cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Process of Municipal Incorporation in the USA

The USA operates under a federal system of governance that has implications for local governance and government. Within the federal system, local governments are creatures of the individual states and are not guaranteed any specific rights or privileges. Additionally, within the USA, states can be classified as either Dillon’s Rule or Home Rule states. This differentiation largely determines which powers local governments can exercise within their jurisdiction. As a result of this federal system—requirements, procedures, and processes governing incorporation standards across the country can differ dramatically. With that said, some of the similarities in municipal incorporation standards across the country include minimum population size, minimum population density, minimum tax rate and minimum distance between proposed and existing municipalities. Meanwhile, differences in incorporating standards found across the USA include county approval, approval from a local government boundary commission, and/or a feasibility study that explores the financial viability of a new municipality, as well as its impact on existing jurisdictions. In the end, municipalities are granted a wide array of powers that have grown over the years and currently include general governance, public safety, economic development, and a variety of other charges.
PerForm: Deformable Interface for Exploring Sound through Shapes

UPDATED-22 February 2018. In this paper, we describe a novel electronic musical interface, consisting of a strand-like object that can be physically transformed by bending to create various shapes and signifiers. Users are encouraged to explore a visual language in a musical context, as each new shape portrays a different musical instrument with unique sonic behavior. We apply concepts from research in the area of cross-modal perception as guidance for mapping shapes and signifiers to corresponding sounds.
The Role of Striate Cortex

Much of what is known about the role of human striate cortex in vision comes from the study of dysfunction in patients with specific lesions of visual pathways, from the retina to the occipital lobe and the adjoining temporal and parietal regions. That evidence depends on neuro-ophthalmological, neuropsychological, and psychophysical techniques. The neuroanatomy is provided, in vivo, by modern neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Damasio and Damasio, 1989; Damasio and Frank, 1992), and (less often) at autopsy. Positron emission tomography (PET) studies offer another window on regional localization and visual function. Comparative anatomical studies on the functional organization of the visual system, particularly in the monkey, also provide insights into the corresponding organization in the human. This chapter examines these converging lines of evidence in the context of what they tell us about the role of human striate cortex [which is also referred to as the primary visual cortex, the calcarine cortex, area 17 of Brodmann (1909), and more recently as area V1] (see Fig. 1). The emphasis in this chapter is on human brain lesion studies. In the introductory section, we start with a definition of human visual areas and deficits, and follow with comments on the human brain lesion method applied to vision, on human—monkey homologies, and on subcortical inputs to V1.
Computer science education at private colleges and universities

The goal of this panel will be to discuss the various ways that computer science education may be implemented at a private college or university. This will include a discussion of how the mission of each school affects the computer science educational experience for students that attend these schools.
A Brief Introduction to Hydrocode Modeling of Impact Cratering

Numerical modeling is a fundamental tool for understanding the dynamics of impact cratering, especially at planetary scales. In particular, processes like melting/vaporization and crater collapse, typical of planetary-scale impacts, are not reproduced in the laboratory, and can only be investigated by numerical modeling. The continuum dynamics of impact cratering events is fairly well understood and implemented in numerical codes; however, the response of materials to shocks is governed by specific material properties. Accurate material models are thus crucial for realistic simulation of impact cratering, and still represent one of the major problems associated with numerical modeling of impacts.
Is it time to routinely incorporate MRD into practice

Interest in detecting minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been increasing, but numerous issues need to be addressed if MRD assessment is to be routinely incorporated into practice. Assays, their reliability, standardization, and availability all must be considered, and a strategy developed to eradicate residual leukemia. This paper reviews some issues surrounding the routine incorporation of MRD assessment into practice.
Exact Recovery in Community Detection With Continuous-Valued Side Information

The community detection problem, as a special case of inference on graphs, has received much attention lately. However, in the presence of continuous-valued side information, the behavior of a sharp threshold for exact recovery has remained open, and is addressed in this letter. The new proof presented herein has the further advantage of closing the gap between necessary and sufficient conditions for exact recovery threshold that has existed in community detection under finite-alphabet side information.
Biofloat observations of a phytoplankton bloom and carbon export in the Drake Passage

Abstract Prolonged in-situ biogeochemical observations have historically been limited in the high nitrate, low chlorophyll (HNLC) regions of the Southern Ocean (SO). Recently, large biofloat missions, including the SO Carbon and Climate Observations and Modelling (SOCCOM) program, are filling the data void. However, the standard ten-day float profiling cycle often lacks the temporal resolution required to resolve mesoscale phytoplankton bloom or export processes. This is particularly important in regions of the SO dominated by high energy mesoscale features, like the Drake Passage. In this study, we observe a naturally occurring phytoplankton bloom and subsequent carbon export event in the Drake Passage using in-situ data from an Autonomous Profiling EXplorer (APEX) biofloat that profiled the water column every two days. The fast, two-day profiling cycle meant that the biofloat's trajectory was coherent with mesoscale processes. However, because of the quasi-Lagrangian nature of the biofloat, we could not control for both spatial and temporal changes simultaneously. Therefore we explore this quasi-Lagrangian dataset as both a spatial and temporal series to understand the mesoscale processes as they relate to the observed phytoplankton bloom and its subsequent export. Our evidence suggests that eddy-driven subduction and a change in the vertical structure were important in the time period leading up to enhanced carbon export. Recent studies have shown that eddy-driven subduction may be responsible for ~20% of the total biological carbon pump in the SO. We estimate that the POC flux out of the surface ocean was 250 ± 50 mg m−2 d−1 between the peak bloom through an observed export event. In addition, we estimate that ~18 ± 10% of the particulate organic carbon observed during the peak bloom was exported out of the surface ocean via subduction and sinking.
Discrimination and Classification

Abstract Discrimination is the process of finding rules to best sort groups of data vectors of known group membership based on their joint characteristics, which rules can be applied to classify future data vectors of unknown group membership. When the data vector is observed before the group membership will be known, the method can be used for forecasting. Probabilistic classifications can be computed by applying Bayesian ideas.
Rethinking and Revising Goode's Contribution to Global Family Change.

This essay provides a comprehensive overview of William J. Goode’s contribution to the study of global family and social change. I begin by describing Goode’s theoretical perspectives and outlining...
Transient Receptor Potential Channels and Endothelial Cell Calcium Signaling

The vascular endothelium is a broadly distributed and highly specialized organ. The endothelium has a number of functions including the control of blood vessels diameter through the production and release of potent vasoactive substances or direct electrical communication with underlying smooth muscle cells, regulates the permeability of the vascular barrier, stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, and influences inflammatory and thrombotic processes. Endothelial cells that make up the endothelium express a variety of cell-surface receptors and ion channels on the plasma membrane that are capable of detecting circulating hormones, neurotransmitters, oxygen tension, and shear stress across the vascular wall. Changes in these stimuli activate signaling cascades that initiate an appropriate physiological response. Increases in the global intracellular Ca2+ concentration and localized Ca2+ signals that occur within specialized subcellular microdomains are fundamentally important components of many signaling pathways in the endothelium. The transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a superfamily of cation-permeable ion channels that act as a primary means of increasing cytosolic Ca2+ in endothelial cells. Consequently, TRP channels are vitally important for the major functions of the endothelium. In this review, we provide an in-depth discussion of Ca2+ -permeable TRP channels in the endothelium and their role in vascular regulation. © 2019 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 9:1249-1277, 2019.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines: Discovery of a selective inhibitor of JAK1 JH2 pseudokinase and VPS34

Abstract A series of novel 3,6-di-substituted or 3-substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines were prepared via a microwave-assisted approach that generated a broad array of derivatives in good yields (20–93%, ave. = 59%). The straightforward synthesis involved sequential treatment of commercially-available acetonitrile derivatives with DMF-dimethylacetal (120 °C, 20 min), followed by treatment with NH2NH2·HBr (120 °C, 20 min), and 1,1,3,3-tetramethoxypropane or 2-aryl-substituted malondialdehdyes (120 °C, 20 min). Compounds were screened for antimitotic activities against MCF7 breast cancer and/or A2780 ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro. The most active compounds exhibited EC50 values ranging from 0.5 to 4.3 μM, with the 3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-6-[4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy]phenyl analogue (34e) and the 3-(2-fluorophenyl)-6-[4-(2-(4-methylpiperizin-1-yl)ethoxy]phenyl analogue (35a) being two to three fold more active than Compound C (Dorsomorphin) in A2780 and MCF7 assays, respectively. Importantly, a monosubstituted 3-(benzothiazol-2-yl) derivative (13) was equipotent with the more synthetically challenging 3,6-disubstituted derivatives (34a–e and 35a–e), and exhibited a promising and unique selectivity profile when screened against a panel consisting of 403 protein kinases (Kinomescan™ selectivity score = 0.005, Kd = 0.55 ± 0.055 μM and 0.410 ± 0.20 μM for JAK1 JH2 pseudokinase and VPS34, respectively).
Nursing facility social work with family behavioral health challenges

Nursing facility social workers play a prominent role in promoting behavioral health among family members with compromised responses to their loved one’s residing in a skilled care nursing facility...
Development of Computer Based Educational Materials Through the North Central Collaboration for Education in NDE

The North Central Collaboration for Education in NDE/NDT (NCCE) is working to develop computer based educational materials as part of a project to enhance NDE education. The NCCE is a cooperative effort between Iowa State University, and four community colleges with two-year NDE technician education programs. The two-year institutions participating in the program are Cowley County Community College in Arkansas City, Kansas; Ridgewater College in Hutchinson, Minnesota; Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta, Iowa; and Southeast Iowa Community College in Milford, Nebraska. The three-year program is aimed at enhancing education in nondestructive evaluation and improving articulation between community college technician training programs and university technical degree programs. Each of the collaboration members has responsibility for the completion of an education improvement project, which has been selected for its widespread appeal to NDE educators. Many of the efforts to improve NDE education have evolved into the development of computer-based materials and tools. This paper will discuss the rational for these development efforts and report on progress.
Automation of A 400 KV Impulse Generator

The statistical nature of high voltage testing requires the application of multiple impulses to the test objects. The repetitive action of firing the impulse generator and recording the resulting data lends itself to the automation of the test procedure. A 400KV impulse generator that produces standard 1.2/50μs waveforms has been brought under computer control. The control system consists of the existing manual controls, constructed TTL and CMOS based interfacing hardware, and an A/D & D/A data acquisiton board, and controlling FORTRAN software. The entire system is contained in a Faraday cage, yielding noise free accurate waveforms. The system uses a novel electronic breakdown detection circuit that responds to the acquired voltage waveform.
A modified lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio test for fetal maturity

Several desirable techniques (rapid chromatogram development, planimetry, acetone precipitation of lecithin, and copper molybdate staining) used in other published lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio procedures were integrated into a single L/S ratio test. The resulting test requires only 2 ml of amniotic fluid, can be performed within 75 minutes, and is semiquantitative. Methodology tests showed a high degree of reproducibility without the need for a densitometer: Coefficients of variation for the standards and amniotic fluid samples were 11% and 4%, respectively. Also, a linear relationship was observed between the L/S weight ratios in synthetic mixtures and the corresponding area ratios up to the mature value of 2.5. Clinical evaluation on a normal and high-risk patient population showed excellent reliability: The accuracy in predicting fetal lung maturity and immaturity was 100% and 85%, respectively. Moreover, the numerical value of the L/S ratio in the immature range was found to be indicative of the severity of respiratory distress syndrome. Finally, the relationship between the L/S ratio and gestational age in a normal population was described mathematically by an approximating curve. We concluded from our methodologic and clinical data that the L/S ratio may be determined simply and reliably by means of the procedure described in this report.
New Light on Twyne's Case

Twyne's Case, a 1602 English Star Chamber decision, is one of the most durable decisions of the American common law tradition. The case famously concerns fraudulent conveyance, which occurs when a debtor transfers some or all of his assets to a third party with the intent to "hinder, delay, or defraud" the debtor’s creditors. The case continues to provide judges with a test to evaluate when a transfer, even one made for good consideration, was done with the intent to defraud. The opinion, as reported by Edward Coke, is still regularly cited in US courts. However, it turns out that the the facts that Coke reported, and the embellishments that have grown up around it, are not accurate. (Teaser: the case was not about sheep.) This article uses previously unknown trial documents to retell the the complex and surprising story behind Twyne's Case. In so doing, it also opens for further study the role, within the larger premodern credit economy, of transfers of title without transfers of possession—conveyances that have, since 1571, often been declared fraudulent.
Measuring Institutional Pressure for Greenness: A Demand System Approach

How should we quantify the institutional price pressure induced by demand for green stocks? We use the equity holdings of institutional investors and the demand system approach to answer this question. We devise and estimate a firm-level quantity, institutional pressure for greenness, that measures the price pressure a firm receives from its institutional owners to become more environment-friendly. We find that this quantity has a positive and significant relationship with future improvement in a firm’s carbon intensity, but not with other measures of a firm’s environment performance. We also find that investors with high portfolio-level environment scores do not necessarily contribute to higher institutional pressure. Instead, investors who are price-inelastic and display a positive portfolio tilt towards greenness – those who overweight greener stocks even after controlling for other characteristics – contribute the most to institutional pressure.
Developing a culture of safety in biomedical research training.

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) is committed to supporting the safety of the nation’s biomedical research and training env...
Cyberbullying perpetration and victimization among ethnic minority youth in the United States: similarities or differences across groups?

Abstract Cyberbullying incidents have consistently been shown to be associated with children’s and adolescent’s psychosocial well-being and academic outcomes. Although most cyberbullying studies have focused on the experiences of White youth, increasingly studies are capitalizing on ethnically diverse samples to test ethnic differences and also focusing on single ethnic minority groups to study within-group patterns. This chapter outlines why it is important and timely to examine cyberbullying incidents among ethnic minority youth and reviews the existing literature that examines whether youth from certain ethnic backgrounds are at higher (or lower) risk of cyberbullying involvement. Finally, the chapter proposes cultural factors that may be important for future research with ethnically diverse youth to examine.
Gastroparesis in the Hospital Setting.

Gastroparesis (GP) is commonly seen in hospitalized patients. Refractory vomiting and related dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, and malnutrition are indications for hospital admission. In addition, tube feeding intolerance is a common sign of gastric dysmotility in critically ill patients. The diagnosis and management of GP in the hospital setting can be quite challenging. Diagnostic tests are often deferred because of patient intolerance of the oral meal for standard scintigraphy or severity of the primary disease. The diagnosis of GP is often established on the basis of clinical scenario and risk factors for gastric motor dysfunction. Medical therapy in GP is directed toward controlling nausea and vomiting by prokinetic and antinausea medications and correcting nutrition risks or treating malnutrition with nutrition therapy. Enteral nutrition is the preferred nutrition intervention for patients with GP. Delayed gastric emptying in critically ill patients has a negative impact on the timely delivery of enteral feeding and meeting the energy and protein goals. Measures to improve gastric tolerance or provide feeding beyond the stomach are often needed, since early enteral nutrition has been an important target of therapy for critically ill patients. This review will address the current understanding of the mechanisms of GP and feeding intolerance in critical illness, diagnostic workup, drug therapies, and interventions to improve the provision of enteral nutrition in hospital settings when gastric dysmotility is present or suspected.
Careless: A Variational Bayesian Model for Merging X-ray Diffraction Data

Abstract The primary data in X-ray diffraction experiments are images which contain bright spots known as reflections. In order to compute the electron density of the crystal which yields these reflections, the intensity of each reflection must be estimated. Redundant observations must be parsimoniously reduced to a set of summary intensities and corresponding error estimates. This task is confounded by a range of systematic effects leading to equivalent reflections being expressed on different scales. Here, we present a modern Bayesian solution to this problem, careless, which uses deep learning and variational inference to simultaneously merge and scale reflection observations. We successfully apply this method to conventional monochromatic X-ray diffraction data, polychromatic diffraction data, and finally X-ray free-electron laser data. Thereby, we find that this single model is generally applicable to many types of X-ray diffraction experiments.
Improved two-stage model averaging for high-dimensional linear regression, with application to Riboflavin data analysis

Model averaging has attracted increasing attention in recent years for the analysis of high-dimensional data. By weighting several competing statistical models suitably, model averaging attempts to achieve stable and improved prediction. In this paper, we develop a two-stage model averaging procedure to enhance accuracy and stability in prediction for high-dimensional linear regression. First we employ a high-dimensional variable selection method such as LASSO to screen redundant predictors and construct a class of candidate models, then we apply the jackknife cross-validation to optimize model weights for averaging. In simulation studies, the proposed technique outperforms commonly used alternative methods under high-dimensional regression setting, in terms of minimizing the mean of the squared prediction error. We apply the proposed method to a riboflavin data, the result show that such method is quite efficient in forecasting the riboflavin production rate, when there are thousands of genes and only tens of subjects. Compared with a recent high-dimensional model averaging procedure (Ando and Li in J Am Stat Assoc 109:254–65, 2014), the proposed approach enjoys three appealing features thus has better predictive performance: (1) More suitable methods are applied for model constructing and weighting. (2) Computational flexibility is retained since each candidate model and its corresponding weight are determined in the low-dimensional setting and the quadratic programming is utilized in the cross-validation. (3) Model selection and averaging are combined in the procedure thus it makes full use of the strengths of both techniques. As a consequence, the proposed method can achieve stable and accurate predictions in high-dimensional linear models, and can greatly help practical researchers analyze genetic data in medical research.
Evaluating potential mediators for the impact of a family-based economic intervention (Suubi+Adherence) on the mental health of adolescents living with HIV in Uganda

Abstract Introduction Many adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) experience poverty and have access to limited resources, which can impact HIV and mental health outcomes. Few studies have analyzed the impact of economic empowerment interventions on the psychosocial wellbeing of adolescents living with HIV in low resource communities, and this study aims to examine the mediating mechanism(s) that may explain the relationship between a family economic empowerment intervention (Suubi + Adherence) and mental health outcomes for adolescents (ages 10–16 at enrollment) living with HIV in Uganda. Method We utilized data from Suubi + Adherence, a large-scale six-year (2012–2018) longitudinal randomized controlled trial (N = 702). Generalized structural equation models (GSEMs) were conducted to examine 6 potential mediators (HIV viral suppression, food security, family assets, and employment, HIV stigma, HIV status disclosure comfort level, and family cohesion) to determine those that may have driven the effects of the Suubi + Adherence intervention on adolescents’ mental health. Results Family assets and employment were the only statistically significant mediators during follow-up (β from −0.03 to −0.06), indicating that the intervention improved family assets and employment which, in turn, was associated with improved mental health. The proportion of the total effect mediated by family assets and employment was from 42.26% to 71.94%. Conclusions Given that mental health services provision is inadequate in SSA, effective interventions incorporating components related to family assets, employment, and financial stability are crucial to supporting the mental health needs of adolescents living with HIV in under-resourced countries like Uganda. Future research should work to develop the sustainability of such interventions to improve long-term mental health outcomes among this at-risk group.
Restricted Monopoly R&D Pricing: Uncertainty, Irreversibility and Non-Market Effects

This chapter extends the model for transgenic innovation pricing by Weaver and Kim (Incentives for R&D to develop GMO seeds: restricted monopoly, nonmarket effects, and regulation. Presented at the 6th International Conference of ICABR, Ravello, 2002) by considering ex-ante uncertainty and irreversibility and the implications for monopolistic pricing. First, the chapter briefly reviews the model by Weaver and Kim and includes in a second step uncertainty and irreversibility in a real options framework for considering the timing of investment in or adoption of innovation. Based on this framework, the next section evaluates pricing and adoption implications of the evolution of incentives, irreversible costs and benefits, as well as of the returns to the innovation. The chapter finds that irreversibility and uncertainty of a new technology reduce the willingness to pay of the technology adopter and the pricing power of the monopolist technology provider.
Warming Arctic summers unlikely to increase productivity of shorebirds through renesting.

Climate change in the Arctic is leading to earlier summers, creating a phenological mismatch between the hatching of insectivorous birds and the availability of their invertebrate prey. While phenological mismatch would presumably lower the survival of chicks, climate change is also leading to longer, warmer summers that may increase the annual productivity of birds by allowing adults to lay nests over a longer period of time, replace more nests that fail, and provide physiological relief to chicks (i.e., warmer temperatures that reduce thermoregulatory costs). However, there is little information on how these competing ecological processes will ultimately impact the demography of bird populations. In 2008 and 2009, we investigated the survival of chicks from initial and experimentally-induced replacement nests of arcticola Dunlin (Calidris alpina) breeding near Utqiaġvik, Alaska. We monitored survival of 66 broods from 41 initial and 25 replacement nests. Based on the average hatch date of each group, chick survival (up to age 15 days) from replacement nests (Ŝi = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.02-0.22) was substantially lower than initial nests (Ŝi = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.48-0.81). Daily survival rates were greater for older chicks, chicks from earlier-laid clutches, and during periods of greater invertebrate availability. As temperature was less important to daily survival rates of shorebird chicks than invertebrate availability, our results indicate that any physiological relief experienced by chicks will likely be overshadowed by the need for adequate food. Furthermore, the processes creating a phenological mismatch between hatching of shorebird young and invertebrate emergence ensures that warmer, longer breeding seasons will not translate into abundant food throughout the longer summers. Thus, despite having a greater opportunity to nest later (and potentially replace nests), young from these late-hatching broods will likely not have sufficient food to survive. Collectively, these results indicate that warmer, longer summers in the Arctic are unlikely to increase annual recruitment rates, and thus unable to compensate for low adult survival, which is typically limited by factors away from the Arctic-breeding grounds.
Supervised machine learning model to predict oncotype DX risk category in patients over age 50.

Routine use of the oncotype DX recurrence score (RS) in patients with early-stage, estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative (ER+/HER2−) breast cancer is limited internationally by cost and availability. We created a supervised machine learning model using clinicopathologic variables to predict RS risk category in patients aged over 50 years. From January 2012 to December 2018, we identified patients aged over 50 years with T1–2, ER+/HER2−, node-negative tumors. Clinicopathologic data and RS results were randomly split into training and validation cohorts. A random forest model with 500 trees was developed on the training cohort, using age, pathologic tumor size, histology, progesterone receptor (PR) expression, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and grade as predictors. We predicted risk category (low: RS ≤ 25, high: RS > 25) using the validation cohort. Of the 3880 tumors identified, 1293 tumors comprised the validation cohort in patients of median (IQR) age 62 years (56–68) with median (IQR) tumor size 1.2 cm (0.8–1.7). Most tumors were invasive ductal (80.3%) of low-intermediate grade (80.5%) without LVI (80.9%). PR expression was ≤ 20% in 27.3% of tumors. Specificity for identifying RS ≤ 25 was 96.3% (95% CI 95.0–97.4) and the negative predictive value was 92.9% (95% CI 91.2–94.4). Sensitivity and positive predictive value for predicting RS > 25 was lower (48.3 and 65.1%, respectively). Our model was highly specific for identifying eligible patients aged over 50 years for whom chemotherapy can be omitted. Following external validation, it may be used to triage patients for RS testing, if predicted to be high risk, in resource-limited settings.
A NEW DEVICE FOR EVALUATING LOAD-TRANSFER IN GEOSYNTHETIC REINFORCED SOILS

Although geosynthetics are often used in soil reinforcement applications, there are currently no methods for estimating reliably the stresses within the reinforcements at working load levels. This paper summarizes the design of a new laboratory device, referred to as the Automated Plane Strain Reinforcement (APSR) cell, which measures the maximum tensile stress that develops at the center of a single planar inclusion due to shearing of the surrounding soil. The cell can accommodate a wide range of reinforcing materials and can be equipped with additional instrumentation to measure the distribution of strains and/or stresses with inclusions of half-lengths up to 450mm. Test data, obtained for an instrumented steel sheet inclusion embedded in Ticino sand, demonstrate the capabilities of the APSR cell for measuring load-transfer at working load levels. Simple closed form solutions based on shear lag analysis describe accurately the tensile stresses measured in the elastic steel sheet inclusion. The new device provides the capability to compare load-transfer characteristics for different classes of geosynthetic reinforcing materials. (A) For the covering abstract see IRRD 860243.
FAIDECS: fair decentralized event correlation

Many distributed applications rely on event correlation . Such applications, when not built as ad-hoc solutions, typically rely on centralized correlators or on broker overlay networks. Centralized correlators constitute performance bottlenecks and single points of failure; straightforwardly duplicating them can hamper performance and cause processes interested in the same correlations to reach different outcomes. The latter problem can manifest also if broker overlays provide redundant paths to tolerate broker failures as events do not necessarily reach all processes via the same path and thus in the same order.This paper describes FAIDECS, a generic middleware system for fair decentralized correlation of events multicast among processes: processes with identical interests reach identical outcomes, and subsumption relationships among subscriptions are considered for respectively delivered composite events. Based on a generic subset of FAIDECS's predicate language, we introduce properties for composite event deliveries in the presence of process failures and present novel decentralized algorithms implementing these properties. Our algorithms are compared under various workloads to solutions providing equivalent guarantees.
Electronic structure engineering of MWIR emitters

Applications of continuous-wave room-temperature semiconductor laser diodes emitting in the mid-infrared (MWIR) range of wavelengths (from 2-5 microns) will be extensive. The achievement of CW room-temperature operation of MWIR semiconductor lasers has proved to be elusive. Physical processes which degrade laser performance, such as Auger recombination (which increases the threshold current) and intersubband absorption (which increases the internal loss) increase rapidly with decreasing band gap in bulk semiconductors. Thus the threshold current at room temperature can be expected to be dominated by intrinsic Auger recombination processes. As a result, the active region performance cannot be improved simply by growing cleaner material - the material itself must be designed for better performance. Several strategies have been proposed to reduce Auger recombination and internal loss in MWIR materials through the design of superior heterostructure active regions (electronic structure engineering). These strategies include the use of strain and quantum confinement to improve the balancing between conduction and valence densities of states. This type of band-edge engineering was previously developed for near-IR laser active regions, and has proved successful in improving laser performance. A new level of electronic structure engineering is possible in the MWIR through the use of the InAs-GaInSb-AlAsSb material system. The band offsets in this material system exceed three times the MWIR energy gap, and thus allow extensive tailoring of heterostructure materials to reduce the availability of final states for intersubband absorption and Auger recombination.
Why the 'Scope of the Patent' Test Cannot Solve the Drug Patent Settlement Problem

One of the most difficult legal issues today involves settlements by which brand-name drug companies pay generic firms to delay entering the market. Such conduct requires courts to consider not only patent and antitrust law, but also the Hatch-Waxman Act, the complex regime governing behavior in the pharmaceutical industry.Courts have analyzed these agreements by relying on a test that asks if the settlement falls within the “scope of the patent.” They have found, in nearly all of these cases, that it does. And, as a result, they have concluded that the agreements do not violate the antitrust laws.This 8-page article shows why the scope test is not appropriate in determining the antitrust treatment of drug patent settlements. It recounts the history of the test, showing its increasing deference over time. And it demonstrates the three primary problems with the test: (1) it involves a transformation that has left the test toothless, (2) it assumes that the patent at issue is valid, and (3) it neglects the issue of infringement.
Structural organization, nucleotide sequence, and regulation of the Haemophilus influenzae rec-1+ gene.

Abstract The Haemophilus influenzae rec-1+ protein plays a central role in DNA metabolism, participating in general homologous recombination, recombinational (postreplication) DNA repair, and prophage induction. Although many H. influenzae rec-1 mutants have been phenotypically characterized, little is known about the rec-1+ gene at the molecular level. In this study, we present the genetic organization of the rec-1+ locus, the DNA sequence of rec-1+, and studies of the transcriptional regulation of rec-1+ during cellular assault by DNA-damaging agents and during the induction of competence for genetic transformation. Although little is known about promoter structure in H. influenzae, we identified a potential rec-1+ promoter that is identical in 11 of 12 positions to the bacterial sigma 70-dependent promoter consensus sequence. Results from a primer extension analysis revealed that the start site of rec-1+ transcription is centered 6 nucleotides downstream of this promoter. We identified potential DNA binding sites in the rec-1+ gene for LexA, integration host factor, and cyclic AMP receptor protein. We obtained evidence that at least one of the proposed cyclic AMP receptor protein binding sites is active in modulating rec-1+ transcription. This finding makes rec-1+ control circuitry novel among recA+ homologs. Two H. influenzae DNA uptake sequences that may function as a transcription termination signal were identified in inverted orientations at the end of the rec-1+ coding sequence. In addition, we report the first use of the Escherichia coli lacZ operon fusion technique in H. influenzae to study the transcriptional control of rec-1+. Our results indicate that rec-1+ is transcriptionally induced about threefold during DNA-damaging events. Furthermore, we show that rec-1+ can substitute for recA+ in E. coli to modulate SOS induction of dinB1 expression. Surprisingly, although 5% of the H. influenzae genome is in the form of single-stranded DNA during competence for genetic transformation, an event that could be a potent SOS-inducing signal, we failed to detect significant changes in rec-1+ transcription during the induction of genetic competence.
Evolution in Darwin's finches: a review of a study on Isla Daphne Major in the Galápagos archipelago.

This paper reviews research pertaining to the problem of speciation of the finches on the Galapagos archipelago carried out by assistants, several colleagues, Peter Grant and myself. I give a brief history of the radiation, examine the process of divergence by natural selection over time, and then consider the nature of the reproductive barrier to gene flow between closely related species. Fluctuating climatic conditions have produced a continuously changing ecological landscape and altered feeding conditions for the finches over the last 30 years. Finch populations tracked these changes by natural selection and evolutionary responses to the main events. At each event significant morphological change occurred from one generation to the next generation. As a consequence of these accumulated changes, the mean bill shape and body size of the Geospiza fortis and G. scandens populations differed markedly from 1973 to 2002. Song, a learned culturally transmitted trait, acted as a barrier to reproduction between these species. Rare incidences of misimprinting on song led to hybridization and introgression. Low levels of gene flow from one species to another increased genetic variation on which selection acted. Although the major driving force of diversification was ecological change, the process of diversification involved a subtle interplay between ecology, genetic evolution and learned culturally transmitted traits. An important message for conservation is that neither the environment nor species are fixed entities, therefore a wise strategy for conserving endangered species should keep them capable of further change.
The Interplay between Bars and Dark Matter Halos

The evolution of a stellar bar transforms both the galaxy disk and its host dark matter halo. We present high resolution, fully self-consistent N-body simulations that clearly demonstrate that dark matter halo central density cusps flatten as the bar torques the halo. This effect is independent of the bar formation mode and occurs even for rather short bars. The halo and bar evolution is mediated by resonant interactions between orbits in the halo and the bar pattern speed, as predicted by linear perturbation theory. The bar lengthens and slows as it loses angular momentum, a process that occurs even in rather warm disks.
Drop impact on inclined superhydrophobic surfaces

Abstract This paper discusses the dynamic behavior of water drops impacting on inclined superhydrophobic surfaces. For a normal impact on a smooth hydrophobic surface, the spreading (or expansion) and retraction dynamics of an impacting drop varies from complete rebound to splashing depending on its Weber number, (Wed), calculated using the impact speed and diameter d of the drop. For a slanted impact, on the other hand, the impact dynamics depends on two distinct Weber numbers, based on the velocity components normal, (Wend), and tangential, (Wetd), to the surface. Impact on superhydrophobic surfaces is even more complicated as the surfaces are covered with micro- to nano-scale texture. Therefore, we develop an expression for an additional set of two Weber numbers, (Wena, Weta), which are counterparts to the first set but use the gap distance a between asperities on the textured surface as the characteristic length. We correlate the derived Weber numbers with the impact dynamics on tilted surfaces covered with three different types of texture: (i) posts, (ii) ridges aligned with and (iii) ridges perpendicular to the impact direction. Results suggest that the first two Weber numbers, (Wend, Wetd), affect the impact dynamics of a drop such as the degree of drop deformation as long as the superhydrophobicity remains intact. On the other hand, the Weber number Wena determines the transition from the superhydrophobic Cassie–Baxter regime to the fully-wetted Wenzel regime. Accuracy of our model becomes lower at a high tilting angle (75°), due to the change in the transition mechanism.
Clinical presentation of restless legs syndrome: Does the gender matter?

This study was conducted to find out whether higher prevalence of females among restless legs syndrome (RLS) patients in a clinical setting is related to clinical presentation and co-morbid conditions. A total of 173 consecutive patients with idiopathic RLS were included in this study after obtaining permission from the institutional ethics committee. Their demographic data, history of RLS, associated sleep problems and family history were gathered. Severity of RLS was also measured with the help of IRLS. Results have shown that out of 173 subjects, 29.6% were males. Male subjects in this study were nearly 4 years older than females (P = 0.04). Symptoms were experienced in both legs in all subjects except 3% of females who reported involvement of one leg. Some of the patients reported symptoms in other parts of body as well! 27.5% of males and 33.6% of females reported involvement of other parts of body in addition to the legs (χ2 = 0.62; P = 0.27). Explanations of sensory symptoms e.g., “tingling”, “restlessness”, “tickling” were two times more common in females while males reported “pricking”, “just pain” and “stretching” twice as commonly as females. Severity of RLS did not differ between groups (χ2 = 1.51; P =0.67). Similarly, sleep problems were comparable across genders (88.2% males vs. 93.4% females; χ2 = 1.31; P = 0.25). Family history was comparable across genders. In conclusion, clinical presentation of RLS did not differ across genders. The observed female predominance in the RLS is not related to clinical presentation.
Tandem mass spectrometry for sequencing proanthocyanidins.

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are a group of bioflavonoids consisting of oligomers based on catechin monomeric units. These polyphenolic compounds are widely distributed in higher plants and are an integral part of the human diet. A sensitive LC-tandem mass spectrometric (LC/ESI-MSn) method in the positive ion mode for sequencing these ubiquitous and highly beneficial antioxidants is described. The hydroxylation patterns and interflavanoid linkage for A- and B-type PAs were determined by fragment ions derived from a retro-Diels−Alder (RDA) fission, heterocyclic ring fission (HRF), a novel benzofuran-forming (BFF) fission described here for the first time, and a quinone methide (QM) fission. The subunit sequence of the PAs was determined by diagnostic ions derived from HRF/RDA fission, HRF/BFF fission, and RDA/HRF fission together with QM fission. A total of 26 PAs were reliably sequenced by the newly established tandem mass spectrometric protocol. It is shown that the protocol based on a combination of these di...
Composition and energy contents of mature inshore spawning capelin (mallotus villosus): Implications for seabird predators

Abstract 1. 1. Lipid levels of capelin are highest in late fall and lowest during the summer spawning season; protein levels are constant at 13–14% body wt throughout the year. 2. 2. Ovid females contained significantly more lipid and protein and less water and had higher energy densities than males and spent females. 3. 3. Surgically-removed egg masses made up 34.2 ± 10.3% female body wt and were very similar in composition and energy density to gravid females, differing from spent females and males in similar respects. Owing to the ovarian development of females, sexes differ in energy density only during the spawning season. 4. 4. Sexes were similar in amino acid composition. Analysis of capelin and three other seabird forage species revealed that isoleucine levels were lower than minimum avian maintenance and growth requirements. 5. 5. Implications for the foraging behaviour and food preferences of diving seabird predators (murres, puffins) are discussed.
SOHO Observations of a Coronal Mass Ejection

We describe a coronal mass ejection (CME) observed on 1999 April 23 by the Ultraviolet Coronagraph Spectrometer (UVCS), the Extreme-Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (EIT), and the Large-Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraphs (LASCO) aboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). In addition to the O VI and C III lines typical of UVCS spectra of CMEs, this 480 km s-1 CME exhibits the forbidden and intercombination lines of O V at λλ1213.8 and 1218.4. The relative intensities of the O V lines represent an accurate electron density diagnostic not generally available at 3.5 R☉. By combining the density with the column density derived from LASCO, we obtain the emission measure of the ejected gas. With the help of models of the temperature and time-dependent ionization state of the expanding gas, we determine a range of heating rates required to account for the UV emission lines. The total thermal energy deposited as the gas travels to 3.5 R☉ is comparable to the kinetic and gravitational potential energies. We note a core of colder material radiating in C III, surrounded by hotter material radiating in the O V and O VI lines. This concentration of the coolest material into small regions may be a common feature of CMEs. This event thus represents a unique opportunity to describe the morphology of a CME, and to characterize its plasma parameters.
Nucleotide sequence for yeast dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase

Abstract Rabbit antiserum to the dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (dihydrolipoamide:NAD+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.8.1.4) component of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex from bakers' yeast was used to screen plaques produced by a lambda gt11 yeast cDNA library. A 2.1-kilobase insert was isolated that also hybridized to a 17-base mixed oligonucleotide probe corresponding to the amino-terminal sequence of the yeast dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase. The cDNA has a coding sequence of 499 amino acids that corresponds to a 21-residue signal peptide and a 478-residue mature protein (Mr = 51,558). Computer analysis shows that yeast dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase has about 41% amino acid identity with Escherichia coli dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase. Particularly striking is the conservation of sequence in the active site region of the dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenases from E. coli, yeast, and pig heart.