cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Markov Chain Based Performance Analysis of LAA and WiFi Coexistence in Dual Carrier Aggregation

License Assisted Access (LAA) is a feature in 3GPP Re1-13 which is the global standard for LTE deployment in the unlicensed band. While the availability of large amount of extra spectrum in unlicensed band is always desirable, the coexistence of LAA and WiFi with an acceptable fairness is a primary challenge. This paper extends the Markov Chain based performance analysis of LTE-WiFi coexistence for a single-carrier contention to a dual-carrier contention for WiFi-Only, LAA-Only and finally WiFi-LAA coexistence. A dual-carrier aggregation allows us to aggregate the secondary channel onto the primary channel when the secondary channel is free before transmission. In this paper, throughput and airtime performance in this dual-carrier aggregation is studied and compared with single-carrier case for different number of WiFi and LTE stations.
Tropical Tree Growth and Longevity: Validation of Growth Simulation, a Bootstrapping Model

Growth Simulation, an analytical modeling technique, has been increasingly used in ecological studies and practical forestry applications where dendrochronology is not applicable. The technique use...
Workplace Bullying Model: a Qualitative Study on Bullying in Hospitals

We used qualitative research to investigate workplace bullying. We assessed and identified what individual, hierarchical, and organizational issues led to bullying behaviors. Also examined and identified was how bullying behaviors affected individuals and the organization and how individuals reacted to bullying. Lastly, tactics used in response to bullying behaviors were also examined and identified. We present a grounded theory model of workplace bullying.
Different Multidimensional Representations across the Amygdalo-Prefrontal Network during an Approach-Avoidance Task

The prelimbic (PL) area and basolateral amygdala (lateral [LA] and basolateral [BL] nuclei) have closely related functions and similar extrinsic connectivity. Reasoning that the computational advantage of such redundancy should be reflected in differences in how these structures represent information, we compared the coding properties of PL and amygdala neurons during a task that requires rats to produce different conditioned defensive or appetitive behaviors. Rather than unambiguous regional differences in the identities of the variables encoded, we found gradients in how the same variables are represented. Whereas PL and BL neurons represented many different parameters through minor variations in firing rates, LA cells coded fewer task features with stronger changes in activity. At the population level, whereas valence could be easily distinguished from amygdala activity, PL neurons could distinguish both valence and trial identity as well as or better than amygdala neurons. Thus, PL has greater representational capacity.
A reproducible scoring system for quantification of histologic lesions of inflammatory disease in mouse gastric epithelium

Comparison of experimental groups by microscopic examination is a common and useful method for evaluating animal models of disease. Quantification of lesions is challenging, however, and differences in scoring systems hinder comparison of results from different laboratories. The purpose of this study was to validate a simple and reproducible scoring system for Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric disease in mice. The system is based on quantification of the percentage of microscopic fields in which lesions are present, rather than on subjective estimates of lesion severity. Linear regression analyses revealed good agreement between investigators in scoring of all 3 histologic criteria examined. The range of correlation coefficients between individual readers' scores and mean scores for the 3 histologic criteria examined were: neutrophilic inflammation, 0.845 to 0.935; gastritis sufficient to displace glands, 0.919 to 0.943; and epithelial metaplasia, 0.650 to 0.799. Comparison of scores in different experimental groups by analysis of variance and Fisher least significant difference tests revealed significant differences between infected and uninfected groups and between immunodeficient and immunocompetent groups. We propose that this system may be useful in standardizing the morphologic evaluation of rodent models of H. pylori and that a similar system could be devised for evaluation of other animal models of enteric disease.
Realistic Synchrophasor Data Generation for Anomaly Detection and Event Classification

The push to automate and digitize the electric grid has led to widespread installation of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) for improved real-time wide-area system monitoring and control. Nevertheless, transforming large volumes of high-resolution PMU measurements into actionable insights remains challenging. A central challenge is creating flexible and scalable online anomaly detection in PMU data streams. PMU data can hold multiple types of anomalies arising in the physical system or the cyber system (measurements and communication networks). Increasing the grid situational awareness for noisy measurement data and Bad Data (BD) anomalies has become more and more significant. Number of machine learning, data analytics and physics based algorithms have been developed for anomaly detection, but need to be validated with realistic synchophasor data. Access to field data is very challenging due to confidentiality and security reasons. This paper presents a method for generating realistic synchrophasor data for the given synthetic network as well as event and bad data detection and classification algorithms. The developed algorithms include Bayesian and change-point techniques to identify anomalies, a statistical approach for event localization and multi-step clustering approach for event classification. Developed algorithms have been validated with satisfactory results for multiple examples of power system events including faults and load/generator/capacitor variations/switching for an IEEE test system. Set of synchrophasor data will be available publicly for other researchers.
Multiple-photon transitions in electrically detected magnetic resonance measurements of 4 H − SiC transistors

We report an ultralow-field frequency-swept electrically detected magnetic resonance (fsEDMR) measurement scheme sensitive to so-called ultrastrong coupling in paramagnetic systems, which arises from comparatively strong driving fields and weak Zeeman interaction with small static fields. We observe multiple-photon transitions in the EDMR spectrum of a 4H-SiC transistor. The multiphoton transitions are a strong function of the linearly polarized driving field and of the static field. The observation of both field-swept EDMR at a constant frequency and fsEDMR demonstrate that the transitions we observe are caused by multiphoton transitions. In the small static field and large driving-field regime, Bloch-Siegert effects cause small changes to the resonant frequency. We observe these Bloch-Siegert shifts in the resonance frequency in the ultralow-field fsEDMR scheme and verify the observation by also measuring the driving field directly using Faraday's law of induction and a sensing coil. Multiphoton transitions are important for quantum engineering applications.
Development of a protocol for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in sputum and endotracheal aspirates using Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2

Sputum and endotracheal aspirates (ETs) are not among the vendor-approved specimens for the Cepheid Xpert SARS-CoV-2 assay. However, they are the common lower respiratory tract specimens submitted for laboratory diagnosis. Testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in lower respiratory tract samples is required for the discharge of patients from coronavirus disease (COVID) units at some institutions. We developed a protocol used for testing unliquified viscous sputum or tracheal aspirate with the Cepheid Xpert SARS-CoV-2 assay.
Detection and Semantic Segmentation of Disaster Damage in UAV Footage

AbstractIn the aftermath of large-scale disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes, preliminarily damage assessment (PDA) is carried out to determine the impact and magnitude of damage a...
Mutant U2AF1-induced alternative splicing of H2afy (macroH2A1) regulates B-lymphopoiesis in mice.

Summary Somatic mutations in spliceosome genes are found in ∼50% of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a myeloid malignancy associated with low blood counts. Expression of the mutant splicing factor U2AF1(S34F) alters hematopoiesis and mRNA splicing in mice. Our understanding of the functionally relevant alternatively spliced target genes that cause hematopoietic phenotypes in vivo remains incomplete. Here, we demonstrate that reduced expression of H2afy1.1, an alternatively spliced isoform of the histone H2A variant gene H2afy, is responsible for reduced B cells in U2AF1(S34F) mice. Deletion of H2afy or expression of U2AF1(S34F) reduces expression of Ebf1 (early B cell factor 1), a key transcription factor for B cell development, and mechanistically, H2AFY is enriched at the EBF1 promoter. Induced expression of H2AFY1.1 in U2AF1(S34F) cells rescues reduced EBF1 expression and B cells numbers in vivo. Collectively, our data implicate alternative splicing of H2AFY as a contributor to lymphopenia induced by U2AF1(S34F) in mice and MDS.
Meteoritics and the origins of atomic nuclei

A review of new issues that have emerged in the study of nucleosynthesis is presented. The issues explored in detail are: (1) a quantitative s-process theory, (2) cosmoradiogenic chronology, (3) explosive nucleosynthesis and gamma-ray astronomy, and (4) cosmic chemical memory. The unexpected abundance patterns within meteorites that were suggested by the resolution of these issues are described.
Creating Tomorrow's Schools Today: Education—Our Children—Their Futures. Richard Gerver. New York, NY: Continuum International Press, 2010. 160 pp. $27.95 (paperback).

Let us engage in a thought experiment, shall we? Let's say that we woke up tomorrow, and by some magician's wand, found every school reformed, based upon the current rhetoric involving high-stakes ...
Genetic Analysis of an Escherichia coli Syndrome

A mutant strain of Escherichia coli that fails to recover from prolonged (72 hr) starvation also fails to grow at 43 C. Extracts of this mutant strain show an increased ribonuclease II activity as compared to extracts of the parental strain, and stable ribonucleic acid is degraded to a larger extent in this strain during starvation. Ts(+) transductants and revertants were tested for all the above-mentioned phenotypes. All the Ts(+) transductants and revertants tested behaved like the Ts(+) parental strain, which suggests that all the observed phenotypes are caused by a single sts (starvation-temperature sensitivity) mutation. The reversion rate from sts(-) to sts(+) is rather low but is within the range of reversion rates for other single-site mutations. Three-point transduction crosses located this sts mutation between the ilv and rbs genes. The properties of sts(+)/sts(-) merozygotes suggested that the Ts(-) phenotype of this mutation is recessive.
Permanent magnet power inductor with EE core for switching power converters

This paper presents a 14mm×7mm×5mm EE core ∼760nH power inductor (PI) with a permanent magnet (EE-PMPI). By using a small piece of the NdFeB magnet, the saturation current of the EE-PMPI is doubled while maintaining the same footprint size and the same inductance value. 3-D physical model simulation results obtained from the ANSYS®/Maxwell® are used to illustrate and visualize the saturation current doubling of the EE-PMPI. Results show that compared to a conventional PI with the same size and almost the same inductance (∼730nH), the saturation current of the EE-PMPI is increased from 15A to 30A.
The information content of security prices: A second look

Abstract Beaver, Lambert and Morse (1980) employ a regression of percentage change in prices on percentage change in earnings in which data are grouped by the dependent variable. Reverse regression offers a more intuitive and direct way to assess the information content of security prices, the objective of Beaver et al. While grouping is asymptotically equivalent, reverse regression is a more efficient way of examining the incremental explanatory power of lagged values of percentage change in price with respect to accounting earnings.
Defined mutants in higher plants.

This chapter briefly reviews work on mutant selection using somatic cells of higher plants and then describes experiments designed to recover agriculturally useful variants. Mutants of Nicotiana tabacum were recovered which were resistant to an analog of methionine. These plants were found to be much less susceptible to damage by the pathogen Pseudomonas tabaci, which produces a toxin that is an analog of methionine. Several mutants show a specific increase in the level of free methionine.
On-chip VCSEL interconnects enabled by 3-D interposer-based integration and polarization modulation

Optical interconnects are required for a continued scaling of a version of Moore's Law. VCSELs remain the most efficient sources to integrate, and these can be compatibly integrated with emerging 3-D integration technology using active interposers. Polarization-modulation can double the bisection bandwidth available together with coarse WDM and other modulation techniques.
Opiates and Addiction

Abuse of and dependence on opiates is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is a worldwide problem, with millions of people directly involved. In addition to the risks posed with the abusc of opiates, the common practice of injection drug use (and to a lesser extent, sexual relationships with injection drug users), results in significant risk of contracting Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and Hepatitis C infections. l the past 10 years, the abuse pattern of opiates in the United States has changed in two ways: the heroin purity has increasing, facilitating use by the intranasal and pulmonary routes, and abuse of prescription opiates has increased. More adolescents are abusing opiates, resulting in a greater need for treatment. Prescription opiate abusers primarily use the oral route of administration but about one in eight moves onto injection practices. The geographic distribution of abuse suggests that the greatest problem with abuse of prescription opiates is in nonmetropolitan areas, forming a new challenge for the treatment system. Responses to increased treatment demands in the United States can be met by the newest pharmacotherapies, buprenorphine (SUBUTEX) and buprenorphinelnaloxone (SUBOXONE), which can be prescribed by qualified physicians. Additionally, the increased use of methadone in “office-based practice” would be a second approach to increase treatment capacity. Finally, non-opiate medications are the current focus ofresearch in the management of opiate abuse and dependence disorders. These medications could be used as both adjuncts to agonist pharmacothcorapy or as “stand alone” therapies. Keywords: opiate abuse; dependence; prescription opiates; treatment; buprenorphine
Use of Mutagenesis to Probe IGF-Binding Protein Structure/Function Relationships

The IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) are multifunctional proteins that modulate IGF actions. To determine whether specific domains within these proteins account for specific functions, we and other laboratories have used in vitro mutagenesis. Prior experiments that used a variety of techniques had identified discrete regions within each protein that were proposed to account for specific functions. Alterations of these regions by substituting charged residues with neutral residues or hydrophobic residues with nonhydrophobic residues as well as domain swapping, i.e., substituting a domain from one specific form of IGFBP for the homologous domain in another form, has resulted in the elucidation of the functions of many of these specific sequences. Because the areas of protein sequence that are altered involve a limited number of amino acids, they generally do not alter the conformation of the entire protein; therefore, these specific substitutions can often be correlated with the functional changes that occur after mutagenesis. Mutants have been particularly useful for performing functional analyses in which the purified mutant protein is added to a biological test system. In some cases it has been possible to overexpress the mutagenized protein and determine whether the constitutively synthesized, mutant form of IGFBP has altered functional activity. These results have revealed that discrete regions of IGFBP sequence can mediate important and specific functional properties of these proteins.
Improvement in the RF Capture by Using Nonsinusoidal Accelerating Voltages

In order to improve the RF capture in PPA, calculations and experiments have been perfarmed with higher harmonic terms added to the accelerating voltage. Computer calculations of the synchrotron phase space acceptance, using the phase potential, have shown that by adding the second harmonic it should be possible to increase the acceptance of PPA at capture by a factor of 2. Since in PPA the acceptance increases with energy, second harmonic needs to be added only during the first part of the acceleration and a suitable voltage program for the RF has been calculated. Initial experiments with the second harmonic added during the first 300 microseconds of the acceleration cycle showed an intensity gain in excess of 50%. Although only described for PPA, the method can easily be adapted to other machines.
Study of grain boundary character along intergranular stress corrosion crack paths in austenitic alloys

Abstract Samples of austenitic stainless alloys were examined by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Misorientations were measured by electron backscattered diffraction. Grain boundary distributions were analyzed with special emphasis on the grain boundary character along intergranular stress corrosion cracks and at crack arrest points. It was established that only coherent twin Σ3 boundaries could be considered as “special” ones with regard to crack resistance. However, it is possible that twin interactions with random grain boundaries may inhibit crack propagation. The results suggest that other factors besides geometrical ones play an important role in the intergranular stress corrosion cracking of commercial alloys.
Hydrogenation of ethylene on induction-evaporated films of nickel and some nickel alloys

Abstract The effects of alloying Cu, Fe, or Pd with a thin Ni film used to catalyze the hydrogenation of C 2 H 4 have been studied. To obtain homogeneous alloy films, these were vacuum-evaporated from alloy pellets. In the absence of deliberately preadsorbed hydrogen, alloying Ni with Cu (diamagnetic) or Fe (ferromagnetic) produced only small changes in catalyst activity, however, Pd (paramagnetic) promoted the activity sharply. Deliberately preadsorbed hydrogen considerably promoted the activity of the Cu-Ni and Fe-Ni films, but not that of the Pd-Ni films. The effect of hydrogen is discussed in terms of Types A and C adsorption. Apparent activation energies ranged from 6 to 10 kcal/mole. Although the Pd-Ni catalysts were in several respects unique for all catalysts the reaction order was fractional, being positive in H 2 but negative in C 2 H 4 .
Effects of Antecedent Variables on Disruptive Behavior and Accurate Responding in Young Children in Outpatient Settings

The effects of manipulations of task variables on inaccurate responding and disruption were investigated with 3 children who engaged in noncompliance. With 2 children in an outpatient clinic, task directives were first manipulated to identify directives that guided accurate responding; then, additional dimensions of the task were manipulated to evaluate their influence on disruptive behavior. With a 3rd child, similar procedures were employed at school. Results showed one-step directives set the occasion for accurate responding and that other dimensions of the task (e.g., preference) functioned as motivating operations for negative reinforcement.
Low temperature thermal properties of mixed crystal KBrKI

Abstract The low temperature specific heat and thermal conductivity of KBr0.53I0.47 mixed crystal are measured. This material is known to have compositional fluctuations on a scale of order 1000 A. The thermal properties, however, are well described by the Debye model and show no indication of glass-like thermal behavior.
Limitations of an optically pumped rubidium laser imposed by atom recycle rate

A rubidium laser pumped on the 52S1/2–52P3/2 D2 transition by a pulsed dye laser at pump intensities exceeding 3.5 MW/cm2 (>1000 times threshold) has been demonstrated. Output energies as high as 12 μJ/pulse are limited by the rate for collision relaxation of the pumped 2P3/2 state to the upper laser 2P1/2 state. More than 250 photons are available for every rubidium atom in the pumped volume during each pulse. For modest alkali atom and ethane spin–orbit relaxer concentrations, the gain medium can only process about 50 photons/atom during the 2–8 ns pump pulse. At 110°C and 550 Torr of ethane, the system is bottlenecked in the 2P3/2 state and all of the incident photons cannot be absorbed. The output energy is linearly dependent on pump pulse duration for a given pump energy. The highly saturated pump limit of the recently developed three-level model for diode pumped alkali lasers (DPALs) is developed. The system efficiency based on absorbed photons approaches 36% even for these extreme pump conditions.
Pulmonary infection with an interferon-γ-producing Cryptococcus neoformans strain results in classical macrophage activation and protection.

Alternative macrophage activation is associated with exacerbated disease in murine models of pulmonary cryptococcosis. The present study evaluated the efficacy of interferon-γ transgene expression by Cryptococcus neoformans strain H99γ in abrogating alternative macrophage activation in infected mice. Macrophage recruitment into the lungs of mice after infection with C. neoformans strain H99γ was comparable with that observed in mice challenged with wild-type C. neoformans. However, pulmonary infection in mice with C. neoformans strain H99γ was associated with reduced pulmonary fungal burden, increased pulmonary Th1-type and interleukin-17 cytokine production, and classical macrophage activation as evidenced by increased inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, histological evidence of enhanced macrophage fungicidal activity, and resolution of inflammation. In contrast, progressive pulmonary infection, enhanced Th2-type cytokine production, and the induction of alternatively activated macrophages expressing arginase-1, found in inflammatory zone 1, Ym1, and macrophage mannose receptor were observed in the lungs of mice infected with wild-type C. neoformans. These alternatively activated macrophages were also shown to harbor highly encapsulated, replicating cryptococci. Our results demonstrate that pulmonary infection with C. neoformans strain H99γ results in the induction of classically activated macrophages and promotes fungal clearance. These studies indicate that phenotype, as opposed to quantity, of infiltrating macrophages correlates with protection against pulmonary C. neoformans infection.
User Requirements: Results Of A Mass Storage Survey

One of the problems in the area of user requirements for Mass Storage is the lack of clear definitions on: 1) the nature of user requirements, 2) desired hardware and software characteristics of future Mass Storage systems, 3) how future systems can be integrated into computing environments and, of special interest to vendors, 4) the size of the potential market for Mass Storage. A Mass Storage survey was prepared and distributed to collect information from potential users of mass storage for presentation to system designers. The results of the survey contained in this paper survey indicate some general trends in requirements and desired characteristics of new mass storage devices.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Statistical generation of normal and post-refractive surgery wavefronts

Background: Wavefront sensors provide detailed information regarding the aberration structure of large populations of patients. Knowledge of the statistical distribution of the aberrations has sev...
Surface-enhanced crystallization of amorphous nifedipine.

Amorphous solids are generally more soluble and faster dissolving than their crystalline counterparts, a property useful for delivering poorly soluble drugs. Amorphous drugs must be stable against crystallization, for crystallization negates their advantages. Recent studies found that crystal growth in amorphous indomethacin is orders of magnitude faster at the free surface than through the bulk and this surface-enhanced crystallization can be inhibited by an ultrathin coating. Herein, we report a second system that exhibits the same phenomena. Crystal growth at the free surface of amorphous nifedipine (NIF) was at least 1 order of magnitude faster than that through the bulk below the glass transition temperature Tg (42 °C). A thin coating of gold (10 nm) reduced the surface crystal growth rate to the bulk crystal growth rate. Surface-enhanced crystal growth was more pronounced near and below Tg than substantially above Tg, which suggests that this growth mode is more important for the glassy state. Our r...
Conformance with preferred practice patterns in caring for patients with glaucoma.

Background: Practice guidelines are becoming more prominent in the provision of medical care. However, the limited data that exist suggests that conformance in ophthalmic care may be low. Methods: A retrospective study of 120 charts of patients with open-angle glaucoma was conducted to evaluate conformance with recommendations from the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Preferred Practice Pattern for open-angle glaucoma. The criteria were operationalized for evaluation of three dimensions: (1) the performance of specified examination steps at the initial visit; (2) the performance of specified examination steps at follow-up; and (3) the time interval between follow-up visits. Results: In a sample where 70% of patients had stable moderate to severe glaucomatous damage, documentation of examination findings on the initial visit ranged from 70% for a pupil examination to 100% for intraocular pressure. At the initial visit, visual fields were obtained or scheduled in 92% of eyes, gonioscopy in 85%, and the disc/nerve fiber layer status in 98%. On follow-up, 90% of patients had an optic nerve head drawing or photograph within 9 months of the most recent visit. Finally, 100% of patients were scheduled for follow-up within the time intervals recommended by the Preferred Practice Pattern. Conclusions: Unlike the situation with diabetic retinopathy and corneal ulcers, there appears to be a high rate of conformance with recommended patterns of care for patients with open-angle glaucoma in a public clinic setting. Additional data are needed from other practice settings and for other patterns of care to not only assess the quality of care but to help guide revisions in preferred practice patterns.
Entrainment of Syrian hamsters to short photoperiod T-cycles does not reverse the inhibitory nature of feedback lighting on the photoperiodic response.

Experiments examining the photoperiodic effects of various light-dark cycles unexpectedly demonstrated that light during the subjective night is not necessarily photoinductive to the reproductive system of long day breeders. Feedback lighting (illumination in response to locomotor activity) and a high-frequency light-dark cycle with 1 minute (m) of light followed with 1 minute of dark (LD1m:1m) failed to maintain reproductive function in Syrian hamsters despite exposing the animal to 5-6 hours of light per cycle during the subjective night. In an effort to determine why feedback lighting and LD1m:1m do not maintain reproductive function, male Syrian hamsters were exposed to one of the following lighting conditions for ten weeks: a light-dark cycle with 14 hours of light followed by a 10 hour light-dark cycle of 1 minute of light followed by 1 minute of dark ?LD14:10(1m:1m)?; a cycle of a 14 hour light-dark cycle of 1 minute of light followed by 1 minute of dark, followed by 10 hours of dark ?LD14(1m:1m):10)?; a light-dark cycle of 2 hours of light and 21 hours of dark (LD2:21); a light-dark cycle of 2 hours of light and 22 hours of dark (LD2:22); LD2:21 in conjunction with feedback lighting (LD2:21/FB); LD2:22 in conjunction with feedback lighting (LD2:22/FB); constant dark (DD) or constant light (LL). All hamsters exposed to LD14(1m:1m):10 entrained. Only 7 of 12 hamsters exposed to LD14:10(1m:1m) entrained. This supports previous findings, which suggest that the circadian system has difficulty differentiating between LD1m:1m and LL. Exposure to LD2:22 and DD induced testicular regression, while LL, LD2:21 and LD14(1m:1m):10 maintained reproductive function, as expected. The addition of approximately 5 hours of nocturnal illumination by feedback lighting, however, not only failed to prevent reproductive regression in LD2:22, but attenuated the stimulatory nature of LD2:21. This suggests that feedback lighting is not only not stimulatory, but may be actively inhibitory. Perhaps this is due to a photoinhibitory effect of multitransitional nocturnal illumination. This hypothesis is supported by the finding that LD14:10(1m:1m) allows regression, while LD14(1m:1m):10 is stimulatory. These findings also imply that the state of the circadian system is instrumental in the reproductive system's interpretation of a light signal.
X-Ray Imaging of Magnetic Structures

The characterization of nanoscale magnetic structures, their static properties, and fast spin dynamics with polarized soft X-rays has become an indispensable analytical tool due to the unique features of those probes. The spectroscopic magnetic response serves as a fingerprint of the specimen and can give quantitative information on element-specific spin and orbital magnetic moments. Images of magnetic domain structures at a spatial resolution down to nearly 10 nm, ultimately in all three dimensions, can be obtained with various X-ray microscopy techniques and can further be combined with stroboscopic pump–probe schemes to image the spin dynamics of spin structures, such as the motion of domain walls in nanowires or the vortex core dynamics in micropatterned magnetic elements. Next generation sources of polarized soft X-rays such as X-ray free electron lasers or high-harmonic generation laser sources hold the promise to provide nanometer spatial and femtosecond time resolution, enabling to address thus fundamental magnetic length and time scales in magnetism. This paper reviews the various X-ray imaging techniques using polarized soft X-rays by summarizing their characteristic features, recent achievements, and current limitations as well as future opportunities. A brief overview on other magnetic imaging techniques are given to set magnetic X-ray imaging techniques into context.
The Constraints on European Institutions' Conditionality in the Western Balkans

The essays in this collection bring together recent field research in the Western Balkans to increase our understanding of the conditions under which European and Euro-Atlantic institutions' condit...
Catalysis by supported Lewis acids: An efficient method for transesterification of phosphotriesters

Abstract Lewis acids (ZnCl 2 , CoCl 2 , NiCl 2 , TiCl 4 , and CdCl 2 ) when supported on silica gel can effectively catalyze transesterification of organophosphotriesters. In anhydrous acetonitrile and in the presence of excess alcohol, such reactions follow pseudo-first-order kinetics. Progress and efficacy of these reactions were monitored by UV–vis and 31 P NMR spectroscopy.
Experiential and Creative Management Exercises Using an Assessment Center

Abstract Assessment centers are widely used to select managers and develop management skills because of their flexibility and higher validity than single-component selection procedures. In this article, suggestions are given for running an assessment center as an experiential exercise in which students are assessors, candidates, or role players in exercises created by the instructor, or as a creative exercise in which students create their own exercises. The assessment center can be used to help students understand the concepts of job analysis, test construction, selection, reliability, and validity.
Water vapor retrieval over many surface types

In this paper we present a study of of the water vapor retrieval for many natural surface types which would be valuable for multi-spectral instruments using the existing Continuum Interpolated Band Ratio (CIBR) for the 940 nm water vapor absorption feature. An atmospheric code (6S) and 562 spectra were used to compute the top of the atmosphere radiance near the 940 nm water vapor absorption feature in steps of 2.5 nm as a function of precipitable water (PW). We derive a novel technique called ``Atmospheric Pre-corrected Differential Absorption`` (APDA) and show that APDA performs better than the CIBR over many surface types.
Development comparisons of grimace and play mouth in infant pigtail macaques (Macaca nemestrina)

Five laboratory-born infant pigtail macaques (Macaca nemestrina) were studied during playroom interactions. Each infant was videotaped for a 5-minute period weekly for 5 months. The animals were scored on the frequency of the mouth display observed. Both play-type (round mouth corners, ie, relaxed open-mouth display) and fear-type (sharp mouth corners, ie, silent bared-teeth display) facial expressions were present at the onset of obsevations. Play mouths appeared with greater frequency than fear mouths throughout the study. The frequency of round-cornered mouths (play and gnaw) vs sharpcornered mouths (bite and grimace) was significantly different both across monkeys and across weeks. There appeared to be a bimodal distribution of round and sharp mouths, with infants using the different mouth types in a nonsocial context at earlier ages and in a social context as they matured. The data are consonant with a phylogentically separate origin of the fear grimace and playface in old world anthropoids including humans.
Linguistic modeling of flexible manufacturing systems

Abstract Production feasibility, machine assignment, and machine failure in a flexible manufacturing system are studied from the perspective of formal language theory in this paper. Heterogeneous flexible flow line is introduced as the manufacturing system model. Finite state language is used to describe a flow line in terms of all the possible operation sequences that it can carry out. Issues such as production feasibility, machine assignment, and robustness can be addressed, formulated, and solved as linguistic problems. The linguistic approach presented in this paper attempts to offer new perspectives and modeling methodology in the study of manufacturing systems.
Assessing information literacy skills in the California State University: A progress report

What do students know about finding, evaluating, and using information? What can we learn about how to evaluate complex constructs presented as information literacy standards or competencies? This article is a progress report on an ongoing, innovative assessment project that aims to discover answers to those questions and many more.
The incorporation of work hardening and redundant work in rod-drawing analyses

Abstract With few exceptions, metal deformation analyses employ a constant yield stress (rigid, perfectly plastic metal) which ignores strain hardening, or a “mean” yield stress which attempts to accommodate strain hardening in a simplified manner. Since strain hardening is of interest here, little reference will be made to a rigid, plastic type of behavior. The first part of this paper demonstrates that the use of a mean yield stress underestimates the working loads (or stresses) needed to draw metal through conical dies as compared to those loads predicted by more “exact” analyses. In this context “exact” refers to those solutions obtained by incorporating the strain hardening relationship in the governing “force balance” differential equations prior to the integration of the said equations. It is shown, however, that the error introduced by the use of a mean yield stress is no more than some 8 per cent for conditions that typify actual practice. Since analyses of other metal-working processes, such as rolling and extrusion, employ the same sort of differential equation, it is felt that these results are applicable there also. The second part of this paper shows that redundant work in rod drawing may be approached either from considerations of the mechanical properties that result after the metal is drawn or from considerations of the stress necessary to draw down the rod. Contrary to what is implied in the literature, it is shown that these two approaches lead to different interpretations of the “redundant work factor”. Relationships are given between the two for metals that are assumed to strain harden in certain simple ways.
A Global Minimum Clock Distribution Network Augmentation Algorithm for Guaranteed Clock Skew Yield

Nanometer VLSI systems demand robust clock distribution network design for increased process and operating condition variabilities. In this paper, we propose minimum clock distribution network augmentation for guaranteed skew yield. We present theoretical analysis results on an inserted link in a clock network, which scales down local skew and skew variation, but may not guarantee global skew and skew variation reduction in general. We propose a global minimum clock network augmentation algorithm, which inserts links simultaneously between all nearest sink pairs, apply rule-based link removal, and perform link consolidation by Steiner minimum tree construction for wire-length reduction with guaranteed clock skew yield. Our experimental results show that our proposed algorithm achieves dominant clock network augmentation solutions, e.g., an average of 16% clock skew yield improvement, 9% maximum skew reduction, and 25% reduction of clock skew variation standard deviation with identical wirelength compared with previous best clock network link insertion methods (Venkataraman et al., 2005).
The dynamic relationship between mu and kappa opioid receptors in body temperature regulation

Previous studies demonstrated that intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of a kappa opioid receptor agonist decreased, and a mu agonist increased, body temperature (Tb) in rats. A dose-response study with the selective kappa antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) showed that a low dose (1.25 nmol, icv) alone had no effect, although a high dose (25 nmol, icv) increased Tb. It was hypothesized that the hyperthermia induced by nor-BNI was the result of the antagonist blocking the kappa opioid receptor and releasing its inhibition of mu opioid receptor activity. To determine whether the Tb increase caused by nor-BNI was a mu receptor-mediated effect, we administered the selective mu antagonist CTAP (1.25 nmol, icv) 15 min after nor-BNI (25 nmol, icv) and measured rectal Tb in unrestrained rats. CTAP significantly antagonized the Tb increase induced by icv injection of nor-BNI. Injection of 5 or 10 nmol of CTAP alone significantly decreased the Tb, and 1.25 nmol of nor-BNI blocked that effect, indicating that the CTAP-induced hypothermia was kappa-mediated. The findings strongly suggest that mu antagonists, in blocking the basal hyperthermia mediated by mu receptors, can unmask the endogenous kappa receptor-mediated hypothermia, and that there is a tonic balance between mu and kappa opioid receptors that serves as a homeostatic mechanism for maintaining Tb.
Comparison of a stochastic automaton and a related sample mean approach to parameter optimization problems

Stochastic Automata have been proposed as a suitable approach for Adaptive parameter optimization problems with multimodal performance criteria. A recently developed automaton structure [1] with the desired behavioral properties is presented and then contrasted with the most straightforward global strategy, that of Sample Mean estimation. This comparison, which is based on both the cost of sampling and also on the total number of samples, establishes a general point of view within which to assess the advantages of the automaton learning structure approach over the pure sampling approach which in effect, is a non-sequential procedure with no inherent learning capability.
Predictors of compliance with diet 6 months after heart transplantation

Objective: To examine and predict patient compliance with diet 6 months after heart transplantation. Design: Prospective, correlational design, with nonrandom sample. Setting: Midwestern and southern medical centers. Patients: Ninety-four adult patients who had undergone heart transplantation 6 months previously (mean age 55 years; primarily married men). Variables: Sixteen independent variables measured by nine instruments (with acceptable preliminary reliability and validity data) and chart review were used to predict compliance with diet 6 months after heart transplantation. Statistics: Descriptive statistics, correlations, and multiple regression were used to analyze the data. Results: More than 85% of patients were compliant with their diet most or all of the time, and more than 70% of patients experienced little or no difficulty complying with their diet. Difficulty with dietary compliance, gastrointestinal symptoms, and health perception predicted dietary compliance (accounting for 38% of variance). Conclusions: This study will contribute to enhanced patient care and may decrease morbidity and deaths after transplantation.
FirstSearch fills a biological research need at Emporia State

As a result of the cancellation of research tools for several disciplines at Emporia State University, the library needed to be able to offer research assistance for those affected by the budget cuts. One division greatly affected was Biological Sciences, an area that started requiring more research from its students, both at the graduate and undergraduate levels. After examining several options, and through some trial and error, FirstSearch was chosen as the best resource to meet the needs of the undergraduate students in the Division of Biological Sciences. This work looks at the experiences of the Library in serving a population in need and the collaborative relationship that formed as a result.
Characterization of SOI microrings using IR imaging

We demonstrate a non-invasive diagnostic method of quantitative infrared (IR) imaging, applied here to a series cascade of microring resonators fabricated in silicon-on-insulator. The IR images contain information on the otherwise inaccessible individual through-ports and the resonators themselves, providing coupling, loss and intensity-enhancement parameters for the individual rings.
Development of a scalable synthesis of P7C3-A20, a potent neuroprotective agent

Abstract A scalable synthesis of the neuroprotective agent P7C3-A20 is described. The synthesis has provided hundred-gram batches of the final compound for biological evaluation in rodents primates. The synthesis can be performed without chromatographic purification of intermediates or the final product.
Cortisol Levels and Longitudinal Cortisol Change as Predictors of Anxiety in Adolescents.

Although previous research has suggested cortisol-emotion relationships, little is known regarding the effect of anxiety type on cortisol levels or relationships between anxiety and longitudinal co...
Leptin action via LepR-b Tyr1077 contributes to the control of energy balance and female reproduction.

Leptin action in the brain signals the repletion of adipose energy stores, suppressing feeding and permitting energy expenditure on a variety of processes, including reproduction. Leptin binding to its receptor (LepR-b) promotes the tyrosine phosphorylation of three sites on LepR-b, each of which mediates distinct downstream signals. While the signals mediated by LepR-b Tyr1138 and Tyr985 control important aspects of energy homeostasis and LepR-b signal attenuation, respectively, the role of the remaining LepR-b phosphorylation site (Tyr1077) in leptin action has not been studied. To examine the function of Tyr1077, we generated a “knock-in” mouse model expressing LepR-b F1077, which is mutant for LepR-b Tyr1077. Mice expressing LepR-b F1077 demonstrate modestly increased body weight and adiposity. Furthermore, females display impairments in estrous cycling. Our results suggest that signaling by LepR-b Tyr1077 plays a modest role in the control of metabolism by leptin, and is an important link between body adiposity and the reproductive axis.
Effects of ligand binding and conformational switching on intracellular stability of human thymidylate synthase.

Abstract Thymidylate synthase (TS) is the target in colon cancer therapeutic protocols utilizing such drugs as 5-fluorouracil and raltitrexed. The effectiveness of these treatments is hampered by emerging drug resistance, usually related to increased levels of TS. Human TS (hTS) is unique among thymidylate synthases from all species examined as its loop 181–197 can assume two main conformations related by rotation of 180°. In one conformation, “active”, the catalytic Cys-195 is positioned in the active site; in the other conformation, “inactive”, it is at the subunit interface. Also, in the active conformation, region 107–128 has one well-defined conformation while in the inactive conformation this region assumes multiple conformations and is disordered in crystals. The native protein exists in apparent equilibrium between the two conformational states, while the enzyme liganded with TS inhibitors assumes the active conformation. The native protein has been reported to bind to several mRNAs, including its own mRNA, but upon ligation, RNA binding activity is lost. Ligation of TS by inhibitors also stabilizes it to turnover. Since currently used TS-directed drugs stabilize the active conformation and slow down the enzyme degradation, it is postulated that inhibitors of hTS stabilizing the inactive conformation of hTS should cause a down-regulation in enzyme levels as well as inactivate the enzyme.
Enzyme stereospecificities for nicotinamide nucleotides

This is a summary of 25 years of research on the stereospecificity of pyridine nucleotide-linked dehydrogenases. It records the stereoselectivity of 127 dehydrogenases for pyridine nucleotides.
Identification of a novel, non-tetrahydroquinoline variant of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor torcetrapib, with improved aqueous solubility.

Abstract1. Elaborate studies of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) polymorphisms and genetic deficiency in humans suggest direct links between CETP, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels and coronary heart diseases. The hypothesis that CETP inhibition by small molecule inhibitors raises HDL-c has been validated clinically with structurally-diverse CETP inhibitors such as torcetrapib, anacetrapib, dalcetrapib and evacetrapib.2. Despite promising phase 2 results with respect to HDL-c elevation, torcetrapib was discontinued in phase 3 trials due to increased mortality rates in the cardiovascular outcomes study. Emerging evidence for the adverse effects hints at off-target chemotype-specific cardiovascular toxicity, possibly related to the pressor effects of torcetrapib, since structurally diverse CETP inhibitors such as anacetrapib, evacetrapib and dalcetrapib are not associated with blood pressure increases in humans. Nonclinical follow-up studies showed that torcetrapib induces aldoste...