cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient Mutagenesis by Near Ultraviolet Light in the Presence of 8‐Methoxypsoralen in Streptomyces

SUMMARY: Treatment of streptomyces spores with near UV light in the presence of photosensitizing 8-methoxypsoralen was effective in inducing auxotrophic mutations with good survival. This treatment should be a valuable alternative to nitrosoguanidine in the routine mutagenesis of industrial streptomycetes, particularly as there is reported to be a lack of cistron specificity in its action on other micro-organisms.
Versions, Cut Ups, and Bladerunners: Critique and Revision in Nourse and Burroughs

This article explores the singular and productive relationship between Alan Nourse's novel The Bladerunner (1974) and William S. Burroughs's novella Blade Runner (a movie) (1979). Burroughs, known for his experimental Cut Up method, found in Nourse's text the opportunity for a new project of revision and expansion. The result is an exploration of narratological limitations, a challenge to traditional understandings of genre and medium, and a theory of “the version.”
Investigation of Nucleation Mechanism and Tapering Observed in ZnO Nanowire Growth by Carbothermal Reduction Technique

ZnO nanowire nucleation mechanism and initial stages of nanowire growth using the carbothermal reduction technique are studied confirming the involvement of the catalyst at the tip in the growth process. Role of the Au catalyst is further confirmed when the tapering observed in the nanowires can be explained by the change in the shape of the catalyst causing a variation of the contact area at the liquid–solid interface of the nanowires. The rate of decrease in nanowire diameter with length on the average is found to be 0.36 nm/s and this rate is larger near the base. Variation in the ZnO nanowire diameter with length is further explained on the basis of the rate at which Zn atoms are supplied as well as the droplet stability at the high flow rates and temperature. Further, saw-tooth faceting is noticed in tapered nanowires, and the formation is analyzed crystallographically.
Embryonic neurons of the developing optic chiasm express L1 and CD44, cell surface molecules with opposing effects on retinal axon growth

The first retinal ganglion cell axons arriving at the embryonic mouse ventral diencephalon encounter an inverted V-shaped neuronal array defining the midline and posterior boundaries of the future optic chiasm. These neurons express L1, an immunoglobulin superfamily molecule known to promote retinal axon outgrowth, and CD44, a cell surface molecule that we find inhibits embryonic retinal axon growth in vitro. Incoming retinal axons do not penetrate this L1/CD44 neuron array, but turn to establish the characteristic X-shaped optic chiasm along the anterior border of this array. These results suggest that L1/CD44 neurons may serve as an anatomical template for retinal axon pathways at the embryonic mouse ventral diencephalon.
Three-dimensional registration of magnetic resonance image data to histological sections with model-based evaluation.

We developed a three-dimensional (3D) registration method to align medical scanner data with histological sections. After acquiring 3D medical scanner images, we sliced and photographed the tissue using, a custom apparatus, to obtain a volume of tissue section images. Histological samples from the sections were digitized using a video microscopy system. We aligned the histology and medical images to the reference tissue images using our 3D registration method. We applied the method to correlate in vivo magnetic resonance (MR) and histological measurements for radio-frequency thermal ablation lesions in rabbit thighs. For registration evaluation, we used an ellipsoid model to describe the lesion surfaces. The model surface closely fit the inner (M1) and outer (M2) boundaries of the hyperintense region in MR lesion images, and the boundary of necrosis (H1) in registered histology images. We used the distance between the model surfaces to indicate the 3D registration error. For four experiments, we measured a registration accuracy of 0.96± 0.13 mm (mean±SD) from the absolute distance between the M2 and H1 model surfaces, which compares favorably to the 0.70 mm in-plane MR voxel dimension. This suggests that our registration method provides sufficient spatial correspondence to correlate 3D medical scanner and histology data.
Pervaporation of ethanol-water mixtures through polyvinyl alcohol-polyacrylamide interpenetrating polymer network membranes unsupported and supported on polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes: a comparison

Abstract Polyvinyl alcohol-polyacrylamide interpenetrating polymer network (PVA-PAAM IPN) membranes, both unsupported and supported on polyethersulfone (PESF) ultrafiltration membranes, were prepared and investigated regarding the pervaporation of water-ethanol mixtures. Compared to the crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol membranes, the PVA-PAAM IPN membranes exhibit improved thermostability, mechanical properties and selectivity. The PVA-PAAM IPN membranes were synthesized by the sequential IPN technique. The thicknesses of the unsupported membranes were in the range 30–40 μm, those of the supported ones were about 4 μm, and that of the PESF membrane was 90 μm. The selection of the compositions of the PVA-PAAM IPN layer of the supported membranes was made by examining the pervaporation performance of the unsupported ones. Furthermore, the effects of the feed composition, feed temperature and operating time on the performance of the PVA-PAAM IPN supported membrane was investigated. Depending on the feed composition and temperature, the supported membranes had separation factors between 30 and 28 300 and permeation rates between 30 and 3800 g/ (m 2 h). High selectivities were obtained at high ethanol concentrations. For the azeotropic water-ethanol mixture (95 wt% ethanol), the supported membrane had at 60°C a separation factor of 13 000 and a permeation rate of 80 g/ (m 2 h). Compared to the unsupported membranes, the supported ones had a higher permeability but a somewhat lower selectivity.
A rare type esophageal anomaly and its treatment.

Summary We have presented a report of the diagnosis and surgical repair of a case of tracheo-esophageal fistula without esophageal atresia (H type, or fifth type). We have called attention to the fact that this is a rare type of anomaly and that there are twenty-three previously reported cases. It is pointed out that this is the type of tracheo-esophageal fistula that bears the best prognosis and is the most easily repaired, surgically.
Ergonomic Evaluation of U.S. Army Bridge Construction

An ergonomic intervention of the construction of the Medium Girder Bridge was conducted. In this study, task observation, a sample survey, ergonomic assessment, and ergonomic intervention were conducted. Survey results were collected (n = 58), and served to identify the population and areas for ergonomic improvement. The revised NIOSH lifting equation and University of Michigan 3D Static Strength Prediction Program were then used to analyze manual materials handling tasks. By redesigning the hand tools used for bridge construction, the average NIOSH lifting index was decreased by 0.4 (−16%) and the average L5/S1 disc compression was reduced by 1700 N (−36%). These results along with other ergonomic improvements will be validated in a pending field study.
Evaluating On-Farm Flooding Impacts on Soybean

Flooding is a major problem that reduces soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] growth and grain yield in many areas of the USA and the world. Our objective was to identify the plant and soil characteristics associated with different flooding durations in six fields in central Ohio. The soybean plants were at the V2 and V3 stages when rainfall-induced flooding occurred. The outer perimeters of the flooded areas were mapped, using GPS (global positioning system) technology, several times during the flooding event to delineate the change of the flooded area over time. Two 9-m wide transects across the flooded area within each field were divided into plots of 9 m by 9 m according to flooding duration: no flooding, 1 to 3 d, 4 to 6 d, and 6 to 8 d. Soil and plant nutrient levels, grain yield data and grain protein and oil content were determined for each plot. The soil cation-exchange capacity (CEC), pH, P, Ca, Mn, and Zn concentrations had significant positive correlation with flooding duration. There was a significant negative correlation of flooding duration with the population, height, number of pods, and yield of soybean. There was no significant correlation of flooding duration with seed weight, oil, or protein content of the seeds. Leaf tissue Ca, Mg, B, Fe, Cu, and Al concentrations had a significant positive correlation with flooding duration, whereas leaf tissue N concentration had a significant negative correlation with flooding duration.
Control of cell migration in atrioventricular pads during chick early heart development: Analysis of cushion tissue migration in vitro

Abstract The formation of the valvular and septal primordia of the embryonic heart depends upon the migration of endocardial cushion tissue mesenchyme (CT) to populate the cardiac jelly (CJ) in specific heart regions (e.g., atrioventricular (AV) pads). It has been proposed that the migration of CT may be directed by macromolecules of the CJ. In this study, [ 3 H]thymidine-labeled endocardial (EC) and CT cells were transplanted onto intact pre- and postmigratory AV pads in vitro to test whether the compositional or structural changes known to occur in the cardiac jelly during development influence the migration of cushion tissue cells. After transplantation of labeled donor cells, host AV pads were fixed, embedded, and sectioned, and autoradiography was performed to determine the distribution of labeled donor cells within the host CJ. The experiments indicate that transplanted mural EC cells remain primarily at the AV pad surface, while grafted CT cells of all developmental ages rapidly invade both developmentally young and older AV pads. Furthermore, CT cells readily migrate in a direction opposite to that of cells in vivo when transplanted to inverted AV pads from which the myocardium has been removed. It is concluded that the CJ matrix, which is clearly a suitable framework for CT cell migration, provides no direct cues to determining the polarity or extent of migration.
The Myth of Military Myopia: Democracy, Small Wars, and Vietnam

A capital- and firepower-intensive military doctrine is, in general, poorly suited for combating an insurgency. It is therefore puzzling that democracies, particularly the United States, tenaciously pursue such a suboptimal strategy over long periods of time and in successive conflicts. This tendency poses an empirical challenge to the argument that democracies tend to win the conflicts they enter. This apparently nonstrategic behavior results from a condition of moral hazard owing to the shifting of costs away from the average voter. The voter supports the use of a capital-intensive doctrine in conflicts where its effectiveness is low because the decreased likelihood of winning is outweighed by the lower costs of fighting. This theory better explains the development of the United States' counterinsurgency strategy in Vietnam during Lyndon Johnson's administration compared to the dominant interpretation, which blames the U.S. military's myopic bureaucracy and culture for its counterproductive focus on firepower and conventional warfare.
Benign urethral polyp of prostatic urethra.

Abstract Benign fibroepithelial polyps of the posterior urethra are rare lesions, usually presenting with obstructive symptoms. Most often they occur in the pediatric age group and are believed to be of congenital origin. Our patient, a fifty-nine-year-old man, represents the oldest case reported in the English literature. Current thoughts on diagnosis, associated urologic findings, treatment, and possible cause are discussed.
NTID International Symposium on Technology and Deaf Education: a review

The International Symposium on Technology and Deaf Education at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at Rochester Institute of Technology is a bi-yearly (occurring once every two years) conference that attracts professionals, educators, technologists, and researchers who are interested in, developing for, and affected by technology for the education of deaf and hard of hearing students. This mixture of professionals leads to many interesting discussions, presentations, and exhibits with the purpose of dissemination of full research projects and best practices. This year the symposium, June 21--23, 2010, accepted 64 papers each with presentations 45 minutes long, 15 minutes of which were devoted to question and answer, and discussion. Presenters were chosen to reflect the current issues and solutions in both educational and access technologies. The symposium is also a great venue to share works-in-progress, current trends, and state of the art technology shown by 28 posters and 11 commercial exhibits. Over 300 people attended from 17 different countries including presentations by participants from Japan, Thailand, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Russia, Philippines, Poland, and Rwanda.
Bonding defects in amorphous silicon alloys

Abstract We present a study of the photocurrent and dark current in amorphous hydrogenated silicon (a-Si:H), a-SiGe:H and a-Ge:H surface cell devices in which we varied the sample thickness and the penetration depth of the incident light. We find that for a-Si:H and a-Ge:H the bulk lifetime is several orders of magnitude higher than the effective surface lifetime whereas in an a-SiGe:H alloy (with 50 at.% Ge) the bulk lifetime is reduced and is comparable with the surface lifetime. These differences in relative bulk and surface lifetimes are correlated with differences in the relative values of the dark conductivity activation energies. These are less than half of the gap in a-Si:H and a-Ge:H, but greater than half of the gap in the a-SiGe:H alloy.
PROFILE OF CHILEAN ACHIEVEMENT IN THE TIMSS 1999 DATA REPRESENTATION SUB-SCALE

Por primera vez, Chile participo en el Estudio de Tendencias en Matematicas y Ciencias de IEA (TIMSS 1999), evaluando los conocimientos de una muestra representativa a nivel nacional de 5907 alumnos de octavo basico, y recogiendo valiosa informacion de contexto sobre los alumnos, sus profesores y sus colegios. Este articulo analiza los resultados obtenidos en representacion de datos, la subescala de matematicas con los mejores resultados relativos para Chile. Aqui se analiza el efecto de cinco caracteristicas de las preguntas incluidas en la prueba: formato, habilidad cognitiva, contenido, intencion curricular e implementacion curricular. Las conclusiones apuntan a que el mejor rendimiento en representacion de datos puede explicarse por un fenomeno de aprendizaje informal de las matematicas combinado con un efecto de formato de las preguntas.
Tiling Proofs of Recent Sum Identities Involving Pell Numbers

In a recent note, Santana and Diaz-Barrero proved a number of sum identities involving the well-known Pell numbers. Their proofs relied heavily on the Binet formula for the Pell numbers. Our goal in this note is to reconsider these identities from a purely combinatorial viewpoint. We provide bijective proofs for each of the results by interpreting the Pell numbers as enumerators of certain types of tilings. In turn, our proofs provide helpful insight for straightforward generalizations of a number of the identities.
Abdominal Distension and Constipation in an Adult

with Hirschsprung’s disease are diagnosed during their first year of life. 2 Histologic examination of full-thickness rectal biopsy is used to confirm the diagnosis suggested by radiographic studies and anorectal manometry. This patient’s presentation was consistent with isolated hypoganglionosis, one of the rarest variants of Hirschsprung’s disease. 3 In patients with chronic constipation, variants of Hirschsprung’s disease are described histologically as intestinal neuronal dysplasia, isolated hypoganglionosis, and immature ganglia. 3 Patients with hypoganglionosis often are diagnosed later (mean age, 4.8 y) than patients with complete aganglionosis. The majority of these patients undergo resection of the affected bowel segment and pull-through surgery. Hirschsprung’s disease should be considered in young adults who present with chronic constipation and radiographic evidence of a proximally dilated stool-filled colon, narrowed distal colon, and lack of another obstructive etiology.
The Bacillus subtilis phoAIV gene: effects of in vitro inactivation on total alkaline phosphatase production

A degenerative oligodeoxyribonucleotide probe deduced from the first 19 amino acids of the mature alkaline phosphatase IV (APase IV) protein was used to clone a DNA fragment internal to the coding region of the phoAIV gene of Bacillus subtilis. An insertional mutation was constructed in the phoAIV locus using the integrative plasmid, pJM103, containing the cloned DNA fragment. The strain with the interrupted phoAIV gene showed no detectable APase IV product on Western-blot analysis. The impact of the phoAIV interruption on total APase production in B. subtilis 168 was analyzed under both phosphate starvation and sporulation culturing conditions. The mutation in phoAIV reduced total APase-specific activity by 75% in phosphate-starved cells, and resulted in the elimination of a salt-extractable membrane APase, as well as the secreted APase IV. Analysis of this membrane APase indicated that it is a phoAIV gene product which is localized within the membrane fraction of the lysed cell and not secreted. There was no effect on the production of sporulation APase. The phoAIV::pJM103 insertion was mapped and determined to be located at approx. 73 degrees on the B. subtilis 360 degrees chromosome.
Lectin binding reveals a synapse-specific carbohydrate in skeletal muscle.

Molecules concentrated at synapses are of interest because they may have roles in synaptic development or function. Several ‘synapse-specific’ proteins have been identified at the skeletal neuromuscular junction; acetylcholine (ACh) receptors1, acetylcholinesterase2, some components of the basal lamina3 and a number of cytoskeletal elements4,5, are all present at far higher concentrations at synaptic sites than elsewhere on the muscle fibre surface. As carbohydrates are thought to be involved in neuronal recognition, adhesion and synapto-genesis6–12, we have asked whether any saccharide moieties are similarly concentrated at synaptic sites on muscle fibres. Lectins sare proteins that bind to carbohydrates; each has its own sugar specificity13,14. Fluorescent and other derivatives of lectins have been used as histochemical stains to study the nature and distribution of carbohydrates on many cell types13–16 including neurones6,7,17–19 and muscle fibres16,20. We report here that the lectin from the legume Dolichos biflorus, DBA, selectively stains neuromuscular junctions in several vertebrate species. This result demonstrates the existence of a synapse-specific carbohydrate.
The value of intraoperative scans during CT-guided stereotactic procedures.

The accuracy stereotactic procedures performed during the pre-computed tomography (CT) era was confirmed by intraoperative X-ray pictures. With the availability of CT it is now possible to confirm the position of the probe-tip on an image of the target. For biopsy of small lesions in critical areas of the brain, permanent placement of radioactive seeds, or thalamotomy, it would be desirable to have confirmation of the site of the probetip prior to performing the main step of the procedure. Intraoperative CT was performed in 216 stereotactic procedures carried out on the scanner table including biopsies, aspiration of cysts, brachytherapy, aspiration of abscesses, thalamotomy, and evacuation of intracerebral hematoma. In 6 cases, inaccuracies were detected, which it was possible to correct so as to place the probe where desired.
Hierarchical verification of asynchronous circuits using temporal logic

Abstract Establishing the correctness of complicated asynchronous circuit is in general quite difficult because of the high degree of nondeterminism that is inherent in such devices. Nevertheless, it is also very important in view of the cost involved in design and testing of circuits. We show how to give specifications for circuits in a branching time temporal logic and how to mechanically verify them using a simple and efficient model checker. We also show how to tackle a large and complex circuit by verifying it hierarchically.
Vitreous carbon-based composite electrode as an electro-chemical detector for liquid chromatography

Abstract The characteristics of an electrochemical detector for liquid chromatography with an array of vitreous carbon electrodes in a thin-layer channel are described. This array is fabricated by filling the pores of a reticulated vitreous carbon disk with non-conductive epoxy. The resulting flow-by electrode exhibits a flow-rate independent response due to its nonlinear mass-transport properties. For the same reason, the detector shows 3–5 improvements in signal-to-noise characteristics over commercial detectors with continuous glassy caron electrode, operated under otherwise identical conditions. Epinephrine, dopamine, acetaminophen and potassium ferrocyanide were used as test systems to give detection limits at the pg level. Repetitive injections yield peak heights with a relative standard deviation of 0.3%. The cell is easy to construct from inexpensive materials.
Effects of Flaw Size and Auto-glaze Treatment on Porcelain Strength

The functional surfaces of porcelain restorations are often ground to adjust occlusion. This removes the surface glaze and introduces flaws. Re-firing the restoration before final placement produces a self-glaze layer on the surface that may reduce the extent of damage caused by grinding. The objectives of this study were to determine whether re-firing after grinding increases the strength of dental porcelain and to determine whether the effectiveness of this treatment was dependent on the initial flaw size. Six groups, each containing 12 disk specimens, were prepared from experimental body porcelain (No. 36, J.F. Jelenko & Co., Armonk, NY). The specimens were fired under vacuum, ground to a thickness of 1 mm with 240-grit SiC abrasive, and polished through 600-grit on the surface to be subjected to tensile stress. Control Group A consisted of 12 non-indented specimens. Flaws were induced in the remaining groups by means of a Vickers indenter under the following loads: 3.9 N (Group B), 7.8 N (Group C), 11.8 N (Group D), 15.7 N (Group E), and 19.6 N (Group F). Following indentation, half of the specimens from each group were re-fired. The flexure strength of each specimen was determined by means of a piston-on-three-ball biaxial fixture. The TTEST procedure of SAS (1985) indicated a significant difference between the mean strength values of glazed and non-glazed specimens in Group E only (p = 0.55, 0.24, 0.13, 0.07, 0.01, and 0.69 for Groups A to F, respectively). ANOVA with the GLM procedure of SAS (1985) revealed that the mean strength values of groups subjected to five indentation loads were not significantly different (p = 0.45 for glazed specimens and p = 1.00 for non-glazed specimens). These findings support those of Fairhurst et al. (1992) for specimens with smaller flaws that were induced by grinding with 1 micron abrasive grit. The results of the current study indicate that re-firing of porcelain with large surface flaws does not significantly increase the flexural strength.
A framework for conducting political event analysis using group support systems

Corporations seeking to expand their operations internationally often encounter certain political events that they do not encounter domestically. Political events are those events that may occur because of the actions or decisions made by certain political actors having influence in a region. Such events include corruption, currency fluctuations, and civil unrest. However, obtaining information and insight about such events from local knowledgeable persons is often difficult due to authoritarian governments and/or cultural environments that discourage open criticism. We present a framework for using group support systems (GSS) under such conditions. The framework consists of methods that can be employed depending on the number of events (unidimensional or multidimensional) and time periods (static or dynamic) of interest. Each method is illustrated with local Hong Kong business executives addressing the future of Hong Kong as a desirable place to conduct multinational operations.
Incorporation of S-(9-hydroxy-9,10-dihydro-10-phenanthryl)-L-cysteine into rabbit hemoglobin.

SummaryThe incorporation of hydroxydihydrophenanthrylcysteine into hemoglobin has been demonstrated with a lysate of rabbit reticulocytes. The uptake of the amino acid analogue was greater in the beta chain than in the alpha. Incorporation was inhibited by chloramphenicol.2
Gene delivery of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase improves graft function after transplantation of fatty livers in the rat.

Abstract Oxygen-derived free radicals play a central role in reperfusion injury after organ transplantation, and fatty livers are particularly susceptible. Endogenous radical scavengers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) degrade these radicals; however, SOD is destroyed rapidly when given exogenously. Therefore, an adenoviral vector encoding the Cu/Zn-SOD gene (Ad.SOD1) was used here to test the hypothesis that organ injury would be reduced and survival increased in a rat model of transplantation of fatty livers. Donors received chow diet (untreated), high-fat diet, or ethanol-containing high-fat diet. Some of the ethanol-fed donors were infected either with the gene lacZ encoding bacterial β-galactosidase (Ad. lacZ ), or Ad.SOD1. After liver transplantation, SOD activity and protein expression in liver, survival, histopathology, release of transaminases, free radical adducts in bile, and activation of NF-κB, IκB kinase (IKK), Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), and TNFα were evaluated. Ad.SOD1 treatment increased survival dramatically, blunted transaminase release, and reduced necrosis and apoptosis significantly. Free radical adducts were increased two-fold in the ethanol group compared with untreated controls. Ad.SOD1 blunted this increase and reduced the activation of NF-κB. However, release of TNFα was not affected. Ad.SOD1 also blunted JNK activity after transplantation. This study shows that gene therapy with Ad.SOD1 protects marginal livers from failure after transplantation because of decreased oxygen radical production. Genetic modification of fatty livers using viral vectors represents a new approach to protect marginal grafts against primary nonfunction. (Hepatology2000;32:1255-1264.)
Electron energy loss from collective excitations in superlattice structures: Sensitivity to the outermost layer

In earlier work [R. E. Camley and D. L. Mills, Phys. Rev. B 29, 1695 (1984)], collective excitations (plasmons) of semi-infinite superlattice structures were discussed, along with the theory of near-specular electron-energy-loss spectra from such structures. We extend the discussion here to the case where the thickness or dielectric response characteristics of the outermost layer of the structure may differ from the films from which the rest of the structure is fabricated. We present numerical calculations of the effect of alterations in the outer layer on the mode structure and near-specular electron-energy-loss spectra, for superlattices formed from polar semiconductors.
A pyramidal data structure for triangle-based surface description

A hierarchical model for approximating 2-1/2-dimensional surfaces is described. This model, called a Delaunay pyramid, is a method for compression of spatial data and representation of a surface at successively finer levels of detail. A Delaunay pyramid is based on a sequence of Delaunay triangulations of suitably defined subsets of the set of data points. A triangle-oriented encoding structure for a Delaunay pyramid is presented, and its storage complexity is evaluated. An algorithm for constructing a Delaunay pyramid is described, and a method for solving the point location and evaluation on such a model is discussed. >
Inflammatory pseudotumor of the nasopharynx and skull base: mimicking an aggressive neoplasm or infection.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the nasopharynx and skull base is a benign, idiopathic disease that is often mistaken for a neoplasm or infection owing to its aggressive behavior and clinical presentation. It can present as a progressively destructive mass and should be considered when repeated tissue biopsies reveal acute or chronic inflammation without evidence of malignant disease or infection. We present 4 cases of nasopharyngeal inflammatory pseudotumor with skull base invasion occurring in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). These patients had repeated negative results from biopsies and cultures, and none had associated cervical lymphadenopathy despite having an aggressive destructive mass. We suggest that these findings, coupled with clinical suspicion, will be helpful in making the correct diagnosis of inflammatory pseudotumor. This is critical in the management of these patients to institute the correct treatment plan.
An analysis of uplink transmit power in WCDMA networks

In this paper, we present an experimental analysis of uplink (UL) transmit power in WCDMA networks based on measurement data over a commercial UMTS network. In particular, three factors which may influence the transmit power profiles in practical mobile usage scenarios are examined: (a) handset position, (b) channel effects, and (c) network loading. First, a handset under test is placed at different positions relative to the body or nearby objects during peak and off-peak hours. Second, we study the relationship between the UL transmit power and received signal code power (RSCP) via a linear regression model. Then, the effect of network loading during three times of the day is examined for different areas and handset positions. Throughout this paper, measurement results of mean UL transmit power and RSCP along with their scatter plots are presented.
The road in and out of homelessness: perceptions of recovering substance abusers

In this phenomenological study the authors explored the meaning of homelessness from the perspective of previously homeless substance abusers. The sample involved 8 adult males recruited from a substance abuse treatment program. Through the use of open-ended questioning, two major themes were identified: the road to homelessness and the road out of homelessness. The road to homelessness comprised an explanation for the participants' homelessness: painful background experiences, negative self-concept, ineffective coping skills, and a sense of hopelessness. The road out of homelessness described the recovery process and included turning points, experiences of caring relationships, and a new way of viewing the world. The findings offer a beginning understanding of the experience of homelessness and recovery, and have implications for intervention and future research for subpopulations of persons who are homeless.
Can family history be used as a tool for public health and preventive medicine

Most common chronic diseases are the result of complex interactions between multiple genetic variants and environmental factors. Despite significant advances in the last decade in the understanding of our genome, there are substantial limitations in epidemiological and analytic approaches to studying the effects of genetic determinants of common chronic diseases. Knowledge of genetic variation underlying disease susceptibility should improve our ability to diagnose, manage, and prevent these disorders. To date, however, DNA-based testing is limited for the most part to analysis of highly penetrant single gene disorders that account for approximately 5% of the total disease burden in the population.1, 2 It may be years before DNAbased tests are routinely applied to predict the onset of common diseases, their natural history, and response to therapy.
The Construct Validity of the Bem Sex-Role Inventory for Heterosexual and Gay Men

This study examined the construct validity of the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI; Bem, 1978) for heterosexual and gay men. Sixty heterosexual and 63 gay male participants were recruited through networking and advertisements. These two groups were of equivalent age, socioeconomic background, race, student status, and educational level. They completed the Lifestyle Questionnaire assessing sexual orientation and the BSRI assessing sex-role orientation. The internal consistency and discriminant validity of the BSRI scales were examined by corrected item-total correlations, coefficient alphas, inter-scale correlations, and factor analysis. Results suggested that the BSRI was equally valid for heterosexual and gay men, and the psychometric data reported in the BSRI Manual (Bem, 1981) were essentially replicated. However, the short-form BSRI is recommended for use with male respondents because of the problematic non-short-form Femininity items.
Music teachers' constructions of gender in elementary education

In spite of a growing body of research in music education that focuses on a variety of gender issues, there is still limited information on music teachers' experiences and constructions of their classroom practices in relation to their conceptualisations of gender. This paper examines music teachers' descriptions of gender in relation to their work as elementary music educators (5–10-year-olds). In an exploratory pilot study using a qualitative design, semi-structured 45–60 minute interviews were conducted with one male and five female teachers. Findings demonstrated that (1) teachers' conceptualisation of the relevance of gender in thinking about music teaching varied considerably; (2) the role of the male teacher in the elementary school was described in significantly different ways to that of the role of female teacher; and (3) teachers commonly referenced teaching strategies that reinforce gender stereotypes. The study concludes by outlining possible pathways for further research concerning gender in ...
An Adaptive Watermarking Algorithm for MP3 Compressed Audio Signals

MP3 has been generating a significant popularity for distributing digital audio signals over the Internet. However, copyright issue has been raised because of illegal copy and redistribution. Digital watermarking is a technology that allows users to embed watermark into digital contents to identify the copyright holder, to prevent illegal copy, and to verily modification to the original content. This paper proposes a novel adaptive watermarking algorithm for MP3 compressed audio signals, based on human auditory system. In the proposed algorithm, watermark is embedded adaptively and transparently after modified discrete cosine transformation (MDCT) and before quantization. Gaussian distribution statistic analysis is introduced to make this watermarking algorithm adaptive. We tested our adaptive watermarking algorithm on various types of audio signals. The experimental results show that the new algorithm can survive most common signal manipulation including MP3 compression.
The Role of Learning Goals in Building a Knowledge Base for Elementary Mathematics Teacher Education

Abstract In this article, we describe features of learning goals that enable indexing knowledge for teacher education. Learning goals are the key enabler for building a knowledge base for teacher education; they define what counts as essential knowledge for prospective teachers. We argue that 2 characteristics of learning goals support knowledge‐building efforts. First, learning goals should be targeted; they must be sufficiently well specified to suggest interventions for supporting learners in achieving them and to indicate the types of evidence needed to determine if the goals have been achieved. Second, learning goals should be shared; they must be mutually understood and committed to by all participants in the knowledge‐building process. By drawing on our experience in our local efforts to develop knowledge for preparing prospective elementary mathematics teachers, we illustrate how targeted and shared learning goals support efforts to build a knowledge base for teacher education. We then propose the...
Trade-offs in antiherbivore defenses in Piper cenocladum: ant mutualists versus plant secondary metabolites.

Ant–plant mutualisms may provide indirect evidence for costs of antiherbivore defenses when plants demonstrate trade-offs between allocating resources and energy into ant attractants versus chemical defenses. We tested the hypothesis that ecological trade-offs in defenses are present in Piper cenocladum. This plant possesses two distinct defenses: food bodies that attract predatory ants that destory herbivore eggs and amides that deter herbivores. Previous studies have demonstrated that the food bodies in P. cenocladum are an effective defense because the ants deter herbivory by specialist herbivores. Amides in other Piper species have been shown to have toxic qualities, but we tested the additional hypothesis that these amides have an actual defensive function in P. cenocladum. To test for ecological trade-offs between the two putative defenses, fragments of P. cenocladum were examined for the presence of amides both when the plant was producing food bodies and when it was not producing food bodies. Plants with active ant colonies had redundant defenses, producing food bodies and high levels of amides at the same time, but we detected a trade-off in that they had significantly lower levels of amides than did plants with no ants. To test for the defensive value of P. cenocladum amides, we used an ant bioassay and we examined herbivory results from previous experiments with plants that had variable levels of amides. These tests demonstrated that amides are deterrent to omnivorous ants, leaf cutting ants, and orthopterans. In contrast, the resident Pheidole bicornis ants are effective at deterring herbivory by specialist herbivores that oviposit eggs on the plant but not at deterring herbivory by nonresident omnivores. We concluded that although both amides and food body production appear to be costly, redundancy in defenses is necessary to avoid damage by a complex suit of herbivores.
Demographic components of seasonality of pregnancy

Data from the National Survey of Family Growth Cycle III 1979-81 are examined to determine the various components to the monthly distribution of pregnancies in the US where births are highest in late summer and early fall and lowest in April. Part of the seasonality is voluntary and determined primarily by the cessation of contraceptive use in response to sociocultural factors. Nevertheless there is a biological component to the seasonal size of the population at risk of pregnancy which operates to produce seasonal variations in fecundability. In the sample examined the seasonality of pregnancy appeared to be determined by the seasonality of fecundability and not by seasonal variation in the size of the population at risk. A major factor appears to be the lower frequency of coitus during the hot summer months and increasing frequency in early autumn which causes pregnancies to peak in October through December.
Estimation of simulation error due to trace inaccuracies

The effect of trace inaccuracies on the evaluation of cache performance using trace driven simulation is examined. It is demonstrated that very inaccurate results are obtained when using a trace from which all operating system references have been removed. The notion of trace components is defined, providing a framework for quantifying the error in simulation results when portions of the complete reference sequence are missing from the trace. Using a set of accurate and complete traces taken from an i486 system running Mach 2.6, it is established that omission of a small fraction of the operating system references can lead to very inaccurate simulation results. >
Some Kinetic Considerations Regarding the Double-Torsion Specimen

In the double-torsion specimen, crack velocity is a function of the shear wave velocity. At a constant load above the critical load required for crack propagation, crack velocity asymptotically approaches a constant value which is proportional to the shear wave velocity and is dependent on specimen geometry and load. The maximum possible crack velocity under a constant load is proportional to the shear wave velocity multiplied by the ratio of the specimen thickness to its width. For the case of constant deflection with an initial load greater than the critical load, crack velocity goes through a maximum and arrests, for a sufficiently long specimen. Testing-machine compliance increases the length that such a crack will attain before arrest. The load required for rapid crack propagation is only slightly greater than the critical load; stable crack growth in the absence of stress corrosion guarantees an accurate determination of the fracture energy.
XANES identification of plutonium speciation in RFETS samples

Using primarily X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) with standards run in tandem with samples, probable plutonium speciation was determined for 13 samples from contaminated soil, acid-splash or fire-deposition building interior surfaces, or asphalt pads from the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (RFETS). Save for extreme oxidizing situations, all other samples were found to be of Pu(IV) speciation, supporting the supposition that such contamination is less likely to show mobility off site. EXAFS analysis conducted on two of the 13 samples supported the validity of the XANES features employed as determinants of the plutonium valence.
Hepatitis C Virus and End Stage Renal Disease

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease in the world. It is particularly common in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), both due to risk for chronic kidney disease related to HCV infection and risk for HCV infection acquisition in the hemodialysis population. In the United States, nosocomial risk of HCV has diminished, but this continues to be a major challenge in the developing world. Current available HCV therapies are more complex and less efficacious in the setting of ESRD. In the setting of donor organ shortage, transplant specialists must weigh the risks and benefits of using donor kidneys from patients positive for HCV antibody. The goal of this review is to update the reader on significant findings in HCV and ESRD. The major topics covered include updates in epidemiology, natural history, HCV treatment, and transplantation.
TGF-β activates Erk MAP kinase signalling through direct phosphorylation of ShcA

Erk1/Erk2 MAP kinases are key regulators of cell behaviour and their activation is generally associated with tyrosine kinase signalling. However, TGF-β stimulation also activates Erk MAP kinases through an undefined mechanism, albeit to a much lower level than receptor tyrosine kinase stimulation. We report that upon TGF-β stimulation, the activated TGF-β type I receptor (TβRI) recruits and directly phosphorylates ShcA proteins on tyrosine and serine. This dual phosphorylation results from an intrinsic TβRI tyrosine kinase activity that complements its well-defined serine-threonine kinase function. TGF-β-induced ShcA phosphorylation induces ShcA association with Grb2 and Sos, thereby initiating the well-characterised pathway linking receptor tyrosine kinases with Erk MAP kinases. We also found that TβRI is tyrosine phosphorylated in response to TGF-β. Thus, TβRI, like the TGF-β type II receptor, is a dual-specificity kinase. Recruitment of tyrosine kinase signalling pathways may account for aspects of TGF-β biology that are independent of Smad signalling.
Genetics of Asthma: Potential Implications for Reducing Asthma Disparities

Although genetic factors may partly explain the differences in asthma prevalence, morbidity, and mortality among ethnic groups in the United States, few studies of the genetics of asthma have included members of ethnic minority groups. Only one genome-wide linkage analysis of asthma and/or asthma-related phenotypes (conducted by the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Asthma) has included any members of ethnic minority populations. The interpretation of the findings of genetic association studies of asthma in ethnic minority groups is complicated by reduced statistical power due to small sample sizes; the failure to correct for multiple comparisons; a lack of homogeneity of the populations studied with regard to area of residence, ancestral background, and/or country of origin; a lack of measurement of relevant environmental exposures; and (for case-control studies of genetic association) a lack of detection and control of potential population stratification. Genetic studies may improve our understanding of asthma and lead to new methods to prevent, diagnose, and treat this disease. Limited study of asthma genetics in ethnic minority populations is unacceptable, as it may prevent these groups from benefiting from future developments in asthma management and thus widen existing disparities in asthma care. Future genetic association studies of asthma among ethnic minorities in the United States should include large samples of populations that have been adequately defined with regard to area of residence, self-designated ancestry, and country of origin. These studies should also include an adequate assessment of potentially relevant environmental exposures and (for case-control association studies) population stratification.
Physical Response of the Tropical–Subtropical North Atlantic Ocean to Decadal–Multidecadal Forcing by African Dust

AbstractDust storms are a persistent feature of the tropical North Atlantic and vary over a wide range of temporal scales. While it is well known that mineral aerosols alter the local radiative fluxes, far less is understood about the oceanic response to such forced changes to the radiative budget, particularly on long time scales. This study uses an observation-based climatology of dust surface forcing and an ocean general circulation model to examine the influence of anomalous atmospheric dust cover over the tropical North Atlantic on upper ocean temperature and circulation during 1955–2008. It is found that surface temperature anomalies from the model experiments are forced primarily by local radiation-induced changes to the surface heat budget. The subsurface temperature anomalies are additionally influenced by upper ocean circulation anomalies, which are the response to dust-forced steric changes in dynamic height. The results herein suggest that on decadal time scales dust-forced variability of ocea...
Management von Innovation – Ungewissheit und neue Herausforderungen

Die Organisation und das Management von Unternehmen konzentrierten sich in der Vergangenheit auf die Produktion. Innovation wurde besonderen Abteilungen und Berufsgruppen zugeordnet und von sonstigen Unternehmensbereichen abgesondert. Mit dem Innovationsmanagement werden demgegenuber Innovationsprozesse in die Unternehmensorganisation insgesamt integriert. Leitend sind hierbei grundlegende Prinzipien aus dem Management industrieller Produktion: Planen, Steuern und Kontrollieren. Dabei besteht aber die Gefahr, Ungewissheit und Unbestimmtheit aus dem Innovationsmanagement auszugrenzen. Ungewissheit und Unbestimmtheit sind jedoch ein grundlegendes Merkmal von Innovation. Das Bestreben, sie zu beseitigen, kann bedeuten, dass Innovation nicht gefordert, sondern behindert und eingeschrankt wird. Notwendig ist daher ein Management von Innovation, das Grenzen der Planung nicht als Mangel, sondern als ein Erfolgspotenzial von Innovation erkennt und nutzt.