cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lynette Felber, Ed. Clio's Daughters: British Women Making History, 1790–1899

Clio's Daughters: British Women Making History, 1790–1899, a collection of essays on women's engagement with history in the Romantic and Victorian periods edited by Lynette Felber, establishes nine...
Free Will, Physics, Biology, and the Brain

This introduction reviews the traditionally conceived question of free will from the point of view of a physicist turned neurobiologist. I discuss the quantum mechanic evidence that has brought us to the view that the world, including our brains, is not completely determined by physics and that even very simple nervous systems are subject to deterministic chaos. However, it is unclear how consciousness or any other extra-physical agent could take advantage of this situation to effect a change in the world, except possibly by realizing one quantum possibility over another. While the brain is a highly nonlinear and stochastic system, it remains unclear to what extent individual quantum effects can affect its output behavior. Finally, I discuss several cognitive neuroscience experiments suggesting that in many instances, our brain decides prior to our conscious mind, and that we often ignorant of our brain’s decisions.
Computer literacy for everyone

The authors have been teaching a very successful university computer literacy course since 1984. A computer literacy course should teach students to be passionate about and efficient with computers, and it should engender students with an appreciation of the power computing and networking tools provide today. In the authors' courses, students learn useful skills, but that is a secondary goal. The authors use the World Wide Web as a vehicle for proactive learning and publishing; and they encourage collaboration using web and programming applications tools to enable true literacy. This paper will review those aspects of the instructors' methodology that contribute to the success of the course.
Variable-Field Analytical Ultracentrifugation: I. Time-Optimized Sedimentation Equilibrium.

Sedimentation equilibrium (SE) analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) is a gold standard for the rigorous determination of macromolecular buoyant molar masses and the thermodynamic study of reversible interactions in solution. A significant experimental drawback is the long time required to attain SE, which is usually on the order of days. We have developed a method for time-optimized SE (toSE) with defined time-varying centrifugal fields that allow SE to be attained in a significantly (up to 10-fold) shorter time than is usually required. To achieve this, numerical Lamm equation solutions for sedimentation in time-varying fields are computed based on initial estimates of macromolecular transport properties. A parameterized rotor-speed schedule is optimized with the goal of achieving a minimal time to equilibrium while limiting transient sample preconcentration at the base of the solution column. The resulting rotor-speed schedule may include multiple over- and underspeeding phases, balancing the formation of gradients from strong sedimentation fluxes with periods of high diffusional transport. The computation is carried out in a new software program called TOSE, which also facilitates convenient experimental implementation. Further, we extend AUC data analysis to sedimentation processes in such time-varying centrifugal fields. Due to the initially high centrifugal fields in toSE and the resulting strong migration, it is possible to extract sedimentation coefficient distributions from the early data. This can provide better estimates of the size of macromolecular complexes and report on sample homogeneity early on, which may be used to further refine the prediction of the rotor-speed schedule. In this manner, the toSE experiment can be adapted in real time to the system under study, maximizing both the information content and the time efficiency of SE experiments.
Shifts in Marijuana Policies and the Impact on Adolescents

Marijuana policy is rapidly evolving in the United States. Between 1996 and March 2015, 23 states and the District of Columbia enacted laws making medical marijuana legal for adults 21 years and ol...
Asymmetric dimethylarginine and whole blood viscosity in renal failure.

BACKGROUND Renal failure is a disease with accelerated atherosclerosis beginning with endothelial cell dysfunction. Factors affecting endothelial cell dysfunction include whole blood viscosity (WBV) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). The relationship in controls and renal failure was determined. METHODS 51 subjects, 20 controls, 11 renal transplant recipients, 10 chronic kidney disease and 10 end-stage renal disease patients had blood samples drawn for WBV, Hematocrit, and ADMA. WBV was measured at various shear rates from 10 s(-1) to 780 s(-1) at 37 °C. Hematocrit using CritSpin, and ADMA was assayed using an ELISA method. The significance between groups was compared by boxplots and analysis of variance. Linear relationships were shown by regression lines and correlation coefficients. RESULTS ADMA was elevated in all groups with renal failure when compared to controls (p < 0.05). Control subjects showed a positive correlation between ADMA and WBV, while those who received a renal transplant had a negative correlation (p < 0.05). The difference in ADMA comparing pre-dialysis to post-dialysis conditions was positive (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The positive relationship between WBV and ADMA in controls is a novel finding and allows for comparison with other groups. This relationship is dramatically altered in renal failure.
When the light turns blue: Journeying into disability studies guided by the work of Ellen Brantlinger

Ellen Brantlinger's research and activism created opportunities for scholars who seek to locate and interrupt the social processes that shape educational inequities. In this essay, we reflect on Ellen's contributions by identifying three key signposts – lessons from Ellen's work that guided our own journeys and shaped the field of disability studies in education. These signposts include the assertions that (1) qualitative research is essential to understanding the contextual factors that shape the identification, location and response to difference as social phenomena, (2) inclusion and exclusion are political and ideological processes shaped by discursive practices and (3) research is a form of (in)activism. We conclude the essay with a consideration of the questions that Ellen's work positions us to ask as we move forward.
Of Origins and Pedigrees: Lineage Tracing of Dendritic Cells

Understanding the ontogeny of distinct hematopoietic cell types remains a challenge. In this issue, Schraml et al. contribute to unraveling the complexity of a central component of the mononuclear phagocyte system by using a new in vivo approach to trace the progeny of common dendritic cell precursors.
Recovering articulatory movement from formant frequency trajectories using task dynamics and a genetic algorithm: preliminary model tests

Abstract Articulatory trajectories of an articulatory model were recovered by means of a genetic algorithm from acoustic information using a task-dynamic model of speech articulation. Tests on simulated utterances / əbae/ and / ədae/ show that the method can recover most of parts of an original trajectory, but it has trouble in obtaining precise timing. For the recovery of articulation, formant frequency trajectories should be supplemented by additional acoustic information, such as RMS amplitude.
Changes in Lipid and Fatty Acid Composition of Wild Freshwater Zooplankton during Enrichment and Subsequent Starvation

Abstract Concentrated wild zooplankton harvested from freshwater ponds have been used to feed the larvae of hybrid striped bass (female white bass Morone chrysops × male striped bass M. saxatilis) in tanks. However, larval growth and survival have been superior when cultured rotifers and brine shrimp Artemia spp. nauplii have been offered as first feeds. We hypothesized that enrichment with highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs), which is common for cultured zooplankton, would enhance the nutritional value of wild freshwater zooplankton. Wild zooplankton were enriched for 24 h with Super Selco, a formula rich in HUFAs. Lipid and fatty acid composition changes in wild freshwater zooplankton were monitored during the enrichment period and the subsequent 72 h. Total lipids in wild zooplankton increased from a preenrichment level of 38 mg/g dry weight (DW) to 72 mg/g DW after enrichment. Although wild zooplankton were initially deficient in HUFAs, the HUFA level after enrichment was 10.41 mg/g DW, which was a...
Guarded models for intrusion detection

Host-based intrusion detection systems that monitor an application execution and report any deviation from its statically built model have seen tremendous progress in recent years. However, the weakness of these systems is that they often rely on overly abstracted models that reflect only the control flow structure of programs, and therefore are subject to so-called 'mimicry attacks'. Authors of these models have argued that capturing more of the data flow characteristics of a program is necessary to prevent a large class of attacks, in particular, non-control-data attacks. In this paper, we present the guarded model, a novel model that addresses the various deficiencies of the state-of-the-art intrusion detection systems. Our model is a generalization of previous models that offers no false alarms, a very low monitoring overhead, and is automatically generated. Our model detects mimicry attacks by combining control flow and data flow analysis, but can also tackle the ever increasingly threatening non-control-data flow attacks. Our model is the first model built automatically by combining control flow and data flow analysis using state-of-the-art tools for automatic generation and propagation of invariants. Our model not only prevents intrusions, but allows in some cases the detection of application logic bugs. Such bugs are beyond the reach of current intrusion detection systems
Chromatographic Properties of Denatured Skin and Bone Collagens on Hydroxyapatite

Denatured collagen samples extracted from the skin and bone of lathyritic rats with guanidine hydrochloride were chromatographed on hydroxyapatite columns. A major fraction of the bone extract that was rich in a chain showed a stronger binding to hydroxyapatite when compared to the corresponding fraction from skin. Thus, bone collagen shows a special affinity for hydroxyapatite after isolation and denaturation.
Charge density wave fluctuations in one dimensional metals

Abstract The magnetic susceptibility χ ( T ) for several quasi one-dimensional (1-D) inorganic metals was recently found to agree quantitatively with that predicted in 1973 by Lee, Rice and Anderson for 1-D chains exhibiting charge density wave amplitude fluctuations. We derive here a physical interpretation of their predicted pseudogap in the electronic density-of-states (from which they derived χ ( T )) and examine applications of the theory to the electronic heat capacity.
MRI of the female pelvis.

MRI is a proven modality to evaluate the female pelvis. Excellent soft tissue contrast, sensitivity for the detection of fluid, and the multiplanar imaging capabilities of MR allow noninvasive demonstration of normal anatomy and pathological processes. Most female pelvic MRI studies are performed to answer specific questions and must, therefore, follow carefully developed protocols, which are discussed in this article. The principal MRI techniques and strategies outlined in this work include: (1) the evaluation of reproductive dysfunction, anatomic variants; (2) specific obstetrical applications; (3) oncologic evaluation and tumor staging; (4) problem solving (i.e., the characterization of abnormalities detected by ultrasound); and (5) the evaluation of urethral disease.
Understanding and using the capabilities of finite scheduling

Purpose – Presents a microcomputer‐based finite scheduling approach to effective planning and execution of make‐to‐order production. Going beyond the traditional application of scheduling algorithms to prioritize jobs through work centers, the finite scheduling approach can be used to establish “smart” promise dates, manage the jobs through the work centers and enable supervisors to meet these due dates in the dynamic MTO environment.Design/methodology/approach – Using data from an operational jobshop and a simulation‐based finite scheduling algorithm linked to pre‐ and post‐processing capabilities developed in Access, this research provides specific examples of establishing smart due dates and managing resources to meet those dates. We provide some what‐ifs in order to more fully explore the benefits of a finite scheduling system.Findings – Through use of actual jobshop data, the paper demonstrates that finite scheduling can be effectively performed on standard computing equipment. It also provides an un...
Oligomeric Molecular Assemblies as Digital Switches in Apoptosis

Proteins of the death domain (DD) superfamily are central players in multiple cell death pathways. Previous structural studies have shown that DD proteins share a common six-helical bundle fold. However, how they mediate caspase activation was entirely unknown. Here we show that these proteins form highly oligomeric signaling complexes via elegant helical assembly modes, which presumably bring caspases into proximity for their interaction and activation. Structures of three oligomeric DD complexes will be presented, the 5: 7 PIDD: RAIDD complex in caspase-2 activation [1], the 5-7: 5 Fas: FADD complex in death receptor signaling [2] and the 6: 4: 4 MyD88: IRAK4: IRAK2 complex in Toll-like receptor signaling [3]. The highly oligomeric nature of the complexes dictates high cooperativity in their assembly, which may then control signaling in a digital manner, rather than in an analog manner. Recent single cell studies provide support that this digital control of signaling may be more common than previously known.[1] Hyun Ho Park, Emmanuelle Logette, Stefan Raunser, Solange Cuenin, Thomas Walz, Jurg Tschopp and Hao Wu (2007). Death domain assembly mechanism revealed by crystal structure of the oligomeric PIDDosome core complex. Cell 128: 533-546.[2] Liwei Wang, Jin Kuk Yang, Venkataraman Kabaleeswaran, Amanda J Rice, Anthony C Cruz, Ah Young Park, Qian Yin, Ermelinda Damko, Se Bok Jang, Stefan Raunser, Carol V Robinson, Richard M Siegel, Thomas Walz & Hao Wu (2010). The Fas-FADD death domain complex structure reveals the basis of DISC assembly and disease mutations”. Nature Struct. Mol. Biol. in press.[3] Su-Chang Lin, Yu-Chih Lo and Hao Wu (2010). Helical assembly in the MyD88-IRAK4-IRAK2 complex in TLR/IL-1R signaling. Nature, 465: 885–90.
Spontaneous somatic mutation frequencies for flower color in several Tradescantia species and hybrids

Abstract Normal wild-type flowers of Tradescantia species and of certain interspecific hybrids vary in color from blue to violet to purple, but in many species occasional pink-flowered plants occur. Spontaneous pink mutant cells can be observed in petals and stamen hairs of plants heterozygous for flower color and mutation frequencies can be calculated per 10 3 hairs on per 10 5 stamen hair cells. These two frequencies are highly correlated but not completely proportional because of clonal differences in number of cells per hair. The lowest spontaneous frequencies were found in hybrid or putative hybrid clones and the highest (except for one mutable clone) found in heterozygous clones of pure species. The spontaneous frequency per hair varied from 0·48±0·15 to 5·21±0·20 × 10 −3 for hybrid (4430) or putative hybrid (02) clones, and from 2·15±0·16 to 16·98±1·25 × 10 −3 per hair for clones of T. bracteata, T. gigantea, T. ohiensis, T. paludosa and T. subacaulis . The pink mutation frequencies per 10 5 cells were calculated for three clones of T. subaccalis and varied from 11·8 to 58·9. Frequencies per 10 5 stamen hair cells varied from 3·65 for one scoring of the putative hybrid clone 02 to 23·0 for young plants of clone 4430 (a hybrid of T. hirsutiflora × subacaulis ). Spontaneous frequencies for one set of scorings on petals of clone 02 gave an average of 27·5 × 10 −5 per cell—higher than the corresponding stamen hair frequencies, but scorings were at different times. For the mutable clone 0106, derived from clone 02, spontaneous pink mutation frequencies per 10 3 hairs varied from about 8·8±2·15 to 46·0±9·8 and per 10 5 cells from 35·7 to 227·8, depending upon length of time after cuttings were made. The variation in frequencies among clones is assumed to have a genetic basis but within a clone is thought to be influenced by such factors as age of plant or inflorescence, environmental conditions under which the plants are grown, the year or time of year scoring was done, and possibly by variation in scoring efficiency among different observers. The variation observed with date of scoring suggests the possibility of unidentified environmental mutagen(s) as the casual agent(s), but this has not been confirmed. The mutation frequencies observed in Tradescantia are compared with frequencies or rates in gametic and somatic cells of various plant and animal species.
Integrated detector array preprocessing for infrared astronomical applications

On-board preprocessing of astronomical data from integrated infrared detector arrays and discrete detectors will allow increases in sensitivity and reductions in costs for observations from cryogenic space telescopes. A variety of preprocessing functions for this application, which could be implemented either through analog on-chip devices or through external microprocessors, is identified. Software simulations and laboratory evaluations are underway to determine the effectiveness of these preprocessing schemes.
A pulsing model of advertising competition: A game theoretic approach, part B — Empirical application and findings

In part A of this study, we have theoretically established the assertion that the subgames of alternating pulsing competition (APC) and matching pulsing competition (MPC) may not have saddle points at the corners if at least one of the firms has a convex response function (see Result 4 in Mesak and Calloway, 1995). In this second part, we give numerical support to the above result and illustrate the use of linear programming (LP) to solve pulsing games associated with such cases. All findings obtained thus far are summarized afterwards within a theoretical decision-making framework. We also report the results of an empirical investigation aimed at estimating the Lanchester model in a duopolistic setting. Finally, we shed light on the lessons learned from the entire study and highlight possible directions for future research.
Numerical analysis of the stability and transient behavior of natural convection loops

Abstract A general numerical model is developed for analyzing the transient thermal-hydraulic behavior of a single-phase, toroidal, natural convection loop (thermosyphon) connected to a pressurizer. The thermosyphon torus is positioned vertically, with heat sources and sinks distributed over its lower and upper sections, respectively. A set of three basic simultaneous time-dependent conservation equations for 1-dimensional flow is solved, coupled with a lateral momentum equation in one of the volume cells interacting with an external pressurizer. The unknown dependent variables are the mass velocity, enthalpy, pressure and the lateral mass velocity into/from the pressurizer. Other fluid thermodynamic and transport properties are accurately determined using tabulated steam/water table module incorporated in the model. A parametric study is performed over a wide range of operational parameters and angular displacements of the heated and cooled sections, which was impracticable in previous studies. Steady-state, transient behavior, and instability characteristics are studied and discussed. The main conclusions obtained are; (i) The prediction of dynamic instability largely depends on the assumptions related to the heat transfer coefficient and friction factor and their transient dependence on local and instantaneous thermodynamic and transport properties, (ii) In the turbulent flow regime the instability threshold qas found to be sensitive to cooling section wall temperature, (iii) Rotation of the heated/cooled sections in the vertical plane by angles of θ 0 >20° about the horizontal axis θ 0 = 0 , stabilizes the system's operation for all heat fluxes and wall temperatures. Good agreement is obtained between the present predictions and experimental results available in the literature.
Integrality theorems in the theory of topological strings

Abstract We give a simplified derivation of the expression of instanton numbers and of mirror map in terms of Frobenius map on p -adic cohomology and use this expression to prove integrality theorems. Modifying this proof we verify that the Aganagic–Vafa formulas for the number of holomorphic disks can be expressed in terms of Frobenius map on p -adic relative cohomology; this expression permits us to prove integrality of this number.
Right and left ventricular compliance in the hereditary cardiomyopathy of the Syrian hamster

Ventricular pressure-volume curves were examined in 10 pre-oedematous cardiomyopathic Syrian hamsters, aged 120 d, and 10 oedematous cardiomyopathic hamsters, aged 210 d, and compared with 10 and 8 age-matched controls, respectively. Previous studies had shown filling pressures and cardiac output to be normal in the pre-oedematous stage. In contrast, the oedematous stage was characterised by elevated filling pressures and increased cardiac output, raising the question whether this stage represents true myocardial failure or circulatory congestion associated with decreased ventricular compliance. Compliance, defined as dV/dP, was derived simulataneously for both ventricles from post-mortem pressure-volume curves from 0 to 2.66 kPa (0 to 20 mmHg). Left ventricular tissue elastic modulus, E, defined as dsigma/depsilon or the incremental stress (sigma) for an increment of strain (epsilon), was derived from the compliance curves and certain linear dimensions of the heart. At isobaric intervals, compliance did not differ between control and myopathic ventricles. At pressures corresponding to previously measured, naturally prevailing end-diastolic pressures, the myopathic ventricles were significantly dilated in both stages; end-diastolic compliance was normal in pre-oedematous hamsters, but was significantly decreased in the oedematous animals. Left ventricular elastic modulus was elevated at all values of sigma in both groups of myopathic animals.
Sieve cell differentiation; accurate determination by polarized light.

Differentiating sieve cells can be qualitatively and quantitatively determined in white pine or other species of plants with phloem cells possessing nacreous primary walls or thickened secondary walls. Transverse sections from stained and unstained preparations of white pine examined in polarized light reveal a distinct zone of birefringent sieve cells situated between the cambial zone and layer of seasonal phloem parenchyma. The deposition of secondary walls in sieve cells in pine and their unequivocal recognition in polarized light presents a simple, effective means for detecting newly differentiated sieve cells and for quantitatively estimating their production during an experimental period.
Estrogen inhibition of dopamine release into hypophysial portal blood.

The hypothesis that 17β-estradiol suppresses dopamine secretion into hypophysial portal blood was tested. Portal plasma concentrations of dopamine were significantly lower in proestrous rats (1.0 ± 0.1 ng/ml; mean ± SE) than in estrous rats (1.9 ± 0.38 ng/ml). To deplete the animal of endogenous steroid hormones, proestrous rats were adrenalectomized (Adx) and ovariectomized (Ovx). Twenty-four hours later, hypophysial portal blood was collected for 60 min, and the plasma from this blood was analyzed for dopamine. Arterial plasma from these rats was assayed for 17β-estradiol and progesterone. The concentrations of dopamine in the portal plasma of sham-operated rats and bilaterally Adx-Ovx rats were similar to those in estrous animals. The concentration of dopamine in portal plasma of Adx-Ovx rats injected 24 h earlier with 50 μg 17β-estradiol was 1.0 ± 0.31 ng/ml, which was comparable to that in proestrous animals but less than that in the estrous rats. The concentrations of 17β-estradiol in arterial plasm...
The effector domain of human Dlg tumor suppressor acts as a switch that relieves autoinhibition of kinesin-3 motor GAKIN/KIF13B.

Kinesin motors mediate the intracellular transport of cargo molecules along microtubule tracks (1). The mechanism that regulates the activation of kinesin motors remains an issue of fundamental importance (2, 3). It has been reported that the full length conventional kinesin, kinesin-1, has very little microtubule-stimulated ATPase activity in solution as compared to its shorter motor domain constructs (4, 5). The intramolecular interactions mediated by the motor and tail domains keep the kinesin-1 in a compactly-folded inhibitory state (6–8). It is well established that the mechanical attachment of the inactive full length motor to a glass surface or latex beads is sufficient to transform the inactive motor to an active state, presumably by disrupting its inhibitory conformation (8, 9). Therefore, it is reasonable to speculate that this mode of self-inhibition of kinesin-1 is the general feature conserved in all kinesin-like proteins to keep their motor activity regulated in vivo. GAKIN/KIF13B (10) belongs to the kinesin-3 family. The family also includes KIF1A/Unc104, which is responsible for the transport of synaptic vesicles (11). Our previous studies have identified two cargo molecules for GAKIN; the membrane-associated guanylate kinase homologue (MAGUK) scaffolding protein hDlg/SAP97 (12) and a PIP3 binding protein termed PIP3BP (13). Both MAGUKs and PIP3 have been implicated in the regulation of cell polarity pathways, and their subcellular localization is considered to be important for their functions in vivo. Recently, we have shown that the transport of PIP3 containing vesicles to the distal ends of neurites by the GAKIN-PIP3BP complex regulates the axon-dendrite polarity determination in the hippocampal neurons (13). Human Dlg is an important component of cell-cell contact sites such as epithelial adherence junctions and neuronal synaptic membranes, where it forms a multi-protein complex containing transmembrane receptors and cytoskeletal proteins (14). The loss of Drosophila Dlg disrupts epithelial apical-basal polarity resulting in the tumor-like overgrowth in imaginal discs (15). MAGUK proteins are also implicated in the transport of multi-protein complexes to specialized sites. For example, SAP97, the rat orthologue of hDlg, regulates the transport of AMPA receptor complex to the synapse (16–18). A scaffolding complex containing Lin-2, another MAGUK, mediates the transport of the NMDA receptor (19). These findings prompted us to investigate the regulatory mechanism of the hDlg-GAKIN cargo-motor complex and its role in the transport phenomenon. Here, we report that a specific segment of hDlg encodes the activation signal for converting an inactive GAKIN to an active motor in vitro. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the regulation of a kinesin motor by direct interaction of its natural cargo using in vitro measurements of purified components.
Substance p enhancement of passive and active avoidance conditioning in mice.

Abstract In a series of seven experiments we explored the effects of peripherally administered substance P on passive and active avoidance conditioning in mice of two genotypes. The peripheral post-trial administration of substance P significantly enhanced the retention of a single-trial passive avoidance task. This effect was dose dependent; 1 ng/g of substance P enhanced the retention of this habit, whereas higher and lower doses were either less effective or ineffective. In heterogenous strain (HS) mice, substance P administered before training on an active avoidance task did not alter the rate at which these animals learned this habit. However, animals that had been trained with substance P were significantly more resistant to extinction than were animals that had been injected with vehicle. Similarly, C57B1/6J mice that had been treated with substance P immediately after active avoidance training were more resistant to extinction than were mice that had been given control injections. The enhancement of retention of the passive avoidance habit with substance P was reversed in animals that had been pretreated with naltrexone. Substance P enhancement of the retention of the passive avoidance habit, and its reversal with naltrexone, was observed in both sham operated and adrenalectomized mice.
Cyanidin 3-O-β-d-glucoside-rich blackberries modulate hepatic gene expression, and anti-obesity effects in ovariectomized rats

Abstract Estrogen loss predisposes postmenopausal women to a 60% greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome. We examined the dose dependent effects of whole blackberries containing 87% cyanidin-3-O-β- d -glucoside (C3G), a powerful antioxidative and anti-inflammatory anthocyanin, in ovariectomized rats. Nine-month-old female Sprague–Dawley rats were either sham-operated or ovariectomized (OVX) and divided four groups, Sham + control diet, OVX + control diet, OVX + 5% blackberry and OVX + 10% blackberry (OVX-BB10%). After 100 days of treatment, serum, liver lipids, insulin and C-reactive protein, serum antioxidant capacity, low density lipoprotein oxidation and gene expression of inflammatory markers were measured. Final body weights of blackberry treatments were lower than the OVX controls, and BB10% (w/w) diet decreased hepatic nuclear factor-kappa B, and cyclooxygenase-2 expression levels. Thus, consumption of C3G-rich blackberries is protective against weight gain and inflammation associated with ovariectomy-induced menopause in a rat model.
Numerical simulation of blast flowfields using MacCormack's method coupled with Kentzer's characteristic based boundary conditions

A numerical algorithm based on the unsteady three-dimensional method of characteristics is presented for calculating transient blast flowfields. A conservation form of the Euler equations are solved using the MacCormack explicit finite difference method. Artificial dissipation is included in the governing equations to aid in shock wave capturing and steady-state convergence. Compatibility equations in conservation variables are applied at the boundaries of the flowfield using the Kentzer method. The Kentzer method which is based on characteristic theory and employs a finite difference method to solve the compatibility equations. The scheme is second-order accurate. Comparisons are conducted for a steady axisymmetric nozzle and an unsteady open ended shock tube. The numerical solutions predicted by the methodology are in excellent agreement with experimentally measured results.
Understanding the effect of access point density on wireless LAN performance

In this paper, we present a systematic experimental study of the effect of inter-cell interference on IEEE 802.11 performance. With increasing penetration of WiFi into residential areas and usage in ad hoc conference settings, chaotic unplanned deployments are becoming the norm rather than an exception. These networks often operate many nearby access points and stations on the same channel, either due to lack of coordination or insufficient available channels. Thus, inter-cell interference is common but not well-understood. According to conventional wisdom, the efficiency of an 802.11 network is determined by the number of active clients. Surprisingly, we find that with a typical TCP-dominant workload, cumulative system throughput is characterized by the number of interfering access points rather than the number of clients. We find that due to TCP flow control, the number of backlogged stations in such a network equals twice the number of access points. Thus, a single access point network proved very robust even with over one hundred clients. Multiple interfering access points, however, lead to an increase in collisions that reduces throughput and affects volume of traffic in the network.
A dominant nuclear streptomycin resistance marker for plant cell transformation

Plant cells in photoheterotrophic culture respond to streptomycin by bleaching and retarded growth but no cell death. A new genetic marker for plant cell transformation has been developed that is based on the expression of the enzyme streptomycin phosphotransferase (SPT), and confers the ability to form green colonies on a selective medium. Coding sequences of SPT from the bacterial transposon Tn5 were placed under the control of gene expression signals derived from the Agrobacterium Ti plasmid Ach5. The 5′ end of the SPT gene has been replaced with the promoter region of the gene coding for the first enzyme of agropine biosynthesis, the 3′ end with that of the enzyme octopine synthase. The chimeric SPT gene has been linked to a selectable kanamycin resistance gene, and introduced into Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana plumbaginifolia by selection for the linked kanamycin resistance marker. Streptomycin resistance was expressed in some but not all of the kanamycin-resistant lines and was transmitted to the seed progeny as a dominant nuclear trait.
Finite projective dimension and the vanishing of extR(M, M)

We show that for a finitely generated module M over a complete intersection R, the vanishing of for a certain number of consecutive values of i starting at n forces the projective dimension of M to be at most n − 1. In particular, if and only if the projective dimension of M over R is at most one. We also verify a conjecture of Auslander and Reiten for modules over commutative rings with certain typical behaviors, which augments the recent literature.
Harm reduction from a broader political-economic perspective

From the perspective of many researchers, harm reduction is the most compelling approach to minimizing the adverse consequences of drug use/misuse, including the transmission of blood-borne pathogens. In their commentary, Friedman et al., 2001 argue that those working in the harm reduction movement should consider building alliances with the working class, socialists, and women’s movements, among others, and stimulate the development of illegal drug user groups in an effort to gain the political power needed to implement harm reduction policies (see also, Friedman, 1998a,b). At one level, it is difficult to argue with this call to build more diverse alliances with people who have less power – in order to gain power – rather than working solely through the public health system to implement harm reduction policy. However, the approach taken seems rather limited to an outdated Marxian class-based opposition approach to social analysis. The harm reduction movement could also align itself with the need for broader transformation of the principles of social reproduction of capitalist cosmology, rather than focusing on fueling and replicating class-based oppositions (Carlson, 1996).
Blood pressure as a predictor of cardiovascular events in the elderly: the William Hale Research Program.

Blood pressure as a predictor of cardiovascular events in the elderly: the William Hale Research Program
Quality Technology Support: What Is It? Who Has It? and What Difference Does It Make?

Using the recommendations of the CEO Forum report on Professional Development, we operationalized “quality technology support” as consisting of: 1) access to one-on-one personal guidance and help; 2) frequent teacher participation in technology-oriented professional support among teacher peers; 3) professional development content focused on instruction and integration; and 4) access to resources. Using the 1998 TLC national survey of teachers, we empirically confirmed that the frequency, variety, and increased use of technology in the classroom are associated with the availability of quality technology support. These results suggest that if technology leaders hope teachers will integrate technology they should attend to the instructional aspects of technology support, such as professional development opportunities and learning environments, as well as its technical components.
A difference scheme for radiative transfer

The numerical description of the state of matter which is in the presence of a radiation field, and which scatters, absorbs, and emits that radiation is far from straightforward. Three general methods have been applied to various problems: invariant imbedding, Monte Carlo, and direct discretization of the relevant integrodifferential equations. At the moment the last method seems to possess the greatest versatility and it also has had the most success. A special discrete, or finite difference method is discussed in this paper. We first present a set of requirements such as conservation and correct asymptotic behavior, which, although quite reasonable, cannot be satisfied by a finite difference method on a fixed word length machine. We then construct discrete equations which satisfy a set of relaxed requirements in an ideal situation, namely, without scattering and assuming local thermodynamic equilibrium. We also give some numerical results.
Identification and Design of Peptides for the Rapid, High-Yield Formation of Nanoparticulate TiO2 from Aqueous Solutions at Room Temperature

Titania (TiO2) nanoparticles are widely used, or are under active development, for a range of applications in (photo)catalysis, photovoltaics, enzyme support, energy storage, and photonics. The peptide-directed room-temperature formation of titania nanoparticles can be an attractive alternative to higher-temperature synthetic methods. However, the influence of the peptide primary structure on the titania precipitation activity at room temperature is not well understood. Through the selective binding of phage-displayed 12-mer peptides to TiO2 substrates, we have identified 20 peptides with an affinity for titania. The average numbers of arginine, lysine, and histidine residues present in these 20 peptides were distinctly higher than for the overall peptide-bearing phage library. Synthetic 16-mer versions of four of these peptides (i.e., 12-mer peptides with C-terminal tetrapeptide tags for quantitative spectrophotometry) induced the formation of 8.1–38.7 mol TiO2/mol peptide after exposure for only 10 min ...
Dynamic Data Driven Applications System Concept for Information Fusion

Abstract We present a framework of Information Fusion (IF) using the Dynamic Data Driven Applications Systems (DDDAS) concept. Existing literature at the intersection of these two topics supports environmental modeling (e.g., terrain understanding) for context enhanced applications. Taking advantage of sensor models, statistical methods, and situation- specific spatio-temporal fusion products derived from wide area sensor networks, DDDAS demonstrates robust multi-scale and multi-resolution geographical terrain computations. We highlight the complementary nature of these seemingly parallel approaches and propose a more integrated analytical framework in the context of a cooperative multimodal sensing application. In particular, we use a Wide-Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) application to draw parallels and contrasts between IF and DDDAS systems that warrants an integrated perspective. This elementary work is aimed at triggering a sequence of deeper insightful research towards exploiting sparsely sampled piecewise dense WAMI measurements – an application where the challenges of big-data with regards to mathematical fusion relationships and high-performance computations remain significant and will persist. Dynamic data-driven adaptive computations are required to effectively handle the challenges with exponentially increasing data volume for advanced information fusion systems solutions such as simultaneous target tracking and identification.
Endplate postsynaptic structure dependent upon muscle activity

The influence of contractile activity on the preservation of the denervated postsynaptic region of the endplate was quantitatively assessed by electron microscopy. The extensor digitorum longus muscle of rats were denervated for 21 days. Denervated animals were divided into two groups, those receiving electrical stimulation treatment (1 h/day for 21 days) and those left untreated. The postsynaptic area of clefts and folds in endplates of type I and II muscle fibers from controls and denervated-stimulated animals were found to be comparable in size whereas the postsynaptic areas in the denervated-non-stimulated muscles were significantly reduced. The results show that electrically-induced contractile activity plays a significant role in the maintenance of the postsynaptic region of the endplate.
Genetic Relations between Body Measurements at Three Ages in Holsteins

Summary Body measurements at 6 mo., 1 yr., and 2 yr. of age were used to study patterns of growth relationships. Phenotypic correlations between measurements on the same animal, phenotypic correlations between one measurement on the dam and another on the daughter, genetic correlations, and heritabilities were calculated and considered. The influence of genetic factors relative to that of environmental factors increased with age. The effect of general factors was most evident at 6 mo., whereas the effect of group and specific factors became more evident as age increased.
Science and technology policy in action. How GM created a global laboratory network

General Motors (GM) created an operating concept of the Global Laboratory Network in 1993 that was novel in automotive science and technology. Traditional GM researchers at first thought the notion was all about outsourcing. What GM had really designed was a model for insourcing intellectual equity to enhance the Research, Development, and Engineering (RD&E) portfolios of projects and programs, specifically aiming for the greatest return on investment around the globe. The GM Global Science and Technology Policy Vision is truly a global vision. This paper focuses on what GM has done to create a Global Laboratory Network (GLN) and what has been learned during the implementation process across Asia. The other theme that carries throughout the paper is that the GLN sets up local nodes to acquire science and technology and to insource local talent, rather than shipping talent and knowledge overseas in either its physical or electronic state. The GLN started out as a very “top-down” vision but it has become defined and made real by GM scientists and engineers, not by management. It put GM personnel in cultural and “learning” satellites—or virtual communities—which join creative minds with strong-pulling business needs. “Insourcing of intellectual equity” is a theme of the GM program. The concept of the GLN fits the defining characteristic of Asian science, engineering, and technology—the passion to operate as fast as possible, but not faster; just the right amount to move an invention into practice.
Hydrogen bonding interactions between aldose reductase complexed with NADP(H) and inhibitor tolrestat studied by molecular dynamics simulations and binding assay

Molecular dynamics simulations and binding affinity studies have been carried out in order to probe the effect of the charge state of His110 and cofactor NADPH on the binding affinity of the potent inhibitor tolrestat to aldose reductase (ALR2) complexed with either NADPH or NADP(+). Molecular dynamics simulations of ALR2-NADP(+)-tolrestat indicate that the carboxylate group of tolrestat forms a hydrogen bond with Tyr48 and His110 of ALR2 regardless of the charge state of His110. In the case of ALR2-NADPH-tolrestat, the H-bonding pattern is significantly different from that of ALR2-NADP(+)-tolrestat, in that Tyr48 does not H-bond to tolrestat. The binding affinity of tolrestat to ALR2 complexed with either NADPH or NADP(+) is comparable and pH-dependent. Based on the H-bonding interactions seen in computer simulations, it is proposed that the cationic moiety at the active site of ALR2-NADP(+) and ALR2-NADPH that interacts with the carboxylate of tolrestat is NADP(+) and His110, respectively. The residue that gives rise to the pH-dependent binding of tolrestat to ALR2-NADP(+) and ALR2-NADPH has been identified as Tyr48 and His110, respectively.
Identification of the cDNA, gene and promoter for a major protein from flexible cuticles of the giant silkmoth Hyalophora cecropia.

Abstract We have isolated and sequenced a cDNA and region of genomic DNA that encode HCCP12, a major protein found in flexible cuticles of all three metamorphic stages of the giant silkmoth, Hyalophora cecropia . The gene for HCCP12 contains two introns with the first intron interrupting the signal peptide. The 5′ flanking region contains 478 base pairs (bp) with about 95% identity to the prototype of a common Cecropia insertion element. The RACE procedure was used to produce cDNAs corresponding to the 5′ ends of mRNAs for HCCP12 isolated from larval, pupal and pharate adult epidermal cells. Sequences from 21 cloned cDNAs were almost identical. It was thus concluded that a single gene and a single promoter (as evidenced by a single transcriptional start site) for HCCP12 are used in all three metamorphic stages. Hence, neither stage-specific gene sets nor stage-specific promoters are essential for metamorphic transitions of cuticular protein gene expression.
A Framework for Learning Advanced Postsecondary Vocational-Technical Skills.

This article proposes a cognitive framework that could provide a partial justification for reforms in vocational education, where the goal has become higher‐order thinking and problem solving among...
The effect of drying conditions on the development of the hard-to-cook defect in steam-treated cowpeas

Summary A three-factor–three-level Box–Behnken design was used to evaluate the effect of drying time, temperature and humidity on textural and physicochemical characteristics during storage of steamed cowpeas. The treatment significantly improved cooked texture and prevented hardening during storage under severe conditions (42 °C/80% relative humidity, RH). Before storage, the cooked texture of treated samples was between 535–628 and 602 N for the untreated control, and between 516–649 and 1394 N after storage at 42 °C/80% RH. The peak force of stored cowpeas significantly decreased as the drying temperature increased. Steaming and drying reduced phytase activity to 59–64% of the original activity and decreased phytate content from 0.133% to 0.074–0.105%. Drying time had a significant effect on phytase activity whereas all drying parameters significantly affected phytate concentration and water absorption. The drying conditions applied after steaming significantly influences seed characteristics; therefore, selection of optimum drying conditions may be used to control seed quality, especially texture.