cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intruders versus intrusiveness: teens' and parents' perspectives on home-entryway surveillance

We investigated how household deployment of Internet-connected locks and security cameras could impact teenagers' privacy. In interviews with 13 teenagers and 11 parents, we investigated reactions to audit logs of family members' comings and goings. All parents wanted audit logs with photographs, whereas most teenagers preferred text-only logs or no logs at all. We unpack these attitudes by examining participants' parenting philosophies, concerns, and current monitoring practices. In a follow-up online study, 19 parents configured an Internet-connected lock and camera system they thought might be deployed in their home. All 19 participants chose to monitor their children either through unrestricted access to logs or through real-time notifications of access. We discuss directions for auditing interfaces that could improve home security without impacting privacy.
A psychophysiological comparison of two approaches to relaxation and anxity induction

This study investigated the effects of two different instructional sets on psychophysiological correlates of the behavior therapy technique of Induced Anxiety. Cardiac and respiration rate data were collected for 16 subjects while they participated in the essential phases of the technique: relaxation, induced arousal, relaxation. Subjects were randomly assigned within a counterbalanced design to two treatments; Induced Anxiety with preparation by general relaxation suggestions and Induced Anxiety with preparation by operant hypnoidal induction. Cardiac and respiration rates showed significant increase under both treatments for induced arousal relative to relaxation phases. Respiration rate manifested no difference between instructional treatments. Cardiac rate was significantly greater for the three phases of Induced Anxiety under the operant hypnoidal treatment than under the general relaxation preparation.
Evolution of stresses in passivated and unpassivated metal interconnects

This paper discusses computational simulations of the evolution of stresses and deformation in unpassivated and SiO2-passivated Al lines on Si substrates. The finite element model accounts for elastic-plastic deformation in the Al lines during etching, passivation, and subsequent thermal cycling, by recourse to a generalized plane strain formulation within the context of a unit cell with appropriately constrained boundary conditions. The effects of different controlled variations in thermal history, and in the width, height, spacing, and yield behavior of the Al lines are analyzed; all these factors are seen to have potentially strong effects on the evolution of stresses within the lines. The predictions of the computations presented in this work are amenable for direct comparisons with experiments of curvature evolution along and perpendicular to the lines upon patterning, passivation, and thermal loading. The predicted stresses in metal interconnects can be directly used for reliability modeling purposes.
Multispectral scattering measurements along extended paths over the ocean surface using an imaging system

A new instrument has been developed for measurement of visibility and scattering characteristics in the visible spectrum over extended paths. The instrument, a Multispectral Scattering Imager, is designed to acquire calibrated radiance images in several wavelengths over extended paths. From measurements of the horizon radiance and the radiance of dark targets, combined with measurements of the inherent properties of the dark targets, visibility and effective scattering coefficient over the integrated path can be determined. The instrument has acquired several months of data over a 7.2 km path in San Diego, along with several transmissometers and nephelometers. Initial data comparisons show quite good comparisons with the other systems. The instrument has the advantage that measurements may be taken over extended paths in the wavelengths of choice, yet it is passive, and does not require an active two-ended transmitter/receiver system. We will show the results from the MSI in blue, green, red, and NIR wavebands, and show comparisons with other instruments.
The Case Against Smokeless Tobacco: Five Facts for the Health Professional to Consider

Snuff dipping and tobacco chewing are rapidly gaining popularity in the United States. They are being heavily promoted through mass media advertising. Advertising spots on radio, television, and in the printed media use well-known sports personalities and entertainers to act as spokesmen for smokeless tobacco. Despite the esthetic drawbacks of these social acceptance. This is being accomplished, at least in part, through a skillful manipulation of the public by the tobacco industry. Use of smokeless tobacco is rapidly increasing, especially among young male athletes and students in high school and college. Advertising implies that smokeless tobacco habits are innocuous and safe. They are not. Smokeless tobacco products have shown that potential for causing cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and eophagus. A review of the medical and dental literature has shown 646 cases of cancer associated directly with smokeless tobacco. Smokeless tobacco can produce significant effects on the soft and hard tissues of the mouth, including bad breath, discolored teeth and restorations, excessive wear (abrasion) of the incisal and occlusal surfaces of the teeth, decreased ability to taste and small, gingival recession, advanced periodontal destruction of the soft and hard tissues, erythema of the soft tissues, leukoplakia, and cancer. Health professionals are urged to advise their patients concerning the hazards of using smokeless tobacco and to take a strong public stance in opposition to the current advertising campaigns aimed at youth. The professions should demand that smokeless tobacco products print health warning labels on the packages and in advertising copy. Finally, patients should be taught how to recognize signs of breakdown of the soft and hard tissues.
WOUND-TUMOR VIRUS ANTIGENS IN THE INTERNAL ORGANS OF AN INSECT VECTOR.

Abstract A simple method of dissecting out the various internal organs of Agallia constricta Van Duzee is described. Wound-tumor virus antigens were detected in hemolymph smears of viruliferous leafhoppers of both sexes and in the smears of the fat body from female transmitters, by using fluorescent antibodies. The fat body of only one male transmitter out of 10 tested was positive. When organs of the same kind from 11 to 20 exposed or viruliferous leafhoppers were pooled and extracts tested for wound-tumor soluble antigens by the precipitin ring test, a positive reaction was given by the fat body, intestine, and salivary glands of both sexes and by the ovaries. Malpighian tubules and the testes failed to show a positive reaction. Although the tests suggested that the highest virus antigen concentration is in the fat body, it seems probable that the initial site of infection is the intestinal tract. By squeezing a small drop of hemolymph onto a slide and applying the fluorescent smear test it is possible to determine, without damaging any of the organs, whether an insect is viruliferous.
Selective angioembolization for traumatic renal injuries: a survey on clinician practice

Purpose A variety of clinical and imaging findings are used by clinicians to determine utility of renal angioembolization (AE) in managing renal trauma. Our purpose was to investigate specific criteria that clinicians who manage high-grade renal trauma (HGRT) utilize in decision-making for primary or delayed AE.
Effect of degumming conditions on removal and quality of soybean lecithin

A commercially extracted crude soybean oil (570 ppm phosphorus, 1.74% acetone insolubles) was degummed in the laboratory under a wide range of reaction conditions (water concentration, temperature, time and agitation). The reaction conditions were correlated with phosphorus removal from the oil as well as with color and acetone-insoluble content of the gum fraction. Efficiency of removal of phosphorus-containing compounds was independent of time, temperature and agitation. Water concentration had the most significant effect on removal of phosphorus from crude soybean oil. Some darkening of the lecithin was observed at temperatures above 60 C and with increased agitation. Individual conditions of time and temperature had relatively little effect on the acetone-insoluble content of the gums. Low agitation rates and water in concentrations of other than 2% (either more or less) entrained excessive amounts of oil in the gums. Under our experimental conditions, the optimal conditions with respect to phosphorus removal, lecithin color and acetone-insoluble content are estimated to be: time-short (15 min); agitation-moderate to rapid (400 rpm); temperature-60 C; water concentration-2% or an amount close to the phosphatide content of the crude oil. Bleaching with hydrogen peroxide to produce single-bleached lecithin was investigated. From limited data, it appears that when degumming and bleaching are performed simultaneously, effectiveness of bleaching is a function of peroxide concentration and time. Thus, longer degumming times are required to prepare bleached lecithin compared to unbleached products.
SU-E-T-386: Gamma Analysis of Normalized and Un-Normalized Dose Distributions.

Purpose: The gamma index method, as currently implemented in all commercial QA software, calls for selection of a normalization point to evaluate agreement between two dose distributions. The implication of this is that there is an infinite number of possible solutions! Which one to pick? A unique and more relevant solution is obtained only if no normalization point is used.Methods and Materials: The set of test cases suggested by the AAPM TG1 19 were planned using Pinnacle 8.0m and delivered on a Varian 21EX linac for 6 and 18 MV photons. The recommended point and planar dose measurements were obtained using a Pinpoint ion chamber, EDR2 film and MatriXX. The gamma index method using typical 3%, 3 mm criteria with and without a normalization point was used to assess the agreement between calculated and delivered planar dose distributions. The analysis was extended to a set of data for clinically treated patients. Results: The comparison with the TG119 benchmark data showed that all point dose and planar measurements for 6 MV were within the published range. Similar results, although without published data to compare with, were obtained for 18 MV as well. For all complex tests, the percentage of points passing the gamma criteria of 3%, 3 mm was (95.8±1.6)% and (95.6±1.0)% for 6 MV and 18 MV, respectively. Without a normalization point, however, the same gamma analysis fell to (20.7±6.7)% and (13.9±4.0)% for 6 MV and 18 MV, respectively. The clinical data set showed the same trend, with the gamma passing rate declining from (98.9±0.7)% to (33.4±13.1)%. Conclusion: The gamma index method provides a unique answer for gamma passing rate only without normalizing dose distributions to any particular point. The common gamma criteria of 3%, 3 mm, however, is a very poor metric in that case.
Fibrinolytic Studies in the Nephrotic Syndrome

Extract: Because of the susceptibility to thromboembolism exhibited by patients with the nephrotic syndrome, the fibrinolytic systems of 27 affected patients were studied and compared with those of 53 patients with other renal disorders; 26 normal subjects were used as controls. Three of the nephrotic patients had thromboembolic episodes. Patients with the nephrotic syndrome had markedly elevated levels of the antiplasmin, α-2-macroglobulin (mean 1290 mg/100 ml), as determined by an immunological radial diffusion assay, when compared with normal controls (mean 270 mg/100 ml) and with other patients with chronic renal disease (mean 380 mg/100 ml). High levels of α-2-macroglobulin in the serum were directly related to increased measured values of serum antiplasmin (antifibrinolysin) activity. These abnormalities persisted, to a lesser degree, during remission of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Plasminogen (profibrinolysin) levels, as determined by radial diffusion, were reduced in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (mean 62% of adult normal), including the three patients with thromboembolic episodes. Levels of α-1 -antitrypsin, a slow-acting antiplasmin, were neither altered in the nephrotic syndrome nor correlated with antiplasmin activity. Low levels of serum albumin were correlated with high α-2-macroglobulin concentrations. Nine patients, all with the nephrotic syndrome and including the three patients with thromboembolism, had both elevated levels of α-2-macroglobulin and antifibrinolysin activity and decreased levels of plasminogen. Speculation: The elevated α-2-macroglobulin level and decreased plasminogen activity in patients with the nephrotic syndrome may result in defective fibrinolysis and thromboembolic complications. Prospective studies will be necessary to determine if these measurements have predictive value in determining risk of thromboembolism. The therapy of the nephrotic syndrome should be evaluated not only for its effect on the disease, but also for its effect on the fibrinolytic system.
Ammonium and nitrate uptake in gap, generalist and understory species of the genus Piper.

We studied root net uptake of ammonium (NH 4 + ) and nitrate (NO 3 − ) in species of the genus Piper (Piperaceae) under high, intermediate and low photosynthetically active photon flux densities (PFD). Plants were grown hydroponically, and then transferred to temperature controlled (25° C) root cuvettes for nutrient uptake determinations. Uptake solutions provided NH 4 + and NO 3 − simultaneously (both) or separately (single). In the first experiment, seven species of Piper, from a broad range of rainforest light habitats ranging from gap to understory, were screened for mineral nitrogen preference (100 μM NH 4 + and/or 100 μM NO 3 − ) at intermediate PFD (100 μmol m−2 s−1). Preference for NH 4 + relative to NO 3 − , defined as the ratio of NH 4 + (both):NO 3 − (both) net uptake, was higher in understory species than in gap species. Ammonium repression of NO 3 − uptake, defined as the ratio of NO 3 − (single): NO 3 − (both) net uptake, was also higher in understory species as compared to gap species. In a second set of experiments, we examined the effect of nitrogen concentration (equimolar, 10 to 1000 μM) on NH 4 + preference and NH 4 + repression of NO 3 − net uptake at high (500 μmol m−2 s−1) and low (50 μmol m−2 s−1) PFD in a gap (P. auritum), generalist (P. hispidum) and understory species (P. aequale). All species exhibited negligible NH 4 + repression of NO 3 − net uptake at high PFD. At low PFD, NH 4 + preference and repression of NO 3 − net uptake occurred in all species (understory > generalist > gap), but only at intermediate nitrogen concentrations, i.e. between 10 and 200 μM. Ammonium repression of net NO 3 − uptake decreased or increased rapidly (in < 48 h) after transitions from low to high or from high to low PFD respectively. No significant diurnal patterns in NO 3 − or NH 4 + net uptake were observed.
Inducing Compliance with a Donation Request.

(1978). Inducing Compliance with a Donation Request. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 106, No. 2, pp. 281-282.
Pore size distributions of ion exchangers and relation to protein binding capacity

The pore structure of chromatographic media directly influences macromolecular transport and adsorption, and consequently separation resolution and loading capacity in chromatographic separations. The pore size distribution (PSD) is therefore a central structural characteristic of chromatographic materials and a critical determinant of chromatographic behavior. In this work the PSDs of a set of commercial anion exchangers were determined by inverse size-exclusion chromatography (ISEC). The PSDs were further utilized to develop relations to functional properties of adsorbents, such as intraparticle diffusivity, and static and dynamic binding capacities. We find that the detailed PSD is useful in semi-quantitative understanding of chromatographic behavior. However, more accurate prediction of column behavior requires more thorough knowledge of the pore structure, specifically the connectivity of the pore network, as well as improved understanding of the function of grafted resins.
Stereoselective synthesis of enones from the reaction of aldehydes with sterically hindered dimethylaluminum enolates

Abstract The equimolar reaction between Me3Al and the methyl ketones (2,4,6-R3–C6H2)C(O)CH3, where R = Me or iPr, results in exclusive formation of the enolization products [{Me2AlOC(2,4,6-R3–C6H2) CH2}2], 1 and 2, upon heating to reflux temperature in toluene solution. The property of Me3Al acting as a base rather than a nucleophile in these reactions is due to the sterically hindered nature of the ketones. Crystallographic analysis of 2 revealed a dimeric complex where the metal centers are bridged by the enolate anions, consistent with the previous studies of 1. Addition of a series of aldehydes to hexane solutions of 1 and 2, followed by heating to reflux for several hours gave enone products in generally high conversions. The presumed aluminum aldolate intermediates were not detected by in situ monitoring studies and are presumably short-lived under the reaction conditions. The enone products from the addition reactions were formed predominantly as the E-isomers with good to excellent stereoselectivities.
Measurement of the Stratum Corneum Drug Reservoir to Predict the Therapeutic Efficacy of Topical Iododeoxyuridine for Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

Abstract A rapid, in vivo measurement of the penetration of antiviral compounds into the skin would improve our ability to predict the therapeutic efficacy of topical treatments for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. We have studied the concentration of iododeoxyuridine (IDU) in the stratum corneum of guinea pig skin by tape stripping at different time points after single and multiple topical doses of the drug. These results were correlated with the efficacy of topical IDU against an experimental cutaneous HSV infection. Ten adhesive tape strippings were performed on depilated guinea pig dorsum in vivo at serial intervals after a single topical dose of [ 3 H]IDU. Iododeoxyuridine levels in the stratum corneum peaked at 1–3 h (67–70 mg/g of tissue) and then gradually declined over the next 3–24 h. We hypothesized that the peak IDU stratum corneum concentration would correlate with therapeutic efficacy. Accordingly, we determined the quantity of IDU in guinea pig stratum corneum 2 h after a topical application of seven different concentrations of IDU in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and examined the in vivo efficacy of these formulations in an experimental dorsal cutaneous HSV-1 infection in guinea pigs. The results showed an excellent correlation between the quantity of IDU in the stratum corneum and reduction in lesion severity ( r = 0.95–0.97). Fifteen percent IDU in DMSO provided the highest therapeutic efficacy (90–94%). We also studied the relationship between the clinical efficacy of different dosing frequencies and the amount of IDU in the stratum corneum. Serial IDU stratum corneum concentrations were measured over 24 h following 1, 2, 3, or 4 applications per day of 1, 3, and 15% IDU in DMSO treatments and parallel efficacy studies of the different regimens were conducted in the animal model. Within each dosing frequency, the cumulative amount of drug in the stratum corneum correlated with the strength of the test formulation and with efficacy in the animal model. For each of the three formulations, increasing the number of daily doses from one up to three led to progressive increases in cumulative stratum corneum IDU levels and clinical efficacy. An increase in the number of daily applications to four had little effect on drug efficacy and was associated with a plateau in stratum corneum IDU levels. Stratum corneum IDU concentrations were rapid and easy to determine and correlated well with clinical events. This novel measurement could be used to evaluate the skin penetration of topical antivirals to guide formulation and dosing of treatments for HSV infections. The procedure has the added advantage of potential use in human subjects in vivo.
Changes in serum sex steroid levels during megestrol acetate therapy

We hypothesized that megestrol acetate (MA) may work on breast carcinoma by inducing changes in serum sex steroid levels. We prospectively measured levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), estrone (E1), and estradiol (E2) in 18 postmenopausal women before and during megestrol acetate therapy. MA significantly suppressed serum FSH, LH, DHEA and E1 levels. However, this was accompanied by a marked increase in serum E2 levels as measured by radioimmunoassay performed on whole serum. MA did not cross-react with the anti-E2 antibodies used in the assay. Elevated E2 levels also occurred in oophorectomized and/or adrenalectomized patients indicating the ovary and adrenal are not the source of the elevated E2 levels. We conclude that MA may be metabolized to oestrogenic compounds that crossreact with antibodies to E2, explaining the elevated E2 levels observed. The effects of these oestrogenic metabolites on breast carcinoma are unknown.
Primate Social Behavior and Ostracism

Abstract Ostracism, and its attendant processes, emigration and immigration, are now recognized as basic mechanisms intrinsic to the long-term adaptation of primate society. Ostracism, defined as socially determined exclusion from the resources and opportunities necessary to successful reproduction, is a basic mechanism by which individuals strive to maximize their own reproductive success at the expense of others. Among males this process most often involves exclusion from opportunities to fertilize females (zygote formation) whereas among females it leads to competition for the resources necessary to raise these zygotes to adulthood. Ostracism from intrasexual competition may be so intense that it leads to the migration of less successful individuals into social groups offering greater opportunity. The “passports” most often used in primate immigration are sexual affinity and kinship alliance. Migration carries high risk and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Nevertheless, ostracism, emigration, and immigration remain as the basic social processes by which the ratio of resources to individuals shifts and balances from one year to the next. Such adjustments are made through the process of individual “decisions” and “strategies” to optimize personal reproductive success, but their net effect is to constantly redistribute individuals in relation to resources vital to reproduction.
Spectroscopic evidence for the presence of an iron-sulfur center similar to Fx of Photosystem I inHeliobacillus mobilis

Treatment of membranes ofHeliobacillus mobilis with high concentrations of the chaotropic agent urea resulted in the removal of the iron-sulfur centers FA and FB from the reaction center, as indicated by EPR spectra under strongly reducing conditions. In urea-treated membranes, transient absorption measurements upon a laser flash indicated a recombination between the photo-oxidized primary donor P798+ and a reduced acceptor with a time constant of 20 ms at room temperature. Benzylviologen, vitamin K-3 and methylene blue were found to accept electrons from the reduced acceptor efficiently. A differential extinction coefficient of 225–240 mM−1 cm−1 at 798 nm was determined from experiments in the presence of methylene blue. Transient absorption difference spectra between 400 and 500 nm in the presence and absence of artificial acceptors indicated that the electron acceptor involved in the 20 ms recombination has an absorption spectrum similar to that of an iron-sulfur center. This iron-sulfur center was assigned to be analogous to FX of Photosystem I. Our results provide evidence in support of the presence of FX in heliobacteria, which was proposed on the basis of the reaction center polypeptide sequence (Liebl et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90: 7124–7128). Implications for the electron transfer pathway in the reaction center of heliobacteria are discussed.
Reference machines require non-linear time to maintain disjoint sets

This paper describes a machine model intended to be useful in deriving realistic complexity bounds for tasks requiring list processing. As an example of the use of the model, the paper shows that any such machine requires non-linear time in the worst case to compute unions of disjoint sets on-line. All set union algorithms known to the author are instances of the model and are thus subject to the derived bound. One of the known algorithms achieves the bound to within a constant factor.
Natural Convection in Open-Ended Inclined Channels

Experiences de visualisation de l'ecoulement et du transfert de chaleur dans l'eau pour etudier l'effet de l'inclinaison θ sur la convection naturelle dans un canal a parois paralleles. On fait varier l'ecartement adimensionnel entre les parois (S/H), le mode de chauffage, et la difference de temperature entre la paroi et l'air ambiant (nombre de Rayleigh Ra s ). Obtention d'une correlation entre Nu s , Ra s , S/H et θ
A comparison of two object-oriented design methodologies (abstract only)

With the increasing use of Ada* in light of DoD Directive 5000.31, “The Ada programming language shall become the single, common, computer programming language for Defense mission-critical applications.” there has been an accompanying increase in interest in the proper software engineering techniques to insure that the powerful capabilities of Ada will be used to their fullest.At one Ada development site, the design and implementation approach used has been that proposed by Grady Booch, Object-Oriented Design (OOD): identify the objects of interest in the problem space and their attributesidentify the operations suffered by and required of each objectestablish the visibility of each object in relation to other objectsestablish the interface of each objectA proposal has been made to compare the deliverables and the end results of the above method with that of David Parnas, the Software Cost Reduction Method (SCR): identify a list of design decisions for which change cannot be ruled out (data structures, algorithms, etc.) make each design decision the “secret” of one module which comprises sub-programs that cannot be coded without knowledge of the “secret”design module interfaces that are insensitive to anticipated changes*Ada is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Defense (Ada Joint Program Office)
Smoothing fields of frames using conjugate norms on reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces

Diffusion tensor imaging provides structural information in medical images in the form of a symmetric positive matrix that provides, at each point, the covariance of water diffusion in the tissue. We here describe a new approach designed for smoothing this tensor by directly acting on the field of frames provided by the eigenvectors of this matrix. Using a representation of fields of frames as linear forms acting on smooth tensor fields, we use the theory of reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces to design a measure of smoothness based on kernels which is then used in a denoising algorithm. We illustrate this with brain images and show the impact of the procedure on the output of fiber tracking in white matter.
Tocopherol Isomers in Intravenous Lipid Emulsions and Resultant Plasma Concentrations

Conflicting reports exist regarding the relative tocopherol isomer content of Intralipid ranging from 99% as α-tocopherol to as much as 90% as γ-tocopherol. Our direct assay of Intralipid as well as plasma levels measured in premature infants receiving Intralipid confirm the existence of a low α, high γ-tocopherol content and imply the need for α-tocopherol supplementation in patients receiving Intralipid, particularly the relatively tocopherol-deficient premature infant. Furthermore, the observation of abnormal erythrocyte hemolysis test values despite "normal" total tocopherol plasma concentrations may be explained by high plasma levels of non-α, biologically less active isomers. The quantitation of tocopherol isomers helps explain this discrepancy and suggests the need for future studies of vitamin E status to employ measurements of tocopherol isomers in reporting results. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition8:269-273, 1984)
Finite Element Analysis of Test Specimens to Assess Composite-Concrete Bond Durability:

A modified double cantilever beam (MDCB)-hinged specimen that has been used to measure the toughness of the bond between concrete and composite overlays experimentally is modeled by finite element analysis to validate the equations used to analyze the results. Results show that the MDCB-hinged specimen gives good results for Mode I loading but not for Mode II loading. Therefore, a MDCB-tabbed specimen is proposed and evaluated. Equations for calculating the strain energy release rate of the new sample are proposed. Results show that the MDCB-tabbed specimen may be used to determine the Mode II strain energy release rate of the composite-to-concrete bond. In addition, several parameters that may affect the interface bond between the FRP overlay and the concrete are studied.
An enhanced approach to determine connected dominating sets for routing in mobile ad hoc networks

A mobile ad hoc network is a collection of wireless mobile nodes forming a temporary network without the support of any established infrastructure or centralised administration. Mobile ad hoc networks face a lot of challenges for designing a scalable routing protocol due to their natural characteristics. The idea of virtual backbone routing has been proposed for efficient routing in mobile ad hoc networks because virtual backbone routing can reduce communication overhead and speed up the routing process compared with many existing routing protocols. Up to now, Minimum Connected Dominating Set (MCDS) is the main method used to form a virtual backbone. However, finding an MCDS is an NP-hard problem. A distributed protocol for calculating the connected dominating set was proposed by Wu and Li. In this paper, we propose a further extension to reduce the size of the dominating set as compared to their method. We conduct extensive simulations on these two related algorithms. These simulation results show that our approach can consistently outperform Wu and Li's method, particularly for a medium-density network. We discuss the tradeoff between cost and performance through theoretical analysis.
Energy of dissociation of lipid bilayer from the membrane skeleton of red blood cells

The association between the lipid bilayer and the membrane skeleton is important to cell function. In red blood cells, defects in this association can lead to various forms of hemolytic anemia. Although proteins involved in this association have been well characterized biochemically, the physical strength of this association is only beginning to be studied. Formation of a small cylindrical strand of membrane material (tether) from the membrane involves separation of the lipid bilayer from the membrane skeleton. By measuring the force required to form a tether, and knowing the contribution to the force due to the deformation of a lipid bilayer, it is possible to calculate the additional contribution to the work of tether formation due to the separation of membrane skeleton from the lipid bilayer. In the present study, we measured the tethering force during tether formation using a microcantilever (a thin, flexible glass fiber) as a force transducer. Numerical calculations of the red cell contour were performed to examine how the shape of the contour affects the calculation of tether radius, and subsequently separation work per unit area W(sk) and bending stiffness k(c). At high aspiration pressure and small external force, the red cell contour can be accurately modeled as a sphere, but at low aspiration pressure and large external force, the contour deviates from a sphere and may affect the calculation. Based on an energy balance and numerical calculations of the cell contour, values of the membrane bending stiffness k(c) = 2.0 x 10(-19) Nm and the separation work per unit area W(sk) = 0.06 mJ/m2 were obtained.
A comparative analysis of different gender pair combinations in pair programming

Over the last decade, there has been a steady stream of pair programming studies. However, one significant area of pair programming that has not received its due attention is gender. Considering the fact that pair programming is one of the major human-centric software development paradigms, this is a gap that needs to be addressed. This empirical study conducted quantitative and qualitative analyses of different gender pair combinations within pair programming context. Using a pool of university programming course students as the experiment participants, the study examined three gender pair types: female–female, female–male, and male–male. The result revealed that there was no significant gender difference in the pair programming coding output. But there were significant differences in the levels of pair compatibility and communication between the same gender pair type: female–female and male–male, and the mixed gender pair type, female–male. The post-experiment comments provide additional insights and details about gender in pair interactions.
Precautions for proactive surveillance.

Four barriers confront the architects and users of surveillance systems. Bonferroni's Bind blunts our ability to act on real safety signals when the surveillance scheme is capable of producing realistic but wrong signals just by chance. The paradox of definitive data is that the results of a truly comprehensive scheme become untestable because there is no further relevant information to be had. Flexible priors augment the first two barriers by intensifying our instinctive cautions, and by giving almost any claim the appearance of empiric proof. The poverty of tabular summaries is that they presuppose the existance of relevant categories for tabulation, and that they fail to persuade. The resolution for proactive surveillance is sen/cen: high sensitivity to signals and vigorous censoring to filter out the noise. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient resonance assignment of proteins in MAS NMR by simultaneous intra- and inter-residue 3D correlation spectroscopy

Resonance assignment is the first step in NMR structure determination. For magic angle spinning NMR, this is typically achieved with a set of heteronuclear correlation experiments (NCaCX, NCOCX, CONCa) that utilize SPECIFIC-CP 15N–13C transfers. However, the SPECIFIC-CP transfer efficiency is often compromised by molecular dynamics and probe performance. Here we show that one-bond ZF-TEDOR 15N–13C transfers provide simultaneous NCO and NCa correlations with at least as much sensitivity as SPECIFIC-CP for some non-crystalline samples. Furthermore, a 3D ZF-TEDOR-CC experiment provides heteronuclear sidechain correlations and robustness with respect to proton decoupling and radiofrequency power instabilities. We demonstrate transfer efficiencies and connectivities by application of 3D ZF-TEDOR-DARR to a model microcrystalline protein, GB1, and a less ideal system, GvpA in intact gas vesicles.
Rational maps in real algebraic geometry

The paper deals with rational maps between real algebraic sets. We are interested in the rational maps which extend to continuous maps defined on the entire source space. In particular, we prove that every continuous map between unit spheres is homotopic to a rational map of such a type. We also establish connections with algebraic cycles and vector bundles.
Crawling-inspired robot utilizing L-shape piezoelectric actuators

L-Shape piezoelectric actuators are known to be advantageous due to their simple design, cost-effectiveness, mass-manufacturability, and high torque. In this study, we have utilized the L-shaped piezoelectric actuator to develop a crawling robot, that can potentially find use in the surgical tools, defense and security sector. The robot comprises of four legs represented by four L-shape piezoelectric motors moving at a specific gait. Based on the experiments conducted, the robot was able to carry twice its weight by attaching load to its body and monitoring its locomotion characteristics, achieve speeds of up to 65mm/s. The size of the robot was 22mm × 35mm × 30mm with mass of 11.6 grams and power input of 8mW.
Behavioral patterns of estrous females of the Arashiyama West troop of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)

This report contains detailed data on the sexual behavior of the 60 sexually mature females of the Arashiyama West troop of Japanese macaques.
The role of migration research in regional science.

In this paper we try to provide an assessment of the role that migration research has played over the course of the more than 40 years in which regional science has existed as a recognizable multidisciplinary academic enterprise.... To carry out our analyses we developed a data base of papers published in five leading regional science journals. The authors "attempt to set the regional science contributions in the context of migration research more generally comparing the results of the journal analysis to a broader sample of migration abstracts published in the Population Index." (EXCERPT)
Response of Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins of Man to Beta-Sitosterol and Safflower Oil A Long-Term Study

Previous studies in man have indicated that administration of either plant sterols or unsaturated dietary fats causes decreases in certain serum lipids. This report presents the results of a long-term 7-phase study of the comparative effects of the single and combined administration of plant sterols (β-sitosterol) and a highly unsaturated vegetable oil (safflower oil) in 15 ambulatory subjects. The serum lipid changes observed indicate that both agents act on the same low-density lipoprotein fraction, that the changes produced by β-sitosterol and by safflower oil are similar in magnitude, but that the combination has a 55 per cent greater effect than either agent alone, that the mechanisms of action of these 2 agents probably differ, and that the action of the safflower oil is probably not due to the amount of sitosterol it contains.
NEPHROTOXICITY OF CYCLOSPORIN A IN LIVER AND KIDNEY TRANSPLANT PATIENTS

In six of twelve orthotopic liver recipients nephrotoxicity was noted after 13-22 days of treatment with 16.3 + or - 2.9 (SEM) mg/kg per day of cyclosporin A (CyA). With a decrease in the daily CyA dose to 9.2 + or - 2.3 (SEM) mg/kg kidney function returned to normal. No hepatic rejections occurred on this lowered CyA dose. In 4 out of 66 kidney recipients a switch from a CyA dose of 5.2 - 10.7 mg/kg daily to azathioprine was done 4 - 8 months after transplant because of unsatisfactory kidney function, suspected to be due to nephrotoxicity. In three patients, this resulted in an improved graft function. A fourth transplant was lost to an irreversible rejection 13 days later. Thus CyA is nephrotoxic but this toxicity is easily reversed, even after many months of treatment, and the ease with which this complication can be managed suggests that nephrotoxicity should not diminish the high expectations that transplant surgeons have for CyA.
Thiazolidinediones but Not Metformin Directly Inhibit the Steroidogenic Enzymes P450c17 and 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase

Abstract Androgen biosynthesis requires 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II (3βHSDII) and the 17α-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase activities of cytochrome P450c17. Thiazolidinedione and biguanide drugs, which are used to increase insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes, lower serum androgen concentrations in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, it is unclear whether this is secondary to increased insulin sensitivity or to direct effects on steroidogenesis. To investigate potential actions of these drugs on P450c17 and 3βHSDII, we used “humanized yeast” that express these steroidogenic enzymes in microsomal environments. The biguanide metformin had no effect on either enzyme, whereas the thiazolidinedione troglitazone inhibited 3βHSDII (K I = 25.4 ± 5.1 μm) and both activities of P450c17 (K I for 17α-hydroxylase, 8.4 ± 0.6 μm; K I for 17,20-lyase, 5.3 ± 0.7 μm). The action of troglitazone on P450c17 was competitive, but it was mainly a noncompetitive inhibitor of 3βHSDII. The thiazolidinediones rosiglitazone and pioglitazone exerted direct but weaker inhibitory effects on both P450c17 and 3βHSDII. These differential effects of the thiazolidinediones do not correlate with their effects on insulin sensitivity, suggesting that distinct regions of the thiazolidinedione molecule mediate these two actions. Thus, thiazolidinediones inhibit two key enzymes in human androgen synthesis contributing to their androgen-lowering effects, whereas metformin affects androgen synthesis indirectly, probably by lowering circulating insulin concentrations.
The non‐conserved C‐terminal segments of Sine Oculis Homeobox (Six) proteins confer functional specificity

The Sine Oculis Homeobox (SIX) proteins play critical roles in organogenesis and are defined by the presence of two evolutionarily conserved functional motifs: a homeobox DNA binding domain and the SIX protein-protein interaction domain. Members of this transcription factor family can be divided into three subgroups: Six1/2, Six4/5, and Six3/6. This partitioning is based mainly on protein sequence similarity and genomic architecture, and not on specificities of DNA binding or binding partners. In fact, it is well demonstrated that members of the different subgroups can bind to and activate common transcriptional targets as well as form biochemical complexes with communal binding partners. Here we report that the C-terminal segment, which is not conserved across different SIX subfamilies, may serve to functionally distinguish individual SIX proteins. In particular, we have dissected the C-terminal region of Optix, the Drosophila ortholog of mammalian Six3/6, and identified three regions that distinguish Optix from Sine Oculis, the fly homolog of Six1/2. Two of these regions have been preserved in all Six3/6 family members while the third section is present only within Optix proteins in the Drosophilids. The activities of these regions are required, in unison, for Optix function. We suggest that biochemical/functional differences between members of large protein families as well as proteins encoded by duplicate genes can, in part, be attributed to the activities of nonconserved segments. Finally, we demonstrate that a subset of vertebrate SIX proteins has retained the ability to function during normal fly eye development but have lost the ability to induce the formation of ectopic eyes.
Anatomy of hot spots in protein interfaces.

Binding of one protein to another is involved in nearly all biological functions, yet the principles governing the interaction of proteins are not fully understood. To analyze the contributions of individual amino acid residues in protein-protein binding we have compiled a database of 2325 alanine mutants for which the change in free energy of binding upon mutation to alanine has been measured (available at http://motorhead. ucsf.edu/thorn/hotspot). Our analysis shows that at the level of side-chains there is little correlation between buried surface area and free energy of binding. We find that the free energy of binding is not evenly distributed across interfaces; instead, there are hot spots of binding energy made up of a small subset of residues in the dimer interface. These hot spots are enriched in tryptophan, tyrosine and arginine, and are surrounded by energetically less important residues that most likely serve to occlude bulk solvent from the hot spot. Occlusion of solvent is found to be a necessary condition for highly energetic interactions.
Analysis of a magnetic refrigerator

Abstract A magnetic refrigerator consists of heat exchangers and beds of magnetic materials. The analysis considered a system that operates near room temperature in a magnetic field between 1 and 7.5 T and uses 3 kg of gadolinium (Gd) spheres, packed in two magnetocaloric beds. Different heat transfer fluids (water, ammonia, and R-134a) were used. The beds were periodically magnetized and demagnetized and the fluid flows were arranged to meet the cycle requirements. A sensitivity analysis was performed. Findings indicate that the higher the magnetic field, the higher the cooling power for the same temperature span. It was also observed that the cooling power decreases with increase in the temperature span for various magnetic fields. The ratio of COP actua l to the COP Carnot decreases with an increase in the temperature span. These trends as well as magnitudes of cooling power and coefficient performance were compared with experimental measurements and found to be in reasonably good agreement.
Generalized Gumbel distribution

A generalization of the Gumbel distribution is presented to deal with general situations in modeling univariate data with broad range of skewness in the density function. This generalization is derived by considering a logarithmic transformation of an odd Weibull random variable. As a result, the generalized Gumbel distribution is not only useful for testing goodness-of-fit of Gumbel and reverse-Gumbel distributions as submodels, but it is also convenient for modeling and fitting a wide variety of data sets that are not possible to be modeled by well-known distributions. Skewness and kurtosis shapes of the generalized Gumbel distribution are illustrated by constructing the Galton’s skewness and Moor’s kurtosis plane. Parameters are estimated by using maximum likelihood method in two different ways due to the fact that the reverse transformation of the proposed distribution does not change its density function. In order to illustrate the flexibility of this generalization, wave and surge height data set is...
Nonlinear realization and Weyl scale invariant p=2 brane

The action of Weyl scale invariant p=2 brane which breaks the target super-Weyl scale symmetry in the N=1, D=4 superspace down to the lower dimensional Weyl symmetry W(1,2) is derived by the approach of nonlinear realization. The dual form action for the Weyl scale invariant supersymmetric D2 brane is also constructed. The interactions of localized matter fields on the brane with the Nambu-Goldstone fields associated with the breaking of the symmetries in the superspace and one spatial translation directions are obtained through the Cartan one-forms of the Coset structures. The covariant derivatives for the localized matter fields are also obtained by introducing Weyl gauge field as the compensating field corresponding to the local scale transformation on the brane world volume.
Stressors in the Daily Life of Parents After a Child's Successful Cancer Treatment

In previous studies, the report of distress has been documented in parents after successfully completing cancer treatment of a child. It is typically assumed that this distress represents lasting reactions to experiences during active treatment, in the form of post-traumatic stress or less severe crisis reactions. However, some researchers have suggested that parents may also perceive current stressors related to a child's cancer even after successful completion of the cancer treatment. Using two family cases as a framework, we discuss strain and new conditions requiring adaptation in various aspects of the everyday life of parents after treatment completion. In addition, we argue that an examination of psychological exhaustion and fatigue in these parents may be appropriate. Further examination is needed on the nature of parental stress after a child's cancer treatment. The distinction is important, since the appropriate methods for professional support may differ with regard to parents struggling to cope with current stressors and those showing signs of persistent post-traumatic stress or fatigue.