cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Images of Women in Mexican Comic Books

Comic books are read on a regular basis by young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural Mexicans. Humor, adventure, police, fantastic and political comic books are but a few types of these popular publications found at newsstands on busy downtown street corners or laid out on sidewalks in quiet neighborhoods. Because of their immense popularity, their content merits serious attention. Harold Hinds and Charles Tatum study the images of women in four comic books—Kaliman, Lagrimas, risas y amor, La familia Burron and El Payo—and assess the degree to which these images conform to or deviate from traditional stereotypes of Mexican women. They find that in some cases these stereotypical images are not found: but in most, readers encounter submissive, passive and long-suffering females dependent upon males for their self-esteem; or at least woman as ideal fiancee-spouse, as mistress-sex-object and as witch. Two women—Borola of La familia Burron and Lupe of El Payo—are more assertive and not cast in the same mold as most other comic book women.
SU‐E‐T‐617: Dosimetric Comparison of Prone Breast Treatment on Tomotherapy and Conventional LINAC

Purpose: To report a comparative dosimetric analysis of prone breast treatments on Tomotherapy versus conventional LINAC. Methods: The static beam prone breast treatment with TomoDirect™ has been explored on Tomo treatment planning version 4.03 in comparison with conventional opposing beams in Philips Pinnacle version 9.0. Current LINAC based prone breast contours are imported into Tomo planning station and the same planning goals are established accordingly. Two laterally opposing beams from Tomotherapy are set with proper flashes to avoid any motion uncertainties. The common flash is opened for 4–5 leaves (each leaf is 6.25 mm) to properly compensate the breast margin. No forward segments need to be generated with TomoDirect, and the non‐uniform fluence sinogram pattern which will deliver homogeneous dose to cover the intended breast volume with a 3D compensation delivery nature. Results: Clinical dosimetry results indicate improved dosimetry coverage while minimizing the dose non‐uniformity inside the volume slices of PTV for Tomotherapy. With 97% coverage of the PTV prescription dose, segmented lateral breast treatments on the Pinnacle plan tends to have higher hot spots compared to TomoDirect plan (107.2% vs. 101.2%). Sparing of the right lung volume is also noticeable (1 cc of lung is 1425 cGy compared to 176 cGy in TomoDirect plan). Setup on the Tomotherapy unit is also easier since there will be no manual adjustment of the treatment couch. After MCVT, the imaged guidance matches the breast volume with automatic couch repositioning. Lung and heart sparing can be achieved via the inherent TomoDirect non‐uniform fluence delivery pattern with constant couch movement, which is similar to the 3D compensator approach in 3D breast treatment. Conclusions: With the Tomotherapy MVCT image guided approach and TomoDirect planning, prone breast can be easily positioned and delivered with better dose uniformity and minimized positional errors with reduced hot spots.
Broken‐Backed Naturalism

Willem Drees's stated purpose in Religion, Science and Naturalism is to maintain the continuing importance of religion in human life while being honest to the sciences. His preferred way of doing that is an example of what John Dewey once called “broken-backed naturalism.” In contrast, Deweyan humanism accomplishes Drees's purpose in a more thoroughly naturalistic way. It does not bifurcate the world into the domain of the sciences—the natural world—and the domain of religion—the provider of answers to limit questions about the world as a whole, which fall outside the scope of the sciences.
Optimal sequential file search

Abstract This paper analyzes a dynamic problem in decision-making under uncertainty in which the decision-maker must determine whether or not to purchase costly information. The objective is to see whether or not a record is in a sequential computer file whose contents are initially not known. It is possible to gather information about the contents of the file by examining one or more of its positions. Obtaining this information is costly, however. The problem of determining an optimal search and disposition strategy is formulated as a Markov decision process. A finite-step algorithm for computing an optimal policy is presented. Finally, qualitative properties of the optimal search procedure are discussed. One particularly interesting result establishes conditions under which a ‘search-while-uncertainty-persists’ strategy is optimal.
Structure Direction in Zeolite Synthesis

Developments in instrumental and computational techniques, combined with a major expansion in zeolite synthesis experiments around the world, are promoting a wider understanding of zeolite synthesis mechanisms. This paper explores an approach to structure synthesis by design using several examples of zeolites known to co-crystallize in the same, or similar, synthetic gel compositions, including LTA:SOD:FAU; FAU:BSS; ZSM-5/11; ABC 6-ring series; LTL:OFF:ERI. Extended structures interacting with templates as strong structure directing entities play a major role in specific crystal formation. Particular attention is given to phases which develop at overlapping crystallization field boundaries, where two or more extended building structures may interact to form new zeolites, as in the cases of MAZ: MOR: ECR-1 and MER: RHO: PAU.
An Evaluation of a Shipboard Collision Avoidance Display

Background: Navigating a ship at night in close proximity to another vessel is a dangerous task. To increase the conning officer's situational awareness, we propose a visual navigation display mounted on the stern of the aircraft carrier that will assist shipboard conning officers when maneuvering in a battle group formation. Methods: To test the effectiveness of the visual navigation display, the aircraft carrier and plane guard vessel were modeled in a virtual environment. Results: The navigation display condition had significantly fewer range and bearing errors than to the non-navigation display condition. The navigation display provided immediate feedback as to whether the aircraft carrier had changed bearing or speed, thus enabling the operator to initiate the appropriate input to maintain station astern of the carrier. Conclusions: Actual or potential applications of this research include combatants conducting plane guard duties astern of an aircraft carrier during flight operations and ships in und...
Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome in a black child

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is rare in black persons. We describe an 11-year-old black boy with NBCCS who presented with exotropia and a painful, expanding, cystic mass in the left posterior alveolar ridge. Further examination revealed odontogenic keratocysts with palmar and plantar pitting. Less than 5% of reported patients with NBCCS are black. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a black patient with NBCCS presenting with exotropia and an impacted molar displaced into the orbit by an odontogenic keratocyst.
Antisense oligonucleotides: Efficient synthesis of 2′-O-methoxyethyl phosphorothioate oligonucleotides using 4,5-dicyanoimidazole. Are these oligonucleotides comparable to those synthesized using 1H-tetrazole as coupling activator?

Multiple 2'-O-methoxyethyl modified phosphorothioate oligonucleotides of 18-20-mer in length were synthesized at various scales using 4,5-dicyanoimidazole (DCI) as coupling activator. Extensive synthetic, analytical (using ion-pair LC-MS), and in vivo pharmacological, toxicological studies showed that oligonucleotides made with DCI and 1H-tetrazole are chemically and biologically equivalent. This extensive study will help the oligonucleotide therapeutic industry to move from using a potentially explosive activator (1H-tetrazole) to a safe activator (DCI).
A dietary regimen alters hepatocyte plasma membrane lipid fluidity and ameliorates ethinyl estradiol cholestasis in the rat

A dietary regimen which induces hepatic fatty acyl desaturase activities increases the lipid fluidity of hepatocyte plasma membranes, both in normal rats and in animals treated with ethinyl estradiol to produce cholestasis. In the cholestatic animals the fluidity change is accompanied by a significant increase in bile flow rate of approx. 33%.
Public education reform: Community or national funding of education? ☆

Abstract I use a political economy model of public funding of education to evaluate the welfare implications of a move from a community- to a nation-wide funding policy. Broadening the scope of education finance has intragenerational redistribution effects as well as intergenerational effects. Previous studies have emphasized the intragenerational redistribution effects of moving from local to state-financed systems, while holding factor prices fixed. The model in this paper includes a social security system and allows factor prices to vary endogenously. I examine the welfare effects of broadening the scope of financing from a community- to a nation-wide system and find that there are very large welfare gains as voters “internalize” the effect of the education policy on both factor prices and social security benefits. I also focus on the intergenerational distributional effects, finding that significant welfare gains occur despite the displacement of the median voter to an older agent that cares less about children's well-being.
Neuroma of the Bile Duct: A Late Complication After Cholecystectomy

Extrahepatic biliary obstruction with a mass in the common bile duct and elevated CA 19-9 level is often due to cholangiocarcinoma. We present a case of a 71 year-old woman who presented with an extrahepatic biliary obstruction and a mass in the common bile duct 45 years after cholecystectomy. Pathologic analysis revealed a bile duct neuroma. We present the preoperative imaging, operative management, pathologic diagnosis, and literature review of this rare condition.
Long-term protection of retinal structure but not function using RAAV.CNTF in animal models of retinitis pigmentosa.

The present study aimed to determine whether intravitreal administration of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) can achieve long-term morphological and physiological rescue of photoreceptors in animal models of retinitis pigmentosa, and whether injection of this virus after degeneration begins is effective in protecting the remaining photoreceptors. We injected rAAV.CNTF.GFP intravitreally in early postnatal Prph2Rd2/Rd2 (formerly rds/rds) mice and in adult P23H and S334ter rhodopsin transgenic rats. Contralateral eyes received an intravitreal injection of rAAV.GFP or a sham injection. We evaluated the eyes at 6 months (rats) and 8.5 to 9 months (mice) postinfection and looked for histological and electoretinographic (ERG) evidence of photoreceptor rescue and CNTF–GFP expression. Intravitreal administration of rAAV resulted in efficient transduction of retinal ganglion cells in the Prph2Rd2/Rd2 retina, and ganglion, Muller, and horizontal/amacrine cells in the mutant rat retinas. Transgene expression localized to the retinal region closest to the injection site. We observed prominent morphological protection of photoreceptors in the eyes of all animals receiving rAAV.CNTF.GFP. We found the greatest protection in regions most distant from the CNTF–GFP-expressing cells. The Prph2Rd2/Rd2 ERGs did not exhibit interocular dif-ferences. Eyes of the rat models administered rAAV.CNTF.GFP had lower ERG amplitudes than those receiving rAAV.GFP. The discordance of functional and structural results, especially in the rat models, points to the need for a greater understanding of the mechanism of action of CNTF before human application can be considered.
Greener by design.

Process simulation models and other design tools allow engineers to design, simulate, and optimize chemical processes. However, there is a critical need to incorporate green engineering into the design of these processes. This calls for extending the breadth of the design process. This paper presents an integrated framework for greener design. The framework starts the decision-making as early as the chemical and material selection stage and also includes management and planning decisions. The design goal is not restricted to profitability, but environmental and ecological objectives are also added. However, this integration poses challenging problem of discrete and continuous decisions, nonlinear models, and uncertainties. Furthermore, there are multiple and conflicting objectives to be considered. Therefore, the core of this integrated framework is the efficient algorithmic framework for multiobjective optimization under uncertainty. Two real world case studies are presented that illustrate the promise of such a framework.
FREQUENCY-DEPENDENT SELECTION IN DROSOPHILA: ESTIMATION OF NET FITNESS IN PSEUDOHAPLOID POPULATIONS.

There is much evidence that the viability of Drosophila larvae depends on the genotypes of other larvae with which they develop. There is, however, little evidence concerning frequency dependence of net fitness. This report documents variation in net fitness among male D. melanogaster from 17 lines studied in 49 discrete-generation populations. The experimental design, which uses attached-X females, eliminates effects of dominance, heterosis, recombination, genetic background, and selection in females. Selection operates only on patroclinously inherited X-chromosomes in males, causing frequency dynamics to mimic those of haploid populations. Analysis of one-generation transitions shows a general pattern of frequency dependence of net fitnesses. Analysis of multigeneration trajectories suggests frequency dependence in 12 populations, but trajectories tend to be heterogeneous among replicates. For a deterministic model in which fitness w(p) is a function of allelic frequency (p), oscillatory dynamics can occur where |dw(p)/dp| > w(p) (Curtsinger, 1984a). The derivative measures the strength of frequency-dependent selection, and divides models into two categories: dynamically "well-behaved" and "complex." For the pooled data, this criterion is violated in about half of the frequency space, though several factors probably cause strength to be overestimated. The strength criterion is a useful predictor of evolutionary dynamics: observed oscillations tend to occur most often where frequency dependence is strong, and less often where it is weak.
Effect of different troponin T-tropomyosin combinations on thin filament activation.

Abstract The response of permeabilized rabbit fast skeletal muscle fibers to calcium is determined by the troponin T (TnT) and tropomyosin (Tm) isoforms they express. Fibers expressing primarily TnT 2f and α 2 Tm exhibit steeper pCa/tension relations than those in which either TnT 1f or TnT 3f and αβ Tm predominate. Troponin C extraction studies show that lower slopes do not result from a less concerted transition on the thin filament: the TnTm regulatory strand activates as a unit in all fast fibers. Because the TnT variants differ in their N-terminal segments, and this region overlaps adjacent Tms on the regulatory strand, we propose that both the end-to-end overlap of Tm and the effect of TnT on that interaction are the basis of the concerted transition of the regulatory strand to the active state that occurs in the presence of calcium. Moreover, the effect of different Tn-Tm combinations on the ratio of the affinities of TnC for calcium in the relaxed and active states appears to be a significant determinant of the contractile properties of fast fibers in vivo .
The role of caspase-8 in resistance to cancer chemotherapy

Toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents against cancer cells is mediated through the initiation of programmed cell death. Apoptosis is an evolutionarily conserved cascade of intracellular proteolytic events propagated by a family of cysteine proteases called caspases. Many receptor- and non-receptor-mediated death signals induce apoptosis via activation of caspase-8 (FLICE/MACH). Mechanisms of tumor resistance to cytotoxic drugs through decreased apoptosis may occur by altered expression of caspase-8, upregulation of caspase-8 inhibitors like FLIP (FLICE-like Inhibitory Protein), or sequestration of caspase-8 by Bcl-2. Modulation of caspase-8 and apoptosis may be a therapeutic strategy for sensitization of drug-resistant malignancies to radiation or combination chemotherapy.
Formation of fine dust on Saturn's rings as suggested by the presence of spokes

The common interpretation of spokes on the B ring of Saturn is that they are the result of light scattered by electrostatically levitated micrometer- and submicrometer-size dust particles. The origin of this dust in terms of radiation-induced thermal fatigue and collisions between the particles of the ring as well as meteoritic bombardment is investigated.
The effects of induced cold torpor and time of year on the plasma acid mucopolysaccharide levels in Pseudemys scripta elegans and Chrysemys picta belli

1. 1. During each of 12 consecutive months plasma acid mucopolysaccharides were extracted from new groups of cold-torpid and room-temperature Pseudemys and Chrysemys turtles. Acid mucopolysaccharides were separated as cetylpyridinium complexes into hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate and heparin fractions and quantitated individually as uronic acid. 2. 2. Levels of all three fractions were elevated, significantly, during the winter. 3. 3. Significant differences were found for some of the three fractions between the sexes, the two species and the two environmental temperatures. 4. 4. Correlation between heparin levels, blood clotting times and the period of natural dormancy indicate that increased plasma heparin constitutes at least part of an endogenous mechanism for the maintenance of hemofluidity during dormancy.
Kullback-Leibler divergence-based optimal compression of Preisach operator in hysteresis modeling

The Preisach operator is a popular hysteresis model that has been widely applied in magnetic and smart material systems. Fidelity of the model hinges on accurate representation of the Preisach density function on the Preisach plane, which weighs basic hysteretic elements comprising the operator. Parameter identification and control methods for Preisach operators involve the discretization of the Preisach density function, and existing work has typically adopted some predefined discretization scheme, the performance of which could be far from optimal. In this paper we propose a novel scheme for optimal compression of a Preisach operator. The Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence is utilized to measure the information loss in approximating the Preisach density as piecewise-constant functions. The proposed approach is applied to the modeling of the hysteretic relationship between resistance and temperature of a vanadium dioxide (VO2) film, and its effectiveness is further examined in open-loop inverse compensation experiments. In particular, under the same complexity constraint, the KL-divergence based Preisach density function discretization scheme results in an inversion error that is only 40% of that under a scheme.
An X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic investigation of the selectivity of hydroxyl derivatization reactions

The Selectivity of trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA), used for the vapor-phase derivatization of hydroxyl groups in multifunctional oxygen-containing polymeric surfaces, has been investigated by XPS studies on model epoxides systems. The reactivity of TFAA towards epoxides observed here is discussed in the context of the large amount of published literature implying high selectivity of this reaction towards hydroxyl groups. Acetyl chloride (AcCl) and heptafluorobutyryl chloride (HFBuCl), used to derivatize hydroxyl groups in the literature, were also examined, with regard to cross-reaction with epoxides. Both AcCl and HFBuCl react with epoxides, forming chloroacetates and perfluorinated chloroacetates, respectively. Moreover, HFBuCl is shown to react with double bonds forming perfluorinated chloroacetates, while AcCl is unreactive towards them. The reactivity of HFBuCl to wards epoxides and unsaturation compromises its use as a derivatization reagent of hydroxyl groups. However, the unique reaction products formed by exposure of hydroxyls and epoxides to AcCl vapor may allow hydroxyl species to be distinguished from epoxides in multifunctional carbon-oxygen polymeric surfaces.
Base and stressed ventilation rates for Leiostomus xanthurus Lacépède and Morone americana (Gmelin) exposed to strobe lights

Summary A biomonitoring system interfaced with a microcomputer was used to monitor ventilation rates for white perch (Morone americana) and spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) under baseline and stressed conditions caused by strobe lights. Tests were conducted on light- and dark-acclimated specimens. These two estuarine species have been found to exhibit avoidance behavior to strobe lights. Potential accommodation to the strobe light stimulus was explored over a 24 h period. The biomonitoring system successfully recorded ventilation rates under baseline and stressed conditions. Baseline mean ventilation rates for 0.5 h intervals ranged from 1 count per minute (cpm) to 97 cpm for light-acclimated white perch with an overall mean for 24 h (x) of 41 cpm. Mean stressed rates ranged from 1 to 100 cpm with an overall mean of 44 cpm. Baseline rates for dark-acclimated white perch ranged from 1 to 79 cpm (x = 35 cpm), with stressed rates from 2 to 83 cpm (x = 30 cpm). Light-acclimated spot had baseline ventilation rates ranging from 3 to 146 cpm (x = 42 cpm), while stressed rates ranged from 2 to 134 cpm (x = 36 cpm). Mean baseline rates for dark-acclimated spot ranged from 1 to 94 cpm (x = 40 cpm), and stressed rates ranged from 1 to 72 cpm (x = 25 cpm). The difference in ventilation rates between base and stressed conditions (as absolute values) for light-acclimated white perch over the 24 h experiments ranged from 0 to 43 cpm (x = 11.01 cpm). Dark-acclimated white perch had differences ranging from 0 to 78 cpm (x = 11.13 cpm). Light-acclimated spot had differences ranging from 0 to 101 cpm (x = 14.68 cpm). Dark-acclimated spot had differences ranging from 0 to 70 cpm (x = 20.56 cpm). Ventilation rates varied between species and among individuals within a species. Ventilation rates were generally lower for dark-acclimated specimens. For both species under all conditions, the base and stressed rates were significantly (P < 0.05) different during the 24 h period. However, dark-acclimated specimens exhibited a more distinct difference than light-acclimated specimens. The lack of accommodation to strobe light and a stronger reaction under dark conditions indicate that strobe lights continue to offer potential as behavioral guidance systems for these species.
On the equivalence between the Boltzmann equation and classical field theory at large occupation numbers

Abstract We consider a system made up of excitations of a neutral scalar field, φ , having a λφ 4 interaction term. Starting from an ensemble where the occupation number f is large, but λf is small, we develop a classical field theory description of the evolution of the system toward equilibrium. A Boltzmann equation naturally emerges in this description and we show by explicit calculation that the collision term is the same as that coming from elastic scattering. This shows the equivalence of a Boltzmann equation description and a classical field theory description of the same system, at least to the leading orders in the occupation number.
Relationships between El Niño Southern Oscillation and demographic patterns in a substitute food for collared peccaries in Panama

Abstract Environmental fluctuations can play an important role in shaping demographic processes in plant and animal populations. On Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama, El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events followed by mild dry seasons have been shown to stimulate variation in community-wide fruit production. This variation has been postulated to lead to famine in frugivore and granivore populations, but few if any studies have assessed further implications for other members of the ecological community. This study examined the ways in which variation in fruit production associated with an El Nino event on BCI may influence demographic and evolutionary traits in a plant species that is only consumed by frugivores during periods of fruit scarcity. Specifically, I assessed the effects of herbivory by collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) on demographic rates and patterns in the terrestrial bromeliad, Aechmea magdalenae. Aechmea magdalenae usually suffers little or no herbivory, and rain forest collared pe...
Nitric oxide synthase-dependent vasodilation of human subcutaneous arterioles correlates with noninvasive measurements of endothelial function.

Background Non-invasive measurements of endothelial function predict future adverse cardiovascular events, but offer limited opportunities for mechanistic insights into phenotypic observations. Subcutaneous adipose arterioles, accessible through minimally invasive methods, provide an opportunity for complimentary mechanistic studies. Limited data relating subcutaneous arteriolar endothelial function, cardiovascular risk factors, and non-invasive measurements of endothelial function currently exist.
Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility variations in Icelandic columnar basalts

Abstract The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) has been determined for 81 samples from eleven horizontal columnar segments from two Icelandic near-vertical dikes. Near-vertical orientation of short AMS axes and corresponding long-axis horizontal orientations in most columns represents alignments consistent with compactive effects due to vertically directed forces exerted by overlying columns. These data are inconsistent with primary orientations resulting from thermal contractive stresses, but such stresses may be responsible for the secondary orientations observed.
Bring your best to the table.

Sometime in the past you were likely taught about the importance of “bringing your best to the table”—in other words contributing your best ideas and results. Indeed, it is an important key to success. But what ideas and results you bring to the table may not be enough. Sometimes it is how you present your ideas and results that distinguishes you and determines your success. This consideration also holds true while writing a scientific paper, when you want to bring your best to another type of table—the table within your manuscript that shows your data. With this type of table, it is also important to understand that how you present your data can affect the success of your paper. In this article, I provide some basic tips on how to create a table that presents your data in a clear and visually appealing manner. Data can be presented in either a graph or a table, so how do you choose which is best when writing a scientific paper? Let's compare the two. Graphs have an immediate visual impact and are good for showing trends or patterns or for highlighting differences between sets of data. Although the data in a graph are quantitative, a graph does not work well when the exactness or precision of the data is important. Tables, on the other hand, are better when the individual or summarized values are more important than trends. Tables can be used for presenting both quantitative and qualitative data (1). A table can contain words, symbols, numbers, or a combination of all three (2). Tables allow side-by-side comparison of data (3), such as the imprecision of 2 assays at several analyte concentrations. Although there is often a direct relationship between the variables listed in a table (e.g., death or myocardial infarction vs …
Promoting students' community service during medical school: the MUSC Gives Back Office.

Background: Health professions education recognizes the value of students’ engagement in community service, exemplified by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education’s adoption in 2007 of a standard requiring service learning opportunities to be available for medical students. Description: At our institution, a community service office was established in 1993 to provide students information about volunteer community service opportunities. Evaluation: Since 1993, more than 150,000 service hours have been performed by students in the community. There has been a clear increase in medical student participation. We have found that medical school community service participation is positively associated with better academic performance and can influence residency selection and participation in service following graduation. Conclusions: With the increased need to develop service opportunities for students, institutions will be required to establish infrastructures to support this. We offer recommendations to othe...
Directional Motility of Myosin Motors on Uniformly Polarized Actin Filaments In Vitro

To construct devices mimicking intracellular transport, it is necessary to align protein motors' tracks in a pre-determined and controlled manner. Here, we demonstrate a technique to immobilize actin filaments on a substrate with pre-defined direction and polarity. F-actin filaments, capped with biotinylated gelsolin at their plus ends, were immobilized on a surface functionalized with streptavidin via the biotin-streptavidin link. Then, a flow of polylysine solution was applied to lay the filaments down, causing them to attach to the surface along their lengths, with their plus ends pointing upstream. The filaments remained attached when the flow was stopped. The polarities of the filaments were examined by tracking the movement of quantum- dot labeled myosin V, and the results were compared to a standard assay comprised of flow-aligned, biotinylated-actin bound to a streptavidinin-functionalized surface in the absence of polylysine. In the polarized assay, approximately 94% of the motors moved in the upstream direction compared with nearly random directionality in the standard assay, indicating that the gelsolin-polylysine procedure oriented most of the filaments at the desired polarity. The velocity of fluorescent myosin V motors in the polarized assay was slightly smaller than in the standard assay, possibly due to the electrostatic attraction between the (negatively charged) motors and the (positively charged) polylysine-coated surface. The technique presented here is applicable for studying motor transport in complex cytoskeletal networks in vitro and engineering synthetic devices which utilize molecular motors as shuttles. Supported by NSF grant DMR-0425780 and NIH grant GM086352.
Phylogenetic relationships of the cuscuses and brushtail possums (Marsupialia : Phalangeridae) using the nuclear gene BRCA1

The family Phalangeridae comprises approximately two dozen extinct and extant species that include the brushtail possums (Trichosurus), scaly-tailed possum (Wyulda) and cuscuses (Phalanger, Strigocuscus, Spilocuscus and Ailurops). Morphological studies have suggested that Ailurops ursinus is the sister taxon to all other phalangerids. Another species of interest is Strigocuscus celebensis, whose morphologically based taxonomic affinity has habitually been with trichosurins. Mitochondrial 12S rRNA results, however, found moderate support for an Ailurops and Strigocuscus celebensis clade and placed A. ursinus and S. celebensis as sister to Phalanger and Spilocuscus. This study uses nuclear sequence data from the breast cancer and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) to test previous mitochondrial DNA results and uses relaxed molecular clock methods to estimate divergence dates. The results support Ailurops as sister taxon to S. celebensis and this clade as sister to Phalangerini. Relaxed molecular-dating methods suggest a date of 23–29 million years for the split between Trichosurini and the remaining phalangerids and 19–24 million years for the split between Ailurops + Strigocuscus celebensis and Phalangerini. Several vicariant/dispersal events are necessary to explain the geographic distribution of the Phalangeridae and our estimated molecular divergence dates are congruent with previously proposed south-east Asian geological events.
An organometallic inhibitor for glycogen synthase kinase 3

Replacing natural products with kinetically inert metal complexes may lead to a new class of therapeutics in which a metal center plays the role of an innocent bystander, organizing the orientation of the organic ligands in the receptor space. As an example of this approach, a ruthenium complex is described that copies the binding mode of indolocarbazole protein kinase inhibitors and serves as a reversible, low-nanomolar inhibitor for glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3).
Review competition prize winner

The State Committee of the Soviet of Ministers of the USSR dealing with Construction Matters, the Central Council of the Trade Union for Construction Workers and Workers in the Structural Materials Industry, the Central Board of the Technical Standards Department of the Construction Industry, and the Architect's Union of the USSR held an All-Union Open Review-Competition for the highest quality construction work during the Tenth Five Year Plan. For their success in 1977, the Collective of the Dedovsk Ceramic Plant was awarded a Class-II Diploma and a money prize for its high-quality products, improvements to production processes, and for lowering the cost of its products.
P09-10. Impact of CTL escape mutations in HIV-1 Nef on viral replication

Background HIV-1 Nef is a multifunctional protein frequently targeted by host CD8+ T cell responses in early and chronic phases of HIV-1 infection. In vivo reversions of CTL escape mutations within Nef have been reported, suggesting a possible impact of immune-selected mutations in Nef on viral fitness. The goal of this work was to determine whether CD8+ T cell selected mutations in regions outside of Gag, such as in Nef, also impair viral replication and may thus contribute to early immune control of HIV-1.
Evaluation of Conventional Resistance to European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Experimental Maize Lines Developed from a Backcross Breeding Program

Plant resistance is a promising control method for the two most damaging insect pests of maize, Zea mays L.: the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), and the western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. Fifteen experimental lines of maize, derived from a backcross breeding program designed to introgress resistance to European corn borer from Peruvian maize into two U.S. Corn Belt adapted inbred lines, were evaluated for resistance to European corn borer and western corn rootwonrm. The experimental lines were in the second generation of backcrossing. All experimental lines were resistant to leaf blade feeding by European corn borer. These lines had low levels of 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one, a chemical commonly associated with leaf blade feeding resistance, indicating that this was not the mechanism of resistance to leaf blade feeding in these lines. Eleven experimental lines were resistant to leaf sheath and collar feeding by European corn borer. Useful sources of European corn borer ovipositional nonpreference and root feeding resistance to western corn rootworm were not identified. Some of the lines evaluated in this study may provide useful sources of resistance to both leaf blade and leaf sheath and collar feeding by European corn borer.
Usability Test Results for Encore in an Academic Library

This case study gives the results a usability study for the discovery tool Encore Synergy, an Innovative Interfaces product, launched at Appalachian State University Belk Library & Information Commons in January 2013. Nine of the thirteen participants in the study rated the discovery tool as more user friendly, according to a SUS (Standard Usability Scale) score, than the library’s tabbed search layout, which separated the articles and catalog search. All of the study’s participants were in favor of switching the interface to the new “one box” search. Several glitches in the implementation were noted and reported to the vendor. The study results have helped develop Belk library training materials and curricula. The study will also serve as a benchmark for further usability testing of Encore and Appalachian State Library’s website. This article will be of interest to libraries using Encore Discovery Service, investigating discovery tools, or performing usability studies of other discovery services.
Synthesis of [4.2]cyclophanes

Abstract Vinyl p -xylylene cross-dimerizes with other xylylene-type intermediates to yield cycloadducts of the [8+6] and [6+6] type. This reaction provides a simple entry to the [4.2]paracyclophane system as well as the analogous [4.2]cyclophanes containing furan and pyrrole moieties.
STIMULATION IN VIVO OF THE SECRETION OF PROLACTIN AND GROWTH HORMONE BY β-ENDORPHIN

Morphine sulfate (MS) and the opioid peptide beta-endorphin beta-LPH-(61-91) stimulate prolactin and growth hormone release in steroid-primed and non-treated male rats when injected intravenously or intracisternally. On a molar basis beta-endorphin is at least 20 times more potent than MS, whereas Met5-enkephalin (beta-LPH-(61-65)) and alpha-endorphin (beta-LPH-(61-76)) are devoid of activity at the dose injected (300 mug). The in vivo stimulatory effects of beta-endorphin on prolactin secretion are reversed by the opiate antagonist naloxone. The absence of in vitro effect of MS and beta-endorphin on prolactin and growth hormone secretion by cultured rat pituitary cells suggest that they have a central nervous system site of action.
Soil PH, Bone Preservation, and Sampling Bias at Mortuary Sites

Prediction of human skeletal preservation at mortuary sites is important in archaeological research and in cultural resources management. In this study, correlations between osseous deterioration and soil acidity, as measured by pH, were found to be significant. Age-associated preservation biases were also evident. The use of multiple regression is suggested as a technique for estimating recovery of human osteological remains in archaeological context.
Work capacity of the left ventricle following ligation of the coronary artery

Abstract The canine heart-lung preparation was used to measure the work capacity of the left ventricle at various intervals after standard ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Immediately after ligation, the work capacity dropped to less than 20 per cent of the control level. After 1 week, the left ventricular work capacity returned to nearly 50 per cent of the control value. Data obtained at frequent intervals thereafter showed gradual return to normal, and those animals which were allowed to survive 90 days or more after ligation regained essentially normal left ventricular work capacity. Left ventricular stroke work followed a similar pattern.
Psychosocial HIV/AIDS Prevention for High-Risk African American Men: Guiding Principles for Clinical Psychologists

Among African American men who have sex with men (MSM), HIV infection has become an epidemic and requires psychosocial prevention. This population faces racism, HIV discrimination, heterosexism, and hate crime while living with its own internalized homophobia and denial. I discuss the principles for psychosocial HIV prevention. I posit that HIV services need to gather resources to tackle life circumstances of MSM of color; to empower them via social support, acceptance, and integration of their racial and sexual identities; to provide social skill training; to disseminate correct HIV and health information; and to modify the norms of safer sex behaviors. Clinical psychology as a field should collaborate with community psychology, train more African American MSM, and conduct evaluation of culture-specific prevention efforts.
Aromatics Enrichment in Refinery Streams Using Hyperfiltration

In petrochemical or refinery operations, feed streams containing aromatics such as benzene, toluene, or xylenes can be selectively enriched or depleted in aromatics content by hyperfiltration. The development program for STARMEM included production of asymmetric Lenzing P84 polyimide membranes with various permeate fluxes and aromatics selectivities. Both 5-cm-diameter and commercial-scale 20-cm-diameter spiral-wound elements were designed and built containing these membranes. Tests of these modules at 55 bar (800 psi) and 50 °C for up to 2000 h with a toluene recycle stream from a refinery showed stable operation in hot hydrocarbons. The high efficiencies of these modules can allow for high stage cuts (50% and greater) from aromatic process streams. By combining existing refinery operations with this membrane process, favorable cost savings through better purity, recovery, or throughput can be expected. With these membranes acting as organic solvent nanofiltration devices, the permeation properties can b...
Fracture normal to a bimaterial interface: Effects of plasticity on crack-tip shielding and amplification

Abstract The problem of a crack approaching a bimaterial interface is considered in this paper. Attention is focused on an interface between two elastoplastic solids whose elastic properties are identical and whose plastic properties are different. For the case of a crack approaching a bimaterial interface perpendicularly, it is shown by recourse to detailed finite element analyses that the near-tip “driving force” for fracture is strongly influenced by whether the crack approaches the interfaces from the lower strength or the higher strength materials. Specifically, it is demonstrated that the crack-tip is “shielded” from the remote loads when it approaches the interface from the weaker material, and that the effective J-integral at the crack tip is greater than the remote J when it approaches the interface from the stronger material. This plasticity effect determines whether a crack approaching the bimaterial interface continues to advance through the interface or is arrested before penetrating the interface. These theoretical findings are substantiated using controlled experiments of fatigue crack growth perpendicular to a ferrite—austenite bimaterial interface. The effect of the non-singular T-stress, acting parallel to the crack plane, on shielding and amplification of the stress fields is also discussed.
Predicting Closure Rates For Autonomous Land Vehicles (ALVS) Using Morphological Filters And Log-Conformal Mapping

In this paper, a stop sign recognition system is viewed from a morphological filtered response in the log-polar domain. This tessellation makes it feasible to predict and calculate closure rates for a visually controlled autonomous land vehicle. Development of the recognition system for octagonal shape and its subsequent mapping to the log domain are investigated. Simulation and prediction of a vehicle's closure rates as a function of angle of view and velocity are compared to actual video when a vehicle is approaching an intersection. The impact of this research on vehicle navigation and guidance is given. A polar exponential grid sensor mapped to the log domain possesses subtle and powerful properties which may be applied in mobile applications. It is concluded that mapping to the log conformal domain makes optical flow a manageable problem in dealing with vehicle motion.
Estimating Parameters and Refining Thermal Models by Using the Extended Kalman Filter Approach

Parameter estimation is based upon a comparison of predicted deterministic model responses to data. The models are often numerical, e.g., finite volume, with intrinsic inaccuracies. In addition, the models typically assume a full knowledge of the physical processes. By using the concept of state variables and employing the extended Kahnan filter approach it is possible to include additional effects in the model to achieve better agreement between the model and the data. We describe such an approach to the estimation of thermal conductivity in a transiently heated and cooled one-dimensional system
COMPUTATION OF THE OI-OII-OIII PHASE DIAGRAM AND LOCAL OXYGEN CONFIGURATIONS FOR YBA2CU3OZ WITH Z BETWEEN 6.5 AND 7

Abstract We have computed the low-temperature portion of a phase diagram for the YBa2Cu3Oz compound between the stoichiometries z=6.5 and z=7. Apart from the OI and OII phases the diagram contains a cell tripled superstructure (OIII). It is shown that when the assumption is made that one sublattice in the basal plane is fully depleted, a three-dimensional CVM model has to be used in order to obtain a correct phase diagram. In an attempt to clarify the correlation between oxygen ordering and Tc we have computed the local oxygen configuration around the Cu(1) atoms as a function of temperature and composition.
Reducing disparities in large-scale emergency medical service systems

Emergency Medical Service (EMS) systems operate under the pressure of knowing that human lives might be directly at stake. In the public eye there is a natural expectation of efficient response. There is abundant literature on the topic of efficient planning of EMS systems (maximizing expected coverage or minimizing response time). Other objectives have been considered but the literature available is very sparse compared to efficiency-based works. Furthermore, while real size EMS systems have been studied, the use of exact models is usually hindered by the amount of computational time required to obtain solutions. We approach the planning of large-scale EMS systems including fairness considerations using a Tabu Search-based heuristic with an embedded approximation procedure for the queuing submodel. This allows for the analysis of large-scale real systems, extending the approach in which strategic decisions (location) and operative decisions (dispatching) are combined to balance efficiency and fairness.
Analytical modeling of microscale diaphragm compressors

Abstract This article presents a set of simple equations for determining the performance of microscale diaphragm compressors. Equations applicable to circular and square/rectangular microscale diaphragm compressors are provided. Using the model it is possible to determine the influence of material, geometric and operating parameters, under the constraint of constant stroke, on the pressure rise vs. flow rate relationship as well as temporal variation of chamber pressure and volume and actuation pressure. Material parameters considered include Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of the compressor material and the ratio of the specific heats of the gas. Geometric parameters considered are shape, planar dimensions and depth of compression chamber and thickness of the oscillating diaphragm. For a specific stroke of the diaphragm the least clearance ratio possible for cylindrical microscale compressors is determined to be 2 and correspondingly the maximum pressure ratio, for most gases, is determined to be around 1.76 using the model. For square microscale compressors the least clearance ratio is 2.5 and the corresponding pressure ratio is 1.6. For rectangular microscale compressors, reduction in aspect ratio of the diaphragm below unity increases and decreases the clearance ratio and the pressure ratio, respectively. Moreover, the model predicts that the actuation pressure, for a specific operating condition, increases with increase in discharge pressure and flexural rigidity of the diaphragm. Thus it is best to realize microscale diaphragm compressors with materials of low Young's Modulus or thin diaphragms or a combination of both.
WHAT COST ACCURACY

How accurate are those numbers you rely upon so heavily? Do you have problems getting accurate data entry from your clerks? How do you determine the degree of accuracy of your data entry crew? How accurate must your figures be?