cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Which surface atmospheric variable drives the seasonal cycle of sea surface temperature over the global ocean

[1] The impact of near-surface atmospheric variables used in driving the seasonal cycle of climatological mean sea surface temperature (SST) is quantified over the global ocean. The six atmospheric variables are air temperature, vapor mixing ratio, wind speed, precipitation, net shortwave radiation, and net longwave radiation, the first (last) three just above (at) the sea surface. Atmospherically forced ocean general circulation model (OGCM) simulations with no data assimilation are performed using monthly and annual means of those variables under the assumption that variations in climatological monthly SSTs are driven by atmospheric variables. SSTs resulting from these simulations are compared with those from a satellite-based field to determine the impact of each atmospheric variable. Large spatial variability is found in the order of impact (most to least) of six atmospheric variables. In general, the SST seasonal cycle is driven primarily by shortwave radiation at midlatitudes, but wind speed is the major controlling variable in the Indian Ocean. Precipitation has almost no significant influence on monthly SST. Overall, shortwave radiation is the most influential variable controlling the seasonal cycle of SST over 34.3% of the global ocean. Wind speed is the second most important variable (27.2%). In tropical regions and the Arabian Sea, sources other than the atmospheric thermal forcing are found to play a significant role in regulating the SST seasonal cycle.
Determination of structure and 13C chemical shift assignments of the nitration products of 2-chloro-10-methylphenothiazine. X-Ray molecular structure of 2-chloro-7-nitro-10-methylphenothiazine 5-oxide

Nitration of 2-chloro-10-methylphenothiazine, 1, yields two mono-nitro compounds identified as sulfoxide 2 and sulfone 3. The nmr analyses of the 13C spectra of 2 and 3 establish unequivocally that in both compounds substitution has occurred at the seven position. This is supported by the X-ray crystal structure of one of the compounds 2-chloro-7-nitro-10-methylphenothiazine 5-oxide, 2, which also shows that the sulfoxide group is in the “pseudo-axial” configuration. Crystals of 2 are monoclinic, space group P21/n, a = 11.606(4), b = 13.970(4)A, c = 9.837(2), β = 127.49(2)° and Z = 4. The structure has been refined by full-matrix least-squares to R = 0.033 and Rw = 0.035, using 1704 observed reflections.
Liquid-Phase Sintering of Ceramics

Expressions for the sintering rate in liquid-phase sintering are derived for coupled-interface dissolution and liquid-phase diffusion. The analysis reveals the important role of stress gradients in the grain boundary phase and also shows that such gradients cannot be supplied by liquid-phase flow. Stress-supporting structure in the grain boundary phase is thus implied. The probable existence of such structure is revealed by diffuse dark-field scattering studies, using transmission electron microscopy, on partially sintered alumina/anorthite bodies.
MTH1 and RGT1 demonstrate combined haploinsufficiency in regulation of the hexose transporter genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The SNF3 gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a low glucose sensor that regulates expression of an important subset of the hexose transporter (HXT) superfamily. Null mutations of snf3 result in a defect in growth on low glucose concentrations due to the inability to relieve repression of a subset of the HXT genes. The snf3 null mutation phenotype is suppressed by the loss of either one of the downstream co-repressor proteins Rgt1p or Mth1p. The relief of repression allows expression of HXT transporter proteins, the resumption of glucose uptake and therefore of growth in the absence of a functional Snf3 sensor. Strains heterozygous for both the RGT1 and MTH1 genes (RGT1/rgt1Δ MTH1/mth1Δ snf3Δ/snf3Δ) but homozygous for the snf3∆ were found to grow on low glucose. Since null alleles in the heterozygous state lead to suppression, MTH1 and RGT1 display the phenomenon of combined haploinsufficiency. This observed haploinsufficiency is consistent with the finding of repressor titration as a mechanism of suppression of snf3. Mutants of the STD1 homolog of MTH1 did not display haploinsufficiency singly or in combination with mutations in RGT1. HXT gene reporter fusion assays indicated that the presence of heterozygosity at the MTH1 and RGT1 alleles leads to increased expression of the HXT2 gene. Deletion of the HXT2 gene in a heterozygous diploid, RGT1/rgt1Δ MTH1/mth1Δ snf3Δ/snf3Δ hxt2Δ/hxt2Δ, prevented the suppression of snf3Δ. These findings support the model of relief of repression as the mechanism of restoration of growth on low glucose concentrations in the absence of functional Snf3p. Further, the observation that HXT2 is the gene responsible for restoration of growth under these conditions suggests that the numbers of repressor binding domains found in the regulatory regions of members of the HXT family may have biological relevance and enable differential regulation.
Solar absorption by atmospheric water vapor: a comparison of radiation models

We have intercompared several different procedures for evaluating solar absorption by atmospheric water vapor, and in particular we have employed a random band model as a diagnostic tool for assessing approximations which are inherent in existing parameterizations. We reaffirm McDonald's (1960) conclusion as to the importance of the 0.72 and 0.81 μm water vapor absorption bands, and we find that the Goody random band model and the Lacis-Hansen empirical parameterization produce comparable tropospheric heating rates. This agreement does not extend to the stratosphere. for which water vapor amounts lie outside the intended range of applicability of the Lacis-Hansen parameterization. But when diurnal averaging is taken into account, the disagreement is reduced. We further present what is in effect a two-parameter extension of the Lacis-Hansen parameterization. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.1985.tb00055.x
Neuroendocrine differentiation in prostatic malignancy

BACKGROUND. The prostatic neuroendocrine cell is a regulatory cell that produces serotonin and peptide hormones. This cell is part of a more widely dispersed diffuse neuroendocrine regulatory system known as the APUD system. Focal neuroendocrine differentiation is seen in virtually all prostate carcinomas to one degree or another. Specific malignancies that are purely neuroendocrine include small cell carcinoma and carcinoid/carcinoid-like tumors. A variety of studies suggest a possible prognostic significance of neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate carcinoma. METHODS. The literature on the prostatic neuroendocrine cell and neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate carcinoma is reviewed. RESULTS. Based on analogy with other better studied elements of the diffuse neuroendocrine regulatory system or APUD system, as well as the morphology and specific products produced by neuroendocrine cells, it is likely that they play an important regulatory role in the prostate. Neuroendocrine differentiation may be of prognostic significance in prostate carcinoma. Mechanisms are not well characterized at this point, but the known growth factor activity of the neuroendocrine cell products, an increase in proliferation in cells surrounding neuroendocrine cells, and a lack of androgen receptor expression in neuroendocrine cells, suggest mechanisms by which they may be of prognostic significance. CONCLUSIONS. Neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate carcinoma may be of prognostic significance, but better methods to define neuroendocrine differentiation are necessary. The therapeutic implications of neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate carcinoma may be of significance and need to be explored futher.
Preparing Silica Aerogel Monoliths via a Rapid Supercritical Extraction Method

A procedure for the fabrication of monolithic silica aerogels in eight hours or less via a rapid supercritical extraction process is described. The procedure requires 15-20 min of preparation time, during which a liquid precursor mixture is prepared and poured into wells of a metal mold that is placed between the platens of a hydraulic hot press, followed by several hours of processing within the hot press. The precursor solution consists of a 1.0:12.0:3.6:3.5 x 10-3 molar ratio of tetramethylorthosilicate (TMOS):methanol:water:ammonia. In each well of the mold, a porous silica sol-gel matrix forms. As the temperature of the mold and its contents is increased, the pressure within the mold rises. After the temperature/pressure conditions surpass the supercritical point for the solvent within the pores of the matrix (in this case, a methanol/water mixture), the supercritical fluid is released, and monolithic aerogel remains within the wells of the mold. With the mold used in this procedure, cylindrical monoliths of 2.2 cm diameter and 1.9 cm height are produced. Aerogels formed by this rapid method have comparable properties (low bulk and skeletal density, high surface area, mesoporous morphology) to those prepared by other methods that involve either additional reaction steps or solvent extractions (lengthier processes that generate more chemical waste).The rapid supercritical extraction method can also be applied to the fabrication of aerogels based on other precursor recipes.
The enhancement of single particle transition rates in C13

Abstract It has recently been shown that one can explain the collective enhancement of the quadrupole transition in C12 by invoing correlations in the ground state of C12. The effect of these ground state correlations on the single particle transition rates in C13 have been studied.
Personality and organizational conflict: Effects of the type a behavior pattern and self-monitoring☆

Abstract Managerial and technical employees of a large food-processing company provided information on the frequency with which they experienced conflict with others (subordinates, peers, supervisors), and on their preferred modes of handling conflict when it occurred. In addition, they completed questionnaires designed to assess their relative standing on two personality dimensions: the Type A behavior pattern and self-monitoring. It was predicted that Type As and low self-monitors would report a higher frequency of conflict with others and weaker preferences for cooperative modes of conflict resolution than Type Bs and high self-monitors. It was also predicted that such differences would be larger in the context of relations with subordinates than in the context of relations with supervisors. Results offered partial support for all of these predictions. In addition, females reported a lower frequency of conflict than males and expressed stronger preferences for collaboration and avoidance. Results were interpreted as suggesting the importance of including individual characteristics or predispositions in comprehensive models of organizational conflict.
Effects of aerobic exercise on serum leptin levels in obese women.

It has been demonstrated that leptin concentrations in obese patients may be altered by weight loss. We examined the effects of a 9-week aerobic exercise program on serum leptin concentrations in overweight women (20–50% above ideal body mass) under conditions of weight stability. Sixteen overweight women, mean (SE) age 42.75 (1.64) years, comprised the exercise group which adhered to a supervised aerobic exercise program. A graded exercise treadmill test was conducted before and after the exercise program to determine maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) using open-circuit spirometry. The women demonstrated improved aerobic fitness (V˙O2max increased 12.29%), however, body fat and the body mass index did not change significantly [42.27 (1.35)–41.87 (1.33)%]. Fourteen women, age 40.57 (2.80) years, did not exercise over the same time period and served as a control group. Serum leptin levels were not significantly altered for either the exercise [28.00 (2.13)–31.04 (2.71) ng · ml−1] or the control group [33.24 (3.78)–34.69 (3.14) ng · mg−1]. The data indicate that 9 weeks of aerobic exercise improves aerobic fitness, but does not affect leptin concentrations in overweight women.
Seismic-Based Personnel Detection

The U.S. Army's Engineer Research and Development Center - Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory is investigating the feasibility of seismic-based personnel detection in non-traditional applications. A detection algorithm specific to footstep- induced ground motion has been tested against field data representing pedestrian and vehicle movement. Detection ranges greater than those of commercial systems and discrimination against vehicle-induced ground motion have been realized. Details of the algorithm performance, progress in the development of a personnel detection system, tactics for its use in seismically cluttered environments, and deployment guidance for incorporating seismic personnel detection in security designs are presented.
Exercise in neuromuscular disease

In this review, we present an overview of the role of exercise in neuromuscular disease (NMD). We demonstrate that despite the different pathologies in NMDs, exercise is beneficial, whether aerobic/endurance or strength/resistive training, and we explore whether this benefit has a similar mechanism to that of healthy subjects. We discuss further areas for study, incorporating imaginative and novel approaches to training and its assessment in NMD. We conclude by suggesting ways to improve future trials by avoiding previous methodological flaws and drawbacks in this field. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Uptake of 3,5,3′-Triiodothyronine by the Perfused Rat Liver: Return to the Free Hormone Hypothesis

To investigate the mechanism by which T3 in plasma enters hepatic cells, we measured rate constants for the uptake of unbound (free) T3 by the perfused rat liver, for the hepatic uptake of T3 from serum, and for the spontaneous dissociation of T3 from its plasma binding proteins. Quantitative autoradiography of liver lobules after perfusion with [125I]T3 in protein-free buffer indicated a high apparent rate constant for removal of T3 from the sinusoids; its minimum estimate was 2.4 +/- 0.2 sec-1. The single pass extraction of T3 in human serum by the perfused rat liver was 31.6 +/- 4.5% at the supraphysiological flow rate of 3 ml/min/g liver (sinusoidal transit time, approximately 3 sec). Sixty percent of the T3 in this serum dissociated spontaneously from its binding proteins in 3 sec, as determined by a rapid filtration assay. Based on these data, we conclude that the pool of free T3 in plasma turns over very rapidly in vivo and probably accounts for the entire hepatic uptake of T3 from plasma. Using additional data on the rate constant for cellular metabolism of T3 obtained from values reported in the literature, a previously published general mathematical model of ligand transport was applied to all of these data, yielding the following conclusions for the physiological state. 1) Metabolism, not uptake, is rate limiting to removal of T3 from plasma by the liver. 2) Intracellular T3 is in virtual equilibrium with the free T3 pool in plasma. 3) Intracellular T3 concentrations reflect the concentration of free T3 in plasma, as predicted by the free hormone hypothesis. It is shown mathematically that these conclusions are independent of whether a gradient exists between extra- and intracellular T3 concentrations, and that they would still hold even if the tissue uptake of T3 occurred by a mechanism that acted directly on the plasma protein-bound pool of T3.
Quadratic Weighted Median Filters for Edge Enhancement of Noisy Images

Quadratic Volterra filters are effective in image sharpening applications. The linear combination of polynomial terms, however, yields poor performance in noisy environments. Weighted median (WM) filters, in contrast, are well known for their outlier suppression and detail preservation properties. The WM sample selection methodology is naturally extended to the quadratic sample case, yielding a filter structure referred to as quadratic weighted median (QWM) that exploits the higher order statistics of the observed samples while simultaneously being robust to outliers arising in the higher order statistics of environment noise. Through statistical analysis of higher order samples, it is shown that, although the parent Gaussian distribution is light tailed, the higher order terms exhibit heavy-tailed distributions. The optimal combination of terms contributing to a quadratic system, i.e., cross and square, is approached from a maximum likelihood perspective which yields the WM processing of these terms. The proposed QWM filter structure is analyzed through determination of the output variance and breakdown probability. The studies show that the QWM exhibits lower variance and breakdown probability indicating the robustness of the proposed structure. The performance of the QWM filter is tested on constant regions, edges and real images, and compared to its weighted-sum dual, the quadratic Volterra filter. The simulation results show that the proposed method simultaneously suppresses the noise and enhances image details. Compared with the quadratic Volterra sharpener, the QWM filter exhibits superior qualitative and quantitative performance in noisy image sharpening
Scent marking by voles in response to predation risk: a field-laboratory validation

Predators use scent to locate their prey, and prey animals often alter their behavior in response to predation risk. I tested the hypothesis that voles would decrease their frequency of scent marking in response to predation risk. I conducted trials in which prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster, and woodland voles, M. pinetorum, were allowed to scent mark ceramic tiles placed in their runways in the field. The tiles were subjected to one of three treatments: scented with odor from mink, Mustela vison (a rodent predator); rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus (a nonpredator mammal control); and no odor (control). No significant differences were found in the frequency of scent marking in response to the three treatments for either species. To validate that voles did not decrease their scent marking in response to predation risk, I brought male prairie voles from the field site into the laboratory and allowed them to scent mark white paper substrate treated with mink odor, rabbit odor, or no odor. No significant differences were found in the frequency of scent marks in response to the three treatments. These results differ from what was predicted based on laboratory studies with other species of rodents that show avoidance, reproductive suppression, decreased activity, and reduced scent marking in response to odors of predators. Voles appear to scent mark different substrates and under a wide variety of social and environmental situations, and this is not influenced by the presence of odor from a predator. Key words: mink, predation risk, scent marking, vole. [Behav Ecol 15:286–289 (2004)]
Elements of successful design

Outlines some general principles and methods for developing successful instrumentation. Successful design involves interdependent elements (presentation, ease of use, and intuitiveness) shaped by the designer and the user. These elements evolve through rapid prototyping into a mature, cohesive design. Rapid prototyping requires the cooperation of the designer and user to fuel the successful evolution of the instrument design. The Neurological Stimulation System (NSS) developed by the Johns Hopkins University provides a case study for combining the three elements of design into a successful instrument. In particular, it was found that packaging the custom enclosure in an attractive case dramatically increased acceptance of the design. >
Cucurbitacin I blocks cerebrospinal fluid and platelet derived growth factor-BB stimulation of leptomeningeal and meningioma DNA synthesis

Currently, there are no consistently effective chemotherapies for recurrent and inoperable meningiomas. Recently, cucurbitacin I (JSI-124), a naturally occurring tetracyclic triterpenoid compound used as folk medicines has been found to have cytoxic and anti-proliferative properties in several malignancies thru inhibition of activator of transcription (STAT3) activation. Previously, we have found STAT3 to be activated in meningiomas, particularly higher grade tumors. Primary leptomeningeal cultures were established from 17, 20 and 22 week human fetuses and meningioma cell cultures were established from 6 World Health Organization (WHO) grade I or II meningiomas. Cells were treated with cerebrospinal fluid from patients without neurologic disease. The effects of cucurbitacin I on cerebrospinal fluid stimulation of meningioma cell DNA synthesis phosphorylation/activation of JAK1, STAT3, pMEK1/2, p44/42MAPK, Akt, mTOR, Rb and caspase 3 activation were analyzed in human leptomeningeal and meningioma cells. Cerebrospinal fluid significantly stimulated DNA synthesis in leptomeningeal cells. Co-administration of cucurbitacin I (250 nM) produces a significant blockade of this effect. Cucurbitacin I alone also produced a significant reduction in basal DNA synthesis. In grade I and II meningiomas, cerebrospinal fluid also significantly stimulated DNA synthesis. Co-administration of cucurbitacin I (250 nM) blocked this effect. In the leptomeningeal cultures, cerebrospinal fluid stimulated STAT3 phosphorylation but not p44/42MAPK, Akt or mTOR. Cucurbitacin I had no effect on basal STAT3 phosphorylation but co-administration with cerebrospinal fluid blocked cerebrospinal fluid stimulation of STAT3 phosphorylation in each. In the grade I meningiomas, cerebrospinal fluid stimulated phosphorylation of STAT3 and decreased MEK1/2 and cucurbitacin I had no effect on basal STAT3, p44/42MAPK, Akt, JAK1, mTOR, or Rb phosphorylation. In the grade II meningiomas, cerebrospinal fluid stimulated STAT3 phosphorylation in all and reduced phosphorylation of MEK1/2 in all and p44/42MAPK in one. Cucurbitacin I had no effect on basal phosphorylation of STAT3 but reduced phorphorylated p44/42 MAPK in 2 grade II meningioma cells lines. These studies raise the possibility that cucurbitacin I might have value as an adjunct chemotherapy. Additional studies are warranted to evaluate the effects of cucurbitacin I on meningiomas in vivo.
Regulating electronic communications with government: improving the architecture or impeding the dialog?

Under the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA), the US now requires all federal agencies to establish policies to permit their constituents to use electronic media in their interactions with government. What started out as an initiative to remove impediments to public access to government services may end up imposing significant new regulations on use of electronic media by the public instead. This new layer of regulation of the use of electronic records and signatures can be analyzed at two different levels: is it likely to succeed on its own terms, namely to improve access to government without imposing unnecessary burdens on the public? Second, is it likely to contribute to an overall improvement in the reliability and security of networked computer systems within the US, even if that was not the original objective of the regulations? In 2003, it is too soon to know whether federal regulation of the use of electronic media will succeed at either level, but it seems likely that these regulations may increase the level of security generally while obstructing rather than facilitating electronic communications with government agencies.
Assessing Career Search Expectations: Development and Validation of the Career Search Efficacy Scale:

An instrument was developed to assess the career search efficacy of individuals who are interested in finding careers or jobs, changing careers or jobs, or reentering the job market. Principal components analysis of the 35-item Career Search Efficacy Scale (CSES; Solberg, Good, & Nord, 1991) yielded four factors: (a) Job Exploration, (b) Interviewing, (c) Networking, and (d) Personal Exploration Efficacy. Internal consistency for the subscales ranged from .87 to .95 indicating very good internal consistency. Convergent and discriminant validity of the CSES was also assessed. A principle component analysis indicated that the CSES converged with indices of career self-efficacy and discriminated from personality measures (e.g., assertiveness, interpersonal skills, and instrumentality). Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Ultrafast and Ultraslow Oxygen Atom Transfer Reactions Between Late Metal Centers

Oxotrimesityliridium(V), (mes)3IrO (mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl), and trimesityliridium(III), (mes)3Ir, undergo extremely rapid degenerate intermetal oxygen atom transfer at room temperature. At low temperatures, the two complexes conproportionate to form (mes)3IrOIr(mes)3, the 2,6-dimethylphenyl analogue of which has been characterized crystallographically. Variable-temperature NMR measurements of the rate of dissociation of the μ-oxo dimer combined with measurements of the conproportionation equilibrium by low-temperature optical spectroscopy indicate that oxygen atom exchange between iridium(V) and iridium(III) occurs with a rate constant, extrapolated to 20 °C, of 5 × 107 M-1 s-1. The oxotris(imido)osmium(VIII) complex (ArN)3OsO (Ar = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) also undergoes degenerate intermetal atom transfer to its deoxy partner, (ArN)3Os. However, despite the fact that its metal−oxygen bond strength and reactivity toward triphenylphosphine are nearly identical to those of (mes)3IrO, the osmium complex...
Dorsal turning of motor corticospinal axons at the pyramidal decussation requires plexin signaling

The development of the corticospinal tract (CST) in higher vertebrates relies on a series of axon guidance decisions along its long projection pathway. Several guidance molecules are known to be involved at various decision points to regulate the projection of CST axons. However, previous analyses of the CST guidance defects in mutant mice lacking these molecules have suggested that there are other molecules involved in CST axon guidance that are yet to be identified. In this study, we investigate the role of plexin signaling in the guidance of motor CST axons in vivo. Expression pattern studies show that plexin-A3, plexin-A4, and neuropilin-1 are expressed in the developing cerebral cortex when the motor CST axons originating from layer V cortical neurons are guided down to the spinal cord. By analyzing mutant mice, we show that motor CST axons that turn dorsally to cross the midline at the pyramidal decussation require plexin-A3 and plexin-A4 signaling. Although other CST guidance defects are found in neuropilin-1 mutants, this dorsal turning defect is not observed in either neuropilin-1 or neuropilin-2 mutants, suggesting that the local cues that activate plexin signaling at the dorsal turning point are membrane-bound semaphorins. Further expression pattern study and mutant analysis indicate that Sema6A is one of the local cues for motor CST axon turning at the pyramidal decussation. Dorsal turning and midline crossing at the pyramidal decussation is a crucial step to properly direct CST axons into the dorsal spinal cord. We show that the signaling of plexin-A3, plexin-A4, and Sema6A is at least partially required for dorsal turning of the CST axons, while neuropilin-1 is required for proper fasciculation of the tract at midline crossing. Together with previous reports, these results demonstrate that several guidance cues are specifically utilized to regulate the dorsal turning and midline crossing of developing CST axons.
Standards Deviation: How Schools Misunderstand Education Policy

Acknowledgments 1. Making Education Policy Here, There, and Everywhere 2. Doing Standards: Content and Context 3. Interactive Policymaking 4. Making Policy, Making Sense 5. Resources for Sense-Making 6. The Schoolteacher and Interactive Policymaking 7. Policy in Practice 8. Implementation Reconsidered Appendix: Research Methods References Index
Possible sources of residual power loss in R.F. superconducting cavities

The residual power loss in rf superconducting cavities has not been well understood. Various power loss sources are considered and their dependence on frequency and temperature are compared with experimental results D One power loss mechanism stands out as the most likely source of the residual power loss, It has been observed that a residual power loss exists in rf superconducting resonant cavities at very low temperatures, contrary to theoretical expectations 192 which predict that for angular frequencies, w, below the quantum region, the power loss should vanish as the temperature, T , approaches 0 K. The good agreement between these theories and experiment at higher reduced temperatures suggests that they are valid, and that the discrepancy lies in the presence of a very low, non-superconducting power loss mechanism. The nature of this loss has not been well understood. This is due in part in the past to a lack of agreement between results reported by various investigators on nominally equivalent samples. However, the more recent experimental data in which the residual power loss has been further reduced tend to be more consistent. These results indicate that for very
Functional cardiac cell constructs on cellulose-based scaffolding

Cellulose and its derivatives have been successfully employed as biomaterials in various applications, including dialysis membranes, diffusion-limiting membranes in biosensors, in vitro hollow fibers perfusion systems, surfaces for cell expansion, etc. In this study, we tested the potential of cellulose acetate (CA) and regenerated cellulose (RC) scaffolds for growing functional cardiac cell constructs in culture. Specifically, we demonstrate that CA and RC surfaces are promoting cardiac cell growth, enhancing cell connectivity (gap junctions) and electrical functionality. Being optically clear and essentially non-autofluorescent, CA scaffolds did not interfere with functional optical measurements in the cell constructs. Molding to follow fine details or complex three-dimensional shapes are additional important characteristics for scaffold design in tissue engineering. Biodegradability can be controlled by hydrolysis, de-acetylization of CA and cytocompatible enzyme (cellulase) action, with glucose as a final product. Culturing of cardiac cells and growth of tissue-like cardiac constructs in vitro could benefit from the versatility and accessibility of cellulose scaffolds, combining good adhesion (comparable to the standard tissue-culture treated polystyrene), molding capabilities down to the nanoscale (comparable to the current favorite in soft lithography-polydimethylsiloxane) with controlled biodegradability.
The Hollow Promise of Freedom of Conscience

Two hundred years ago, Thomas Jefferson asserted that no law “ought to be dearer to man than that which protects the rights of conscience against the enterprises of the civil authority." Since then, freedom of conscience has continued to be heralded as a fundamental principle of American society. Indeed, many current policy debates – most notably in the medical and military contexts – are predicated on the theory that claims of conscience are worthy of legal respect. This Article challenges established assumptions, concluding that claims about the importance of conscience in American society have been highly exaggerated.This Article first clarifies contemporary understandings of conscience by systematically analyzing its treatment in positive law. It looks beyond the traditional medical, military, and religious contexts, giving a descriptive account of law’s treatment of conscience across various substantive realms, including tax evasion, civil disobedience, discrimination, and even violent terrorism. It demonstrates that legal accommodations are typically granted on an ad hoc basis, only to the extent that exercises of personal conscience align with generally accepted and politically palatable moral principles. If there is a consistent and principled justification for treating cases differently, our legal system has thus far failed to provide it.This Article argues that, in order for American law to reflect the kind of robust, autonomy-based respect for conscience to which every pluralistic society aspires, we must agree on a content-neutral guiding principle for negotiating future claims for legal accommodation. The alternative, the Article posits, is to concede that American society has abandoned the fundamental purpose of conscientious accommodation – namely, protecting the individual from oppressive majoritarian understandings of morality.
Lookback options and diffusion hitting times: A spectral expansion approach

Lookback options have payoffs dependent on the maximum and/or minimum of the underlying price attained during the option’s lifetime. Based on the relationship between diffusion maximum and minimum and hitting times and the spectral decomposition of diffusion hitting times, this paper gives an analytical characterization of lookback option prices in terms of spectral expansions. In particular, analytical solutions for lookback options under the constant elasticity of variance (CEV) diffusion are obtained.
A feature-based neural wavelet optical character recognition system

A hybrid character recognition system is studied using feature extraction method. The features are extracted using wavelet transform, pre-classified using a k-nearest neighbor-based neural net and subsequently post-processed using an optical correlator.
Adult Song Sparrows do not Alter their Song Repertoires

To understand fully the function of vocal learning, it is important to know when, during an individual’s lifetime, learning occurs. Songbirds are generally categorized into two groups with respect to their adult song learning ability. ‘Open-ended’ song learners are able to learn to produce new songs in adulthood, whereas ‘age-limited’ song learners can only acquire songs during their first year of life. Researchers have long assumed that certain oscine species are open-ended or age-limited song learners, but the evidence to date has been inadequate to test these assumptions for most species. We tested the hypothesis that song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) are age-limited song learners who do not alter their song repertoires in adulthood by examining the song repertoires of 24 color-banded males who were fully recorded in two, three or four diAerent years. We compared sonagrams of the song types produced by males in diAerent years and looked for any changes in repertoire composition (i.e. added or dropped song types). With few exceptions, males produced song repertoires that were identical in every year they were recorded. The exceptions (four males who did not produce one of their song types during one recording session) were all cases in which we believe that we missed recording a song type that a male did indeed have, not that the males dropped a song type. The finding that adult males do not alter the composition of their song repertoires provides strong evidence that song sparrows are age-limited song learners. Although it is possible that song sparrows make subtle within-song type changes across years, such changes would not necessarily constitute new song learning.
The Avian Coronavirus Multiplication Strategy

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), the prototype of the coronavirus family, possesses a single-stranded polyadenylated RNA genome. This genome consists of a single polynucleotide chain with an estimated molecular weight of between 6 and 9 × 106,1,2,3,4. Since the genome is infectious, i.e., it is of positive polarity,5 it must encode both the structural proteins of the virus particle and non-structural polypeptides some or all of which function in the infected cell to replicate the virus genetic material and to transcribe viral mRNA.
Fock theory--An appraisal and exposition

We present an exposition and certain generalizations of recent work on a class of problems in classical electromagnetic theory. Briefly, we indicate the approach as the Fock theory which is a method of obtaining the field induced by an incident electromagnetic wave on, or near, the surface of a good conductor. The surface is restricted to be smooth, convex, and of characteristic dimensions which are "large" with respect to the wavelength of the incident radiation.
Optimised particle separation in the primary step of wastewater treatment

Since the pollutants in wastewater to such a large extent are associated with particles, enhanced particle separation in the primary step of wastewater treatment should be aimed at. Space restrictions demand pretreatment options will a small “foot-print”. In this paper it is shown that coagulation with metal salts is very efficient but leads to excessive sludge production. It is demonstrated how the use of cationic polymers may reduce the sludge production considerably without ruining the SS-removal efficiency and also how improved flocculation, either chemically, by the addition of flocculants or physically, by improvement of settling tank design, may lead to better particle separation as well as smaller “foot-print” of the plant. As an alternative to primary settling, primary filtration in coarse, floating filters are discussed as well.
Component recognition in beef chuck using colorimetric determination

The potential for increasing the utilization of lower quality grades and cuts of beef was dependent on controlling the level of objectionable components, such as connective tissue and developing an economical means of creating starting material for further processing. Colorimetric methods were used to distinguish connective tissue and all other objectionable components in beef chuck slices. Using the tristimulus color values (L, aL, and bL) and the color difference indices for total color difference (E), chromaticity (delta C) and the yellowness index (YI), each component was optically differentiated. These discriminations, coupled with decision models directing disposition of the various components, can be used to control an excision system for providing suitable starting material for further processing chucks into products such as restructured beef.
Using empirical testbeds to accelerate technology maturity and transition: the SCRover experience

This paper is an experience report on a first attempt to develop and apply a new form of software: a full-service empirical testbed designed to evaluate alternative software dependability technologies, and to accelerate their maturation and transition into project use. The SCRover testbed includes not only the specifications, code, and hardware of a public safety robot, but also the package of instrumentation, scenario drivers, seeded defects, experimentation guidelines, and comparative effort and defect data needed to facilitate technology evaluation experiments. The SCRover testbed's initial operational capability has been recently applied to empirically evaluate two architecture definition languages (ADLs) and toolsets, Mae and AcmeStudio. The testbed evaluation showed (1) that the ADL-based toolsets were complementary and cost-effective to apply to mission-critical systems; (2) that the testbed was cost-effective to use by researchers; and (3) that collaboration in testbed use by researchers and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) project users resulted in actions to accelerate technology maturity and transition into project use. The evaluation also identified a number of lessons learned for improving the SCRover testbed, and for development and application of future technology evaluation testbeds.
Adaptive Control of First-order Nonlinear Systems with Input Non-affine Nonlinearities

This paper addresses the adaptive control problem for a class of nonlinear systems with input non-affine nonlinearities. It is shown that the perfect adaptive stabilization is achievable when the desired trajectory is constant. For adaptive tracking control case, the output tracking error converges to a compact set whose size depends on the upper bound of the time derivative of the desired trajectory.
Twenty-four-hour blood pressure profiles in normotensive sons of hypertensive parents.

We investigated whether blood pressures are higher in normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents than in normotensive offspring of normotensive parents outside the physician's office and, if so, whether these higher blood pressures are dependent on the level of dietary sodium intake. We compared 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure profiles between 11 normotensive sons of two hypertensive parents and 11 normotensive sons of two normotensive parents; profiles were recorded after 1 week of a low sodium diet (10 meq/day) and after 1 week of a high sodium diet (200 meq/day). The sons of hypertensive parents were on average 6 years older than the sons of normotensive parents (47 +/- 5 [SD] versus 41 +/- 4 years, p < 0.05). The shift from low to high sodium diet did not significantly change the magnitude of differences in office or ambulatory blood pressures between the groups (i.e., no group-by-diet interaction); thus, we assessed group effects by contrasting blood pressure means for each group pooled across diets. Age-adjusted office blood pressure was higher in sons of hypertensive parents than in sons of normotensive parents (116 +/- 7/80 +/- 6 versus 111 +/- 7/75 +/- 6 mm Hg; p = 0.020 for systolic and p = 0.003 for diastolic blood pressure).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Seed Source Affects Flowering and Growth of Container-Grown Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta L.)

Rudbeckia hirta, black-eyed susan, is a popular container-produced native wildflower. However, there is a growing demand for regionally adapted selections because of ecological and sustainability issues. In separate studies in 2001 and 2002, seed from three sources — north Florida (NFL), central Florida (CFL), and Texas (TEX) — were sown in the greenhouse in mid-January. Seedlings were transplanted to cell packs in early February. In early April, liners were potted in 2.5 liter (0.66 gal) containers and placed on an outdoor production bed under full sun. Full bloom occurred about 21.5 to 23 weeks after sowing. TEX achieved full bloom 10 days earlier than NFL or CFL. Except for CFL in 2001, most plants were of a commercially acceptable height. The most uniform growth or flowering trait based on coefficients of variation was date of full bloom, with date of first bloom just slightly more variable. Other growth and flowering traits were moderately to highly variable.
Studies on the Mechanism of Fatty Acid Synthesis XXI. THE ROLE OF FRUCTOSE 1,6-DIPHOSPHATE IN THE STIMULATION OF THE FATTY ACID SYNTHETASE FROM PIGEON LIVER

Abstract Kinetic studies of the pigeon liver fatty acid synthetase have revealed that the enzyme is sensitive to inhibition by malonyl coenzyme A, one of the substrates of fatty acid synthesis. The inhibition is of the mixed type with respect to acetyl-CoA, and is competitive with respect to TPNH. Malonyl-CoA most markedly affects the Km for TPNH, increasing it 19-fold over a malonyl-CoA concentration range of 10 to 37.5 µm. The inhibition by malonyl-CoA can be reversed by fructose 1,6-diphosphate, and this reversal is reflected in a progressive decrease in the Km for TPNH with increasing fructose 1,6-diphosphate concentrations. Fructose 1,6-diphosphate does not markedly affect the Km values for either acetyl-CoA or malonyl-CoA. Some of the kinetic patterns obtained, such as nonlinear reciprocal coordinate plots for the rate of fatty acid synthesis against malonyl-CoA concentration and nonlinear Dixon plots for the malonyl-CoA inhibition, suggest that the substrate inhibition seen in this study may be due to substrate binding at a regulatory site rather than to the classically invoked interaction of substrate molecules at an active site.
A preliminary evaluation of World Heritage tourism promotion: comparing websites from Australia, China, and Mexico.

ABSTRACTWorld Heritage Sites (WHS), recognized for their remarkable natural and cultural values, are prime destinations for domestic and international tourists. Despite such values, limited information is available on the efficacy of promotion strategies to reach their markets. This note reports an instrument developed to evaluate WHS websites and the results from its application on government websites of Australia, China, and Mexico. These countries were selected based on their geographic location, perceived activeness in WHS promotion, and strong international tourism receipts. The evaluation instrument captured 33 attributes representing 5 dimensions: Communication, Site Attractiveness, Marketing Effectiveness, Technical Setup, and World Heritage Specifics. Results reveal significant variability in website quality, with areas identified for improvement, especially promoting specific World Heritage information. Besides sharing a validated instrument to evaluate WHS websites, this note discusses issues t...
Adolescent pregnancy: associations among body weight, zinc nutriture, and pregnancy outcome

In a double-blind zinc trial in low-income, pregnant adolescents thought to be at risk for poor zinc nutriture, subjects were randomly assigned to receive 30 mg zinc (gluconate) or placebo. Response to zinc was related to maternal weight. Infants of normal-weight mothers given zinc had reduced rates of prematurity (p = 0.05) and assisted respiration (p = 0.006). Underweight multiparas given zinc had longer gestational lengths (p = 0.008) than did subjects given the placebo. Multiple stepwise regression analysis, used to identify predictors of infant size, revealed that 14-26% more variance was accounted for in the zinc than in the placebo group. Except for gestational age, the predictors selected were entirely different in the two groups. The zinc group had a positive toxemia screen more often, which did not appear to affect outcome. Zinc supplementation improved pregnancy outcome in normal-weight women and in underweight multiparas. The nonresponse in underweight primiparas was perhaps due to multiple limiting factors.
Getting Up to Speed on the Financial Crisis: A One Weekend Reader’s Guide (Entérese Rápidamente De La Crisis Financiera: Guía Para El Lector De Fin De Semana)

All economists should be conversant with “what happened?” during the financial crisis of 2007-2009. We select and summarize 16 documents, including academic papers and reports from regulatory and international agencies. This reading list covers the key facts and mechanisms in the build-up of risk, the panics in short-term-debt markets, the policy reactions, and the real effects of the financial crisis.
Silencio, subjetividad y ficción en los testimonios de mujeres sobrevivientes

Este articulo analiza la produccion testimonial de ex detenidas desaparecidas de la ultima dictadura militar en Argentina (1978-1983), poniendo de relieve la presencia de los silencios existentes en estos relatos. Los relatos testimoniales de las sobrevivientes Graciela Fainstein, Graciela Lo Prete, Nora Strejilevich y Alicia Partnoy, entre otros, ponen en evidencia las dificultades a las que se enfrenta todo sobreviviente del horror, en tanto debe narrar aquello que dada su naturaleza traumatica desafia cualquier tipo de representacion. Frente a esta dificultad, las sobrevivientes buscan en la articulacion entre lo dicho y lo no dicho, entre la palabra y el silencio, desafiar las limitaciones del lenguaje frente al horror, construyendo un relato que incorpora lo difuso y llama a la imaginacion. Estos testimonios presentan rasgos particulares que los diferencian de los testimonios masculinos, tales como la posicion subjetiva desde la cual las narradoras cuentan su historia, la multiplicidad de perspectivas, el quiebre de una narracion lineal dentro de estos testimonios, asi como tambien el uso del silencio como herramienta a traves de la cual comunicar el horror y cuestionar las limitaciones del lenguaje. Este tipo de testimonio se convierte asi en documento de la experiencia traumatica, que dada su naturaleza, no puede sino estar constituido por interrupciones, huecos y silencios.