cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Origins of neocortical interneurons in mice.

GABAergic interneurons influence the development and function of the cerebral cortex through the actions of a variety of subtypes. Despite the relevance to cortical function and dysfunction, including seizure disorders and neuropsychiatric illnesses, the molecular determinants of interneuron fate remain largely unidentified. Challenges to this endeavor include the difficulty of studying fate determination of cells that even in rodents do not fully mature until weeks after their embryonic birth. However, in recent years a strong literature has grown on the temporal and spatial origins of distinct interneuron groups and types. Here we seek to highlight these findings, particularly in mice. Our goal is to lay the groundwork for future studies that use mouse genetics to study cortical interneuron fate determination and function. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 10–17, 2011
Nonlinear Robust Control of Cuk Converter Using Radial Basis Functions

In this paper a nonlinear robust control law based on the successive approximation of Generalized Hamilton- Jacobi-Issacs (GHJI) equation is proposed for the Cuk converter. The cost function of GHJI equation is estimated by using radial basis functions (RBF). The proposed control law stabilizes the system and guarantees a constant output voltage in spite of disturbances in input voltage and output load. Computer simulation shows the robustness of the control system.
Selective release of newly synthesized norepinephrine in the guinea pig vas deferens during hypogastric nerve stimulation

Abstract The hypogastric nerve to the isolated guinea pig vas deferens was stimulated electrically for one hour. The effects of phenoxybenzamine and α-methyl-p-tyrosine on synthesis and release of norepinephrine formed from tyrosine- 14 C were studied. In both control and phenoxybenzamine-treated preparations the specific activity of norepinephrine released by nerve stimulation was higher than that inthe organs. This suggests that there is a selective release of newly formed norepinephrine. α-Methyl-p-tyrosine, at a dose which markedly inhibited norepinephrine synthesis, did not alter the norepinephrine content of the vas deferens after one hour. Phenoxybenzamine, at a dose inhibiting the uptake of exogenous norepinephrine by 76%, was shown to produce a significant decrease in the norepinephrine content of the vas deferens after one hour stimulation. Half of the norepinephrine released in the phenoxybenzamine-treated preparations could be recovered in the incubation medium. The remainder was presumably metabolized. On the basis of these results, it is suggested that reuptake of norepinephrine is more important than synthesis in the maintenance of norepinephrine stores in the vas deferens.
Kinetic Challenges Facing Oxalate, Malonate, Acetoacetate, and Oxaloacetate Decarboxylases

To compare the powers of the corresponding enzymes as catalysts, the rates of uncatalyzed decarboxylation of several aliphatic acids (oxalate, malonate, acetoacetate, and oxaloacetate) were determined at elevated temperatures and extrapolated to 25 °C. In the extreme case of oxalate, the rate of the uncatalyzed reaction at pH 4.2 was 1.1 × 10(-12) s(-1), implying a 2.5 × 10(13)-fold rate enhancement by oxalate decarboxylase. Whereas the enzymatic decarboxylation of oxalate requires O(2) and Mn(II), the uncatalyzed reaction is unaffected by the presence of these cofactors and appears to proceed by heterolytic elimination of CO(2).
μ-Opiate receptor binding and function in HOT and COLD selected lines of mice

mu-Opiate receptor binding and function were examined in mice selectively bred for sensitivity (COLD) and resistance (HOT) to ethanol-induced hypothermia. These mice also have differential hypothermic sensitivity to mu-opiates. mu-Opiate receptor density was higher in the frontal cortex of HOT mice compared with COLD mice, but was the same in other brain areas. In addition, there were no line differences in Kd values. Basal adenylate cyclase (AC) activity was similar in both lines, as was the response to forskolin (FS) stimulation. Morphine was more effective at inhibiting FS-AC activity in the hypothalamus of HOT mice compared with COLD mice but was equally effective in the frontal and parietal cortex. There were no differences between lines in basal Ca2+, Mg2+, or Ca2+/Mg(2+)-ATPase activity. Further, 30 min after treatment ATPase activities were not altered in ethanol- or levorphanol-treated mice. These results suggests that mu-opiate biochemical pathways, but not ATPase enzyme systems, may be involved in mediating differential hypothermic sensitivity observed in HOT and COLD mice.
Crystal Structure of Hexaazaoctadecahydrocoronene Dication [HAOC]2+, a Singlet Benzene Dication.

The structures of hexaazaoctadecahydrocoronene, [HAOC] n ( n = O, + 2), have been determined by single-crystal x-ray diffraction. Although HAOC is aromatic, its dication has a localized structure that is based upon Jahn-Teller-distorted cyanine/ p -phenylenediammonium fragments. The structure is consistent with the singlet ground state as determined by magnetic susceptibility and contrasts with the simplest Huckel expectation of a triplet ground state.
Maximal chains in the fundamental order

Suppose T is superstable. Let ≤ denote the fundamental order on complete types, [p] the class of the bound of p, and U(—) Lascar's foundation rank (see [LP]). We proveTheorem 1. If q < p and there is no r such that q < r < p, then U(q) + 1 = U(p).Theorem 2. Suppose U(p) < ω and ξ1 < … < ξk is a maximal descending chain in the fundamental order with ξk = [p]. Then k = U(p).That the finiteness of U(p) in Theorem 2 is necessary follows fromTheorem 3. There is an ω-stable theory with a type p ϵ S1(ϕ) such that(1) U(p) = ω + 1, and(2) there is a maximal descending chain of proper extensions of [p] which has order type ω.
Acute alcohol withdrawal complicated by supraventricular tachycardia: Treatment with intravenous propranolol

A case of severe alcohol withdrawal complicated by seizures, hallucinosis, hypertension, and supraventricular tachycardia is presented. When the patient showed no response to intravenous diazepam (total, 70 mg over 30 minutes) three 0.5-mg increments of propranolol were administered intravenously, resulting in immediate conversion to sinus rhythm and reduction of blood pressure from 210/130 mm Hg to 130/80 mm Hg. The use of intravenous propranolol as an adjunct to standard therapy in the alcohol withdrawal syndrome is discussed.
Rewriting the self: Development as moral practice

The concept of development, whatever the specific domain of interest, is intrinsically bound up with both the idea of narrative and the idea of the moral.
Simplified Theory of Electron Correlations in Metals

A model is developed which allows one to easily calculate correlation effects of interacting electrons. Upon considering a particular electron one replaces the excitation spectrum of all other electrons by a single mode $\ensuremath{\omega}(q)$, varying between the plasma frequency for small $q$ and $\frac{\ensuremath{\hbar}{q}^{2}}{2m}$ for large $q$. The coupling strength between the electron and the plasma modes is found by imposing the $f$ sum rule. $\ensuremath{\omega}(q)$ is determined by requiring the model to have a correct dielectric response. The exchange and correlation contributions to $E(k)$ have nearly opposite $k$ dependence. However, there is a residual oscillation near ${k}_{F}$ which causes the effective mass ${m}^{*}$ to be less than unity, even though the mean mass (between $k=0$ and ${k}_{F}$) is greater than unity. A specific local approximation to the exchange and correlation potential ${A}_{\mathrm{xc}}=\ensuremath{-}2.07{(n{a}_{0}^{3})}^{0.3}\mathrm{Ry}$, analogous to Slater's ${n}^{\frac{1}{3}}$ exchange potential, is accurate over 3 orders of magnitude in density. The (bare) momentum distribution $n(k)$, and the fraction $\ensuremath{\zeta}$ of electrons excited above ${k}_{F}$, are calculated as a function of density. For Li and Na, excluding band-structure effects, $\ensuremath{\zeta}=0.11 \mathrm{and} 0.14$, respectively.
Some mathematical aspects of the medical diagnostic process. I: a general mathematical model

Making a medical diagnosis consists of correlating knownpatterns of disease with the various classes of clinical data elicited from the history, physical examination, and batteries of tests relative to the diagnostic dynamics symbolized by atree branching into the various possible diagnostic decisions. In this paper a relational mathematical model of the reasoning aspects of the conventional medical diagnostic process is suggested as a way of extracting a general, formal concept of medical diagnosis. Computer implementation of the model is discussed briefly.
Teaching old rats new tricks: age-related impairments in olfactory reversal learning

Recent work suggests that normal aging may be associated with decline in different brain systems. In the present study, young and aged Long-Evans rats were tested in a spatial version of the Morris water maze dependent on medial temporal lobe function and also on an odor discrimination reversal task previously used to investigate orbitofrontal function. Aged rats acquired the odor discrimination problems normally but were impaired in acquiring subsequent reversals of the problems. A subset of the aged rats also exhibited impaired spatial learning in the water maze. There was no correlation between reversal performance and spatial learning in the aged rats, indicating that the reversal learning impairment was not related to decline in medial temporal lobe function. Instead the performance of the aged rats on the odor discrimination task resembled that of young rats with neurotoxic lesions of orbitofrontal cortex. These data indicate that rats show independent decline of different brain systems during normal aging and suggest orbitofrontal cortex as one prefrontal area where changes may be localized for further study.
Cloning and expression of the alpha subunit of succinyl-CoA synthetase from Dictyostelium discoideum.

Abstract We have isolated and characterized a genomic fragment and a cDNA clone for the α subunit of succinyl-CoA synthetase (SCS) from Dictyostelium discoideum . The coding region predicts a protein of 310 amino acids. Direct amino acid sequence data indicate that the first 16 amino acids encoded by the cDNA comprise a mitochondrial targeting sequence. The predicted molecular mass of the mature protein is 31 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The deduced amino acid sequence of the α subunit from D. discoideum shows 75% identity to that from rat liver, which represents a GTP-utilizing form of SCS, and 62% identity to the Escherichia coli protein, which is an ATP-utilizing form. We have previously shown that the enzyme purified from growing D. discoideum is a ATP-utilizing enzyme. In D. discoideum , the α subunit is a single copy gene that is developmentally regulated. Highest levels of its mRNA are seen in growing cells, which is followed by a relatively dramatic decline at the time cells complete their aggregation program. In contrast, the level of the protein, as determined by Western blots, remains unchanged throughout development. This indicates that any developmental changes in SCS activity reflect changes in the availability of its substrates or effecters and not changes in the level of enzyme.
Quality Assessment of Ground Beef Patties After Infrared Heat Processing in a Conveyorized Tube Broiler for Foodservice Use

Ground beef patties were prepared, by infrared broiling in a conveyorized broiler and compared with those cooked on a conventional gas broiler. Results showed that with the high temperatures and short cooking times possible with the infrared broiler, more servings per hour could be produced by this new method of preparation than with the standard gas broiler. Also, no significant difference in the percent shrinkage of the patties was found when the two methods of broiling were compared. Both of these conclusions were supported regardless of the degree of doneness. Finally, the only significant difference in sensory evaluation of the five attributes was found in appearance, where gas broiled patties were rated higher than the infrared broiled samples (p > 0.05).
II. On retributivism and deterrence

Alan Wertheimer claims the class of criminals who deserve punishment is identical with the class of criminals who are deferrable (Inquiry, Vol. 20 [1977]). According to Wertheimer this premise implies the conclusion that on ‘the retributive account . . . the guilty are punished because we expect to alter (at least some) criminal behavior’. It is argued that this premise does not imply the conclusion.
A FULLER CONCEPT OF EVOLUTION—BIG BANG TO SPIRIT

The concept of evolution challenges us to an ongoing effort to interpret its significance. The challenge has several dimensions: (1) to calm the debate that divides Americans in arguing whether evolution is at odds with biblical traditions; (2) to integrate evolution into one's personal philosophy of life or religious faith; (3) to note the importance of the story form for rendering evolution; and (4) to evaluate evolution as a creation story. Evolution is portrayed as a drama in five acts: cosmic, biological, cultural, moral, and spiritual. The discussion concludes with reflection on humans as co-creators whose task is to become the storytellers of evolution. The author presents this interpretation as a fuller concept of evolution.
Development and assessment of antiatherosclerotic therapies beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure.

Although reducing LDL-C and controlling blood pressure has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in clinical trials, the number of patients who have cardiovascular events despite therapy indicates that other therapeutic targets must be addressed. Developing therapies for atherothrombosis include improved treatment of known risk factors such as obesity, treatment of less-recognized risk factors such as lipoprotein(a) with the use of existing therapies such as estrogen and apheresis, and the identification of novel targets such as Chlamydia, PPARs, and ACAT. With the development of new therapies, new methods of testing treatment efficacy are required. Promising means of measuring the effect of therapy on the atherosclerotic disease process include computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, noninvasive measures of endothelial function, and ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring.
Biomass Gasification: Catalytic Removal of Tars over Zeolites and Nickel Supported Zeolites

Tars have been identified as one of the major impurities associated with biomass gasification fuel gas. Tar buildup can cause blockages, plugging, corrosion, and catalyst deactivation, resulting in serious operational and maintenance problems. Therefore, tar removal is essential to ensure economic and effective fuel gas utilization. This study investigates the catalytic activity of zeolites and nickel supported zeolites for tar removal. Zeolites with varying pore sizes and acidity were tested, to evaluate the effect of pore size and acidity on tar removal. ZY had better catalytic activity due to its larger pore size compared with ZSM5. Catalytic activity of zeolites increased with an increase in the acidity. ZY-5.2, which is more acidic, had better naphthalene conversions compared with ZY-80. Impregnation of nickel on zeolites improved the activity significantly due to the steam reforming ability of nickel. Long-term catalytic activity tests were performed, the results of which showed that nickel-supporte...
Physical characterization of a totally synthetic rubredoxin

Abstract The entire polypeptide of hyperthermophilic Pyrococcus furiosus rubredoxin was synthesized in order to specifically probe structural determinants of protein thermostability. The uv-visible, circular dichroic, electron paramagnetic, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, and electrochemical properties, of the native and synthetic proteins were essentially identical. The synthetic protein had a half-life for denaturation of 24 hr at 80°C. The synthetic protein is considerably more thermostable than nonhyperthermophilic rubredoxins, but not as stable as the native protein. Based on the spectroscopic evidence, it appears that the synthetic protein is incorporating iron properly to form holoprotein, but the peptide still may not be folded correctly.
Using professional and ethical themes

This presentation describes ways in which teachers could use computing professionalism and ethics to enrich topics in their courses. These enrichment techniques could become a very effective extension to teaching computing courses. Using professionalism as a pedagogical technique could contribute to the better understanding of course material and to the foundations of lifelong learning experiences of students. Professional extensions and ethics also encourage students to appreciate the subject at hand and foster a sense of natural inquiry surrounding their area of study that includes the human dimension.
A new approach to motion compensation in spatially scalable video coding

This paper describes a new approach for improving the coding efficiency of spatially scalable video coding. For spatial scalability implemented within the traditional hybrid block transform motion-compensated video coding framework, it has been surprisingly difficult to achieve coding efficiency significantly better than simulcast. One of the most difficult tasks to do efficiently is the motion compensation in the enhancement layer. The new approach for motion compensation presented here uses techniques borrowed from frequency scalability. The three frequency scalability approaches to motion compensation that can be adapted to spatial scalability are the pyramid scheme, the subband scheme, and the conditional replacement scheme. This paper describes the pyramid scheme and presents experimental results comparing the pyramid approach to non-scalable H.264 and simulcast.
Thermal stability and decomposition kinetics of amorphous hydrogenated films

Abstract The kinetics of decomposition of the SiH2 and SiH centers in amorphous hydrogenated silicon films were studied by thermomanometric analysis. The methods of preparation and analysis are described. Experimental values of the enthalpy and entropy of activation are given in both cases. Tentative reaction mechanisms are proposed on the basis of an interpretation of the results.
Metabolic flux analysis of Escherichia coli MG1655 under octanoic acid (C8) stress

Systems metabolic engineering has made the renewable production of industrial chemicals a feasible alternative to modern operations. One major example of a renewable process is the production of carboxylic acids, such as octanoic acid (C8), from Escherichia coli, engineered to express thioesterase enzymes. C8, however, is toxic to E. coli above a certain concentration, which limits the final titer. 13C metabolic flux analysis of E. coli was performed for both C8 stress and control conditions using NMR2Flux with isotopomer balancing. A mixture of labeled and unlabeled glucose was used as the sole carbon source for bacterial growth for 13C flux analysis. By comparing the metabolic flux maps of the control condition and C8 stress condition, pathways that were altered under the stress condition were identified. C8 stress was found to reduce carbon flux in several pathways: the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, the CO2 production, and the pyruvate dehydrogenase pathway. Meanwhile, a few pathways became more active: the pyruvate oxidative pathway, and the extracellular acetate production. These results were statistically significant for three biological replicates between the control condition and C8 stress. As a working hypothesis, the following causes are proposed to be the main causes for growth inhibition and flux alteration for a cell under stress: membrane disruption, low activity of electron transport chain, and the activation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase regulator (PdhR).
Ultrasonically targeted delivery into endothelial and smooth muscle cells in ex vivo arteries

Abstract This study tested the hypothesis that ultrasound can target intracellular uptake of drugs into vascular endothelial cells (ECs) at low to intermediate energy and into smooth muscle cells (SMCs) at high energy. Ultrasound-enhanced delivery has been shown to enhance and target intracellular drug and gene delivery in the vasculature to treat cardiovascular disease, but quantitative studies of the delivery process are lacking. Viable ex vivo porcine carotid arteries were placed in a solution containing a model drug, TO-PRO®-1, and Optison® microbubbles. Arteries were exposed to ultrasound at 1.1 MHz and acoustic energies of 5.0, 66, or 630 J/cm2. Using confocal microscopy and fluorescent labeling of cells, the artery endothelium and media were imaged to determine the localization and to quantify intracellular uptake and cell death. At low to intermediate ultrasound energy, ultrasound was shown to target intracellular delivery into viable cells that represented 9–24% of exposed ECs. These conditions also typically caused 7–25% EC death. At high energy, intracellular delivery was targeted to SMCs, which was associated with denuding or death of proximal ECs. This work represents the first known in-depth study to evaluate intracellular uptake into cells in tissue. We conclude that significant intracellular uptake of molecules can be targeted into ECs and SMCs by ultrasound-enhanced delivery suggesting possible applications for treatment of cardiovascular diseases and dysfunctions.
Splicing patterns of nuclear precursors to the mRNA for adenovirus 2 DNA binding protein

Abstract The relationship of nuclear and cytoplasmic RNAs from early region 2 of the adenovirus 2 genome (map positions 61.6–75.0) has been determined. The 20S cytoplasmic mRNA which codes for the 72K DNA-binding protein has been shown to contain spliced sequences as previously reported (Berk and Sharp, 1977b; Kitchingman, Lai and Westphal, 1977). The nuclear poly(A)-containing RNA migrates as 28S, 23S and 20S molecules (Craig and Raskas, 1976). Structural analysis demonstrated that nuclear 23S and 20S RNAs lack intervening sequences (map positions 74.6–68.8) that are also absent from the cytoplasmic mRNA. In contrast, the nuclear 28S RNA has sequences complementary to the intervening DNA sequences. The analysis of colinear transcripts from the I strand of region 2 suggests that nuclear 28S and 23S RNAs contain the intervening sequences from a second splice (map positions 68.3–66.3). The nuclear 20S RNA, like the mature cytoplasmic mRNA, lacks these sequences. We also detected colinear polyadenylated transcripts from the r strand of region 2 that do not have any apparent relationship to early mRNA. In continuous label experiments, the 28S and 23S species reached a steady state within 30 min, whereas the amounts of nuclear and cytoplasmic 20S RNAs continued to increase for at least 3 hr. These studies suggest that the intervening DNA sequences of the 72K DNA binding protein gene are transcribed in its mRNA precursor (28S). These sequences are then removed sequentially to generate first a 23S intermediate and then a 20S nuclear RNA that will be transported to the cytoplasm as a mature mRNA.
Quiet Catastrophe: Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty, Vanished

Maps to Nowhere: Seen from above, Robert Smithson's Spiral Jetty emerges dramatically from the rocky shores of Utah's Great Salt Lake. Like a swirling vortex steadied and then stilled, the earthwork begins as a straight line of stone extending far into the water, the form then curving, arching and coiling in upon itself until abruptly coming to an end. Rocks and boulders are seen in various shapes and sizes, with brown soil packed and flattened within the spiral,
3D clustering-based camera wireless sensor networks for maximizing lifespan with minimum coverage rate constraint

Maximizing the lifespan of the wireless sensor networks (WSNs) subject to minimum area coverage rate is a crucial issue in the design and analysis of WSNs. With the fast development of image and video technology, wireless camera sensor networks (WCSNs) have attracted a great deal of research attention, particularly in the area coverage using WCSNs for many military or battle-field applications. Compared with 2D camera WSNs-based coverage, 3D camera WSNs-based coverage can provide with more comprehensive information. However, it imposes new challenges which were not encountered in 2D WCSNs, such as the complexity of the 3D coverage design and analysis. To overcome these problems, in this paper we propose a novel 3D coverage scheme using WCSNs. It aims at maximizing the lifespan by minimizing the energy consumption subject to the minimum coverage rate specified by application requirements. Building up the system model for field of view (FOV) of our 3D WCSNs, we derive the analytical expressions which can characterize the minimum number of randomly deployed camera sensor nodes to ensure the 3D coverage rate. Also, we develop the new low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) architecture with the new features as follows: applying heterogeneous sensor nodes; refining the threshold for cluster head selection; employing hybrid routing algorithms. The obtained simulation results show that our proposed schemes significantly outperform the other existing schemes in terms of maximizing the lifespan of WCSNs subject to the minimum coverage rate over the 3D space.
Superconducting arrays in a magnetic field: Effects of lattice structure and a possible double transition

We report the results of extensive Monte Carlo simulations and mean-field calculations for superconducting arrays in a transverse magnetic field. Two new lattices are studied: triangular and honeycomb. The universality class of the transition is found to depend on both field and lattice type. In the triangular lattice at a field of \textonequarter{} flux quantum per triangle, there are some indications that the superconducting-normal transformation proceeds by two separate phase transitions.
Cationic cyclopropanation by antibody catalysis

Reactions involving highly reactive carbocations play a central role in many important chemical processes, such as cyclization reactions. However, the potential for controlling the pathways of such reactions to obtain energetically disfavoured (but desirable) products has been hard to realize because of the difficulties inherent in controlling the conformation and chemical environment of the carbocation intermediates. Antibody catalysts, with their high specificity and binding energies, can provide the degree of conformational and chemical control necessary for directing such reactions. Here we show how antibody catalysis can guide cationic cyclization reactions selectively to form products (in high yield) that would otherwise be highly disfavoured. Most notable is the formation of a strained bicyclic compound containing a rare cyclopropane group. To explain our results, we propose a common reaction scheme in which the key step is the formation of a highly reactive protonated cyclopropane intermediate; subtle structural modifications to the substrate (the compound on which the catalytic antibody acts) lead to dramatic differences in the structure of the final product.
SU-D-105-06: A Novel QA Process Based On Monte Carlo 2nd Check and Dose Reconstruction From Machine Log File On TomoTherapy

Purpose: To develop a QA process that combines the pre-treatment plan verification with post-treatment delivery verification. Individual source of error such as dose calculator, MLC, and gantry angle can be isolated and analyzed. Methods: A Monte-Carlo (MC) package, TomoPen, has been modified for pre-treatment plan verification. During TomoTherapy treatment, information such as ion chamber measured output, gantry and couch position, and MVCT exit-detectors fluence are recorded into a log file (rawdata). The log file is retrieved after each treatment and information about the treatment delivery is extracted. MLC movement is obtained through analysis of the exit-detector fluence. The actual delivery information is fed into MC dose calculation to evaluate the overall impact. 255 treatment deliveries in 38 patient plans were analyzed with this process. Results: The average percent difference from the MC 2nd check on planned dose was −1.2%. MLC errors have strong correlation with plans. On average, MLC errors were 0.1+/−2.2%, which will produce negligible error. However, error as big as 1.7+/−0.8% was observed. It is also observed that the MLC errors did not have big variations day-to-day for the same patient plan. The LINAC output has been a big source of error. On average, the output dropped by 0.8% during each treatment, and varies day to day as target degrades. The output error for all treatment during a 7 month span has been 1.3+/−1.1%. MC reconstructed dose is found to correlated with the mean MLC and output errors. The log file analysis can be completed in less than 30 seconds and the MC calculation took 2–4 minutes. Conclusion: We have developed a QA process capable of detecting errors from the planning to treatment delivery for TomoTherapy. The advantage over the existing phantom based QA method is that it provides more information about discrepancies in planning and delivery. This study is supported in part by UVa George Amorino Pilot Grant.
Extinction and replacement among predatory mammals in the North American late Eocene and Oligocene: Tracking a paleoguild over twelve million years

Changes in taxonomic and morphologic diversity within the paleoguild of predatory mammals were explored within a mammalian chronofauna spanning a twelve million year interval, from the latest Eocene to the end of the Oligocene of North America (36–24 ma). The timespan encompassed a modest extinction event among terrestrial mammals (circa 34 ma) followed by a period of relative stability. Morphological diversity was assessed with estimates of body mass, relative tooth size, and tooth shape. Principal component, nearest‐neighbor, and minimum‐spanning‐tree analyses were used to compare morphological diversity and species packing within predator paleoguilds in the mid‐Chadronian (37–34 ma), Orellan (34–32), Whitneyan (32–29.5), and early Arikareean (29.5–24) land mammal ages. Species richness of predators throughout the interval was relatively constant, fluctuating between 15 and 18 total taxa. Moreover, despite significant differences in taxonomic composition and a modest extinction event among terrestrial m...
Toll road characteristics and toll road experience in selected South East Asia countries

Tolls are generally imposed for the purpose of raising additional net revenues. As a revenue raising device, the perception that the user pays makes tolling seem equitable; in addition, it seems suitable for revenue earmarking or for private financing and management of individual roads. However, tolls should be considered mainly as a pricing device. Tolling can complement general road user taxation (aimed at recovering costs on uncongested roads) where some degree of congestion exists, in order to achieve efficient pricing and rational resource allocation. In such cases, the revenue and the pricing objectives are compatible, and roads as private enterprises, possible. However, the possibilities of tolling congested roads are limited due to collection constraints; means other than tolling may be preferable in order to capture externalities. There is no economic justification for tolling uncongested roads, where other road user charges are already covering road use costs. If the objective is to raise general revenue, then a marginal increase in existing overall tax rates is likely to yield a higher revenue at a lower cost. The toll road experiences in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand are reviewed.
Elastomer particle morphology in ternary blends of maleated and non-maleated ethylene-based elastomers with polyamides: Role of elastomer phase miscibility

Abstract The elastomer particle morphology in ternary blends of maleated and non-maleated ethylene-based elastomers with polyamides has been examined. The elastomers used include an ethylene/propylene copolymer, EPR, with a maleic anhydride (MA) grafted version, EPR-g-MA, and an ethylene/1-octene copolymer, EOR, with maleated versions EOR-g-MA-X% where X is 0.35, 1.6 or 2.5. The polyamides used were nylon 6 and an amorphous polyamide, Zytel 330 from DuPont. The morphology development was explored from both thermodynamic and kinetic points of view where the former refers to miscibility of the elastomers and the latter might include the ratio of the elastomers, the matrix type, the order of mixing, mixing intensity, i.e. the extruder type, and graft structure, etc. Both sources influence the morphology developed. For ternary blends with EPR-g-MA/EPR, the morphology (particle size and distribution) seems to be well controlled via the level of maleation in the rubber phase. The two polyamides generate comparable rubber particle sizes at the same of MA level. For ternary blends with EOR-g-MA/EOR, the morphology strongly depends on the level of MA; the rubber particle size, in general, is much smaller in nylon 6 blends than in Zytel 330 blends. Morphology of ternary blends with EOR-g-MA/EOR is much more complex than that of blends with EPR-g-MA/EPR due to the co-existence of miscibility limits and the kinetic factors. Miscibility of maleated EOR elastomers is examined via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using a special staining technique; a miscibility boundary, as revealed by TEM, occurs around Δ(%MA)=0.9−1.25 MA%. If the two elastomers are miscible, a unimodal particle size distribution always appears in blends regardless of the kinetic factors; however, if immiscibility prevails, either a unimodal or bimodal particle size distribution may develop depending on the ratio of the elastomers and the matrix type. The order of mixing and the mixing intensity do not seem to change the modality of the size distribution.
Persistent homology for automatic determination of human-data based cost of bipedal walking

Abstract Robotic walking research, since its inception, has attempted to generate anthropomorphic gait, but the community as a whole has struggled to agree even upon the correct ordering of discrete events during walking. In this paper, we propose a universal temporal ordering of discrete events for bipedal walking based on motion capture data collected from a nine subject straight line walking experiment. To construct this ordering, we develop a technique based on persistent homology to process the motion capture data to determine when the number of contact points changes during the course of a step which automatically dictates the ordering of discrete events. Surprisingly the findings of this work are that every subject regardless of age, sex, weight or height in the experiment had an identical temporal ordering of such events. This result allows for the development of a universal anthropomorphic bipedal robotic walking model because the temporal ordering of events together with the Lagrangian modeling of the robot completely determines the mathematical model of the system. Importantly, this universal ordering allows us to propose a cost function based on human data: the human-based cost , which we use to gauge the “human-like” quality of robotic walking.
Alternating Linear Heisenberg Antiferromagnet: The Exciton Limit

The one-dimensional alternating antiferromagnet with $\mathcal{H}=2J\ensuremath{\Sigma}{n}^{}{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}}}_{2n}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}}}_{2n\ensuremath{-}1}+2{J}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\Sigma}{n}^{}{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}}}_{2n}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{S}}}_{2n+1}$ is studied for ${J}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\ll}J$. For ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\ensuremath{\equiv}{k}_{B}T\ensuremath{\ll}J$ the susceptibility is expanded in powers of the exciton density as $\ensuremath{\chi}T\ensuremath{\propto}A(\ensuremath{\beta}{J}^{\ensuremath{'}},\frac{{J}^{\ensuremath{'}}}{J}){e}^{\ensuremath{-}2\ensuremath{\beta}J}+B(\ensuremath{\beta}{J}^{\ensuremath{'}},\frac{{J}^{\ensuremath{'}}}{J}){e}^{\ensuremath{-}4\ensuremath{\beta}J}+\ensuremath{\cdots}$ and the coefficients $A$ and $B$ are calculated for $\frac{{J}^{\ensuremath{'}}}{J}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$. The calculation of $B(\ensuremath{\beta}{J}^{\ensuremath{'}},0)$ required the evaluation of the two-exciton scattering matrix. The interactions between excitons which affect the susceptibility are found to be repulsive. As a result, the coefficient $B$ is correctly predicted by the usual assumption that excitons obey localized statistics. A general discussion relating statistics to the on-shell forward-scattering $t$ matrix enables one to understand the difference between the statistical properties of spin waves and excitons. For opposite-spin excitons an attractive bound state is found to exist for all values of total momentum. Perturbation theory in $\frac{{J}^{\ensuremath{'}}}{J}$ is used to calculate the single-exciton dispersion relation at zero temperature as $E(k)=(2J+\frac{5{J}^{\ensuremath{'}3}}{32{J}^{2}})\ensuremath{-}(\frac{{J}^{\ensuremath{'}}+{J}^{\ensuremath{'}2}}{2J}\ensuremath{-}\frac{5{J}^{\ensuremath{'}3}}{32J})cosk\ensuremath{-}(\frac{{J}^{\ensuremath{'}2}}{4J}+\frac{{J}^{\ensuremath{'}3}}{8{J}^{2}}){cos}^{2}k\ensuremath{-}(\frac{{J}^{\ensuremath{'}3}}{8{J}^{2}}){cos}^{3}k$.
Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in leaves of certain plants which fix CO2 by the C4-dicarboxylic acid cycle of photosynthesis☆

Abstract Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase has been found in leaves of Panicum maximum, Panicum texanum, and Sporobolus poiretii at levels sufficient to be involved in photosynthesis. The enzyme preferentially utilizes adenosine nucleotide derivatives. In Panicum maximum the enzyme is concentrated in the bundle sheath cells about four times higher than in the mesophyll cells. From 40 to 50 percent of the enzyme activity in bundle sheath cell extracts of Panicum maximum can be separated into a particulate fraction. The enzyme may function as a decarboxylase in bundle sheath cells of certain C4-dicarboxylic acid cycle plants which have a low content of malic enzyme.
Antiheparin activity in human endothelial cells.

Abstract Human endothelial cells possess antiheparin activity that neutralizes the anticoagulant action of heparin as measured by different tests of the clotting system. The antiheparin activity appears to be associated with an acid-soluble basic protein present in the particulate fraction of the endothelial cell cytoplasm. This finding might have some relevance in the maintenance of hemostasis. Furthermore, it might also have a pharmacological role in terms of resistance to exogenously infused heparin in patients with throm-boembolic disorders.
Biomarker discovery and transcriptomic responses in Daphnia magna exposed to munitions constituents.

Ecotoxicogenomic approaches are emerging as alternative methods in environmental monitoring because they allow insight into pollutant modes of action and help assess the causal agents and potential toxicity beyond the traditional end points of death, growth, and reproduction. Gene expression analysis has shown particular promise for identifying gene expression biomarkers of chemical exposure that can be further used to monitor specific chemical exposures in the environment. We focused on the development of gene expression markers to detect and discriminate between chemical exposures. Using a custom cDNA microarray for Daphnia magna, we identified distinct expression fingerprints in response to exposure at sublethal concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, and munitions constituents. Using the results obtained from microarray analysis, we chose a suite of potential biomarkers for each of the specific exposures. The selected potential biomarkers were tested in independent chemical exposures for specificity using quant...
Parental Attitudes toward Death Education for Young Children.

Abstract An exploratory study was conducted to ascertain perceptions of parents toward the role of early childhood educators in teaching young children about aspects of death education. A secondary objective was to contrast perceptions of parents with those of teachers toward death education for young children utilizing data from a previous study. Although parents of young children generally agreed with statements depicting the need for early childhood educators' self-development, communication with children, interaction with children's parents, and curriculum planning, they expressed significantly less support than teachers for death education as a part of early childhood education. Moreover, although parents acknowledged the importance of children acquiring an ecumenical understanding of and respect for others' beliefs about death, they did not wish teachers to share their personal philosophical or religious beliefs about death with young children. Parents also exhibited a more protective attitude than ...
Accurate recursive generation of spherical Bessel and Neumann functions for a large range of indices

Partial wave expansion is encountered in a wide range of problems in theoretical physics. Typically, spherical Bessel functions are encountered in scattering of nuclei, atoms, and molecules. A routine is described for computing spherical Bessel and Neumann functions jl( x) and nl( x), respectively, by backward and forward recurrence relations. The method is fast, very accurate, not code intensive, and easily adopted for a personal computer. These features make the code well suited for the physics student research environment.
Cortisol-induced inhibition of amino acid transport in thymic lymphocytes: kinetic parameters; relation to ATP levels and protein synthesis; and specificity.

1. 1. α-Aminoisobutyric acid accumulation in rat thymic lymphocytes increased in linear fashion for 10 min and reached an apparent steady state in 60 min. α-Aminoisobutyric acid was transported by concentrative and non-concentrative processes. Cortisol inhibited only the concentrative process. Inhibition was non-competitive, indicating a decrase in the total capacity of the active transport mechanism. The effect of cortisol on α-aminoisobutyric acid transport was evident only after 60–90 min of treatment but preceeded the appearance of reductions in cellular ATP by an additional 60–90 min, suggesting that cortisol inhibition of α-aminoisobutyric acid transport was not caused by the decrease in ATP. 2. 2. Inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide reduced α-aminoisobutyric acid uptake without decreasing cellular ATP, pointing to the participation of labile proteins in the active transport of α-aminoisobutyric acid which are not related to ATP metabolism. Inhibition of α-aminoisobutyric acid transport caused by cortisol and cycloheximide together was no greater than that caused by each agent alone. Moreover, cortisol failed to decrease cellular ATP levels during simultaneous exopsure of thymic lymphocytes to cycloheximide. Hence, inhibition of α-aminoisobutyric acid transport and reduction of ATP content are separate manifestations of cortisol action, each arising by a process which depends upon de novo protein synthesis. 3. 3. Inhibition of α-aminoisobutyric acid transport by cortisol appeared to be related to its glucocorticoid activity sicne (a) low concentrations (0.1 μM and 1.0 μM) were inhibitory, yet steroids devoid of glucocorticoid activity (progresterone, cortisone and testosterone) were non-inhibitory at the same concentrations, and (b) 11-deoxy-cortisol (cortexolone), which is known to impede the binding of glucocorticoids to cellular receptors, appreciably reduced the degree of inhibition caused by cortisol. High concentrations of progesterone and cortisone (10 μM) inhibited α-aminoisobutyric acid transport slightly suggesting that the decrease in α-aminoisobutyric acid uptake caused by 10 μM cortisol might reflect both specific (glucocorticoid-related) and non-specific effects.
TWILIGHT OF THE HERO IN THE TOUR DE FRANCE

Maurice Garin won the first Tour de France in 1903, and Lance Armstrong won in 1999, providing 86 races for analysis (after cancellations for war). Participation, fan interest, and success have been heavily French and by continent almost exclusively European. The bounded population of occurrences and singular geographical locus combine for a useful analytical frame for investigating how particular sports are affected by national cultures. The second race and the 1998 Tour yielded visible scandals, and there have been many other races where riders were censored even as winners were celebrated. A provocative element within the established bases for opprobrium and honor is that there are two (rather than one) normative frameworks: one of the racers themselves and the other of the surrounding society, originally French and now increasingly global. The research intends to illustrate the frequent tension and strong discontinuity between the increasingly complex surrounding normative order and the more contained...
Model for columnar microstructure of thin solid films.

A theory for columnar microstructure is presented. Column orientation is predicted, and the tangent rule is shown to be an approximate special case of a more general relationship. Results also predict that columns occur only at low substrate temperature. All of these results agree with experimental data. In addition, a relationship is found between column width and mean square diffusion length. The theory substantiates the empirical suggestion that adatom mobility is an important parameter governing column development.
Smoking, Smoking Cessation, and Tooth Loss

Smoking is associated with an increased risk of tooth loss, but it is not known if this risk decreases significantly when individuals quit smoking. The objectives of this study were to describe the rates of tooth loss by smoking status in two populations of medically healthy men and women. Among the men, rates of tooth loss and edentulism in relation to smoking cessation were also evaluated. The subjects were drawn from a group of 584 women (aged 40 to 70) recruited from the Boston, MA, area and a separate population of 1231 male veterans (aged 21 to 75) who participated in the VA Dental Longitudinal Study in Boston. In cross-sectional baseline analyses, current cigarette smokers of either sex had significantly more missing teeth than never-smokers or former smokers. Former smokers and pipe or cigar smokers tended to have an intermediate number of missing teeth. Current male smokers had more teeth with calculus, but the differences in plaque, tooth mobility, probing depth > 2 mm, filled and decayed teeth, and bleeding on probing by smoking history were not significant. Prospective observations of 248 women (mean follow-up time = 6 +/- 2 years) and 977 men (mean = 18 +/- 7 years) indicated that individuals who continued to smoke cigarettes had 2.4-fold (men) to 3.5-fold risk (women) of tooth loss compared with non-smokers. The rates of tooth loss in men were significantly reduced after they quit smoking cigarettes but remained higher than those in non-smokers. Men who smoked cigarettes had a 4.5-fold increase in risk of edentulism, and this risk also decreased upon smoking cessation. These findings indicate that the risk of tooth loss is greater among cigarette smokers than among non-smokers. Smoking cessation significantly benefits an individual's likelihood of tooth retention, but it may take decades for the individual to return to the rate of tooth loss observed in non-smokers.