cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Southern Hemisphere atmospheric circulation effects of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption

[1] Global average cooling and Northern Hemisphere winter warming are well-known climatic responses to the June 15, 1991 eruption of the Mount Pinatubo volcano in the Philippines. Here we investigate the Southern Hemisphere response. Using National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research Reanalysis, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting Reanalysis, and simulations with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Goddard Institute for Space Studies ModelE climate model, we find that, in contrast to the Northern Hemisphere, there were no strong significant anomalies in atmospheric circulation in the Southern Hemisphere. We examined 50 mb and 500 mb circulation patterns, as well as the Southern Hemisphere Annular Mode index, and found no consistent significant anomalies associated with the volcanic eruption, or the previous large volcanic eruptions of the past 50 years, the 1963 Agung and 1982 El Chichon eruptions. The few anomalies that occurred after Pinatubo are consistent with patterns found during an El Nino event, which took place that same year.
Electron-Withdrawing Effects on Metal−Olefin Bond Strengths in Ni(PH3)2(CO)(C2XnH4-n), X = F, Cl; n = 0−4: A DFT Study

Density functional theory (DFT) studies have been performed in the title complexes to determine the effect of electron-withdrawing halogens around the CC bond on the metal−olefin bond dissociation energy. Calculations indicate that the nickel−olefin bond dissociation energy would be nearly independent of the number of electron-withdrawing elements around the double bond. The results are explained in terms of electronic, steric, and reorganizational effects that derive from the olefin−metal interaction and are compared to computational and experimental results for related complexes, which show similar metal−olefin bond strength behavior. It has been found that reorganizational effects in both the olefin and Ni(PH3)2(CO) play a determining role in the overall bond dissociation energy trend.
Pseudoinversus and conjugate gradients

This paper is devoted to the study of connections between pseudoinverses of matrices and conjugate gradients and conjugate direction routines.
UPDATING THE CONTROL SYSTEMS OF A TRALLFA INDUSTRIAL ROBOT.

A scheme for conversion from magnetic tape to computer control of an industrial robot has been developed. Programming has been extended from the normal teach capability to operation from a remote hand‐held joystick as well as from the computer console.
Human-centric control of video functions and underlying resources in 3D tele-immersive systems

3D tele-immersion (3DTI) has the potential of enabling virtual reality interaction among remote people with real-time 3D video. However, today's 3DTI systems still suffer from various performance issues, limiting their broader deployment, due to the enormous demand on temporal (computing) and spatial (networking) resources. Past research focused on system-centric approaches for technical optimization, without taking human users into the loop. We argue that human factors (including user preferences, semantics, limitations, etc.) are an important and integral part of the cyber-physical 3DTI systems, and should not be neglected. This thesis proposes a comprehensive, human-centric framework for managing video data and functions across the 3DTI pipeline. Our approach is comprehensive because it involves all components of the video function pipeline. It is also comprehensive in the sense that both temporal and spatial resource challenges are considered and tackled.
A CASE OF DIABETES INSIPIDUS ASSOCIATED WITH SYPHILIS OF THE HYPOPHYSIS

Diabetes insipidus is a clinical syndrome characterized by polydipsia and polyuria. A distinction is frequently made between primary or essential, and secondary or symptomatic polyuria. In the primary variety, polydipsia and polyuria are the chief clinical symptoms; in the secondary variety, these symptoms constitute only part of the clinical picture, which is usually that of some organic brain disease. The volume of urine in diabetes insipidus varies from a slight increase above the normal to enormous quantities in twenty-four hours. The polydipsia varies with the polyuria. Numerous clinical studies have been made of diabetes insipidus. These have brought out a number of facts but have led to a great many more speculations. Some writers have rightly termed diabetes insipidus a disease of theories. The urine in diabetes insipidus has the following characteristics: The volume is markedly increased, it is pale in color, of low specific gravity, and poor in salts as indicated by freezing-point determination....
Escape behavior in neonatal rats: Methodological and psychometric considerations*

To determine factors conducive to shock-escape behavior, and which of several measures reflects a learning capability, 5- and 9-day-old rats were given 25 shock-escape training trials in a straight alley in which the grids that comprised the floor ran either vertically or horizontally. Performance was evaluated in terms of speed and competing response measures. Vertically arranged grids were found to facilitate performance in terms of an increased tendency to move in a forward direction. An intrasession decrease in competing responses proved to be the most reliable indicator of learning.
Sovereignty, Power, Control: Politics in the State of Western India, 1916-1947

Between 1916 and 1947 power structures in Gujarat were determined by three political factors: the princes of these states of Western India; the nationalist politicians; and the British paramount power. This book pictures the patterns of interaction between the three agents. The author first defines the interests of the three parties. In several case studies it becomes clear how their relationship was shaped by the typical pursuit of sovereignty by the rulers, power by the politicians and control by the British. Topics such as the princes' right to collect duty on imported goods, the debate over the tiny states in the Gujarat, the British policy towards youthful princes and the honours system are carefully explored.
Naming Academic Libraries: Is Institutional Identity Obscuring the Generous Benefactors and Illustrious Educators of Old?

Identifying the individuals after whom academic libraries are named reveals interesting patterns. An examination of the libraries at traditionally grouped schools such as Ivy League, Seven Sisters, and Big Ten as well as the authors’ home state academic libraries illustrates the varying degrees of how libraries preserve their own history. Additionally, the research reveals that only fifty percent of these libraries are named primarily after alumni, presidents, educators and benefactors. Once named, libraries often experience name changes both officially or by popular usage. The authors propose that some library names change to reflect the current campus culture, while others hold steadfast to their historical naming practices. As libraries struggle to maintain their traditional image and at the same time pursue an identity as a transformative educational force, library names will continue to reflect the institution and community which they serve.
Middle School Students' Perceptions of Effective Motivation and Preparation Factors for High-Stakes Tests.

This mixed-methods study examines young adolescents' perceptions of strategies implemented before a state-mandated “high-stakes” test. Survey results for Grade 8 students (N = 215) are analyzed by sex, academic group, and preparation team. Letters to the principal are reviewed for convergence and additional themes. Although students were most motivated by extrinsic rewards, those whose teachers developed students' self-efficacy and positively used attribution theory were less influenced. Letters revealed parental impact on students' attitudes and performance. Implications are addressed.
A Methodology for Comparing Non-Intrusive Traffic Detectors under Different Operating Conditions

The installation and maintenance of traditional traffic data collection technologies such as inductive loops can disrupt the smooth flow of traffic, undermine pavement quality, and be a significant safety concern to both motorists and construction personnel. Consequently, there has been a strong emphasis on the development and deployment of non-intrusive traffic detection systems. These devices serve as alternatives to conventional systems by allowing agencies to collect data at high traffic volume locations without compromising operations or safety. The main objective of this research is to investigate the accuracy, reliability, cost, and user-friendliness of various non-intrusive detectors. The study is based on data collected at a test bed in Nebraska where four types of non-intrusive detectors (Autoscope Solo Pro II video image detection system, ISS RTMS G4 microwave radar system, Wavetronix SmartSensor microwave radar system, and GTT Canoga Microloop magnetic induction system) have been deployed. A paired or yoked statistical analysis is used to compare the technologies “side-by-side” so that any environmental and traffic effects are accounted for. The study identifies the relative accuracy of each detection system for each traffic variable (volume, speed, and classification) as a function of environmental conditions, time of day conditions, and traffic conditions. In addition, the variances of the traffic parameter estimates are also provided so that transportation agencies will have reasonable operating bounds for the different technologies which are key input to their ATMS algorithm designs.
An improved method for determination of heat production with gamma-ray scintillation spectrometry

Abstract Gamma-ray scintillation spectrometry is often the method of choice for determination of the heat-producing elements (HPE's) uranium, thorium and potassium. This article updates the procedure, describing modern equipment and proposing revised measurement calculations and error analysis. New equations for calculating HPE concentrations and applicable errors from gamma-ray spectra allow for standards that contain all three HPE's, rather than requiring that there be only one element in each of three standards. The equations also account automatically for all peak interferences and quantify the error effects of varying counting times. Errors obtained from repeated analyses and distributions of paired analyses compare favorably with those obtained from the equations. The possibility and potential magnitude of secular disequilibrium can be evaluated simultaneously with an analysis by utilizing the low-energy part of the gamma-ray spectrum (
Matrix method for comparing system and individual energy return ratios when considering an energy transition

Abstract ERRs (Energy return ratios) are valuable metrics for understanding and comparing the contributions of individual energy technologies. It is also important to calculate ERRs in the context of a system, or economy, using a mix of energy technologies. In this paper I demonstrate a framework to simultaneously consider individual energy technology and system-wide ERRs using a process-based input–output model approach. I demonstrate the approach via an example calculating grid electricity ERRs assuming constant technology with only a shift in dominance from fossil to renewable technology. The framework also enables interpretation of changes in individual ERRs due to a shift from one technology to another, with implications for energy scenario analyses. Another finding of this paper is that the ERR GER (gross energy ratio, often assumed equal to EROImm (energy return on energy invested at the ‘mine mouth’)), is only well-defined for primary energy extraction and not energy carriers such as gasoline and electricity. NER (Net energy ratio) and NEER (net external energy ratio), also known as EPR (energy payback ratio), are the most appropriate metrics for describing energy carriers sold to consumers.
Precise determination of the void percolation threshold for two distributions of overlapping spheres

The void percolation threshold is calculated for a distribution of overlapping spheres with equal radii, and for a binary-sized distribution of overlapping spheres, where half of the spheres have radii twice as large as the other half. Using systems much larger than previous work, we determine a much more precise value for the percolation thresholds and correlation length exponent. The value of the percolation threshold for the monodisperse case is shown to be $0.0301\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0003,$ whereas the value for the bidisperse case is shown to be ${p}_{c}=0.0287\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0005.$ The fact that these are significantly different is in contrast with previous, less precise works that speculated that the threshold might be universal with respect to sphere size distribution.
MRAC Revisited: Guaranteed performance with reference model modification

This paper presents modification of the conventional model reference adaptive control (MRAC) architecture in order to achieve guaranteed transient performance both in the output and input signals of an uncertain system. The proposed modification is based on the tracking error feedback to the reference model. It is shown that approach guarantees tracking of a given command and the ideal control signal (one that would be designed if the system were known) not only asymptotically but also in transient by a proper selection of the error feedback gain. The method prevents generation of high frequency oscillations that are unavoidable in conventional MRAC systems for large adaptation rates. The provided design guideline makes it possible to track a reference command of any magnitude form any initial position without re-tuning. The benefits of the method are demonstrated in simulations.
Time and Strategy

The way in which organizations encourage individuals to make time investment decisions can influence internal culture and morale, improve individual and group performance, and create and sustain competitive advantage.
Septal columns in rodent barrel cortex: functional circuits for modulating whisking behavior.

In rodents, each mystacial whisker is represented in the granular layer of primary somatosensory (SI) cortex by a compact cluster of cells known as a barrel, and barrels are separated from each other by domains that are called septa. Vertical columns of neurons aligned with each barrel act as a functional assembly to process information from a “principal” whisker, but a functional role has not been identified for vertical columns of neurons that are aligned with the septa. To determine whether these septal columns provide the main source of projections to primary motor (MI) cortex, we placed retrograde tracers in MI cortex and analyzed the location of the retrogradely labeled neurons with respect to the septal and barrel compartments of SI barrel cortex. In cases in which SI barrel cortex was sectioned tangentially, retrogradely labeled neurons in the extragranular layers of SI were plotted and superimposed onto reconstructions of the layer IV barrel field. In each of these cases, most labeled neurons were located above or below the septal regions of layer IV. When SI barrel cortex was sectioned coronally, we observed multiple columns of labeled SI neurons that were vertically aligned with the septal zones of layer IV. These results indicate that columns of neurons that are vertically aligned with the septa, or septal columns, are functionally linked by virtue of their projections to MI cortex. We hypothesize that these septal columns represent an interconnected and functionally distinct circuit that transmits information to MI and other brain regions involved in motor control. J. Comp. Neurol. 480:299 –309, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cloning of a Serratia marcescens DNA fragment that induces quinoprotein glucose dehydrogenase-mediated gluconic acid production in Escherichia coli in the presence of stationary phase Serratia marcescens.

Serratia marcescens ER2 was isolated from an endorhizosphere sample based on its high level of mineral phosphate solubilizing (MPS) activity. This phenotype was correlated with expression of the direct oxidation pathway. An ER2 plasmid library constructed in Escherichia coli strain DH5α was screened for MPS activity. A recombinant clone DH5α (pKG3791) was capable of gluconic acid (GA) production and tricalcium phosphate solubilization but only in the presence of stationary phase ER2 cells. GA production in DH5α (pKG3791) was apparently the result of the quinoprotein glucose dehydrogenase activity because AG121 (a Tn5 knockout of gcd) carrying pKG3791 did not produce GA under the same conditions. GA production by DH5α (pKG3791) was not observed when ER2 was replaced by another PQQ-producing strain bacterium. These data add to a growing body of evidence that E. coli contains some type of PQQ biosynthesis pathway distinct from those previously characterized in Gram-negative bacteria and that these genes may be induced under appropriate conditions.
The power of partial power of two choices

It is well known that the expected waiting time for customers routed to several parallel queues decreases dramatically when customers are routed to the shortest of two randomly chosen queues, rather than being arbitrarily assigned to one of the queues, and that the further improvement when there are three queues to choose from is much less than the improvement when moving from one to two queues (the power of two [5]). We consider the power of two effect when a subset of customers are flexible, and can choose the shortest of two queues, while the remainder are dedicated, and have no routing choice. We show that the stationary expected waiting time is decreasing and convex in the proportion of flexible customers. Our results show that having a small proportion of flexible customers has nearly as much benefit as having full power of two choices.
The use of catheter intervention procedures for congenital heart disease

The pioneering proposals to use catheter procedures to treat congenital heart disease were published over 20 years ago (1-3). Only in the last half decade, however, have most of these procedures achieved sufficient clinical maturity to affect the delivery of cardiac care to children. In some centers, such procedures now constitu~e a large percentage of all cardiac catheterizations performed (Fig. 1). During the last 5 years, various workers have laid the experimental foundations for most of these transcatheter techniques. Others have described the initial clinical experiences for balloon angioplasty of pulmonary veins (4), pulmonary arteries (5), pulmonary valves (6), native (7) and recurrent (7,8) aortic coarctations, aortic valves (9) and obstructed intracardiac baffles (10). In addition to these balloon angioplasties and v;tlvuloplasties, other transcatheter techniques have been successfully applied to congenital heart disease, including knife atrial septostolllY (11), closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (12,13), closure of large systemic pulmonary artery vessels (14,15) and arteriovenous fistulas (16). As a group, these procedures are still too new to identify their indications and contraindications with any precision. Nonetheless, enough clinical experience has accrued to allow a discussion of how these techniques appear to fit into the current practice of pediatric cardiology at our own institution.
Towards online adaptation and personalization of key-target resizing for mobile devices

Software (soft) keyboards are becoming increasingly popular on mobile devices. To attempt to improve soft keyboard input accuracy, key-target resizing algorithms that dynamically change the size of each key's target area have been developed. Although methods that employ personalized touch models have been shown to outperform general models, previous work has relied upon laboratory-based offline calibration to collect the data necessary to build these models. Such approaches are unrealistic and interuptive, and it is unlikely that offline calibration can be applied in a realistic usage setting, as hundreds or thousands of touch points are necessary to build the models. To combat this problem, this paper explores the possibility of online adaptation of key-target resizing algorithms. In particular, we propose and examine three online data collection methods that can be used to build and dynamically update personalized key-target resizing models. Our results suggest that a data collection methodology that makes inference based on vocabulary and error correction behavior is able to perform on par with gold standard personalized models, while reducing relative error rate by 10.4% over general models. This approach is simple, computationally inexpensive, and calculable via information that the system already has access to. Additionally, we show that these models can be built quickly, requiring less than one week's worth of text input by an average mobile device user.
Use of Self in Relational Clinical Social Work

Since the inception of social work social workers have noted the importance of relationship in practice. More recently clinicians and other social workers have developed the term “use of self” to indicate important aspects of the professional relationship. How that term is defined rests on how one conceptualizes “self.” The authors suggest that from a relational perspective the concept of self changes from the notion of self as separate and constant to self as process in interaction. They demonstrate on a theoretical level as well as through a case example how defining self as process in interaction might affect clinical social work practice.
Dietary and physical activity patterns in children with obstructive sleep apnea

Objective To assess dietary and physical activity patterns and morning circulating blood levels of the orexigenic hormones ghrelin and visfatin in children with either obesity, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or both conditions. Study design In this cross-sectional design, 5- to 9-year-old participants (n = 245) from the community were identified. After overnight polysomnography, caregivers filled out a food and physical activity questionnaire, and the child underwent a fasting blood draw for ghrelin and visfatin plasma levels. Results Compared with control subjects, obese children with OSA ate 2.2-times more fast food, ate less healthy food such as fruits and vegetables, and were 4.2-times less frequently involved in organized sports. OSA was positively correlated with plasma ghrelin levels (R2, 0.73; P Conclusion OSA and obesity in children may adversely impact dietary preferences and may be particularly detrimental to daily physical activity patterns. Furthermore, increased ghrelin levels support the presence of increased appetite and caloric intake in obese patients with OSA, which in turn may further promote the severity of the underlying conditions.
EVOLVING NON-TRIVIAL BEHAVIORS ON REAL ROBOTS

Concerns the development of autonomous robots. The automatic design process proposed is called evolutionary robotics because it involves a form of artificial evolution. However, it is still not clear if this approach is adequate for real life problems. In this paper we show how control systems that perform a nontrivial sequence of behaviors can be obtained with this methodology by “canalizing” the evolutionary process in the right direction. We also show how optimal results are obtained by reducing the amount of supervision to a minimum. (2 pages)
Magnetic losses in metal nanoparticle-insulator nanocomposites

Metal nanoparticle-insulator nanocomposites were synthesized and characterized for their magnetic loss and frequency-stability to understand the role of metal particle size and oxide passivation. Cobalt nanocomposites were synthesized with different matrices such as lead-borosilicate glass, silica and polymers, and fabricated into toroids for characterizing their microstructure and magnetic properties. X-ray Diffraction and Transmission Electron Miscroscopy were used to characterize the microstructure while Vibration Sample Magnetometry and impedance spectroscopy were used to obtain saturation magnetization, coercivity, permeability and magnetic loss. Nanocomposites with particles in the size range of 40–90 nm showed poor frequency stability and high loss beyond 200 MHz while finer particles (25–40 nm) resulted in stable properties beyond 500 MHz. The high coercivity and FMR broadening with oxide-passivated nanoparticle composites, however, degraded the magnetic losses at 500 MHz even with finer particles. The role of particle size and surface effects in suppressing the permeability and enhancing the frequency-stability is discussed.
Abstract B21: Immune-based treatment of ovarian cancer in a mouse model with attenuated Toxoplasma gondii.

Ovarian cancer is generally diagnosed at stage 3 or 4 metastatic disease. The disease course of ovarian cancer is characterized by a remission period following surgery and chemotherapy, but the remission generally only lasts 1-2 years and the relapse is very difficult to treat, so the disease has very poor 5 year survival rates. Effective stimulation of an antitumor immune response during the remission period could eliminate occult metastatic disease and therefore developing immunotherapy approaches for ovarian cancer that can be applied during the remission period is of considerable interest. We have utilized the ID8 based ovarian cancer model in the form of the highly aggressive ID8/Vegf/Defb29 subline to test the ability of an attenuated strain of T. gondii (cps) to stimulate an anti-tumor immune response. We show that following establishment of the tumor by IP injection of tumor cells, introduction of cps into the peritoneal cavity significantly slows the development of the disease. cps predominantly invades immunosuppressive phagocytes in the tumor microenvironment and modifies these and newly recruited phagocytes to be immunostimulatory. The phagocytes are now much more efficient antigen processers and presenters, the immune system is freed from immunosuppression, and the antitumor immune response is activated. The treatment efficacy is associated with a large increase of tumor antigen-specific CD8 T cells and these T cells demonstrate antitumor activity in a transfer experiment and tumor challenge. cps is nontoxic, even in animals with no adaptive immune system, and is a fully attenuated but highly effective platform for developing cancer treatment vaccines. Further developed and applied, cps could be the basis for an autologous tumor vaccine approach that has the potential to improve ovarian cancer outcomes. Citation Format: Steven Fiering, Jason R. Baird, Barbara Fox, Patrick Lizotte, Kiah Sanders, Jose Conjeo-Garcia, David Bzik. Immune-based treatment of ovarian cancer in a mouse model with attenuated Toxoplasma gondii. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology: Multidisciplinary Science Driving Basic and Clinical Advances; Dec 2-5, 2012; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B21.
A doubleheader in endocytosis.

Synaptojanin1 degrades the signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate and facilitates compensatory endocytosis, clathrin-coat disassembly, and vesicle reavailability at active synapses. In this issue of Neuron , Mani et al. provide new information about the separate roles of synaptojanin's two phosphatase domains and its interactions with endophilin in regulating these important aspects of the vesicle cycle.
Computational Micromechanics of Clustering and Interphase Effects in Carbon Nanotube Composites

Computational micromechanical analysis of high-stiffness hollow fiber nanocomposites is performed using the finite element method. The high-stiffness hollow fibers are modeled either directly as isotropic hollow tubes or equivalent transversely isotropic effective solid cylinders with properties computed using a micromechanics based composite cylinders method. Using a representative volume element for clustered high-stiffness hollow fibers embedded in a compliant matrix with the appropriate periodic boundary conditions, the effective elastic properties are obtained from the finite element results. These effective elastic properties are compared to approximate analytical results found using micromechanics methods. The effects of an interphase layer between the high-stiffness hollow fibers and matrix to simulate imperfect load transfer and/or functionalization of the hollow fibers is also investigated and compared to a multi-layer composite cylinders approach. Finally the combined effects of clustering with...
Summary statistics in auditory perception

Sensory signals are transduced at high resolution, but their structure must be stored in a more compact format. Here we provide evidence that the auditory system summarizes the temporal details of sounds using time-averaged statistics. We measured discrimination of 'sound textures' that were characterized by particular statistical properties, as normally result from the superposition of many acoustic features in auditory scenes. When listeners discriminated examples of different textures, performance improved with excerpt duration. In contrast, when listeners discriminated different examples of the same texture, performance declined with duration, a paradoxical result given that the information available for discrimination grows with duration. These results indicate that once these sounds are of moderate length, the brain's representation is limited to time-averaged statistics, which, for different examples of the same texture, converge to the same values with increasing duration. Such statistical representations produce good categorical discrimination, but limit the ability to discern temporal detail.
Indivisibility and preference for collective provision

Abstract Collective goods are usually defined by comparing per-unit cost, net of congestion, under collective and individual provision. This paper examines preference for the form of provision of indivisible goods, arguing that the public/private or collective/individual dichotomy is an artifice of the assumption that shared goods are perfectly divisible. For indivisible goods, collective provision may be preferred when unit-cost is relatively higher and it may be undesired when unit-costs are lower than private; lower per-unit cost is neither a necessary, nor a sufficient condition. The model provides an explanation of Oates' (Journal of Urban Economics, 1988, pp. 85–94) ‘zoo-effect’.
Global Environmental Governance and Regional Centers

As global environmental governance evolves, the parties to the 1989 Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal and to the 2001 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants have established regional centers working on capacity building and technology transfer. This article empirically explores the following questions: Why did the parties to the Basel and Stockholm Conventions establish these regional centers? What roles do the regional centers play in treaty implementation and multilevel governance? The article argues that the parties have set up regional centers in response to three partially overlapping sets of developing- and industrialized-country interests: expanding regional cooperation (both developing and industrialized countries); attracting more resources for treaty implementation (mainly developing countries); and supporting implementation projects across smaller groups of countries (mainly industrialized countries). This article fi...
Neurokinin B and the hypothalamic regulation of reproduction

Loss-of-function mutations in the genes encoding either neurokinin B (NKB) or its receptor, NK3 (NK3R), result in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, characterized by an absence of pubertal development and low circulating levels of LH and gonadal steroids. These studies implicate NKB and NK3R as essential elements of the human reproductive axis. Studies over the last two decades provide evidence that a group of neurons in the hypothalamic infundibular/arcuate nucleus form an important component of this regulatory circuit. These neurons are steroid-responsive and coexpress NKB, kisspeptin, dynorphin, NK3R, and estrogen receptor α (ERα) in a variety of mammalian species. Compelling evidence in the human indicates these neurons function in the hypothalamic circuitry regulating estrogen negative feedback on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. Moreover, in the rat, they form a bilateral, interconnected network that projects to NK3R-expressing GnRH terminals in the median eminence. This network provides an anatomical framework to explain how coordination among NKB/kisspeptin/dynorphin/NK3R/ERα neurons could mediate feedback information from the gonads to modulate pulsatile GnRH secretion. There is substantial (but indirect) evidence that this network may be part of the neural circuitry known as the "GnRH pulse generator," with NK3R signaling as an important component. This theory provides a compelling explanation for the occurrence of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in patients with inactivating mutations in the TAC3 or TACR3 genes. Future studies will be needed to determine whether NKB signaling plays a permissive role in the onset of puberty or is part of the driving force initiating the maturation of reproductive function.
A cDNA encoding RAP74, a general initiation factor for transcription by RNA polymerase II.

RAP30/74 (also known as TFIIF (refs 1, 2), βΓ (ref. 3) and FC (ref. 4)) is one of several general factors required for initiation by RNA polymerase II (reviewed in refs 5–7). The small RAP30 subunit of RAP30/74 binds directly to polymerase and appears structurally and functionally homologous to bacterial sigma factors in their RNA polymerase-binding region8–10. RAP30/74 or recombinant RAP30 suppresses nonspecific binding of RNA polymerase II to DNA (refs 10,11) and is required for RNA polymerase II to assemble stably into a preinitiation complex containing promoter DNA and the general factors TFIID, TFIIA and TFIIB (refs 2,12, 13); both RAP30 and RAP74 are physical components of the preinitiation complex2. A complementary DNA encoding human RAP30 has been isolated8, and here we report the isolation of a cDNA encoding human RAP74. RAP30 and RAP74 produced in Escherichia coli can be used in place of natural human RAP30/74 to direct accurate transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II In vitro.
Modification of edge waves by barred-beach topography

A numerical model to calculate edge-wave profiles and wavelengths for arbitrary bottom profiles and given frequency was developed utilizing the model wave equation of Berkhoff (1972). Following Smith and Sprinks (1975), surface profiles and longshore wave numbers were found for fixed wave periods using an eigenvalue approach. The model was verified by calculating profiles and dispersion for a plane beach of mild slope, and comparing results with the analytic solution of Eckart (1951) and Ursell (1952). The model was then applied to the case of a beach with multiple offshore bars, with bar positions determined by the antinodal positions of a standing incident wave of a set frequency. Calculation of surface profiles for a range of frequencies using a fixed beach indicated that antinodes of the edgewave profiles tend to be trapped by the bars, suggesting the possibility that bars affect the long-wave climate in such a way as to lead to self-maintenance over extended periods. No effect of the bars on the dispersion relationship was found, and it was concluded that, for the particular beach profile used, the edge waves respond to the mean beach slope over the offshore length of the profile.
Human carbonic anhydrase II–cyanate inhibitor complex: putting the debate to rest

The binding of anions to carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) has been attributed to high affinity for the active-site zinc. An anion of interest is cyanate, for which contrasting binding modes have been reported in the literature. Previous spectroscopic data have shown cyanate behaving as an inhibitor, directly binding to the zinc, in contrast to previous crystallographic data that implied that cyanate acts as a substrate mimic that is not directly bound to the zinc but overlaps with the binding site of the substrate CO2. Wild-type and the V207I variant of CA II have been expressed and X-ray crystal structures of their cyanate complexes have been determined to 1.7 and 1.5 A resolution, respectively. The rationale for the V207I CA II variant was its close proximity to the CO2-binding site. Both structures clearly show that the cyanate binds directly to the zinc. In addition, inhibition constants (∼40 µM) were measured using (18)O-exchange mass spectrometry for wild-type and V207I CA II and were similar to those determined previously (Supuran et al., 1997). Hence, it is concluded that under the conditions of these experiments the binding of cyanate to CA II is directly to the zinc, displacing the zinc-bound solvent molecule, and not in a site that overlaps with the CO2 substrate-binding site.
Signals and systems II-Part III: Analytic signals and QAM data transmission

This six-part series is a mini-course, focused on system concepts, that is aimed at the gap between Signals and Systems and the usual first DSP course. Part II discussed oversampling in D/A conversion and the basics of decimation, complex signals, and Nyquist signaling. This third article in the series is about analytic signals and linear data modulation. Figures are numbered in one sequence across the entire series, and gaps appear in their numbering in some individual articles.
Optimization of Parallel and Serpentine Configurations for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

A network-based optimization model was developed to optimize the channel dimensions of flow fields in order to achieve a uniform flow distribution and improve the performance of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Different flow field configurations, including parallel, parallel-in-series, and serpentine, were investigated using the present optimization model. Two cases, with and without considering reactant consumption, were compared to show the effect of including reactant consumption on the flow field designs. The results demonstrated that the optimized designs significantly improved the flow velocity distribution in all the configurations investigated. The optimized designs with consideration of reactant consumption exhibited more uniform flow velocity distribution when the entire fuel cell unit was considered. Additionally, the performances of PEM fuel cells for the conventional and optimized flow field designs were studied with a three-dimensional, two-phase fuel cell simulation model, and the computational results showed that the optimized designs with considering reactant consumption produced the highest maximum power density for each configuration investigated. These results show that the network-based model is capable of optimizing various flow field configurations with flexibility and indicate the importance of considering reactant consumption in the optimization model.
Effect of Finishing Temperature on Texture Evolution and Magnetic Properties in Heavy Cold Rolled High Silicon Steel Thin Sheets

0.2mm-thick high silicon steel thin sheet under 94% cold rolling reductions has been successfully produced by conventional rolling method. Texture evolution during hot rolling, cold rolling and final annealing as well as magnetic properties has been investigated with emphasis on the effect of finishing temperature. It is found that a favorable strong {001} recrystallization texture and evidently improved magnetic properties can be obtained at the finishing temperature of 900°C, which is in contrast with relatively strong detrimental {111} and weak {001} recrystallization texture at the finishing temperature of 700°C. Effects of finishing temperature can be explained in terms of the cold rolling texture due to different texture morphology in hot bands.
Response to Comment on ``Transitions to Asexuality Result in Excess Amino Acid Substitutions''

Asexual populations experience a reduction in the efficiency of selection when compared with sexual populations. Because asexual lineages of Daphnia pulex exhibit no consistent change in mitochondrial base-composition bias, Butlin suggests that this bias is not maintained by selection. On the basis of frequencies of polymorphic directional base changes, we suggest that it predominantly reflects mutation bias.
AN ANALYSIS OF AVERSIVE STIMULI IN CLASSROOM DEMAND CONTEXTS

Although recent research has identified numerous variables that can affect behavior maintained by negative reinforcement, questions remain concerning the potential aspects of the demand context that evoke problem behavior. To date, few studies have examined these questions within general education classrooms. The current study assessed the influence of social and task-difficulty variables on problem behavior maintained by negative reinforcement. Teachers in general education classrooms implemented three analyses to determine the influence of these variables on the problem behavior of 4 boys. Results are discussed in terms of response covariation within the demand context.
Solvent-Free Methods for Making Acetals Derived from Glycerol and Furfural and Their Use as a Biodiesel Fuel Component

The increased production of biodiesel has resulted in the overproduction of glycerol. Many researchers have begun investigating new uses for glycerol, including its conversion to fuel additives. In this paper, glycerol has been reacted with furfural to yield the corresponding acetal. This condensation reaction is carried out under neat conditions with 5-fold excess of furfural, and a number of homogeneous Lewis acids and heterogeneous solid acids as catalysts. Reactions are routinely carried out at 100 °C, allowing for yields up to 90%. The addition of a dry stream of nitrogen gas purging the headspace was found to improve yields and allowed for a reduction in the excess amount of furfural. These reaction methods are applicable to crude glycerol, affording up to 80% yield with short reaction times. The isolated acetal products can be hydrogenated, and the free hydroxyl group can subsequently be acetylated. The resulting materials have been investigated as additives to biodiesel, aiming to improve the low ...
Civ plasma flow near active region filaments

Selected Civ V 0 lines (lines separating adjacent regions of strong blue shift and strong red shift) located near the solar limb and oriented parallel to the radius vector from disk center are shown to be closely aligned with Hα dark filaments in active regions. The filaments, in turn, are known to lie in the vicinity of magnetic neutral lines. The radial orientation of the V 0 lines minimizes uncertainties in image registration and their location near the limb ensures that the observed fluid motion has major components paralleling V 0. It follows that the filaments are located at sites of velocity shear, and, by inference, of magnetic shear. For a case in which a given V 0 line is observed near both east and west limbs, the gradient of Doppler velocity across the V 0 line reverses sign from one limb to the other as is expected for horizontal steady flow. Thus, the velocity vectors remain fixed with respect to the filament.
Effects of feed intake and thermal stress on mammary blood flow and other physiological measurements in lactating dairy cows.

Six midlactation Holstein cows were exposed to treatments of thermal comfort environments with ad libitum or restricted (70% of ad libitum) DM intake and a thermal stress environment with ad libitum intake in two balanced 3 X 3 Latin squares to evaluate effects on mammary blood flow and other physiological measurements. Daily DM intake decreased from 17.8 kg in thermal comfort with ad libitum intake to 12.5 kg in thermal comfort with restricted intake and to 14.8 kg in thermal stress. Daily milk production decreased from 23.9 kg in thermal comfort ad libitum to 22.2 kg in thermal comfort restricted and 21.6 kg in thermal stress. Mammary blood flows (half udder) over the entire sampling interval (18 h) were 5.1, 4.3, and 4.5 L/min for treatments: thermal comfort, ad libitum intake; thermal comfort, restricted intake; and thermal stress, ad libitum intake. Mammary blood flows did not differ significantly among between treatments. Relationship of hald udder blood flow (L/min) to previous day's DM intake (kg/d) was described by the linear equation: L/min = .49 + (.27 kg/d); r2 = .46; and the quadratic equation: L/min = 6.04 - (.54 kg/d) + (.03 [kg/d]2); r2 = .55. Mammary blood flows 10 min before through 10 min after milking machine attachment were greater for cows at thermal comfort and ad libitum intake than for cows at thermal comfort and restricted intake or thermal stress and ad libitum intake (5.5, 4.8, and 4.8 L/min).
Between estuaries and the sea

Abstract Dissolved and particulate materials and living organisms are exchanged between estuaries and the sea. Net material fluxes, import or export, appear to depend on physical and biological processes within both estuarine and coastal ecosystems. In temperate zone lagoonal systems, the marsh-estuarine continuum hypothesis can provide a reasonable synthetic explanation of transport based on the level of ecosystem maturity within the system. The relative importance of riverine and lagoonal material exchanges with the coastal ocean are at present entirely speculative and make the estimation of the regional influences of material transports between estuaries and the coastal ocean uncertain. Organismic exchanges depend on both passive and active behavior mechanisms and are species specific. Few quantitative estimates of organismic fluxes exist and the role of non-commercial invertebrates and fish in these fluxes are unknown.
Estimating future stage entry and occupation probabilities in a multistage model based on randomly right-censored data

A general multistage model is considered where all individuals start at a given initial stage at time zero. Based on randomly right-censored data, we provide both individual-specific and overall estimates of the probabilities of entry to a future stage. We also provide normalized estimators of the probability of occupying each stage as a function of time. These estimators are constructed using competing risks techniques but with risk sets consisting of fractional observations. The fractional observations correspond to estimates of the numbers of persons who ultimately enter each stage, based on the censored data.
On finite plastic deformation of anisotropic metallic materials

Abstract The classical flow theory of plasticity has been extended to the large strain range for anisotropic metallic materials. The following concepts have been incorporated into the constitutive framework: (1) the convected coordinates and the contravariant true stress, (2) an observer independent yield function, (3) the convected rate for general kinematics of deformation, and (4) the rotation of material texture expressed by a constitutive spin. The theory has been applied to the problem of free-end torsion of a thin-walled tube. The predicted results of shear stress-strain curve, axial strain versus shear strain curve, back stress versus shear strain curve, and initial and subsequent yield surfaces compare favorably with experimental data obtained by the author and his co-workers. It has been shown that the yield function defined by the contravariant true stress can account for the distortion of the yield loci.