cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The comparative dynamics of closed-loop controls for discounted infinite horizon optimal control problems

Abstract A dual view of the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation corresponding to the class of discounted infinite horizon optimal control problems yields a concise proof of the envelope theorem and an exhaustive comparative dynamics characterization of the closed-loop optimal control vector in the form of a symmetric and positive semidefinite matrix. The theorems are applied to the Hotelling model of the nonrenewable resource extracting firm. Not only do they uncover numerous heretofore unknown qualitative properties of the model, they also yield a new and tractable method for empirically implementing the model in a manner fully consistent with the underlying theory.
Ubiquitous Low-FeO Relict Grains in Type II Chondrules and Limited Overgrowths on Phenocrysts Following the Final Melting Event

Type II porphyritic chondrules commonly contain several large (>40 microns) olivine phenocrysts; furnace-based cooling rates based on the assumption that these phenocrysts grew in a single-stage melting-cooling event yield chondrule cooling-rate estimates of 0.01-1 K/s. Because other evidence indicates much higher cooling rates, we examined type 11 chondrules in the CO3.0 chondrites that have experienced only minimal parent-body alteration. We discovered three kinds of evidence indicating that only minor (4-10 microns) olivine growth occurred after the final melting event: (1) Nearly all (>90%) type II chondrules in CO3.0 chondrites contain low-FeO relict grains; overgrowths on these relicts are narrow, in the range of 2-12 microns. (2) Most type II chondrules contain some FeO-rich olivine grains with decurved surfaces and acute angles between faces indicating that the grains are fragments from an earlier generation of chondrules; the limited overgrowth thicknesses following the last melting event are too thin to disguise the shard-like nature of these grains. (3) Most type II chondrules contain many small ( 40 microns) high-FeO phenocrysts are relicts from earlier generations of chondrules, and that cooling rates after the last melting event were much more rapid than indicated by models based on a single melting event. These observations are thus inconsistent with the "classic" igneous model of formation of type II porphyritic chondrules by near-total melting of a precursor mix followed by olivine nucleation on a very limited number of nuclei (say, <10) and by growth to produce the large phenocrysts during a period of monotonic (and roughly linear) cooling. Our observations that recycled chondrule materials constitute a large component of the phenocrysts of type II chondrules also imply that this kind of chondrule formed relatively late during the chondrule-forming period.
Evolution can't be taught in 270 minutes.

We were pleased and gratified to read that Jennifer Miller chose to walk out on her ninth-grade biology classes rather than read the unnecessary and misleading statement foisted upon her by the school board (“Dover teachers want no part of intelligent-design statement,” J. Mervis, News Focus, 28
Accuracy and Precision of the Signs and Symptoms of Streptococcal Pharyngitis in Children: A Systematic Review

Objective To conduct a systematic review to determine whether clinical findings can be used to rule in or to rule out streptococcal pharyngitis in children. Study design Two authors independently searched MEDLINE and EMBASE. We included articles if they contained data on the accuracy of symptoms or signs of streptococcal pharyngitis, individually or combined into prediction rules, in children 3-18 years of age. Results Thirty-eight articles with data on individual symptoms and signs and 15 articles with data on prediction rules met all inclusion criteria. In children with sore throat, the presence of a scarlatiniform rash (likelihood ratio [LR], 3.91; 95% CI, 2.00-7.62), palatal petechiae (LR, 2.69; CI, 1.92-3.77), pharyngeal exudates (LR, 1.85; CI, 1.58-2.16), vomiting (LR, 1.79; CI, 1.58-2.16), and tender cervical nodes (LR, 1.72; CI, 1.54-1.93) were moderately useful in identifying those with streptococcal pharyngitis. Nevertheless, no individual symptoms or signs were effective in ruling in or ruling out streptococcal pharyngitis. Conclusions Symptoms and signs, either individually or combined into prediction rules, cannot be used to definitively diagnose or rule out streptococcal pharyngitis.
Functional modelling in engineering design: a perspectival approach featuring living systems theory

Complex engineering systems (e.g. aeronautic vehicles and automobiles) consist of many different interfacing parts and are subject to numerous requirements and constraints regarding aspects of performance, manufacturability, economics, etc. Their design requires the collaboration between people from various disciplines—each retaining different, but necessary, perspectives of the system under design. Here, perspective is defined as a particular context that a human utilizes to create personally meaningful understanding. The key, then, to developing complex engineering systems lies in accommodating and negotiating different perspectives such that a comprehensive and highly integrated design is achieved. We offer a methodology for performing design that explicitly incorporates the multiplicity and diversity of perspective encountered when developing complex engineering systems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empirical Correlation of Indirect Tension Resilient Modulus and Complex Modulus Test Results for Asphalt Concrete Mixtures

ABSTRACT Dynamic complex modulus is a fundamental property for describing the stress-strain relationship of a viscoelastic material such as the hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixture. The AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Design Guide for flexible pavement structures adopted the use of the dynamic complex modulus as the primary test protocol to characterize the modulus response of HMA mixtures. This paper presents a rational comparative study to evaluate the indirect tension resilient modulus and dynamic complex modulus tests for characterizing the Florida asphalt concrete mixtures. The primary objective of the study was to develop a correlation relationship for predicting the dynamic complex modulus from existing resilient modulus values of the asphalt concrete mixtures. An experimental program was developed to evaluate selected Superpave asphalt concrete mixtures with a range of aggregates and mix designs. A total of 18 HMA mixtures were selected and tested for both dynamic complex modulus and resilient modulus. Repl...
Difference spectroscopy with respiratory membranes of an H2-oxidizing microorganism layered between two gas-permeable, plastic foils: A procedure that allows measurements in the ultraviolet range

A method for recording redox difference spectra of respiratory membranes which minimizes light scattering and results in increased sensitivity and spectral range when compared to the traditional technique of recording spectra of respiratory particles in suspension is described. Membranes were sandwiched between two gas-permeable, plastic foils, placed in a sealed cuvette, and gassed with H2 as reductant or O2 as oxidant. The membranes of the H2-oxidizing microorganism (Alcaligenes eutrophus H16) used in this work contain a hydrogenase which is coupled to the electron transport chain, thereby allowing H2 to serve as a source of electrons. With this procedure, spectra of both cytochromes and quinones were recorded. By using mixtures of H2 and O2, spectra of cytochromes between the fully oxidized and fully reduced states were recorded.
Uranium, geoinformatics, and the economic image of mineral exploration.

When uranium prospectors working in northern Canada want to visualize a new deposit, they can’t simply walk outside and take a picture of the ground beneath their feet. ‘Mapping’ an ore body in the twenty-first century means building a statistical model from a grid of chemical data, a collaborative process demanding the efforts of drilling crews, geologists, chemists, and statisticians. As rock samples are translated into numerical concentration values and then back into images of geological features, scientific theories become economic data, reshaping geological theory, environmental regulation and development in the process.
The Changing Sleep Habits of University Students: An Update:

Using data collected from 9,543 university undergraduates, we noted that over three decades, the median hours of sleep reported by these students has decreased by more than one hour.
Karl Marx and the foundations of differential calculus

Abstract The publication of the mathematical manuscripts of Karl Marx, suggested by Engels in 1885, announced in 1932, and completed in 1968, brought new awareness of his many-sided talent. A sketch of the history is followed by discussion of Marx's concept of the derivative and the differential, and assessment of the originality and value of his achievements in this field.
Data-intensive discoveries in science: the fourth paradigm

Scientific computing is increasingly revolving around massive amounts of data. From physical sciences to numerical simulations to high throughput genomics and homeland security, we are soon dealing with Petabytes if not Exabytes of data. This new, data-centric computing requires a new look at computing architectures and strategies. We will revisit Amdahl's Law establishing the relation between CPU and I/O in a balanced computer system, and use this to analyze current computing architectures and workloads. We will discuss how existing hardware can be used to build systems that are much closer to an ideal Amdahl machine. We have deployed various scientific applications, mostly drawn from astronomy, over different architectures and compare performance and scaling laws. We discuss a hypothetical cheap, yet high performance multi-petabyte system currently under consideration at JHU. We will also explore strategies of interacting with very large amounts of data, and compare various large scale data analysis platforms.
Fluorescence polarization order parameters and phase transitions in lipids and lipoproteins.

Fluorescence polarization measurements with 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) were used to monitor phase changes in sonicated dispersions of triacylglycerols, cholesteryl esters and phospholipids. Lipid transitions to a fluid state were detected in a novel way by noting the temperature, t0.08, at which rs, the steady state anisotropy, was equal to 0.08. According to published equations (Van Blitterswijk , W.J., Van Hoeven , R.P. and Van der Meer , B.W. (1981) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 644, 323-332), this value for rs corresponds to a value of zero for S, a structural order parameter. Saturated and trans monounsaturated fatty triacylglycerols and distearoylphosphatidylcholine yielded t0.08 values in close agreement with transition temperatures found by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), whereas cis unsaturated triacylglycerols displayed residual anisotropy, rs greater than 0.08, at temperatures above the DSC transition. The bent configuration of the cis double-bonded fatty acyl chains probably limits freedom of movement even in the liquid state when three such chains are bound to the glycerol molecule. Cholesteryl esters of 14:0, 18:0 and cis 18:1 fatty acids all showed rs greater than 0.08 above the DSC melting point. The difference in rotational freedom of DPH in triacylglycerol and cholesteryl esters even in the 'liquid' state explains the low t0.08 in the more fluid plasma VLDL and the contrastingly high t0.08 in plasma LDL, and HDL, which contain more cholesteryl ester an less triacylglycerol.
Reproductive Efficiency of Yearling Hens

Abstract STRAINS or flocks of hens of such breeds as the Rhode Island Red that have attained a high level of egg production in their first laying year very often exhibit a greatly decreased egg production in the second laying year. Ten generations of Rhode Island Reds bred at the Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station (Hays, 1943) showed a mean first year production of 257 for birds selected as prospective breeders. These same birds averaged only 171 eggs in their second year. Some individuals laid more than 200 eggs as yearlings, but the tendency was for many to fall to a very low level of production. Large families are highly desirable in a breeding program and this necessitates heavy laying during the breeding season. This study was undertaken to discover some of the relations between the first year record and the number of eggs laid by the same hens in February and . . .
Performance evaluation and error analysis for multimodal reference resolution in a conversation system

Multimodal reference resolution is a process that automatically identifies what users refer to during multimodal human-machine conversation. Given the substantial work on multimodal reference resolution; it is important to evaluate the current state of the art, understand the limitations, and identify directions for future improvement. We conducted a series of user studies to evaluate the capability of reference resolution in a multimodal conversation system. This paper analyzes the main error sources during real-time human-machine interaction and presents key strategies for designing robust multimodal reference resolution algorithms.
An expanded role for river networks

Estimates of stream and river area have relied on observations at coarse resolution. Consideration of the smallest and most dynamic streams could reveal a greater role for river networks in global biogeochemical cycling than previously thought.
Optimizing international technology diffusion: A middle-income country's perspective

Abstract The paper develops a North–Middle–South model to formulate a middle economy that plays catch-up via imitative R&D to acquire newer technologies from a higher-wage innovative forerunner, while playing “reverse catch-up” via outbound FDI to transfer older technologies to a lower-wage follower. A critical policy dilemma facing the middle economy is how to balance its R&D-driven technology inflows against its FDI-driven technology outflows. Numerical simulations are used for dynamic welfare analysis. This paper finds that tightening FDI permits the middle economy to keep a lower saving rate without weakening its ability to acquire newer technologies in the long run.
Conditions for compaction band formation in porous rock using a two-yield surface model

Compaction bands, a form of localized deformation found in field and lab specimens of high porosity rock, consist of planar zones of pure compressional deformation that form perpendicular to maximum compression. Experimentalists report compaction bands and/or shear bands (angled to maximum compression) in high porosity sandstone during a transitional loading regime with multiple active deformation mechanisms. Conditions for localized deformation are determined using a two-yield surface constitutive model and bifurcation theory. The shear yield surface corresponds to a dilatant, frictional mechanism while the cap corresponds to a compactant mechanism. Unlike a single yield surface model, the two-yield surface model predicts both experimentally observed band types for reported values of key material parameters. Observed and predicted shear band angles generally agree. Theory suggests that shear band formation may coincide with activation of the shear yield surface by a previously active cap. If the bulk hardening modulus, k, equals zero (corresponding to localization on the peak or plateau of the mean stress-volume strain curve) compaction band conditions are more favorable than for small positive values of k.
Pharmacological characterization of intracellular glucocorticoid receptors in nine tissues from house sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Glucocorticoid hormones play a key role in the stress response, but plasma concentrations vary based on physiological, environmental, or social parameters. However, hormone titers alone do not determine organismal response. To enhance our understanding of glucocorticoid actions we can examine 'downstream' factors in the organismal stress response, measuring glucocorticoid receptors across target tissues. Here, we characterized intracellular binding sites for CORT (corticosterone, the avian glucocorticoid) in house sparrow (Passer domesticus) brain, liver, skeletal muscle, spleen, fat, testes, ovary, kidney and skin. We used radioligand binding assays to identify total capacity, relative density and affinity for CORT of intracellular receptors in each tissue. Most evidence supported two binding sites similar to mammalian low-affinity glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and a high-affinity mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) for brain, liver, kidney and testes, and only a GR-like receptor for muscle, spleen, fat, ovary and skin. However, kidney data were somewhat more complicated, possibly hinting at a mineralocorticoid function for CORT and/or GR in birds. In all tissues, GR and MR affinities were close to published house sparrow values (K(d)~6 nM for GR, and ~0.2 nM for MR). Taken together, these data show that CORT receptor distribution appears to be as widespread in birds as it is in mammals, and suggest that independent regulation of peripheral receptors in different target tissues may play a role in CORT's diverse physiological effects.
Version control workshop

This three hour workshop takes participants on a tour of popular Version Control systems, particularly Subversion and Git. By the end of the workshop each participant will be proficient in using both of these systems. The focus is on solving real-world problems, such as resolving conflicting changes or rolling back a change. This workshop is not about the theory or academic underpinnings of such systems. Participants are required to bring a Macintosh, Linux or Windows laptop.
An Inverse Finite Element Method for Pure and Binary Solidification Problems

A 2D axisymmetric formulation for the solution of a directional solidification problem using an inverse finite-element method (IFEM) is presented. An algorithm developed by A. N. Alexandrou (Int. J. Numer. Methods Eng.28, 2383, 1989) has been modified and extended to include more general boundary conditions. The latter includes the explicit presence of an ampoule (with a complex shape) that contains the solid and the melt from which it is growing. Heat transfer between the ampoule and the external environment, time-dependent thermal boundary conditions, nonmonotonic temperature distributions, and species diffusion in the melt and crystal are also taken into account. Thus, our extended formulation encompasses a wider class of solidification problems than previous IFEM methods. Numerical experiments that illustrate the suitability of the extended IFEM are presented. In particular, we present a simulation of the directional solidification of zinc cadmium telluride using boundary conditions corresponding to an actual experiment scenario.
Proteolysis of Plasmodium falciparum surface antigen, Pfs230, during gametogenesis.

Abstract During Plasmodium falciparum gametogenesis, proteolysis of Pfs230, a 360 kDa gametocyte surface protein, generates two large polypeptides, 307 and 300 kDa, that remain associated with the surface of the newly formed gamete. Using peptide specific antibodies, the amino termini of the 307 and 300 kDa forms have been mapped to between aa 477–487 and aa 523–555, respectively, which is the region between the glutamate rich repeats and the cysteine motif domains. Concomitantly, two peptides, 47 and 35 kDa, corresponding to the region upstream from the cleavage site are released into the medium. The membrane permeant cysteine protease inhibitor, E64d, blocks production of the 300 and 35 kDa forms of Pfs230, but does not alter the formation of the 307 or 47 kDa forms. In contrast, E64, which has been shown to inhibit the development of P. falciparum trophozoites, does not block proteolytic processing of Pfs230. Production of both the 307 and 300 kDa forms was reduced by a metallo-protease inhibitor, 1,10-phenanthroline, whereas the rest of the protease inhibitors tested had no effect on Pfs230 processing. This is the first study of proteolysis during gametogenesis and it demonstrates that the two large forms of Pfs230 produced are generated by proteases with different specificities. The data also suggest that Pfs230 undergoes proteolytic processing prior to emergence from the red blood cell.
An electron-paramagnetic-resonance study of the dynamic Jahn-Teller effect for Sc2+ in ZnS

Abstract Electron-paramagnetic-resonance spectra for ZnS : Sc 2+ were observed from 1.3 K to 4.2 K. The spectra are characteristic of the dynamic Jahn-Teller effect for orbital E states.
Application of dual pre-embedding stains for gonadotropins to pituitary cell monolayers with avidin-biotin (ABC) and peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) complexes: light microscopic studies.

Double stains for gonadotropins and gonadotropin-releasing hormone were developed for fixed whole pituitary cells from cycling female rats. Monolayer cells were stimulated with [d-Lys6]GnRH, fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde, and then stained for luteinizing hormone (LH) (1:50,000-12 h) or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (1:60,000-12 h) and the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique (ABC) with a jet-black substrate (nickel intensified diaminobenzidine—DAB). This was followed by a stain for the other gonadotropin with either ABC or peroxidase-antiperoxidase complex (PAP) techniques and amber (DAB) or red (3-amino-9-ethyl-carbazole) substrates. Additional monolayers were stimulated with biotinylated [d-Lys6]GnRH and stained with the ABC technique and the black (nickel-DAB) substrate. These monolayers were then stained immunocytochemically for LH or FSH with either ABC or PAP methods and orange or red substrates. The controls showed that the omission of the second primary antiserum abolished the stain indi...
Open-channel profiles by Newton's iteration technique

Abstract Computation of surface profiles for steady gradually varied flow can be accomplished by use of Newton's Iteration Technique. The magnitude of error is controlled and the profile depth can be conveniently calculated at selected distances upstream or downstream from a control point. A Fortran IV program is provided for utilizing the technique in a trapezoidal channel.
Maps of, by, and for the Peoples of Latin America

This article, and the collection of essays it introduces, discusses the development and use of participatory mapping (PM) in Latin America. The methodology, with roots in participant observation and collaborative research, represents the fullest involvement of local people who are trained to do research or applied work with the researcher, facilitator, or team. PM transforms cognitive spatial knowledge into map and descriptive forms. Two types exist: one type, including participatory action research mapping (PARM) and participatory rural appraisal mapping (PRAM), uses mapping for social action; the other, participatory research mapping (PRM), aims at research. The PM approach developed among geographers and anthropologists studying indigenous populations in Latin America. The articles in the collection detail five different PM projects working with about 20 different indigenous populations, living in some of the region’s most important conservation lands in Mosquitia, Veraguas, Darien, and western Amazonia. The projects show how PM has become a “keystone activity” in a wide range of research and development work. This novel methodology for collecting geographic information is helping to meet a variety of research and societal needs. Indeed, the superior results from some applications challenge even the most deeply rooted norms about the construction of cartographic knowledge.
Quasi-periodic structure of a turbulent jet

The instantaneous near field pressure fluctuations of an axisymmetric subsonic jet were measured by using a longitudinal and an azimuthal microphone arrays in order to qualitatively determine the behaviors of the quasi-periodic structure within the flow. Statistical analysis is used to explain the characteristic of the pressure signals. In addition to the information obtained by forming the power spectral density, auto- and cross-correlation functions, two types of signals are extracted through a conditional probability analysis to represent the quasi-periodic and the random fine structures within the turbulent jet. The quasi-periodic structure first appears as a rolling up of the mixing layer flow within one nozzle diameter downstream of the exit, then becomes fully developed at approximately 3 nozzle diameters downstream with a preferred Strouhal number range 0.3-0.4, and finally disappears beyond the end of potential core. This behavior is also reflected in the variation of the convection velocity.
Characterization of protein impurities and site-specific modifications using peptide mapping with liquid chromatography and data independent acquisition mass spectrometry.

Liquid chromatography (LC)-based peptide mapping is extensively used for establishing protein identity, assessing purity, and detecting post-translational modifications (PTMs) of recombinant proteins in the biopharmaceutical industry. However, current LC-UV/MS peptide mapping methods require multiple analyses and MS/MS experiments to identify protein contaminants and site-specific PTMs. This manuscript evaluated an alternative approach for protein characterization via peptide mapping employing a data independent LC-MS acquisition strategy with an alternate low and elevated collision energy scanning. The acquired peptide precursor and fragment information was utilized for effective identification of peptide sequences and site-specific modifications within a single LC run. The peptide MS signal intensities were reliably measured and used to estimate relative concentrations of PTMs and/or proteins contaminating the target protein. The method was evaluated using tryptic digests of yeast enolase and alcohol de...
Computation of the Helmholtz-Kirchhoff and reentrant jet flows using Fourier series

Numerical algorithms are presented for two classical free boundary problems for ideal flow past an obstacle: Helmhotz-Kirchhoff and reentrant jet flows. The Levi-Civita representation of the log-hodograph function is used in each case to derive non-linear integral equations for the boundary correspondence between the obstacle and the parameter domain. The integral equations are solved by a method of successive conjugation implemented with the fast Fourier transform. For the reentrant jet flow an additional non-linear system must be solved to update certain flow parameters at each iteration. Several examples are computed for polygonal and curvilinear obstacles. A convergence result is given for the Helmhotz-Kirchhoff flow iteration.
The glycoprotein that is transported between successive compartments of the golgi in a cell-free system resides in stacks of cisternae

Electron microscope autoradiography has been used to localize the glycoprotein transported between successive compartments of the Golgi in a cell-free system. Both donor and acceptor Golgi fractions contain stacks of cisternae, which remain as discrete populations even after prolonged incubations together. The glycosylated VSV G protein, having received 3H-GlcNAc residues following its transport in vitro, is entirely within the population of acceptor stacks from the uninfected wild-type Golgi population (those housing GlcNAc transferase l). Quantitation of 3H grains reveals between 6,000 and 12,000 molecules of G protein introduced into each acceptor cisterna as a result of transport in the cell-free system, amounting to approximately 5% of its total membrane protein. This represents about the full complement of transported protein normally contained in a Golgi cisterna in vivo. Transport in the cell-free system is efficient and specific, preserving the integrity of the Golgi stack and its individual cisternae.
Observations on Rotating Cavitation and Cavitation Surge from the Development of the Fastrac Engine Turbopump

Observations regarding rotating cavitation and cavitation surge experienced during the development of the Fastrac engine turbopump are discussed. Detailed observations acquired from the analysis of both water flow and liquid oxygen test data are offered in this paper. Scaling and general comparison of rotating cavitation between water flow and liquid oxygen testing are discussed. Complex data features linking the localized rotating cavitation mechanism of the inducer to system surge components are described in detail. Finally a description of a lumped-parameter hydraulic system model developed to better understand observed data is given.
The effect of selected metals on marrow cells in culture

Summary The differential effects produced in culture by silver, platinum, and stainless steel were studied. After 24 h, mouse marrow cultured on silver showed a significant decrease in the percentages of immature granulocytic and erythroid cells, and a significant increase in the percentage of mature granulocytic cells. The effect, which was not observed at 72 h, was unrelated to the equilibrium potential assumed by silver.
Profitability in Daughters of High Versus Average Holstein Sires Selected for Milk Yield of Daughters

Abstract Data from 778 cows with 2,461 lactations through three generations of selection at the Iowa State University research herd were used to study differences between daughters of sires selected for high and breed-average Predicted Difference Milk. A profitability function, income minus expense, was calculated for each cow. A fixed, linear model was used to describe lifetime profitability. Daughters of high Predicted Difference Milk sires had 49% higher semen costs, 1% higher reproductive health costs, less than 1% fewer breedings, and less than 1% more reproductive examinations. They had 9% more respiratory costs, 6% more digestive costs, and 8% more skin and skeletal costs. Daughters of high Predicted Difference Milk sires produced 16% more milk, had 26% more mammary costs, and 42% more discarded milk costs. Disregarding breeding costs, they had 21% higher total health costs. Including breeding costs, total health costs were 32% higher. With 9% increased feed costs, they netted 18% more lifetime profit and 18% more profit per day of life. Use of a mixed model, which adjusted for fixed effects and included cows as random variables, showed daughters of high Predicted Difference Milk sires to have 12.5% more milk and 15.5% more profit per lactation. Number of breedings and reproductive examinations increased in later lactations and also in later generations as milk production increased in the daughters of high Predicted Difference Milk sires.
Residential Proximity to Schools and Daycares: An Empirical Analysis of Sex Offense Recidivism

Residential restrictions for sex offenders have become increasingly popular, despite the lack of empirical data suggesting that offenders’ proximity to schools or daycares contributes to recidivism. Using a matched sample of recidivists and nonrecidivists from Florida (n = 330) for the period from 2004 through 2006, the authors investigated whether sex offenders who lived closer to schools or daycares were more likely to reoffend sexually against children than those who lived farther away. No significant differences were found between the distances that recidivists and nonrecidivists lived from schools and daycares. There was no significant relationship between reoffending and proximity to schools or daycares. The results indicate that proximity to schools and daycares, with other risk factors being comparable, does not appear to contribute to sexual recidivism. These data do not support the widespread enactment of residential restrictions for sexual offenders.
Morphological evidence of M cells in healthy canine conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue.

Purpose: To characterize the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) and organized lymphoid nodules from dog nictitating membranes to determine if canine conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) contains M cells analogous to those described in other regions of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). Methods: Nictitan lymphoid follicles from 15 healthy dogs (30 eyes) were harvested immediately post-mortem. Twelve follicles from each nictitating membrane were isolated. Four follicles from each eye of 10 dogs were examined by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Five of the 10 dogs were treated with a heat-killed staphylococcal topical suspension immediately prior to euthanasia. Nictitan follicles from five other dogs were processed for immunohistochemistry to characterize follicle lymphocyte populations. Results: The FAE overlying CALT demonstrated morphology characteristic of M cells, including attenuated apical cell surface with blunted microvilli and microfolds, invaginated basolateral membrane forming a cytoplasmic pocket containing lymphocytes and macrophages, and diminished distance between the apical and pocket membrane. Heat-killed bacteria were bound to the surface and transcytosed to the cytoplasmic pocket of CALT M cells. Immunohistochemistry of organized lymphoid tissue subtending the FAE demonstrated B-cell germinal centers with T-cell predominant apical caps. Conclusions: In canine CALT, the FAE overlying lymphoid follicles, as well as the distribution of T and B lymphocytes subtending this region, contain morphologic and functional features analogous to MALT described in other regions. Documentation of canine conjunctival M cells is of clinical relevance in the study of primary ocular diseases, as well as a potential means of vaccination or drug delivery.
Predictive and adaptive bandwidth reservation for hand-offs in QoS-sensitive cellular networks

How to control hand-off drops is a very important Quality-of-Service (QoS) issue in cellular networks. In order to keep the hand-off dropping probability below a pre-specified target value (thus providing a probabilistic QoS guarantee), we design and evaluate predictive and adaptive schemes for the bandwidth reservation for the existing connections' handoffs and the admission control of new connections.We first develop a method to estimate user mobility based on an aggregate history of hand-offs observed in each cell. This method is then used to predict (probabilistically) mobiles' directions and hand-off times in a cell. For each cell, the bandwidth to be reserved for hand-offs is calculated by estimating the total sum of fractional bandwidths of the expected hand-offs within a mobility-estimation time window. We also develop an algorithm that controls this window for efficient use of bandwidth and effective response to (1) time-varying traffic/mobility and (2) inaccuracy of mobility estimation. Three different admission-control schemes for new connection requests using this bandwidth reservation are proposed. Finally, we evaluate the performance of the proposed schemes to show that they meet our design goal and outperform the static reservation scheme under various scenarios.
Structure of Shroom domain 2 reveals a three-segmented coiled-coil required for dimerization, Rock binding, and apical constriction

Shroom (Shrm) proteins are essential regulators of cell shape and tissue morpho­logy during animal development that function by interacting directly with the coiled-coil region of Rho kinase (Rock). The Shrm–Rock interaction is sufficient to direct Rock subcellular localization and the subsequent assembly of contractile actomyosin networks in defined subcellular locales. However, it is unclear how the Shrm–Rock interaction is regulated at the molecular level. To begin investigating this issue, we present the structure of Shrm domain 2 (SD2), which mediates the interaction with Rock and is required for Shrm function. SD2 is a unique three-segmented dimer with internal symmetry, and we identify conserved residues on the surface and within the dimerization interface that are required for the Rock–Shrm interaction and Shrm activity in vivo. We further show that these residues are critical in both vertebrate and invertebrate Shroom proteins, indicating that the Shrm–Rock signaling module has been functionally and molecularly conserved. The structure and biochemical analysis of Shrm SD2 indicate that it is distinct from other Rock activators such as RhoA and establishes a new paradigm for the Rock-mediated assembly of contractile actomyosin networks.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL OBSERVATIONS OF A COLACIUM PALMELLA: THE RESERVOIR, EYESPOT, AND FLAGELLA1

SUMMARY A recently described euglenoid of the genus Colacium inhabits the rectums of damselfly larvae during the winter as a nonflagellated, stalkless palmella stage. Contrary to previous reports, which were based on light microscope observations, ultrastructural observations establish that the reservoir and canal with its nonemergent flagella remain structurally intact in the palmella condition. The 2 non-emergent flagella are structurally distinct. The larger flagellum, which probably gives rise to the single, emergent flagellant of the swimming euglenoid, has the typical 9 + 2 microtubular arrangement, together with a paraflagellar rod throughout most of its length. The crystalline paraflagellar body, typical of swimming euglenoids, is absent. The smaller flagellum has a 9 + 0 arrangement of the axonemal microtubules. This flagellum appears to terminate within the reservoir with a successive loss of number and arrangement of microtubules near its distal end. Hair-like structures lining the reservoir membrane may represent preformed nontubular mastigonemes. The eyespot granules are clustered around the cytostome and do not display the compact organization or position typical of the flagellated stage or the stalked stage of Colacium.
Absolute pKa determinations for substituted phenols

The CBS-QB3 method was used to calculate the gas-phase free energy difference between 20 phenols and their respective anions, and the CPCM continuum solvation method was applied to calculate the free energy differences of solvation for the phenols and their anions. The CPCM solvation calculations were performed on both gas-phase and solvent-phase optimized structures. Absolute pKa calculations with solvated phase optimized structures for the CPCM calculations yielded standard deviations and root-mean-square errors of less than 0.4 pKa unit. This study is the most accurate absolute determination of the pKa values of phenols, and is among the most accurate of any such calculations for any group of compounds. The ability to make accurate predictions of pKa values using a coherent, well-defined approach, without external approximations or fitting to experimental data, is of general importance to the chemical community. The solvated phase optimized structures of the anions are absolutely critical to obtain thi...
The Possio Integral Equation of Aeroelasticity: A Modern View

A central problem of AeroElasticity is the determination of the speed of the aircraft corresponding to the onset of an endemic instability known as wing ‘flutter’. Currently all the effort is completely computational: wedding Lagrangian NASTRAN codes to the CFD codes to produce ‘Time Marching’ solutions. While they have the ability to handle nonlinear complex geometry structures as well as viscous flow, they are based approximation of the p.d.e. by o.d.e., and restricted to specified numerical parameters. This limits generality of results and provides little insight into phenomena. And of course are inadequate for Control Design for stabilization. Retaining the continuum models,we can show that the basic problem is a Boundary Value/Control problem for a pair of coupled partial differential equations, and the composite problem can be cast as a nonlinear Convolution/Evolution equation in a Hilbert Space. The Flutter speed can then be characterized as Hopf Bifurcation point, and determined completely by the linearised equations. Solving the linearised equations is equivalent to solving a singular integral equation discovered by Possio in 1938 for oscillatory response.In this paper we examine the Equation and its generalizations from the modern mathematical control theory viewpoint.
Retrograde endocannabinoid inhibition of goldfish retinal cones is mediated by 2-arachidonoyl glycerol.

A functional role for retinal endocannabinoids has not been determined. We characterized retrograde suppression of membrane currents of goldfish cones in a retinal slice. Whole-cell recordings were obtained from cone inner segments under voltage clamp. l K(v) was elicited by a depolarizing pulse to +54 mV from a holding potential of -70 mV. A fifty-millisecond puff of saline with 70 mM KCl or Group I mGluR agonist DHPG was applied through a pipette directly at a mixed rod/cone (Mb) bipolar cell body. The amplitude of I K (v) decreased 25% compared to the pre-puff control. Retrograde suppression of I K (v) was blocked by CB1 receptor antagonist, SR141716A. The FAAH inhibitor URB597 had no effect on the suppression of I K(v) , whereas nimesulide, a COX-2 inhibitor, prolonged the effects of the K + puff 10-fold. Orlistat, a blocker of 2-AG synthesis, blocked the effect of the K + puff. Group I mGluR activation of Gq/11 was demonstrated in that a puff with DHPG decreased I K(v) of cones by 32%, an effect blocked by SR141716A. The effect of DHPG was not blocked by the mGluR5 antagonist MPEP, indicating involvement of mGluRl. The suppressive effect of the K + puff vanished in a Ca 2+ -free, 2 mM Co 2+ saline. TMB-8 or ryanodine, blocked the effect of DHPG, but not that of the K + puff, showing that calcium influx or release from intracellular stores could mediate retrograde release. We suggest that retrograde suppression of cone I K(v) is mediated by Ca 2+ -dependent release of 2-AG from Mb bipolar cell dendrites by separate mechanisms: (1) voltage-dependent, mimicked by the K + puff, that may be activated by the depolarizing ON response to light; (2) voltage-independent, occurring under ambient illumination, mediated by tonic mGluRl activation. The negative feedback of this latter mechanism could regulate tonic glutamate release from cones within narrow limits, regardless of ambient illumination.
Ethnographic History of Oromo Folklore Study: Ethiopia

This study has two aims to attempt: first, to revisit the historical background of Oromo folklore research and ethnographic undertakings and, second, using historical and literary approaches to explore the individual (and group) folklore research endeavors with a special reference to the Oromo team of 1880s and ’90s at Monkullo, Eritrea, Northeast Africa. The rationale for focusing on the Monkullo team is the relative massive work of Oromo folklore collection for linguistic endeavors and bible translation by the former slave young Oromo evangelists. The examination of the history of Oromo folklore shows that in the beginning the preoccupation was with collection, which was made not by folklorists or for folklore scholarship. Hence, I posit, the folklore collection made by emancipated former slave young Oromo boys and girls with their mentors at Monkullo, Germany, and Lovedale in South Africa, has a pivotal role in the history of written Oromo language and Oromo folklore research. Towards this end, the archival collection of interviews in Shell’s Oromo Diaspora Narratives and other documents can be used for a broader study of Oromo folklore. The ex-slave young Oromo boy’s, Gutama Tarafo’s four-page essay, which he read to the Lovedale Literary Society in 1897, is a case in point. The essay is dense with primary information about the Oromo world-views, food-ways, traditional costumes, lifestyle, and marriage custom of the time. The core hypothesis of the present study is that Oromo folklore collection which began in the 19th century served as a wellspring, a repository, for other undertakings including lexicography, (bible) translation, and folklore study to the present.
Observability Conditions and Automatic Operand-Isolation in High-Throughput Asynchronous Pipelines

In this paper, we model conditional communication primitives of asynchronous circuits as three-valued logic operators and adopt the theory of observability don’t cares to create a theoretical framework that can be used to guide the optimization of conditional communication in asynchronous circuits. In particular, using this framework we demonstrate how operand-isolation cells introduced by standard synthesis algorithms can guide the addition of conditional communication primitives to surround blocks of asynchronous logic with conditional communication reducing switching activity and power. Our experimental results show for a 32-bit ALU, we achieve an average of 53% power reduction for about a 4% increase in area with no impact in performance.
The Angioguard embolic protection device.

Endovascular management of cardiovascular disease is quickly becoming a more popular treatment. The effectiveness in using embolic protection devices (EPDs), such as the Angioguard™ XP filter, during carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a topic of ongoing controversy and scrutiny. Early clinical results indicate that EPDs can reduce complications associated with CAS. However, the incidence of stroke and postprocedural embolic events are statistically similar when comparing CAS with the gold standard in carotid stenosis repair, carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The focus of this manuscript is the critical evaluation of Angioguard XP with respect to numerous in vitro and ex vivo experiments, and clinical trials that have been conducted by the authors and other researchers to investigate the efficacy of EPDs with the objective of suggesting engineering design considerations for future generations of these devices. Angioguard XP has had mixed performance outcomes in in vitro testing reported in the literature. In our laboratory, this device had undesirable measures of performance in bench-top testing protocols using in vitro flow models. Technical considerations relevant to design of EPDs, such as ideal pore size, effective wall apposition in tortuous geometry and maximization of capture efficiency have not been addressed adequately in the literature. It is likely that in the future both CAS and CEA will coexist as potential forms of treatment in the clinical management of cerebrovascular disease.
Variability of the Institutional Review Board Process Within a National Research Network

Objective. To determine the variability of the institutional review board (IRB) process for a minimal risk multicenter study. Methods. Participants included 24 Continuity Research Network (CORNET) sites of the Academic Pediatric Association that participated in a cross-sectional study. Each site obtained individual institutional IRB approval. An anonymous questionnaire went to site investigators about the IRB process at their institution. Results Twenty-two of 24 sites (92%) responded. Preparation time ranged from 1 to 20 hours, mean of 7.1 hours. Individuals submitting ≤3 IRB applications/year required more time for completion than those submitting >3/year (P < .05). Thirteen of 22 (59%) study sites received approval with “exempt” status, and 6 (27%) approved as “expedited” studies. Conclusions. IRB experiences were highly variable across study sites. These findings indicate that multicenter research projects should anticipate barriers to timely study implementation. Improved IRB standardization or centr...