cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"You Sound Like a Good Program Manager": An Analysis of Gender in Women's Computing Life Histories

Through the eyes of professional women in computing, we can better understand the impact of workplace structures, higher education pathways, and the particular closed nature of the tech industry. This study of women's life histories contributes to the work of in-depth qualitative examinations of CS learning contexts and psychological studies investigating phenomena such stereotype threat which contextualize the experience of women in computing environments. Drawing inspiration from Margolis and Fisher's (2002) work drawing the "blueprints" of the "boy's clubhouse" of computing education, as well as McDermott and Webber's (2013) analysis of when math learning occurs, we ask when, where, and how is gender being invoked and created, as a way to unpack the places, events, and interactions that shape women's participation in the Silicon Valley workforce. This qualitative analysis of 13 life history interviews with professional women in computing shows that gender becomes salient for women in public settings, particularly in early adulthood when women enter male-dominated classrooms, teams, and workplaces that foster 'brogramming' culture. CS educators, hiring managers, and recruiters all need to be aware that the effects of gender go beyond just including more women in classrooms and on teams. The learning environment, incentives for participation, and the goal of diversity all need to be better aligned in order to foster an equitable workforce.
Decade‐Long Nationwide Trends and Disparities in Use of Comfort Care Interventions for Patients With Ischemic Stroke

Background Stroke remains one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. We characterized 10‐year nationwide trends in use of comfort care interventions (CCIs) among patien...
Increased Demographic Representation in Randomized Control Trials for Gambling Disorder in the United States is Needed: A Systematic Review

Participants in randomized control trials (RCTs) should be representative of those most likely to experience the disorder of focus, yet reviews of psychology research studies consistently find certain demographic groups are overrepresented at the price of others being unincluded. The present review aimed to characterize the demographic representation of US-based RCTs for gambling disorder and compare findings to the population of individuals most likely to experience the disorder. Thirteen US-based RCTs comprising a total of 2,343 participants were reviewed. We found that although gambling disorder is most prevalent among low SES racial minorities, RCTs are mostly conducted among populations who are white, employed, and have some level of college education. Demographic variables that are related to the likelihood of experiencing gambling disorder are not consistently reported, and there are many groups of individuals who experience gambling disorder that have been virtually left out of all treatment study samples to date. We conclude with recommendations for future gambling focused treatment studies, which are geared towards increasing the convergence between characteristics of participants in RCTs and those who experience gambling disorder in the United States.
A Tube-based Model Predictive Control Method for Joint Angle Tracking with Functional Electrical Stimulation and An Electric Motor Assist

During functional electrical stimulation (FES), muscle force saturation and a user's tolerance levels of stimulation intensity limit a controller's ability to deliver the desired amount of stimulation, which, if unaddressed, degrade the performance of high-gain feedback control strategies. Additionally, these strategies may overstimulate the muscles, which further contribute to the rapid onset of muscle fatigue. Cooperative control of FES with an electric motor assist may allow stimulation levels within the imposed limits, reduce overall stimulation duty cycle, and compensate for the muscle fatigue. Model predictive controller (MPC) is one such optimal control strategy to achieve these control objectives of the combined hybrid system. However, the traditional MPC method for the hybrid system requires exact model knowledge of the dynamic system, i.e., cannot handle modeling uncertainties, and the recursive feasibility has been shown only for limb regulation problems. So far, extending the current results to a limb tracking problem has been challenging. In this paper, a novel tube-based MPC method for tracking control of a human limb angle by cooperatively using FES and electric motor inputs is derived. A feedback controller for the electrical motor assist is designed such that it reduces the error between the nominal MPC and the output of the actual hybrid system. Further, a terminal controller and terminal constraint region are derived to show the recursive feasibility of the robust MPC scheme. Simulation results were performed on a single degree of freedom knee extension model. The results show robust performance despite modeling uncertainties.
Magnetic Susceptibility and Strain-Induced Martensite Formation at 4 K in Type 304 Stainless Steel

Changes in magnetic susceptibility, χ, as a function of strain-induced structural transformations in AISI type 304 stainless steel at 4 K have been observed using a mutual inductance technique with simultaneous measurement of stress and strain. There is a small increase in χ coincident with plastic strain and a large increase in χ with the load drops that occur during serrated yielding. These are attributed to the formation of bcc martensite. The increases in χ are irreversible upon unloading. The application of a moderate 3-MA/m (37-k0e) dc field had no effect on the martensite formation.
An effective method of delivery of an antiangiogenic agent

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 4582 Development of new therapies for metastatic breast cancer remains a critical need in the battle against this disease. Therapeutic agents from diverse sources are proving to have activity against breast cancer. Often it is not only the development of a therapeutic agent but also its effective delivery that proves problematic. We have been studying a snake venom disintegrin as an antitumor/antiangiogenic agent in a breast cancer animal model. Recently we have developed a liposomal delivery system and have shown that the disintegrin contortrostatin (CN), delivered by this mechanism, effectively limits tumor progression in an orthotopic, xenograft model of human mammary cancer in immunodeficient mice. Contortrostatin (Mr 13,500) is a homodimeric disintegrin isolated from venom of the southern copperhead snake. The homodimer possesses two RGD sites, which modulate its interaction with integrins on tumor cells and angiogenic vascular endothelial cells. We previously described the efficacy of daily intra-tumor injection of CN on breast tumor progression, but these studies employed a method of delivery that was not clinically translatable. Liposomal delivery of CN (LCN) effectively controls both tumor growth and angiogenesis, and is designed for intravenous (IV) administration of CN. The pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, platelet reactivity, immunogenicity and efficacy of LCN have been evaluated and compared with native, unencapsulated CN. Several distinct advantages of liposomal delivery of CN were observed: (i) LCN has a significantly prolonged circulatory half-life compared to native CN; (ii) LCN passively accumulates in the tumor; (iii) LCN shows no platelet reactivity; and (iv) LCN is not recognized by the immune system. In addition to these significant advantages, IV LCN is also as effective if not more so than intratumor delivery of native CN in limiting tumor growth (>75%) and in significantly reducing angiogenesis in the breast cancer animal model (reduction of angiogenesis is greater than 94%). In summary, we have developed a clinically relevant method of administering a potent antitumor agent with full retention of biological activity.
Recipe for a Theory of Self-Defense: The Ingredients, and Some Cooking Suggestions

Self-defense and its close relative, defense of others, are uses of force against another person — Attacker — for the purpose of preventing Attacker from harming another’s person or property. These uses of force are called self-defense (SD) when employed by the one whose person or property is threatened (the Victim, or V); they are called defense of others (DO) when employed by a non-threatened third party who is not in V’s family (TP).SD and DO are preemptive uses of force because they occur before the acts they are intended to prevent occur. They thus belong to the family of preemptive measures that harm people or restrict their liberty in order to prevent them from harming others in the future. Examples of preemptive measures other than SD and DO include preventive detention, restraining orders, gun control laws, and similar laws making possession of certain items illegal for fear of their misuse.Because SD and DO are preemptive, they operate in the realm of epistemic uncertainty. V and TP can never be certain the feared acts will occur. They can never be certain that if the acts occur, what their consequences will be. They can never be certain what alternative to SD and DO for averting the feared harms exist. And they can never be certain what the status of the presumed Attacker is — that is, whether the presumed Attacker is culpable or nonculpable. I will have had a lot more to say about these epistemic points in due course.
Interlaminar subgrain refinement in ultrasonic consolidation

This research presents microscopic evidence of dislocation propagation and sub-grain refinement in 3003-TO aluminium undergoing high frequency fully reversed loading conditions during the Ultrasonic Consolidation process. Dual Beam Focused Ion Beam etching techniques and Transmission Electron Microscopy were used to characterize sub-grain size, morphology and dislocation structure in regions that were subjected to high levels of multi-axial ultrasonic micro-strain and resultant plastic deformation. This Deformation Affected Zone is characterized by regions of reduced sub-grain sizes that form a gradual transition into larger equiaxed grains well below the interface. While ultrasonic weldi~g has been explored for some time, there has been little agreement on the specific softening mechanisms that allow an ultrasonic weld to occur. Usually, the unexplained effect is vaguely referred to as "acoustic softening," or "ultrasonic softening", generic terms that do not identify a specific mechanism. This uncertainty has led to many disparate theories as to the specific nature of ultrasonic welding. The presented interface characterization discoveries challenge many of these ideas and prescribes a fundamental operative "ultrasonic softening" mechanism that is similar in character to the Bauschinger Effect.
Low-angle Scattering of Neutrons and X-rays

Low-angle scattering of X-rays and neutrons provides information about the structures of proteins and DNA in solution, domain interactions within proteins, and protein–protein and protein–DNA interactions within their functional complexes. Recent advances in synchrotron sources and instrumentation have made possible low-angle scattering studies of time-dependent changes in protein structure. Keywords: protein; DNA; RNA; interactions; solution scattering
Existence and Stability of Circular Orbits in Axially-Symmetric Gravitational Fields

To a close approximation all massive bodies in the solar system possess axial symmetry. General conditions for the existence and stability of circular orbits in the neighborhood of bodies with such symmetry are established. Application is made to: (i) circular orbits about an oblate planet, (ii) circular orbits in the plane of a thin ring or disk, (iii) circular orbits about a planet plus ring or disk, and (iv) circular orbits in the classical two-fixed-force-centers problem. Depending on the mass distribution, it is found that multiple orbits may exist with the same radius but at different positions along the symmetry axis. Such orbits will be alternately stable-unstable. In general, the axial positions of the orbits will shift as the orbital radius changes.
Parallel and distributed systems for constructive neural network learning

A constructive learning algorithm dynamically creates a problem-specific neural network architecture rather than learning on a pre-specified architecture. The authors propose a parallel version of their recently presented constructive neural network learning algorithm. Parallelization provides a computational speedup by a factor of O(t) where t is the number of training examples. Distributed and parallel implementations under p4 using a network of workstations and a Touchstone DELTA are examined. Experimental results indicate that algorithm parallelization may result not only in improved computational time, but also in better prediction quality. >
Metal lines associated with Lyα absorbers: A comparison of theory and observations

We study the metal-line absorption of C IV, C II, Si IV, and N V at redshifts z = 3.5 to z = 2 within the framework of a cosmological model for the Lyα forest, comparing the results of numerical simulations to recent observations by Songaila & Cowie (SC). We find that the observed mean value of the C IV/H I ratio at z 3 is reproduced if a uniform metallicity of [C/H] ~ -2.5 is assumed in our model, but that the observed scatter in this ratio is larger than predicted, implying a scatter of roughly an order of magnitude in the metallicity of the absorbing systems. The enrichment pattern that is required for our model to match SC's C IV observations is very similar to that predicted by other simulations of reionization and early metal enrichment in this type of cosmological scenario. Our model predicts no significant evolution in the mean values of metal-line column densities between z = 3.5 and z = 2. Comparison of the predicted and observed numbers of Si IV and N V systems suggests that the photoionizing background radiation field at z ~ 3 is somewhat softer than that proposed earlier. Our model does not account for the increase in the Si IV/C IV ratio at z 3.2 found by SC. While the latter study suggested that the increase could be explained by a softening of the radiation field caused by He II absorption at z 3, such a modification does not raise the mean value of Si IV/C IV significantly in our simulation, because it shifts numerous weak Si IV systems to just above the detection limit, thus keeping the mean column density of observable Si IV systems low.
Simultaneous resection for rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastasis is a safe procedure.

Abstract Background One quarter of colorectal cancer patients will present with liver metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Recent studies have shown that simultaneous resections are safe and feasible for stage IV colon cancer. Limited data are available for simultaneous surgery in stage IV rectal cancer patients. Methods One hundred ninety-eight patients underwent surgical treatment for stage IV rectal cancer. In 145 (73%) patients, a simultaneous procedure was performed. Fifty-three (27%) patients underwent staged liver resection. A subpopulation of 69 (35%) patients underwent major liver resection (3 segments or more) and 30 (44%) patients with simultaneous surgery. Results The demographics of the 2 groups were similar. Complication rates were comparable for simultaneous or staged resections, even in the group subjected to major liver resection. Total hospital stay was significantly shorter for the simultaneously resected patients ( P Conclusions Simultaneous resection of rectal primaries and liver metastases is a safe procedure in carefully selected patients at high-volume institutions, even if major liver resections are required.
Absolute error bounds for block floating-point direct-form digital filters

Provides an asymptotic response analysis of digital filters, which are implemented in block floating-point format. Using absolute bounds on the quantization error, conditions for the existence of certain response types and the corresponding bounds on the output are derived. It is demonstrated that by using sufficiently long block mantissa registers, the limit cycle amplitude can be made arbitrarily small by choosing the block exponent register length sufficiently high. >
An abrupt and concordant initiation of apoptosis: antigen‐dependent death of CD8+ CTL

The ability of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) to clear viral infections may be limited when high avidity CTL encounter supra-optimal antigen density on antigen-presenting cells (APC) and undergo antigen-dependent apoptosis of CTL (ADAC). Previously, we have shown ADAC in CD8+ populations to be Fas independent, TNF-alpha receptor 2 (TNFR2) mediated, caspase dependent, and accompanied by a decrease in Bcl-2. We now employ flow cytometry to follow ADAC within individual CD8+ cells to demonstrate that the intense TCR signal induced in high avidity CTL by supra-optimal antigen density results 8 - 16 h later in a caspase-independent TNFR2 down-modulation that is directly related to the stimulating APC antigen density and concludes in a rapid onset of apoptosis by 18 - 24 h. Individual CTL undergoing apoptosis exhibit a dramatic and concurrent: (1) positive staining with Annexin V and propidium iodide; (2) transformation to a smaller cell size characteristic of apoptosis; and (3) a nearly complete loss of Bcl-2, c-IAP1, and TRAF2. We conclude that the antigen-dependent apoptosis of CD8+ CTL occurs when a tandem TCR/TNFR2 signal initiates an abrupt and concordant onset of multiple apoptotic events.
Syntheses and properties of five-coordinate iron(III) bisdithiocarbamates

Abstract Tris(N,N-disubstituted diithiocarbamato)iron(III) complexes, [Fe(R2dtc3], react with silver salts, mercuric salts, alkyl halides and strong organic acids to form [Fe(R2dtc)2X] complexes. Mossbauer spectra of new complexes with X = NCO−, NCS−, NCSe−, CF3CO−2 and picrate show widely split doublets with quadrupole splittings in the range 2.2–3.0 mm/sec, increasing in the order NCO−
Rotation and Dewatering during Slaty Cleavage Formation: Some New Evidence and Interpretations

Microstructures in the Martinsburg Formation in east-central Pennsylvania provide strong evidence supporting Maxwell's hypothesis (1962) that the slaty cleavage formed during deformation of unconsolidated sediments by rotation of phyllosilicate grains in a loosely compacted sedimentary succession held open by abnormally high pore-fluid pressures. The structures fall into two classes: those which indicate the unconsolidated condition of the strata at the time of slaty cleavage development, and those which indicate that pore-fluid pressures were high prior to dewatering. The absence of dewatering phenomena across the strata where slaty cleavage parallels bedding provides a clue to the process of cleavage development. Because sedimentary intrusions and other dewatering structures occur only where phyllosilicate particles are at some angle to bedding, the inference is that dewatering across bedding occurred when clays rotated away from parallelism with the strata, providing avenues of escape for pore water. It is concluded, therefore, that rotation and alignment of phyllosilicates caused the dewatering rather than the converse, as is commonly thought.
Postnatal ontogeny of the musculo-skeletal system in the Black-tailed jack rabbit (Lepus californicus)

The ontogeny of 23 postcranial skeletal dimensions, mechanical properties of the third metatarsal and the femur, and the isometric contractile properties of the gastrocnemius muscle were measured in a complete postnatal growth series of the highly cursorial hare Lepus californicus. Newborn hares are handicapped by short limbs, relatively weak muscles and bone tissue, and shorter muscular contractile distances. However, during growth these deficiencies are rapidly overcome. Hind limb length and gastrocnemius contractile distance undergo positive allometry, scaling as (body mass)0·39 and (body mass)0·41, respectively. The mechanical advantage of the gastrocnemius lever system experiences negative allometry (a(body mass)-0·12), giving young hares larger advantage around their joints. This, combined with initial positive allometry of gastrocnemius contractile force (α(body mass) 1·23) and subsequent negative allometry of contractile force (α(body mass)0·61), results in the production of relatively greater propulsive forces transmitted from the foot to the ground in juveniles than in adults. In addition, the second moment of area of the metatarsal is relatively large in younger animals, and scales in such a way that during the first half of postnatal growth mechanical similarity is maintained between the breaking moment of the bone (α(body mass)1·50) and the moment imposed on the bone by the gastrocnemius (a(body mass)l·54). These ontogenetic changes contribute to the development of a locomotor system which is effective at escape by the time the young hare is only 20% of adult body size, and must forage independently. Differences between the ontogenetic allometry of Lepus, the interspecific allometry of mammals and the ontogenetic allometry of reptiles are noted and considered in a phylogenetic context.
Nano-carbon/sulfur composite cathode materials with carbon nanofiber as electrical conductor for advanced secondary lithium/sulfur cells

Abstract A carbon particle supported sulfur (C–S) composite cathode material was prepared by a chemical deposition method in an aqueous solution. The performance of the C–S cathode material with carbon particles (CP) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as electrical conductors and CMC + SBR as binder was evaluated in Li/S cells using cyclic voltammetry, constant current cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The C–S material and the electrodes were examined by scanning electron microscopy. It is found that the C–S cathode with CNFs shows improvement of not only discharge capacity but also cycling durability. It exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 1200 mAh g −1 , or 72% of theoretical, and retains 668 mAh g −1 , or 40% of the sulfur theoretical capacity after 50 cycles. The C–S electrode with CNFs has a three-dimensional network structure with regular pores, which can suppress the agglomeration of sulfur or lithium sulfide. Thus, the cell performance is improved.
Development of copper intestinal absorption in the rat

Abstract We investigated changes in the kinetic characteristics of copper absorption at three stages of rat development: suckling, weanling, and adolescence, as well as the inducibility of metallothionein (MT) in small intestine and kidney. Using an in vivo , single-pass intestinal perfusion procedure, we found that the rates of copper absorption in suckling and weanling rats were concentration-dependent and there was no difference between these two groups of rats. However, in adolescent rats, there was a saturable component, with an apparent K t of 10-13 μM, and a nonsaturable component with a diffusion coefficient of 3.2 s −1 (3.2 × 10 cm 2 /s). Intestinal copper retention was also concentration-dependent; the suckling rats showed much greater tissue levels of this element than the weanlings or the adolescents. MT intestinal content after stimulation with ip zinc chloride was significantly higher in the adolescent rats than that in the weanlings and sucklings, indicating that physiological mechanisms other than MT induction may play a role in copper retention early in life. The increase in MT levels in adolescence may be related to the onset of copper absorption saturability in the mature small intestine.
Evidence for presynaptic antagonism by amantadine of indirectly acting central stimulants.

In mice, amantadine pretreatment (150 mg/kg, but not 10 mg/kg, 2h prior to testing) markedly inhibited the locomotor stimulation produced by submaximal doses of d-amphetamine, amfonelic acid, methylphenidate, caffeine, memantin, phencyclidine, and cocaine. A 50-mg/kg dose was ineffective in blocking the effects of caffeine and memantin, but blocked the responses to the other five stimulants. Amantadine did not modify the locomotor stimulant effect of apomorphine in reserpinized mice. These results indicate that amantadine acts as a presynaptic antagonist to the above seven stimulants. Even the highest dose of amantadine did not modify the hyperactivity induced in mice by morphine and levorphanol. This result is consistent with evidence showing opiate actions at postsynaptic striatal neurons, sites where presumably amantadine is unable to exert an antagonist effect. Amantadine did not modify the central depressant effects of ethyl alcohol and pentobarbital. Amantadine could be of value as a pharmacological tool in understanding the mode of action of central stimulants, and in the management of stimulant abuse. The present data do not support the currently held view that the antiparkinsonism effect of amantadine results from its ability to potentiate the central effects of dopamine.
Collaborating Teachers in a Professional Development School: Inducements and Contributions

Collaborative teacher education programs add to the already heavy demands on practicing teachers, who may question the payoffs for the extra time and effort required. Inducements-contribution theory is used to examine teachers' experiences in such a program, identify the demands and rewards for the teachers, and analyze the balance between the two. The paper provides a framework for analyzing individuals' decisions to participate in collaborative programs and offers suggestions for program designers.
Multimodal function optimization using minimal representation size clustering and its application to planning multipaths

A novel genetic algorithm (GA) using minimal representation size cluster (MRSC) analysis is designed and implemented for solving multimodal function optimization problems. The problem of multimodal function optimization is framed within a hypothesize-and-test paradigm using minimal representation size (minimal complexity) for species formation and a GA. A multiple-population GA is developed to identify different species. The number of populations, thus the number of different species, is determined by the minimal representation size criterion. Therefore, the proposed algorithm reveals the unknown structure of the multimodal function when a priori knowledge about the function is unknown. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated on a number of multimodal test functions. The proposed scheme results in a highly parallel algorithm for finding multiple local minima. In this paper, a path-planning algorithm is also developed based on the MRSC-GA algorithm. The algorithm utilizes MRSC_GA for planning paths for mobile robots, piano-mover problems, and N-link manipulators. The MRSC_GA is used for generating multipaths to provide alternative solutions to the path-planning problem. The generation of alternative solutions is especially important for planning paths in dynamic environments. A novel iterative multiresolution path representation is used as a basis for the GA coding. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated on a number of two-dimensional path-planning problems.
The small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) protein modification system in Arabidopsis. Accumulation of SUMO1 and -2 conjugates is increased by stress.

Abstract Smallubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is a member of the superfamily of ubiquitin-like polypeptides that become covalently attached to various intracellular target proteins as a way to alter their function, location, and/or half-life. Here we show that the SUMO conjugation system operates in plants through a characterization of theArabidopsis SUMO pathway. An eight-gene family encoding the SUMO tag was discovered as were genes encoding the various enzymes required for SUMO processing, ligation, and release. A diverse array of conjugates could be detected, some of which appear to be SUMO isoform-specific. The levels of SUMO1 and -2 conjugates but not SUMO3 conjugates increased substantially following exposure of seedlings to stress conditions, including heat shock, H2O2, ethanol, and the amino acid analog canavanine. The heat-induced accumulation could be detected within 2 min from the start of a temperature upshift, suggesting that SUMO1/2 conjugation is one of the early plant responses to heat stress. Overexpression of SUMO2 enhanced both the steady state levels of SUMO2 conjugates under normal growth conditions and the subsequent heat shock-induced accumulation. This accumulation was dampened in an Arabidopsis line engineered for increased thermotolerance by overexpressing the cytosolic isoform of the HSP70 chaperonin. Taken together, the SUMO conjugation system appears to be a complex and functionally heterogeneous pathway for protein modification in plants with initial data indicating that one important function may be in stress protection and/or repair.
Mouse intragastric infusion (iG) model

Direct intragastric delivery of a diet, nutrient or test substance can be achieved in rodents (mice and rats) on a long-term (2-3 months) basis using a chronically implanted gastrostomy catheter and a flow-through swivel system. This rodent intragastric infusion (iG) model has broad applications in research on food intake, gastrointestinal (GI) physiology, GI neuroendocrinology, drug metabolism and toxicity, obesity and liver disease. It achieves maximal control over the rate and pattern of delivery and it can be combined with normal ad libitum feeding of solid diet if so desired. It may be adopted to achieve infusion at other sites of the GI system to test the role of a bypassed GI segment in neuroendocrine physiology, and its use in genetic mouse models facilitates the genetic analysis of a central question under investigation.
Hybridoma produces protective antibodies directed against the sporozoite stage of malaria parasite

Hybrid cells secreting antibodies against sporozoites of Plasmodium berghei were obtained by fusion of plasmacytoma cells with immune murine spleen cells. The monoclonal antibodies bound to a protein with an apparent molecular weight of 44,000 (Pb44), which envelopes the surface membrane of sporozoites. Incubation of sporozoites in vitro with antibodies to Pb44 abolished their infectivity.
Agents in annotated worlds

Virtual worlds offer great potential as environments for education, entertainment, and collaborative work. Agents that function effectively in heterogeneous virtual spaces must have the ability to acquire new behaviors and useful semantic information from those contexts. The human-computer interaction literature discusses how to construct spaces and objects that provide "knowledge in the world" that aids human beings to perform these tasks. In this paper, we describe how to build comparable annotated environments containing explanations of the purpose and uses of spaces and activities that allow agents quickly to become intelligent actors in those spaces. Examples are provided from our application domain, believable agents acting as inhabitants and guides in a children’s
Can modeling the natural gas futures market as a threshold cointegrated system improve hedging and forecasting performance

Abstract The calculation of the hedge ratio, and therefore the effectiveness of the hedge, is dependent upon the correct specification of the relationship between the futures and spot price. Likewise, a forecast of the future spot or futures price is dependent upon the model specification. This article investigates the appropriateness of using a threshold cointegrated model of the natural gas markets as the basis for hedging and forecasting. The findings suggest that the threshold model is more appropriate for longer contract length and that the threshold model does not offer much improvement in hedging or forecasting efficiency.
EGGSlicer: predicting biologically meaningful gene sets from gene clusters using gene ontology information

Predicting conserved gene sets in genome is a very important problem and there are a number of algorithms developed for the task. Unfortunately, conserved gene cluster prediction results depend largely on the phylogenetic distance of genomes. In particular, the sizes of clusters for closely related genomes are large and the functions of these genes in each cluster are diverse. Due to the vast diversity in the functions of these genes, it is difficult to define the precise biological meaning of those genes. To address this problem, we have developed a comparative genomics approach to splitting large conserved gene clusters into functionally related sub-clusters using gene ontology information.
Electrolytic membrane recovery of bromine from waste hydrogen bromide streams

A novel electrochemical process was developed for the recovery of bromine from waste gas-phase hydrogen bromide streams. It uses a molten-salt-saturated membrane to electrolytically decompose hydrogen bromide into its molecular constituents, which are separated into a hydrogen-enriched waste stream and a pure bromine product stream. Single-cell studies were carried out in a configuration consisting of two cell housings (vitreous carbon), two gas-diffusion electrodes (recirculated vitreous carbon or graphite felt), and a molten salt [(Li{sub 0.575}K{sub 0.133}Cs{sub 0.292})Br] saturated membrane (zirconia). Single-cell results at 300 C, based on process stream concentrations ranging from 25 to 75% hydrogen bromide at 50 to 300 mL/min, demonstrated current densities exceeding 1 A/cm{sup 2} and removals as high as 95%. Water and acetone (as a light organic contaminant) addition to the process feed, as well as exposure to thermal cycling, showed no deleterious effects on cell performance. Preliminary economics indicate this to be a viable process.
LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH VENTRICULOPERITONEAL SHUNTS: SAFETY AND MONITORING

Purpose: It was suggested that patients with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt are at risk for increased intracranial pressure during pneumoperitoneum. Shunt pressure monitoring and ventricular drainage to maintain normal pressure were recommended. We evaluated a series of patients with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt who underwent laparoscopic surgery to determine the clinical indications of increased intracranial pressure.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the anesthesia records of 12 females and 6 males with a mean age of 13.2 years who had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and underwent a total of 19 consecutive laparoscopic operations. Data on operative time, carbon dioxide level, pulse, blood pressure and any untoward anesthetic events were obtained. Postoperative records were assessed for evidence of neurological change.Results: Mean operative time was 7 hours 13 minutes and estimated mean laparoscopic time was 2 hours 52 minutes. Average insufflation pressure was 16 mm. Hg (range 12 to 20). There was no eviden...
Characterization of ionomer solutions. 1. Phase behavior and gelation of sulfonated polystyrene ionomers in decalin

The phase behavior of solutions of the acid form of lightly sulfonated polystyrene in Decalin was affected by the total acid group concentration and by the number of acid groups per molecule. The upper critical solution temperatures (UCST) increased with total acid group content as a consequence of poorer solvent quality. The UCST also increased with increasing number of acid groups per molecule, which was attributed to a loss of configurational entropy due to the aggregation of the acid groups by hydrogen bonding.
Structure and electrical conductivity of polycrystalline silicon carbide

Using the methods of optical and electron microscopy and EPR, we identified and determined the electrophysical characteristics of SiC′ and SiC″ in self-bonding polycrystalline silicon carbide. It was established that the relative content of SiC″ can differ from the content of the carbide-former depending on the prevailing mechanism of formation of SiC″ (reaction sintering or recrystallization). The temperature dependence of the specific electrical conductance (conductivity) of the fired polycrystalline silicon carbide materials was calculated in the 20–1500°C.
Novel approach to the treatment of hyperpigmented photodamaged skin: 4% hydroquinone/0.3% retinol versus tretinoin 0.05% emollient cream.

Background. Mild to moderately photodamaged skin is characterized by dyspigmentation, fine wrinkles, and tactile roughness. An optimal approach to the topical treatment of photoaging would simultaneously address all appearance issues. Objective. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of 4% hydroquinone and 0.3% retinol in photoaging. Materials and Methods. A 16-week study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of a single cream containing prescription topical 4% hydroquinone for dyspigmentation and the cosmeceutical 0.3% retinol for fine wrinkles in an emollient vehicle for tactile roughness. This novel formulation was compared with 0.05% tretinoin emollient cream, the standard against which all other topical photoaging treatments are compared. Investigator assessments, subject assessments, and photography represented the evaluation end points. Results. The cosmeceutical emollient 4% hydroquinone/0.3% retinol cream more effectively diminished the collective signs of photodamage than 0.05% tretinoin emollient cream in terms of dyspigmentation, fine wrinkles, and tactile roughness in 16 weeks. Conclusion. Combination therapy of hydroquinone and retinol may improve photoaging-associated hyperpigmentation. THIS STUDY WAS CONDUCTED AS PART OF A RESEARCH GRANT FROM MEDICIS THE DERMATOLOGY COMPANY, PHOENIX, ARIZONA. DR. DRAELOS HAS NO FINANCIAL INTEREST IN ANY OF THE MEDICATIONS DISCUSSED IN THIS RESEARCH.
Pulmonary complications of a roller pump right ventricular assist device.

Abstract The pulmonary effects of a right ventricular assist device (RVAD) were evaluated in a model of ischemic right ventricular (RV) failure. The right coronary artery (RCA) was ligated for 240 min in 12 mongrel dogs. Group I ( n = 5) was supported medically (iv fluids, epinephrine); Group 2 ( n = 7) had an RVAD instituted 30 mins after RCA ligation, but no inotropic support was given. The RVAD was a standard roller pump providing right atrial to pulmonary artery flow which unloaded the RV. The ratio of area of infarction (AI) to area at risk (AR) of the RV was determined by vital dye staining. Total lung water (TLW) was determined by gravimetric analysis and expressed as milliliters per kilogram body weight. Throughout the experiment animals in Group 1 had significantly higher RV systolic pressures. Pulmonary vascular resistance was increased significantly in Group 2 at 4 hr (318% of baseline vs 33%). Mean pulmonary artery pressure increased significantly in Group 2 from 9.4 ± 0.9 mm Hg at baseline to 21.0 ± 5.0 mm Hg at 4 hr. Group 2 animals had a decreased AI/AR ratio (19 ± 3 vs 57 ± 9) and increased TLW (20 ± 3 vs 9 ± 1). Lung biopsies in Group 2 revealed perivascular, peribronchial, and intraalveolar hemorrhages that were not present in Group 1. In conclusion, a roller pump RVAD limits RV infarction but produces pulmonary hypertension, increases pulmonary vascular resistance, and creates pulmonary edema and hemorrhage in the process.
Jean-Paul Sartre on Economics:

In this paper fragmented comments and writings of Sartre on economics are interpreted and presented. It is shown that Sartre studied both classical and Marxian economics and offered insightful comments on both. Not surprisingly, Sartre identified more with Marxian economics and criticized classical and neoclassical economics. Sartre could not envision human beings whose decisions and activities were solely determined by economic laws. He rejected the notion of 'economic determinism' and embraced the notion of 'conditional freedom' in the realm of economics.
Action of a Nonsteroidal Antiandrogen, Flutamide, on the Receptor Binding and Nuclear Retention of 5α-Dihydrotestosterone in Rat Ventral Prostate1

The nonsteroidal anntiandrogen, flutamide (α-α-α-trifluoro-2-methyl-4′-nitro-m-propionotoluidide or SCH 13521), suppresses the retention of a specific 5α-dihydrotestosteronereceptor complex by cell nuclei of rat ventral prostate in vivo. At 1–10 µ-M concentrations, flutamide also inhibits the binding of 5α-dihydrotestosterone in vitro by a receptor protein in the prostate cytosol, and the nuclear retention of the androgen-receptor complex during the incubation of minced prostate. The nonantiandrogenic analogue, acetanilide, at 100 µM, does not show such an inhibitory effect. While flutamide and cyproterone are equipotent as antiandrogens in vivo, cyproterone is about 10 times more active than flutamide in inhibiting the receptor binding of 5 αdihydrotestosterone. This discrepancy may be due to a metabolic activation in the whole animal and' or inactivation of flutamide in the prostate. The suppressive action of flutamide (or its active metabolite) may be related to its geometrical structure, which is simi...
DEFENDING LEWIS'S LOCAL MIRACLE COMPATIBILISM

Helen Beebee has recently argued that David Lewis’s account of compatibilism, so-called local miracle compatibilism (LMC), allows for the possibility that agents in deterministic worlds have the ability to break or cause the breaking of a law of nature. Because Lewis’s LMC allows for this consequence, Beebee claims that LMC is untenable and subsequently that Lewis’s criticism of van Inwagen’s Consequence Argument for incompatibilism is substantially weakened. I review Beebee’s argument against Lewis’s thesis and argue that Beebee has not refuted LMC and concomitantly has not demonstrated that Lewis’s criticism of the Consequence Argument fails.
Tolerance & resistance to β2-agonist bronchodilators

Summary For the past half-century, β 2 -agonists have been the mainstay of treatment of the bronchoconstriction associated with asthma. Although their usefulness in reversing acute bronchospasm remains undiminished, there is increasing evidence that chronic use may lead to development of tolerance and thus, potentially increasing morbidity and even mortality. In addition, genetic studies have shown that certain individuals carrying specific mutations may be prone to developing resistance to β 2 -agonists regardless of the duration of treatment. This article reviews the current evidence regarding the underlying mechanisms that cause or contribute to the development of the resistance, as well as the strategies for the evaluation and management of patients who are at risk for or have developed tolerance to β 2 -agonists.
A quantitative analysis of H-2 linked effects on hepatic ganglioside composition.

We have conducted a quantitative analysis of the gangliosides extracted from brain, spleen, thymus, and liver tissue of 8-week-old male mice from H-2 congenic mouse strains on the B10 background, using high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). An analysis of variance of replicate samples of liver from strains B10, B10.A, and B10.G revealed that the time of sample and colony of origin were not sources of significant variance but that for N-glycolylated gangliosides GM2, GM1, and GD1a, the differences detected between strains were significant. Particularly important were the differences for GM1: the values of 0.0% for B10, 19.0% for B10. A, and 36.0% for B10.G were each significantly different from the others (P<0.0005). Further studies with liver tissue from B10/A H-2 recombinant strains also revealed three significantly different levels of GD1a: ⩽4.0% [B10, B10.A (3R), B10.A (5R), B10.A (18R)], 11.0% (B10.A), and 33% [B10.A (1R), 1310.A (2R), B10.A (4R)]. Our findings support prior studies which indicate that a gene linked to the H-2 complex affects hepatic GM2 galactosyltransferase activity. However, they also indicate that the current model, which classifies all strains as possessing either an allele for “high” enzyme activity or a single alternative allele for “low” enzyme activity, is probably oversimplified, since at least three levels of enzyme activity appear to exist as stable phenotypic markers. Moreover, the current model cannot readily account for the three different levels of GD1a observed with B 10/A H-2 recombinants. Alternative models are proposed, including the novel suggestion that a distinct H-2 linked gene may affect hepatic GM1 sialyltransferase activity. These findings demonstrate that further study of H-2 linked genes affecting the activities of glycosyltransferases is indicated.
Town–gown relationships: Exploring university–community engagement from the perspective of community members

Abstract An increasing number of colleges and universities have developed strategies for community engagement. The engagement, however, has been one-sided in that colleges and universities send students, faculty, and staff members out into the community. The current investigation sought to further broaden the definition of community engagement by exploring the benefits that can be accrued by a university when community members are encouraged to explore the cultural, intellectual, athletic, and artistic benefits that are provided in college and university campuses. The results showed that community members who have attended a campus event in the past six months had a significantly more favorable impression of the university than those who had not attended an event. The implications for town–gown relations are discussed, the applicability of these findings to public relations practice generally are explored, and the limitations to the current investigation are offered.
The PFISR IPY observations of ionospheric climate and weather

Abstract The recently commissioned Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR) began a continuous operation measurement program for the duration of the International Polar Year (IPY). The IPY began on 1 March 2007 and is an 18-month period of intense polar study. PFISR began its IPY campaign on 1 March 2007 and this paper describes the first 10 months of observations. The PFISR IPY science goals revolve around distinguishing between ionospheric climate and weather variability, and to determine the relative role of geomagnetic weather from the magnetosphere versus that driven from the atmosphere below. This latter goal may well be aided by the fact that the IPY period is at solar minimum, a time when major geomagnetic activity occurrence should be minimized. However, as nature would have it once the IPY observations began it was found that geomagnetic activity was a recurrent feature lasting the entire 10 months being discussed here. The PFISR IPY database will also be used as a long-term fiducial data set against which ionospheric models are to be compared. Hence, this paper provides a documentation of the contents of the database. Case studies as well as statistical studies of how the ionospheric climate and weather can be separated are presented. A particular emphasis is placed upon the F-region ion temperature observations. These appear to provide a very direct measure of geomagnetic energy input to the ionosphere–thermosphere system. Examples are shown in which 150 K F-region ion temperature increases are associated with very moderate geomagnetic disturbances in which the daily average 3-h Kp is only 2.5.