cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Abstraction-Free Method for Multirobot Temporal Logic Optimal Control Synthesis

The majority of existing linear temporal logic (LTL) planning methods rely on the construction of a discrete product automaton, which combines a discrete abstraction of robot mobility and a Buchi automaton that captures the LTL specification. Representing this product automaton as a graph and using graph search techniques, optimal plans that satisfy the LTL task can be synthesized. However, constructing expressive discrete abstractions makes the synthesis problem computationally intractable. In this article, we propose a new sampling-based LTL planning algorithm that does not require any discrete abstraction of robot mobility. Instead, it incrementally builds trees that explore the product state-space, until a maximum number of iterations is reached or a feasible plan is found. The use of trees makes data storage and graph search tractable, which significantly increases the scalability of our algorithm. To accelerate the construction of feasible plans, we introduce bias in the sampling process, which is guided by transitions in the Buchi automaton that belong to the shortest path to the accepting states. We show that our planning algorithm, with and without bias, is probabilistically complete and asymptotically optimal. Finally, we present numerical experiments showing that our method outperforms relevant temporal logic planning methods.
SurvTRACE: Transformers for Survival Analysis with Competing Events.

In medicine, survival analysis studies the time duration to events of interest such as mortality. One major challenge is how to deal with multiple competing events (e.g., multiple disease diagnoses). In this work, we propose a transformer-based model that does not make the assumption for the underlying survival distribution and is capable of handling competing events, namely SurvTRACE. We account for the implicit \emph{confounders} in the observational setting in multi-events scenarios, which causes selection bias as the predicted survival probability is influenced by irrelevant factors. To sufficiently utilize the survival data to train transformers from scratch, multiple auxiliary tasks are designed for multi-task learning. The model hence learns a strong shared representation from all these tasks and in turn serves for better survival analysis. We further demonstrate how to inspect the covariate relevance and importance through interpretable attention mechanisms of SurvTRACE, which suffices to great potential in enhancing clinical trial design and new treatment development. Experiments on METABRIC, SUPPORT, and SEER data with 470k patients validate the all-around superiority of our method.
Glaciological Constraints on Link Budgets for Orbital Radar Sounding of Earth's ICE Sheets

Orbital radar sounding of terrestrial ice sheets is an area of increasing research interest with mission concepts at 45 MHz, P-Band, and L-Band under development. However, large uncertainties remain in impact of glacial conditions and platform altitude on their link budgets. Here, we present a collection of empirically and glaciologically informed constraints on orbital sounder link budgets using airborne radar sounding data. We also analyze the effects of geometric spreading and englacial water. Finally, we discuss link-budget considerations for investigations beyond bed mapping including observing basal reflectivity, englacial hydrology, ice-shelf thickness, englacial layers, and estimating vertical ice velocity.
Differential effects of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in human coronary artery endothelial cells.

Abstract Selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor rofecoxib was pulled off the market because of its association with increased risk of adverse cardiovascular effects. The precise underlying mechanism for the differential effects of COX-2 inhibitors on cardiovascular risk is not known. Since endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is implicated in atherogenesis, we examined the effects of COX-2 inhibitors on ER stress in primary human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC). ER stress was measured in HCAEC treated with either tunicamycin (TM) or high-concentrations (27.5 mM) dextrose (HD) using the secreted alkaline phosphatase (ES-TRAP) assay. Markers of unfolded protein response (UPR) such as activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), phospho-IRE1α, protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), and phospho-PERK were measured by Western blot. Treatment of HCAEC with TM and HD decreased secreted alkaline phosphatase activity indicating increased ER stress. Treatment of cells exposed to TM or HD with celecoxib, meloxicam, ibuprofen, and acetylsalicylic acid, but not rofecoxib, resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in ER stress. High-dextrose and TM increased IRE1α and PERK phosphorylation and ATF6 and GRP78 expression. Treatment with celecoxib, but not rofecoxib, inhibited these markers of UPR. Treatment with selective COX-2 inhibitors with the exception of rofecoxib suppressed ER stress as measured with both alkaline phosphatase activity assays and markers for UPR. Inability of rofecoxib to inhibit ER stress unlike the other cyclooxygenase inhibitors tested may have contributed to its unfavorable effects on cardiovascular outcomes.
Hippocampal Microcircuits, Functional Connectivity, and Prostheses

Hippocampus is a brain region critical for the formation of new long-term declarative memories. It transmits and processes memory information with its distinct feedforward trisynaptic pathway. Identifying functional properties of the hippocampal circuits is important for understanding the mechanisms of memory formation and building hippocampal prostheses for restoring memory functions lost in diseases or injuries. In hippocampal slices, trisynaptic responses can be elicited and recorded using conformal multi-electrode arrays. A proof-of-principle hippocampal prosthetic system has been successfully developed based on a computational model that accurately describes the input-output properties of the hippocampal circuit. In behaving animals, hippocampal functional connectivities are analyzed with a nonlinear dynamical multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) model using behaviorally-driven spiking data. Results show that the hippocampal CA3-CA1 functional connection is diffusive along the septo-temporal axis, as opposed to strictly laminar. There are strong causal relations between the CA3 and CA1 spiking activities. The MIMO model can accurately predict the spatio-temporal patterns of the CA1 output spikes based on the ongoing spatio-temporal patterns of the CA3 input spikes. MIMO model-based electrical stimulation to the CA1 region effectively restores the hippocampal memory function by reinstating the CA1 activities. The recording component, the nonlinear dynamical MIMO model, and the stimulation component essentially constitute a closed-loop prosthetic system that bypasses the impaired hippocampal region.
The harmful dysfunction model of alcohol use disorder: revised criteria to improve the validity of diagnosis and prevalence estimates

AIMS: To formulate harmful-dysfunction (HD) diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and test whether they increase validity relative to standard DSM criteria, as evidenced by lowered prevalence, increased validator levels including service use, severity, and family history, and enhanced specificity. DESIGN: DSM-IV AUD, DSM-IV dependence, DSM-5 AUD, and HD AUD definitions were compared on eight validity-related tests using nationally representative community data. SETTING: United States of America PARTICIPANTS: National Epidemiological Survey of Alcoholism and Related Conditions (NESARC) respondents, ages 18-54 (wave 1, N=29,673; wave 2, N=24,444). MEASURES: NESARC DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria were taken from published studies. Whereas DSM-5 diagnosis requires any two AUD symptoms, HD criteria were constructed from NESARC items to require symptoms of both impaired-control dysfunction (withdrawal, drink to prevent/stop withdrawal, can't stop/reduce drinking, or craving [wave 2 only]) and harm (sacrificed important activities, problems caring for home/family, job/school problems, health problems, psychological problems, or problems with family/friends). Validators included service use, severity, and family history, among others. Specificity was tested using a teen-transient-drinker criterion group. FINDINGS: Compared with DSM-5 AUD (DSM-IV results were similar), HD criteria yielded lower prevalence (95% CIs): HD lifetime 6.7% (6.2%, 7.2%), one-year 2.3% (2.0%, 2.5%); DSM-5 lifetime 38.2% (36.5%, 39.9%), one-year 13.2% (11.7%, 13.1%). HD AUD was higher than DSM-5 on pathology validators, including: lifetime alcohol-related service use: HD 41.0% (38.1%, 43.9%), DSM-5 11.5% (10.7%, 12.3%); severity (number of lifetime alcohol symptoms): HD 20.8 (20.4, 21.2), DSM-5 10.6 (10.4, 10.8); and family history of alcohol problems: HD 50.1% (47.3, 52.9), DSM-5 32.8% (31.6, 34.0). HD criteria eliminated 83% of a DSM-5 teen-transient-drinker false-positives criterion group. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of a diagnosis of 'alcohol use disorder' appears to be lower when using 'harmful-dysfunction' diagnostic criteria than using standard DSM criteria, partly by reducing misdiagnosis of teenage transient drinkers. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Language: en
Rapid precision interferometry for the analytical ultracentrifuge. II: A laser controller based on a rate-multiplying circuit

Abstract A laser controller that uses a fixed frequency clock and a digital rate-multiplying circuit to synchronize the triggering of a pulsed laser to the spinning of an analytical ultracentrifuge rotor has been designed. The circuit is simple, inexpensive, and virtually free of any adjustments. It tracks rotors undergoing full acceleration or deceleration. At constant rotor speed it provides triggering that is accurate and reproducible to better than 0.5 μs. The settings of this controller are independent of rotor speed over the full range of the ultracentrifuge.
Poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/magnesium hydroxide composites with on-demand thickening at high temperatures

Magnesium hydroxide, when melt extruded with poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) at low concentrations (1–3 wt.%), can be melt processed during extrusion and injection molding. When the polymer is heated in the melt to 295°C, the viscosity of the composite behaves similarly to control samples and the viscosity decreases as a function of temperature. When the temperature of the composite is raised above 295°C (above the normal processing conditions for PTT), a significant change in the melt rheology of the composite is observed relative to unfilled compositions. This change in melt rheology coincides with the decomposition temperature of magnesium hydroxide and formation of magnesium oxide, a common thickening agent employed in unsaturated polyester resins. Lower processing temperature polyesters, including PTT, enable processing of the polymer in the presence of magnesium hydroxide under normal conditions. The viscosity modifier ‘turns on’ when the composite sees elevated temperature where magnesium oxide is known to form. The magnesium oxide is hypothesized to interact with PTT carboxyl end groups, providing the observed increase in viscosity. The rheological response observed in the composites is dependent on the concentration of magnesium hydroxide. During burning, the viscosity modifier results in a non-dripping formulation of PTT. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pulsed-accelerated-flow studies of the temperature dependence of fast reactions

A pulsed-accelerated-flow (PAF) spectrometer (model V) capable of non-ambient temperature studies of fast reaction kinetics is described. The PAF method uses accelerated flow mixing of reactants during short time periods to enable the resolution of mixing and reaction rate constants. A new mixing/observation cell and cell supports are designed to permit measurement of reaction kinetics from 40 °C to below 0 °C. The cell consists of two machined PEEK [(–OC6H4OC6H4COC6H4–)n] pieces joined together to give an internal solution distribution system, which greatly reduces the number of connections needed compared to previous instruments to bring the reactants together. The reaction between W(CN)84− and IrCl62− in 0.50 M H2SO4 is studied at 0.0, 25.0, and 40.0 °C. Second-order rate constants of 0.650 × 108 M−1 s−1, 1.05 × 108 M−1 s−1, and 1.29 × 108 M−1 s−1 are obtained, respectively. These data give activation parameters of ΔH‡ = 10.0 ± 0.8 kJ mol−1 and ΔS‡ = −58 ± 3 J mol−1 K−1. Activation parameters for reverse bromine hydrolysis (HOBr + Br− + H+ → Br2 + H2O) were determined from rate constants measured from 0.0 to 40.0 °C. These were used to calculate the activation parameters for the forward bromine hydrolysis (ΔH‡ = 66 ± 1 kJ mol−1 and ΔS‡ = 10 ± 20 J mol−1 K−1). The temperature dependence of the extremely rapid BrCl hydrolysis reaction (in equilibrium with BrCl2−) is determined as well. For reactions at temperatures of 25.0 °C, 10.0 °C, and 0.0 °C the values are 3.3 × 106 s−1, 2.06 × 106 s−1, and 1.75 × 106 s−1, respectively. These values correspond to activation parameters of ΔH‡ = 15 ± 7 kJ mol−1 and ΔS± = −71 ± 24 J mol−1 K−1 for BrCl hydrolysis.
Thermocatalytic destruction of gas-phase perchloroethylene using propane as a hydrogen source.

Abstract The use of propane in combination with oxygen to promote the destruction of perchloroethylene (PCE) over a platinum (Pt)/rhodium (Rh) catalyst on a cerium/zirconium oxide washcoat supported on an alumina monolith was explored. Conversions of PCE were measured in a continuous flow reactor with residence times less than 0.5 s and temperatures ranging from 200 to 600 °C. The presence of propane was shown to increase significantly the conversion of PCE over oxygen-only conditions. Conversions close to 100% were observed at temperatures lower than 450 °C with 20% oxygen and 2% propane in the feed, which makes this process attractive from a practical standpoint. In the absence of oxygen, PCE conversion is even higher, but the catalyst suffers significant deactivation in less than an hour. Even though results show that oxygen competes with reactants for active sites on the catalyst, the long-term stability that oxygen confers to the catalyst makes the process an efficient alternative to PCE oxidation. A Langmuir–Hinshelwood competitive adsorption model is proposed to quantify PCE conversion.
Comments on the commentary by Kraft & Saunders [Phycologia 39: 258–261 (2000)]

Arguments presented by Kraft & Saunders [Phycologia 39: 258–261 (2000)] against the use of the name Cryptonemiales Schmitz (1892) and in favour of the name Halymeniales Saunders & Kraft (1996) are ...
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol antagonizes endocannabinoid modulation of synaptic transmission between hippocampal neurons in culture

Cannabinoids inhibit excitatory synaptic transmission between hippocampal neurons in culture. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive component in marijuana, acts as a partial agonist at these synapses. Thus, THC inhibited but did not block synaptic transmission when applied alone and, when applied in combination with WIN552212-2, it partially reversed the effects of this full agonist. Here, we address the question of how THC might interact with endocannabinoid signaling. Reducing the extracellular Mg2+ concentration to 0.1 mM elicited a repetitive pattern of glutamatergic synaptic activity that produced intracellular Ca2+ concentration spikes that were measured by indo-1-based microfluorimetry. The endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG) produced a concentration-dependent and complete inhibition of spike frequency with an EC50 of 63±13 nM. 2-AG (1 μM) inhibition of spiking was blocked by SR141716A (1 μM). THC (100 nM) antagonized the actions of 2-AG producing a parallel shift in the concentration–response relationship for 2-AG (EC50 of 1430±254 nM). The attenuation of 2-AG (1 μM) inhibition of synaptic activity by THC was concentration-dependent with an IC50 of 42±9 nM. These results demonstrate that THC can antagonize endocannabinoid signaling. Thus, the effects of THC on synaptic transmission are predicted to depend on the level of endocannabinoid tone.
Frequency doubling of square waves

A method of frequency doubling of square waveforms is described and details of a practical circuit are given. The scheme works over a wide frequency range which is limited only by the upper operating frequency of the components used.
Foreign bodies: radiopaque compared to what?

The term “radiopaque” is commonly used when discussing foreign bodies and lists of radiopaque and non-radiopaque materials are sometimes created, but radiopacity is not a binary concept. A more fundamental understanding of radiopacity is necessary for the work-up of foreign bodies. To demonstrate that “radiopaque” is a relative term. Twenty foreign bodies of various sizes, shapes and materials were placed in a basin. Radiographs were obtained of the objects with 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 cm depth of water in the basin to simulate the appearance of a foreign body in human tissue. The progressively changing appearance of the objects was observed. All of the objects were radiographically visible in the empty basin. Different objects demonstrated different appearances when immersed in progressively deeper levels of water, illustrating the effect of the surrounding water as well as the effects of object shape, size, orientation and composition. The concept of radiopacity seems simple and the term “radiopaque” is sometimes used to describe an all or none phenomenon. However, radiopacity is a comparative concept implying relative X-ray attenuation. Accurate understanding of the radiographic appearance of foreign bodies requires one to keep in mind the concepts of relative X-ray attenuation and contrast resolution.
Real-time lebesgue-sampled model for continuous-time nonlinear systems

Traditional model-based approaches are based on periodic sampling, where the model is discretized with a fixed period. Despite the easiness in analysis and design, periodic sampling may be undesirable from the computation-efficiency point of view. This paper presents the Lebesgue-sampled model (LSM) of continuous-time nonlinear systems, where the state iteration is activated on an “as-needed” basis, but not periodically. We show that the proposed LSM behaves exactly the same as a specific event-triggered feedback system. Thus, the properties of the LSM can be studied through the resulting event-triggered system. We provide sufficient conditions to ensure asymptotic stability and uniformly ultimate boundedness of the LSM. Theoretical bounds are derived to quantify the difference between the states of the LSM and the continuous-time system, for both stable and unstable cases. Systematic methods are developed to design the quantizer. Simulations show that the LSM can dramatically reduce the number of iterations without sacrificing accuracy.
α-thrombin and trypsin use different receptors to stimulate arachidonic acid metabolism

Abstract Rat liver cells (the C-9 cell line) are stimulated to metabolize arachidonic acid by α-thrombin, its receptor polypeptide, γ-thrombin, and trypsin. Prostaglandin (PG) I 2 synthesis stimulated by α-thrombin is inhibited by dansylarginine N-(3-ethyl-1,5-pentanediyl) amide (DAPA), by hirudin, by the synthetic tyrosine-sulfated dodecapeptide corresponding to residues 53–64 of hirudin (hirugen), by the Tyr(SO 3 H) 63 -hirudin fragment 54–65 and by rabbit lung thrombomodulin. Stimulation of arachidonic acid metabolism by the receptor octapeptide, SFLLRNPN, is not affected by DAPA or hirudin. γ-Thrombin stimulates arachidonic acid metabolism but at 300 to 400-fold higher concentrations. Trypsin stimulates arachidonic acid metabolism. Trypsin's proteolytic activity is required—its ability to stimulate is abolished if it is incubated with Na-p-tosyl- l -lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK) or bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor. Prior treatment of the rat liver cells with α-thrombin blocks subsequent stimulation by α-thrombin, but not by trypsin, whereas prior treatment with trypsin blocks subsequent stimulation by trypsin, but not the activity stimulated by α-thrombin. Prior treatment of the cells with the serine-proteases, chymotrypsin, pancreatic or neutrophil elastase and thrombocytin from Bothrups atrox venom, block α-thrombin's activation of PGI 2 production, but not the activity stimulated by trypsin. These findings indicate that α-thrombin and trypsin stimulate PGI 2 production via different receptors.
Looking beyond stereotypes: Exploring variations among crack smokers

Since the onset of the crack epidemic in the U.S. in the 1980s, the social and health consequences to the drug's users from their perspective has received limited attention. This exploratory study was designed to explore heterogeneity among crack users. Based on in-depth interviews with 22 active crack users in Atlanta, Georgia, variations among them were explored. Data analysis involved the constant comparison method as part of the grounded theory approach. A typology was derived that describes four subsets of users. The two most salient dimensions of the typology are the level of protective strategies that enable the user to avoid negative consequences and their frequency of crack use. Daily life structure and the extent to which they have access to crack contributed most strongly to use frequency. The typology includes: (1) stable users; (2) tempted users; (3) grappling users; and (4) immersed users. Increased insight into the heterogeneity among crack users is relevant when designing comprehensive prevention and intervention programs.
Predicting Voltage Droops Using Recurring Program and Microarchitectural Event Activity

Shrinking feature size and diminishing supply voltage are making circuits more sensitive to supply voltage fluctuations within a microprocessor. If left unattended, voltage fluctuations can lead to timing violations or even transistor lifetime issues. A mechanism that dynamically learns to predict dangerous voltage fluctuations based on program and microarchitectural events can help steer the processor clear of danger.
Political Institutions and Tax Policy in the United States, Sweden, and Britain

This essay addresses the question, “Why do different democracies pursue different public policies?” through an examination of taxation policy in the United States, Sweden, and Britain. The essay demonstrates how the different decision-making structures found in these three democracies (characterized as pluralist, corporatist, and party government systems, respectively) bias each polity toward different types of policy outcomes. The key argument is that institutional structures are the context in which political actors must necessarily define their policy preferences and determine their strategic objectives. Institutional structures thus provide a central link between individual choice behavior and macro policy outcomes.
The coiled coils of cohesin are conserved in animals, but not in yeast.

Background The SMC proteins are involved in DNA repair, chromosome condensation, and sister chromatid cohesion throughout Eukaryota. Long, anti-parallel coiled coils are a prominent feature of SMC proteins, and are thought to serve as spacer rods to provide an elongated structure and to separate domains. We reported recently that the coiled coils of mammalian condensin (SMC2/4) showed moderate sequence divergence (≈10–15%) consistent with their functioning as spacer rods. The coiled coils of mammalian cohesins (SMC1/3), however, were very highly constrained, with amino acid sequence divergence typically <0.5%. These coiled coils are among the most highly conserved mammalian proteins, suggesting that they make extensive contacts over their entire surface. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we broaden our initial analysis of condensin and cohesin to include additional vertebrate and invertebrate organisms and multiple species of yeast. We found that the coiled coils of SMC1/3 are highly constrained in Drosophila and other insects, and more generally across all animal species. However, in yeast they are no more constrained than the coils of SMC2/4 and Ndc80/Nuf2p, suggesting that they are serving primarily as spacer rods. Conclusions/Significance SMC1/3 functions for sister chromatid cohesion in all species. Since its coiled coils apparently serve only as spacer rods in yeast, it is likely that this is sufficient for sister chromatid cohesion in all species. This suggests an additional function in animals that constrains the sequence of the coiled coils. Several recent studies have demonstrated that cohesin has a role in gene expression in post-mitotic neurons of Drosophila, and other animal cells. Some variants of human Cornelia de Lange Syndrome involve mutations in human SMC1/3. We suggest that the role of cohesin in gene expression may involve intimate contact of the coiled coils of SMC1/3, and impose the constraint on sequence divergence.
Carotid artery plaque thickness is associated with increased serum calcium levels : The Northern Manhattan study

Background Elevated serum calcium concentrations are associated with vascular calcification and cardiovascular disease. It is unknown whether there is a relationship between high-normal serum calcium levels and sub-clinical vascular effects. We investigated the association between serum calcium and carotid plaque thickness, a powerful early predictor of clinical coronary and cerebrovascular events.
Differential Reaction of Introductions of Crambe to the Turnip Aphid and the Green Peach Aphid

When 20 accessions of Crambe abyssinica Hochst. ex R.E. Fries and I of C. hispanica (L.) were tested in the greenhouse to determine the potential importance of the turnip aphid, Hyadaphis pseudobrassicae (Davis), and the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), as pests of C. abyssinica and C. hispanica , both species of aphids were found capable of causing severe damage to both species of crambe in the proper environment. PL 247310 (an accession of C. abyssinica ) was resistant to the turnip aphid; all plants tested of other accessions of crambe were susceptible. Also, all plants tested of all accessions were susceptible to the green peach aphid. An infestation of turnip aphids will cause more damage to susceptible crambe than a comparable infestation of green peach aphids.
Synthesis and Cleavage Reactions of Metal−Metal-Bonded [Mo2(S2CNR2)6](OTf)2, a Source of the Tris(dithiocarbamato)molybdenum(IV) Fragment

Halide abstraction from the chlorotris(dialkyldithiocarbamato)molybdenum(IV) complexes MoCl(S2CNR2)3 (R = Et, Me) with silver triflate produces the diamagnetic dimeric complexes [Mo2(S2CNR2)6](OTf)2 in good yield. The crystallographically determined structure of the diethyldithiocarbamato complex indicates that the dimer consists of two pentagonal bipyramids sharing an axial edge, with a Mo−Mo separation (2.8462(8) A) indicative of a metal−metal bond. A qualitative analysis of the bonding indicates that this bond is of order 2 and consists of one normal σ bond and one relatively weak “skewed π” interaction. The dimers [Mo2(S2CNR2)6](OTf)2 react with a variety of reagents to give monomeric seven-coordinate complexes, including the new cationic molybdenum(IV) complex [Mo(PMe2Ph)(S2CNEt2)3](OTf), which has been structurally characterized. Kinetic studies of the reaction of [Mo2(S2CNEt2)6](OTf)2 with halides indicate the presence of competing dissociative and associative substitution pathways, although neutra...
Improving the quality of conceptual modeling using cognitive mapping techniques

Conceptual modeling involves the understanding and communication between system analysts and end-users. Many factors may affect the quality of conceptual modeling processes as well as the models per se. Human cognition plays a pivotal role in understanding these factors and cognitive mapping techniques are effective tools to elicit and represent human cognition. In this paper, we look at the use of cognitive mapping techniques to improve the quality of conceptual modeling. We review frameworks on quality in conceptual modeling and examine the role of human cognition in conceptual modeling. The paper also discusses how human cognition is related to quality in conceptual modeling, the various cognitive mapping techniques, and how these cognitive mapping techniques can be used in conceptual modeling. Through a case study, the paper describes ways of incorporating cognitive mapping techniques to a popular systems development methodology--Soft Systems Methodology--to improve the quality of conceptual modeling.
THE MINOR WORKS OF T. O. AVOSEH

I do not profess to have produced the best or [an] exhaustive history … but I hope that these feeble efforts of mine shall be a stepping stone for others to follow. This is the first part of a study of the works of Chief Theophilus Olabode Avoseh, the Gbesiewu of Badagry, a man of culture and self–education who represents two related but distinct peoples, the Egun and the Yoruba–Awori, and who, above all, is a prolific researcher and distinguished local historian. In this first part, I will provide the biodata on Avoseh, and then introduce his minor works with translations and comments designed to bring out their significance. My primary aims are to draw attention to these obscure works and make them accessible to other researchers. In the second part, I will examine Avoseh's major works, that is, his two studies of Badagry and Epe: A Short History of Badagry published in 1938, recently revised and awaiting publication, and A Short History of Epe published in 1960. This second part will emphasize the special aspects of Avoseh's works and their contribution to Yoruba and Aja historiography. These two major works have been of considerable value to other historians in their reconstruction of the history of the coastal cities whereas the minor works presented here are comparatively little known.
Angelman and Prader-Willi syndromes

Angelman and Prader-Willi syndromes (AS and PWS) have very different phenotypes but are considered together, as the genes responsible map to the chromosome region 15q11-13 and are subject to genomic imprinting, whereby gene expression is dependent on the parent of origin. In PWS, the gene(s) responsible are expressed only on the paternal chromosome and the maternal copy is silenced, whereas in AS the maternal copy is active and the paternal copy silenced. Hence, a child inheriting a deletion of the critical region of the paternally derived chromosome 15 will develop PWS and a child inheriting a similar deletion of the maternally derived 15 will develop AS. Similarly, a child inheriting two copies of maternally derived chromosome 15 instead of one paternal and one maternal copy (a phenomenon known as uniparental disomy or UPD) develops PWS as there are no active (i.e. paternal) copies of the Prader-Willi gene(s) present. A child with paternal UPD for chromosome 15 has AS. Only a fraction of human genes are imprinted and imprinted genes tend to be clustered. Within the PWS/AS cluster, some genes are not imprinted. Among these is the P gene involved in melanin biosynthesis; deletion of an allele at this locus might account for the fair hair and blue eyes of many PWS and AS children. A small region regulates the imprinting process and mutations in this 'imprinting centre' can alter the pattern of methylation at adjacent loci and be another cause of PWS or AS. Imprinting is probably mediated by an interplay of events including differential methylation. The differential methylation of the DNA in the PWS/AS
Imagining the Middle Class: The Political Representation of Class in Britain, c.1780–1840

1. Imagining the 'middle class': an introduction Part I. Against the Tide: Prelude to the 1790s: was the French Revolution a 'bourgeois revolution'? 2. The uses of 'middle class' language in the 1790s 3. Friends and foes of the 'middle class': the dialogic imagination 4. The political differentiation of social language: the debate on the triple assessment Postlude to the 1790s: the uses of 'bourgeois revolution' Part II. The Tug of War: 5. Taming the 'middle class' 6. The tug of war and its resolution Part III. With the Tide: 7. The social construction of the middle class 8. The parallels across the Channel: a French aside 9. The debates on the Reform Bill: bowing to a new representation of the 'middle class' 10. Inventing the ever-rising 'middle class': the aftermath of 1832 11. 1832 and the 'middle class' conquest of the 'private sphere' Epilogue.
Tribocorrosive behaviour of commonly used temporomandibular implants in a synovial fluid-like environment: Ti?6Al?4V and CoCrMo

The temporomandibular joint implant metal alloys, Ti6Al4V and CoCrMo, (n?=?3/group) were tested under free-potential and potentiostatic conditions using a custom-made tribocorrosion apparatus. Sliding duration (1800 cycles), frequency (1.0?Hz) and load (16?N) mimicked the daily mastication process. Synovial-like fluid (bovine calf serum, pH?=?7.6 at 37??C) was used to simulate the in vivo environment. Changes in friction coefficient were monitored throughout the sliding process. Changes in surface topography, total weight loss and roughness values were calculated using scanning electron microscopy and white-light interferometry. Finally, statistical analyses were performed using paired t-tests to determine significance between regions within each metal type and also independent sample t-tests to determine statistical significance between metal alloy types. Ti6Al4V demonstrated a greater decrease of potential than CoCrMo, a higher weight loss from wear (Kw?=?257.8 versus 2.62??g; p?<?0.0001), a higher weight loss from corrosion (Kc?=?17.44 versus 0.14??g; p?<?0.0001) and a higher weight loss from the combined effects of wear and corrosion (Kwc?=?275.28 versus 2.76??g; p?<?0.0001). White-light interferometry measurements demonstrated a greater difference in surface roughness inside the wear region in Ti6Al4V than CoCrMo after the sliding (Ra?=?323.80 versus 70.74?nm; p?<?0.0001). In conclusion, CoCrMo alloy shows superior anti-corrosive and biomechanical properties.
Polarizing optics for the soft x-ray regime: Whispering-gallery mirrors and multilayer beamsplitters

Two short-wavelength optical components are described. The first, the whispering-gallery mirror, uses many glancing-incidence reflections to deflect a beam through a large net angle. Because the Fresnel coefficient for each reflection depends upon the state of polarization, the whispering-gallery mirror can act both as a polarizer and as a birefringent element. The second, the multilayer polarizing beamsplitter, is a Brewster-angle reflector thin enough to allow partial partial transmission of the incident beam. Its behavior can be surprising; in some cases the same polarization mode is preferred on both reflection and transmission.
Self-consistent analysis of alpha-particle heating of a fast-solenoid plasma

A numerical technique has been developed to analyse the dynamics of a linear, magnetically confined plasma column and its associated fusion-produced alpha-particles in a self consistent manner. The thermonuclear background plasma is considered as a radially non-uniform, axially symmetric magnetofluid in pressure equilibrium with the surrounding axial magnetic field. A multi-group technique is utilized to examine the alphas as a collection of particles distributed among a continuous spectrum of confined orbits. The technique is shown to be an effective one for observing the interaction between super-thermal particles with large orbit sizes and a stable plasma of comparable size. The use of a distribution function in an adiabatic invariant representation results in an enormous increase in the time scale which can be treated. This enables analysis of the entire duty cycle of a laser solenoid plasma in reasonable computation times. An analysis of a fast solenoid plasma is described, where the initial plasma radius and temperature are varied parametrically. A plasma column of radius 7 mm, temperature 6 keV, and β = 0.95 will reach an ion temperature of 10 keV, corresponding to a fusion energy gain of 8, after 3 ms. A range of maximum gain occurs for initial temperatures of 5 to 7 keV, with larger radius plasmas more favoured by the cooler limits. The effect of increasing the alpha particle-electron energy transfer rate by a moderate amount to account for anomalous effects is to increase the plasma temperature at longer times, as long as this energy transfer is well-coupled to the electron-ion energy transfer. Increasing the rate at which plasma transport processes occur ("anomalous transport") always results in lower fusion yield, because of rapid plasma diffusion.
Switching Cdk2 On or Off with Small Molecules to Reveal Requirements in Human Cell Proliferation

Multiple cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) control eukaryotic cell division, but assigning specific functions to individual CDKs remains a challenge. During the mammalian cell cycle, Cdk2 forms active complexes before Cdk1, but lack of Cdk2 protein does not block cell-cycle progression. To detect requirements and define functions for Cdk2 activity in human cells when normal expression levels are preserved, and nonphysiologic compensation by other CDKs is prevented, we replaced the wild-type kinase with a version sensitized to specific inhibition by bulky adenine analogs. The sensitizing mutation also impaired a noncatalytic function of Cdk2 in restricting assembly of cyclin A with Cdk1, but this defect could be corrected by both inhibitory and noninhibitory analogs. This allowed either chemical rescue or selective antagonism of Cdk2 activity in vivo, to uncover a requirement in cell proliferation, and nonredundant, rate-limiting roles in restriction point passage and S phase entry.
Nutrition, sensory evaluation, and performance analysis of trans fat-free, low alpha-linolenic acid frying oils.

The FDA now requires the labeling of trans fats, a decision that has encouraged foodservice operators to eliminate trans fats from foods and reformulate deep-fat frying oils in order to make them trans fat-free. This study evaluated performance, sensory, and nutrition characteristics of trans fat-free oils used to cook French fries during a 10-day controlled degradation session. Nutritional analyses and fatty acid profiles were conducted on the oils before degradation, and a sensory evaluation of fries cooked in different oils was conducted to determine liking of the fries. Results indicated a preference for French fries fried in canola oils, while the 0.05% low alpha-linolenic (ALA) soybean oil had the highest stability and lowest oil usage. All the low ALA oils in the study provided a healthy, inexpensive, and stable option for foodservice operators to consider when choosing trans fat-free oils; therefore, foodservice operators must determine which is more important—stability, usage, nutrition, or taste...
Coming of Age Too Early: Pubertal Influences on Girls' Vulnerability to Psychological Distress

This 4-year longitudinal study investigates 3 hypothesized effects of the pubertal transition on the psychological distress of adolescent girls (N = ca. 200): early maturation, the impact of heterosexual versus same-sex friends, and prepubertal vulnerabilities, such as early emotional distress and father hostility. Building on Caspi and Moffitt's study of girls' delinquency, this study found that early maturing girls experienced significantly higher levels of psychological distress compared to their on-time and late maturing age-mates. In line with prior studies of girls' delinquency (Caspi, Lynam, Moffitt, & Silva, 1993; Magnusson, 1988), early maturing girls also experienced higher levels of distress at the tenth grade as reported by fathers, mothers, and adolescents when they were associated with mixed- rather than same-sex friends during the seventh through ninth grades. Finally, early maturing girls were more vulnerable to prior psychological problems, deviant peer pressures, and fathers' hostile feelings when compared to on-time and late maturing peers.
Studies on the efficacy of implants as orthodontic anchorage

The abilities of two types of small cylindrical endosseous implant to resist movement when loaded with constant forces of orthodontic magnitudes were tested. Pairs of Bioglass-coated implants and pairs of Vitallium implants of the same size were implanted into the femurs of twelve rabbits. After a 28-day healing period, these implants were loaded with forces of 60 grams, 120 grams, and 180 grams. Analysis of implant movement after 28 days revealed that no statistically significant movement occurred at any of the three force levels for either type of implant. Histologic evaluation revealed a connective tissue encapsulation with the Vitallium implant and an implant-bone bond with the Bioglass implant. No histologic evidence of implant movement was observed for either implant type at any force level.
Bounding the Commons: Land Demarcation in Northeastern Nicaragua

In north-eastern Nicaragua, territorial titling of communal lands conflates particular notions of ethnicity with proprietary conceptions of space to generate new forms of conflict within and between indigenous and black communities, and with mestizo migrants. Notions of rights between competing groups, or within conflicting normative frameworks, become increasingly polemic during demarcation. While analysis of three land titling case studies demonstrates that results are socially contingent and place based, trends include: (a) power disparities; (b) tension between ‘traditional’ and ‘modern’ patterns of land tenure and resource rights; and (c) contradictions fed by international conservation agendas and neoliberal economic reforms. Combining critical actor-based analysis with practical policy critique our work illuminates how contestations over the bounding of communal territories contribute to social injustice.
Oropharyngeal Contamination Predisposes to Complications after Neck Dissection An Analysis of 9462 Patients

ObjectiveWhile neck dissection is important in the treatment of head and neck cancer, there is a paucity of studies evaluating outcomes. We sought to compare preoperative variables and outcomes between clean and contaminated neck dissections, using the 2006-2011 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) data sets.Study DesignRetrospective review of prospectively maintained database.SettingMulticenter (university hospitals; tertiary referral centers).Subjects and MethodsA retrospective review was performed of the NSQIP database to identify patients undergoing neck dissection in clean vs oropharyngeal contaminated cases. Clinical factors, comorbidities, epidemiologic factors, and procedural characteristics were analyzed to identify factors associated with 30-day postoperative adverse events, including medical and surgical complications, unplanned reoperation, and mortality. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed for the outcome of one or more adverse...
Shift work and sleep: the Buffalo Police health study

Purpose – Working on the night shift is a potential source of occupational stress and has been associated with sleep disorders. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between shift work and sleep problems among police officers from Buffalo, New York.Design/methodology/approach – Randomly selected officers (n=111) responded to questions on sleep quality and quantity. Shift work data were obtained from daily payroll records from 1994 to the exam date (1999‐2000). Prevalence ratios (PR) were obtained using Poisson regression models that examined associations of shift work with sleep quality and quantity.Findings – Among police officers, night shift work was significantly and independently associated with snoring and decreased sleep duration.Originality/value – Although the sleep questions were similar to those used in validated sleep questionnaires, a major strength of this study was the availability of daily work history data on all officers for up to five years prior to the current exa...
PLANAR POINT LOCATION REVISITED

Point location is a fundamental primitive in Computational Geometry. In the plane it is stated as follows: Given a subdivision ℛ of the plane and a query point q, determine the region of ℛ containing q. We survey the work that has led to practical algorithms for the static version of the problem, and discuss current research on the corresponding dynamic algorithms.
Impact of anesthesia and euthanasia on metabolomics of mammalian tissues: studies in a C57BL/6J mouse model

A critical application of metabolomics is the evaluation of tissues, which are often the primary sites of metabolic dysregulation in disease. Laboratory rodents have been widely used for metabolomics studies involving tissues due to their facile handing, genetic manipulability and similarity to most aspects of human metabolism. However, the necessary step of administration of anesthesia in preparation for tissue sampling is not often given careful consideration, in spite of its potential for causing alterations in the metabolome. We examined, for the first time using untargeted and targeted metabolomics, the effect of several commonly used methods of anesthesia and euthanasia for collection of skeletal muscle, liver, heart, adipose and serum of C57BL/6J mice. The data revealed dramatic, tissue-specific impacts of tissue collection strategy. Among many differences observed, post-euthanasia samples showed elevated levels of glucose 6-phosphate and other glycolytic intermediates in skeletal muscle. In heart and liver, multiple nucleotide and purine degradation metabolites accumulated in tissues of euthanized compared to anesthetized animals. Adipose tissue was comparatively less affected by collection strategy, although accumulation of lactate and succinate in euthanized animals was observed in all tissues. Among methods of tissue collection performed pre-euthanasia, ketamine showed more variability compared to isoflurane and pentobarbital. Isoflurane induced elevated liver aspartate but allowed more rapid initiation of tissue collection. Based on these findings, we present a more optimal collection strategy mammalian tissues and recommend that rodent tissues intended for metabolomics studies be collected under anesthesia rather than post-euthanasia.
Revisiting the maximum intensity of recurving tropical cyclones

Previous studies have indicated that recurving western North Pacific tropical cyclones, initially westward moving tropical cyclones that turn toward the east, often reach their maximum intensity close to the time of recurvature. Those results have often been cited in the literature and sometimes inferred to be valid in other tropical cyclone basins. This study revisits this topic in the western North Pacific, North Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone basins. The timing of lifetime maximum intensity associated with recurving tropical cyclones is examined using best track datasets from the United States' Joint Typhoon Warning Center and the National Hurricane Center, Miami during the period 1980–2006. Results reveal that tropical cyclones are less likely to experience peak intensity within ± 12 h and ± 24 h of recurvature than has been previously reported in the western North Pacific. Furthermore, it is shown that tropical cyclones that become most intense (i.e. intensities greater than 52 m s−1) have a greater tendency to reach peak intensity before recurvature than weaker storms save for in the South Pacific where the most intense storms have a slightly greater probability of reaching their maximum intensity following recurvature. It also appears that weak tropical cyclones (i.e. lifetime peak intensities less than 33 m s−1) often reach peak intensity prior to or close to recurvature in all tropical cyclone basins as others have reported. However, findings suggest that the cumulative distributions of maximum intensity with respect to the time of recurvature can be quite different for other intensity ranges suggesting that a universal relationship between peak intensity and time of recurvature does not exist. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society