cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydraulically actuated artificial muscles

Hydraulic Artificial Muscles (HAMs) consisting of a polymer tube constrained by a nylon mesh are presented in this paper. Despite the actuation mechanism being similar to its popular counterpart, which are pneumatically actuated (PAM), HAMs have not been studied in depth. HAMs offer the advantage of compliance, large force to weight ratio, low maintenance, and low cost over traditional hydraulic cylinders. Muscle characterization for isometric and isobaric tests are discussed and compared to PAMs. A model incorporating the effect of mesh angle and friction have also been developed. In addition, differential swelling of the muscle on actuation has also been included in the model. An application of lab fabricated HAMs for a meso-scale robotic system is also presented.
Need for an embodied energy measurement protocol for buildings: A review paper

Abstract Buildings consume a vast amount of energy during the life cycle stages of construction, use and demolition. Total life cycle energy use in a building consists of two components: embodied and operational energy. Embodied energy is expended in the processes of building material production, on-site delivery, construction, maintenance, renovation and final demolition. Operational energy is consumed in operating the buildings. Studies have revealed the growing significance of embodied energy inherent in buildings and have demonstrated its relationship to carbon emissions. Current interpretations of embodied energy are quite unclear and vary greatly, and embodied energy databases suffer from the problems of variation and incomparability. Parameters differ and cause significant variation in reported embodied energy figures. Studies either followed the international Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) standards or did not mention compliance with any standard. Literature states that the current LCA standards fail to provide complete guidance and do not address some important issues. It also recommends developing a set of standards to streamline the embodied energy calculation process. This paper discusses parameters causing problems in embodied energy data and identifies unresolved issues in current LCA standards. We also recommend an approach to derive guidelines that could be developed into a globally accepted protocol.
Fabricating complex culture substrates using robotic microcontact printing (R-µCP) and sequential nucleophilic substitution.

In tissue engineering, it is desirable to exhibit spatial control of tissue morphology and cell fate in culture on the micron scale. Culture substrates presenting grafted poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) brushes can be used to achieve this task by creating microscale, non-fouling and cell adhesion resistant regions as well as regions where cells participate in biospecific interactions with covalently tethered ligands. To engineer complex tissues using such substrates, it will be necessary to sequentially pattern multiple PEG brushes functionalized to confer differential bioactivities and aligned in microscale orientations that mimic in vivo niches. Microcontact printing (μCP) is a versatile technique to pattern such grafted PEG brushes, but manual μCP cannot be performed with microscale precision. Thus, we combined advanced robotics with soft-lithography techniques and emerging surface chemistry reactions to develop a robotic microcontact printing (R-μCP)-assisted method for fabricating culture substrates with complex, microscale, and highly ordered patterns of PEG brushes presenting orthogonal ‘click’ chemistries. Here, we describe in detail the workflow to manufacture such substrates.
The Impact of Neighborhood Factors on the Well-Being of Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence Over Time

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive social problem impacting the psychological well-being of millions of US women annually. The extant literature draws our attention to the devastating mental health effects of IPV, but largely overlooks how ecological factors may further explain survivors’ well-being. This study examined how neighborhood disadvantage may contribute to survivors’ compromised well-being, in addition to the abuse women experienced. Neighborhood disorder and fear of victimization significantly impacted survivors’ well-being, over and above abuse. Although between-women effects of neighborhood disorder and fear were unrelated to change in women’s depression or quality of life (QOL), significant within-woman effects were detected. Change in neighborhood disorder was negatively associated with change in QOL, and this relationship was fully mediated by fear. While no direct relationship between change in neighborhood disorder and depression was detected, an indirect effect through survivors’ fear was revealed. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Multifocal Choroiditis Associated With Progressive Subretinal Fibrosis

Five patients (all female, 14 to 34 years old) had an unusual form of multifocal choroiditis resulting in progressive subretinal fibrosis. This condition differed from other multifocal choroidal diseases such as acute multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy, birdshot retinochoroidopathy, and punctate inner choroiditis. Instead of forming atrophic or pigmented chorioretinal scars, the acute lesion healed with the formation of discrete, sharply angulated subretinal scars. In the macula the lesions coalesced, forming broad zones of subretinal fibrosis. Serous and hemorrhagic macular detachment may occur during the course of the disease with fluorescein angiographic features suggesting subretinal neovascularization. Subretinal neovascularization could not, however, explain the widespread scarring. Although progressive subretinal fibrosis may be considered an unusual outcome for a variety of other diseases, we believe that it is a distinct clinical entity distinguishable from other multifocal choroidal diseases. Retinal pigment epithelial hyperplasia may cause the condition.
Mechanisms of non-electrolyte penetration across dog and rabbit oral mucosa in vitro.

Abstract Permeability coefficients were determined for 20 14 C-labelled compounds using canine and rabbit lingual frenulum as the test tissue. The oil-to-water distribution coefficients of these compounds differed by over 5 × 10 5 -fold. A linear relationship between permeability coefficients and oil-to-water distribution coefficients was found for those compounds with oil-to-water distribution coefficient greater than that of water, demonstrating the importance of lipid solubility on the rate of transfer across oral mucosa. The data further indicate that hydrogen bonding, cylindrical radius and chemical differences contribute to penetration rates. The plot of permeability coefficient versus molecular volume for compounds with oil-to-water distribution coefficients less than that of water is biphasic, suggesting two different routes of permeation for these compounds. This indicates that oil-soluble compounds traverse oral mucosa via solvation, whereas water-soluble molecules with a molecular volume of less than 80 cm 3 /mol cross primarily through membrane pores; larger water-soluble molecules pass extracellularly.
Derivation of cells with lytic activity against fresh and cultured tumors from human bone marrow.

We studied the derivation of cells with lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell activity from human bone marrow cultures. In these experiments, 2626 specimens of human bone marrow obtained from sternum, iliac crest, rib, and humerus cultured with IL-2 (1000 U/cc) under varying conditions were able to generate LAK activity. LAK activity obtained from bone marrow mononuclear cell cultures (BMMC) was observed only with exposure to IL-2. Peak LAK activity against fresh melanomas and renal cell carcinoma and sarcomas was obtained usually by the second or third week in culture and could be maintained in some instances for greater than 28 days. Parallel experiments comparing autologous peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) cultured under identical conditions and tested simultaneously with BMMC demonstrated comparable LAK activity. T-cell depletion using sheep red blood cell rosetting and density separation on discontinuous gradients did not significantly enrich for a population with enhanced LAK activity. The use of irradiated Epstein-Barr virus-B-cell feeder lines significantly enhanced generation of LAK activity from BMMC when compared to controls (P < 0.006). Conditioned media from PHA-stimulated 2-day and 4-day PBL cultures, 4-day mixed lymphocyte cultures, and 3-day LAK cultures did not consistently increase the growth or lytic activity of BMMC cultures grown in the presence of IL-2 (1000 U/cc). Phenotypic analysis of BMMC cultures after culture with IL-2 with lytic activity revealed mixed populations with mature T cells (CD3) and null cells (CD2+/CD4- and Leu 19+/Leu 7+) with decreased myeloid precursors (My 9+).
Modeling and investigation of heat transfer in plates with thin coatings with regard for the influence of radiation

We obtain approximate relations based on using generalized boundary conditions (conditions of heat exchange through a coating) for describing heat transfer in irradiated plates with coatings. Their applicability is investigated depending on the radiation properties of the coating and substrate.
Are there differences among angiotensin receptor blockers

Abstract Pharmacologic effects of specific drugs are frequently attributed to their therapeutic class because all agents within a particular class have the same mechanism of action. Because “head-to-head” comparisons in trials are rare, any differentiation between drugs of the same class is usually limited to comparisons of their pharmacokinetic profiles, and it is usually assumed that most of the drugs in a therapeutic class have similar efficacies. Two recent randomized clinical trials demonstrated that the antihypertensive agents irbesartan and losartan, both angiotensin receptor blockers, are not equally effective in reducing blood pressure among patients with hypertension. In both a fixed-dose trial and a titration-protocol trial, patients treated with irbesartan achieved a greater reduction in blood pressure than did those treated with losartan. The response rate was also higher among patients treated with irbesartan. Therefore, irbesartan, used either alone or as a component of response-based combination therapy with a diuretic, is a more potent antihypertensive agent than losartan. These results and the previously published pharmacologic profiles of these drugs demonstrate that angiotensin receptor blockers are, like many other classes of antihypertensive agents, more different than alike.
An improved assay technique for matrone, a mosquito pheromone, and its application in ultrafiltration experiments☆

Abstract An improved assay technique is presented for the detection of matrone, the mosquito pheromone which prevents insemination in female mosquitoes. This new technique requires 24 hours less to complete. The number of repeat tests necessary is reduced by 50% as compared to the number required utilizing the old technique and the reliability of the test is improved through the visual surveillance of the flight ability and mating activity of the females. Incorporated into this assay technique is the construction and use of a dose (dilution) response curve (calibration line) with a confidence band, establishing a threshold level of matrone activity and making it possible to assess the dilution of matrone in any non-toxic test material. Utilizing this new technique, we demonstrated by ultrafiltration that the molecular weight of matrone is between 50,000 and 100,000.
In Situ Evaluation of Residual Stresses in an Organic Die-Attach Adhesive

Development of the residual stresses in an organic adhesive, alumina filled epoxy (EPO-TEK H65-175MP) during curing process has been studied in-situ. The effect of the adhesive’s thickness was evaluated by preparing samples and analyzing residual stresses. Samples were prepared by applying a layer of the epoxy in various thicknesses on the back side of the silicon die. The topology changes of the die’s surface during curing process and cooling of the epoxy were monitored by digital image analysis enhanced moire interferometry (DIAEMI). Residual stresses were calculated from the curvature changes of the surface of the die. The results show that the stress buildup is mainly caused by the mismatch in coefficient of thermal expansion between the adhesive and the die. Relaxation of the residual stress was found while the samples were kept in an open environment at room temperature. Such reduction in stress may be attributed to moisture absorption by the epoxy that results in expansion of the epoxy.
Peptide absorption after massive proximal small bowel resection: Mechanisms of ileal adaptation

Protein absorption occurs as di- and tri-peptides via H+/peptide co-transporter-1 (PepT1). The aim of this study is to identify mechanisms of ileal adaptation after massive proximal enterectomy. Ileal adaptation in uptake of peptides is mediated through upregulation of PepT1 gene expression. Rats underwent 70% jejunoileal resection. Total mucosal cellular levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein and transporter-mediated uptake per centimeter of the di-peptide glycyl-sarcosine (Gly-Sar) were compared in remnant ileum 1 and 4 weeks postoperatively to control and to 1-week sham laparotomy rats. Histomorphology, food consumption, and weights of rats were monitored. After 70% resection, although mRNA per cell for PepT1 decreased at 1 week (p = 0.002), expression of mRNA at 4 weeks and protein at 1 and 4 weeks in remnant ileum were unchanged (p > 0.1). Ileal Gly-Sar uptake (V max—nanomoles per centimeter per minute, i.e., number of transporters per centimeter) increased at 1 and 4 weeks compared to control and 1-week sham (p < 0.05 each); K m (i.e., transporter function) was unchanged. Villous heights (millimeters) in remnant ileum increased at 1- and 4-week time points over controls (0.45 and 0.57 vs 0.21, resp; p < 0.001). Ileal adaptation to proximal resection for peptide absorption occurs through cellular proliferation (hyperplasia) and not through cellular upregulation of PepT1 mRNA or protein per enterocyte.
Major Power Intervention in International Crises, 1918-1988:

The author tests a set of hypotheses about the conditions under which major powers intervene with military support for states that are threatened in a crisis. The hypotheses are derived from a gene...
The partition of glycosaminoglycan-quarternary ammonium complexes II. The effects of polymer molecular weight and sulfation

Abstract Previous results have shown the possibility for obtaining high-resolution separations of glycosaminoglycans by partition in butanol/aqueous two-phase systems containing quarternary ammonium salts. In this paper, the effects on partition behavior of both polymer molecular weight and sulfation were examined. Two series of fractioned chondroitin sulfate polymers were isolated in which the molecular weight and sulfation varied systematically. In the molecular weight series the six samples, spanned the range from 3200 ± 300 to 19 700 ± 500 and each sample carried 0.8 sulfate groups per uronic acid residue. In the sulfation series, each sample had an essentially constant molecular weight of 13 000, but the sulfation varied from 0.58 to 0.88 sulfate groups per uronic acid. The C 50 ∗ of each of these samples was determined in the 1-butanol/aqueous NaCl phae system containing 1% hexadecylpyridinium chloride. In the series wherein the molecular weight varied, the C50 increased with molecular weight up to 12 000 where a limiting value was reached. In the series wherein the sulfation varied, a linear relationship was found between the C50 and the square of the number of anionic substituents per disaccharide. These results show that fractionation by partition techniques will be sensitive to the anionic nature of the polymer, but for the common connective tissue glycosaminoglycan, there will be no fractionation according to molecular weight.
An “Inordinate Fondness for Transporters” Explained?

An often-asked question is, Why are there so many different transporters in a cell to take up a particular substrate? At least part of the answer comes from work on the possible competitive advantage of dual-transporter systems. In such systems, low-affinity transporters function when a nutrient is plentiful in the environment, and the abundance of high-affinity transporters is increased when that nutrient becomes scarce. A dual-transporter system enabled a long "preparation phase" to occur during which cells induce gene expression as they become increasingly starved. Surprisingly, the preparation phase is important not for growth under low-nutrient conditions but rather for fluctuating nutrient amounts as commonly occurs in nature. Thus, this creative study provides a previously unconsidered explanation for the abundance of dual-transporter systems in biology.
Detection and localization of an estrogen receptor beta splice variant protein (ERβ2) in the adult female rat forebrain and midbrain regions

Estrogens regulate neural processes such as neuronal development, reproductive behavior, and hormone secretion, and signal through estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and ERbeta (here called ERbeta1). Recent studies have found variations in ERalpha and ERbeta1 mRNA splicing in rodents and humans. Functional reporter gene assays suggest that these splicing variations alter ER-mediated transcriptional regulation. Estrogen receptor beta 2 (ERbeta2), an ERbeta1 splice variant containing an 18 amino acid (AA) insert in the ligand binding domain, binds estradiol with approximately 10-fold lower affinity than ERbeta1, suggesting that it may serve as a low-affinity ER. Moreover, ERbeta2 reportedly acts in a dominant-negative fashion when heterodimerized with ERbeta1 or ERalpha. To explore the function of ERbeta2 in brain, an antiserum (TwobetaER.1) targeting the 18 AA insert was developed and characterized. Western blot analysis and transient expression of ERbeta2 in cell lines demonstrated that TwobetaER.1 recognizes ERbeta2. In the adult female rat brain, ERbeta2 immunoreactivity is localized in the cell nucleus and is expressed with a distribution similar to that of ERbeta1 mRNA. ERbeta2 immunoreactive cell numbers were high in, for example, piriform cortex, paraventricular nucleus, supraoptic nucleus, arcuate nucleus, and hippocampal CA regions, whereas it was low in the dentate gyrus. Moreover, ERbeta2 is coexpressed in gonadotropin-releasing hormone and oxytocin neurons. These studies demonstrate ERbeta splice variant proteins in brain and support the hypothesis that ER signaling diversity depends not only on ligand or coregulatory proteins, but also on regional and phenotypic selectivity of ER splice variant proteins.
Colonization of Female Watermelon Blossoms by Acidovorax avenae ssp. citrulli and the Relationship between Blossom Inoculum Dosage and Seed Infestation

The aim of this work was to investigate the ability of Acidovorax avenae ssp. citrulli, the causal agent of bacterial fruit blotch of cucurbits (BFB), to colonize female watermelon blossoms, and to explore the relationship between blossom inoculum dosage and seed infestation. Under greenhouse conditions A. avenae ssp. citrulli colonized stigmas and styles of female watermelon blossoms reaching populations of [almost equal to]10⁷ to 10⁸ colony-forming units (CFU) per blossom for 96 h after inoculation. Acidovorax avenae ssp. citrulli growth on stigmas was slower than that of Pseudomonas syringae Cit7, a non-pathogenic, foliar epiphyte of tomato. While pollination reduced growth of A. avenae ssp. citrulli, but P. syringae Cit7 was unaffected. Both bacteria colonized style tissues but bacterial growth in the style was significantly less than the stigma. Blossom inoculation with [almost equal to]1 x 10³A. avenae ssp. citrulli CFU/blossom led to 36-55% infested seedlots within symptomless fruits. On average 14% of the seedlings produced from these seedlots displayed BFB symptoms. There was a strong positive correlation between A. avenae ssp. citrulli inoculum concentration applied to blossoms and the percentage of infested seedlots, as determined by the seedling grow-out assay (R² = 0.94). However, this relationship was weaker when seedlot infestation was determined by a polymerase chain reaction-based assay (R² = 0.34). There was also a strong positive linear relationship between A. avenae ssp. citrulli blossom inoculum dose and the mean percentage of BFB-infected seedlings (R² = 0.99) produced in seedling grow-out assays. These data support the hypothesis that blossom colonization might be involved in seed infestation under field conditions.
A randomized trial of a health promotion intervention for adults with disabilities.

Abstract Background People with disabilities face a range of health disparities, including increased risk for preventable health problems. Thus, health promotion efforts addressing the reduction of risk factors are especially important for this population. Objective This study examined changes in health behaviors among adults with disabilities following participation in the Healthy Lifestyles for People with Disabilities health promotion program. It was hypothesized that intervention participants would demonstrate significant increases in healthy behaviors in areas such as health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, stress management, interpersonal relationships, and spiritual growth while controls would not show significant change. Methods Participants (n = 95) were randomly assigned to the intervention or to a wait-list. After initially serving as controls, wait-list members later received the intervention as well. A measure of health behaviors was completed at baseline, 4 months, 7 months, and 10 months. Results Health behavior scores of immediate intervention participants increased significantly (p Conclusions The Healthy Lifestyles intervention appears to be successful in helping adults with disabilities increase healthy behaviors.
Cytoplasmic Dynein Intermediate Chain Phosphorylation Regulates Binding to Dynactin

Previously, we identified dynactin as a cargo receptor or adaptor for cytoplasmic dynein, mediated by an interaction between the dynein intermediate chain and p150Glued. To test phosphorylation as a potential regulatory mechanism for this interaction, we analyzed cytoplasmic dynein by two-dimensional gel analysis and detected two intermediate chain variants, one of which was eliminated by phosphatase treatment. Overlay assays demonstrated that p150Glued bound dephosphorylated but not phosphorylated intermediate chains. We then subjected the purified cytoplasmic dynein intermediate chain to mass spectrometry and identified a single phosphorylated tryptic fragment corresponding to the p150Glued-binding domain. Fragmentation and retention time analysis mapped the phosphorylation site to serine 84. Site-directed mutants designed to mimic the dephosphorylated or phosphorylated intermediate chain disrupted both in vitro phosphorylation and in vivo phosphorylation of transfected proteins. Mutants mimicking the dephosphorylated form bound p150Glued in vitro and overexpression perturbed transport of dynein-dependent membranes. Mutants mimicking the phosphorylated form displayed diminished p150Glued binding in vitro and did not disrupt dynein-mediated transport when expressed in vivo. These findings represent the first mapping of an intermediate chain phosphorylation site and suggest that this phosphorylation plays an important role in regulating the binding of cytoplasmic dynein to dynactin.
What do death anxiety scales measure

Summary In a sample of 87 undergraduates (61 women and 26 men; Mage = 21.2 yr., SD = 3.4), scores on the death anxiety scales by Templer and by Abdel-Khalek were more strongly associated with these college students' fear of death for one's own death than for the death of others.
Fracture behavior of coated/uncoated graphite‐epoxy composites

The static delamination behavior of graphite/epoxy composite specimens subjected to mode I tensile opening (using UDCB1 specimens), and pure mode II shear loading (using ENF2 specimens) were studied. The graphite epoxy composites for the study were made from commercially treated fibers, with and without an electropolymerized interlayer. The mode I fracture energy (GIC) was found to be significantly higher (more than 50 percent) for the coated fibers. However, this improvement was accompanied by a high reduction (more than 3 times) in the mode II fracture energy (GIIC). This effect is apparently related to poor adhesion between the interlayer and the epoxy resin, which may be corrected by use of a “top layer” of appropriate composition to form chemical bonds between the phases. The fracture toughness (KIC) of composites made with commercially treated fibers was also evaluated, using double side-notched specimens.
Studies on Stored Whole Blood II. Use of Packed Red Blood Cells

Whole blood collected in ACD or ACD with adenine was studied as units stored with or without plasma over 14 to 28 days. Comparisons were made using various tests, with posttransfusion survival in vivo being the primary guideline. The adverse effects which resulted from storage appeared more slowly in units with plasma than in units without plasma. The inclusion of adenine to either packed or nonpacked units was associated with even less evidence of storage damage. Using the criterion of over 70 per cent recovery in 24 hours as signifying adequate preservation, the average survival value for each group was better when the plasma was present, and even higher when adenine had been added. All tested groups had average values exceeding 70 per cent recovery after 21 days of storage. Blood stored for 28 days with adenine had over 70 per cent recovery with or without plasma. Though the storage damage became more apparent in units without plasma, the average survival value would suggest that the packed units were still useful after 21 days of storage, with extension to 28 days when ACD with adenine was used.
Neuropeptide Y Y2R blockade in the central amygdala reduces anxiety‐like behavior but not alcohol drinking in alcohol‐dependent rats

Electrophysiological data suggest a dual role of Y2 receptors (Y2Rs) as autoreceptors regulating neuropeptide Y release and heteroceptors regulating gamma-aminobutyric acid release in the central amygdala (CeA). Here, we report that neither systemic (JNJ-31020028) nor intra-CeA (BIIE0246) Y2R antagonism altered operant alcohol responding by alcohol-dependent or non-dependent rats. Conversely, BIIE0246 in the CeA reduced anxiety-like behavior in alcohol-dependent and alcohol-naive rats. The finding that Y2R antagonism reduces anxiety-like behavior but not alcohol drinking suggests that these two effects may occur via different functions of the Y2R (e.g. autoreceptor versus heteroceptor function).
Numerical Implementation of Imperfect Interfaces

One approach to characterizing interfacial stiffness is to introduce imperfect interfaces that allow displacement discontinuities whose magnitudes depend on interfacial traction and on properties of the interface or interphase region. This work implemented such imperfect interfaces into both finite element analysis and the material point method. The finite element approach defined imperfect interface elements that are compatible with static, linear finite element analysis. The material point method interfaces extended prior contact methods to include interfaces with arbitrary traction-displacement laws. The numerical methods were validated by comparison to new or existing stress transfer models for composites with imperfect interfaces. Some possible experiments for measuring the imperfect interface parameters needed for modeling are discussed.
Anion-selective electrodes based on ionic liquid membranes: effect of ionic liquid anion on observed response

A systematic study of the behavior of ion-exchanger anion-selective electrodes prepared from seven different trihexyltetradecylphosphonium ionic liquids (ILs) was performed. The effective ion-exchange capacity of prepared ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) increased with decreasing IL anion lipophilicity, and analyte anion response slopes became more Nernstian concomitantly. With ILs having the most lipophilic constituent anions, incorporation of tridodecylmethylammonium chloride into membranes significantly enhanced responses toward all ions. However, ILs based on bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and dodecylsulfate maintained sub-Nernstian responses upon such addition apparently due to their ability to coordinate cations. Electrodes prepared with high IL content displayed regions of super-Nernstian response, which could be eliminated by reducing percent of IL in the membrane; percentages at which optimal linear range was achieved also followed a trend with decreasing constituent IL anion lipophilicity. While selectivities of all electrodes followed the Hofmeister pattern, selectivity coefficient ranges generally were narrower than observed with traditionally plasticized ISEs, and selectivities for more hydrophilic analytes were improved slightly in ILs containing the most hydrophilic constituent anions.
Adaptive tuning for handheld transmitters

This paper presents a closed loop impedance tuner for a WCDMA handset power amplifier, with the goal of increasing overall efficiency by reducing the reflected power when the antenna is mismatched. A self-assessment circuit provides the feedback signal. A directional coupler between the amplifier and the antenna routes the reflected power to a detector where it is compared to the incident power. The output signal from the detector is digitized and fed to a FPGA containing the control algorithm for impedance tuning. The tuner is a simple varactor double-stub design and provides VSWR ≪ 3 at 1.95 GHz for loads with a mismatch up to VSWR = 81. The tuner exhibits loss as low as 0.3 dB and uses two separate control voltages between 0 and 6V.
QUANTIFICATION AND PERSPECTIVE IN RELATIVIST SEMANTICS

assertion is assigned a truth value, because many people take the term proposition as implying, by definition, that all ambiguity, vagueness, indexicality, and other parameters have been resolved, so that a definite truth value can be assigned. Sentence contents will not meet that description in a relativist theory. But if we take the term proposition instead for whatever serves as the content of a declarative sentence in context, or for the object of an attitude, etc., then it may be more reasonable to put the issue in terms of how propositions are assigned truth values. Kolbel (2002) and MacFarlane (2005a) are explicit in using the term proposition for contents whose truth value varies with some parameter.
A new contagion index to quantify spatial patterns of landscapes

A contagion index was proposed by O'Neill et al. (1988) to quantify spatial patterns of landscapes. However, this index is insensitive to changes in spatial pattern. We present a new contagion index that corrects an error in the mathematical formulation of the original contagion index. The error is identified mathematically. The contagion indices (both original and new) are then evaluated against simulated landscapes.
Intrusion detection in wireless networks using clustering techniques with expert analysis

The increasing reliance upon wireless networks has put tremendous' emphasis on wireless network security. While considerable attention has been given to data mining for intrusion detection in wired networks, limited focus has been devoted to data mining for intrusion detection in wireless networks. This study presents a clustering approach with tracers and expert analysis for intrusion detection in a real-world wireless network. Security vulnerabilities of 802.11 wireless networks are investigated, leading to a summary of network traffic metrics relevant to modeling the security of wireless networks. The proposed approach utilizes a simple distance-based heuristic measure to label clusters as either normal or intrusive. The classification of network traffic instances is further enhanced with the aid of tracers, i.e., a small set of instances with known labels - normal or intrusive. Our study demonstrates the usefulness and promise of the proposed approach, laying the groundwork for a clustering-based framework for intrusion detection in wireless computer networks.
A small angle neutron scattering study of an oligo(oxytetramethylene)

Small angle neutron scattering experiments were performed on a blend of deuterated and protonated hydroxyl terminated oligo(oxytetramethylene)s. The oligomer had a number-average molecular weight of 1000. The experimental data were fitted to a Debye function in order to obtain the radius of gyration of the chains. The measured radius of gyration, which was corrected for molecular weight distribution, was found to compare well with the values reported in the literature for poly(oxytetramethylene) in a theta solvent, as measured by viscosity methods and extrapolated to a molecular weight of 1000. Thus, this short oligomeric species has a random coil configuration. The weight-average molecular weight determined from the SANS data was 1540, compared with a value of 1450 determined from high performance liquid chromatography. This implies that no isotopic segregation of the deuterated and protonated species occurs.
TxLinux: using and managing hardware transactional memory in an operating system

TxLinux is a variant of Linux that is the first operating system to use hardware transactional memory (HTM) as a synchronization primitive, and the first to manage HTM in the scheduler. This paper describes and measures TxLinux and discusses two innovations in detail: cooperation between locks and transactions, and theintegration of transactions with the OS scheduler. Mixing locks and transactions requires a new primitive, cooperative transactional spinlocks (cxspinlocks) that allow locks and transactions to protect the same data while maintaining the advantages of both synchronization primitives. Cxspinlocks allow the system to attemptexecution of critical regions with transactions and automatically roll back to use locking if the region performs I/O. Integrating the scheduler with HTM eliminates priority inversion. On a series ofreal-world benchmarks TxLinux has similar performance to Linux, exposing concurrency with as many as 32 concurrent threads on 32 CPUs in the same critical region.
Chronic stress alters neuropeptide Y signaling in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in DBA/2J but not C57BL/6J mice.

Numerous rodent and human studies have demonstrated that neuropeptide Y (NPY) is involved in the regulation of anxiety-related behaviors. In this study, we examined whether there were differences in NPY signaling between two inbred mouse strains (C57BL/6J and DBA/2J) that exhibit divergent basal and stress-induced anxiety phenotypes. We focused on the bed nucleus of the stria terminals (BNST), a structure in the extended amygdala that is important for the regulation of anxiety-like behavior and contains NPY receptors. While results from whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings and immunofluorescence histochemistry revealed no significant basal differences in NPY signaling or NPY and NPY Y2 receptor (Y2R) expression in the BNST, these measures were differentially altered by chronic restraint stress. Ten days of chronic restraint stress increased basal GABAergic transmission and decreased NPY's ability to inhibit evoked GABAergic transmission in the dorsolateral BNST (dlBNST) via Y2R in DBA/2J, but not C57BL/6J, mice. Additionally, restraint stress increased NPY and Y2R expression across subregions of the BNST of DBA/2J mice 24 h after the last stress exposure, but no changes were observed in C57BL/6J mice. Together, these results suggest that chronic restraint stress engages the NPY system and alters NPY modulation of inhibitory transmission in the dlBNST of DBA/2J mice, but not C57BL/6J mice, which may be related to increased expression of anxiety-related behaviors in this strain.
Gene Expression Profiles of the Normal Myometrium After 48 and 96 Hours of Exposure to BPA

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a plasticizer and affects estrogen metabolism and function. Because of its estrogenic activity, BPA may be the underlying cause of female estrogen-dependent tumors such as leiomyoma and endometriosis. In this investigation, we used microarrays to study the effects of BPA on RNA expression of normal uterine myometrial cells without estrogen condition. We previously determined that the expression of genes related to the formation of leiomyoma was altered after 48 h of BPA exposure. In order to determine if these changes depend on exposure time, uterine myometrial cells were cultured and treated with BPA for 48 and 96 h without estrogen. RNA extraction, microarray analysis, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis were performed. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were used for evaluation of gene expression changes. The expression levels of genes related to the formation of fibroids changed after 48 h and 96 h, but these changes of gene expression did not show time depend manner. BPA doses not continuously alter the expression of genes in uterine smooth muscle cells without estrogen. These results suggest the action mechanism of BPA to change of gene expression might be related to the action of estrogen.
General practice data derived tolerability assessment of antihypertensive drugs.

A large hypertensive population of patients in general practice was used to assess the tolerability of nifedipine in previously untreated patients and was compared with other antihypertensive drugs in previously treated patients. A total of 3972 patients with a sitting diastolic blood pressure between 95 and 115 mmHg were treated with 20 mg nifedipine twice daily for 1 month. In non-responders the dose was increased to 40 mg twice daily for a second month; re­ sponders continued to take 20 mg twice daily. A total of 2772 patients had been previously untreated for hypertension, whereas 857 had previously been treated with l3-blockers alone or in com­ bination and 346 had received diuretics alone or in combination. Adverse events were recorded for 28 days prior to treatment being initiated with or changed to nifedipine and for two 28-day nifedip­ ine treatment periods. Flushing and headache, which diminished with time, occurred during nifedipine treatment. Ankle oedema did not diminish with time. Reductions were seen in occurrences of dyspnoea, impotence, lethargy and cold extremities.
Combating Ageism: How Successful Is Successful Aging?

PURPOSE To explore the extent to which the successful aging discourse has accomplished Rowe and Kahn's (1998) goal of combating ageism by (a) eradicating the narrative of decline and burden, and highlighting the positive aspects of aging; and (b) emphasizing individuals' ability to age successfully. To investigate this, I first situate ageism in a framework of age relations. DESIGN AND METHODS Using a qualitative approach, I analyze data generated from semistructured, in-depth interviews conducted among a diverse sample of 19 middle-aged men and women. Respondents were asked about what successful aging means to them, as well as their perceptions of their own aging, and old age. RESULTS Respondents are familiar with the notion of successful aging, and they believe that they can and should achieve this. However, rather than easing ageism, they experience the mandate to age successfully as a source of tension as they simultaneously realize that it is outside their control. They express continued fears of aging; and they implicitly blame themselves or others who fail to age successfully. Their comments suggest that, rather than supplanting the discourse of decline, the successful aging narrative coexists with it. IMPLICATIONS By not challenging the age relations that denigrate differences, the successful aging framework does not eliminate ageism and might even increase it.
School Characteristics and Experiences of African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American Youth in Rural Communities: Relation to Educational Aspirations

The primary purpose of this study was to examine differences in the school characteristics and experiences of African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American youth in rural high schools as well as their relation to educational aspirations. We also investigated the characteristics and experiences of students and their families given that these are important in rural youths’ preparation for the transition to adulthood. Data were from the Rural High School Aspirations Study, which collected surveys from 6,150 youth across the country attending a high school designated as rural or small town during the 2007–2008 school year. Descriptive analyses demonstrated there were differences in the school characteristics and experiences of African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American youth in rural areas. Regression analyses also showed variations in the predictors of educational aspirations across different racial/ethnic groups of students attending rural high schools. The results demonstrate that ther...
The Two Nisbets: The Ambivalence of Contemporary Conservatism

Robert Nisbet's History of the Idea of Progress is ostensibly a straightforward, thoughtful reevaluation of the place of the idea of progress in Western civilization. It argues that the idea of progress has deep roots in that civilization and underlies most of what is good in it. It then attempts to take a critical view of the contemporary despair over the possibility of further progress in the West. At a closer look, however, History of the Idea of Progress is a very strange book indeed. Previous social thinkers have sometimes attempted to stand their predecessors on their heads. Robert Nisbet does them one better: he stands himself on his head-apparently without the least recognition that he is doing so. The Robert Nisbet of The Sociological Tradition, who discovered the conservative roots of sociology and popularized the conservative critique of modern Western society and the idea of progress, is transformed into the Robert Nisbet of History of the Idea of Progress, defender of that society and that idea. More correctly, the transformation is attempted, but ultimately fails. In the end, the Old Nisbet reappears and joins the very critics of modern society that the New Nisbet has sought to rout. Nisbet's attempted self-transformation takes the form of a reassessment of the idea of progress. The conventional wisdom has it that the idea of progress is a late arrival in Western history, the product of the Enlightenment. It is thus conceived as a repudiation of the past, of tradition, and of religion. Not so, counters Nisbet: the idea of progress goes back as far as Western civilization itself and underlies all its achievements. It is tightly interwoven with the development of Christianity. What precisely is this "idea of progress?" Nisbet defines it as the belief "that mankind has advanced in the past-from some aboriginal condition of primitiveness, barbarism, or even nullity-is now advancing, and will continue to advance through the forseeable future." This advancement has two components: the improvement of knowledge (and with it the material condition of humanity) and the perfection of humanity's moral or spiritual condition. Progress of both kinds is seen as cumulative, continuous, and unilinear-unfolding in systematic fashion according to divine plan, natural law, or simply the inner logic of things. It implies a basic connectedness between past, present, and future, with each moment containing the seeds of the next.
A Functional Approach to Attitude Measurement

In this research, Katz's functional theory is used to examine theoretical, measurement, and statistical issues surrounding the problems of operationalizing the utilitarian, value-expressive, knowle...
An examination of the Ti-in-quartz thermobarometer in rocks that contain dynamically recrystallized quartz: Re-equilibration of [Ti] during recrystallization

As metamorphic petrologists attempt to understand the pressure-temperature-time-deformational history of metamorphic rocks, numerous thermobarometers have been developed that help recreate that history. As these thermobarometers are developed, they invariably mature as they are tested on various metamorphic assemblages. In the work “Ti resetting in quartz during dynamic recrystallization: Mechanisms and significance,” by Ashley et al. in this issue, the authors demonstrate that the metamorphic process of dynamic recrystallization of quartz lowers the [Ti] in quartz as recrystallizing quartz crystals re-equilibrate in equilibrium with the composition of the intergranular medium, which is typically undersaturated in Ti. The authors conclude that analyses using the TitaniQ thermobarometer in rocks that contain dynamically recrystallized quartz cannot be meaningfully interpreted until methods are developed that can account quantitatively for the reduction of [Ti] resulting from crystal plastic flow. The paper is essential reading for all who use thermobarometers that use quartz as one of the reacting phases.
SOS design for nonlinear H_∞ control

A new design method for nonlinear H∞control was proposed. Though sum of squares( SOS)method can be used to solve analytically unsolvable nonlinear problems,but it still cannot be used directly to solve the Hamilton-Jacobi-Issacs( HJI) inequality or the nonlinear bounded-real inequality. The restrictions of the SOS method were discussed in detail. An iterative design procedure for nonlinear H∞control problems was presented. There are two steps in each round of iteration. The first step is to design the nonlinear state feedback with adjustable gain matrix by using the SOS method. The second step is to solve an optimal problem in computation of the L2-gain by using a graphical- analytical method. A nonlinear H∞control design for large attitude maneuvers of statellites was presented as an application example of the proposed method.
Splenic gonadal fusion.

AbstractSplenic gonadal fusion is a rare anomaly that is frequently associated with skeletal abnormalities. Although rare, this entity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of scrotal masses in children. Routine frozen section prevents unnecessary orchiectomy. We describe a child with limb anomalies in whom splenic gonadal fusion presented as an incarcerated inguinal hernia.
The significance of ABO compatibility and its relationship to the intensity of Rh immunization.

1. A series of 1337 obstetric cases, of which 170 were instances of sensitized Rh negative women, were studied with regard to (a) the incidence of the ABO blood groups, and (b) the incidence of ABO compatibility between the mother and child. 2. The incidence of ABO compatibility between the mother and child was found to vary with the blood group of the mother. 3. ABO compatibility between the mother and child was found to be present in 80 per cent of an unselected obstetric population in contrast to 95 per cent in a group of sensitized Rh negative women who bore infants afflicted with hemolytic disease of the newborn. 4. ABO compatibility appears to be related to the occurrence of hemolytic disease of the newborn. 5. In 120 sensitized Rh negative women who bore afflicted infants, the incidence of group A mothers was greater than expected.