cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contemporary Particulate Carbon

Advances in natural radiocarbon measurement techniques have made it feasible, for the first time, to assess the contribution of biogenic (contemporary) carbonaceous sources to individual chemical fractions in milligram quantities of atmospheric particles. Isotopic measurements for source reconciliation are doubly important when dealing with pure species, such as methane, carbon monoxide or elemental carbon, because they represent the only compositional information obtainable. Elemental carbon is of special interest in this regard because of changing energy patterns associated with both contemporary (wood-burning) and fossil (diesel fuel and unleaded gasoline) carbon. Following a review of the assumptions underlying the use of radiocarbon as a biogenic tracer and the status of minicounter and accelerator techniques for the assay of milligram and microgram samples, a survey is presented of recent observations on urban and rural carbonaceous particles. Results for these particles, which have been fractionated according to size or volatility, have exhibited the full range from fossil to biogenic source dominance.
Trauma systems at risk.

In 1976, the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma published "Optimal Resources for Care of the Seriously Injured." 1 These guidelines initially defined the optimal qualities of a trauma center, but quickly evolved into guidelines for a trauma system. From the very beginning the Committee on Trauma was anxious to regionalize trauma care for several reasons. First and foremost was to provide consistent quality care to patients who often present in the middle of the night and/or when there are multiple patients. An analogy has been made between a trauma center and the fire department. Firefighters are required to be in house 24 hours a day to respond immediately to a fire to save property and sometimes even lives. The trauma system guidelines were designed to provide a similar type of response while reducing costs by preventing duplication and minimizing redundancy within the system. Trauma regionalization has become unique
Multiple scattering from inhomogeneous media

Scalar multiple scattering from randomly distributed, discrete point scatterers is investigated numerically by solving the problem exactly on a point-by-point basis and comparing it with the behavior of a single "bulk" scatterer, which, as assumed in available multiple-scattering theory [1]-[3], is an "average" substitute for the assembly. Apart from providing a check on the theory, the effect of inhomogeneities in the distribution can be investigated very conveniently by this scheme, whenever a solution is possible. The main conclusion is that, at relatively high frequencies, the amount and angular distribution of the backward-scattered energy depends very critically on these inhomogeneities.
Dense Cores Mapped in Ammonia: A Database

We present a database of 264 cores mapped in the (J,K) = (1,1) and (2,2) lines of NH3. We list the core gas properties?peak positions, total ammonia column densities, intrinsic line widths, kinetic temperatures, volume densities, core sizes, aspect ratios, and velocity gradients, as well as the properties of associated young stellar objects (YSOs)?associated IRAS sources along with their luminosities and core-YSO distances, outflow velocities, and SIMBAD and cluster associations. We also present the results of our statistical analysis and enumerate important pairwise correlations among the various gas and YSO properties. The results indicate that the association of stellar clusters with star-forming cores has a greater impact on their properties than does the presence of associated YSOs within these cores, although the latter influence is also statistically significant. In other words, the difference in core properties (nonthermal line widths, kinetic temperatures, and core sizes) between cores with and without associated YSOs is less significant when compared with the difference in these properties between cores with and without cluster associations. Furthermore, core gas and YSO properties show a significant dependence on the star-forming region in which the core is located. For instance, cores in Orion have larger line widths, higher kinetic temperatures, and larger sizes compared with cores in Taurus. Similarly, YSOs in Orion are more luminous than those in Taurus. These cluster and regional dependencies seem important enough that they ought to be accounted for in any self-consistent theory of star formation. Finally, the ratio of starless to stellar cores is too small (8:12 in Taurus, 2:41 in Orion A) to be consistent with ambipolar diffusion timescales that predict ratios as high as 3-30. This result is true even for regions that are known to be well surveyed and not to suffer from significant sample biases.
Optimal interpolation analysis of high-latitude ionospheric electrodynamics using empirical orthogonal functions: Estimation of dominant modes of variability and temporal scales of large-scale electric fields

[1] In this paper the optimal interpolation method, in conjunction with empirical orthogonal function (EOF) bases and the maximum likelihood method for online error covariance parameter estimation, is successfully implemented for the objective analysis of large-scale high-latitude ionospheric electrodynamic variables. This study demonstrates how this methodology can be used to extract information about the temporal and spatial coherence of the large-scale electric field for a magnetic cloud event on 10–11 January 1997. Compared with the temporal persistence of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and solar wind parameters, the timescale of the spatially coherent part of the electric field, on the spatial scale of the EOFs, is shorter. The principal components of the high-latitude electric field are analyzed during two periods when either the IMF BY or BZ component was relatively steady while the other component varied. The first principal component, not surprisingly, generally reflects the change in the ionospheric convection pattern predicted by IMF-dependent empirical models and thus tends to represent changes in the convection that are directly driven by solar wind–magnetosphere interactions. However, it is the second principal component that is more strongly correlated with the westward auroral electrojet, suggestive of a link to substorm phenomena.
Designing a graduate program in information security and analytics: masters program in information security and analytics (MISA)

This paper introduces the concept of the Master of Information Security and Analytics (MISA) program for the graduate students with a background in CS, IS and IT. The 10-course graduate level program is benchmarked against existing masters programs in the areas of Information Security and Data Analytics, and an assessment was done on the estimated demand for MISA graduates in the nation. The program outcomes were then mapped against the course objectives to insure the correct mix of courses and topics. The program's admission requirement is also being discussed. This paper discusses the design process and possible ways to reduce risk in the start-up of a new degree program. How a program is marketed to prospective students and what program graduates will do after program completion is just as important as the initial design of the program. Planning for the administration of the program and the assessment process is an important phase of the initial design.
Capital budgeting process for electric power utilities : An analytic hierarchy process approach

Currently, the electric power industry in U.S.A. is undergoing substantial regulatory and organizational changes with respect to market economics as well as pollution. Under these changing circumstances, in this paper, we utilize the concepts of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and integer programming (IP) to model the capital budgeting process under both finance and pollution considerations. In particular, first we show how a decision maker can simultaneously incorporate the hard-to-quantify factors (pollutants) as well as easy-to-quantify factors (finance factors) into a hierarchy. Next, we show how priority weights derived from the hierarchy can be used to determine the optimal set of projects to be constructed. Also, we show how the entire capital budgeting process can be performed via an illustrative numerical example. It is hoped that the comprehensive, systematic, and consistent approach shown in this paper will provide the electric power utilities an additional decision support tool in their capital budgeting process. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Noradrenergic depletion potentiates β‐amyloid induced cortical inflammation: implications for Alzheimer's disease

Degeneration of locus ceruleus (LC) neurons and reduced levels of noradrenaline (NA) in LC projection areas is a well known feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the consequences of those losses are not clear. Since inflammatory mediators contribute to AD pathogenesis, and since NA can suppress inflammatory gene expression, we tested if LC loss influenced brain inflammatory gene expression elicited by amyloid β (Aβ). Adult rats were injected with the selective neurotoxin DSP4 to induce LC death, and subsequently injected in cortex with Aβ (aggregated 1–42 peptide). DSP4-treatment potentiated the Aβ-dependent induction of inflammatory nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-1β and IL6 expression compared to control animals. In contrast, the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 expression was not modified by DSP4-treatment. In control animals, injection of Aβ induced iNOS primarily in microglial cells, while in DSP4-treated animals iNOS was localized to neurons, as is observed in AD brains. Injection of Aβ increased IL-1β expression initially in microglia, and at later times in astrocytes, and expression levels were greater in DSP4 treated animals than controls. The potentiating effects of DSP4-treatment on iNOS and IL-1β expression were attenuated by coinjection with NA or the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol. These data demonstrate that LC loss and NA depletion augment inflammatory responses to Aβ, and suggest that LC loss in AD is permissive for increased inflammation and neuronal cell death.
Evolution of lumpy glacial landscapes

At 10–100 m scales, glaciated landscapes are lumpy, sporting rocky bedforms with abraded upvalley faces and sharp, quarried downvalley edges. Using models that operate at two time scales, I address glacial landform development at these scales in order to explore the dependence of bed topography and erosion rate on glacier and rock properties. Sliding at the bed, a prerequisite for both abrasion and quarrying, is strongly modulated by water pressures. Short-time-scale models designed to capture the transient hydro-sliding system beneath a temperate glacier quantify the temporal and spatial pattern of effective stress on the glacier bed. The bed is subjected to repetitive stressing focused on the edges of bed steps, the frequency and magnitude of stress events increasing with ice thickness. The numerical model of bed evolution at longer time scales incorporates both abrasion and quarrying of fracture-bound blocks. The probability of quarrying of a block by a particular stress event is taken to depend inversely upon both block size and the depth of the niche in which it sits. Upglacier-migrating rock bedforms with 10–100 m wavelengths inevitably emerge, reflecting efficient quarrying of blocks from downvalley-facing steps in the bed. The relative importance of abrasion and quarrying, and bed roughness, are controlled by fracture spacing, and major steps in the valley floor are attributable to transitions in fracture spacing.
OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF SOYBEAN OIL FATTY ACID METHYL ESTERS BY OIL STABILITY INDEX (OSI)

Biodiesel, an alternative diesel fuel derived from transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats, is composed of saturated and unsaturated long-chain FA alkyl esters. During long-term storage, oxidation caused by contact with air (autoxidation) presents a legitimate concern with respect to monitoring and maintaining fuel quality. Extensive oxidative degradation may compromise quality by adversely affecting kinematic viscosity, acid value, or PV. This work examines the oil stability index (OSI) as a parameter for monitoring the oxidative stability of soybean oil FAME (SME). SME samples from five separate sources and with varying storage and handling histories were analyzed for OSI at 60°C using an oxidative stability instrument. Results showed that OSI may be used to measure relative oxidative stability of SME samples as well as to differentiate between samples from different producers. Although addition of α-tocopherol or TBHQ increased OSI, responses to these antioxidants varied with respect to SME sample. Variations in response to added antioxidant were attributed to aging and other effects that may have caused oxidative degradation in samples prior to acquisition for this study. Results showed that OSI was more sensitive than iodine value in detecting the effects of oxidative degradation in its early stages when monitoring SME during storage.
Investigation of the endogenous chemoattractants involved in 111In-eosinophil accumulation in passive cutaneous anaphylactic reactions in the guinea-pig

1. Eosinophil accumulation and plasma extravasation are features of type I allergic responses. In an attempt to characterize the mediators of these responses, we have examined the local accumulation of 111In-eosinophils and leakage of 125I-human serum albumin (125I-HSA) during passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reactions and in response to defined inflammatory mediators in the guinea-pig. Animals were passively sensitized by intradermal injection of anti-bovine gamma globulin antibody (50 microliters, 1/50 dilution). After 20-24 h, animals were injected intravenously with 111In-eosinophils and 125I-HSA for the measurement of cell accumulation and plasma leakage, respectively. 2. When injected into sensitized sites, antigen caused a dose-related increase in the accumulation of 111In-eosinophils and plasma leakage in guinea-pig skin. Time course experiments over 24 h revealed that the maximal rate of 111In-eosinophil accumulation occurred over the first 90 min, with little accumulation at later time points. Plasma leakage was completed within the first 30 min after challenge. Responses to the mast cell degranulator, compound 48/80, exhibited very similar responses to the PCA reaction. 3. Co-injection of antigen with the PAF antagonist, WEB 2086 (10(-7) mol/site) or the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, PF 5901 (10(-7) mol/site) did not significantly alter the accumulation of 111In-eosinophils or plasma leakage, whereas these drug doses abolished responses to exogenous PAF (10(-9) mol/site) and arachidonic acid (AA, 3 x 10(-8) mol/site), respectively. The H1 receptor antagonist chlorpheniramine (2.5 x 10(-8) mol/site) did not reduce antigen-induced 111In-eosinophil accumulation. Drug combinations were also injected with antigen into sensitized sites, but were unable to reduce "'In-eosinophil accumulation.4. These results indicate that anaphylactic eosinophil accumulation in this model involves mediators other than histamine, PAF or lipoxygenase products. This is in contrast to plasma leakage in this reaction, which can be abolished by a combination of antagonists blocking these mediators.
Functional nuclear epidermal growth factor receptors in human choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells and normal human placenta

Immunocytochemistry with a monoclonal antiepidermal growth factor (anti-EGF) receptor antibody directed against the extracellular domain which can inhibit ligand binding to the receptors showed that nuclei of choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells and normal placental trophoblasts were distinctly immunostained for EGF receptors. This finding led us to investigate the structure and function of nuclear EGF receptors. Western immunoblotting revealed that cell membranes, isolated intact pure nuclei, and nuclear membranes contain a 170-kilodalton EGF receptor protein. Covalent receptor cross-linking demonstrated that the 170-kilodalton receptor protein in nuclei and nuclear membranes can bind [125I]EGF just as in cell membranes, and that this binding is inhibited by excess unlabeled EGF. As in cell membranes, the addition of EGF resulted in an increased receptor autophosphorylation in the nuclei and nuclear membranes. In addition, the activated receptor kinase stimulated, and in some cases inhibited, tyrosine phosphoryla...
Comparison Of Linewidth Measurements On An Sem/Interferometer System And An Optical Linewidth-Measuring Microscope

In the current linewidth-measurement program at the National Bureau of Standards, the primary measurement of micrometer-wide lines on black-chromium artifacts is made with an interferometer located in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The data output consists of a line-image profile from the electron detector and a fringe pattern from the interferometer. A correlation between edge location and fringe location is made for both line edges to give the linewidth in units of the wavelength of a He-Ne laser. A model has been developed to describe the interaction of the electrons with the material line and thereby relate a threshold value on the SEM image profile to a selected point on the material line. An optical linewidth-measuring microscope is used to transfer the primary measurements to secondary measurement artifacts; these artifacts will be used to transfer the linewidth measurements to the integrated-circuit industry. Linewidth measurements from the SEM/interferometer system and the optical linewidth-measuring microscope are compared, and the level of measurement uncertainty for each system is discussed.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Contribution to the Theory of the Deep-Bar Induction Motor

The deep-bar rotor may be defined as a single-cage rotor in which skin effect plays a prominent part. With rotor slots nearly one inch deep, skin effect reduces starting current and increases starting torque so that in many ratings this type of motor has superseded the older shallow cage motor. This paper will endeavor to supply the theory of the tapered bar and of bars with a tapered section.It also will endeavor to improve the theory of the round bar. A graphical method for computing the impedance of any shape of bar will be given.The formulas developed indicate that further improvements should result if the bar is somewhat enlarged near the slot opening.It will be hown that: 1) The tapered bar is superior to the rectangular bar, provided the narrow portion is near the top. 2) Further improvements should be sought among bars of compound shape. 3)The slot constant,for a round slot is close to 0.72when running.
TESTOSTERONE CYCLOPENTYLPROPIONATE: A LONG-ACTING ANDROGEN

ASTUDY of the duration of. action of testosterone crystals and of testosterone adsorbed on aluminum phosphate has recently been published by Eversole, Leathern, and Schraer (1). In a footnote to this paper, the use in this laboratory of these materials in humans has been described. Both the macrocrystalline suspension of testosterone and the testosterone adsorbed on aluminum phosphate had periods of activity in the human which were.considerably longer than the duration of effectiveness of testosterone propionate, but difficulties of administration rendered each of these preparations impractical for clinical use. The cyclopentylpropionic acid ester of testosterone has been found by Ott and his co-workers (2) to have a duration of effectiveness, as measured by the response of the accessory sexual tissues of the castrated male rat, which is markedly longer than that of testosterone propionate. The present report is concerned with a comparison, in hypogonadal men, of the effectiveness of oil solutions of this...
Simple imperative polymorphism

This paper describes a simple extension of the Hindley-Milner polymorphic type discipline to call-by-value languages that incorporate imperative features like references, exceptions, and continuations. This extension sacrifices the ability to type every purely functional expression that is typable in the Hindley-Milner system. In return, it assigns the same type to functional and imperative implementations of the same abstraction. Hence with a module system that separates specifications from implementations, imperative features can be freely used to implement polymorphic specifications. A study of a number of ML programs shows that the inability to type all Hindley-Milner typable expressions seldom impacts realistic programs. Furthermore, most programs that are rendered untypable by the new system can be easily repaired.
Bayesian Quickest Detection in Sensor Arrays

Abstract We study Bayesian quickest detection problems with sensor arrays. An underlying signal is assumed to gradually propagate through a network of several sensors, triggering a cascade of interdependent change-points. The aim of the decision maker is to centrally fuse all available information to find an optimal detection rule that minimizes Bayes risk. We develop a tractable continuous-time formulation of this problem focusing on the case of sensors collecting point process observations and monitoring the resulting changes in intensity and type of observed events. Our approach uses methods of nonlinear filtering and optimal stopping and lends itself to an efficient numerical scheme that combines particle filtering with a Monte Carlo–based approach to dynamic programming. The developed models and algorithms are illustrated with plenty of numerical examples.
A Survey on the Outsourcing of Cataloging in Academic Libraries

The authors conducted a survey on outsourcing of cataloging in academic libraries in order to determine the extent of outsourcing being done in academic libraries and the overall success of such projects. The survey instrument included questions about factors that might affect the decision to outsource, what reasons libraries had for outsourcing or not outsourcing, what was being outsourced, and how vendors were chosen. Libraries were also asked to evaluate the success of outsourcing projects. The results show that outsourcing of cataloging is not a strong trend in academic libraries, but that libraries which outsourced were generally pleased with results. There also seems to be a correlation between size of collection and number of new titles cataloged annually and the decision to outsource.
Modulational instability of nonlinear spin waves in easy-axis antiferromagnetic chains

The modulational instability of extended nonlinear spin waves in antiferromagnetic chains with on-site easy-axis anisotropy has been investigated both analytically in the frame of linear-stability analysis and numerically by means of molecular-dynamics simulations. The linear-stability analysis predicts the instability region and the growth rates of modulation satellites. Our numerical simulations demonstrate that the analytical predictions correctly describe the onset of instability. For long-time scales when the instability is fully developed the linear-stability analysis fails and the modulated nonlinear spin waves can evolve into localized excitations. We explore the possibility of generating intrinsic localized spin-wave modes from extended spin waves through modulational instability and find that both discreteness and strong nonlinearity seem to be essential for the creation of long-lived localized excitations. The addition of weak dissipation is found to impose a finite amplitude threshold even for infinite chains.
Parental Influence Style and the Development of Adult Shopping Behaviour

Much of human behaviour is viewed as a process, which begins with early childhood experience, and develops into later life emotions, values, beliefs, and behaviours. Described below, considerable interdisciplinary attention has been given to the role of childhood, and more specifically, to the relevance of different types of parental influence on children as they later become adults. Within marketing, selected scholarly consideration has been devoted to the roles of parents on their children's existing consumer behaviour. The unique contribution of this article is to examine the role of different types of parental influence on later adulthood shopping behaviours.
Thermally Developing Flow and Heat Transfer in Rectangular Microchannels of Different Aspect Ratios

Laminar convective heat transfer in the entrance region of microchannels of rectangular cross-section is investigated under circumferentially uniform wall temperature and axially uniform wall heat flux thermal boundary conditions. Three-dimensional numerical simulations were performed for laminar thermally developing flow in microchannels of different aspect ratios. Based on the temperature and heat flux distributions obtained, both the local and average Nusselt numbers are presented graphically as a function of the dimensionless axial distance and channel aspect ratio. Generalized correlations, useful for the design and optimization of microchannel heat sinks and other microfluidic devices, are proposed for predicting Nusselt numbers. The proposed correlations are compared with other conventional correlations and with available experimental data, and show very good agreement.
Delayed memory B cell recovery in peripheral blood and lymphoid tissue in systemic lupus erythematosus after B cell depletion therapy.

Objective Recent data suggest that the reconstituting peripheral B cell compartment after B cell depletion therapy may be functionally immature, with a preponderance of transitional B cells and a paucity of memory B cells. This study was undertaken to determine the magnitude, duration, and cause of these defects in rituximab-treated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods Fifteen patients with SLE previously treated with rituximab as part of a phase I/II dose-escalation study were evaluated during a long-term followup (mean followup period 41 months). B cells from peripheral blood and tonsils were assessed using multicolor flow cytometry, and their developmental pathway was classified based on the expression of defined surface markers. Results Reconstitution of peripheral blood CD27+ memory B cells was delayed for several years after B cell depletion therapy in a subset of patients with prolonged clinical responses and autoantibody normalization. This delay correlated with the degree of expansion of B cells of a transitional phenotype during the B cell reconstitution phase (P = 0.005) and the absence of baseline autoantibodies directed against extractable nuclear antigens (RNP, Sm, Ro antigen, La antigen). Despite the paucity of peripheral blood memory cells and the prolonged expansion of functionally immature transitional B cells, tonsil biopsy tissues revealed active germinal center (GC) reactions, but with decreased Fc receptor homolog 4–positive memory B cells. Conclusion These results suggest heterogeneity in the B cell depletion and reconstitution process that impacts clinical and immunologic outcomes in SLE. The presence of GC reactions, but with altered memory B cell subpopulations in tonsils, suggests that peripheral blood memory cell reconstitution lags behind a slow secondary lymphoid tissue recovery, with important implications for immunologic competence and tolerance.
Single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer.

Fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a powerful technique for studying conformational distribution and dynamics of biological molecules. Some conformational changes are difficult to synchronize or too rare to detect using ensemble FRET. FRET, detected at the single-molecule level, opens up new opportunities to probe the detailed kinetics of structural changes without the need for synchronization. Here, we discuss practical considerations for its implementation including experimental apparatus, fluorescent probe selection, surface immobilization, single-molecule FRET analysis schemes, and interpretation.
Design of a New Parametric Path Plan for Additive Manufacturing of Hollow Porous Structures With Functionally Graded Materials

In this paper, a novel path planning approach is proposed to generate porous structures with internal features. The interconnected and continuous deposition path is designed to control the internal material composition in a functionally graded manner. The proposed layer-based algorithmic solutions generate a bilayer pattern of zigzag and spiral toolpath consecutively to construct heterogeneous three-dimensional (3D) objects. The proposed strategy relies on constructing Voronoi diagrams for all bounding curves in each layer to decompose the geometric domain and discretizing the associated Voronoi regions with ruling lines between the boundaries of the associated Voronoi regions. To avoid interference among ruling lines, reorientation and relaxation techniques are introduced to establish matching for continuous zigzag path planning. In addition, arc fitting is used to reduce over-deposition, allowing nonstop deposition at sharp turns. Layer-by-layer deposition progresses through consecutive layers of a ruling-line-based zigzag pattern followed by a spiral path deposition. A biarc fitting technique is employed through isovalues of ruling lines to generate G1 continuity along the spiral deposition path plan. Functionally graded material properties are then mapped based on a parametric distance-based weighting technique. The proposed approach enables elimination or minimization of over-deposition of materials, nonuniformity on printed strands and discontinuities on the toolpath, which are shortcomings of traditional zigzag-based toolpath plan in additive manufacturing (AM). In addition, it provides a practical path for printing functionally graded materials.
Dynamical symmetry breaking within SU(2) × U(1)

Abstract An effective potential formalism is used to study dynamical symmetry breaking in massless SU(2) × U(1) in the absence of fundamental scalar fields. We compare our results to those of hte linearized approximation to the theory and point out the reasons for differences. We propose no realistic model but do find cases in which SU(2) × U(1) does break dynamically.
MATERNAL EFFECTS MEDIATE HOST EXPANSION IN ASEED‐FEEDING BEETLE

Texas ebony (Chloroleucon ebano) has recently been introduced as an or- namental tree in the Phoenix metropolitan area of Arizona (USA). It has since been colonized by the seed beetle Stator limbatus(Coleoptera: Bruchidae), and seeds of Texas ebony support the development of beetles to reproductive maturity in nature and in the laboratory. Egg size affects the larval survivorship of beetles on seeds of Texas ebony. Females of S. limbatus exhibit egg-size plasticity in response to native host plants; they lay small eggs if they encounter seeds of catclaw acacia (Acacia greggii) and lay large eggs if they encounter seeds of the blue paloverde (Cercidium floridum). We tested the hypothesis that oviposition experiences of female S. limbatus on native plants affects the ability of their larvae to develop on seeds of the nonnative Texas ebony. We demonstrate that females that encounter the native C. floridum while they are maturing their eggs produce progeny that have sur- vivorship 10 times higher on seeds of the introduced Texas ebony than that of progeny produced by females that do not encounter C. floridum during egg maturation. However, this result cannot be explained entirely by egg-size plasticity; survivorship of larvae differed among treatments even in the range of egg sizes that overlapped between treatments. These results thus indicate that females exhibit plasticity in egg size and egg composition, and that this plasticity facilitates the expansion of S. limbatus onto seeds of a nonnative plant. Our study thus demonstrates that maternal effects can influence species interactions within communities, and that we should consider these maternal effects when predicting the eco- logical and evolutionary consequences of changing species distributions.
The impacts of an urban light rail system on residential property values: a case study of the Houston METRORail transit line

Though the impact of rail transit service on property values has been investigated for transit rail lines in a number of cities, the effects of the Houston light rail transit (LRT) line have not been examined since it began service. This study utilizes the 2007 InfoUSA household data-sets to analyze the impacts of the Houston's LRT line on residential property values. In addition to the traditional ordinary linear regression models that have been widely used in transit impact studies, a multi-level regression model is adopted in this study to identify the effects of the METRORail on the Main Street Corridor. The results from both models suggest that the opening of the light rail has had significant net positive effects on some residential property values. However, immediate proximity to light rail stations and bus stops has significant negative impacts on properties located within a quarter mile of rail stops.
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Current and Emerging Treatments

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the most common hereditary disorders. Over the last decade, knowledge of the pathology underlying this disease has increased rapidly. Attributing important roles to tubular cell ciliary functioning, cell proliferation and fluid secretion, subsequent alterations in levels of intracellular calcium, adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and activation of a variety of cellular kinases, including mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), has laid out the foundations for development of potentially effective treatments. This article we provide a review the specific treatment options in ADPKD.
Parallel Triangulation of a Polygon in Two Calls to the Trapezoidal Map

We give a parallel method for triangulating a simple polygon by two (parallel) calls to the trapezoidal map computation. The method is simpler and more elegant than previous methods. Along the way we obtain an interesting partition of one-sided monotone polygons. Using the best-known trapezoidal map algorithm, ours run in timeO(logn) usingO(n) CREW PRAM processors.
Association between individual differences in self-reported emotional resilience and the affective perception of neutral faces.

Background Resilience, i.e., the ability to cope with stress and adversity, relies heavily on judging adaptively complex situations. Judging facial emotions is a complex process of daily living that is important for evaluating the affective context of uncertain situations, which could be related to the individual's level of resilience. We used a novel experimental paradigm to test the hypothesis that highly resilient individuals show a judgment bias towards positive emotions.
Salutary Effect of Kallistatin in Salt-Induced Renal Injury, Inflammation, and Fibrosis via Antioxidative Stress

An inverse relationship exists between kallistatin levels and salt-induced oxidative stress in Dahl-salt sensitive rats. We further investigated the role of kallistatin in inhibiting inflammation and fibrosis through antioxidative stress in Dahl-salt sensitive rats and cultured renal cells. High-salt intake in Dahl-salt sensitive rats induced elevation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (an indicator of lipid peroxidation), malondialdehyde levels, reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity, and superoxide formation, whereas kallistatin gene delivery significantly reduced these oxidative stress parameters. Kallistatin treatment improved renal function and reduced kidney damage as evidenced by diminished proteinuria and serum urea nitrogen levels, glomerular sclerosis, tubular damage, and protein cast formation. Kallistatin significantly decreased interstitial monocyte-macrophage infiltration and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Kallistain also reduced collagen fraction volume and the deposition and expression of collagen types I and III. Renal protection by kallistatin was associated with increased NO levels and endothelial NO synthase expression and decreased p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation, and transforming growth factor-beta1 expression. Moreover, kallistatin attenuated tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression via inhibition of reactive oxygen species formation and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB activation in cultured proximal tubular cells. Kallistatin inhibited fibronectin and collagen expression by suppressing angiotensin II-induced reactive oxygen species generation and transforming growth factor-beta1 expression in cultured mesangial cells. These combined findings reveal that kallistatin is a novel antioxidant, which prevents salt-induced kidney injury, inflammation, and fibrosis by inhibiting reactive oxygen species-induced proinflammatory cytokine and transforming growth factor-beta1 expression.
True Minimum Energy Design Using Dual Below-Threshold Supply Voltages

This paper investigates sub threshold voltage operation of digital circuits. The minimum energy per cycle operating point with a single voltage for this mode is known. We further lower the energy per cycle below that point by using dual sub threshold supplies. We call this the true minimum. Special considerations are used in the design for eliminating level converters. We give new mixed integer linear programs (MILP) that automatically and optimally assign gate voltages, avoid the use of level converters, and determine and hold the minimum critical path delay, while minimizing the total energy per cycle. Using examples of a 16-bit ripple-carry adder and a 4 × 4 multiplier we show energy savings of 23% and 5%, respectively. The latter is a worst case example because most paths are critical. Alternatively, for the same energy as that of single below-threshold supply, an optimized dual voltage design can operate at 3 to 4 times higher clock rate. The MILP optimization with special consideration for level converters is general and applicable to any supply voltage range.
Ex vivo biomechanical comparison of the 2.4 mm uniLOCK reconstruction plate using 2.4 mm locking versus standard screws for fixation of acetabular osteotomy in dogs.

Objective— To compare the accuracy of reduction and the biomechanical characteristics of canine acetabular osteotomies stabilized with locking versus standard screws in a locking plate. Study Design— Ex vivo biomechanical study. Sample Population— Cadaveric canine hemipelves and corresponding femurs (n=10 paired). Methods— Transverse acetabular osteotomies stabilized with 5-hole 2.4 mm uniLOCK® reconstruction plates using either 2.4 mm locking monocortical or standard bicortical screw fixation (Synthes® Maxillofacial). Fracture reduction was assessed directly (craniocaudal acetabular width measurements and gross observation) and indirectly (impression casts). All constructs were fatigue-tested, followed by acute destructive testing. All outcome measures (mean±SD) were evaluated for significance (P<.05) using paired t-tests. Results— Craniocaudal acetabular diameters before and after fixation were not significantly different (21.9±1.2 and 21.5±1.2 mm; P=.45). No significant differences were observed in acetabular width differences between pre- and postoperative fixation between groups (locking −0.4±0.4 mm; standard −0.4±0.3 mm; P=.76). Grossly, there was no significant difference in the repairs and impression casts did not reveal a significant (P=.75) difference in congruency between the groups. No significant differences were found in fracture gap between groups either dorsally (locking 0.38±0.23 mm versus standard 0.22±0.05 mm; P=.30) or ventrally (locking 0.80±0.79 mm versus standard 0.35±0.13 mm; P=.23), and maximum change in amplitude dorsally (locking 0.96±2.15 mm versus standard 0.92±0.89 mm; P=.96) or ventrally (locking 2.02±2.93 mm versus standard 0.15±0.81 mm; P=.25). There were no significant differences in stiffness (locking 241±46 N/mm versus standard 283±209 N/mm; P=.64) or load to failure (locking 1077±950 N versus standard 811±248 N; P=.49). Conclusion— No significant differences were found between pelves stabilized with locking monocortical screw fixation or standard bicortical screw fixation with respect to joint congruity, displacement of fracture gap after cyclic loading, construct stiffness, or ultimate load to failure. Clinical Relevance— There is no apparent advantage of locking plate fixation over standard plate fixation of 2-piece ex vivo acetabular fractures using the 2.4 mm uniLOCK® reconstruction plate.
Generating plans in concurrent, probabilistic, over-subscribed domains

Planning in realistic domains involves reasoning under uncertainty, operating under time and resource constraints, and finding the optimal set of goals to be achieved. In this paper, we provide an AO* based algorithm that can deal with durative actions, concurrent execution, over-subscribed goals, and probabilistic outcomes in a unified way. We explore plan optimization by introducing two novel aspects to the model. First, we introduce parallel steps that serve the same goal and increase the probability of success in addition to parallel steps that serve different goals and decrease execution time. Second, we introduce plan steps to terminate concurrent steps that are no longer useful so that resources can be conserved. Our algorithm called CPOAO* (Concurrent, Probabilistic, Oversubscription AO*) can deal with the aforementioned extensions and relies on the AO* framework to reduce the size of the search space using informative heuristic functions. We describe our framework, implementation, the heuristic functions we use, the experimental results, and potential research on heuristics that can further reduce the size of search space.
Tracking Exceptional Human Capital Over Two Decades

Talent-search participants (286 males, 94 females) scoring in the top 0.01% on cognitive-ability measures were identified before age 13 and tracked over 20 years. Their creative, occupational, and life accomplishments are compared with those of graduate students (299 males, 287 females) enrolled in top-ranked U.S. mathematics, engineering, and physical science programs in 1992 and tracked over 10 years. By their mid-30s, the two groups achieved comparable and exceptional success (e.g., securing top tenure-track positions) and reported high and commensurate career and life satisfaction. College entrance exams administered to intellectually precocious youth uncover extraordinary potential for careers requiring creativity and scientific and technological innovation in the information age.
Gene cloning and heterologous expression of pyranose 2-oxidase from the brown-rot fungus, Gloeophyllum trabeum

A pyranose 2-oxidase gene from the brown-rot basidiomycete Gloeophyllum trabeum was isolated using homology-based degenerate PCR. The gene structure was determined and compared to that of several pyranose 2-oxidases cloned from white-rot fungi. The G. trabeum pyranose 2-oxidase gene consists of 16 coding exons with canonical promoter CAAT and TATA elements in the 5′UTR. The corresponding G. trabeum cDNA was cloned and contains an ORF of 1,962 base pairs encoding a 653 amino acid polypeptide with a predicted molecular weight of 72 kDa. A Hisx6 tagged recombinant G. trabeum pyranose 2-oxidase was generated and expressed heterologously in Escherichia coli yielding 15 U enzyme activity per ml of induced culture. Structural alignment and phylogenetic analysis were performed and are discussed.
PAR1 cleavage and signaling in response to activated protein C and thrombin

Activated protein C (APC), a natural anticoagulant protease, can trigger cellular responses via protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1), a G protein-coupled receptor for thrombin. Whether this phenomenon contributes to the physiological effects of APC is unknown. Toward answering this question, we compared the kinetics of PAR1 cleavage on endothelial cells by APC versus thrombin. APC did cleave PAR1 on the endothelial surface, and antibodies to the endothelial protein C receptor inhibited such cleavage. Importantly, however, APC was ∼104-fold less potent than thrombin in this setting. APC and thrombin both triggered PAR1-mediated responses in endothelial cells including expression of antiapoptotic (tumor necrosis factor-α-induced a20 and iap-1) and chemokine (interleukin-8 (il-8) and cxcl3) genes, but again, APC was ∼104-fold less potent than thrombin. The addition of zymogen protein C to endothelial cultures did not alter the rate of PAR1 cleavage at low or high concentrations of thrombin, and PAR1 cleavage was substantial at thrombin concentrations too low to trigger detectable conversion of protein C to APC. Thus, locally generated APC did not contribute to PAR1 cleavage beyond that effected by thrombin in this system. Although consistent with reports that sufficiently high concentrations of APC can cleave and activate PAR1 in culture, our data suggest that a significant physiological role for PAR1 activation by APC is unlikely.
The Spanish Royal Philanthropic Expedition to Bring Smallpox Vaccination to the New World and Asia in the 19th Century

The New World was ravaged by smallpox for several centuries after the Spanish conquest. Jenner's discovery of the smallpox vaccine made possible the prevention and control of smallpox epidemics. In response to a large outbreak of smallpox in the Spanish colonies, King Charles IV appointed Francisco Xavier de Balmis to lead an expedition that would introduce Jenner's vaccine to these colonies. During the journey, the vaccine was kept viable by passing it from arm to arm in orphaned children, who were brought along expressly for that purpose and remained under the care of the orphanage's director. This expedition was the first large scale mass vaccination of its kind. The historic legacy of this pioneering event in international health should be revisited in the current era of persistent inequalities in global health.
Cryostabilization of high-temperature superconducting magnets with subcooled flow in microchannels

Subcooled flow of liquid nitrogen in microchannels is proposed as a means to enhance the stability of superconducting magnets. An analysis shows that high current density or a low stabilizer fraction can be obtained in a cryostable magnet. An increase in stability (with the Stekley criterion as a measure) is directly related to coolant velocity and coolant channel aspect ratio. However, it is accompanied by a corresponding increase in pressure drop of the system. In addition, the coolant temperature rises as a function of coolant residence time and coolant-to-conductor ratio. >
Conceptual integration and metaphor: An event-related potential study

Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded from 18 normal adults as they read sentences that ended with words used literally, metaphorically, or in an intermediateliteral mapping condition. In the latter condition, the literal sense of the word was used in a way that prompted readers to map conceptual structure from a different domain. ERPs measured from 300 to 500 msec after the onset of the sentence-final words differed as a function of metaphoricity: Literal endings elicited the smallest N400, metaphors the largest N400, whereas literal mappings elicited an N400 of intermediate amplitude. Metaphoric endings also elicited a larger posterior positivity than did either literal or literal mapping words. Consistent with conceptual blending theory, the results suggest that the demands of conceptual integration affect the difficulty of both literal and metaphorical language.
EXPLAINING PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR LEGISLATIVE TERM LIMITS

L'A. s'efforce de comprendre le soutien de l'opinion publique americaine en faveur de la limitation de la duree des mandats. Il presente un certain nombre de donnees nationales collectees aux Etats-Unis en 1992. Il examine un certain nombre de variables : la desaffection a l'endroit des membres du corps legislatif, un certain cynisme, l'interet personnel, l'ideologie. Ils montrent que seuls les deux derniers facteurs influent sur les attitudes des americains