cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proposals for New UGV, UMV, UAV, and HRI standards for rescue robots

This paper summarizes the recommended additions to standards being developed by the ASTM E54.08 Homeland Security committee from the NSF-JST-NIST Workshop on Rescue Robotics held at Texas A&M, March 8--11, 2010, concurrently with the NIST Response Robot Evaluation Exercise #6. The 50 workshop participants represented sixteen universities in the USA, Japan, and China. Over a dozen land, marine, and aerial vehicles were tested at Disaster City®. The workshop produced two recommendations for standards for unmanned ground vehicles, four for small unmanned aerial systems, and two for unmanned marine vehicles, as well as proposed four topics for human-robot interaction evaluation. The eight recommendations were presented at the ASTM meeting on March 12, 2010, although test methods have not been developed or proposed for each new topic. The participants also identified four new classes of standards: tethers, damage to the environment, victim management, and multi-robot coordination and collaboration.
Flow measurements with a cross-type Automatic Pulse Tracer Velocimeter (APTV) in heterogeneous environments

Understanding the surface water velocities of a surface water system is important for studying the fate and transport of nutrients and contaminants in heterogeneous aquatic environments. This paper presents a new sensor for measuring low range water velocities and this innovative new device is named the Automatic Pulse Tracer Velocimeter (APTV). The APTV operates by measuring the time for a pulse of saline solution to travel a fixed distance from an injection port to a set of copper wire detectors. The detectors consistently measure the change in conductivity and establish a tracer curve of the passing pulse. Using an empirical method velocity components are derived from the tracer curves. A calibration curve is then developed by comparison of the APTV with a Sontek Flow Tracker Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter in a hydraulic flume. The calibrated APTV velocities are then verified by comparison with a Nortek ADV in both a hydraulic flume and field environment. Both lab and field measurements indicate that APTV technology is capable of measuring flow velocities as low as 0.2 cm/sec and as high as 6.0 cm/sec. The sensor network may host a few sensors to collect velocity profile horizontally and vertically.
How much does salt obstruct the subsalt image

Summary I investigated the influence of a salt body on subsalt imaging using zero-offset Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP) data from an offshore well that penetrated the salt body. Using these data and a model of the subsurface, I separated the effects of amplitude reduction caused by transmission loss, reflection, geometric spreading and attenuation. The two-way transmission losses for the primary signal from the top of salt to the subsalt target horizon were about 6% of overall amplitude loss. Comparing the amplitude of the reflected wave from the target horizon with the amplitude of the downgoing wave at the top of salt I found that the reflection from the target horizon decreased the amplitude by 17% of the two-way overall amplitude loss from the top of salt to the target horizon. The geometric spreading decreased the amplitude by 27%, thus making up 50% of the amplitude decrease together with transmission and reflection. Attenuation accounted for the remaining 50% of the overall amplitude decrease. The quality factor Q was estimated to be 85±15 for both salt and sediment. This study found that, for subsalt targets, multiples are an even greater problem than had been suspected. In a sediments-only section, deep primaries interfere with multiples from relatively shallow interfaces. However, for subsalt targets, the high-velocity salt requires even deeper primaries for interference with the same multiples. This longer travel path results in a lower amplitude primary, due to increased transmission, geometric spreading, and attenuation losses. At the same time, the multiples were stronger than primaries due to a large reflection coefficient from the top of salt. When surface-related multiples interfered with the primary signal from the subsalt target horizon, they were 30 times stronger than the primaries, making multiple suppression difficult. The difficulty in using surface seismic data to image the sedimentary target horizons below salt provided the main motivation for this investigation.
Glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylation in mouse L-cells

This paper summarizes our observations on the phosphorylation state of untransformed and transformed glucocorticoid receptors isolated from 32P-labeled L-cells. The 300-350-kDa 9S untransformed murine glucocorticoid receptor complex is composed of a 100-kDa steroid-binding phosphoprotein and one or possibly two units of the 90-kDa heat shock protein (hsp90), which is also a phosphoprotein. Transformation of this complex to the 4S DNA-binding state is accompanied by dissociation of hsp90. When receptors in cytosol are transformed by heating at 25 degrees C, there is no gross change in the degree of phosphorylation of the steroid-binding protein. Both receptors that are bound to DNA after transformation under cell-free conditions and receptors that are located in the nucleus of cells incubated at 37 degrees C in the presence of glucocorticoid are labeled with 32P. The results of experiments in which the 32P-labeled receptor was submitted to limited proteolysis suggest that the 16-kDa DNA-binding domain is phosphorylated and that the 28-kDa steroid-binding domain is not.
Investigation of antigen-antibody kinetics by fluorescence polarization☆

Abstract Fluorescence labeling techniques afford a direct, general approach to the study of biologically important macromolecular reactions. In particular, fluorescence polarization methods have previously provided direct equilibrium measurements for antigen-antibody systems. Kinetic studies utilizing fluorescence polarization have now been initiated and have led to detailed information concerning the elementary steps of combination for fluorescein-labeled ovalbumin (AG) and antiovalbumin (AB). Fluorescence polarization changes were measured directly as functions of time for reaction mixtures at 1·5 ± 0·5° in neutral Tris buffer containing 0·15 M NaCl with the use of a specially designed fluorescence polarometer. Initial rate and integrated rate studies indicated that the empirical rate law in the initial stages of combination is Rate= k (AB) (AG) This law was obeyed over wide ranges of initial antibody concentrations (5·5 × 10 −9 to 1·8 × 10 −7 M ) and initial antigen concentrations (8·0 × 10 −10 to 8·0 × 10 −8 M ). The mechanism proposed involves the reversible bimolecular combination fo AG and AB. The rate constants for association and dissociation were determined to be 2 × 10 5 M −1 sec −1 and approximately 1 × 10 −3 sec −1 , respectively. Deviations from the rate law during latter stages of reaction can be attributed to heterogeneity of combining sites.
Na+-Translocating Cytochrome bo Terminal Oxidase from Vitreoscilla: Some Parameters of Its Na+ Pumping and Orientation in Synthetic Vesicles†

Vitreoscilla cytochrome bo ubiquinol oxidase is similar in some properties to the Escherichia coli enzyme, but unlike the latter, the Vitreoscilla oxidase functions as a primary Na+ pump. When purified Vitreoscilla cytochrome bo is incorporated into liposomes made from Vitreoscilla phospholipids and energized with a quinol substrate, it translocates Na+, not H+, across the vesicle membrane. Since protonophores CCCP (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone) and DTHB (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde) stimulated the Na+ pumping, it is unlikely that it is a secondary effect due to the presence of Na+/H+ antiporter activity in the preparations. The efficiency of the Na+ pumping was 3.93 Na+ pumped per O2 consumed when ascorbate/TMPD was used as the substrate. The cytochrome has a Km and kcat for Na+ of 2.9 mM and 277 s-1, respectively. When ferricytochrome c was entrapped within liposomes prepared from Vitreoscilla phospholipids, it was reduced by Q1H2 (ubiquinol-1) but not by ascorbate/TMPD (N,N,N‘,N...
Interactive multiple objective optimization: survey l—continuous case

Abstract This paper surveys the interactive methods developed for solving continuous multiple objective optimization problems and their applications. Most of the methods fall into the following categories: feasible region reduction methods; feasible direction methods; criterion weight space methods; tradeoff cutting plane methods; Lagrange multiplier methods; visual interactive methods; branch-and-bound methods; relaxation methods; sequential methods; and scalarizing function methods. The methods of each category are reviewed based on the nature of preference assessments, functional assumptions and relationships between the methods. Other aspects such as multiple decision makers (DMs), DM's inconsistency, priorities of objectives and computational studies are also discussed, along with potential areas for future research.
Preparation and properties of nanoparticle and long-fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites

In this study, a new approach was used to prepare polymer composites reinforced by both nanoparticles and continuous fibers. Carbon nanofibers were prebound onto glass fiber mats, and then unsaturated polyester composites were prepared by vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding. Mechanical and thermal properties of these composites were measured and compared with those of the composites synthesized by premixing carbon nanofibers with the polymer resin. Flexural strength and modulus of composites improved with the incorporation of nanoparticles. Specifically, the property improvement was higher in the case of the composites prepared by the new prebound method. It was also found that carbon nanofibers increased the glass transition temperature and reduced the thermal expansion coefficient of unsaturated polyester composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Early predictors of age at first use of alcohol, marijuana, and cigarettes.

Abstract This paper is a report of the relationships between various measures of social adaptation to the first grade classroom and the age at which alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana were first used by teenagers who began elementary school in a poor black urban community on the South Side of Chicago. Prospective longitudinal community epidemiological data were collected periodically in first and third grades from consecutive total cohorts of children in the 1960s. The 1966–1967 population (cohort 3) was followed up at age 16 or 17. This population of 705 children is reported on here regarding early predictors of their first use of these substances. There are three main findings: 1. (1) boys tended to use all substances at an earlier age than girls; 2. (2) students who performed better on first grade IQ and Readiness tests tended to initiate substance use at an earlier age; 3. (3) girls (but not boys) who were rated by their first grade teachers as shy or having learning problems tended to initiate use at a later age. The relationships of these findings to our past investigations of paths leading to substance use are discussed.
Further measurements of thermospheric response to joule heating

Okano et al. (1985, Planet. Space Sci. 33, 841) studied the Joule heating produced by auroral electrojets and the subsequent thermospheric temperature increase for an isolated magnetic substorm that occurred on 2 September 1978 (U.T.). As an addendum to their paper, we report here the meridional wind measurements made at Albany (42.68°N, 73.82°W; geomagnetic latitude 54.3°), New York, on the same night and show how this additional information would provide a more complete picture of the mid-latitude thermospheric response to the Joule heating produced by the dissipation of auroral electrojet currents. The results indicate that the neutral temperatures and the meridional wind velocities determined from the ground-based optical technique responded to the intensification of the westward auroral electrojet somewhat differently; the temperature increased with a time-delay of one hour, while the wind speed enhanced with very little time-delay. The values of the Joule heating rate during the peak of the substorm activity are as much as two orders of magnitude higher than the global average Joule heating rate estimated under disturbed conditions.
Bully victim identification and intervention program for school nurses—A case study

The repeated acts of intimidation that occur with bullying have serious psychological and physical health consequences forvictims and their bullies. Bullying involvement has been shown to predict student visits to the school health office withsomatic complaints, illness, and injury. However, school nurses feel unprepared and unqualified to deal with bullyingissues. This paper presents the results of an educational program designed to train school nurses to identify victims andbullies, and to intervene. A convenience sample of eleven nurses from ten schools in three districts in WesternMassachusetts completed a questionnaire prior to, immediately following, and one month after the educational program.All reported an increase in their ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of bullying behavior and the effects on theirvictims. The nurses indicated a greater likelihood of aiding victims as a result of the program. Educating nurses empowersthem to respond to bullying.
Applied analysis of human behavior: An alternative to conventional motivational inferences and unconscious determination in therapeutic programming

The management of disturbed human behavior by clinical techniques of psychiatric and psychological intervention has been traditionally tied to voncentional notions about the antecedents or “causes” of such behavior. In the traditional clinical approach, strong emphasis is laid on historically determined motivational factors. The author states the proposition that behavior can also be analyzed and, in fact, therapeutically manipulated through an analysis and rearrangement of its consequences in the here and now. This approach, which is the approach of the operant conditioning behavioral scientist, can be succesfully implemented without dependence on usual notions of motivation. Two clinical examples of the application of this behavioral approach are described, one of these involved in the progressive, noninsightful but stable control of eating behavior in moderately obese subjects, the second an example of the application of productive avoidance in generaling successful thesis-writing behavior in a doctoral candidate. The emphasis of this approach on events within the observable and verifiable present is particularly advantageous in an undergraduate educational and residency training situation.
Separating centrosomes interact in the absence of associated chromosomes during mitosis in cultured vertebrate cells.

We detail here how “free” centrosomes, lacking associated chromosomes, behave during mitosis in PtK2 homokaryons stably expressing GFP-α-tubulin. As free centrosomes separate during prometaphase, their associated astral microtubules (Mts) interact to form a spindle-shaped array that is enriched for cytoplasmic dynein and Eg5. Over the next 30 min, these arrays become progressively depleted of Mts until the two centrosomes are linked by a single bundle, containing 10–20 Mts, that persists for > 60 min. The overlapping astral Mts within this bundle are loosely organized, and their plus ends terminate near its midzone, which is enriched for an ill-defined matrix material. At this time, the distance between the centrosomes is not defined by external forces because these organelles remain stationary when the bundle connecting them is severed by laser microsurgery. However, since the centrosomes move towards one another in response to monastrol treatment, the kinesin-like motor protein Eg5 is involved. From these results, we conclude that separating asters interact during prometaphase of mitosis to form a spindle-shaped Mt array, but that in the absence of chromosomes this array is unstable. An analysis of the existing data suggests that the stabilization of spindle Mts during mitosis in vertebrates does not involve the chromatin (i.e., the RCC1/RanGTP pathway), but instead some other chromosomal component, e.g., kinetochores. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 52:107–121, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Spatial orientation of attention and obstacle avoidance following concussion

Re-injury to the brain during recovery from an initial concussion leads to increased probability of permanent brain damage or death. Recovery from concussion has been proposed to be ongoing even up to a month post-injury. The goal of the current study was to investigate the relationship between the visuospatial orientation of attention and obstacle avoidance during gait in individuals that have recently suffered a concussion (mTBI) over a month post-injury. MTBI subjects and matched control subjects performed the attentional network test (ANT), designed to isolate several different components of attention. Obstacle crossing during gait with and without a concurrent attention dividing task was also performed. Reaction times from the ANT and obstacle clearance measurements were the main dependent variables. We observed that concussed individuals had statistically more obstacle contacts than controls. The ability to orient attention in space was also statistically deficient immediately after a concussion, and this was correlated with lower obstacle clearances of the leading foot. Similar correlations could also be found between both leading and trailing foot avoidance and spatial orientation of attention in participants with concussion when attention was divided during obstacle crossing, and these relationships gradually weakened as recovery progressed. By contrast, spatial attention and obstacle clearance were not significantly correlated in control subjects. These findings indicate that patients with mTBI who display greater spatial attention deficits cross over the obstacle with a lower clearance than patients with less or without spatial attention deficits, leading to an increased probability of obstacle contact.
Effects of combined thromboxane synthetase inhibition/thromboxane receptor antagonism in two models of sudden cardiac death in the canine: Limited role for thromboxane

The effects of combined thromboxane synthetase inhibition and thromboxane receptor antagonism (TSI/TRA) were studied in conscious and in anesthetized canine models of sudden cardiac death. Administration of the TSI/TRA, R68070 10 mg/kg intravenously (i.v.), decreased thrombin-stimulated thromboxane synthesis and significantly antagonized platelet aggregation in response to the thromboxane-mimetic U46,619. In the conscious canine model, R68070 did not change ventricular refractoriness, did not prevent induction of ventricular arrhythmias by programmed electrical stimulation, and failed to prevent development of spontaneous ventricular fibrillation (VF) in response to ischemia produced at a site remote from the area of previous myocardial infarction (R68070 mortality = 70%, vehicle = 100%, p = NS). In the anesthetized canine model, R68070 prevented development of ischemia in 7 of 11 animals and reduced mortality significantly (R68070 27% and vehicle 73%; p = 0.038). R68070 inhibited thrombus formation in both models (R68070 conscious 7.0 +/- 2.6 mg and vehicle conscious 15 +/- 7.6 mg, p = NS; R68070 anesthetized 5.9 +/- 1.9 mg and vehicle anesthetized 17.7 +/- 4.3 mg; p less than 0.05). The results suggest that inhibition of thromboxane-dependent activity during acute recovery from infarction was able to protect the myocardium from developing ischemia in response to current-mediated intimal damage in a noninfarct-related artery. In the subacute phase of recovery from infarction, when the underlying myocardial substrate is susceptible to electrical derangement induced by transient ischemia, thromboxane inhibition in itself was unable to prevent ischemia-induced sudden cardiac death. Although R68070 may delay onset of ischemia due to thrombotic occlusion of the coronary artery, there does not appear to be an antiarrhythmic/antifibrillatory action to be derived from interfering with the synthesis or receptor-mediated action of thromboxane. Furthermore, R68070 does not alter the electrophysiologic properties of the heart which would result in an antiarrhythmic or antifibrillatory action.
Inhibition of phenylalanine and tyrosine synthesis in Streptococcus faecalis and Lactobacillus arabinosus by α-keto acids☆

Abstract Growth of Streptococcus faecalis and Lactobacillus arabinosus supported by vitamin B 6 in a tyrosine-deficient medium was inhibited by phenylpyruvic acid; similarly, growth in a phenylalanine-deficient medium in the presence of vitamin B 6 was antagonized by p -hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid. When these α-keto acids were supplied individually to satisfy the requirements for the corresponding amino acids, a reciprocal antagonism was observed between the two keto acids with both organisms. The results are discussed in terms of the transamination reaction, and are interpreted to support a mechanism of phenylalanine and tyrosine biosynthesis involving the vitamin B 6 -dependent transamination of the corresponding α-keto acids.
Feeding elicited by benzodiazepine-like chemicals in puppies and cats: structure-activity relationships.

Abstract To assess the relationship between the structure of benzodiazepines and their activity as feed intake stimulants, benzodiazepines of different structural subclasses were given per os as a drench to puppies and young cats. The chemicals included diazepam (D), elfazepam (E), a 1,5 benzodiazepine (WE405), a triazolobenzodiazepine (U31889), a l-pyridyl triazolobenzodiazepine (U37576), and a thienotriazolodiazepine (WE941). Although all chemicals increased feed intake, there were definite structure-activity differences as well as differences in sensitivity between the cats and puppies. In the puppies, U37576 was the most potent chemical (least chemical required), while E elicited greater feeding responses compared with U37576. In the cats E also stimulated the most feeding, but WE941 and U31889 were the most potent chemicals. WE405 was the least effective chemical in puppies but worked well as a stimulant of 24-hr feed intake in cats. The cats were approximately 2 (U37576) to 7 (D) times more sensitive (mg/kg b.w.) than the dogs to the effects of the chemicals. Time patterns of feeding varied among the chemicals and in general were similar for both puppies and cats. All the chemicals except E caused some degree of either ataxia or excitement in both puppies and cats. Thus, based on its effectiveness as a feed intake stimulant, as well as its lack of undesirable side effects, E is proposed to be most useful therapeutically as an oral feed intake stimulant for these species.
1 Gbit/s fibre channel CMOS transimpedance amplifier

A high-speed, low-noise transimpedance amplifier has been implemented in 0.8 /spl mu/m digital CMOS technology. Featuring a broadband input source-follower stage, the amplifier has an effective transimpedance gain of 66.5 dB/spl Omega/ (2110 /spl Omega/), consuming 155 mW. The measured input noise current density of the amplifier is 4.6 pA//spl radic/Hz. With equivalent input sensitivity of -24 dBm at 1 Gbit/s for 10/sup -12/ bit error rate (BER). To the authors knowledge, this is the first gigabit transimpedance amplifier ever demonstrated in standard CMOS technology.
THE DETERMINATION OF SMALL AMOUNTS OF VANADIUM IN THE PRESENCE OF LARGE AMOUNTS OF URANIUM

Abstract To eliminate the color interference of large amounts of uranium in the determination of vanadium by the Hamner method, the vanadium was separated prior to titration by the extraction of vanadium cupferrate with chloroform. The chloroform extract was evaporated with sulfuric acid and the excess cupferron removed by oxidation with nitric acid and perchloric acid. The vanadium was reduced with ferrous ammonium, sulfate solution, the excess ferrous ion oxidized with ammonium persulfate, and the vanadium (IV) titrated with 0.02 N potassium permanganate. As little as 1.02 mg of vanadium in the presence of 5 g of uranium oxide was determined accurately by this method.
Quantitative Television Fluoroangiography-The Optical Measurement of Dye Concentrations and Estimation of Retinal Blood Flow

The development of a system for the measurement of dye concentrations from single retinal vessels during retinal fluorescein angiography is presented and discussed. The system uses a fundus camera modified for TV viewing. Video gating techniques define the areas of the retina to be studied, and video peak detection yields dye concentrations from retinal vessels. The time course of dye concentration is presented and blood flow into the retina is estimated by a time of transit technique.
Aging and digitalis sensitivity of cardiac muscle in rats.

Abstract The cause of the reduced tolerance of aged rats to the arrhythmogenic effect of ouabain was studied in left atrial and left ventricular muscle preparations obtained from 3-, 8- or 26-month old Fischer 344 rats. Under 1.5-Hz stimulation, the concentration-response curves for the positive inotropic effect of ouabain showed a tendency to shift to the left with age. The toxic effects occured at lower ouabain or digoxin concentrations in the ventricular muscle obtained from senescent rats especially when the muscle was stimulated at a higher frequency (4 Hz), although differences in tolerance to the toxic effect of ouabain were not apparent in atrial muscle preparations stimulated at 1.5 Hz. No age-related difference in intracellular sodium or potassium concentration was observed in perfused ventricular muscle preparations paced at 1.5 Hz. There was no significant age effect on Na + -induced activation of Na + ,K + -ATPase. In aged myocardium, however, the upstroke velocity of the action potential was reduced especially under high frequency stimulations, and the ability to follow high frequency stimulation was compromised. These results suggest that reserve capacity of the sodium pump is reduced in aged ventricular muscle, thereby elevating its sensitivity to the cardiac glycoside.
Rate of progression from first use to dependence on cocaine or opioids: A cross-substance examination of associated demographic, psychiatric, and childhood risk factors

Background A number of demographic factors, psychiatric disorders, and childhood risk factors have been associated with cocaine dependence (CD) and opioid dependence (OD), but little is known about their relevance to the rate at which dependence develops. Identification of the subpopulations at elevated risk for rapid development of dependence and the risk factors that accelerate the course of dependence is an important public health goal.
Selective observation of biologically important 15N-labeled metabolites in isolated rat brain and liver by 1H-detected multiple-quantum-coherence spectroscopy

Four cerebral metabolites of importance in neurotransmission, serotonin, l-tryptophan, l-glutamine, and N-acetyl-l-aspartate, and two hepatic urea-cycle intermediates, citrulline and urea, were found to be observable by 1H- 15N heteronuclear multiple-quantum-coherence (HMQC) spectroscopy in aqueous solution at physiological pH and temperature, through the protons spin-coupled to their indole, amide, or ureido nitrogen. Their 1H chemical shifts were well dispersed over a 5–10 ppm region while the 1J15N-1H values were 87–99 Hz. For [γ-15N]glutamine, a 50− to 100-fold increase in sensitivity over direct 15N detection was achieved, in contrast to a 2-fold increase by the polarization-transfer method. In the isolated brain of portacaval-shunted rats, the amide protons of biologically 15N-enriched [γ-15N]glutamine were observed in 2 min of acquisition, with suppression of proton signals from all other cerebral metabolites. In isolated liver of 15N-enriched control rats, [15NIurea protons were observed in 16 min. The HMQC method is likely to be effective for the in vivo study of cerebral and hepatic nitrogen metabolism.
Microbiologists search the clouds

On 22 May, a team of microbiologists used a prototype cloud-catcher mounted on a research plane to collect samples from low-lying cumulus clouds near Oxford, England. The researchers, from the University of East London (UEL), are investigating whether an active and self-sustaining ecosystem exists in clouds, and whether airborne microbes may play an active role in forming clouds and causing rainfall. While scientists have known that microorganisms, including bacteria, fungal spores, and algae, can survive and possibly reproduce in the atmosphere, the challenge, according to the UEL researchers, is to accurately detect, identify, and analyze microbial communities.
Low-voltage Q switching of diode-pumped Er:Yb:glass laser by a BBO Pockels cell

Seeded Q-switched pulsing in a diode-pumped Er-Yb glass laser has been experimentally demonstrated. The Q-switch is a beta-barium borate Pockels cell. The voltage applied to the BBO is much lower than the voltage needed to hold off the laser. This allows low-power, free-running lasing to seed the Q-switched laser-pulse. Q-switched operation is accomplished with a reduction by a facto of 5 to 8 below the full hold-off voltage. Measurements on this system also allows an estimation of the time of the energy transfer between Yb and Er ions.
Project ISLA: A space/time/full-text/format search and retrieval system designed by end users

Abstract This article discusses the role of end users in the design of a multi-format digital library project (ISLA) being developed at the University of Southern California Library for the study of the Los Angeles region. ISLA focuses on the specific needs of cross-disciplinary research involving large urban regions.
Cultural Evolution and Units of Selection in Replicating Text

Abstract The use of biological models and metaphors in studies of culture has a long and checkered history. While there are many superficial similarities between biological and cultural evolution, attempts to pin down such analogies have not been wholly successful. One limiting factor may be a lack of empirical evidence that the basic assumptions of the evolutionary model are met within a cultural system. We argue that a focus on the detection and description of the units of selection is an essential first step in constructing any evolutionary model. In this paper we outline the necessary connection between units of selection and evolution, describe the properties of a unit of selection, and introduce an empirical method for the detection of putative units of selection in a model cultural system: discourse within NetNews, a discussion system on the Internet.
Triangular blocks of zeros in (0, 1) matrices with small permanents

Abstract Let A be a square matrix and t a positive integer. We say A is t -triangular if there exist permutation matrices P and Q such that PAQ = B = [ b ij ] has b ij = 0 whenever j ⩾ i + t . We ask for which positive integers the following statement is true: If A is any square matrix with nonnegative integral entries such that 0 A t + 1)!, then A is t -triangular. If t = 1, the statement reduces to a theorem of Brualdi. We prove the statement is true for t = 2 and t = 3, but false for t = 6.
Accumulation of inorganic mercury along the renal proximal tubule of the rabbit.

Abstract The purpose of the present study is to characterize the accumulation of inorganic mercury along the proximal tubule of the rabbit. New Zealand white rabbits were given a 0.5 μmol/kg dose of mercuric chloride along with 150 μCi of 203Hg. Forty-eight hours after the animals had been treated, individual segments of the nephron were obtained by microdissection. The segments of the nephron were measured in length and then were counted in a gamma counter to determine the percentage of the administered dose of inorganic mercury that had accumulated in them. There was significant accumulation of mercury along the proximal tubule during the 48 hr after the dose of mercuric chloride was administered. The S1 segment of the proximal tubule accumulated 0.000226 ± 0.000031% (mean ± SE) of the administered dose of inorganic mercury per millimeter tubule. The amount of mercury that accumulated in the S2 segment of the proximal tubule was similar to that in the S1 segment. By contrast, only half as much inorganic mercury accumulated in each millimeter of the S3 segment of the proximal tubule. No significant accumulation of inorganic mercury could be detected in pooled samples of various segments of the distal nephron. The findings in the present study indicate that the renal accumulation of inorganic mercury in the rabbit occurs mainly as a result of the accumulation of the metal in the proximal tubule, with the accumulation predominating in the S1 and S2 segments.
On-line monitoring of trihalomethane concentrations in drinking water distribution systems using capillary membrane sampling-gas chromatography

Trihalomethane concentrations are not typically monitored continuously in drinking water distribution systems. This means that data is not immediately available to operators so that they can make decisions that directly affect water quality. Monitoring data could be useful to researchers and operators who might want to better understand disinfection by-product formation and removal in their distribution systems. In this paper, a capillary membrane sampler (CMS), which uses a silicone membrane to directly sample trihalomethanes from a water sample, shows promise as a sampling device that can be used to introduce samples directly into a gas chromatograph for on-line monitoring. The construction, optimization, operation and evaluation of this capillary membrane sampling-gas chromatograph (CMS-GC) are discussed. The result of optimization, method detection limit, accuracy, precision and linearity studies are presented. Side-by-side studies have been done comparing the CMS-GC method to USEPA Method 502.2. While the CMS-GC method is not meant to replace USEPA Method 502.2, it does offer advantages for on-line monitoring and meets several of the criteria proposed as desirable for on-line monitoring of THM concentrations in drinking water distribution systems.
An exploratory study of individual differences in perceptual centering and decentering.

Summary Perceptual centering and decentering, or internal versus external locus of perception, was studied as a function of individual differences in cognitive style, locus of control, and approval motivation (defensiveness?), with adolescent male Ss. Locus of perception was operationalized as the S's responses to discrete tactile stimulation using a new technique to infer an internal versus external orientation. Locus of perception as measured was found to be a significant function of all three individual difference variables [multiple correlation R = .70 (p < .05)]. Implications for theoretical analyses of processes of centering and decentering were suggested.
Renormalization in the Coulomb gauge and order parameter for confinement in QCD

Renormalization of the Coulomb gauge is studied in the phase space formalism, where one integrates over both the vector potential A, and its canonical momentum Π as well as the usual Faddeev-Popov auxiliary fields. A proof of renormalizability is not attempted. Instead, algebraic identities are derived from BRST invariance which renormalization must satisfy if the Coulomb gauge is renormalizable. In particular, a Ward identity is derived which holds at a fixed time t, and which is an analog of Gauss's law in the BRST formalism, and which we call the Gauss-BRST identity. The familiar Zinn-Justin equation results when this identity is integrated over all t. It is shown that in the Coulomb gauge, g2D0.0 is a renormalization-group invariant, as is its instantaneous part V(R), which we call the color-Coulomb potential. (Here D0.0 is the time-time component of the gluon propagator.) The contribution of V(R) to the Wilson loop exponentiates. It is proposed that the string tension defined by KCoul = limR→∞ CV(R)/R may serve as an order parameter for confinement, where C = (2N)−1(N2 − 1) for SU(N) gauge theory. A remarkable consequence of the above-mentioned Ward identity is that the Fourier transform V(k) of V(R) is of the product form V(k) = [k2DC,C∗ (k)]2L(k), where DC,C∗ (k) is the ghost propagator, and L(k) is a correlation function of longitudinal gluons. This exact equation combines with a previous analysis of the Gribov problem according to which k2DC,C∗ (k) diverges at k = 0, to provide a scenario for confinement.
Optimal Controller Synthesis for Decentralized Systems Over Graphs via Spectral Factorization

In this paper, controller synthesis algorithms are developed for decentralized control problems. The distributed systems considered here are represented by graphs, which impose sparsity constraints on the set of allowable controllers. A spectral factorization approach is used to construct the optimal decentralized controllers. Explicit state-space solutions are provided for this class of systems, which establishes the order for the optimal policies. In addition, this work provides an intuitive understanding of the optimal solution. In particular, the standard separation principle does not hold for these decentralized problems, and the controllers must do more than simply estimate their states.
Lymphocyte-dependent antibody cross-matching for transplant patients.

Abstract Cadaver donor transplant patients who had a negative complement-dependent cytotoxicity cross-match test were tested in parallel with the specific donor at the time of transplantation by the lymphocyte-dependent antibody (L.D.A.) test. Transplants were performed on the basis of negative standard and long (2-5-hour) complement-dependent cross-match tests and the results of the L.D.A. test were withheld from the transplant centres. Of the 57 transplants tested, 49 had a negative L.D.A. result with 74% one-month function whereas 8 had a positive L.D.A. result with 25 % one-month function (P
Noise Sources and Transmission in Piping Systems

An overview of the vibro-acoustic behavior of fluid-filled piping systems is given, summarizing noise sources, how piping structures and fluids accept energy from noise sources, and how the energy is then transmitted and exchanged by wavetypes throughout the piping. Discrete and broad-band frequency noise sources from active components, such as pumps, and passive components, such as valves and flow over piping, are described, and scale on flow velocities and operating speeds. The turbulence in the fluid flow contributes to piping system noise and vibration. The turbulence in the core flow impinges on both active and passive devices, causing discrete and broad-band noise sources. Turbulence near pipe walls excites structural piping modes. Techniques for quantifying the turbulence and its effects are described. An overview of the mechanisms of acoustic and vibrational energy propagation in piping walls and fluids is given, along with a discussion of various tools used to model the propagation, such as finite element (FE) and boundary element (BE) analysis, transfer matrix (TM) analysis, and statistical energy analysis (SEA). FE and BE models may be used to model high levels of complexity in both structural-acoustic systems and noise sources, but require large model sizes at high frequencies. TM and SEA models sacrifice modeling generality, but can represent high frequency behavior at low computational cost. Finally, means of mitigating acoustic and vibration energy transmission, such as narrow-band acoustic attenuation devices (quarter wavelength silencers and Quincke tubes), broad-band acoustic attenuation devices (mufflers and acoustic filters), and broad-band structural vibration attenuation devices (isolators and rubber piping), are outlined.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
SOI lateral bipolar transistor with drive current >3mA/μm

Record-high drive current on the order of 3-5mA/μm is demonstrated in lateral silicon bipolar transistors on SOI. This is achieved by scaling quasi-neutral base width to below 10nm. The heavily doped collector enables the transistor to operate in high level injection regime without the detrimental base push-out effect. Measured cut-off frequency is the highest for a lateral bipolar and has a broad peak, confirming its immunity to base push-out. Functional complementary bipolar ring oscillator operating in the full saturation region is reported for the first time. The salient features of CMOS-compatible process and design, high current drive capability and low voltage bipolar logic present exciting opportunities for lateral SOI bipolar to complement CMOS.
Effect of boron on the tensile properties of B2 FeAl

Abstract Small additions of boron have been shown to improve the room temperature ductility of the intermetallic compound Ni3Al in recent studies. The boron has a strong tendency to segregate to grain boundaries and strengthen them, allowing the inherent ductility of the grains to be achieved. The present study was undertaken to see whether boron has a similar effect on the low temperature tensile properties of the equiatomic intermetallic compound FeAl. A binary alloy without boron is compared with an alloy containing 0.78 at.% B (0.2 wt.% B), by tensile testing over the temperature range 300–640 K. Both alloys were processed by powder metallurgy. Results showed that the 0.78 at.% B addition to FeAl does indeed change the room temperature fracture mode from intergranular to transgranular, suggesting a strengthening of grain boundaries. However, the alloy containing boron is still brittle at room temperature. A slight decrease in the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature is nevertheless observed. In addition a significant increase in strength of the alloy is observed on the addition of boron.
Multiple meningiomas: Investigating the molecular basis of sporadic and familial forms

Meningiomas are common tumors of the coverings of the central nervous system (CNS), comprising 20% of intracranial neoplasms. The only genes known to be associated with sporadic meningiomas are NF2 on chromosome 22 and the related cytoskeleton element DAL-1 on chromosome 18. Between 1 and 8% of patients with meningiomas develop multiple meningiomas, a trait transmitted occasionally in an autosomal dominant fashion. We investigated the DAL-1 and NF2 loci in 7 unrelated multiple meningioma patients without clinical evidence of NF2 by mutational and pathological analysis. Five novel intragenic microsatellite polymorphisms were developed for specific detection of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the DAL-1 locus. Three of 7 patients had affected relatives and all affected individuals were female. No tumors from familial patients were of a fibroblastic subtype. Truncating NF2 mutations were detected in 3 tumor specimens, but were not present in the corresponding blood samples. Two tumors showed LOH at the NF2 locus. All tumors showing mutations at the NF2 locus originated from patients without affected relatives and were of the fibroblastic subtype. Five non-truncating alterations in the DAL-1 gene were found, however, LOH of chromosome 18 markers was not seen in any tumor. In contrast to the NF2 results, all DAL-1 alterations were found in paired blood specimens. Our findings provide further evidence that the molecular basis of sporadic and familial multiple meningiomas is fundamentally different and extend this dichotomy to pathologic subtypes. DAL-1 does not function as a true tumor suppressor in these patients. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cytological comparison of milk protein synthesis of rat mammary tissue in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract Cytological localization of incorporated 3 H leucine in the rat mammary gland during milk protein synthesis was compared autoradiographically in vivo and in vitro. Preceding autoradiography, light and electron microscopy were employed to evaluate cellular integrity of tissues. Tissues were exposed to 3H leucine by one of two methods: a) cardiac puncture (in vivo); or b) culture media containing the isotope (in vitro). Tissue was fixed for microscopy at 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 60min after the initial exposure to 3H leucine. Silver grains were categorized as being over the perivascular space, basal cytoplasm, Golgi region, or alveolar lumen of mammary tissue for each of the time intervals. Alveoli from both preparations were similar with regard to the rate of isotope passage and ultrastructure. Leucine entered cells in vivo from the perivascular space, while entry from the alveolar lumen appeared most predominant in vitro. The isotope accumulated in the basal cytoplasm and moved as a pulse regardless of route of entry or the fact that the isotope was continually available in the media. Rate of isotope passage through the cell was synchronous within individual alveoli but variable between alveoli. This variation was most apparent at 40 and 60min postexposure to the isotope. The percentage of label in the cytoplasm fell most rapidly from 3 to 15min with a concurrent increase in the percentage of label in the Golgi. Maximal labeling of the Golgi occurred from 15 to 30min following exposure whereas labeling of the alveolar lumen was greatest from 30 to 60min. Thus, the rate of protein synthesis and the structural appearance of cells in vitro were similar to in vivo.
The ‘basis for a just, free, and stable society’: Institutional Homophobia and Governance at the Family Research Council

This study explores institutional homophobia as instantiated by an order of discourse that governs the textualization of homophobic representations. I examine how a U.S.-based, conservative Christian organization deploys an order of discourse that, through a logic of deviancy, enables homophobic formation to unfold. Text-making strategies include hybridizing generic features derived from social science writing generally and deviancy studies particularly, allowing institutional writers to claim scientific legitimacy for their antigay representations. Stylistically, lexical choice promotes an objective tone, while assertion and modalization buttress antigay representations. Discursive strategies include calculated ascriptions and denials of gay/lesbian agency, and the harnessing of hyponymy, synonymy and antonymy to create a taxonomy of deviancies reinforcing antigay evaluations while avoiding overt homophobic references. My findings suggest that the institution’s order of discourse enables homophobic understandings that appear grounded in scientific truth. These institutional practices are motivated by a desire to naturalize governance claims as part of a broader hegemonic struggle over the definition of the good (sexual) citizen and the political direction of the United States.
Sex ratio at birth in albino rats.

THE breeding of the Osborne–Mendel strain of albino rats was started here in 1910, and has since been maintained without the addition of outside stock. This colony of rats constitutes one of the oldest in existence to-day.
Male hamsters display female sexual responses.

Female hamsters display stereotyped postural adjustments in response to tactile stimulation of the perineal region. The present study demonstrates that males display similar postural adjustment responses to tactile stimulation of the perineal region. In males the size of the region from which these responses can be elicited is smaller than in the female (P < 0.01) and the magnitude of the response is less than in the female (P < 0.01).
Looking for evidence of learning: Assessment and analysis methods for online discourse

Discussion is a required component of many Web-based classes, but do we really know its value or contribution to learning? Students may be graded for participation, and number and length of posts may be counted by those evaluating or researching online classes, but all too often the assessment and analysis methods that we use fail to provide us with data that indicate learning took place through participation in online discussion. This paper explores what can be learned by currently popular assessment practices and analytic methods, as well as the limitations of these methods when used to measure learning, using two samples of discussion threads from online classes.