cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regional factor specificity, wage differential and resource allocation

Abstract We developed a two-region, rigid-wage model incorporating features of a region-specific factor (in addition to the primary inputs) and an inter-regional wage differential. While full employment of capital is always maintained, labor, however, is subject to unemployment in both regions because of wage rigidity. The model was deployed to examine the effects of a change in the specific factor and a non-specific factor on regional resource allocation, output production and total employment. It is demonstrated that an increase in the factor specific to region 1 will result in a reallocation of resources from the second region to the first region and a decrease in the capital rentals in both regions. Thus, the output production will expand in region 1 at the expense of that in region 2. However, total employment in the nation may increase or decrease depending on whether or not the production in the second region is relatively capital intensive.
Sexual behavior of male rhesus: Effects of repeated ejaculation and partner's cycle stage

Abstract Fifteen selected heterosexual pairs of adult rhesus monkeys were studied in tests of protracted duration to determine the effects of serial ejaculation on parameters of male sexual behavior. In general the postejaculatory interval increased with successive ejaculations as did frequencies of mount and intromission, the ejaculatory latency, and the temporal intervals between these measures. Ten of the pairs were tested a second time during the female's luteal phase of the cycle. It was found that the sexual behavior of the male paired with a luteal female resembled his performance during later ejaculatory series of the follicular testing. The results are discussed in reference to species differences in the effects of serial ejaculation on postulated sexual arousal and copulatory mechanisms.
Expression of the La Crosse M segment proteins in a recombinant vaccinia expression system mediates pH-dependent cellular fusion.

To study the expression of La Crosse virus (LAC) glycoproteins, G1 and G2, we constructed a cDNA copy of the open reading frame (ORF) of the middle RNA segment and expressed it in a recombinant vaccinia virus (VV.ORF). Cells infected with VV.ORF expressed G1 and G2 at the cell surface and formed syncytia with a pH profile similar to that of LAC. These experiments provide a system of studying the biological functions of the LAC glycoproteins, including processing, targeting, fusion, receptor binding, and antigenicity.
Nitrogen recycling by nonleguminous winter cover crops to reduce leaching in potato rotations

Overwinter N leaching increases the potential for NO 3 contamination of ground water under irrigated desert soils. Our objectives were to (i) identify winter cover crops for recovering N and (ii) determine the N availability following green manure cover crops relative to N uptake by a succeeding potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) crop. A 2-yr field study was conducted on commercial fields on Quincy loamy sand (mixed mesic Xeric Torripsamments). Cover crops were seeded following sweet corn (Zea mays L.) as fall-incorporated sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor L., 'Sordan'); fall- and spring-incorporated white mustard (Brassica hirta Moench, 'Martegena'); and spring-incorporated wheat (Triticum aestivum L., 'Stevens'), rapeseed (B. napus L., 'Jupiter'), and rye (Secale cereale L.). Potato ('Russet Burbank') was planted 3 to 5 wk after spring incorporation of green manures. All cover crops except sudangrass accumulated 112 to 142 kg N ha -1 when planted in August at Plymouth, WA, but N uptake was decreased by >50% when planted in September at Quincy, WA. Overwintering cover crops lowered soil mineral N at 0 to 180 cm by 155 kg N ha -1 compared with bare fallow at Plymouth. Fall-incorporated mustard released greater inorganic N over the winter compared with spring incorporation. Soil NH 4 and NO 3 increased following overwintering cover crops by potato planting, providing timely increases in N availability to the potato crop. Winter cover crops can improve N cycling and reduce the amount of N below the root zone in potato-based rotations.
Vibrational spectroscopy of ordered oxygen adiayers on Ni/Cu(001) and Co/Cu(001) thin film systems

Abstract : We report surface vibrations in c(2x2) oxygen adlayers on Ni and Co thin films on a Cu (001) substrate measured at gamma by high resolution EELS. For the Ni thin film surface, one phonon peak is measured for varying film thickness from 1.3 ML (monolayer) to 6 ML with a constant energy of 221cm -1. For the CO thin film surface, three loss peaks are found, whose relative intensities change as the film thicknesses are varied. One loss peak ca. 520 cm -1 is tentatively assigned to the Fuchs-Kliewer mode of cobalt oxide (CoO). The other two peaks at 317 cm -1 and 376 cm -1 are likely related to different bonding sites. Surface phonons on the p(2 x2) Co thin film (389 cm -1) and a bulk resonance mode (115 cm -1) are also reported.
Long-term Results of Distal Urethral Advancement Glanuloplasty for Distal Hypospadias

AbstractPurpose: In 1987 we developed distal urethral advancement and glanuloplasty, a surgical technique specifically intended for coronal and subcoronal hypospadias repair that involves moving the distal urethra 0.5 to 1 cm., Y shaped meatoplasty and glanuloplasty.Materials and Methods: From January 1987 to December 1992, 271 boys 9 months to 14 years old (mean age 2.5 years) underwent repair of distal coronal and subcoronal hypospadias, including distal urethral advancement and glanuloplasty in 135 (49.8%).Results: Long-term results in 118 cases were determined at 4 to 9 years of followup (mean 6.3). In 112 cases (95%) good functional and cosmetic results were achieved, while in 6 (5%) complications required surgical repair, including meatal stenosis in 3 (2.5%), fistulas in 2 (1.7%) and complete glanuloplasty disruption in 1. We evaluated outcomes in 19 postpubertal patients 15 to 20 years old and noted no psychological or sexual problems as a consequence of hypospadias repair.Conclusions: Long-term f...
Properties of the mouse cone-mediated electroretinogram during light adaptation

Cone-mediated electroretinograms (ERGs) were obtained from normal mice during the course of light adaptation to a rod-desensitizing adapting field. Responses obtained during the early minutes of light adaptation were smaller in amplitude, and delayed in implicit time in comparison to responses obtained to the same stimulus presented later during light adaptation. These changes resemble those observed in the human cone ERG obtained under similar stimulus conditions, and indicate that the underlying mechanism may be similar. While the use of an adapting field appears to isolate the mouse cone ERG, these adaptation-induced changes should be considered when evaluating this response.
Optimal switching problem for countable Markov chains: average reward criterion

Optimal switching we consider is the following generalization of optimal stopping: (i) there are a reward function and a cost function on the state space of a Markov chain; (ii) a controller selects stopping times sequentially; (iii) at those times the controller receives rewards and pays costs in an alternating order. In this paper we treat the case of a positive recurrent countable Markov chain and the average per unit time criterion. We find an optimal strategy and the maximal average gain in terms of the solution of a variational problem with two obstacles, known also in connection with Dynkin games.
Advancing case manager motivation in child welfare: Job control's curvilinear relationship and instrumental feedback's moderating influence

Abstract To date, no published empirical studies in the field of child welfare (or social work) have investigated the curvilinear relationship between job characteristics and any aspect of employee functioning. The present study addressed this research gap by testing job control's direct and interactive curvilinear effects on motivation using a sample of 419 county-based public sector child welfare case managers. Consistent with Cavanaugh, Boswell, Roehling, and Boudreau's (2000) challenge–hindrance framework, study findings revealed a significant curvilinear job control × linear instrumental feedback interaction. No support, however, was found for a direct curvilinear effect for job control. Empirical results advance the child welfare literature by being the first to demonstrate how job characteristics impact the motivation of child welfare case managers in a curvilinear manner. Study data also clarify prior nonsignificant tests of Warr's (1987) vitamin model and extend seminal findings from Karasek's (1979) job demands–control model. Finally, instrumental feedback's capacity to integrate three well-established but previously unrelated models of occupational health is discussed.
High-Frequency Scattering

In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in the phenomena of scattering at high frequencies. The simplest problems of this sort, in which the obstacle is either a circular cylinder or a sphere, are treated here. The treatment is limited to the total scattering cross sections, even though the method is by no means restricted in this way. The specific problems treated here include the scattering of a plane electromagnetic wave by a perfectly conducting circular cylinder (two possible polarizations) or a perfectly conducting sphere, the acoustic scattering by a rigid sphere, and the quantum-mechanical scattering by an impenetrable sphere.By considering the creeping waves as defined on the universal covering space, the scattering cross sections of a circular cylinder may be expressed by asymptotic expansions for vanishingly small wavelengths. Analogous calculations yield the corresponding results for a sphere. It turns out, as expected, that the resulting expressions are accurate even for fairly large wavelengths. The first six terms of the asymptotic series are explicitly found in each case.In conclusion, the application of the method to the determination of the approximate current distribution on the obstacle is considered briefly; also some generalizations about the scattering cross section are conjectured.
Functional organization of the motor process underlying the transition from movement to posture

Summary In these experiments we studied the organization of the neural pattern of activity underlying the achievement and maintenance of final limb position. The examination of the alpha motoneuronal inputs to flexors and extensors acting on the elbow and writst joints revealed that a change from one posture to another required a modulation of both flexors and extensors. For a given position, the final EMG level of flexors and extensors is more variable than the ratio between the alpha neuronal activity of these two antagonistic muscles. Further, the ratio was not significantly affected by the direction, amplitude or velocity of the movement. These results indicate that the final position could be coded in the central nervous system (CNS) as the ratio of activity in antagonistic muscles acting on a joint.
Model selection and estimation for technological growth curves

Abstract This paper deals with the selection and estimation of the appropriate form of a growth curve for technological forecasting. Included in the model selection process are the determination of the shape of the growth curve (logistic or Gompertz) and the structure of the error underlying the model. The estimation phase entails the employment of discounted least squares to derive estimates of the model parameters that provide the best forecast. Both simulated and actual data series are employed to test the proposed algorithms for model selection and estimation. Results indicate improvement in the forecasts by employing both the selection algorithm and the discounted least squares estimation procedure.
Draining the Swamp: Democracy Promotion, State Failure, and Terrorism in 19 Middle Eastern Countries

This study empirically evaluates the question of whether or not the promotion of democracy in the Middle East will reduce terrorism, both in terms of terrorist attacks sustained by Middle Eastern countries and in terms of attacks perpetrated by terrorist groups based in Middle Eastern countries. Using a series of pooled, time-series negative binomial statistical regression models on 19 countries from 1972 to 2003 the analysis demonstrates that the more politically liberal Middle Eastern states—measured both in terms of democratic processes and in terms of civil liberties protections—are actually more prone to terrorist activity than are Middle Eastern dictatorships. The study demonstrates, furthermore, that an even more significant predictor of Middle Eastern terrorist attacks is the intensity of state failures, or episodes of severe political instability that limit central government projection of domestic authority, suffered by states in the region. States that are unable to respond to fundamental chall...
THE PROJECTED PERFORMANCE MODEL: RELATING COGNITIVE AND PERFORMANCE ANTECEDENTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL MOMENTUM

Psychological momentum has been an elusive phenomenon in sport psychology research. The present study utilized a two-round free-throw shooting contest between pairs of participants to examine factors which influenced participants' perceptions of momentum and subsequent changes in performance. Factors hypothesized to contribute to perceptions of momentum were divided into three categories of Personal Variables, Situational Variables, and Self-ratings of Performance. Perceptions of momentum could be significantly predicted by both Situational Variables and Self-ratings of Performance. Changes in performance, however, were only significantly predicted by Situational Variables. These findings support the notion that attributions of positive and negative psychological momentum function simply as a labeling process in the evaluation of performance, with little or no effect on subsequent performance. Based on these findings and other research on psychological momentum, a theoretical model (Projected Performance ...
An Educational Intervention to Increase Nurse Adherence in Eliciting Patient Daily Goals

Background The literature suggests that nurse and patient collaborative goal setting demonstrates better patient outcomes. The SMART goal evaluation method (Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely) is a strategy to develop effective and measureable goals. Purpose The purpose of this educational project was to improve nurse collaborative goal-setting skills. Methods A pre- and postevaluation of an educational intervention was accomplished by patient interviews and observation for adherence to obtaining patient daily goals. Results Results of nurse adherence in writing SMART collaborative goal setting increased from 11% preeducation to 63% posteducation. Patients' perceptions of feeling well informed by their nurses and physicians increased from 57% preeducation to 91% posteducation. Conclusion Nurses continued to need reminding to collaborate with their patients, but their goal writing skills greatly improved. Clinical Relevance The results of this educational project demonstrated nurses' improved ability to cowrite collaborative patient goals which resulted in better informed patients.
Proof of a folklore Julia set connectedness theorem and connections with elliptic functions

We prove the following theorem about Julia sets of the maps fn,p,γ(z) = z n + γ zp , for integers n, p ≥ 2, γ ∈ C by using techniques developed for the Weierstrass elliptic ℘ function and adapted to this setting. Folklore Connectedness Theorem: If fn,p,γ has a bounded critical orbit then J(fn,p,γ) is connected. This is related to connectivity results about J(℘) by the author and others, especially where the lattice has some symmetry. We illustrate several further connections between the dynamics of some specific elliptic functions and the family fn,p,γ for a few values of n and p.
Free convection from a vertical plate with nonuniform surface heat flux and embedded in a porous medium

An analysis is presented for the calculation of heat transfer due to free convective flow along a vertical plate embedded in a porous medium with an arbitrarily varying surface heat flux. By applying the appropriate coordinate transformations and the Merk series, the governing energy equation is expressed as a set of ordinary differential equations. Numerical solutions are presented for these equations which represent universal functions and several computational examples are provided.
Social processes in physicians' adoption of a new drug.

Abstract Two hundred and sixteen physicians in four cities were interviewed, and the prescription records of 125 general practitioners, internists, and pediatricians among them were searched, in order to study how the use of a new drug termed “gammanym” spread through these communities of physicians. The main findings are: 1. 1. Gammanym was introduced earlier by doctors with a large volume of prescriptions for this general type of drug, by those who exposed themselves frequently to certain media of information, and by those who shared their offices with one or several partners. 2. 2. Doctors who maintained a variety of contacts with a large number of colleagues, the socially integrated doctors, typically introduced the new drug into their practices months before their relatively isolated colleagues. The degree of a doctor's integration was measured by the number of his colleagues who named him, in response to certain interview questions, as an advisor, frequent discussion partner, or frequently visited friend. 3. 3. Among the integrated doctors, the use of the new drug spread at an accelerating rate, indicating an interpersonal process of diffusion, while among the isolated doctors use of the new drug spread at a constant rate, indicating largely individual responses to constant stimuli outside the community of doctors. 4. 4. The hypothesis that a doctor and his friend, a doctor and his advisor, and a doctor and his discussion partner would tend to introduce the new drug at about the same time was not borne out for the period as a whole. 5. 5. During the early months following the drug's release, however, doctors who introduced the drug tended to follow closely upon any associates who had adopted it earlier. 6. 6. This phenomenon was strongest during the very earliest months in the case of pairs of discussion partners and advisor-advisee pairs. In the case of pairs of friends, it reached its peak about 2 months later. In all three cases, the phenomenon occurred among the relatively isolated doctors as well as among the integrated doctors, but it reached its peak much later in the case of the isolated doctors. 7. 7. The apparent greater effectiveness of contacts with colleagues during the early months was attributed to the greater uncertainty about the new drug that prevailed at that time. This interpretation is supported by comparisons of uncertain and clear-cut situations of another sort; pairs of related doctors were found to be more alike in the drugs they use for essential hypertension than in the drugs they use for respiratory infections. A second article will inquire into the possible relationship of early gammanym introduction by a doctor to a more general tendency to be receptive to innovations.
Probability learning in a context of transient stimuli

The standard methodology of probability-learning research was applied for the first time to a recently developed task involving ldnew” and “old” stimuli, all eventually transient Matching behavior was exhibited, but not dependably.
Plasmonic interferometer for enhanced optical biosensing

We report a plasmonic interferometric biosensor based on a simple slit-grooves nanostructure for enhanced optical biosensing with figures of merit reaching 71.5 and detection limit of 2×10−5 RIU in a simple collinear transmission optical setup.
Enteral water for hypernatremia and intestinal morbidity in infants less than or equal to 1000 g birth weight.

To evaluate the relationship between enteral water infusion for hypernatremia and significant intestinal morbidity in infants ⩽1000 grams. This is a retrospective study of 321 infants ⩽1000 g birth weight. Infants were grouped by the highest serum sodium (mmol/l) during the first 14 days of life as follows: <150 (normal control), ⩾150 (high sodium control), ⩾150 and treated with sterile water (study group). Significant intestinal morbidity was defined as probable or proven necrotizing enterocolitis or spontaneous intestinal perforation. Statistical analysis included Student's t test for continuous variables and χ2 with Yeats correction for frequency variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was then performed to evaluate confounding variables among groups. The incidence of intestinal morbidity was significantly higher in the high sodium-water treated group compared to each of the other groups (13/33 (38%) for high sodium-water versus 16/100 (16%) for high sodium control and 18/188 (10%) for normal sodium control, P<0.01 χ2). Logistic regression analysis indicated that enteral water and hydrocortisone were risk factors for significant intestinal morbidity. Enteral sterile water for hypernatremia appears to be associated with significant intestinal morbidity in infants ⩽1000 g. Hydrocortisone is also a risk factor.
Phase transition porosimetry and surface area determination

Abstract The method of computerized dilatometric Phase Transition Porosimetry (PTP), developed previously, is outlined in comparison with the method of “Thermoporometry” and critically reviewed. The present revised method takes into account extreme cases in which the sample contains relatively large and/or extremely small pores. To prevent supercooling in the former case, this method calls for repeated cooling. Because of the substantial amount of unfrozen pore water at low temperatures in the latter case, the revised data processing takes into account dilation of pore water as temperature is lowered below 0°C. PTP can measure the pore body size in the case of pores having pronounced irregularities consisting of enlargements and constrictions. Thus it gives a unique opportunity for realistic determination of surface area from pore size distribution in such porous materials. Whereas, as can be shown thermodynamically, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MP) is bound to overestimate surface area. To support these statements PTP, MP, and BET data on some samples are presented.
Galileo Prime Mission Navigation

A summary of the navigation performance of the Galileo spacecraft for the  rst 11 Jupiter satellite encounters is described. The achieved performance is compared against predicted accuracies. The average target miss in the satellite’s B-plane coordinate frame (compared against postencounter reconstruction) was 0.9 in B ¢ R, 0.6 in B ¢ T, and 1.6 in encounter time, with a largest single error of 3.4 inB ¢ R. This performance preserved suf cient onboard propellant to enable a follow-onmission of up to four years. Knowledge of the Galilean satellite positions has been improved by an order of magnitude. For the  rst time the low-order gravity coef cients of Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto have been determined, and improvements to the masses of these satellites and Jupiter have been obtained. The gravity results indicate that the Galilean satellites have differentiated into two or more layers. This and other supporting evidence indicates that a layer of liquid water may exist on Europa beneath an ice lithosphere.
Time series analysis of maternal mortality in Africa from 1990 to 2005

Objectives Most global maternal deaths occur in Africa and Asia. In response, the Millennium Development Goal (MDG-5) calls for a 75% reduction in maternal mortality from 1990 to 2015. To assess the potential for progress in MDG-5 in Africa, we examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of socioeconomic, demographic and population-health factors with maternal mortality rates in Africa. Methods We used data from global agencies and the published literature to identify socioeconomic, demographic and population-health explanatory factors that could be correlated with maternal mortality in 49 countries of Africa for the years 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005. We used correlation, negative binomial and mixed Poisson regression models to investigate whether there exist associations between potential explanatory factors and maternal mortality. Results Some African countries have made substantial progress towards achieving MDG-5 while others have fallen behind. Lower gross domestic product (GDP) and female enrolment in primary schools, but higher HIV prevalence, neonatal mortality rate and total fertility rate, were associated with higher maternal mortality. Conclusions Maternal mortality rates in African countries appear to be declining. The mean maternal mortality ratios in Africa decreased from 695.82 in 1990 to 562.18 in 2005. Yet some countries are more likely than others to achieve MDG-5. Better socioeconomic, demographic and population health development appear to be conducive to better maternal health in Africa. Sustained efforts on all these fronts will be needed to close the gap in maternal survival and achieve MDG-5 in Africa.
Urine-to-blood carbon dioxide tension gradient and maximal depression of urinary pH to distinguish rate-dependent from classic distal renal tubular acidosis in children.

We determined the prevalence and clinical features of rate-dependent distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) in 31 children examined for possible renal tubular acidosis by measuring the urinary-minus-blood partial pressure of carbon dioxide (U-B P CO 2 ) gradient, minimal urinary pH, and fractional excretion of bicarbonate. Of 20 patients with low U-B P CO 2 gradients, nine could not lower urinary pH≤5.5, Indicating classic dRTA, whereas 11 could lower urinary pH≤5.5, as described in rate-dependent dRTA. When patients with rate-dependent dRTA and classic (type 1) dRTA were compared, there was no difference in the mean U-B P CO 2 gradient or in clinical findings, including age, reason for referral, presence of nephrocalcinosis, or depression of linear growth. We conclude that children with rate-dependent dRTA are susceptible to at least some of the same sequelae as children with classic dRTA. Measurement of minimal urinary pH will not defect this subtle form of dRTA. Determination of the U-B P CO 2 gradient should be considered a routine part of evaluation for suspected renal tubular acidosis in a child.
Variation of sludge volume index with activated sludge characteristics

Activated sludge samples from 2 laboratory units and 12 sewage treatment plants were examined to determine the effect of filamentous microorganisms, floc size and suspended solids concentration on SVI. An attempt was also made to correlate SVI to zone settling velocity. At a suspended solids concentration range of 700–4800 mg 1−1 there was no effect of filamentous microorganisms at filament length concentrations below 107μm (mg SS)−1. However, when it was over 107 μm (mg SS)−1 SVI increased sharply with increasing concentrations of filamentous microorganisms. At all suspended solids concentrations examined SVI varied with floc size at filament length concentrations below 10 μm (mg SS)−1. But, at filament length concentrations higher than this level, no effect of floc size on SVI was observed. The effect of suspended solids concentration on SVI was examined at different levels of filament lengths. It was found that the shape of SVI-suspended solids concentration curve varied with the level of filament lengths. A well defined relationship was found between SVI and zone settling velocity at all suspended solids concentrations examined.
Multivariate random forests

Random forests have emerged as a versatile and highly accurate classiﬁcationand regression methodology, requiring little tuning and providing interpretableoutputs. Here, we brieﬂy outline the genesis of, and motivation for, the randomforest paradigm as an outgrowth from earlier tree-structured techniques. Weelaborate on aspects of prediction error and attendant tuning parameter issues.However,ouremphasisisonextendingtherandomforestschematothemultipleresponse setting. We provide a simple illustrative example from ecology thatshowcases the improved ﬁt and enhanced interpretation afforded by the randomforest framework.
Promoting Physical Activity among Sedentary Women Using Pedometers

Sedentary women (n = 92) classified as low (L), medium (M), and high (H) in baseline step counts and assigned to 10,000-step goal (TSG) and personal step goal (PSG) groups (within levels) were compared on goal attainment and step counts. A significant interaction for goal attainment, F(2, 86) = 4.51, p = .014, indicated that the L group was significantly less likely to meet the TSG than the M and H groups. Step counts increased after goal assignment, but not more for one group than the other. Results of this research support the previous finding that women with low baseline step counts are unlikely to meet a TSG, but a TSG does not result in lower step counts than a PSG.
Late development of a gigantic aneurysm of the neoaorta after Norwood palliation.

A 15-year-old boy with double inlet left ventricle and hypoplastic aortic arch had previously undergone a Norwood procedure, bidirectional Glenn anastomosis, and fenestrated lateral tunnel Fontan procedure in early childhood. At age 12, magnetic resonance imaging showed that the transverse arch maximal diameter was approximately 5 cm. He was asymptomatic, and the decision was made to follow him up clinically. Subsequent echocardiograms showed stable dimensions. Nine months after his last clinic visit, he presented with acute onset of cough and chest pain; imaging revealed a gigantic neoaortic aneurysm, extending from a regurgitant neoaortic valve to the descending aorta at the level of the carina. The aneurysm measured 17 cm, compressed the left mainstem bronchus and left atrium (arrows), and was delineated with computed tomography angiography (Figs 1A, 1B and Video). By use of circulatory arrest, the aneurysm was replaced with a 20-mm Dacron graft, with reimplantation of the
Composing web APIs: state of the art and mobile implications (tutorial)

The aim of the tutorial is to make early and experienced researchers aware of the Web Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) technology area in general and composing them in particular. This area offers a rich avenue for applying mobile (e.g., location-based, energy-efficiency), software (rapid prototyping, quality-of-service, life cycle) and AI techniques (e.g., planning, semantics, knowledge representation, logic, trust, learning and agents). We aim to provide an insightful overview and whet the audiences’ interest to undertake new efforts in building useful (mobile) applications for fun and profit and push the art on important open issues.
A unique experiential model for teaching network administration

We have moved from teaching networking in a purely theoretical manner using lecture and paper exercises to a lab-based approach. This serves to illustrate and reinforce the theory imparted to the students in lecture and through readings. But not all lab teaching models are created equal. In the introductory course the model used is one of very specific guidance in the performance of the lab experiments. The students then observe the results and collect the data, which they use to answer very specific questions. This lab model is very structured and all facets of the lab experience are designed to reinforce the student's understanding of the given subject matter.As the students move to their junior/senior level course work in network administration the model changes to provide more room for independent discovery. For each topic a series of questions are posed to the students. For each question they must do some research and then design an experiment that they believe will help them answer the question. They must perform the experiment as well as collect the data. They must then answer the original question posed using the results of their experiment and their data as supporting evidence. The learning experience in this model goes far beyond factual understanding.This paper will discuss each of these models, how they differ, how each one enhances student learning, why each one works, and the structure of the lab environment and the tools that support these two learning models.
Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL in Peroxide-Resistant A549 and U87MG Cells

Abstract Overexpression of the bcl-2 and the related bcl-x L protooncogene proteins enhance cell survival by inhibiting apoptosis induced by many agents including oxidants. Whether these proteins contribute to survival in oxidant-resistant cells is not known. The current study assessed the expression of bcl-2 and bcl-x L proteins in human glioblastoma U87MG cells and human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells selected for resistance to 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μM H 2 O 2 by exposure to this oxidant one time each passage for 9 months. When examined 7 to 32 days after cessation of peroxide exposure (times when peroxide resistance was maintained), bcl-2 protein levels were significantly increased in most peroxide-resistant U87MG cells. However, the increase was not dose dependent and was not accompanied by an increase in mRNA levels. A549 cells did not express significant levels of bcl-2 protein, although bcl-2 mRNA was detectable. A549 cells expressed large amounts of bcl-x L and immunohistochemistry demonstrated extensive localization of this protein around the nucleus. However, expression of this protein was not altered in peroxide-resistant lines nor was bcl-2 protein increased to a measurable level. U87MG cells also expressed bcl-x L but it was not altered in peroxide-resistant cells. Although the increased bcl-2 protein in peroxide-resistant U87MG cells may contribute to their oxidant tolerance, the lack of a dose–response relationship, the failure to induce bcl-x L protein, and the absence of any bcl-2 or bcl-x L protein induction in peroxide-resistant A549 cells suggest these genes are not primary factors in oxidant resistance.
Running performance has a structural basis.

SUMMARY The body sizes of highly adapted human and other mammalian runners vary in accordance with specific performance needs. Sprint specialists are relatively massive and muscular while endurance specialists are conspicuously limited both in body and in muscle mass. We hypothesized that the greater body masses of faster specialists are directly related to the greater ground support forces required to attain faster running speeds. Using human runners as a test case, we obtained mean values for body mass, stature and racing speed for the world9s fastest 45 male and female specialists, respectively, over the past 14 years (1990–2003) at each of eight standard track racing distances from 100 to 10,000 m. Mass-specific ground support force requirements were estimated from racing speeds using generalized support force–speed relationships derived from 18 athletic subjects. We find a single relationship between mass, stature and event-specific ground support force requirements that spans the entire continuum of specializations and applies both to male and to female runners [body mass (kg)=mass-specific support force × stature 2 (m) × a constant; N =16 group means, R 2 =0.97; where the ideal mass constant, D=10 kg m –2 ]. We conclude that running performance has a common structural basis.
Effect of pretreatment with bovine somatotropin (bST) and/or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on conception rate of dairy cows with ovarian cysts subjected to synchronization of ovulation and timed insemination.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effect of pretreatment with bovine somatotropin (bST) and/or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) 7 days prior to initiation of a protocol for synchronization of ovulation and timed insemination (Ovsynch) on conception rate (CR) of cows with ovarian cysts. A total of 254 lactating dairy cows with ovarian cysts was divided into four groups (Day 0). On Day 0, cows in Group 1 ( n =61) were pretreated with 500mg bST, s.q., and 100μg GnRH, i.m.; cows in Group 2 ( n =73) were pretreated with 100μg GnRH, i.m.; cows in Group 3 ( n =59) were pretreated with 500mg bST, s.q.; and cows in Group 4 ( n =61) received no pretreatment. All cows were subjected to the Ovsynch protocol 7 days later. All cows previously received routine bST treatment every 14 days until milk production decreased to a minimum level established by the management of the herd. CR was assessed using logistic regression after adjusting for timing of concurrent bST treatment relative to Day 0, parity, season at time of insemination, and days in milk (DIM) on Day 0. CR for cows in Group 3 (12%) was significantly lower ( P P
Differentiation‐dependent association of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase with the chromatin of osteoblast‐related genes

The ERK/MAP kinase pathway is an important regulator of gene expression and differentiation in postmitotic cells. To understand how this pathway controls gene expression in bone, we examined the subnuclear localization of P-ERK in differentiating osteoblasts. Induction of differentiation was accompanied by increased ERK phosphorylation and expression of osteoblast-related genes, including osteocalcin (Bglap2) and bone sialoprotein (Ibsp). Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that P-ERK colocalized with the RUNX2 transcription factor in the nuclei of differentiating cells. Interestingly, a portion of this nuclear P-ERK was directly bound to the proximal promoter regions of Bglap2 and Ibsp. Furthermore, the level of P-ERK binding to chromatin increased with differentiation, whereas RUNX2 binding remained relatively constant. The P-ERK-chromatin interaction was seen only in RUNX2-positive cells, required intact RUNX2-selective enhancer sequences, and was blocked with MAPK inhibition. These studies show for the first time that RUNX2 specifically targets P-ERK to the chromatin of osteoblast-related genes, where it may phosphorylate multiple substrates, including RUNX2, resulting in altered chromatin structure and gene expression. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Barriers to eye care among people aged 40 years and older with diagnosed diabetes, 2006-2010

OBJECTIVE We examine barriers to receiving recommended eye care among people aged ≥40 years with diagnosed diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We analyzed 2006–2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 22 states ( n = 27,699). Respondents who had not sought eye care in the preceding 12 months were asked the main reason why. We categorized the reasons as cost/lack of insurance, no need, no eye doctor/travel/appointment, and other (meaning everything else). We used multinomial logistic regression to control for race/ethnicity, education, income, and other selected covariates. RESULTS Among adults with diagnosed diabetes, nonadherence to the recommended annual eye examinations was 23.5%. The most commonly reported reasons for not receiving eye care in the preceding 12 months were “no need” and “cost or lack of insurance” (39.7 and 32.3%, respectively). Other reasons were “no eye doctor,” “no transportation” or “could not get appointment” (6.4%), and “other” (21.5%). After controlling for covariates, adults aged 40–64 years were more likely than those aged ≥65 years (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 2.79; 95% CI 2.01–3.89) and women were more likely than men (RRR = 2.33; 95% CI 1.75–3.14) to report “cost or lack of insurance” as their main reason. However, people aged 40–64 years were less likely than those aged ≥65 years to report “no need” (RRR = 0.51; 95% CI 0.39–0.67) as their main reason. CONCLUSIONS Addressing concerns about “cost or lack of insurance” for adults under 65 years and “no perceived need” among those 65 years and older could help improve eye care service utilization among people with diabetes.
Advances in Vascular Surgery

### Unruptured Aneurysms The first report of the International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms (ISUIA) cited very low rates of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) for previously unruptured aneurysms.1 Data were collected retrospectively. It was difficult to reconcile these rates with those reported from prior studies, with the known sizes of ruptured aneurysms and with clinical experience. Prior reports including prospective studies suggested that unruptured aneurysms carried a 1% to 2% risk of hemorrhage per year.2–4 The second report from the ISUIA prospectively enrolled 4060 patients with unruptured aneurysms.5 Of these, 1692 had no intervention for their aneurysm, 1917 had open surgery, and 451 had endovascular procedures. The rupture rates were more in agreement with prior studies (Table). Risk factors for SAH were increasing aneurysm size and aneurysm location at the basilar apex or posterior communicating artery. The risk of surgical repair increased significantly with increasing patient age, posterior circulation location of the aneurysm, history of ischemic cerebrovascular disease, and presence of symptoms from the aneurysm. Thirty-day mortality occurred in 1.5%, morbidity in 3%, poor cognitive function plus morbidity (a Rankin score of 3 to 5) in 4%, and overall total morbidity and mortality in 13%. The data indicate that the decision to treat a ruptured aneurysm needs to include a careful analysis of the patient, their risk factors for poor outcome, and the features of the aneurysm. Endovascular treatment is an option, although overall complete obliteration rates were only about 50% in this study, and risk of treatment was similar to but lower than with surgery, although the groups were not randomized to treatment and are thus not comparable. View this table: Aneurysm Rupture Rates in the International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms The findings of the initial results of ISUIA that were at variance with prior assumptions about unruptured aneurysms prompted an exhaustive …
On closed string tachyon dynamics

We study the condensation of closed-string tachyons as a time-dependent process. In particular, we study tachyons whose wave functions are either space-filling or localized in a compact space, and whose masses are small in string units; our analysis is otherwise general and does not depend on any specific model. Using world-sheet methods, we calculate the equations of motion for the coupled tachyon-dilaton system, and show that the tachyon follows geodesic motion with respect to the Zamolodchikov metric, subject to a force proportional to its beta function and friction proportional to the time derivative of the dilaton. We study the relationship between world-sheet RG flow and the solutions to our equations, finding a close relationship in the case that the spatial theory is supercritical and the dilaton has a negative time derivative.
Pheromone learning for self-organizing agents

A central issue in distributed systems engineering is enabling agents with only a local view of their environment to take actions that advance global system objectives. One example of this tension is that individual agents may take actions that consume system resources, even when they are not advancing the overall system objectives. Thus, paradoxically, system performance can sometimes improve if individual agents reduce their activity. Agents in such systems need a way to modulate their individual behavior in the light of the system's state, preferably in a way that does not require centralized control. We illustrate the problem of hyperactive agents in three application domains. We describe a simple, decentralized scheme, inspired by insect pheromones, that enables individual agents to adjust their level of activity as the system operates, and extend this mechanism to provide a general approach for dealing with approaching deadlines. Then, we demonstrate the effectiveness of these mechanisms in the example domains.
Concordance of Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia and Phenothiazine-Induced Prolactin Secretion in Man

Abstract Highly variable pituitary PRL responses have been reported after insulin-induced hypoglycemia in normal subjects. Thus, insulin hypoglycemia has not been widely utilized to ascertain hypothalamic-pituitary PRL reserve. To determine the clinical usefulness of measuring hypoglycemia-induced PRL secretion, serum PRL concentrations after standard insulin tolerance tests were compared to those after phenothiazine (perphenazine) administration in 12 normal subjects and in 24 euprolactinemic patients evaluated for possible hypothalamic-pituitary disorders. In normal subjects, mean PRL levels rose from 12.6 ± 1.0 to 42.6 ± 6.6 (1 SEM) ng/ml after insulin hypoglycemia and from 13.3 ± 1.7 to 52.2 ± 8.4 ng/ml after perphenazine ingestion. The mean maximum increment in PRL was 30.1 ± 6.7 ng/ml after hypoglycemia and 38.9 ± 8.8 ng/ml after perphenazine administration. In the 24 patients evaluated for hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, mean PRL concentration rose from 9.6 ± 1.3 to 32.0 ± 5.5 ng/ml after insul...
Immortalization eliminates a roadblock during cellular reprogramming into iPS cells

The overexpression of defined transcription factors in somatic cellsresultsintheirreprogrammingintoinducedpluripotentstem (iPS) cells 1–3 . The extremely low efficiency and slow kinetics of in vitro reprogramming suggest that further rare events are required to generate iPS cells. The nature and identity of these events, however, remain elusive. We noticed that the reprogramming potential of primary murine fibroblasts into iPS cells decreases after serial passaging and the concomitant onset of senescence. Consistent with the notion that loss of replicative potential providesabarrierforreprogramming,hereweshowthatcellswith
Acceleration Performance of Rainbow Trout Salmo Gairdneri and Green Sunfish Lepomis Cyanellus

High unsteady (acceleration) performance of rainbow trout ( L = 14.3 cm) and green sunfish ( L = 8.0 cm) was studied in response to electric shock stimulus. Acceleration movements were divisible into a preparatory stage 1 and a main propulsive stage 2. Locomotory behaviour varied between faststarts and turning manoeuvres. Taking the centre of mass for the stretched straight body as the reference point, distance covered with time was described by the equation; distance covered = a . (time)b. The mean value of b was 1.60 for trout and 1.71 for sunfish. The overall mean distance covered and time to the end of stage 2 was 5.36 cm in 0.078 sec for trout and 2.85 cm in 0.079 sec for sunfish. Velocity increased curvilinearly with time. Maximum values of 20 L /sec were observed, but overall mean values at the end of stage 2 were 8.5 L /sec for trout and 8.3 L /sec for sunfish. Acceleration rate was not uniform but decreased with time. Mean maximum values were calculated of 42 m/s2 for trout and 16 m/s2 for sunfish, but overall mean values for an acceleration movement were 13 m/s2 and 8 m/s2 for the two species respectively. The observed acceleration behaviour is more advantageous than uniform acceleration because a greater distance is covered and greater velocities acquired in a shorter time, while the increased energetic cost is only 2–3 % of the total energy expended.