), with various alkali metal salts are known to exhibit ionic conductivities which exceed 10−5(Ωcm)−1 at moderate temperatures. We have employed IR and Raman spectroseopy to study well characterized samples of the following polymer-salt complexes: PEO·NaBr, PEO·NaI, PEO·NaSCN, PEO·NaBF4, PEO·NaCF3SO3, PEO·KSCN, PEO·RbSCN and PEO·CsSCN. Cation-dependent vibrational bands observed in the far IR and M-On symmetric stretching bands observed in the Raman support a cation-oxygen atom interaction, and indicate the polyether chain may wrap around the cations. In particular, NaX and KX complexes of PEO are believed to have a helical configuration for the polymer which differs from that of pure PEO. Some general rules are presented for polymer-salt complex formation.
Performance of C36 Lipid Force Field in Pure and Mixed Lipid Bilayer Systems at Different Temperatures

A lipid membrane modifies its composition in response to environmental changes. Acyl chain length, ratio of saturation/unsaturation, and head group type affect how the composition of the lipid bilayer changes. The aim of this work is to examine the performance of the C36 lipid force field in pure and mixed lipid bilayer systems at different temperatures. We have performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of thirty-four lipid systems with ten different fatty acids and five different head groups. Nine additional systems have been simulated at slightly higher temperatures. To examine the changes of mixed lipid bilayer properties, we have simulated twenty lipid systems with pure POPC, pure DOPC, pure DPPC, mixtures of DOPC and DPPC, and mixtures of DOPC, DPPC, and POPC. These systems were simulated at four different temperatures: 283K, 293K, 303K, and 313K. The ratios of lipids in mixed bilayer systems differ according to their temperatures. We performed three independent runs for each system at each temperature to improve the conformational sampling and the statistics of the results. We will present per-lipid surface areas (SAs) and deuterium order parameters (Scd) with different head groups, different acyl chain length, and different levels of chain unsaturation at a given temperature. We will also present the influence of temperature and extent of mixture on the SAs and Scd.
Food availability, more than body temperature, drives correlated shifts in ATP-generating and antioxidant enzyme capacities in a population of intertidal mussels (Mytilus californianus)

Abstract Intertidal organisms are exposed to a suite of fluctuating environmental variables, but the relative influences of these variables on physiology have rarely been disentangled. We examined spatial and temporal variation in the enzymatic capacities for ATP generation (malate dehydrogenase [MDH] and citrate synthase [CS]) and for detoxification of reactive oxygen species (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase [CAT]) at four microsites within a single population of the California ribbed mussel Mytilus californianus (Conrad 1837) over a 5-day period. At both a wave-exposed, cooler location and a protected, warmer location, mussels lower in the intertidal zone had higher rates of CS, MDH, and SOD activity than individuals situated higher on the shore. Activities of CS, CAT, and SOD also tended to be lower at the protected than at the exposed location. We simultaneously monitored two environmental variables that might influence mussels' biochemical status. Body temperature was recorded in mussel mimics, and food availability was derived from in situ measurements of chlorophyll a concentration and wave heights, to estimate feeding periods at each microsite. Recent food availability dominates over thermal history (the amount of recent heating) in determining the biochemical capacities of these mussels over the time windows we examined (up to the past 64 h in 8 h increments). Activities of CS, MDH, and CAT were positively correlated with recent food availability at nearly all time windows. In contrast, only infrequently was thermal history negatively correlated with activities of CS (past 8 h and 64 h), CAT (past 16–24 h), and SOD (past 48–64 h). Opportunistic field sampling in the subsequent summer also showed that enzymatic activities align better with recent food availability than with recent thermal history. A controlled laboratory study confirmed that elevation of body temperature has no impact on the enzymes measured. In both laboratory and field experiments, there were strong positive correlations between enzymes that perform a related function (e.g., r = 0.667 between MDH and CS) as well as between the potential for ATP generation and the capacity to combat oxidative stress (e.g., 0.593
The ionospheric dynamo and equatorial magnetic variations

Abstract World-wide magnetic variations observed at four universal times on a quiet day are simulated with coupled numerical models of the global ionospheric dynamo and of the equatorial electrojet. The global dynamo model uses a tilted dipole geomagnetic field with realistic conductivity distributions and height-varying tidal winds, and allows for current flow along field lines through the magnetosphere between northern and southern hemispheres. The simulations furnish information about upper atmospheric winds, electric fields and currents. Our results indicate that the winds driving the dynamo are functions not only of geographic latitude and local time, but also have a universal time dependence. In addition to the diurnal tidal wind component, the semidiurnal component appears to play a prominent role in generating currents and electric fields. The daily variation of the electric field and the consequent E × B electrodynamic drift at the magnetic equator show considerable longitudinal variability. Large vertical drifts around sunrise and sunset sometimes appear in the simulations, which are interpreted in terms of polarization charge accumulations in regions of sharp conductivity gradients. Geomagnetic-field-aligned current flow through the magnetosphere is significant, and is associated with part of the observed east-west ground magnetic variations at the magnetic equator. This field-aligned current is driven primarily by winds of the (2, 3) antisymmetric semidiurnal tidal mode.
Rethinking out-of-hospital intravenous access.

Liberal use of intravenous access in the out-of-hospital setting has been an unquestioned standard. This is particularly true of intravenous access for many types of medical noninjury cases. Studies have shown that out-of-hospital intravenous access is often precautionary and that only 17% to 39% of the total out-of-hospital lines placed for noninjury patients are used for delivery of medications or fluids. The decision to place an intravenous line in the field is often based on a protocol requiring intravenous access rather than an immediate intent to administer intravenous treatment. These intravenous lines are placed as a precaution in case of need to deliver intravenous medication or fluid. This protocol-driven use of precautionary intravenous access often fails to take into account other field priorities such as the urgency to load and transport a patient for more definitive treatment. It seems irrational to continue the practice of precautionary intravenous access when data show that up to 83% of the lines will not be used. The unquestioned practice of precautionary intravenous access has led to the convoluted concept that establishing outof-hospital intravenous access is an actual medical treatment when in fact it is intravenous medications or fluids that are the true intervention. The intravenous access procedure is not without potential complications, which can include local hematoma, infection, phlebitis, and venous sclerosis, as well as systemic sepsis. In addition, the placement of an intravenous line carries the risk of potential needlestick injury for out-of-hospital personnel. Admittedly, other than sepsis, peripheral intravenous complications are relatively minor. But intravenous access is an invasive procedure with a potential for harm, and it is prudent to avoid placing intravenous catheters without established benefit. Emergency medical services field personnel are taught that establishing precautionary, noninjury intravenous access is necessary because there may be a need to quickly administer medication or fluid. Further argument for precautionary field intravenous placement is that it is easier to establish venous access when the patient is stable, as in the case of a patient who h
BOLIVIA 2013: AL CALOR PREELECTORAL

El 2013 en Bolivia se caracterizo por una agenda politica en rumbo a las elecciones del proximo ano. Los principales logros estuvieron relacionados a una bonanza economica que continua, y que en gran parte se debe a un manejo responsable de la economia y a un contexto internacional favorable para sus principales bienes de exportacion, como lo son el gas y la agroindustria. Sin embargo, la sombra de la corrupcion continua ante un ineficiente sistema de justicia, lo que es preocupante en un Estado que sigue en expansion. La agenda internacional tambien fue bastante activa, y se destacaron las muestras de solidaridad de paises de la region ante el inusual evento relacionado al avion presidencial que fue forzado a aterrizar en Viena en violacion a normas internacionales. Pero al mismo tiempo, Bolivia demostro una vocacion de liderazgo internacional al convertirse en la futura sede del cincuenta aniversario delos paises en desarrollo del G77 + China en la ONU y uno de los pocos paises de la region en poner un satelite en orbita. Este ano tambien mostro a un solido y popular presidente Morales favorito para las proximas elecciones, contra una oposicion que permanece dividida.
Energy limiting at a saturable nonlinear interface

Abstract An energy limiter based on nonlinear reflection at an interface between a saturable absorber and a dielectric is demonstrated. Analysis of the experimental data show a very large negative Kerr effect for one of the dyes.
Differences in protein content of uterine fluid related to duration of progesterone treatment in ovariectomised mares used as embryo recipients

Summary Ovariectomised, progesterone-treated mares were used to test the effect of two different durations of progesterone treatment on pregnancy rate after embryo transfer, and to examine the effect of duration of progesterone treatment on the secretion of uterine proteins. Ovariectomised mares were assigned to one of two groups: ‘synchronous’ mares, given progesterone from two days after the date of ovulation of a potential donor mare; or ‘asynchronous’ mares administered progesterone from five to seven days before the predicted date of ovulation of a potential donor mare. The day of ovulation of a given donor mare was designated Day 0. Four procedures were performed using both synchronous and asynchronous mares: no transfer; sham transfer at Day 7; embryo transfer at Day 7 resulting in pregnancy on Day 14; and embryo transfer at Day 7 resulting in no pregnancy at Day 14. Uterine fluid was collected from the recipient mares either at Day 7, or seven days after embryo, or sham, transfer (Day 14). This schedule resulted in uterine fluid being recovered after the mares had been treated with progesterone for three different durations: five days (synchronous recipients flushed at Day 7); 12 to 15 days (synchronous recipients flushed at Day 14 or asynchronous recipients flushed at Day 7); and 19 to 21 days (asynchronous recipients flushed at Day 14). Total concentration of protein in uterine fluid tended (P= 0.08) to increase with the duration of progesterone treatment, and the main effect of procedure also tended (P = 0.06) to affect protein content. Acid phosphatase content of uterine flushings was significantly (p<0.05) affected by duration of progesterone treatment, being ten-fold higher after 19 to 21 days of treatment than after five days of treatment. Characterisation of proteins in uterine fluid by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis did not reveal striking qualitative differences in protein patterns, except for a protein apparent in uterine fluid from the two mares treated with progesterone for five days only (synchronous, no-transfer group). This protein was not observed at other stages.
Regulating ΔFosB expression in adult tet-off-ΔFosB transgenic mice alters bone formation and bone mass

Abstract The ΔFosB isoforms are naturally occurring AP-1 family members that increase bone volume via a cell-autonomous effect on osteoblastic bone formation. Mice overexpressing ΔFosB demonstrate a very high level of bone formation, resulting in a progressive osteosclerosis. Despite the linkage of bone formation and resorption in physiological systems, no alteration in bone resorption was detected in mice overexpressing ΔFosB. To determine whether altering ΔFosB expression can regulate bone formation independently of bone resorption in adult mice, we used the Tet-Off-inducible transgene system to induce or block transgenic ΔFosB overexpression and thereby regulate bone formation in vivo. Overexpression of ΔFosB after skeletal maturity increased trabecular bone volume by increasing bone formation, again without altering bone resorption, indicating that developmental ΔFosB overexpression is not required for the osteosclerotic phenotype. Similarly, switching off ΔFosB overexpression after osteosclerosis had developed led to a marked decrease in bone formation and loss of bone mass such that trabecular bone volume approached normal levels. Despite this dramatic reduction, no alteration in bone resorption was detected. These results clearly demonstrate that ΔFosB regulates bone formation and bone mass in adult mice with no effect on bone resorption.
Influence of silver nanoparticles added to lubricating oil on the tribological behavior of combined metal-oxide ceramic layers

We study the tribological behavior of combined metal-oxide ceramic layers synthesized from solid electrode wires in couples with steel riders in a commercial mineral oil with addition of glycerol and silver nanoparticles. It is shown that the friction characteristics of these coatings depend on their conductivity.
Effect of Group 6 Transition Metal Coordination on the Conductivity of Graphite Nanoplatelets

Abstract Graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) were reacted with transition metal (M) carbonyls followed by annealing and compaction to remove the CO ligands and form bis-hexahapto bonds between the GNP surfaces. The M-GNP films (M = Cr, W, Mo) were characterized with Raman spectroscopy and conductivity measurements. It was observed that interconnection of the graphitic faces of GNPs by bis-hexahapto metal coordination resulted in a decrease of electrical conductivity. The complexes offer promise as catalysts and in the fabrication of new 3-D electronic materials.
Analysis of cholesterol ester accumulation in macrophages by the use of digital imaging fluorescence microscopy

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) induced accumulation of cholesterol esters was analyzed by the digital imaging fluorescence microscopy (DIFM) in murine tumor macrophages. To analyze cholesterol ester accumulation, P388D1 macrophages were incubated with increasing quantities of unmodified or acetylated human LDL, washed, and live stained with a lipophylic fluorescent dye Nile Red. The increase in fluorescence intensity was quantitatively determined by the interactive laser cytometer (ACAS 470) and compared with the accumulation of cellular cholesterol esters determined by the gas liquid chromatography. Correlation between the two methods was highly significant (r greater than 0.9, P less than 0.001). A good agreement between the two methods was also found in terms of sensitivity and reproducibility. With the use of 589 nm narrowband interference filter in the light path of emitted light the intensity of fluorescence correlated well with cellular cholesterol ester content even in the presence of relatively high concentrations of triglycerides. Therefore, digital imaging fluorescence microscopy appears to be a reliable method for quantification of cholesterol ester accumulation at the single cell level offering new possibilities of studying interactions between cells and cholesterol ester rich lipoproteins.
The relationship between “BET” and “free volume”-derived parameters for water vapor absorption into amorphous solids

Water vapor absorption isotherms for amorphous solids with the same chemical composition but differing in molecular weight (i.e., PVP-90, PVP-30, and PVP-12), and for glucose, trehalose, and two molecular weight grades of dextran were obtained at 30 degrees C and analyzed using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) equation to obtain the parameters, W(m) and C(B). Similar analyses were carried out for the same molecule (e.g., glucose or fructose) at -10 and 40 degrees C. Within each chemical group, W(m), the apparent BET-like parameter that is generally referred to as the "monolayer-limit of absorption", changed very little. In contrast, C(B), a measure of the free energy of absorption, significantly increased with increasing molecular weight or decreasing temperature, leading to a shift from a Type III to a Type II isotherm. The shift in isotherm shape correlates directly with the glass transition temperature, T(g), of the dry sample relative to the operating temperature, T (i.e., Type III when T > T(g) and Type II when T < T(g). These results are shown to be consistent with the combined Flory-Huggins solution model and Vrentas structural relaxation model; wherein Type II isotherm behavior, observed for T < T(g), reflects nonideal volumetric contributions to the overall free energy of absorption due to plasticization by water, as described by Vrentas, whereas Type III behavior only reflects the Flory-Huggins solution model. These volumetric free energy changes within each chemical group are shown to be correlated to the values of the "BET" parameter C(B).
Visible light mutagenesis in Escherichia coli

Visible light (450 nm) caused base-pair substitution and frameshift mutations in Escherichia coli. Using the defined trpA reversion system, we showed that visible light induced transversions at both A:T and G:C sites although some base-pair substitutions were refractory to light-induced mutagenesis, possibly because of their location. The presence of R plasmid pKM101 caused a greater than additive increase in light-induced base-pair substitutions for some trpA alleles. Visible light mutagenesis was reduced but not abolished in a recA56 background, suggesting that more than one mutational mechanism may be operative.
Influence of Age and Genders on the Relationship between Computer Self-Efficacy and Information Privacy Concerns

The Internet and the growth of Information Technology IT and their enhanced capabilities to collect personal information have given rise to many privacy issues. This study investigated the differences among different age groups and between genders regarding information privacy concerns and their relationships with computer self-efficacy. The study used a paper-based survey instrument and collected data by using the mall-intercept approach in which individuals were asked to fill out the survey. The target population of this study was the 400 residents of the state of New Jersey, U.S.A. in three age groups: 18-25, 26-50, and 50+. The results show that only male and age group of 26-50 have positive and significant relationship between computer self-efficacy and information privacy concerns. The findings of this study can help corporations to improve e-commerce by targeting privacy policy-making efforts to address the explicit areas of consumer privacy concern.
On the Other Hand Am I Rational? Hemispheric Activation and the Framing Effect.

In recent decades the investigation of framing effects has become the foremost studied phenomenon of rational/irrational decision making. Two experiments were conducted to determine whether the functional specializations of the left and the right hemispheres would produce different responses to a traditional framing task. In Experiment 1, a behavioral task of finger tapping was used to induce asymmetrical activation of the respective hemispheres. In Experiment 2, a monaural listening procedure was used. In both experiments, the predicted results were found. Framing effects were found when the right hemisphere was selectively activated whereas they were not observed when the left hemisphere was selectively activated. The results are interpreted in light of a dual-processing approach of decision-making.
Characterization of cotton dusts separated by sonic sifting.

Fine dusts in Pneumafil V-filter trash samples were separated into 20-38-μm and < 20- μm fractions. The trash samples were generated from individual bales of cotton carded in the Model Card Room at North Carolina State University. A total of 62 samples has been separated to date, and the results are summarized in this paper. The quantity of fine dust is shown to vary with carding conditions as well as with treatment of the cotton. Addition of oil is shown to decrease the amount of fine dusts separated. The dust yields increased with the increase of the amount of cotton in a cotton/polyester blend study. Washing cotton resulted in no major change in the amount of dust that could be separated. However, the use of an electrostatic eliminator bar near the Pneumafil intake caused a significant increase in the amount of dust trapped on the Pneumafil V-filter trash. The mean amount of dust separated from the 62 Pneumafil samples was 6.53 g/bale for the < 20-μm fraction and 18.81 g/bale for the 20-38-μm fraction.
Team Characteristics and Team Member Knowledge, Skills, and Ability Relationships to the Effectiveness of Cross‐Functional Teams in the Public Sector

Abstract This study examines members of cross‐functional teams in the public sector for the necessary knowledge, skills, and ability (KSA) to be effective team members. It was determined that members of cross‐functional teams in the public sector possess the necessary KSA to perform effectively. The following characteristics are statistically significant factors: (1) years of professional work experience; (2) frequency of team participation; (3) the type of team training, i.e., collaboration and performance management; and (4) situational entry to team assignments (volunteered, assigned, requested), specifically volunteer and requested. The findings are significant in that managers within the government have some guidelines on team formation. They now know who should be team members, team members should be volunteers, and management should ensure that the team members have specific training in the areas of team collaboration and performance management. The findings are significant for employees as well. T...
The Status of the Counseling Relationship An Empirical Review, Theoretical Implications, and Research Directions

The quality of the counseling relationship has consistently been found to have the most significant impact on successful client outcome. Yet the definition and critical components of a quality counseling relationship remain in question. This article is a systematic review of studies of the counseling relationship intended to identify the present empirical understanding of this essential element of counseling. Using the multidimensional model proposed by Gelso & Carter, empirical support for the "real, " "unreal, " and "working alliance" elements of the relationship are summarized. Studies investigating the interactional nature of the counseling relationship are also reported. In addition, implications of a potential "paradigm" shift in thinking of the counseling relationship are discussed in regard to the development of theoretical models and future research agendas. In particular, the authors outline how the adoption of a social constructivist perspective would change the focus of the theoretical models ...
The sociobiology of biofilms

Biofilms are densely packed communities of microbial cells that grow on surfaces and surround themselves with secreted polymers. Many bacterial species form biofilms, and their study has revealed them to be complex and diverse. The structural and physiological complexity of biofilms has led to the idea that they are coordinated and cooperative groups, analogous to multicellular organisms. We evaluate this idea by addressing the findings of microbiologists from the perspective of sociobiology, including theories of collective behavior (self-organization) and social evolution. This yields two main conclusions. First, the appearance of organization in biofilms can emerge without active coordination. That is, biofilm properties such as phenotypic differentiation, species stratification and channel formation do not necessarily require that cells communicate with one another using specialized signaling molecules. Second, while local cooperation among bacteria may often occur, the evolution of cooperation among all cells is unlikely for most biofilms. Strong conflict can arise among multiple species and strains in a biofilm, and spontaneous mutation can generate conflict even within biofilms initiated by genetically identical cells. Biofilms will typically result from a balance between competition and cooperation, and we argue that understanding this balance is central to building a complete and predictive model of biofilm formation.
The effects of targeting improvements in urine glucose on metabolic control in children with insulin dependent diabetes.

Abstract A treatment program designed to increase the percentage of negative urine tests was implemented using a multiple-baseline across groups design in a sample of 19 families of children with insulin dependent diabetes. The treatment involved instruction in insulin adjustment, decrease in intake of simple sugars and saturated fats, and increase in exercise, along with teaching the parents to support improvements in children's self-regulatory behaviors using a point economy and praise. New procedures designed to measure and reinforce adherence to the urine testing regimen were developed. Results showed significant increases in percentage of negative urines consistent with implementation of treatment across the three treatment groups, which were maintained over the follow-up period. Metabolic measures of control, including glycosylated hemoglobin and serum glucose did not show improvements even though the relationship between the percentage of negative urine tests and glycosylated hemoglobin was very high during treatment.
Structural Analysis of Major Species Barriers between Humans and Palm Civets for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infections

It is believed that a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), was passed from palm civets to humans and caused the epidemic of SARS in 2002 to 2003. The major species barriers between humans and civets for SARS-CoV infections are the specific interactions between a defined receptor-binding domain (RBD) on a viral spike protein and its host receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). In this study a chimeric ACE2 bearing the critical N-terminal helix from civet and the remaining peptidase domain from human was constructed, and it was shown that this construct has the same receptor activity as civet ACE2. In addition, crystal structures of the chimeric ACE2 complexed with RBDs from various human and civet SARS-CoV strains were determined. These structures, combined with a previously determined structure of human ACE2 complexed with the RBD from a human SARS-CoV strain, have revealed a structural basis for understanding the major species barriers between humans and civets for SARS-CoV infections. They show that the major species barriers are determined by interactions between four ACE2 residues (residues 31, 35, 38, and 353) and two RBD residues (residues 479 and 487), that early civet SARS-CoV isolates were prevented from infecting human cells due to imbalanced salt bridges at the hydrophobic virus/receptor interface, and that SARS-CoV has evolved to gain sustained infectivity for human cells by eliminating unfavorable free charges at the interface through stepwise mutations at positions 479 and 487. These results enhance our understanding of host adaptations and cross-species infections of SARS-CoV and other emerging animal viruses.
Modeling heterogeneous network traffic in wavelet domain

Heterogeneous network traffic possesses diverse statistical properties which include complex temporal correlation and non-Gaussian distributions. A challenge to modeling heterogeneous traffic is to develop a traffic model which can accurately characterize these statistical properties, which is computationally efficient, and which is feasible for analysis. This work develops wavelet traffic models for tackling these issues. In specific, we model the wavelet coefficients rather than the original traffic. Our approach is motivated by a discovery that although heterogeneous network traffic has the complicated short- and long-range temporal dependence, the corresponding wavelet coefficients are all "short-range" dependent. Therefore, a simple wavelet model may be able to accurately characterize complex network traffic. We first investigate what short-range dependence is important among wavelet coefficients. We then develop the simplest wavelet model, i.e., the independent wavelet model for Gaussian traffic. We define and evaluate the (average) autocorrelation function and the buffer loss probability of the independent wavelet model for Fractional Gaussian Noise (FGN) traffic. This assesses the performance of the independent wavelet model, and the use of which for analysis. We also develop (low-order) Markov wavelet models to capture additional dependence among wavelet coefficients. We show that an independent wavelet model is sufficiently accurate, and a Markov wavelet model only improves the performance marginally. We further extend the wavelet models to non-Gaussian traffic through developing a novel time-scale shaping algorithm. The algorithm is tested using real network traffic and shown to outperform FARIMA in both efficiency and accuracy. Specifically, the wavelet models are parsimonious, and have the computation complexity O(N) in developing a model from a training sequence of length N, and O (M) in generating a synthetic traffic trace of length M.
MyTwigStack: A Holistic Twig Join Algorithm with Effective Path Merging Support

While an XML database consists of a collection of data trees, an XML Query is essentially a tree pattern associated with selection predicates. Various structural join algorithms have been designed to obtain the matches of a tree pattern within an XML database, and more recently, holistic twig joins were proposed as better alternatives to structural joins. The proposed twig join algorithms typically rely on a two-phase processing scheme: the first phase discovers the root-to-leaf paths (solutions) and the second phase join-merges the identified paths for producing the desired matches of a twig pattern. In this paper, we address the deficiencies (especially, the path merging deficiency) as found in TwigStack - the representative of twig join algorithms; we then present an alternative algorithm, called MyTwigStack, that improves TwigStack through an effective path merging scheme.
Relationships Between Suicidal Behavior and Personality Types

This study examined the hypotheses that introversion in general and the introverted-intuitive-feeling-perceiving (INFP) type as measured by the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator are related to suicidal ideation and behaviors. Analyses of data from 330 university students found four interactive suicidal behavior risk models: introverted-perceiving (IP) (females); introverted-sensing-feeling (ISF) (males); introverted-intuitive-perceiving (INP) (males); extraverted-intuitive-judging (ENJ) (males). Study findings were interpreted in terms of implications for risk assessment and intervention.
Automated synthesis of 2'-deoxy-2'-[18F]fluoro-5-methyl-1-β-D-arabinofuranosyluracil ([18F]-FMAU) using a one reactor radiosynthesis module.

Abstract 2′-Deoxy-2′-[ 18 F]fluoro-5-methyl-1-β-d-arabinofuranosyluracil ([ 18 F]-FMAU) is an established PET probe used to monitor cellular proliferation. For clinical applications, a fully automated cGMP-compliant radiosynthesis would be preferred. However, the current synthesis of [ 18 F]-FMAU requires a multistep procedure, making the development of an automated protocol difficult and complicated. Recently, we have developed a significantly simplified one-pot reaction condition for the synthesis of [ 18 F]-FMAU in the presence of Friedel-Crafts catalysts. Here, we report a fully automated synthesis of [ 18 F]-FMAU based on a one reactor radiosynthesis module using our newly developed synthetic method. The product was purified on a semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography integrated with the synthesis module using 6% EtOH in 10 mM phosphate buffer or 8% MeCN/water. [ 18 F]-FMAU was obtained in 12±3% radiochemical yield (decay corrected overall yield based on [ 18 F]-F − , n =4) with 383±33 mCi/μmol specific activity at the time of injection. The α/β anomer ratio was 4:6. The overall reaction time was about 150 min from the end of bombardment and the radiochemical purity was >99%. This automated synthesis should also be suitable for the production of other 5-substituted thymidine analogues.
Lower bounds on estimator performance for energy-invariant parameters of multidimensional Poisson processes

Using rate distortion theory, lower bounds are developed for the mean-square error of estimates of a random parameter of an M-dimensional inhomogeneous Poisson process with respect to which the energy, i.e. the average number of points, is invariant. The bounds are derived without stringent assumptions on either the form of the intensity or the prior distribution of the parameter, and they can handle random nuisance parameters. The derivation makes use of a side-information averaging principle applied to the distortion-rate function and a maximum-entropy property of energy-constrained Poisson processes. Under the additional assumption of conditional entropy invariance of the point process with respect to the parameter of interest, an explicit bound is given which depends on the information discrimination between the inhomogeneous conditionally Poisson process and a nearly homogeneous Poisson process. The application of the explicit bound is illustrated through a treatment of the problems of time-shift estimation and relative time-shift estimation for Poisson streams. >
On the control of left-turning traffic

The objective of this analysis is to determine a method for controlling left-turning traffic while minimizing the total delay in the intersection. A left-turn may be performed using a left-turn phase or an uncontrolled turn. When a controlled left-turn phase is used, a special turning phase is given to the turning stream, resulting in some delay to the turning vehicles and an increased delay to the other traffic streams in the intersection. The delay in this case can be found using the results given by Webster [1]. On the other hand, if an uncontrolled left-turn is performed, the opposing on-going stream is given the right-of-way while the turning vehicles may turn only if an acceptable gap in the opposing stream occurs. Consequently, the turning vehicles form a queue while waiting for an opportunity to turn. Note that in this case the turning vehicles do not add to the delay of other traffic streams and they cause only the delay incurred by themselves. Thus, in order to compare the delay caused by left-turning vehicles under the two methods, it is necessary to find the delay caused to the left-turning stream under an uncontrolled turn.
Glandular patterns in a thyroid carcinoma with insular and anaplastic features: a case with possible implications for the classification of thyroid carcinomas.

We describe the case of a 33-year-old woman with a thyroid carcinoma showing poorly differentiated (insular), anaplastic, and glandular features, the latter with extensive clear cell changes. Grossly, the well-circumscribed tumor nodule measured 3.6 cm in maximum dimension and was confined to the thyroid. Microscopically, the majority of the tumor was composed of well-defined "insular" nests showing microfollicular formation, high mitotic activity, and areas of necrosis. Other regions, as well as the intervening stroma of the insular nests, were characterized by highly atypical and pleomorphic stromal cells, extensive necrosis, and malignant cartilaginous nodules. Approximately 30% of the tumor was composed of diffuse glandular formations, each of which were lined by elongated, simple columnar cells with basally situated, mildly pleomorphic nuclei, clear supranuclear, periodic acid-Schiff + (and diastase sensitive) cytoplasm, empty lumens, and no myoepithelia or basement membranes. Immunohistochemically, the glandular elements displayed diffuse and strong positivity for thyroid transcription factor-1, bcl-2, and CAM 5.2, sparse positivity for thyroglobulin and Ki67, and diffuse but weak positivity for p53. Calcitonin was negative throughout the tumor. Karyotypic analysis of a primary culture showed a complex hypertriploid karyotype including structural abnormalities of chromosomes X, 1, 4, 6, 9, 13, and 14 in the majority of cells examined. This composite of histologic findings, especially the glandular patterns, is unusual and their prognostic significance is unclear. The patient is alive with no evidence of tumor recurrence or metastasis at 5 months follow-up. Overall, the morphologic and immunohistochemical properties of the glandular component suggests that they are less differentiated than well-differentiated carcinomas and are probably more differentiated than the insular component. This case supports the theory that the various primary carcinomas of the thyroid may represent points along a spectrum rather than distinct entities.
DC SQUIDs 1980: The state of the art

The four primary areas of concern in the development of high performance dc SQUIDs are white noise, 1/f noise, readout schemes, and coupling. For an optimized dc SQUID the intrinsic energy sensitivity in the white noise region is given by e w =γ 1 hk B T(eI 0 R)-1+γ 2 h, where I o is the critical current per junction and R is the shunt resistance per junction. γ 1 , which multiplies the thermal noise contribution, and γ 2 , which multiplies the shot noise/zero point fluctuation contribution, are numerical factors of order unity. Values of e w approaching h have recently been measured for several members of a new generation of low noise dc SQUIDs. The intrinsic energy sensitivity in the 1/f noise region, e f , is predicted to scale as (I 0 R)2for tunnel junctions. This may impose significant low frequency limitations on SQUIDs with very low values of e w . Readout schemes for high sensitivity dc SQUIDs will require further development. At the moment primarily small signal amplifier readout schemes are being used to evaluate the new generation of low noise SQUIDs. Planar thin-film coupling schemes are about to have a big impact on dc SQUID design. Such schemes can achieve tight coupling between SQUID and input coil. and can be implemented using the same fabrication techniques that produce SQUIDs with low values of e w .