cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Second-Order Logic and Logicism

Some widely accepted arguments in the philosophy of mathematics are fallacious because they rest on results that are provable only by using assumptions that the conclusions of these arguments seek to undercut. These results take the form of biconditionals linking statements of logic with statements of mathematics. George Boolos has given an argument of this kind in support of the claim that certain facts about second-order logic support logicism, the view that mathematics-or at least part of it-reduces to logic. Hilary Putnam has offered a similar argument for the view that it is indifferent whether we take mathematics to be about objects or about what follows from certain postulates. In this paper I present and rebut these arguments.
Energy supply and its effect on aircraft of the future. II - Liquid-hydrogen-fueled aircraft: Prospects and design issues

The performance of hydrogen-fueled commercial aircraft is examined in the subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic speed regime and compared with JP-fueled systems. Hydrogen aircraft are shown to provide substantial improvements in range and payload fraction as well as to minimize or eliminate many environmental problems. The major elements of a development program required to make hydrogen-fueled aircraft a commercial reality are also outlined and the rationale for and characteristics of both a subsonic demonstrator and a high speed research airplane are described.
Three dimensional clustering in wind farms with storage for reliability analysis

This paper presents an efficient three dimensional clustering methodology for reliability evaluation of wind farms. There is a pattern of correlation between wind speed and load over time. Clustering approach is proposed to deal with this correlation between these two quantities As the wake effect is integrated into wind farm, wind direction is also an important factor to determine system reliability. So the paper suggests an effective three dimension clustering approach including wind direction for calculating and comparing reliability indices. We use wind data from National Climatic Data Center, and load from IEEE Reliability Test Systems.
Determinants of the amplitude of the aortic component of the second heart sound in aortic stenosis

Abstract The characteristics of the aortic component of the second heart sound in calcific and congenital noncalcific aortic stenosis were studied to determine a cause for observed differences. Intraarterial pressure and sound were measured above the aortic valve in 20 patients utilizing catheter-tip micromanometers. Ten patients had a normally functioning aortic valve, six had calcific aortic stenosis and four had congenital noncalcific aortic stenosis. As expected, the aortic sound was diminished in patients with calcific aortic stenosis compared with that in patients with a normal valve (600 ± 200 versus 2,600 ± 200 dynes/cm 2 ( P
Feature extraction of forearm EMG signals for prosthetics

This paper presents a new technique for feature extraction of forearm electromyographic (EMG) signals using a proposed mother wavelet matrix (MWM). A MWM including 45 potential mother wavelets is suggested to help the classification of surface and intramuscular EMG signals recorded from multiple locations on the upper forearm for ten hand motions. Also, a surface electrode matrix (SEM) and a needle electrode matrix (NEM) are suggested to select the proper sensors for each pair of motions. For this purpose, EMG signals were recorded from sixteen locations on the forearms of six subjects in ten hand motion classes. The main goal in classification is to define a proper feature vector able to generate acceptable differences among the classes. The MWM includes the mother wavelets which make the highest difference between two particular classes. Six statistical feature vectors were compared using the continuous form of wavelet packet transform. The mother wavelet functions are selected with the aim of optimum classification between two classes using one of the feature vectors. The locations where the satisfactory signals are captured are selected from several mounted electrodes. Finally, three ten-by-ten symmetric MWM, SEM, and NEM represent the proper mother wavelet function and the surface and intramuscular selection for recording the ten hand motions.
Characterization of N-acetylneuraminic acid synthase isoenzyme 1 from Campylobacter jejuni

Escherichia coli NeuNAc (N-acetylneuraminic acid) synthase catalyses the condensation of PEP (phosphoenolpyruvate) and ManNAc (N-acetylmannosamine) to form NeuNAc and is encoded by the neuB gene. Campylobacter jejuni has three neuB genes, one of which is very similar to the E. coli neuB gene. We have characterized the C. jejuni neuraminic acid synthase with respect to acylamino sugar specificity and stereochemistry of the PEP condensation. We determined the specificity of C. jejuni NeuNAc synthase for N-acetylmannosamine, N-butanoylmannosamine, N-propionoylmannosamine and N-pentanoylmannosamine. We find that, although this enzyme exhibits similar K(m) values for N-acylmannosamine molecules with different N-acyl groups, the kcat/K(m) values decreased with increasing chain length. NeuNAc synthase is a member of a PEP-utilizing family of enzymes that form oxo acids from PEP and a monosaccharide. This family includes KDO 8-P (2-keto-3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonate 8-phosphate) synthase and DAH 7-P (2-keto-3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate) synthase. Both enzymes catalyse the condensation of the re face of the aldehyde group of the monosaccharide with the si face of the PEP molecule. The C. jejuni NeuNAc synthase catalysed the condensation of Z- and E-[3-2H]PEP with ManNAc, yielding (3S)-3-deutero-NeuNAc and (3R)-3-deutero-NeuNAc respectively. The condensation of Z-[3-F]PEP and ManNAc yielded (3S)-3-fluoro-NeuNAc. Results of our studies suggest that the C. jejuni NeuNAc synthase, similar to KDO 8-P synthase and DAH 7-P synthase, catalyses the condensation of the si face of PEP with the aldehyde sugar. The present study is the first stereochemical analysis of the reaction catalysed by a bacterial NeuNAc synthase.
Analysis of individual CNS protein synthesis.

A procedure for labeling rat CNS proteins in vivo which is useful for behavioral and pharmacological studies has been developed. Intraventricular administration of35S-methionine through bilateral indwelling cannulae provided reproducible and highly specific radiolabeling of proteins from frontal cortex (FC), parietal cortex (PC), occipital cortex (OC), striatum (ST), septal nuclei (SN), amygdala (AM), hippocampus (HIP), thalamus (TH), brain stem (BS) and cerebellum (CB). Relative rates of synthesis of over 200 individual proteins were subsequently analyzed by 2DGE. Regional analysis demonstrated increased labeling of a protein of MW 28 kD and pI 6.4 in the hippocampus that was barely detectable in striatum of control rats. In heat-shocked animals, there was increased relative synthesis of the 74 kD Heat Shock Protein in both the septal nuclei and hippocampus.
Alleviation of image distortion due to striations in a photorefractive medium by using a phase-conjugated reference wave

Growth-induced striations in photorefractive media scatter transmitted light, degrading their performance in holographic applications. We model this phenomenon by considering the striations to be a permanent hologram within a medium and compare it with experimental results in a striated strontium barium niobate crystal. We show that the construction of the phase-conjugate signal beam by a phase conjugate of the transmitted reference beam alleviates the effects of distortions that are due to striations.
Fiscal Decentralization and Trust

Using data from U.S. states and various measures of decentralization, I investigate the relationship between fiscal decentralization and trust. I find that a one standard deviation increase in either revenue decentralization or expenditure decentralization causes the share of trusting people in a state to increase by almost 4 percentage points. A one standard deviation increase in the number of governments, however, causes trust to increase by almost 2.5 percentage points. The results are robust to endogeneity.
Remembering beauty: Roles of orbitofrontal and hippocampal regions in successful memory encoding of attractive faces

Abstract Behavioral data have shown that attractive faces are better remembered but the neural mechanisms of this effect are largely unknown. To investigate this issue, female participants were scanned with event-related functional MRI (fMRI) while rating the attractiveness of male faces. Memory for the faces was tested after fMRI scanning and was used to identify successful encoding activity (subsequent memory paradigm). As expected, attractive faces were remembered better than other faces. The study yielded three main fMRI findings. First, activity in the right orbitofrontal cortex increased linearly as a function of attractiveness ratings. Second, activity in the left hippocampus increased as a function of subsequent memory (subsequent misses
Consumer-choice markets: lessons from FEHBP mental health coverage.

Fe d e r a l p o l i c y a n a l y s t s are debating proposals to restructure the Medicare program as a consumer-choice model along the lines of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). A popular assumption underlying the current interest in consumer-choice markets is that giving enrollees choices among plans will drive competing insurers to improve product quality and efficiency. The validity of this assumption warrants careful review. As illustrated by the history of mental health coverage in the FEHBP, competitive pressures in consumer-choice markets and the use of managed care techniques to control costs may result in more restricted benefits and reduced plan payments, particularly for patients with severe and persistent conditions. Although there are unique aspects to mental health services and benefits, patients with other types of conditions that also are lacking clear treatment protocols and outcome measures may be similarly affected. The FEHBP experience suggests that for insurance markets to work effectively for such high-cost populations, employers or other plan sponsors and policymakers must ensure the adequacy of coverage, benefit financing levels, and performance requirements for competing plans.
Selenium bioavailability of soy-based diets in rats

Abstract Bioavailability of selenium from soy grown with sodium selenite and sodium selenate was evaluated by the use of glutathione peroxidase activity regeneration in rats. Male weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a selenium-deficient Torula yeast-based diet for 4 weeks followed by a 7-week repletion period during which animals were fed one of six experimental selenium repletion diets. Soybeans grown with selenite and selenate were processed into flour and used as the protein source in diets providing 50 and 100 ng/g selenium. Bioavailability was determined by liver and plasma glutathione peroxidase regeneration and tissue selenium repletion in response to Se in soy diets and compared with changes in response to Se in reference diets containing Torula yeast supplemented with sodium selenite. Results indicate that selenium from soy was as bioavailable as sodium selenite from the reference diet. In addition, selenium from soy grown with sodium selenite was as bioavailable to the rat as selenium from soy grown with sodium selenate. These data indicate that soy protein provided a bioavailable source of dietary selenium to rats and that the form of selenium available in plants did not influence selenium bioavailability of the resulting soy-based product.
Subisthmic accessory thyroid gland in man: A case report and a review of thyroid anomalies

Morphological variations of the thyroid gland are common and generally occur superior to the gland, reflecting its developmental origin. In this report we describe an accessory lobe located inferior to both lateral lobes and the isthmus. The accessory lobe was supplied by a branch of the right inferior thyroid artery and its vein drained via the plexus thyroideus impar. A discussion of thyroid anomalies is presented and a system for classifying variations of thyroid anatomy is proposed. Clin. Anat. 10:341–344, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Role of the Desert in Israelite Thought

HE religion of Israel resulted from the interaction of many phenomena: the personal religious experiences of individuals (Gen. 12:1-3; Ex. 3), the contemporary national situation and the environmental influences of surrounding cultures. The influence of Canaanite and Babylonian culture has been quite clearly demonstrated' and significant efforts have been made to link certain Hebrew religious concepts with Egypt.2 Another environmental factor, the desert, is worthy of consideration. It was probably from the desert that the early ancestors of the Israelites came (Dt. 32:10). It was in the desert of Sinai that Israel had its initial experience with Yahweh and it was to the desert that later prophets looked for a normative criterion for the pure religion of Yahweh (Hos. 2:14). Studies of the desert have not had at their
OPEN‐RANGE RANCHING IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA

ABSTRACT Open-range ranching persisted in peninsular Florida from the 1830s until after World War II because of a separate cattle market in Cuba, the virtual absence of competition from other forms of land use, and forces intrinsic within the industry, including a distinctive type of cow, endemic cattle tick fever, and a fire-conditioned range. The decline of the Cuban market in the 1920s forced the ranchers to seek a place in the domestic market, but the “Florida cow'’did not produce acceptable beef. Introduction of modern beef breeds required antecedent eradication of cattle tick fever, parcelling of the range and acquisition of land titles, fencing, and replacement of parts of the native range with improved forages. Florida's open range officially ended in 1949, and the introduction of modern beef breeds has been rapid; since 1950 growing numbers of Florida cattle of progressively better quality have moved into the national market.
Murine branched chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase; cDNA cloning, tissue distribution, and temporal expression during embryonic development

Abstract These studies were designed to demonstrate the structural and functional similarity of murine branched chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase and its regulation by the complex-specific kinase. Nucleotide sequence and deduced amino acid sequence for the kinase cDNA demonstrate a highly conserved coding sequence between mouse and human. Tissue-specific expression in adult mice parallels that reported in other mammals. Kinase expression in female liver is influenced by circadian rhythm. Of special interest is the fluctuating expression of this kinase during embryonic development against the continuing increase in the catalytic subunits of this mitochondrial complex during development. The need for regulation of the branched chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex by kinase expression during embryogenesis is not understood. However, the similarity of murine branched chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase and its kinase to the human enzyme supports the use of this animal as a model for the human system.
Proglucagon is processed to glucagon by prohormone convertase PC2 in alpha TC1-6 cells.

Abstract Proglucagon is processed differentially in the pancreatic alpha cells and the intestinal L cells to yield either glucagon or glucagon-like peptide 1, respectively, structurally related hormones with opposing metabolic actions. Here, we have studied the processing of proglucagon in alpha TC1-6 cells, an islet-cell line transformed by simian virus 40 large tumor (T) antigen, a model of the pancreatic alpha cell. We found that these cells process proglucagon at certain dibasic cleavage sites to release glucagon and only small amounts of glucagon-like peptide 1, as demonstrated by both continuous and pulse-chase labeling experiments. Both normal islet alpha cells and alpha TC1-6 cells were shown to express the prohormone convertase PC2 at high levels, but not the related protease PC3. Expression of PC2 antisense RNA in alpha TC1-6 cells inhibited both PC2 production and proglucagon processing concomitantly. We conclude that PC2 is the key endoprotease responsible for proglucagon processing in cells with the alpha-cell phenotype.
Protein Structure Prediction: Inroads to Biology

In recent years, there has been significant progress in the ability to predict the three-dimensional structure of proteins from their amino acid sequence. Progress has been due to new methods to extract the growing amount of information in sequence and structure databases and improved computational descriptions of protein energetics. This review summarizes recent advances in these areas and describes a number of novel biological applications made possible by structure prediction. Despite remaining challenges, protein structure prediction is becoming an extremely useful tool in understanding phenomena in modern molecular and cell biology.
Lattice Boltzmann Simulation of Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics in a Symmetrically Bifurcated Microchannel

The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) as a relatively new numerical scheme has recently achieved considerable success in simulating fluid flows and associated transport phenomena. However, application of this method to heat transfer problems has been at a stage of infancy. In this work, a thermal lattice Boltzmann model is employed to simulate a two-dimensional, steady flow in a symmetric bifurcation under constant temperature and constant heat flux boundary conditions. The bifurcation effects on the heat transfer and fluid flow are investigated and comparisons are made with the straight tube. Also, different bifurcation angles are simulated and the results are compared with the work of the other researchers.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
On the relation between stress-relief annealing, ordering and stress-corrosion cracking susceptibility in three copper alloys

Abstract The effects of post-forming heat treatments on the scc susceptibility in ammoniacal environments of three new commercial copper alloys (CDA Alloys 619, 638 and 688) have been investigated. The stress-corrosion susceptibility was evaluated semi-quantitatively using pre-formed U-bend specimens exposed to environments of moist ammonia and Mattsson's solution. Short time (30 min) heat treatments at various temps. (within the range 250–600°F) were carried out on the preformed U-bend specimens. During subsequent stress-corrosion testing the specimens were stressed elastically, with little further plastic deformation being introduced. The heat treatments used resulted in differing degrees of residual stress relief in the pre-formed U-bend specimens and also in the formation of differing amounts of order in the alloys; these latter effects were evaluated using differential thermal analysis techniques. The stress-corrosion data, expressed as per cent springback with time, are interpreted in terms of the amount of residual stress relief and the degree of ordering. An optimum stress-relief anneal temp. for maximum stress-corrosion resistance of formed components is recommended for each alloy. Results of a metallographic examination of failed specimens are also reported.
Using Evidence Reports: Progress And Challenges In Evidence-Based Decision Making

This Perspective describes the advantages of using systematic evidence reviews in preferred drug deliberations. By involving decisionmakers in defining the scope, evidence reports help focus deliberations on clinically important questions and reduce the likelihood of bias. They define the limits of the evidence and the magnitude of differences among compared drugs; however, decisionmakers must consider other factors and apply their values to their decisions in an explicit, defensible manner. GRADE, an international consortium of systematic-review developers and users, is seeking to improve the process of incorporating considerations other than the strength of evidence in making decisions that are evidence based.
GAMELPP: A PASCAL program for solving two-person zero-sum games on a microcomputer

The solution of a two-person zero-sum game provides optimal strategies for both players. In game-theoretic terms, the solution specifies a minimax strategy for one player and a maximin strategy for the other. These strategies can be pure strategies, that is, single strategies selected from the set ofstrategies available to each player, or they may be mixed strategies that are weighted com­ posites of the single strategies. The weights in these com­ posites consist of probabilities for playing the various strategies. The probabilities in a pair of mixed strategies are selected so that the expected value of the game is optimal for each player. The solution of a two-person zero-sum game, therefore, rests on fmding a vector of probabilities x that would allow one player to maximize the game value and another vector of probabilities y enabling the other player to minimize the game value. Solutions consisting of pure strategies can be readily obtained by examination of the game matrix, and the mixed strategies in a 2 by 2 game matrix can be deter­ mined by applying straightforward computational formulas (e.g., Coombs, Dawes, & Tversky, 1970). However, to obtain mixed-strategy solutions for game matrices with dimensionality greater than two, linear programming is required (Luce & Raiffa, 1957). Linear programming is a technique for maximizing and mini­ mizing linear functions that are subject to a number of linear constraints and nonnegativity conditions. Since the value of a game can easily be expressed as a linear function, and the rows and columns of a game matrix can serve as constraints, linear programming may be utilized to determine the vectors of probabilities x and y that, respectively, maximize and minimize the value of a two-person zero-sum game. Although linear programming computer programs have been available for some time, they are typically written for general linear programming applications. Many of the programs (such as MPOS,t for example) are large "canned" packages capable of solving a wide variety of linear programming problems. Since the primary application of linear programming in psychol­ ogy is for solving zero-sum games, the rationale for implementing a large general-purpose "optimization" package for solving a small class of problems is question­ able. These general programs require manual conversion of a game problem to a linear programming problem and manual conversion of a linear programming solution back to a game solution. Since linear programming is frequently used in business applications, many programs
Density-gradient centrifugation isolation of hormone-containing neurosecretory granules from the cockroach, Leucophaea maderae

Neurosecretory granules (NSG) containing hindgut-stimulating neurohormone (HSN) from Leucophaea maderae were isolated by densitygradient centrifugation of cockroach brain homogenates. High concentrations of HSN were consistently found in isolates containing large numbers of NSG. HSN was measured by bioassay and the NSG were identified by electron microscopy.
The value of bioelectrical impedance analysis vs. condition indices in predicting body fat stores in North American porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum)

We developed a predictive model to estimate body fat stores in a population of North American porcupines, Erethizon dorsatum (L., 1758). We trapped porcupines in the autumn of 2004 and spring of 2005. After collecting morphometric measurements on each animal, we used a plethysmograph to perform bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). We euthanized the subjects, measured two components of body composition (body fat, body water) via direct chemical analysis, and calculated lean dry mass to compare with BIA data. With regression we found the best predictive models for total body water, total body fat, percent body fat, and lean dry mass. We also estimated body condition for each animal using six different condition indices and compared the ability of the condition indices and our regression model to predict total body fat. Our model for total body fat accounted for 84% of the variation in fat measured by direct chemical analysis, and our model for percent body fat accounted for 78% of the variation. Two cond...
Finite groups having a standard component L of type Mˆ12 or Mˆ22

Abstract The standard subgroup problems for 2 M 12 , 2 M 22 and 4 M 22 are solved.
Discovery of jarosite within the Mawrth Vallis region of Mars: Implications for the geologic history of the region

Abstract Analysis of visible to near infrared reflectance data from the MRO CRISM hyperspectral imager has revealed the presence of an ovoid-shaped landform, approximately 3 by 5 km in size, within the layered terrains surrounding the Mawrth Vallis outflow channel. This feature has spectral absorption features consistent with the presence of the ferric sulfate mineral jarosite, specifically a K-bearing jarosite (KFe3(SO4)2(OH)6). Terrestrial jarosite is formed through the oxidation of iron sulfides in acidic environments or from basaltic precursor minerals with the addition of sulfur. Previously identified phyllosilicates in the Mawrth Vallis layered terrains include a basal sequence of layers containing Fe–Mg smectites and an upper set of layers of hydrated silica and aluminous phyllosilicates. In terms of its fine scale morphology revealed by MRO HiRISE imagery, the jarosite-bearing unit has fracture patterns very similar to that observed in Fe–Mg smectite-bearing layers, but unlike that observed in the Al-bearing phyllosilicate unit. The ovoid-shaped landform is situated in an east–west bowl-shaped depression superposed on a north sloping surface. Spectra of the ovoid-shaped jarosite-bearing landform also display an anomalously high 600 nm shoulder, which may be consistent with the presence of goethite and a 1.92 μm absorption which could indicate the presence of ferrihydrite. Goethite, jarosite, and ferrihydrite can be co-precipitated and/or form through transformation of schwertmannite, both processes generally occurring under low pH conditions (pH 2–4). To date, this location appears to be unique in the Mawrth Vallis region and could represent precipitation of jarosite in acidic, sulfur-rich ponded water during the waning stages of drying.
Gamma-ray studies of the decay of mass-separated 92Y

Abstract The levels of 92 Zr populated in the beta decay of 92 Y have been studied through the use of Ge(Li) detectors, both in singles and coincidence. Nineteen gamma rays have been observed and placed in a decay scheme involving eleven excited levels in 92 Zr. Spin-parity assignments for the excited levels in 92 Zr are discussed in terms of observed gamma-ray transition branching and results from nuclear reaction studies. The resulting level scheme is discussed in relation to recent theoretical treatments based on a shell-model description.
Nuclear Hormone Receptor Coregulator: Role in Hormone Action, Metabolism, Growth, and Development

Nuclearhormonereceptorcoregulator(NRC)(alsoreferredto as activating signal cointegrator-2, thyroid hormone receptor-binding protein, peroxisome proliferator activating receptor-interacting protein, and 250-kDa receptor associated protein)belongstoagrowingclassofnuclearcofactorswidely known as coregulators or coactivators that are necessary for transcriptional activation of target genes. The NRC gene is also amplified and overexpressed in breast, colon, and lung cancers. NRC is a 2063-amino acid protein that harbors a potent N-terminal activation domain (AD1) and a second more centrally located activation domain (AD2) that is rich in Glu and Pro. Near AD2 is a receptor-interacting domain containing an LxxLL motif (LxxLL-1), which interacts with a wide variety of ligand-bound nuclear hormone receptors with high affinity. A second LxxLL motif (LxxLL-2) located in the Cterminal region of NRC is more restricted in its nuclear hormone receptor specificity. The intrinsic activation potential ofNRCisregulatedbyaC-terminalserine,threonine,leucineregulatory domain. The potential role of NRC as a cointegrator is suggested by its ability to enhance transcriptional activation of a wide variety of transcription factors and from its in vivo association with a number of known transcriptional regulators including CBP/p300. Recent studies in mice indicate that deletion of both NRC alleles leads to embryonic lethality resulting from general growth retardation coupled with developmental defects in the heart, liver, brain, and placenta. NRC / mouse embryo fibroblasts spontaneously undergo apoptosis, indicating the importance of NRC as a prosurvival and antiapoptotic gene. Studies with 129S6 NRC / mice indicate that NRC is a pleiotropic regulator that is involved in growth, development, reproduction, metabolism, and wound healing. (Endocrine Reviews 26: 583–597, 2005)
SF6-3He tracer release experiment: A new method of determining longitudinal dispersion coefficients in large rivers

Longitudinal dispersion coefficients have been determined in the tidal Hudson River using sulfur hexafluoride. For this purpose, SF6, a nonreactive synthetic gas, was injected into the Hudson south of Albany, NY, and used in a fashion similar to a fluorescent dye. Three days after injection, SF6 distributions along the main axis of the river were approximately Gaussian. The change in variance with time showed two periods of linear growth. During the first period (days 3−8), the longitudinal dispersion coefficient was estimated to be 47 ± 6 m2 s-1, and during the second period (days 8−13), it was 162 ± 22 m2 s-1. A second gas, 3He, which was injected simultaneously with SF6, allowed for the determination of gas exchange rates across the air−water interface. Gas transfer velocities normalized to a Schmidt number of 600 ranged from 2.8 to 9.2 cm h-1 and correlated well with mean wind speed.
Sexual dimorphism of body and relative head sizes in neonatal common garter snakes

Morphological and behavioral differences between sexes are commonplace throughout the animal kingdom. Body size is one of the most obvious sex differences frequently found in snakes. However, the developmental origins of size differences in many species, including snakes, are not well known. We examined post-natal variation in sexual size dimorphism in garter snakes Thamnophis sirtalis. The weights, body and tail lengths, and head sizes of male and female neonates born to mothers collected from ecologically dissimilar habitats on Beaver Island, Lake Michigan were compared. Sexual size dimorphism was prominent. Overall, males had significantly longer bodies and tails than females. Females were significantly heavier and had larger heads than male snakes. Maternal site affected head but not body measurements, perhaps due to differences in prey availability. The body condition of maternal females predicted neonatal body length. Significant litter variation suggests heritable variation in morphological traits possibly correlated with feeding success and survival.
The High Price of Materialism

In The High Price of Materialism, Tim Kasser offers a scientific explanation of how our contemporary culture of consumerism and materialism affects our everyday happiness and psychological health. Other writers have shown that once we have sufficient food, shelter, and clothing, further material gains do little to improve our well-being. Kasser goes beyond these findings to investigate how people's materialistic desires relate to their well-being. He shows that people whose values center on the accumulation of wealth or material possessions face a greater risk of unhappiness, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and problems with intimacy -- regardless of age, income, or culture. Drawing on a decade's worth of empirical data, Kasser examines what happens when we organize our lives around materialistic pursuits. He looks at the effects on our internal experience and interpersonal relationships, as well as on our communities and the world at large. He shows that materialistic values actually undermine our well-being, as they perpetuate feelings of insecurity, weaken the ties that bind us, and make us feel less free. Kasser not only defines the problem but proposes ways we can change ourselves, our families, and society to become less materialistic.
Culture, Power, and Institutions: A Multi-Institutional Politics Approach to Social Movements*:

We argue that critiques of political process theory are beginning to coalesce into a new approach to social movements—a “multi-institutional politics” approach. While the political process model assumes that domination is organized by and around one source of power, the alternative perspective views domination as organized around multiple sources of power, each of which is simultaneously material and symbolic. We examine the conceptions of social movements, politics, actors, goals, and strategies supported by each model, demonstrating that the view of society and power underlying the political process model is too narrow to encompass the diversity of contemporary change efforts. Through empirical examples, we demonstrate that the alternative approach provides powerful analytical tools for the analysis of a wide variety of contemporary change efforts.
Controlling a Magnetic Force Microscope to Track a Magnetized Nanosize Particle

In this paper, we introduce a scheme for tracking a magnetic nanoparticle moving in three dimensions using a magnetic force microscope (MFM). The stray magnetic field of the magnetic particle induces a shift in the phase of oscillation of the tip of the MFM. We present a nonlinear feedback control law that translates the measurement of this phase shift into a trajectory for the tip of the MFM and prove that this trajectory converges to a neighborhood of the magnetic particle. The viability of the proposed tracking scheme is verified through numerical simulations of the tracking algorithm.
Identification, prevention, and treatment revisited: Individual-focused college drinking prevention strategies 1999-2006.

This paper serves to update a prior review of the literature on individual-focused prevention and treatment approaches for college drinking [Larimer, M.E. & Cronce, J.M. (2002). Identification, prevention and treatment: A review of individual-focused strategies to reduce problematic alcohol consumption by college students. Journal of Studies on Alcohol Suppl. 14, 148-163.], and covers the period from late 1999 through 2006. No support was found for information/knowledge approaches alone, or for brief values clarification approaches alone or with other informational content. Evidence was found in support of skills-based interventions and motivational interventions that incorporated personalized feedback, with or without an in-person intervention. Normative re-education interventions received mixed support, though personalized normative feedback was associated with positive outcomes. Significant advances have been made over the past seven years with respect to mailed and computerized feedback interventions, and interventions with mandated students. Much of the research reviewed suffered from significant limitations, particularly small sample sizes, attrition, and lack of appropriate control groups. More research is needed to determine the best methods for disseminating such interventions on college campuses, as well as additional research on interventions with high-risk groups of students.
Leukocyte(s) degranulation: therapeutic targets in [NTP]O and [NDP]O mediated leukocyte(s) degranulation

Extracellular nucleotide-induced stimulation and activation of peripheral blood leukocyte(s) and subsequent degranulation plays a critical role in immediate type hypersensitivity reaction and other inflammatory diseases. The extracellular nucleotides [NTP]O stimulate a P2Y receptor(s) on human PMN with the pharmacological profile similar to that of the P2Y2 receptor. Whereas, [NTP]O and [NDP]O, bind to P2Y2 and P2Y1 receptors on mononuclear leukocytes. Based on a recent proposal on the molecular mechanism of [NTP]O- and [NDP]O-induced leukocyte(s) degranulation, a scheme indicating the therapeutic targets with potential avenues for attenuating leukocyte(s) degranulation is suggested.
An in-vitro evaluation of sealer placement methods

Successful root canal therapy is dependent upon obturating the root canal system. A critical component of the filling procedure is sealer placement. This in vitro study investigated the efficacy of six methods of sealer placement using clear plastic blocks with simulated curved canals instrumented to the apex using a step-back technique. After sealer placement and setting, the blocks were cross-sectioned at 2 mm intervals from mid-canal to apex. The sections were evaluated with a stereo operating microscope at x6 magnification for placement of an evenly distributed layer of sealer around the prepared canal walls. The lentulo spiral and the Max-i-Probe Delivery System were the most effective means of sealer placement, followed by ultrasonic and sonic files. The least effective methods were the paper point and the K file.
Reconnaissance geology of Amlia Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska

Amlia Island, located in the central part of the Aleutian Island chain, exhibits excellent shoreline exposures of Paleogene sedimentary and volcanic rocks, which record the earliest observable history of the volcanic arc. Volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks deposited by debris flow, turbidite, and grain-flow processes interfinger with volcanic flows and breccia. Pillowed flows as well as massive columnar flows ranging in composition from basalt to rhyolite record inter-fingering episodes of submarine and subaerial deposition. The occurrence of Reticulofenestra reticulata and Dictyococcites scrippsae in laminated siltstone and sandstone beds indicates that the rocks on Amlia are late middle Eocene to early Oligocene in age. Whole-rock radiometric ages of 32 and 39 m.y. from igneous rocks that interfinger with the sedimentary rocks corroborate the fossil ages and are correlative in age with the Hidden Bay pluton on Adak Island. Some of the rocks on Amlia Island are only slightly altered and contain authigenic zeolite phases; other rocks are highly altered and contain prehnite, pumpellyite, and laumontite. Areal distribution of highly altered rocks may reflect proximity to shallow-seated plutons, such as those that crop out on nearby Atka Island, which probably underlie much of Amlia. The island is structurally simple, with dips rarely exceeding 10° or 15°. High-angle faults with small displacement are common, however, and may reflect emplacement of shallow-seated intrusive rocks. Wave-cut terraces around much of the island appear to be in equilibrium with present sea level and suggest recent tectonic stability.
Mask estimation employing Posterior-based Representative Mean for missing-feature speech recognition with time-varying background noise

This paper proposes a novel mask estimation method for missing-feature reconstruction to improve speech recognition performance in time-varying background noise conditions. Conventional mask estimation methods based on noise estimates and spectral subtraction fail to reliably estimate the mask. The proposed mask estimation method utilizes a Posterior-based Representative Mean (PRM) vector for determining the reliability of the input speech spectrum, which is obtained as a weighted sum of the mean parameters of the speech model with posterior probabilities. To obtain the noise-corrupted speech model, a model combination method is employed, which was proposed in our previous study for a feature compensation method [1]. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed mask estimation method is considerably more effective at increasing speech recognition performance in time-varying background noise conditions. By employing the proposed PRM-based mask estimation for missing-feature reconstruction, we obtain +36.29% and +30.45% average relative improvements in WER for speech babble and background music conditions respectively, compared to conventional mask estimation methods.
A gel-state 2D-NMR method for plant cell wall profiling and analysis: a model study with the amorphous cellulose and xylan from ball-milled cotton linters

A recently developed “gel-state NMR method” that simply swells plant cell walls in a DMSO-d6/pyridine-d5 (4 : 1) solvent system and uses a high-resolution solution state 2D-NMR (HSQC) technique has been successfully applied to whole plant cell wall 2D-NMR profiling studies. However, there was limited information to assign many polysaccharide peaks unlike lignin structures. Here we collected NMR data from various cellulose and xylan models using the same solvent system to assign the unknown peaks. Furthermore, DMSO-soluble cellulose and xylan fractions were prepared from ball-milled cotton linter cellulose, and the detailed chemical structures were analyzed. The major component of cotton is cellulose (95–99%), but it typically contains ∼2% hemicelluloses. Xylan in particular was isolated and identified along with the amorphous cellulose in this study. The fully assigned spectra of cellulose and xylan provided invaluable database information for peak assignment and authentication that will be directly used to screen and identify the two main polysaccharide components from various whole cell wall NMR spectra in the same solvent system.
Combining MRI with mammography: a more effective approach to breast cancer detection

To detect additional breast cancer, the American College of Radiology (ACR) currently recommends breast MRI in addition to mammography to screen high-risk women, in extent of disease evaluation and...
Generalized fact-finding

Once information retrieval has located a document, and information extraction has provided its contents, how do we know whether we should actually believe it? Fact-finders are a state-of-the-art class of algorithms that operate in a manner analogous to Kleinberg's Hubs and Authorities, iteratively computing the trustworthiness of an information source as a function of the believability of the claims it makes, and the believability of a claim as a function of the trustworthiness of those sources asserting it. However, as fact-finders consider only "who claims what", they ignore a great deal of relevant background and contextual information. We present a framework for "lifting" (generalizing) the fact-finding process, allowing us to elegantly incorporate knowledge such as the confidence of the information extractor and the attributes of the information sources. Experiments demonstrate that leveraging this information significantly improves performance over existing, "unlifted" fact-finding algorithms.
The application of spread spectrum datalinks to GPS-based air traffic navigation, surveillance, and control

A spread spectrum datalink is considered as a potential candidate for support of DGPS-based navigation, surveillance, and control. Spread spectrum communications is a technology that for years has been exploited in military communications because it could provide the desirable characteristics of either immunity from intentional jamming or low probability of interception. More recently, the technology has been applied to civil communications because the same properties that result in those characteristics also provide for an efficient mechanism for multiple users to simultaneously share a band of frequencies on a noninterfering basis. The paper provides a brief review of the basic concepts of spread spectrum communications. That information is then used to support a discussion of the rationale for considering spread spectrum techniques in this air traffic control application. The advantages and disadvantages relative to alternative approaches are presented; and, the most appropriate spread spectrum designs in terms of both signal architecture and hardware implementation are discussed. The paper describes an effort underway at Harris Air Traffic Control Systems Division on a FAA contract. The program goal is to demonstrate a spread spectrum datalink in support of a GPS-based airport surface traffic management system. It is believed that it will result in the first ever demonstration of a spread spectrum datalink being utilized at an airport to help solve a real air traffic control problem. >
Layered view of QoS issues in IP-based mobile wireless networks

SUMMARY With the convergence of wireless communication and IP-based networking technologies, future IP-based wireless networks are expected to support real-time multimedia. IP services over wireless networks (e.g. wireless access to Internet) enhance the mobility and flexibility of traditional IP network users. Wireless networks extend the current IP service infrastructure to a mix of transmission media, bandwidth, costs, coverage, and service agreements, requiring enhancements to the IP protocol layers in wireless networks. Furthermore, QoS provisioning is required at various layers of the IP protocol stack to guarantee different types of service requests, giving rise to issues related to cross-layer design methodology. This paper reviews issues and prevailing solutions to performance enhancements and QoS provisioning for IP services over mobile wireless networks from a layered view. Copyright # 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chip-interleaved block-spread code division multiple access

A novel multiuser-interference (MUI)-free code division multiple access (CDMA) transceiver for frequency-selective multipath channels is developed. Relying on chip-interleaving and zero padded transmissions, orthogonality among different users' spreading codes is maintained at the receiver even after frequency-selective propagation. As a result, deterministic multiuser separation with low-complexity code-matched filtering becomes possible without loss of maximum likelihood optimality. In addition to MUI-free reception, the proposed system guarantees channel-irrespective symbol detection and achieves high bandwidth efficiency by increasing the symbol block size. Filling the zero-gaps with known symbols allows for perfectly constant modulus transmissions. Important variants of the proposed transceivers are derived to include cyclic prefixed transmissions and various redundant or nonredundant precoding alternatives. (Semi-) blind channel estimation algorithms are also discussed. Simulation results demonstrate improved performance of the proposed system relative to competing alternatives.
Eliciting probabilities from experts in complex technical problems

A formal elicitation process is summarized to obtain probabilities from experts in a large-scale study involving nuclear safety. A first expert elicitation, using primarily in-house experts and staff members of the project team was strongly criticized in peer review. Subsequently, many changes in the process and procedures were made including training experts in making probability judgments, providing assistance in decomposing judgments, formally eliciting probabilities in individual sessions, and documenting the results. Approximately 1000 probability distributions were assessed from about 40 experts from universities, consulting firms, and national laboratories. This second elicitation was much better received by peer review. Based on this experience, a comprehensive process to elicit probability judgments is outlined in detail. >