cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New concepts in meshless methods

Meshless methods have been extensively popularized in literature in recent years, due to their flexibility in solving boundary value problems. Two kinds of truly meshless methods, the meshless local boundary integral equation (MLBIE) method and the meshless local Petrov–Galerkin (MLPG) approach, are presented and discussed. Both methods use the moving least-squares approximation to interpolate the solution variables, while the MLBIE method uses a local boundary integral equation formulation, and the MLPG employs a local symmetric weak form. The two methods are truly meshless ones as both of them do not need a ‘finite element or boundary element mesh’, either for purposes of interpolation of the solution variables, or for the integration of the ‘energy’. All integrals can be easily evaluated over regularly shaped domains (in general, spheres in three-dimensional problems) and their boundaries. Numerical examples presented in the paper show that high rates of convergence with mesh refinement are achievable. In essence, the present meshless method based on the LSWF is found to be a simple, efficient and attractive method with a great potential in engineering applications. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Divergeni metabolism of human chorionic gonadotropin subunits within rat ovarian lysosomes

Abstract Pseudopregnant rats were injected with either native human chorionic gonadotropin or with ( 125 I)-human chorionic gonadotropin and their ovarian homogenates fractionated on Percoll density gradients. The levels of alpha and β subunits within subcellular fractions were measured using radioimmunoassays specific for each subunit. Radioactivity measurements of fractions obtained from rats injected with ( 125 I)-human chorionic gonadotropin were used as a separate index of alpha subunit distribution. The alpha subunit was primarily restricted to a combined plasma membrane/prelysosomal vesicle fraction. Immunoreactive β subunit was present at high concentrations within both this plasma membrane/prelysosomal vesicle fraction and within lysosomes. The striking difference in alpha and β subcellular distribution may arise from differential sensitivities to lysosomal enzymes.
Interferon‐γ differentially regulates TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 expression in human retinal pigment epithelial cells through JAK‐STAT pathway

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) have been shown to be involved in various retinal diseases. We have studied the role of inflammatory cytokines on the expression and secretion of TGF-β in human RPE cells (HRPE). Confluent cultures of HRPE derived from donor eyes were used. RT-PCR analyses showed that TNF-α and IL-1β increased the mRNA levels of both TGF-β1 and TGF-β2. IFN-γ enhanced constitutively expressed, as well as, TNF-α-and IL-1β-induced TGF-β1 mRNA levels but decreased TGF-β2 mRNA. The effects of these cytokines on TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 secretion correlated with the mRNA levels. TGF-β1 was always produced as the latent form while 21–31% of TGF-β2 was in the active form. IFN-γ reduced the production of active form of TGF-β2 to 4–9%. TGF-β3 secretion was not detectable under any of the conditions. The Real-Time PCR analysis of TGF-β mRNAs confirmed the observed results. The TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 secretion was induced by TGF-β2 and TGF-β1, respectively. Under these conditions, the contrasting effects of IFN-γ on TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 secretion were also observed. JAK inhibitor selectively inhibited IFN-γ induced TGF-β1 secretion and mRNA levels while reversing the inhibitory effects of IFN-γ on TGF-β2. Analyses of transcription factor activity strongly indicated the role of STAT-1 but not NFκB, C-Myc, C-Jun, SP-1, MEF-2. Our data demonstrate that IFN-γ differentially regulates constitutively expressed, as well as, cytokine-induced TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 mRNA levels and secretion of TGF-βs by HRPE. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 192–200, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Healthy diets, healthy hearing: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2002

Objective: A significant relationship between dietary nutrient intake and susceptibility to acquired hearing loss is emerging. Variability in the outcomes across studies is likely related to differ...
Momentum imaging of the photo double ionization of ethylene molecules: A kinematically complete experiment

The direct photo double ionization (PDI) is a process that arises essentially because of the electron correlation. We investigated the PDI of ethylene near its threshold in order to unravel unique and important intertwining of electron correlation in inter-shell and intra-shell cases and the subsequent molecular dynamics. Using the COLTRIMS technique, we were able to detect two ejected electrons in coincidence with nascent photo-fragments (two CH2+ ions). From this we derived the angular distributions of the emitted photoelectrons in reference to the fixed-in-space molecular axis and the linear polarization of the incoming light (40eV).
Laser-assisted ultrathin bare die packaging: a route to a new class of microelectronic devices

Ultrathin flip-chip semiconductor die packaging on paper substrates is an enabling technology for a variety of extremely low-cost electronic devices with huge market potential such as RFID smart forms, smart labels, smart tickets, banknotes, security documents, etc. Highly flexible and imperceptible dice are possible only at a thickness of less than 50 μm, preferably down to 10-20 μm or less. Several cents per die cost is achievable only if the die size is ≤ 500 μm/side. Such ultrathin, ultra-small dice provide the flexibility and low cost required, but no conventional technology today can package such die onto a flexible substrate at low cost and high rate. The laser-enabled advanced packaging (LEAP) technology has been developed at the Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering, North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota, to accomplish this objective. Presented are results using LEAP to assemble dice with various thicknesses, including 350 μm/side dice as thin as 20 μm and less. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of using a laser to package conventional silicon dice with such small size and thickness. LEAP-packaged RFID-enabled paper for financial and security applications is also demonstrated. The cost of packaging using LEAP is lower compared to the conventional pick-and-place methods while the rate of packaging is much higher and independent of the die size.
An approximation of theK outN reliability of a test, and a scoring procedure for determining which items an examinee knows

Consider any scoring procedure for determining whether an examinee knows the answer to a test item. Letxi = 1 if a correct decision is made about whether the examinee knows the ith item; otherwisexi = 0. Thek out ofn reliability of a test isρk = Pr (Σxi ≥k). That is,ρk is the probability of making at leastk correct decisions for a typical (randomly sampled) examinee. This paper proposes an approximation ofρk that can be estimated with an answer-until-correct test. The paper also suggests a scoring procedure that might be used whenρk is judged to be too small under a conventional scoring rule where it is decided an examinee knows if and only if the correct response is given.
Comparison of fasting plasma leptin concentrations in healthy subjects with high and low plasma insulin.

This study was initiated to evaluate the role of hyperinsulinemia in the regulation of fasting plasma leptin. We measured plasma leptin and insulin concentrations in 404 healthy nondiabetic subjects. For analytical purposes, the population was divided into quartiles on the basis of the lowest (quartile 1) and highest (quartile 4) plasma insulin response to oral glucose, and fasting plasma leptin values in these 2 dichotomous groups were compared. The total plasma integrated insulin response was 4-fold greater in quartile 4, associated with significantly higher (P < .001) fasting plasma leptin (12.60+/-0.85 v8.53+/-0.56 ng/mL). Fasting plasma leptin concentrations remained significantly higher in the hyperinsulinemic quartile when comparisons were made after subdividing the population on the basis of gender, body mass index (BMI), or waist to hip ratio (WHR). These results demonstrate that fasting plasma leptin concentrations are significantly higher in hyperinsulinemic individuals, and this difference is independent of either overall or central obesity.
Cyclotron production of PET radionuclides: 34mCl (33.99 min; β + 53%; IT 47%) with protons on natural isotopic chlorine-containing targets

Thin- and thick-target yields for the production of 34mCl (31.99 min; β + 53%; IT 47%) with high-energy protons on natural isotopic chlorine targets were measured in the 67.5–20.0 MeV energy range. The total cross section for the reactions 35Cl(p,pn) (Q = -12.8 MeV) and 37Cl(p,p3n) (Q = -31.7 MeV) was measured. The total cross section peaked at 30 MeV with a value of 108±14.6 (13.5%) mbarn. The 34mCl cumulative yield reached 591±80 (13.5%) mCi/μAh with a 67.5-MeV proton beam exiting at 20 MeV. The potential to produce 34mCl for research and radiopharmaceutical syntheses is discussed based upon current accelerator capabilities. Other aspects of the potential use of 34mCl (i.e. radionuclidic, radiochemical purities, specific activities) are also discussed.
Growth rates of hemispherical bubbles in nucleate boiling of liquid metals

Abstract In nucleate boiling of liquid metals on heated surfaces, the rapid growth of the bubbles indicates that they are hemispherically shaped for a considerable portion of their total growth. This paper presents the development of a simple general relation for predicting the growth rate as a function of bubble size (or time), pressure, superheat, and thermal properties of both the heater wall and the liquid metal. The solution takes both inertia and heat-transfer effects into account, although it is found that in many situations the former predominate for most of the growth period. Heat transfer from both the solid heating surface and the hemispherical interface are also taken into account, and it is found that in a typical case the two rates are comparable.
UPTAKE OF GLYCINE-N15 BY COMPONENTS OF CELL NUCLEI

1. The uptake of glycine-N(15) by components of cell nuclei was studied. The nuclear components were derived both from tissues with high metabolic rates-mammalian liver, kidney, and pancreas-and from cells with relatively low rates of metabolism-avian erythrocytes and echinoderm sperm. N(15) uptake by nuclear components of liver, kidney, and pancreas was far more rapid than by those of erythrocytes and sperm. 2. The nuclear components of liver, kidney, and pancreas for which measurements were made were DNA, histone, and residual protein of chromatin. Uptake into DNA was low, into histone higher, and into residual protein much higher still, being comparable with that into mixed cytoplasmic protein. 3. A comparison of the uptake of N(15) by the chromosomal components, histone and DNA of liver, pancreas, and kidney showed that chromosomal "activity" varies in different cells and also in the same cell depending upon its over-all activity.
Batch fabrication of integral-heat-sink IMPATT diodes

A new technique for IMPATT-diode fabrication is described, in which the critical portion of the diode heat-flow path is formed as an integral part of the diode. The technique has economic advantages over conventional methods in that all processing steps are performed while diodes are still in wafer form. In addition, the technique permits passivation using standard dielectric deposition techniques, and the diode geometrical shape is such as to suppress premature edge breakdown. Typical experimental results are shown.
Products of idempotent matrices

Abstract For some years it has been known that every singular square matrix over an arbitrary field F is a product of idempotent matrices over F. This paper quantifies that result to some extent. Main result: for every field F and every pair (n,k) of positive integers, an n×n matrix S over F is a product of k idempotent matrices over F iff rank(I − S)⩽k· nullity S. The proof of the “if” part involves only elementary matrix operations and may thus be regarded as constructive. Corollary: (for every field F and every positive integer n) each singular n×n matrix over F is a product of n idempotent matrices over F, and there is a singular n×n matrix over F which is not a product of n − 1 idempotent matrices.
Modeling parameter space behavior of vision systems using Bayesian networks

The performance of most vision systems (or subsystems) is significantly dependent on the choice of its various parameters or thresholds. The associated parameter search space is extremely large and nonsmooth; moreover, the optimal choices of the parameters are usually mutually dependent on each other. In this paper we offer a Bayesian network-based probabilistic formalism, which we call the parameter dependence networks (PDNs), to model, abstract, and analyze the parameter space behavior of vision systems. The various algorithm parameters are the nodes of the PDN and are associated with probabilistic beliefs about the optimality of their respective values. The links between the nodes capture the direct dependencies between them and are quantified by conditional belief functions. The PDN structure captures the interdependence among the parameters in a concise and explicit manner. We define information theoretic measures, based on these PDNs, to quantify the global parameter sensitivity and the strength of the interdependence of the parameters. These measures predict the general ease of parameter tuning and performance stability of the system. The PDNs can also be used to stochastically sample the parameter space, to select optimal parameter sets (e.g., in performance evaluation studies), and to choose parameters, given constraints on the choice of some parameters. We also offer a strategy based on stochastic learning automata to generate training data to automatically build these PDNs. The team of learning automata stochastically samples the parameter space in a nonuniform manner with more samples near optimal values. These nonuniform samples are used to infer both the dependency structure and the conditional probabilities of the PDN. We demonstrate the process of construction of the PDN for an isolated vision module with 4 parameters (an edge detector), a coupling of two vision modules with a total of 7 parameters (a small edge grouping module), and a combination of three vision modules with 21 parameters (a complex perceptual organization module).
In situ raman spectroscopy studies of metal ion complexation by 8-hydroxyquinoline covalently bound to silica surfaces.

Raman spectroscopy is applied to an investigation of the interfacial chemistry of silica-immobilized 8-hydroxyquinoline (8HQ) for binding of metal ions over a wide range of solution conditions. Since the derivatized silica has a high specific binding capacity, the mass of silica equilibrated with solution needs to be small for studies of reactions with trace-level (μM) metal ions; otherwise, the solution volume required to reach equilibrium becomes excessive. To address this problem, a small-volume flow cell is designed for this work using a fiber-optic Raman probe inserted directly into the packed end of a microcolumn, allowing excitation and collection of Raman scattering from less than 10 mg of derivatized silica. This cell is attached to a flow system that allows control of solution conditions while the response of the 8HQ-silica material is acquired by continuous monitoring of Raman scattering from the sample. Raman spectra of the deprotonated, neutral, protonated, and copper-complexed forms of the l...
Industry leaders panel — How will testing change in the next 10 years?

Summary Industry test experts will provide their views on how the test is going to change in the next 10 years. Topics will cover the future of Test Equipment, Design-for-Test, EDA software, Foundry Test Support and Test Methods. This panel will describe fundamental changes in the test field and the long-term impacts of these changes. Panelists will also describe how these trends are driving emerging business opportunities. The panelists will make provocative predictions in a way that is never seen in formal papers or presentations.
Zinc deficiency causes apoptosis but not cell cycle alterations in organogenesis-stage rat embryos : effect of varying duration of deficiency

Zinc deficiency is teratogenic in all species in which it has been examined. Zinc is an essential component of enzymes involved in DNA synthesis and cell proliferation, and may play an as yet undetermined role in apoptosis. To further our understanding of the role of zinc in normal development, we examined cell death and cell cycle parameters in embryos of pregnant rats fed a zinc-deficient diet for 2 to 10 days (0.5 microgram zinc/g diet; zinc-adequate diet was 25 micrograms zinc/g). To elucidate sensitive periods of development and susceptible cell populations, dams were fed the zinc-deficient diet from gestation day 1, 3, 7, or 9 and killed on day 11. Embryos were examined for morphology and developmental stage. From each litter, 2-3 embryos were stained with Nile blue sulfate (NBS) to visualize cell death, 3 embryos were frozen for flow cytometric cell cycle analysis and cell counts, and selected embryos were preserved for histological examination. Dams fed the zinc-deficient diet for more than 3 days reduced their food intake through gestation day 8 but increased food intake on day 9. Maternal plasma zinc dropped to 10-25% of control levels in the zinc-deficient groups. Zinc deficiency from gestation day 1 or 3 resulted in two categories of affected litters on day 11. One category had embryos which were morphologically normal but displayed extensive NBS staining in the visceral arches, neural tube, and somites. The second category had developmentally retarded or maldeveloped embryos which showed little NBS staining. Zinc deficiency from gestation day 7 produced cell death in the posterior dorsal midline in the area of premigratory neural crest cells, which was confirmed by histological examination. Zinc deficiency from gestation day 9 did not affect morphology or NBS staining. Percentages of cells in the G0/G1, S, and G2M phases of the cell cycle on gestation day 11, determined by flow cytometry, were similar to controls in all groups. This study shows that as few as 4 days of maternal zinc deficiency can produce excess embryonal cell death, and that neural crest cells may be particularly sensitive.
Peripheral proteins of human erythrocytes

Abstract Water soluble, nonglycosylated proteins have been extracted from human erythrocyte membranes by two different methods and characterized immunochemically and by PAGE. The spectrin peripheral protein complex (PAGE bands 1 + 2) has been equated with two antigens of intermediate mobility in immunoelectrophoretic analysis of crude spectrin developed with antiserum to bands 1 + 2 purified by elution from gels. Nonspectrin proteins, including catalase, remain in close association with isolated membranes, and display solubility properties similar to those of spectrin. Along with spectrin, they may also function in the intact cell as peripheral proteins.
TUR(BANNED) MASCULINITIES: Terrorists, Sikhs, and trauma in Indian cinema

This paper looks at two noteworthy cinematic representations of events in Punjab in the last two decades. The films Maachis and Hawein are important in the severely limited subsection of films on Punjab. A critical reading of these films throws up many conflicted junctures of representation, political commentary, historical envisioning, and gendered narratives. Both films tend not to engage with the larger political questions and remain sequestered in microcosmic renditions of the events, which, though necessary, continue to represent Punjab, the insurgency or the riots, as isolated events of a larger national history rather than defining moments which point to the very instability of the nation.
Study of concrete drilling for automated non-destructive evaluation and rehabilitation system for bridge decks

Robotic drilling is the basic process for the non-destructive rehabilitation (NDR) system in the Automated Non-destructive Evaluation and Rehabilitation System (ANDERS) for bridge decks. In this paper, we present a study and testing of a concrete drilling process that is used for robotic drilling process for bridge decks repair. We first review the ANDERS and NDR design. Then we present the experimental setup for the drilling process study. A set of testing experiments are performed considering drilling process parameters such as drill bit size, drill rotating speed, drill thrust force and types of concrete composites. Based on the experiments and analysis, we identify and find that the optimal set of drilling process parameters for the ANDERS application is 1/4-inch bit size, drill rotational speed of 1500 rpm and thrust force around 35 lbs. We also demonstrate that the monitoring of drill feeding displacement and thrust force cannot be used to detect and identify the cracks in bridge decks.
Lipschitz lower sigma-exponents of linear differential systems

For the lower sigma-exponent of the linear differential system ẋ = A(t)x, x ∈ Rn, t ≥ 0, defined by the formula Δσ(A) ≡ infλ[Q]≤-σλ1(A + Q), σ > 0, on the basis of the lower characteristic exponents λ1(A+Q) of perturbed linear systems with Lyapunov exponents λ[Q] ≤ −σ 0. For any nondecreasing bounded function f(σ) of the parameter σ ∈ (0,+∞) that coincides with a constant on some infinite interval (σ0,+∞), σ0 ≥ 0, and satisfies the Lipschitz condition on the complementary interval (0, σ0], we prove the existence of a linear system with coefficient matrix Af (t) bounded on the half-line [0,+∞) whose lower sigma-exponent Δσ(Af) coincides with the function f(σ) on the entire interval (0,+∞).
State of charge estimation using extended Kalman filters for battery management system

In this work, the problem of battery state of charge estimation is investigated using a model based approach. An experimentally validated model of a battery developed by AllCell Technologies, specific for light electric vehicles (electric scooter or bicycles) is used. Two state of charge estimation algorithms are developed: an extended Kalman filter and an adaptive extended Kalman filter. The adaptive version of Kalman filter is designed in order to adaptively set a proper value of the model noise covariance, using the information coming from the on-line innovation analysis. A comparison between the two approaches is conducted that shows that the adaptive Kalman filter can deal with the problem of incorrect value of the model noise covariance matrix producing lower estimation error.
Structural Analysis of Nonlinear Control Systems Using Singular Value Decomposition: Part II — Control of an Input-Constrained Thermal Process

In a Part I (Structural Analysis of Nonlinear Control System using Singular Value Decomposition: Part I—Approach), structural analysis algorithms for nonlinear control systems were developed applying singular value decomposition (SVD) on the linear algebraic equivalence of the nonlinear controller. In this paper, the proposed algorithms are applied to the temperature control of a thermal system which has control input constraints. Control input/output modes, weights of linear mode combination, colinearity, and mode truncation concepts introduced in Part I, are used to analyze and find the cause of input-constraint-violating-control of the nonlinear controller designed for the thermal system and to redesign the nonlinear controller to satisfy the input constraints and to reduce control effort.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Intracoronary platelet aggregation: pattern of deposition after ischemia, cardioplegia, and reperfusion.

Platelet deposition in the coronary microvasculature has not been completely defined in the temporal relationship to acute myocardial ischemia, the application of crystalloid cardioplegia, and during reperfusion on heart bypass. Twenty-two canine hearts were serially biopsied for the analysis of radioactively tagged platelets. Eleven hearts underwent an isolated heart support preparation with seven followed by potassium cardioplegic arrest and reperfusion while the remaining 4 were maintained on continuous bypass. All 11 hearts undergoing bypass experienced transient (<90 sec) ischemia during bypass preparation and produced platelet aggregation in the myocardium (51.12 ± 24.0 as compared to nonischemic control group 12.3 ± 4.7; P = 0.005). Potassium cardioplegia did not completely wash out these platelets to the nonischemic control levels (27.8 ± 14.9; P = 0.04). With the onset of reperfusion after 1 hr of cardioplegic arrest, platelet radioactivity profoundly increased (133.3 ± 72.8; P = 0.0101) and remained high throughout the hour of reperfusion (324.7 ± 269.3; P = 0.0369). In summary, intracoronary platelets are activated after transient ischemic episodes during initiation of heart bypass. These ischemia-activated platelet aggregations persist despite the application of cardioplegia during the arrest period. This deposition, in turn, allowed an ongoing pattern of platelet aggregation during the early and subsequent reperfusion. This pattern of ischemia-activated platelet aggregations probably accounts for the progressive reperfusion injury and support of an antiplatelet treatment for coronary microvasculature protection.
Venous thromboembolism: Diagnosis, treatment and the prevention of long-term complications ☆

Abstract Venous thromboembolism encompasses a wide spectrum of illness, including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Appropriate recognition and treatment is critical to preventing serious recurrent thromboembolism events. Use of clinical prediction tools, such as the modified Well׳s criteria, is critical to rapid and efficient diagnosis of venous thromboembolism. Similarly, use of clinical prediction tools can help to identify patients for whom thromboembolism recurrence necessitates extended anticoagulation therapy. Choosing an appropriate anticoagulant for the acute management and potential extended therapy requires assessing patient and physician preferences given the recent expansion of treatment choices. In this document, we review the spectrum of disease as well as guideline-based recommendations for diagnosis and management of venous thromboembolism.
Contrastive explanation and the demons of determinism

It is tempting to think that if an outcome had some probability of not occurring, then we cannot explain why that outcome in fact occurred. Despite this intuition, most philosophers of science have come to admit the possibility of indeterministic explanation. Yet some of them continue to hold that if an outcome was not determined, it cannot be explained why that outcome rather than some other occurred. I argue that this is an untenable compromise: if indeterministic explanation is possible, then indeterministic contrastive explanation is possible too. In order to defend this conclusion, I develop an account of contrastive explanation.
Toward an arithmetic of polynomials

ForR a commutative ring, which may have divisors of zero but which has no idempotents other than zero and one, we consider the problem of unique factorization of a polynomial with coefficients inR. We prove that, if the polynomial is separable, then such a unique factorization exists. We also define a Legendre symbol for a separable polynomial and a prime of commutative ring with exactly two idempotents in such a way that the symbols of classical number theory are subsumed. We calculate this symbol forR = Q in two cases where it has classically been of interest, namely quadratic extensions and cyclotomic extensions. We then calculate it in a situation which is new, namely the so called generalized cyclotomic extensions from a paper by S. Beale and D. K. Harrison. We study the Galois theory in the general ring situation and in particular define a category of separable polynomials (this is an extension of a paper by D. K. Harrison and M. Vitulli) and a cohomology theory of separable polynomials.
The Rise of Three-Generation Households Among Households Headed by Two Parents and Mothers Only in Australia

This study offers knowledge about factors associated with a key type of family change, namely, two- to-three-generation household transformations, which are poorly understood, despite increasing numbers of three-generation households, especially ones headed by females. Using a representative sample of 5,874 Australian children, results showed that the circumstances of children in two-generation households differed greatly by family structure. Thus, before investigating determinants of three-generation household formation, children were first grouped as living in either two-parent or single-mother households. For both groups of children, several factors were found associated with three-generation household formation. In two-parent households, the odds of three-generation household formation decreased with mothers’ ages, fathers’ higher educational attainments, and more children, but increased as children grew older. In single-mother households, the odds of three-generation household formation decreased with mothers’ higher educational attainments, increasing income, and more children, but increased if mothers had never been married and worked more hours. Living in rural areas decreased odds of three-generation household formation for children in both types of households. Overall, grandparents appear to play a relatively more important resource role in three-generation, mother only households than in three-generation, two-parent households.
Factors affecting the performance of distributed applications

A major reason for the rarity of distributed applications, despite the proliferation of networks, is the sensitivity of their performance to various aspects of the network environment. Contrary to much popular opinion, we demonstrate that CPU speed remains the predominant factor. With respect to network issues, we focus on two approaches to performance enhancement: (1) Improving the performance of reliable, byte-stream protocols such as TCP; (2) the use of high-level protocols that reduce the frequency and volume of communication.
Age, reproductive value, and dominance-related behaviour in vervet monkey females: cross-generational influences on social relationships and reproduction

Abstract Behavioural interactions among captive socially-living adult female vervet monkeys were analysed to determine whether (1) the motivation to maintain and increase, dominance rank declines with age as individual reproductive value declines, or (2) the cross-generational inheritance of dominance rank causes adult females to continue to involve themselves in dominance-related behaviours for the benefit of their daughters, even though their own reproductive value, is declining. The results indicate that adult females do not reduce their involvement in aggressive and dominance-related behaviours as they age. There was strong support for the hypothesis that older adult females maintain affiliative and supportive ties with their adult daughters, and that the daughters benefit from this relationship both in terms of social relationships and reproductive success. Young adult females without mothers were the recipients of more aggression, were less likely to be defeded when they were attacked and were less likely to challenge the rank of others compared to females with mothers living in the group. Young adult females with mothers produced significantly more surviving offspring and had a lower level of infant mortality than comparable adult females without mothers.
Bullous eruption due to ethchlorvynol.

Ethchlorvynol induced drug eruptions are unusual. We present a case of such an eruption which was confirmed by obtaining blister fluid drug levels.
Experiment and theory building

I examine the role of inference from experiment in theory building. What are the options open to the scientific community when faced with an experimental result that appears to be in conflict with accepted theory? I distinguish, in Laudan’s (1977), Nickels’s (1981), and Franklin’s (1993) sense, between the context of pursuit and the context of justification of a scientific theory. Making this distinction allows for a productive middle position between epistemic realism and constructivism. The decision to pursue a new or a revised theory in response to the new evidence may not be fully rationally determined. Nonetheless, it is possible to distinguish the question of whether there is reason to pursue a theory from the question of whether that theory, once it has been pursued over time, solves a problem of interest to science. I argue that, in this context, there is a solid way to distinguish between the contexts of pursuit and of justification, on the basis of a theory’s evidential support and problem-solving ability.
The high-contrast performance of an optical vortex coronagraph

The goal of the Terrestrial Planet Finder Mission is to detect and characterize Earth-like planets. Detection of these faint objects, which appear very close to their parent stars, requires a coronagraph capable of achieving better than 10-10 starlight suppression within a few Airy rings of the stellar image. The coronagraph is also required to maintain this high stellar extinction over a 100nm spectral bandwidth. To ease requirements on the telescope, a high planet light throughput and low sensitivity to wave front aberrations are also desirable features. An optical vortex coronagraph is a promising candidate architecture, which makes use of a spiral phase plate placed in an intermediate image plane to null out the stellar signal. This architecture has the advantage of high stellar extinction, high planet light throughput, and low sensitivity to wave front aberrations. Here we report the high contrast performance of an optical vortex coronagraph limited by the manufacturability of the spiral phase plate.
Platelet-activating factor increases inositol phosphate production and cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations in cultured rat Kupffer cells

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) stimulates glycogenolysis in perfused livers but not in isolated hepatocytes [(1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 8685-8688]. PAF-induced glycogenolysis in liver is associated closely with a pronounced constriction of the hepatic vasculature [(1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 644-649]. These and other observations suggest that PAF stimulates glycogenolysis in liver indirectly by interactions with cells other than hepatocytes. We have evaluated effects of PAF on hepatic Kupffer cells, which regulate flow through the hepatic sinusoids. Application of PAF to [3H]inositol-labeled Kupffer cells produced dose-dependent increases in [3H]inositol phosphates with an EC50 value of 4 x 10(-10) M. Increases in inositol phosphate production in response to PAF were inhibited by a specific PAF receptor antagonist, SRI 63-675 (2 x 10(-7) M), and stimulus of protein kinase C, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (1 x 10(-7) M). Measurements of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in single Kupffer cells loaded with Fura-2 demonstrated that application of PAF (2 x 10(-9) M) resulted in significant increases in [Ca2+]i. These observations lead us to propose that interactions of PAF with Kupffer cells may result in the hemodynamic and metabolic responses to PAF in liver.
Rearward-facing steps in laminar supersonic flows with and without suction

It was found in the experimental study conducted that, for both suction and no-suction cases, an increase in the step height caused a sharp drop in the initial heating rates which then gradually recovered to less or near the attached-flow values. The height of the step controlled the heating rates at the step base. Mass suction from the separated area increased the local heating rates, the relative increase being most significant immediately behind the step. In general, however, the effect of mass suction on heat-transfer at all laminar flows was relatively weak.
An Analysis of Perceived Stress in Elementary and Secondary Student Teachers and Full-Time Teachers

AbstractTwo hundred and four elementary and secondary public school teachers and student teachers were presented with an inventory of potentially stressful school situations in five categories: discipline and classroom management, personal relations with students, student progress, institutional demands, and facilities and supplies. Subjects rated the situations according to levels of stressfulness and importance. Dependent measures were analyzed employing a 2 (elementary vs. secondary) × 2 (full-time vs. student teacher) MANOVA. Analysis of the data revealed that elementary school teachers reported significantly higher levels of stress than secondary school teachers. Significant univariates were found between these two groups in four of the five categories. The pattern of significant effects supports a conception of two types of stress, structural and conflict, affecting the teacher.
Reticle inspection-based critical dimension uniformity

Non-uniformity in reticle CDs can cause yield loss and/or performance degradation during chip manufacturing. As a result, CD Uniformity (CDU) across a reticle is a very important specification for photomask manufacturing. In addition the photomask CDU data can be used in a feedback loop to improve and optimize the mask manufacturing process. A typical application is utilizing CDU data to adjust the mask writer dose and compensate for non-uniformity in the CDs, resulting in improved quality of subsequent masks. Mask makers are currently using the CD-SEM for data collection. While the resolution of SEM data ensures its position as the industry standard, an output map of CDU using the reticle inspection tool has the advantage of denser sampling over larger areas on the mask. High NA reticle inspection systems scan the entire reticle at high throughput, and are ideally suited for collecting CDU data on a dense grid. In this paper, we describe the basic theory of a prototype reticle inspection-based CDU tool, and results on advanced memory masks. We discuss possible applications of CDU maps for optimizing the mask manufacturing process or in adjusting scanner dose to improve wafer CD uniformity.
Effect of fulvic acid on neodymium uptake by goethite.

Abstract Experimental studies of the interaction of aqueous neodymium (Nd), Suwannee River fulvic acid (FA), and solid phase goethite were conducted. Results from blank systems (individual Nd and FA), binary systems (Nd–goethite, FA–goethite, and Nd–FA), and ternary systems (Nd–FA–goethite) at 0.1 mol/kg and 25 °C are reported. In the binary Nd–goethite system a classic sorption edge is observed, whereby virtually all Nd is removed from solution above the goethite point of zero charge (PZC). Similarly, the binary FA–goethite system exhibits strong FA sorption; However in this system near complete removal of FA from solution is observed below the goethite PZC. In the binary Nd–FA system, both aqueous Nd and FA feature a sharp decrease in concentration at ca. pH 9. Various experiments in the ternary system were conducted. For all concentrations, FA enhanced Nd sorption below the goethite PZC, attributed to the formation of a Type B ternary surface complex (mineral–ligand–metal ion). Notably, the 100 ppm FA ternary system showed anomalously high dissolved Nd in solution above the PZC (i.e., Nd sorption suppression) and a concomitant increase in goethite dissolution (∼9 ppm total Fe 3+ observed above circa pH 9.5). Our results suggest that Nd–FA complexation plays a key role in Nd uptake by goethite, and that this process is largely governed by pH: Whereas at pHs below the goethite PZC, Nd–FA complexation facilitates Nd sorption, above the PZC, and particularly at elevated FA concentrations, the formation of aqueous Nd–FA complexes suppresses Nd removal. Moreover, under these conditions, goethite dissolution may also play a role in mitigating Nd uptake by goethite.
Lack of Female Bias in a Mouse Model of Autoimmune Hyperthyroidisim (Graves' Disease)

Spontaneous development of TSH receptor (TSHR) autoantibodies that cause Graves' hyperthyroidism is limited to humans and the lack of a spontaneous animal model has seriously hampered elucidating the pathogenesis of this common autoimmune disease. Recently, a novel animal model was developed in Chiba, Japan, that clearly mimics some of the major features of Graves' hyperthyroidism. Unlike previous approaches involving immunization with soluble antigen and adjuvant (reviewed in[1]), in this model, mice are injected intraperitoneally with fibroblasts co-expressing both syngeneic MHC class II and the human TSHR.[2] After 6 injections, ∼ 80% of animals developed TSH binding inhibiting immunoglobulins (TBI) and ∼ 25% were clearly thyrotoxic with elevated thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) levels. Thyrotoxicosis is even fatal to some animals.[3]
Technology Forecasting with Science Indicators: The Case of Laptop Battery Futures

This paper forecasts technological change for laptop batteries. Laptop performance has incrementally improved and power demand has increased requiring batteries with higher energy densities. The most promising technology to replace laptop batteries emerging today is the fuel-cell. Currently Li-ion batteries power laptop or mobile computers. Li-ion batteries with their high charge potentials promise to be the battery with the highest energy density. The problem is that there is currently a technical performance gap in the length of time that a battery can keep a laptop functioning.
New goods, market formations, and pitfalls of system design

Abstract The standard practice in economic theory is to assume that all the relevant variables (e.g., the space of all the goods of potential economic value) and all the relevant constraints are known to the policymaker or to the designer of an economic system. This often unstated assumption (or the belief implicitly embodied in it) inadvertently creates an illusion about our ability to design an economic system and control process of resource allocation. In this paper, a series of examples is developed to illustrate that this modeling approach has the danger of misdirecting our attention when evaluating alternative forms of an economic system. Some implications for reforms in the former socialist economies are also drawn. J. Japan. Int. Econ., December 1995, 9 (4), pp. 376–402. Department of Economics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208; NBER; and TCER.
Effect of a Rough Translating Surface on Gas Film Lubrication: A Numerical and Analytical Study

Lubrification par film de gaz d'une surface rugueuse en translation. Etude numerique et analytique
Ethanol-induced translocation of protein kinase A occurs in two phases: control by different molecular mechanisms.

Background: Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) regulates cellular functions. The specificity of PKA-mediated phosphorylation is determined primarily by PKA localization to sub-cellular sites. Chronic exposure to ethanol causes sustained translocation of the PKA catalytic subunit (C) from the Golgi to the nucleus in NG108-15 cells. Here we find that this is preceded by a transient short-term ethanol-induced translocation of PKA C. Different molecular mechanisms appear to underlie early and late phases of ethanol-induced translocation of PKA subunits. Methods: The time course and localization of PKA C and regulatory (RII) subunits was assessed by immunocytochemistry in NG108-15 cells in the presence of ethanol, adenosine receptor (A2) blockade, and inhibitors of PKA activity and RNA and protein synthesis. Results: Ethanol induces an early phase ( 12 hr). Re-accumulation of nuclear C no longer requires A2 or cAMP. RII also translocates to the nucleus during chronic treatment with ethanol. Both C and RII remain in the nucleus as long as ethanol is present. Unlike the early phase of ethanol induced translocation, the second phase of PKA subunit translocation requires protein and RNA synthesis. Conclusions: We identify two distinct phases of ethanol-induced PKA translocation which appear to be regulated by different molecular mechanisms. The first requires A2 signaling and cAMP; the later phase requires RNA and protein synthesis. The two phases of ethanol-induced PKA translocation observed in cell lines may contribute to changes in PKA signaling, cAMP-dependent gene expression, and the initiation and maintenance of sustained drinking behavior in experimental animals.
Policy, management, and political activities: A current evaluation of the time allocations of mayors and managers in small cities and towns

Abstract This study examines executive time allocations in cities and towns with populations between 2,500 and 25,000. The majority of previous research has focused on municipalities with populations greater than 50,000. Do mayors and managers in small municipalities spend the same amount of time on policy, management, and political activities as their counterparts in larger municipalities? Four-hundred-sixty-seven surveys from mayors and city managers are evaluated, and the data reveal that a significant relationship between form of government and the time these individuals devote to policy, management, and political activities does exist. This analysis confirms that managers in small cities and towns do spend more time on policy and management activities, and less time on political activities than mayors in small cities and towns. Also, the research demonstrates that differences in time devoted to these three activities can be seen when small and large municipalities are compared.
Thermosetting reactions: Thermochemical reactions of triallyl cyanurate and triallyl isocyanurate

Triallyl cyanurate (TAC) and triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) are thermosetting monomers with interesting interrelations: Calorimetry and infrared spectrophotometry were used to investigate the influence of atmosphere and initiator on the thermal events. The large extents of reaction observed during polymerization of TAC and TAIC are attributed to the formation of intramolecular rings. The higher conversions obtained with TAC are attributed to the extra length and flexibility of its allyl groups. Isomerization of poly(TAC) to poly(TAIC) is described as a three-step process: depolymerization of poly(TAC) to form monomeric TAC, isomerization of TAC to TAIC by a Claisen rearrangement, and repolymerization of the TAIC to poly(TAIC).
Incorporating spatial structure into hyperspectral scene analysis

In this paper we consider the problem of classifying materials in a scene based on hyperspectral measurements and a known spectral library of intrinsic material reflectances. In addition to sensor noise, estimation of material reflectances is complicated by atmospheric distortion and local shadowing effects in the scene. This paper proposes a robust Bayesian classifier based on belief propagation and the introduction of two sources of additional prior structure: 1) structured variation of atmospheric distortion, and 2) a spatial Markov structure for materials and shadows in the scene. An example demonstrates substantial reduction in pixel misclassification rate using the proposed method.
Assessment of the Primary Adrenal Cortical and Pancreatic Hormone Basal Levels in Relation to Plasma Glucose and Age in the Unstressed Ames Dwarf Mouse

AbstractPeripheral glucose concentrations in mammals are maintained within very narrow limits to provide a continuous, uninterrupted supply of this nutrient to tissues. Numerous factors have been shown to influence and/or regulate glucose levels. One such influence is growth hormone (GH) produced by the pituitary somatotrophs. Several animal models of hyposomatotropism are available in which GH secretion or actions are suppressed due to genetic abnormalities. One such model, the Ames dwarf mouse (df/df), has arisen from an autosomal recessive mutation in which GH-, prolactin- (PRL), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-producing cell types of the anterior pituitary fail to develop. The current investigation examined the effects of GH deficiency on glucose, insulin, and corticosterone levels using male and female df/df mice and their normal (Df/-) littermates. Additionally, old and young females of both genotypes were used to determine whether aging and GH deficiency interact to influence insulin, cortico...