cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Canine progenitor epidermal keratinocytes express various inflammatory markers, including interleukin-8 and CD40, which are affected by certain antibiotics.

Background Bacterial skin infections are common in dogs and humans. Keratinocytes have phenotypic features of nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells and express various cytokines. However, little is known about the effects of antibiotics on inflammatory markers in canine keratinocytes. Hypothesis/objectives To investigate inflammatory markers in canine progenitor epidermal keratinocytes (CPEKs) and to determine the effects of selected antibiotics on these markers. Methods The CPEKs were exposed for 2-24 h to three concentrations of amoxicillin, cefalexin, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethoxazole (or its nitroso metabolite), amikacin or enrofloxacin. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunocytochemistry were used to detect major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II. CD40 and CXCR1 [interleukin (IL)-8 receptor] were detected using ELISA. Secreted cytokines/chemokines were quantified using a multiplex kit. Results No MHC II protein was detected. CD40 protein was found at 24 h, with levels being significantly increased by enrofloxacin. The CPEKs secreted no detectable monocyte chemotactic protein-1; undetectable to low (picogram per millilitre range) concentrations of IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15, tumour necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor; and high (nanogram per millilitre range) concentrations of IL-8. Levels of IL-8 increased over 24 h following cell proliferation. They were significantly increased by enrofloxacin after 8 h, and by cefalexin, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethoxazole, its nitroso metabolite and enrofloxacin after 24 h. The CPEKs expressed CXCR1. Conclusions and clinical importance Canine progenitor epidermal keratinocytes express various inflammatory proteins, with expression profiles being affected by certain antibiotics. This supports previous work showing keratinocytes to be mediators of inflammation and demonstrates the potential pro-inflammatory effects of certain antibiotics in the skin.
Oil For the Lamps of China: Alice Tisdale Hobart’s Dark Novel of American Capitalism and Chinese Revolution

Among American works of fiction about China before World War II, Alice Tisdale Hobart’s Oil for the Lamps of China (1933) was second only to Pearl S. Buck’s The Good Earth (1931) in influence and sales. Hobart’s novel, evidently set during the Northern Expedition of 1926-28, also inspired a Warner Brothers film by the same name in 1935. Unlike the film, Hobart’s novel did not give a boosterish picture of American capitalism. In portraying the leading character, Steven Chase, a field agent for an American oil firm in China, Hobart drew on the experience of her husband, a field agent for Standard Oil Company. Her husband, like Chase, was callously fired after loyally serving the company and adapting to Chinese culture and protecting company property from anti-imperialist mobs. The novel is memorable for its vivid characterizations of Americans and Chinese working for an American corporation in China and for its dark view of American capitalism and Chinese revolution.
Glia got rhythm.

Whether CNS glial cells play an important role in the regulation of complex behaviors has been a longstanding question. In this issue of Neuron , Suh and Jackson demonstrate a circadian rhythmicity in glial expression of ebony , an N-β-alanyl-biogenic amine synthase, and show that Ebony activity in glia is essential for the proper regulation of Drosophila circadian behavior.
Fine Sediment Effects on Brook Trout Eggs in Laboratory Streams

Abstract This study was designed to determine effects of different fine sediments (0.43–0.85 mm in diameter) on survival of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) eggs during early developmental stages under laboratory conditions. Intragravel permeability and dissolved oxygen declined with increasing fine sediment amounts. Survival at each developmental stage generally declined with increasing fine sediment amounts, although not significantly for all stages. Differences in survival to emergence were not significant due to a large amount of variation in survival estimates. Survival of eggs and alevins declined linearly through time for all fine sediment treatments. In general, fry weight declined as the amount of fine sediment increased but fry length changed little. Our results indicate that increased levels of fine sediment may reduce survival of brook trout through early development.
ALTERNATIVE ESTIMATORS AND UNIT ROOT TESTS FOR THE AUTOREGRESSIVE PROCESS

Abstract. We compare several estimators for the second-order autoregressive process and compare the associated tests for a unit root. Monte Carlo results are reported for the ordinary least squares estimator, the simple symmetric least squares estimator and the weighted symmetric least squares estimator. The weighted symmetric least squares estimator of the autoregressive parameters generally has smaller mean square error than that of the ordinary least squares estimator, particularly when one root is close to one in absolute value. For the second-order model with known zero intercept, the one-sided ordinary least squares test for a unit root is more powerful than the symmetric tests. For the model with an estimated intercept, the one-sided weighted symmetric least squares test is the most powerful test.
Electrospray LC-MS/MS quantitation, stability, and preliminary pharmacokinetics of bradykinin antagonist polypeptide B201 (NSC 710295) in the mouse.

Abstract B201 (NSC 710295), [SUIM-(Darg-Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Igl-Ser-Digl-Oic-Arg) 2 ], a third generation of bradykinin (BK) antagonist, has been found to possess high potency. We report the development of a highly sensitive electrospray LC–MS/MS assay method for the analysis of B201 in plasma for the first time, using an ion-trap mass spectrometer. Human or mouse plasma (0.2 ml) was spiked with B201 and the internal standard, substance P. The compounds were extracted with a preconditioned C-18 reversed-phase column and analyzed by LC–MS/MS. The analytes were separated on a 50×2 mm (i.d.) BetaBasic C8 column, using a gradient elution. The positive ion selected reaction monitor mode was used monitoring the transitions of ions at m / z 938.9 3+ →816.0 2+ for B201 and 674.3 2+ →665.7 2+ for substance P. Assay validation was performed, and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) for B201 was found to be 1 ng/ml for human plasma and 2.5 ng/ml for mouse plasma. The recovery was 78% for B201 and 88% for substance P. The assay was linear from 2.5 to 1500 ng/ml for mouse plasma monitored. Using a 0.2 ml plasma, the within-day CVs were 9.3% at 2.5 ng/ml, 6.5% at 100 ng/ml, and 3.8% at 1000 ng/ml for human plasma ( n =6). For mouse plasma, the respective within-day CVs were 17.6, 9.6, and 6.2% ( n =6). The between-day CVs for human plasma were 8.2, 10.9, and 2.4%, respectively, ( n =3) and the respective values for mouse plasma were 11.9, 8.6 and 6.5% ( n =6). Pharmacokinetics of B201 in the mouse was studied following i.v. administration at 5 mg/kg and found to conform to a two-compartment model with an initial half-life of 14 min and a terminal half-life of 44 h. Plasma B201 peak level was detected at μg/ml range and the levels were detectable for a least 24 h. Preliminary oral bioavailability was found to be about 1%. This method demonstrates that an ion trap mass spectrometer can be a powerful tool to quantify large peptides at low nanogram per mililiter with a non-isotopically labeled internal standard.
Phase holdup, liquid dispersion, and gas-to-liquid mass transfer measurements in a three-phase magnetofluidized bed

Abstract The gas holdup, e g , liquid-phase axial dispersion coefficient, D ax , and volumetric gas-to-liquid mass transfer coefficient, k l a , have been measured for a three-phase magneto-fluidized bed (MFB) as a function of gas superficial velocity, liquid superficial velocity, and magnetic field strength. The solid phase consisted of 4 mm diameter calcium alginate spheres within which magnetite powder was entrapped. The liquid and gas phases were water and air, respectively. An axial, direct-current magnetic field having a magnitude between 0 and 300 G was applied by an external solenoid. Six different bed operating regimes were distinguished by visual inspection. Local values of e g were measured using a fiber-optic probe, and the average values of e g were measured using the valve technique. Average e g values decreased by as much as 20% with increasing field strength due to bed contraction and the formation of preferred channels. Local e g measurements correlated well with average measurements at low field strengths but became erratic at high field strengths due to bubble channeling. The liquid-phase axial dispersion coefficient was measured using a salt tracer. A fourfold decrease in D ax was observed in the channel regime. The volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient ( k l a ) was determined from measurements of the steady-state oxygen profile across the reactor. A 30% increase in k l a was observed in the chain-channel regime. The experimental results for the MFB were compared to published correlations for conventional fluidized bed systems.
Amino acid transport from aqueous solutions by a perfluorosulfonic acid membrane

Abstract Perfluorosulfonated ionomeric membranes, such as Nafion 117, support permeation of amino acids in aqueous solutions. Flux through the sodium ion-substituted membrane is somewhat lower than that through the acid form. The transport is pH dependent, the fluxes are higher below the isoelectric pH for the H+-membrane but above the isoelectric pH for the Na-membrane. L-alanine transport was found to follow the Michaelis—Mententype saturation kinetics.
Convolution on locally compact spaces

In this paper a convolution similar to that defined by Ionescu TulceaSimon [3] is developed by means of an extension of the underlying convolution of functions to convolution of measures. The hypotheses under which the extension obtains are relatively weak and it is to be noted that associativity is not assumed (an elementary non-associative example is given in Section 2). Under various hypotheses additional to those assumed in Section 2 one may obtain (using other results in this paper) generalized translation operators in the sense of Levitan [4] and several Banach algebras. An interesting example where solutions to partial differential equations are used to generate the underlying convolution is given by Povzner [6]. The general thrust of this work is towards the spectral representation of certain families of operators. In particular a left-convolution (see [2]) is obtained in Section 4. This may be used in the construction of locally compact spaces on which the integrations are performed (see [3] p. 1765 and [5] p. 6). The remaining sections of this paper are as follows: Section 2. AnLl-type convolution, Section 3. Convolution of measures, Section 4. Translation of functions and measures, and Section 5. The compactness condition (iii) of Section 2. The main results are Theorems 1 and 2, and for applications, the corollaries of Theorem 2. The author gratefully acknowledges his indebtedness to C. Ionescu Tulcea for many fruitful discussions of material in this paper.
Proteinase activity in purified animal viruses

Summary Highly purified virions of influenza virus, vesicular stomatitis virus and mengovirus were found to contain proteinase activity that degrades viral proteins once the virions are disrupted by nonionic detergent or by heat shock. Prior treatment of purified intact virions with irreversible inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes did not retard autodigestion by subsequently disrupted virions.
Analysis of Natural Convection in the Space Between Concentric Vertical Cylinders of Different Height and Diameter

Numerical finite-difference solutions were carried out for natural convection in the enclosed space between two concentric vertical cylinders, with each cylinder being maintained at a different uni...
Augmented reality environment with virtual fixtures for robotic telemanipulation in space

This paper presents an augmented reality framework, implemented on the master console of a modified da Vinci® surgical robot, that enables the operator to design and implement assistive virtual fixtures during teleoperation. Our specific goal is to facilitate teleoperation with large time delays, such as the delay of several seconds that occurs with ground-based control of robotic systems in earth orbit. The virtual fixtures give immediate visual feedback and motion guidance to the operator, while the remote slave performs motions consistent with those constraints. This approach is suitable for tasks in unstructured environments, such as servicing of existing on-orbit spacecraft that were not designed for servicing. We conducted a pilot study by teleoperating a remote slave robot for a thermal barrier blanket cutting task using virtual fixtures with and without time delay. The results show that virtual fixtures reduce the time required to complete the task while also eliminating significant manipulation errors, such as tearing the blanket. The improvement in performance is especially dramatic when a simulated time delay (4 seconds) is introduced.
The Future of Criterion-Related Validity.

As a result of rejection by personnel psychologists of the erroneous law of small numbers and of the adoption of correct inferential procedures, the future of criterion-related validity promises to be bright. Probable future developments include: (a) widespread appreciation of the low statistical power characteristic of small samples; (b) rejection of the traditional belief that validities are situationally specific; (c) widespread validity generalization based on new methods; (d) research demonstrations that rational estimates of validity are often superior in accuracy to empirical estimates; (e) widespread acceptance of research findings showing that single-group and differential validity by race are artifactual rather than substantive in origin and that test unfairness by race is a nonproblem; (f) increased application of decision-theoretic dollar utility analyses to selection programs; and (g) progress in the establishment of general principles and theories about trait-performance relations in the world of work.
Traditional versus open offices: A comparison of sociotechnical, social relations, and symbolic meaning perspectives.

The effects of a change in an office environment from a traditional to an open-plan design were examined for government employees occupying three types of organizational positions. Differential eff...
First Report of Powdery Mildew (Microsphaera palczewskii) on Siberian Pea Tree (Caragana arborescens) in North America

Caragana arborescens Lam. is an exotic ornamental that can also be somewhat invasive. In July 2002, powdery mildew was observed on C. arborescens along the Idaho-Washington border in Moscow and Pullman, respectively. Leaves were colonized as soon as they emerged, and entire plants were affected. The fungus covered both leaf surfaces, but cleistothecia were more abundant on abaxial surfaces. The mean diameter of the cleistothecia was 91 (± 9.8) μm. Short-stalked asci averaged 67 (± 7.1) μm × 37 (± 5.2) μm, and the ascospores were 21 (± 2.0) μm × 13 (± 0.8) μm. There are records of four species of Microsphaera on C. arborescens in Europe and Asia. The measurements fit the description of Microsphaera palczewskii Jacz. (1), and the identification was confirmed by comparison with specimens of this fungus on C. arborescens from Sweden (U.S. National Fungus Collections: BPI 749057 and 749058). Specimens of M. grossulariae (Wallr. ex Fr.) Lev. on Ribes divaricatum Dougl. from California (BPI 558266) were also examined, but the cleistothecial appendages were distinctly different from those of the Idaho specimens. To our knowledge, this is the first reported occurrence in North America of powdery mildew on C. arborescens and the first report of M. palczewskii. The latter may have been introduced recently into North America because there are areas in southern Canada and the northern United States in which C. arborescens is unaffected by powdery mildew. Interestingly, it is only in recent decades that M. palczewskii has spread from Asia into Europe (2). Now, host and parasite have been reunited in North America as well. Specimens have been deposited in the U.S. National Fungus Collections (BPI). References: (1) U. Braun. A monograph of the Erysiphales (powdery mildews) J. Cramer, Berlin-Stuttgarg, 1987. (2) S. Huhtinen et al. Karstenia 41:31, 2001.
Sodium Bicarbonate in Diets for Milking Holstein Cows

Abstract Sixty-two Holstein cows were used to evaluate ingestion of sodium bicarbonate. Half of the cows were fed a control diet and the other half a diet in which the concentrate contained 1.5% sodium bicarbonate. Concentrate was fed at 1 kg per 2 kg milk above 9.1 kg milk daily. Amounts of concentrate consumed by both groups were equal. The bicarbonate group consumed more forage, and as a result crude fiber intake was greater. The forage, fed to appetite, was half corn silage and half alfalfa haylage as fed. Cows fed bicarbonate tended to produce more milk with no change in fat content and tended to gain more weight. Although mean milk fat was considered normal, low-fat milk (2.5% or below) was observed 28 times among 14 cows, but these observations were distributed equally among groups. Low-fat milk was produced most often during the 3rd and 4th mo of lactation.
Life span of the red blood cell in the hypophysectomized rat.

ConclusionsThe life span of the red blood cell of the hypophysectomized rat is not less than that of the normal rat as measured by the use of glycine-2-C14. Since the circulating red cell volume drops to 55% of normal after hypophysectomy, it must be assumed that the marrow of the hypophysectomized rat is producing, at most, only 55% of the normal number of erythrocytes.
Gating Phi Values in the Muscle Acetylcholine Receptor αM2-αM3 Linker with vs. without Agonists

Acetylcholine receptors are ligand gated ion channels that transduce a chemical signal into an electrical signal at the neuromuscular junction (α2βδe subunits arranged around a central pore). A global, reversible allosteric transition between stable closed- and open-channel states ('gating') takes place either in the presence or absence of agonists. Phi (the slope a log-log plot of channel opening rate constant vs. equilibrium constant for a series of mutation of one residue) gives the extent of the perturbed residue's progress in the transition state of the gating reaction, on a scale 1 to 0. Previously-estimated diliganded gating phi values in the α subunit decrease approximately linearly between the transmitter binding site (∼0.95, same as for the agonist), through the extracellular domain (0.8), through M2 (0.6) to the gate region (∼0.3). Some residues away from the binding site have the same phi value without or without agonists (Purohit and Auerbach, PNAS, 2007). However, unliganded phi values for eight binding site residues (αY93, αW149, αY190, αY198, αG147, αG153, eP121, δP123; 0.77±0.023) are lower than the corresponding diliganded values (0.94±0.017). We estimated di- and un-liganded phi gating values for four positions in the αM2-αM3 linker (αI260, αE262, αP265, αS268), another hi-phi domain that is apparently not connected by a high-phi pathway to the binding sites. The unliganded phi values for these four positions (0.88±0.022) were about the same as in diliganded gating (0.90±0.031). So far the mutability in phi appears to pertain only to the binding site, perhaps because the affinity change for the agonist contributes to the gating energy only when ligands are present.
Sex differences in the platelet response to aspirin.

Abstract The metabolism of aspirin and its effect on platelets and fibrinolysis were evaluated in patients undergoing total hip replacement in an attempt to understand why its antithrombotic effect is chiefly manifested in men. A prospective study was done in 15 men and 17 women who received either 1.2 gm or 3.6 gm of aspirin daily. None of aspirin's effects correlated with the occurrence of thromboembolic disease (4 in men, 5 in women) in this small number of patients. However, platelet counts were higher in women, and platelet aggregation induced by collagen, ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and epinephrine was significantly greater in women before and after aspirin. There was no sex difference in malondialdehyde production or serum acetyl salicylic acid esterase activity. Salicylate levels were higher in women before and after operation, and fibrinolysis was increased in women postoperatively. This study suggests that a fundamental sex difference in platelet aggregation persists after aspirin ingestion. It is possible that this difference is related to aspirin's lack of effectiveness in preventing thromboembolism in women.
Temperature effects on the growth of oxide islands on Cu(1 1 0)

We examined the Cu2O island formation on Cu(1 1 0) as a function of oxidation temperature in the range of 450–650 8C and oxygen pressure of 0.1 Torr. Epitaxial three-dimensional trapezoid island formation was observed for oxidation at the all temperatures and it was found that increasing oxidation temperature increased the thickening rate of the oxide islands. The oxidation at 0.1 Torr was noted to have a smaller nucleation activation energy for the oxide formation as compared to lower pressures.
Assessment of Drug-Induced Torsade de Pointes Risk for Hospitalized High-Risk Patients Receiving QT-Prolonging Agents

Background: Although risk factors for torsade de pointes (TdP) are known, identifying hospitalized patients at greatest risk for QTcP who should receive cardiac monitoring is poorly defined. Objectives: Describe the prevalence of risk for TdP in patients and associations between risk factors and QTc prolongation (QTcP) at a tertiary teaching hospital. Methods: This retrospective analysis assessed physiological and pharmacological risk factors for TdP of adult patients receiving ≥1 QTc-prolonging medications (QTcMed) during hospitalization. The QTcMeds were stratified by risk for causing TdP (probable, possible, and conditional). Baseline electrocardiograms (ECGs) were assessed for QTcP associated with risk for TdP. Results: During a 6-month period, 12 401 (51%) hospitalizations received ≥1 QTcMed. A baseline ECG was obtained for 2381 (19%) patients. A total of 386 (16%) patients with a baseline ECG were found to have QTcP. Significant associations for QTcP were found with the following physiological risk ...
Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies that react to the nucleocapsid protein of avian metapneumovirus subtype C.

Abstract Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were prepared against avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) subtype C (aMPV/Minnesota/turkey/1a/97). Six MAbs were selected based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay activities and characterized by isotyping, neutralization test, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry assay. The results showed that three MAbs (3E, 9D, and 12C) belonged to the IgG1 subclass, whereas the other three (5D, 8E, and 16E) were of the IgG2a subclass. None of the six MAbs neutralized aMPV infectivity at a detectable level, but all reacted with both denatured and nondenatured forms of the nucleocapsid (N) protein of aMPV, suggesting that these MAbs may recognize structurally independent epitopes of the N protein. These MAbs provide new tools and methods for investigating aMPV infection and pathogenesis, as well as diagnosis of aMPV disease.
Nonlinear dynamics of cosmic strings with nonscaling loops

At early stages the dynamics of cosmic string networks is expected to be influenced by an excessive production of small loops at the scales of initial conditions l{sub min}. To understand the late time behavior we propose a very simple analytical model of strings with a nonscaling population of loops. The complicated nonlinear dynamics is described by only a single parameter N{approx}2/(1-C(l{sub min})) where C(l) is a correlation function of the string tangent vectors. The model predicts an appearance of two new length scales: the coherence length {xi}{approx}t/N{sup 2} and the cross-correlation length {chi}{approx}t/N. At the onset of evolution N{approx}10 and at late times N is expected to grow logarithmically due to cosmological stretching and emission of small loops. The very late time evolution might be modified further when the gravitational back-reaction scale grows larger than l{sub min}.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Haemophilus parainfluenzae by a Kinetic Killing-Curve Method

A kinetic killing-curve method, designed to mimic several aspects of clinical therapy in endocarditis, was used to test 10 strains of Haemophilus parainfluenzae against 28 antibiotic regimens. In an effort to simulate changing in vivo levels of antibiotic in serum, concentrations of three penicillins, three cephalosporins, gentamicin, and chloramphenicol were sequentially adjusted over a 12-hr period. Against six P-lactamase-negative strains, gentamicin in combination with pencillin or cephalosporin invariably resulted in an additive or synergistic effect. Chloramphenicol and a penicillin or cephalosporin usually displayed an indifferent effect, but chloramphenicol was often antagonistic when combined with gentamicin. With four P-lactamase-positive strains, variable responses were noted to penicillin-aminoglycoside combinations; cephalosporin-aminoglycoside combinations were usually synergistic. This dynamic approach to killing-curve studies may be more appropriate than a static system for in vitro examination of the effect of antimicrobial combinations against selected organisms.
Mediation: Conjoint Problem Solving.

has been active in identifying injus tices inflicted on the poor, the elderly, children, immigrants, and more re cently, racial minorities and women. Exposing and analyzing injustice is inherent to the profession.2 Rectifying injustice is another matter. Although the profession espouses the need for social change to ameliorate social in justice, it has been more successful in helping victims through the pro vision of concrete assistance, educa tion, and counseling. This situation exists in part because there are nu merous barriers to achieving social change and social justice. Moreover, social workers are aware that for
MicroRNA in the Pathophysiology of Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive adult intracranial malignancy; with a ~11-month medial survival rate. Radio- and chemo-resistance is a common feature of GBM. The experimental evidence indicates that the currently used anti-neoplastic treatment for GBM can be counteracted by the activation of particular cellular signalling pathways such as p53, PTEN. These pathways can be partly regulated by microRNA (miRNA) through both positive and negative regulatory functions. MiRNA are 18–22 nt small RNA molecules, which bind the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of specifically targeted mRNA to mediate translational repression. This chapter focuses on the role of specific miRNA molecules on GBM cell signalling and the overall effect on cellular proliferation, viability and treatment resistance.
The stumble-from pipe cleaner to bone builder.

ABSTRACT Objective To review the history of the transition of bisphosphonate use from bench chemistry to clinical applications. Methods Pertinent medical literature, including limited-distribution as well as peer-reviewed publications, was reviewed. Results Bisphosphonates were originally developed to interfere with calcium deposition. An expanded understanding of bone physiology, as well as a growing appreciation of bisphosphonate chemistry, allowed a broadening range of clinical applications. Conclusion The use of bisphosphonates in clinical medicine depended on a series of fortuitous events that, at the time, were “stumbles,” not unlike the discoveries of Fleming and Newton. The logical sequence is more apparent in retrospect. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:194-197)
Freud’s three theories of love in the light of later developments

Evidence is presented that Freud developed three very different theories on love. These theories were not integrated into a coherent theory. In subsequent developments each theory had its own history. The paper discusses the history of the controversy on the genital character, the relation between love and gender identity, between love and narcissism, the hierarchical structure of the capacity to love, and the relation between love and object loss. The impact of some concepts such as symbiosis and the rapprochmente subphase on the understanding of conflicts in loving is raised. While at present differences in emphasis make it difficult to build a coherent psychoanalytic theory of love, it is productive to bring divergent views in touch with each other. A unified theory of love based on psychoanalytic observations is suggested.
An Internet-based decision support tool for non-industrial private forest landowners

Landowners need a simple-to-use, readily available tool to contribute to sustainable management of family forests. We developed an Internet-based decision-support system, 4S Tool (Forest Stand Software Support System), which is designed to encourage informed forest management and to bridge the gap between a new generation of family forest owners (e.g. exurbanites) and natural resources professionals. We describe the technical and educational components of the 4S Tool and present several considerations for application to other geographic regions. The tool requires users to provide information on the species group, typical tree size, and density of trees in their forest. Users also select a forest management technique to apply to their ''virtual forest.'' The tool then estimates forest dynamics and wildlife habitat availability for up to 40years into the future. The output provides projected changes in commercial timber, as well as changes in the diversity of berries, ferns, herbs, flowers, birds, and mammals as a consequence of the selected management option. Projected changes are based on primary and secondary data sources and modeled via the Forest Vegetation Simulator. 4S Tool provides a means of enhancing landowner awareness of options associated with management of forest property and provides users with access to additional resources and natural resource professionals to aid in future forest planning efforts.
Grasp planning by alignment of pairwise shape descriptorss

The majority of work related to grasp planning has centered on the understanding of what constitutes a good grasp. However, to reach a good grasp we must first find the relative position of the gripper, its approach vector, and finger configuration. This search problem is the focus of our paper. We propose an on-line method that uses pairwise shape descriptors to quickly find good alignments between the gripper contact surface and the target. Having found a good fit, we then evaluate how alignment quality relates to grasp quality and what can be done to speed up the exploration of the DOF space.
Agent-based modeling of knowledge flows: illustration from the domain of information systems design

Knowledge management (KM) represents a topic of considerable current interest. However, the majority of extant KM research treats knowledge as a static object that can be acquired, stored and retrieved through information technology. Two fundamental problems emerge from this current majority view: (1) many scholars view knowledge as distinct from information, and (2) very little attention is paid to the dynamics of knowledge - a phenomenon which many scholars term "knowledge flows." In this article we build upon a steady stream of research in computational organization theory to develop agent based models of knowledge flows. Such models draw from emerging theory for multidimensional representation of the knowledge flow phenomenon, and they enable the dynamics of enterprise knowledge flows to be formalized and simulated through computational models. We illustrate this research approach and modeling environment through formal representation and simulation of knowledge flows from the domain of information systems design.
Approaches to discover non-ATP site kinase inhibitors

The catalytic domain of kinases shows a high degree of sequence homology, especially for kinases that belong to the same family. They share a common ATP binding site with a conserved activation loop and similar three-dimensional structure. Consequently, a major challenge in kinase research exists in achieving selectivity among the >500 family members, since they all process the same substrate. In addition to requiring selectivity against other kinases, ATP site inhibitors must also bind tightly to overcome the high physiological concentration of ATP in the cell. Furthermore, the development of novel ATP site inhibitors is becoming increasingly challenging, as many ATP competitive scaffolds have previously been disclosed. In order to develop compounds with better selectivity among kinases, inhibitors that bind outside the ATP site show great promise and are currently being explored by many groups. This review will highlight the most commonly used methods to discover small molecule Type III and IV kinase inhibitors.
Dual-Mode IVUS Transducer for Image-Guided Brain Therapy: Preliminary Experiments

In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using 3.5-Fr intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheters for minimally-invasive, image-guided hyperthermia treatment of tumors in the brain. Feasibility was demonstrated by: (1) retro-fitting a commercial 3.5-Fr IVUS catheter with a 5 × 0.5 × 0.22 mm PZT-4 transducer for 9-MHz imaging and (2) testing an identical transducer for therapy potential with 3.3-MHz continuous-wave excitation. The imaging transducer was compared with a 9-Fr, 9-MHz ICE catheter when visualizing the post-mortem ovine brain and was also used to attempt vascular access to an in vivo porcine brain. A net average electrical power input of 700 mW was applied to the therapy transducer, producing a temperature rise of +13.5°C at a depth of 1.5 mm in live brain tumor tissue in the mouse model. These results suggest that it may be feasible to combine the imaging and therapeutic capabilities into a single device as a clinically-viable instrument.
Knowledge base management systems from AI perspective: a survey

The authors survey the current state of knowledge-based and database management systems and suggest possible research directions for their integration into a knowledge-base management system. They define the requirements for the architecture and realization of such a system, and analyze methods for knowledge acquisition, knowledge verification, knowledge communication, configuration management, and knowledge processing. Several possible research strategies are analyzed: enhancements of existing systems, coupling of independent systems, and technology integration to develop a new class of systems. >
Using Phased Array Technology and Embedded Ultrasonic Structural Radar for Active Structural Health Monitoring and Nondestructive Evaluation

The embedded ultrasonic structural radar (EUSR) was developed based on phased array technology. It can interrogate large structural areas from a single location using ultrasonic guided Lamb and Rayleigh waves generated by tuned piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) that are permanently attached to the structure. This paper brings together several aspects of the implementation and application of EUSR to structural damage detection: (a) improving the near field damage detection; (b) designing optimized phased-array patterns; (c) designing a mini phased array for compact structures with complicated geometries and multiple boundaries. Firstly, we deduced a generic formulation for phased array directional beamforming using the exact traveling waves formulation without the limiting parallel-rays assumption used by other investigators. This algorithm has been implemented in the EUSR LabVIEW program and its performance has been verified through simulation and experimental tests. Secondly, we studied the beamforming and lobe steering characteristics of a 1-D linear array design. The influence of several geometry parameters was discussed in order to achieve the optimal directionality, including the number of sensors in the phased array, the spacing between adjacent sensors, and the steering direction angles. Extensive simulation studies have shown that the well-behaved directional beamforming can be achieved with judicious array design. Proof-of-concept experiments for testing these results have also been set up and the preliminary results are confirming the effectiveness of our approach. Thirdly, we investigated the possibility of applying the EUSR phased array method to compact specimens and proposed the design of a mini phased array. Laboratory experiments have been carried out to prove the successful implementation of this concept. Finally, the paper ends up with discussions and conclusions regarding the beamforming, optimization and implementation of the PWAS phased arrays, as well as suggestions for further work.
Hybrid FE/MoM analysis of a cavity-backed slit loaded with anisotropic material

The paper presents an analysis of a slit in a dielectric coated ground plane backed by a 2D cavity. The cavity can be inhomogeneously filled with anisotropic material, and the dielectric coating can contain a perfectly conducting strip. A fullwave frequency domain model is developed wherein finite elements are coupled with the spectral domain method of moments. The method is validated through comparisons to results generated by other fullwave models. Convergence results for different finite element types are studied. Theoretical results for cavities partially filled with ferrite material are generated. Specifically, the effect of the DC magnetic bias field on ferrite material is studied.
Mechanism of the biomolecular synthesis of PEDOT:PSS: importance of heme degradation by hydrogen peroxide

The use of biomolecules as oxidants for the synthesis of conducting polymers provides an important tool for the control of polymer properties. Using PEDOT:PSS as a representative conducting polymer, we compare a set of heme proteins (soybean peroxidase, cytochrome c, and horseradish peroxidase) used as oxidants. The resulting PEDOT:PSS was characterized with visible and near IR spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, and four point probe conductivity measurements. We find that the relative concentrations of bipolarons and polarons vary as a function of the protein used for polymerization. We then show that heme degradation by hydrogen peroxide plays a critical role in determining polymer properties.
Obsessional-Compulsive Disorders

Clinical accounts of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) have appeared in the literature for well over 100 years. First described by Esquirol in 1838, OCD was not formally documented or defined until the beginning of this century (Janet, 1903; Lewis, 1935; Schneider, 1925). Both cognitive and behavioral components have traditionally been included in the conceptualization of OCD.
Legal Landscape in a 'Legislative Hurricane': Impact of the 2004 European Union Enlargement on Czech Legislative Process

The latest enlargement of the European Union ("EU") has been very successful, as ten new countries joined the EU in 2004. Amid the consensus about the overall success of the enlargement, the political science literature has recently begun to examine and debate the effects that preparations for EU membership have had on the applicant countries. This thesis studies the nature of the effects that these preparations have had on the legislative process in one of the new member countries by focusing on the procedural and institutional aspects of the process in the Czech Republic. The author argues that EU membership preparations always have effects on the legislative process in applicant countries, but that the nature of the effects depends on preexisting domestic conditions; in the case of the Czech Republic, the combination of the effects and domestic conditions was detrimental to the legislative process. The research is based on the author's professional experience in the Czech Cabinet and the European Commission and a number of interviews conducted with Czech politicians and experts actively involved in the Czech legislative process. The author performs an extensive analysis of legislative documents and Czech and other scholarly literature and uses statistics derived from an author-compiled database of Czech draft laws submitted between 1995 and 2004. The thesis provides an analysis of the effects of the multi-year abnormal conditions under which the Czech legislative process operated during preparations for EU membership and makes findings that can be used in designing improvements in the legislative process and improving legislative output. The thesis should also serve to alert countries applying for EU membership and countries transitioning to democracy to a problem that is likely to remain a challenge in the future.
Transition from Flat to Slant Fracture in Ductile Materials

We investigate ductile fracture in an aluminum alloy which exhibits an interesting switch in mode from flat fracture to slant fracture. While this transition is typically considered to be triggered by a change in crack tip constraint with specimen thickness, we explore this transition in rolled sheet material simply by controlling the strain hardening behavior of the material. Specifically, experiments are performed on two different heat-treatments of the same alloy, resulting in two materials that differ only in their strain-hardening behavior. Based on an examination of the microscopic and macroscopic strain evolution, we conclude that the transition arises because of strain localization that precedes fracture.
The Semiotics of Labor Law, Trade Unions and Work in East Asia: International 'Labor Standards' in the Mirror of Culture?

This review essay looks at Vai Io Lo's book, Law and Industrial Relations: China and Japan after World War II (Kluwer) as an initial starting point for a conversation about largely western attempts to impose "basic labor rights" which some see as a fundamental human and civil right on countries which fail to share western culture and perhaps western cultural values. The author examines the cultural background of both Japan and China, the notion of culture itself derived at least in part from the insights of Terry Eagleton and the conclusive skepticism of Jacques Elllul about the notion of human progress to challenge the prevailing conventional wisdom about the necessity of international labor standards. The author argues that labor standards, however desirable, may simply be a highly contingent principle that suits the preferences of those who disagree with the labor policies of other countries. Perforce, the failure of Japan and China to fully embrace western labor standards is not only laudable, but may in the light of their culture be justifiable.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF COMMUNITY EVOLUTION II: THE ECOLOGICAL BASIS OF THE RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY SELECTION.

Community selection, defined as the differential proliferation and/or extinction of communities, can bring about a response that may be qualitatively different from the response to selection acting at lower levels. This is because community selection can result in genetic changes in all of the species within the community by acting on the interaction among species. In the experiment presented here, a series of one generation assays were performed on the coevolved communities of two species of flour beetles, Tribolium castaneum and T. confusum, discussed by Goodnight (1990). Two community assays and one single-species assay were performed. Taken together, these provide insights into the genetic basis of the response to community selection. The first community assay involved measuring the selected traits on the original coevolved communities that had been subjected to community selection. This assay indicated that all of the selection treatments resulted in a significant response to selection in the original coevolved communities. The single-species assay involved separating the coevolved communities into their constituent single-species populations and again measuring the selected traits on these populations. None of the single-species populations exhibited a significant response to selection; thus the responses to community selection observed in the first community assay are expressed only in a community context. The second community assay again involved separating the coevolved communities into their constituent single-species populations; however, in this assay a competitor of the opposite species that had never been exposed to community selection was added to each population to form a "reconstructed" community. The results of this assay were that for two traits, emigration rate in T. castaneum and emigration rate in T. confusum, the genetic identity of the competing species did not affect the response to selection. This indicates that the competing species was acting like a nonevolving part of the environment. For the other two traits measured, population size in T. castaneum and population size in T. confusum, the results were very different. For these traits there was no detectable response to selection in the reconstructed communities. This indicates that for these traits the response to selection cannot be attributed to a genetic change in either species independently of the other species in the community. Rather it resides in the interaction between the two species.
Health care bites the bullet

(1987). Health care bites the bullet. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Vol. 43, No. 5, pp. 7-8.
Homographic Motions of a Newtonian System of Point Masses. I. Classification

A complete classification is established of the possible types of homographic motions of a Newtonian system of point masses interacting through two-body forces which are arbitrary functions of their mutual separations. Several types of motion are included which had not been considered previously, but not all possible rigid body motions; thus it is not possible to build up rigid body dynamics from point dynamics by means of static two-body forces. All general results hold even if many-body forces are considered, which are functions of all separations. In an Appendix, the problem of homographic motions of a relativistic system of interacting point masses is outlined. For a particular form of relativistic interactions, the existence of several types of such motions is established.
Effect of Strontium Substitution on the Structure of 45S5 Bioglasses

Strontium substitution has been found to have a beneficial effect on tissue growth in traditional bioglasses. In this paper, we have studied the effect of SrO/CaO substitution on the structure of 4...
Efficacy of physical layer preamble manipulation for IEEE 802.11a/ac

Wireless physical layer manipulation is a recently discovered technique for selective packet obfuscation. This process exploits the unique and proprietary nature of transceiver designs rather than manufacturing imperfections. To date, preamble manipulation has only successfully been demonstrated on low data rate transceivers operating in the 2.4 GHz band. This Letter investigates the effectiveness of preamble manipulation on common 5 GHz IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11ac wireless transceivers for the first time. Herein it is demonstrated that the preamble short training sequence length can be manipulated to discern among the six transceiver designs under test with greater than 99% accuracy using fewer than 20 packets.