cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research on transformer health condition evaluation method based on clustering analysis and dynamic feature extraction

In order to realize the dynamic assessment and early warning of the transformer state, and gradually improve the intelligent level of equipment fault diagnosis, this paper proposes a transformer health condition evaluation method based on cluster analysis and dynamic feature extraction. Based on the data of key state quantity of dissolved gas in transformer oil, the health condition of transformer is divided into 3 kinds of characteristics: “health”, “sub-health” and “abnormality”. In this method, The Gaussian mixture model is used to analyze the fault case data of the transformer static feature extraction, by introducing time series parameters, the hidden Markov model is used to convert the extracted static features into dynamic features to complete the construction of the fault case database, and the dynamic assessment and short-term early warning of the transformer health status are realized through feature value matching. This method was used to verify the status assessment of transformer overheating faults, and the equipment health status assessment was carried out on 65 transformers in the medium and high temperature overheating case database and health equipment case database. The analysis results show that, under multiple cross-validation, the average prediction accuracy of the transformer's health status is above 95%, which has high engineering application value.
Research on the Correlation between the Moisture Content and Insulation Performance of XLPE Cables

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cables are widely used in urban distribution networks, but the inside structure of the cables tends to be damp after being mechanically damaged in the underground pipe corridors, resulting in deterioration of insulation performance and possible further accidents, which is not conducive to the safety and stability of the energy system. In this paper, the long-term damp process of the XLPE cables is simulated by manufacturing cable samples with different defects and placing them in a constant humidity environment. Then moisture content of the insulation layers and the insulation performance of these cables are tested to obtain the relationship between the insulation parameters and the damp extent. According to this relationship, the water content of the insulation layer in a XLPE cable can be evaluated through the detection of insulation characteristics, so as to measuring the dampness degree of the cable. This research can provide a reference for formulating the disposal methods of moist XLPE cables, and is beneficial to the operation and maintenance of the power distribution of the energy system.
Longitudinal study of glomerular hyperfiltration and normalization of estimated glomerular filtration in adults with sickle cell disease.

Glomerular hyperfiltration is common in sickle cell disease (SCD) and precedes proteinuria and declining kidney function. We evaluated hyperfiltration in SCD patients and its "normalization." Routine visit data were collected retrospectively from adult SCD patients in a single centre from 2004 to 2013. Baseline was defined as first available serum creatinine and hyperfiltration as estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) >130 ml/min/1·73 m2 for women and >140 ml/min/1·73 m2 for men. Normalization of hyperfiltration was eGFR reduction to 90-130 ml/min/1·73 m2 for women or 90-140 ml/min/1·73 m2 for men. Among 292 patients, median age was 27 years [interquartile range (IQR):20·0-38·0], and 56·8% had baseline hyperfiltration. Baseline hyperfiltration was inversely associated with age [odds ratio (OR):0·86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0·82-0·90; P < 0·0001], male sex (OR:0·16, 95% CI: 0·07-0·41; P = 0·0001), haemoglobin (OR:0·76, 95% CI 0·61-0·94; P = 0·01), weight (OR:0·96, 95% CI: 0·93-0·99; P = 0·004), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (ACE-I/ARB) use (OR:0·08, 95% CI: 0·01-0·75; P = 0·03), and positively with hydroxycarbamide use (OR:2·99, 95% CI: 1·18-7·56; P = 0·02). Of 89 hyperfiltration patients without baseline proteinuria, 10 (11·2%) developed new-onset proteinuria [median 1·05 years (IQR:0·63-2·09)]. Normalization of hyperfiltration was less likely with higher baseline eGFR [hazard ratio (HR):0·90, 95% CI: 0·86-0·95; P < 0·0001] and more likely in males (HR:6·35, 95% CI:2·71-14·86, <0·0001). Hyperfiltration is common in adult SCD patients, particularly when younger. Decline to normal values is more likely in males, possibly representing kidney function loss rather than improvement in hyperfiltration.
Chapter 2 Wide Graded Potential Wells

Publisher Summary Wide graded potential wells offer a means to extend the study of high-quality electron gases to new geometries with broader spatial extents than had previously been possible. The chapter discusses that growth is a substantially important issue in the formation of compositionally graded structures. Since the local effective positive background charge of a bare graded well is proportional to the local second derivative of the composition profile, a uniform constant charge density profile requires a precisely controlled composition profile. Small ripples or flat spots in the profile are expected to give strongly non-uniform charge densities. Molecular beam epitaxy provides a precisely controlled growth technique suitable for producing these closely controlled composition profiles. The discussion on the approach to the three-dimensional electron gas in wide parabolic quantum wells is perhaps the most advanced and probably the most promising approach presently available to observe the range of phenomena that are expected for the ideal three-dimensional electron system. Applications of the wide parabolic quantum wells are still in their infancy. Since the materials form resonant structures in the submillimeter and far infrared frequency ranges, it seems probable that they will find applications in these areas.
THROMBIN RECEPTOR ACTIVATION INDUCES SECRETION AND NONAMYLOIDOGENIC PROCESSING OF AMYLOID BETA -PROTEIN PRECURSOR

The amyloid beta-protein (A beta) and protease nexin-2/amyloid beta-protein precursor (PN-2/A beta PP) are major constituents of senile plaques and cerebrovascular deposits in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. It has been suggested that the coagulation protease thrombin may process A beta PP in a manner leading to the formation of A beta. Here we investigated the effects of thrombin on the secretion and processing of PN-2/A beta PP and the production of A beta in a cellular system. Incubation of glioblastoma cells with thrombin (1-5 nM) resulted in the accumulation of abnormally processed, carboxyl-terminal-truncated forms of secreted PN-2/A beta PP (approximately 85 kDa) in the culture medium. Higher concentrations of thrombin (> 10 nM) also increased the levels of secreted PN-2/A beta PP in cultured untransfected glioblastoma cells and glioblastoma cells that were stably transfected to overproduce the 695 isoform of A beta PP. Increased secretion of PN-2/A beta PP required the proteolytic activity of thrombin, was induced by activation of the thrombin receptor by agonist peptides, and required activation of protein kinase C. Incubation of the untransfected and transfected glioblastoma cells with thrombin led to decreased levels of soluble A beta in the culture medium consistent with previously suggested mechanisms regarding the secretion of PN-2/A beta PP. Although the present studies suggest that thrombin does not directly contribute to A beta formation, its proteolysis of secreted PN-2/A beta PP may disrupt regions near the carboxyl terminus of the secreted proteins that account for their neuroprotective and cell adhesive properties.
Statistical Analysis of Sensitive Topics in Group and Individual Interviews

The relative strengths of focus groups and individualinterviews have been more the subject of speculationthan systematic research. This study statisticallytests the notion that participants in focus groups andindividual interviews equally raise sensitive topicsfor discussion. Ninety-seven year-round residents fromthe Chelem Lagoon region in Yucatan, Mexicoparticipated in 1 of 12 focus groups or 19 individualin-depth interviews. A professional moderator usingthe same discussion guide concerning the sharedmangrove ecosystem conducted the sessions. The 31sessions resulted in more than 500 pages oftranscripts which were systematically and iterativelycoded using a grounded theory approach. The codedqualitative data were transformed into summaryvariables that allowed for statistical analysis andtesting of the research hypothesis. The studyillustrates that the individual interviews were 18times more likely to raise socially sensitivediscussion topics than the focus groups. Additionally,the study found the two qualitative methods to revealcomplementary, not substitute, sets of information.
The service quality improvement strategy

The quality improvement strategy (QIS) helps managers decide where changes in an organization′s services will improve its competitiveness. The QIS measures customer perceptions of the organization′s services relative to its competitors′ offerings (competitiveness) and relative to what its offerings ought to be (satisfaction). The QIS logic uses the intersection of competitiveness and satisfaction data for each service to identify and prioritize improvements that will result in a competitive advantage.
Vascular Calcification and Stone Disease: A New Look towards the Mechanism

Calcium phosphate (CaP) crystals are formed in pathological calcification as well as during stone formation. Although there are several theories as to how these crystals can develop through the combined interactions of biochemical and biophysical factors, the exact mechanism of such mineralization is largely unknown. Based on the published scientific literature, we found that common factors can link the initial stages of stone formation and calcification in anatomically distal tissues and organs. For example, changes to the spatiotemporal conditions of the fluid flow in tubular structures may provide initial condition(s) for CaP crystal generation needed for stone formation. Additionally, recent evidence has provided a meaningful association between the active participation of proteins and transcription factors found in the bone forming (ossification) mechanism that are also involved in the early stages of kidney stone formation and arterial calcification. Our review will focus on three topics of discussion (physiological influences-calcium and phosphate concentration-and similarities to ossification, or bone formation) that may elucidate some commonality in the mechanisms of stone formation and calcification, and pave the way towards opening new avenues for further research.
Coastal and Submesoscale Process Studies for ASIRI

Abstract : Our over-arching objective is to gain an understanding of upper ocean processes and air-sea interaction in the Bay of Bengal. This, in the long run, would contribute toward improving the intra-seasonal Monsoonal forecast in ocean-atmosphere coupled models. Several specific goals are listed below.1. To determine the upper ocean structure of temperature and salinity at different times of year, and to understand its relationship with air-sea fluxes of heat and moisture in the Bay of Bengal.2. To determine what processes control the surface temperature, the mixed layer depth, and the density stratificaiton in the Bay.3. To examine the influence of surface freshwater on the stratificaiton, submesoscale dynamics, and mixing.4. To examine the mechanisms by which the surface freshwater is dispersed.5. To determine how one-dimensional and three-dimensional mixing and advective processes in the upper ocean influence the upper ocean temperature and air-sea fluxes.6. Develop and foster collaboration with Indian scientists through ASIRI-OMM and offer training and educational opportunities as part of this collaboration.
EFFECT OF PROPRANOLOL ON THE END-SYSTOLIC PRESSURE DIAMETER RELATIONSHIP (ESPDR) IN PUPPIES

The ESPDR determined by pharmacologic changes in afterload has been used to assess left ventricular (LV) function in the intact animal. In order to avoid alteration of autonomic cardiac tone and thus, myocardial contractility induced by pharmacologic alterations of LV afterload, we used balloon occlusion of the inferior vena cava (IVC) to decrease LV preload and measure the ESPDR. Eight puppies 6-8 weeks old weighing 2.9±0.8 kg, were instrumented with a catheter in the descending aorta and a 1.5 cm balloon occlusion catheter in the IVC. LV end systolic diameter was measured with M-mode echo. Five-second occlusion of the IVC resulted in a fall of the end-systolic pressure from 93.9±8.0 mmHg to 63.7±10.7 mmHg, with no significant change in the heart rate (191±32, 193±35 BPM). The ESPDR was linear (r=0.96±0.01), with a slope (Ees) of 98.5±34.1 mmHg/cm and a diameter intercept -0.02±0.31 cm. Administration of propranolol (0.1 mg/kg) significantly decreased Ees (64.8±12.6, p < 0.05). In puppies, preload alteration by balloon occlusion yields ESPDR eliminating reflex changes in cardiac tone induced by pharmacologic manipulations of afterload. It demonstrates propranolol induced changes in contractility, and thus, beta-blockade should not be used routinely in assessing the ESPDR.
Characteristics of injecting point contacts on semiconductors—II: Under illumination

Abstract A new analysis is given of photoeffects at injecting point-contacts on semiconductor surfaces. I–V relationships, floating potentials and short-circuit currents are calculated as a function of barrier height, band gap, doping level and intensity of illumination. The results explain some hitherto unclear contact phenomena and lead to conclusions about their mechanism.
A retrospective review of 1349 cases of sebaceous carcinoma

BACKGROUD: Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare and aggressive cutaneous carcinoma. It is believed that this malignancy predominates in the periocular region and occurs more frequently in Asian populations and in women. The objective of the current study was to analyze demographic characteristics and outcomes for patients with this malignancy from a large United States-based population registry. METHODS: An analysis of the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 1973 through 2004 was performed. RESULTS: Of 1349 patients who were identified, 54% were men, 86.2% were white, and 5.5% were of Asian/Pacific Islander ancestry. The median age at diagnosis was 73 years. The most frequent site of disease was the eyelid (38.7%). The population-matched 5- and 10-year age-matched relative survival rate was 91.9% (standard error [SE], 1.9%) and 79.2% (SE, 3.7%), respectively. Cause of death was attributable to cancer in 31% of patients. Orbital involvement did not predict for worsened survival compared with nonorbital involvement (5-year overall survival, 75.2% vs 68%, respectively; P = .66). The overall population-matched rate of sebaceous carcinoma was highest in whites (2.03 cases per 1000,000; SE, 0.08) versus Asian/Pacific Islanders (1.07 per 1000,000; SE, 0.18; P = .0001) versus blacks (0.48 per 1000,000; SE, 0.11; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The current results support the finding of a predominance of men among patients with sebaceous carcinoma, and no difference was observed in the prognosis for orbital and periorbital involvement. This retrospective analysis also corroborated previous case reports of a higher incidence among patients with advanced age and the highest incidence for sites in the eyelid and skin of the face. The results also established that Asian/Pacific Islander ancestry is not a risk factor for developing sebaceous carcinoma. Cancer 2009. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Seizures after intracerebral hemorrhage; risk factor, recurrence, efficacy of antiepileptic drug

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to determine the risk factors for recurrent post stroke seizure (PSS) and the efficacy of anti-epileptic drugs (AED) in patients having intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) with initial seizure. Methods/subjects: A total of 1920 consecutive patients with ICH from 2004 to 2012 were investigated retrospectively. The relationships among the baseline clinical and radiological data, administration of AED, and incidence of initial and recurrent PSS were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Seizures occurred in 127 (6.6%) of the 1920 patients, displaying statistically significant relationships with cortical involvement of a cerebral lesion (P Conclusions: Larger volume of hematoma was predictive of recurrence of PSS. AED therapy had poor association with preventing the recurrence of PSS.
Fatigue crack propagation in structures with simulated rivet forces.

Fatigue crack propagation rate in sheet specimens under various loadings simulating rivet forces
Motor tests and cognition in healthy older adults.

The Finger Tapping Test (FTT) and Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT) are commonly used in neuropsychological assessments. The performance of healthy older adults on these tasks has not been well characterized in the existing literature. The present study examines FTT and GPT performance in a sample of 307 community-dwelling older individuals (ages 55–74) with no neurological or psychiatric history. Results: FTT performance was influenced by age, gender, and education, while GPT performance was influenced by age and gender. Findings are presented for both hands, as well as dominant-to-non-dominant hand ratio score, on each test. Correlations with other neuropsychological measures demonstrated that the GPT is more strongly correlated with measures of most domains (memory, processing speed, executive functioning, and spatial organization) than the FTT. Conclusions: While the FTT can be used to measure upper extremity motor ability, the GPT may be more strongly associated with general cognitive functioning in health...
Impurity band conduction in a high temperature ferromagnetic semiconductor.

The band structure of a prototypical dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS), Ga1� xMnxAs, is studied across the phase diagram via infrared and optical spectroscopy. We prove that the Fermi energy (EF) resides in a Mn-induced impurity band (IB). Specifically the changes in the frequency dependent optical conductivity [� 1� !� ] with carrier density are only consistent with EF lying in an IB. Furthermore, the large effective mass (m � ) of the carriers inferred from our analysis of � 1� !� supports this conclusion. Our findings demonstrate that the metal to insulator transition in this DMS is qualitatively different from other III-V semiconductors doped with nonmagnetic impurities. We also provide insights into the anomalous transport properties of Ga1� xMnxAs.
Studies on the cold-insoluble fraction of the water-extractable soybean proteins. II. Factors influencing conformation changes in the 11 S component.

Abstract Ultracentrifugal studies indicate that the 11 S globulin of soybeans is capable of undergoing conformation changes probably involving dissociation into subunits which appear to be one-half and approximately one-eighth the size of the 11 S molecule. These changes occur at low ionic strength at alkaline pH values, at moderate ionic strengths at acid pH values, in the presence of sodium octylbenzene sulfonate and in the presence of relatively low concentrations of urea. The conformation changes generated at low ionic strength and alkaline pH are reversible on increasing the ionic strength. Those generated by low concentrations of detergent are also reversible on removal of the detergent and an increase in the ionic strength at neutral pH. Conformation forms of the protein generated at acid pH, or at higher concentrations of detergent, while similar in sedimenting properties to those (above) exhibiting reversibility, are irreversible.
Overweight; its prognostic significance in relation to hypertension and cardiovascular-renal diseases.

The observation has been made repeatedly that in obese persons there is a relatively high incidence of hypertension and cardiovascular-renal diseases. The excessive mortality from these causes in the overweight group was long a matter of concern to life insurance companies, even before it was first adequately demonstrated in 1930 by Dublin. 1 Three years later Reed and Love 2 pointed out that obesity may precede the clinical signs of a circulatory or renal disorder. In reviewing the records of 5,021 army officers they found that those who were overweight after age 30 had a much greater expectancy of hypertension and cardiovascularrenal disease than those of average, or less than average, weight. They derived this fact from their data by noting, in retrospect, that the increase in weight often had occurred from ten to twenty years before the diagnosis became apparent. The present study was designed to determine the prognostic
The nature of the aldehyde binding site of rabbit muscle aldolase

Abstract The inactivation of rabbit muscle fructose 1,6-diphosphate aldolase by its aldehyde substrates, such as glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate or erythrose 4-phosphate, has now been shown to be due to a reaction with a specific thiol group at the active center. At room temperature and pH 7.5, with a 10-fold molar excess of erythrose 4-phosphate, loss of activity is nearly complete in 2 hr. During inactivation the loss of sulfhydryl groups is concomitant with the incorporation of erythrose 4-phosphate. In the inactivated enzyme approximately four thiol groups per mole are masked and nearly 4 equiv of radioactive erythrose 4-phosphate are incorporated. The radioactive product is stable to ammonium sulfate precipitation, but the bound radioactivity is progressively lost when the enzyme is denatured. The evidence suggests that inactivation is due to the formation of a hemithioacetal between the substrate aldehyde group and a specific cysteine residue.
An Autonomous Multi-Agent Simulation Model for Acute Inflammatory Response

This research proposes an agent-based simulation model combined with the strength of systemic dynamic mathematical model, providing a new modeling and simulation approach of the pathogenesis of AIR. AIR is the initial stage of a typical sepsis episode, often leading to severe sepsis or septic shocks. The process of AIR has been in the focal point affecting more than 750,000 patients annually in the United State alone. Based on the agent-based model presented herein, clinicians can predict the sepsis pathogenesis for patients using the prognostic indicators from the simulation results, planning the proper therapeutic interventions accordingly. Impressively, the modeling approach presented creates a friendly user-interface allowing physicians to visualize and capture the potential AIR progression patterns. Based on the computational studies, the simulated behavior of the agent-based model conforms to the mechanisms described by the system dynamics mathematical models established in previous research.
Face verification with aging using AdaBoost and local binary patterns

In this paper, we study the face verification task across age by constructing a simple but powerful representation of the face which uses Local Binary Pattern (LBP) histograms. The spatial information is incorporated by constructing a hierarchical representation of the face image and computing the LBP histogram at each level. A set of most discriminative LBP features of the face are extracted using the AdaBoost learning algorithm. A strong classifier is built using a set of weak classifiers extracted and is used for classification purposes. Several experiments on the FGnet and the MORPH database were performed and the results indicate a significant improvement in the performance when compared with other discriminative approaches. Performance improvement is achieved with smaller age gaps between image pairs and it stabilizes as the age gap increases. Also, the facial hair, glasses, etc. provide discriminative cues to the system in face verification.
Thoughts on a future equation-oriented flowsheeting system☆

Abstract This paper describes desirable attributes that should be present in commercially available equation-oriented flowsheeting systems developed in the future. Areas covered include user/program communication, modeling considerations for complex flowsheets and the solving of models.
PLATFORM FOR ADVANCED CONTROL APPLICATIONS

Abstract Control applications have many requirements not provided by commercial operating systems. This paper describes the characteristics and usage of an environment for hosting process-control applications, which is implemented on a commercial operating system. It is called Unified Real Time (URT) platform, and is intended for applications that are large or complex and that may involve dynamic configuration, flexible scheduling, complex organization, etc. This paper also demonstrates the structure of a typical Advanced Control Application (ACA) designed under URT.
Zirconium-Catalyzed Carboalumination of α-Olefins and Chain Growth of Aluminum Alkyls: Kinetics and Mechanism

A mechanism based on Michaelis-Menten kinetics with competitive inhibition is proposed for both the Zr-catalyzed carboalumination of α-olefins and the Zr-catalyzed chain growth of aluminum alkyls from ethylene. AlMe(3) binds to the active catalyst in a rapidly maintained equilibrium to form a Zr/Al heterobimetallic, which inhibits polymerization and transfers chains from Zr to Al. The kinetics of both carboalumination and chain growth have been studied when catalyzed by [(EBI)Zr(μ-Me)(2)AlMe(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)]. In accord with the proposed mechanism, both reactions are first-order in [olefin] and [catalyst] and inverse first-order in [AlR(3)]. The position of the equilibria between various Zr/Al heterobimetallics and the corresponding zirconium methyl cations has been quantified by use of a Dixon plot, yielding K = 1.1(3) × 10(-4) M, 4.7(5) × 10(-4) M, and 7.6(7) × 10(-4) M at 40 °C in benzene for the catalyst species [rac-(EBI)Zr(μ-Me)(2)AlMe(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)], [Cp(2)Zr(μ-Me)(2)AlMe(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)], and [Me(2)C(Cp)(2)Zr(μ-Me)(2)AlMe(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] respectively. These equilibrium constants are consistent with the solution behavior observed for the [Cp(2)Zr(μ-Me)(2)AlMe(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] system, where all relevant species are observable by (1)H NMR. Alternative mechanisms for the Zr-catalyzed carboalumination of olefins involving singly bridged Zr/Al adducts have been discounted on the basis of kinetics and/or (1)H NMR EXSY experiments.
Towards a feminist political geography

The next challenge for the subdiscipline (of political geography) is to incorporate new politicizations of human geography through… feminist geography (the politics of ‘public’ and ‘private’) (1994: p. 450). (T)he subdiscipline has still yet to meet the challenge of feminist geography whose concerns for power in place and space from a gender perspective have only appeared intermittently in contemporary political geography. The study of place/space tensions may be one way of integrating feminist geographical concerns into political geography (2000: p. 597). These quotes are the closing words in the ‘political geography’ entry in the third and fourth editions of The Dictionary of Human Geography . The 1994 entry basically represents feminist geography as the politics of the ‘public–private’ divide; while the 2000 entry broadens the scope (and possibly the geographic scale?) of the feminist challenge, framing it in terms of power and space—a central concern of political geography. (Notably, feminist geography is not even mentioned in the ‘political geography’ entry in the first two editions.) I want to think about a feminist political geography that takes formulations of the politics of ‘public’ and ‘private’, power, space, and scale seriously as one way of engaging part of Kevin Cox and Murray Low’s charge: “attempt to situate issues about what counts as ‘political’ subject matter in political geography in a broader field of geographic and social science concern, and in relation to ‘current affairs.’ Panelists will explore these questions of subdisciplinary approach, identity, and focus in relation to an array of topical areas in political geography which form actual or potential sites for exchange between subdisciplines and with other disciplines.”
Deposition in upper Patuxent estuary, Maryland, 1968-1969

Abstract Urbanization leads to increased runoff and sediment discharge during construction as shown in a year-long study of the Patuxent River drainage basin during a period of intense development for housing. Although precipitation was only 80% of previous years, water discharge to the estuary was 2.4 times the average. A net upstream flux of suspended sediment indicated that all fluvial suspended sediment was deposited in the upper reaches of the estuary. Two areas of net deposition were separated by a central turbidity maximum, which fluctuated in position over a 10-km distance in response to high or “average” river discharge. During low river discharge, two turbidity maxima were observed; one, corresponding with the salt front; and the other, with a downstream constriction in the estuary channel. The average rate of deposition in the upper 50 km of the estuary was calculated to be 7.45 g cm−2 year−1. If approximately 20% of the riverborne sediment was deposited between the tidal limit and the average position of the salt front, then 5.88 g/cm2 were deposited during the study period, forming a layer with an average thickness of 3.7 cm.
Initiation of SV40 DNA replication after microinjection into Xenopus eggs

We have examined the capacity of Xenopus laevis eggs to support replication of microinjected SV40 DNA. As previously reported, microinjected DNA undergoes semi-conservative replication. Unlabeled SV40 DNA was microinjected with [3H]dTTP and, after a 3 h incubation period, the DNA was recovered and adsorbed to BND-cellulose. Elution with an NaCl gradient removes molecules that are entirely double-stranded but not those with single-stranded regions. The latter DNA population is eluted with caffeine. The radioactive DNA that eluted with NaCl was comprised mostly of supercoiled and open circular SV40 DNAs. The radioactive DNA eluted with caffeine was comprised mainly of endogenous DNA but also contained replicative forms of SV40 DNA. Analysis of SV40 DNA replication intermediates by electron microscopy revealed mainly Cairn's forms of varying degrees of maturation. Digestion with BamH1, which cleaves SV40 DNA almost opposite the normal viral replication origin, indicated that SV40 DNA microinjected into frog eggs does not initiate DNA synthesis at its normal initiation site nor at any other obvious preferred site. Rather, it appears that when this template is injected into activated Xenopus eggs, replication may initiate at random.
Gender and the practice of HRM in small business

The small business sector is an important employer of labour in the Australian economy, yet there is currently little known about how human resource management (HRM) is practised in this sector. In this paper we explore HRM in small businesses in Australia with particular attention to the influence of the owner-manager's gender on HR practices. Our findings suggest that HRM as practised in small business in Australia tends to be informal, with little documentation and with a flexible definition of roles. It seems that there are more similarities than differences between how male and female owner-managers practise HRM and that where differences do exist, these may relate to the industry sectors in which women and men owner-managers operate.
Evolution of Clustering and Bias in a Lambda-CDM Universe

We determine the evolution from $z=3\to 0$ of the galaxy and mass correlation functions and bias factor in a $50h^{-1}$Mpc $\Lambda$CDM hydrodynamic simulation with $10h^{-1}$kpc resolution. The mass correlation function grows with time, but the galaxy correlation function shows little evolution and is well described by a power law. At early times, galaxies are biased traces of mass, with bias being higher on smaller scales. By z=0, galaxies trace the mass, and the bias shows little scale dependence.
Toward the mitigation of spurious cloud-edge supersaturation in cloud models

Abstract This paper presents a straightforward approach to mitigate the problem of spurious cloud-edge supersaturation in high-spatial-resolution cloud models (e.g., moist large-eddy simulation models). The central idea, following a 1989 J. Atmos. Sci. paper by Grabowski, is that supersaturation predicted by the supersaturation equation should be used to adjust the temperature and moisture solutions, rather than the other way around as in the standard approach in cloud modeling, where the temperature and moisture solutions are used to diagnose the supersaturation. Details of the adjustment scheme are discussed and illustrated through simple one-dimensional tests applying a two-moment warm-rain microphysics scheme that predicts the in-cloud supersaturation. Extension of this approach to bin microphysics models is also outlined.
Between Addition and Difference: A Place for Religious Understanding in a World of Science

Among contemporary religious believers, some follow in the footsteps of Newton, allowing their religious understanding to fill in gaps left by the sciences. Others take a more Wittgensteinian approach, discretely separating religious from scientific ways of thinking. Because neither of these relatively irenic positions captures the important element of cultural reform that is prevalent in so much of the religious life of the past, George Lakoff's recent work in cognitive studies is used to suggest ways that religious ideas may be used to challenge and enrich scientific thought. A scrutiny of Richard Dawkins's biological analyses of human behavior reveals the distorting limitations of exclusively scientific understanding, thereby clearing conceptual space for genuinely religious values, actions, responsibilities, and forms of human life.
Adding decision models to systematic reviews: informing a framework for deciding when and how to do so.

Objective Decision models are sometimes used alongside systematic reviews to synthesize evidence. Clarity, however, is lacking about when and how to conduct modeling studies in tandem with systematic reviews, as well as about how to evaluate and present model results. The objective of this study was to collect and analyze information from various sources to inform the development of a framework for deciding when and how a decision model should be added to a systematic review. Methods We collected data through 1) review and analysis of evidence reports that used decision models; 2) review and synthesis of current best practices for the development of decision models; 3) interviews of Evidence-Based Practice Center directors and selected staff, United States Preventive Services Task Force members, and decision modelers who developed models used by the United States Preventive Services Task Force; and 4) a focus group of expert modelers. Results Models are well suited to address gaps in the literature, better suited for certain types of research questions, and essential for determining the value of information relating to future research. Opinions differ regarding whether model outputs constitute evidence, but interviewees expressed concern over the lack of standards and directions in grading and reporting such "evidence." Interviews of stakeholders and modelers revealed the importance of communication and presentation of model results as well as the importance of model literacy and involvement of stakeholders. Conclusions The study demonstrates the need for a framework for deciding when and how to use models alongside systematic reviews and provides information to develop such a framework.
Potential anti-infective o-catechol derivatives isolated from Guardiola platyphylla

Abstract Eight potential anti-infective agents were isolated from Guardiola platyphylla. Two of these catechols obtained as a mixture were identified as (1S,4S)-7,8-dihydroxy-11,12-dehydrocalamenene and (1S,4R)-7,8-dihydroxy-11,12-dehydrocalamenene, active in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans at 100μg ml−1. Fractions containing dimeric catechols exhibited the same activity. Due to their instability, the latter were isolated as their acetates. (1S,4S)-7,8-dihydroxy-11,12-dehydrocalamenene and (1S,4R)-7,8-dihydroxy-11,12-dehydrocalamenene were converted into dimers via oxidation to o-quinones and warming at 60°.
Can you hear me now?: mitigating the echo chamber effect by source position indicators

We examined how a source position indicator showing both valences (pro/con) and magnitudes (moderate/extreme) of positions on controversial topics influenced users' selection and reception of diverse opinions in online discussions. Results showed that the indicator had differential impact on participants who had varied levels of accuracy motives -- i.e., motivation to accurately learn about the topic, by leading to greater exposure to attitude-challenging information for participants with higher accuracy motives. Further analysis revealed that it was mainly caused by the fact that the presence of position indicator increased the selection of moderately inconsistent sources for participants with high accuracy motives but decreased the selection of them for participants with low accuracy motives. The indicator also helped participants differentiate between sources with moderate and extreme positions, and increased their tendency to agree with attitude-challenging information from sources with moderately inconsistent positions. Participants with high accuracy motives were also found to learn significantly more about the arguments put forward by the opposite side with the help of the position indicator. We discussed the implications of the results for the nature of the echo chamber effect, as well as for designing information systems that encourage seeking of diverse information and common ground seeking.
Time-course analysis of peroxinectin mRNA in the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei after challenge with Vibrio campbellii

Peroxinectin (Pox), which promotes cell adhesion and encapsulation of bacteria in crustaceans, is synthesized in granular and semigranular hemocytes. In this study, real-time PCR was used to quantify Pox transcripts in individual tissues of the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, over 48 h following injection of a sublethal dose of the shrimp pathogen Vibrio campbellii. The resulting data were used to infer the movements of hemocytes among the tissues in response to bacterial challenge. Over all times and treatments, Pox transcripts (ng total RNA)(-1) varied by orders of magnitude among individual tissues, such that circulating hemocytes >> gills >> heart lymphoid organ hepatopancreas approximately muscle. Relatively low constitutive expression of Pox in the lymphoid organ compared to circulating hemocytes, gills, and heart supports a primary role for this organ in bacteriostasis and degradation, rather than encapsulation of invasive bacteria. Numbers of Pox transcripts increased significantly at the injection site within 4 h and remained significantly elevated for 48 h, consistent with a rapid and sustained recruitment of hemocytes to the site of injection. Transcripts increased significantly in the gill but not in other tissues over the time-course of this experiment. These expression data reinforce the role of the gill in trapping and encapsulating invasive bacteria as a primary strategic focus during the early phase of the crustacean immune response and, by comparison with earlier studies of lysozyme expression in the same tissues, suggest differential roles for various tissues in a successful immune response.
N-Hydroxy-2-fluorenylbenzamide, an Aryl-hydroxamic Acid with High Carcinogenic Activity

FOR investigations of the mechanism of action of carcinogenic arylhydroxamic acids we have prepared the new hydroxamic acid, N-hydroxy-2-fluorenylbenzamide (N-OH-2-BAF) (Ia), an analogue of the carcinogen, N-hydroxy-2-fluorenylacetamide (N-OH-2-AAF) (Ib). We have tested this compound for its carcinogenicity and found it to be an extremely active agent. We wish to report here the results of tests in which the carcinogenic activities of N-OH-2-BAF, of its parent amide, N-2-fluorenylbenzamide (BAF) (II), and of N-OH-2-AAF (ref. 1) for the young female Holtzman rat have been compared.
Psychotic vs. Nonpsychotic Depression in Older Patients

The authors analyzed data from 42 inpatients age 55 or older with major depression. Ten patients had psychotic depression, and 32 had nonpsychotic depression. There were no significant differences between the two groups in mean age at onset of depression, proportion of patients with previous episodes of depression, frequency of suicidal ideation, or number of family members with serious psychiatric illnesses. Patients with psychotic depression had greater severity of depression and more severe overall psychopathology at admission than the nonpsychotic group. Neuroleptics were used in a majority of the psychotic patients but in none of the nonpsychotic patients, whereas antidepressant use was similar. By the time of discharge, the two groups did not differ in severity of symptoms.
Evaluation of the lower motor neuron integrity of upper extremity muscles in high level spinal cord injury.

Evaluation of the lower motor neuron integrity of upper extremity muscles in high level spinal cord injury
Evaluation of ballistic events using a moire fringe image processing methodology

This paper describes a Moire fringe based image analysis system that was developed to determine the out-of-plane deformation of target plates impacted by high velocity projectiles. Due to the highly dynamic conditions that occur as the results of these impacts, such data are very difficult to acquire and analyze. Nevertheless, they are essential for the evaluation of armor materials designed to minimize behind- armor debris, and to study the fracture effects of very strong yet brittle advanced armor materials. Additionally, the data sought is required for fundamental verification of computational material models meant to simulate failure in ballistic experiments. The major goal for developing such a system was therefore to image and analyze the three- dimensional high-speed deformation, fracturing, and propagation of fractures that leads to the onset of fragmentation of targets during impact. The specific image processing methodologies discussed include noise reduction, automated and assisted Moire fringe finding, and the remapping of two-dimensional fringe patterns into three-dimensionally distorted surfaces. Results of applying the image processing system are also provided and methods for increasing system robustness in the presence of higher levels of noise are also discussed.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Automated Lung Segmentation and Image Quality Assessment for Clinical 3-D/4-D-Computed Tomography

4-D-computed tomography (4DCT) provides not only a new dimension of patient-specific information for radiation therapy planning and treatment, but also a challenging scale of data volume to process and analyze. Manual analysis using existing 3-D tools is unable to keep up with vastly increased 4-D data volume, automated processing and analysis are thus needed to process 4DCT data effectively and efficiently. In this paper, we applied ideas and algorithms from image/signal processing, computer vision, and machine learning to 4DCT lung data so that lungs can be reliably segmented in a fully automated manner, lung features can be visualized and measured on the fly via user interactions, and data quality classifications can be computed in a robust manner. Comparisons of our results with an established treatment planning system and calculation by experts demonstrated negligible discrepancies (within ±2%) for volume assessment but one to two orders of magnitude performance enhancement. An empirical Fourier-analysis-based quality measure-delivered performances closely emulating human experts. Three machine learners are inspected to justify the viability of machine learning techniques used to robustly identify data quality of 4DCT images in the scalable manner. The resultant system provides a toolkit that speeds up 4-D tasks in the clinic and facilitates clinical research to improve current clinical practice.
A nanomechanical device based on linear molecular motors

An array of microcantilever beams, coated with a self-assembled monolayer of bistable, redox-controllable [3]rotaxane molecules, undergoes controllable and reversible bending when it is exposed to chemical oxidants and reductants. Conversely, beams that are coated with a redox-active but mechanically inert control compound do not display the same bending. A series of control experiments and rational assessments preclude the influence of heat, photothermal effects, and pH variation as potential mechanisms of beam bending. Along with a simple calculation from a force balance diagram, these observations support the hypothesis that the cumulative nanoscale movements within surface-bound “molecular muscles” can be harnessed to perform larger-scale mechanical work.
Neolithic urban primacy: the case against the invention of agriculture.

Abstract It is proposed that sowing seed preceded agriculture by many millenia and that the invention of sowing is independent of the Neolithic Revolution. The advantages of using permanent seed stores as the source of seed grain is much more difficult to perceive and it is upon this accident that full-scale agriculture waited. Jacobs' (1969) model of cities before agriculture is the explanation of permanent seed bins for purely economic reasons. It is the role of bin permanence in switching the selective mechanism towards cultivars that explains the precipitous events c . 8000 B.C. Once cultivars are developed, true large-scale agriculture becomes an obvious advantage but not until the cultivars are there. Jacobs' model seeks to put hunters and traders into a positive loop that alone produces the city. This could not be so for there is not enough food at appropriate points in the model; but if casual sowing can be invoked as a long-standing precursor, then the extra forcing function allows the vital transition to genetic continuity in the harvested grain.
Evaluation of the Adult Strabismus-20 (AS-20) questionnaire using Rasch analysis.

Purpose To further refine the Adult Strabismus 20 (AS-20) health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaire using Rasch analysis. Methods Rasch analysis was performed independently on the original AS-20 using the following steps: dimensionality, response ordering, local dependence, infit and outfit analyses, differential item functioning, subject targeting, and confirmatory dimensionality. Results Two subscales were present in each of the original AS-20 subscales, for a total of 4 subscales, which were labeled "self-perception," "interaction," "reading function," and "general function." Response ordering was appropriate for 3 of the subscales but required reduction to 4 response options for the fourth subscale. No notable local dependence was found for any subscale. As a result of fit analysis, 2 items were removed, 1 each from 2 subscales. No significant differential item functioning was seen for sex or age. The resulting 5-item self-perception subscale and 4-item reading function subscale are reliable and target the adult strabismus patient cohort appropriately. The resulting 5-item interaction subscale and 4-item general function subscale have less than optimal reliability. Conclusions The AS-20 benefits from reduction to 4 subscales (self-perception, interaction, reading function, and general function) and reducing the response options in the general function subscale from 5 to 4 options. The refined AS-20 may prove to be even more responsive to HRQOL changes in adult strabismus following treatment or changes over time.