cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Under-reporting of pelvic inflammatory disease in Hawaii: a comparison of state surveillance and hospitalization data.

Hawaii is one of only 19 states for which pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a mandated notifiable disease. In order to assess the completeness of PID reporting, we compared the number of hospitalized PID cases in the state of Hawaii with the total number of PID cases reported to the Hawaii State Department of Health surveillance system from 2007 through 2010. While 828 unique PID cases were diagnosed in Hawaii hospitals, only 240 unique PID cases were reported through the state’s surveillance system. Severe PID underreporting was seen despite mandatory reporting laws.
‘Trusting’ schools to meet the academic needs of African‐American students? Suburban mothers’ perspectives

According to Tschannen‐Moran, ‘Principals and teachers need to build trusting relationships with students and parents in order to accomplish their essential goal of fostering student achievement and equipping students for citizenship.’ In the context of organizational trust, this study explored such relationships with six, middle‐class African‐American mothers. The mothers openly and honestly shared their thoughts regarding the suburban public education system’s ability to adequately partner with them in building the reciprocal trusting relationships necessary to promote school performance and better meet the academic needs of their sons and daughters.
Multivariate discrimination of host use by dwarf mistletoeArceuthobium vaginatum subsp.cryptopodum: Inter- and intraspecific comparisons.

The parasitic dwarf mistletoeArceuthobium vaginatum attacksPinus ponderosa as its primary host andP. contorta as an occasional host. Within ponderosa pine stands there is also differential parasitism among individual trees. We compared biochemical features of phloem and xylem oleoresin between infected individuals of the two pine species (N=15 for each species) and also between infected (N=30) and nearby uninfected (N=30) ponderosa pine conspecifics. There were significant differences in chemical features, both at the interspecific (P. ponderosa vs.P. contorta) and intraspecific (P. ponderosa) levels. Discriminant function analysis based on chemical features of phloem correctly classified all trees used in the analysis as eitherP. ponderosa orP. contorta, and 95% of all ponderosa pine trees as either parasitized or nonparasitized. Monoterpene composition of oleoresin was distinct between species, and differences between parasitized and nonparasitizedP. ponderosa were also significant. Many of the observed chemical differences are probably constitutive, although levels of nonstructural carbohydrates and α-pinene may change in response to dwarf mistletoe infection. Biochemical differences at the intraspecific level were distinct from interspecific differences. Patterns of differential attack can have genetic consequences upon both the parasite and its hosts, and, in the process, may contribute to the evolution of host races of the parasite and to the evolution of host resistance within ponderosa pine.
HPV16 infection of HaCaTs is dependent on β4 integrin, and α6 integrin processing

Our understanding of human papillomavirus (HPV) is still evolving. To further study the field, our laboratory has focused on determining the role of integrins in the initial steps of viral endocytosis into HaCaT cells. Our and others' previous findings have shown that α6 is necessary for infection. Here we show that α3 and β1 were dispensable, and we identified integrin α6β4 complex as necessary for infection in HaCaTs. β4 knock down resulted in a significant decrease in HPV16 PsV infection and perhaps most importantly resulted in defective post-translational α6 processing. We showed that the unprocessed α6 does not localize to the cell surface. We propose that the α6β4 complex is necessary for the formation of an endocytic complex that results in the signaling transduction events necessary for initial endocytosis.
Moral Hazard: The Long-Lasting Legacy of Bailouts

The U.S. government appears to be committed to supporting any large bank that gets into trouble. A bailout environment distorts risk assessments. Debt capital flows more readily to large institutions, even inefficient ones, than to small ones. This article proposes reforms to the U.S. financial system. A change in incentives is needed. Phasing out the deductibility of interest on all business tax returns would reduce the incentive for leverage. Another reform would require all banks to issue 10-year subordinated notes, which would provide a large capital cushion. Banks would have to go to market every year to replace maturing subordinated debt, which would greatly enhance market discipline. Listen to a presentation by the author based on this article.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SELECTED EDIBLE NUT SEEDS

Commercially important edible nut seeds were analyzed for chemical composition and moisture sorption. Moisture (1.47-9.51%), protein (7.50-21.56%), lipid (42.88-66.71%), ash (1.16-3.28%), total soluble sugars (0.55-3.96%), tannins (0.01-0.88%), and phytate (0.15-0.35%) contents varied considerably. Regardless of the seed type, lipids were mainly composed of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (>75% of the total lipids). Fatty acid composition analysis indicated that oleic acid (C18:1) was the main constituent of monounsaturated lipids in all seed samples. With the exception of macadamia, linoleic acid (C18:2) was the major polyunsaturated fatty acid. In the case of walnuts, in addition to linoleic acid (59.79%) linolenic acid (C18:3) also significantly contributed toward the total polyunsaturated lipids. Amino acid composition analyses indicated lysine (Brazil nut, cashew nut, hazelnut, pine nut, and walnut), sulfur amino acids methionine and cysteine (almond), tryptophan (macadamia, pecan), and threonine (peanut) to be the first limiting amino acid as compared to human (2-5 year old) amino acid requirements. The amino acid composition of the seeds was characterized by the dominance of hydrophobic (range = 37.16-44.54%) and acidic (27.95-33.17%) amino acids followed by basic (16.16-21.17%) and hydrophilic (8.48-11.74%) amino acids. Trypsin inhibitory activity, hemagglutinating activity, and proteolytic activity were not detected in the nut seed samples analyzed. Sorption isotherms (Aw range = 0.08-0.97) indicated a narrow range for monolayer water content (11-29 mg/g of dry matter). No visible mold growth was evident on any of the samples stored at Aw < 0.53 and 25 degrees C for 6 months.
Transient response of continuous cultures to changes in temperature

The purpose of this experimental study was to examine the transient response of a chemostat-type continuous culture of Escherichia coli B to step changes in temperature by following transient limiting substrate concentration and calculating from it the transient growth rate. The transient response to step changes of temperature was tested for four different situations. In the first two cases, temperature was shifted down from 37 to 27°C., and 37 to 32°C. In the last two, it was shifted up from 32 to 37°C., and 27 to 37°C. When the temperature was shifted up, the growth rate increased rather rapidly to its transient maximum value and then decreased slowly until it, settled back into the steady-state value. On the other hand, when the temperature was shifted down, the growth rate decreased relatively rapidly to its transient minimum and then it slowly increased and returned gradually to the steady-state value. The magnitude of the transients was less than would be expected if the transient growth rates followed an Arrhenius function.
Indications for upper extremity surgery in rheumatoid arthritis patients

In selected circumstances, especially those associated with pain and mechanical instability, early surgical therapy is indicated for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Close consultation between the rheumatologist and surgeon enables identification of focused goals attainable by synovectomy, ligament or tendon reconstruction, joint replacement, or arthrodesis. If these goals are met, the result can be a gratifying return of function and independence. This article describes some of the more common deformities of the hand, wrist, and elbow in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Current surgical therapy, along with outcome and complications, is also discussed. Emphasis is placed on decisions and indications for surgical evaluation.
Overview of current toxicological knowledge of engineered nanoparticles.

Objective Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on a near-atomic scale to produce nanoparticles with unique properties, allowing new commercial applications. Since nanoparticles exhibit unique physicochemical properties, they are likely to exhibit biological activity significantly different from fine-sized particles of the same chemical composition. Therefore, evaluation of the biological effects of nanoparticles is critical. Methods The article lists the major objectives of nanotoxicology and briefly reviews the literature concerning biological responses to pulmonary exposure. Results Interactions of nanoparticles with biological systems depend on particle size, shape, oxidant generation, surface functionalization, and rate of dissolution. Pulmonary, cardiovascular, and central nervous system responses to pulmonary exposure to nanotitanium dioxide and carbon nanotubes are described. Conclusions Significant biological responses occur in animal models after pulmonary exposure to certain nanoparticles. Control of exposure appears prudent to protect worker health. Clinical significance Nanotechnology is synthesizing a wide range of nanoparticles, which exhibit unique physicochemical properties. These unique properties make unique biological activity likely. If certain nanoparticles induce adverse effects in vitro or in animal models, then occupational health surveillance and exposure control may be prudent steps in the protection of worker health.
WHEN 'THE SHOW MUST GO ON': SURFACE ACTING AND DEEP ACTING AS DETERMINANTS OF EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION AND PEER-RATED SERVICE DELIVERY

Affective delivery, or expressing positive emotions in service interactions, helps satisfy customers. But employees cannot always feel positive and, to avoid breaking display rules, may act. Surfac...
A study of flow separation on an aspect ratio three flap at Mach number 2.4

Static pressure distributions and dark central ground interferometry are used to document the flow on a flap over a range of Reynolds numbers and deflection angles. The pressure profiles and interferograms are analyzed to distinguish laminar, transitional and turbulent flows in attached, incipient and separated cases. Sideplates are used to compare two and three dimensional effects. Data is also presented for extended flaps used to isolate the effect of the trailing edge expansion. The issues of unsteadiness and hysteresis are also addressed.
Relationships of working status and cardiac capacity to functional age before and after coronary bypass surgery

In 77 patients having coronary bypass surgery, we evaluated the interaction between chronological age, functional age, and working status pre- and postoperatively. Preoperatively the chronological age of those not working compared to those working was 60.7 +/- 8.4 years versus 53.0 +/- 8.3 years (P less than 0.001). The preoperative functional ages were 93.5 +/- 11.5 versus 87.6 +/- 10.9 years (P less than 0.05). Postoperatively no patient who was not working preoperatively started work, although functional age improved from 93.5 +/- 11.5 to 83.2 +/- 12.8 years (P less than 0.001). Postoperatively subjects who stopped working showed similar improvement in maximal cardiac output, and maximal oxygen consumption compared to those who continued working; however, the functional age after surgery was 80.6 +/- 9.4 versus 69.6 +/- 11.6 years (P less than 0.01). This study showed a poor relationship between degree of improvement in cardiac function after bypass surgery and change in working status. However, functional age and chronological age contribute to the poor results with regard to return to work.
Rapid, sensitive, iron-based spectrophotometric methods for determination of peroxide values of food lipids

The official International Dairy Federation method for determination of the peroxide value of anhydrous milk fat was extended to poultry, meat, fish, and vegetable oils. The ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange method for determination of peroxide values of liposomes and lipoproteins was modified to make it simpler and more rapid. These 2 spectrophotometric methods were used successfully to determine the peroxide values of beef, chicken, butter, fish, and vegetable products. The results in most cases were consistent with those obtained by using the AOAC Official Method. The spectrophotometric methods have an assay time of less than 10 min, require < or = 0.3 g fat, and are capable of determining peroxide values as low as 0.1 mequiv/kg of sample.
Effects of a high-protein, low-energy diet in finishing lambs: 1. Feed intake, estimated nutrient uptake, and levels of plasma metabolites and metabolic hormones

Abstract Patterns of tissue mobilisation in ruminants are ill-understood. This hinders nutritional management to mitigate the effects of energy deprivation on protein mass, and nutritional regimens designed to change body composition. An experiment was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the effects of a low-energy high-protein diet in growing lambs. Three diets (CON = concentrate diet ad libitum, STR = straw ad libitum, SFM = straw ad libitum plus 150 g/d fish meal) were fed to growing white-face lambs. Analysis of feed intake and metabolite data provided evidence that greater available N did not have a synergistic effect on intake of low quality forage. Metabolite and hormone profiles of lambs in negative energy balance, supplemented with duodenally available protein, revealed that SFM animals did not respond with an accelerated rate of fat mobilization or maintain protein mass due to available N. This was particularly evident from the leptin profiles, which indicated higher circulating leptin levels for SFM compared to STR animals. Further, the data revealed that in sheep fed below requirements for maintenance, leptin levels did not correspond with acute ME intake, whereas the opposite was true for well-fed animals. Conversely, the response of the GH/IGF-1 axis to high protein–energy ratio (PER) diets was indicative of effects not explained by the difference in energy provided by the two experimental diets. These results contrast with observations from intra-gastric infusion experiments testing similar PERs and previous conventional feeding trials and provide evidence of: (1) specific differences associated with PER in lambs fed via intra-gastric infusion vs. a conventional feeding approach, and (2) lack of usefulness of high PER diets in the post hoc modification of body composition of growing lambs. While positive N balance is known to occur in ruminants in negative energy balance, the determinants of relative proportions of muscle and adipose tissue catabolised under energy deprivation remain unknown.
Verification and semantic parallelization of goal-driven autonomous software

Future space missions such as the Mars Science Laboratory demand the engineering of some of the most complex man-rated autonomous software systems. According to some recent estimates, the certification cost for mission-critical software exceeds its development cost. The current process-oriented methodologies do not reach the level of detail of providing guidelines for the development and validation of concurrent software. Time and concurrency are the most critical notions in an autonomous space system. In this work we present the design and implementation of a first concurrency and time centered framework for verification and semantic parallelization of real-time C++ within the JPL Mission Data System Framework (MDS). The end goal of the industrial project that motivated our work is to provide certification artifacts and accelerated testing of the complex software interactions in autonomous flight systems. As a case study we demonstrate the verification and semantic parallelization of the MDS Goal Networks.
The importance of a two-level perspective for island model design

Our theoretical understanding of island models (IMs) is much worse than of single-population evolutionary algorithms (EAs). As a consequence there is relatively little guidance available to a practitioner for even the most basic aspects of IM design such as choosing the size and number of the islands. In this paper we improve on this situation by showing how a particular two-level perspective can in fact provide guidance for IM design.
Differences in Pregnenolone and Adenosine Triphosphate Syntheses Between Mitochondria from Follicles and Corpora Lutea of Porcine Ovaries

Mitochondria from intact follicles (4-7 mm) and corpora lutea of porcine ovaries were isolated and compared with respect to their abilities to utilize various oxidizable substrates to support ATP and pregnenolone syntheses. The oxidizable substrates studied were isocitrate, citrate, malate and succi.nate (Kreb’s cycle intermediates), acetyl carnitine and paimitoyl carnitine (representative short and long chain fatty acids, respectively) and pyruvate (an intermediate of glucose metabolism). While there is an overall higher rate of ATP synthesis by luteal mitochondria, the increase in the utilization of certain substrates is especially dramatic. Palmitoyl carnitine and acetyl carnitine support ATP synthesis almost fivefold better in luteal preparations than in follicular mitochondria (120 vs. 25 nmol/min per mg protein), while isocitrate and citrate are eight times better (240 vs. 30 nmol/min per mg protein). It appears that fatty acids are poorly utilized by follicular mitochondria to support ATP synthesis, but are good substrates in luteal mitochondria. The inability of follicular mitochondria to utilize isocitrate to support ATP synthesis is not due to a lack of isocitrate dehydrogenase activity, since the activities of both the NAD4-dependent and NADr-dependent forms in follicular mitochondria are not significantly different than the corresponding activities in luteal mitochondria. With follicular mitochondria there are no significant differences between the rates of pregnenolone synthesis supported by various substrates (approximately 40 pmol/min per mg protein). While the rates of pregnenolone synthesis by luteal mitochondria also do not differ significantly with the various oxidizable substrates, the rates by luteal mitochondria are fiveto tenfold higher than the corresponding rates by follicular mitochondria. In summary, these studies show that luteal mitochondria have a greater ability to utilize fatty acids and isocitrate and citrate than do follicular mitochondria. In addition, while the rate of ATP synthesis varies with the oxidizable substrate utilized, pregnenolone synthesis requires an oxidizable substrate but does not exhibit any preference.
Morphological mutant in the entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora.

Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is an entomopathogenic nematode that has potential as a biological control agent. As a first step in the genetic analysis of this nematode, we induced and isolated a short nematode (dumpy) from the F2 progeny of an EMS mutagenized nematode. Phenotypically, the dumpy adult is 60% shorter than the wild type. There is almost no longitudinal growth after the infective juvenile stage. Dumpy is completely recessive with 100% penetrance and uniform expressivity. When F1 progeny were allowed to self, F2 progeny segregated wild: dumpy in a 15:1 ratio (chi 2 = 0.634, .5 > P > .2). This dumpy mutation (Rhdpy) complements another dumpy mutation isolated in Israel and is the second gene known for this species.
Genome-wide association mapping of zinc and iron concentration in barley landraces from Ethiopia and Eritrea

Abstract Mamo, B.E., Barber, B., Steffenson, B.J., 2014. Genome–wide association mapping of zinc and iron concentration in barley landraces from Ethiopia and Eritrea. J. Cereal Sci. XX, XX–XX. Barley is one of the oldest cultivated crop plants and is a major part of a staple diet in some developing countries. The objectives of this study were to characterize genetic variation in grain zinc and iron concentration and kernel weight, and identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with these traits in barley landraces from Ethiopia/Eritrea using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Barley landraces were grown under greenhouse and field conditions, characterized for micronutrient concentration and kernel weight, and then genotyped with 7842 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The germplasm exhibited a wide range of variation for these traits with some accessions having high levels of zinc and iron. Heritability values of 0.65 and 0.59, respectively, were obtained for zinc and iron concentrations in grain samples harvested from field trials. One QTL associated with grain zinc concentration was identified in a unique genomic location on the long arm of chromosome 6H. For kernel weight, a known QTL region on the long arm of chromosome 2H was detected. This study demonstrates the existence of high genetic variation for grain zinc and iron concentration in Ethiopian/Eritrean barley landraces and also the utility of GWAS for identifying and mapping QTL underlying micronutrient accumulation.
NOT ENOUGH MALES? MONOAMINES CHANGE EVERYTHING!

![Figure][1] The saddleback wrasse, Thalassoma duperrey , inhabits corals reefs in the Hawaiian Islands. Remarkably, when the ratio of males to females in a population of wrasse becomes too low, the largest female transforms herself into a male over a 6–8-week period. Unsurprisingly, sex
Art and Cultural Politics in Postwar Taiwan

During the past five decades, Taiwan has seen the emergence of artists who exemplify the rapid social, political, and cultural changes of the period. Their work represents a vital and ongoing inquiry into history, and a critical revision of Taiwanese identity and culture. Art and Cultural Politics in Postwar Taiwan is concerned with the visual arts as they embody the crises in national and cultural identities in Taiwan.Among the topics examined are Japanese colonial architecture; the role of official art exhibitions in the process of decolonization; migrations and transplantations of modernist art in postwar Taiwan; and the impact of rapid cultural change on artists born after World War II.
Synthesis of the aldehyde of oligomeric polyoxyethylene

Conjugates of polyoxyethylene with proteins and surfaces are of much importance in various biotechnical applications. Consequently, methods for preparing the aldehyde of POE are of interest because of the potential ready attachment of this compound to proteins and aminated surfaces by reductive amination. In this work we describe the results of attempts to prepare an oligomeric POE aldehyde by six routes, two of which proved to be effective. Two previously published routes, manganese-oxide and DMSO/Ac2O oxidation were ineffective. The aldehyde was shown to be unstable in the presence of base and thus of little use for reductive amination. On the other hand, the benzaldehyde derivative, which we also synthesized, is stable, easy to prepare, and undergoes ready reductive amination.
Self-organization and segmentation in a laterally connected orientation map of spiking neurons

The RF-SLISSOM model integrates two separate lines of research on computational modeling of the visual cortex. Laterally connected self-organizing maps have been used to model how afferent structures such as orientation columns and patterned lateral connections can simultaneously self-organize through input-driven Hebbian adaptation. Spiking neurons with leaky integrator synapses have been used to model image segmentation and binding by synchronization and desynchronization of neuronal group activity. Although these approaches differ in how they model the neuron and what they explain, they share the same overall layout of a laterally connected two-dimensional network. This paper shows how both self-organization and segmentation can be achieved in such an integrated network, thus presenting a unified model of development and functional dynamics in the primary visual cortex.
Acts of Misrecognition: Transnational Black Politics, Anti-Imperialism and the Ethnocentrisms of Pierre Bourdieu and Loïc Wacquant

This article is a response to the 1999 article `On the Cunning of Imperialist Reason' by Pierre Bourdieu and Loic Wacquant, in which US intellectuals such as myself were accused of engaging in `imperialist reason' through scholarly and institutional efforts to impose a US paradigm of racial relations upon Brazilian society and scholarship. This article makes three principal points in relation to Bourdieu and Wacquant's charges. First, their critique relies on presumptions and critical analytical methods which privilege the nation-state and culture as the sole object for comparative analysis, and, second, as a consequence ignore how Afro-Brazilian politics and the US civil rights movement intersect within the political contexts and histories of transnational black politics. The intersecting affiliations of transnational black politics across territorial and nation-state boundaries problematize any characterization of international and inter-state relations as the inevitable interaction of politically discr...
High abundance synovial fluid proteome: distinct profiles in health and osteoarthritis

The development of increasingly high-throughput and sensitive mass spectroscopy-based proteomic techniques provides new opportunities to examine the physiology and pathophysiology of many biologic fluids and tissues. The purpose of this study was to determine protein expression profiles of high-abundance synovial fluid (SF) proteins in health and in the prevalent joint disease osteoarthritis (OA). A cross-sectional study of 62 patients with early OA (n = 21), patients with late OA (n = 21), and control individuals (n = 20) was conducted. SF proteins were separated by using one-dimensional PAGE, and the in-gel digested proteins were analyzed by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 362 spots were examined and 135 high-abundance SF proteins were identified as being expressed across all three study cohorts. A total of 135 SF proteins were identified. Eighteen proteins were found to be significantly differentially expressed between control individuals and OA patients. Two subsets of OA that are not dependent on disease duration were identified using unsupervised analysis of the data. Several novel SF proteins were also identified. Our analyses demonstrate no disease duration-dependent differences in abundant protein composition of SF in OA, and we clearly identified two previously unappreciated yet distinct subsets of protein profiles in this disease cohort. Additionally, our findings reveal novel abundant protein species in healthy SF whose functional contribution to SF physiology was not previously recognized. Finally, our studies identify candidate biomarkers for OA with potential for use as highly sensitive and specific tests for diagnostic purposes or for evaluating therapeutic response.
On the existence of codes with constant bounded PMEPR for multicarrier signals

It has been shown that with probability one the peak to mean envelope power ratio (PMEPR) of any random codeword chosen from a symmetric QAM/PSK constellation is log n where n is the number of subcarriers (M. Sharif, et al., 2003). In this paper, the existence of codes with nonzero rate and PMEPR bounded by a constant is established.
Using a Barrel of Monkeys in computer science

The use of tangible models in the classroom (at all levels of instruction) is incredibly common; CS instruction is no exception. In this report, we discuss experiences in using the common Barrel of Monkeysreg toy to teach concepts related to dynamically allocated linked lists. Points of emphasis include pointer vs. object distinctions, copies of pointers, list manipulation algorithms, memory allocation and leaks, and classroom presentation tips
Electronic Structure and Bonding of β-SiAlON

The α- and β-SiAlONs are ceramic solid solutions with charge-neutral substitutions in α- and β-Si3N4. They have high potential for applications as structural materials. We have calculated the electronic structure and bonding of β-Si6—zAlzOzN8—z for z= 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 using a first-principles method. Total energy calculations show that the bulk modulus of β-Si6—zAlzOzN8—z decreases as z increases, in general agreement with experimental trends. Simultaneous substitution of the (Si,N) pair by (Al,O) results in impurity-like states in the upper portion of the bandgap of β-Si3N4. As z increases, more and more states are introduced into the gap, forming a new conduction band (CB) edge for SiAlON. At z= 4, the calculated bandgap is ∼1.3 eV. Density of states (DOS) calculations show the top of the valence band remains steep for all z, and the bottom of the CB is formed predominately by Si—O antibonding states. Orbitally resolved partial DOS calculations in the CB region are used to predict the trends of the electron-energy-loss near-edge spectra (ELNES) of Si-L2,3, Al-L2,3, Si-K, Al-K, O-K, and N-K edges in β-SiAlON. The impurity-like states near the CB edge result in pre-edge structures in all ELNES spectra. Effective charge and bond order calculations show that the overall bond strength in β-SiAlON decreases only slightly as z increases. Although the stronger Si—N bonds are replaced by weaker Al—O bonds, the remaining Si—N and Al—O bonds actually strengthen as z increases because of the effective charge redistribution after substitution. This is a very interesting finding that may partly explain the superior mechanical properties of the SiAlON system that render them suitable for structural applications.
The Nature of Physical Science and the Objectives of the Scientist

THE history of Western Thought since the seventeenth century leaves little doubt as to the practical validity of the method of natural investigation discovered by Galileo, interpreted by Descartes, and variously generalized by Newton and Einstein. The repercussions of its success on every level of human activity, religious, political, commercial, and educational (to mention only the more obvious ones) have awakened the most diverse and even contradictory speculations as to the nature of this science and the objectives of the scientist. Often enough one gets the impression that these speculations are founded on an arbitrary and unjustifiable conception of the nature of modern science; a conception formulated in terms of what one thinks or wishes to think science is from its
Nonlinear Pattern Separation in Single Hippocampal Neurons with Active Dendritic Membrane

The dendritic trees of cortical pyramidal neurons seem ideally suited to perform local processing on inputs. To explore some of the implications of this complexity for the computational power of neurons, we simulated a realistic biophysical model of a hippocampal pyramidal cell in which a "cold spot"--a high density patch of inhibitory Ca-dependent K channels and a colocalized patch of Ca channels--was present at a dendritic branch point. The cold spot induced a non monotonic relationship between the strength of the synaptic input and the probability of neuronal firing. This effect could also be interpreted as an analog stochastic XOR.
The Early History Of Migration Research

This article provides a history of the early contributions to the scientific study of migration. It begins with Ravenstein (1880s) and also features the work of D. S. Thomas (1930s). Moreover, the development of the gravity model as applied to migration research (1930s and 1940s) is discussed. The article discusses the historical reasons for interest in various migration phenomena and briefly treats the development of migration data sources.
Can we model the hydrological impacts of environmental change

Received 6 July 2007 Accepted 9 July 2007 Natural and anthropogenic changes constantly impact the environment surrounding us. Available moisture and energy change due to variability and shifts in climate, and the separation of precipitation into different pathways on the land surface are altered due to wildfires, beetle infestations, urbanization, deforestation, invasive plant species, etc. Many of these changes can have a significant impact on the hydrological regime of the watershed in which they occur (e.g. DeWalle et al., 2000; Porporato et al., 2004; Milly et al., 2005; Xu et al., 2005; Poff et al., 2006; Oki and Kanae, 2006; Hayhoe et al., 2007; Weiskel et al., 2007). Such changes to water pathways, storage and subsequent release (the blue and green water idea of Falkenmark and Rockstroem, 2004) are predicted to have significant negative impacts on water security for large population groups as well as for ecosystems in many regions of the world (e.g. Conway and Toenniessen, 1999; Falkenmark, 2001; Johnson et al., 2001; Sachs, 2007). The growing imbalances among freshwater supply, its consumption, and human population will only increase the problem (Vorosmarty et al., 2000). A major task for hydrologic science lies in providing predictive models based on sound scientific theory to support water resource management decisions for different possible future environmental, population and institutional scenarios. But can we provide credible predictions of yet unobserved hydrologic responses of natural systems? Mathematical models of the terrestrial hydrological cycle are the vehicles that (potentially) enable us to make such predictions (Ewen and Parkin, 1996). These models consist of two elements important for this discussion: (1) model equations (or the model structure), which are the mathematical descriptions of the underlying physical processes; and (2) model parameters, which are the descriptors of the specific physical characteristics of a particular natural system. While most model structures are applicable to a range of systems (e.g. watersheds) with similar dominant processes, most model parameters are specific to a certain system at a certain location (and potentially even at a certain time-period). Assuming, for simplicity, that our knowledge is generally sufficient to select a reasonable model structure to represent a specific natural system (though there might be more than one reasonable choice), then the main task left to the hydrologist is to decide on appropriate model parameters to represent the system at hand. In the case of environmental change impacts, the task is to decide which parameters will change and by how much to reflect the new characteristics of the altered system. This decision requires an understanding of how watershed characteristics relate to model parameters:
Reproducible simulation of multi-threaded workloads for architecture design exploration

As multiprocessors become mainstream, techniques to address efficient simulation of multi-threaded workloads are needed. Multi-threaded simulation presents a new challenge: non-determinism across simulations for different architecture configurations. If the execution paths between two simulation runs of the same benchmark with the same input are too different, the simulation results cannot be used to compare the configurations. In this paper we focus on a simulation technique to efficiently collect simulation checkpoints for multi-threaded workloads, and to compare simulation runs addressing this non-determinism problem. We focus on user-level simulation of multi-threaded workloads for multiprocessor architectures. We present an approach, based on binary instrumentation, to collect checkpoints for simulation. Our checkpoints allow reproducible execution of the samples across different architecture configurations by controlling the sources of nondeterminism during simulation. This results in stalls that would not naturally occur in execution. We propose techniques that allow us to accurately compare performance across architecture configurations in the presence of these stalls.
Volumetric in vivo imaging of intracochlear microstructures in mice by high-speed spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

There is considerable interest in developing new methods for in vivo imaging of the complex anatomy of the mammalian co- chlea for clinical as well as fundamental studies. In this study, we explored, the feasibility of spectral domain optical coherence tomog- raphy SD-OCT for 3-D in vivo imaging of the cochlea in mice. The SD-OCT system employed in this study used a broadband light source centered at 1300 nm, and the imaging speed of the system was 47,000 A-scans per second using the InGaAs camera. The system was capable of providing fully processed, high-resolution B-scan images 512 axial128 lateral pixels at 280 frames per sec. The 3-D imaging acquisition time for a whole cochlea was 0.45 sec. The traditional SD-OCT structural imaging algorithm was used to recon- struct 3-D cochlear morphology. We demonstrated that SD-OCT can be successfully used for in vivo imaging of important morphological features within the mouse cochlea, such as the otic capsule and struc- tures within, including Reissner's membrane, the basilar membrane, tectorial membrane, organ of Corti, and modiolus of the apical and middle turns. © 2010 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. DOI: 10.1117/1.3456554
Nckβ Interacts with Tyrosine-Phosphorylated Disabled 1 and Redistributes in Reelin-Stimulated Neurons

The tyrosine phosphorylation sites of the Disabled 1 (Dab1) docking protein are essential for the transmission of the Reelin signal, which regulates neuronal placement. Here we identify Nckβ as a phosphorylation-dependent, Dab1-interacting protein. The SH2 domain of Nckβ but not Nckα binds Dab1 phosphorylated on the Reelin-regulated site, Y220, or on Y232. Nckβ is coexpressed with Dab1 in the developing brain and in cultured neurons, where Reelin stimulation leads to the redistribution of Nckβ from the cell soma into neuronal processes. We found that tyrosine-phosphorylated Dab1 in synergy with Nckβ disrupts the actin cytoskeleton in transfected cells. In Drosophila melanogaster, exogenous expression of mouse Dab1 causes tyrosine phosphorylation site-dependent morphological changes in the compound eye. This phenotype is enhanced by overexpression of the Drosophila Nck protein Dock, suggesting a conserved interaction between the Disabled and Nck family members. We suggest a model in which Dab1 phosphorylation leads to the recruitment of Nckβ to the membrane, where it acts to remodel the actin cytoskeleton.
Conformational changes in β‐endorphin as studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Because of a wide range of physiological functions, the structure of beta-endorphin (BE) is of great interest. In this study, conformational changes in BE induced by methanol are explored with electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Differences in the charge-state distribution (CSD) and the extent of hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange were used to monitor the conformational changes. The latter experiments were conducted via time-resolved ESI-MS in a continuous-flow apparatus. Both these techniques demonstrate that BE exists in a random coil open structure in aqueous media, but it acquires a more compact conformation with increased concentration of methanol. The H/D exchange experiments reveal that BE forms 61% alpha-helix in mixed solvents.
GEOMETRIC INTERPRETATION OF HALF-PLANE CAPACITY

Schramm-Loewner Evolution describes the scaling limits of interfaces in certain statistical mechanical systems. These interfaces are geometric objects that are not equipped with a canonical parametrization. The standard parametrization of SLE is via half-plane capacity, which is a conformal measure of the size of a set in the reference upper half-plane. This has useful harmonic and complex analytic properties and makes SLE a time-homogeneous Markov process on conformal maps. In this note, we show that the half-plane capacity of a hull $A$ is comparable up to multiplicative constants to more geometric quantities, namely the area of the union of all balls centered in $A$ tangent to $R$, and the (Euclidean) area of a $1$-neighborhood of $A$ with respect to the hyperbolic metric.
Linear Independency of Interval Vectors and Its Applications to Robust Controllability Tests

In this paper, we define linear dependency and independency of the interval vectors and present an effective method for checking the linear independency of interval vectors. As a possible application of the interval vectors to the robust control problem, the robust controllability and un-controllability problems of uncertain interval system are solved. Through the numerical examples and by comparing with the existing results, the superiority of our new robust controllability test method is presented.
A framework for malicious workload generation

Malicious traffic from self-propagating worms and denial-of-service attacks constantly threatens the everyday operation of Internet systems. Defending networks from these threats demands appropriate tools to conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of networked systems. This paper describes MACE, a unique environment for recreating a wide range of malicious packet traffic in laboratory testbeds. MACE defines a model for flexible composition of malicious traffic that enables both known attacks (such as the Welchia worm) and new attack variants to be created. We implement this model in an extensible library for attack traffic specification and generation. To demonstrate the capability of MACE, we provide an analysis of stress tests conducted on a popular firewall and two popular network intrusion detection systems. Our results expose potential weaknesses of these systems and reveal that modern firewalls and network intrusion detection systems could be easily overwhelmed by simple attacks launched from a small number of hosts.
Acoustic super models for large scale video event detection

Given the exponential growth of videos published on the Internet, mechanisms for clustering, searching, and browsing large numbers of videos have become a major research area. More importantly, there is a demand for event detectors that go beyond the simple finding of objects but rather detect more abstract concepts, such as "feeding an animal" or a "wedding ceremony". This article presents an approach for event classification that enables searching for arbitrary events, including more abstract concepts, in found video collections based on the analysis of the audio track. The approach does not rely on speech processing, and is language-indepent, instead it generates models for a set of example query videos using a mixture of two types of audio features: Linear-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients and Modulation Spectrogram Features. This approach can be used in complement with video analysis and requires no domain specific tagging. Application of the approach to the TRECVid MED 2011 development set, which consists of more than 4000 random "wild" videos from the Internet, has shown a detection accuracy of 64% including those videos which do not contain an audio track.
Design, synthesis and initial biological evaluation of a novel pladienolide analog scaffold

A novel and simplified synthetic scaffold based on pladienolide was designed using a consensus pharmacophore hypothesis. An initial target was synthesized and evaluated to examine the role of the 3-hydroxy group and the methyl groups present at positions 10, 16, 20, 22 in 1, on biological activity. We report the first totally synthetic analog of this macrolide that shows biological activity. Our novel synthetic strategy enables the rapid synthesis of other new analogs of pladienolide in order to develop selective anticancer lead compounds.
The Role of Redundancy and Diversification In Multi-Channel Democratic Innovations

Participatory budgeting (PB) is today considered the most successful democratic innovation of the last twenty-five years in terms of diffusion, capacity to deepen democracy and to recreate trust in the representative institutions. Until recent years, PB had an ambiguous and conflictive relationship with e-democracy innovations, but the situation is fast changing. In fact, proponents of these innovations are gradually discovering several common goals and challenges that can enhance hypothesis of hybridization and cooperation. In this article, the authors use the complex relationship between PB and e-democracy to investigate the role of multiple channels of participation within democratic innovations and to challenge the emerging consensus that redundancy and diversification of venues of participation are positively correlated with the success of democratic innovations.
Direct potentiometric measurement of potassium in blood serum with liquid ion-exchange electrode

A new liquid ion-exchange electrode is described which has a selectivity for K+ over Na+ of 93:1 in 0.1 mol/kg solutions. Its response is Nernstian in the range 5 x 10-4 to 5 x 10-1 mol KCl per kg. The dip-type electrode responds to small changes in K+ in mixed salt solutions containing the same quantities of KCl and NaCl as human blood serum. A miniaturized form of the electrode was adapted to a capillary flow-through system for blood sera. It gives results for K+ in the normal range that agree with flame photometric values without correction for Na+ in the concentrations normally present. The effect of pH on the K+ response and the response of the electrode to Mg++, Ca++, NH4+, Rb+, and Cs+ are also illustrated.
Experimental and credentialing capital: an adaptable framework for facilitating science outreach for underrepresented youth

Increasing the numbers of black, latino and native youth in STEM careers is both an important way to reduce poverty in low income communities, and a contribution to the diversity of thought and experience that drives STEM research. But underrepresented youth are often alienated from STEM. Two new forms of social capital have been identified that can be combined to create a learning environment in which students and researchers can meet and explore an area of shared interest. Experimental capital refers to the intrinsic motivation that students can develop when they learn inquiry techniques for exploring topics that they feel ownership over. Credentialing capital denotes a shared interest and ability between all parties engaged in the experimental endeavor. These two forms of social capital form an adaptable framework for researchers to use to create effective outreach programs. In this case study sports biomechanics was utilized as the area of shared interest and understanding the slam dunk was used as experimental capital.
Susceptihility of the Boll Weevil to Toxaphene in North Carolina1

Results of laboratory tests showed that susceptibility of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boh., to toxaphene was related to the previous field usage of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides for weevil control. weevils from fields subjected to intensive insecticidal treatment were much less susceptible than those frou1 nearby fields where little insecticide had been used. The greatest difference in the susceptibility of weevil populations From different counties was 200-fold, while the greatest difference within a county was 75-fold. A field test, conducted on the weevil population least susceptible to toxaphene, showed that Guthion, malathion, methyl parathion, and calcium arsenate were superior to toxaphene in weevil control and yield of cotton. However, complete failure of toxaphene to control this weevil population was not experienced.