cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ionic polymeric conductor nanocomposites (IPCNCs) as distributed nanosensors and nanoactuators

This paper covers advances made in connection with ionic polymeric conductor nanocomposites (IPCNCs) as distributed biomimetic nanosensors, nanoactuators, nanorobots and artificial muscles. A review of the fundamental properties and characteristics of IPCNCs will be presented first. This summary will include descriptions of the basic materials' molecular structure and subsequent procedure to manufacture the basic material for chemical plating and electroactivation. Further described are chemical molecular plating technologies to make IPCNCs; nanotechnologies of manufacturing and trapping of nanoparticles; SEM, TEM, SPM and AFM characterization of IPMNCs; biomimetic sensing and actuation characterization techniques; electrical characterization; and equivalent circuit modeling of IPCNCs as electronic materials. A phenomenological model of the underlying sensing and actuation mechanisms is also presented based on linear irreversible thermodynamics with two driving forces, an electric field and a solvent pressure gradient and two fluxes, electric current density and the ionic+solvent flux.
Bias reduction in short records of satellite soil moisture

Although surface soil moisture data from different sources (satellite retrievals, ground measurements, and land model integrations of observed meteorological forcing data) have been shown to contain consistent and useful information in their seasonal cycle and anomaly signals, they typically exhibit very different mean values and variability. These biases pose a severe obstacle to exploiting the useful information contained in satellite retrievals through data assimilation. A simple method of bias removal is to match the cumulative distribution functions (cdf) of the satellite and model data. However, accurate cdf estimation typically requires a long record of satellite data. We demonstrate here that by wing spatial sampling with a 2 degree moving window we can obtain local statistics based on a one-year satellite record that are a good approximation to those that would be derived from a much longer time series. This result should increase the usefulness of relatively short satellite data records.
Transfort of 14 MeV and fission spectrum neutrons through spheres — an aid to shielding design

Abstract The energy spectra of neutrons leaking from spheres with 14 MeV of fission sources at their centers have been calculated with a Monte Carlo neutron transport code as a function of spherical radius and material. These results can be used as a guide in the initial design of shielding and collimation for experiments where d-t fusion or fission spectrum neutrons are involved. Materials investigate are: CH 2 , borated CH 2 , magnetite, Fe, Cu, W, Pb, and 238 U.
Al-Tawassuṭ wa-l I‘tidāl: The NU and Moderatism in Indonesian Islam

Abstract Moderate Islam is a paradox. In the United States, Muslim intellectuals and activists use this term with super caution and reservation, avoid it when possible. In contrast to that, their counterparts in Indonesia enthusiastically and proudly claim to be the champions of moderate Islam. The question is why those intellectuals and activists from the same religion but coming from different continent and type of country responded the idea of moderate Islam differently, if not contradistinctively. Given that this term is commonly used as a translation of Qur’anic term umma wasaṭ, it is also important to ask the meaning of this term in Islamic history, how Muslim exegetes throughout Islam history conceptualise umma wasaṭ? And finally, how Indonesian Muslims define moderatism after the 9/11 and what are the criteria of moderate Islam in their views? By analysing the concept of moderate Islam as adopted by the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Islamic movement in Indonesia, this article shows that the meaning moderate in Indonesia is more theological, while in the US it is more political. Moderate Islam in Indonesia is more related to the doctrine of Aswaja, while in the US this notion has more connection with George W. Bush’s ‘war on terror.’
Autoimmune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of paraneoplastic nervous system disease

There is compelling circumstantial evidence that humoral autoimmune response may be involved in the generation of paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes (PNS). However, still it is unproven whether the autoantibody is pathogenic or represents an epiphenomenon to the actual disease process. Paraneoplastic antibodies have been identified in patients with PNS which react with similar antigenic epitopes in tumor and neurons. However, the antigens identified by the paraneoplastic antibodies are primarily intracellular in location, questioning the pathogenetic role of the antibody. The molecular events of antigen processing and presentation, T-cell receptor restriction, polyclonal B-cell proliferation, cellular immunity, and the role of cytokines in mediation of neuronal injury must be further defined in order to elucidate the role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of these disorders.
Addressing Hurricane Intensity through Angular Momentum and Scale Energetics Approaches

This paper addresses two avenues for gaining insight into the hurricane intensity issue—the angular momentum approach and the scale interaction approach. In the angular momentum framework, the torques acting on a parcel's angular momentum are considered along an inflowing trajectory in order to construct the angular momentum budget. These torques are separable into three components: The pressure torque, the surface friction torque, and the cloud torque. All torques are found to diminish the angular momentum of an inflowing parcel, with the cloud torques having the most important role. In the scale interaction approach, energy exchanges among different scales within a hurricane are considered as a means of understanding hurricane intensity. It is found that the majority of kinetic energy contribution to the hurricane scales originates from potential-to-kinetic in-scale energy conversions. The contribution of mean-wave interactions in the kinetic energy varies with distance from the center and with the life stage of a storm. In the early stages, as the disorganized convection becomes organized on the hurricane scales, upscale energy transfers (i.e., from small to large scale) are found to take place in the outer radii of the storm. In a mature storm, the kinetic energy transfers are downscale, except for the inner radii.
Adaptable Formations Utilizing Heterogeneous Unmanned Systems

This paper addresses the problem of controlling and coordinating heterogeneous unmanned systems required to move as a group while maintaining formation. We propose a strategy to coordinate groups of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) with one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). UAVs can be utilized in one of two ways: (1) as alpha robots to guide the UGVs; and (2) as beta robots to surround the UGVs and adapt accordingly. In the first approach, the UAV guides a swarm of UGVs controlling their overall formation. In the second approach, the UGVs guide the UAVs controlling their formation. The unmanned systems are brought into a formation utilizing artificial potential fields generated from normal and sigmoid functions. These functions control the overall swarm geometry. Nonlinear limiting functions are defined to provide tighter swarm control by modifying and adjusting a set of control variables forcing the swarm to behave according to set constraints. Formations derived are subsets of elliptical curves but can be generalized to any curvilinear shape. Both approaches are demonstrated in simulation and experimentally. To demonstrate the second approach in simulation, a swarm of forty UAVs is utilized in a convoy protection mission. As a convoy of UGVs travels, UAVs dynamically and intelligently adapt their formation in order to protect the convoy of vehicles as it moves. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the approach using a fully autonomous group of three UGVs and a single UAV helicopter for coordination.
Spin component of the hall effect and transverse magnetoresistance in dilute alloys containing magnetic solutes

Abstract The influence is considered of the high field/low field transition upon the interpretation of the transverse magnetoresistance and the Hall effect in dilute polycrystalline alloys containing a magnetic solute. It is shown that when the experiment encompasses such a transition the usual method for calculating the temperature-independent positive contribution to the magnetoresistance can lead to appreciable systematic error. In the case of the Hall effect, on the other hand, when allowance is made for the above transition the interpretation leads to the separation of a spin component which saturates in an external field of a few kilogauss. It is shown that this contribution is probably due to the presence of superparamagnetic clusters which, being ferromagnetic particles, shown an anomalous Hall effect on a microscopic scale. In the presence of an external field these individual components are added constructively to give the observed macroscopic spin contribution. Evidence is shown of clustering in very dilute alloys of the AuFe, CuFe, CuMn and AgMn systems.
Antiplatelet Therapy in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Arterial thrombosis frequently leads to death or disability from stroke, peripheral arterial disease, or myocardial infarction (MI). Treating the underlying causes of these diseases is the key to producing significant reduction in morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Prevention of arterial thrombosis is the primary indication for antiplatelet therapy, and intense research has been conducted in the past decade to develop novel antiplatelet agents with favorable safety profiles. The results of the Antiplatelet Trialists' Collaboration, which definitively established the rationale for antiplatelet agents in the prevention of death, MI, and stroke, were an important stimulus for this research. This large meta-analysis combined data from 145 randomized trials and showed that antiplatelet therapy (most commonly aspirin, 75 to 325 mg/d) reduced the risk of vascular events, including nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, and vascular death, by 25% in patients at high risk for occlusive vascular disease. The limitations and adverse effects associated with traditional antiplatelet agents such as aspirin have prompted the search for newer antiplatelet agents. Clinical trials such as the Clopidogrel versus Aspirin in Patients at Risk of Ischemic Events (CAPRIE) study, which was the first study to evaluate aspirin and clopidogrel in patients with cerebrovascular, cardiac, and peripheral arterial disease, have established the importance of newer antiplatelet effects in the management of patients with diseases associated with atherosclerosis. The pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, the mechanisms of action of antiplatelet agents, and the results of these and other clinical trials that document the value of antiplatelet agents in atherosclerosis are reviewed in this paper.
Cumulative Effects of Impoundments on the Hydrology of Riparian Wetlands along the Marmaton River, West-Central Missouri, USA

The effects of proposed impoundments and resulting streamflow regulation on riparian wetlands in the Marmaton River Basin, Missouri, USA were determined using measurements and numerical simulations of wetland water budgets. Calibrated and validated Soil-Plant-Air-Water (SPAW) models were used to simulate daily water depths of four riparian wetlands for Current (model scenario of existing impoundments) and Proposed (model scenario of existing and proposed impoundments) impoundment conditions. The simulated frequency of flooding decreased 19–65% at the wetlands following the additions of proposed impoundments. The reduced flooding resulted in decreases in wetland water depths at all sites during the 10 simulated growing seasons under Proposed conditions with an average duration of continuous water-depth declines of 289 days at the upstream (most regulated) site. Downstream wetlands within the zone of least regulation had an average duration of water level decreases of about 20 days. Decreased water levels under Proposed conditions resulted in a range of 65–365 additional dry days at the study wetlands during the simulated 10-year period of Proposed conditions. The areas of the four wetlands meeting the hydrologic criteria of a formal jurisdictional wetland definition decreased ranging from zero to 31% under Proposed impoundment conditions.
Modeling and Design of High-Speed Ultralow Voltage GaAs Electro-optic Modulators Enabled by Transparent Conducting Materials

We present a comprehensive modeling study of a high-speed gallium arsenide electro-optic modulator with ultralow switching voltages and large modulation bandwidths enabled by transparent conducting (TC) electrodes. The driving voltage, optical insertion loss, and modulation bandwidth of the TC-enabled modulator are systematically analyzed. Optimized designs for both a top-down and a side conduction geometry using Ta2O5 as both buffer and side cladding layers are presented. The results predict half-wave voltages from 0.5 down to 0.2 V, optical insertion losses of 6-10 dB, and optical 3 dB modulation bandwidths from 25-50 GHz for a top-down conduction geometry and 15-30 GHz for a side conduction geometry, assuming that proper impedance transforming parts and terminations are used. The use of benzocyclobutane as side cladding layers in the top-down conduction geometry to realize direct impedance matching was also explored. The corresponding modulation bandwidths are 13 GHz for 0.5 V case and 6 GHz for 0.2 V case, mainly limited by RF-optical wave velocity mismatch.
Momentum and Impediments: Why Europe Won't Emerge as a Full Political Actor on the World Stage Soon*

Is Europe about to rise as a full political actor on the world stage? Conventional wisdom had it that European integration in foreign policy, security and defence was unlikely to amount to much very quickly. More recently, however, a diverse group of scholars has argued that pan-European political actorhood had gained considerable substance. Surveying the recent literature, pertinent related writings and relevant primary materials on the matter, this article identifies and systematizes the many different factors affecting European high-politics actorhood in the early 21st century. A fully grown international actor Europe, it finds, remains a longer-term project rather than an imminent prospect.
COMPARISON OF AOT DECANE WATER-IN-OIL AND OIL-IN-WATER MICROEMULSIONS AS MEDIA FOR CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS

This report details the comparison of AOT-decane oil-in-water and water-in-oil microemulsions as media for capillary electrophoresis. The microemulsion composition was varied to produce clear, conductive solutions. Clear microemulsions were obtained for 20% water-in-oil microemulsions and 10% oil-in-water microemulsions. The behavior of the microemulsions under conditions of the capillary electrophoresis experiment showed that the charge carrier Tetraethylammonium salt (TEA+) was needed to sustain a stable current. It was found that the migration of species in both water-in-oil and oil-in-water microemulsions is based on association with the TEA+. Several factors that could affect the migration of solutes in these media were studied. These include the composition of the microemulsion, the applied voltage, the temperature, and the pH of the aqueous phase.
Intergenerational Differences in Mental Boundaries

382 employees in government offices were surveyed using demographic variables and organizational and interpersonal boundaries. Analysis of variance indicated a significant difference in Mental Boundary Score between Baby Boomers I (born 1946-1954) and Generation X (born 1965-1976) cohorts.
Contraception for the severely psychiatrically disturbed: Confusion, control, and contraindication*

Summary Provision of contraceptive assistance to sexually active female patients in mental institutions continues to be a worthwhile goal. Nonetheless, in keeping with what appears to be the dominant value system of the society, we have taken the position that sometimes the risk of pregnancy can be accepted in the interests of protecting the principle of voluntarism. We found that as the burden of coping with the severely impaired psychiatric patient's sexuality and fertility was shared, hospital staff seemed to become more accepting of this view. For our part, we learned how, in some lives, effective choice is narrowed to being among the lesser of evils: losing the right of self-determination or bearing the consequences of poor judgment.
Embryonic bone matrix formation is increased after exposure to a low-amplitude capacitively coupled electric field, in vitro

In order to investigate the mechanism(s) of electric field-stimulated osteogenesis, we have developed an in vitro model in which embryonic chick tibiae have consistently demonstrated increased bone matrix formation in response to a low amplitude (estimated 10−5 V/m in the serum-free culture medium), capacitively coupled, 10 Hz sinusoidal electric field. Initial applications of this model revealed that 72 h of continuous exposure to the electric field increased tibial collagen production by 29% compared to untreated controls. P < 0.01. Additional studies further revealed: (a) that when electric field exposure was limited to 30 min/day during the 72 h in vitro incubation, embryonic bone matrix formation was increased by 83%, compared to non-treated controls (P < 0.001), suggesting an inductive mechanisms; (b) that the osteogenic response to electric field exposure in vitro was not unique to embryonic chick tibiae, since a similar response was also seen with newborn mouse calvaria (+133%, P < 0.02); (c) that electric field-exposure-stimulated chick bone matrix formation was associated with increased bone cell proliferation; and (d) that this mitogenic response to in vitro electric field exposure could also be observed with embryonic chick calvarial cells in monolayer, serum-free cultures.
Some Effects of Adjunct Questions on Intermediate Grade Children with Differing Reading Comprehension Abilities

AbstractIntermediate grade children read a text about knighthood. Factual questions, either singly or in blocks, were interspersed before or after parts of the text. A criterion test contained those questions and new ones. Children scored better on the criterion test if questions had been interspersed with parts of the text. For repeated questions, scores were higher if children had answered questions one at a time instead of in blocks during reading. High comprehenders scored significantly higher on repeated questions if initially they had seen the questions just after reading the passage, but the difference for low comprehenders in this respect was not significant.
Tissue average binding and equilibrium distribution: an example with heparin in arterial tissues

Classical pharmacokinetic descriptions do not adequately predict the dynamic and complex drug deposition patterns that follow some novel delivery techniques, in part because they do not characterize binding within intact tissues in sufficient detail. In this study, the binding site density of all the potential sites, the tissue-average dissociation constant, and the fractional volume in which heparin can distribute in arterial tissues were measured by incubating tissue samples to equilibrium in solutions containing a wide range of drug concentrations. An "equilibrium distribution curve" was constructed by plotting the concentration of drug in each sample against the concentration in the corresponding bulk phase. The above constants were determined by computationally fitting this curve to a model of drug distribution within tissues. The binding site density was measured to be 4.2 microM, 2.5 microM and 2.2 nM in porcine carotid media with intact and denuded endothelium, and adventitia, respectively. The dissociation constant of heparin in these tissues was estimated to be 6.8 microM, 5.0 microM, and 8.1 nM, respectively. The fractional tissue volume of distribution was 0.61, 0.70, and 0.87, respectively. These values are consistent with known properties of the heparin-arterial tissue interaction. Thus, this technique describes the cumulative effects of binding of a compound to all of its potential binding sites, and will be essential to new detailed descriptions of drug distribution.
Protein Folding Dynamics in the Cell

Protein folding is a remarkably fast unimolecular reaction, spanning microseconds to hours at room temperature. Thus, free energy differences and activation barriers on the free energy landscape of proteins are rather small. This opens up the possibility of living cells modulating their protein’s landscapes, providing cells another way to control the function of their proteomes after transcriptional control, translational control, and post-translational modification. In this Feature Article, we discuss advances in physicochemical studies of protein stability and folding inside living cells. We focus in particular on our studies using fast relaxation imaging (FREI). Although the effect of the cell on protein free energy landscapes is only a few kT, the strong cooperativity of many folding and binding processes allows small modulation of the energy and entropy to produce a large population modulation. Lastly, we discuss some biomolecular processes that are particularly likely to be affected by in-cell modul...
Spaces of Encounters: Immigration, Race, Class, and the Politics of Belonging in Small-Town America

Small towns throughout the rural upper Midwest have been experiencing dramatic economic restructuring and an unprecedented influx of new immigrants of color, triggering conflicts and tension between almost exclusively white residents and the new immigrants. Analyzing the roots and content of white residents’ responses to their encounters with new immigrants in a small town in rural Minnesota, the concept of spaces of encounters draws attention to the relational quality of identities and attitudes and the active role of emotions and spatiality in processes of Othering and racialization, as well as the potential of the encounter to disrupt preconceived boundaries and racial stereotypes. White residents racialize immigrants and space, although the specific form taken by processes of racialization is inflected by individuals’ social positionality and place identities and by longer term and broader scale racial stereotypes and dominant discourses about immigration, race, and nation in the United States. The ra...
Absorption from Thin-Film Waveguides*

The mechanism of optical absorption from thin-film waveguides is investigated analytically for three cases: ideal waveguides, scattering in waveguides, and surface phenomena associated with molecular adsorption. Preliminary experimental results with methylene-blue dye placed on a waveguide surface show absorption magnitudes approximately ten times greater than is predicted for an ideal waveguide. Enhanced absorption based on modal variation is shown to be attributed to both scattering and molecular-adsorption effects.
Axolotl pronephric duct migration requires an epidermally derived, laminin 1-containing extracellular matrix and the integrin receptor alpha6beta1.

The epidermis overlying the migrating axolotl pronephric duct is known to participate in duct guidance. This epidermis deposits an extracellular matrix onto the migrating duct and its pathway that is a potential source of directional guidance cues. The role of this matrix in pronephric duct guidance was assayed by presenting matrix deposited on microcarriers directly to migrating pronephric ducts in situ. We found that reorientation of extracellular-matrix-bearing carriers prior to their presentation to migrating ducts caused a corresponding reorientation of pronephric duct migration. Subepidermal microinjection of function-blocking antibodies against α6 integrin, β1 integrin or the laminin-1/E8 domain recognized byα 6β1 integrin, all of which were detected and localized here, inhibited pronephric duct migration. Moreover, pre-exposure to anti-laminin-1/E8 function-blocking antibody prevented reoriented carriers of epidermally deposited matrix from reorienting pronephric duct migration. These results are incorporated into an integrated model of pronephric duct guidance consistent with all present evidence, proposing roles for the previously implicated glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor as well as for laminin 1 and α6β1 integrin.
Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography of the internal carotid artery for preoperative evaluation of sinonasal lesions and intraoperative surgical navigation.

Introduction: Three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography (3DCTA) demonstrates the spatial relationships of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and adjacent skull base. This imaging modality may be incorporated into intraoperative surgical navigation during endoscopic skull base surgery. Methods: The charts of patients who had undergone 3DCTA imaging between July 2002 and February 2005 were reviewed. For 3DCTA, 1 mm axial computed tomography (CT) scan images were obtained with simultaneous intravenous contrast bolus on a multidetector CT scanner (Somatom Sensation 16, Siemens, Munich, Germany). The CBYON Suite version 2.6 to 2.8 (Med-Surgical Services, Mountain View, CA) was also used for creating CTA images through its volume-rendering protocols. Results: A total of 22 3DCTA studies were performed for diagnostic evaluation or preoperative planning. In 18 instances, the 3DCTA images were used during intraoperative surgical navigation. The specific indications for obtaining the 3DCTA study included neoplasm (11 cases), cerebrospinal fluid leak (3 cases), fibro-osseous lesion (2 cases), mucocele (2 cases), and other (4 cases). Images generated by 3DCTA facilitated the definition of the anatomic relationships between the ICA and skull base lesion. During intraoperative surgical navigation, the 3DCTA provided critical information about the ICA location and adjacent skull base anatomy in the operative field. Conclusions: 3DCTA is a useful means for assessing the ICA and its relationship to skull base lesions. Incorporation of 3DCTA into intraoperative surgical navigation facilitates the comprehension of operative field anatomy in the ICA region. As a result, this imaging technique, especially when combined with intraoperative surgical navigation, may extend the applications of minimally invasive endoscopic approaches to the skull base.
Quadrature amplitude modulation schemes with modified signal constellations for a wideband satellite communications system

Quadrature amplitude modulation schemes with modified signal constellation are proposed. Under the peak power constraint, modified QAM schemes can achieve a significant power gain over conventional QAM schemes in the satellite channel.
Extending Dietetics Training beyond Traditional Leadership Roles in Health Care

Text: Healthcare management is a field serving one of the largest and most essential industries in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “employment of medical and health services managers is expected to grow 16 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than the average for all occupations.”1 An estimated 43,000 new jobs will need to be filled to provide the leadership needed in health care, providing opportunities in hospitals, and other types of health care organizations. 1 Dietitians are uniquely positioned by training and experience to fill these leadership positions, not only in dietetics management, but in non-dietetics roles as well. Many of the competencies required to pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians2 prepare an individual for leadership, and are not required in other health care professions at entry level, but rather are acquired during graduate studies. 3-6 Exam competencies geared toward health care leadership include: human physiology, the human life span (Domain I), critical thinking, information synthesis, problem solving (Domain II), effective communication (Domain III), inventory management, sanitation, safety, facility planning, and systems development (Domain IV), and management competencies (Domain V). Individuals studying these competencies in coursework and exam preparation may be better prepared than their counterparts in Nursing and allied health professions to assume health care leadership positions which provide not only tangible rewards such as better salary and benefits packages, but also intangible rewards from the opportunities to improve patient care. Registered Dietitians should consider these leadership options when making decisions about career development.
Domino logic with variable threshold voltage keeper

A variable threshold voltage keeper circuit technique is proposed for simultaneous power reduction and speed enhancement of domino logic circuits. The threshold voltage of a keeper transistor is dynamically modified during circuit operation to reduce contention current without sacrificing noise immunity. The variable threshold voltage keeper circuit technique enhances circuit evaluation speed by up to 60% while reducing power dissipation by 35% as compared to a standard domino (SD) logic circuit. The keeper size can be increased with the proposed technique while preserving the same delay or power characteristics as compared to a SD circuit. The proposed domino logic circuit technique offers 14% higher noise immunity as compared to a SD circuit with the same evaluation delay characteristics. Forward body biasing the keeper transistor is also proposed for improved noise immunity as compared to a SD circuit with the same keeper size. It is shown that by applying forward and reverse body biased keeper circuit techniques, the noise immunity and evaluation speed of domino logic circuits are simultaneously enhanced.
Survival of GacS/GacA mutants of the biological control bacterium Pseudomonas aureofaciens 30-84 in the wheat rhizosphere.

GacS/GacA comprises a two-component regulatory system that controls the expression of secondary metabolites required for the control of plant diseases in many pseudomonads. High mutation frequencies of gacS and gacA have been observed in liquid culture. We examined whether gacS/gacA mutants could competitively displace the wild-type populations on roots and thus pose a threat to the efficacy of biological control. The survival of a gac mutant alone and in competition with the wild type on roots was examined in the biological control strain Pseudomonas aureofaciens 30-84. In this bacterium, GacS/GacA controls the expression of phenazine antibiotics that are inhibitory to plant pathogenic fungi and enhance the competitive survival of the bacterium. Wheat seedlings were inoculated with strain 30-84, and bacteria were recovered from roots after 21 days in sterile or nonsterile soil to check for the presence of gacS or gacA mutants. Although no mutants were detected in the inoculum, gacS/gacA mutants were recovered from 29 out of 31 roots and comprised up to 36% of the total bacterial populations. Southern hybridization analysis of the recovered gacA mutants did not indicate a conserved mutational mechanism. Replacement series analysis on roots utilizing strain 30-84 and a gacA mutant (30-84.gacA) or a gacS mutant (30-84.A2) demonstrated that although the mutant population partially displaced the wild type in sterile soil, it did not do so in natural soil. In fact, in natural soil final rhizosphere populations of wild-type strain 30-84 starting from mixtures were at least 1.5 times larger than would be predicted from their inoculation ratio and generally were greater than or equal to the population of wild type alone despite lower inoculation rates. These results indicate that although gacS/gacA mutants survive in natural rhizosphere populations, they do not displace wild-type populations. Better survival of wild-type populations in mixtures with mutants suggests that mutants arising de novo or introduced within the inoculum may be beneficial for the survival of wild-type populations in the rhizosphere.
Evidence of lower risk tolerance among public sector employees in their personal financial matters

Critics claim that excessive risk avoidance is characteristic of public sector workers. To test this contention, the financial risk tolerance scores of public sector and private sector employees who had used financial planning services were compared on a financial risk tolerance scale. Public sector employees scored lower on financial risk tolerance relative to private sector employees. Differences remained even after controlling for other variables linked to risk tolerance.
Ultrasonic attenuation measurements of in vivo human muscle.

Abstract Attenuation measurements were performed on the quadriceps femoris muscle of 10 normal volunteers. The measurements were made using a statistical narrowband pulse echo method operating at 4.3 MHz. The results show a normal range of 4.71 ± 0.44 dB cm −1 (mean ± S.D.). A one-way analysis of variance was performed on the data which concluded that the populations of attenuation coefficients among the subjects were indeed distinct at the p
Alternative splicing yields novel BMAL2 variants: tissue distribution and functional characterization

The BMAL2 gene encodes a member of the basic helix-loop-helix PER-ARNT-SIM family of transcription factors, which control diverse physiological processes including circadian rhythms. We identified ...
Imbecility, pauperism, and crime: an appraisal of their relationship to substance use, abuse, and dependence.

Freud had stated that human judgments of value "follow directly ... wishes for happiness--that, accordingly, they are an attempt to support ... illusions with arguments." This paper argues that substance use/abuse/dependency treatment has been a failure because we understand little about eradicating the significant concerns associated with the use of chemicals that haunt mankind: ignorance, poverty, and crime. While technologies advance at dizzying speed, the human capacity to integrate new information and to achieve a quality life seems to evade many. The author presents her treatment regime which has helped some patients. But the psychologist is only one contributor to psychotherapy, habilitation and rehabilitation. It is advisable that each member of the professional and lay communities "tend to their own garden."
Serum uric acid and insulin sensitivity in adolescents and adults with and without type 1 diabetes

Abstract Hypothesis Decreased insulin sensitivity (IS) exists in type 1 diabetes. Serum uric acid (SUA), whose concentration is related to renal clearance, predicts vascular complications in type 1 diabetes. SUA is also inversely associated with IS in non-diabetics, but has not been examined in type 1 diabetes. We hypothesized SUA would be associated with reduced IS in adolescents and adults with type 1 diabetes. Methods The cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of SUA with IS were investigated in 254 adolescents with type 1 diabetes and 70 without in the Determinants of Macrovascular Disease in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Study, and in 471 adults with type 1 diabetes and 571 without in the Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 diabetes (CACTI) study. Results SUA was lower in subjects with type 1 diabetes (p 2 =2%) and adults (β±SE: −0.91±0.33, p=0.006, R 2 =6%) with type 1 diabetes, though less strongly than in non-diabetic controls (adolescents: β±SE: −2.70±1.19, p=0.03, R 2 =15%, adults: β±SE: −5.99±0.75, p 2 =39%). Conclusion We demonstrated a significantly weaker relationship between SUA and reduced IS in subjects with type 1 diabetes than non-diabetic controls.
Limitations of the standard transthoracic electrocardiogram in detecting subendocardial ischemia

In a recent study we showed that a left ventricular transmural ECG, recorded from leads implanted on endocardial and epicardial muscle, provided a reliable and instantaneous guide to the adequacy of subendocardial perfusion.’ Under noninvasive clinical circumstances, the presence of ischemia can be evaluated electrocardiographically only by use of the external transthoracic ECG, where chest wall leads must be used. The present study was designed to compare the relative sensitivities of the transthoracic and transmural ECGs to detect myocardial ischemia. We studied chronically instrumented dogs with patent coronary arteries. Global left ventricular ischemia was produced by giving isoproterenol (Isuprel, Winthrop Laboratories, New York, N. Y.) and segmental ischemia was produced with graded degrees of coronary occlusion in dogs who were made to exercise. We measured regional myocardial blood flow while recording simultaneous transthoracic and transmural ECGs.
Minding Animals, Minding Earth: Old Brains, New Bottlenecks

. I emphasize the importance of broadening behavioral, ecological, and conservation science into a more integrative, interdisciplinary, socially responsible, compassionate, spiritual, and holistic endeavor. I stress the significance of studies of animal behavior, especially ethological research concerned with animal emotions in which individuals are named and recognized for their own personalities, for helping us to learn not only about the nonhuman animal beings with whom we share Earth but also about who we are and our place in nature. We are best understood in relationship with others. To this end I develop the notions of “minding animals” and “deep ethology.” Animals are sources of wisdom, a way of knowing. We are all citizens of Earth, members of a global community in which intimate reciprocal and beneficent peaceful relationships are mandatory. A world without cruelty and with boundless compassion, respect, grace, humility, spirituality, and love would be a better world in which to live. We have compelling responsibilities for making Earth a better and more peaceful habitat for all beings. It is essential that we do better than our ancestors. We must reflect and step lightly as we “redecorate” nature. Time is not on our side. I plead for the development of heartfelt and holistic science that allows for joy and play. Science need not be suspicious of things it cannot fully understand. We must not avert our eyes or other senses from the eyes and voices of other beings who urgently need our uncompromising and unconditional aid and love. We can do much more than we have done for animals and the Earth.
3TP: an application-layer protocol for streaming 3-D graphics

This paper addresses the problem of streaming progressively compressed 3-D models over lossy networks. Out of all encoded packets that can be transmitted, we intelligently choose a subset of packets to be transmitted using TCP in order to meet a distortion constraint, while transmitting the remaining packets using UDP to minimize the end-to-end delay. We call this new application-layer protocol 3TP (3-D models transport protocol). Experimental results show savings of 42% and 68% in delay time at packet-loss rates of 6% and 19%, respectively, compared to systems that do not optimize transmission according to the encoded bitstream content.
2D Studies of Various Approximations Used for Modeling Convection in Giant Planets

The effects of common approximations made when modeling convection in the interior of giant planets, like Jupiter, are examined using two-dimensional (2D) numerical calculations at high Rayleigh number (1010). Small scale flow structures along the upper boundary and large scales in the lower region are observed for an anelastic fluid spanning five density scale heights. A much more symmetric distribution in the scale of flow structures is observed for a Boussinesq fluid in which density stratification is neglected. The absence of magnetic fields results in higher fluid velocities and smaller scale flow structures. Neglecting the inertial terms produces narrower plumes and a fundamentally different fluid flow pattern for anelastic fluids. Although restricted to two dimensions, our results demonstrate that the spatial structure and time dependence of thermal convection are significantly influenced by density stratification, magnetic fields and inertia. These effects should not be ignored in three-dimensiona...
Collaborative search planning for multiple vehicles in nonhomogeneous environments

The planning of search paths of multiple unmanned undersea vehicles is complicated by taking into consideration the effects that potential cross-vehicle collaboration may have on their performance. Such collaboration is expected to have the effects of increasing the quality and accuracy of search over that which is obtainable from independent search paths. These problems are important in the undersea domain, where limited communications and uncertain performance characterizations provide a challenge to conduct meaningful search operations in a reasonable amount of time. In this paper, we develop a modeling framework that accounts for the effects of collaborating searchers in a spatially variable undersea environment. The impact of this modeling framework on search plan generation and evaluation is then illustrated using simulation examples.
Seasonal distribution patterns of juvenile loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) following capture from a shipping channel in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean

Thirty-four juvenile loggerhead sea turtles captured by trawling from the Charleston, South Carolina (USA), shipping channel (32°42′N; −79°47′W) between May 2004 and August 2007 were tagged with satellite transmitters to assess the extent to which they remained near the capture location given their collection along a seasonal migratory corridor. Seventy-five percent of juveniles were classified as seasonal residents. Migrants predominantly swam north in the spring and nomads wandered south in the summer, but predictive indicators for non-resident status were not identified. All but one juvenile generally remained south of 34°N, within 40 km of shore, and in waters 15 km from shore between spring and autumn were three times as likely to occur in oceanic habitats in winter. Modest seasonal movements contrasted with adults tagged at similar latitudes and with juveniles tagged further north and suggest distinct foraging groups within a regional foraging ground.
Preliminary characterizations of a water vaporizer for resistojet applications

A series of tests was conducted to explore the characteristics of a water vaporizer intended for application to resistojet propulsion systems. The objectives of these tests were to (1) observe the effect of orientation with respect to gravity on vaporizer stability, (2) characterize vaporizer efficiency and outlet conditions over a range of flow rates, and (3) measure the thrust performance of a vaporizer/resistojet thruster assembly. A laboratory model of a forced-flow, once-through water vaporizer employing a porous heat exchange medium was built and characterized over a range of flow rates and power levels of interest for application to water resistojets. In a test during which the vaporizer was rotated about a horizontal axis normal to its own axis, the outlet temperature and mass flow rate through the vaporizer remained steady. Throttlability to 30 percent of the maximum flow rate tested was demonstrated. The measured thermal efficiency of the vaporizer was near 0.9 for all tests. The water vaporizer was integrated with an engineering model multipropellant resistojet. Performance of the vaporizer/thruster assembly was measured over a narrow range of operating conditions. The maximum specific impulse measured was 234 s at a mass flow rate and specific power level (vaporizer and thruster combined) of 154 x 10(exp-6)kg/s and 6.8 MJ/kg, respectively.
Pontic-residual ridge relationship: a research report.

Abstract The factors affecting the responses of the tissues of residual ridges beneath pontics were investigated using clinical and microscopic methods. Also investigated were the mechanical and biologic considerations relative to pontic construction.
Autonomous Student Experiences in Outdoor and Adventure Education

This article explores the current state of knowledge regarding the use of autonomous student experiences (ASE) in outdoor and adventure education (OAE) programs. ASE are defined as components (e.g., solo, final expedition) in which participants have a greater measure of choice and control over the planning, execution, and outcomes of their learning. The article discusses the importance of ASE in experiential education and reviews major findings and supporting evidence in the relevant literature. Outward Bound and the National Outdoor Leadership School are highlighted as OAE programs that incorporate evidence-based research into their course designs. The article concludes with an examination of existing gaps in the knowledge and a discussion of topics for future ASE research.
Algorithm and architecture for feature extraction in image recognition

The authors present a method of measuring the degree of similarity of handwritten characters. This method is based on the segments of handwritten characters. Each handwritten image is decomposed into several segments. Then they compare the segments which belong to different handwritten images using their distance fields. The result is distance of two handwritten images. These distances can be used in training a neural network for the task of handwritten character recognition. In order to make clear segments from handwritten characters, before the measurement, a hardware oriented thinning algorithm is introduced. Every pixel in a handwritten image can be processed in parallel to save time. >
Post-translational regulation enables robust p53 regulation

The tumor suppressor protein p53 plays important roles in DNA damage repair, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Due to its critical functions, the level of p53 is tightly regulated by a negative feedback mechanism to increase its tolerance towards fluctuations and disturbances. Interestingly, the p53 level is controlled by post-translational regulation rather than transcriptional regulation in this feedback mechanism. We analyzed the dynamics of this feedback to understand whether post-translational regulation provides any advantages over transcriptional regulation in regard to disturbance rejection. When a disturbance happens, even though negative feedback reduces the steady-state error, it can cause a system to become less stable and transiently overshoots, which may erroneously trigger downstream reactions. Therefore, the system needs to balance the trade-off between steady-state and transient errors. Feedback control and adaptive estimation theories revealed that post-translational regulation achieves a better trade-off than transcriptional regulation, contributing to a more steady level of p53 under the influence of noise and disturbances. Furthermore, post-translational regulation enables cells to respond more promptly to stress conditions with consistent amplitude. However, for better disturbance rejection, the p53- Mdm2 negative feedback has to pay a price of higher stochastic noise. Our analyses suggest that the p53-Mdm2 feedback favors regulatory mechanisms that provide the optimal trade-offs for dynamic control.