cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust communications for disconnected, intermittent, low-bandwidth (DIL) environments

Battlefield communications can be disrupted by a number of factors including environmental constraints, wireless dynamics and mobility, and both intentional and non-intentional interference. Robust, reliable, and efficient mechanisms are needed in such environments to ensure that critical data is delivered in the face of disruptions, intermittent connectivity, and low-bandwidth (DIL). In this paper, we examine a tiered approach to providing reliable communication in DIL environments. We model a tactical network scenario in which nodes in a low bandwidth loosely-connected ad-hoc network periodically send position/location information (PLI) messages to a shore base station. We utilize this scenario to quantify the differences in performance between a number of layered approaches that utilize mechanisms such as the Simplified Multicast Forwarding (SMF) protocol, the NACK-oriented Reliable Multicast (NORM), and Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) in mitigating the challenges of DIL environments. Our evaluation of the layered approaches considers metrics relevant to two broad classes of data: ‘ephemeral’ and ‘persistent’: ephemeral data (e.g. instantaneous position-location information of a node) has a relatively short lifetime and older data is obviated by newer data; by contrast, persistent data (e.g. exact mobility track of a node) has a longer useful lifetime and is not obviated by newer data. We examine the latency and staleness for ephemeral data and the message delivery ratio for persistent data. Our results show that SMF at the IP layer provides robust delivery to a single connected component of the network whereas NACKing and retransmission by NORM addresses short disruptions. For long-term disruptions, a DTN gossiping (i.e. anti-entropy) router can effectively bridge the gap between disconnected components. Our evaluation leverages the Common Open Research Emulator (CORE) tool and the mobility scripting tools from the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL).
Terahertz magnetospectroscopy of transient plasmas in semiconductors

Using synchronized near-infrared (NIR) and terahertz (THz) lasers, we have performed picosecond time-resolved THz spectroscopy of transient carriers in semiconductors. Specifically, we measured the temporal evolution of THz transmission and reflectivity after NIR excitation. We systematically investigated transient carrier relaxation in GaAs and InSb with varying NIR intensities and magnetic fields. Using this information, we were able to determine the evolution of the THz absorption to study the dynamics of photocreated carriers. We developed a theory based on a Drude conductivity with time-dependent density and density-dependent scattering lifetime, which reproduced the observed plasma dynamics. Detailed comparison between experimental and theoretical results revealed a linear dependence of the scattering frequency on density, which suggests that electron–electron scattering is the dominant scattering mechanism for determining the scattering time. In InSb, plasma dynamics was dramatically modified by th...
Using Simulation to investigate a Non-Anthropomorphic Framework for Communications within a Human-Agent War-Fighting Team:

As complex, non-human agents become increasingly ubiquitous members of the US military war-fighting team, an effective and natural system of communications must be explored and developed to achieve human-agent collaboration across the entire team. A non-anthropomorphic communications framework does not exist that will support human-agent collaboration beyond current electronic control. This research surfaces a non-anthropomorphic framework of communications between human-human, human-agent, and agent-agent teams based on related literature review. The framework provides perspective on the potential breath of communication modalities that exist as well as the many challenges faced. Within this framework, this research uses simulation to explore the contribution to collaborative, covert military operations that non-verbal forms of communications between humans and agent team members might entail. Visual and audio cues considered include pose, motion, color, and non-speech sounds. In addition this article pr...
Alternative reproductive tactics in the spider Meta segmentata

In the spider Meta segmentata web site quality and competitive ability determine female distributions, and ultimately male mating strategy. Large, fecund females position their webs in aggregations in high quality habitats, whereas small females live alone in lower quality sites. Competition for web sites is intense. Large females have a fighting advantage, but web ownership can offset size disadvantages of about 10%. Males compete for access to female webs. The smallest males are excluded from aggregations of females but have a very high probability of mating monogamously with females in poor habitats. The largest males move about within aggregations and by mating with many females achieve the highest reproductive gains. Moderately sized males only have a low probability of mating in an aggregation, but for those that do succeed the reproductive gains are higher than for those that mate monogamously in low quality areas. On average, moderately sized males obtain reproductive gains from the high risk, high gain strategy of defending webs in aggregations that are equal to those from definding solitary females in poor areas. That 18 of 21 moderately sized males defend females in aggregations suggests that M. segmentata behaves in a riskprone fashion.
Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and crystal and molecular structure of HRu3(OCN(CH3)2)(CO)10

Abstract Dimethylamine reacts with Ru3(CO)12 to produce the η2-hydrido-η-formamido cluster complex HRu(OCN(CH3)2)(CO)10 (I). This formulation is consistent with spectroscopic features such as the absence of v(NH) in the infrared, the presence in the Raman of v(RuHRu) at 1400 cm−1 (v(RuDRu) at 990 cm−1) and indication in the 1H NMR of diastereotopic methyl groups bonded to the nitrogen atom. Since these data could not lead to an unequivocal structure assignment a single crystal X-ray study at 115 K was undertaken. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group, P 1 with cell dimensions; a 7.299(33) », b 9.5037(40) », c 13.7454(57) », α 91.876(34)°, β 96.387(34)°, γ 95.341(34)° and Z = 2. The structure was solved by a combination of Patterson and Fourier techniques and refined by full matrix least squares to a final R = 0.054 and Rω = 0.074 for 3074 unique reflections. The three ruthenium atoms define a triangle of unequal sides with both the hydride and formamido groups bridging the longest edge; the formamido group is coordinated through the carbon and oxygen atoms. The edge of the ruthenium triangle bridged both by the hydrogen atom and the formamido group is 2.8755(15) »; the other two edges of the ruthenium triangle are observed to be 2.8319(15) and 2.8577(14) », respectively. In the formamido group the distance CO 1.287(9) » and CN 1.340(10) » reflect partial double bond charater in each bond consistent with observation of two chemically distinct methyl groups on the dinitrogen atom. The hydrogen atom bridging one edge of the ruthenium triangle is asymmetrically positioned at 1.73(9) » from the ruthenium atom bonded to the oxygen atom and 1.91(9) » from the ruthenium atom bonded to the carbon atom of the carboxamido group.
Unusual vascular ring formed by the anomalous left pulmonary artery, with tracheal compression.

Abstract This is the report of stenosis of the trachea by a vascular ring formed by the anomalous course of the left pulmonary artery in a 212-month-old infant. The anomalous left pulmonary artery originated from the distal part of the main stem of the right pulmonary artery and encircled the trachea in front of the esophagus. The role of the anomalous pulmonary artery is discussed in its relation to the embryonic development of the aortic arch system and to the other known types of vascular ring.
tRNA processing, modification, and subcellular dynamics: past, present, and future

tRNA research was such a small field in 1995 that we used to quip that we could have a meeting of the entire American community interested in tRNA processing and modification in one of our living rooms. Research since the 1960's had yielded the crucial role of tRNAs in translation, and contributed heavily to our understanding of RNA structure and chemistry. We knew the structure of three tRNA species, for many years the only structures of functional RNAs, and we knew the identity, position, and physical properties of many of the myriad of tRNA modifications in several experimental organisms. Moreover, tRNA research from the late 1970's and early 1980's had ushered in the era of RNA splicing and RNA catalysis, had unraveled large parts of the puzzle of the second genetic code controlling how tRNAs are specifically charged by their cognate synthetases, and had uncovered some of the important mechanisms of charging fidelity. To most observers, tRNA was mostly a solved problem.
Reversibility of Scrapie Inactivation Is Enhanced by Copper

The only known difference between the cellular (PrPC) and scrapie-specific (PrPSc) isoforms of the prion protein is conformational. Because disruption of PrPSc structure decreases scrapie infectivity, restoration of the disease-specific conformation should restore infectivity. In this study, disruption of PrPSc (as monitored by the loss of proteinase K resistance) by guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) resulted in decreased infectivity. Upon dilution of the GdnHCl, protease resistance of PrP was restored and infectivity was regained. The addition of copper facilitated restoration of both infectivity and protease resistance of PrP in a subset of samples that did not renature by the simple dilution of the GdnHCl. These data demonstrate that loss of scrapie infectivity can be a reversible process and that copper can enhance this restoration of proteinase K resistance and infectivity.
Structure-function studies on the interaction of PsaC with the Photosystem 1 heterodimer : The site directed change R561E in PsaB destabilizes the subunit interaction in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

The interaction of PsaC with the core heterodimer of Photosystem 1 was studied in wild type Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and the site-directed mutant R561E of PsaB. The mutant reaction center was much less stable in urea and the functional reconstitution of the mutant core using PsaC was impaired. However, the extent of reconstitution increased in the presence of divalent cations whereas that of the wild type was inhibited. We conclude that the reaction center in the mutant is unstable, most likely due to the introduction of an unfavorable electrostatic interaction between surface-exposed residues on PsaC and the binding site for the subunit on the core heterodimer in support of the model proposed previously (Rodday et al. (1993) Photosynth Res 36: 1–9).
Functional computer literacy

Many volumes have been written about computer literacy; unfortunately, most of these have not defined it, and those that do tend to disagree. With so little agreement, it is not surprising that computer literacy has become one of our most frequently abused buzz words.Playing games, teaching physical education, accounting for one of the Big 8 firms, and programming on a supercomputer may all involve computers and, if so, require a certain level of computer literacy. But not all to the same extent. Many universities have begun talking about a computer literacy requirement. Indeed, several have already adopted one. Those that have adopted such a requirement differ in how it is to be met. This paper discusses how these differences appear to have arisen and proposes a comprehensive plan to achieve functional computer literacy, the initial task being to define computer literacy.
Effects of Autogenic Relaxation Training on Electromyographic Activity in Active Myofascial Trigger Points

Objectives: Previous studies in our laboratory have suggested that myofascial trigger points [MTrPs] are electrically active and are sensitive to psychological stressors even when surrounding muscle tissue is silent. This study investigated the effects of Autogenic Relaxation Training [AT] on the needle electromygraphic [EMG] response of active MTrPs and adjacent [non-TrP] muscle fibers in the upper trapezius of 21 chronic pain patients.Methods: Participants were trained in AT in the laboratory and sent home for daily practice two-ten days prior to data collection. Mean amplitude needle EMG response from the TrP and non-TrP muscle fibers were recorded. Data points were recorded in one minute periods throughout four conditions: baseline, relaxation, post-relaxation, and a mental mathematical stressor.Results: Results from paired t-tests revealed that AT significantly and dramatically reduced the needle EMG activity in TrPs from baseline to relaxation.Conclusion: The results indicate that relaxation trainin...
A saturation-resistant optical scintillometer to measure Cn2†

This paper describes a new optical technique for measuring the refractive-index structure parameter Cn2. By using relatively large incoherent transmitting and receiving optics, the scintillometer maintains its calibration and path-weighting function throughout the range of observed refractive turbulence values, even to the case of saturated scintillation.
Ferritin immune complex deposits in the choroid plexus.

Mice injected intrapertoneally with 20 mg of ferritin twice weekly for more than 4 weeks developed proteinuria due to the deposition of ferritin-antiferritin antibody complexes in renal glomeruli. Deposits of ferritin, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and third complement component (C3) also accumulated in the perivascular, extracellular space of the choroid plexus as demonstrated by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. The findings confirm previous observations on immune complex deposits in the choroid plexus in spontaneous autoimmune disease and persistent viral infections. The occurrence of similar deposits in the human choroid plexus and the possibility of an associated disturbance of the blood-spinal fluid barrier are discussed.
Lanthanum and silver nitrate mixed titrants laid to rest

A pyrolytic graphite sensor conditioned in neutral permanganate and previously reported has been used in a study of the titration of all four halogens in a single titration with a mixed titrant of lanthanum (II) and silver nitrates. This sensor was found to be able to differentiate F/sup -/ and total X/sup -/ but could not differentiate between the individual X/sup -/ components. It is then concluded that two titrations are required to resolve all four halogens with a mixed titrant: one using a platinum sensor to resolve the individual X/sup -/ components and a second using a pyrolytic graphite sensor to determine total X/sup -/. 3 references, 1 table.
The nature of cation-pi binding: interactions between tetramethylammonium ion and benzene in aqueous solution

A combined quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical Monte Carlo simulation method was used to determine the free energy of binding between tetramethylammonium ion (TMA+) and benzene in water. The computed free energy as a function of distance (the potential of mean force) has two minima that represent contact and solvent-separated complexes. These species are separated by a broad barrier of about 3 kJ/mol. The results are in good accord with experimental data and suggest that TMA+ binds to benzene more favorably than to chloride ion, with an association constant of about 0.8 M-1.
Spectroscopic Investigation of Peroxide Binding to the Trinuclear Copper Cluster Site in Laccase: Correlation with the Peroxy-Level Intermediate and Relevance to Catalysis

Laccase is a multicopper oxidase which contains four coppers, one type 1, one type 2, and a coupled binuclear type 3 pair, the type 2 and type 3 copper centers together forming a trinuclear copper cluster. The type 1 mercury derivative of laccase (T1Hg Lc) has the type 1 center substituted with a redox-inactive Hg2+ ion and an intact trinuclear copper cluster. Reaction of H2O2 with fully oxidized T1Hg Lc produces a peroxide adduct which has now been studied in detail. Peroxide is shown to bind to the trinuclear cluster with low affinity, producing spectral and geometric features similar to the intermediate formed in the reduction of O2 to H2O which had been shown to have the type 2 copper reduced, the type 3 pair oxidized and antiferromagnetically coupled, and two coppers bridged at a distance of 3.4 A. The peroxide adduct and the intermediate have similar geometric and electronic features with the type 2 oxidized in the adduct. This center is paramagnetic and has been studied in detail. Peroxide binds to...
Experimental Performance of a Solid Heat Exchanger with Tree-Like Flow Passages

System performance of a solid single-fluid compact heat exchanger with tree-like flow passages has been experimentally examined. The results, presented in the form of commonly defined dimensionless parameters, demonstrate that system performance can be characterized in a mode similar to traditional compact heat exchanger designs. Pressure forces were found to dominate inertia forces at low Reynolds numbers. Correlations of the Euler number, Nusselt number, Colburn factor, and friction factor as a function of Reynolds number were utilized to compare system performance to traditional two-fluid compact heat exchangers.
A computer assisted study of Go on M × N boards☆

The game of Go is believed to have originated in China about four thousand years ago. It has been intensely cultivated in Japan for more than a thousand years and is now played throughout the world. For the history of Go, refer to Falkener (1961), or Smith (1956). Playing technique is discussed in Goodell (1957), Lasker (1960), Morris (1951), Smith (1956), and Takagawa (1958).
Determination of airborne particle size distributions: Calculation of cross-sensitivity and discreteness effects in cascade impaction

Abstract A theory is developed which permits numerical evaluation of errors associated with the determination of aerosol size distributions using cascade impactors. Account is taken of errors due to the overlap of a given particle size between adjacent impaction stages and to the discrete nature of cascade impaction. The theory is applied to both log-normal and polynomial functional approximations to an aerosol size distribution. Numerical determination of errors considered shows that the mass of large and small particles present in the wings of a log-normal aerosol distribution is over-estimated manyfold by most cascade impactors but that the mass of particles having aerodynamic diameters close to the aerosol mass median diameter is generally subject to quite small (
Expression of cancer-testis antigens in lung cancer: definition of bromodomain testis-specific gene (BRDT) as a new CT gene, CT9

In an effort to define new cancer-testis (CT) genes, we investigated whether BRDT, a testis-restricted member of the RING3 family of transcriptional regulators, is also expressed in cancer. Standard RT-PCR expression analysis detected BRDT transcripts in 12 of 47 cases of non-small cell lung cancer and single cases of both squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (1/12) and esophagus (1/12) but not in melanoma or in cancers of the colon, breast, kidney and bladder. Typing of 33 non-small cell lung cancers for coexpression of a panel of CT antigens revealed a high incidence (60%) of MAGE-3 mRNA expression, followed by MAGE-1 (36%), CT7/MAGE-C1 (30%), CT10 (30%), SSX4 (23%), BRDT (21%), NY-ESO-1 (21%) and HOM-MEL-40/SSX2 (15%). The coexpression pattern of these antigens provides a foundation for developing a polyvalent lung cancer vaccine.
Comments on “maximizing the capacity and life of depth‐type filters”, note by Dullien, F. A. L., Can. J. Chem. Eng. 67, 689‐692 (1989)

Commentaires sur l'article, ecrit par Dullien, dans lequel Dullien presente un critere de maximisation de la capacite des filtres a lit profond et suggere la conception d'un tel filtre pour la filtration de gaz
Social Class and Social Dancing

(1966). Social Class and Social Dancing. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 179-196.
Cross-Cultural Field Experiences in Alaska Native Villages: Implications for Culturally Responsive Teacher Education

The purpose of this article was to examine a cross-cultural field experience initiative that placed preservice teacher candidates in Alaska Native Village schools. The qualitative study explored 53 candidates' experiences and perceptions of schooling to construct a portrait of the sociocultural context of education in Alaska Native Villages and consider implications for designing a culturally responsive teacher education program. Findings revealed two major themes: (1) schools were spaces for teaching Alaska Native cultural traditions and languages and (2) schools were sites of separation where many White teachers were separated from the communities, applied a deficit orientation to student learning, and implemented curriculum disconnected from the local culture. Based on these findings, three key components for designing a culturally responsive teacher education curriculum were identified: (1) culturally responsive conceptual framework, (2) critical sociocultural consciousness, and (3) engagement with cu...
Summer School and Summer Learning: An Examination of the Short- and Longer Term Changes in Student Literacy

Research Findings: Multiple student cohorts were longitudinally tracked and student participation in a summer program bridging the 1st- and 2nd-grade academic years was recorded to examine selection and efficacy issues related to a summer school implementation in the Pacific Northwest. The estimation of regression discontinuity models uncovered evidence of a local average treatment effect. At the cutscore for program admission, participating students had estimated summer oral reading fluency gains approximately 0.40 SD larger than those of nonparticipants. Further examination of the literacy outcomes among the sample of cutscore eligible students revealed that struggling readers who participated in the summer program increased their level of reading fluency relative to struggling readers who declined an invitation to participate. However, the advantage gained by cutscore eligible participants was not sustained over the subsequent academic year. Practice or Policy: These results suggest that supplemental s...
A validated prediction model for IVF: is it clinically applicable?

lthough it was not the first in the world, the first live most effective solution to this challenge would be to offer A birth after in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the United States in 1981 was a breakthrough because it was the first in the world to use gonadotropins to hyperstimulate the ovaries. The innovation of the use of gonadotropins improved oocyte recovery at retrieval thus increasing the number of embryos available for transfer. At the time, IVF embryo implantation rates were poor, and multiple embryo transfer was arguably necessary for IVF to offer a clinically meaningful chance of live birth. Three decades later embryo implantation rates after IVF have improved such that, from a societal perspective, the major concern with IVF is not pregnancy rates but rather the risk of multifetal pregnancy associated with the transfer of multiple embryos. In this issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Luke et al use a clinical prediction model that was built with data from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) Clinic Outcome Reporting System to compare the chance of live birth after 2 sequential cycles of in vitro fertilization with a single embryo transfer (SET) to the chance of live birth after 1 cycle with a double embryo transfer (DET). The authors also compare the risk of multiple births that are associated with each strategy. Not surprisingly, the risk of multiple births that are associated with sequential SET cycles is markedly lower than that associated with 1 DET cycle. What is interesting is that the 2 strategies yield similar live birth rates. Moreover, the model demonstrates that a strategy of 2 sequential SET cycles may yield a higher chance of live birth than 1 DET cycle for some women, while virtually eliminating the risk of multiple births. In discussing the importance of their findings, the authors emphasize that the modern-day challenge of IVF is to “narrow the gap in perinatal outcomes between assisted vs spontaneous pregnancies.” Given that multifetal pregnancies are common after IVF and that they are associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, it would seem the
A Sporting Gesture?: BSkyB, Manchester United, Global Media, and Sport

This article takes a specific action by a powerful transnational media corporation, BSkyB’s failed attempt to buy Manchester United, as a case study of the now crucial relationship between global media and sport in an era of technological expansion. In placing this take-over bid in the contexts of broadcasting, politics, and sport, the complexities of this relationship are illustrated through an analysis of a global media corporation’s conflicts with regulations, new technologies, sentiments, and identities in local, national, and regional arenas. This article illustrates the multidimensionality of globalization, both in terns of economics and culture, to argue that any understanding of globalization requires the analysis of the interaction of a number of places, actors, and tensions—not all of which are simply “global” or “local.”
A soft systems approach to watershed management: a road salt case study.

Watershed management requires integration of social and ecological understanding. Participatory approaches to planning and management incorporate stakeholder knowledge and understanding. An action research strategy using focus groups with Michigan State University operations units helped generate a soft systems model of watershed impacts of organizational decision-making regarding road de-icing. The results reveal tensions and inconsistencies between the mission and operation of the institution. These tensions are exacerbated by inadequate communication among various elements of the campus watershed management system. The action research approach facilitated the researchers’ understanding of the complex institutional system and helped identify possible areas for making improvements. Specifically, the researchers were able to facilitate improvement in some linkages between scientists developing campus watershed models and the operations staff responsible for handling many of the inputs being modeled.
Macro-Determinants of Gambling in Industrialized Nations

SUMMARY This study investigates some of the macro-determinants of commercial gambling in 21 industrialized nations. Of the possible economic determinants, two seem particularly important: the per capita income of the country since gambling represents a larger share of the income of low-income people than high-income people; and the general uncertainty of the economic environment, as measured by annual fluctuations in the GDP. Of the possible cultural determines, two also seem particularly important: the values held by the population, as measured by a factor analysis of a number of questions from the World Value Study; and the degree to which the society insures against risk through social welfare expenditures. For the OECD nations in the early part of the 21st century, all four variables prove to be significantly related to the ratio of gambling expenditures to disposable income.
Restriction of 480/270-kD Ankyrin G to Axon Proximal Segments Requires Multiple Ankyrin G-specific Domains

AnkyrinG (−/−) neurons fail to concentrate voltage-sensitive sodium channels and neurofascin at their axon proximal segments, suggesting that ankyrinG is a key component of a structural pathway involved in assembly of specialized membrane domains at axon proximal segments and possibly nodes of Ranvier (Zhou, D., S. Lambert, D.L. Malen, S. Carpenter, L. Boland, and V. Bennett, manuscript submitted for publication). This paper addresses the mechanism for restriction of 270-kD ankyrinG to axon proximal segments by evaluation of localization of GFP-tagged ankyrinG constructs transfected into cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons, as well as measurements of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching of neurofascin– GFP-tagged ankyrinG complexes in nonneuronal cells. A conclusion is that multiple ankyrinG-specific domains, in addition to the conserved membrane-binding domain, contribute to restriction of ankyrinG to the axonal plasma membrane in dorsal root ganglion neurons. The ankyrinG-specific spectrin-binding and tail domains are capable of binding directly to sites on the plasma membrane of neuronal cell bodies and axon proximal segments, and presumably have yet to be identified docking sites. The serine-rich domain, which is present only in 480- and 270-kD ankyrinG polypeptides, contributes to restriction of ankyrinG to axon proximal segments as well as limiting lateral diffusion of ankyrinG–neurofascin complexes. The membrane-binding, spectrin-binding, and tail domains of ankyrinG also contribute to limiting the lateral mobility of ankyrinG–neurofascin complexes. AnkyrinG thus functions as an integrated mechanism involving cooperation among multiple domains heretofore regarded as modular units. This complex behavior explains ability of ankyrinB and ankyrinG to sort to distinct sites in neurons and the fact that these ankyrins do not compensate for each other in ankyrin gene knockouts in mice.
Independent control of lower critical solution temperature and swelling behavior with pH for poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-maleic acid)

Polymer solutions that gel in response to changes in temperature and pH are of interest for various forms of drug delivery, and it is desirable to increase swelling for diffusion-controlled release without bringing the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) above 37°C. N-isopropylacrylamide (NIP) was polymerized with maleic acid (MAc), a diprotic acid, and acrylic acid (AAc), a monoprotic acid, to compare swelling and temperature response with changes in pH. For samples with equal acid contents and almost identical LCST responses to pH, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-maleic acid) (pNIP MAc) demonstrated greater swelling than poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (pNIP AAc). The LCST increase for MAc occurred at a pH corresponding to the deprotonation of almost all of the first acid groups. Further increases in pH led to the deprotonation of the second COOH and only served to increase the charge concentration at a given location. These results provide strong support for the theory that LCST results largely from uninterrupted chain lengths of NIP and that swelling results from the actual charge density of acid groups along the chain. Because the use of a diprotic acid copolymer allows swelling to be decoupled from LCST, pNIP MAc may be an appropriate candidate for pH-sensitive drug-delivery applications. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 2110–2116, 2004
Rho and ROCK Signaling in VEGF-Induced Microvascular Endothelial Hyperpermeability

Objectives: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the regulation of microvascular permeability under various physiological and pathological conditions. The authors tested the hypothesis that the small GTPase Rho and its downstream effector ROCK (Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase) mediate VEGF-induced increases in venular permeability. They also investigated myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation and actin polymerization, two well-characterized targets of the Rho-ROCK pathway that are implicated in the regulation of endothelial barrier function.Methods: The apparent permeability coefficient of albumin (Pa) was measured in intact isolated porcine coronary venules and in cultured coronary venular endothelial cell (CVEC) monolayers. RhoA activation was determined using a Rhotekin-agarose pull down assay. MLC phosphorylation was evaluated by immunoblotting with phospho-specific antibodies, and endothelial cellular F-actin was viewed using fluorescence microsc...
Nigel J. Morgan and Annette Pritchard, Power, Politics and the Seaside: The Development of Devon's Resorts in the Twentieth Century . Exeter: University of Exeter Press, 1999. ix + 243 pp. $80.00 cloth.

When living in Britain in the mid-1990s, I asked friends where I should go in the UK with my family for a week during a spring holiday. The advice among friends at Cambridge was to go to Devon. Morgan and Pritchard's book provides a partial explanation as to why I was given this advice. Since the late nineteenth century, seaside towns in Devon have been among Britain's premier resorts, promoting themselves as the “English Riviera.” This book examines the continuing success of resort promoters in maintaining the “social tone” of Devon's resorts and illuminates broader changes in the relationship of leisure and tourism to social stratification during the twentieth century.
Gang Membership as a Risk Factor for Adolescent Violent Victimization

Youth gangs and violence have received substantial scholarly and public attention during the past two decades. While most of the extant research on youth gang members has focused on their offending behaviors, few quantitative studies have been conducted to examine the link between gang membership and violent victimization. The current study uses data from a multi-site study of youth to explore potential factors related to this increased risk. These findings suggest that gang members are more likely to experience violent victimization, as well as greater frequency of victimization, than do non-gang members. Furthermore, gang membership remains a significant correlate of the annual prevalence of victimization net other individual, family, peer, school, and situational factors. The relationship, however, is complex and dependent upon the type of victimization examined.
Duluth : Measuring Cross-Level Semantic Similarity with First and Second Order Dictionary Overlaps

This paper describes the Duluth systems that participated in the Cross‐Level Semantic Similarity task of SemEval‐2014. These three systems were all unsupervised and relied on a dictionary melded together from various sources, and used first‐order (Lesk) and second‐order (Vector) overlaps to measure similarity. The first‐order overlaps fared well according to Spearman’s correlation (top 5) but less so relative to Pearson’s. Most systems performed at comparable levels for both Spearman’s and Pearson’s measure, which suggests the Duluth approach is potentially unique among the participating systems.
Genetic Differences between Two Strains of Xylella fastidiosa Revealed by Suppression Subtractive Hybridization

Suppression subtractive hybridization was used to rapidly identify 18 gene differences between a citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) strain and a Pierce's disease of grape (PD) strain of Xylella fastidiosa. The results were validated as being highly representative of actual differences by comparison of the completely sequenced genome of a CVC strain with that of a PD strain.
Toward a practical design optimization tool

: Design optimization methodologies for sizing and shape optimal design have undergone an evolutionary process over the last two decades. The motivation behind the changes is to develop a methodology with no practical limitations on the nature and size of the problem that can be solved. In this research, a personal computer-based shape optimal design system is developed with particular attention to robustness, generality, efficiency, and pre- and postprocessing. To achieve these objectives, the hybrid natural shape optimization approach is developed and used with adequate control over the velocity field matrix generation. User control over model creation and mesh generation makes it possible to minimize mesh distortion and the need for remeshing. Design sensitivity expressions using the implicit differentiation method are derived. It is shown that the analytical derivatives can be computed efficiently for a variety of functions. Numerical examples are solved to illustrate the developed methodology using a software system developed under the MS-DOS operating system.
Towards an understanding of social inference opportunities in social computing

Social computing applications are transforming the way we make new social ties, work, learn and play, thus becoming an essential part our social fabric. As a result, people and systems routinely make inferences about people's personal information based on their disclosed personal information. Despite the significance of this phenomenon the opportunity to make social inferences about users and how this process can be managed is poorly understood. In this paper we 1) outline why social inferences are important to study in the context of social computing applications, 2) how we can model, understand and predict social inference opportunities 3) highlight the need for social inference management systems, and 4) discuss the design space and associated research challenges. Collectively, this paper provides the first systematic overview for social inference research in the area of social computing.
Molt Induced by Dietary Zinc in a Low-Calcium Diet

Abstract Three experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that zinc has a specific effect independent of anorexia during induction of molt. In Experiment 1, hens were fed a low-calcium (.08%) basal molt diet to which was added 0, 110, 620, or 1,120 mg/kg (ppm) zinc as zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO4·7H2 O) for 7 days and 0, 1,400, 2,800, or 4,200 ppm zinc, respectively, for the following 14 days. In Experiment 2, hens were provided ad libitum access to the low-calcium basal molt diet with 2,800 ppm added zinc for 14 days during which a paired control hen received a similar amount of the low-calcium basal molt diet. In Experiment 3, hens were fed the low-calcium basal molt diet on a restricted basis amended with either 0 or 2,800 ppm zinc on a restricted basis for 10 days. In Experiment 1, all hens that consumed zinc had significantly fewer days to last oviposition as compared with control hens, and this occurred without significant differences in body weight or feed consumption for the lowest zinc group. When compared with the control group, higher levels of zinc did decrease body weight and feed consumption. In Experiment 2, the hens consuming the diet with 2,800 ppm zinc (Zn2800) reached last oviposition significantly sooner than control hens, although the Zn2800 hens actually consumed more feed. In Experiment 3, the Zn2800 hens lost more body weight than control hens due partially to earlier reproductive tract regression. Serum luteinizing hormone was increased in the Zn2800 hens. In the absence of supplemental dietary calcium, dietary zinc in moderate concentrations (≤2,800 ppm) has a specific suppressing effect on reproduction independent of anorexia.
An in vitro comparison of tensile bond strengths of noble and base metal alloys to enamel

Abstract Statement of problem Many different surface treatments have been used to increase the bond strength of noble and base metal alloys to enamel, but only a few have been studied. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the tensile bond strength of a tin-plated noble alloy, an Alloy Primer–treated noble alloy, and an airborne particle–abraded base metal alloy, all bonded to enamel with a phosphate-methacrylate resin luting agent. Material and methods Seventy noncarious molar teeth were extracted, cleaned, and embedded in autopolymerizing acrylic resin with the buccal surface of the teeth exposed. Seventy wax patterns (4-mm diameter × 2-mm thickness) were waxed, invested, and cast—50 with a noble alloy (Argedent 52) and 20 with a base metal alloy (Argeloy N.P.). Twenty of the noble alloy specimens were tin-plated (TP), 20 noble alloy specimens were treated with Alloy Primer (AP), and 20 base metal alloy specimens were airborne particle abraded (AA). All specimens were luted with a phosphate-methacrylate resin luting agent (Panavia F) and stored in 100% humidity at 37°C, half for 24 hours and half for 7 days. Ten noble alloy specimens were tin-plated and stored in water for 48 hours (aged) before cementation and then stored in water for 24 hours after cementation. These specimens were used to test whether there is an advantage to aging the tin-plated surface in water before cementation. All specimens were thermocycled (5° to 55°C) for 500 cycles and then tested for tensile bond strength (TBS), measured in MPa, with a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5mm/min. Various castings (n=6 per test group) were randomly selected from each group and inspected under a scanning electronic microscope to determine mode of failure. The mean values and standard deviations of all specimens were calculated for each group. A 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed, and multiple pairwise comparisons were then completed with post hoc Tukey test (α=.05). Results The TBS of the tin-plated noble alloy specimens bonded to enamel (24 hours: 9.33 ± 1.31 MPa; 7 days: 11.65 ± 1.55 MPa) was significantly greater than the Alloy Primer noble alloy specimens (24 hours: 6.11 ± 1.01 MPa; 7 days: 5.45 ± 1.22 MPa) ( P P Conclusion Tin-plating a noble alloy produced the highest bond strength to enamel. Storing the tin-plated noble alloy in 37°C distilled water for 48 hours before cementation did not result in a change in TBS. Using an Alloy Primer with a noble alloy resulted in statistically significant lower TBS than tin-plating.
Spectral power distribution of light sources affects growth and development of rats.

— Groups of seven timed pregnant rats were exposed to equal illuminances (75 ftcandles) from high-pressure sodium vapor bulbs (202 μW/cm2) or sunlight-simulating fluorescent bulbs (309 μW/cm2). Offspring raised under sodium light weighed more during early development and had larger adrenal glands at autopsy (days 26 or 28 for males; day 48 for females) than those raised under fluorescent light. These data provide further evidence that the spectral quality of artificial lighting is a major determinant of its effects on mammalian growth and development.
Continuous fermentation — And new horizons

Continuous processes for cultivating microbes have not been very successful in application because the variable nature of microbial activities do not conform to the rigid stoichiometrics of chemical reactions and fixed physical constants. Such difficulties require enlightened approaches and new perspectives with emphasis on inter- and multi-disciplinary interactions. The new area of continuous synchronized growth, which enables cellular activity to be focussed, used and exploited on the basis of the cell, and life processes to be considered on an absolute basis, is discussed. L'emploi de procedes continus pour la culture des microbes n'a pas connu beaucoup de succes dans les applications pratiques parce que la nature variable des activites microbiennes ne sc conforme pas a la stoechiometrie stride des reactions chimiques ni aux constantes physiques fixes. Ces difficultes exigent des approaches eclairees et des perspectives nouvelles, mettant l'accent sur les interactions multidisciplinaires. Le nuveu domaine de la croissance continue synchrone qui permet de considerer. d'utiliser et d'explo dans le cadre de la cellule, et de considerer les processus vitaux sur une base absolue, est disc.
Toward an analog very large scale integration system for perceiving depth through motion parallax

We describe the development of an analog very large scale integration (AVLSI) system for perceiving depth of a stationary object, termed the depth through motion parallax (DTMP) system. The system consists of an AVLSI smart focal plane array and an optical lens, with a laser system for the object. The DTMP integrated circuit is implemented using the AMI Semiconductor 1.5-µm process available through the MOSIS integrated circuit fabrication service. The DTMP chip and the lens are mounted on a single motion-controlled stage to mimic the human head and eye. The object is mounted on a different motion stage and is manually moved to different depths with respect to the lens. We report experimental results obtained for depth perception with the head being stationary and the object moving with a constant velocity that is geometrically equivalent to the object being stationary and the head moving with a constant velocity. Our results show that the transit time across the DTMP chip, which is equivalent to the perceived velocity, can be used to determine the depth of an object, and uses less than 2 mW of average power.
Opiate Receptor Ontogeny in the Rat Medial Preoptic Area Is Androgen-Dependent

The relationship of opiate receptors in the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus (MPOA) to the gonadal steroid hormone environment during development was assessed using regional densitometric analyses of [3H]naloxone binding in autoradiographs prepared using brain sections from 5-day-old male and female rats treated postnatally either with tamoxifen (0.5 mg/kg), flutamide (20 mg/kg), dihydrotestosterone (DHT; 12.5 mg/kg), or sesame oil vehicle. Tamoxifen, a specific estrogen receptor antagonist, did not alter MPOA binding density in either males or females. Flutamide, a specific androgen receptor antagonist, and DHT, a nonaromatizable androgenic compound, altered the MPOA binding density in males and females, respectively. No treatment altered the binding density in several other brain regions. The results suggest that androgen, not estrogen, regulates the differentiation of MPOA opiate receptors. Since the neuronal development in the region is thought to be mediated by estrogen, both hormones probably act concurrently to affect the ontogeny of different parameters in the same brain region.
Constraints on colonization and species richness along a grassland productivity gradient: the role of propagule availability

An important goal in ecology is to discern under what habitat conditions community structure is primarily regulated by local ecological interactions and under what conditions community structure is more regulated by the pool of available colonists. I conducted a seed addition experiment in successional grassland to evaluate the relative significance of neighbourhood biotic interactions and propagule availability in regulating plant colonization and species richness along a natural gradient of grassland productivity. In undisturbed field plots, seed additions of 34 species led to an increase in species richness in locations of low productivity, an effect that declined in magnitude as productivity increased. In disturbed plots, seed additions led to a relatively constant increase in species richness at all levels of productivity. The results support the hypothesis that the role of propagule availability in regulating colonization dynamics and species richness declines in significance relative to local-scale competitive interactions as habitat productivity increases.