cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Business Statistics as a Vehicle for Transcending U.S. Borders

Abstract Internationalization of the business curriculum to prepare students for the challenges of a global economy is mandated by the AACSB. This article explores the potential for internationalizing the required course in business statistics. An examination of current textbooks in the field reveals a noticeable absence of problems, exercises, or applications dealing with international material. We here describe our experience incorporating international material throughout the business statistics course. Student reaction to this course was generally positive.
Diminished degradation of yeast cytochrome c by interactions with its physiological partners.

The level and structure of yeast iso-1-cytochrome c and iso-2-cytochrome c, encoded by the nuclear genes CYC1 and CYC7, respectively, are normally not altered in rho- mutants, which completely lack the cytochromes a.a3 subunits and cytochrome b that are encoded by mitochondrial DNA. In contrast, iso-cytochromes c containing the amino acid change Thr-78-->Ile (T78I) were observed at the normal or near-normal wild-type level in rho+ strains but were completely absent in rho- mutants. We have demonstrated with the "global" suppressor mutation Asn-52-->Ile and by pulse-chase labeling that the T78I iso-1-cytochrome c undergoes rapid cellular degradation in rho- mutants. Furthermore, specific mutations revealed that the deficiency of T78I iso-1 cytochrome c can be caused by the lack of cytochrome a.a3 or cytochrome c1, but not by the lack of cytochrome b. Thus, this and certain other, but not all, labile forms of cytochrome c are protected from degradation by the interaction with its physiological partners.
Light does not tire

It is shown that a true “tired light” effect cannot occur in any Lorentz-and gauge-invariant electromagnetic theory that reduces to Maxwell's theory for weak fields.
Radioenzymatic assay of platelet serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in subjects with normal and increased serotonin production.

Abstract Platelet serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine concentrations were determined with sensitive and specific radioenzymatic methods in normal volunteers and in sick subjects with both normal and increased serotonin production. In the assays, a 3 H-labeled methyl group is transferred from [ 3 H]S-adenosyl methionine to the monoamine under investigation by a semi-purified enzyme. The platelet serotonin concentration (expressed as pmol serotonin/mg platelet protein) was significantly higher in the patients with increased serotonin production from carcinoid tumors (5400 ± 500) than in the normal volunteers (900 ± 100) or the sick subjects with normal serotonin production (900 ± 100). Although eight of the subjects with increased serotonin production had symptoms of the carcinoid syndrome such as flushing and diarrhea, two of the subjects with increased serotonin production did not have these symptoms. The radioenzymatic method of platelet serotonin measurement was as effective as a conventional fluorometric technique for serum serotonin in detecting patients with serotonin overproduction from carcinoid tumors, and had the advantages of being more sensitive and specific. The great sensitivity and specificity of the radioenzymatic techniques suggest that it might be useful in evaluating disease states in which platelet serotonin is decreased. Using these techniques we found that dopamine and norepinephrine were also present in platelets, although in much lower amounts than serotonin. Despite the markedly increased serotonin concentration in the platelets of subjects with serotonin overproduction from carcinoid tumors, there was no alteration in the dopamine or norepinephrine concentration of their platelets.
Gender Gap and Stem Career Choices in 21st Century American Education

Abstract Starting with the concern for teachers’ differentiated attention to boys and girls in the classroom, continuing with the implications of the course taking patterns in middle- and high-school years for students interested in science, and culminating with the importance of guided teaching and learning for most students, it is important to understand the quest for a fair educational policy serving scientific and technological needs of tomorrow. This paper reports results of an exploratory study examining factors that might be associated with achievement in mathematics, natural sciences and engineering determining girls’ career choices. Female students’ attitude in ‘hard core’ sciences, teachers’ beliefs and schools’ institutionalized practices are accounted for in understanding STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) choices. Students’ beliefs, teachers’ recommendation and the system of tracking are all important factors in choosing an in-demand science career. The participation in advanced STEM discipline courses, students’ attitudes, as well as tracking are under scrutiny for the analysis of Mathematics and Natural Sciences undergraduate major choices of more than thirty students enrolled in a four- year college in Upstate New York.
Games and play mean different things in an educational context

In discussing the importance of computer games for conveying serious messages through play, Aleks Krotoski uses “play” and “games” interchangeably (Nature 466, 695; 2010). However, this is incorrect in the context of human development: these terms denote separate constructs, with different ontogenies, proximal causes and functions. Play is mainly a behaviour…
A comparative study of nonlinear equivalent cardiac generators.

In a previous paper, the theoretical development of several advanced nonlinear models of equivalent cardiac generators was presented. The present communication compares the salient quantitative and qualitative aspects of these models in an idealized mathematical environment.
Evidence for a time-integrated species-area effect on the latitudinal gradient in tree diversity

Abstract: The greater area of tropical forest biomes has been proposed as a factor that drives the latitudinal gradient in species diversity by modulating speciation and extinction rates. But speciation and extinction are processes that operate over millions of years, so an adequate test of area’s contribution to diversity patterns must take into consideration that biome areas have changed through time in response to climate. Here we correlate estimates of current tree species diversity with a composite parameter integrating area over geological time for each continent’s tropical, temperate, and boreal biomes. We find significant positive correlations between current tree diversity and area‐time for periods since the Eocene, Oligocene, and Miocene, which we take as evidence for a time‐integrated species‐area effect on current patterns of species richness across biomes. These results contribute to explanations for why most lineages have tropical origins and why tropical forests are more diverse than extrat...
Class II transactivator-mediated regulation of major histocompatibility complex class II antigen expression is important for hematopoietic progenitor cell suppression by chemokines and iron-binding proteins

Objective Iron-binding proteins H-ferritin (HF) and lactoferrin (LF), as well as chemokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ suppress hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) proliferation. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens have been associated with suppressive effects of HF and LF. Because the transcription factor class II transactivator (CIITA) regulates expression of MHC class II antigens, we evaluated influences of CIITA and MHC class II antigens on suppression of colony formation by murine bone marrow HPC in response to HF, LF, CC, and CXC chemokines, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. We also evaluated hematopoiesis in mice deficient in both CIITA and MHC class II antigens (CIITA −/−), in mice deficient in MHC class II antigens but not in CIITA (MHC class II −/−), and in mice deficient in CIITA but not in MHC class II antigens (CIITA-IE). Materials and Methods HF, LF, CCL3/MIP-1α, CXCL5/ENA-78, CXCL8/IL-8, CCL5/RANTES, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were assessed for effects on colony formation by bone marrow HPC (colony-forming unit granulocyte-macrophage, burst-forming unit erythroid, and colony-forming unit multipotential) stimulated in vitro by combinations of growth factors including erythropoietin, stem cell factor, pokeweed mitogen mouse spleen cell conditioned medium, and hemin. Bone marrow cells were from CIITA −/−, MHC class II antigen −/−, CIITA-IE, and littermate control mice. We also evaluated cycling status (percent cells in S-phase) and absolute numbers of marrow and spleen HPC in these mice. Results Multiple growth factor–stimulated colony formation by control bone marrow HPC was significantly suppressed by HF, LF, CCL3, CXCL5, CXCL8, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, but not by CCL5. However, HPC from CIITA −/− and MHC class II antigen −/− mouse marrow was insensitive to inhibition by HF, LF, CCL3, CXCL5, CXCL8, and CCL5; these HPC were inhibited by TNF-α and IFN-γ. Restoration of MHC class II expression in CIITA −/− (CIITA-IE) mice restored responsiveness of HPC to inhibition by HF, LF, CCL3, CXCL5, and CXCL8. Increased cycling of splenic HPC in CIITA −/− and MHC class II antigen −/−, compared to control and CIITA-IE, mice was noted. Conclusions Myelosuppressive effects of iron-binding proteins HF and LF and chemokines CCL3, CXCL5, and CXCL8 on mouse bone marrow HPC require expression of MHC class II antigens, and CIITA is involved in this responsiveness through its regulation of expression of MHC class II antigens.
Fission yeast Clp1p phosphatase regulates G2/M transition and coordination of cytokinesis with cell cycle progression

Abstract Background: In Saccharomyces cerevisiae the mitotic-exit network (MEN) functions in anaphase to promote the release of the Cdc14p phosphatase from the nucleolus. This release causes mitotic exit via inactivation of the cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk). Cdc14p-like proteins are highly conserved; however, it is unclear if these proteins regulate mitotic exit as in S. cerevisiae . In Schizosaccharomyces pombe a signaling pathway homologous to the MEN and termed the septation initiation network (SIN) is required not for mitotic exit, but for initiation of cytokinesis and for a cytokinesis checkpoint that inhibits further cell cycle progression until cytokinesis is complete. Results: We have identified the S. pombe Cdc14p homolog, Clp1p, and show that it is not required for mitotic exit but rather functions together with the SIN in coordinating cytokinesis with the nuclear-division cycle. As cells enter mitosis, Clp1p relocalizes from the nucleolus to the spindle and site of cell division. Clp1p exit from the nucleolus does not depend on the SIN, but the SIN is required for keeping Clp1p out of the nucleolus until completion of cytokinesis. Clp1p, in turn, may promote the activation of the SIN by antagonizing Cdk activity until cytokinesis is complete and thus ensuring that cytokinesis is completed prior to the initiation of the next cell cycle. In addition to its roles in anaphase, Clp1p regulates the G2/M transition since cells deleted for clp1 enter mitosis precociously and cells overexpressing Clp1p delay mitotic entry. Unlike Cdc14p, Clp1p appears to antagonize Cdk activity by preventing dephosphorylation of Cdc2p on tyrosine. Conclusions: S. pombe Clp1p affects cell cycle progression in a markedly different manner than its S. cerevisiae homolog, Cdc14p. This finding raises the possibility that related phosphatases in animal cells will prove to have important roles in coordinating the onset of cytokinesis with the events of mitosis.
On-line product presentation: Effects on mood, perceived risk, and purchase intention

Because the Internet purchase of apparel is risky, there is a strong need to develop better visual product presentation on-line that may give some sense of fit and other tactile experience to reduce perceived risk and create pleasurable shopping experiences. Toward this end, the effect of product presentation on consumer responses was examined here. In addition, the relationships among variables were investigated to provide details of the nature of the effect of product presentation. This study employed a 2 2 between-subjects factorial design: product movement (product in motion vs. product not in motion) image size (large vs. small). Mock Web sites were created to closely mimic the design of actual Web sites. Two hundred forty-four female undergraduates logged on and evaluated two pairs of pants under the same treatment conditions. The present research showed (a) main effects for product movement on mood, perceived risk, and apparel purchase intention; (b) an interaction between product movement and image size on apparel purchase intention; (c) a negative relationship between mood and perceived risk; (d) a positive relationship between mood and apparel purchase intention; (e) a negative relationship between perceived risk and apparel purchase intention; and (f) mediating relationships among variables. Based on the results, apparel e-tailers are advised to create positive mood using product rotation to decrease shoppers' perceived risk and increase purchase intent. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ear studies in the newborn infant

Summary In 524 examinations of ears during the first week of life in healthy full-term infants, 191 ears were adequately visualized without cleansing. The progressive spontaneous clearing of vernix is evidenced by the finding of 169 visible drums in 316 examinations (53.5 per cent) of newborn infants on their fourth to sixth days of life, compared to only 22 visualizations in 208 examinations (10.5 per cent) in the first 3 days of life. The normal landmarks in the immediate postnatal period are described. Ear drums become less reddened after the first 24 hours and landmarks become clearer, but the ear drums are pinker and the landmarks less distinct than in the older child. New features described are the dorsal and ventral "fireballs," spokelike markings, and a dorsal gray area.
Transient optical pulse formation and mode locking through parametric traveling-wave modulation

A transient analysis of pulse formation and mode locking for parametric traveling-wave modulation is considered. Steady-state cavity mode-locking conditions providing pulse width, and chirp taking mirror or facet dispersion into account, are discussed. A Gaussian-pulse parameter analysis for dispersive compensation resulting in intracavity pulse compression is introduced. Numerical estimates for semiconductor lasers are given.
Fisetin Inhibits Human Melanoma Cell Invasion through Promotion of Mesenchymal to Epithelial Transition and by Targeting MAPK and NFκB Signaling Pathways

Malignant melanoma is responsible for approximately 75% of skin cancer-related deaths. BRAF plays an important role in regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade in melanoma with activating mutations in the serine/threonine kinase BRAF occurring in 60–70% of malignant melanomas. The BRAF-MEK-ERK (MAPK) pathway is a key regulator of melanoma cell invasion. In addition, activation of NFκB via the MAPK pathway is regulated through MEK-induced activation of IKK. These pathways are potential targets for prevention and treatment of melanoma. In this study, we investigated the effect of fisetin, a phytochemical present in fruits and vegetables, on melanoma cell invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and delineated the underlying molecular mechanism. Treatment of multiple human malignant melanoma cell lines with fisetin (5–20 µM) resulted in inhibition of cell invasion. BRAF mutated melanoma cells were more sensitive to fisetin treatment, and this was associated with a decrease in the phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2. In addition, fisetin inhibited the activation of IKK leading to a reduction in the activation of the NFκB signaling pathway. Treatment of cells with an inhibitor of MEK1/2 (PD98059) or of NFκB (caffeic acid phenethyl ester) also reduced melanoma cell invasion. Furthermore, treatment of fisetin promoted mesenchymal to epithelial transition in melanoma cells, which was associated with a decrease in mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, vimentin, snail and fibronectin) and an increase in epithelial markers (E-cadherin and desmoglein). Employing three dimensional skin equivalents consisting of A375 cells admixed with normal human keratinocytes embedded onto a collagen-constricted fibroblast matrix, we found that treatment of fisetin reduced the invasive potential of melanoma cells into the dermis and increased the expression of E-cadherin with a concomitant decrease in vimentin. These results indicate that fisetin inhibits melanoma cell invasion through promotion of mesenchymal to epithelial transition and by targeting MAPK and NFκB signaling pathways.
MapReduce-based optimization of overlay networks using particle swarm optimization

An overlay network is a virtual network that is built on top of the real network such as the Internet. Cloud computing, peer-to-peer networks, and client-server applications are examples of overlay networks since their nodes run on top of the Internet. The major needs of overlay networks are content distribution and caching, file sharing, improved routing, multicast and streaming, ordered message delivery, and enhanced security and privacy. The focus of this paper is the optimization of overlay networks using a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) approach. However, since the ever growing need for more infrastructure causes the number of network nodes to grow significantly, the parallelization of the PSO approach becomes a necessity. In this paper, the MapReduce concept, proposed by Google, is adopted for the PSO approach in order to be able to optimize large-scale networks. MapReduce is easy to implement since it is based on the divide and conquer method, and implementation frameworks such has Hadoop allow for scalability and fault tolerance. Experiments of the MapReduce based PSO algorithm are performed to investigate the solution quality and scalability of the approach.
New Regional Transportation Organizations: Old Problem, New Wrinkle?

As attention turns to the operations and management of the nation's highway infrastructure, regional operating organizations (ROOs) have increasingly become part of the transportation scene. Many ROOs are housed in new organizations, which are essentially voluntary alliances between state and local operating agencies in a region. The history of regional organizations and the so-called "new regional transportation organizations" that are being created around operations and management tasks is examined. Three questions are asked: (a) Why are new organizations being created when regional organizations already exist? (b) How do new organizations differ from those that currently exist? (c) How will the new organizations operate within the existing metropolitan context as they develop and mature? The conclusion is that the success of these organizations depends on how they navigate the transition from being new organizations whose focus and jurisdiction do not adequately correspond to regionwide operations issu...
Profiling interest relativity

Boolos, G. 1999. To be is to be a value of a variable (or some values of some variables). In Logic Logic, and Logic, ed. R. Jeffrey, 54–72. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press. Dummett, M. 1991. Frege: Philosophy of Mathematics. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press. Glanzberg, M. 2004. Quantification and realism. Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, 69: 541–72. Glanzberg, M. 2006. Context and unrestricted quantification. In Absolute Generality, eds. A. Rayo and G. Uzquiano, 45–74. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Linnebo, O. 2006. Sets, properties, and unrestricted quantification. In Absolute Generality, ed. A. Rayo and G. Uzquiano, 149–78. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Parsons, C. 2006. The problem of absolute generality. In Absolute Generality, ed. A. Rayo and G. Uzquiano, 203–19. Putnam, H. 1980. Models and reality. The Journal of Symbolic Logic, 45: 464–82. Rayo, A. 2003. When does ‘everything’ mean everything? Analysis, 63: 100–106. Williamson, T. 2003. Everything. Philosophical Perspectives 17: 415–65.
Prey utilization by Chaoborus punctipennis Say in a small, eutrophic reservoir

Prey selection by 2nd-, 3rd-, and 4th-instar larvae of Chaoborus punctipennis was evaluated by comparing larval crop contents to the species structure of the zooplankton community in a small, eutrophic lake. The rotifers, Brachionus caudatus and Trichocerca similis, were positively selected by and comprised most of the diet of 2nd- and 3rd-instar larvae. Rotifers comprised 67% of all prey items identified in the crops of even 4th-instar larvae. Whereas 2nd-and 3rd-instar larvae selected the two rotifers with equalfrequency, 4th-instar larvae selected Trichocerca significantly more frequently than they did Brachionus. Although copepods comprised only 8% of all prey identified in 3rd-instar crops, they comprised 33% of the crop contents of 4th-instar larvae. Both 3rd and 4th instars exhibited a positive electivity for Cyclops vernalis significantly more frequently than for Diaptomus pallidus. We conclude that the larvae of Chaoborus punctipennis can, and do, select between Trichocerca and Brachionus and between Cyclops and Diaptomus.
Stress-induced changes in extracellular dopamine and serotonin in the medial prefrontal cortex and dorsal hippocampus of prenatally malnourished rats

Prenatal protein malnutrition continues to be a significant problem in the world today. Exposure to prenatal protein malnutrition increases the risk of a number of neuropsychiatric disorders in adulthood including depression, schizophrenia and attentional deficit disorder. In the present experiment, we have examined the effects of stress on extracellular serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine in the medial prefrontal cortex and dorsal hippocampus of rats exposed in utero to protein malnutrition. The medial prefrontal cortex and dorsal hippocampus were chosen as two limbic forebrain regions involved in learning and memory, attention and the stress response. Extracellular 5-HT and dopamine were determined in the medial prefrontal cortex and dorsal hippocampus of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats using dual probe in vivo microdialysis. Basal extracellular 5-HT did not differ between malnourished and well-nourished controls in either the medial prefrontal cortex or the dorsal hippocampus. Basal extracellular dopamine was significantly decreased in the medial prefrontal cortex of malnourished animals. Restraint stress (20 m) produced a significant rise in extracellular dopamine in the medial prefrontal cortex of well-nourished rats but did not alter release in malnourished rats. In malnourished rats, stress produced an increase in 5-HT in the hippocampus, whereas stress produced a decrease in 5-HT in the hippocampus of well-nourished rats. These data demonstrate that prenatal protein malnutrition alters dopaminergic neurotransmission in the medial prefrontal cortex as well as alters the dopaminergic and serotonergic response to stress. These changes may provide part of the bases for alterations in malnourished animals' response to stress.
A bio-molecular inspired electronic architecture: bio-based device concepts for enhanced sensing

A biological(bio)-molecular inspired electronic architecture is presented that offers the potential for defining nanoscale sensor platforms with enhanced capabilities for sensing terahertz (THz) frequency bio-signatures. This architecture makes strategic use of integrated biological elements to enable communication and high-level function within densely-packed nanoelectronic systems. In particular, this architecture introduces a new paradigm for establishing hybrid Electro-THz-Optical (ETO) communication channels where the THz-frequency spectral characteristics that are uniquely associated with the embedded bio-molecules are utilized directly. Since the functionality of this architecture is built upon the spectral characteristics of bio-molecules, this immediately allows for defining new methods for enhanced sensing of THz bio-signatures. First, this integrated sensor concept greatly facilitates the collection of THz bio-signatures associated with embedded bio-molecules via interactions with the time-dependent signals propagating through the nanoelectronic circuit. Second, it leads to a new Multi-State Spectral Sensing (MS3) approach where bio-signature information can be collected from multiple metastable state conformations. This paper will also introduce a new class of prototype devices that utilize THz-sensitive bio-molecules to achieve molecular-level sensing and functionality. Here, new simulation results are presented for a class of bio-molecular components that exhibit the prescribed type of ETO characteristics required for realizing integrated sensor platforms. Most noteworthy, this research derives THz spectral bio-signatures for organic molecules that are amenable to photo-induced metastable-state conformations and establishes an initial scientific foundation and design blueprint for an enhanced THz bio-signature sensing capability.
Evaluation of the host transcriptional response to human cytomegalovirus infection.

Gene expression data from human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-infected cells were analyzed using DNA-Chip Analyzer (dChip) followed by singular value decomposition (SVD) and compared with a previous analy...
Adenosine A2A receptors mediate hypoxic inhibition of fetal breathing in sheep

Abstract Objective: Hypoxia inhibits fetal breathing through activation of central adenosine (ADO) receptors that modulate fetal behavioral state. This study was designed to determine whether adenosine A 1 and/or A 2A receptor subtypes mediate the depressant effects of hypoxia. Study design: In 14 chronically catheterized fetal sheep (>0.8 term), hypoxemia was induced by having the ewe breathe a gas mixture of 9% oxygen for 1 hour. During hypoxia, the fetus was infused intra-arterially with a vehicle or an antagonist for adenosine A 1 or A 2A receptors. Statistical analysis was performed by using analysis of variance with Tukey's least significant difference criterion. Results: Fetal isocapnic hypoxemia (PaO 2 : control, ~24 mm Hg; hypoxia, ~14 mm Hg) virtually eliminated rapid eye movements and breathing when the fetus was infused with vehicle or the A 1 receptor antagonist. In contrast, adenosine A 2A receptor blockade abolished the hypoxia-induced arrest of rapid eye movements and breathing. Conclusion: Hypoxic inhibition of rapid eye movements and breathing is critically dependent on activation of adenosine A 2A receptors. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:663-8.)
Results in One, Two, and Three Dimensions, for Delta Functions, Square Wells, and Delta Shells, Respectively

I will outline three-particle calculations, and results, in one dimension [1–4] with delta-function interactions, in two dimensions [5–11] for square wells and in three dimensions [12] with delta shells. The presentation will be that of my own work, obtained together with colleagues. The initial approach is that of expansions of the wave function in terms of hyperspherical adiabatic functions, usually deduced from hyperspherical harmonics.
Human mutation rate associated with DNA replication timing

Eukaryotic DNA replication is highly stratified, with different genomic regions shown to replicate at characteristic times during S phase. Here we observe that mutation rate, as reflected in recent evolutionary divergence and human nucleotide diversity, is markedly increased in later-replicating regions of the human genome. All classes of substitutions are affected, suggesting a generalized mechanism involving replication time-dependent DNA damage. This correlation between mutation rate and regionally stratified replication timing may have substantial evolutionary implications.
Milne's Problem in Transport Theory

A modified derivation of the Wiener-Hopf solution of Milne's problem is given in a form suitable for application to problems in the theory of neutron diffusion.
FACTORS AFFECTING ADOPTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL INNOVATIONS: An Example from Medical Education

This study sets forth an eight-variable causal model describing the spread of instructional innovations among individual faculty members. The model is tested by examining the diffusion of a particular innovation—self-instructional materials—among the faculty of sixteen medical schools, with data provided by faculty survey. The causal model as initially posited is found not to fit the data well; modifications of the model are found to conform more closely. The primary measure accounting for observed variance in faculty innovation behavior is frequency of communication with colleagues about the instructional process.
Effects of Strain State and Strain Rate on Deformation-Induced Transformation in 304 Stainless Steel: Part I. Magnetic Measurements and Mechanical Behavior

The γ→α transformation in 304 stainless steel can be induced by plastic deformation at room temperature. The kinetics of strain-induced transformations have been modeled recently by Olson and Cohen. We used magnetic techniques to monitor the progress of the γ→α transformation in 304 stainless steel sheet loaded in uniaxial and biaxial tension at both low (10-3 per second) and high (103 per second) strain rates. We found that using the von Mises effective strain criterion gives a reasonable correlation of transformation kinetics under general strain states. The principal effect of increased strain rate was observed at strains greater than 0.25. The temperature increase resulting from adiabatic heating was sufficient to suppress the γ→α transformation substantially at high rates. The consequences of the γ→α transformation on mechanical behavior were noted in uniaxial and biaxial tension. Uniaxial tension tests were conducted at temperatures ranging from 50 to -80°C. We found that both the strain hardening and transformation rates increased with decreasing temperature. However, the martensite transformation saturates at ≈85 pct volume fraction α. This can occur at strains less than 0.3 for conditions where the transformation is rapid. Once saturation occurs, the work hardening rate decreases rapidly and premature local plastic instability results. In biaxial tension, the same tendency toward plastic instability associated with high transformation rates provides a rationale for the low biaxial ductility of 304 stainless steel.
In pursuit of the Dao in policymaking: Toward a cultural approach to understanding engineering education policy in China

Abstract Approaching policy research from a cultural perspective, this paper proposes that understanding engineering education practice and policymaking in China requires considerable sensitivity to context. By adopting a historical–philosophical analysis methodology, this paper analyzes how three fundamental concepts (engineering, engineer, and education) are linked to a variety of beliefs, assumptions, and ideas that are partially unique to the Chinese cultural context. More specifically, these concepts are discussed in relation to three partially distinct philosophical frameworks: Confucianism, Marxism, and economic pragmatism. Our analysis in this paper draws on studies in comparative education and Chinese studies as well as policy reports released by the Central Government. Based on the analysis, the paper suggests taking a cultural approach to studying engineering education policy, with important implications for both Chinese and Western scholars and policymakers. This paper should be of interest to comparative education scholars, international engineering educators, and education policymakers with a global focus.
Deep-water Archaeological Survey in the Black Sea: 2000 Season

Recent archaeological survey by sidescan sonar and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) resulted in the discovery of one of the best-preserved seagoing ships from antiquity in the anoxic waters of the Black Sea. Three shipwrecks from the 4th to 6th centuries AD, with cargoes of shipping jars from Sinop, Turkey, were found at depths of about 100 m; the fourth sits upright on the sea-bed, buried to deck level in sediment. A description of each site and identification of visible site components is followed by a discussion of directions and possible implications of future research. © 2004 The Nautical Archaeology Society
Effects of a History of Differential Reinforcement on Preference for Choice

The effects of a history of differential reinforcement for selecting a free-choice versus a restricted-choice stimulus arrangement on the subsequent responding of 7 undergraduates in a computer-based game of chance were examined using a concurrent-chains arrangement and a multiple-baseline-across-participants design. In the free-choice arrangement, participants selected three numbers, in any order, from an array of eight numbers presented on the computer screen. In the restricted-choice arrangement, participants selected the order of three numbers preselected from the array of eight by a computer program. In initial sessions, all participants demonstrated no consistent preference or preference for restricted choice. Differential reinforcement of free-choice selections resulted in increased preference for free choice immediately and in subsequent sessions in the absence of programmed differential outcomes. For 5 participants, changes in preference for choice were both robust and lasting, suggesting that a history of differential reinforcement for choice may affect preference for choice.
Using Eye-Based Psychophysiological Cues to Enhance Screener Vigilance

The objective of this study was to determine whether eye and head-based psychophysiological cues were indicative of vigilance levels during long-duration tasks. For this study, 48 participants reviewed 600 visual search images to determine whether any hazardous items (guns or knives) were present. Individual vigilance levels were determined by scoring the number of correct detections during eight 5-min periods (total study length = 40 min). With an eye-tracking machine, four concurrent eye and head activity measures (blink rates, saccades, pupil diameter, and head position) were used to model changes in vigilance level throughout a simulated baggage screening task. At the end of the study, changes in blink rates and saccade rates proved to be significant predictors of an individual's ability to detect the presence of hazardous items among other nonsignificant baggage items. Language: en
Nodularin concentrations in Lakes Alexandrina and Albert, South Australia, during a bloom of the cyanobacterium (blue-green alga) Nodularia spumigena and degradation of the toxin

Nodularin together with cell numbers of Nodularia spumigena were monitored during a toxic bloom of this cyanobacterium during the summer/autumn of 1994–1995 in Lakes Alexandrina and Albert, South Australia. There was a good correlation between cell numbers and toxin concentration over the course of the bloom at a number of locations. The correlation was poorer toward the end of the bloom, and may have reflected cell lysis and release of toxin to the surrounding water where it was rapidly degraded. The results suggested that the suitability of the lake water for drinking could be better determined by monitoring toxin content rather than cell numbers. Degradation of nodularin was studied and found to be more rapid in lake water that was supporting a bloom compared with water collected that had not experienced a bloom for several months. Half-lives were 24 and 54 h, respectively. There was no lag phase in water that was supporting a bloom, suggesting a relatively high population of microorganisms capable of degrading the toxin to be present. Toxin released to the lake water from lysing cells would therefore disappear very quickly. Toxin degradation was inhibited in the presence of copper ions. Copper sulphate treatment of blooms may therefore be doubly disadvantageous. Not only are cells lysed by copper sulphate addition, thereby releasing toxin to the surrounding water, but the natural microbial population capable of degrading the toxin may be destroyed, or the enzymes capable of toxin degradation inhibited. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol Water Qual 12: 273–282, 1997
An Error Analysis of Electronic Analog Computers

Due to the physical unrealizability of electronic adding and integrating circuits with ideal characteristics, errors will be introduced in the solution of differential equations obtained by the use of electrical analog computers. Numerical errors in the solution will be introduced by fluctuations in the value of plate and of grid supply voltages, changes in the values of circuit components, and changes in the values of the vacuum tube constants. In addition, the limited frequency response of the machine components will cause the computer to solve a characteristic equation of a higher order than the original characteristic equation whose solution is desired. The error in the solution manifests itself as a shifting in the roots of the original characteristic equation as well as the production of some extra roots. The effect of this change in the root position as well as the presence of the extra roots is experienced in the curve of the solution as a function of the independent variable. In a paper on the accuracy of differential analyzers, Macnee1 has derived an expression which gives the value of the characteristic root shift. The use of this expression is accurate only for certain types of ordinary differential equations. In this paper a new expression for the value of the root shift is derived. The analysis preceding the new root-shift expression is developed in such a manner as to include the Macnee analysis as a special case.
Positive Influence of Age and Education on Food Consumption and Nutrient Intakes of Older Women Living Alone

Abstract Objective To examine the effect of age, education, and residence on food consumption and nutrient intakes of older women living alone. Design In-home interviews were conducted using the Health Habits and History Questionnaire developed by the National Cancer Institute. Subjects One hundred fifty-two free-living, healthy women who were between the ages of 65 and 94 years. Statistical analysis Analysis of variance was used to assess the effect of three independent variables on food consumption and nutrient intakes. Results The oldest participants did not report a significantly lower consumption of foods compared with younger participants. A significant ( P >.05) interaction effect between age and education occurred for the mean weekly servings of vegetables. Weekly consumption of different fruits, vegetables, and meats was significantly ( P >.05) higher for more highly educated respondents. Compared with rural residents, urban residents had higher consumption frequencies for all food categories, but only sweets showed a significant ( P >.05) difference. Mean nutrient intakes were higher for the oldest age group compared with the younger age groups for all nutrients except sodium and dietary fiber. After controlling for education, only vitamin A and retinol showed a significant ( P >.05) difference among the three age groups. More highly educated respondents had higher intakes of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, carotene, sodium, dietary fiber, and potassium than did respondents with less education. Comparisons between urban and rural respondents showed no significant effect of age or education for any of the nutrient intakes. Conclusions Age and education had more influence on reported food consumption and nutrient intakes of older women living alone than did residence. Data from this study indicate that living alone in a rural area does not necessarily mean that an older woman is at risk for poor nutrition. An important target population for nutrition information may be younger retired women without postsecondary education regardless of residence. J Am, Diet Assoc. 1995; 95:1381-1386 .
White House issues Arctic strategy

The White House released its first-ever National Strategy for the Arctic Region on 10 May. The strategy “is intended to position the United States to respond effectively to challenges and emerging opportunities arising from significant increases in Arctic activity due to the diminishment of sea ice and the emergence of a new Arctic environment,” the executive summary states.
TruMatch---a BLAST post-processor that identifies bona fide sequence matches to genome assemblies

Summary: BLAST is a widely used alignment tool for detecting matches between a query sequence and entries in nucleotide sequence databases. Matches (high-scoring pairs, HSPs) are assigned a score based on alignment length and quality and, by default, are reported with the top-scoring matches listed first. For certain types of searches, however, this method of reporting is not optimal. This is particularly true when searching a genome sequence with a query that was derived from the same genome, or a closely related one. If the genome is complex and the assembly is far from complete, correct matches are often relegated to low positions in the results, where they may be easily overlooked. To rectify this problem, we developed TruMatch---a program that parses standard BLAST outputs and identifies HSPs that involve query segments with unique matches to the assembly. Candidates for bona fide matches between a query sequence and a genome assembly are listed at the top of the TruMatch output. Availability: TruMatch is written in Perl and is freely available to non-commercial users via web download at the URL: http://genome.kbrin.uky.edu/fungi_tel/TruMatch/ Contact: farman@uky.edu
Aristotle and the Recovery of Political Judgment

Renewed interest in the concept of political judgment—a mode of reasoning that steers a middle way between abstract, technical reasoning and willful self-assertion—frequently takes the form of a return, qualified in various ways, to Aristotle's concept of phronesis or prudence. I examine this renaissance of interest in Aristotelian prudence through a study of the works of several leading democratic theorists and Aristotle scholars and conclude that they stop short of some of the very elements of Aristotle's thought that can assist us in promoting prudence. In particular, I try to show that these contemporary advocates of political judgment undermine the case for political science (Aristotle's primary concern) and thereby risk losing the independent judgment that Aristotelian political science supports. They fail to give sufficient weight to Aristotle's claim that phronesis, while distinguishable from scientific reason or philosophy, functions best even as a practical science when it accepts certain of philosophy's guiding insights.
Ontogeny of B lymphocyte function VIII. Failure of thymus cells from aged donors to induce the functional maturation of B lymphocytes from immature donors

The role of thymus cells in mediating a step in the ontogeny of the capacity of the B cell population to produce a heterogeneous, high-affinity, primary, plaque-forming cell (PFC) response was further investigated. It was shown that the thymus acquires the capacity to facilitate this step in B cell differentiation between 3 and 4 weeks of age in C57BL/6 mice. This corresponds to the age at which te splenic B cell population of these mice naturally acquires the capacity to produce high-affinity PFC. The differentiation of the B cell population. It was further shown that regulates this step in the cells to facilitate the maturation of B cell population. It was further shown that the ability of thymus cells to facilitate the maturation of the B cell population decreases with age and is already markedly reduced in 30-week-old, long-lived, C57BL/6 mice. A qualitative or quantitative decrease in thymic function may thus be responsible for age-related changes in the function of the B cell population.
How do pathogen evolution and host heterogeneity interact in disease emergence

Heterogeneity in the parameters governing the spread of infectious diseases is a common feature of real-world epidemics. It has been suggested that for pathogens with basic reproductive number R0>1, increasing heterogeneity makes extinction of disease more likely during the early rounds of transmission. The basic reproductive number R0 of the introduced pathogen may, however, be less than 1 after the introduction, and evolutionary changes are then required for R0 to increase to above 1 and the pathogen to emerge. In this paper, we consider how host heterogeneity influences the emergence of both non-evolving pathogens and those that must undergo adaptive changes to spread in the host population. In contrast to previous results, we find that heterogeneity does not always make extinction more likely and that if adaptation is required for emergence, the effect of host heterogeneity is relatively small. We discuss the application of these ideas to vaccination strategies.
Microcomputer based data acquisition system for dynamic testing

Abstract The availability of capable and relatively inexpensive microcomputers and versatile expansion devices has revolutionized education, research, and practice in engineering. A data acquisition and analysis system for use in full scale and large model dynamic testing based on a popular series of microcomputer has been developed. “Quick‐look” and preliminary frequency analysis of data are completed in the microcomputer environment, while more detailed frequency domain analysis of single and dual channel data are completed in the mainframe environment. The system has been used for ambient and forced vibration testing of several prototype structures and large models.
Domain-Specific Response of Imprinted Genes to Reduced DNMT1

Imprinted genes are expressed in a monoallelic, parent-of-origin-specific manner. Clusters of imprinted genes are regulated by imprinting control regions (ICRs) characterized by DNA methylation of one allele. This methylation is critical for imprinting; a reduction in the DNA methyltransferase DNMT1 causes a widespread loss of imprinting. To better understand the role of DNA methylation in the regulation of imprinting, we characterized the effects of Dnmt1 mutations on the expression of a panel of imprinted genes in the embryo and placenta. We found striking differences among imprinted domains. The Igf2 and Peg3 domains showed imprinting perturbations with both null and partial loss-of-function mutations, and both domains had pairs of coordinately regulated genes with opposite responses to loss of DNMT1 function, suggesting these domains employ similar regulatory mechanisms. Genes in the Kcnq1 domain were less sensitive to the absence of DNMT1. Cdkn1c exhibited imprinting perturbations only in null mutants, while Kcnq1 and Ascl2 were largely unaffected by a loss of DNMT1 function. These results emphasize the critical role for DNA methylation in imprinting and reveal the different ways it controls gene expression.
Dynamic Equilibrium in the Hospital Industry

We present a dynamic model of the hospital industry in which nonprofit and for-profit hospitals coexist and competeand are differentiated by their objective functions, investment technologies, and taxation rates. In our model, patients differ by income and type of insurance coverage, and choose admission to their preferred hospital, while hospitals choose investment, entry, exit, and pricing strategies. We estimate the parameters of the model with aggregate data and a GMM procedure. We then use the model to examine the effects of changes in the Medicare reimbursement system, universal health-care coverage, and taxation of nonprofits.