cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Empirical models of the latitudinal variations of Te and Ne in the ionosphere at solar maximum

Abstract Global spectral models of electron temperature (T e ) and density (N e ) were produced earlier using Dynamics Explorer-2 (DE-2) Langmuir probe measurements made between 1981 and 1983. The models were derived for the fixed altitudes of 300, 500, and 850 km. The variables in those models included spatial structure (geomagnetic latitude and longitude) and temporal variations (local time, season, UT, F 10.7 , and kp). Unfortunately, the DE-2 data base is not adequate to fully define all of these variables because of the eccentricity of the orbit, the slow evolution of the orbit, and the brevity of the mission (19 months). Legendre polynomials beyond order 5 could not be well enough defined to resolve small scale structures like the auroral oval, the midlatitude trough, and the equatorial anomaly, though these feature are clearly evident in the profiles from individual orbits. In the present work we take a different approach by modelling only the latitudinal variations observed in narrow altitude and local time bands and using measurements obtained during intervals short compared to a season. This approach allows the data to accurately define latitudinal terms up to 17 th order. To illustrate this improved latitudinal resolution, selected models of T e and N e at 500 km are compared with latitude profiles from the earlier global models and with the DE-2 measurements for the same local times and altitudes.
Application of fractal geometry measurements to the evaluation of fracture toughness of brittle intermetallics

Determination of the boundary fractal dimension of planar sections through particles produced by fracturing a series of brittle intermetallic V3Au materials with increasing oxygen content provides a single parameter that describes the surface roughness. This is observed to correlate with the measured fracture toughness, K1c, as determined with an indentation cracking test. The correlation agrees quantitatively with results obtained on several brittle ceramics by other workers.
Language and Interpersonal Cognition: Causal Effects of Variations in Pronoun Usage on Perceptions of Closeness

Four studies examined the hypothesis that subtle language variations can have a causal impact on perceptions of relationships. In interpersonal interactions, language can function implicitly to reflect, perpetuate, and communicate relationship perceptions. Previous research has shown that interpersonal closeness and plural pronoun use are correlated; the current research demonstrates that manipulating pronoun use can lead people to perceive their own and other relationships as closer and higher in quality. In Study 1, participants who read about a relationship that was described using the pronoun we versus she and I perceived the relationship to be closer and of higher quality. Study 2 showed that pronoun variations similarly affected perceptions of participants' own ongoing relationships; Study 3 showed similar effects for perceptions of an actual interpersonal interaction. Study 4 examined potential mechanisms of this effect.
Novel Aminoglycoside 2″-Phosphotransferase Identified in a Gram-Negative Pathogen

Aminoglycoside 2″-phosphotransferases are the major aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes in clinical isolates of enterococci and staphylococci. We describe a novel aminoglycoside 2″-phosphotransferase from the Gram-negative pathogen Campylobacter jejuni, which shares 78% amino acid sequence identity with the APH(2″)-Ia domain of the bifunctional aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme aminoglycoside (6') acetyltransferase-Ie/aminoglycoside 2″-phosphotransferase-Ia or AAC(6')-Ie/APH(2″)-Ia from Gram-positive cocci, which we called APH(2″)-If. This enzyme confers resistance to the 4,6-disubstituted aminoglycosides kanamycin, tobramycin, dibekacin, gentamicin, and sisomicin, but not to arbekacin, amikacin, isepamicin, or netilmicin, but not to any of the 4,5-disubstituted antibiotics tested. Steady-state kinetic studies demonstrated that GTP, and not ATP, is the preferred cosubstrate for APH(2″)-If. The enzyme phosphorylates the majority of 4,6-disubstituted aminoglycosides with high catalytic efficiencies (k(cat)/K(m) = 10(5) to 10(7) M(-1) s(-1)), while the catalytic efficiencies against the 4,6-disubstituted antibiotics amikacin and isepamicin are 1 to 2 orders of magnitude lower, due mainly to the low apparent affinities of these substrates for the enzyme. Both 4,5-disubstituted antibiotics and the atypical aminoglycoside neamine are not substrates of APH(2″)-If, but are inhibitors. The antibiotic susceptibility and substrate profiles of APH(2″)-If are very similar to those of the APH(2″)-Ia phosphotransferase domain of the bifunctional AAC(6')-Ie/APH(2″)-Ia enzyme.
Sonochemical One-Pot Synthesis of Carbon Nanotube-Supported Rhodium Nanoparticles for Room-Temperature Hydrogenation of Arenes

Fine rhodium (Rh) nanoparticles with an average diameter of 2.5 ± 0.7 nm can be deposited uniformly on surfaces of carboxylate functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by a simple one-step sonochemical method in an ethanol solution containing RhCl3 and an organic reducing agent borane morpholine complex (C4H12BNO). The carbon nanotube (CNT)-supported Rh nanoparticles are highly active and reusable catalysts for hydrogenation of benzene and its derivatives at room temperature. Complete ring saturation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be achieved under mild hydrogenation conditions using the Rh/MWNT catalyst that can not be done by commercially available Rh nanocatalysts. This one-pot synthesis technique provides a simple and rapid way of making highly active and recyclable CNT-supported nanocatalysts for low-temperature hydrogenation reactions.
Measurement of Radiation Induced Conductivity for Hardened Cable Dielectric Materials at High Fluence

Results of measurements of the radiation-induced conductivity (RIC) of hardened cable dielectric materials are presented. The results were obtained for the dose-rate range of 108 to 1014 rad(LiF)/s. The radiation-induced conductivity coefficients can be fit to a linear function of the dose-rate throughout this range. Although not examined in detail, the temporal response of the conductivity appears to follow the radiation pulse, particularly for pulses of less than 35 ns (FWHM).
In situ STM studies of surface states at the p-Si(111)/propylene carbonate(TBAP) interface

Abstract Scanning tunneling microscopy has been used to study p-Si(111) surfaces in propylene carbonate, where tetrabutylammonium perchlorate was the supporting electrolyte. The bias voltage threshold required to observe surface features in the STM images, both in situ and ex situ, allow the detection of surface states. It is found that surface states are introduced after contact with solution by solvent molecules adsorption as well as ClO 4 − ion adsorption. Energy positions of the induced surface states are calculated.
The role of lymphatics in renal transplantation. Renal lymphatic regeneration.

Abstract A study of lymphatic regeneration in renal autotransplants in dogs has been presented. It has been shown that lymphatic regeneration can be demonstrated as early as 3 days after transplantation, and that by the middle or the end of the second week it is approaching the physiological state. By the end of the third week the lymphatics of the transplant are almost indistinguishable from normal. The exact role of the lymphatics in renal transplantation is unknown. However, further investigation is in progress at this time.
Multivariate analysis of truck drivers' assessment of work zone safety

This paper presents multivariate correlation analyses of truck drivers' opinions on speed, hazards, roadway features, and traffic control devices in work zones (WZ). About 90% of truck drivers considered the WZ to be more hazardous than regular sections. A higher proportion of less-experienced drivers said so. Less experienced drivers and drivers who considered WZs more hazardous preferred one-lane closure layout. Speeds were correlated with driver age or experience. Half of drivers admitted exceeding WZ speed limits. About three-fourths said arrow boards were too bright and either too high or too low. More-experienced drivers were concerned about visibility, but less experienced ones were concerned with the clarity of the flagger's message. Pavement edge drop-off, loose construction materials, lack of shoulder, and lane width made over 85% of drivers and a higher proportion of less experienced drivers more uncomfortable. About 70-85% of the drivers considered the traffic control devices helpful. Impact attenuators were ranked highest, followed by cones and a third group containing barrels, tubes, and barricades. Of concrete barriers, 70% said they were helpful, but 28% said they do not like their use.
Point-of-care testing for coagulation studies in a stroke protocol: a time-saving innovation

Abstract Study Objectives Time counts in thrombolytic therapy for stroke. An international normalized ratio (INR) greater than 1.7 may preclude its use. We studied whether the use of point-of-care testing (POCT) for INR in the emergency department (ED) may substitute for the same test done in the central hospital laboratory, thereby reducing time to treatment. Methods We performed a prospective observational study comparing a POCT analysis of INR (i-STAT-1; Abbott Inc, Abbott Park, Ill) with a simultaneously drawn sample sent to the central laboratory. We tested a convenience sample of adult patients taking warfarin who presented to the ED of a tertiary teaching hospital. Results Thirty-two patients were enrolled. A receiver operator curve analysis was performed. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for laboratory INR cutoff of 1.7. The area under the curve was 0.979 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.843-0.991). When POCT INR was 2.1, the sensitivity for laboratory INR being higher than 1.7 was 100% (CI, 62.9%-100.0%), and the specificity was 90.5 (CI, 69.6-98.5). When POCT INR was 1.8, the specificity for laboratory INR being lower than 1.7 was 100% (CI, 83.7%-100%), and the sensitivity was 62.5% (CI, 24.7%-91.0%). The regression coefficient (r) value was 0.9648. Conclusion Correlation of POCT INR with that of the central laboratory and receiver operator curve characteristics are excellent. In general, POCT INR is about 0.3 higher than the laboratory INR. This is not generally of clinical importance, but when using cutoff of 1.7 (central laboratory), it may be. We describe a 3-tiered system for use of POCT INR in determining use of tissue-type plasminogen activator.
The murine allantois: a model system for the study of blood vessel formation

The allantois is the embryonic precursor of the umbilical cord in mammals and is one of several embryonic regions, including the yolk sac and dorsal aorta, that undergoes vasculogenesis, the de novo formation of blood vessels. Despite its importance in establishing the chorioallantoic placenta and umbilical circulation, the allantois frequently is overlooked in embryologic studies. Nonetheless, recent studies demonstrate that vasculogenesis, vascular remodeling, and angiogenesis are essential allantois functions in the establishment of the chorioallantoic placenta. Here, we review blood vessel formation in the murine allantois, highlighting the expression of genes and involvement of pathways common to vasculogenesis or angiogenesis in other parts of the embryo. We discuss experimental techniques available for manipulation of the allantois that are unavailable for yolk sac or dorsal aorta, and review how this system has been used as a model system to discover new genes and mechanisms involved in vessel formation. Finally, we discuss the potential of the allantois as a model system to provide insights into disease and therapeutics.
Competitive and Procedural Determinants of Delight and Disappointment in Consumer Complaint Outcomes

This article examines the impact of competition and complaint handling procedures on the creation of outstanding complaint resolutions. Using a survey of consumer selfreports of delightful and disa...
Of Shining Knights and Cunning Pettifoggers: The Symbolic World of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct

This co-authored article offers a coherent ethical perspective on the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct. The legal profession bases its Model Rules on assumptions about lawyers, their clients and, adversaries, the authority to which lawyers appeal, and the economy in which they practice. Citing in support every Model Rule, this article exposes the rich symbolic assumptions underlying the Rules and concludesing that it is through this symbolic world that the Model Rules are best understood. The article includes a description of the normative economy on which the symbolic world of the Model Rules is based.
Design of a pictorial knowledgebase

Intelligent Pictorial Databases increase the ease and the efficiency with which pictorial information can be utilized. In this paper, a frame-based pictorial knowledge representation is presented. Representation of geometric, color, and texture information is considered. Aggregation, generalization/ specialization, class/individualization, and inheritance of pictorial knowledge are exploited. The resulting knowledge representation is implemented in KPE, a knowledge programming tool developed in [6].
Progress in vitreoretinal surgery for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

(2001). Progress in vitreoretinal surgery for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Seminars in Ophthalmology: Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 31-40.
Scheduling with confidence for probabilistic data-flow graphs

One of the biggest problems in high-level synthesis is to obtain a good schedule without the knowledge of exact computation time of tasks. While the target applications in high-level synthesis are becoming larger a task in the applications such as artificial intelligent systems or interface may have uncertain computation time. In this paper an algorithm to schedule these repetitive tasks and optimize the schedule is presented. A probabilistic data-flow graph is employed to model the problem where each node represents a task associated with the probabilistic computation time and a set of edges represents the dependences between the tasks. A novel polynomial-time probabilistic retiming algorithm for optimizing the graph and an algorithm for computing the optimized schedule, subject to the acceptable probability and resource constraint, are presented. The optimization algorithm also guarantees to give such a short schedule length with a given qualitatively provable, confidence level. The experiments show that the resulting schedule length for a given confidence probability can be significantly reduced.
Dual Role of Brain Factor-1 in Regulating Growth and Patterning of the Cerebral Hemispheres

Brain factor-1 (BF-1) is a winged-helix (WH) transcription factor with a restricted pattern of expression in the neural tube. In the embryo, BF-1 is localized to the progenitor cells of the most rostral neural tube, the telencephalic neuroepithelium. Expression of BF-1 persists in the adult brain in the structures derived from the telencephalon, including the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, the olfactory bulbs and the basal ganglia. Targeted disruption of the BF-1 gene in mice results in hypoplasia of the cerebral hemispheres. Proliferation of the telencephalic neuroepithelium is decreased and neuronal differentiation occurs prematurely. The forebrain of the BF-1 (-/-) mutant also displays dorsal-ventral patterning defects. Development of the ventral (basal) region of the telencephalon is more severely affected than the dorsal region. These anomalies are associated with the ectopic expression of BMP4 in the dorsal telencephalic neuroepithelium and the loss of shh in the ventral telencephalon. These results raise the possibility that BF-1 may modulate both progenitor cell proliferation and regional patterning by regulating the expression or activity of inductive signals which act on the telencephalic neuroepithelium.
Compiled hardware acceleration of Molecular Dynamics code

The objective of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations is to determine the shape of a molecule in a given biomolecular environment. These simulations are very demanding computationally, where simulations of a few milliseconds can take days or months depending on the number of atoms involved. Therefore, MD simulations are a prime candidate for FPGA-based code acceleration. We have investigated the possible acceleration of the commonly used MD program NAMD. This code is highly optimized for software based execution and does not benefit from an FPGA-based acceleration as written. We have therefore developed a modified version, based on the calculations NAMD performs, that streams a set of data through a highly pipelined circuit on the FPGA. We have used the ROCCC compiler toolset to generate the circuit and implemented it on the SGI Altix 4700 fitted with a RASC RC100 blade.
Transposition de veine fémorale et pontage veineux ilio-cave sus-rénal comme accès de dialyse de dernier recours

Les patients en hemodialyse sont connus pour developper des occlusions veineuses centrales et pour epuiser toutes les options d’acces vasculaire au niveau du membre superieur ; la creation et le maintien d’un acces vasculaire sont essentiels chez ces patients. Le present rapport de cas concerne une femme de 34 ans avec echec d’un acces au membre superieur, de problemes de catheterisme, et des occlusions veineuses centrales multiples. En dernier recours, un acces au membre inferieur a ete cree comme suit : un pontage cave inferieur a ete associe a une fistule par transposition femorale droite et une procedure de revascularisation distale avec ligature intermediaire. Ce procede complexe utilise pour creer un acces vasculaire est une solution chirurgicale originale, quoiqu’agressive, qui a permis un acces vasculaire autologue avec une permeabilite a six mois et une amelioration de la qualite de vie dans ce cas apparemment desespere.
Germination and Emergence of Primed Grass Seeds Under Field and Simulated-field Temperature Regimes

Seed priming may enhance establishment success of cool-season range grasses which must compete with annual weeds for early spring moisture. Previous priming studies have confirmed germination rate enhancement for these species but relative treatment effects under field-temperature conditions have not been assessed. We primed seeds of thickspike wheatgrass [Elymus lanceolatus(Scribn. and J. G. Smith) Gould], bluebunch wheatgrass [Pseudoroegneria spicata(Pursh) Love], Sandberg bluegrass (Poa sandbergii Vasey.) and bottlebrush squirreltail [Elymus elymoides(Raf.) Swezey] and evaluated their relative emergence rate in three soil types as a function of spring-planting date. Germination response was simultaneously evaluated in laboratory germinators that were programmed to simulate the field-temperature regime at planting depth. Seed priming enhanced both germination and emergence rate with the greatest effect occurring during the earlier, cooler planting dates. Total emergence and emergence rate in the field were lower than for the equivalent germination response in the laboratory. Thermal-germination response was modelled and predictions developed for evaluating potential germination under late winter/early spring soil-temperature regimes. Modelling results predicted that greater germination enhancement would have been possible at earlier planting dates than were measured in the field experiment.
Some Problems Encountered in the Design or Automatic Freight Train

Considerable engineering effort is being used today to provide automation in various forms to the railroad industry. It is well, therefore, to consider some basic problems which would be encountered should it be desired to automate a freight train. This paper will be confined to the locomotive and train controls only, with the realization that problems associated with wayside equipment form still another category. Most of the data used herein are from train automation feasibility tests run near London, Ontario, Canada, in the summer of 1960, as a joint effort of the Air Brake Division of the Westinghouse Air Brake Company, The Canadian National Railway, General Motors Diesel, Ltd., and the General Railway Signal Company.
Preliminary evidence for the role of self-regulatory processes in sensation seeking

Two possible motives for sensation seeking behavior, escape from self-awareness and compensatory self-regulation, were investigated in two studies. In Study I a questionnaire was developed to identify the putative escape and compensation motives suspected to contribute to sensation seeking behaviors. In Study II the factor structure of this new measure, called the Risk and Excitement Inventory (REI), was cross-validated using confirmatory factor analysis, and construct validity was examined. Together these studies suggest that the REI comprises two reliable factors, compensation and escape from self-awareness. Study II showed that these factors have a reasonable degree of construct validity. Limits of the measure and the model are discussed, and suggestions are offered for future research.
Network equivalent models for short circuit analysis

This paper addresses modeling beyond the fault path during short circuit analysis. Initial condition boundary matching using pre-fault conditions is used to develop equivalent lateral, load and transformer models for short circuit analysis for grounded and ungrounded portions of the network. These models are easily integrated into a compensation-based method.
COMPOSITION OF CELLULAR MEMBRANES IN THE PANCREAS OF THE GUINEA PIG : II. Lipids

The lipid composition of rough and smooth microsomal membranes, zymogen granule membranes, and a plasmalemmal fraction from the guinea pig pancreatic exocrine cell has been determined. As a group, membranes of the smooth variety (i.e., smooth microsomes, zymogen granule membranes, and the plasmalemma) were similar in their content of phospholipids, cholesterol and neutral lipids, and in the ratio of total lipids to membrane proteins. In contrast, rough microsomal membranes contained much less sphingomyelin and cholesterol and possessed a smaller lipid/protein ratio. All membrane fractions were unusually high in their content of lysolecithin (up to ∼20% of the total phospholipids) and of neutral lipids, especially fatty acids. The lysolecithin content was shown to be due to the hydrolysis of membrane lecithin by pancreatic lipase; the fatty acids, liberated by the action of lipase on endogenous triglyceride stores, are apparently scavenged by the membranes from the suspending media. Similar artifactually high levels of lysolecithin and fatty acids were noted in hepatic microsomes incubated with pancreatic postmicrosomal supernatant. E 600, an inhibitor of lipase, largely prevented the appearance of lysolecithin and fatty acids in pancreatic microsomes and in liver microsomes treated with pancreatic supernatant.
Recollections on MOSFET Scaling

In mid-1970, Bob Dennard , Fritz Gaensslen and Larry Kuhn formalized the constant-field scaling theory and its limitations. Bob Dennard went on to contribute profoundly to the demonstration of the feasibility of MOSFET scaling and led the way into implementation in real products. Scaled CMOS has become the dominant technology for digital and many analog applications and will continue to be a fundamental driving force of the industry for years to come.
Neurotoxicity of Dental Amalgam is Mediated by Zinc

The use of dental amalgam is controversial largely because it contains mercury. We tested whether amalgam caused toxicity in neuronal cultures and whether that toxicity was caused by mercury. In this study, we used cortical cell cultures to show for the first time that amalgam causes nerve cell toxicity in culture. However, the toxicity was not blocked by the mercury chelator, 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulphonate (DMPS), but was blocked by the metal chelator, calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (CaEDTA). DMPS was an effective mercury chelator in this system, since it blocked mercury toxicity. Of the components that comprise amalgam (mercury, zinc, tin, copper, and silver), only zinc neurotoxicity was blocked by CaEDTA. These results indicate that amalgam is toxic to nerve cells in culture by releasing zinc. While zinc is known to be neurotoxic, ingestion of zinc is not a major concern because zinc levels in the body are tightly regulated.
Stability of smoking status in the US population: a longitudinal investigation.

Aims To determine smoking transitions in a representative sample of US adults. Design Longitudinal study using data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (wave 1, 2001–02; wave 2, 2004–05). Setting The general US adult population. Participants A total of 33 309 adults (53.6% female) classified as wave 1 current daily, current non-daily, former daily, former non-daily or never smokers. Measurements Smoking transitions were determined from waves 1 and 2 data. Findings Smoking status remained stable for the majority of current daily (79.8%), former daily (95.8%), former non-daily (96.3%) and never (97.1%) smokers. Among current non-daily smokers, 54.5% quit smoking while 22.5% increased to daily smoking. Current daily smokers who were older [30–44, odds ratio (OR) = 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.49–0.78; 45+, OR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.61–0.93] and unmarried (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.66–0.96) were less likely to report smoking cessation. Current daily smokers who were Hispanic (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.65–2.81) and college educated (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.05–1.53) were more likely to report smoking cessation. Relapse in former daily smokers was greater in women (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.01–2.06) and lower in older adults (OR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.27–0.74). Smoking initiation occurred less in women (OR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.49–0.87) and Hispanic adults (OR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.36–0.91) and more in unmarried adults (OR = 1.84; 95% CI = 1.37–2.47) and adults with less education (OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.09–2.44). Conclusions From 2001 to 2005, smoking status was extremely stable in the US population. Specific gender, race and educational groups need increased prevention and intervention efforts.
NEURO-MUSCULAR CONTROL OF DIPTERAN FLIGHT

1. Electrical activity from the indirect, myogenic muscles of calliphorid flies was recorded during flight. The animals were suspended from an aerodynamic balance in the laminar air-stream from a wind-tunnel. Muscle action potentials, recorded with 25µ wire, were 5-7 msec. in duration, up to 10mV. in amplitude and positive in sign. Frequencies were mostly under 20/sec. 2. Frequencies in all the indirect muscles were similar, but these varied together with changes in aerodynamic power. 3. Frequencies in the indirect muscles of the two sides varied by no more than ± 10% during extreme turns to right or left (only left or only right wing beating). 4. Electrical records from the non-myogenic direct muscles were made during tethered flight. The potentials were 2-4 msec. in duration, up to 2 mV. positive and had frequencies up to 180/sec. 5. A nearly linear positive correlation exists between impulse frequency in the musculus latus (pleurosternal muscle), the inward movement of the pleural wall, and the wingbeat frequency, suggesting that this muscle is the basic frequency determiner. 6. Strong turning behaviour is associated with opposed frequency changes in the pairs of antagonistic adductor and abductor muscles of the wings on the two sides of the body. 7. The musculus dorsoventralis IV (tergo-trochanteral) is activated by a short impulse burst at the beginning of flight. It apparently acts as an oscillation starter. 8. Flight initiation normally requires 30-60 msec. Usually activity begins in the musculus latus, which stiffens the thorax. Then simultaneously the myogenic muscles are activated and the ‘starter’ muscle causes a jump and the beginning of oscillation of the thorax. Then the wings are drawn gradually forward and full wingbeat amplitude develops within the first six wingbeats. Flight begins with maximal lift and wingbeat frequency and a nearly synchronous burst discharge in all the indirect muscles. 9. Power production and the transmission and distribution of power are under separate control. The myogenic indirect motor varies only in total power output, this being influenced by its own state of excitation and by a muscle-controlling wingbeat frequency. Steering is accomplished by non-myogenic direct muscles which are capable of differentially engaging the two wings with the motor.
Evolving adaptive pheromone path planning mechanisms

Agents guided by synthetic pheromones can imitate the behavior of insects in tasks such as path planning. These systems are well suited to problems such as path planning for unmanned robotic vehicles. We have developed a model for controlling robotic vehicles in combat missions using synthetic pheromones. In the course of our experimentation, we have identified the need for proper tuning of the algorithms to get the desired behavior. We briefly describe the synthetic pheromone mechanisms for dynamically finding targets and planning safe paths. Genetic algorithms for automatically tuning the behavior of the pheromone equations are described.
Rock and Roll Will Never Die: Using Music to Engage Students in the Study of Political Science

Popular music is ubiquitous in the lives of our students, music is used by politicians at virtually every one of their campaign events, and musicians are increasingly active in politics, but music has never been considered as a pedagogical tool in teaching political science classes. This article describes the use of music in an introduction to American politics class. I argue that playing music in class can increase student interest, reinforce important concepts, and actively engage the students in the learning process. Finally, using popular culture connects meaningfully with the way that many of our undergraduate students are experiencing politics.
Potential of NMR and pet for determining tumor metabolism

The basic principles underlying nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and positron emission tomography (PET) are explained. Examples of work relating to tumor metabolism are given and some of the important findings of clinical interest are presented. The future prospects of both systems are explored.
Climate Effects on Corn Yield in Missouri(.

Abstract Understanding climate effects on crop yield has been a continuous endeavor aiming at improving farming technology and management strategy, minimizing negative climate effects, and maximizing positive climate effects on yield. Many studies have examined climate effects on corn yield in different regions of the United States. However, most of those studies used yield and climate records that were shorter than 10 years and were for different years and localities. Although results of those studies showed various influences of climate on corn yield, they could be time specific and have been difficult to use for deriving a comprehensive understanding of climate effects on corn yield. In this study, climate effects on corn yield in central Missouri are examined using unique long-term (1895–1998) datasets of both corn yield and climate. Major results show that the climate effects on corn yield can only be explained by within-season variations in rainfall and temperature and cannot be distinguished by ave...
Neuroanatomical aspects of cognitive-behavioural therapy response in obsessive-compulsive disorder: An evolving perspective on brain and behaviour

Background Recent research has demonstrated that cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can systematically modify cerebral metabolic activity in a manner which is significantly related to clinical outcome. Method A substantial body of research is reviewed which supports an involvement of neural circuitry connecting the orbitofrontal cortex, cingulate gyrus and basal ganglia in the expression of the symptoms of OCD. Results Data are presented which expand upon previous work demonstrating effects of CBT on functional interactions between limbic cortex and the basal ganglia. Conclusions The relevance of these effects of CBT on brain function is discussed in the context of recent advances in our knowledge of cortical-basal ganglia physiology. The clinical importance of these data is best appreciated when they are seen to reflect the interactive nature of the relationships between cognitive choice, behavioural output and brain activity.
Challenges and professional tools used when teaching web programming

Web programming can be taught in many different ways with different topics and tools covered. This paper summarizes the challenges, describes our course arrangement, and discusses the professional tools used in a web programming class. Our web programming course is offered as an elective to junior and senior CS students.
Fundamentals of electrochromism in metal oxide bronzes

The phenomenon of electrochromism as described here is clearly a property to be associated with a material. The material must be capable of reversible oxidation and reduction, and have an accompanying spectral change. However, since it requires a chemical change of oxidation state to occur, there must be a corresponding second material to serve as the source/sink of electrons and charge compensating ions. In short, electrochromism is observable only in a device, not in an isolated material. In its essence an electrochromic device is simply a reversible electrochemical cell, consisting of electronic conductors (the wires for an external electronic pathway), two electrodes at which the electron transfer, the oxidation and reduction, takes place, and an ion conducting and electron blocking electrolyte separating the electrode materials. There are numerous ways to combine these fundamental components and the phenomenon of electrochromism into practical devices, several of which will be described in this book. The structure of the so-called smart window has the components of the electrochemical cell assembled in the form of thin films on a transparent substrate, and is intended to be viewed in transmission. The electronic conductors in this case must be transparent, thus are labeled TC (transparent conductor). Themore » electrochromic layer, EC, consists of a material which undergoes the color change giving rise to the electrochromic designation. The ionic conductor, IC, serves as the electrolyte to allow ion transfer and block electron transfer, preventing shorting out of the device and permitting the memory feature of retaining the coloration state upon opening the external circuit of the device. The counterelectrode layer may be either optically passive or may behave in a complementary fashion to the EC layer, e.g., be anodically coloring to the EC layer that cathodically colors. The authors study WO{sub 3} as the electrochromatic material in a smart window application.« less
Basidiospore Structure and Development in the Genus Russula

Basidiospore development and spore-wall structure are presented for several species of Russula studied with the light and transmission-electron microscopes. Spore development is asynchronous until ...
Book review: Rethinking testing in a diverse society

Bernard B. Gifford and Mary Catherine O'Connor (Eds.). (1992). Changing Assessments: Alternative Views of Aptitude, Achievement, and Instruction. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers. (352 pp.) ISBN: 0–7923–9238–8.
Characterizing gene sets using discriminative random walks with restart on heterogeneous biological networks

Motivation: Analysis of co-expressed gene sets typically involves testing for enrichment of different annotations or ‘properties’ such as biological processes, pathways, transcription factor binding sites, etc., one property at a time. This common approach ignores any known relationships among the properties or the genes themselves. It is believed that known biological relationships among genes and their many properties may be exploited to more accurately reveal commonalities of a gene set. Previous work has sought to achieve this by building biological networks that combine multiple types of gene–gene or gene–property relationships, and performing network analysis to identify other genes and properties most relevant to a given gene set. Most existing network-based approaches for recognizing genes or annotations relevant to a given gene set collapse information about different properties to simplify (homogenize) the networks. Results: We present a network-based method for ranking genes or properties related to a given gene set. Such related genes or properties are identified from among the nodes of a large, heterogeneous network of biological information. Our method involves a random walk with restarts, performed on an initial network with multiple node and edge types that preserve more of the original, specific property information than current methods that operate on homogeneous networks. In this first stage of our algorithm, we find the properties that are the most relevant to the given gene set and extract a subnetwork of the original network, comprising only these relevant properties. We then re-rank genes by their similarity to the given gene set, based on a second random walk with restarts, performed on the above subnetwork. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this algorithm for ranking genes related to Drosophila embryonic development and aggressive responses in the brains of social animals. Availability and Implementation: DRaWR was implemented as an R package available at veda.cs.illinois.edu/DRaWR. Contact: ude.sionilli@ittalb Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Improved Radionuclide Transport Models for a Nuclear Waste Repository

NRC is developing improved models for transport of chain decay radionuclides in porous and fractured/porous media using finite-difference for spatial discretization, and numerical inversion of Laplace transforms for time. This hybrid technique allows great flexibility for spatial variability, flow rate changes and boundary conditions that are difficult with analytical solutions, and are much faster than solutions fully in the time domain. This paper presents the status of NRC's development of a method for transport through fractured porous media at the proposed Yucca Mountain repository, building on the work of a number of authors.
A New Social Frontier: The Education of the Whole Man

(1931). A New Social Frontier: The Education of the Whole Man. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 2, No. 8, pp. 466-467.
Retinal W-cell input to the upper superficial gray layer of the cat's superior colliculus: a conduction-velocity analysis.

1. I have used several methods to estimate the conduction velocities of retinal afferents innervating the upper 50-100 micron of the stratum griseum superficiale (the upper SGS). The measurements were based on a unitary extracellular potential unique to this sublamina, which was first described by McIlwain (28). He termed it the juxtazonal potential (JZP), and showed that it results when a single spike invades the terminal arbor of a single retinal afferent to the upper SGS, triggering synchronous excitatory postsynaptic potentials in postsynaptic collicular cells. 2. Individual unitary JZPs were evoked at fixed latencies by weak shocks to the optic disk, chiasm, or tract. When the same JZP could be evoked in isolation from two stimulus sites, the conduction velocity of the axon triggering the JZP was estimated by dividing the conduction time between the stimulating electrodes (i.e., the "latency difference") into the distance separating these electrodes. This "latency-difference method" lacked general utility, however, since the same JZP could only rarely be evoked in isolation from two stimulus sites. 3. This limitation was circumvented by means of a collision method. When a stimulus that evoked a JZP in isolation was preceded by a sufficiently intense conditioning shock to a second, more central stimulus site, the conditioning stimulus caused the JZP to fail in an all-or-none fashion. It was assumed that when the JZP failed, the conditioning stimulus had exceeded the spike threshold of the axon mediating the JZP and that an antidromic action potential had collided with the orthodromic spike initiated at the peripheral stimulus site. Assessment of the critical interstimulus interval for producing such a collision, together with measurements of the axon's refractory period and the interelectrode conduction distance, permitted an estimate of the conduction velocity of the JZP-triggering axon. Conduction-velocity estimates generated in this way closely matched those based on the latency-difference technique when both methods could be applied. 4. Conduction velocities of 31 JZP-triggering axons analyzed by the collision method ranged from 2.9 to 6.8 m/s [4.6 +/- 1.0 (mean +/- SD)]. Comparable estimates were obtained for such axons by alternative methods based on the absolute latencies of electrically evoked JZPs or of the field potential to which they contribute. The conduction velocities of JZP-triggering axons fell within the range reported for retinal W-cells and entirely outside those of X- and Y-cells, confirming earlier evidence for W-cell input to the upper SGS (7, 15, 18, 28).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Physiological Markers for Salinity Tolerance in Plants

Salinity is an environmental constraint that limits plant growth and productivity through several effects, i.e., osmotic effects, ion toxicity, interaction with nutrient ion acquisition, and oxidative stress. In arid and semiarid climate regions, where irrigation agriculture is prominent and salinity is a serious threat to crop production, it is highly desirable to produce by genetic manipulation new varieties of crops with enhanced tolerance to salinity and high yield potential (Epstein et al 1980). Efforts through plant breeding have thus far been relatively disappointing, but the available methodology of producing transgenic lines through molecular approaches (Potrykus, 1991) offers new opportunities for developing salt tolerant varieties of crop species (Bartels and Nelson 1994). Nevertheless, salt tolerance is a multigenic trait (see Cushman et al 1990) and it is still debated, which physiological or biochemical processes should be targeted for identification and transfer of the genes that control the expression of the targeted processes and could therefore serve as markers for specific components of salt tolerance.
Common urologic diseases in older men and their treatment: how they impact fertility.

As men age, medical and surgical diseases involving the genitourinary tract become more common. The conditions themselves, if not their treatments, can negatively impact the fertility potential of an affected man. Many older men maintain the desire to father children, so it is critical to understand the disturbed anatomy and physiology involved to properly counsel that individual. Should this or that treatment regimen be employed? Should sperm banking be undertaken before institution of a permanently ablative/suppressive therapy? What are the long-term consequences of one therapy over another vis-a-vis sperm production, sperm quality, and/or sperm transport? In this context, some of the more common genitourinary afflictions of the older male and the treatment options that are available will be discussed.
Communities Hosting US Commercial Nuclear Power Plants

This chapter attempts to look into demographic characteristics of the communities that host US commercial nuclear power plants. The overall goal of this chapter is to better understand how the populations vulnerable to the risks associated with the nuclear power emergencies are, the types of risks they face, and to provide demographic information for effective nuclear emergency planning. The host community boundaries are defined according to the emergency planning zones of the US NRC. There will be an in-depth look at the communities hosting the nuclear power plants, in order to better understand environmental justice issues and consequences of exposure to low-level radiation. This chapter discusses the study question, study variables, study data, and study methods under the subtitle of Data and Research Methods. The findings are discussed on overall demographic composition by distance. Demographic compositions are studied in two areas: urban and non-urban. Sixth, host communities at individual nuclear power plants are discussed in terms of their demographic compositions. The changes in demographic characteristics in two decadal time periods, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2000 to 2010, are tracked. Finally, the chapter concludes by discussing some issues in how to address evacuation of large populations living in the surrounding areas of nuclear power plants.
Risk Assessment Following Crisis in the United States: The Kemeny Commission

The past decade has witnessed a confluence of two important developments in energy policy-making: the recognition of the transition role of oil in the mix of energy resources and the rapid growth of interest in and use of risk assessment. On the one hand, it is clear that the United States and other nations must reduce their dependence upon imported (especially) and domestic oil supplies. This has been the common message of all the major energy reports. On the other hand, there is evident public concern over the risks, particularly those catastrophic in nature, presented by various energy sources. Opposition to the expansion of nuclear power has been most notable, but energy planners and utility executives ponder the long-term responses likely to other power sources such as the new coal-burning plants.
A Technique for the Verification of Precipitation Forecasts and Its Application to a Problem of Predictability

AbstractA new morphing-based technique is proposed for the verification of precipitation forecasts for which the location error can be described by a spatial shift. An adaptation of the structural similarity index measure (SSIM) of image processing to the precipitation forecast verification problem, called the amplitude and structural similarity index (ASSIM), is also introduced. ASSIM is used to measure both the convergence of the new morphing algorithm, which is an iterative scheme, and the amplitude and structure component of the forecast error. The behavior of the proposed technique, which could also be applied to other forecast parameters with sharp gradients (e.g., potential vorticity), is illustrated with idealized and realistic examples. One of these examples examines the predictability of the location of precipitation events associated with winter storms. It is found that the functional dependence of the average magnitude of the location error on the forecast lead time is qualitatively similar to...
Direct Calcification–Carbonation Method for Processing of Bayer Process Red Mud

The highly-alkaline red mud, which is the Bayer process residue generated from the alumina industry, is a severe environmental problem. In this study, a new calcification–carbonation process was proposed for red mud disposal. Red mud was processed by lime to convert the aqueous silicon phase into hydrogarnet, which was then decomposed by CO2 to recover alumina. In the direct carbonation process, the NaOH-containing solution after calcification was directly carbonated without prior liquid–solid separation. The discrete and direct carbonation processes had alumina recovery rates of 34.9 and 35.5%, respectively, with 0.15 and 0.21 wt % Na2O in the final red muds, respectively. The optimum NaOH concentration in the calcification liquor was 30 g/L. Under these conditions, alumina recovery was increased to 44.5% and the Na2O concentration in the processed red mud was reduced to <1 wt %. The final red mud can be used as a construction material.