cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chloroplast DNA variation within prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata Link) populations in the U.S.

Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) is most often maternally inherited and highly conserved leading to previous observation of little to no sequence variation. Comparing cpDNA haplotypes have provided valuable insight into the establishment and migration of polyploid populations. However, to use chloroplast haplotypes to their full potential intrapopulational variation needs to be addressed. In this study, cpDNA haplotype variation was surveyed within 16 natural populations of prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata Link) located east of the 100th west meridian and north of the 35th north parallel in the U.S.A. using two non-coding, polymorphic chloroplast regions. Two main clades were defined with subclades as follows: haplotype 1 and haplotype 2A and 2B. It was discovered that seven populations showed intrapopulational chloroplast genome variation. Of the total amount of variation, 95.5% occurred within the octoploid populations and 4.5% occurred within the tetraploid populations. Both variant haplotypes, 2A and 2B, were found in a larger sampling of one of the natural populations, but no variation was found in a mixed ploidy population. The intrapopulational cpDNA variation we found in this study cannot directly be related to mechanisms of introduction of the non-native populations into native populations. Therefore, this cpDNA variation could be novel natural variation that has been fixed as the octoploid populations were established and moved northwest. This analysis provides insight into determining the usefulness of indels and single nucleotide polymorphisms for population identification and may provide information in regards to the origin of chloroplast variation and its subsequent fixation and establishment in natural prairie cordgrass populations.
Substituent Effects in Sandwich Configurations of Multiply Substituted Benzene Dimers Are Not Solely Governed By Electrostatic Control

Noncovalent interactions between π systems are central to understanding protein folding and the stability of DNA. Considerable controversy exists about whether substitutent effects in π−π interactions can be understood purely on the basis of electrostatic interactions or whether other effects must be included to understand observed trends. In this work, we show that in general, π−π interactions are not governed solely by electrostatic control. We do not observe a linear correlation between the relative interaction energies and the sums of Hammett parameters in the case of mutiply substituted face-to-face benzene dimers. Instead, differential dispersion effects can be so large that even molecules with wildly different electrostatic potentials can exhibit similar attractions to benzene.
Performance of passive and hybrid solar heating systems

SYNOPSIS This paper presents a summary of available performance data for several types of passive and hybrid solar heating systems using heat pipes or thermosyphons to transfer collected solar energy from the absorber to short or medium-term thermal storage located within the building being heated. This location of the thermal storage compared to storage in direct view of the sun is shown to greatly reduce hear losses from storage and to permit solar collection even under unfavourable sun conditions. The heat pipes or thermosyphons are essential in this application since they act as thermal diodes to transfer the collected heat efficiently from collector to storage only while preventing the unwanted reverse heat flow (loss) from storage to the outdoors. The relative simplicity, generally passive nature, efficiency and low cost of these systems makes them excellent prospects for further development to better suit market requirements.
Sulindac for stroke treatment: neuroprotective mechanism and therapy

Sulindac, a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is a prodrug that is reduced by methionine sulfoxide reductase to its active form as an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase 1 and 2. The drug has been shown to elicit tissue protection by processes that may include at least three functions: antioxidant, preconditioning and anti-inflammatory. Sulindac demonstrates neuroprotection that involves inhibition of mitochondrial calcium overload or a decrease in protein oxidation. We have demonstrated the induction by sulindac treatment of pro-survival proteins Hsp27, Akt and Bcl-2 in the ischemic penumbra and core of the central nervous system (CNS) infarct in a rat model of ischemic stroke. Our findings point to sulindac acting on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to decrease ATF-6 and on the mitochondrion to increase Bcl-2 as well as decrease pro-apoptotic components BAK and PUMA. The resulting decrease in ER stress and reduction in apoptosis underlies the protective effect of sulindac in reducing infarct size following transient focal brain ischemia. The potent neuroprotective effect of sulindac in the stroke model is obtained with low-dose administration of the drug pointing to the potential of sulindac as a valuable neuroprotective agent against oxidative stress in cerebral ischemia.
INTEREST, SET, AND INCIDENTAL LEARNING

The effects of level of interest in music as measured by the Kuder (Form CH, scale 7), and pre-experimental set on amount of incidental learning as factual material about composers of music, inferred from the performance of a multiple-choice test especially constructed for this purpose, were investigated. A significant relationship was found between interest and amount of incidental learning. General academic performance (GPA) was also found to influence scores on the test of incidental learning, and a regression equation for the two variables was calculated.
Dissociation of C3H3I and rates for C3H3 combination at high temperatures

Abstract The decomposition of propargyl iodide, C 3 H 3 I → C 3 H 3 + I, and the following combination of propargyl radical, C 3 H 3 + C 3 H 3 → C 6 H 6, have been observed in the incident shock in mixtures of 1%, 2%, and 5% C 3 H 3 I in Kr, over 800–2000 K, for nominal post-shock pressures of 20 and 130 Torr. The iodide dissociates readily, the endothermic reaction producing an easily resolved positive density gradient whose kinetic modeling allows extraction of precise rates showing strong falloff. A simple Gorin-model RRKM treatment of the measurements results in a k ∞ = 3.35 × 10 18 T −0.9 exp (−22192/ T ) s −1 . The initial positive gradient is immediately followed by a strong negative, showing exothermic reaction from propargyl combination. Modeling of this gradient with an assumed theoretical product distribution, provided by J.A. Miller, results in propargyl combination rates in excellent agreement with current theory and having a strong negative temperature dependence, the rate dropping near a factor of forty over 800–2000 K. Possible errors associated with the need to assume a product distribution are discussed and it is suggested that this should not result in rate uncertainties for the C 3 H 3 combination reaction greater than ±50%.
The source of widespread 3-μm absorption in Jupiter’s clouds: Constraints from 2000 Cassini VIMS observations

Abstract The Cassini flyby of Jupiter in 2000 provided spatially resolved spectra of Jupiter’s atmosphere using the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS). A prominent characteristic of these spectra is the presence of a strong absorption at wavelengths from about 2.9 μm to 3.1 μm, previously noticed in a 3-μm spectrum obtained by the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) in 1996. While Brooke et al. (Brooke, T.Y., Knacke, R.F., Encrenaz, T., Drossart, P., Crisp, D., Feuchtgruber, H. [1998]. Icarus 136, 1–13) were able to fit the ISO spectrum very well using ammonia ice as the sole source of particulate absorption, Sromovsky and Fry (Sromovsky, L.A., Fry, P.M. [2010]. Icarus 210, 211–229), using significantly revised NH 3 gas absorption models, showed that ammonium hydrosulfide (NH 4 SH) provided a better fit to the ISO spectrum than NH 3 , but that the best fit was obtained when both NH 3 and NH 4 SH were present in the clouds. Although the large FOV of the ISO instrument precluded identification of the spatial distribution of these two components, the VIMS spectra at low and intermediate phase angles show that 3-μm absorption is present in zones and belts, in every region investigated, and both low- and high-opacity samples are best fit with a combination of NH 4 SH and NH 3 particles at all locations. The best fits are obtained with a layer of small ammonia-coated particles ( r ∼ 0.3 μm) overlying but often close to an optically thicker but still modest layer of much larger NH 4 SH particles ( r ∼ 10 μm), with a deeper optically thicker layer, which might also be composed of NH 4 SH. Although these fits put NH 3 ice at pressures less than 500 mb, this is not inconsistent with the lack of prominent NH 3 features in Jupiter’s longwave spectrum because the reflectivity of the core particles strongly suppresses the NH 3 absorption features, at both near-IR and thermal wavelengths. Unlike Jupiter, Saturn lacks the broad 3-μm absorption feature, but does exhibit a small absorption near 2.965 μm, which resembles a similar jovian feature and suggests that both planets contain upper tropospheric clouds of sub-micron particles containing ammonia as a minor fraction.
Fiber-Optic Fourier Transform Spectrometer

Infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy is a technique ideally suited for the analysis of broad and complex spectra and has, therefore, been widely utilized in molecular IR spectroscopy and astrophysics.1 In the technique, spectral information of the source is obtained by computing the Fourier transform of the interferogram generated by scanning a mirror of a Michelson interferometer which is illuminated with radiation from the source.
PINK NOISE, 1/ f α NOISE, AND THEIR EFFECT ON SOLUTIONS OF DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

including the white noise (fi = 0), pink noise (fi = 1), and brown noise (fi = 2) cases. We show how such random fields can be approximated so that they can be used in computer simulations. We then show that the solutions of the differential equations exhibit a strong dependence on fi, indicating that further examination of how randomness in partial differential equations is modeled and simulated is warranted.
Firearm injury among urban youth during the last decade: An escalation in violence

Abstract Purpose: To better characterize firearm violence in urban youth, the authors investigated the circumstances and out-come of shootings among youths under 17 years of age. Methods: A retrospective case review was undertaken of all patients under 17 years of age treated for a gunshot wound at two adjoining level I Trauma Centers (adult and pediatric) administering to a predominantly lower socioeconomic population from January 1986 to December 1995. Demographics, injury severity, circumstances, and outcome of injury were analyzed. Results: 323 youths were wounded by firearms. The mean age was 12.8 years, and 82.3% were boys. There was a 110% increase in frequency of wounding noted during the second half of study (219 v 104), predominatly in the adolescent subset (160% increase for age greater than 12 years v 30% increase for age 12 years and under). The mean injury severity score and trauma score were 9.3 and 14.4, respectively. Violent circumstances (assault, crossfire, drive-by shooting, suicide) accounted for 60.4% of injuries and more than doubled over the study period (26.7% of total in the first 2 years [n = 4], 68.8% in the last 2 years [n = 55]). Unintentional injuries (self nonsuicide, family, friend) accounted for 26.3% of the injuries and declined in relative frequency over the study period (46.7% of total in the first 2 years [n = 7], 20.0% in the last 2 years [n = 16]). Black boys had the highest wounding incidence (9.21,000 population), were most commonly injured by assault (29.0%), and had a higher mean number of wounds (1.8). White boys had a lower wounding incidence (3.11,000 population), were more often injured unintentionally by a friend (41.2%), and had a lower mean number of wounds (1.3), none as a result of violence. Girls had a wounding incidence of less than 21,000 and were most commonly injured in crossfire (40.7%). Ten percent of shootings were fatal. The assailant was known to the victim in 52.8% of children less than 6 years of age, but only 24.7% of children over 12 years of age. Conclusions: The incidence of gunshot wounds in the youth of this urban population has increased substantially over the past decade. Adolescent black boys were the most frequent victims of these shootings. There has been a disproportionate growth in violent circumstances surrounding the shootings.
Discovery of Abundant Cellulose Microfibers Encased in 250 Ma Permian Halite: A Macromolecular Target in the Search for Life on Other Planets

ABSTRACT In this study, we utilized transmission electron microscopy to examine the contents of fluid inclusions in halite (NaCl) and solid halite crystals collected 650 m below the surface from the Late Permian Salado Formation in southeastern New Mexico (USA). The halite has been isolated from contaminating groundwater since deposition approximately 250 Ma ago. We show that abundant cellulose microfibers are present in the halite and appear remarkably intact. The cellulose is in the form of 5 nm microfibers as well as composite ropes and mats, and was identified by resistance to 0.5 N NaOH treatment and susceptibility to cellulase enzyme treatment. These cellulose microfibers represent the oldest native biological macromolecules to have been directly isolated, examined biochemically, and visualized (without growth or replication) to date. This discovery points to cellulose as an ideal macromolecular target in the search for life on other planets in our Solar System. Astrobiology 8, 215–228.
METHANATOR FUEL CONVERSION

Abstract A methanator or catalytic steam reformer fueled engine was operated in the laboratory as part of a clean fuel conversion program. Design information for the fuel reformer has been obtained for hydrocarbon fuel conversion to a methane fuel for a nickel catalyst system in the temperature range 250–500°C, in the pressure range 1–4 atm, and up to 1.7 (10 −4 ) g fuel g −1 cat. s. It was found that trace quantities of O 2 and alkali metal doping of the nickel catalyst increase catalyst life and decrease carbon deposition. A comparison of rate data and mass transfer effects for catalyst pellets suggests that fluidized or tubular reactors would be more efficient than pellets in fixed bed reactors. When unleaded gasoline feed is reacted in this system, a liquid product with a higher average boiling point and with a higher aromatic content results. This product should be eliminated to maintain a cleaner burning gaseous fuel.
A couple of miles down the road

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine some likely scenarios for the future of academic libraries.Design/methodology/approach – Ten scenarios concerning publishing, patrons and technology are discussed vis‐a‐vis their potential effect on libraries.Findings – Thinking about the future is a necessary exercise for planning. Progress is inevitable and should be welcomed for its potential for positive change.Originality/value – The paper provides useful predictions on the future of academic libraries.
An Analysis of the First Two Decades of Advances in Accounting

Abstract This study reports the results of a content and citation analysis of the 295 articles appearing in the first 20 years of Advances in Accounting (AIA). A content analysis provides a taxonomy of the main research areas examined and research methods used in the articles published in the journal during its first two decades, i.e. from 1984 to 2003. Information is also summarized indicating contributing authors, their academic affiliation, and where they earned their doctoral degrees. Citation analysis is then used to classify the sources and types of citations most frequently used in AIA. In addition, citation of AIA articles is examined in seven leading journals covering related research topics over this period of time. Finally, findings and conclusions are discussed.
On the eve of the 21st century: Statistical science at a crossroads

Modern statistical science is one of the major scienti c achievements of the 20th century. While many of the concepts had been laid down earlier, it was not until the 20th century that a true science of statistics had come into being. It has been my privilege over the course of my professional life to have known many of the seminal gures in the history of modern 20th century statistics. Regrettably, I did not have a chance to know Karl Pearson and R.A. Fisher, but I did know many of this century’s greatest contributors to statistical theory such as Egon Pearson, Jerzy Neyman, David Blackwell, C.R. Rao, Harold Hotelling, R.C. Bose, Wassily Hoe ding, Gertrude Cox, Jimmie Savage, and Harald Cramer to name a few. Of course, many great contributors are still active today. I often contemplate what these earlier innovators of the 20th century might think about the state of statistical science as we approach the 21st century. The computing revolution we have seen in the last 20 years has thrust upon us great changes in the way we collect data and our general attitude towards both data and methodology. In a real sense, statistical science is at a crossroads. Statistics as a discipline, it seems to me, is all too often de ned by the set of techniques, tools and methodology rather than by the goal of data analysis and inference. De ning the science by its techniques, tools and methods is a prescription for insularity while de ning by its goals is a prescription for openness and expansion. I rather think the great innovators of statistical methodology mentioned above would opt for a rather more goal oriented worldview of statistical science than seems to prevail today in general.
Security Deposits, Adverse Selection and Office Leases

Our focus in this article is on the extent to which security deposits allow landlords to contract on the intensity with which tenants utilize office space. Much existing discussion recognizes that landlords expect some tenants to be more opportunistic than others, but that landlords often cannot predict a tenant's future behavior. As a consequence, landlords will charge all tenants, both low-utilization and high-utilization ones, a rental externality premium. This rental externality premium gives low-utilization tenants (or tenants with better credit quality than the market perceives) a strong incentive to sort themselves out. Our findings suggest that office rental contracts with large up-front security deposits are one way in which different tenant types can sort themselves out. Such contracts reduce landlord uncertainty and imply rental discounts in excess of the foregone interest on the deposit monies.
A robust hybrid control algorithm for a single-phase DC/AC inverter with variable input voltage

Author(s): Chai, J; Sanfelice, RG | Abstract: In this paper, we analyze the properties of the vector fields associated with all possible configurations of a single-phase DC/AC inverter with the objective of designing a hybrid controller for the generation of an approximation of a sinusoidal reference signal. Using forward invariance tools for general hybrid systems, a hybrid controller is designed for the switched differential equations capturing the dynamics of the DC/AC inverter. Then, global asymptotic stability of a set of points nearby the reference trajectory, called the tracking band, is established. This property is found to be robust to small perturbations, and variation of the input voltage. Simulations illustrating the major results are included. © 2014 American Automatic Control Council.
Nanoporous organosilicate films as antireflection coatings

Nanoporous poly(methylsilsesquioxane) (PMSSQ) films prepared by the sacrificial-porogen (pore generator) approach have been demonstrated as potential antireflection coatings. The simplicity of film preparation, tunability of the refractive index and excellent control of thickness make the nanoporous film a good candidate material. The nanoporous structures were generated by removing organic sacrificial polymer from hybrid films of PMSSQ and organic polymer. In the hybrid films, the organic polymer is phase separated from and entrapped in the crosslinked PMSSQ matrix. The optical thickness (refractive index × film thickness) was controlled simply by varying the amount of organic polymer (% loading) that controls porosity (thus refractive index), and the solid content of the solution and spin casting speed that determine the final film thickness. Film thicknesses ranging from about 10 nm to 1 μm have been achieved with refractive indices ranging from 1.18 to 1.44. The reflectivity of glass slides coated with the porous films is in good agreement with theoretical calculations using basic optical equations. Light transmissions of greater than 99% were observed at certain wavelengths.
Comparison of the effects of neonatal thymectomy on Plasmodium berghei, Trypanosoma lewisi and Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the albino rat

Neonatally thymectomized COBS albino rats (Charles River) were infected with the pathogenic intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite Plasmodium berghei, or the nonpathogenic extracellular protozoan Trypanosoma lewisi or a pathogenic protozoan having both intra- and extracellular forms, Trypanosoma cruzi. Neonatally thymectomized, sham-operated, and unoperated control rats were challenged with 1.0×106P. berghei infected erythrocytes at 6, 8 or 12 weeks of age and parasitemia, anemia and mortality were studied. Others were infected with 1.0×106T. lewisi at 8 weeks of age or 2.0×105 trypomastigotes of T. cruzi at 5–6 weeks of age and parasitemia was investigated. Each age group of neonatally thymectomized rats infected with P. berghei developed significantly higher parasitemias, more severe anemias, and in younger rats, higher mortalities than sham-operated or unoperated controls. Significant differences were observed in the mean parasitemia of neonatally thymectomized and sham-operated or unoperated control rats challenged with T. cruzi. Significant differences were not observed in neonatally thymectomized and sham-operated or unoperated controls challenged with T. lewisi. These observations suggest that in the rat, thymus dependent immune reactions may play a role in acquired immunity to the intracellular blood parasite, P. berghei and to T. cruzi which has an intra- and extracellular stage, but probably does not have a significant role in acquired immunity to the extracellular blood protozoan parasite, T. lewisi.
Note on ship oscillations and wake solitons

Recent field experiments have shown that inside the Kelvin wake of a moving ship there can be two soliton-like envelopes, which extend to a long distance behind the ship. The source mechanism of these solitons has so far been attributed to the steady advance of a ship. In this note we suggest that ship oscillations, induced by ambient sea waves, provide a more plausible explanation for the initiation. Reducing the two-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger equation to a simple form, we use existing theories to predict the wave envelopes in the far wake of a travelling ship in heave or pitch oscillations. While available data are insufficient to give a conclusive check of the theory, qualitative relevance is discussed.
The generalized time variable reconstructed birth-death process.

Abstract Much recent research has investigated the effect that different time variable birth–death processes have on the distribution of branching times in phylogenies of extant taxa. Previous work has shown how to calculate the distributions of number of lineages and branching times for a reconstructed constant rate birth–death process that started with one or two reconstructed lineages at some time in the past or ended with some number of lineages in the present. Here I expand that work to include any time variable birth–death process that starts with any number of reconstructed lineages and/or ends with any number of reconstructed lineages at any time, and I calculate a number of distributions under that process. I also explore the discrete time birth–death process which operates as an efficient and accurate numerical solution to any time-variable birth–death process and allows for the analytical incorporation of sampling and mass extinctions. I describe how these distributions can be used to compare different time variable models using maximum likelihood analysis, and I show how to simulate random trees under any of these models. I also introduce two visual methods for evaluating different time variable birth–death processes; these methods illustrate the shape of distributions for the number of lineages and waiting times by plotting them over time.
HOURLY RETURNS, VOLUME, TRADE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF TRADES

Previous research identifies a causal relationship between returns and trading volume. But volume has two components: number of trades and number of shares per trade. In this paper the relationship between each of these volume components and returns is examined and the number of trades is found to be the dominant component. Results show that return activity in a period is associated with the level of trading frequency in a subsequent period and also with the number of shares in a subsequent period. This is consistent with small traders reacting to returns while professional traders largely ignore previous returns in their trading.
Selective Transfer of Calcium from an Acidic Compartment to the Mitochondrion of Trypanosoma brucei MEASUREMENTS WITH TARGETED AEQUORINS

Organelle compartments are used by cells as reservoirs of exchangeable Ca2+ and as Ca2+ buffers. The following study uses recombinant aequorins (CYT-AEQ and MT-AEQ) to measure the dynamics of Ca2+ flux between organelles in procyclic forms of the pathogenic protozoan, Trypanosoma brucei. Emphasis is placed on the exchange between an acidic Ca2+ reservoir and the mitochondrion. The mammalian mitochondrial targeting sequence was functional in trypanosomes as determined by immunoblots, immunolocalizations, and the observation that MT-AEQ was in a compartment whose Ca2+ uptake was inhibited 82% with carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone and KCN. The resting level of free calcium ion concentration in the mitochondrion ([Ca2+]mit) was slightly higher than that in the cytoplasm ([Ca2+]cyt) (400 +/- 50 nM and 290 +/- 40 nM, respectively). Melittin (125 nM) disrupted Ca2+ homeostasis by inducing Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane. [Ca2+]cyt became slightly elevated to 410 +/- 100 nM, whereas [Ca2+]mit was selectively increased approximately 12-fold, with a broad peak at 4.8 +/- 1.9 microM. At the peak, the mitochondrion contained approximately three times more free Ca2+ than the cytosol. However, mitochondrial retention of the Ca2+ was transient. Similar selective transport into the mitochondrion was observed when Ca2+ efflux from an acidic compartment was induced with monensin (2 microg/ml) in the presence of 5 mM EGTA. [Ca2+]cyt was transiently elevated to 400 +/- 50 nM, whereas [Ca2+]mit was elevated to 3.3+/-1.3 microM. When cells were treated sequentially with monensin (2 microg/ml) and then melittin (200 nM), mitochondrial Ca2+ transport was normal. However, [Ca2+]cyt became elevated to a level that was 1.4-fold higher than with melittin alone. Overall, these data demonstrate that the trypanosome mitochondrion is not a reservoir of exchangeable Ca2+ in the resting cell. However, Ca2+ is selectively channeled to the mitochondrion from the plasma membrane or acidic Ca2+ storage compartment. Additionally, the acidic compartment contributes to maintenance of Ca2+ homeostasis in response to melittin.
One-Third-the-Sites Transition-State Inhibitors for Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase†

Genetic defects in human purine nucleoside phosphorylase cause T-cell deficiency as the major phenotype. It has been proposed that efficient inhibitors of the enzyme might intervene in disorders of...
Brain cholinesterase activity of bobwhite acutely exposed to chlorpyrifos

Northern bobwhite, Colinus virginianus, were orally dosed with the organophosphorus insecticide chlorpyrifos to examine effects on brain chohnesterase (ChE) activity. Two-week-old quail were acutely exposed and euthanized at selected times following gavage-dosing, ranging from I to 120 h later. The ChE activity was determined in treated birds and compared to concurrently tested control (corn oil) birds. It was found that a lag time of 2 to 4 h following exposure was necessary to detect significant ChE depression caused by chlorpyrifos. The lowest dose that produced ChE depression in these tests was between —30 and 50 mg chlorpyrifos/kg body weight, with some mortality occurring at the high end of that range. Depression typically persisted for at least 24 h.
A Discourse (With Shape of Reason Missing)

I begin with an image: an image of two crowds, in which I shall try to clear a space to make something visible; or perhaps I shall only be making visible that space itself, a space that is already there. The image is John Baldessari’s; a 4 ft by ####ft gelatin silver print made in 1984 (illustration 23) and first published on the cover of the Fall 1985 issue of Journal, in the context of a ‘Special Feature’ edited by Jeremy Gilbert-Rolfe and John Johnston on ‘Multiplicity, Proliferation, Reconvention’.1 Johnston you may know as a translator of Baudrillard, Deleuze and Foucault. Gilbert-Rolfe is a painter and critical theorist who, at the time, was teaching at the California Institute of the Arts, where Baldessari had also been on the faculty since 1970.
Case-control studies: Assessing the effect of a confounding factor

SUMMARY Upper and lower bounds for the strength of the effect of a dichotomous confounding factor on the exposure-disease relationship are developed, for case-control studies of a A problem in the design and analysis of a case-control study is the identification of confounding factors. Controversies frequently arise about whether an exposure-disease relationship is spurious, i.e. caused by extraneous or confounding factors that were not measured or controlled as part of the study. The effect of confounding factors has been discussed quantitatively by Bross (1966) and Schlesselman (1978). In this paper we develop upper and lower bounds for the stratum-specific odds ratios which are applicable for assessing the effect of a confounding factor. We restrict our attention to the simple case involving a dichotomous disease variable, denoted by D if present and D if absent, a dichotomous exposure variable, denoted by E if present and E if absent, and a single dichotomous extraneous factor F with F1 and Fo denoting its two levels. 2. BOUNDS We parameterize the joint distributions of E and F in D and D as follows:
The Countercyclicity of Government Transfers: A Political Pressure Group Approach

Farmers receive greater subsidies from the government during times of relatively unfavorable market conditions. A generalization of Becker's (1983) model is presented that offers an explanation of how political pressure groups respond to market forces. In the model, pressure groups compete for government transfers, but market conditions affect political agents' political expenditures. Political agents can be altruistic, taxpaying interest groups can perceive benefits (not just costs) of transfer programs, and subsidy-receiving interest groups can perceive costs (not just benefits) of transfer programs. The model offers a formal explanation of transfer countercyclical within the general framework of models of competition among political pressure groups.
Optimization and performance study of large-scale biological networks for reconfigurable computing

Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) can provide an efficient programmable resource for implementing hardware-based spiking neural networks (SNN). In this paper we present a hardware-software design that makes it possible to simulate large-scale (2 million neurons) biologically plausible SNNs on an FPGA-based system. We have chosen three SNN models from the various models available in the literature, the Hodgkin-Huxley (HH), Wilson and Izhikevich models, for implementation on the SRC 7 H MAP FPGA-based system. The models have various computation and communication requirements making them good candidates for a performance and optimization study of SNNs on an FPGA-based system. Significant acceleration of the SNN models using the FPGA is achieved: 38x for the HH model. This paper also provides insights into the factors affecting the speedup achieved such as FLOP:Byte ratio of the application, the problem size, and the optimization techniques available.
Percolation theory for nonlinear conductors

Under broad conditions, a network of nonlinear conductors has an $I\ensuremath{-}V$ characteristic uniquely determined by Kirchhoff's rules. By means of a renormalization calculation, we show that near the percolation threshold the details of the microscopic $I\ensuremath{-}V$ characteristic are averaged out, so that the bulk material approaches power-law conductor behavior ($V={I}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$). The threshold exponents $t(\ensuremath{\alpha})$ and $s(\ensuremath{\alpha})$ are discussed in the limiting cases of two dimensions (where they are related by duality) and high dimensionality (by solving the Cayley-tree model).
Disconjugacy and optimal control

A new concept of disconjugacy and oscillatoriness is proposed for systems of first-order equations. It is motivated by a reformulation of a problem in time-optimal linear control theory having to do with the parametric description of reachability sets and their frontiers.
Electron-doped infinite-layer Sr1−xLnxCuO2 superconductors: Synthesis, magnetism, and transport

Abstract We report the results of SQUID magnetization, x-ray diffraction, and transport studies of polycrystalline specimens of the electron-doped infinite-layer compounds Sr1−xLnxCuO2 (Ln = lanthanide element, x =0–0.16). Samples are synthesized at high pressure (25 kbar), typically at temperatures in the range 950–1085°C. X-ray diffraction data indicate that the solid solution phase boundary occurs at x ≈ 0.10, somewhat lower than previously supposed. Magnetic and superconducting properties are a sensitive function of synthesis conditions, with optimal superconducting behavior (-4πχ ≈ 0.6–0.9) observed for a very narrow (∼10°C) synthesis window. Only a small variation of Tc (Tc≈43 K) with dopant ion size is observed; a smaller Tc for Ln=Gd may imply an appreciable rare-earth ion-conduction electron exchange coupling, J ≈11 meV .
Retrieval from memory of dietary information

Two experiments investigated the accuracy with which subjects report their dietary intake for specified periods. In Experiment 1, subjects recorded their diets for 2 or 4 weeks, and returned 0, 2, 4, or 6 weeks after the end of the recording period for a memory test which required that they attempt to report all items that they had eaten or drunk during the recording period. The reported items were scored against the recorded ones. Overall memory performance deteriorated as retention interval increased. In addition, the intrusion rates of subjects who reported for 2 weeks increased steeply as a function of retention interval length, whereas those of subjects who reported for 4 weeks were roughly constant across retention interval length, whereas those of subjects who reported for 4 weeks were roughly constant across retention intervals. Encouraging subjects to report by food groups elevated intrusion rates, relative to other instructions, without increasing the proportion of targets that was reported. In Experiment 2, subjects recorded their dietary intake for two separate periods, and reported for both periods at the end of the second. The items reported for the second period better matched the record for that period than the record for the first period, but there was no such difference for the items reported for the first period. Taken together, the results of the two experiments suggest that subjects rely on generic memory about their own diets when they attempt to report their intake for extended or remote periods.
Complex system modelling for veterinary epidemiology.

Abstract The use of mathematical models has a long tradition in infectious disease epidemiology. The nonlinear dynamics and complexity of pathogen transmission pose challenges in understanding its key determinants, in identifying critical points, and designing effective mitigation strategies. Mathematical modelling provides tools to explicitly represent the variability, interconnectedness, and complexity of systems, and has contributed to numerous insights and theoretical advances in disease transmission, as well as to changes in public policy, health practice, and management. In recent years, our modelling toolbox has considerably expanded due to the advancements in computing power and the need to model novel data generated by technologies such as proximity loggers and global positioning systems. In this review, we discuss the principles, advantages, and challenges associated with the most recent modelling approaches used in systems science, the interdisciplinary study of complex systems, including agent-based, network and compartmental modelling. Agent-based modelling is a powerful simulation technique that considers the individual behaviours of system components by defining a set of rules that govern how individuals (“agents”) within given populations interact with one another and the environment. Agent-based models have become a recent popular choice in epidemiology to model hierarchical systems and address complex spatio-temporal dynamics because of their ability to integrate multiple scales and datasets.
A paradigm shift: biomaterials that heal

Biomaterials based on synthetic polymers have been explored in medicine since early in the 20th century. The inert nature of polymeric materials and their many fabrication options suggested possibilities in medicine to surgeons having to deal with repair and replacement of diseased or injured organs and tissues. Now the biomaterials/medical device industry is estimated at US$ 150 billion worldwide and saves the lives of millions and improves the quality of life for millions more. In spite of the success of biomaterials and medical devices, there are issues with ‘biocompatible’ biomaterials that have an on impact medical practice and stimulate scientific questions. This perspective discusses the fact that although we have been reasonably successful with implants, there is much room for improvement. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Particle-beam fabrication and in situ processing of integrated circuits

Particle beams, in their broadest context, have become the most common tools in the kit of the IC process engineer, In this paper the general characteristics of particle-beam technologies are systematically classified and critical applications issues are outlined. The uses of ion, electron, and photon beams for various processes (e.g., thin-film deposition, lithography, etching, doping) are reviewed and critical issues are highlighted. The feasibility of integrating several advanced beam processes to achieve a totally in situ process is discussed. Particulate contamination in "clean"- room environment and under vacuum conditions is addressed and related to chip defects and yield. The relative advantages, in terms of facility and operating cost, flexibility, device performance, of an in situ process are considered.
Efficient and Customizable Data Partitioning Framework for Distributed Big RDF Data Processing in the Cloud

Big data business can leverage and benefit from the Clouds, the most optimized, shared, automated, and virtualized computing infrastructures. One of the important challenges in processing big data in the Clouds is how to effectively partition the big data to ensure efficient distributed processing of the data. In this paper we present a Scalable and yet customizable data PArtitioning framework, called SPA, for distributed processing of big RDF graph data. We choose big RDF datasets as our focus of the investigation for two reasons. First, the Linking Open Data cloud has put forwards a good number of big RDF datasets with tens of billions of triples and hundreds of millions of links. Second, such huge RDF graphs can easily overwhelm any single server due to the limited memory and CPU capacity and exceed the processing capacity of many conventional data processing software systems. Our data partitioning framework has two unique features. First, we introduce a suite of vertexcentric data partitioning building blocks to allow efficient and yet customizable partitioning of large heterogeneous RDF graph data. By efficient, we mean that the SPA data partitions can support fast processing of big data of different sizes and complexity. By customizable, we mean that the SPA partitions are adaptive to different query types. Second, we propose a selection of scalable techniques to distribute the building block partitions across a cluster of compute nodes in a manner that minimizes inter-node communication cost by localizing most of the queries on distributed partitions. We evaluate our data partitioning framework and algorithms through extensive experiments using both benchmark and real datasets. Our experimental results show that the SPA data partitioning framework is not only efficient for partitioning and distributing big RDF datasets of diverse sizes and structures but also effective for processing big data queries of different types and complexity.
Natural Language SOA Using Dynamic Logic

The paper addresses adaptive learning of language in service oriented architecture from its human users. This is an unsolved problem in existing search engines, such as Yahoo and Google. An algorithm based on dynamic logic is described, which learns phrases from SOA human users. Extensions to the entire language acquisition are discussed. Results could be used to build more efficient search engines that would not depend on users' knowing exact terminology. The ontology SOA structure could be made adaptive, learning from constantly changing user needs and practices
Wind energy for the 1990s and beyond

Electrical power must be available to the consumer in any amount upon demand. Conventional methods of power generation, such as the burning of fossil fuels, hydroelectric plants, and nuclear power plants, have considerable shortcomings. Governmental regulations have increased in quantity and have raised the already rigid standards of producing electric power without further damage to the environment. Electrical power produced by wind energy conversion systems are undergoing extensive research and revitalization as a viable solution to clean air power generation. The basic challenge to scientists and engineers is to develop wind energy conversion systems that produce adequate amounts of power, but at a cost comparable to present conventional methods. This article discusses the background and impact of the modern wind energy conversion system on future power generation.
The preparation of high purity vanadium pentoxide by a chlorination procedure

Abstract A method for the preparation of high purity V2O5 from a technical grade oxide has been developed. The method includes the reaction of the impure oxide with Cl and C, hydrolysis of the resultant VOCl3 in aqueous NH3, and ignition of the precipitated NH4VO3 at 500–600°C. V2O5 containing a maximum of ca. 100 p.p.m. impurities was produced in kilogram quantities both cheaply and efficiently by this process.
A new concept kinetic-ejection negative-ion source for rib generation

Abstract Chemically active radioactive species are often released from target-materials in a variety of molecular forms. For example, 17F, is principally released from Al2O3 target-material as Al17F. Because of the low probability of simultaneously dissociating such molecular carriers and efficiently ionizing their atomic constituents with conventional hot-cathode, electron-impact ion sources, species of interest are often distributed in several mass channels in the form of molecular side-band beams. Consequently, beam intensities of the desired radioactive species are diluted. The sputter negative-ion beam generation technique is particularly effective for simultaneously dissociating molecular carriers and efficiently ionizing highly electronegative atomic constituents. Therefore, a new concept kinetic-ejection negative-ion source (KENIS), based on this principle, was conceived to address this problem. The source has proven to be highly efficient for simultaneously dissociating and negatively ionizing sputter-ejected atomic fluorine from cesiated surfaces. The source has been successfully employed on-line to generate high intensity 17F− beams for use in the astrophysics research program at the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility (HRIBF) using the 16O(d,n)17F reaction. The mechanical design features, principles of operation, operational parameters, beam quality information (emittance data) and efficiencies for forming intense beams of 17F− during off-line and on-line operation of the source are presented in this report.
Far infrared observations of IRC + 10216

Results are reported for measurements of IRC + 10216 at 100 microns made with the 91-cm telescope of NASA's Kuiper Airborne Infrared Observatory. The IR photometer employed consisted of a gallium-doped germanium photoconductive detector with a MOSFET preamplifier and load resistor. Signals obtained from the source at modulation frequencies of 30 and 100 Hz are plotted, and the 100-micron flux measurements are shown to be in agreement with previous bolometric measurements. It is noted that the sensitivity of the photoconductive detection system is comparable to that of the conventional bolometers that have been used in airborne IR observations.
Is visceral sympathoexcitation to heat stress dependent on activation of ionotropic excitatory amino acid receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla

Acute heat stress activates visceral sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) in young rats, and the functional integrity of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) is required for sustaining visceral sympathoexcitation during peak increases in internal body temperature (Tc). However, RVLM mechanisms mediating SND activation to hyperthermia remain unknown. In the present study, we investigated the role of RVLM ionotropic excitatory amino acid receptors in mediating visceral SND activation to heat stress in anesthetized, young rats. The effects of bilateral RVLM kynurenic acid (Kyn; 2.7 and 5.4 nmol), saline, or muscimol (400–800 pmol) microinjections on renal SND and splenic SND responses to heat stress were determined at peak hyperthermia (Tc 41.5°C), during progressive hyperthermia (Tc 40°C), and at the initiation of heating (Tc increased from 38 to 38.5°C). RVLM Kyn microinjections did not reduce renal and splenic SND recorded during progressive or peak hyperthermia and did not attenuate SND activation at the initiation of heating. In fact, renal and splenic SND tended to be or were significantly increased following RVLM Kyn microinjections at the initiation of heating and during hyperthermia (40 and 41.5°C). RVLM muscimol microinjections at 39, 40, and 41.5°C resulted in immediate reductions in SND. These data indicate that RVLM ionotropic glutamate receptors are required for mediating visceral sympathoexcitation to acute heating and suggest that acute heating activates an RVLM ionotropic excitatory amino acid receptor dependent inhibitory input, which reduces the level of visceral SND to heating.
Bearing Australia's ‘beloved burden’: recent offerings in Australian convict history

Australia's Birthstain: The Startling Legacy of the Convict Era, by Babette Smith, Sydney, Allen and Unwin, 2008, 408 pp., $49.95 (hardback), ISBN 9781741146042. A Cargo of Women: Susannah Watson a...