cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pragmatism, Planning, and Power:

Many contemporary planning theories share a pragmatic conception of action which does not adequately account for questions of power After a brief illustration of this limitation, the historical and structural criticisms of recent Marxist theories are analyzed It is argued that since both Mainstream and Marxist theories of planning both use the consequences of action as the ultimate test of theoretical validity, they tend to overemphasize their different interpretation of power as mutually exclusive The paper examines the work of four contemporary theorists the author calls Radical Pragmatists whose writings undermine this antagonism by introducing critical insights that broaden the meaning of what counts as action The result is a concept of power that critically combines our experience of what it means to choose, our knowledge of what it means to communicate without distortion, and our expectation of what it means to govern ourselves democratically
The concept of $n$-cylinder and its relationship to simple sets.

This function / is called the ^-cylinder function for P. It can be seen that a semicylinder is a 1-cylinder. In [5], properties of ^-cylinders and their relationship to cylinders were explored, and subsequently it was shown that: (i) for each n > 1, the class of all (n+ l)-cylinders is a proper subset of the class of all cylinders, and (ii) a set is a cylinder if and only if it is an ^-cylinder for each n>\. Thus we can deduce that as n tends to infinity, the class of-all ^-cylinders coincides with the class of all cylinders. This article shows a major difference between the properties of /^-cylinders and cylinders: for each n > 1, the class of all ^-cylinders contains a simple set whereas it has been shown [3] that no cylinder can be simple. The existence of ^-cylinders which are simple gives rise to the following question: "Can every one-one degree be represented by an ^-cylinder for each n > 1?" From the results obtained in [4] and [5] we conjecture that for every infinite recursively enumerable set We' there is an ^-cylinder Ane for each n > 1 such that We < An e and An e < We, where a set A is n* reducible to a 1-1 ' ' n*
Polynomial ambiguity resistant precoders : Theory and applications in ISI/Multipath Cancellation

In this paper, precoding techniques are studied for combating the intersymbol interference (ISI)/multipath effects in communication systems. We introduce a new type-precoder which we term thepolynomial ambiguity resistant (PAR) precoder for its ability to resist signal distortion induced by finite impulse response (FIR) channels. In particular, the precoder allows a receiver to identify an input signal without knowing the channel characteristics at the expense of a minimum amount of bandwidth increase. A family of such precoders, which is linear (no modulo operations), channel independent, and modulation pattern preserving (except for some occasional 0 symbols), is presented. Also presented is a closed-form algorithm that can simultaneously identify the input signals and zero-forcing equalizers.
THz reflection spectroscopy of C-4 explosive and its detection through interferometric imaging

In recent times, Terahertz (1 THz = 10 12 cycles/sec and 300 μm in wavelength) spectroscopy has become a promising technique for spectroscopic identification of different materials having contemporary interest. In this study we report a direct measurement of reflection spectra of the explosive C-4, which shows significant absorption around 0.8 THz, using THz time domain spectroscopic techniques. A contrast in reflection of around 8% has also been observed between the neighboring frequencies of 0.7 THz and 0.9 THz. The spectral data have been used to create realistic synthetic images for use in simulations of interferometric detection in a stand-off THz imaging system. The results obtained are analyzed using Artificial Neural Networks for positive identification of the agents with an interferometric array of few linear detectors in near field mode.
Blood transfusion and disease-free survival in carcinoma of the breast.

A retrospective study was undertaken to determine the effect of perioperative blood transfusion on disease-free survival rates in patients with carcinoma of the breast. The charts of 81 patients participating in a NSABP breast cancer protocol at The Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, were reviewed. There was no statistically significant difference in disease-free survival between those patients receiving blood transfusions and those that did not when considering the entire group of patients or subgroups based upon age, nodal status, estrogen receptor status, or progesterone receptor status. However, the subgroup of patients receiving tamoxifen chemotherapy, especially those with positive estrogen receptors, had significantly reduced disease-free survival (P less than .05) when given blood transfusions. These results suggest an adverse effect of blood transfusion on disease-free survival in breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen chemotherapy.
The equivalence of sequential and associate information structure models

Interpreters for programming languages may be defined in terms of the information structures (data structures) generated during program execution. This paper develops a class of proof techniques for proving equivalence between two classes of programming language interpreters referred to as associative interpreters and sequential interpreters. The relation between associative and sequential interpreters is briefly illustrated first for arithmetic expression evaluation and then for lambda calculus evaluation, and the strategy for proving equivalence is briefly described. The proof technique is worked out in detail both for arithmetic expression evaluation and for lambda calculus evaluation. The relatively trivial case of arithmetic expression evaluation is considered in detail in order to illustrate the basic structure of the proof in a context familiar to the uninitiated. The proof of equivalence of associative and sequential lambda calculus interpreters demonstrates a nontrivial equivalence proof and at the same time provides valuable insights into the relation between mathematical definitions of the lambda calculus and practical implementations of the lambda calculus. It is shown that an understanding of lambda calculus interpretation in turn provides insights into interpretation mechanisms for block structure languages like ALGOL 60.
Retinal pigment epithelial autotransplantation: morphological changes in retina and choroid.

Background: Replacment of degenerating retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells has been proposed to promote photoreceptor survival in retinal pigment epithelial disease. However, allografts of RPE have a higher rate of immunological rejection. The investigators studied the effects of autotransplantation of RPE on the morphological changes in photoreceptors and choriocapillaris. Methods: RPE autotransplantation (wound type 1) was performed in 25 rabbits and compared with wounds following debridement of the RPE (wound type 2). Light and electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of choroidal vascular casts were performed at 3, 7, 14 and 30 days after surgery. Quantitative analysis of the choriocapillaris bed area was performed by automated image analysis and the results were analyzed by paired Student’s t-test. Results: Retinal pigment epithelium was found to be monolayered and ill-differentiated at day 7. Differentiation occurred at day 30, with preservation of photoreceptors and other layers of the neurosensory retina in type 1 wounds. Type 2 wounds showed atrophy of the regenerating retinal pigment epithelium at day 14 and day 30 with loss of overlying photoreceptor cell layer. There was significant choriocapillaris regeneration in type 1 wounds compared to the type 2 wounds at day 7 (P=0.045), day 14 (P=0.028) & day 30 (P=0.06). Conclusions: Retinal pigment epithelial autotransplantation significantly reduced photoreceptor degeneration and choriocapillaris atrophy associated with loss of retinal pigment epithelium. This procedure supports the hypothesis that RPE autotransplantation may be helpful in geographic atrophy and conditions requiring submacular surgery.
Evaluation of an alternative method for numerically modeling nonhydrostatic flows over irregular terrain

Modeling nonhydrostatic atmospheric flow requires the solution of the vertical equation of motion and a prognostic or diagnostic equation for pressure. If the nonhydrostatic components of the flow are relatively small, they can be approximated and incorporated into a purely hydrostatic model, which usually is conceptually simpler and computationally more efficient. A method to do this for a linear model of local thermally-induced circulations is further developed and adapted to a non-linear numerical model of the neutral atmospheric boundary layer. A hydrostatic model and the quasi-nonhydrostatic version were used to simulate neutral flow over simple terrain features. One set of observations taken over a simple change in roughness and another set taken over a change in both roughness and terrain were simulated by both models to assess the capabilities of the quasi-nonhydrostatic technique.
Assessing social support, companionship, and distress: National Institute of Health (NIH) Toolbox Adult Social Relationship Scales.

There has been a great deal of research on the impact of social relationships on both emotional and physical health (Berkman & Glass, 2000; Cohen & Gottlieb, 2000; Suls & Wallston, 2003; Uchino, 2004). The quality of our daily social interactions, the support we receive from people around us, and our feelings of loneliness influence our health and well-being from childhood through old age. A growing body of research supports the positive health consequences of social support (Cohen, 2004; Kiecolt-Glaser, Gouin, & Hantsoo, 2010; Seeman, 2000) and the deleterious outcomes associated with feelings of loneliness or distress rooted in negative social interactions (Cacioppo et al., 2002; Hawkley, Masi, Berry, & Cacioppo, 2006). These data underscore the potential importance of measuring social relationship quality within and across studies assessing a range of health outcomes. Yet, many such opportunities are missed or limited by pragmatic measurement issues. Most extant social relationship scales are lengthy and multidimensional; few have been developed for use within population-based samples; and none provide for assessment across the full self-report age range. Thus, future research on social relationships and health would be facilitated by the development of practical assessment scales for measuring key aspects of social relationship quality across the lifespan.
Modeling Collaboration for Middle-Level Teacher Candidates Through Co-Teaching

The purpose of this analysis was to determine if the implementation of co-teaching was an effective instructional practice for graduate-level teacher candidates (hence forth referred to as candidates) in a Middle Childhood Education cohort. The goals were to determine (1) if co-teaching promoted candidate learning and (2) if co-teaching provided effective modeling for the candidates so they would be able to utilize it in their own future classrooms. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed from course evaluations and pre- and post-surveys. Results indicated that candidates' educational experiences were enhanced as a result of the co-teaching experience, particularly with the use of team teaching, parallel teaching, and station teaching strategies. Additionally, evidence suggests that the use of co-teaching provided effective modeling for the candidates.
New Directions For Philosophy Of Religion: Four Proposals

This set of papers explores the topic of "Possible Futures for Philosophy of Religion." Though the field of philosophy of religion today has grown relatively narrow, these four papers seek to stretch it back out and all four are (as befitting our topic) forward-looking. Although the papers cover several different issues, I am going to shoe- horn them into that pre-conceived category—the future of philosophy of religion—and then focus on the parts of the papers central to that category and ignore the other parts that don’t fit that template. This will not do justice to the complexity of the reality I am describing, but this procrustean practice is not unusual in philosophy of religion
Kinetic analysis of Autotaxin reveals substrate-specific catalytic pathways and a mechanism for lysophosphatidic acid distribution.

Autotaxin (ATX) is a secreted lysophospholipase D that hydrolyzes lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) into lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), initiating signaling cascades leading to cancer metastasis, wound healing, and angiogenesis. Knowledge of the pathway and kinetics of LPA synthesis by ATX is critical for developing quantitative physiological models of LPA signaling. We measured the individual rate constants and pathway of the LPA synthase cycle of ATX using the fluorescent lipid substrates FS-3 and 12-(N-methyl-N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl))-LPC. FS-3 binds rapidly (k(1) ≥500 μm(-1) s(-1)) and is hydrolyzed slowly (k(2) = 0.024 s(-1)). Release of the first hydrolysis product is random and rapid (≥1 s(-1)), whereas release of the second is slow and rate-limiting (0.005-0.007 s(-1)). Substrate binding and hydrolysis are slow and rate-limiting with LPC. Product release is sequential with choline preceding LPA. The catalytic pathway and kinetics depend strongly on the substrate, suggesting that ATX kinetics could vary for the various in vivo substrates. Slow catalysis with LPC reveals the potential for LPA signaling to spread to cells distal to the site of LPC substrate binding by ATX. An ATX mutant in which catalytic threonine at position 210 is replaced with alanine binds substrate weakly, favoring a role for Thr-210 in binding as well as catalysis. FTY720P, the bioactive form of a drug currently used to treat multiple sclerosis, inhibits ATX in an uncompetitive manner and slows the hydrolysis reaction, suggesting that ATX inhibition plays a significant role in lymphocyte immobilization in FTY720P-based therapeutics.
Radiographic evaluation of the modified Brunelli technique versus a scapholunotriquetral transosseous tenodesis technique for scapholunate dissociation.

Purpose To compare reduction of the scapholunate articulation using a transosseous tenodesis through the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum (SLT) with the modified Brunelli technique (MBT) in a cadaver model, as measured by scapholunate (SL) angle and diastasis on radiographs. Methods Twelve fresh-frozen cadaveric wrists were radiographically examined in a neutral posture, ulnar deviation, and clenched fist position. The SL angle and diastasis were recorded in each position with the SL ligament intact, after sectioning the ligament and secondary restraints, and after reconstruction by either the MBT (6 wrists) or SLT technique (6 wrists). Wrists were cycled through their maximum flexion and extension arc 100 times to simulate wrist motion after ligament sectioning and reconstruction. Results After sectioning and cycling, all wrists demonstrated radiographic evidence of SL diastasis. After ligament reconstruction and cycling, there was no statistically significant difference in diastasis in the MBT reconstructions compared with the SLT reconstructions (3.0 vs 2.4 mm). The SLT group demonstrated better maintenance of the restored SL angle than the MBT reconstructions. Conclusions In this cadaveric model, both MBT and SLT reconstructions restored anatomic parameters in the SL joint, with correction of SL diastasis and SL angle. Future studies to assess the clinical outcomes of SLT tenodesis in patients with chronic SL disruptions are important. Clinical relevance The SLT tenodesis, with a central biologic tether along the SL axis and dorsal reinforcement, may prove clinically useful.
Integrating Voting Theory and Roll Call Analysis: A Framework

Scholars of legislative studies typically use ideal point estimates from scaling procedures to test theories of legislative politics. We contend that theory and methods may be better in tegrated by directly incorporating maintained and to be tested hypotheses in the statistical model used to estimate legislator preferences. In this view of theory and estimation, formal modeling (1) provides auxiliary assumptions that serve as constraints in the estimation process, and (2) generates testable predictions. The estimation and hypothesis testing procedure uses roll call data to evaluate the validity of theoretically derived to be tested hypotheses in a world where maintained hypotheses are presumed true. We articulate the approach using the language of statistical inference (both frequentist and Bayesian). The approach is demonstrated in analyses of the well-studied Powell amendment to the federal aid-to-education bill in the 84th House and the Compromise of 1790 in the 1 st House.
Anomalous stimulation of protein synthesis: evidence for translational control in primary cells.

Chick cells in primary culture synthesize protein at an accelerated rate following recovery from prolonged (2-12 hr) inhibition of protein synthesis. This ‘overshoot’ is followed by a return to the normal rate of synthesis. Both actinomycin and fluorophenylalanine provided during the recovery period enhance the ‘overshoot’ and prevent the return to normal. The results are consistent with the proposal that protein synthesis is restricted by an inhibitor or ‘governor’, itself a protein of relatively short half life. Neither L nor HeLa cells demonstrate an ‘overshoot’ during the recovery phase.
Ferritin as a model for developing 3rd generation nano architecture organic/inorganic hybrid photo catalysts for energy conversion

Solar power is the best option to replace fossil fuels to meet global energy demands. Current photovoltaic and artificial photosynthetic systems require improvements and include the development of: 1) inexpensive, abundant, non-toxic charge separation catalysts that absorb visible light; 2) stable catalysts with high turnover numbers that possess self-healing mechanisms to prevent photo corrosion; 3) catalysts capable of oxidizing a broad range of electron donors; and 4) hybrid organic/inorganic nano architectures that bridge charge flow from electron donors to electron acceptors. The ferritin nanocage is a model system of such an organic/inorganic hybrid catalyst capable of overcoming these photochemical limitations.
Timing matters: corticosterone injections 4 h before ovulation bias sex ratios towards females in chickens

Birds have the ability to influence offspring sex prior to egg laying and may use hormones to mediate these skews. Corticosterone is of particular interest as a mediator of offspring sex because, as the primary stress hormone in birds, it regulates responses to environmental and social stimuli that trigger sex ratio biases. In previous studies in birds, chronic elevations of corticosterone stimulated female-biased sex ratios while acute pharmacological elevations that were provided 5 h prior to the expected time of ovulation stimulated male-biased sex ratios. Here, we aimed to determine the magnitude of corticosterone necessary to influence offspring sex and to further pinpoint the timing of the hormonal influence. Because high-dose injections of corticosterone stimulated male-biased sex ratios in hens, we hypothesized that females receiving acute pharmacological elevations of corticosterone would produce more male offspring while females with acute physiological elevations would produce an intermediate proportion of males compared to controls. We tested our hypotheses in laying hens by elevating corticosterone in the physiological or pharmacological range through injections of corticosterone administered 4 or 5 h prior to the expected time of ovulation. Contrary to our hypothesis, a physiological dose of corticosterone provided 5 h prior to the expected time of ovulation did not bias offspring sex ratios when compared to controls. Further, when corticosterone injections were given at 4 h prior to the expected time of ovulation, sex ratios were instead biased towards females. These results suggest that the timing and magnitude of the corticosterone elevation are both critical not only to whether a sex ratio bias occurs, but also the direction of the bias.
Site-directed Spin Labeling and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Determination of Vimentin Head Domain Structure

Intermediate filament (IF) proteins have been predicted to have a conserved tripartite domain structure consisting of a largely α-helical central rod domain, flanked by head and tail domains. However, crystal structures have not been reported for any IF or IF protein. Although progress has been made in determining central rod domain structure, no structural data have been reported for either the head or tail domains. We used site-directed spin labeling and electron paramagnetic resonance to analyze 45 different spin labeled mutants spanning the head domain of vimentin. The data, combined with results from a previous study, provide strong evidence that the polypeptide backbones of the head domains form a symmetric dimer of closely apposed backbones that fold back onto the rod domain, imparting an asymmetry to the dimer. By following the behavior of spin labels during the process of in vitro assembly, we show that head domain structure is dynamic, changing as a result of filament assembly. Finally, because the vimentin head domain is the major site of the phosphorylation that induces disassembly at mitosis, we studied the effects of phosphorylation on head domain structure and demonstrate that phosphorylation drives specific head domain regions apart. These data provide the first evidence-based model of IF head domain structure.
Danger signals and nonself entity of tumor antigen are both required for eliciting effective immune responses against HER-2/neu positive mammary carcinoma: implications for vaccine design.

Using parental FVB mice and their neu transgenic counterparts, FVBN202, we showed for the first time that dangerous hyperplasia of mammary epithelial cells coincided with breaking immunological tolerance to the neu “self” tumor antigen, though such immune responses failed to prevent formation of spontaneous neu-overexpressing mammary carcinoma (MMC) or reject transplanted MMC in FVBN202 mice. On the other hand, neu-specific immune responses appeared to be effective against MMC in parental FVB mice because of the fact that rat neu protein was seen as “nonself” antigen in these animals and the protein was dangerously overexpressed in MMC. Interestingly, low/intermediate expression of the neu “nonself” protein in tumors induced immune responses but such immune responses failed to reject the tumor in FVB mice. Our results showed that self–nonself (SNS) entity of a tumor antigen or danger signal alone, while may equally induce an antigen-specific immune response, will not warrant the efficacy of immune responses against tumors. On the other hand, entity of antigen in the context of dangerous conditions, i.e. abnormal/dangerous overexpression of the neu nonself protein, will warrant effective anti-tumor immune responses in FVB mice. This unified “danger-SNS” model suggests focusing on identification of naturally processed cryptic or mutated epitopes, which are considered semi-nonself by the host immune system, along with novel dangerous adjuvant in vaccine design.
D-Trp-6-luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone inhibits hyperprolactinemia in female rats.

The effect of a potent agonistic LHRH analog D-Trp-6-LHRH on the hyperprolactinemia induced by haloperidol was tested in intact and ovariectomized female rats. The administration of D-Trp-6-LHRH at two dose levels (5 and 50 μg/day) for 20 days blocked the increase in serum PRL induced by haloperidol in intact as well as ovariectomized rats. The pituitary PRL concentration was also decreased by the administration of the analog in intact, but not ovariectomized, rats. Serum LH levels were significantly increased and the pituitary LH concentration was reduced by D-Trp-6-LHRH in intact rats. In ovariectomized rats, D-Trp-6-LHRH decreased serum as well as pituitary LH levels compared with levels in control rats. Another in uivo model to induce hyperprolactinemia consisted of grafting anterior pituitary glands under the kidney capsule in intact female rats. The administration of D-Trp-6-LHRH for 20 days (50 μg/day, sc) to rats bearing pituitary grafts blocked the hyperprolactinemia observed in similar animals i...
A large study reveals no association between APOE and Parkinson's disease

Abstract Background Research focusing on the role of APOE in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been largely inconclusive, creating a broad discrepancy in association studies. Objective To elucidate the role of APOE alleles in PD risk by studying a large sample size and controlling for population substructure. Patients and methods In total, 3465 case and control samples were genotyped, obtained from the NINDS Neurogenetics repository. Results No significant differences in e4 dosages exist between PD cases and controls. The frequency of e4 carriers differed slightly between cases and controls at 24% (580/2412) and 26% (270/1053), respectively. Likewise, mean dosages of APOE e2 were not significantly different between cases and controls. APOE e2 carriers were observed at a frequency of 13.6% (329/2412) among cases and 15% (158/1053) among controls. Logistic regression models evaluating PD as possibly associated with e4 or e2 carrier status and allele dosages yielded no significant results. The mean MMSE score among all PD cases was 28.35 (SD = 2.58) and memory loss was reported in only 11.9% (105/879) of cases. Linear regression models comparing MMSE scores as predicted by e4 or e2 carrier status and allele dosages were not significant. Conclusions There is no association between APOE epsilon alleles and Parkinson's disease.
Biological evaluation of imidazolium- and ammonium-based salts as HIV-1 integrase inhibitors

Ammonium- and imidazolium-based ionic salts were studied for their application as inhibitors of HIV-1 integrase (IN). These compounds were active in the inhibition of both the 3′-processing (3′-P) and strand transfer (ST) steps of the integration reaction. A correlation of activity with chain length of the alkyl substituent in both classes of ionic salts was observed.
Genotypes and phenotypes--another lesson from the hemoglobinopathies.

The behavior of Hb JP made sense only in the context of the detailed mechanisms of oxygen transport. Dr. Edward J. Benz explains how genotypic characterization was essential but hardly sufficient.
Risk Assessment in Child Protective Services: A Canonical Analysis of the Case Management Function.

This study examined the relationship between levels of risk and the patterns of service intervention in child protective services. A stratified, random sample of 239 cases from the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services was examined using canonical correlation techniques. Risk was measured using the Washington Risk Assessment Matrix while case management and service strategies were recorded from case records. Principal results indicate that three distinctive risk profiles operate in the data: older children with behavior problems, children from disadvantaged households, and children with an unemployed parent. Each can be linked to a distinctive service intervention pattern. Implications of these results for workflow management and workload are discussed as well as the implications for future research in the areas of risk assessment and case management.
Movement of Neonate Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae on Resistant and Susceptible Genotypes of Corn

Genotypes of field-grown corn, Zea mays L., known to vary in their resistance to fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), were used in a study designed to examine the movement of neonate larvae. Movement of larvae was examined on corn plants at the midwhorl (the 8th leaf; V8) stage and the late-whorl (12th leaf; V12) stage. There was little difference in the movement of larvae when they were on resistant ‘MpSWCB–4’ compared with when they were on the susceptible genotype ‘Pioneer 3369A.’ However, larvae reached the feeding sites (whorl tissue) more quickly when they were placed on the younger (upper) leaves than when they were placed on the older (lower) leaves. When larvae were collected from resistant and susceptible genotypes 24, 48, and 96 h after artificial infestation, there were consistently fewer larvae on the resistant genotype only after 96 h. Populations of larvae decreased more rapidly when the plants were infested in the late-whorl stage than when the plants were infested in the midwhorl stage.
Alterations of serotonin receptor binding in the hypothalamus following acute denervation.

Quantitative autoradiography was used to determine the effect of acute serotonergic denervation with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) on serotonin 5HT1a and 5-HT1b receptors in male rats. Seven days after intrahypothalamic 5,7-DHT injection there was a significant increase in the density of 5HT1a receptors in the ventromedial and dorsomedial hypothalamic nuclei (VMN and DMN) of male rats. In adjacent sections, 5-HT1b receptors were significantly increased only in the VMN. No changes in receptor density were observed in the lateral hypothalamic area or hippocampus even though binding of [3H]paroxetine, which labels the presynaptic transporter site, was significantly decreased in all evaluated brain regions in 5,7-DHT-treated animals. In addition to demonstrating that 5-HT1a and 5-HT1b receptors are differentially regulated in different brain areas, these results show that in the brain regions examined both 5-HT1a and 5-HT1b receptors are primarily post-synaptic.
An analysis of color change phenomena in the leaf frog, Agalychnis dacnicolor

In vivo and in vitro studies of integumental color change in the leaf frog, Agalychnis dacnicolor, are reported. A color index is established for the assessment of color change in the absence of melanophore visibility. Green leaf frogs adapt rapidly to background by controlling MSH release. Some members of the population are always brown regardless of background. Naturally brown specimens respond to localized reductions in illumination by becoming green in the affected area. Either skin or chromatophores in these areas are photosensitive. Isolated skins darkened with theophylline are not photosensitive; however, masking of areas of isolated skins prevented darkening of the masked area. Contact between skin and mask may inhibit darkening by physically preventing melanosome dispersion. Neither melanosome aggregation nor dispersion occur in isolated skins incubated in oxygen-free media. Experiments involving denervation and electrical stimulation both in vivo and in vitro fail to implicate a chromatophore control by innervation.
The Construction of a Latin American Interstate Culture of Rivalry

This paper merges constructivist theoretical insights into the rival role identity, rival role relationships, and the resulting culture of anarchy that characterizes the interstate system with rece...
Travel demand functions for Florida bound tourists

Abstract This paper postulates functions for explaining and predicting tourist traffic to Florida. Traditional demand determinants, income and price, are included in the explanatory variable set, and two specifications of the functions are considered. Attention is confined to the auto and plane modes since they account for almost all Florida tourists. The equations are formulated in compliance with specific needs of the State. The data, which cover the period 1961I–1974II, are described in detail. Estimation of the demand equations involves the forty-six quarters ending 1972II with the remaining eight quarters reserved for ex post forecasting. These forecasting results are then compared with those from four naive models. Some effects of the energy crisis appear in the findings, and implications of the analysis for that issue are briefly discussed. Because of multicollinearity the functions are estimated by ridge regression. Straightforward application of ordinary least squares leads to theoretically incorrect algebraic signs in the auto equations and general imprecision in most equations. These anomalies are eliminated by a simple transformation of the data matrix according to the ridge criterion. Models of the type examined here can provide a geographic region with information on important aspects of its tourist population. They can also aid planners in the development of policy.
Tò πλẽθος in a Treaty Concerning the Affairs of Argos, Knossos and Tylissos

Two inscriptions, one (A) found at Tylissos on Crete, the other (B) found at Argos, both dated about 450, concern relations between Argos and the Cretan towns of Knossos and its smaller neighbour, Tylissos. The close relationship between the treaties of fragment A and fragment B – and therefore the interconnection among Argos, Knossos, and Tylissos – seems generally recognized by scholars. The articles of the agreement lay down a diverse and complex set of arrangements among the three parties, but as a whole, the treaty has been interpreted in two ways: (1) the three πoλeις have entered into some sort of federal union; (2) only Argos and Knossos are signatories to the treaty, while Tylissos is a dependency of Argos. The former interpretation has gained wider acceptance than the latter, and if it is correct, just such a federal union would represent a remarkable advance in the development of Greek political institutions. In this paper we shall press a philological point based upon the information we have both from the treaty and from contemporary sources, and in so doing, we shall attempt to show that a federal union is unlikely. We shall then offer our own interpretation of the regulations governing the insular cities with regard to the formation of alliances and the declaration of friends and enemies.
Effects of burning season and frequency on saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) flowering and fruiting

Abstract Medicinal use of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) fruits in treating benign prostatic hypertrophy has driven a recent sharp increase in fruit harvesting. At the same time, saw palmetto often is considered a keystone species, serving as habitat or a food source for several hundred mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian and insect species. Due to harvesting pressure on this ecologically important, non-cultivated species, land management practices that produce environmentally sustainable harvests are needed. As part of research focusing on use of controlled burning as a management tool, we investigated effects of burning season and frequency on saw palmetto flowering and fruiting in 32 pine flatwoods sites in central and southwest Florida from 1997 to 1999. The study was conducted as two repeated measures experiments, each involving 16 sites. Each experiment included two among-subjects factors – burning season and past burning frequency – and one within-subjects factor – year – with four replications of each treatment combination. For both experiments, growing season (i.e., April–July) burns had high flowering levels the first year after burning (mean proportion of saw palmettos flowering = 0.49, n = 16 sites), but decreased the second year after burning (mean proportion flowering = 0.15, n = 16 sites), while winter (i.e., November–February) burns had intermediate levels of flowering during both the first and second years after burning (mean proportions flowering = 0.21 and 0.28 for first and second years after burning, n = 16 sites). Although most flowering occurred during April and May, flowering occurred 2–5 months after winter burns, but did not occur until 9–12 months after growing season burns. During the 1997–1998 experiment, fruit infection by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides caused a fruiting failure in all sites. During the 1998–1999 experiment, fruit yields were higher in growing season burns only in infrequently burned (i.e., burned less often than every 5 years) sites, and only in 1998 (mean fruit yields = 325 kg/ha and 0.25 kg/ha for growing season, infrequently burned sites and winter, infrequently burned sites; n = 4 sites in each group). Frequently burned (i.e., burned every 2–3 years) sites generally had low fruit yields (mean fruit yields = 163 kg/ha and 242 kg/ha for frequently burned sites in 1998 and 1999; n = 8 sites). Although controlled burning can be an effective management tool in producing economically sustainable saw palmetto fruit harvests, land managers also must consider ecological needs of other plant and animal species when planning environmentally sustainable burning regimes.
Variability in Elemental Accumulations Among Leafy Brassica oleracea Cultivars and Selections

Abstract The vegetable brassicas are consumed in part for their nutritional values of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). However, information on the genetic variability of elemental accumulation within kale and collards (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC) is limited. Therefore, 22 kale and collard cultivars and selections suitable for the northeastern United States were field grown under similar fertility regimes over two years and evaluated for elemental accumulation. Leaf tissues were analyzed using inductively coupled argon plasma–atomic emission spectrometry. Significant variability among cultivars and selections was observed for tissue Ca, Mg, K, Fe, and Zn. On average, a two-fold difference in elemental accumulation among the cultivars and selections was measured. Tissue Ca levels ranged from 1.2 (“Crimson Garden”) to 3.1% (“NZ Thousand Head”), tissue Mg ranged from 0.3 (“Crimson Garden”) to 0.6% (“NZ Thousand Head”), tissue K ranged from 2.1 (“NZ Thousand Hea...
On the Undecidability of Computing Stationary Distributions and Large Deviation Rates for Constrained Random Walks

We consider a constrained homogeneous random walk in Z+d. Such random walks are used to model various stochastic processes, most importantly multiclass Markovian queueing networks operating under state-dependent scheduling policies. These applications motivate the need to compute various performance measures, including stationary probability distributions and large deviations rates. In this paper, we show that computing the stationary probability distributions exactly is an algorithmically undecidable problem. That is no algorithm can possibly exist to solve this task. The problem remains undecidable even if a linear Lyapunov function that verifies positive recurrence of the underlying random walk is available as a part of the input. We then prove that computing large deviation rates for this model is also an undecidable problem. Specifically, we show that it is an undecidable problem to determine finiteness of large deviations rates.
Phytostabilization of mine tailings in arid and semiarid environments--an emerging remediation technology.

Mine tailings disposal sites from either inactive or abandoned mine sites are prevalent in arid and semiarid regions throughout the world. Major areas include northern Mexico and the Western United States, the Pacific coast of South America (Chile and Peru), southwestern Spain, western India, South Africa, and Australia (Munshower 1994; Tordoff et al. 2000). The global impact of such mine tailings disposal sites is enormous, as unreclaimed mining sites generally remain unvegetated for tens to hundreds of years, and exposed tailings can spread over tens of hectares via eolian dispersion and water erosion [Gonzalez and Gonzalez-Chavez 2006; Morris et al. 2003; Munshower 1994; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) 2004; Warhurst 2000]. Mine tailings, or mill tailings, are the materials remaining after extraction and beneficiation of ores. What prevents the natural revegetation of mine tailings? It is generally a combination of factors beginning with metal toxicity. Tailings are characterized by elevated concentrations of metals such as arsenic, cadmium, copper, manganese, lead, and zinc (1–50 g/kg) (Boulet and Larocque 1998; Bradshaw et al. 1978; Walder and Chavez 1995). Further, tailings contain no organic matter or macronutrients, and usually exhibit acidic pH, although some tailings may be alkaline (Johnson and Bradshaw 1977; Krzaklewski and Pietrzykowski 2002). For these reasons, tailings remain without normal soil structure and support a severely stressed heterotrophic microbial community (Mendez et al. 2007; Southam and Beveridge 1992). Hence, the microbial community is extremely low in species richness and carbon utilization diversity compared with uncontaminated soil (Moynahan et al. 2002). Furthermore, autotrophic iron- and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria dominate the microbial community in mine tailings and are associated with plant death in acidic tailings (Schippers et al. 2000). In arid and semiarid regions, plant establishment on mine tailings is further impeded by a number of physicochemical factors including extreme temperatures especially at the tailings surface, low precipitation, and high winds. These factors contribute to the development of extremely high salt concentrations ranging up to 22 dS/m due to high evaporation and low water infiltration (Munshower 1994).
Photodegradation of cellulose nitrate

Abstract Cellulose nitrate films were photolytically degraded in air and in vacuum. Crosslinking reactions took place during the early stages of the irradiation in the presence of air, with the formation of a new chromophoric system which absorbed light at 280 nm. It is evident that oxygen is necessary to effect crosslinking, and the nitrate group also appears to participate in this reaction. Denitration occurred during the process of photoirradiation. Further irradiation led to significant degradation of the crosslinked structures as well as chain scission, restructuring, yellowing and a catastrophic loss in mechanical properties. Carbonyl and aldehyde groups were formed as major products.
Discourse in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) Classrooms by DALTON–PUFFER, CHRISTIANE.

The article reviews the book "Discourse in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) Classrooms" by Christiane Dalton-Puffer.
The homing of human cord blood stem cells to sites of inflammation: unfolding mysteries of a novel therapeutic paradigm for glioblastoma multiforme.

Efficient homing of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCBSC) to inflammation sites is crucial for therapeutic use. In glioblastoma multiforme, soluble factors released by the tumor facilitate the migratory capacity of mesenchymal stem cells toward glioma cells. These factors include chemokines and growth inducers. Nonetheless, the mechanistic details of these factors involved in hUCBSC homing have not been clearly delineated. The present study is aimed to deduce specific factors involved in hUCBSC homing by utilizing a glioma stem cell-induced inflammatory lesion model in the mouse brain. Our results show that hUCBSC do not form tumors in athymic nude mice brains and do not elicit immune responses in immunocompetent SKH1 mice. Further, hUCBSC spheroids migrate and invade glioma spheroids, while no effect was observed on rat fetal brain aggregates. Several cytokines, including GRO, MCP-1, IL-8, IL-3, IL-10, Osteopontin and TGF-β2, were constitutively secreted in the naive hUCBSC-condition...
Valence density functionals.

Since the inception of Density Functional Theory (DFT) the remarkable success of the Local Density Approximation (LDA) has been difficult to improve in a systematic way. Originally Hohenberg, Kohn and Sham introduced LDA as the first term in a gradient expansion of the exchange-correlation energy functional[1]. It success in a wide variety of systems, such as atoms molecules and solids[2, 3], was somewhat surprising, since the density gradients are not small. The accuracy of LDA was attributed to the sum rules which it satisfies[4] and to the range of validity of the small gradient approximation being larger than expected[5, 6]. Well defined gradient expansions[7] were carried out, however the most accurate numerical results for real systems require either a semi-empirical approach[8] or a detailed model for the exchange-correlation hole[9]. A large number of exact constraints have also been placed upon the possible functionals which are beginning to lead to more systematic improvements[10].
A Method Based on Radiative Cooling for Detecting Structural Changes in Undercooled Metallic Liquids

We introduce a structure-sensitive parameter for undercooled melts which can be measured in containerless processing experiments. We have established that the ratio, R(T), of hemispherical total emissivity epsilon(sub T)(T) to constant-pressure specific heat c(sub p)(T) can serve as an indicator which is sensitive to any changes in short range atomic order in undercooled metallic melts. R(T) (triple bonds) epsilon(sub T)(T)/c(sub p)(T) values for nickel, zirconium, and silicon have been obtained using the high temperature electrostatic levitator while the levitated melts were undergoing purely radiative cooling into the deeply undercooled region. R(T) plots for undercooled liquid nickel and zirconium indicate no significant change in short-range structure from their melting temperatures to 15% undercooling. In contrast, liquid silicon shows marked short-range structural changes beginning above its melting temperature and extending throughout the undercooled region. The short-range structure of liquid silicon is related to the highly-directional covalent bonding which characterizes its solid form. The nickel and zirconium data show that epsilon(sub T) varies linearly with T, in support of metal emissivity theories.
Micromachined Micro-Optic and Optoelectronic Devices

Rencent progress on micromachined micro-optic and optoelectronic devices is discussed. We describe a low temperature (240°C) surface micromachining process that can be used to fabricate a variety of micro-optic components on micromachined membranes integrated with microactuators. The devices discussed in this paper include Fabry-Perot tunable filters with a 341 nm tuning range, wavelength tunable transmitters at 1.55 micron wavelength, high-sensitivity integrated sensors using optical Moire patterns, and movable microlenses. Such devices represent a new class of micro-optic circuits that will find important applications in many areas including optical communication and sensing.
Fecal Carriage of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus in Healthy Children

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) present major challenges (1-4).…