cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An approximate dynamic programming approach for a product distribution problem

This paper proposes an approximate dynamic programming-based method for optimizing the distribution operations of a company manufacturing a certain product in numerous plants and distributing it to different regional markets for sale. The production at each plant and in each time period follows a nonstationary stochastic process. The product can be stored at the plants or be shipped to a regional market to serve the random demand. The proposed solution method formulates the problem as a dynamic program and uses approximations of the value function. We develop a tractable procedure to compute the marginal worth of a unit of inventory at a production plant. This quantity is used to update the value function approximations in an iterative improvement scheme. We numerically show that our method yields high quality solutions. Contributed by the Supply Chains/Production-Inventory Systems Department
Flocculation reactions in rabbits experimentally infected with Trichinella spiralis.

been widely used in immunologic studies on trichinosis since Strobel (1911) first demonstrated specific antibodies in infected rabbits. The appearance of precipitins in rabbit serum was described by Bachman (1929) as occurring as early as 5 days after the animals had ingested trichinous meat. Aikawa and associates (1951) reported the first appearance of precipitins on the 11th day after infection, Trawinski and Maternowska (1934) on the 13th day, and
Brainstem serotonergic hyperinnervation modifies behavioral supersensitivity to 5-hydroxytryptophan in the rat

Abstract Rat pups were injected intracisternally (i.c.) or intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) or saline and challenged 2 and 14 weeks later with the 5-HT precursor, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which evokes behavioral supersensitivity in adult rats. 5,7-DHT induced transient postinjection convulsions in rats injected i.c. but not i.p. Rats with either type of 5,7-DHT lesions displayed supersensitive behavioral responses to 5-HTP. However, rats lesioned by i.p. injections exhibited significantly greater shaking behavior (+1445%) in response to 5-HTP than their i.c. counterparts, who instead showed more forepaw myoclonus (+250%) and head weaving (+270%), the core features of the 5-HT syndrome. Differences in 5-HT syndrome behaviors were already present 2 weeks after lesioning, whereas the difference in shaking behavior was not. After 14 weeks, 5-HT was selectively depleted (−43 to −92%) in hippocampus, spinal cord, and frontal cortex, and differences between i.c. and i.p. 5,7-DHT routeswere insignificant except in frontal cortex. Brainstem 5-HT concentrations were significantly increased (+35%) after i.p. 5,7-DHT injections in contrast to reduction (−89%) after i.c. 5,7-DHT; 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid/5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HIAA/5-HT) ratios were decreased (−20%) with either route. These data suggest that brainstem 5-HT hyperinnervation following i.p. 5,7-DHT injection modifies the functional consequences of injury in abating the 5-HT syndrome, but does not result in complete recovery since shaking behavior is enhanced. Loss of presynaptically mediated autoregulation or receptor dysregulation may play a major role in behavioral supersensitivity induced by 5-HTP in rats with 5,7-DHT lesions. To the extent that the 5-HT syndrome is mediated by 5-HT 1A , receptors and shaking behavior by 5-HT 2 sites, differential responses to injury of 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 2 receptors may contribute to these behavioral differences.
Designed Dendrimer Syntheses by Self-Assembly of Single-Site, ssDNA Functionalized Dendrons

Single site, functionalized, single stranded (ssDNA) dendri-poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) di-dendrons have been synthesized by covalently conjugating complementary 32 base pair oligonucleotides to single-site, thiol functionalized dendri-PAMAM di-dendrons possessing neutral or anionic surface groups. Combining these complementary (ss-DNA) functionalized PAMAM di-dendrons at appropriate assembly temperatures produced Watson−Crick base paired (dsDNA) cores, surrounded by four PAMAM dendrons. These novel core−shell nanostructures represent a new class of precise monodisperse, linear-dendritic architectural copolymers. Using comparative gel electrophoresis, it was demonstrated that these self-assembled (di-dendron) dendrimers could be hemispherically differentiated as a function of surface chemistry as well as generational size. This new supramacromolecular approach offers a very facile and versatile strategy for the combinatorial design of size, shape, and surface substituents for both homogeneous and differentia...
Gray matter structure and morphosyntax within a spoken narrative in typically developing children and children with high functioning autism.

This study examined the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–based measures of gray matter structure and morphosyntax production in a spoken narrative in 17 typical children (TD) and 11 children with high functioning autism (HFA) between 6 and 13 years of age. In the TD group, cortical structure was related to narrative performance in the left inferior frontal gyrus (Broca's area), the right middle frontal sulcus, and the right inferior temporal sulcus. No associations were found in children with HFA. These findings suggest a systematic coupling between brain structure and spontaneous language in TD children and a disruption of these relationships in children with HFA.
Structure-based drug design

Most of the techniques used in structure-based drug design have experienced significant improvements in the past few years, resulting in a marked enhancement of the speed and the efficacy of this approach. At the same time, it was thought that the future of drug design lay in strategies involving solely combinatorial chemistry. It is becoming evident, however, that the development of future drugs will use a combination of methods that will contain a major component of structure-based design.
The relationship between adult sexual adjustment and childhood experiences regarding exposure to nudity, sleeping in the parental bed, and parental attitudes toward sexuality

The relationship between adult sexual functioning and childhood experiences with exposure to nudity, sleeping in the parents' bed, and parental attitudes toward sexuality was examined. Although a variety of experts have provided their opinion on this issue, empirical research on this topic has been lacking. In this study, male and female college students were asked to retrospectively report on the frequency of sleeping in the parental bed as a child, the frequency of seeing others nude during childhood, and parental attitudes regarding sexuality. Information on current sexual functioning and adjustment was also obtained. The results suggest that childhood experiences with exposure to nudity and sleeping in the parental bed are not adversely related to adult sexual functioning and adjustment. In fact, there is modest support that these childhood experiences are positively related to indices of adjustment. Results also suggest that a positive attitude toward sexuality can be beneficial for a child's comfort with his/her sexuality. Finally, examination of gender differences revealed that male and female experience paternal attitudes toward sexuality differently but are similar in their perceptions of maternal attitudes.
The superheated drop detector

Abstract The Superheated Drop Detector (SDD) is a new tool for radiation spectrometry, area monitoring, and dosimetry that may find use in nuclear science, safety, and medicine. It is based on the principle of the bubble chamber, but unlike the bubble chamber, offers continuous radiation sensitivity, portability and adaptability, direct reading capability, and low cost. Moderately superheated drop detectors are insensitive to gamma rays and X-rays for energies less than 6 MeV, but sensitive to fast neutrons and have an energy threshold that can be adjusted by varying temperature, pressure, or drop composition.
Control of template specificity of E. coli RNA polymerase by a phage-coded protein.

The protein specified by the T7 phage gene I co-purifies with the RNA polymerase from phage infected E. coli. It also determines the fidelity of template strand selection during in vitro RNA synthesis with T7 DNA as template.
Measure transformed canonical correlation analysis with application to financial data

In this paper, a new nonlinear generalization of linear canonical correlation analysis (LCCA) is derived. This framework, called measure transformed canonical correlation analysis (MTCCA), applies LCCA to the considered pair of random vectors after transformation of their joint probability distribution. The proposed transform is structured by a pair of nonnegative functions called the MT-functions. It preserves statistical independence and maps the joint probability distribution into a set of joint probability measures on the joint observation space. Specification of MT-functions in the exponential family, leads to MTCCA, which, in contrast to LCCA, is capable of detecting nonlinear dependencies. In the paper, MTCCA is illustrated for recovery of a nonlinear system with known structure, and for construction of networks that analyze long-term associations between companies traded in the NASDAQ and NYSE stock markets.
Syntheses of the opioid substructures 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-2,6-methano-3-benzazocine and 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-methano-1H-2-benzazepine

Abstract Concise syntheses of 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-2,6-methano-3-benzazocine (12) and 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-methano-1H-2-benzazepine (18) are described and involve an intramolecular Friedel–Crafts alkylation and an intramolecular Heck cyclization as their respective key ring-forming steps.
Effect of 5-FU substitution and mutation on Sm protein binding to human U4 snRNA.

ABSTRACT The effects of native and non-native nucleotide substitution on the binding of Sm proteins to human U4 snRNA were investigated to determine if the Sm site was a likely target for the RNA-mediated effects of the anticancer drug 5-FU, and other nucleoside analogues. The Sm binding site of human U4 snRNA was prepared by in vitro transcription, and Sm protein binding was assessed using gel mobility shift assays. The U4:Sm RNA:protein complex was identified by immunoprecipitation with the Sm-specific Y12 antibody. The effects of 5-FU substitution were assessed by including FUTP in the in vitro transcription reactions. The effects of native nucleotide substitution were assessed by mutagenesis. Deletion mutants were used to assess the relative importance of the two stem-loops that flank the Sm binding site for protein binding. Point mutation (U→G) to the 5′-Urd in the Sm site reduced Sm protein binding while similar point mutation to the 3′-Urd had a lesser effect. Mutation (U→G) of all Urd in the Sm si...
New Product Quality and Product Development Teams

Abstract New product quality has been found to have a major influence on the market success and profitability of a new product. Firms are increasingly using cross-functional teams for product development in hopes of improving product quality, yet researchers know little about how such teams affect quality. The author proposes and tests a series of hypotheses regarding how new product quality is affected by team characteristics (functional diversity and information integration) and contextual influences (time pressure, product innovativeness from the firm’s perspective, customers’ influence on the product development process, and quality orientation in the firm). The findings reveal that quality is positively related to information integration in the team, customers’ influence on the product development process, and quality orientation in the firm. New product quality is negatively influenced by the innovativeness of the new product from the firm’s perspective. However, information integration mitigates th...
New Evidence for New Arguments: Money and Advertising in the 1996 Senate Elections

We present an individual-level analysis of the effects of campaign advertising on vote choice in the 1996 Senate elections. Drawing on a unique data set that merges the 1996 National Election Study with detailed satellite tracking data showing when, where, and how many times every. Senate campaign ad was aired in each of the nation's top media markets, we develop an alternative measure of media exposure and a different way of measuring the effect of campaign spending. We use this new approach to address long-standing questions about the effect of political advertising and the role of campaign spending in congressional elections. This cleaner measure yields results contrary to some of the conventional wisdom on the effect of campaign spending.
Characterization of the canine mda-7 gene, transcripts and expression patterns.

Human melanoma differentiation associated gene-7/interleukin-24 (mda-7/IL-24) displays potent growth suppressing and cell killing activity against a wide variety of human and rodent cancer cells. In this study, we identified a canine ortholog of the human mda-7/IL-24 gene located within a cluster of IL-10 family members on chromosome 7. The full-length mRNA sequence of canine mda-7 was determined, which encodes a 186-amino acid protein that has 66% similarity to human MDA-7/IL-24. Canine MDA-7 is constitutively expressed in cultured normal canine epidermal keratinocytes (NCEKs), and its expression levels are increased after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. In cultured NCEKs, the canine mda-7 pre-mRNA is differentially spliced, via exon skipping and alternate 5′-splice donor sites, to yield five splice variants (canine mda-7sv1, canine mda-7sv2, canine mda-7sv3, canine mda-7sv4 and canine mda-7sv5) that encode four protein isoforms of the canine MDA-7 protein. These protein isoforms have a conserved N-terminus (signal peptide sequence) and are dissimilar in amino acid sequences at their C-terminus. Canine MDA-7 is not expressed in primary canine tumor samples, and most tumor derived cancer cell lines tested, like its human counterpart. Unlike human MDA-7/IL-24, canine mda-7 mRNA is not expressed in unstimulated or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), concanavalin A (ConA) or phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Furthermore, in-silico analysis revealed that canonical canine MDA-7 has a potential 28 amino acid signal peptide sequence that can target it for active secretion. This data suggests that canine mda-7 is indeed an ortholog of human mda-7/IL-24, its protein product has high amino acid similarity to human MDA-7/IL-24 protein and it may possess similar biological properties to human MDA-7/IL-24, but its expression pattern is more restricted than its human ortholog.
Food Web Pathway Determines How Selenium Affects Aquatic Ecosystems: A San Francisco Bay Case Study

Chemical contaminants disrupt ecosystems, but specific effects may be under-appreciated when poorly known processes such as uptake mechanisms, uptake via diet, food preferences, and food web dynamics are influential. Here we show that a combination of food web structure and the physiology of trace element accumulation explain why some species in San Francisco Bay are threatened by a relatively low level of selenium contamination and some are not. Bivalves and crustacean zooplankton form the base of two dominant food webs in estuaries. The dominant bivalve Potamocorbula amurensis has a 10-fold slower rate constant of loss for selenium than do common crustaceans such as copepods and the mysid Neomysis mercedis (rate constant of loss, ke = 0.025, 0.155, and 0.25 d(-1), respectively). The result is much higher selenium concentrations in the bivalve than in the crustaceans. Stable isotope analyses show that this difference is propagated up the respective food webs in San Francisco Bay. Several predators of bivalves have tissue concentrations of selenium that exceed thresholds thought to be associated with teratogenesis or reproductive failure (liver Se >15 microg g(-1) dry weight). Deformities typical of selenium-induced teratogenesis were observed in one of these species. Concentrations of selenium in tissues of predators of zooplankton are less than the thresholds. Basic physiological and ecological processes can drive wide differences in exposure and effects among species, but such processes are rarely considered in traditional evaluations of contaminant impacts.
The Impact of a Massive Transfusion Protocol on Outcomes Among Patients with Abdominal Aortic Injuries

Background Injuries of the abdominal aorta are uncommon and associated with a high mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of an institutional massive transfusion protocol (MTP) on outcomes in patients with injuries of the abdominal aorta. Methods A 12.5-year retrospective analysis of a Level 1 trauma center database to identify patients with abdominal aortic injuries was conducted. Demographics, associated injuries and severity, operative procedures, resuscitation requirements, and outcomes were compared among patients before and after implementation of an MTP. Results Of the 46 patients with abdominal aortic injuries, 29 (63%) were in the pre-MTP group and 17 (37%) were in the post-MTP group. The mean age of the entire cohort was 32 ± 17 years and the two most common mechanisms of injury were gunshot wounds (63%) followed by motor vehicle collisions (24%). Thirteen patients (28%) underwent an emergency department thoracotomy and 11 patients (24%) sustained concomitant inferior vena cava injuries. There was a significant reduction in the volume of pre- and intraoperative crystalloids administered between the pre- and post-MTP groups. Intraoperatively, the use of tranexamic acid was increased in the post-MTP group (P Conclusions Abdominal aortic injuries continue to represent a challenge and remain associated with a high mortality. Modern improvements in damage control resuscitation techniques including implementation of an institutional MTP may improve outcomes in patients with these injuries.
Dynamic affinity chromatography in the separation of sulfated lignins binding to thrombin

Sulfated low molecular weight lignins (LMWLs), a mixture of chemo-enzymatically prepared oligomers, have been found to be potent antagonists of coagulation. However, structures that induce anticoagulation remain unidentified. The highly polar sulfate groups on these molecules and the thousands of different structures present in these mixtures make traditional chromatographic resolution of sulfated LMWLs difficult. We performed dynamic thrombin affinity chromatography monitored using chromogenic substrate hydrolysis assay to isolate sulfated LMWL fractions that differed significantly in their biophysical and biochemical properties. Three fractions, I(35), I(55) and Peak II, were isolated from the starting complex mixture. Independent plasma clotting assays suggested that I(35) possessed good anticoagulation potential (APTT=4.2μM; PT=6.8μM), while I(55) and Peak II were approximately 10- and 100-fold less potent. The ESI-MS spectrum of this oligomeric fraction showed multiple peaks at 684.8, 610.6, 557.4, 541.4, 536.5, and 519.4m/z, which most probably arise from variably functionalized β-O4β-β-linked trimers and/or a β-O4β-O4-linked dimers. The first direct observation of these structures in sulfated LMWLs will greatly assist in the discovery of more potent sulfated LMWL-based anticoagulants.
Influence of diurnal heating on stratification and residual circulation of Georges Bank

[1] The influence of the diurnal heat flux on summer stratification and residual circulation over Georges Bank was examined using a three-dimensional primitive equation numerical circulation model. For a given spatially uniform and time-varying heat flux the model results show that the surface water is heated much faster on the southern flank than on the northern flank and much faster in the stratified region than in the mixed region. Heating significantly strengthens the tidal mixing front and intensifies the frontward convergence near the surface. As seasonal stratification develops, the location of the tidal mixing front gradually shifts on bank on the southern flank, while remaining almost unchanged on the northern flank. Response of the tidal currents to the diurnal variation in the heat flux varies across Georges Bank. It changes periodically with tidal cycles on the southern flank but is locked to the phase of the eastward tidal current on the northern flank. This phase-lock feature directly contributes to the intensification of the along-bank residual current jet on the northern flank. Diagnostic analysis suggests that this intensification is mainly caused by the heat-enhanced, cross-bank momentum flux. Modelcomputed variations of near-surface temperature and residual currents are in good agreement with satellite-derived sea surface temperature data and drifter measurements. INDEX TERMS: 4219 Oceanography: General: Continental shelf processes; 4227 Oceanography: General: Diurnal, seasonal, and annual cycles; 4255 Oceanography: General: Numerical modeling; 4279 Oceanography: General: Upwelling and convergences; 4528 Oceanography: Physical: Fronts and jets; KEYWORDS: heat flux, tidal mixing front, residual current, stratification, frontward convergence
Mapping the distribution of materials in hyperspectral data using the USGS Material Identification and Characterization Algorithm (MICA)

Identifying materials by measuring and analyzing their reflectance spectra has been an important method in analytical chemistry for decades. Airborne and space-based imaging spectrometers allow scientists to detect materials and map their distributions across the landscape. With new satellite-borne hyperspectral sensors planned for the future, for example, HYSPIRI (HYPerspectral InfraRed Imager), robust methods are needed to fully exploit the information content of hyperspectral remote sensing data. A method of identifying and mapping materials using spectral-feature based analysis of reflectance data in an expert-system framework called MICA (Material Identification and Characterization Algorithm) is described in this paper. The core concepts and calculations of MICA are presented. A MICA command file has been developed and applied to map minerals in the full-country coverage of the 2007 Afghanistan HyMap hyperspectral data.
Predicting intertidal organism temperatures with modified land surface models

Abstract Animals and plants in the marine intertidal zone live at the interface between terrestrial and marine environments. This zone is likely to be a sensitive indicator of the effects of climate change in coastal ecosystems, because of several key characteristics including steep environmental gradients, rapid temperature changes during tide transitions, fierce competition for limited space, and a community of mostly sessile organisms. Here we describe a modular modeling approach using modifications to a meteorological land surface model to determine body temperatures of the ecologically dominant rocky intertidal mussel Mytilus californianus , as a tool that can be used as a proxy for ecological performance. We validate model results against in situ measurements made with biomimetic body temperature sensors. Model predictions lie within the range of variability of biomimetic measurements, based on observations over a 4-year period at sites along 1700 km of the US west coast from southern California (34.5°N) to northern Washington (48.4°N). Our modular approach can be easily applied to many situations in the intertidal zone, including bare rock, mussel, barnacle, and algal beds, salt-marsh grasses, and sand- and mud-flats, by modifying the “vegetation layer” in a standard meteorological land surface model. Biophysical models such as these, which link ecological processes to changing climates through predictions of body temperature, are essential for understanding biogeographic patterns of physiological stress and mortality risk.
Validation and experiment plans for a space based hyperspectral imaging system

The Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/VS) has partnered with Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC) to complement the commercial satellite's high-resolution panchromatic imaging and Multispectral imaging (MSI) systems with a moderate resolution Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) camera titled Warfighter-1 (WF-1). The program is an advanced technology demonstration utilizing a commercially based space capability to provide unique functionality in remote sensing technology with spectral-spatial data across the visible, near-infrared, and shortwave infrared spectral regions. The HSI system will be able to detect and classify spectral features and anomalies from the spectral signature measured by the HSI camera. A comprehensive effort is underway to characterize, calibrate and validate the Warfighter-1 sensor, processing and exploitation products. Validation efforts and selected sites, which focus on the evaluation of target detection and terrain classification algorithms, are discussed.
Effect of electroconvulsive shock on inhibition of an active avoidance response

After a series of 0, 8, or 16 electroconvulsive shock (ECS) treatments, rats were trained to make an active avoidance response from the left side of a two-compartment box to the right side, in order to avoid foot shock. Following criterion performance, punishment-extinction began, whereby S received foot shock in the right compartment. Neither 8 nor 16 ECS treatments had an effect on acquisition of the active avoidance response and 8 convulsive treatments did not impair inhibition of the response during punishment-extinction. However, Ss given 16 ECS’s were significantly inferior to controls in inhibiting the previously learned response. Results were interpreted in terms of impairment of the neural system underlying freezing behavior, produced by the 16 ECS treatments.
A Rapid DNA Minipreparation Method Suitable for AFLP and Other PCR Applications

A rapid DNA minipreparation method was developed for rice and other plant species. This method uses an Eppendorf tube and 1-ml pipette tip to grind plant tissues, and requires only one transfer for DNA isolation. In a single day, one person can complete DNA isolation from more than 120 leaf samples. The yields of the DNA samples ranged from 2.3 to 5.2 mg from 25-50 mg fresh leaf tissue. DNA samples extracted using this method from rice were completely digested with five restriction enzymes ( Eco RI ,Eco RV ,Hind III, Mse Ia nd Pst I) and were successfully used for AFLP and other PCR applications.
A new digital controller for a single stage Bi-flyback PFC converter

The single-stage Bi-flyback PFC topology proposed in [1] has several advantages on efficiency, power density and cost. This paper adopts this topology, applying a new digital controller to improve power factor and lower the harmonic distortion. The proposed control structure relies on an adaptive digital algorithm without the need of sampling the input current. Moreover, it can adapt the loop compensation design based on the mode of operation within the line cycle. Such features are absent in present analog controllers, and can overcome the drawbacks of single stage topologies and their control complexity. Derived equations of the Bi-flyback PFC converter are used to implement the controller algorithm in simulation, and verified the feasibility of the proposed control method. A 100W and 20V prototype is used to experimentally verify the controller algorithm performance.
Infinite phased dipole array

By means of a Poisson sum formula and an integral-equation technique, an accurate solution for an infinite phased dipole array is obtained. The elements of the array are spaced uniformly and are excited with increasing phases. The technique can be applied to an infinite collinear array and to an infinite planar array either in free space or over a ground plane. The integral equation is solved both by a Fourier method and by an approximate five-term procedure. It is found that the latter is as good as the former. The current distributions and the active admittances are investigated.
OBSTRUCTIVE UROPATHY IN THE MALE

BPH is not synonymous with prostatic obstruction. The cause of symptoms in men with prostatism is multifactorial, comprising four conditions: (1) prostatic urethral obstruction, (2) impaired detrusor contractility, (3) detrusor instability, and (4) sensory urgency. Some men have an isolated obstruction at the vesical neck, termed primary vesical neck obstruction, that may have a different cause from that of BPH, and others have a learned voiding dysfunction wherein they are unable to relax completely during micturition. There is no simple means of distinguishing the various conditions that underlie voiding symptoms in men. Neither simple cystometry nor uroflow suffice. Detrusor pressure and uroflow studies usually are definitive, but more sophisticated analysis may be necessary.
Grain-Scale Strain and Orientation Measurements during Electromigration in Al Conductor Lines by Synchrotron X-Ray Microbeam Diffraction

Al conductor lines, with Ti-Al top and bottom layers and SiO2 passivation, were stressed with current density 1.5 × 106 A/cm2at 190°C, and the strains developed during electromigration were measured in-situ by white and monochromatic beam synchrotron x-ray microdiffraction. Grain-scale deviatoric strain measurements with 0.4µm beam size and perpendicular full strain measurements with 1.0µm beam size were made repeatedly during electromigration. A strong strain gradient developed along the upstream half of the conductor lines during electromigration, although no resistance changes, voids or extrusions were seen. Orientation maps showed near-bamboo grain structure. Results from an approximate analytic model, using the Eshelby inclusion theory, are consistent with the measurement results for late-stage electromigration-induced strains.
Waves observed upstream of interplanetary shocks

The properties of the waves that are present upstream of interplanetary, collisionless, quasi-parallel shocks are described. Two types of such waves have been detected, a higher frequency whistler mode wave and a lower frequency fast mode MHD wave. Both are typically circular or elliptically polarized right-hand waves which propagate along the ambient magnetic field with a 15 deg angle cone. The high frequency waves have sufficient group velocities to outrun the shock, and may be generated by cyclotron resonance with 100 eV to 1 keV shock electrons. The lower frequency waves must be generated locally by particles upstream of the shock, probably by 1-10 keV ions flowing away from the shock. Distinct changes in the spectra of upstream waves as a function of distance from the shock have been noted.
Collagen Sponge as a Topical Hemostatic Agent in Mucogingival Surgery

Hemorrhage from palatal donor sites during periodontal mucogingival surgery was controlled by application of Collastat absorbable collagen hemostatic sponges. The use of collagen sponges was evaluated in 20 free-graft cases. In contrast to microfibrillar collagen, which is normally delivered as clumps of material, a Collastat sponge was applied as a single piece that maintained structural integrity even when wet and was easy to maneuver into place. The highly porous sponges conformed to the wound, absorbed fluid and produced consistently reliable hemostasis with no secondary bleeding. By stemming the seepage of blood into the throat, patient safety and comfort were improved. The sponges were left on the wounds and removed at the 1-week postoperative visit, revealing well-formed granulation tissue. Healing proceeded normally with no evidence of infection, tissue reaction or other adverse effects.
Wirelessly-Charged UHF Tags for Sensor Data Collection

We present the WISP passive data logger (PDL), an RFID sensor data logging platform that relies on a new, wirelessly-charged power model. A PDL has no battery yet (unlike a passive sensor tag) is able to collect data while away from an RFID reader. A PDL senses and logs data using energy stored in a capacitor; the capacitor can be wirelessly recharged (unlike active tags), and data can be uploaded whenever the PDL is near a reader. Standard EPC generation 2 readers are used for WISP-PDL charging, ID-reading, and sensor data transfer. This allows WISP-PDLs to operate using commercial RFID readers as the only support infrastructure (for both data and power), and allows WISP-PDLs to co-exist with standard RFID tags. We describe the design and implementation of a prototype WISP-PDL, and report results from a short demonstration study that shows it can monitor the temperature and fullness of a milk carton as it is used over the course of a day.
AT THE CENTRE OF KIERKEGAARD: AN OBJECTIVE ABSURDITY

No one doubts that Kierkegaard's Concluding Unscientific Postscript is one of the most important, one of the most artistically contrived, and certainly one of the wittiest works in the history of philosophy. Further, the Postscript has often been accorded a kind of centrality in the Kierkegaardian corpus. Kierkegaard himself seems to have assigned it some such role. He informs the reader in the ‘First and Last Declaration’ that he originally intended the Postscript to be his last word before retiring from his authorship (hence part of the significance of the word ‘concluding’). In The Point of View for My Work as an Author he himself calls it both ‘the turning-point’ (repeatedly) and ‘the middle point’ in the sense that ‘this work concerns itself with and sets “the Problem”, which is the problem of the whole authorship: how to become a Christian’. Aside from the way in which Kierkegaard may have conceived the Postscript as being central or pivotal to his whole enterprise, certainly scholars have sometimes treated the Postscript as, at least in some ways, his magnum opus and summum verbum – as I would also. But our concern here is not with the centrality of the Postscript but with the centrality within the Postscript. Most everyone would, I think, acknowledge that a central section of the Postscript may be identified, though I would go farther and claim that within this a central, pivotal, solitary statement may be identified.
Addiction and Cue-Triggered Decision Processes.

We propose a model of addiction based on three premises: (1) use among addicts is frequently a mistake; (2) experience sensitizes an individual to environmental cues that trigger mistaken usage; (3) addicts understand and manage their susceptibilities. We argue that these premises find support in evidence from psychology, neuroscience, and clinical practice. The model is tractable and generates a plausible mapping between behavior and the characteristics of the user, substance, and environment. It accounts for a number of important patterns associated with addiction, gives rise to a clear welfare standard, and has novel implications for policy.
Comparison of line and continuous sources in atomic absorption spectrophotometry

Abstract Expressions are given for the absorption signal (absorbance or fraction absorbed) in atomic absorption spectrophotometry with a line source and a continuous source, respectively. A theoretical and experimental comparison is made between the shape of the working curves, the magnitude of the signals, and the limits of detection in both cases. The significance of the spectral bandwidth of the monochromator and the absorption line profile is discussed. With a good medium-dispersion monochromator, a continuous source offers several distinct advantages and yields detection limits which are approximately the same as those obtained with a hollow-cathode discharge tube.
Effects of grassland management on breeding birds at the western edge of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem in Kansas

ABSTRACT: We studied responses of breeding birds to alternative regimes for managing tallgrass prairie at the Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range in central Kansas. Species richness, diversity, and evenness did not differ among treatments, but overall abundance was highest in unburned idle (i.e., not grazed or hayed) transects, and was lowest in idle transects burned that spring. However, no treatment was either superior or inferior to all others for attracting the highest numbers of every species. Dickcissels (Spiza americana) and Henlow's sparrows (Ammodramus henslowii) were most numerous in unburned idle units, grasshopper sparrows (A. savannarum) were most abundant in grazed units and hayed units, upland sandpipers (Bartramia longicauda) were most often found in burned units, whereas eastern meadowlarks (Sturnella magna) were less abundant in burned units than in all other treatments. We conclude that the recent switch to burning idle units every 3–4 years, rather than annually, has benefitted most gr...
Inversion Domain Boundaries in Aluminum Nitride

Inversion domain boundaries (IDBs) have been identified in undoped, hot-pressed AIN. The microstructure and micro-chemistry of the IDBs have been studied using conventional transmission electron microscopy, convergent-beam electron diffraction, and analytical electron microscopy. Two distinct IDB morphologies are present: a planar variant which lies on the basal plane (0001), and a curved variant which does not possess a particular habit plane, but portions of the boundary are often seen lying on one of the {1011} planes. The boundaries exhibit α-like fringe contrast, indicating that a translation exists across the boundary. The displacement vectors RF for the planar and curved boundaries have been investigated using both two-beam and multiple-beam techniques. Microchemical analysis has revealed oxygen segregation to the planar IDB; when present on the curved IDB, oxygen is at a lower concentration than in the planar case. Lattice fringe imaging and long-exposure selected area electron diffraction patterns have indicated the presence of thin, platelike precipitates at the planar IDBs. Sintering and annealing studies indicate that oxygen is necessary for the formation of the planar IDBs and that oxygen is not uniformly distributed along the curved IDBs.
Where Does Debt Fit in the Stress Process Model

This paper contrasts two money-related stressors—debt and economic hardship—and clarifies where debt fits into the stress process model. Debt may be a direct or indirect stressor, as something medi...
Wrapper-Based Feature Ranking for Software Engineering Metrics

The application of feature ranking to software engineering datasets is rare at best. In this study, we consider wrapper-based feature ranking where nine performance metrics aided by a particular learner are evaluated. We consider five learners and take two different approaches, each in conjunction with one of two different methodologies: 3-fold Cross-Validation (CV) and 3-fold Cross-Validation Risk Impact (CV-R). The classifiers are Naive Bayes (NB), Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP), k- Nearest Neighbors (kNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM), and Logistic Regression (LR). The performance metrics used as ranking techniques are Overall Accuracy (OA), F-Measure(FM), Geometric Mean (GM), Arithmetic Mean (AM), Area under ROC (AUC), Area under PRC (PRC), Best F-Measure (BFM), Best Geometric Mean (BGM), and Best Arithmetic Mean (BAM). To evaluate the classifier performance after feature selection has been applied, we use AUC as the performance evaluator. This paper represents a preliminary report on our proposed wrapper-based feature ranking approach to software defect prediction problems.
Stagnation-point ablation of carbonaceous flat disks. II Experiment

Six flat-disk models made of carbon-carbon and carbon-phenolic materials were launched in an argon-filled track-range facility to test ablation characteristics in a radiation-dominated, massive-blowing environment. The shock standoff distances deduced from the shadowgraphs agree with theoretical predictions during the earlier portion of the flight, while the wall temperatures determined by the image-converter photographs agree with predictions during the later portion. The measured surface recessions exceed the calculated values by about 60 percent for carbon-phenolic and 30 percent for carbon-carbon. The discrepancies are attributed to spallation. The measured char thicknesses agree with theoretical predictions.
Tablets: The Next Disruptive Computing Technology?

Disruptive technology has a long history in the computing industry. The usual path of innovation in this industry is toward delivering increased computing power on smaller devices. Both architectural and component innovation play an important role in this evolution. Nowadays, it seems that the computing device paradigm is experiencing a transition from notebooks and laptops toward touchscreen tablets. But is this new technology really disruptive? Drawing from the literature on disruptive innovation, the authors answer this question by analyzing the functionalities and performance dimensions of notebooks and tablets.
A Self-Advocacy Plan for High School Students with Learning Disabilities A Comparative Case Study Analysis of Students', Teachers', and Parents' Perceptions of Program Effects

This qualitative study examined immediate perceived effects of a self-advocacy plan for students with learning disabilities (LD) in a 4-year comprehensive high school. The study's design was based on information-processing theory and qualitative research techniques, such as participant/observation and interviews. Subjects were 15 ninth- and tenth-grade students with LD, their parents, and their resource teachers. Participants responded to standardized open-ended interview questions upon complating the first step of the Self-Advocacy Plan. The study suggests that the Self-Advocacy Plan is an effective program increasing students' awareness of the vocational and academic services they qualify for, clarifying their perceptions of their roles as learners and individuals with LD, increasing their understanding of LD as a condition that has certain general characteristics, and developing their awareness of career and educational opportunities. The study provides suggestions for future self-advocacy research and...
The Evolution of School-Based Speech-Language Services: A Half Century of Change and a New Century of Practice

Since their inception nearly 100 years ago, speech-language services in the schools have undergone profound fundamental changes in scope and focus. This article reviews the legislative/ regulatory, societal, professional, and demographic influences that shaped and defined school-based speech-language pathology over the past half century and then describes school-based speech-language practice as it is today. Particular attention is paid to the fundamental elements of contextually based assessments, educationally relevant intervention plans, and increased collaboration/consultation. Finally, strategies are presented that can help to facilitate the changes needed to move from past practice patterns to those that reflect current legislation, research, and practice guidelines.
EXACTIONS IN THE NEW DISINFLATIONARY ENVIRONMENT

This study demonstrates that the growing use of exactions in the 1970s were a product of the inflationary environment which created the illusion that they were shifted forward to the ultimate consumer of housing. Instead, local governments, through the exaction process, were capturing a portion of the increase in land values induced by inflation. In many areas the increase in land values was so great that even after the imposition of exactions, the real value of land increased. However, as the economy disinflates, inflation-induced profits disappear and the landowner realizes that he is bearing the burden of the exaction. As a result, the political concensus that favored the imposition of the exactions in the 1970s is forecast to break down in a low inflation environment.
A normalization model of multisensory integration

Responses of neurons that integrate multiple sensory inputs are traditionally characterized in terms of a set of empirical principles. However, a simple computational framework that accounts for these empirical features of multisensory integration has not been established. We propose that divisive normalization, acting at the stage of multisensory integration, can account for many of the empirical principles of multisensory integration shown by single neurons, such as the principle of inverse effectiveness and the spatial principle. This model, which uses a simple functional operation (normalization) for which there is considerable experimental support, also accounts for the recent observation that the mathematical rule by which multisensory neurons combine their inputs changes with cue reliability. The normalization model, which makes a strong testable prediction regarding cross-modal suppression, may therefore provide a simple unifying computational account of the important features of multisensory integration by neurons.
Cyclophilin Interactions with Incoming Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Capsids with Opposing Effects on Infectivity in Human Cells

Cyclophilin A (CypA) is a peptidyl-prolyl isomerase that binds to the capsid protein (CA) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and by doing so facilitates HIV-1 replication. Although CypA is incorporated into HIV-1 virions by virtue of CypA-Gag interactions that occur during virion assembly, in this study we show that the CypA-CA interaction that occurs following the entry of the viral capsid into target cells is the major determinant of CypA9s effects on HIV-1 replication. Specifically, by using normal and CypA-deficient Jurkat cells, we demonstrate that the presence of CypA in the target and not the virus-producing cell enhances HIV-1 infectivity. Moreover, disruption of the CypA-CA interaction with cyclosporine A (CsA) inhibits HIV-1 infectivity only if the target cell expresses CypA. The effect of CsA on HIV-1 infection of human cells varies according to which particular cell line is used as a target, and CA mutations that confer CsA resistance and dependence exert their effects only if target cells, and not if virus-producing cells, are treated with CsA. The differential effects of CsA on HIV-1 infection in different human cells appear not to be caused by polymorphisms in the recently described retrovirus restriction factor TRIM5α. We speculate that CypA and/or CypA-related proteins affect the fate of incoming HIV-1 capsid either directly or by modulating interactions with unidentified host cell factors.