cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive offsets for signalized streets

Abstract: This paper shows that severe congestion on streets controlled by traffic signals can be reduced by dynamically adapting the signal offsets to the prevailing density with a simple rule that keeps the signals’ green-red ratios invariant. Invariant ratios reduce a control policy’s impact on the crossing streets, so a policy can be optimized and evaluated by focusing on the street itself without the confounding factors present in networks. Designed for heavy traffic with spillovers, the proposed policies are adaptive and need little data - they only require average traffic density readings and no demand forecasts. A battery of numerical experiments simulating the dynamics of rush hour traffic on a congested, homogeneous circular street reveals that the proposed form of adaptation reduces the duration of the rush and overall congestion compared with pre-timed control strategies. Eighteen different adaptation policies were considered. All inspect the street densities periodically and simulataneously, and retime the signals immediately thereafter. The period is a fixed multiple of the cycle. The street is evenly divided into sections that contain a set number of consecutive blocks and signals. The offset is the same for all blocks in a section. Three inspection intervals and six section sizes were tested. The latter ranged from a single block/signal to the whole street. It was found that adaptation worked best when sections were large and adaptation frequent. The effects were considerable across all scenarios. For a short street with a short rush and high input flows the probabilistic incidence of gridlock was reduced from 10% to 0%, and the average duration of a trip from 216s to 181s. For a long street with a long rush and high input flows the gridlock probability was reduced from 23% to 0% and the average trip duration from 2037s to 1143s.
The Public Information Fallacy

The concept of privacy in “public” information or acts is a perennial topic for debate. It has given privacy law fits. People struggle to reconcile the notion of protecting information that has been made public with traditional accounts of privacy. As a result, successfully labeling information as public often functions as a permission slip for surveillance and personal data practices. It has also given birth to a significant and persistent misconception — that public information is an established and objective concept. In this article, I argue that the “no privacy in public” justification is misguided because nobody knows what “public” even means. It has no set definition in law or policy. This means that appeals to the public nature of information and contexts in order to justify data and surveillance practices is often just guesswork. There are at least three different ways to conceptualize public information: descriptively, negatively, or by designation. For example, is the criteria for determining publicness whether it was hypothetically accessible to anyone? Or is public information anything that’s controlled, designated, or released by state actors? Or maybe what’s public is simply everything that’s “not private?” If the concept of “public” is going to shape people’s social and legal obligations, its meaning should not be assumed. Law and society must recognize that labeling something as public is both consequential and value-laden. To move forward, we should focus the values we want to serve, the relationships and outcomes we want to foster, and the problems we want to avoid.
Interscalar Vehicles for an African Anthropocene: On Waste, Temporality, and Violence

How can we incorporate humanist critiques of the Anthropocene while harnessing the notion’s potential for challenging political imagination? Placing the Anthropocene offers one way forward; the notion of an African Anthropocene offers a productive paradox that holds planetary temporality and specific human lives in a single frame. Navigating the Anthropocene from Africa requires attending to scale both as an analytic and an actor category. In order to do so, this essay proposes the notion of interscalar vehicles: objects and modes of analysis that permit scholars and their subjects to move simultaneously through deep time and human time, through geological space and political space. This essay discusses the creation and destruction of value/waste and pasts/futures around a uranium mine in Mounana, Gabon, to unpack the political, ethical, epistemological, and affective dimensions of interscalar vehicles and their violent Anthropocenic implications.
Mental health symptoms and treatment utilization among trauma-exposed college students.

Objective Universities have demonstrated growing awareness of students impacted by interpersonal violence (e.g., sexual and physical assault) and veterans/service-members with combat-related trauma because of their sizable presence on campuses and unique vulnerabilities. This study sought to describe impacts of these two forms of trauma exposure on students' mental health and academic functioning and to compare mental health service utilization among students based on their experiences of trauma exposure. Method To acquire a large, national sample of college students, we examined archival data from the Fall 2015 American College Health Association National College Health Assessment, a yearly, web-based survey which represented a sample of 19,861 students from 40 institutions. Results Twenty percent of the students had experienced interpersonal victimization in the last 12 months, combat exposure, or both. Compared with other groups, interpersonal violence survivors reported the most negative impacts on mental health and interference with academic performance. Service utilization rates among trauma-exposed students ranged from 52% to 84%, and students who had experienced recent interpersonal violence were the most likely to have received services. Conclusions With a national sample, this study confirms that trauma-exposed students report poor mental health. Service utilization is high among this population, but campus-based mental health services appear to remain underutilized. Outreach efforts by student life professionals and campus clinicians targeting demographic subgroups could enhance utilization and accessibility of campus resources. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Letter from the Editor (June 2018)

In the current (June 2018) issue, we continue our celebration of ITAL’s 50th year with a summary of the articles published in the 1970s, the journal’s first full decade of publication. The 1970s are particularly pivotal in library technology, as it marks the introduction of the personal computer, as a hobbyist’s tool, to society. The web is still more than a decade away, but the seeds are being planted.
APORPHINES, SOMATOSTATIN AND PARKINSON'S DISEASE*

Abstract Evidence is summarized suggesting that the dyskinesias and the “on–off” phenomenon encountered in levodopa-treated Parkinsonian patients are largely drug-induced and drug-dependent phenomena, by contrast to being due mainly to denervation hypersensitivity. Our early observation of the reversal of both phenomena by injected apomorphine is now followed by the subsequent work reported here. Observations are also summarized suggesting a link between the chronic release of growth hormone by levodopa and the change of the symptomatic control from smooth to erratic in many but not all patients. This lead is also further investigated.
An interpretation of comanche names in an eighteenth century spanish document

Armagost analiza los elementos morfologicos en comanche de una lista de nombres de jefes comanches encontrados en un documento del siglo XVII que publico Alfred Thomas en 1929. Thomas incluyo la traduccion al espanol que habian dado los comanches en varios casos y agrego una version en ingles del espanol, a veces equivocada. Armagost incluye algunos comentarios sobre la evolucion del idioma comanche que observa al comparar el lenguaje del documento con lenguas shoshonianas y el comanche actual.
On Revenue-Maximizing Mechanisms Assuming Convex Costs

We investigate revenue-maximizing mechanisms in settings where bidders’ utility functions are characterized by convex costs. Such costs arise, for instance, in procurement auctions for energy, and when bidders borrow money at non-linear interest rates. We provide a 1 / 16e approximation guarantee for a prior-free randomized mechanism when bidders’ values are drawn from MHR distributions, and their costs are polynomial. Additionally, we propose two heuristics that allocate proportionally, using either bidders’ values or virtual values. Perhaps surprisingly, in the convex cost setting, it is preferable to allocate to multiple relatively high bidders, rather than only to bidders with the highest (virtual) value, as is optimal in the traditional quasi-linear utility setting.
Methods for detecting Zika virus in feces: A case study in captive squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis).

A strain of Zika virus (ZIKV) of Asian origin associated with birth defects and neurological disorders has emerged and spread through the Americas. ZIKV was first isolated in the blood of nonhuman primates in Africa and has been detected in the blood, saliva, and urine of a few catarrhine species in both Africa and Asia, suggesting that nonhuman primates may serve as both a source and a reservoir of the virus. The recent introduction of ZIKV to human populations in the Americas presents the potential for the virus to spread into nonhuman primate reservoirs. Thus, it is critical to develop efficient and noninvasive detection methods to monitor the spread of the virus in wild nonhuman primate populations. Here, we describe a method for ZIKV detection in noninvasively collected fecal samples of a Neotropical primate. Fecal samples were collected from two captive squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis) that were experimentally infected with ZIKV (Strain Mexico_1_44) and an additional two uninfected squirrel monkeys. Nucleic acids were extracted from these samples, and RT-qPCR was used to assay for the presence of ZIKV using primers flanking a 101 bp region of the NS5 gene. In both ZIKV-inoculated animals, ZIKV was detected 5–11 days post-infection, but was not detected in the uninfected animals. We compare the fecal results to ZIKV detection in serum, saliva, and urine samples from the same individuals. Our results indicate that fecal detection is a cost-effective, noninvasive method for monitoring wild populations of Neotropical primates as possible ZIKV reservoirs.
Practice-based differences in paediatric discoid lupus erythematosus.

Background Children with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) are at risk for disfigurement and progression to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Consensus is lacking regarding optimal care for children with DLE. Objectives The aim of this study was to compare practice patterns among paediatric dermatologists/rheumatologists treating paediatric DLE. Methods An online survey was sent to 292 paediatric rheumatologists in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance and 200 paediatric dermatologists in the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement. Results Survey response rates were 38% (76 of 200) for dermatology and 21% (60 of 292) for rheumatology. Both specialties agreed that screening labs should include complete blood counts with differential, urinalysis, complement levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, antinuclear antibody and other autoantibodies, hepatic function and renal function/electrolytes. Both specialties agreed that arthritis or nephritis should prompt intensified evaluation for SLE. No other patient features achieved consensus as disease-modifying risk factors. Hydroxychloroquine was agreed upon as first-line systemic therapy, but consensus was lacking for second- or third-line treatment. Conclusions We found few areas of consensus and significant practice differences between paediatric dermatologists and rheumatologists treating DLE. Knowledge gaps include risk factors for SLE, optimal screening and treatment of refractory skin disease.
Infective Endocarditis in Intravenous Drug Users—a Modern Outlook

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a significant risk and complication in patients with a history of intravenous (IV) drug use (DU), and treatments are becoming more invasive as infections become more serious. IV drug use is an extremely addictive behavior and challenging behavior to address, and patients are at high risk of relapse to IV drug use even after successful IE treatment. Addressing the underlying cause with behavioral modification is essential to prevent behavior and subsequent infection recurrence. Treatments depend on a multidisciplinary approach to address the physiologic and underlying psychological conditions that lead to this type of infection. We seek to provide an update for providers on recent research and published literature on the subject of this type of infection. It is important to address this type of infection with a sensitive and collaborative approach. There has been a recent increase in the incidence of infective endocarditis even as rheumatic heart disease has decreased, and this has been attributed in part to the rise of IVDU-associated IE. The epidemiology of infective endocarditis has changed in recent years, reflecting the social climate of IV drug use. This in turn alters standard treatments for this type of infection, requiring a more multidisciplinary approach to address the diverse needs of this clinical population.
Abstract #1012: p53 overexpression and colorectal cancer

Background: The p53 tumor suppressor gene is involved in numerous cellular processes including apoptosis. p53 overexpression has been associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Within the Colon Cancer Family Registry (CCFR) Consortium, we sought to evaluate whether p53 overexpression was associated with different characteristics of CRC. Methods: Immunohistochemical measurement of p53 expression has been conducted on 929 histopathologically-confirmed CRC cases from the CCFR. Five-micronsections of paraffin-embedded formalin fixed tissues were stainedfor p53 using primary monoclonal mouse antibody DO-7 (Dako, Carpinteria, CA). Positive antigenicity was recognized by brown DAB staining and percentage of positively stained tumor cells were counted on an automatic cellular imaging system (Clarient Inc.).by 2 trained pathologists. Microsatellite instability (MSI) status was evaluated for a panel of 10 markers. Tumors were classified as MSI-high (MSI-H) if \#8805;30% markers were instable, MSI-low (MSI-L) if 0 Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 1012.
A novel crosslinker‐free technique toward the fabrication of collagen microspheres

Injectable collagen microspheres (CMs) have the potential to be an excellent tool to deliver various modulatory agents or to be used as a cellular transporter. A drawback has been the difficulty in producing reliable and spherical CMs. A crosslinker-free method to fabricate CMs was developed using liquid collagen (LC) in a water-in-oil emulsion process with varying concentrations of surfactant span-80. Different emulsion times of up to 16-hr were utilized to produce the CMs. Visual microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were utilized to determine the morphology of the CMs. To determine the fibril nature of the CMs, focus ion beam milling, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Fourier Transformation-Infrared spectroscopy were performed. A cell biocompatibility study was performed to assess the biocompatibility of the CMs. The results demonstrated that consistent spherical CMs were achievable by changing the span-80 concentration. The CMs were fibrilized not only at the surface, but also at the core. Both the 1- and 16-hr emulsion time demonstrated biocompatibility and it appeared that the cells preferentially adhered to the CMs. This crosslinker-free method to fabricate CMs resulted in spherical, stable, biocompatible CMs, and could be an excellent technique for multiple tissue engineering applications.
The Value of Face-to-Face: Search and Contracting Problems in Nigerian Trade

Distance between buyers and sellers can create search and contracting problems: how to find out what goods are available in far away places, and ensure they are actually delivered? Traveling to do business in person is one way of dealing with both, transforming a remote transaction into one that is face-to-face. I estimate the magnitude of search and contracting frictions in a developing country context by exploiting the fact that travel is a common, costly, and easily observable strategy for coping with them. I collect transaction-level panel data from Nigerian importers of consumer goods that combines the “what” of trade (e.g. products, quantities) with variables describing “how” trade is conducted (e.g. travel, payment terms). To account for patterns inconsistent with a full information environment, I build and estimate a model that embeds a search problem and a repeated game with moral hazard into a monopolistically competitive trade framework. Welfare from imported consumer goods would be 29% higher in the absence of both frictions. I decompose the total barrier into parts attributable to search and to contracting, and show why the effects will be larger in markets with low consumer spending, high firm entry/exit rates, and frequently changing products. The results suggest that greater attention to market integration policies beyond transportation and tariffs could have large welfare effects, particularly in developing countries. In counterfactual scenarios, I show that regulation of air travel between Nigeria and China would yield gains in Nigeria on the order of $650 million per year through consumer goods trade alone, while existing financial services do little to mitigate frictions because they do not offer a better contract enforcement technology than travel or repeated interaction.
Ignition and growth modeling of shock initiation using embedded particle velocity gauges in the plastic bonded explosive LX-14

Recently Vandersall et al. [1] reported a series of shock initiation experiments using embedded manganin pressure gauges in the plastic bonded explosive (PBX) LX-14 (95.5% HMX and 4.5% Estane by we...
Residential radon exposure and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Massachusetts, USA: A cohort study.

Abstract Background Exposure to ionizing radiation has been associated with hypertension, but the relationship between residential radon exposure and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) has not been examined. Methods We used the Massachusetts Birth Registry of Vital Records from 2001 to 2015 including women with a singleton pregnancy without prior hypertension. The binary outcome (HDP) included gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia cases and was assessed using birth certificate data. We obtained 141,665 basement radon measurements from Spruce Environmental Technologies, Inc. and modeled the monthly zip code basement radon level. We used a logistic regression model adjusted for sociodemographic covariates, maternal comorbidities, PM2.5, season, temperature, and relative humidity. We examined effect modification by maternal age, race, and maternal education as an indicator of socio-economic status. Results Of 975,528 women, 3.7% (36,530) of them developed HDP. Zip code level radon ranged from 22 to 333 mBq/m3. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in zip code radon level throughout pregnancy was associated with a 15% increase in the odds of HDP (95% CI 13% to 18%). In women less than 20 years old, an IQR increase in zip code level radon was associated with 38% increase in the odds of HDP (95% CI 24% to 50%), while the effect was smaller in older women. There was no effect modification by maternal race or education. Conclusions In this cohort, higher levels of residential radon are associated with increased odds of HDP. After stratifying by age, this effect was stronger in participants younger than 20 years old. Since the burden of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is increasing and affects women’s future cardiovascular health, identification of modifiable risk factors is of great importance.
A First Amendment Analysis of Military Regulations Restricting the Wearing of Military Uniforms by Members of the Individual Ready Reserve Who Participate in Politically Themed Theatrical Productions

Adam Kokesh, a veteran of the Iraq War and a member of the Individual Ready Reserve, performed a public reenactment of combat in Iraq while wearing elements of his military uniform. Although federal statutes permit the wearing of a military uniform during such expression, the United States Marine Corps punished Kokesh based on his violation of military regulations. This Note explains that Kokesh's experience is representative of a policy by which the uniform-related expression of members of the Individual Ready Reserve has been restricted to a greater degree than that of the general public. After examining three available First Amendment standards by which this additional restriction might be evaluated, this Note concludes that the most appropriate standard is the standard for the regulation of expressive conduct and that the imposition of this additional restriction on the uniform-related expression of members of the Individual Ready Reserve fails to satisfy that standard.
Molecular Genetics of Human B Cell Neoplasia

Specific chromosome rearrangements, predominantly translocations and inversions, are observed in the great majority of human hematopoietic malignancies (Van Den Berghe, et. al. 1978, Yunis et. al. 1982, 1984). In Burkitt lymphoma the specific chromosomal translocations involve directly one of the human immunoglobulin loci and the c-myc oncogene (Dalla Favera, et. al. 1982, Croce, et. al. 1983, Erikson et. al. 1983). The consequence of the juxtaposition of the immunoglobulin loci and of the c-myc oncogene is a deregulation of the transcription of the involved c-myc oncogene that is transcribed constitutively at elevated levels (Croce, et. al. 1983, Erikson, et. al. 1983, Nishikura, et. al. 1983). Other specific chromosomal translocations involving band 14q32, where the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus resides (Croce et. al. 1979, Erikson et. al. 1982), are observed in B cell neoplasms. A t(11;14) (q13;q32) chromosome translocation has been observed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia of the B cell type (Nowell et. al. 1981), in diffuse B cell lymphoma (Yunis et. al. 1982, 1984) and in multiple myeloma (Van Den Berghe et. al. 1984). This translocation juxtaposes the bcl-1 locus to the heavy chain locus (Tsujimoto et. al. 1984, 1985a, b). In most cases of follicular lymphoma, one of the most common human hematopoietic maligancies, a t(14;18) (q32;q21) chromosome translocation has been observed (Yunis et. al. 1982, 1984).
Mass properties analysis and measurements of a high altitude Supersonic Decelerator Test Vehicle

The mass properties of the Low Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD) Supersonic Flight Dynamics Test Vehicle (SFDTV) were analyzed and measured to ensure a successful test flight and allow for accurate post-flight reconstruction. This paper covers the methods used for analytical estimates of the mass properties throughout the design process, balancing and ballasting design, mass trends, measurements performed to verify the analytical models, and issues found. The test vehicle analyzed and measured is a full scale 4.7 m diameter, 3085 kg, high altitude test vehicle. Brought to Mars-like test conditions in Earth's atmosphere at 180,000 ft and Mach 4 by a balloon and solid rocket motor, the spin stabilized vehicle deploys a parachute and inflatable toroid for enhanced Mars landings in the future. Control of mass, center of mass, and products of inertia were critical for stable and predictable flight conditions. Accurate knowledge of mass, center of mass, and inertias throughout all the changing states of the test flight were required for post-flight reconstruction of the performance achieved by the inflatable decelerator and parachute. A component-level line item Monte Carlo method was used to predict the mass properties and associated uncertainties. Spin table measurements of two components of center of mass, one moment of inertia, and two products of inertia were used to reduce the uncertainties of the mass properties. Spin table measured values matched pre-measurement predictions closely, providing validation of the analytical model. Ultimately the center of mass was controlled to within 3 mm of the geometric center of the vehicle, and the spin axis products of inertia were zeroed out to within 4 kg-m2 at launch. Uncertainties for mass properties throughout all phases of flight, balloon drop through motor burnout and parachute deployment, were 10.8 kg for mass, 25 mm for center of mass, 1.6% for moments of inertia, and 10 kg-m2 for products of inertia, satisfying requirements for post-flight reconstruction.
Sampling, Optimization, and Tolerancing

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Design Tricks Ray Sampling Theory Optimization Tolerancing References
Commerce on Trial: Neutral Rights and Private Warfare in the Seven Years War

Drawing on archival sources, this paper recounts the revolution in the law of neutrality that occurred during the Seven Years' War (1956-63.) The Seven Years' War saw the emergence of two key maritime doctrines limiting the commercial rights of neutrals in wartime: the Rule of the War of 1756 and the Doctrine of Continuous Voyage. They mark the beginning of the modern era in neutral rights and have remained in effect down to the present. This paper also discusses the role that the judicial independence of the British prize courts played in the rise of these doctrines, and takes into account the received tradition of neutral rights that the doctrines defied.
Measuring Spiral Arm Torques: M100 in K

Spiral arms exert gravitational torques on stars that lead to redistribution of angular momentum within galactic disks: in the inner part stars lose angular momentum and fall towards the center of galaxy and in the outer part stars gain angular momentum and move farther away from the center. These torques depend only on the non-axisymmetric mass distribution and can be measured directly from photometry, if light traces mass. The method to calculate the gravitational torques is described in Gnedin, Goodman, and Frei 1995 (hereafter GGF).
OBSERVING THE EVERYDAY

This article explores the dynamics of policing in the Gaza Strip during the Egyptian administration (1948–67) to consider both the constraints on and the possibilities for civic participation. Under conditions of expansive policing that existed in Gaza – of the surveillance of everything – it was inevitable that often as not surveillance provided little or no information about either criminal or political activity; that it produced, that is, reports of nothing. Focusing attention on these seemingly useless reports, I argue that they were not simply the detritus of a broader policing regime that was uncovering criminal and political activity, but were effective in their own right. Even as reports of non-activity were of limited immediate use for police investigation, they participated in describing and shaping the contours of public life. Understanding the place of policing in Gaza requires an exploration of this feature of police work – the surveillance of regular activity, the observation of the everyday...
Spiritual Merchants: Religion, Magic and Commerce

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Carolyn Morrow Long Year: 2001 Pages: xxix + 251 Publisher: University of Tennessee Press Prices: $19.00 US
Turnip growth, leaf yield, and leaf nutrient composition responses to nitrogen forms

Abstract ’Shogoin’ turnip plants (Brassica rapa L.) were grown in sand culture under five nitrate:ammonium (NO3:NH4) ratios (N:N of 1:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3, 0:1). The leaves expressed symptoms of NH4 toxicity (reduced growth and curly leaves with dark‐green areas surrounding yellow spots) when NH4 was the dominant nitrogen (N) form. Increasing NO3 in the nutrient solution significantly (p<0.01) increased leaf and root fresh weight and dry weight. Leaf nutrient concentration and composition of all elements analyzed, except N and calcium (Ca), responded quadratically (p<0.01) to NO3:NH4 ratios, and the highest values were observed with the 1:0 [for molybdenum (Mo)], 3:1 ([or magnesium (Mg)], 1:1 [for boron (B), coper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn ), and zinc (Zn)] or 1:3 [for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)] treatments. Nitrogen and Ca leaf concentration responses were linear and highest at 0:1 and at 1:0, respectively. Cultural practices and fertilizer applications should maintain NO3 as the dominant N form i...
μ-η6,η6-Arene-Bridged Diuranium Hexakisketimide Complexes Isolable in Two States of Charge

Diuranium μ-η6,η6-arene complexes supported by ketimide ligands were synthesized and characterized. Disodium or dipotassium salts of the formula M2(μ-η6,η6-arene)[U(NCtBuMes)3]2 (M = Na or K, Mes = 2,4,6-C6H2Me3) and monopotassium salts of the formula K(μ-η6,η6-arene)[U(NCtBuMes)3]2 (arene = naphthalene, biphenyl, trans-stilbene, or p-terphenyl) were both observed. Two different salts of the monoanionic, toluene-bridged complexes are also described. Density functional theory calculations have been employed to illuminate the electronic structure of the μ-η6,η6-arene diuranium complexes and to facilitate the comparison with related transition-metal systems, in particular (μ-η6,η6-C6H6)[VCp]2. It was found that the μ-η6,η6-arene diuranium complexes were isolobal with (μ-η6,η6-C6H6)[VCp]2 and that the principal arene-binding interaction was a pair of δ bonds (total of 4e) involving both metals and the arene lowest unoccupied molecular orbital. Reactivity studies have been carried out with the mono- and dianio...
Ultrastructural changes accompanying mitosporogenesis inEctocarpus parvus

The plurilocular zoosporangium ofEctocarpus parvus Saunders is initiated as a uniseriate branch from a vegetative cell. Subsequent anticlinal and periclinal divisions of the cells leads to enlargement of the sporangium and the formation of multiple locules. Each locule contains a single biflagellate zoospore. Ultrastructural changes accompanying these events include a reduction in the size of chromatophores, a reduction in the number of dictyosomes and the appearance of plasmalemmasomes in later stages. Enlargement of the mitochondria and a decrease in size of the nucleus occur in the final stages of zoospore formation. Comparison with the vegetative and sporogenous cells of other brown algae are made.
Cycling of some low molecular weight volatile fatty acids in a permanently anoxic estuarine basin

Abstract Low molecular weight volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are important products of the anaerobic fermentation of organic matter. However, little is known of the cycling of VFAs in the water column. In this study, the concentrations of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate and butyrate were measured in the water column of a permanently anoxic basin by a static diffusion method. Acetate concentrations varied from 0.8 to 6.1 μM, with the maximum value measured near a peak of anoxyphototrophs. The acetate concentration was relatively uniform except in the peak. The concentration of propionate varied from 44.3 nM to 191.0 nM, with a maximum value found in a layer dominated by the flagellated protozoan, Euglena proxima , which was located just below the depth at which O 2 went to zero. The concentration profiles of butyrate and isobutyrate were similar to the concentration profile of propionate. Acetate turnover rate constants varied from 0.1 to 5.1 h −1 . A maximum in the acetate uptake rate constant was found during the day in the layer rich in E. proxima , but not at night, and possibly was associated with O 2 production from photosynthesis at this depth. Acetate uptake rate constants also were higher during the day as compared with the night in a deeper layer with abundant anoxyphototrophic bacteria, suggesting photoassimilation of acetate by these organisms may be important. In the E. proxima layer, and at the base of the oxycline, most acetate uptake was inhibited by BES in a short term incubation, suggesting that methanogens might be a sink for acetate. Integrated acetate oxidation rates in this system were almost twice as high as the integrated rates of primary production.
Mapping of spinal cord circuits controlling the bladder and external urethral sphincter functions in the rabbit.

Aims A primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the rabbit as a model for studying the spinal circuitry controlling the bladder emptying. We aimed to map the locations of the neuronal circuitry controlling the external urethral sphincter (EUS) and the detrusor by stimulating at different spinal cord locations with a microelectrode, while recording the responses from these muscles. Methods Spinal cord microstimulation was performed in the intermediate zone of the gray matter at the L7–S4 spinal cord levels in eight rabbits with empty and full bladders. Bladder activity was measured as intravesical pressure (IVP) changes and EUS activity was measured via electromyographic (EMG) electrodes positioned within the urethra. Results Under both bladder conditions, EUS activation was produced from similar locations in the spinal cord comprising a continuous area in the intermediate zone of the S2–S3 spinal cord. This region extended 25 mm in the rostrocaudal dimension, at least 1 mm lateral to the midline, and 0.5–1 mm in the dorsoventral dimension at a depth of 2–3 mm beneath the dorsal surface. No locations in the intermediate zone produced EUS inhibition. The S2–S3 spinal region, stimulation of which produced the strongest EUS activation, also produced modest bladder contractions. Conclusions Overall, the results indicate that spinal cord networks controlling bladder and EUS activation in the rabbit are overlapping and clustered into columns extending rostrocaudally. The lack of spinal locations producing EUS inhibition and large bladder contractions make the rabbit an unattractive model for studies of neuroprosthetic spinal control of micturition. Neurourol. Urodynam. 23:172–179, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Distribution of parallel exchange rates in African countries

Abstract This paper investigates the distribution of parallel exchange rates in African countries using exploratory data analysis techniques and model fitting. Stable laws are fitted to empirical distributions using the maximum likelihood estimation method. Empirical evidence supports the stable hypothesis these distributions are positively skewed and have tails that are much heavier than Gaussian counterparts. The stable hypothesis is further supported by the “converging variance test,” which suggests that these distributions have infinite variance.
Novel inconsistency in two-dimensional gauge theories

It is shown that the standard infrared cut-off procedures are inconsistent with the general axial gauge in 't Hooft's two-dimensional model of confinement.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal temporal bone.

Summary:Recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology has allowed the development of imaging sequences tailored to the assessment of exquisite anatomic detail of the temporal bone structures. This article describes MRI of the normal temporal bone anatomy, with emphasis on common ana
Families With Children Who Are Technology Dependent Normalization and Family Functioning

This cross-sectional study examined family functioning and normalization in 103 mothers of children ≤16 years of age dependent on medical technology (mechanical ventilation, intravenous nutrition/medication, respiratory/nutritional support) following initiation of home care. Differences in outcomes (mother's depressive symptoms, normalization, family functioning), based on the type of technology used, were also examined. Participants were interviewed face-to-face using the Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire, the Functional Status II-Revised Scale, the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, a Normalization Scale subscale, and the Feetham Family Functioning Survey. Thirty-five percent of the variance in family functioning was explained primarily by the mothers' level of depressive symptoms. Several variables were significant predictors of normalization. Analysis of variance revealed no significant difference in outcomes based on the type of technology used. Mothers of technology-dependent children are at high risk for clinical depression that may affect family functioning. This article concludes with clinical practice and policy implications.
Outside the boundaries of printing: not just your 8.5 x 11 standard sheet anymore

Who needs more than 8.5 x 11 black and white printing? That is the question we are asked a lot here at the University of Missouri (MU). More and more printing done by students is for assignments and projects that do not use standard 8.5 x 11 paper. Even if students are using standard size paper, they want to print using color. For example, advertising classes at the School of Journalism and the Environmental Sciences department require assignments with intense graphics that are normally out of the scope of standard size black and white printing. How can a university meet these needs with limited resources.This paper will talk about the history of the Print Smart services offered to students at the University of Missouri; discuss different printing options available to students (such as color printing, plotter printing, and wireless printing); explain how we set pricing for different printing options; and list other options students have as far as printing out of the typical printing boundaries both on and off campus.
Information dissemination and automatic information systems

Automatic information dissemination, search, and retrieval systems have become increasingly important in recent years, because of the urgency of the information problems themselves, and also because of a wide-spread feeling that computers can help in providing the much needed solutions. Over the past few years much has been learned about the design of automatic information systems and about the effectiveness of various types of analysis and search procedures. The present report reviews the principal techniques of interest and provides a forecast of the systems design and type of operations likely to be implemented in automatic information systems of the future. The information dissemination process is first examined in detail. The main functions and organization of information systems are then reviewed, and present capabilities are described using some of the currently existing operational systems as examples. Finally, future systems are considered, including in particular those based on automatic content analysis and on user-controlled searches. Specifically examined are author indexing and automatic analysis techniques, automatic typesetting and composition procedures, automatic and semiautomatic dictionary construction, and iterative search techniques.
A note on proportional hazards and proportional odds models

The proportional hazards model has been used as a major model for analyzing survival data. When there are heavy ties, the proportional odds model is often recommended as an alternative. In this paper, we explore theoretical properties of these two models. We obtain a necessary condition for the discrete proportional odds model. We study the relationship between the proportional hazards and proportional odds models when the continuous times are discretized. Using this relationship, we derive a characterization result for the proportional hazards model, showing that the proportional hazards model is only related to the geometric distribution, a special case of the proportional odds model. We highlight this important difference between the two models that seems to be ignored in the analysis of real data. Using small numerical studies, we show that caution should be taken in using a proportional odds model in place of a proportional hazards model.
The making of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory: The project scientist’s perspective

The history of the development of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory is reviewed from a personal perspective. This review is necessarily biased and limited by space because it attempts to cover a time span approaching five decades.
Bioluminescence to reveal structure and interaction of coastal planktonic communities

Abstract Ecosystem function will in large part be determined by functional groups present in biological communities. The simplest distinction with respect to functional groups of an ecosystem is the differentiation between primary and secondary producers. A challenge thus far has been to examine these groups simultaneously with sufficient temporal and spatial resolution for observations to be relevant to the scales of change in coastal oceans. This study takes advantage of general differences in the bioluminescence flash kinetics between planktonic dinoflagellates and zooplankton to measure relative abundances of the two groups within the same-time space volume. This novel approach for distinguishing these general classifications using a single sensor is validated using fluorescence data and exclusion experiments. The approach is then applied to data collected from an autonomous underwater vehicle surveying >500 km in Monterey Bay and San Luis Obispo Bay, CA during the summers of 2002–2004. The approach also reveals that identifying trophic interaction between the two planktonic communities may also be possible.
Interference between strains of type 1 and type 2 herpes simplex virus.

Abstract Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) markedly interferes with the replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) upon simultaneous infection of HEp-2 cells, even under conditions where HSV-1 infection precedes that of HSV-2 by 3 hr. Interference required infective HSV-2 virus. The HSV-1 progeny of mixed infections were found to be phenotypically mixed. In most cases, prior infection with homologous strains slightly inhibits the replication of a superinfecting HSV-1 strain. An exception to this finding is HSV-1 strain MP, whose replication is accelerated by prior infection with nondefective HSV-1 strains. The implications of these findings as related to studies of defective HSV, to studies of the genetic interactions between HSV-1 and HSV-2, and to clinical infections with HSV are discussed.
Simulation modeling of a dynamic job shop rescheduling with machine availability constraints

In this paper we study dynamic job shop rescheduling where machine workstations are not always available due to breakdown or preventative maintenance. A visual interactive simulation model using the AWESIM discrete event modeling tools was constructed to show how the state dependent rescheduling technology is used. Heuristics have been refined in order to include job shop state variable information. It was found that the job shop rescheduling problem can be simplified by understanding the state of the entire job shop and using this state knowledge to sequence jobs in work station queues. We develop the PMBD heuristic that relies only on predicted downstream machine failure times and we compare it with other conventional heuristics that are modified to use job shop state information.
Advancing knowledge: a key element of the World Bank's integrated coastal management strategic agenda in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract Advancing knowledge in integrated coastal management (ICM) is a key element of the ICM Strategic Agenda of the World Bank in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Advancing knowledge encompasses both the transfer of information and skills as well as the sharing of information and synthesis of local knowledge to support decision-making processes in client countries. Facilitating access to knowledge, generating new information and knowledge are key to empowerment. A key goal of development is empowering people to manage their own destinies. The World Bank is committed to this goal and makes concerted efforts to make information accessible and to promote knowledge in a variety of disciplines through a mix of modalities. The aim of this paper is to discuss select interventions supported by the Bank to promote ICM in SSA, the context within which they are implemented and emerging lessons from the experience.
Helicobacter hepaticus urease is not required for intestinal colonization but promotes hepatic inflammation in male A/JCr mice

Urease activity contributes to bacterial survival in the acidic environment of the stomach and is essential for persistent infection by known gastric helicobacters such as the human pathogen Helicobacter pylori. Several enterohepatic Helicobacter species (EHS) that primarily infect the less acidic intestine also have very active urease enzymes. The importance of urease and its contribution to pathogenesis for these EHS are poorly understood. In this study, we generated a urease-deficient, isogenic mutant (HhureNT9) of Helicobacter hepaticus 3B1 (Hh 3B1), an EHS that possesses a urease gene cluster similar to that of H. pylori. Lack of urease activity did not affect the level of cecal colonization by HhureNT9 compared to Hh 3B1 in male A/JCr mice (P = 0.48) at 4 months post-inoculation (MPI). In contrast, there was no HhureNT9 detected in the livers of any infected mice, whereas all livers from the Hh 3B1-infected mice were PCR-positive for Hh 3B1. The mice infected with HhureNT9 developed significantly less severe hepatitis (P = 0.017) and also produced significantly lower hepatic mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ (P = 0.0007) and TNF-α (P < 0.0001) compared to the Hh 3B1-infected mice. The Hh 3B1-infected mice developed significantly higher total IgG, Th1-associated IgG2a and Th2-associated IgG1 responses to infection. These results indicate that H. hepaticus urease activity plays a crucial role in hepatic disease but is not required for cecal colonization by H. hepaticus.
Cavity-enhanced measurements for determining dielectric-membrane thickness and complex index of refraction

The material properties of silicon nitride (SiN) play an important role in the performance of SiN membranes used in optomechanical applications. An optimum design of a subwavelength high-contrast grating requires accurate knowledge of the membrane thickness and index of refraction, and its performance is ultimately limited by material absorption. Here we describe a cavity-enhanced method to measure the thickness and complex index of refraction of dielectric membranes with small, but nonzero, absorption coefficients. By determining Brewster’s angle and an angle at which reflection is minimized by means of destructive interference, both the real part of the index of refraction and the sample thickness can be measured. A comparison of the losses in the empty cavity and the cavity containing the dielectric sample provides a measurement of the absorption.
Photocatalytic mineralization of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in aqueous suspensions of titanium dioxide

Abstract The photocatalytic destruction of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in aqueous suspensions of titanium dioxide (TiO2, Degussa type P25) was investigated. Under aerobic conditions, irradiation with the Pyrex-filtered output of a 200-W high pressure mercury-arc lamp resulted in complete (95 ± 5%) mineralization of 50 ppm of TNT within a few hours. Rapid photodegradation of TNT also occurred under anaerobic conditions but without appreciable mineralization. In the absence of TiO2, direct photolysis of TNT yielded a complex mixture of colored organic products in both aerobic and anaerobic environments.
The Role of Influence Tactics in Perceptions of Performance Evaluations’ Fairness

The present study examined the impact of employees’ use of influence tactics on their evaluations of the fairness of the performance evaluation process. Results indicated that the use of supervisor...