cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Model-Based Design of Dependability

Distributed systems are notoriously subject to complex faults, of which some are unanticipated. Towards dealing with the problem of unanticipated faults, we describe in this paper a model-based approach to the design of dependability. By exploiting models, i.e. abstract descriptions of systems, our approach offers a potentially low-cost alternative to handling rare faults in a case-by-case manner, while allowing common faults to be handled individually. We illustrate the model-based approach with two case-studies: one concerning a home-network lookup service and the other an X10 powerline network.
State Intervention/State Action - A U.S. Perspective

This article discusses the importance of developing a comprehensive competition policy, which addresses both private and public restraints of trade. The first section discusses the importance of devoting substantial resources to opposing public restraints. If one creates a system in which private price fixing results in a jail sentence, but accomplishing the same objective through government regulation is always legal, one has not completely addressed the competitive problem, but has simply dictated the form that it will take. Second, the article emphasizes the need to use a multi-faceted strategy that invokes a broad range of policy instruments. For example, the FTC has used the full range of its tools, including competition advocacy, amicus briefs, and litigation - to address the problem of public restraint in the U.S., devoting particular attention to competition advocacy and litigation. Regarding competition advocacy, this section describes the successes the FTC has had in combating anticompetitive professional licensing, advertising restrictions, and barriers to e-commerce. Regarding litigation, it outlines the work of the FTC's State Action Task Force and the Commission's efforts to implement the recommendations of the Task Force Report through the South Carolina Board of Dentistry case and a series of cases involving intrastate household goods movers. The third section underscores the need for competition agencies to build new institutional relationships with other government bodies whose decisions involve the competitive process. For example, the U.S. is striving to emulate the success of the European Commission's campaign against government intervention in the economy. It concludes with the observation that, though the multiplicity of competition policy regimes presents significant difficulties, it also presents an extraordinary opportunity to learn from comparative study.
Development of a long-pulse (30-s), high-energy (120-keV) ion source for neutral-beam applications

Multimegawatt neutral beams of hydrogen or deuterium atoms are needed for fusion machine applications such as MFTB-B, TFTR-U, DIII-U, and FED (INTOR or ETR). For these applications, a duoPIGatron ion source is being developed to produce high-brightness deuterium beams at a beam energy of approx. 120 keV for pulse lengths up to 30 s. A long-pulse plasma generator with active water cooling has been operated at an arc level of 1200 A with 30-s pulse durations. The plasma density and uniformity are sufficient for supplying a 60-A beam of hydrogen ions to a 13- by 43-cm accelerator. A 10- by 25-cm tetrode accelerator has been operated to form 120-keV hydrogen ion beams. Using the two-dimensional (2-D) ion extraction code developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a 13- by 43-cm tetrode accelerator has been designed and is being fabricated. The aperture shapes of accelerator grids are optimized for 120-keV beam energy.
Some remarks on the operator of Foias and Williams

In this paper we study the Foias-Williams operator T (y = S Hg where g e L', and Hg is a Hankel operator with symbol g. We exhibit a relationship between the similarity of T(Hg) to a contraction and the rate of decay of {I g I `0 the absolute values of the Fourier coefficients of the symbol 9. Let XH denote a complex Hilbert space and let L(X) denote the algebra of all bounded linear operators on X. Recall that an operator T in L(X) is said to be polynomially bounded if there exists an M > 1 such that 11p(T)11 < Msup{1p((): I:( = 1} for all polynomials p. We denote the class of all polynomially bounded operators by (PB). Also, an operator T is similar to a contraction (notation: T e(SC)) if there exists a bounded invertible operator L such that 11LTL-11 < 1. Halmos [4] raised the question whether every polynomially bounded operator is similar to a contraction; this question is still open. While there is a number of results dealing with sufficient conditions for a polynomially bounded operator to be similar to a contraction (cf. [9], [6], [5]), there are very few publications dedicated to the search for a counterexample. In [3] (see also [2]) Foias and Williams have studied the operators of the form T(X) = s* x) acting on H2 e H2, the direct orthogonal sum of two copies of the Hardy space H2 (to be defined below). Here S is a forward unilateral shift on H2 and X E L(H2). In particular, they conjectured that there exists a Hankel operator Hg with symbol g (to be defined below) such that the operator T(Hg) E (PB) \ (SC). In this paper we continue this line of investigation and we show that the membership in the aforementioned classes depends on the rate at which the sequence {gn}nEN0 of the Fourier coefficients of g tends to 0. Before stating the main results, however, we briefly introduce some notation and terminology. As usual N [resp., NO] denotes the set of positive [resp., non-negative] Received by the editors March 21, 1995. 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 47A20; Secondary 47B35.
Exploiting the ordering of observed problem-solving steps for knowledge base refinement: an apprenticeship approach

Apprenticeship is a powerful method of learning among humans whereby a student refines his knowledge simply by observing and analyzing the problem-solving steps taken by an expert. This paper focuses on knowledge base (KB) refinement for classification problems and examines how the ordering of the problem-solving steps taken by an observed expert can be used to yield leverage in KB refinement. Questions examined include: What added information can be extracted from attribute ordering? How can this added information be utilized to identify and repair KB shortcomings? What assumptions must be made about the observed expert, and how important of a role do these assumptions play? The principles explored have been implemented in the SKIPPER apprentice, and empirical results are given for the audiology domain.
Research skills and STEM undergraduate research students' aspirations for research careers: Mediating effects of research self‐efficacy

Positive student outcomes of undergraduate research experiences (UREs) have been well documented, however, many studies have neglected the logical relationship among outcomes, the processes through which they are achieved, and the contextual and participant factors at play in UREs. This study uses structural equation modeling to explore these issues in a URE program. The study tested a hypothesized model of the mediating effect of participant research self-efficacy on the relationship between their research skills and desire to persist in science. Results indicate that research skills and research self-efficacy predict student aspirations for research careers, and that the effects of research skills are partially mediated through self-efficacy beliefs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 50: 940–951, 2013
National Goals, Social Mobility and Personal Aspirations: Students in Mali

RESUMEEsperant se transformer economiquement dans un sens socialiste, le Mali, une des nations les plus pauvres d'Afrique, a essaye d'utiliser l'institution scolaire pour former des attitudes compatibles avec l'investissement humain, a l'exclusion de l'ambition personnelle des etudiants. Le cas du Mali est compare a celui de la Cote-d'Ivoire, un pays plus riche, non socialiste, qui demande moins du systeme scolaire, mais qui offre plus d'occasions de succes dans l'education ainsi que dans le secteur economique.Les resultats d'une enquete sur un echantillon de lyceens en 1964 suggerent qu'en fait les couches sociales plus elevees etaient surrepresentees parmi les lyceens maliens, et que la selection au niveau secondaire etait encore plus inequitable que celle de la Cote-d'Ivoire. Contrairement aux vœux du regime, et malgre l'orientation du programme scolaire, ils aspiraient aux professions ou aux postes administratifs les plus eleves, rejetant le travail dans l'agriculture et tout autre travail manuel en f...
Dawkins's Dangerous Ideas

Richard Dawkins . How a Scientist Changed the Way We Think. Alan Grafen and Mark Ridley, Eds. . Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2006. 297 pp. $25, £12.99. ISBN 0-19-929116-0. The authors discuss Richard Dawkins's contributions to controversies such as selfish genes, memes, human behavior, and the relations between science and religion.
Tycoon: A Market-Based Resource Allocation System

P2P clusters like the Grid and PlanetLab enable, in principle, the same statistical multiplexing efficiency gains for computing as the Internet provides for networking. The key unsolved problem is resource allocation. Existing solutions are not economically efficient and require high latency to acquire resources. We designed and implemented Tycoon, a market-based distributed resource allocation system based on an Auction Share scheduling algorithm. Preliminary results show that Tycoon achieves low latency and high fairness while providing incentives for truth-telling on the part of strategic users.
Regulation of atrial natriuretic factor secretion and expression in the ovine fetus

The cardiac hormone atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is present in the fetal circulation at high concentrations and exceeds that in the maternal circulation. Administration of exogenous ANF into the near-term ovine fetus lowers arterial pressure and reduces blood volume. The fetal kidney responds to ANF with a diuresis and natriuresis. The physiological stimuli which modulate ANF secretion in the fetus include vascular volume expansion, hyperosmolality and hypoxia, with hypoxia being the most potent stimulus. In addition, endothelin administration into the fetus increases plasma ANF concentrations. The fetal atria appears to be the primary site of ANF synthesis, although the ventricles also produce ANF. The expression of ANF peptide and its messenger RNA in the fetal atria and ventricles demonstrate a developmental pattern. Thus, the secretion of ANF may be mediated by factors such as endothelin and may be augmented by stimuli such as hypoxia which acts through induction of cardiac ANF gene expression.
Percutaneous revascularization of ostial saphenous vein graft stenoses

Objectives. This study sought to evaluate the short-term results and long-term outcome of percutaneous revascularization of ostial saphenous vein graft stenoses in a large patient series. Background. Previous studies have demonstrated that the results of balloon angioplasty for native coronary ostial stenoses are significantly worse than those for nonostial lesions. However, it is controversial whether interventions in patients with ostial saphenous vein grafts carry a similar prognosis. Methods. We identified 68 consecutive patients with ostial (group I) and 72 consecutive patients with proximal, nonostial (group II) saphenous vein graft stenoses who underwent percutaneous angioplasty or directional atherectomy for a single new stenosis at the Cleveland Clinic between 1986 and 1992. Results. Success was achieved in 61 patients (89.7%) in group I and 64 (88.9%) in group II (p = 0.88). There were no differences in major procedural complications (death, Q wave infarction and bypass surgery) between the two groups. At a mean (±SD) follow-up of 23 ± 17 months, 36 patients (64%) in group I had one or more adverse events (death, infarction, repeat coronary revascularization or cardiac-related hospital admission) compared with 34 patients (58%) in group II (p = 0.87). Twenty-eight patients (50%) were angina free in group I compared with 33 (56%) in group II (p = 0.65). During the follow-up period in group I, 7 patients died (13%), 10 had a myocardial infarction (18%), 11 had repeat bypass surgery (20%), 8 had repeat percutaneous interventions (14%), and 30 had one or more cardiac-related hospital admissions (54%). The incidence of these events was similar in group II except for a slightly higher incidence of myocardial infarction: 6 patients died (10%), 3 had a myocardial infarction (5%), 12 had repeat bypass surgery (20%), 12 had repeat percutaneous interventions (20%), and 26 had one or more cardiac-related hospital admissions (44%). Conclusions. Unlike ostial native coronary disease, the clinical, procedural and follow-up profile of ostial saphenous vein graft revascularization is not significantly worse than proximal nonostial disease. This finding may be related to the overall suboptimal results of percutaneous revascularization in saphenous vein grafts compared with native coronary arteries or to the unfavorable intrinsic properties of ostial native coronary arteries compared with ostial vein grafts.
A note on exchangeability of random variables

A sufficient condition for the induced exchangeability or partial exchangeability of linear functions of exchangeable random variables is presented. The use of this result is illustrated through the establishment of conditional exchangeability for two sets of dependent random variables that are important in constructing conditionally distribution–free test procedures for two distinctly different problems.
Resonant Soft X-Ray Photofragmentation of Propane

Abstract A comparison was made between the mass spectra of propane (CH 3 CH 2 CH 3 ) for resonant soft X-ray photofragmentation and for electron-impact ionization. The soft X-ray photon energy was tuned to 287.7 eV to promote Auger relaxations from the C–H bonds (1s→C–H σ ∗ transition). It was hypothesized that this would lead to proton loss without C–C chain fragmentation. Compared to traditional 70 eV electron-impact ionization, photoionization does bias the mass spectrum toward proton loss; however, residual vibrational energy in the room temperature propane leads to a non-trivial amount of C–C bond scission. The resonant soft X-ray photofragmentation is dominated by three-carbon ions between 38 and 40 u created by the loss of hydrogen while the electron-impact ionization is dominated by a major peak at 29 u corresponding to the two-carbon ion C 2 H 5 + . Within each envelope of three-, two-, or single-carbon ions the core-level photoionization spectrum showed a bias toward enhanced multiple hydrogen removal compared to the electron-stimulated spectrum.
ANTI-D TREATMENT FOR (ITP) OF CHILDHOOD. |[dagger]| 956

WinRho-SD (anti-D) was recently licensed for the treatment of ITP. We report the results of anti-D therapy of 104 non-splenectomized, HIV negative children with acute (n=43) and chronic (n=61) ITP, treated at NY Hospital from 1987 to 1994. The mean platelet increase (plt incr) following the first infusion for all 104 pts was 120 × 103/ul (120k) with a median of 82k; the overall response rate (% of pts with plt incr >20k) was 83%. None of 4 variables (pre-treatment plt ct, duration of ITP, dose of anti-D, and gender) had any effect on response. There was a mean plt incr of 117k when the pre-treatment plt ct was 14 days in 73% of responders. Table 35 pts received 3 consecutive infusions and the response rates were 100%, 89% and 80% respectively. 7 responding pts received > 10 anti-D infusions as maintenance therapy with a response rate of 94%. The mean hemoglobin decrease was 0.9 gm/dl. No variable had a significant effect on hemolysis. Anti-D is an efficacious and safe therapy for children with ITP. Its ease of administration and lack of tachyphylaxis make IV anti-D optimal for maintenance.
Kappa opioid mediated locomotor activity in the preweanling rat: role of pre- and postsynaptic dopamine receptors.

Treatment with a non-selective DA receptor agonist (i.e., NPA) has previously been shown to attenuate the kappa opioid mediated locomotor activity of preweanling rats. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether stimulation of D1-like or D2-like receptors is responsible for this behavioral effect and whether the critical DA receptors are located pre- or postsynaptically. To assess these questions, 17-day-old rats were injected with saline, the D2/D3 agonist quinpirole (0.1, 0.3, or 1.0 mg/kg, IP), or the D1 agonist SKF 38393 (7.5, 15, or 30 mg/kg, IP), 20 min after receiving the kappa opioid agonist U-50,488 (5 mg/kg, SC) or saline. Results showed that the locomotor activating effects of U-50,488 were blocked by the D2/D3, but not the D1, receptor agonist. To dissociate the effects of DA autoreceptors and postsynaptic receptors, 17-day-old rats were given α-methyl-dl-p-tyrosine (AMPT reduces endogenous DA stores) prior to U-50,488 or amphetamine (1.5 mg/kg, SC) treatment. Interestingly, AMPT (which reduced DA levels by more than 80%) fully attenuated amphetamine-induced locomotor activity, while having little effect on U-50,488-induced locomotion. In addition, quinpirole blocked the locomotor activating effects of U-50,488 in rats acutely depleted of DA. When considered together, these results indicate that kappa opioid stimulation enhances locomotor activity regardless of presynaptic DA levels. Similarly, quinpirole appears to attenuate U-50,488-induced locomotor activity by stimulating postsynaptic D2-like receptors, since the D2/D3 agonist inhibited kappa opioid mediated behavior independent of endogenous DA levels.
Cryosurgical and thermal monitoring system for management of malignancy

A comprehensive evaluation of the major aspects of cryosurgery has been explored in this preliminary study. A thermal monitoring system has been used concomitantly with cryosurgery, and characteristic freezing pattern differences between normal and malignant tissue have been demonstrated. Morphologic examination of the sections from the control and experimental animals subjected to cryosurgery has been valuable to demonstrate consistent tissue damage. This study has also shown the feasibility of implementing a thermodynamic mathematical model to establish the basis for clinical application of cryosurgery on a more rational therapeutic basis.
Frictional Effects in Four-Point Bending

In testing high strength, elastic materials by the four-point bending method, large deflections can occur. Under these conditions the relationship between load and deflection becomes nonlinear and analyses of results based on simple beam theory may lead to serious errors. Furthermore, friction between the test piece and supports can have an important effect on the results. A numerical analysis is presented which takes into consideration both the nonlinear and frictional effects. The analysis shows that frictional forces can become significant at large deflections and cause an increase in the measured strength. Experimental evidence is given to support these analytical results. Presented at the 29th Annual Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, April 28–May 2, 1974
FORWARD DISPLACEMENT ANALYSIS OF GENERAL SIX-IN-PARALLEL SPS (STEWART) PLATFORM MANIPULATORS USING SOMA COORDINATES

Abstract General six-in-parallel SPS platform manipulators are constructed of six telescoping legs, each connecting a stationary base platform to a moving platform via spherical joints. These are often termed “generalized Stewaart platforms”. given the legnths of teh six legs, teh forward displacement problem is to find the location of the end platform relative to the base platform. It was first demonstrated numerically that the problem may in general have at most 40 nonsingular solutions and this bound has been verified using several different mathematical arguments. The problem is reformulated in this report using a classical representation of rigid-body displacements: Study's soma coordinates, or equivalently, dual quaternions. This provides a much simpler analytical proof of the upper bound of 40. Moreover, the simple form of the equations may be useful in further studies of the problem.
A Highly Selective Synthesis of a Chiral Gamma-amino Trisubstituted Z-Vinyl Ester.1

Abstract Application of the Clark Still trifluorethyl phosphonate varient of the Wadsworth-Emmons reaction with a chiral alpha-amino aldehyde results in the highly selective synthesis of a trisubstituted Z-vinyl ester.
Determination of epinephrine in the presence of degradation products.

The chemistry of the presently official method of analysis for epinehrine has been closely examined. Results show that the official procedure may lead to formation of other acetylation products in addition to the expected triacetylepinephrine (TAE). Evidence is also offered showing that some oxidation products are acetylated and extracted. A modification is proposed based on chromatographic isolation of TAE in place of the time-consuming extraction step and close control of the acetylation step. Results of a comparative study of four possible assay methods for epinephrine are also presented.
Evaluation of a second-generation portable blood lead analyzer in an occupational setting.

Background A new blood lead testing instrument has qualities that make the instrument attractive for on-site testing of occupational lead exposures. This study evaluated the accuracy of the instrument when used in a manufacturing setting, and examined the impact of blood storage and shipment on results. Methods Venous blood specimens (n = 121) were obtained and immediately analyzed on-site using the new instrument. They were then shipped to a reference laboratory and analyzed using electro-thermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS), and retested using the new instrument. Results The cohort blood lead concentration averaged 40.1 µg/dl. Results obtained on the new analyzer with freshly collected blood averaged 38.7 µg/dl. The mean difference of 1.2 µg/dl on paired samples was not statistically significant. Following blood shipment and storage, results on the analyzer increased to an average of 42.4 µg/dl. The mean increase of 3.0 µg/dl on stored blood samples also failed to reach statistical significance. Under OSHA proficiency test acceptability requirements, 94% of the results had satisfactory agreement. Conclusions The new analyzer might be a useful tool for on-site monitoring of occupational lead exposures. The manufacturer's instructions should be adhered to with respect to specimen age and storage requirements. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:1018–1024, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Meiotic gene conversion and crossing over: Their relationship to each other and to chromosome synapsis and segregation

The yeast mer1 mutant produces inviable spores and is defective in both meiotic recombination and chromosome pairing. A gene called MER2 partially suppresses the mer1 phenotype when present in high copy number. Both gene conversion and chromosome pairing are completely restored in mer1 strains overexpressing MER2; however, reciprocal crossing over and spore viability are not restored. The data presented are consistent with a model in which chromosome pairing is a direct consequence of a homology search mediated through gene conversion. Analysis of random viable spores indicates that the crossovers that occur in mer1 strains overexpressing MER2 are more effective in ensuring meiosis I disjunction than those that occur in mer1 strains. One interpretation of this result is that only those crossovers that occur in the context of the synaptonemal complex lead to the establishment of functional chiasmata. The MER2 gene product is essential for meiosis.
Effects of cyclooxygenase inhibition on the response to group B streptococcal toxin in sheep.

Effects of Cyclooxygenase Inhibition on the Response to Group B Streptococcal Toxin in Sheep
Is Network Coding Always Good for Cooperative Communications

Network coding (NC) is a promising approach to reduce time-slot overhead for cooperative communications (CC) in a multi-session environment. Most of the existing works take advantage of the benefits of NC in CC but do not fully recognize its potential adverse effect. In this paper, we show that employing NC may not always benefit CC. We substantiate this important finding in the context of analog network coding (ANC) and amplify-and-forward (AF) CC. This paper, for the first time, introduces an important concept of network coding noise (NC noise). Specifically, we analyze the signal aggregation at a relay node and signal extraction at a destination node. We then use the analysis to derive a closed-form expression for NC noise at each destination node in a multi-session environment. We show that NC noise can diminish the advantage of NC in CC. Our results formalizes an important concept on using NC in CC.
Optimal on–off control of refrigerated transport systems

Abstract This paper presents a hysteretic on–off control scheme with optimization algorithms for temperature regulation in refrigerated transport systems. A nonlinear dynamic refrigerated transport system model, which consists of a refrigeration unit and a cargo space, is developed. The model serves as an analytical tool for control design. An optimal on–off control strategy is developed based on the time domain analysis of the temperature oscillations. A cost function involving temperature variations from the set-point, energy consumption and average compressor on–off cycling frequency is introduced for minimization. Choices of weighting values in the cost function give the flexibility of the control approach to meet different requirements. Simulation examples are presented that demonstrate the ability and robustness of the proposed method in achieving tighter temperature regulation and higher system efficiency control in transport refrigeration systems. The simulations are augmented by experimental validation via a novel hardware-in-the-loop load emulation approach.
Modeling and testing strain rate-dependent compressive strength of carbon/epoxy composites

Abstract A technique for testing high modulus fiber-reinforced composites in compression at different strain rates is investigated. The rate-dependent compressive behavior of unidirectional AS4/3501-6 carbon/epoxy composite is characterized by using off-axis specimens. It is found that, in the compression test, a titanium coating applied at the contact ends of the off-axis specimen can greatly reduce contact frictions, allowing a fully developed extension–shear coupling so that a state of uniform stress in the specimen can be achieved. A rate-dependent nonlinear constitutive model and a dynamic compressive strength model (fiber microbuckling model) for the unidirectional AS4/3501-6 composite are established based on the low strain rate off-axis test data. Model predictions and experimental data including high strain rate data are in very good agreement indicating that the constitutive model and compressive strength model obtained with low strain rate data are valid for high strain rates as well. A technique is also developed to extract the longitudinal compressive strength of the composite from those of the off-axis specimens.
Multi-resolution contour-based fitting of macromolecular structures

A novel contour-based matching criterion is presented for the quantitative docking of high-resolution structures of components into low-resolution maps of macromolecular complexes. The proposed Laplacian filter is combined with a six-dimensional search using fast Fourier transforms to rapidly scan the rigid-body degrees of freedom of a probe molecule relative to a fixed target density map. A comparison of the docking performance with the standard cross-correlation criterion demonstrates that contour matching with the Laplacian filter significantly extends the viable resolution range of correlation-based fitting to resolutions as low as 30 A. The gain in docking precision at medium to low resolution (15-30 A) is critical for image reconstructions from electron microscopy (EM). The new algorithm enables for the first time the reliable docking of smaller molecular components into EM densities of large biomolecular assemblies at such low resolutions. As an example of the practical effectiveness of contour-based fitting, a new pseudo-atomic model of a microtubule was constructed from a 20 A resolution EM map and from atomic structures of alpha and beta tubulin subunits.
Uprighting of a semi-impacted mandibular second molar with microimplant anchorage

Abstract A 13-year-old girl sought treatment for a semi-impacted mandibular second molar. The treatment choice selected was the use of a single microimplant placed in the retromolar area for distal force application followed by segmental mechanics to achieve final root angulation. After 9 months of treatment, correct second molar alignment and angulation was achieved without the need of full-arch fixed appliances.
Photoconductivity in single wall carbon nanotube sheets

In this paper we report for the first time, the photoconductivity of large area sheets of single wall carbon nanotube upon laser illumination. The photoconductivity exhibited an increase, decrease or even 'negative' values when the laser spot was on different positions between contact electrodes, showing a 'position' dependent effect of photoconductivity. Photon induced charge carrier generation in single wall carbon nanotubes and subsequent charge separation across the metal?carbon nanotube contacts is believed to cause the photoconductivity changes. A net photovoltage of ~10?mV and a photocurrent of ~1.6?mA were produced under the laser intensity of ~160?mW with a quantum efficiency of ~1.5% in vacuum. The effect of the contact area between the electrodes and nanotubes, ambient pressure, laser intensity and light pulse frequency on the photoconductivity is discussed.
Human Exploration using Real-Time Robotic Operations (HERRO): A space exploration strategy for the 21st century

Abstract This paper presents an exploration strategy for human missions beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and the Moon that combines the best features of human and robotic spaceflight. This “Human Exploration using Real-time Robotic Operations” (HERRO) strategy refrains from placing humans on the surfaces of the Moon and Mars in the near-term. Rather, it focuses on sending piloted spacecraft and crews into orbit around Mars and other exploration targets of interest, and conducting astronaut exploration of the surfaces using telerobots and remotely-controlled systems. By eliminating the significant communications delay or “latency” with Earth due to the speed of light limit, teleoperation provides scientists real-time control of rovers and other sophisticated instruments. This in effect gives them a “virtual presence” on planetary surfaces, and thus expands the scientific return at these destinations. HERRO mitigates several of the major issues that have hindered the progress of human spaceflight beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by: (1) broadening the range of destinations for near-term human missions; (2) reducing cost and risk through less complexity and fewer man-rated elements; (3) offering benefits of human-equivalent in-situ cognition, decision-making and field-work on planetary bodies; (4) providing a simpler approach to returning samples from Mars and planetary surfaces; and (5) facilitating opportunities for international collaboration through contribution of diverse robotic systems. HERRO provides a firm justification for human spaceflight—one that expands the near-term capabilities of scientific exploration while providing the space transportation infrastructure needed for eventual human landings in the future.
Trade-off analysis of perceived customer value: the case of a travel vacation club.

ABSTRACT Perceived value has been described as a tradeoff between customer sacrifice and the benefits received in return. However, conspicuously absent in the travel marketing literature is the examination of the actual tradeoff that prevails between the sacrifice and the returns. Using principal components factor analysis, the study first identified the underlying dimensions of perceived value of membership in a travel vacation club. Thereon, differences in perceived value dimensions were determined based on the primary motivations for membership. Results indicate significant differences in perceived value between the three motivations for membership initiation (convenience, packages offered, and monetary reasons). The findings of the study provide insights for market segmentation and tailored communications. Theoretical implications are also discussed.
Evidence for persistence of chloroplast markers in the heteroplasmic state in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

In the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, reciprocal crosses between strains carrying non-allelic chloroplast mutations to streptomycin dependence (sd-u) produce streptomycin sensitive (sd-u+) recombinant progeny. Transfer of these sd-u+progeny to streptomycin-containing medium results in a much higher frequency of recovery of streptomycin dependent isolates than expected by mutation. Failure to recover the more commonly encountered class of streptomycin resistant mutants also suggests that mutation is not responsible for appearance of the new dependent isolates. Backcrosses of these new sd-u isolates to strains carrying the original sd-u mutations demonstrate their allelism with the sd-u mutation contributed by the mt+parent. Earlier work by Schimmer and Arnold (1969, 1970a-d) indicated that newly isolated sensitive revertants of the streptomycin dependent mutant sd-u-3-18 also yielded high frequencies of sd-u cells but these were never analyzed genetically. We have now obtained new sd-u. isolates from streptomycin sensitive revertants of sd-u-318 and shown them all to be allelic with the original sd-u3-18 mutation. Thus “hidden” sd-u alleles can coexist with sd-u+alleles in heteroplasmic cells. These heteroplasmic cells are streptomycin sensitive in phenotype and may arise in crosses or from new mutation.
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AS A FUNCTION OF INBREEDING IN PRAIRIE VOLES (MICROTUS OCHROGASTER)

Most studies of inbreeding depression have confounded levels of inbreeding of parents with those of offspring. We used 4 experimental groups of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) in which both parents and offspring were noninbred, parents and offspring were inbred, or parents and offspring differed in their level of inbreeding. For each pair, we recorded latency to the production of the 1st litter, number of litters produced and number of young born in 120 days, litter weights from birth to weaning, and parental behavior. Noninbred parents produced more litters and young and showed shorter interlitter intervals than did inbred parents. Inbred offspring weighed less at birth and weaning. We found no significant differences in parental behaviors among groups. Our results demonstrate that inbreeding depression occurs in prairie voles, and that it may be influenced more by physiological changes in inbred parents or young than by behavioral deficiencies in inbred parents. However, larger sample sizes could reveal that parental behavior does have an effect.
Migration of Polystyrene Latex Particle Bands in Density-Gradient Electrophoresis.

Electrophoretic migration of sulfated polystyrene latex particle bands was investigated in a density-gradient electrophoresis apparatus. The bands spread with time, and their velocity was found to depend on particle concentration and to decrease during the initial stages of electrophoresis. A change in pH during electrophoresis occurred, and this change may have caused variations in band velocity.
Immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) in patients with cervical cancer.

Abstract Immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) serum levels were assayed in a group of 63 primary cervical cancer patients. IAP serum levels were significantly higher in cancer patients (median, 630 μg/ml; range, 290-1150) than in controls (median, 290 μg/ml; range, 135-775) ( P 613 μg/ml) cases was 50.7%. SCC serum levels were found to be above 2.5 ng/ml in 73% of cervical cancer patients, and in 6% of controls. A statistically significant correlation was observed between IAP and SCC levels in cancer patients ( r = 0.35, P P = 0.036). In the univariate analysis, advanced stage of disease, clinical parametrial involvement, and lymph node involvement were also associated with poor survival. In the multivariate analysis IAP status showed a statistically significant association with poor survival ( P = 0.049), together with lymph node involvement ( P = 0.007) and advanced stage of disease ( P = 0.008).
The use of remote sensing and modelling to detect small-dam influences on land-use changes along downstream riparian zones

Abstract A land-use change detection analysis was performed on a headwater basin to assess the influence of floodwater control structures on riparian zone development over a ∼30 year period (1973–2001). Multitemporal satellite datasets were used to compare vegetation and leaf area index (LAI) changes in the riparian zones of 33 impounded reaches to 33 non-impounded reaches within this basin. Results showed a significant increase in woody vegetation for both groups, but a compositional shift toward more riparian species along the reaches downstream of dams (6% in 1973 and 39% by 2001). LAI over the ∼30 yr period increased significantly along impounded streams, and indicates potentially wetter soils along bank environments for these reaches. Stream water discharges for a typical 2 yr flood event were analyzed using the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) software, simulating with and without-dams scenarios to compare total recession-flow differences. Flow-recession discharge from dam totals were generally greater than non-dammed stream scenarios because of increased water residence time from prolonged outflow. The average annual basinwide water budget showed the dams increase groundwater recharge, deep aquifer recharge, and revaporation to the soil layers.
Exploring Juror's Listening Processes: The Effect of Listening Style Preference on Juror Decision Making

Abstract Previous research in juror decision making has only indirectly addressed the effect of listening on juror decision making. This exploratory study examines the relationship between listening style preference and jurors' assignment of negligence and damages. Utilizing the case of a failed savings and loan, results of correlation analyses indicate that participants with a people-oriented listening style tend to find the plaintiffs less at fault, while jurors who are time-oriented listeners tend to award higher damages to the defense. The implications of these results for juror decision making are discussed.
Unfoldomics of Human Genetic Diseases

Intrinsically disordered proteins lack stable structure under physiological conditions, yet carry out many crucial biological functions, especially functions associated with regulation, recognition, signaling and control. Recently, human genetic diseases and related genes were organized into a bipartite graph (Goh, K. I., Cusick, M. E., Valle, D., Childs, B., Vidal, M., and Barabasi, A. L. (2007) The human disease network. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 104, 8685-90). This diseaseome network revealed several significant features such as the common genetic origin of many diseases. We analyzed the abundance of intrinsic disorder in these diseaseome network proteins by means of several prediction algorithms, and we analyzed the functional repertoires of these proteins based on prior studies relating disorder to function. Our analyses revealed that (i) Intrinsic disorder is common in proteins associated with many human genetic diseases; (ii) Different disease classes vary in the IDP contents of their associated proteins; (iii) Molecular recognition features, which are relatively short loosely structured protein regions within mostly disordered sequences and which gain structure upon binding to partners, are common in the diseasome, and their abundance correlates with the intrinsic disorder level; (iv) Some disease classes have a significant fraction of genes affected by alternative splicing, and the alternatively spliced regions in the corresponding proteins are predicted to be highly disordered; and (v) Correlations were found among the various diseasome graph-related properties and intrinsic disorder. These observations provide the basis for the construction of the human-genetic-disease-associated unfoldome.
THE EFFECT OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF CARBON TETRACHLORIDE ON THE EXTENT OF REGENERATION IN THE ENUCLEATED ADRENAL GLAND OF THE RAT

Enucleation of the adrenal gland of white rats consists of excising the anterior tip of the gland and gently expressing the entire medulla and most of the cortex. The blood supply to the gland is thereby not disturbed, and the capsule and small amounts of glomerular cortex remain in situ. Regeneration of cortical tissue proceeds from the capsule and remnant of zona glomerulosa, and within short periods a volume of cortex equal to, or greater than, that of the original gland will be restored. We recently have shown that the extent of regeneration which occurs in an enucleated gland depends upon the amount of cortical tissue which is present in the body (1). In the presence of one normal gland, only slight amounts of cortex will regenerate in the other enucleated gland. If the normal gland was removed eight weeks after the enucleation of its mate, then regeneration in the hitherto inactive enucleated gland occurred rapidly.
New integral estimates for deformations in terms of their nonlinear strains

If u is a bi-Lipschitzian deformation of a bounded Lipschitz domain Ω in ln (n≧2), we show that the LP norm (p≧1, p≠n) of a certain “nonlinear strain function” e(u) associated with u dominates the distance in Lq (q= np/(n−p) if p n) from u to a suitably chosen rigid motion of ℝn. This work extends that of F. John, who proved corresponding estimates for p}>1 under the hypothesis that u has “uniformly small strain”. We also obtain a bound for the oscillation of Du in L2. These estimates are apparently the first to apply with no a priori pointwise hypotheses upon the strain of u. In ℝ3 the integral \(\int\limits_\Omega {}\)e(u)2dℋ3 is dominated by typical hyperelastic energy functionals proposed in the literature for modeling the behavior of rubber; thus the case n=3, p=2 gives the first general bound for the deformations of such materials in terms of the associated nonlinear elastic work.
Aggregate water resources for large-scale energy development in the Upper Colorado River Basin

This paper addresses the question of whether or not a large (significant in national terms) energy recovery industry can be developed in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB), alongside more traditional water use, without causing a problem in the aggregate quantity of water supplied to the Lower Colorado River Basin. On the demand side, aggregate water consumption in the UCRB due to water-intensive energy industry is predicted as a function of the level of energy production. Total UCRB water consumption can then be found by adding to the energy-related water use all nonenergy-related consumption. On the supply side, aggregate water availability is determined from the results of a steady-state, stochastic hydrologic model which predicts the reliability of flow to the lower basin as a function of total UCRB consumption. Demand and supply are then presented together in a graphical form which allows the reader to determine for himself the allowable level of energy development in the UCRB, depending on the levels he chooses for nonenergy-related water consumption in the upper basin and the reliability of water supply to the lower basin. As part of this project, reasonable estimates had to be determined for the unit water requirements of the various types of energy development industries. This was accomplished by means of a very extensive and careful survey of the open literature. Results of the survey for synthetic fuel processes were condensed and arranged into a series of novel, easy-to-follow information flow charts. These charts are a valuable aid in comparing unit-water-consumption values and determining their origins.
Regenerative biology: Take the brakes off for liver repair

A protein produced by endothelial cells that line blood vessels has been found to regulate the timing of cell proliferation following liver injury, further demonstrating the role of vascular signals in tissue regeneration.
Relationship between proximal sodium reabsorption and excretion of calcium, magnesium and phosphate

Relationship between proximal sodium reabsorption and excretion of calcium, magnesium and phosphate. The relationship between sodium reabsorption by the proximal tubule, measured by micropuncture techniques, and the urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate was determined following a number of experimental maneuvers known to increase sodium excretion. Following intravenous infusion of saline or Ringer's solution and the renal arterial infusions of acetylcholine and prostaglandin E 1 , proximal sodium reabsorption was significantly decreased while the fractional clearances of Na, Ca, Mg and PO 4 were significantly increased. Following the intravenous infusion of hyperoncotic albumin and the renal arterial infusion of parathyroid hormone, proximal sodium reabsorption was significantly decreased and the fractional clearances of Na and PO 4 were significantly increased. The fractional clearances of Ca and Mg were not increased following these infusions. Following the renal arterial infusion of bradykinin and prostaglandin E 2 , there was no significant change in proximal sodium reabsorption or in the fractional clearance of PO 4 while the fractional clearances of Na, Ca and Mg were significantly increased. It was concluded that changes in the fractional clearance of PO 4 are related to decreases in sodium reabsorption by the proximal tubule. Changes in the fractional clearances of Ca and Mg were not consistently associated with changes in proximal sodium reabsorption, suggesting that the excretion of these ions is primarily controlled by nephron segments distal to the proximal tubule.
6-Methyl-2-pyridinecarboxamide oxime, a reagent for copper

Abstract 6-Methyl-2-pyridinecarboxamide oxime ( R ) forms a yellow compound with copper(I), the molar absorptivity being 7.2 × 10 3 at the wavelength of maximum absorption, 405 nm. The copper compound, CuR 2 , forms completely over the pH range 4.5–7 and is easily extracted into isoamyl alcohol. R is highly specific for copper, the methyl group neighbouring the ring nitrogen atom preventing reaction with iron and other metals.
Hyperphagia and hyperdipsia after locus coeruleus lesions in the stumptailed monkey

Abstract Bilateral lesions of the nucleus locus coeruleus in 7 female stumptail monkeys were followed by long lasting hyperphagia and hyperdipsia. The percentage increase in weight at five weeks after lesioning correlated highly with 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenethylene glycol (MHPG) concentration in the cerebral cortex. This relationship suggests that the effects are due to the locus coeruleus system and are not the result of variable destruction of the ventral noradrenergic or adjacent non-noradrenergic pathways.
Torn decisions, luck, and libertarian free will: comments on Balaguer’s free will as an open scientific problem

Kane offers his comment on Mark Balaguer's book on free will as an open scientific problem. Kane does not believe this disappearing agent objection and other powerful versions of the luck objection against libertarian free will can be answered with less resources than I have suggested here, some of which resources were not available to us prior to the advent of modern neuroscience. If free will is an open scientic problem as Mark Balaguer has cogently argued in this important work, we may thus hope that science will not merely be an obstacle to making sense of it, but an aid as well.