cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A control systems conceptualization of the goal-setting and changing process

Abstract Most of the research on goal setting has focused on the relationship between goals and subsequent performance. Much less research has been directed at explaining why goal setting works or at integrating it with other motivational theories. In this paper a control systems model of motivation is developed in which a goal is considered a referent or desired state to which performance is compared. Any discrepancy (error) between goals and performance creates a corrective motivation. Predictions based on this model are tested in a classroom situation using a longitudinal research design involving 188 college students. Results support many aspects of the proposed model. It is concluded that goal setting should be viewed as a dynamic process in which both self-set goals and environmental feedback are incorporated into a system that monitors performance relative to a desired state and adjusts subsequent goals, behaviors, and strategies.
ON DETERMINING THE OPTIMAL SAMPLING FREQUENCY FOR FEEDBACK QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEMS

This paper considers the choice of the most profitable sampling frequency for a feedback quality control system. It is assumed that the disturbance can be adequately modeled by a first-order Integrated Moving Average (IMA (0, 1, 1)) process. The cost model includes two terms, one for the cost of being off-target and one for the cost of sampling and adjustment. An analytical solution is obtained and the sensitivity of parameters examined.
A search for direct photon production in 200 and 300 GeV/c proton-beryllium interactions

Abstract A search has been made for direct photon production in pBe interactions at 200 and 300 GeV/c over the kinematic region 1.5
Different and trace

Abstract Let E/F be a finite separable field extension and suppose given a discrete valuation on F that has a unique extension to E. We prove the relation d = e − 1 + c, where d is the differential exponent, e the ramification and c the trace contraction.
Critical layer thickness for self-assembled InAs islands on GaAs.

Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), we have directly observed the progression of surface morphology of InAs deposited by molecular-beam epitaxy on GaAs(100). InAs self-assembled dots (coherent) or relaxed InAs islands (incoherent) are formed depending on the InAs coverage. The InAs coverage was varied continuously and AFM was used to monitor in detail the nucleation and resulting size and shape transition of the InAs self-assembled dots. Dots of uniform size were observed only at the initial stages of this Stranski-Krastanow growth-mode transition. The self-assembled dot density increased very abruptly with total deposited amount of InAs. Treating this InAs growth-mode transition as a first-order phase transition with InAs total coverage as the critical parameter, we extract a critical thickness for surface elastic relaxation of 1.50 ML.
Altered reading of genetic signals fused to the N operon of bacteriophage λ: Genetic evidence for modification of polymerase by the protein product of the N gene☆

Abstract Nonsense mutations, which are strongly polar when transcribed in the context of Escherichia coli, are no longer polar when the trp genes that carry them are fused to the N operon of bacteriophage λ. This relief of polarity depends on specific features of the phage operon: initiation from the phage pL promoter and the presence of a functional N protein. The effect is probably analogous to the anti-transcription-termination effected by N protein at the tL site in normal λ, but tL itself is not required. Under conditions of limiting N protein, total transcription is reduced, but the proportion of polarity relief remains high. It is concluded that transcription initiated at pL by E. coli RNA polymerase is so modified by interaction with N protein that even distant nonsense codons are no longer read as a cause of polarity.
Psychometric properties of the Herth Hope Index in adolescents and young adults with cancer

The Herth Hope Index (HHIndex), originally developed for adults, was examined for appropriateness in two studies of adolescents and young adults with cancer-those at various stages of treatment (N = 127) and those newly diagnosed (N = 74). The internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha) of the index was .84 and .78, respectively, in the two samples. Construct validity was supported by discriminant correlations in the moderate to low range between the HHIndex and measures of uncertainty in illness and symptom distress, and by moderate convergent correlations with measures of resilience (self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-transcendence) and quality of life (index of well-being). A four-step factor analysis procedure was done, and confirmatory factor analysis suggested that a one-factor solution best fit the data in this population. Findings indicate that the HHIndex is a reliable measure of hope in adolescents and young adults with cancer. Evidence of discriminant and convergent validity in measuring hope in adolescents and young adults with cancer was also generated. Further exploration of the HHIndex factor structure in adolescents and young adults is needed.
Erratum to: Nocebo Effects and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Legal Implications

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The below Acknowledgment was missing. The research reported here was supported in part by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, and the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center. Further support was provided by the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or the official policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs or U.S. Government.
Adapting to diverse customers: A training matrix for international marketers

Abstract Despite the importance and revenue potential of global markets, many companies still fail to train marketers to interact with diverse customers. Too often, international marketers are caught off guard in how to approach and respond to customers of different cultures. This lack of sensitivity can put companies at a competitive disadvantage. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework and matrix that incorporate the role of intercultural communication in developing international buyer-seller relationships. The framework focuses on the predispositions and abilities that marketers bring to an intercultural selling encounter and the consequences of these abilities in developing buyer-seller relationships. Implications for developing interculturally adaptive training programs are discussed.
Has the climate recently shifted

[1] This paper provides an update to an earlier work that showed specific changes in the aggregate time evolution of major Northern Hemispheric atmospheric and oceanic modes of variability serve as a harbinger of climate shifts. Specifically, when the major modes of Northern Hemisphere climate variability are synchronized, or resonate, and the coupling between those modes simultaneously increases, the climate system appears to be thrown into a new state, marked by a break in the global mean temperature trend and in the character of El Nino/Southern Oscillation variability. Here, a new and improved means to quantify the coupling between climate modes confirms that another synchronization of these modes, followed by an increase in coupling occurred in 2001/02. This suggests that a break in the global mean temperature trend from the consistent warming over the 1976/77–2001/02 period may have occurred.
Long-lasting increase in the set point for cocaine self-administration after escalation in rats.

Rationale: When access time to a continuous schedule of drug self-administration is restricted, animals tend to limit intake to a certain level over time and across doses. This observation suggests an endogenous constraint or set point that determines the individual’s preferred level of pharmacological effects. Objectives: To assess whether the transition to increased levels of drug intake is associated with a change in set point. Methods: Two groups of rats were trained on a 1-h continuous schedule of cocaine self-administration (250 µg/injection), after which access to cocaine was increased to 6 h in one group (Long Access or LgA rats) or kept to 1 h in the other group (Short Access or ShA rats). After 22 sessions on this regimen, different doses of cocaine were tested (31.25, 62.5, 125, and 250 µg/injection). For each dose, the post-response time-out period was reduced to 4 s to reduce any temporal limitations on self-injections and subjects were tested several times. Results: In LgA rats, the first hour intake escalated over time and eventually reached a level 200% greater than that of ShA rats. Though all rats maintained relatively constant intake across doses, LgA rats took nearly two times as much cocaine than ShA rats. When access to cocaine for LgA rats was reduced to 1 h, intake returned very slowly toward pre-escalation levels but was still elevated even after 2 months of reduced availability. Conclusions: These data suggest that the transition to escalated levels of intake is associated with a long-lasting change in cocaine set point.
Can Insurance Firms Easily Exit from the Market? A Global Comparative Analysis of Regulatory Structures *

This paper deals with market exit issues in the insurance industry. It examines theoretical and practical aspects of exit regulation in insurance as well as internal and external factors that firms may use to select a market exit strategy. From comparing regulatory stringency and permitted forms of market exit in selected countries in Asia, Europe, and North America, the authors find several commonalities. That is, regulators tend to accentuate their responsibility for protecting policyholders’ interests, be deeply involved in most exit processes, and prefer other forms of exit (e.g., buy-out of liabilities or a complete acquisition of business by another firm) than immediate dissolution of insurers. However, not all governments examined are ready to effectively deal with matters related to insurers’ exits from the market. Some governments need better structured regulation and some transparency in market exit regulation.
Analysis of proteoglycans by high-performance liquid chromatography: A rapid micromethod for the separation of proteoglycans from tissue and cell culture☆

Abstract Proteoglycans were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), using two coupled Aquapore columns containing glycerylpropylsilane groups covalently linked to large-pore (50–100 nm) silica spheres. This two-column HPLC system was effective in separating cartilage proteoglycan aggregates and monomers, without altering their biochemical integrity. This system was also effective in resolving small amounts of isotopically labeled proteoglycans synthesized by cultured mammalian cells. The small sample size, short analysis time, and high reproducibility represent improvements in the study of proteoglycans over conventional soft-gel chromatography.
Myoepithelial Cell Contraction and Milk Ejection Are Impaired in Mammary Glands of Mice Lacking Smooth Muscle Alpha-Actin

Mammary myoepithelial cells are specialized smooth musclelike epithelial cells that express the smooth muscle actin isoform: smooth muscle alpha-actin (ACTA2). These cells contract in response to oxytocin to generate the contractile force required for milk ejection during lactation. It is believed that ACTA2 contributes to myoepithelial contractile force generation; however, this hypothesis has not been directly tested. To evaluate the contribution of ACTA2 to mammary myoepithelial cell contraction, Acta2 null mice were utilized and milk ejection and myoepithelial cell contractile force generation were evaluated. Pups suckling on Acta2 null dams had a significant reduction in weight gain starting immediately postbirth. Cross-fostering demonstrated the lactation defect is with the Acta2 null dams. Carmine alum whole mounts and conventional histology revealed no underlying structural defects in Acta2 null mammary glands that could account for the lactation defect. In addition, myoepithelial cell formation and organization appeared normal in Acta2 null lactating mammary glands as evaluated using an Acta2 promoter-GFP transgene or phalloidin staining to visualize myoepithelial cells. However, mammary myoepithelial cell contraction in response to oxytocin was significantly reduced in isolated Acta2 null lactating mammary glands and in in vivo studies using Acta2 null lactating dams. These results demonstrate that lack of ACTA2 expression impairs mammary myoepithelial cell contraction and milk ejection and suggests that ACTA2 expression in mammary myoepithelial cells has the functional consequence of enhancing contractile force generation required for milk ejection.
Long-term stability and risk assessment of lead in mill waste treated by soluble phosphate

Abstract In an effort to address public concerns of the long-term stability and ecological risk reduction of phosphate (P)-stabilized lead (Pb) in mine wastes, mill tailings located at the Jasper County Superfund Site of southwest Missouri, containing ~ 4000 mg Pb kg − 1 , were treated in situ by phosphoric acid at three rates: 0; 7.5; and 10.0 g P kg − 1 soil. Field experiment consisted of 2- by 4-m plots arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates of each P level. Soil and plant samples were collected at a 3-month interval during five to six (5–6) years post treatments and analyzed for Pb bioaccessibility and leachability, microbial toxicity, Pb chemical fraction, and elemental composition of Pb solids, and Pb concentration in plant tissue. Results indicated that the P treatments significantly reduced bioaccessible and leachable Pb in the mill waste, and the reductions were maintained during the sampling period. Lead concentration in plant tissue was positively related to the Pb bioaccessibility. There was no significant toxicological effect of the treatments on soil microbial community. The treatment using 10 g P kg − 1 appeared to be most effective for overall risk reduction. The Pb stabilization and risk reduction by the P treatments were accomplished by the induced transformation of labile Pb species to relatively insoluble forms, probably pyromorphite-like minerals. This study illustrated that in situ Pb stabilization by soluble phosphate would be long-term and ecologically-safe, which could safeguard human health and ecosystem from Pb contamination in mining areas.
Phase boundaries in ternary systems of sodium oleate, compared with other soaps

1. The boundaries of isotropic solutions of sodium oleate containing salt have been determined over a series of temperatures. Prolonged heating in glass tubes alters sodium oleate solutions, rendering the soap less soluble. 2. It is found that when sodium silicate replaces sodium chloride in the same percentage by weight the sodium oleate is not salted out, but tends on cooling to set to a clear jelly. 3. The phase boundaries for soap solutions containing chloride have been assembled and recalculated to the same units for comparison with each other and with the results for soaps made from a few single commercial oils and fats. In spite of its solubility in water, sodium oleate is readily salted out by electrolytes. 4. The effect of small amounts of salt such as are retained in commercial soap systems upon the boundaries of the strict binary phase diagram have been determined.
Solid-phase Synthesis and Spectral Properties of 2-alkylthio-6H-pyrano[2,3-f]benzimidazole-6-ones: A Combinatorial Approach for 2-alkylthioimidazocoumarins

The solid-phase synthesis of 2-alkylthio-6H-pyrano[2,3-f]benzimidazole-6-ones (2-alkylthioimidazocoumarins) is described. 7-Fluoro-4-methyl-6-nitro-2-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-3-carboxylic acid was coupled to Rink amide resin via its carboxyl group. The resin-bound scaffold then underwent aromatic nucleophilic substitution with primary amines, followed by reduction of the nitro group with tin (II) chloride. Subsequent cyclization of the o-dianilino intermediates with thiocarbonyldiimidazole (TCD) afforded resin-bound 1,3-dihydro-2-thioxo-6H-pyrano[2,3-f]benzimidazole-6-ones, which were then S-alkylated with alkyl halides in the presence of N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIEA). The desired products were obtained in good yield with high purity after trifluoroacetic acid cleavage. The unique spectral properties of 2-alkylthioimidazocoumarins indicate that they may be useful in photodynamic therapy.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF COBALAMINE METABOLISM TO GENETIC LIABILITY OF NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS (NTD)

To check the hypothesis that alteration of cobalamine metabolism may contribute to the etiology of NTD, serum and amniotic fluid levels of total transcobalamlnes (STTC, FTTC) and transcobalamine II (STCII, FTCII) were studied in the pregnancies of high and low risk for NTD development. Material: 79 pregnant women referred for amniocentesis to rule out NTD or chromosomal mutations in fetuses were divided In three groups characterized by: higher risk of NTD (n=19), higher risk of Down syndrome (DS) (n=27), advanced age (>35) (AA) (n=33). Methods: Serum and amniotic fluid samples were collected at the 15-18 wks of gestation. Levels of STTC, STCII FTTC, and FTCII, were determined by using 57Co-Cyanocobalamine (Amersham). For data analysis, Mann-Whitney (z) and Kendall rank correlation (t) tests were used. Results:NTD women revealed higher levels of FTTC (z= -2.3057 p=0.02) and FTCII (z=-2.469 p=0.014) in comparison to DS and AA. STTC and STCII levels were higher among the NTD vs AA (z= -2.2047 p=0.03), but not vs DS. Significant reversed correlations between FTTC and FTCII concentrations and pregnancy order were observed for NTD (τ= -0.3637, p=0.02; t= -0.4720, p=0.002). Conclusion: mothers characterized by higher than average risk of NTD development show distinct profile of serum and amniotic fluid transcobalamlnes. This corroborates the hypothesis that alteration of cobalamine metabolism may represent phenotypic expression of genetic susceptibility to NTD development.
Hand eye coordination patterns in target selection

In this paper, we describe the use of eye gaze tracking and trajectory analysis in the testing of the performance of input devices for cursor control in Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs). By closely studying the behavior of test subjects performing pointing tasks, we can gain a more detailed understanding of the device design factors that may influence the overall performance with these devices. Our Results show them are many patterns of hand eye coordination at the computer interface which differ from patterns found in direct hand pointing at physical targets (Byrne, Anderson, Douglass, & Matessa, 1999).
Differences in Tendon Graft Healing Between the Intra-articular and Extra-articular Ends of a Bone Tunnel

The basic biology of healing between a tendon graft and bone tunnel remains incompletely understood. Distinct variability in the morphological characteristics of the healing tendon-bone attachment site has been reported. We hypothesized that spatial and temporal differences in tendon-to-bone healing exist at different regions of a surgically created bone tunnel. Twenty-four male, Sprague-Dawley rats underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in the left knee using a flexor digitorum longus tendon graft secured using suspensory periosteal fixation. Animals were sacrificed at 4, 7, 11, 14, 21, and 28 days after surgery and prepared for routine histology and immunohistochemical analysis of the healing enthesis at the intra-articular aperture (IAA), mid-tunnel, and extra-articular aperture (EAA). Six animals were used to measure mineral apposition rate (MAR) along the healing bone tunnel by double fluorochrome labeling at 14 and 28 days after surgery. The total area of calcified bone matrix was assessed with von Kossa staining and Goldner-Masson trichrome staining, respectively. The healing tendon-bone interface tissue exhibited a wide chondroid matrix at the IAA, in contrast to a narrow, fibrous matrix at the EAA. There were significantly more osteoclasts at the IAA compared to EAA throughout the study period, except 4 days after surgery (p < 0.05). Collagen continuity between the tendon graft and bone tunnel increased over time, with a more parallel orientation and increased collagen fiber continuity between tendon and bone at the EAA compared to the IAA. MAR was also significantly greater at the EAA at 4 weeks (p < 0.001). Significant differences in healing between the tendon graft and bone exist along the length of bone tunnel secured with suspensory fixation. The etiology of these differences is likely multifactorial in nature, including variable biological and biomechanical environments at different ends of the tunnel. Understanding these differences may ultimately allow surgeons to improve the quality of graft fixation and long-term outcomes after ACL reconstruction.
A framework for identifying distinct multipollutant profiles in air pollution data

Abstract Background The importance of describing, understanding and regulating multi-pollutant mixtures has been highlighted by the US National Academy of Science and the Environmental Protection Agency. Furthering our understanding of the health effects associated with exposure to mixtures of pollutants will lead to the development of new multi-pollutant National Air Quality Standards. Objectives Introduce a framework within which diagnostic methods that are based on our understanding of air pollution mixtures are used to validate the distinct air pollutant mixtures identified using cluster analysis. Methods Six years of daily gaseous and particulate air pollution data collected in Boston, MA were classified solely on their concentration profiles. Classification was performed using k-means partitioning and hierarchical clustering. Diagnostic strategies were developed to identify the most optimal clustering. Results The optimal solution used k-means analysis and contained five distinct groups of days. Pollutant concentrations and elemental ratios were computed in order to characterize the differences between clusters. Time-series regression confirmed that the groups differed in their chemical compositions. The mean values of meteorological parameters were estimated for each group and air mass origin between clusters was examined using back-trajectory analysis. This allowed us to link the distinct physico-chemical characteristics of each cluster to characteristic weather patterns and show that different clusters were associated with distinct air mass origins. Conclusions This analysis yielded a solution that was robust to outlier points and interpretable based on chemical, physical and meteorological characteristics. This novel method provides an exciting tool with which to identify and further investigate multi-pollutant mixtures and link them directly to health effects studies.
Quantitative reassessment of brick red lutites: Evidence from reflectance spectrophotometry

Abstract Brick red lutites are distinctive, bright red sediments deposited in the western North Atlantic. These unique sediments were derived from Permo-Carboniferous outcrops in the Canadian Maritime Provinces, transported out the Gulf of St. Lawrence, through the Cabot Straits, and redistributed by the Western Boundary Undercurrent along the North American continental margin. In this study we used fourteen cores taken off eastern North America to more precisely examine the input and depositional history of brick red lutites. Our study differs from previous studies in the manner in which the red sediment was identified. Unlike previous studies which used color charts to assess the presence of brick red lutites, we used visible light reflectance spectrophotometry. The primary mineral imparting a red color to brick red lutites is hematite. Experiments with known quantities of hematite in a matrix mineralogically similar to western North Atlantic sediment indicate that the presence of hematite can be detected at weight percentages of less than 0.1%. Using spectral reflectance data we characterized the distribution of brick red lutites for two broadly defined time levels — latest glacial and early Holocene. As expected, the maximum input of brick red lutite was during late glacial time and input decreased reaching a minimum during the early Holocene. Since the early Holocene there has been little change in the distribution of this unique red sediment on the North American margin. However, our reflectance spectra indicate renewed accumulation of hematite-rich sediment at the present time in the Cabot Straits.
Master mode-locking theory for few-femtosecond pulses

We propose a model that is valid for ultrafast pulse propagation in a mode-locked laser cavity in the few-femtosecond pulse regime, thus deriving the equivalent of the master mode-locking equation for ultrashort pulses that has dominated mode-locking theory for two decades. The short-pulse equation with dissipative gain and loss terms allows for the generation of stable ultrashort optical pulses from initial white noise, thus providing the first theoretical framework for quantifying the pulse dynamics and stability as pulses widths approach the attosecond regime.
A contingency matrix approach to IHRM

The global economy is a reality. The challenge facing international human resource management (IHRM) is not whether to use widely recognized HR concepts and techniques but rather how to effectively adapt and fit them across cultures. The purpose of this article is to suggest and demonstrate a contingency matrix approach to IHRM. After first explaining what is meant by the contingency matrix approach, the remainder of the article uses a sampling of the HR research literature from Japan, Germany, Mexico, and China to show how a contingency matrix could be used for effective IHRM. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ultrafiltration of soy protein concentrate: performance and modelling of spiral and tubular polymeric modules

Abstract Extracts of defatted soybean flour were processed in polymeric spiral wound and tubular ultrafiltration modules to produce soy protein concentrates. Soy flour suspensions displayed low fouling tendencies with either module when operated at pressures of 235 kPa (35 psi) or less. With soy flour suspension of 2% total solids (TS) at 50 °C, flux with the spiral module showed asymptotic behavior above 235 kPa, reaching a plateau value of 80 liters per square meter per hour (LMH) at a pressure drop of 69 kPa, equivalent to a cross-flow of 170 l per minute. Flux decreased to 55 LMH at 5% TS and to 22 LMH at 17% TS under these operating conditions. With the tubular module processing 5% soy flour, flux became pressure-independent at 385 kPa (55 psi) at cross-flow velocities of 0.5 and 1.5 m s −1 . Asymptotic fluxes at these velocities were 19 and 44 LMH, respectively. However, at 2.5 m s −1 , flux increased with pressure to 85 LMH at 490 kPa (70 psi). The tubular module flux decreased to 55 LMH at 7% TS and to 24 LMH at 21.6% TS. Flux could be modelled with the film theory mass transfer model and the resistance-in-series model.
Maternal age and spine development in the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus: increase of spine length with birth orders1

Summary 1. Maternal effects have long been known to influence phenotypic plasticity in rotifers. Females in Brachionus calyciflorus and several other species produce long-spined offspring when the predatory rotifer Asplanchna is present; B. calyciflorus also develops short spines when food concentrations are low. These spines protect against predation and decrease food threshold concentrations. 2. Some strains of B. calyciflorus develop long spines even in the absence of Asplanchna and other environmental stimuli. We demonstrate in this study that spine length in such cases is dependent on the age of the mother. 3. In strains from Florida and Georgia, offspring spine length increased significantly with birth order, sometimes to lengths formerly observed only in the presence of Asplanchna. Significant variation in this trait was found among and within clones of a strain. Offspring body size also increased with maternal age. This is the first time maternal age has been shown to affect rotifer morphology. 4. These birth-order effects may have important ecological implications and explain phenotypic plasticity and polymorphism in body size and spine length in populations when predators are absent and food concentrations are high. They may be a bet-hedging mechanism to assure adaptation to rapid changes in predation pressure or food conditions.
Flow/pressure characteristics for flow over two tandem swimming fish

Abstract Fish are good examples of pressure sensing animals. In this paper, flow over two tandem swimming fish is simulated using an immersed-boundary method and the power spectra of pressure sensing are analyzed. The tandem arrangement is an appropriate model for a predator–prey pair as well as for fish cruising in a school. It creates a situation where a low-frequency series of vortices impinging on a downstream object generate acoustic signals with wavelengths comparable to the characteristic length of the flow. As a result of that interaction, the vortex street in the wake shows different patterns, due to different distances between the two fish and different motion frequencies. This analysis is expected to provide some insight of the mechanisms of how pressure sensors inside a fish work together to sense the motions of other fish.
The role of exemplar distribution in infants' differentiation of categories

Three experiments investigated how the frequency of exposure to particular exemplars influenced 10-month-old infants' differentiation of land and sea animals in an object-examining task. In Experiments 1 and 2, one category exemplar was presented more frequently than the others during familiarization (i.e., that exemplar was presented on 6 of 12 familiarization trials, and 3 other exemplars were each presented on 2 familiarization trials). For half of the infants, the frequent exemplar was similar to other category exemplars (e.g., a zebra if the familiarization category was land animals), and for half the frequent exemplar was not similar to many other category exemplars (e.g., a rabbit). Infants who frequently experienced the similar exemplar formed an exclusive category, and differentiated land and sea animals. Infants who frequently experienced a dissimilar exemplar, in contrast, formed an inclusive category, and failed to differentiate between land and sea animals. In Experiment 3, infants received frequent experience with a set of similar or dissimilar exemplars, and the same pattern was observed. Thus, 10-month-old infants are sensitive to the distribution of the exemplars to which they are exposed, and they form different category boundaries depending on that distribution.
Switched or not?: the structure of unphosphorylated CheY bound to the N terminus of FliM.

Phosphorylation of Escherichia coli CheY increases its affinity for its target, FliM, 20-fold. The interaction between BeF3−-CheY, a phosphorylated CheY (CheY∼P) analog, and the FliM sequence that it binds has been described previously in molecular detail. Although the conformation that unphosphorylated CheY adopts in complex with FliM was unknown, some evidence suggested that it is similar to that of CheY∼P. To resolve the issue, we have solved the crystallographic structure of unphosphorylated, magnesium(II)-bound CheY in complex with a synthetic peptide corresponding to the target region of FliM (the 16 N-terminal residues of FliM [FliM16]). While the peptide conformation and binding site are similar to those of the BeF3−-CheY-FliM16 complex, the inactive CheY conformation is largely retained in the unphosphorylated Mg2+-CheY-FliM16 complex. Communication between the target binding site and the phosphorylation site, observed previously in biochemical experiments, is enabled by a network of conserved side chain interactions that partially mimic those observed in BeF3−-activated CheY. This structure makes clear the active role that the β4-α4 loop plays in the Tyr87-Tyr106 coupling mechanism that enables allosteric communication between the phosphorylation site and the target binding surface. Additionally, this structure provides a high-resolution view of an intermediate conformation of a response regulator protein, which had been generally assumed to be two state.
Multi-Function Highband Software Radio with Digital Transceivers

In this paper we describe modular hardware architecture for a mobile ad hoc networking software defined radio that is waveform protocol agnostic. The present plan for the current hardware is to host at least two different waveforms - terrestrial/airborne and SATCOM, but the architecture is extensible for many more waveforms. The waveforms are hosted on a Highband Digital Transceiver (HDT), which provides three processing engines. Two of the engines are Modified-Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (MOTS) compute engines. The remaining engine is a three field programmable gate array (FPGA) signal processor, one general purpose processor (GPP), 1 Gbps Ethernet input, 10 Gbps Ethernet output, reduced latency resident memory, fiber optic connected modular platform. All three engines are housed in a custom enclosure that inserts into a JTRS-like form factor vehicle adaptor. The HDT is a programmable device that can be configured through appropriate software loading to support the core waveforms such as the High-band Networking Waveform (HNW - terrestrial/airborne) and the Network Centric Waveform (NCW - SATCOM). An HDT's purpose is to provide part of the physical layer (PHY), media access control layer (MAC), and network layer (NET) processing for the terrestrial/airborne and SATCOM waveforms.
Effect of sensitization on hydrogen transport in austenitic stainless steel

La permeabilite et la diffusivite de l'hydrogene dans l'acier inoxydable 304 augmente comme le degre de sensibilisation croit. Ceci est du a la depletion en chrome de la region des joints de grains. Confirmation par un modele de l'effet de la sensibilisation. Determination a partir de ce modele de la diffusivite dans la zone des joints de grains. La solubilite apparente augmente avec le temps de sensibilisation
Dopamine-derived tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids--inhibitors of neuroamine metabolism.

Abstract The formation of salsolinol and tetrahydropapaveroline (THP) in vitro as aberrant metabolites of dopamine has been established previously. Demonstrating the formation of these compounds in vivo is complicated by the probability that they are extensively metabolized. The present studies indicate that a primary metabolic route for these compounds may be methylation of one or more of the free hydroxyl groups catalyzed by catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT). Through the use of a partially purified COMT preparation from rat liver, the maximal velocities of salsolinol and THP O-methylation proved to be three to five times the maximal velocities of norepinephrine and dopamine O-methylation. The Michaelis constants determined for salsolinol, norepinephrine and dopamine are similar, whereas the Km of COMT for THP (0.03 mM) is approximately one-tenth that of the above substrates. Salsolinol and THP are competitive inhibitors of dopamine O-methylation in vitro, their calculated inhibitor constants (ki values) being 0.13 and 0.02 mM respectively. The effects of these two alkaloids on rat brain monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity were also measured. They were found to be equally potent substrate competitive inhibitors of rat brain MAO in vitro, with calculated Ki values of 0.14 mM (salsolinol) and 0.20 mM (THP). These data suggest that, if formed in vivo under certain pharmacological conditions, aberrant neuroamme derived alkaloids may alter the metabolic disposition of endogenous neuroamines with resultant modification of adrenergic function.
Dependence of stimulus-transcription coupling on phospholipase D in agonist-stimulated pituitary cells.

Abstract Stimulation of phospholipase D activity is frequently observed during agonist activation of Ca(2+)-mobilizing receptors, but the cellular functions of this signaling pathway are not well defined. Pituitary gonadotrophs express Ca(2+)-mobilizing receptors for gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and endothelin (ET), activation of which stimulates luteinizing hormone secretion and transient expression of c-fos. In pituitary cells and alpha T3-1 gonadotrophs, GnRH action was associated with both initial and sustained diacylglycerol (DG) production, whereas ET-1 induced only a transient DG response. Also, phospholipase D activity, estimated by the production of phosphatidylethanol from phosphatidylcholine in the presence of ethanol, was stimulated by GnRH but not ET-1. Such formation of phosphatidylethanol at the expense of phosphatidic acid (PA) during GnRH-induced activation of phospholipase D significantly reduced the production of PA, DG, and cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol. Inhibition of PA-phosphohydrolase activity by propranolol also decreased GnRH-induced DG production and, in contrast to ethanol, increased PA and cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol levels. The fall in DG production caused by ethanol and propranolol was accompanied by inhibition of GnRH-induced c-fos expression, whereas agonist-induced luteinizing hormone release was not affected. In contrast to their inhibitory actions on GnRH-induced early gene expression, neither ethanol nor propranolol affected ET-1-induced c-fos expression, or GnRH- and ET-1-induced inositol trisphosphate/Ca2+ signaling. These findings demonstrate that phospholipase D participates in stimulus-transcription but not stimulus-secretion coupling, and indicate that DG is the primary signal for this action.
Three-dimensional imaging and visualization of partially occluded objects using axially distributed stereo image sensing

In this Letter, we propose a multiperspective three-dimensional (3D) imaging system using axially distributed stereo image sensing. In this proposed method, the stereo camera is translated along its optical axis and multiple axial elemental image pairs for a 3D scene are collected. The captured elemental images are reconstructed in 3D using a computational reconstruction algorithm based on ray back-projection. The proposed method is applied to partially occluded object visualization. Optical experiments are performed to verify the approach.
Activity-dependent signaling mechanisms regulating adult hippocampal neural stem cells and their progeny

Adult neural stem cells (NSCs) reside in a restricted microenvironment, where their development is controlled by subtle and presently underexplored cues. This raises a significant question: what instructions must be provided by this supporting niche to regulate NSC development and functions? Signaling from the niche is proposed to control many aspects of NSC behavior, including balancing the quiescence and proliferation of NSCs, determining the cell division mode (symmetric versus asymmetric), and preventing premature depletion of stem cells to maintain neurogenesis throughout life. Interactions between neurogenic niches and NSCs also govern the homeostatic regulation of adult neurogenesis under diverse physiological, environmental, and pathological conditions. An important implication from revisiting many previously-identifi ed regulatory factors is that most of them (e.g., the antidepressant fluoxetine and exercise) affect gross neurogenesis by acting downstream of NSCs at the level of intermediate progenitors and neuroblasts, while leaving the NSC pool unaffected. Therefore, it is critically important to address how various niche components, signaling pathways, and environmental stimuli differentially regulate distinct stages of adult neurogenesis.
System dynamics and efficiency of the fuel processor for an indirect methanol fuel cell vehicle

Fuel cell vehicles powered using hydrogen/air fuel cells have received a lot of attention recently as possible alternatives to internal combustion engine. However, the combined problems of on-board hydrogen storage and the lack of hydrogen infrastructure represent major impediments to their wide scale adoption as replacements for IC engine vehicles. On board fuel processors that generate hydrogen from on-board liquid methanol (and other hydrocarbons) have been proposed as possible alternative sources of hydrogen needed by the fuel cell. This paper investigates the dynamic response and efficiency of the on-board fuel processor in an indirect-methanol fuel cell vehicle. This is carried out using a fuel processor model developed in the Matlab/Simulink environment. The fuel processor model includes detailed subsystem models for the steam-reformer, methanol/hydrogen burner, pre-heaters and CO cleanup stages.
Statistical timing and power analysis of VLSI considering non-linear dependence

Majority of practical multivariate statistical analysis and optimizations model interdependence among random variables in terms of the linear correlation. Though linear correlation is simple to use and evaluate, in several cases non-linear dependence between random variables may be too strong to ignore. In this paper, we propose polynomial correlation coefficients as simple measure of multi-variable non-linear dependence and show that the need for modeling non-linear dependence strongly depends on the end function that is to be evaluated from the random variables. Then, we calculate the errors in estimation resulting from assuming independence of components generated by linear de-correlation techniques, such as PCA and ICA. The experimental results show that the error predicted by our method is within 1% error compared to the real simulation of statistical timing and leakage analysis. In order to deal with non-linear dependence, we further develop a target-function-driven component analysis algorithm (FCA) to minimize the error caused by ignoring high order dependence. We apply FCA to statistical leakage power analysis and SRAM cell noise margin variation analysis. Experimental results show that the proposed FCA method is more accurate compared to the traditional PCA or ICA.
Measuring the difficulty of assembly tasks from tool access information

Focusing on accessibility issues, this paper presents a qualitative measure of assembly task difficulty based on concepts from information theory. It is proposed that assembly task difficulty is directly proportional to the logarithm of the assembly task efficiency, this efficiency being a function of the average information content of the assembly task. Preliminary evaluation results are presented where the performance of this metric is tested. The results suggest that the new measure does a good job in capturing assembly difficulty as a function of assembly geometry.
Utilizing the structure of safety properties to aid in the verification of hybrid controllers

Identifying hazardous states in a system and ensuring they are not reachable is an ongoing problem in any large system safety analysis. An exhaustive search of most complex process-control systems encounters the problem of state explosion. The use of predicate abstraction has been studied and employed to great effect. However, in this paper, we outline a novel approach, which utilizes the structure of the safety property to be verified to mitigate state explosion. The state explosion problem is minimized by creating an abstraction that partitions the state space into equivalence classes based on the predicates of the safety property. An ordering on these predicates, based on the number of continuous variables inherent to each term, is used to develop the set of equivalence classes that minimizes the number of continuous variables that must be computed in order to determine if a transition between classes occurs. This acts to minimize the computational complexity of calculating reachability sets by limiting the number of continuous variables that need to be explicitly calculated. The work is then put in the context of an air traffic conflict detection example problem, and conclusions regarding scalability are drawn.
Repeated trans‐Atlantic dispersal catalysed a global songbird radiation

Aim Turdus thrushes are one of the most speciose and widespread songbird genera, comprising nearly 70 species that combined have a near-global distribution. Herein, we use molecular phylogenetic, molecular clock and behavioural evidence to examine the historical biogeography of the genus. Ancestral area reconstructions in conjunction with divergence estimates and palaeoclimatogical data are used to test whether the long-standing paradigm of Beringian colonization or trans-Atlantic dispersal best explains modern distributions in the New and Old Worlds. Location Worldwide, with emphasis on New World‐Old World biotic interchange. Methods Using a molecular phylogenetic hypothesis of Turdus thrushes, we reconstructed ancestral area relationships utilizing the five major continental or regional areas occupied by species in the genus. We also examined the evolution of behaviours on the phylogeny, and estimated the timing of major lineage divergences via a molecular clock. Results Turdus originated in Eurasia, and following the colonization of Africa underwent a series of five trans-Atlantic sweepstake dispersals. The data reject the alternative hypothesis that connections between Old and New World Turdus species can be attributed to movement through Beringia with subsequent extinction. Divergence estimates indicate that these dispersals all occurred near the Miocene‐ Pliocene boundary, 5 Ma. A significant phylogenetic correlation between migratory and flocking behaviour is evident in the genus. Main conclusions The initial divergence of Turdus in the Old World was followed by a series of trans-Atlantic sweepstake dispersal events. These dispersals are temporally correlated with a specific palaeoclimatic system, which would have facilitated transport of Turdus from the Caribbean to the Old World across the Atlantic. Uplift of the Central American Seaway 4.7 Ma effectively shut down the palaeoclimatic system, and no additional trans-Atlantic dispersals are evident in Turdus after this time. Migratory movements by ancestral lineages in flocks, rather than as single individuals, suggest an increased likelihood of successfully colonizing new areas, post-dispersal.
Bilingual children show advantages in nonverbal auditory executive function task

Previous studies have shown that bilinguals have greater control over attentional resources than monolinguals in nonverbal tasks, perhaps reflecting domain-general enhancements of executive functio...