cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Labor of Digital Privacy Advocacy in an Era of Big Tech

This article explores the labor of contemporary digital privacy advocates and their myriad efforts to protect and preserve public interests during the era of Big Tech companies. It is based on qualitative interviews with professional staff, lawyers, and policy analysts at multiple major advocacy organizations in Washington, DC. We have employed a grounded theory approach to address four labor-related themes that consistently emerged across our interviews: coalition building, agenda formulation, the art of navigating public- and private-sector relationships, and balancing a domestic and global policy landscape. In the current policy landscape, there is an intensifying degree of advocacy–industry coordination taking place, in part because of US regulatory roll-backs under the Trump administration and a gridlocked Congress. As a result, advocacy organization staff members often rely on companies for information to do their assessment and agenda-setting work. They also apply pressure to these companies and force them to think about how their technologies and operations impact users and publics around the world; they mount legal challenges to various media and tech initiatives to ensure public interests are protected; and some end up working with or for these companies in ways that may impart and integrate the values of advocacy organizations within profit-driven organizations. This article explores the multiple dimensions of advocacy labor which itself is often excluded from media policy and industry analysis.
Linux Application Development

"The first edition of this book has always been kept within arm's reach of my desk due to the wonderful explanations of all areas of the Linux userspace API. This second edition greatly overshadows the first one, and will replace it."--Greg Kroah-Hartman, Linux kernel programmer Develop Software that Leverages the Full Power of Today's Linux Linux Application Development, Second Edition, is the definitive reference for Linux programmers at all levels of experience, including C programmers moving from other operating systems. Building on their widely praised first edition, leading Linux programmers Michael Johnson and Erik Troan systematically present the key APIs and techniques you need to create robust, secure, efficient software or to port existing code to Linux. This book has been fully updated for the Linux 2.6 kernel, GNU C library version 2.3, the latest POSIX standards, and the Single Unix Specification, Issue 6. Its deep coverage of Linux-specific extensions and features helps you take advantage of the full power of contemporary Linux. Along the way, the authors share insights, tips, and tricks for developers working with any recent Linux distribution, and virtually any version of Unix. Topics includeDeveloping in Linux: understanding the operating system, licensing, and documentation The development environment: compilers, linker and loader, and unique debugging tools System programming: process models, file handling, signal processing, directory operations, and job control Terminals, sockets, timers, virtual consoles, and the Linux console Development libraries: string matching, terminal handling, command-line parsing, authentication, and more Hundreds of downloadable code samples New to this editionThe GNU C library (glibc), underlying standards, and test macros Writing secure Linux programs, system daemons, and utilities Significantly expanded coverage of memory debugging, including Valgrind and mpr Greatly improved coverage of regular expressions IPv6 networking coverage, including new system library interfaces for using IPv6 and IPv4 interchangeably Coverage of strace, ltrace, real-time signals, poll and epoll system calls, popt library improvements, Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM), qdbm, and much more Improved index and glossary, plus line-numbered code examples
Application of maximum elevation angle probability density function to macroscopic selection diversity in low earth orbiting satellite constellation systems

SUMMARY In a low earth orbiting satellite constellation of communication satellites, the so-called macroscopic selection-diversity (SD) scheme selects the satellite with the maximum elevation angle among the visible satellites as being capable of providing the best quality link for signal propagation. To evaluate the performance of this scheme, we developed a model based on macroscopic SD to describe the probability density function of the maximum elevation angles from an earth station to each visible satellite. The model has the advantage of not involving orbital simulations for data collection, thus avoiding statistical processing as well as curve fitting. We evaluated the model by using it to simulate the bit-error-rate performance of binary-phase-shift-keying modulation in the Globalstart-like Walker 48/8/1 satellite constellation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross-modal and cross-temporal association in neurons of frontal cortex

The prefrontal cortex is essential for the temporal integration of sensory information in behavioural and linguistic sequences. Such information is commonly encoded in more than one sense modality, notably sight and sound. Connections from sensory cortices to the prefrontal cortex support its integrative function. Here we present the first evidence that prefrontal cortex cells associate visual and auditory stimuli across time. We gave monkeys the task of remembering a tone of a certain pitch for 10 s and then choosing the colour associated with it. In this task, prefrontal cortex cells responded selectively to tones, and most of them also responded to colours according to the task rule. Thus, their reaction to a tone was correlated with their subsequent reaction to the associated colour. This correlation faltered in trials ending in behavioural error. We conclude that prefrontal cortex neurons are part of integrative networks that represent behaviourally meaningful cross-modal associations. The orderly and timely activation of neurons in such networks is crucial for the temporal transfer of information in the structuring of behaviour, reasoning and language.
Does teleworking affect managing for results and constructive feedback? A research note

Teleworking has been extensively examined, but little is known about the relationship between teleworking and management for results and between teleworking and constructive feedback. Using data on the Internal Revenue Service from the 2011 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, this research note addresses the following questions. Are teleworkers more or less likely than non-teleworkers to perceive they are held accountable for achieving results? Are teleworkers more or less likely than non-teleworkers to perceive they are provided with constructive feedback? The findings reveal that teleworkers and non-teleworkers generally reported similar levels of management for results and constructive feedback. Explanations and implications of these results are discussed, as well as avenues for further research. Sommaire Le teletravail a fait l'objet d'examens pousses, mais on sait tres peu de choses sur les relations qui existent entre le teletravail et la gestion fondee sur les resultats et entre le teletravail et la retroaction positive. En s'appuyant sur les donnees de l'agence federale des Etats-Unis – the Internal Revenue Service – tirees du 2011 Federal Viewpoint Survey (sondage de 2011 sur le point de vue des employes du gouvernement federal), cette note de recherche porte sur les questions suivantes : les teletravailleurs sont-ils plus ou sont-ils moins susceptibles que les non teletravailleurs de percevoir qu'ils sont tenus responsables d'obtenir des resultats? Les teletravailleurs sont-ils plus ou sont-ils moins susceptibles que les non teletravailleurs de percevoir qu'on leur fournit de la retroaction positive. Les conclusions revelent que les teletravailleurs et les non teletravailleurs enregistraient des niveaux generalement similaires en matiere de gestion fondee sur les resultats et de retroaction positive. Les explications et les implications de ces resultats sont abordees, de meme que les possibilites de recherche plus poussee.
V.42bis and other Ziv-Lempel variants

Summary form only given, substantially as follows. The V.42bis standard for data compressing modems is discussed from algorithmic, experimental, practical, theoretical, and marketing standpoints. On a test set of five 100-Kbyte text and executable files, the compression ratios are found to be markedly inferior to those of several other algorithms, notably the Cleary-Witten adaptive Markov code and the Fiala-Greene Ziv-Lempel variant. However, since all the better-compressing methods have much larger data structures none is superior to V.42bis for use in a contemporary modem. >
THE MINK POTASSIUM CHANNEL EXISTS IN FUNCTIONAL AND NONFUNCTIONAL FORMS WHEN EXPRESSED IN THE PLASMA MEMBRANE OF XENOPUS OOCYTES

The minK protein induces a slowly activating voltage-dependent potassium current when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In order to measure the levels of minK protein in the plasma membrane, we have modified the minK gene by inserting a 9 amino acid epitope into the N- terminal domain of the protein sequence. When intact live oocytes are injected with the modified minK RNA and subsequently incubated with an antibody to this epitope, specific binding is detected, indicating that the N-terminal domain is extracellular. We found that when oocytes are injected with amounts of minK mRNA up to 50 ng, the levels of protein at the surface are proportional to the amount of injected mRNA. In contrast, the amplitude of the minK current recorded in the oocytes saturates at 1 ng of injected mRNA. Although the amplitude of the currents is not altered by increasing mRNA levels above 1 ng, the kinetics of activation of the current differ in oocytes with high or low levels of minK RNA. In particular, activation is slower with higher levels of minK protein in the plasma membrane. Finally, we find that increasing intracellular cAMP levels, which increases the amplitude of minK currents, does not alter surface expression of the minK protein but produces a small increase in the rate of activation of the current. Our results support a model in which minK protein forms functional potassium channels by association with a factor endogenous to the oocyte.
THE CHOICE OF IN-HOSPITAL OR ALTERNATIVE BIRTH ENVIRONMENT AS RELATED TO THE CONCEPT OF CONTROL

The choice of in-hospital or alternative birth environment was studied as a function of the concept of control. Personal and situational control variables were assessed, using the Multidimensional Health Locus-of-Control Scale and an attitude scale specific to issues of chioce in childbirth. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that a matched sample of choosers of both environments differed significantly on four of five dimensions studied. These findings point to a need for flexibility in hospital policies governing childbirth since individual freedom of choice is so important to some women and since alternative birthing services are still so rare.
IFN Regulatory Factor-2 Regulates Macrophage Apoptosis through a STAT1/3- and Caspase-1-Dependent Mechanism

IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-2(-/-) mice are significantly more resistant to LPS challenge than wild-type littermates, and this was correlated with increased numbers of apoptotic Kupffer cells. To assess the generality of this observation, and to understand the role of IRF-2 in apoptosis, responses of peritoneal macrophages from IRF-2(+/+) and IRF-2(-/-) mice to apoptotic stimuli, including the fungal metabolite, gliotoxin, were compared. IRF-2(-/-) macrophages exhibited a consistently higher incidence of apoptosis that failed to correlate with caspase-3/7 activity. Using microarray gene expression profiling of liver RNA samples derived from IRF-2(+/+) and IRF-2(-/-) mice treated with saline or LPS, we identified >40 genes that were significantly down-regulated in IRF-2(-/-) mice, including Stat3, which has been reported to regulate apoptosis. Compared with IRF-2(+/+) macrophages, STAT3alpha mRNA was up-regulated constitutively or after gliotoxin treatment of IRF-2(-/-) macrophages, whereas STAT3beta mRNA was down-regulated. Phospho-Y705-STAT3, phospho-S727-STAT1, and phospho-p38 protein levels were also significantly higher in IRF-2(-/-) than control macrophages. Activation of the STAT signaling pathway has been shown to elicit expression of CASP1 and apoptosis. IRF-2(-/-) macrophages exhibited increased basal and gliotoxin-induced caspase-1 mRNA expression and enhanced caspase-1 activity. Pharmacologic inhibition of STAT3 and caspase-1 abolished gliotoxin-induced apoptosis in IRF-2(-/-) macrophages. A novel IFN-stimulated response element, identified within the murine promoter of Casp1, was determined to be functional by EMSA and supershift analysis. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that IRF-2 acts as a transcriptional repressor of Casp1, and that the absence of IRF-2 renders macrophages more sensitive to apoptotic stimuli in a caspase-1-dependent process.
The biological basis of schizophrenia: new directions.

The desire to understand the pathophysiology of schizophrenia has inspired an explosion in research over the past decade. This review highlights some key studies that have led to fundamental changes in our understanding of this disorder, focusing on the search for genes in schizophrenia, as well as several recent alternatives to the original dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia. Advances in genetic methodology have allowed schizophrenia researchers to conduct genome-wide searches for susceptibility genes. Although these studies have identified several regions that demonstrate potential linkage with schizophrenia, a definitive genetic cause has not yet been proved. Recent neurochemical hypotheses have focused on the cortical amino acid neurotransmitter systems (i.e., glutamate and GABA), while anatomical studies suggesting abnormal brain development and premorbid functional deficits have led some researchers to propose a neurodevelopmental origin for schizophrenia. A sizable database can be marshaled in support of each of these ideas, but none as yet fully explain the biological basis of schizophrenia.
Teaching Teachers about Supply Chain Management to Influence Students’ Career and Education Choices

Since teachers are influential in high school students’ career choices, enabling high school teachers to introduce educational and career opportunities in supply chain management is a viable strategy for reaching high school students about these opportunities. This article presents a pilot program of supply chain workshops to educate high school and middle school teachers and guidance counselors about the opportunities in supply chain management and logistics and to enable them to integrate supply chain concepts into their teaching. These workshops incorporate a mix of slideshows to introduce concepts, hands-on activities to illustrate how the concepts work, and field trips and guest speakers to demonstrate concepts in real world applications.
ON THE THEORY OF SPECIATION INDUCED BY TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENTS

A simple methematical model describes the invasion of panmictic, sexually reproducing populations by a newly introduced transposon. The model places important constraints on the properties that transposons must have to successfully invade a population and describes the kinetics with which such an invasion will occur. Invasibility conditions serve as a basis for new, detailed scenarios whereby transposon-mediated depression in fitness produces reproductive isolation of populations. These scenarios, in turn, lead to several speculations concerning the role of transposons in evolution.
Effect of Crystallinity on the Friction Behavior of Ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene

In this study we evaluate the interfacial shear strength and scratch resistance of medical grade ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) (GUR 1050 resin) as a function of polymer crystallinity. Crystallinity was controlled by heating UHMWPE samples to a temperature above its melting point and varying the hold time and cooling rates. Degree of crystallinity of the samples was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Quantitative nanoscale friction experiments were conducted using an atomic force microscope with commercially available Si3N4 probes under dry conditions. A higher crystallinity resulted in lower friction force and lower interfacial shear strength as well as increased scratch resistance. The trend in friction response was observed in microscale friction measurements.
Threshold variation in automated perimetry

A physiologic fluctuation in threshold levels exists in automated perimetry, which is greater in glaucoma and ocular hypertensive patients than in normal subjects. Fluctuation increases with greater eccentricity from fixation and in areas of reduced retinal sensitivity. Other factors related to automated perimetry testing potentially may influence threshold fluctuation including: a learning effect, reliability, pupil size, age, and the mode of stimulus presentation. Statistical software may aid in analyzing both the single field and the changes between successive fields. However, statistical programs cannot replace physician judgment, and all factors that may influence threshold levels should be considered when interpreting automated visual fields.
Computer-assisted enumeration of walks and self-returning walks on chemical graphs

Abstract A computer program has been developed for obtaining the generating function for walks and for enumerating self-returning walks on graphs of interest in
Characteristics, Management, and Depression Outcomes of Primary Care Patients Who Endorse Thoughts of Death or Suicide on the PHQ-9

With increasing emphasis on integrating behavioral health services, primary care providers play an important role in managing patients with suicidal thoughts. To evaluate whether Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) Item 9 scores are associated with patient characteristics, management, and depression outcomes in a primary care-based mental health program. Observational analysis of data collected from a patient registry. Eleven thousand fifteen adults enrolled in the Mental Health Integration Program (MHIP). MHIP provides integrated mental health services for safety-net populations in over 100 community health centers across Washington State. Key elements of the team-based model include: a disease registry; integrated care management; and organized psychiatric case review. The independent variable, suicidal ideation (SI), was assessed by PHQ-9 Item 9. Depression severity was assessed with the PHQ-8. Outcomes included four indicators of depression treatment process (care manager contact, psychiatric case review, psychotropic medications, and specialty mental health referral), and two indicators of depression outcomes (50 % reduction in PHQ-9 score and PHQ-9 score < 10). SI was common (45.2 %) at baseline, with significantly higher rates among men and patients with greater psychopathology. Few patients with SI (5.4 %) lacked substantial current depressive symptoms. After adjusting for age, gender, and severity of psychopathology, patients with SI received follow-up earlier (care manager contact HR = 1.05, p < 0.001; psychiatric review HR = 1.02, p < 0.05), and were more likely to receive psychotropic medications (OR = 1.11, p = 0.001) and specialty referral (OR = 1.23, p < 0.001), yet were less likely to achieve a PHQ-9 score < 10 (HR = 0.87, p < 0.001). Suicidal thoughts are common among safety-net patients referred by primary care providers for behavioral health care. Scores on Item 9 of the PHQ-9 are easily obtainable in primary care, may help providers initiate conversations about suicidality, and serve as useful markers of psychiatric complexity and treatment-resistance. Patients with positive scores should receive timely and comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and follow-up.
The science education film: Cinematizing technocracy and internationalizing development

ABSTRACTAn important chapter in the longer story of ‘forgotten’ socialist cinemas, PRC filmmaking for scientific education (kexue jiaoyu, or ke-jiao) was distinguished by a persistent international orientation. Prior to 1949 elite enlightenment efforts, League of Nations-inspired educational reform and missionary institutions of higher learning had created a vibrant, though limited, web of institutions devoted to popularizing scientific education through cinema. Like the propaganda system itself, these intellectual and institutional initiatives expanded further following Chinese Communist Party takeover. Scientific educators not only hoped to raise national standards of production, behaviour and knowledge, but also to use images of ‘scientific’ evidence and progress to bolster the PRC's reputation on the world stage. Despite deep geopolitical cleavages during the Cold War period, film-making for scientific education suggests the existence of a shared global culture — technocratic, homogenizing and nationa...
State-space average-value modelling of capacitor-based switching stages: including conduction losses

State-space average-value models of a second-order pulse-width modulated DC-DC converter have been proposed in the literature to represent the non-ideal inductor-based switching stages. This Letter extends previous works and proposes a new full-order, state-space average-value model of fourth-order DC-DC converters, which considers the non-ideal capacitor-based switching stages. The proposed model is seamlessly functional in all operational modes and has been verified by hardware measurement and detailed simulation in both time and frequency domains.
Development of reference materials for the analysis of acid-extractable metals in sludge

The development of reference materials to verify the determination of metals in sludge is described. Effluents from domestic and industrial treatment facilities were dried, size-reduced and homogenized. Multiple aliquots of each material were analyzed in two different government laboratories to determine reference values for the acid-extractable concentrations of more than 15 metals. These acid-extractable concentrations are distinct from total metal values. Different sample preparation and instrumental methods, along with internal quality assurance protocols, were used to confirm the results. The data show good agreement for most metals in the domestic material. Reference values for the leachable concentrations of several toxic metals and major constituents will become part of the Certificate of Analysis for Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2781 issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Data for the candidate industrial sludge reference material are also presented and discussed.
The Culling of Turkey Males on the Basis of Early Semen Tests

Abstract Repeatability estimates of semen volume for single collections were made from three years’ data on a total of 197 toms. These estimates of 0.524, 0.642 and 0.656 were consistently high and suggest that individual males can be adequately characterized with about three early semen collections. Several cases of sampling and culling of male turkey flocks kept for semen production were worked to assess the possibility of reducing flock size and costs through early culling of low semen producers. Under our assumptions of economic parameters about 25 percent of the lowest producing toms should be culled from flocks at about 32 weeks of age on the basis of three preliminary semen volume measurements.
Response to Letter by Syme

Response: We have read with interest the comments by Dr Syme regarding our recent study investigating the potential association of knock-type-Doppler signal (KTDS) with the vessel affected by ischemia and the presence of microvascular ischemia on brain MRI.1 Dr Syme has made some provocative observations that we would like to address. First, we did not use DWL-Compumedics Transcranial Doppler (TCD) machines. This type of a TCD unit was previously used to detect knock signals in the original case reports by Dr Syme.2,3 We believe that case reports do not offer any solid evidence to choose one TCD make over the other. In fact, for the knock signal to be truly generalizable, it has to be detected by all commercially available TCD devices because they share the same carrying frequency. Second, Dr Syme pointed out that the filter we used for KTDS detection (100 Hz) was too high, and therefore many signals may have been missed because of the high-pass filter setting. Filters …
Relative Bargaining Power in International Debt Negotiation: Collective Action, Sovereignty En Garde, or Mutual Partisan Adjustment?

This paper analyzes the strategic conduct of three classes of actors in the management of Third World debt problems. It examines the behavior and incentives of the private banks, their home governments, and their foreign governmental clients in light of perspectives on collective action, sovereignty en garde, and partisan mutual adjustment. The statistical patterns of past debt negotiation outcomes show some shortcomings of these perspectives, while at the same time pointing to other aspects of reality which can be usefully illuminated by them. Both the theoretical and empirical analyses suggest international debt management as a mixed-motive game among purposive egoists. The actors' bargaining leverage, however, differs considerably with respect to the determination of loan availability as opposed to the negotiation over the financial terms for the loans.
A Big Surprise in the Little Zygote: The Curious Business of Losing Methylated Cytosines

In stem cell biology, the dynamic addition and removal of 5-methylcytosines (5mCs) are necessary for lineage differentiation, nuclear reprogramming, and embryonic development. Recent investigations have sought to understand the mechanisms of how 5mCs are added and in particular how 5mCs are removed from DNA during embryogenesis.
Similarity Measure between Two Gestures Using Triplets

One of the dominant approaches to gesture recognition, especially when we have one or few samples per class, is to compute the time-warped distance between the two sequences and perform nearest-neighbor classification. In this work, we show that we get much better results if instead we consider the similarity of the pattern of frame-wise distances of these two sequences with a third (anchor) sequence from the modelbase. We refer to these distance pattern vectors as the warp vectors. If these warp vectors are similar, then so are the sequences, if not, they are dissimilar. At the algorithmic core we have two dynamic time warping processes, one to compute the warp vectors with the anchor sequences and the other to compare these warp vectors. We select the anchor sequence to be the one that minimizes the overall distance, i.e. the sequence with respect to which these two sequences are the most similar. We present results on a large dataset of 1500 RGBD sequences spanning 150 gesture classes, such as traffic signals, sign language, and every day actions, extracted from the ChaLearn Gesture Challenge dataset. We experimented with three different feature types: difference of frames, HOG and relational distributions. We found that there were improvements of 5%, 15%, and 7%, respectively, at 20% false alarm rate, over traditional two-sequence based timewarped distance.
Energy transfer in one-, two-, and three-dimensionally coupled salts of divalent manganese

Abstract The emission spectra of several antiferromagnetic complexes of divalent manganese (CsMnBr 3 , Rb 2 MnCl 4 , CsMnCl 3 and KMnCl 3 ) which contain rare-earth ion impurities have been studied as a function of temperature. In all cases there appears to be a thermally activated energy migration which often results in an efficient transfer of electronic excitation from the manganese to the rare-earth impurities.
The chemical control of soluble phosphorus in the Amazon estuary

The role of sediments in controlling concentrations of soluble phosphorous in the Amazon estuary is examined. The efflux of phosphorous through the estuary is calculated using data collected on field excursions in December 1982 and May 1983, and laboratory mixing experiments. It is observed that soluble phosphorus was released from bottom sediments at a rate of 0.2 micro-M/day, when in seawater and deionizd water mixtures. The relation between release rates and salinity and sediment concentrations is studied. A one-dimensional dispersion model was developed to estimate phosphate inputs to the estuary. The model predicted total fluxes of soluble inorganic phosphorous of 15 x 10 to the 6th mole/day for December 1982 and 27 x 10 to the 6th mole/day for May 1983; the predictions correlate with field observations. It is noted that phosphorous removal is between 0 and 4 ppt at a rate of 0.044 + or - 0.01 micron-M/ppt per day and the annual mean input of phophorous from Amazon to outer-estuary is 23 x 10 to the 6th moles/day.
Active target defense differential game

A pursuit-evasion differential game involving three agents is discussed. This scenario considers an Attacker missile pursuing a Target aircraft. The Target is however aided by a Defender missile launched by, say, its wingman, to intercept the Attacker before it reaches the Target aircraft. Thus, a team is formed by the Target and the Defender which cooperate to maximize the distance between the Target aircraft and the point where the Attacker missile is intercepted by the Defender missile, and the Attacker which tries to minimize said distance. The solution to this differential game provides optimal heading angles for the Target and the Defender team to maximize the terminal separation between Target and Attacker and it also provides the optimal heading angle for the Attacker to minimize the said distance.
Separate spleen cell populations synthesizing bacteriolytic versus agglutinating antibody in mice immunized with E. coli somatic antigen.

Abstract Young adult mice given a single intraperitoneal injection of E. coli somatic antigen develop distinct splenic populations of immunocytes secreting either agglutinating or bacteriolytic antibodies. The distinctly separate character of these antibody-forming cells was revealed by the differing properties of the antibody produced, i.e., complement-mediated lysis of the target bacteria in the agar, preventing the formation of microcolonies, as contrasted to agglutination of bacteria in liquid medium, expressed as splenocyte adherent bacterial colonies upon incubation of cells in soft agar. In normal nonimmunized mice background cells with adherent bacterial colonies were generally two to three times more numerous than background plaque-forming cells. After immunization the kinetics of appearance of the two types of antibody-forming cells were of a generally similar pattern except that BAC preceded PFC by 1–2 days. Their separate cellular origin was indicated by formation of aggregates of immunocytes and adhering bacteria in liquid medium by antiserum. Similar serum treatment did not influence the number of bacteriolytic plaques in the same spleen cell suspensions, as detected by subsequent agar plaque assay. In addition, bacteriolytic plaques developed in the agar plates were distinct from the cells with adherent bacteria. Thus immunocytes forming bacteriolytic and agglutinating antibody appeared to be separate and distinct cell populations engaged in the exclusive production of only one of these two types of antibody, but not both. This probably reflects responses to different immunogens in the somatic antigen.
Novel method of detecting single base substitutions in RNA molecules by differential melting behavior in solution

We have developed a quick and reliable way of detecting point mutations in RNA molecules. This method involves melting RNA-RNA heteroduplexes of varying lengths in a series of tubes containing a stepwise salt or formamide gradient, followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to distinguish between single- and double-stranded RNA molecules. The manipulations required are technically simple, and the method is sensitive enough to detect destabilization of the highest melting domain of a dsRNA duplex by a single base mismatch. When this method is used in parallel with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, which detects point mutations in low-melting domains of duplexes, it should now be possible to rapidly screen for mutations located throughout the length of any RNA molecule whose wild-type sequence is known.
Association Between Measures of Patella Height, Morphologic Features of the Trochlea, and Patellofemoral Joint Alignment: The MOST Study

Background Patellofemoral joint (PFJ) malalignment (lateral patella displacement and tilt) has been proposed as a cause of patellofemoral pain. Patella height and/or the morphologic features of the femoral trochlea may predispose one to patella malalignment.
Adaptive and Active Materials: Selected Papers from the ASME 2008 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems (SMASIS 08) (Maryland, USA, 28–30 October 2008)

The rapid development of the field of Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures, and Materials Systems led the Aerospace Division ASMS TC to launch the new annual SMASIS conference in 2008. The conference focuses on the multi-disciplinary challenges of developing new multifunctional materials and implementing them in advanced systems. The research spans length scales from nano-structured materials to civil, air, and space structures. The first conference consisted of six symposia, each focusing on a different research area. This special issue of Smart Materials and Structures summarizes some of the top research presented at the 2008 SMASIS conference in the materials-focused symposia. These symposia focused on the behavior and mechanics of active materials, on multifunctional materials, and on bio-inspired materials. The behavior and mechanics of active materials is an approach that combines observed material behavior with mechanism-based models that not only give insight into the observed behavior, but guide the development of new materials. This approach has been applied to shape memory metals and polymers, ferroelectrics, ferromagnetics, and recently to multiferroic materials, and has led to considerable improvements in our understanding of multi-field phenomena. Multifunctional materials are the next generation of active materials. These materials include structural, sensing, and actuation components integrated into a material system. A natural extension of multifunctional materials is a new class of bio-inspired materials. Bio-inspired materials range from detailed bio-mimicry of sensing and self healing materials to nano and microstructures that take advantage of features observed in biological systems. The Editors would like to express their sincere thanks to all of the authors for their contributions to this special issue on 'Adaptive and Active Materials' for Smart Materials and Structures. We convey our gratitude to all of the reviewers for their time and dedication. We thank IOP Publishing for their support and encouragement of this special issue and the staff for their special attention and timely response.
Combustion of liquid fuels and pollutant formation: A review Part I. Liquid fuel combustion process

In Fart I of a two-part contribution, recent advances in understanding the combustion process of liquid fuels are reviewed. The main objective of the review is to provide an introduction to the subject and to stimulate concerns on the issues related with the liquid fuel combustion processes.
Nonlinear absorption in silicon and the prospects of mid-infrared silicon Raman lasers

We present the first experimental results of nonlinear absorption in silicon at the mid infrared wavelengths. Nonlinear losses due to two-photon and free-carrier absorption that are found to degrade near infrared silicon Raman devices become negligible at photon energies less than half the bandgap (i.e., λ > 2.2 µm in wavelength). Moreover, the low loss window for linear absorption in silicon extends from 1.2 to 6.5 µm. These factors along with the excellent thermal conductivity and high optical damage threshold renders silicon an ideal material for building Raman lasers and amplifiers that operate in the mid infrared wavelengths. This new technology will expand the application space of silicon photonics beyond data communication and into biochemical sensing, laser medicine, and LIDAR. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Transport Properties of Nine Binary and Two Ternary Mixtures of Gases at Low Density

The paper analyses earlier data on the viscosity of binary and ternary mixtures in terms of the extended law of corresponding states due to Kestin, Ro, and Wakeham (KRW). The binary mixtures involve CO2 and CH4 with each other, and each with He, Ne, Ar, N2. The ternary mixtures are: N2ArCO2 and CH4N2CO2. Measurements fully corroborate the efficiency of the KRW law for the calculation of viscosity and binary diffusion coefficient of the simpler polyatomic gases, as expected from theory. The paper contains short tables of the viscosity and binary diffusion coefficients for the nine binary systems under consideration. Der Aufsatz enthalt eine Besprechung fruherer Messungen der Viskositat von binaren und ternaren Gemischen im Lichte des erweiterten Gesetzes der ubereinstimmenden Zustande von Kestin, Ro und Wakeham (KRW). Die binaren Gemische bestehen aus CO2 und CH4 unter-einander und auch mit He, Ne, Ar, N2. Die ternaren Gemische sind: N2ArCO2 und CH4N2CO2. Die Messungen bestatigen die Leistungsfahigkeit des KRW-Gesetzes fur die Berechnung der Viskositat und des Diffusionskoeffizienten von einfacheren polyatomaren Gasen, wie es aus der Theorie zu erwarten ist. Der Aufsatz enthalt kurze Tabellen der Viskositat und des Diffusionskoeffizienten der neun betreffenden binaren Systeme.
A critical review of biodesulphurization systems for removal of organic sulphur from coal

This study evaluates approaches for the biological removal of organic sulphur from coal. In this area, Atlantic Research Corporation's (ARCTECH's) biodesulphurization system is the only one that has been demonstrated on coal with mixed success on a continuous bench-scale unit of 4.54 kg day−1 capacity. Other biocatalytic systems developed by the Institute of Gas Technology (IGT) or Southern Illinois University (SIU) are still in the laboratory-scale microbial selection and screening stage. The successful use by the IGT of a sulphur-limited, continuous chemostat for the selection of bacterial strains with appropriate desulphurization activities has provided a convenient and powerful strain selection technique. The IGT work has also established the possibility of changing the metabolic pathway by proper modification of the bacterial growth medium and introduced the sulphur bioassay technique to help compare the effectiveness of different micro-organisms grown with different substrates under different conditions on a comparable basis. The SIU was successful in mapping the desulphurization genes in a mutant E. coli. There is still a need for faster growing, stable, and more active biodesulphurization micro-organisms than those which have been developed so far. This calls for a programme of strain selection and improvements through molecular genetics, a thorough understanding of coal biodesulphurization metabolism and its associated metabolic pathways, investigation of extracellular enzymatic removal of organic sulphur from coal, and identification of new acidophilic heterotrophs that have broad organic sulphur removal capabilities and that can coexist with other bacterial strains currently used for inorganic sulphur removal.
On additive systems

Systems with the so‐called “additive” property are studied. This kind of system is an abstract in the language of systems theory of some useful structures in mathematics, such as topology. Some mapping properties between additive systems are given and open questions are posed.
Heat Transfer in a Complex Trailing Edge Passage for a High Pressure Turbine Blade: Part 2 — Simulation Results

A combined experimental and numerical study to investigate the heat transfer distribution in a complex blade trailing edge passage was conducted. The geometry consists of a two pass serpentine passage with taper toward the trailing edge, as well as from hub to tip. The upflow channel has an average aspect ratio of roughly 14:1, while the exit passage aspect ratio is about 5:1. The upflow channel is split in an interrupted way and is smooth on the trailing edge side of the split and turbulated on the other side. A turning vane is placed near the tip of the upflow channel. Reynolds numbers in the range of 31,000 to 61,000, based on inlet conditions were simulated numerically. The simulation was performed using the Glenn-HT code, a full three-dimensional Navier-Stokes solver using the Wilcox k-ω turbulence model. A structured multi-block grid is used with approximately 4.5 million cells, and average y+ values on the order of unity. Pressure and heat transfer distributions are presented with comparison to the experimental data. While there are some regions with discrepancies, in general the agreement is very good for both pressure and heat transfer.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Some cortical and subcortical fiber projections to the accessory optic nuclei in the cat

Abstract The terminal nuclei of the accessory optic system receive a dense fiber projection from the contralateral retina and have recently been implicated in visuo-vestibular aspects of oculomotor function. The present anatomical study, based on anterograde tracer experiments with 3 H-labeled amino acids or horseradish peroxidase, provides evidence for a diverse set of non-retinal inputs to the accessory optic nuclei arising in both the neocortex and the brainstem. Corticofugal fiber projections to the terminal nuclei originate in several areas of the visual cortex; those from the medial Clare-Bishop area may be especially dense. Subcortical inputs to the terminal nuclei include fiber projections arising in ( a ) the pretectal region; ( b ) the ventral mesencephalon, probably including the substantia nigra; and ( c ) more dorsal or caudal parts of the mesencephalic reticular formation. The source of the pretectal projection to the terminal nuclei appears to be the nucleus of the optic tract or the underlying posterior pretectal nucleus. Fiber projections from the ventral mesencephalic tegmentum were labeled by injections infiltrating the substantia nigra, but these deposits all involved, at least marginally, either interstitial cells of the transpeduncular limb of the accessory optic tract or the perinigral tegmentum. The part of the midbrain reticular formation giving rise to an accessory optic projection was not precisely delimited, but it appears to lie outside the substantia nigra proper. Although these afferent projections to the accessory optic nuclei appear individually to be much weaker than the input from the contralateral eye, their presence clearly suggests that transmission of visual information through the terminal nuclei may involve a complex modulation of retinal input by non-retinal pathways.
Liquid Accumulation in Vibrating Vocal Fold Tissue: A Simplified Model Based on a Fluid-Saturated Porous Solid Theory

The human vocal fold is treated as a continuous, transversally isotropic, porous solid saturated with liquid. A set of mathematical equations, based on the theory of fluid-saturated porous solids, is developed to formulate the vibration of the vocal fold tissue. As the fluid-saturated porous tissue model degenerates to the continuous elastic tissue model when the relative movement of liquid in the porous tissue is ignored, it can be considered a more general description of vocal fold tissue than the continuous, elastic model. Using the fluid-saturated porous tissue model, the vibration of a bunch of one-dimensional fibers in the vocal fold is analytically solved based on the small-amplitude assumption. It is found that the vibration of the tissue will lead to the accumulation of excess liquid in the midmembranous vocal fold. The degree of liquid accumulation is positively proportional to the vibratory amplitude and frequency. The correspondence between the liquid distribution predicted by the porous tissue theory and the location of vocal nodules observed in clinical practice, provides theoretical evidence for the liquid accumulation hypothesis of vocal nodule formation (Jiang, Ph.D., dissertation, 1991, University of Iowa).
Estrogen receptor immunoreactivity in late-gestation fetal lambs

Prenatal androgens masculinize postnatal reproductive neuroendocrine function and behavior in sheep. Testosterone treatment of pregnant ewes during midgestation masculinizes sexual behavior and luteinizing hormone secretion in female lambs, presumably in part via aromatization and estrogen receptor (ESR) binding in the brain. We hypothesized that male and female sheep also differ in the number and distribution of ESR-containing neurons. If so, ESR expression should be sensitive to prenatal hormones delivered exogenously or in situ. ESR alpha (ESR1) was compared by immunocytochemistry in male and female lambs at the end of gestation, as well as in fetal females exposed prenatally to testosterone or dihydrotestosterone. ESR1-positive neurons were abundant in the posteromedial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTpm), medial preoptic area (MPOA), posterior medial amygdaloid nucleus (MeP), amygdalohippocampal area (AHi), ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei (VMH), and arcuate hypothalamic nuclei (ARC). In females, the ARC had the largest number of stained cells (mean +/- SEM, 475.6 +/- 57.4 cells/0.173 mm(2)), while staining intensity was greatest in the MPOA (mean +/- SEM gray level, 31.3 +/- 5.3). The mean +/- SEM integrated gray level (IGL) was high in the ARC (0.63 +/- 0.13) and in the MPOA (0.51 +/- 0.08). The mean +/- SEM IGL was low in the MeP (0.31 +/- 0.10) and in the BSTpm (0.21 +/- 0.06), while it was intermediate in the AHi (0.36 +/- 0.10) and in the VMH (0.37 +/- 0.07). ESR immunostaining was not significantly different in male and female fetal lambs, nor in females fetuses exposed prenatally to androgens (P > 0.05). However, ESR1 staining was significantly increased in the ARC, MPOA, and AHi of adult rams vs. adult ewes. These results suggest that brain ESR immunoreactivity in fetal lambs is unlikely to account for postnatal sex differences in reproductive function. Instead, sex differences in ESR emerge postnatally.
Macroscopic Models for Predicting Changes in Saturated Porous Media Properties Caused by Microbial Growth

Analytical equations are developed to model changes in porosity, specific surface area, and permeability caused by biomass accumulation in porous media. The proposed equations do not assume any specific pattern for microbial growth but instead are based on macroscopic estimates of average biomass concentrations. For porous media with a pore-size distribution index value (λ) equal to 3, the macroscopic model predictions of porosity, specific surface area, and permeability changes are in exact agreement with biofilm-model predictions. At other values of λ between 2 and 5, simulated porosity profiles are identical and relative specific surface area and permeability profiles show minor deviations. In comparison to biofilm-based models, the macroscopic models are relatively simple to implement and are computationally more efficient. Simulations of biologically reactive flow in a one-dimensional column show that the macroscopic and biofilm approach based transport codes predict almost identical porosity and permeability profiles. The macroscopic models are simple and useful tools for estimating changes in various porous media properties during bioremediation of contaminated aquifers.