cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Janus: a cross-layer soft real-time architecture for virtualization

With the advent of video sharing websites (e.g. YouTube) and interactive 3D video systems (e.g. Teeve, Cave), multimedia based content delivery networks (CDN) have become ubiquitous. These CDN architectures comprise of several processing and disseminating entities (e.g. proxies and gateways) that require real-time processing and trans-coding of multimedia content that must be delivered before an established deadline. Furthermore, Virtual Machine Monitors (VMMs) emerged as a popular architecture for server consolidation and cost reduction in enterprise systems. CDN proxies and gateways would greatly benefit from the deployment of VMM architectures since VMMs allow virtualization of their resources for virtual private multimedia sessions in a cost-effective manner. However, current VMMs do not provide abstractions to efficiently map processes to CPU resources and they do not provide adequate Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms for task prioritization and CPU management to guarantee the completion of multimedia sessions by their deadlines.In this paper, we present Janus, a soft real-time Cross-Layer CPU scheduling architecture for VMM used in CDN gateways. Janus allows CDN gateway services to obtain efficiently reservation-based CPU guarantees within VMM and across VMMs, based on their individual QoS requirements. Our results show that soft real-time multimedia services running on our scheduling architecture can more efficiently meet the job deadlines specified when compared to the Xen Credit Scheduler.
Temperature and water vapor pressure effects on the friction coefficient of hydrogenated diamondlike carbon films.

Microtribological measurements of a hydrogenated diamondlike carbon film in controlled gaseous environments show that water vapor plays a significant role in the friction coefficient. These experiments reveal an initial high friction transient behavior that does not reoccur even after extended periods of exposure to low partial pressures of H{sub 2}O and O{sub 2}. Experiments varying both water vapor pressure and sample temperature show trends of a decreasing friction coefficient as a function of both the decreasing water vapor pressure and the increasing substrate temperature. Theses trends are examined with regard to first order gas-surface interactions. Model fits give activation energies on the order of 40 kJ/mol, which is consistent with water vapor desorption.
Alien Rule and Its Discontents

It is commonplace to explain nationalist movements by adverting to the demand for national self-determination. Indeed, nationalism is frequently defined in precisely these terms. Discontent with alien rule—the obverse of national self-determination—is often assumed to be pervasive, if not universal, thus accounting for the absence of an international market in governance services. There is no shortage of explanations of the antipathy to alien rule and a great deal of corroborative evidence. Many believe that people seem to prefer to be badly ruled by their own kind than better ruled by aliens. Yet if this is true, then identity trumps competence in the assessment of rule, implying that we are all liable to suffer from suboptimal governance. In contrast, this article argues that the evidence for the pervasiveness of antipathy to alien rule is overdrawn. To that end, it distinguishes between two different types of alien rule, elected and imposed; provides a brief portrait of each; and suggests that when ali...
Production of alkaline protease in a low-cost medium by alkalophilic Bacillus sp. and properties of the enzyme

Abstract The main object of this research was to obtain a large amount of alkaline protease in a low-cost medium, for which purpose Bacillus sp. B21-2 was isolated from soil. The enzyme production by this strain reached the maximum level of 15,000 u/ml in a short cultivation time of 24–28 h in alkaline medium consisting of cheap materials such as soybean meal and bonito extract. The optimum pH and temperature for activity of the purified enzyme were 11.5 and 60°C respectively. The enzyme was stable up to 50°C but inactivated after 10 min at 60°C. The enzyme activity was completely inhibited by diisopropylfluorophosphate.
Radiology Online: Information, Education, and Networking—A Summary of the 2012 Intersociety Committee Summer Conference

The "new online" (Web 2.0) world is evolving rapidly, and the digital information, education, and networking resources available to radiologists have exploded over the past 2 decades. The 2012 Intersociety Committee Summer Conference attendees explored the online resources that have been produced by societies, universities, and commercial entities. Specific attention was given to identifying the best products and packaging them in tablet computers for use by residents and practicing radiologists. The key functions of social networking websites and the possible roles they can play in radiology were explored as well. It was the consensus of the attendees that radiologic digital resources and portable electronic devices have matured to the point that they should become an integral part of our educational programs and clinical practice.
Ophthalmic Findings in Dural Arteriovenous Shunts

Five cases of dural carotid arteriovenous shunts in the region of the cavernous sinus are reported. Discussion of the specific carotid angiographic features stresses the pathophysiologic characteristics of these shunts in relation to the ophthalmic findings. In all cases, the meningohypophyseal artery was involved as the sole or predominant source of the afferent arterial supply, and the degree of proptosis, epibulbar congestion and secondary glaucoma correlated with retrograde filling of the superior ophthalmic vein from the cavernous sinus. The ophthalmologist's early recognition of this entity as a "spontaneous" pathologic occurrence is important, since he is intimately involved in its diagnosis and long-term management.
Adsorption of triethylenediamine on Al2O3-III: Bonding to Lewis acid Al3+ sites.

The adsorption of triethylenediamine (TEDA) on Lewis acid (Al3+) sites of the highly dehydroxylated Al2O3 surface has been observed by FT-IR spectroscopy. This was done by monitoring the competitiv...
Atomistic Simulations of Perfluoro Phosphonic and Phosphinic Acid Membranes and Comparisons to Nafion

We used classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the nanoscale morphology and proton transport properties of perfluoro phosphonic (FPA) and phosphinic acid (FPA-I) membranes as they are being considered for use in low temperature fuel cells. We systematically investigated these properties as a function of the hydration level. The changes in nanostructure, in transport dynamics of water and hydronium ions, and in water network percolation were extracted from MD simulations and compared with Nafion. Phosphonic and phosphinic acid moieties in FPA and FPA-I, have lower acidity than sulfonic acid in Nafion, yet the diffusion of water was observed to be faster in FPA and FPA-I than in Nafion, particularly at low hydration levels. However this did not give rise to notable differences in hydronium ion diffusion and water network percolation for these membranes over Nafion. Similar observations were also reported by our group recently in a study of perfluoro-sulfonyl imide membranes carrying stronger super-acids than sulfonic acid of Nafion. These findings together suggest no strong apparent correlation between the acidity strength of the functional acid groups and the dynamics of water and hydronium ions in hydrated polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) with similar fluorocarbon backbones and acidic group-carrying side chains.more » This work was supported by the US Department of Energy Basic Energy Sciences' Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences Division. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated by Battelle for the US Department of Energy.« less
The Dahomean Feast: Royal Women, Private Politics, and Culinary Practices in Atlantic West Africa

Feasting is a central component of elite power strategies in complex societies worldwide. In the precolonial Kingdom of Dahomey, located in the Republic of Benin, public feasts were a critical component of royal strategies to attract and bind political subjects over the course of the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries, a period of dramatic political transformation on the Bight of Benin. Archaeological excavations within the domestic quarters of a series of Dahomean royal palace sites have yielded diverse faunal and ceramic assemblages that represent clear examples of (1) ritualized food consumption and (2) everyday culinary practices. In this paper, faunal and ceramic evidence from two excavated contexts is marshaled to distinguish the archaeological signatures of feasting in Dahomey, highlighting the importance of private feasts in attempts to build political influence in the domestic zones of Dahomean royal palaces. In particular, this analysis foregrounds how royal women jockeyed for power and influence during a period of political uncertainty.
The Search for Balance

A recent masters student offers five suggestions to other graduate students that have helped her in pursuit of balance in her life.
Electron density characterization by use of a broadband x-ray-compatible wave-front sensor.

The use of a Hartmann wave-front sensor to accurately measure the line-integrated electron density gradients formed in laser-produced and z-pinch plasma experiments is examined. This wave-front sensor may be used with a soft-x-ray laser as well as with incoherent line emission at multikilovolt x-ray energies. This diagnostic is significantly easier to use than interferometery and moire deflectometry, both of which have been demonstrated with soft-x-ray lasers. This scheme is experimentally demonstrated in the visible region by use of a Shack-Hartmann wave-front sensor and a liquid-crystal spatial light modulator to simulate a phase profile that could occur when an x-ray probe passes through a plasma. The merits of using a Hartmann sensor include a wide dynamic range, broadband or low-coherence-length light capability, high x-ray efficiency, two-dimensional gradient determination, multiplexing capability, and experimental simplicity. Hartmann sensors could also be utilized for wavelength testing of extreme-ultraviolet lithography components and x-ray phase imaging of biological specimens.
Properties of ultrathin metallic films on Si(111) determined by high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy

Abstract UV photoemission, low energy electron diffraction and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) have been used in situ to study the nature of 1–25 A of Au and Pd deposited on Si(111) at temperatures of 20 and 300 K. New information is obtained regarding the formation, nature and microstructure of these metallic layers. We describe and apply a theoretical analysis of EELS which allows the determination of DC transport properties in these ultrathin layers. All metallic layers exhibit significantly higher resistivities than expected in comparison to bulk metal silicides or metallic glass phases, and can be attributed to diffuse scattering of conduction electrons at the interface. The interaction and behavior of atomic hydrogen with these films as detected by EELS is also described and found to convey additional information about their microstructure.
Solvolytic rearrangement of the 2-(Δ1-cyclopentenyl)ethyl system

Abstract The acetolysis of 2-(Δ 1 -cyclopentenyl)ethyl bromobenzenesulfonate (I) yields four rearranged acetates. The major product is 3-methylenecyclohexyl acetate, while spiro[2.4]heptan-4-yl, bicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-1-yl, and bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-1-methyl acetate are produced in smaller amounts. Consideration of the solvolytic reactions of derivatives possessing these rearranged structures allows presentation of an overall scheme of reaction for acetolysis of I.
An immunological determinant of RNase P protein is conserved between Escherichia coli and humans.

Abstract RNase P, an enzyme with RNA and protein subunits, cleaves tRNA precursor molecules to form the 5' termini of mature tRNAs in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Rabbit antibodies made against the protein subunit, C5 protein, of Escherichia coli RNase P bound RNase P protein from E. coli and Bacillus subtilis in immunoblots and solid-phase immunoassays. These rabbit anti-C5 antibodies also bound a protein (Mr approximately 40,000) in preparations of RNase P from human (HeLa) cells and depleted the enzymatic activity from preparations of RNase P from both human and E. coli cells. Finally, rabbit anti-C5 antibodies immunoprecipitated from crude extracts of human cells a ribonucleoprotein complex containing H1 RNA, the putative RNA component of human RNase P. These results show that an antigenic determinant is shared by C5 protein from E. coli RNase P and a protein component of RNase P from human cells.
Regulation of MPF activity in vitro

We have developed a soluble, cell-free system from premeiotic Xenopus oocytes that executes the post-translational activation of a precursor form of maturation promoting factor (MPF). We have distinguished at least two components of this ATP-dependent reaction: pre-MPF, a precursor to MPF that activates independently of added MPF and whose apparent molecular weight changes from 400 kd to 260 kd upon activation; and INH, an inhibitor of pre-MPF activation that confers MPF dependence on the reaction. We present evidence suggesting that INH is a phosphatase and that the activation of pre-MPF occurs via phosphorylation. INH activity itself seems to be regulated by another phosphatase, protein phosphatase-1. We have directly examined the pattern of protein phosphorylation during the activation reaction and have found 92 and 140 kd proteins whose phosphorylation increases when MPF activity appears. This system makes possible a direct examination of the regulation of MPF activity during the cell cycle.
Studies on the stimulation of cAMP metabolism in human lymphocytes by latex polymers

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to further characterize the marked increase in intracellular cAMP which follows the interaction of human lymphocytes and latex polymers. Six distinct cell types, each of which either bind or ingest these latex particles, were studied; however, only lymphocytes responded with increases in intracellular cAMP. The initial attachment of the latex particles to the lymphocyte surface was independent of temperature, cyclic nucleotides and divalent cations in the external milieu. The subsequent cAMP response was maximal at physiologic temperatures and modulated by agents thought to alter microfilament and microtubule function. Four different types of polymers produced increases in intralymphocytic cAMP and the maximal increases were confined to particles having a mean diameter of 0.4–2.02 μm. Within this latter size range, there was a close correlation between the number of membrane-associated particles and the magnitude of the cAMP response. Similarities to the lymphocyte-lectin activation system included: 1. 1. A requirement for binding of the latex polymers to the external plasma membrane. 2. 2. A biphasic cAMP response characterized by an early rise followed by a later fall. 3. 3. Modulation of this response by pharmacologic agents which compromise microtubule and microfilament function. In contrast to the lectin-induced activation, latex beads inhibited amino acid transport and phosphatidylinositol turnover and did not lead to later increases in DNA synthesis. These data suggest that latex polymers attach to receptors on the plasma membrane different from those responsible for lymphocyte activation, and through cAMP induce metabolic responses dissimilar to those associated with lectin activation.
Arginine-Rich Molecular Transporters for Drug Delivery: Role of Backbone Spacing in Cellular Uptake

Short oligomers of arginine, either alone or when conjugated to therapeutic agents or large biopolymers, have been shown to cross readily a variety of biological barriers (e.g., lipid bilayers and epithelial tissue). Molecular modeling suggests that only a subset of the side chain guanidinium groups of these transporters might be required for transport involving contact with a common surface such as a plasma membrane or cell surface receptor. To evaluate this hypothesis, a series of decamers were prepared that incorporated seven arginines and three nonarginine residues. Several of these mixed decamers were comparable to the all arginine decamer in their ability to enter cells. More significantly, these decamers containing seven arginines performed almost without exception better than heptaarginine itself, suggesting that spacing between residues is also important for transport. The influence of spacing was more fully evaluated with a library of oligomers incorporating seven arginines separated by one or m...
Solution contour-based adaptive regriddiimg scheme for transient diffusion problems

An adaptive regridding scheme within the framework of irregular triangles and finite differences is presented. The new grid's nodal points are selected on solution contours, Boundary adaptation is accomplished by using a pseudo-triangle gradient level indicator. The technique is demonstrated by adoptively solving the linear two-dimensional transient heat conduction equation on both rectangular and circular domains. Results indicate that the adaptive regridding scheme works as accurately as a fine grid, especially in regions where a steep change of solution occurs, but at a significantly lower computational cost. Apart from promising to be a general method, the scheme is simple in that it does not require the evaluation of weight functions, the solution of a set of differential equations, or the construction of a solution monitor surface to obtain new nodes.
Hypotension during septic shock does not correlate with plasma levels of nitric oxide metabolites in the conscious rat

Hypotension following administration of lipopolysaccharide may be due to excessive production of the potent vasodilator nitric oxide brought about by induction of nitric oxide synthase. The purpose of this study was to determine in conscious, fasted rats what role nitric oxide played in lipopolysaccharide-induced hypotension. When examined by Western immunoblot analysis, inducible nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity was detected in the aorta at 3 hours and increased over time following administration of intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (20 mg/kg). When compared with saline-treated control rats, significant hypotension was observed at 2, 4, and 6 hours following lipopolysaccharide treatment. Blood pressure at 2 hours did not differ significantly from that at 6 hours. Using the Griess reaction to quantify plasma levels of nitrates and nitrites as an index of systemic nitric oxide production, an augmentation in the formation of these nitric oxide metabolites was demonstrated at 4 and 6 hours but not at 2 hours. Subcutaneous administration of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (5 mg/kg) prevented lipopolysaccharide-induced hypotension, an effect reversed by subcutaneous L-arginine but not D-arginine (350 mg/kg). However, nitric oxide synthase inhibition did not attenuate the ability of lipopolysaccharide to increase plasma nitrate/nitrite levels. These data indicate that lipopolysaccharide-induced production of nitric oxide metabolites does not correlate with lipopolysaccharide-induced hypotension.
Endografts for thoracic aortic pathologies--uncontested benefits in patient care.

Medical and surgical treatment of thoracic aortic pathologies have been associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Conversely, thoracic aortic endografting is proving to be extremely useful for correcting a variety of lesions with few complications. Endovascular intervention avoids sternotomy or thoracotomy, chest tubes, respirators and general anesthesia, and blood loss is limited. Complications such as paraplegia, renal failure and cardiac and pulmonary difficulties are minimized; hospital and rehabilitation times are also reduced. Selection of patients on the basis of favorable anatomy and pathology for a specific device is critical to procedural success. In addition, hybrid procedures combining endovascular and surgical techniques may extend the uses of available devices. Branched and fenestrated grafts are now being developed and are more accessible in Europe and Australia for use in thorac–abdominal aneurysm exclusion; they may be used in the arch and proximal descending thoracic aorta. H...
Morphine induction of c-fos expression in the rat forebrain through glutamatergic mechanisms: role of non-n-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.

Abstract Acute injection of morphine induces expression of the immediate-early genes c-Fos and JunB in several forebrain regions of the rat, in part through an N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent mechanism. Because membrane depolarization through ( RS )-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptors is believed to be necessary for full activation of NMDA receptors, we determined the role of AMPA receptors in morphine-induced c-Fos expression. Rats were given the AMPA receptor antagonist GYKI-52466 (12.9 mg/kg, i.p.) 15 min before morphine (10 mg/kg, s.c.), or the AMPA receptor enhancer CX516 (30 mg/kg, i.p.) 5 min after morphine. The c-Fos response was attenuated by the antagonist and augmented by the enhancer. Using double immunocytochemistry, we found that morphine induced c-Fos in neurons containing the GluR2/3, but not the GluR1 and rarely the GluR4, subunits of the AMPA receptor. Double immunocytochemistry for μ opioid receptor and c-Fos showed that c-Fos expression was mainly absent in the patch compartment of the striatum, which is enriched in μ opioid receptors. The glutamatergic synapse often contains metabotropic receptors as well as ionotropic receptors. Type I metabotropic glutamate receptors are coupled to activation of protein kinase C, which has also been shown to mediate the immediate-early gene response to morphine. To determine if activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors is involved in rapid effects of morphine on the brain, rats were given the type I metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist ( RS )-1-aminoindan-1,5-dicarboxylic acid (AIDA; 0.2 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle 30 min before morphine treatment. Pretreatment with AIDA completely blocked morphine-induced c-Fos expression in the caudate-putamen. Taken together, these results demonstrate involvement of both AMPA and type I metabotropic glutamate receptors in the acute effects of morphine on the forebrain, supporting an important role for glutamatergic neurotransmission mediated by non-NMDA glutamate receptors in morphine's actions.
Is the continued use of ocular pneumoplethysmography necessary for the diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease

Abstract The combination of duplex scanning and ocular pneumoplethysmography (OPG) has been used by many vascular laboratories for noninvasive evaluation of the carotid arteries. This study was undertaken to determine if OPG significantly improved the accuracy of duplex scanning alone. Three hundred eighty-five carotid arteries were studied in 190 patients with angiograms, duplex scans, or OPG. A total of 329 carotid arteries were examined with all three modalities. Three different criteria were used to interpret the OPG results, one each intended to deliver a high sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy. Depending on the criteria used, sensitivity of OPG alone for detecting hemodynamically significant (>50%) stenosis ranged from 53% to 83%, with a specificity of 59% to 94%. Duplex scanning alone had a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 90% for similar lesions. If patients with only intracranial arterial stenosis were excluded, the sensitivity of the duplex scan rose to 91%. The addition of OPG to the duplex scan slightly increased sensitivity (range 91% to 95%; difference not significant) but significantly decreased specificity (range 56% to 84%; p 80%, the duplex scan alone had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 88%. The addition of OPG to duplex scanning slightly increased sensitivity for these high-grade lesions but significantly decreased specificity ( p
A growth rate distribution model for the age dependence of human cancer incidence: A proposed role for promotion in cancer of the lung and breast

A biological model is proposed to account for the steep rise of human cancer incidence with age. The model casts in mathematical terms the assumptions that each clone destined to give rise to a detectable tumor displays a characteristic net growth rate and that the assembly of such clones displays a distribution of growth rates. Incidence is introduced as the rate of appearance of clones whose size permits detection. While the cancer formation process may involve a series of stages, we assume that the overall kinetics of tumor detection reflect one stage of development whose duration spans the major portion of the latent period between initial cell alteration and final detection. We further assume that the net growth rates of tumor-forming clones increase in the presence of promotors and resume their original growth rates when the promoting substance is removed. Assuming that cigarette smoke has promoting activity, we show how the model could account for the abrupt impact of cessation of smoking on subsequent lung cancer incidence. If we assume that clones destined to be detected as breast cancers experience promotional activity during the period of a woman's fertility, the model predicts that as a consequence of the slowing down of the clones a discontinuous decline in incidence would follow menopause. Since women experience menopause over a range of ages, we show how aggregating the contributions from these menopausal ages results in an overall age dependence of incidence with no discontinuities and with the observed change in the incidence rate for breast cancer near the age range of menopause.
Assessing Cardiac and Neurological Maturation During the Intrauterine Period

The world's first magnetoencephalography (MEG) system specifically designed for fetal and newborn assessment has been installed at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. This noninvasive system called SARA (SQUID Array for Reproductive Assessment) consists of 151 primary superconducting sensors that detect biomagnetic fields from the human body. Since the installation of SARA, significant progress has been made toward the ultimate goal of developing a clinical neurological assessment tool for the developing fetus. Using appropriate analysis techniques, cardiac and brain signals are recorded and studied to gain new understanding of fetal maturation. It is clear from our investigations that a combination of assessment protocols including both fetal heart and brain activity is necessary for the development of a comprehensive new method of fetal neurological testing. We plan to implement such a test protocol for fetuses at high risk for neurological impairment due to certain maternal risk factors and/or fetal diagnostic findings.
Changing the way we do business

In order for innovations to occur in any sector, new ideas must both be developed and deployed. Major barriers to ideological change often stem from individual or organizational paradigms—an inability to imagine unfamiliar ways of doing business.
Imitative games by 9-, 14-, and 18-month-old infants.

Two experiments used a mutual imitation paradigm to assess 9-, 14-, and 18-month-old infants' developing understanding of intentions in others. In the first study, 1 experimenter imitated the infants' actions, and another experimenter performed contingent but different actions on an identical toy. From 9 months of age, infants show discrimination between the mimicking and the contingent experimenter. In a second study, same-age groups of infants faced either an experimenter mimicking their actions on an identical object or the object mimicking them independently of any manual contact by the experimenter. Only 14- and 18-month-olds showed discrimination between the 2 conditions, this discrimination correlating with infants' relative ability to follow gaze and points in triadic exchanges. These results are interpreted as demonstrating important developmental changes between 9 and 14 months in the construal of others as intentional.
Contractile protein expression is upregulated by reactive oxygen species in aorta of Goto-Kakizaki rat

Although it is known that blood vessels undergo remodeling in type 2 diabetes (T2D), the signaling pathways that underlie the structural and functional changes seen in diabetic arteries remain uncl...
Delayed-onset multifocal polymicrobial keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis

We report a case of mixed Aspergillus fumigatus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus stromal keratitis in a 43-year-old man who developed discomfort and swelling in his right eye 20 days after uneventful bilateral laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Clinical examination revealed 2 distinct corneal infiltrates beneath the LASIK flap. Corneal scrapings were taken for microscopic examination and culture. Both infiltrates initially improved on topical antibiotic therapy, but over the next 18 days, 1 infiltrate worsened and repeat cultures were performed, which demonstrated A fumigatus. Natamycin 5% and amphotericin 0.1% were started and continued for 8 weeks with resolution of the infiltrate and return of the best corrected visual acuity. Delayed-onset multifocal keratitis is a rare complication of LASIK. Fungal entities should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Is There a Relationship Between Fatigue Questionnaires and Gait Mechanics in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Huisinga JM, Filipi ML, Schmid KK, Stergiou N. Is there a relationship between fatigue questionnaires and gait mechanics in persons with multiple sclerosis? Objective To evaluate reported fatigue levels and gait deficits in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) to determine the relationships that may exist between fatigue in patients with MS and alterations in gait mechanics. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Biomechanics laboratory. Participants Subjects with MS (n=32) and age- and sex-matched controls (n=30). Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Modified Fatigue Index Scale (MFIS), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) to assess fatigue and general health. Biomechanical gait analysis was performed to measure peak joint torques and powers in the sagittal plane at the ankle, knee, and hip. Correlations were performed between fatigue measures and degree of deficit within each patient with MS for each joint torque and power measure. Results FSS score significantly correlated with deficits in ankle power generation at late stance and walking velocity. MFIS score significantly correlated with deficits in peak knee extensor torque and knee power absorption at early stance. SF-36 subscale scores correlated with several joint torque and power variables. Conclusions Subjective fatigue rating scale scores alone should not be used as an indicator of motor disability or disease progression as it affects walking performance of patients with MS.
Longitudinal recording at 10 to 20 Gbit/inch/sup 2/ and beyond

It is a common understanding that superparamagnetic effects will eventually limit the maximum recording density of magnetic hard disk recording. This contribution reviews the theoretical concepts of noise in magnetic recording as well as the concepts of thermally activated magnetization reversal, The theoretical results are contrasted with experimental data. The findings clearly indicate that at some point, signal-to-noise ratio has to be compromised with the thermal stability of the written information.
NICHOLAS BIDDLE ON CENTRAL BANKING

THROUGH THE USE OF HISTORICAL documents, time series, and the exploitation of hitherto neglected balance-sheet data of the Bank of the United States, an analysis of the central banking of Nicholas Biddle was conducted. Biddle was primarily a "man of affairs" and wrote little on monetary theory. What he did write indicates that his grasp of the best theory of his time, that of the Bullionist Report, was considerable but not profound. At times he was inconsistent: a few letters suggest a partial acceptance of the "real bills doctrine," although generally he espoused the quantity theory of the bullionists. Biddle's major forte was that of innovator in central banking. In 1923 he became president of the Second Bank of the United States. It was then a nation-wide, moderately profitable branch banking system whose sole central banking activity was that of federal fiscal agent. Further, the very concept of a central bank was undeveloped. Biddle took this organization and consciously reshaped it into a genuine, if inchoate, central bank. He administered the bank not as a federation of semi-independent institutions spread over the nation but as a single entity. Of major importance here was the system of training cashiers at the parent bank in Philadelphia, as well as the extreme care used in naming branch directors and presidents. His most noteworthy activity as fiscal agent concerned the retirement of the national debt. Prohibited by law from buying government securities, he lent on maturing securities as collateral and also allowed the debt of state banks to the Bank of the United States to increase as a retirement date approached. As a result, he realized his ambition of "gently" retiring the national debt without "shock" to economic activity. As concerns regulatory functions, Biddle's endeavor to "check the state banks" and his countercyclical activity are of interest. The former resulted from the bank's creditor relation to the state banks. If the latter expanded too much, intolerable debt to the Bank of the United States would be the result. Through statistical inference, it is shown that this control could not have been very "tight." Banks could vary reserve ratios; depositors and noteholders could switch
Single frequency 1550-nm AlGaInAs-InP tapered high-power laser with a distributed Bragg reflector

A strained-layer multiple-quantum-well tapered laser with single-frequency operation near 1550 nm and with 20-dB sidemode suppression, for continuous-wave power levels up to 0.6 W is reported. At a power level of 0.5 W, 80% of the power from this device remains in the central lobe of the far-field. Increased lateral mode stabilization was observed in devices having both a Gaussian-patterned contact and a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) compared to those without a DBR. An increase by a factor of five in the power level obtainable, with at least 80% of that power in the central lobe of the far-field pattern, was obtained using the DBR reflector.
Chromosome Walking to the AVR1-CO39 Avirulence Gene of Magnaporthe grisea: Discrepancy Between the Physical and Genetic Maps

The avrCO39 gene conferring avirulence toward rice cultivar CO39 was previously mapped to chromosome 1 of Magnaporthe grisea between cosegregating markers CH5-120H and 1.2H and marker 5-10-F. In the present study, this region of the chromosome was physically mapped using RecA-mediated Achilles' cleavage. Cleavage of genomic DNA sequences within CH5-120H and 5-10-F liberated a 610-kb restriction fragment, representing the physical distance between these markers. Chromosome walking was initiated from both markers but was curtailed due to the presence of repetitive DNA sequences and the absence of overlapping clones in cosmid libraries representing several genome equivalents. These obstacles were overcome by directly subcloning the target region after release by Achilles' cleavage and a contig spanning avrCO39 was thus assembled. Transformation of two cosmids into a virulent recipient strain conferred a cultivar-specific avirulence phenotype thus confirming the cloning of avrCO39. Meiotic crossover points were unevenly distributed across this chromosomal region and were clustered around the avrCO39 locus. A 14-fold variation in the relationship between genetic and physical distance was measured over the avrCO39 chromosomal region. Thus the poor correlation of physical to genetic distance previously observed in M. grisea appears to be manifested over relatively short distances.
The Interactive Effects of Counselor Gender, Physical Attractiveness and Status on Client Self-Disclosure.

Investigated client self-disclosure and client perception of counselors (as expressed in counselor evaluations) as a function of the sex, attractiveness and status of the counselor, and the sex of the client. Counselor gender and attractiveness were established by means of stimulus photographs; counselor status was defined in terms of education and experience. Ss (160 college students) first rated their counselors on intelligence and empathy; they then completed Jourard's Self-Disclosure Questionnaire while role-playing clients in therapy. A four-factor between-Ss analysis of disclosure scores revealed that clients disclosed more of themselves to male than to female counselors when the counselors were high in either status or attractiveness. Results supported the hypothesis that the effect of counselor gender on client disclosure depends on an interaction of counselor gender with other counselor variables.
International Peacemaking and Peacekeeping: The Morality of Multilateral Measures

The failure of the United Nations and other regional organizations to effectively “keep the peace” is more often than not attributable to a lack of commitment to true collective security on the part of the international community than to flaws in the organizations themselves. Kegley argues that the former dominance of political realism is finally being challenged and offers prescriptions for effective multilateral peacekeeping activities. The greatest obstacle to the creation of a mechanism for multilateral peacekeeping is an absence of a moral consensus in a world where the nature of rapidly changing threats to global peace make it difficult to share a common vision.
Distribution of American black bear occurrences and human–bear incidents in Missouri

Abstract American black bears (Ursus americanus) were nearly extirpated from Missouri (USA) by the early 1900s and began re-colonizing apparent suitable habitat in southern Missouri following reintroduction efforts in Arkansas (USA) during the 1960s. We used anecdotal occurrence data from 1989 to 2010 and forest cover to describe broad patterns of black bear re-colonization, human–bear incidents, and bear mortality reports in Missouri. Overall, 1,114 black bear occurrences (including 118 with dependent young) were reported, with 95% occurring within the Ozark Highlands ecological region. We created evidentiary standards to increase reliability of reports, resulting in exclusion of 21% of all occurrences and 13% of dependent young. Human–bear incidents comprised 5% of total occurrences, with 86% involving bears eating anthropogenic foods. We found support for a northward trend in latitudinal extent of total occurrences over time, but not for reported incidents. We found a positive correlation between the d...
Aroclor 1254 alters morphology, survival, and gene expression in Xenopus laevis tadpoles

PCBs are persistent environmental contaminants that cause a variety of adverse health effects in wildlife and humans. This article describes the use of signature gene expression patterns that link increased PCB exposure with progressive, adverse biological effects. Developing Xenopus laevis tadpoles of two age classes were exposed to the PCB mixture Aroclor 1254 for 2 days. Real-time PCR was used to quantitate mRNA expression for 11 physiologically relevant, potential bioindicator genes. Younger tadpoles (5 days postfertilization) were resistant to Aroclor 1254 and showed few changes in gross morphology, swimming behavior, survival, or gene expression. Older tadpoles (11 days postfertilization) were more susceptible to Aroclor 1254. Exposure to 25 and 50 ppm Aroclor 1254 caused alterations in gross morphology and swimming behavior and statistically significant decreases in survival. These tadpoles showed statistically significant decreases in gene expression for 9 out of the 11 genes measured. Tadpoles exposed to 10 ppm showed incipient health changes but had gene expression profiles similar to the tadpoles treated with higher doses of Aroclor 1254. Tadpoles exposed to 1 ppm did not exhibit any observable adverse health effects, yet statistically significant decreases in gene expression occurred in these tadpoles (4 out of 11 genes). After prolonged exposure, tadpoles exposed to 1 and 10 ppm Aroclor 1254 exhibited health effects similar to those exposed to higher concentrations. Therefore, changes in expression of specific genes may serve not only as molecular bioindicators of Aroclor 1254 exposure but also as predictors of impending adverse health effects.
Research into the Characteristics of Effective High School Principals: A Case Study of Leadership Practices Used in the High School Setting

Research into the Characteristics of Effective High School Principals: A Case Study of Leadership Practices Used in the High School Setting
Significant Factor Score Variability and the Validity of the WISC-III Full Scale IQ in Predicting Later Academic Achievement

The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of the WISC-III (Wechsler, 1991) Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) scores in predicting later academic achievement given significant variability among any of the four WISC-III factor scores. Taken from an archival data set, the sample was composed of 6- to 13-year-old students who were twice evaluated for special education eligibility over approximately a 3-year retest interval. Participants were separated into two groups based on the presence or absence of significant factor score variability and then matched across groups on disability, FSIQ, age, sex, and ethnicity. The results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that the Full Scale IQ was a valid predictor of academic achievement scores even in the presence of significant factor score variability.
Five millennia of paleotemperature from tree-rings in the Great Basin, USA

The instrumental temperature record is of insufficient length to fully express the natural variability of past temperature. High elevation tree-ring widths from Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) are a par- ticularly useful proxy to infer temperatures prior to the instrumental record in that the tree-rings are annually dated and extend for millennia. From ring-width measurements integrated with past treeline elevation data we infer dec- adal- to millennial-scale temperature variability over the past 4,500 years for the Great Basin, USA. We find that twentieth century treeline advances are greater than in at least 4,000 years. There is also evidence for substantial volcanic forcing of climate in the preindustrial record and considerable covariation between high elevation tree-ring widths and temperature estimates from an atmosphere- ocean general circulation model over much of the last millennium. A long-term temperature decline of *-1.1 C since the mid-Holocene underlies substantial volcanic forcing of climate in the preindustrial record.
Arbitrary wave profile generation of a laser using a digital micromirror device

A digital micromirror device (DMD) is a microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) device with many micromirrors on the top surface; it is used as a spatial light modulator for many applications, including lithography, projection, telecommunications, and lasers. We determined the limiting resolution of a DMD by measuring the modulation transfer function (MTF) of a DMD and intersecting with the aerial image modulation (AIM) at 351 -nm wavelength. The limiting resolution was 14.61 cycles/mm. We generated the laser-beam profile by changing the pattern of micromirrors in the DMD. The input beam from center peaked profile transformed into a flattop super-Gaussian profile with order 6.
Democratic Theory and Self-Transformation

Democratic theories that argue for expanding the scope and domain of democracy assume that democratic experiences will transform individuals in democratic ways. Individuals are likely to become more public-spirited, tolerant, knowledgeable, and self-reflective than they would otherwise be. This assumption depends on viewing the self as socially and discursively constituted, a view that contrasts with the standard liberal-democratic view of the self as prepolitically constituted and narrowly self-interested. The importance of the social and discursive view of the self is that it highlights how standard assumptions about the self help to justify limits to democratic participation. As now conceptualized, however, the transformational assumption does not meet standard objections to expanding democracy. I sketch an approach that distinguishes classes of interests according to their potentials for democratic transformation, and strengthens—by qualifying—transformative expectations in democratic theory.
Distribution of Herbicide-Resistant Shattercane and Johnsongrass Populations in Sorghum Production Areas of Nebraska and Northern Kansas

321 Grain sorghum is ranked as the fi ft h most important cereal crop in the world aft er wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), and is the third most common cereal planted in the United States, trailing corn and wheat (Defelice, 2006; USDA-NASS, 2015). Sorghum is a warm season C4 grass species that is highly effi cient in the conversion of solar energy and use of water. Sorghums are cultivated throughout the world for food, fodder, syrup, and biofuel production. In the United States, the crop is primarily used for livestock feed and is ranked second aft er corn for ethanol production (Paterson, 2008). In spite of the agronomic potential and food value of grain sorghum, the land area of sorghum production has declined in many parts of the United States (USDA-NASS, 2015), in part because the number of options for weed management in sorghum is limited. Most post-emergence (POST) herbicides labeled for grain sorghum are eff ective on broadleaf weed species but have only limited activity on annual grasses. Consequently, pre-emergence (PRE) herbicides are the primary option for annual grass control in grain sorghum (Hennigh et al., 2010). However, grain sorghum is oft en grown in dry environments and the absence of adequate soil moisture oft en reduces the activation and effi cacy of PRE herbicide treatments (Hennigh et al., 2010). Acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicides, also known as acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS)-inhibitors, are commonly used to control grass weeds in certain broadleaf and grass crops (Hennigh et al., 2010). However, conventional grain sorghum is susceptible to ALS-herbicides that have grass activity. Th e ALS-inhibiting herbicides are eff ective in small quantities (grams of active ingredient per hectare), allow for wide application windows, have high safety margins on labeled crops, are eff ective on a broad spectrum of weed species, typically possess soil residual activity, and have low mammalian toxicities (Tranel and Wright, 2002). However, there are at least eight known mutation sites in the ALS gene that confer resistance Pest Interactions in Agronomic Systems
Callithrix jacchus (Common marmoset)

Like other marmosets, this species bears fraternal twins and most animals are blood chimerae. There appears to be polymorphism of the structure of Y. In some of our specimens it is the smallest metacentric element as shown here, in other specimens this is a minute chromosome having an apparent subtelocentric configuration (Wohnus and Benirschke). The latter authors have given quantitative data on this species’ complement.
On Some Problems in Gravitational Attraction

(1968). On Some Problems in Gravitational Attraction. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 41, No. 3, pp. 130-132.