cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Habituation and the occurrence of photically evoked afterdischarges in the albino rat

Photically evoked afterdischarge (AD) parameters were examined in albino rats during the time course of 1 h of iterative photic stimulation (515 light flashes). It was observed that percentage of AD elicitation, duration of AD activity, and number of spindle waves per AD increased and then subsequently decreased over time. The amplitude of the largest peak-to-peak wave per AD was unaffected by time. Greatest AD elicitation took place during the 5- to 15-min time segment following the initiation of iterative photic stimulation. Likewise, the last 5 min of iterative stimulation yielded the lowest AD elicitation scores. These data suggest the operations of an arousal continuum in the process of AD elicitation. It was also observed that spontaneous AD-like waves occurred in the visual cortex at irregular intervals that were not specifically correlated with the light flashes.
The Impact of Board Diversity and Expertise on Nonprofit Performance

This study examined the impact of board of director characteristics on nonprofit performance. Using data collected through a survey of nonprofit colleges and universities, the author provides evidence that specific board member characteristics are vital in shaping the financial and nonfinancial success of nonprofit institutions of higher education. Results indicate that both board member diversity and expertise are associated with better-performing organizations. This work makes important initial forays into the relationships between board of director qualities and nonprofit performance. Although limited by the relatively small sample of colleges and universities, this study is unique in its ability to analyze nonprofit boards and both financial and nonfinancial performance measures.
Smoking Resources on the Internet

An initial search for smoking or tobacco‐related Internet sites provides the individual with a plethora of anti‐smoking sites, as well as a few pro‐tobacco sites. The types of materials found range from factsheets on tobacco and health, to digitally scanned, confidential tobacco industry documents, to smoking‐cessation tools and tips. However, along with the authoritative, solid information is a seemingly endless selection of other, less‐dependable sites that will be retrieved on even the best‐constructed Internet searches. Except for one Web page sprung from a popular bulletin board system, all Web pages included are connected in some way to organizations, institutions, or agencies. The sites are divided roughly into four categories: legal sites, health sites, activism sites, and health organizations. Other interesting sites are referred to in the text and URLs are included.
The analysis of enzyme progress curves by numerical differentiation, including competitive product inhibition and enzyme reactivation

A new method for analyzing steady-state enzyme kinetic data is presented. The technique, which is based on the numerical differentiation of the complete reaction curve, has several advantages over initial velocity and integrated Michaelis-Menten equation methods. The differentiated data are fit to the differential equation describing the appropriate kinetic scheme. This approach is particularly valuable in cases of strong competitive product inhibition and of changing concentrations of active enzyme. The method assumes a reversible reaction and is applicable to a very wide variety of steady-state kinetic schemes. A particular advantage of this approach over integrated methods is that it is independent of [S0] and hence of errors in [S0]. The combination of complete progress curve and computer analysis makes this approach very efficient with respect to both time and materials. Running on an IBM PC XT or equivalent microcomputer with an 8087 coprocessor, the analyses are very fast, the complete process usually being complete in a minute or two. The utility of the technique is demonstrated by application to both simulated and real data. We show that the differentiation of the progress curve for the ribonuclease-catalyzed hydrolysis of 2',3'-cyclic cytidine monophosphate reveals strong product inhibition by 3'-CMP, and this product inhibition accounts for the large discrepancies reported in the literature for the value of Km for this substrate. The method was also applied to determine the rate of reactivation of beta-lactamase which had been reversibly inactivated by cloxacillin. Since large numbers of data points are required for the numerical differentiation the method has become practical only with the advent of computer-acquired data systems.
Random Vibration of Beams

Abstract : The mean square deflections, slopes, bending moments and shear forces were compared for 4 different dynamical models with 3 different damping mechanisms, subjected to a distributed transverse loading process which was uncorrelated space-wise and which was either ideally, white time-wise or band-limited with an upper cut-off frequency. The dynamic models were the Bernoulli-Euler beam, the Timoshenko beam and two intermediate models, the Rayleigh beam, and a beam which has the shear flexibility of the Timoshenko beam but not the rotatory inertia. The damping mechanisms were transverse viscous damping, rotatory viscous damping, and Voigt visco-elasticity. Many of the mean square response quantities were finite when the excitation was ideally white (i.e., when the input has infinite mean square), however some of the responses were unbounded. For these cases the rate of growth of the response was obtained as the cut-off frequency of the excitation was increased. (Author)
A suffixal analysis of the Karok ‘endoclitic’☆

This paper considers the categorial status of several postverbal morphemes in Karok, focusing on one which has previously been claimed (by Bright (1957)) to be an infixed clitic, or ‘endoclitic’. The existence of endoclisis poses a theoretical problem for any morphological framework which assumes that clitics are phrasal affixes, appearing outside inflection and derivation. It is demonstrated here that the putative Karok endoclitic is in fact a suffix (as are five apparent enclitics). These results succeed in reducing the number of endoclitics claimed to exist in the languages of the world by one, as well as considerably simplifying the description of Karok morphology.
Numerical methods for Helmholtz-type equations in unbounded regions

Certain numerical methods for approximately solving Helmholtz type equations in unbounded regions in two the three dimensional space, subject to appropriate radiation conditions at infinity are described.
Accuracy of an Approximation to the Power of the Chi-Square Goodness of Fit Test with Small but Equal Expected Frequencies

This paper presents the results of a Monte Carlo study of the accuracy of an approximation to the power of the chi-square goodness of fit test with small but equal expected frequencies. Various combinations of sample size, number of groups, and alpha level are considered, and in most instances the actual power of the test is estimated to be less than the nominal power. The degree of accuracy appears to be more related to the size of the sample than to the size of the expected frequencies. The following rule of thumb is offered for obtaining crude estimates of the actual power from the nominal power for sample sizes from 10 to 50. The actual power of the test equals about eight-tenths of the nominal power.
A discourse-pragmatic study of the word order variation in Chinese relative clauses

Abstract In Mandarin Chinese, a relative clause (RC) can either immediately precede the head NP, or may be separated from its head by a numeral-classifier sequence (NCL). This word order variation results in two types of indefinite nominal constructions: the OMN with the RC + NCL + NP order (e.g., [tā xiě O de]RC [yī–běn]NCL shū, ‘a book (that) he wrote’) and the IMN with NCL + RC + NP order (e.g., [yī–běn]NCL [tā xiě O de]RC shū, ‘a book (that) he wrote’). In this paper, we use a corpus-linguistic perspective to explore the conditioning factors that influence the variation of these two constructions in discourse. In particular, grammatical roles of relativized NPs; information status, animacy, and discourse salience of head NPs; grounding mechanisms; and discourse functions of relative clauses are analyzed. Examinations of the distribution and occurrence of these two constructions show that they are deployed in discourse to serve different discourse purposes. The OMN is mainly used in connection with abstract entities with low discourse salience, and serves the discourse function of identifying the new head NP. In contrast, the IMN is mainly used in conjunction with concrete (human and concrete object) entities with high discourse salience to serve the discourse function of characterization. It will be argued that the variation of these two constructions can be explained with regard to the cognitive and communicative principles of relevance (Sperber and Wilson, 1995) together with interactions between the discourse function of the NCL and the discourse functions of the RC.
Inhibition of Clathrin Assembly by High Affinity Binding of Specific Inositol Polyphosphates to the Synapse-specific Clathrin Assembly Protein AP-3

Bacterially expressed synapse-specific clathrin assembly protein, AP-3 (F1-20/AP180/NP185/pp155), bound with high affinity both inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) (Kd = 239 nM) and diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (PP-InsP5) (Kd = 22 nM). The specificity of this ligand binding was demonstrated by competitive displacement of bound [3H]InsP6. IC50 values were as follows: PP-InsP5 = 50 nM, InsP6 = 240 nM, inositol-1,2,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate (Ins(1,2,4,5,6)P5) = 2.2 μM, inositol-1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate (Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5) = 5 μM, inositol-1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (Ins(1,3,4,5)P4) > 10 μM, inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) > 10 μM. Moreover, 10 μM inositol hexasulfate (InsS6) displaced only 15% of [3H]InsP6. The physiological significance of this binding is the ligand-specific inhibition of clathrin assembly (PP-InsP5 > InsP6 > Ins(1,2,4,5,6)P5); Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 and InsS6 did not inhibit clathrin assembly. We also observed high affinity binding of InsP6 to purified bovine brain AP-3. We separately expressed the 33-kDa amino terminus and the 58-kDa carboxyl terminus, and it was the former that contained the high affinity inositol polyphosphate binding site. These studies suggest that specific inositol polyphosphates may play a role in the regulation of synaptic function by interacting with the synapse-specific clathrin assembly protein AP-3.
Targeted tumor cell internalization and imaging of multifunctional quantum dot-conjugated immunoliposomes in vitro and in vivo.

Targeted drug delivery systems that combine imaging and therapeutic modalities in a single macromolecular construct may offer advantages in the development and application of nanomedicines. To incorporate the unique optical properties of luminescent quantum dots (QDs) into immunoliposomes for cancer diagnosis and treatment, we describe the synthesis, biophysical characterization, tumor cell-selective internalization, and anticancer drug delivery of QD-conjugated immunoliposome-based nanoparticles (QD-ILs). Pharmacokinetic properties and in vivo imaging capability of QD-ILs were also investigated. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy was used to visualize naked QDs, liposome controls, nontargeted QD-conjugated liposomes (QD-Ls), and QD-ILs. QD-ILs prepared by insertion of anti-HER2 scFv exhibited efficient receptor-mediated endocytosis in HER2-overexpressing SK-BR-3 and MCF-7/HER2 cells but not in control MCF-7 cells as analyzed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. In contrast, nontargeted QD-Ls showe...
The Crisis Confronting the African American Community: Organ and Tissue Donation

Life saving breakthroughs in the treatment of diseases like kidney and sickle cell, which disproportionately affects African Americans, have been thwarted by the organ donor shortage problem, donor allocation policy, and matching protocols used in organ allocation. It is critical for the African American community to understand transplantation and donor issues. This article, focusing on renal transplants, examines factors which contribute to Blacks not being offered transplantation as a treatment option, the urgent need for African Americans to be active in supporting organ and tissue donation within their community, and strategies to address ambivalence towards organ donation.
Previously undiagnosed HIV infections identified through cluster investigation, North Carolina, 2002-2007.

During cluster investigation, index patients name social contacts that are not sex or drug-sharing partners. The likelihood of identifying new HIV infections among social contacts is unknown. We hypothesized greater odds of identifying new infections among social contacts identified by men who report sex with men (MSM). We reviewed North Carolina HIV diagnoses during 2002–2005 and used logistic regression to compare testing results among social contacts of MSM, men who report sex with women only (MSW) and women. HIV was newly diagnosed among 54/601 (9.0 %) social contacts tested named by MSM, 16/522 (3.1 %) named by MSW, and 23/639 (3.6 %) named by women. Compared with those named by MSW, odds of new HIV diagnosis were greater among MSM social contacts (adjusted odds ratio: 2.5; 95 % confidence interval: 1.3–4.7). Testing social contacts identified previously undiagnosed HIV infections and could provide an opportunity to interrupt transmission.
Scattering of electrons by a Coulomb center

New results are obtained from which it follows that systematic use of the one-to-one correspondence between a physical quantity and an operator, which permits the existence of a non-negative quantum distribution function, leads to an “effective” smearing of the potential and to the appearance of a form factor, i.e., to the existence of structure in the scattering center.
Frontier estimation: How useful a tool for health economics?

The Journal is pleased to publish in this issue three papers that apply frontier estimation techniques to hospitals and nursing homes, together with an exchange over the usefulness of those techniques in the health care context. The papers represent the current state-of-the-art with respect to applications of frontier estimation in health care. Because of the growing popularity of the technique, no doubt in part from its availability in standard software packages, it seems useful to take this opportunity to appraise its usefulness. One might begin by asking usefulness for what? Assuming one could define a frontier with certainty, how would one use such knowledge? A straightforward application in health care appears to be to reimbursement. Because both Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and stochastic frontier estimation specify the least cost mix of inputs for a given output, both methods can in principle be used to determine whether a given firm (hospital or nursing home) is efficient, and, if the answer to that question is no, the magnitude of any inefficiency. It is not a large step from that information to the notion that a regulator should reduce the firm’s budget by the amount of the measured inefficiency. ’ Indeed, Vitaliano and Toren mention the Boren Amendment’s requirement that the Medicaid program reimburse hospitals and nursing homes at the cost incurred by an efficiently operated
Carbon-13 chemical shifts for 70 halomethanes

Abstract Somayajulu and Zwolinski have recently shown that nonbonded interactions between trios of adjacent bonds play an important part in the correlation of the carbon-13 chemical shifts of halomethanes and developed a procedure known as the trigonal additivity procedure. This procedure is an improvement over the geminal additivity procedure which is based on contributions from bonds and pairs of bonds. For the 70 halomethanes we require 15 geminal parameters and 35 trigonal parameters. The available carbon-13 chemical shifts permit the determination of all 15 geminal parameters while only 25 of the 35 trigonal parameters could be determined. A proposed procedure allows one to calculate the missing 10 trigonal parameters and thereby the chemical shifts of all 70 halomethanes. Carbon-13 chemical shifts determined by experiment for 8 halomethanes are reported.
Genetics of adult glioma

Gliomas make up approximately 30% of all brain and central nervous system tumors and 80% of all malignant brain tumors. Despite the frequency of gliomas, the etiology of these tumors remains largely unknown. Diffuse gliomas, including astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, belong to a single pathologic class but have very different histologies and molecular etiologies. Recent genomic studies have identified separate molecular subtypes within the glioma classification that appear to correlate with biological etiology, prognosis, and response to therapy. The discovery of these subtypes suggests that molecular genetic tests are and will be useful, beyond classical histology, for the clinical classification of gliomas. While a familial susceptibility to glioma has been identified, only a small percentage of gliomas are thought to be due to single-gene hereditary cancer syndromes. Through the use of linkage studies and genome-wide association studies, multiple germline variants have been identified that are beginning to define the genetic susceptibility to glioma.
Long working hours are linked to risky alcohol consumption

Policy makers should think carefully before exempting more workers from restrictions on working hours
On maximum likelihood estimation of stochastic frontier production models

Abstract The iterative algorithm suggested by Greene (1982) for the estimation of stochastic frontier production models does not necessarily solve the likelihood equations. Corrected iterative algorithms which generalize Fair's method (1977) and solve the likelihood equations are derived. These algorithms are compared with the Newton method in an empirical case. The Newton method is more time saving than these algorithms.
Boundary element method for dynamic poroelastic and thermoelastic analyses

Abstract A boundary element method is developed for transient and time harmonic analysis of problems in dynamic poroelasticity and generalized thermoelasticity, involving both two- and three-dimensional geometries. Laplace domain infinite space fundamental solutions are employed to produce a formulation that requires only surface discretization. Consequently, the resulting algorithm provides an attractive alternative to existing volume-based methods, particularly for media of infinite extent. Details of the formulation and numerical implementation are presented. Several applications are included to validate the method and to emphasize certain aspects of the dynamic theory.
The Public Services Job Hunt: Observations and Advice.

The library science job market is competitive, and library and information science (LIS) students and new graduates often have questions and concerns about how to engage in a successful job hunt. Based on research with employers and interactions with students and alumni, the author offers advice for job-seekers looking for public services positions. The article includes an overview of the general skills and qualities sought by employers for public services candidates, as well as advice on resumes and cover letters, and preparing for the interview.
Structural basis of the temperature transition of Pf1 bacteriophage.

The filamentous bacteriophage Pf1 undergoes a reversible temperature-dependent transition that is also influenced by salt concentrations. This structural responsiveness may be a manifestation of the important biological property of flexibility, which is necessary for long, thin filamentous assemblies as a protection against shear forces. To investigate structural changes in the major coat protein, one- and two-dimensional solid-state NMR spectra of concentrated solutions of Pf1 bacteriophage were acquired, and the structure of the coat protein determined at 0°C was compared with the structure previously determined at 30°C. Despite dramatic differences in the NMR spectra, the overall change in the coat protein structure is small. Changes in the orientation of the C-terminal helical segment and the conformation of the first five residues at the N-terminus are apparent. These results are consistent with prior studies by X-ray fiber diffraction and other biophysical methods.
Parathyroid hormone suppresses insulin signaling in adipocytes

Previous reports suggest that parathyroid hormone (PTH) is associated with insulin resistance. This research investigated the effects of PTH on insulin signaling in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. PTH (10 nM, 24 h) treatment induced a reduction in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, AKT activity (phosphorylated AKT/total AKT protein expression) and a decrease in GLUT4 and IRS-1 protein expression compared to vehicle treated controls in differentiated adipocytes. PTH treatment also induced increased phosphorylation of IRS-1 on serine 307, which suppresses insulin signaling. In addition, treatment of cells with adenyl cyclase inhibitor SQ52236 ameliorated the effects of PTH on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, whereas inhibition of phospholipase C alpha (U73122) did not significantly alter the effects of PTH. Thus, PTH treatment of differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes suppresses insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and insulin signaling via cAMP pathway, potentially through the phosphorylation of IRS-1 at serine 307.
New speed-responsive device for acceleration control

Diesel-electric locomotives now in service using resonant-circuit relays demonstrate the stability of settings and reliability of operation of the new speed-responsive device for acceleration control.
Effects of alcohol taxes on alcohol-related disease mortality in New York State from 1969 to 2006.

Objective The relationship of increased alcohol taxes to reductions in alcohol-related harm is well established. Few studies, however, have examined the effects of sudden decreases in alcohol tax rates or effects of narrow tax changes limited to specific beverage types. In the current study, we: (1) examine whether tax increases on spirits have similar effects in reducing alcohol-related disease mortality as increasing taxes on all types of alcoholic beverages simultaneously, and (2) evaluate effects of beer-specific tax decreases in New York State on mortality.
A constant current apparatus for the production of electrolytic lesions

Abstract An instrument has been described which provides a relatively constant source of current for electrolytic lesions. The current may be continuously and accurately varied. Provisions have been made for the use of automatic timers as well as for gradual increases in lesion current. It is simple to use, easily calibrated, and in conjuction with a constant-voltage line transformer, stable in performance.
The discovery of hidden facial images in the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin by using computer graphics enhancement techniques

Abstract For nine short weeks in 1888, Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin lived and worked together in the city of Arles. Using computer graphics enhancement analyses, some of the paintings they did during this period revealed hidden facial images. One full hidden figure in a painting by Van Gogh and five camouflaged facial images in the works of Paul Gauguin were uncovered using computer graphics techniques. With the exception of one painting by Gauguin, these concealed images have not been previously reported.
Photoacoustic determination of the optical absorption coefficient of thermally coagulated blood

Important to the laser based diagnosis of burn depth is an adequate understanding of the optical properties of thermally coagulated blood. Although the optical properties of photocoagulated blood have been studied in some detail, they are inadequate at completely characterizing the optical properties associated with the thermally coagulated blood of burn injuries. Using a photoacoustic method involving the addition of an absorber to thermally coagulated blood, we obtained data that will be used to derive a spectrum for the optical absorption coefficient, a, of thermally coagulated blood within the wavelength range from 580 to 700 nm. Before implementing this method, the stability of photoacoustic measurements within the diffusion theory realm was tested on two weakly absorbing, highly scattering Intralipid solutions. In addition, the absorber, Chlorazol Black, was tested for resistance to change caused by photobleaching and heating.
Z-2 Topological Order and the Quantum Spin Hall Effect

The quantum spin Hall (QSH) phase is a time reversal invariant electronic state with a bulk electronic band gap that supports the transport of charge and spin in gapless edge states. We show that this phase is associated with a novel Z2 topological invariant, which distinguishes it from an ordinary insulator. The Z2 classification, which is defined for time reversal invariant Hamiltonians, is analogous to the Chern number classification of the quantum Hall effect. We establish the Z2 order of the QSH phase in the two band model of graphene and propose a generalization of the formalism applicable to multiband and interacting systems.
Theory of geometrical methods for design of laser beam shaping systems

From geometrical optics, the laws of reflection and refraction, ray tracing techniques, conservation of energy within a bundle of rays, and the condition of constant optical path length provide a foundation for design of laser beam shaping systems. Geometrical optics design methods are presented for shaping the irradiance profile of both rotationally and rectangular symmetric laser beams. Applications of these techniques to design reflective and refractive laser beam shaping systems are presented.
New Whole Blood Analyzers and Their Impact on Cardiac and Critical Care

AbstractMiniaturized whole blood biosensors, patient-focused hospitals, and rising expectations of patients and physicians are shifting laboratory diagnostics to the point of care. Expanding transplantation and intensive care are increasing the need for rapid test results. Whole blood analysis improves accuracy, eliminates centrifugation, reduces response time, and conserves blood volume. Several hand-held, and over 20 portable or transportable whole blood instruments are now available. Criteria for instrument evaluation include test menus, point-of-care features, analysis time, on-site performance, and information integration. Whole blood analyzers measure several vital indicators (pO2, pCO2, pH, hematocrit, K+, Ca2+, Na+, Cl−, glucose, and lactate) simultaneously in less than 2 min with less than 200 μl of whole blood. Other in vitro tests are available (Mg2*, osmolality, CO2 content, urea nitrogen, β-hydroxybutyrate, hemoglobin, coagulation) or under development (HCO3− phosphorus). Some can be monitore...
Influence of borate buffers on the electrophoretic behavior of humic substances in capillary zone electrophoresis

The influence of tetrahydroxyborate ions on the electrophoretic mobility of humic acids was evaluated by capillary electrophoresis (CE). Depending on the molarity of borate ions in the separation buffer, the humic acids exhibit electropherograms with sharp peaks consistently extending from a “humic hump”. The variations in the migration times of these peaks depend on the concentration of borate ions in the separation buffer. The complexation of borate ions and humic acid fractions was also analyzed with 11B and 1H NMR spectroscopy as well as UV spectrophotometry in solutions of the same composition as the CE separation buffers. Supplementary studies with model compounds (flavonoids, phenolic and sugar acids) indicate reaction mechanisms that include the formation of bidentate esters (monocomplexes) as well as spiranes (tetradentate esters or dicomplexes) within the humic substructure. Special attention must be given to the interpretation of CE electropherograms while fingerprinting humic substances with b...
Science and engineering quality and quantity in 1990

Recently, there has been a major source of concern for the science and engineering community, and, by analogy, for the nation's technical base, in the findings of the joint Department of Education-National Science Foundation Report to the President: ‘Science and Engineering Education in the 1980's and Beyond.’ The study was initiated by Frank Press because of several disturbing reports that raised alarm about shortages in the technical field and about the decline in science and mathematics training of students today. The concern is thus twofold: graduate engineers, in particular, and other personnel with a high level of technical training, will be in short supply in the next decades, and there will be an inadequate supply of university professors, again particularly at the Ph.D. level in engineering and computer sciences, even if there were a supply of students. The report has a serious shortcoming in that it is a collection of previously published reports, many of which are out-of-date. The employment market for chemists, physicists, and earth scientists is changing rapidly. Employment within the petroleum industry research and development and exploration fields is now unique. The table shows supply/demand balances from the report (after Chemical & Engineering News, Nov. 10, 1980).
Modeling cardiac ion channel conductivity: model fitting via simulation

Describes a Markov state model for a cloned potassium channel of the human heart (I/sub K/spl nu/LQT1/). The parameters of the model are determined by a least-squares fit of predicted vs. measured data. The fitting process is achieved by using the "SPSA" optimizer to sequentially choose trial values of the parameters. At each choice of parameter value, a loss function is computed by simulating the action of the channel at that trial parameter value. When the optimizer has converged, the parameter value represents the best fit.
Access for All! Neuro-architecture and Equal Enjoyment of Public Facilities

Since the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990), many impaired Americans are no longer disabled by socially condoned conditions in the built environment. However, many people with cognitive and neurological impairments continue to face significant barriers to access, due to disabling environmental hyper-sensitivity and sensory processing disorders. These people are equally protected under the ADA, therefore mitigation is required. Neuroarchitecture, where consideration of the impact of the built environment on the central nervous system informs design paradigms, must complement current ADA compliance guidelines. This paper serves to open the topic to discussion, and is a call for attention, and action, for the removal of these generally unrecognized barriers to access and the equal use and enjoyment of public facilities.
The Impact of Dissociation on Transposon-Mediated Disease Control Strategies

Vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever continue to be a major health concern through much of the world. The emergence of chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes emphasize the need for novel methods of disease control. Recently, there has been much interest in the use of transposable elements to drive resistance genes into vector populations as a means of disease control. One concern that must be addressed before a release is performed is the potential loss of linkage between a transposable element and a resistance gene. Transposable elements such as P and hobo have been shown to produce internal deletion derivatives at a significant rate, and there is concern that a similar process could lead to loss of the resistance gene from the drive system following a transgenic release. Additionally, transposable elements such as Himar1 have been shown to transpose significantly more frequently when free of exogenous DNA. Here, we show that any transposon-mediated gene drive strategy must have an exceptionally low rate of dissociation if it is to be effective. Additionally, the resistance gene must confer a large selective advantage to the vector to surmount the effects of a moderate dissociation rate and transpositional handicap.
Model Systems of Invertebrate Allorecognition

Nearly all colonial marine invertebrates are capable of allorecognition — the ability to distinguish between self and genetically distinct members of the same species. When two or more colonies grow into contact, they either reject each other and compete for the contested space or fuse and form a single, chimeric colony. The specificity of this response is conferred by genetic systems that restrict fusion to self and close kin. Two selective pressures, intraspecific spatial competition between whole colonies and competition between stem cells for access to the germline in fused chimeras, are thought to drive the evolution of extensive polymorphism at invertebrate allorecognition loci. After decades of study, genes controlling allorecognition have been identified in two model systems, the protochordate Botryllus schlosseri and the cnidarian Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus . In both species, allorecognition specificity is determined by highly polymorphic cell-surface molecules, encoded by the fuhc and fester genes in Botryllus , and by the alr1 and alr2 genes in Hydractinia . Here we review allorecognition phenomena in both systems, summarizing recent molecular advances, comparing and contrasting the life history traits that shape the evolution of these distinct allorecognition systems, and highlighting questions that remain open in the field.
On-line assembly planning for stochastically reconfigurable systems

Stochastic assembly approaches can reduce the power, computation, and/or actuation demands on assembly systems by taking advantage of probabilistic processes. At the same time, however, they relinquish the efficiency and predictability of deterministic alternatives. This makes planning error-free assembly sequences challenging, particularly in the face of changing environmental conditions or goals. Here we address these challenges with an on-line approach to assembly planning for stochastically reconfigurable systems where the spatial and temporal availability of modules is uncertain, either due to a stochastic assembly mechanism, resource fluctuations, or large numbers of uncoordinated agents. We propose an assembly algorithm that is guaranteed to find an assembly path for finite-sized, connected objects. This is achieved by sampling the space of possible assembly paths to the target structure that satisfy assembly constraints. Assembly is accelerated by pursuing multiple paths in parallel. The algorithm computes these parallel assembly paths on-line during assembly and is thus able to adapt to changing conditions, as well as predict the remaining assembly time. For situations where the number of paths found exceeds the number that can be pursued in parallel, the assembly algorithm further maximizes assembly rates according to domain-specific local assembly costs.
Serotonin induces Rho/ROCK-dependent activation of Smads 1/5/8 in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells

Serotonin (5-HT) stimulates pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation and has been associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) mutations similarly have been linked to PAH. However, possible crosstalk between 5-HT and BMPR signaling remains poorly characterized. We report here that 5-HT activates Smads 1/5/8 in bovine and human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and causes translocation of these Smads from cytoplasm to the nucleus. DN BMPR1A blocked 5-HT activation of Smads 1/5/8 by 5-HT and BMPR1A overexpression enhanced it. Activation of Smads by 5-HT occurred through the 5-HT 1B/1D receptor as it was blocked with the inhibitor GR 55562 but unaffected by inhibitors of the 5-HT transporter and a variety of 5-HT receptors. Activation of the Smads by 5-HT depended on Rho/Rho kinase signaling as it was blocked by Y27632, but unaffected by inhibitors of PI3K or MAPK. Transfection of cells with BMPR1A and ligation of the BMP receptor with BMP-2 also activated GTP-Rho A of these SMCs, while DN BMPR1A blocked the activation. 5-HT stimulated an increase in serine/threonine phosphorylation of BMPR1A, supporting the activation of BMPR1A by 5-HT in SMCs. Infusion of 5-HT into mice with miniosmotic infusion pumps caused activation of Smads 1/5/8 in lung tissue, demonstrating the effect in vivo. The studies support a unique concept that 5-HT transactivates the serine kinase receptor, BMPR 1A, to activate Smads 1/5/8 via Rho and Rho kinase in pulmonary artery SMCs. Rho and Rho kinase also participate in the activation of Smads by BMP.
Vocabulary Use by Low, Moderate, and High ASL-Proficient Writers Compared to Hearing ESL and Monolingual Speakers

The written English vocabulary of 72 deaf elementary school students of various proficiency levels in American Sign Language (ASL) was compared with the performance of 60 hearing English-as-a-second-language (ESL) speakers and 61 hearing monolingual speakers of English, all of similar age. Students were asked to retell "The Tortoise and the Hare" story (previously viewed on video) in a writing activity. Writing samples were later scored for total number of words, use of words known to be highly frequent in children's writing, redundancy in writing, and use of English function words. All deaf writers showed significantly lower use of function words as compared to their hearing peers. Low-ASL-proficient students demonstrated a highly formulaic writing style, drawing mostly on high-frequency words and repetitive use of a limited range of function words. The moderate- and high-ASL-proficient deaf students' writing was not formulaic and incorporated novel, low-frequency vocabulary to communicate their thoughts. The moderate- and high-ASL students' performance revealed a departure from findings one might expect based on previous studies with deaf writers and their vocabulary use. The writing of the deaf writers also differed from the writing of hearing ESL speakers. Implications for deaf education and literacy instruction are discussed, with special attention to the fact that ASL-proficient, deaf second-language learners of English may be approaching English vocabulary acquisition in ways that are different from hearing ESL learners.
Survival and spread of Phytophthora capsici on Long Island, New York

Phytophthora capsici is an oomycete soil-borne plant pathogen that causes root, fruit and foliar disease on a variety of vegetables. The epidemiology and population structure varies depending on the region surveyed and our objective was to investigate survival and spread on farms on Long Island, New York using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A total of 373 P. capsici isolates were collected from pumpkin, pepper, watermelon and snap bean on 15 farms. Both mating type were recovered from most locations. Genotypic analysis was conducted using 14 SNP loci located primarily within genes. A total of 128 unique multi-locus genotypes were identified. Of these, 54 appear to be clonal lineages ranging in size from 2 to 26 members. Most clonal lineages were recovered during the same year. Our results indicate that both sexual and clonal reproduction play important roles in the epidemiology of P. capsici on Long Island, NY, USA. The implications for managing the disease are discussed.
Politburo Images of Stalin

Hypotheses regarding differences (or lack of differences) in policy-orientation or in degrees of influence between the various members of the Soviet Politburo have always been of great interest to students of politics. Thus there have been frequent speculations regarding alleged differences in foreign policy lines and on the problem of succession. The absence of confirming or disconfirming data for any of these hypotheses is striking, and obvious in view of the secrecy that enshrouds the internal operations of the Politburo. Published statements of any kind by members of the Politburo have become infrequent in recent years. Such statements as are available for analysis have usually dealt with different subjects and have been made at different dates, so that they were difficult to compare from the point of view of testing hypotheses regarding differences in policy of influence. Through Stalin's seventieth birthday, December 21,1949, however, a rare opportunity for comparative analysis did occur.
Surgical Management of Recurrent Tumor in the Neck

supere cial tumors, the majority of head and neck primary tumors are treated with due consideration given to the management of the neck. The elective treatment of the neck varies between elective nodal dissection (selective nodal dissection) and elective irradiation. The decision regarding elective treatment of the neck depends upon the treatment of the primary tumor. If the primary tumor is to be treated with external radiation therapy, then the nodal sites at high risk are generally included in the radiation therapy. However, if the patient is to be treated surgically for the primary tumor, an elective selective neck node dissection is generally performed. The most common elective nodal dissection is a supraomohyoid neck dissection performed for tumors of the oral cavity and oropharynx. There is an extremely high incidence of metastatic disease in patients with cancer of the
A Ka-band 3-bit RF MEMS true-time-delay network

A monolithic Ka-band true-time-delay (TTD) switched-line network containing 12 metal-to-metal contact RF microelectromechanical system switches has been successfully fabricated and characterized on a 75-/spl mu/m-thick GaAs substrate. The compact 9.1-mm/sup 2/ TTD network was designed to produce flat delay time over a dc-to-40-GHz bandwidth with full 360/spl deg/ phase control at 45/spl deg/ intervals at 35 GHz. Measurements show a match to within 2% to the designed delay times at 35 GHz for all eight switch states with 2.2-dB average insertion loss over all states. Peak rms phase error is 2.28/spl deg/ and peak rms amplitude error is 0.28 dB from dc to 40 GHz. Return loss better than 15 dB from dc to 40 GHz for all eight states confirms the circuit's broad-band operation.
Metamodeling: Some Additional Examples

This chapter examines two systems and builds simulation models and metamodels for them in much the same way as was done in Chapter 4 for the M/M/s queuing system. In both cases, the metamodels produced are intuitively reasonable and also pass tests of validity. They are simpler and less costly to use than the simulation model and serve as auxiliary models to the simulation model, especially with regard to achieving an understanding of how the simulated variables work together.
The Design and Testing of a Self-Actuated Shut down System for the Protection of Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactors (LMFBRS)

Most nuclear reactors are shut down automatically upon the receipt of an external electrical signal which actuates the shutdown device. The design and testing of a simple and reliable Self-Actuated Shutdown System (SASS) for the protection of Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactors (LMFBRs) is described here. Self-actuation refers to the capability of the system to be triggered by abnormal changes in reactor variables at the location of the device which can be in the reactor core itself. A ferromagnetic Curie temperature permanent magnet holding device has been selected for the design of the Self-Actuated Shutdown System in order to enhance the safety of liquid metal cooled fast reactors (LMFBRs). The self-actuated, self-contained device operates such that accident conditions, resulting in increased coolant temperature or neutron flux reduce the magnetic holding force suspending a neutron absorber above the core by raising the temperature of the trigger mechanism above the Curie point. Neutron absorber material is then inserted into the core, under gravity, terminating the accident. Two possible design variations of the selected concept are presented. The proposed designs derive the magnetic holding force from an Alnico V permanent magnet which drives the magnetic holding flux through the parting plane of a carbon steel magnetic circuit. Magnetic and thermal-hydraulic analyses have been performed which show the feasibility of the concept with respect to response time, holding force, and coolability. A series of experiments have been performed which demonstrate proof of principle of the selected Curie point magnetic hold device.
The Turnaround School Library Program

For many students, particularly for those who are at-risk for school failure, an emphasis on instructional strategies without including the resiliency-building factors will not increase academic achievement. Students thrive academically when instructional practices are effective and the environment in which they learn is nurturing and supporting. The “turnaround” school library integrates effective instruction into a supportive, nurturing environment. This chapter provides a framework for creating a “turnaround” school library program to increase the academic success of students who are at-risk for failure. Through nurturing, mentoring and development of individual strengths, the “turnaround” school library program and the media specialist can provide powerful supports for students at-risk for school failure. The chapter begins with a discussion of the factors that predict who is at risk for school failure. The research findings which validate a positive correlation between school library programs and student achievement are summarized, as is the research on resiliency. Principles and practices of a school library program that turns students who are a failing into successes are provided Evidence-based principles and strategies for increasing students’ resiliency and competence are described. Media specialists are provided with the principles and a set of strategies for creating a “turnaround” school library program.
A rate control framework for supporting multiple classes of traffic in sensor networks

Wireless sensor network applications typically integrate, within the same network, a variety of sensing devices including those for imaging, sound and temperature. In these settings, multiple flows of packets with different requirements in terms of transmission rates, bandwidth and jitter demands may be initiated towards the sink. Uncontrolled introduction of traffic from sources can cause network overload in areas of the network where the paths of the different flows interfere with each other. Such interference effects may result in congestion which leads to high packet loss and excessive delays. In this paper, we present CoBRA, a framework which incorporates distributed, cluster-based mechanisms to address the problem of congestion by enforcing rate control, for supporting multiple classes of traffic in sensor networks. Towards this goal, CoBRA periodically estimates the collective traffic load and, based on the current conditions, allocates and adjusts rates to sources on per-cluster bases. While doing so, CoBRA takes into consideration interference effects and rate requirements of concurrent flows. We have applied two different rate allocation policies using our framework and, through extensive simulation results we demonstrate its feasibility, effectiveness and performance advantages over traditional approaches