cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multipoint K-space point mapping (KPM) technique for NMR microscopy.

An extended version of point mapping in k-space for microscopic imaging applications is analyzed and described. Because the method can offer a number of advantages over the other conventional techniques due to the short echo time (TE), the technique is ideally suited for microscopic imaging where field in homogeneity dependent signal degradation is one of the main causes of image resolution degradation (1–3). Another application area is the case of imaging in a highly inhomogeneous situation such as the fringe field imaging (Z.H. Cho, E. Wong, US. Patent) #5023554 (1990). The first original point mapping technique described by Nauert et al. (1) and Emid and Creyghton (2) is analyzed as a k-space point mapping technique, and the original technique is extended to a multipoint k-space point mapping (MKPM) technique. With the extended MKPM technique, much faster microscopic imaging that is free of susceptibility and diffusion effects can be performed (4–6). To examine this idea, computer simulations are performed and their results are given.
High-quality lighting and efficient pre-integration for volume rendering

Pre-integrated volume rendering is an effective technique for generating high-quality visualizations. The precomputed lookup tables used by this method are slow to compute and can not include truly pre-integrated lighting due to space constraints. The lighting for pre-integrated rendering is therefore subject to the same sampling artifacts as in standard volume rendering. We propose methods to speed up lookup table generation and minimize lighting artifacts. The incremental subrange integration method we describe allows interactive lookup table generation in O(n2) time without the need for approximation or hardware assistance. The interpolated preintegrated lighting algorithm eliminates discontinuities by linearly interpolating illumination along the view direction. Both methods are applicable to any pre-integrated rendering method, including cell projection, ray casting, and hardware-accelerated algorithms.
Transforming challenges into reflections: Enabling metacognitive development

A capacity for self-directed learning (SDL) and lifelong learning is widely recognized as an important outcome for today's engineering graduates. Key to SDL is the development of self-reflection abilities, which enable students to critically evaluate learning tasks and contexts, to adjust and adapt their self-regulatory processes to new environments, and to maintain motivation and persistence in the face of difficulties. The purpose of this study is to explore how undergraduate engineering students engage with self-directed learning during their first two years of college. Grounded theory is used to analyze responses of 10 students to 12 surveys administered across two institutions over two years. Data reveal that student reflection on self-directed learning experiences is prompted by different factors. Moreover, we find that one of the more important factors in eliciting various levels of reflective practice is a set of challenges students face in learning environments. Specifically, the three types of challenges emerging from the data are those associated with (1) lack of cognitive freedom in course content, (2) perceived poor performance on traditional assessment, and (3) specific learning environments. Further analysis reveals that students reflect at different cognitive and metacognitive levels in different learning contexts. We argue that with proper pedagogical support, reflective practice can be encouraged in all educational contexts facilitating students' cognitive development.
Seasonal changes of lipids and fatty acids in oyster tissues (Crassostrea virginica) and estuarine particulate matter

Abstract 1. 1. Lipid concentration in adductor muscle ranged from 2–68, in visceral mass from 5–28, in mantle and gill from 5–20 and in heart from 27.8–79 mg/g wet tissue. Particulate matter lipids varied from 1.0–2.6 mg/1 of estuarine water. 2. 2. Neutral and polar lipids ranged from 25–38% of the total lipids in the oyster tissue and from 62–75% of the estuarine particulate organic matter. 3. 3. Seasonal maxima of lipid concentrations varied among oyster tissues. Peak particulate lipids occurred in November. 4. 4. It is proposed that seasonal variation in oyster lipids was more related to reproductive cycles than to food lipid supply.
New Ge-Sn materials with adjustable bandgaps and lattice constants

The synthesis and optical properties of a new class of Si-based infrared semiconductors in the Ge1-x Snx system are described. Chemical methods based on deuterium-stabilized Sn hydrides and UHV-CVD were used to prepare a wide range of metastable compositions and structures directly on silicon. These materials exhibit high thermal stability, superior crystallinity, and unique crystallographic and optical properties, such as adjustable band gaps and lattice constants. These properties are characterized by Rutherford backscattering, low-energy secondary ion mass spectrometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction as well as infrared and Raman spectroscopies and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The films grow essentially strain free and display a strong compositional dependence of the band structure.
Visible light-promoted selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides catalyzed by ruthenium porphyrins with iodobenzene diacetate

Abstract Under visible light irradiation, the carbonyl ruthenium(II) porphyrin complexes efficiently catalyze the selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides with iodobenzene diacetate [PhI(OAc) 2 ] as the oxygen source. Various thioanisoles and allylic sulfides were oxidized to the corresponding sulfoxides without overoxidation to sulfones. The high selectivity of this unprecedented oxygen-transfer process is mechanistically rationalized by a low-reactivity ruthenium(IV)-oxo species which can be detected in the reaction of carbonyl ruthenium(II) porphyrin with iodobenzene diacetate. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a mild and high-yield method for the highly selective sulfoxidations by ruthenium porphyrins and PhI(OAc) 2 .
Caspase-dependent Cleavage Disrupts the ERK Cascade Scaffolding Function of KSR1 *♦

Kinase suppressor of Ras 1 (KSR1) is a protein scaffold that facilitates ERK cascade activation at the plasma membrane, a critical step in the signal transduction process that allows cells to respond to survival, proliferative, and differentiative cues. Here, we report that KSR1 undergoes caspase-dependent cleavage in apoptotic cells and that cleavage destroys the scaffolding function of the full-length KSR1 protein and generates a stable C-terminal fragment that can inhibit ERK activation. KSR1 is cleaved in response to multiple apoptotic stimuli and occurs in vivo during the involution of mouse mammary tissues, a morphogenic process requiring cellular apoptosis. In addition, we find that in comparison with KSR1(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts expressing wild type KSR1 (WT-KSR1), cells expressing a cleavage-resistant KSR1 protein (DEVA-KSR1) exhibit reduced apoptotic signaling in response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha/cycloheximide treatment. The effect of DEVA-KSR1 expression was found to correlate with increased levels of active phosphoERK and could be significantly reversed by treating cells with the MEK inhibitor U0126. In contrast, reduced phosphoERK levels and enhanced apoptotic signaling were observed in cells constitutively expressing the C-terminal KSR1 fragment (CTF-KSR1). Moreover, we find that cleavage of WT-KSR1 correlates with a dramatic reduction in active phosphoERK levels. These findings identify KSR1 as a caspase target and suggest that cleavage of the KSR1 scaffold represents another mechanism whereby caspases down-regulate ERK survival signaling to promote cellular apoptosis.
Dosages of Gamma Irradiation for Full and Inherited Sterility in Adult Pink Boll worms

Newly emerged adult Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), when exposed to 25 or more krad of gamma irradiation and allowed to mate with untreated insects of the opposite sex, produced no fertile adult progeny. First and 2nd-filial-generation adults from adults treated with 5-18 krad exhibited varying degrees of sterility. This feature was not so pronounced in the 3rd, filial-generation adults. Irradiation of mated females at 10 to 30 krad gave results similar to those of mating of males and females irradiated at these dosages prior to their mating.
Time and Manner of Determination of the Malposition Head-in-small-end-of-egg

Abstract THE data presented by Byerly and Olsen (1931) indicated that from 2 to 3.5 percent of all fertile eggs incubated contain at hatching time dead chicks with their heads in the small instead of the large end of the shell. In order to save the poultry industry the very large sums lost through this means, it is necessary to know the causes for this malposition and the portion of the incubation period during which those causes act. Byerly and Olsen (loc cit.) demonstrated that gravity is a very important factor in determining the hatching position of the chick embryo. The present experiments were designed to give information about the time of determination of the malposition head-in-small-end-of-egg and the mechanism of its determination. Data have been gathered coincidentally on the lethality of this malposition. MATERIAL AND METHOD Several lots of eggs were incubated for various periods in some one of the . . .
Reference memory effects of distributed practice on radial maze learning by rats

Rats received 11 trials on five different problems that required them to learn which four arms on an eight-arm radial maze were baited. Half the rats had an intertrial interval of 45 sec (massed practice), and the other half had an intertrial interval of 10 min (distributed practice). Test trials allowed an examination of performance unconfounded by the length of the intertrial interval. Performance improved within a problem, but learning to learn was not very substantial. Distributed practice resulted in significantly fewer reference memory errors (extraproblem intrusions) than did massed practice, but the conditions of practice had no effect on working memory errors (repetitions of correct responses).
Neutrophil adhesion on surfaces preadsorbed with high molecular weight kininogen under well-defined flow conditions

Abstract The adhesion of neutrophils and other leukocytes to biomaterial surfaces is an important phenomenon in the host response to biomaterials because the number of adherent leukocytes is often related to the inflammatory response after implantation. After adhering to biomaterial surfaces, other leukocyte reactions, such as phagocytosis, respiratory burst, and protease release, may occur and result in the deterioration of the implanted biomaterial and injury to peripheral tissue. This study of neutrophil adhesion quantitatively characterizes neutrophil adhesion under well-defined laminar flow conditions using a radial flow chamber. In this rheologically well-defined system, the fluid shear rate on the surface varies continuously with radial position. This allows the study of shear-dependent behavior of neutrophil adhesion. Exploiting the variable shear rate in the radial flow chamber, the kinetics of neutrophil adhesion was obtained using automated video microscopy and image analysis to recursively acquire cell counts from multiple fields in different radial positions, and to quantify the surface density of neutrophil as a function of time. Neutrophil adhesion was studied on glass preadsorbed with fibrinogen and high-molecular-weight kininogen (HK). At a shear rate of 20 s −1 , the number of adherent cells on the preadsorbed fibrinogen surface was similar to that on bare glass, and the number of adherent cells on the HK surface was less than 10% of that on the bare glass. We conclude that surfaces preadsorbed with HK are anti-adhesive to neutrophils.
A methodology for synthesis of data path circuits

This methodology extracts the regularity of data path blocks from their HDL descriptions and preserves it throughout the synthesis process. By automating various design steps, the methodology significantly improves design productivity and achieves designs comparable in terms of delay and size to manually designed circuits.
Stereoscopic eye exercises and visual acuity.

Summary.-The present study was done ro ~nvestigate the effects of stereoscopic eye exercises on visual acuity, testing 20 college students (9 men and 11 women, ages 18 to 35 yr.). Visual acuity was assessed before and after the exercises through six tests: far vision-both eyes, right eye, left eye; and near vision-both eyes, right eye, left eye. Statistically significant improvements were found on five of the six pretestposrtest comparisons: far vision-both eyes, right eye, and left eye; and near visionboth eyes, right eye, and left eye. Changes in far vision, right eye only approached significance. Limitations of the present study were discussed, and recommendations for research were presented. This study was prompted by experiences with a son who was said to need glasses by school staff, but after having practiced eye exercises with a stereoscope, when examined by an ophthalmologist, was 201/16' for near and far on tests for both eyes, right eye, and left eye. Examination of published sources gave information from uncontrolled observations; few experiments appear to have been undertaken. The sources included work by Spoerel (1982) who described a visit to China in 1974 where children were taught eye exercises in the classroom for the purpose of prevention of weaknesses in coordination and improvement of vision and adaptation. Spoerel states "I don't know whether it is statistically possible, or has been tried, to demonstrate that school children who do these exercises regularly, have better eyesight-or that there are fewer cases of strabismus or myopia (nearsightedness) amongst them" (Spoerel, 1982, p. 71). Rosanes-Berrett (1974) with the help of Frederick Perls, combined Gestalt psychotherapy with sight-training techniques. She reported seven cases in which clients' vision improved using Dr. Horatio Bates's techniques of vision therapy which required a machine that resembled a stereoscope. Also, Peppard (1 940) advocated treatment for strain, presbyopia, and farsightedness, through eye exercises. Seiderman and Schneider (1988) described improving sports performance through visual training (drills and exercises). Karatz (1975) gave documentation critical of the Bates method of eye exercises as a means of improving acuity. Matlin (1988) also questioned Bates's views that improvement occurs through changes in eye muscles. The present authors on the basis of a case study approach based on one subject, decided to test the effects of stereoscopic exercises in a more sys
Multiculturalism: The Manifest Destiny of the U.S.A.: An Interview With Ronald Takaki

As part of Western Illinois University's Expanding Cultural Diversity Project, Dr. J. Q. Adams, Professor of Educational and Interdisciplinary Studies, interviewed Dr. Ronald Takaki, Professor Emer...
Chlorophyll Catalysis of Fat Peroxidationa

SUMMARY Peroxide apparently occurring in freshly prepared sausage was traced to the catalytic effect of chlorophyll in the sage after fat extraction. The extracts were exposed to ordinary laboratory illumination a day before analysis. No peroxide appeared in extracts of the pork fat alone, nor in extracts of the sage alone. But mixtures of fat extract with sage extract developed peroxide. Extracts of green leafy material from other species and purified chlorophyll likewise developed peroxide with fat extracts. This effect is ascribed to the porphyrin structure. Extracts containing fat and chlorophyll should be kept in the dark until peroxide estimation.
Plasmon-Enhanced Upconversion

Upconversion, the conversion of photons from lower to higher energies, is a process that promises applications ranging from high-efficiency photovoltaic and photocatalytic cells to background-free bioimaging and therapeutic probes. Existing upconverting materials, however, remain too inefficient for viable implementation. In this Perspective, we describe the significant improvements in upconversion efficiency that can be achieved using plasmon resonances. As collective oscillations of free electrons, plasmon resonances can be used to enhance both the incident electromagnetic field intensity and the radiative emission rates. To date, this approach has shown upconversion enhancements up to 450×. We discuss both theoretical underpinnings and experimental demonstrations of plasmon-enhanced upconversion, examining the roles of upconverter quantum yield, plasmonic geometry, and plasmon spectral overlap. We also discuss nonoptical consequences of including metal nanostructures near upconverting emitters. The rap...
Characterization and cross-reactivity of rabbit antisera to plaque toxins.

The effects of heat labile, high molecular weight water-soluble toxins from bacterial plaque on HL60 promyelocytic cells were examined. On gel filtration, four inhibitors of HL60 cell growth and two inhibitors of HeLa cell growth (PT1, PT2) were detected. The first and third HL60 cell inhibitors corresponded to the two HeLa cell inhibitors. The last eluted HL60 cell inhibitor (plaque leuko-toxin, PL) did not inhibit HeLa cell growth. Anti-PT2 antibodies reduced the activity of enriched PT2 by 20–50%, but all other antisera tested exhibited no effect. Anti-PL antibodies detected antigens from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, although anti-A. actinomycetemcomitans and anti-Capnocytophaga sputigena antibodies did not react with plaque extract. These findings suggest that the plaque toxins examined in this study were probably not derived from these two bacteria.
Ocular blood flow and vision in healthy and glaucomatous eyes

The differential light sensitivity (DLS) in healthy, but not glaucomatous eyes, is stable and unaffected by substantial loss of the ocular perfusion pressure resulting either from increased intraocular pressure (IOP) or from moderate to severe stenosis of the internal carotid arteries. Results of pulsatile ocular blood flow measurements provide evidence that this stability of vision in healthy eyes is dependent on autoregulation of blood flow to the retinal ganglion cell axons. The onset and progression of glaucoma is shown to be associated with instability of the DLS at discrete retinal points, which develops prior to visual loss, and with an abnormal sensitivity of the DLS to increased IOP. The abnormal fluctuation of the DLS in glaucomatous eyes and the loss of DLS induced by increased IOP and decreased ocular blood flow provides evidence of a microvascular impairment to discrete areas of the optic nerve.
Decision rules for roentgenography of children with acute ankle injuries.

Objective: The Ottawa Ankle Rules (OAR) assist emergency physicians in the appropriate use of roentgenography in adults with acute ankle injuries. The OAR state that ankle roentgenograms are needed only if there is pain near the malleoli and one or more of the following exists: (1) age 55 years or older; (2) inability to bear weight; or (3) bone tenderness at the posterior edge or tip of either malleolus. This study assessed the utility of the OAR on pediatric patients with acute ankle injuries. Design: Prospective, consecutive survey of pediatric patients with acute ankle injuries. Setting: Pediatric emergency department of an urban university hospital. Participants: Seventy-one children with acute ankle injuries were enrolled from July 22, 1993, to December 1, 1993. Interventions: Twenty-four standardized clinical variables were assessed and recorded by physicians in the pediatric emergency department. The OAR were applied to each patient by the investigator to determine which ones would qualify for roentgenography. Main Outcome Measures: Sensitivity and specificity of the OAR were calculated, as was percent reduction in roentgenograms ordered. Results: Seventy-one of 73 eligible patients were enrolled. The two missed patients had open fractures of the tibia. Sixty-eight of 71 patients had ankle roentgenography during the visit. Fourteen patients (21%) (mean age, 11.8±4.0 years) had fractures noted on the roentgenograms. Fifty-four patients (79%) (mean age, 12.0±3.6 years) had no fracture. Application of the OAR would have reduced the number of roentgenograms ordered by 25% without missing any fractures. Sensitivity of OAR was 100% (95% confidence interval, 77% to 100%), specificity was 32% (95% confidence interval, 21% to 43%), negative predictive value was 100% (95% confidence interval, 80% to 100%), and positive predictive value was 28% (95% confidence interval, 17% to 39%). Conclusions: Initial testing suggests that the OAR may help determine which children with acute ankle injuries could safely forgo roentgenograms without risk of missing fractures. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1995;149:255-258)
Sleeping Site Selection by Captive Tamarins (Saguinus labiatus)

We investigated the sleeping site preferences of three captive groups of red-bellied tamarins (Saguinus labiatus), especially as those preferences might relate to protection and safety. The tamarins chose sleeping boxes that offered the most concealment, the greatest distance from the floor, and the greatest cover overhead. They did not, however, avoid sleeping boxes that were attached to the floor via vines. When the tamarins had no choice but to sleep in a box that offered little in the way of concealment, they increased their rates of vigilant scanning. Whereas a number of considerations other than those related to predation pressures must also affect sleeping site choices, we have demonstrated that, under controlled circumstances, these primates choose to sleep in locations in which they are hidden and inaccessible.
Living Carbocationic Polymerization. Xxxvii. Asymmetric Telechelic Polyisobutylenes by Lactone/Bcl3 Initiating Complexes

Abstract A new family of initiating systems of carbocationic polymerization has been introduced comprising complexes of a lactone and a Lewis acid. It has been shown by model experiments that the true initiating species are the lactone/Lewis acid complexes. A series of these complexes has been investigated in scouting experiments of isobutylene polymerization to identify an initiating complex which facilitates the diagnosis of living polymerizations. The γ-tolyl-γ-valerolactone/BCl3 complex has been found to yield high initiation efficiencies at low isobutylene conversions and therefore has been selected for detailed investigation. It has been demonstrated that this lactone in the presence of BCl3 effects the living polymerization of isobutylene. A variety of lactone/BCl3 complexes has been found to be efficient initiators for the polymerization of styrene, 4-methyl-styrene, and 2,4,6-trimethylstyrene; however, under the conditions employed, these polymerizations were not living. The mode of forced termin...
Effects of surface dehydration on mucosal wave amplitude and frequency in excised canine larynges

Objective. Evaluate the effect of vocal fold surface dehydration on mucosal wave amplitude and frequency.Study Design. Controlled test-retest.Setting. Larynges were mounted on an excised larynx pho...
Cytotoxicity mediated by conditional expression of a carboxyl-terminal derivative of the β-amyloid precursor protein

The beta amyloid peptide which accumulates within the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is proteolytically derived from a precursor protein (beta PP). We established and characterized four stably transformed human neuroblastoma cell lines which conditionally expressed a partial beta PP fusion protein (amino-17 residues+carboxyl-99 residues; S beta C). Conditional expression of S beta C was achieved using a tetracycline-responsive promoter system. Expression of this fusion protein in one of the cell lines resulted in pronounced cytotoxicity. Addition of n6,O2'-dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate and/or fetal bovine serum to the culture medium of this cell line further elevated the level of S beta C expression and enhanced the associated cytotoxicity. Conditioned medium, acquired from cells expressing S beta C, was not cytotoxic. These findings suggest that modulation of beta PP expression and/or metabolism can have cytotoxic consequences. This is the first report of cytotoxic effects mediated by conditional expression of a beta PP derivative. This immortal cell line provides a unique opportunity to screen for complementary DNAs which suppress this toxicity. Such cDNAs could help elucidate the processes underlying S beta C mediated cytotoxicity which in turn could further our understanding of the pathogenesis of AD and could also provide additional candidate genes for various forms of familial AD.
Raman Spectroscopy of High-Pressure-High-Temperature Polymorph of Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (ε-RDX)

Raman spectroscopy was used to determine the vibrational structure and the stability of the high-pressure-hightemperature (HP-HT) polymorph of RDX after it had been quenched to room temperature. Although this polymorph has limited chemical stability under high pressure and temperature, we show that it is chemically and structurally stable from 0.6 GPa to at least 20 GPa at room temperature. Below 0.6 GPa, it readily converts to the R-polymorph. Pressure dependence of the vibrational structure of the HP-HT polymorph was measured and compared with the vibrational structures of other known RDX polymorphs: R, � , and γ. In contrast with previous suggestions, our data indicate that the HP-HT polymorph can have a different structure than the � -polymorph. This finding supports the recent suggestion that the HP-HT polymorph should be given a separate designation, e-RDX. Furthermore, symmetry correlation analyses of Raman spectra indicate that the HP-HT polymorph (e-RDX) may assume the space group isomorphous with the C2V[C1(4)] point group and with molecules adopting the pseudo-AAA conformation.
Effect of physical aging on stress relaxation of poly(methyl methacrylate)

A study was made on the stress relaxation behavior at 25 C of poly(methyl methacrylate) in uniaxial tension as a function of physical aging at both room temperature and 60 C. Test specimens were compression molded at 165 C, then quenched to room temperature and allowed to age for up to 30 days prior to testing. Stress relaxation curves measured after different aging times could be superposed to a single master curve for each aging temperature. Superposition was achieved by applying vertical and horizontal shifts. Hence, the shape of the response curves was not changed by aging. This is in accordance with observations made by Struik for tensile creep curves. Volume changes as a function of physical aging were also determined. Simple exponential relationships were observed between volume and both horizontal and vertical shifts. The horizontal shift implies a shift in the effective time scale caused by a change in free volume. The vertical shifts could be correlated with changes in Young's modulus caused by a change in density. For the range of aging studied, the response time scale varied over nearly two decades of log-time. For the same conditions modulus varied by 30 percent.
High-speed signal processing architectures using charge-coupled devices

The inherent speed and parallelism offered by many optical computational devices represent a distinct advantage over their electronic counterparts. Spatial Light Modulators (SLM) and the Charge Coupled Detectors (CCD) form an important class of such optoelectronic devices. This paper presents device structures using SLM/CCD devices for computing vector dot products. Since the computation of vector dot products constitutes one of the most heavily used operations in digital signal processing, such devices lend themselves well for very high speed signal processing applications. The versatility of the SLM/CCD devices is demonstrated by presenting several architectures for a scalar multiplier. An analytical model characterizing the performance of a SLM/CCD pair is presented. Examples involving the use of the device for signal processing applications is also given.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
DNA diagnosis for the detection of sickle hemoglobinopathies

At this time, the sole generally accepted use for DNA diagnosis in the hemoglobinopathies is for the prenatal detection of disease, which can be identified by these means early in the first trimester of pregnancy. By ascertaining genotype rather than phenotype, the confusion that results from diagnostic errors should be diminished. DNA diagnostics are the future of all genetic disease detection and this future will soon be upon us.
Mobile health monitoring to characterize depression symptom trajectories in primary care

Abstract Background Classification of depression severity can guide treatment decisions. This study examined whether using repeated mobile health assessments to determine symptom trajectories is a potentially useful method for classifying depression severity. Methods 344 primary care patients with depression were identified and recruited as part of a program of mobile health symptom monitoring and self-management support. Depression symptoms were measured weekly via interactive voice response (IVR) calls using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Trajectory analysis of weekly IVR PHQ-9 scores from baseline through week 6 was used to subgroup patients according to similar trajectories. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine whether the trajectories predicted 12-week PHQ-9 scores after adjusting for baseline and 6-week PHQ-9 scores. Results The optimal trajectory analysis model included 5 non-intersecting trajectories. The subgroups of patients assigned to each trajectory had mean baseline PHQ-9s of 19.7, 14.5, 9.5, 5.0, and 2.0, and respective mean decreases in PHQ-9s over six weeks of .3, 2.0, 3.6, 2.3, and 1.9. In regression analyses, each trajectory significantly predicted 12-week PHQ-9 scores (using the modal trajectory as a reference) after adjusting for both baseline and 6-week PHQ-9 scores. Limitations Treatment history was unknown, findings may not be generalizable to new episodes of treatment. Conclusions Depression symptom trajectories based on mobile health assessments are predictive of future depression outcomes, even after accounting for typical assessments at baseline and a single follow-up time point. Approaches to classify patients׳ disease status that involve multiple repeated assessments may provide more accurate and useful information for depression management compared to lower frequency monitoring.
Pollinator sharing in dioecious figs (Ficus: Moraceae)

As one of the most specialized pollination syndromes, the fig (Ficus)–fig wasp (Agaonidae) mutualism can shed light on how pollinator behaviour and specificity affect plant diversification through processes such as reproductive isolation and hybridization. Pollinator sharing among species has important implications for Ficus species delimitation and the evolutionary history of the mutualism. Although agaonid wasp pollinators are known to visit more than one host species in monoecious figs, pollinator sharing has yet to be documented in dioecious figs. The present study investigated the frequency of pollinator sharing among sympatric, closely-related dioecious figs in Ficus sections Sycocarpus and Sycidium. Molecular and morphological species identification established the associations between pollinating agaonid wasp species and host fig species. Cytochrome oxidase I was sequenced from 372 Ceratosolen pollinators of Ficus section Sycocarpus and 210 Kradibia pollinators of Ficus section Sycidium. The association between fig species and morphologically distinct clades of pollinator haplotypes was predominantly one-to-one. In Ceratosolen, six of 372 pollinators (1.5%) visited fig species other than the predominant host. No pollinator sharing was detected between the two Sycidium host species, although a rare hybrid shared Kradibia pollinators with both parental species. These findings point to low rates of pollinator sharing among closely-related dioecious fig species in sympatry, and perhaps lower rates than among monoecious figs. Such rare events could be evolutionarily important as mechanisms for gene flow among fig species. Differences in rates of pollinator sharing among fig lineages might explain the conflicting phylogenetic patterns inferred among monoecious figs, dioecious figs, and their respective pollinators. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 103, 546–558.
Analog VLSI implementation of the Help If Needed Stereopsis Algorithm

This work introduces a novel clocked analog VLSI hardware system with an optical input that performs stereopsis. An algorithm called the Help If Needed Algorithm, developed previously, is readily mapped onto an analog VLSI platform. The system fits into the cellular neural network (CNN) paradigm. The circuit components that make up the cells of the CNN are designed with the constraint that they must function effectively and fit into the space available. In order to clarify the processing pathway, the system is described at the component and system levels. Each cell has an optical input, while the output is electrical. By utilizing an optical input, an analog VLSI silicon retina first stage can be connected to the stereopsis processor completely in parallel, creating a multi-stage artificial visual system. The physical system is composed of 2.0 /spl mu/m Tinychips fabricated through MOSIS. Experimental data are presented that verify that the system performs as desired and successfully implements the Help If Needed Stereopsis Algorithm. The novel stereopsis processor is ideally suited for autonomous robots, or any application that requires a low power visual processing system.
Bioavailability of sediment-associated benzo(a)pyrene within single- versus multiple-species systems.

A series of experiments were conducted with benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) spiked sediments to determine if bioavailability of sediment-associated contaminants is affected by multiple species interactions. Three benthic invertebrates, Hyalella azteca, Chironomus tentans, and Lumbriculus variegatus, were exposed to sediments spiked with radiolabeled B(a)P that was aged for 60 days. Organisms were introduced into the spiked sediments in single, binary, and ternary combinations. Changes in bioavailability were then determined for each species by estimating uptake clearance coefficients (k s ) and bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) during 7-day exposures. In general, there was a trend toward lower k s values in binary and ternary exposures compared to the single-species systems. In contrast, BAF estimates were more variable with fewer significant differences noted among treatments. BAF estimates were highest for L. variegatus followed by C. tentans and H. azetca and appear to be dependent on specific feeding and habitat requirements as well as the relative biotransformation/elimination potential of each species. Overall, these results suggest that animal–animal interactions may be important to consider when estimating bioavailability of sediment-bound chemicals.
Effect of Model Simplifications on the Optimal Solution of Batch Distillation Control Policy

This paper describes the effect of a number of commonly applied simplifications on the optimal performance of a batch still equipped with trays. A general rigorous model was formulated and verified by comparison with previous work. The model was then simplified using several commonly made assumptions. An optimal control policy was determined for each of the simplified models, and this controller was then used to drive the rigorous model. This was taken as analogous to a model-based optimization being implemented on a "real" plant. Comparisons are made regarding the appropriate degree of model simplification in models for use in on-line optimization.
Single pulse CDM testing and its relevance to IC reliability

Comparison between single pulse and standard three pulse testing is presented for Charged Device Model (CDM). It is proposed that single pulse per pin testing should be sufficient for reliability. This method avoids issues due to the cumulative nature of multiple pulses and is a closer representation of real world.
In vivo testing of a low noise 32-channel wireless neural recording system

We present a 32-channel wireless implantable neural recording system-on-a-chip (SoC) that operates based on time division multiplexing (TDM) of pulse width modulated (PWM) samples with minimal substrate noise and interference. We have utilized analog-to-time conversion (ATC) on the transmitter and time-to-digital conversion (TDC) on the receiver to reduce the size and power consumption of the implantable unit by moving the digitization circuitry to the external unit. We have managed the TDM switching times such that no switching occurs during sensitive sampling onsets. The chip has been implemented in the AMI 0.5-µm standard CMOS process, occupying 3.3 × 3.0 mm2 and consuming 5.6 mW at ±1.5 V when all channels are active. The measured input referred noise for the entire system, including the receiver at 1 m distance, is only 4.9 µV rms from 1 Hz~10 kHz. Finally, in vivo testing results on rats have been presented to validate the full functionality of the system.
CRAHNs: Cognitive radio ad hoc networks

Cognitive radio (CR) technology is envisaged to solve the problems in wireless networks resulting from the limited available spectrum and the inefficiency in the spectrum usage by exploiting the existing wireless spectrum opportunistically. CR networks, equipped with the intrinsic capabilities of the cognitive radio, will provide an ultimate spectrum-aware communication paradigm in wireless communications. CR networks, however, impose unique challenges due to the high fluctuation in the available spectrum as well as diverse quality-of-service (QoS) requirements. Specifically, in cognitive radio ad hoc networks (CRAHNs), the distributed multi-hop architecture, the dynamic network topology, and the time and location varying spectrum availability are some of the key distinguishing factors. In this paper, intrinsic properties and current research challenges of the CRAHNs are presented. First, novel spectrum management functionalities such as spectrum sensing, spectrum sharing, and spectrum decision, and spectrum mobility are introduced from the viewpoint of a network requiring distributed coordination. A particular emphasis is given to distributed coordination between CR users through the establishment of a common control channel. Moreover, the influence of these functions on the performance of the upper layer protocols, such as the network layer, and transport layer protocols are investigated and open research issues in these areas are also outlined. Finally, a new direction called the commons model is explained, where CRAHN users may independently regulate their own operation based on pre-decided spectrum etiquette.
Designing and Experimenting with a Distributed Tracking System

Tracking objects is an important activity in many applications such as Augmented Reality, Visual Servoing, and Tangible Interfaces. Most of these applications are inherently dynamic and demand realtime response while tracking. Also, due to the issues of economics, such applications can benefit from tracking systems that do not depend on well-engineered setups and instead use inexpensive sensors for tracking. These requirements make distributed tracking a challenging problem that needs a thorough investigation. In this paper an approach to tracking, which uses the concepts of dynamic discovery, in a distributed environment containing autonomous vision-based trackers that use inexpensive sensors (such as Web cameras) is presented along with its empirical validation. The empirical results obtained from experiments are promising and validate the premise that Distributed Tracking Systems can be built using inexpensive vision-based sensors and concepts of dynamic resource discovery.
“Sexual Hyenas” and Programs for At-Risk Youth: Structural Opportunities for Abuse

This essay evaluates the relationship between commercial media representations and structural inequality through the lens of the recent Penn State scandal involving child abuse allegations against former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky. Specifically, the research provides two central lines of inquiry: first, detailing the power structures in a profit- driven corporate culture that make systematic child predation possible in large institutions like Penn State; and second, encouraging recognition that the routines and rules adopted by the U.S. commercial media system-including episodic coverage of isolated, sensational stories-often preclude meaningful coverage of corrupt institutions or systems. In concert, the two approaches provide a two-pronged call for commercial media: to stop presenting crimes like the one at Penn State as isolated events, and instead to provide crucial connections that permit media audiences to understand how power structures shape society and foster inequality.
The Gemmae of the Calymperaceae

Abstract Observations of the gemmae of 135 specific and subspecific taxa of Calymperes, Mitthyridium, and Syrrhopodon reveal that the gemmae of most taxa have a generalized morphology. However, the morphologies of some of the gemmae differ among species and species-groups, revealing evolutionary divergence at the levels of genus and subgenus, in which gemmae vary in shape, color, surface texture, appendages, and in average size (from about 75 μm long in S. orientalis to more than 1,600 μm long in S. helicophyllus). Divergence from the generalized gemma morphology reflects the ecological life styles of the taxa, as for example in Syrrhopodon subg. Pseudocalymperes, in which filiform or moniliform gemmae borne in splashcups correlate with the commonly ramicolous habitat.
Finite precision decorrelating receivers for multiuser CDMA communication systems

The design of single-user decorrelating receivers employing finite-precision sequences for despreading is considered. The problem is formulated as a nonlinear bounded integer optimization problem which is shown to be network performance (NP)-hard. A branch-and-bound algorithm for finding the best finite-precision decorrelating sequence is described. Numerical examples demonstrate that the loss in performance between the optimum, infinite-precision, and the best finite-precision decorrelator is small even for large channel occupancies. Some suboptimum algorithms are investigated which greatly reduce the computational complexity associated with finding good finite precision decorrelator sequences.
Versatile pulse sequence device to conserve hyperpolarization for NMR and MRI studies.

Purpose Levitt and co-workers have described the M2S pulse sequence which transfers between longitudinal and singlet spin order. Building on this work, we describe the construction of a portable M2S pulse sequence generator to increase the relaxation time of polarized compounds. Additionally, we investigate the efficiency of spin order transfer under conditions where physical parameters of the system are not known precisely. Theory and Methods A portable M2S generator is built. Longitudinally polarized N2O is converted to the singlet state by both adiabatic transfer and by the M2S sequence. Density matrix simulations are used to model the effects of mismatched chemical shift, flip angle, and scalar couplings. Results Density matrix simulations suggest that to convert 95% of the longitudinal m = 1 triplet state population to the singlet order we must match the Larmor precession frequency to the excitation radiofrequency field by 10%, the scalar couplings must be determined to better than 0.6%, and the flip angle must be calibrated to better than 2%. Conclusion The sequence is robust against many mismatched physical parameters of the species we are converting. Additionally, the instrument's portability allows for the conversion of hyperpolarized species near a polarizer. The lifetime is increased by ∼12-fold. This is highly advantageous in systems where the hyperpolarized media relax rapidly. Magn Reson Med, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In Situ Synthesis of A MoSi2/SiC Composite Using Solid State Displacement Reactions

A high-strength in situ composite of MoSi2/SiC was synthesized using a solid state displacement reaction between Mo2C and Si by blending Mo2C and Si powders and vacuum hotpressing the powders at 1350°C for 2 h followed by 1 h at 1700°C. The resulting microstructure consisted of 1-μm diameter β-SiC particles (30 vol%) uniformly dispersed in a fine grained MoSi2 matrix. Transmission electron microscopy was used to study the fine-scale morphology and phase distribution of the composite. Evidence for a small amount of grain boundary glass phase was observed using diffuse dark field imaging. The β-SiC particles were distributed mainly on grain boundaries and triple points within the MoSi2 matrix. These findings were used to rationalize the observed mechanical property behavior.
Visualization of an electric power transmission system

Visualization techniques are applied to an electric power system transmission network to create a graphical picture of network power flows and voltages. A geographic data map is used. Apparent power flow is encoded as the width of an arrow, with direction from real power flow. Flows are superposed on flow limits. Contour plots and color coding failed for representing bus voltages. A two-color thermometer encoding worked well. The resulting visualization is a significant improvement over current user interface practice in the power industry. >
Investigation of inducible clindamycin and telithromycin resistance in isolates of β-hemolytic streptococci

We evaluated the accuracy of an erythromycin-clindamycin double-disk test (D-zone test) and an erythromycin-telithromycin D-zone test for detection of inducible resistance in isolates of beta-hemolytic streptococci with erythromycin resistance. The results of these tests were compared to results of a broth microdilution (BMD) induction test using combinations of erythromycin and either clindamycin or telithromycin. Of 29 erythromycin-resistant, clindamycin-susceptible isolates, 16 were positive by the erythromycin-clindamycin D-zone test; all of these demonstrated inducible clindamycin resistance by BMD. Twelve isolates were D-zone test-negative, did not demonstrate inducible resistance by BMD, and were positive for a mef determinant. Of 39 erythromycin-resistant, telithromycin-susceptible isolates, 13 were erythromycin-telithromycin D-zone test-positive, 19 questionably positive (unclear blunting of the zone), and 7 were D-zone test-negative. The erythromycin-telithromycin D-zone test result did not correlate with inducible resistance by BMD or the presence of an erm or mef gene. These results demonstrate that the erythromycin-clindamycin D-zone and BMD induction tests accurately detect inducible clindamycin resistance, but the erythromycin-telithromycin D-zone test is not reliable for detecting inducible telithromycin resistance.