cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cosmic-ray interaction data for designing biological experiments in space

There is growing interest in flying biological experiments beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO) to measure biological responses potentially relevant to those expected during a human mission to Mars. Such experiments could be payloads onboard precursor missions, including unmanned private-public partnerships, as well as small low-cost spacecraft (satellites) designed specifically for biosentinel-type missions. It is the purpose of this paper to provide physical cosmic-ray interaction data and related information useful to biologists who may be planning such experiments. It is not the objective here to actually design such experiments or provide radiobiological response functions, which would be specific for each experiment and biological endpoint. Nuclide-specific flux and dose rates were calculated using OLTARIS and these results were used to determine particle traversal rates and doses in hypothetical biological targets. Comparisons are provided between GCR in interplanetary space and inside the ISS. Calculated probabilistic estimates of dose from solar particle events are also presented. Although the focus here is on biological experiments, the information provided may be useful for designing other payloads as well if the space radiation environment is a factor to be considered.
Equilibrium Overcompensation in Polyelectrolyte Complexes

Association between positive, Pol+, and negative, Pol–, units on polyelectrolytes drives spontaneous formation of a range of morphologies, some with “fuzzy” structure but most essentially amorphous. An excess of one type of charge over the other, known as overcompensation or overcharging, is essential for certain types of processing, such as the formation of polyelectrolyte “multilayers” on substrates or “polyplex” nanoparticles in solution. In this work, uniform, stoichiometric, smooth thin films of polyelectrolyte complex, PEC, from poly(diallyldimethylammonium), PDADMA, and poly(styrenesulfonate), PSS, were prepared starting from rough, nonstoichiometric multilayers of these materials. A narrow concentration range of added salt was found which promoted steady-state bulk overcompensation of PEC films in the presence of a large excess of polycation or polyanion without loss of PEC to solution. The extent of overcompensation, about 35% for PDADMA in 1.0 M NaCl and about 40% for PSS in 1.4 M NaCl, was inde...
In-silico analysis on 3d biofabrication using kinetic monte carlo simulations

We present a three dimensional D lattice model based on the differential adhesion hypothesis DAH to study self assembly and fusion of multicellular aggregates which forms the foundation for the scaffold less biofabrication of tissues and organs known as bio printing In this new technology live multicellular aggregates are used as bio ink to make tissue or organ constructs via the layer by layer deposition technique in biocompatible hydrogels the printed bio constructs embedded in the hydrogels are then placed in bioreactors to undergo the fusion process to form the desired functional tissue or organ products Our in silico approach is an agent based method which uses the kinetic Monte Carlo KMC algorithm to evolve the cellular system on a D lattice In this model the cells and the hydrogel media in which cells are embedded are coarse grained to material s points on the lattice where the cell cell and cell medium interaction are quantified by adhesion and cohesion energies In a multicellular aggregate system with a fixed number of cells and fixed amount of hydrogel media the effect of cell differentiation proliferation and death are tactically neglected in the current model which can be readily included in the model and the interaction s primarily dictated by the interfacial energy between cell and cell as well as between cells and medium particles on the lattice respectively The KMC method is applicable to transient simulations of fusion of multicellular aggregates at the time and length scale appropriate to biofabrication Numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate fusion and cell sorting during tissue and organ maturation processes
Assessing Challenges in Low-Income Families to Inform a Life Skills-Based Obesity Intervention.

Background. This article describes the formative research undertaken to explore challenges of low-income parents of 3-to 5-year-olds to inform a parent-focused life skills–based intervention to pre...
Broadband Calibration of Acoustic Emission and Ultrasonic Sensors from Generalized Ray Theory and Finite Element Models

This paper describes a calibration method for acoustic emission and ultrasonic sensors that is effective from 1 kHz to 1 MHz. The method combines generalized ray theory and finite element analysis to model wave propagation at higher and lower frequencies, respectively. A ball impact is used as a calibration source, a thick aluminum plate is used as the test block, and hot glue is used as the couplant. We demonstrate this method on five commercial piezoelectric sensors: Physical Acoustics (PAC) R15a, PAC WSa, Panametrics V101, Panametrics V103, and Valpey-Fisher Pinducer. Our calibration results show that reflections and other wave phases can be more clearly identified with the less-resonant Panametrics sensors. The PAC sensors have the greatest sensitivity and are able to detect surface normal displacements at least down to 1 pm amplitude in the 100s of kHz frequency band. Aperture effect is minimized by the small size of the Pinducer. Our method focuses on the amplitude response of the sensors (phase is ignored) and extends the calibration to a frequency band that is lower than typical analyses. Low frequency information is useful for determining the seismic moment of a seismic source (analogous to the magnitude of an earthquake) and can increase the amount of information acquired in a single recording.
Vicarious interaction: The role of observed online communication in fostering organization-public relationships

The purpose of this paper is to explore how online interaction with an organization impacts not only those users participating in the exchange, but also those that witness the interaction and are influenced as suggested by social cognitive theory.,This study utilized a mixed methodological approach. First, 20 interviews with social media users were conducted to explore their perceptions of observed two-way communication between organizations and other users within social media spaces. An experiment then compared the effects of interacting with an organization via social media vs simply observing organizations interacting with other users.,The findings from both studies support the assertion that publics do not have to actively participate in two-way communication with an organization for an observed exchange to have an impact. When an organization has a conversation with one follower, others see that interaction and are affected by it.,This study has implications for the practice of online communication by organizations. Practitioners must consider how interactions impact those publics who are observing rather than only the few who are engaging. In the social media realm, priority should be given to followers posting legitimate questions or concerns. Responding to positive comments can also improve perceptions of the organization but is seen as going above and beyond.,This paper introduces the concept of vicarious interaction – a phenomenon warranting further investigation by strategic communication scholars. Distinguishing between the effects of “vicarious interaction” and direct interaction could have significant consequences for the study of relational or symmetrical approaches to social media.
Before You Knew Me

iii Goldfish 1 You Don’t Like the Way it Sounds 24 So Far From Where They Were 33 Before You Knew Me 52 Cigarettes 78 Curriculum Vitae 103
Constructing conflict-free schedules in space and time

This paper addresses the problem of constructing plans and schedules for resources that must obey spatial constraints in addition to time and capacity constraints. Spatial constraints are relevant in environments that involve mobile resources whose movements must be coordinated to avoid collisions and near-misses. In air-campaign planning, for example, aircraft are allocated to missions that must be flown concurrently within a localized and often heavily populated environment. Mission routes tend to be generated dynamically and must ensure that sufficient spatial separation is maintained at all times among all aircraft. We present a solution to this class of problems that treats the standard resource-allocation problem as a four-dimensional one, where the space in which resources must maneuver is itself managed as a capacitated resource. Underlying our approach is a representation of spatial capacity that uses a linear octree structure for indexing vector-based vehicle routes. Generalizing the notion of contention-based search heuristics, we present an algorithm that first solves a relaxed version of the problem to construct a spatial capacity profile (represented as an octree), and then uses spatio-temporal regions where demand exceeds capacity to make conflict-avoiding vehicle routing and scheduling decisions. To demonstrate the viability of the approach we present experimental results using data from a realistically sized air-campaign planning domain.
Mechanized Proofs in the Logic

In this chapter we discuss the mechanization of proofs in this logic. In particular, we describe at a very high level how our mechanical theorem prover works, and we show a proof produced by it.
Localized heating with a photothermal polydopamine coating facilitates a novel membrane distillation process

Solar-driven membrane distillation using photothermal membranes is of considerable interest for future water desalination systems. However, the low energy efficiency, complex synthesis, and instability of current photothermal materials hinder their further development and practicability. In this study, for the first time, we demonstrate a simple, stable, and scalable polydopamine (PDA)-coated polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane for highly efficient solar-driven membrane distillation (MD). Our membrane shows the best energy efficiency among existing photothermal MD membranes (45%) and the highest water flux (0.49 kg m−2 h−1) using a direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) system under 0.75 kW m−2 solar irradiation. Such a performance was facilitated by the PDA coating, whose broad light absorption and outstanding photothermal conversion properties enable higher transmembrane temperature and increased driving force for vapor transport. In addition, the excellent hydrophobicity achieved by fluoro-silanization gives the membrane great wetting resistance and high salt rejection. More importantly, the robustness of our membrane, stemming from the excellent underwater adhesion of the PDA, makes the composite membrane an outstanding candidate for real-world applications.
The use of etanercept for treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis when toxic shock syndrome is in the differential.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) can sometimes mimic Steven Johnsons syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of both TSS and SJS/TEN. Etanercept, a TNF-alpha inhibitor has been recently shown to treat and decrease mortality of SJS/TEN. We report a 51-year-old female with history of SJS presenting with painful skin and bullae 2 days following cystoscopy with botulinum toxin injection into the bladder. Due to initial concern for SJS/TEN, the patient was treated with 50 mg of subcutaneous etanercept. Punch biopsies were not consistent with SJS, and the patient fulfilled five out of five criteria for a confirmed case of TSS. The patient ultimately had a favorable outcome despite etanercept treatment. Ultimately, TNF-alpha antagonists are an emerging therapy to treat SJS/TEN, and are unlikely to worsen TSS prognosis. Given that etanercept can be used to successfully treat SJS/TEN and TNF-alpha levels are elevated in TSS, if a dermatologist chooses to treat TEN with etanercept, consideration of TSS on the differential should not necessarily exclude etanercept as a reasonable treatment option.
Adult zebrafish primarily use vision to guide piscivorous foraging behavior.

Abstract The sensory modalities used by predatory fish to detect and capture prey are a key dimension of their foraging strategy. Determining the sensory cues that guide predation can also further conservation efforts under environmental change, and address the welfare of research animals. Here, we experimentally manipulated the sensory modalities used by adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) when foraging for larval conspecifics in captivity. We used minimally invasive techniques to test the consequences of eliminating visual, olfactory, and mechanosensory cues for predator behavior and success. Our results indicate that zebrafish require visual cues, but not olfactory or mechanosensory input. Reducing the visual contrast between prey and their surroundings decreased capture rates, suggesting that contrast underlies visual foraging. Video recordings of zebrafish during foraging indicate that they actively hunt larval fish, rather than employing a sit-and-wait approach. Together, our findings indicate adult zebrafish rely on visual cues to guide an active predation strategy.
Diversity and characterization of HIV-1 subtypes in the United States, 2008-2016.

Abstract Purpose This article describes subtype diversity among diagnosed HIV-1 infections in the United States during 2008–2016 by demographic or risk group and over time. Methods HIV-1 polymerase sequences reported to the National HIV Surveillance System for persons in 17 U.S. states with HIV infection diagnosed during 2008–2016 were subtyped using COMET, an automated subtyping tool, and National HIV Surveillance System demographic data were analyzed. Results Subtype B was identified in 93.6% of 121,793 reported sequences. The most common non-B subtypes and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) were C, CRF02_AG, A, CRF01_AE, and G. Elevated percentages of non-B subtypes or CRFs were found in persons who were female, aged less than 13 years at diagnosis, Asian, or had transmission attributable to heterosexual contact (females only) or perinatal exposure. Foreign-born persons had a higher percentage of non-B subtypes. The prevalence of non-B subtypes and CRFs increased from 5.0% in 2008 to 8.5% in 2016; among specific subtypes and CRFs, subtype G and CRF01_AE increased. Conclusions Subtype B remains the predominant strain in the United States. Non-B subtypes and CRFs were not widespread, but diversity and numbers increased from 2008 through 2016, which could have consequences for clinical management, diagnostic testing, and vaccine development.
Bridge Helix of Cas9 Modulates Target DNA Cleavage and Mismatch Tolerance

CRISPR-Cas systems are RNA-guided nucleases that provide adaptive immune protection for bacteria and archaea against intruding genomic materials. The programmable nature of CRISPR-targeting mechanisms has enabled their adaptation as powerful genome engineering tools. Cas9, a type II CRISPR effector protein, has been widely used for gene-editing applications owing to the fact that a single-guide RNA can direct Cas9 to cleave desired genomic targets. An understanding of the role of different domains of the protein and guide RNA-induced conformational changes of Cas9 in selecting target DNA has been and continues to enable development of Cas9 variants with reduced off-targeting effects. It has been previously established that an arginine-rich bridge helix (BH) present in Cas9 is critical for its activity. In the present study, we show that two proline substitutions within a loop region of the BH of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 impair the DNA cleavage activity by accumulating nicked products and reducing target DNA linearization. This in turn imparts a higher selectivity in DNA targeting. We discuss the probable mechanisms by which the BH-loop contributes to target DNA recognition.
Los hogares de Laura Méndez. Comunidad transpacífica y ciudadanía

La escritora mexicana Laura Mendez de Cuenca (1853-1928) funda y dirige una de las empresas periodicas mas inusuales del fin de siglo XIX: La Revista Hispano-Americana (1895-96). Escrita en ingles y espanol y editada desde el puerto de San Francisco la Revista se proponia comunicar a todos los puertos americanos del pacifico a traves de un discurso economico y comercial. En este articulo examino la manera en que la empresa periodica de Mendez, gracias a su caracter bilingue, construye discursos diferenciados para dos tipos de publico y crea un nuevo tipo de comunidad latinoamericana. Desde la Revista emerge la idea de fortalecer una “comunidad transpacifica” que pueda hacer frente a la sociedad estadunidense desde la que Mendez escribe. Sin embargo, si bien la comunidad transpacifica parte de restarle importancia a las fronteras nacionales, la preocupacion de Mendez por la creacion de una nacion mexicana tambien es evidente. Asi pues, este articulo tambien evalua como Mendez construye y propone un modelo femenino de ciudadania mexicana en su tratado de educacion e higiene El hogar mexicano (1910). La lectura en paralelo de varios articulos publicados en la Revista junto con pasajes y grabados del tratado permiten entender como la posicion de Mendez esta en tension entre diferentes discursos: lo nacional frente a lo latinoamericano, el progreso comercial frente a la independencia economica, la civilizacion frente al rol casi inexistente de la mujer y los modelos ideales de comportamiento frente a su propia vida.
Reaction Mechanism of Vapor-Phase Formic Acid Decomposition over Platinum Catalysts: DFT, Reaction Kinetics Experiments, and Microkinetic Modeling

A combination of periodic density functional theory (DFT, PW91-GGA) calculations, reaction kinetics experiments, and mean-field microkinetic modeling is used to derive insights on the reaction mech...
Soil type and interannual variation shape unique fungal pathogen communities on nearby populations of a California native bunchgrass

Abstract The role of infectious disease in regulating host populations is increasingly recognized, but how environmental conditions affect pathogen communities and infection levels remains poorly understood. Over three years, we compared foliar disease burden, fungal pathogen community composition, and plant tissue chemistry in the perennial bunchgrass Stipa pulchra on nearby serpentine and nonserpentine soils that have distinct chemical properties and plant communities. We found that serpentine and nonserpentine S. pulchra experienced consistent, low disease pressure associated with distinct communities of pathogens, that interannual fungal species turnover differed with soil type, and that plant chemistry reflected soil chemistry. The results indicate that this species experiences minimal foliar disease associated with diverse fungal pathogen communities that are structured by environmental conditions. Highly variable conditions associated with fungal species turnover may create a refuge from disease outbreaks for S. pulchra, contributing to the low disease burden observed on this and other Mediterranean grassland species.
Supporting grades 1–8 pre-service teachers’ argumentation skills: constructing mathematical arguments in situations that facilitate analyzing cases

We report on a teaching experiment with pre-service teachers (PSTs) intended to support their understanding of the validity of mathematical arguments, and their ability to formulate mathematical ar...
Meteorological and Air Quality Modeling for Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands

Abstract A photochemical model platform for Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands predicting O3, PM2.5, and regional haze would be useful to support assessments relevant for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), Regional Haze Rule, and the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program. These areas have not traditionally been modeled with photochemical transport models, but a reasonable representation of meteorology, emissions (natural and anthropogenic), chemistry, and deposition could support air quality management decisions in these areas. Here, a prognostic meteorological model (Weather Research and Forecasting) and photochemical transport (Community Multiscale Air Quality) model were applied for the entire year of 2016 at 27, 9, and 3 km grid resolution for areas covering the Hawaiian Islands and Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands. Model predictions were compared against surface and upper air meteorological and chemical measurements available in both areas. The vertical gradient of temperature, humidity, and winds in the troposphere was well represented. Surface layer meteorological model performance was spatially variable, but temperature tended to be underestimated in Hawaii. Chemically speciated daily average PM2.5 was generally well characterized by the modeling system at urban and rural monitors in Hawaii and Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands. Model performance was notably impacted by the wildfire emission methodology. Model performance was mixed for hourly SO2, NO2, PM2.5, and CO and was often related to how well local emissions sources were characterized. SO2 predictions were much lower than measurements at monitors near active volcanos on Hawaii, which was expected since volcanic emissions were not included in these model simulations. Further research is needed to assess emission inventory representation of these areas and how microscale meteorology influenced by the complex land-water and terrain interfaces impacts higher time resolution performance.
Impact of Backbone Composition on Homopolymer Dynamics and Brush Block Copolymer Self-Assembly.

Four series of brush block copolymers (BBCP), with near identical side chain compositions but varying backbone structures, were synthesized to investigate the effect of backbone structure on the process of thermal BBCP self-assembly to photonic crystals (PCs). Each of the self-assembled PC films was examined by reflection measurements, small angle X-ray scattering measurements, and scanning electron microscopy to compare the resulting properties of the polymeric photonic crystal and the nanostructured morphology impacted by the backbone structure. It was found that the composition of the brush backbone within a BBCP has a dramatic effect on the ability of the BBCP to self-assemble into ordered nanostructures and on the local ordering of the nanostructure morphology accessed with higher molecular weight (MW) BBCPs (>1500 kg mol−1). BBCPs with a norbornene imide-based backbone were able to thermally self-assemble to longer wavelength reflecting PCs and had higher fidelity ordering of lamellar nanostructures with higher MW polymers. By analyzing the melt rheological responses of the backbone compositions, both as linear polymers and homobrush polymers, it was concluded that the inherent fragility of the backbone promotes enhanced local ordering in the lamellar nanostructure morphology as well as access to larger domain sizes.
Highly economical and direct amination of sp3 carbon using low-cost nickel pincer catalyst

Developing more efficient routes to achieve C–N bond coupling is of great importance to industries ranging from products in pharmaceuticals and fertilizers to biomedical technologies and next-generation electroactive materials. Over the past decade, improvements in catalyst design have moved synthesis away from expensive metals to newer inexpensive C–N cross-coupling approaches via direct amine alkylation. For the first time, we report the use of an amide-based nickel pincer catalyst (1) for direct alkylation of amines via activation of sp3 C–H bonds. The reaction was accomplished using a 0.2 mol% catalyst and no additional activating agents other than the base. Upon optimization, it was determined that the ideal reaction conditions involved solvent dimethyl sulfoxide at 110 °C for 3 h. The catalyst demonstrated excellent reactivity in the formation of various imines, intramolecularly cyclized amines, and substituted amines with a turnover number (TON) as high as 183. Depending on the base used for the reaction and the starting amines, the catalyst demonstrated high selectivity towards the product formation. The exploration into the mechanism and kinetics of the reaction pathway suggested the C–H activation as the rate-limiting step, with the reaction second-order overall, holding first-order behavior towards the catalyst and toluene substrate.
Z N symmetries, anomalies, and the modular bootstrap

We explore constraints on $(1+1)d$ unitary conformal field theory with an internal ${\mathbb{Z}}_{N}$ global symmetry, by bounding the lightest symmetry-preserving scalar primary operator using the modular bootstrap. Among the other constraints we have found, we prove the existence of a ${\mathbb{Z}}_{N}$-symmetric relevant/marginal operator if $N\ensuremath{-}1\ensuremath{\le}c\ensuremath{\le}9\ensuremath{-}N$ for $N\ensuremath{\le}4$, with the end points saturated by various Wess-Zumino-Witten models that can be embedded into $({\mathfrak{e}}_{8}{)}_{1}$. Its existence implies that robust gapless fixed points are not possible in this range of $c$ if only a ${\mathbb{Z}}_{N}$ symmetry is imposed microscopically. We also obtain stronger, more refined bounds that depend on the `t Hooft anomaly of the ${\mathbb{Z}}_{N}$ symmetry.
A First Look at the Impacts of Trade Liberalization on the Brazilian Manufacturing Industry

NOTE: This is a description of the paper and is not the actual abstract. The paper looks at the impacts of trade liberalization on Brazilian manufacturing industry over the 1989-96 period. The aim is to assess the technical efficiency and allocative effects of the liberalization. The results obtained suggest that the impacts were, generally, positive and consistent with both the predictions of the international trade literature and the pattern of Brazil's industrialization.
Abstract P62: Older Adults With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Show Increased Levels of Circulating Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D

Introduction: Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) resulting from pathological changes in cerebral microvessels is a common precursor of stroke and dementia. Progressive and insidious damage to the ...
Infections at the maternal-fetal interface: an overview of pathogenesis and defence.

Infections are a major threat to human reproductive health, and infections in pregnancy can cause prematurity or stillbirth, or can be vertically transmitted to the fetus leading to congenital infection and severe disease. The acronym ‘TORCH’ (Toxoplasma gondii, other, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus) refers to pathogens directly associated with the development of congenital disease and includes diverse bacteria, viruses and parasites. The placenta restricts vertical transmission during pregnancy and has evolved robust mechanisms of microbial defence. However, microorganisms that cause congenital disease have likely evolved diverse mechanisms to bypass these defences. In this Review, we discuss how TORCH pathogens access the intra-amniotic space and overcome the placental defences that protect against microbial vertical transmission. Infections during pregnancy can be associated with devastating outcomes for the pregnant mother and developing fetus. In this Review, Megli and Coyne discuss placental defences and provide an overview of how various viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens traverse the maternal–fetal interface and cause disease.
A Theory of Immigration And Racial Stratification

Racial systems must have mechanisms for determining who is in which race for that determines where people families and other groups fit into the racial hierarchy. In the United States immigration has played an important role in shaping that hierarchy. Immigrants enter the United States and are assimilated into the dominant social organization and this process includes assimilation into the system of racial stratification.... We will focus on this latter aspect of the immigrant experience. First we briefly outline the origins of the U.S. racial system. Second we suggest ways to broaden the literature that studies race and finally we present a model for studying the relationship between immigration and racial stratification. (EXCERPT)
Tremblay, M., Paternotte, D., & Johnson, C. (2011). The Lesbian and Gay Movement and the State: Comparative Insights into a Transformed Relationship.

The lesbian and gay movement has historically had a contested relationship within different countries and governments throughout the world. On the one hand, governments have shown an interest in re...
An autonomic approach for managing security and identity management policies in enterprises

Policy driven management of secure applications and solutions is emerging as a key concept in meeting the requirements of an on demand enterprise vision. In any enterprise, there are various people acting in specific roles who contribute to the modeling, development, deployment and management of security and authorization aspects of a business application. This paper looks at the lifecycle of policies, and proposes an approach for security and authorization that is modeled using policies and rule attached to business process and models. It describes the operational and deployment aspects for autonomic behavior of policy-driven systems. This presents a pragmatic approach to find intersection points between a platform independent modeling of security and authorization policies, and the concrete articulation of policies. This approach offers a way to leverage monitoring adherence and compliance to policies both in IT and business dashboards to manage and map the relationship between business artifacts and implementation artifacts so that business policies are reflected in implementation.
Valve reconstruction for congenital mitral valve disease

The surgical treatment of mitral valve disease in children is a challenging problem. Mitral stenosis and regurgitation may occur in isolation or together. Mitral valve repair is almost always preferable to replacement. Mitral valve replacement is not an ideal alternative to repair due to limitations of size, growth, structural valve degeneration, anticoagulation and poor survival. Surgical repair of congenital mitral stenosis must address the multiple levels of obstruction, including resection of the supramitral ring, thinning of leaflets and mobilization of the subvalvular apparatus. Sometimes leaflet augmentation is required. Repair of mitral regurgitation in children may involve simple cleft closures, edge-to-edge repairs, triangular resections and annuloplasties. Techniques used in adults, such as annuloplasty bands or artificial chords, may not be appropriate for children. Overall, an imperfect mitral valve repair may be more acceptable than the negative consequences of a replacement in a child.
How a certain internal consistency entails the expected utility dogma

If I am “coherent”, in the sense that I can always replace any subset of outcomes by their certainty equivalent (occurring with the sum of their probabilities), then I must act according to the dogma of maximizing an Exp {U}, ruling out Machina [1982], Allais [1952], and Ysidro [1950] functionals.
The gains to bidding firms from merger

Abstract This study examines the effect of mergers on the wealth of bidding firms' shareholders. Bidding firms gain significantly during the twenty-one days leading to the announcement of each of their first four merger bids. These results fail to support the capitalization hypothesis that bidders' gains are captured at the beginning of merger programs. Bidders' abnormal returns are positively related to the relative size of the merger partners, and the gains during the announcement period are larger for mergers which are successful. Though the gains are larger prior to 1969, merger bids after 1969 also significantly increase the wealth of bidding firms' shareholders. The results suggest that the inconclusive findings of the earlier studies may be due to methodological deficiencies. The findings of this study are consistent with value-maximizing behavior by the management of bidding firms.
Sex-lethal Interactions with Protein and RNA ROLES OF GLYCINE-RICH AND RNA BINDING DOMAINS

Sex-lethal (Sxl) is an RNA-binding protein, containing two conserved RNA binding domains (RBDs) and a glycine-rich region, which functions as a regulator of alternative splicing inDrosophila sex determination. Previous work demonstrated that Sxl monomers interact cooperatively upon binding to target RNAs and that the cooperativity depends on the glycine-rich N terminus. Here we use band shift experiments to show that RNA binding patterns are altered when Sxl is combined with other proteins having similar glycine-rich domains, including mammalian heterogeneous nuclear (hn) RNP L and Drosophila Hrb87F (an hnRNP A/B homolog). Direct involvement of the Sxl glycine-rich region in protein interactions was verified by Far-Western analysis. Two interaction domains, the Sxl N terminus and the Sxl first RNA binding domain, were suggested by the yeast two-hybrid assay. In a systematic examination of the RNA binding properties of Sxl domains, it was found that the Sxl termini as well as the RBDs influence RNA binding specificity. Finally, selection of the Sxl optimal binding site (SELEX) confirms the importance of U-runs in the Sxl binding site and suggests a second type of non-U-run target that may be associated with RNA secondary structure.
Information security across disciplines

This paper describes a general education course in information security targeting all majors. A steady increase in security incidents in work and personal computing environments requires a trained workforce to respond to these incidents. In addition to educating computer professionals, undergraduate students of all disciplines should have the opportunity to be exposed to issues regarding computer security and forensics. This course addresses the understanding of information security across the disciplines, and has the goal to provide students with basic skills for identification of, prevention of, and response to security incidents. Students in the course completed a questionnaire assessing their security knowledge and skills in the beginning and at the end of the course. The paper concludes with a summary of data collected over three semesters.
A single-chip IBM System/390 floating-point processor in CMOS

A floating-point processor with the IBM System/390® architecture is implemented in one CMOS VLSI chip containing over 70,000 cells (equivalent inverters), using a transistor channel length of 0.5 µm. All floating-point instructions are hard-wired, including the binary integer multiplications. The chip is implemented in a 1-µm technology with three layers of metal. All circuits are realized in standard cells except for a floating-point register and a multiplier array macro, which are custom designed to save chip area. Instructions are performed in a five-stage pipeline with a maximum operating frequency of 37 MHz. The chip measures 12.7 mm × 12.7 mm, and dissipates 2 W. It is part of the chip set which forms the core of the IBM Enterprise System/9000™ Type 9221 entry-level models.
Clopidogrel-associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome in a kidney/pancreas transplant recipient.

Background. We present a case report of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS) developing in a kidney/pancreas transplant recipient after the initiation of treatment with clopidogrel for symptomatic coronary artery disease. Methods. A 35-year-old male kidney/pancreas recipient developed unstable angina 5 years after transplantation. The patient was treated with clopidogrel as adjunct therapy. A TTP/HUS condition developed, was diagnosed early, and successfully reversed with the implementation of plasmapheresis and cessation of clopidogrel and cyclosporine A. Results. The patient continues taking cyclosporine A with good renal function 6 months after the incident, and successfully underwent coronary artery by-pass grafting 3 months after the event. Discussion. This case demonstrates that early identification and treatment can reverse the TTP/HUS process associated with thienopyridine-derived agents. We strongly recommend that drugs of the thienopyridine class be used cautiously in transplant recipients, especially those taking calcineurin-inhibitors.
A comprehensive taxonomy for multi-robot task allocation

Task allocation is an important aspect of many multi-robot systems. The features and complexity of multi-robot task allocation (MRTA) problems are dictated by the requirements of the particular domain under consideration. These problems can range from those involving instantaneous distribution of simple, independent tasks among members of a homogenous team, to those requiring the time-extended scheduling of complex interrelated multi-step tasks for members of a heterogenous team related by several constraints. The existing widely used taxonomy for task allocation in multi-robot systems was designed for problems with independent tasks and does not deal with problems with interrelated utilities and constraints. While that taxonomy was a ground-breaking contribution to the MRTA literature, a survey of recent work in MRTA reveals that it is no longer a sufficient taxonomy, due to the increasing importance of interrelated utilities and constraints in realistic MRTA problems under consideration. Thus, in this paper, we present a new, comprehensive taxonomy, iTax, that explicitly takes into consideration the issues of interrelated utilities and constraints. Our taxonomy maps categories of MRTA problems to existing mathematical models from combinatorial optimization and operations research, and hence draws important parallels between robotics and these fields.
Development of the sympathetic system in the Mexican axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum.

Abstract Migration of trunk neural crest cells in axolotl embryos has been followed by autoradiography using grafts of [3H]thymidine-labeled neural folds. Crest cells form melanocytes, dorsal fin mesenchymal cells, spinal ganglion cells, and reach the sympathetic region. Sympathetic neurons, however, are not identifiable morphologically until about 6 weeks posthatching, in 24-mm larvae. At this stage, neurons, although few, have characteristic ultrastructure and receive synapses. The diffuse ganglia also contain innervated chromaffin cells; these differentiate earlier, a few days posthatching, in 14-mm larvae. A third type of cell is of morphologically indifferent appearance. Catecholamine-specific formaldehyde-induced fluorescence first appears clearly at 14 mm; with growth, the number of fluorescent cells increases. Series of larvae were injected intraperitoneally with nerve growth factor (NGF), six 30-unit injections over 2 weeks. NGF treatment increases the number of neurons apparent in 24-mm larvae. Furthermore, differentiated neurons occur in NGF-treated 20-mm larvae (about 4 weeks posthatching), when there are none in controls. The early appearance of differentiated chromaffin cells and the relatively late appearance of differentiated sympathetic neurons suggest that adrenergic functions during the first few weeks of larval life are controlled humorally by the chromaffin cells, and that at 24 mm, neurons begin to provide faster, finer control.
Persistent Inequalities in Funding for Rural Schooling in Contemporary China

Decentralization in post-Mao China has widened regional gaps in the provision of basic education. Reforms since 1994 have not reversed that trend. More recently, the government started centralized spending projects on rural education, which have significantly narrowed the urban-rural gap in education spending since 2001. However, interprovincial disparities remain large and growing.
High-speed electroabsorption modulation of composite-resonator vertical-cavity lasers

The high-speed characteristics of a composite-resonator vertical-cavity laser (CRVCL) under both small- and large-signal electroabsorption modulation are investigated. The maximum -3 dB modulation bandwidth of 12.5 GHz is measured. The theoretical modulation response of the CRVCL is derived from the standard rate equations, and the qualitative form is in agreement with the measured results. The CRVCL under electroabsorption modulation exhibits a promising potential to extend the modulation bandwidth beyond that of a conventional VCSEL. However, the CRVCL under large-signal electroabsorption modulation is limited to low data rates, and the large relaxation oscillation resonance must be suppressed for higher-speed digital-optical link applications.
How the Discovery Channel Television Show Mythbusters Accurately Depicts Science and Engineering Culture

High school science teachers, of course, want to motivate their students to consider studying science and engineering (S&E) in college. However, many high school students are not familiar with what science and engineering actually entail. They may know science as little more than “systematic discovery” and engineering as nothing but “math-intensive design.” Without appreciation for the rich culture of science and engineering, students will be unlikely to choose such a field of study. The Discovery Channel television show Mythbusters helps remedy the lack of understanding many people, especially young people, have about S&E. Mythbusters presents a highly accurate vignette of the culture of science and engineering. Episodes of the show were analyzed for instances in which the culture of science and engineering was accurately depicted. Many resources, including several publications of the National Research Council, informed the media analysis. To encourage more high school students to pursue S&E in college, they need to be exposed to the culture of S&E. Mythbusters provides a window into the often unseen realm of science and engineering, allowing its viewers, who are disproportionately represented among the young adult age bracket, to see what it means to conduct science and engineering on a routine basis. High school science instructors should look to Mythbusters to provide insight into the culture of S&E that textbooks often have difficulty conveying to students.
Overview of EO polymeric devices and fabrication

Advances in electro-optical (EO) polymer device development continue to take place at a rapid rate. Presented here is an overview of this progress with a focus on device fabrication and processing, including poling, optical cladding, temperature stability, and electrical properties. The impact of material types and device applications upon the design and fabrication requirements will be addressed. Future directions and requirements will also be discussed.
After Enactment: The Lives and Deaths of Federal Programs

Whilemanyscholarshavefocusedontheproductionoflegislation,weexplorelifeafterenactment.Contrarytotheprevailing viewthatfederalprogramsareindissoluble,weshowthatprogrammaticrestructuringsandterminationsarecommonplace. In addition, we observe significant changes in programmatic appropriations. We suggest that a sitting congress is most likely to transform, kill, or cut programs inherited from an enacting congress when its partisan composition differs substantially. To test this claim, we examine the postenactment histories of every federal domestic program established between 1971 and 2003, using a new dataset that distinguishes program death from restructuring. Consistent with our predictions, we find thatchangesinthepartisancompositionofcongresseshaveastronginfluenceonprogramdurabilityandsize.Wethusdispel the notion that federal programs are everlasting while providing a plausible coalition-based account for their evolution. I f government’s fundamental task is, as Harold Lasswell famously asserted (1936), to decide “who gets what, when, and how,” then we should add, “and for how long.” While much recent scholarship has focused on the production of legislation, relatively little has considered what happens to a program once elected officials have enacted it. It is not enough to characterize the course that a particular group of policy makers initially set. Scholars need to identify the enduring effects of policy makers’ actions. We need to know whether their footprints were quickly washed away or left lasting imprints. Unfortunately,existingresearchyieldsfewandoftenmisleading conclusions about the trajectory of government programs. This article analyzes the durability and size of government programs, focusing on the effects of changes in the partisan composition of congresses over time. When the composition of the congress that enacted a program differs markedly from the congress that sits in its judgment, a program should be especially vulnerable to cuts, restructuring, or elimination. Conversely,
Schistosoma mansoni: antigenic secretions and the etiology of egg granulomas in mice.

Abstract In order to determine the exact role of antigenic secretions in the formation of the granuloma around S. Mansoni eggs, the following three experiments were performed: 1. (1) The early stages of granuloma formation around eggs injected intravenously into the pulmonary microvasculature of mice were studied at 12-hr intervals and correlated with the onset of delayed footpad swelling. No reaction was seen around the eggs until 72 hr, at which time delayed footpad swelling was also first seen. 2. (2) Immature eggs (without secretory glands) obtained from worms maintained in tissue culture resulted in virtually no granuloma formation at 8 days in un-sensitized animals. Soluble egg antigens extracted from immature eggs and injected intraperitoneally did not sensitize mice to granuloma formation around eggs subsequently injected into the pulmonary veins. 3. (3) Eggs maintained in tissue culture over a period of 14 days gradually lost their ability to elicit granuloma formation when injected into the pulmonary vessels. Tissue culture medium obtained at similar time intervals and injected intraperitoneally into mice, concurrently lost its ability to sensitize the animals to granuloma formation around fresh eggs later injected intravenously. On the basis of the above results it is concluded that granuloma formation around S. mansoni eggs is due wholly to their output of antigenic secretions.
Effect of Barley β-Glucan in Durum Wheat Pasta on Human Glycemic Response

ABSTRACT High-fiber, high-carbohydrate diets, including foods with low glycemic index, have been associated with prevention and treatment of diseases such as coronary heart disease and diabetes. β-glucan, a soluble, viscous polymer found in oat and barley endosperm cell wall, was incorporated into pasta test meals. Five fasted adult subjects were fed test meals of a barley and durum wheat blend pasta containing 100 g of available carbohydrate, 30 g of total dietary fiber (TDF) and 12 g of β-glucan, or an all durum wheat pasta containing the same amount of available carbohydrate, 5 g of TDF, and negligible β-glucan. The β-glucan and durum wheat pasta resulted in a lower glycemic response as measured by average total area and maximum increment of the blood glucose curves. Lower insulin response to the β-glucan and durum wheat pasta was also indicated by lower average area and increment characteristics of the insulin curves. Barley β-glucans may be an economical and palatable ingredient for processed food pr...
Local environment of Fe in nanostructured M50 type steel samples

Abstract We have utilized X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS) and “zero-field” nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in the investigation of the local structure and magnetic properties of Fe in nanostructured M50 type steel. Our NMR results on the assynthesized M50 type steel powders indicate that this material has a highly disordered phase(s) and some α-Fe. The NMR measurements further reveal that the particles are ferromagnetic in nature. XAFS measurements show that the as-synthesized powder sample lacks long-range crystalline order and that the immediate near neighbor shells around Fe are not like bcc or fcc Fe. On the other hand, XAFS experiments on the consolidated samples clearly show that Fe in the sample is predominantly in the form of α-Fe with good long range crystalline order.