cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactions between language, thought, and perception: Cognitive and neural perspectives

ABSTRACT The role that language plays in shaping non-linguistic cognitive and perceptual systems has been the subject of much theoretical and experimental attention over the past half-century. Understanding how language interacts with non-linguistic systems can provide insight into broader constraints on cognitive and brain organization. The papers that form this volume investigate various ways in which linguistic structure can interact with and influence how speakers think about and perceive the world, and the related issue of the constraints that in turn shape linguistic representations. These theoretical and empirical contributions support deeper understanding of the interactions between language, thought, and perception, and motivate new approaches for developing directional predictions at both the neural and cognitive levels.
Pain catastrophizing mediates ethnic/race group differences and pain-related outcomes in adults with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis

Pain catastrophizing contributes to heightened levels of pain and disability. Previous evidence demonstrates that non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) report higher levels of both pain and catastrophizing than non-Hispanic whites (NHW). The current study investigates whether pain catastrophizing mediates the relationship between ethnicity/race and pain, disability and physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Furthermore, this study examined whether catastrophizing predicts pain and disability at 2-year follow-up. Participants included 187 (96 NHB, 91 NHW) community-dwelling adults with unilateral or bilateral knee pain who screened positive for knee OA. Participants completed several measures at baseline and 2-year follow-up including the Coping Strategies Questionnaire-Revised Pain Catastrophizing subscale, Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Graded Chronic Pain Scale, and Short Physical Performance Battery. NHBs reported greater pain severity, higher levels of disability, and poorer functional performance compared to their NHW counterparts (ps
Strands of Classical Theory in the Study of Social Movements

As a distinctive field of scholarship, social movement studies only emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, long after the heyday of classical social theory was over and well into an era in which “middle-range” theories peculiar to particular subfields had become the norm. Classical theory lived on as a kind of “rite of passage” for graduate training in the two disciplines, sociology and political science, that contributed most to the emerging field of movement studies, but virtually none of the scholars who shaped the field thought of the scholarship in which they were engaged as growing out of a classical theoretical tradition. This does not, however, mean that these traditions have been entirely absent from the field or that they exerted no influence over its development. On the contrary, we contend that substantial strands of social movement scholarship bear the clear imprint of a particular classical theorist and/or theoretical tradition. In this chapter, we survey four of these traditions—the Durkheimian tradition, the Marxist tradition, the Weberian tradition, and the tradition of comparative-historical analysis. All four of these “strands” of classically informed movement scholarship are substantial. Indeed, a case could be made that most work in the field since its inception is at least loosely aligned with one or more of them. That does not, however, mean that all of them are equally influential today. After discussing each strand, we close by accounting its resonance, or lack thereof, in contemporary social movement scholarship.
Characterization of mitochondrial DNA quantity and quality in the human aged and Alzheimer's disease brain.

Background Mitochondrial dysfunction is a feature of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Changes in the mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and increased mitochondrial DNA mutation burden have both been associated with neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline. This study aims to systematically identify which common brain pathologies in the aged human brain are associated with mitochondrial recalibrations and to disentangle the relationship between these pathologies, mtDNAcn, mtDNA heteroplasmy, aging, neuronal loss, and cognitive function. Methods Whole-genome sequencing data from n = 1361 human brain samples from 5 different regions were used to quantify mtDNAcn as well as heteroplasmic mtDNA point mutations and small indels. Brain samples were assessed for 10 common pathologies. Annual cognitive test results were used to assess cognitive function proximal to death. For a subset of samples, neuronal proportions were estimated from RNA-seq profiles, and mass spectrometry was used to quantify the mitochondrial protein content of the tissue. Results mtDNAcn was 7-14% lower in AD relative to control participants. When accounting for all 10 common neuropathologies, only tau was significantly associated with lower mtDNAcn in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. In the posterior cingulate cortex, TDP-43 pathology demonstrated a distinct association with mtDNAcn. No changes were observed in the cerebellum, which is affected late by pathologies. Neither age nor gender was associated with mtDNAcn in the studied brain regions when adjusting for pathologies. Mitochondrial content and mtDNAcn independently explained variance in cognitive function unaccounted by pathologies, implicating complex mitochondrial recalibrations in cognitive decline. In contrast, mtDNA heteroplasmy levels increased by 1.5% per year of life in the cortical regions, but displayed no association with any of the pathologies or cognitive function. Conclusions We studied mtDNA quantity and quality in relation to mixed pathologies of aging and showed that tau and not amyloid-β is primarily associated with reduced mtDNAcn. In the posterior cingulate cortex, the association of TDP-43 with low mtDNAcn points to a vulnerability of this region in limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy. While we found low mtDNAcn in brain regions affected by pathologies, the absence of associations with mtDNA heteroplasmy burden indicates that mtDNA point mutations and small indels are unlikely to be involved in the pathogenesis of late-onset neurodegenerative diseases.
Large Graph Construction for Scalable Semi-Supervised Learning

In this paper, we address the scalability issue plaguing graph-based semi-supervised learning via a small number of anchor points which adequately cover the entire point cloud. Critically, these anchor points enable nonparametric regression that predicts the label for each data point as a locally weighted average of the labels on anchor points. Because conventional graph construction is inefficient in large scale, we propose to construct a tractable large graph by coupling anchor-based label prediction and adjacency matrix design. Contrary to the Nystrom approximation of adjacency matrices which results in indefinite graph Laplacians and in turn leads to potential non-convex optimization over graphs, the proposed graph construction approach based on a unique idea called AnchorGraph provides nonnegative adjacency matrices to guarantee positive semidefinite graph Laplacians. Our approach scales linearly with the data size and in practice usually produces a large sparse graph. Experiments on large datasets demonstrate the significant accuracy improvement and scalability of the proposed approach.
Numerical Computing with IEEE Floating Point Arithmetic

A broad overview of numerical computing, in a historical context, with a special focus on the IEEE standard for binary floating point arithmetic. Key ideas are developed step by step, taking the reader from floating point representation, correctly rounded arithmetic, and the IEEE philosophy on exceptions, to an understanding of the crucial concepts of conditioning and stability, explained in a simple yet rigorous context. There are technical details and challenging exercises that go beyond the subjects covered in the text.
A computer-aided telescope pointing system utilizing a video star tracker

The Video Inertial Pointing (VIP) System developed to satisfy the acquisition and pointing requirements of astronomical telescopes is described. A unique feature of the system is the use of a single sensor to provide information for the generation of three axis pointing error signals and for a cathode ray tube (CRT) display of the star field. The pointing error signals are used to update the telescope's gyro stabilization and the CRT display is used by an operator to facilitate target acquisition and to aid in manual positioning of the telescope optical axis. A model of the system using a low light level vidicon built and flown on a balloon-borne infrared telescope is briefly described from a state of the art charge coupled device (CCD) sensor. The advanced system hardware is described and an analysis of the multi-star tracking and three axis error signal generation, along with an analysis and design of the gyro update filter, are presented. Results of a hybrid simulation are described in which the advanced VIP system hardware is driven by a digital simulation of the star field/CCD sensor and an analog simulation of the telescope and gyro stabilization dynamics.
Cell-based Schedulers with Dual-rate Grouping ∗

SUMMARY The use of fluid Generalized Processor Sharing (GPS) algorithm for integrated service networks has received much attention since early 1990’s because of its desirable properties in terms of delay bound and service fairness. Many Packet Fair Queuing (PFQ) algorithms have been developed to approximate GPS. However, owing to the implementation complexity, it is difficult to support a large number of sessions with diverse service rates while maintaining the GPS properties. The grouping architecture has been proposed to dramatically reduce the implementation complexity. However, the grouping architecture can only support a fixed number of service rates, thus causing the problems of granularity, bandwidth fairness, utilization, and immunity of flows. In this paper, we propose a new implementation approach called dual-rate grouping, which can significantly alleviate the above problems. Compared with the grouping architecture, the proposed approach possesses better performance in terms of approximating per session-based PFQ algorithms without increasing the
Kant, Nonaccidentalness and the Availability of Moral Worth

Contemporary Kantians who defend Kant's view of the superiority of the sense of duty as a form of motivation appeal to various ideas. Some say, if only implicitly, that the sense of duty is always ``available'' to an agent, when she has a moral obligation. Some, like Barbara Herman, say that the sense of duty provides a ``nonaccidental'' connection between an agent's motivation and the act's rightness. In this paper I show that the ``availability'' and ``nonaccidentalness'' arguments are in tension with one another. And the ``availability'' idea, although certainly supported by some passages in Kant himself, is also clearly denied in other passages. My conclusion is that Kantians will need to abandon either availability or nonaccidentalness if they wish to have a consistent set of views about the sense of duty.
Regio‐ and stereo‐selective alternating copolymerization of carbon monoxide with propene

Compounds of palladium with ten different chelated bisphosphine ligands were investigated for their catalysis of alternating copolymerization of propene with carbon monoxide. The bisphosphine structure and chelate ring size influence strongly the activity, regio- and stereo-selectivity of the catalysts. Molecular mechanics calculations on the π-olefin complex showed that the non-bonded interaction between propene and the ligands on Pd is both regio- and stereo-selective. Primary insertion is about seven times more probable than secondary insertion for the Pd complex of bis(diphenylphosphino)butane ligand. The enantioselective catalysts favor the meso enchainment of propene. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of oligomers showed that most chains are initiated by PdH species with less frequent initiation by PdOCH3 complexes; β-hydrogen elimination is the dominant chain termination process.
Influence of Planting Depth and Interval to Initial Harvest on Yield and Plant Response of Asparagus

(...) Spear emergence and initial spring harvest date were delayed and susceptibility to spring frost injury was decreased with increasing planting depth (from 5 to 20 cm). Over years, crown depth increased for the shallowest planting and decreased for the deepest planting. Harvesting after 1 year vs. 2 years from planting reduced yield. There were no significant interactions between year or initial harvest and depth of planting
Positive affect, cognitive processes, and social behavior.

Publisher Summary This chapter examines some of the literature demonstrating an impact of affect on social behavior. It will consider the influence of affect on cognition in an attempt to further understand on the way cognitive processes may mediate the effect of feelings on social behavior. The chapter describes the recent works suggesting an influence of positive affect on flexibility in cognitive organization (that is, in the perceived relatedness of ideas) and the implications of this effect for social interaction. The goal of this research is to expand the understanding of social behavior and the factors, such as affect, that influence interaction among people. Another has been to extend the knowledge of affect, both as one of these determinants of social behavior and in its own right. And a third has been to increase the understanding of cognitive processes, especially as they play a role in social interaction. Most recently, cognitive and social psychologists have investigated ways in which affective factors may participate in cognitive processes (not just interrupt them) and have begun to include affect as a factor in more comprehensive models of cognition. The research described in the chapter has focused primarily on feelings rather than intense emotion, because feelings are probably the most frequent affective experiences. The chapter focuses primarily on positive affect.
End-user computing effectiveness: A structural equation model

Abstract The paper reports the results of a field study investigating the determinants of End-User Computing (EUC) effectiveness among 187 end-users. A conceptual structural model was developed and tested using Partial Least Squares (PLS). The results show that computer anxiety and attitudes toward EUC are significantly affected by work/life experiences, end-user training, computer experience, and information center support. Computer anxiety also affected attitudes towards EUC. In addition, the number of tasks for which computers are used is directly affected by end-user training, computer experience, organizational support provided by information center and top management, task structure, and attitudes toward EUC. Furthermore, system usage, end-user satisfaction, and perceived effectiveness are strongly affected by end-user training, computer experience, top management support, information center support, task structure, task variety and attitudes towards EUC.
Delivery of 125I-NGF to the Brain via the Olfactory Route

AbstractThe blood-brain barrier presents a major problem in the administration and testing of neurotropins as it prevents a sufficient concentration of these potential therapeutic agents from reaching the target areas of the human brain. The olfactory neuroepithelium is the only area of the body in which an extension of the central nervous system comes into direct contact with the environment. Following intranasal administration of 125I-labeled nerve growth factor (125I-NGF), radiolabel appeared rapidly in the olfactory bulb and other brain regions. Radiolabel accumulation in the olfactory bulb of the brain was a linear function of the intranasal dose and of the radiolabel concentration in the olfactory epithelium. Concentration of radiolabel in the olfactory bulb and brain with intranasal administration, but not with intravenous administration, suggests direct transport of label into the brain along the olfactory route following intranasal administration. The rapid appearance of label in the olfactory bu...
The biased, distance-restricted n-in-a-row game for small p

The biased n-in-a-row game was shown to be a win for the first player for any n by J. Beck. To limit the advantage of picking more than one point per move he suggested a weak form of the game where the first player's p points for each move must be contained in a circle of radius r. For p=2, we give a tight bound for the maximum length of the line where the first player can force a win, answering an open problem posed by Csorba.
WE-D-L100J-03: Model Based Respiratory Motion Compensation Using Static PET Acquisition

Purpose:Model based respiratory motion compensation in PETimaging usually assumes PET data to be acquired in gated mode and then models motion during the image reconstruction process (gated‐MC). In this abstract we introduce and evaluate a new approach whereby motion compensation is performed on staticPET data while an overall motion is incorporated into the system model (static‐MC). Method and Materials: A phantom consisting of two hot spheres placed in a warm background was scanned using the GE DST PET/CT scanner. One sphere was stationary while the other moved sinusoidally (2cm excursion, 5sec period) in the axial direction during the scan. A 4D‐CT was then performed followed by a list‐mode PET scan of 3 minutes, with gating signals injected into the list‐data stream. The PET data were then unlisted into a single static as well as 10 gated sinograms. Motion was either estimated by registering the 4D‐CT image sequence (RM) or derived from the true sinusoidal motion (TM). Images were reconstructed using OSEM and the following combinations of motion and acquisition schemes were compared: 1) TM+gated; 2) RM+gated; 3) TM+static; 4) RM+static. Evaluation was done by visual inspection and line profiles. In addition, a plot of contrast recovery rate (CRR) versus noise was generated by changing the number of reconstruction iterations. Results: Both static‐MC and gated‐MC approaches showed similar CRR at the same noise level. Visual inspection and line profiles showed that when using TM, the Gated‐MC and Static‐MC had similar image qualities; however with RM, the Gated‐MC performed better. Furthermore, the change in CRR when using RM versus TM was larger for the static‐MC when compared to the gated‐MC approach (3.1% static‐MC compared to 0.2% gated‐MC). Conclusion:Motion compensation without gating PET acquisition is feasible. However, the static‐MC approach is more sensitive to inaccuracies in motion estimation.
Single-molecule kinetics: Caught in the act

The dynamics of a complex chemical reaction that occurs through a well-defined intermediate have been followed at the single-molecule level using a 'nanoreactor' set-up, revealing a primary hydrogen isotope effect that is invisible to ensemble experiments.
Reparametrization invariance to all orders in heavy quark effective theory

Heavy quark effective theory splits heavy quark momentum into a large fixed momentum and a variable residual momentum p{sub {mu}}=m{sub Q}v{sub {mu}}+k{sub {mu}}. It thereby suffers a redundancy of description corresponding to small changes in the choice of the fixed velocity v{sub {mu}}. The fact that full QCD is manifestly v independent should lead to a nontrivial constraint on the form of the effective theory, known as reparametrization invariance. For spin- (1) /(2) quarks, the precise form of the constraint and its solution at the level of the effective Lagrangian have proven to be rather subtle, and the original proposal by Luke and Manohar has been questioned. In this paper I employ a version of heavy quark effective theory containing the {open_quotes}antiparticle{close_quotes} field as a nonpropagating auxiliary field, which greatly simplifies keeping track of v dependence. This permits a very simple derivation of reparametrization invariance from first principles. The auxiliary field can also be integrated out to return to the standard formulation of the effective theory, but with the effective Lagrangian now satisfying the full reparametrization constraint. I compare this result with earlier proposals. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Modeling metal cation-phosphate interactions in nucleic acids in the gas phase via alkali metal cation-triethyl phosphate complexes

Threshold collision-induced dissociation techniques are employed to determine the bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of complexes of alkali metal cations, Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+, to triethyl phosphate (TEP). The primary and lowest energy dissociation pathway in all cases is the endothermic loss of the neutral TEP ligand. Theoretical electronic structure calculations at the B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,2p)//B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory are used to determine the structures, molecular parameters, and theoretical estimates for the BDEs of these complexes. For the complexes to Rb+ and Cs+, theoretical calculations were performed using hybrid basis sets in which the effective core potentials and valence basis sets of Hay and Wadt were used to describe the alkali metal cation, while the standard basis sets were used for all other atoms. The agreement between theory and experiment is excellent for the complexes to Na+ and K+ and is somewhat less satisfactory for the complexes to the heavier alkali metal cations, Rb+ and Cs+, where effective core potentials were used to describe the cation. The trends in the binding energies are examined. The binding of alkali metal cations to triethyl phosphate is compared with that to trimethylphosphate.
On Short-Wave Baroclinic Instability

Abstract The Physical process responsible for short-wave baroclinic instability (zonal wavenumbers>10) is examined by means of a linearized two-layer Eady model. The static stability is uniform but different in each layer and the wind shear is uniform throughout both layers. Analysis of the unstable growth rates reveals that the instability is associated with the delta function distribution of potential vorticity at one boundary and at the interface between the two layers. This interpretation complements the interpretation of the unstable modes of a multi-layer model by Staley and Gall (1977). However, the present analysis also demonstrates how the short- and long-wave baroclinic instabilities depend on the relative layer depths as well as on the jump in static stability between the two layers. The effect of a jump in zonal wind shear is shown to be analogous to a jump in static stability in the present model. Finally, some implications of modeling atmospheric flows by multi-layered models, exhibiting dis...
Towards non-linear modeling of molecular interactions arising from adsorbed biological species on the microcantilever surface

Abstract Microcantilever-based biosensors are rapidly becoming an enabling sensing technology for a variety of label-free biological applications due to their extreme applicability, versatility and low cost. These sensors operate through the adsorption of species on the functionalized surface of microcantilevers. This paper presents a general framework towards modeling resonance frequency changes induced due to the surface stress arising from the adsorption of biological species on the surface of the microcantilever. Very few works have dealt with the effect of surface stress on the resonance frequency shifts of microcantilevers and have mainly assumed a simple model for the vibrating microcantilever beam. In the proposed modeling framework, the non-linear terms due to the beam's flexural rigidity from macro- to microscale as well as varying nature of the adsorption induced surface stress are considered. It is first shown that the non-linearity of the system originates from two different sources, namely, microcantilever flexural rigidity and adsorption induced surface stress. Through simulation results, it is demonstrated that the non-linearity due to the surface stress does not have a considerable effect on the resonance frequency change of the microcantilever. However, non-linearity due to flexural rigidity (which is directly attributed to beam's dimensions) plays an important role in the resonance frequency shift, and hence, in the resultant molecular recognition capability. It is then shown that the adsorption induced resonance frequency shift highly depends on the size of the microcantilever. It is also demonstrated that the effect of surface stress and molecular arrangement modeling presented in this paper is more sensitive to the change of the microcantilever length.
Rabbit Placental Relaxin: Purification and Immunohistochemical Localization*

Rabbit placentas were extracted with 0.7 n HC1-acetone (3:5, vol/vol) containing protease inhibitors. Gel filtration (Sephadex G-50) followed by ion exchange chromatography (carboxymethyl cellulose) separated a bioactive relaxin-like fraction with a specific activity of 8.5 U/mg protein as determined by the in vitro mouse uterus bioassay. Column chromatography using Sepharose CL-4B in 6 m guanidine HC1 was employed to purify the bioactive sample. The yield of the purified relaxinlike protein was 12 μg/g placenta and the specific activity was 23 U/mg protein. The bioactive sample was also immunoreactive after being electrophoretically transferred to nitrocellulose paper and stained using rabbit antiporcine relaxin serum and peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunochemistry. Isoelectrofocusing of the purified relaxin-like protein revealed one band with an isoelectric point of approximately 6.5. The apparent molecular weight of the rabbit relaxin was approximately 7200 as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-urea sl...
Organizational Change and the Analytic Third: Locating and Attending to Unconscious Organizational Psychodynamics

This article examines the concept of the analytic third in psychoanalysis and psychoanalytically informed organizational change. The analytic third is often defined as the psychological (triangular) space between self and other, subject and object, fantasy and reality – the third dimension that emerges from two persons fully engaged in the exploration of unconscious meanings, reasons, motives and actions. In neo-Kleinian object relations, it is viewed as the intersubjective dimension of transference and counter-transference, or the emergence in analytic work of the observation and experience of “I-as-subject” and “Me-as-object” (Ogden, 1994). The analytic third is what we create when we make genuine contact with one another at a deeper emotional level of experience whether in dyads, groups, communities, or organizations. It might be understood as akin to but not synonymous with Winnicott's (1971) notion of the transitional and potential space, where culture, play, creativity and imagination, reside. A case illustration is provided to better articulate the nature of the analytic third in the processes of observing, participating, and intervening in organizations.
Adverse reactions to collagen implants

Abstract Collagen, a treated derivative of bovine collagen chemically altered to remove the most antigenic portions, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a device to improve scars and wrinkles by injections. Zyderm (Zyderm Collagen Implant, Collagen Corporation) is a sterile suspension of bovine collagen in phosphate buffered physiologic saline with lidocaine. The telopeptide portions (the nonhelical ends of the collagen molecule) of mammalian collagen are the most antigenic. In Zyderm, these telopeptides are selectively removed by enzymatic digestions, thus rendering the collagen less antigenic. 1 The preparation consists of type I collagen (95%) with trace amounts of type III collagen (5%) from calf hides and is available in two concentrations: Zyderm I contains 35 mg of collagen in a 1-ml suspension; Zyderm II is 65 mg/ml. The overall incidence of adverse reactions to collagen implants is less than 3%. The majority of the reactions consist of swelling, induration, erythema, urticaria, and localized infection. Such reactions generally are mild and short-lived, usually resolving spontaneously within weeks to a few months. 2 The Collagen Corporation (Palo Alto, CA) logs reported adverse reactions and bolsters its safety claims by stating that "The type, pattern and incidence of adverse reactions have not changed" during 5 years of commercial use. 3 Clinical trials were begun in 1976, and approval for use as a medical device was granted by the FDA in 1981. The incidence of reactions to Zyderm I and II is the same.
Effects of acute ethanol administration on rat plasma amino acids and related compounds.

Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorometric detection, thirty-three amino acids (AA) and related compounds were measured in plasma obtained from catheterized rats over a 3-hr period following a 2 g/kg, i.p., injection of ethanol. The concentrations of twenty-three of these compounds had decreased significantly 15 min after the injection, and twenty-three remained depressed for the 3-hr period. Marked reductions were noted for alanine and arginine. Glutamic acid, 1-methylhistidine and 3-methylhistidine were unaffected by ethanol. During these studies individual differences were observed in that some rats showed marked biochemical changes, whereas other rats showed only minimal responses. These observations indicate that ethanol administration may have a significant and long-lasting impact on plasma amino acid biochemistry.
Human foetal osteoblastic cell response to polymer-demixed nanotopographic interfaces

Nanoscale cell–substratum interactions are of significant interest in various biomedical applications. We investigated human foetal osteoblastic cell response to randomly distributed nanoisland topography with varying heights (11, 38 and 85 nm) produced by a polystyrene (PS)/polybromostyrene polymer-demixing technique. Cells displayed island-conforming lamellipodia spreading, and filopodia projections appeared to play a role in sensing the nanotopography. Cells cultured on 11 nm high islands displayed significantly enhanced cell spreading and larger cell dimensions than cells on larger nanoislands or flat PS control, on which cells often displayed a stellate shape. Development of signal transmitting structures such as focal adhesive vinculin protein and cytoskeletal actin stress fibres was more pronounced, as was their colocalization, in cells cultured on smaller nanoisland surfaces. Cell adhesion and proliferation were greater with decreasing island height. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity, an early stage marker of bone cell differentiation, also exhibited nanotopography dependence, i.e. higher AP activity on 11 nm islands compared with that on larger islands or flat PS. Therefore, randomly distributed island topography with varying nanoscale heights not only affect adhesion-related cell behaviour but also bone cell phenotype. Our results suggest that modulation of nanoscale topography may be exploited to control cell function at cell–biomaterial interfaces.
A model predictive framework for planning and scheduling problems: a case study of consumer goods supply chain

Abstract Model Predictive Control is a well established technique for the control of processes and plants. We present a similar concept for planning and scheduling problems. There have mainly been two approaches to solve the planning and scheduling problems. The first approach is to model the planning and scheduling as one monolithic problem and solve it for the entire horizon. Needless to say, this approach requires an extensive computational effort and becomes impossible to solve in the case of large-scale scheduling problems. The other approach is to hierarchically-decompose the problem into a planning level problem and a scheduling level problem. This approach leads to tractable problems. Neither of these approaches provide the framework for incorporating uncertainties in the processing time of batches, or random equipment breakdowns, or demand uncertainties in the future. Furthermore, these approaches only provide ‘one snapshot’ of the planning problem and not a ‘walk through the timeline’. Model predictive planning and scheduling provides a framework for studying dynamics. Model predictive planning and scheduling requires a forecasting model and an optimization model. Both these models work in tandem in a simulation environment that incorporates uncertainty. The similarity with the model predictive approach which is widely used in process-control is that in each period, the forecasting model calculates the target inventory (controlled variable) in the future periods. These inventory levels ensure desired customer service level while minimizing average inventory. The scheduling model then tries to achieve these target inventory levels in the future periods by scheduling tasks (manipulated variables).
Distribution of synaptic markers in the retina: Implications for synaptic vesicle traffic in ribbon synapses

Abstract Synapses in the retina are present in two layers that can easily be distinguished morphologically: the thin outer plexiform layer (OPL) containing the photoreceptor ribbon synapses, and the more complex inner plexiform layer (IPL) containing mostly conventional synapses. In the current study we have used the exquisite spatial separation between ribbon and conventional synapses in the retina to investigate by immunocytochemistry the protein components of these two types of synapses. Our results show that all of the synaptic vesicle proteins tested are present in the ribbon synapses of photoreceptors except for the synapsins which were previously described to be absent from ribbon synapses. Thus, synaptic vesicles of ribbon and conventional synapses are likely to be very similar molecularly in spite of their different modes of trafficking. Furthermore, proteins with a likely function in synaptic vesicle docking and fusion (SNAP-25, munc-18) and endocytosis (dynamin) were also highly enriched in ribbon synapses, indicating that the basic machineries for synaptic membrane traffic are similar in ribbon and conventional synapses. Interestingly, photoreceptor cells contained only low concentrations of syntaxin I (which functions in the synaptic vesicle fusion complex) and GDI (which regulates the membrane association of rab-proteins as a function of GTP/GDP binding). These results raise the possibility that photoreceptors express other isoforms of these proteins, or that the functions of these proteins are not required for the tonical release mode of their synapses. Finally, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II was highly enriched in the photoreceptor synapses in spite of the absence of synapsin I, one of its major neuronal substrates, suggesting that the major synaptic function of this kinase is not related to synapsin. Together our results indicate that ribbon and conventional synapses utilize largely parallel mechanisms of membrane traffic.
Grain Growth by Digm in Ni Thin Film Under High Tensile Stress

Electron beam evaporated Ni thin films are found to have tensile stress of 1.2 Gpa. The stress is relieved upon heating, accompanied by grain growth. The calculated stress matches the experimental result and a mechanism of grain growth is proposed.
Biased networks and social structure theorems: Part II

It was shown in a previous paper (Fararo 1981) that the part of Peter Blau's theory of social structure bearing on heterogeneity could be embedded within the framework of biased net models, providing a conceptual and mathematical basis for its central theorems. This paper continues this project. It begins by indicating certain revisions of the earlier work and then turns to the part of Blau's theory that deals with inequality and shows how the simplest inbreeding bias model, through a series of derivations and constructive generalizations, permits the derivation of basic theorems that relate the Gini inequality (of a population) to what we term the relational Gini (of a network). The central idea is to construct theoretical models that yield specific forms of transformation of the population Gini into the relational Gini.
Improved corrosion protection of aluminum alloys by electrodeposited silanes

Organofunctional silanes recently have emerged as outstanding, environmentally friendly corrosion protectors for metal substrates, compared with conventional chromate treatments. A simple immersion technique is typically used to coat the metal surface with silane films. However, the thickness and uniformity of the films are uncontrolled in this process. This paper proposes a new deposition technique for the silane films on the metal surface, i.e., by electrodeposition. Hydrolyzed silanes are water-soluble, ionized molecules, so they can be deposited on metals by electrodeposition. Various combinations of silane mixtures were tested at different voltages, pH values, bath concentrations, and exposure times on panels of alloy aluminum and mirror-polished ferro-plate. The surface structure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ellipsometry. The resistance of the film to corrosion was investigated by direct current (DC) polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Electrodeposition results in a more organized and uniform film with fewer pores, compared with immersed or dipped films.
Genetic regulation of gene expression during shoot development in Arabidopsis.

The genetic control of gene expression during shoot development in Arabidopsis thaliana was analyzed by combining quantitative trait loci (QTL) and microarray analysis. Using oligonucleotide array data from 30 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross of Columbia and Landsberg erecta ecotypes, the Arabidopsis genome was scanned for marker-by-gene linkages or so-called expression QTL (eQTL). Single-feature polymorphisms (SFPs) associated with sequence disparities between ecotypes were purged from the data. SFPs may alter the hybridization efficiency between cDNAs from one ecotype with probes of another ecotype. In genome scans, five eQTL hot spots were found with significant marker-by-gene linkages. Two of the hot spots coincided with classical QTL conditioning shoot regeneration, suggesting that some of the heritable gene expression changes observed in this study are related to differences in shoot regeneration efficiency between ecotypes. Some of the most significant eQTL, particularly those at the shoot regeneration QTL sites, tended to show cis-chromosomal linkages in that the target genes were located at or near markers to which their expression was linked. However, many linkages of lesser significance showed expected “trans-effects,” whereby a marker affects the expression of a target gene located elsewhere on the genome. Some of these eQTL were significantly linked to numerous genes throughout the genome, suggesting the occurrence of large groups of coregulated genes controlled by single markers.
Potential kinetic control of ultrasonic 1H→2H isotopic exchange by transition metal doping of Raney–nickel® catalysts

Abstract Raney-nickel®-catalyzed 1 H→ 2 H isotopic exchange in non-reducing carbohydrates is conducted under mild conditions using ultrasonic irradiation. The initial and overall rates of isotopic exchange are modulated by the presence of transition metals, either in the initial alloy melt or subsequently plated onto the digested catalyst. Only the Raney-nickel® type alloys afforded stereospecific C– 1 H→C– 2 H isotopic exchange in an ultrasonic field. Typical supported precious metal catalysts, supported Ni catalysts, singular metal catalysts, or multi-phasic catalysts were either totally ineffective or caused substrate decomposition.
Computer simulation of a multiple-aperture coherent laser radar

This paper presents the construction of a 2D multiple aperture coherent laser radar simulation that is capable of including the effects of the time evolution of speckle on the laser radar output. Every portion of a laser radar system is modeled in software, including quarter and half wave plates, beamsplitters (polarizing and non-polarizing), the detector, the laser source, and all necessary lenses. Free space propagation is implemented using the Rayleigh- Sommerfeld integral for both orthogonal polarizations. Atmospheric turbulence is also included in the simulation and is modeled using time correlated Kolmogorov phase screens. The simulation itself can be configured to simulate both monostatic and bistatic systems. The simulation allows the user to specify component level parameters such as extinction ratios for polarizing beam splitters, detector sizes and shapes. orientation of the slow axis for quarter/half wave plates and other components used in the system. This is useful from a standpoint of being a tool in the design of a multiple aperture laser radar system.
Temperature dependent lineshape changes in solid H2 for low oH2 concentrations

Abstract The nmr lineshape due to unpaired oH 2 molecules in solid pH 2 changes significantly below 0.2 K. A deconvolution of lineshape based on a mitional narrowing model yields the relative amplitude of the part of the signal showing resolved structure as well as the temperature dependence of the frequency determining parameter. Both the relative amplitude of this signal and the temperature at which structure appears decrease with increasing oH 2 concentration.
Simultaneous Measurements of the Neutron Fission and Capture Cross Sections for Uranium-235 for Neutron Energies from 8 eV to 10 keV

Simultaneous measurements of the neutron fission and capture cross sections of 235U have been performed at the Oak Ridge Electron Linear Accelerator for neutrons with energies between 8 eV and 10 k...
Bifunctional asymmetric catalysis: amplification of Brønsted basicity can orthogonally increase the reactivity of a chiral Brønsted acid.

The reactivity of a series of symmetrical chiral Bronsted acids (polar ionic hydrogen-bond donors) follows the counterintuitive trend wherein the more Bronsted basic member is a more effective catalyst for the aza-Henry (nitro-Mannich) reaction. This new design element leads to a substantially more reactive catalyst for the aza-Henry reaction, one that can promote the addition of a secondary nitroalkane. Additionally, when an achiral Bronsted acid (TfOH) is used in slight excess of the neutral, chiral bisamidine ligand, diastereoselection can be optimized to levels generally greater than 15:1 while the enantioselection remains unchanged at generally >90% ee.
The Interplay of Syndemic Production and Serosorting in Drug-Using Gay and Bisexual Men

The relationships between mental health, substance use, and sexual behaviors among gay and bisexual men in a sample of 450 club drug-using men from New York City were examined using syndemics theory. Risk scores for each participant were based on variables measuring substance use and mental health burden. Participants with higher risk scores were significantly more likely to engage in risk behaviors. Risk taking was also explained by serosorting, suggesting that syndemics theory in and of itself, while significant in explaining risk, is not sufficient. These findings suggest we need to understand the interplay between social, emotional, and cognitive factors to understand sexual risk taking.
Распространение волн в прямоугольном брусе, подверженном действию ударных касательных сил

In modern technology, there are more and more cases of action of impact loads on work items of buildings, machines and constructions, therefore, the strength calculations of these items under the dynamic effects become important. To solve the problems, arising from the dynamic effects, it is necessary to use the continuum mechanics methods and, in particular in many cases, the methods of the dynamic theory of elasticity. Analytical studies allow to find the exact problem solutions, which is very important, because the exact solutions allow to estimate the main features of the solution in general - the nature and the extent of influence of various set parameters on it. On the other hand, exact solutions are always reference and needed, in particular, for developing numerical methods for more complex cases. This work is a continuation of the works of N. Rassoulova, G. Shamilova, dedicated to studying the propagation of unsteady waves in the prisms of rectangular cross section. Approach to solving this problem differs markedly from all previous issues of the dynamics of rectangular prisms, which mainly investigated their dispersion characteristics. This paper deals with studying the process of propagation of unsteady waves in semi-infinite rectangular bars, exposed to impact shear forces on the face platform. System of exact three-dimensional motion equations of an isotropic elastic body is used. Applying a peculiar integration method, previously developed by the authors of this paper, exact analytic solutions to the posed problem for the final time value are found. The results can be implemented in the production in designing special constructions, where there are impulsive effects on them.
‘There’s salt‐water in our blood’: the ‘Middle Passage’ epistemology of two Black mothers regarding the spiritual education of their daughters

The author examines the discourses and practices of two Black women educators regarding the spiritual education of their daughters. Their daughters attended an independent African‐centered community school in a large Midwestern city. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted as part of a larger ethnographic study exploring the education of Black girls in two ethnocultural settings. The participants’ parental pedagogies critiqued mainstream educational practices as well as revealing the creative improvisations lived at the intersections of dominant and non‐dominant cultures. The author argues that Black mothers’ pedagogies reflect to a ‘Middle Passage’ consciousness. The author also exhorts more critical analyses of often disregarded discourse as a way to work toward transforming Black education.
Role of testicular versus epididymal toxicity in the induction of cytotoxic damage in fischer-344 rat sperm by methyl chloride

Abstract Exposure of male Fischer-344 (F-344) rats to methyl chloride (MeCI) results in testicular and epididymal toxicity and the induction of both pre- and postimplantation embryonic loss; the preimplantation loss is caused by cytotoxic damage to sperm that leads to failure of fertilization (Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1986; 86: 124–130). The present study examined whether the cytotoxicity of MeCl to sperm is due to the testicular or epididymal toxicity of MeCl. Groups of 18 males were exposed to 3000 ppm MeCI 6 h/day for 5 days, with and without concurrent treatment with the anti-inflammatory agent 3-amino-1-[m-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-pyrazoline (BW755C; 10 mg/kg, i.p. 1 h pre- and postexposure); BW755C was used to inhibit the epididymal toxicity of MeCI. Control groups were untreatd or injected as described above with BW755C. Six males from each group were killed weekly for 3 weeks. Toxic effects of MeCl on the testis were demonstrated by decreased relative organ weight (week 3), testicular histopathology (weeks 1–3) and decreased daily sperm production (weeks 1–3); these effects were not prevented by BW755C. In both the MeCI and the MeCI + BW755C treatment groups, tubules devoid of sperm were observed in regions 4 and 5 of the epididymis at week 2, and in regions 6A and 6B at week 3. Sperm were present in the vas deferens of both groups at week 3 in decreased numbers and had decreased motility and more frequent morphologic abnormalities compared to untreated controls. In conjunction with known epididymal transit times for F-344 rat sperm, these data indicate that the induction of preimplantation loss by MeCI at weeks 2 and 3 postexposure is likely to result from cytotoxic effects on sperm located in the testes at the time of exposure.