cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systemic exposure to proteasome inhibitors causes a progressive model of Parkinson's disease.

Environmental toxins have been implicated in the etiology of Parkinson's disease. Recent findings of defects in the ubiquitin-proteasome system in hereditary and sporadic forms of the illness suggest that environmental proteasome inhibitors are candidate PD-inducing toxins. Here, we systemically injected six doses of naturally occurring (epoxomicin) or synthetic (Z-lle-Glu(OtBu)-Ala-Leu-al [PSI]) proteasome inhibitors into adult rats over a period of 2 weeks. After a latency of 1 to 2 weeks, animals developed progressive parkinsonism with bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, and an abnormal posture, which improved with apomorphine treatment. Positron emission tomography demonstrated reduced carbon-11-labeled 2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-fluorophenyl)tropane (CFT) binding to dopaminergic nerve terminals in the striatum, indicative of degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway. Postmortem analyses showed striatal dopamine depletion and dopaminergic cell death with apoptosis and inflammation in the substantia nigra pars compacta. In addition, neurodegeneration occurred in the locus coeruleus, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, and the nucleus basalis of Meynert. At neurodegenerative sites, intracytoplasmic, eosinophilic, α-synuclein/ubiquitin–containing, inclusions resembling Lewy bodies were present in some of the remaining neurons. This animal model induced by proteasome inhibitors closely recapitulates key features of PD and may be valuable in studying etiopathogenic mechanisms and putative neuroprotective therapies for the illness. Ann Neurol 2004
Buckling, post-buckling and limit analysis of completely symmetric elastic structures☆

Abstract The buckling mode of a structure is defined to be symmetric if its sign is indefinite; this happens when the potential energy expansion near the buckling point does not contain terms which are cubic in the buckling mode. If, in addition, the cubic terms vanish identically for all possible modes then the structure is defined to be “completely symmetric”. Many structures of technical significance are included in this definition, such as columns, plates, frameworks, etc. If certain technically realistic order-of-magnitude assumptions are made, the analysis of the buckling and post-buckling behavior of completely symmetric structures can be carried out in great generality. For example, it is shown in the present paper that structures of this type buckle under increasing loads and are therefore insensitive to initial imperfections. The post-buckling state is characterized by the satisfaction of a minimum complementary energy principle, which represents an extension of the corresponding classical principle into the nonlinear domain. Moreover, the energy can be bracketed between upper and lower bounds and an error estimate is thus established at least in an averaging sense. Under certain circumstances the load approaches a finite value as the structure approaches collapse. This collapse load can also be bracketed between classes of “statically admissible” load parameters (representing lower bounds) and “kinematically admissible” load parameters (representing upper bounds). The gap between these bounds can be reduced arbitrarily. The example of a slender statically indeterminate beam subjected to lateral and torsional buckling is introduced to demonstrate the general principles developed in the paper.
A Direct Solution to GPS-Type Navigation Equations

One solution to the navigation equations involves iteration on the 4 by 4 augmented range-direction-cosine matrix beginning with an assumed position and so assumed direction cosines, of which there are 12 for 4 satellites. An algebraic, direct solution to this same basic equation set has recently been published. Both of these methods are reviewed. We offer a direct solution using modified functions of the range magnitude data from four satellites to yield user's clock bias correction, user's position, and true range vectors if desired. The highest order of matrix inversion used is 2 by 2. The highest order, nonlinear equation is a numeric square root. The principle of the formulation is use of differences among the range magnitudes and range magnitudes squared. An additional auxiliary difference equation is formed. A computation basis uses the ephimeride differences and an orthogonal vector. The method offers convenience, speed, simplicity, low dimensionality, and precision, with no operational constraints.
Tradeoffs between security and communication performance in wireless mesh networks

In the context of wireless mesh networks (WMNs), we ask the question whether a high level of security can be achieved while providing good communication performance. To answer this question, we examine two techniques designed and shown to improve throughput performance in WMNs: high-throughput routing and network coding. Although the advantages of using these techniques hold in a benign setting, it is not clear whether they can be preserved under an adversarial setting. We analyze these techniques and reveal a wide range of security vulnerabilities. We then investigate whether alternative schemes can be designed to be secure and still preserve most of the advantages achieved in benign settings.
Instantaneous Multiplex Imaging in Reacting Flows with Planar Coherent Raman Spectroscopy

We develop planar coherent Raman spectroscopy for instantaneous two-dimensional diagnostic imaging in chemically reactive flows. Spatially correlated spectra from N2, O2, and H2 are detected within a single-laser-shot, and temperature contour maps are derived.
The Study of Organizations and Evolving Organizational Forms Through History: Reflections from the Late Medieval Family Firm

Despite the diversity of economic environments and organizations utilized throughout history, historical studies of organizations and organizational innovations, by and large, have concentrated on the very recent past. Arguably, this reflects the perception that historical records are not rich enough, with respect to the more remote past, and organizational problems in past economics are irrelevant to contemporary organizational analysis. This paper combines historical information and game theory to demonstrate that the study of past organizations is both feasible and relevant. Specifically, it presents a game theoretical analysis of the factors that led to the emergence of the late medieval family firm in the Latin, rather than the Muslim, world. Furthermore, it explores various organizational innovations related to the family firm, evaluating their sources and the ability to combine game theory and evolutionary economics for the study of organizational evolution. Copyright 1996 by Oxford University Press.
Characterization of the rat pneumonic plague model: infection kinetics following aerosolization of Yersinia pestis CO92.

Abstract Yersinia pestis , the causative agent of human bubonic and pneumonic plague, is spread during natural infection by the fleas of rodents. Historically associated with infected rat fleas, studies on the kinetics of infection in rats are surprisingly few, and these reports have focused mainly on bubonic plague. Although the natural route of primary infection results in bubonic plague in humans, it is commonly thought that aerosolized Y. pestis will be utilized during a biowarfare attack. Accordingly, based on our previous characterization of the mouse model of pneumonic plague, we sought to examine the progression of infection in rats exposed in a whole-body Madison chamber to aerosolized Y. pestis CO92. Following an 8.6 LD 50 dose of Y. pestis , injury was apparent in the rat tissues based on histopathology, and chemokines and cytokines rose above control levels (1 h post infection [p.i.]) in the sera and organ homogenates over a 72-h infection period. Bacteria disseminated from the lungs to peripheral organs, with the largest increases in the spleen, followed by the liver and blood at 72 h p.i. compared to the 1 h controls. Importantly, rats were as sensitive to pneumonic plague as mice, having a similar LD 50 dose by the intranasal and aerosolized routes. Further, we showed direct transmission of plague bacteria from infected to uninfected rats. Taken together, the data allowed us to characterize for the first time a rat pneumonic plague model following aerosolization of Y. pestis .
The Dynamics of Pulsatile Blood Flow

The theory of dynamic fluid motion involving the forces manifested by mass, acceleration, viscous friction and vessel wall tension have been considered and studied when arterial blood flow and pressure are pulsatile. These studies and considerations have resulted in the conclusion that arterial blood pressure is dependent upon all of these parameters and that the relationship of pressure and flow is more complex and nonlinear than heretofore generally believed.
Combining remote sensing data and an inundation model to map tidal mudflat regions and improve flood predictions: A proof of concept demonstration in Cook Inlet, Alaska

[1] Accurate flood predictions require high resolution inundation numerical models and detailed coastal and land topography data. However, such data are not always available. A new method to obtain topographic information of flood zones from remote sensing data is demonstrated here for Cook Inlet, Alaska, where tidal range reaches 8–10 m. The moving shoreline is detected from analysis of water coverage in satellite images taken at different tidal stages, and then the shoreline data from different times are combined with water level data from observations and models to produce new topographic maps of previously unobserved mudflats. The remote sensing-based analysis provides for the first time a way to evaluate the flood predictions of the inundation model of the inlet. The new flood-zone topography obtained from the remote sensing data will help to construct a more accurate inundation model in the future.
The geography of white oak's (Quercus alba L.) response to climatic variables in North America and speculation on its sensitivity to climate change across its range

Dendrochronological analysis is used to determine white oak's (Quercus alba L.) sensitivity to mean monthly temperature and monthly precipitation for the entirety of its range in the United States. Throughout much of its range, white oak is sensitive to summer precipitation (positive), summer temperature (negative), and previous season late-summer and fall precipitation (positive). Spatially, populations of white oak in the western and central portion of its range are most highly correlated with these variables, while Appalachian and eastern populations show little sensitivity to monthly climate variables. White oak's radial growth rate in light of anthropogenic climate change (based on regional and downscaled climate models) may be most reduced in the far western portion of its range (Illinois and Missouri), whereas eastern populations are less likely to be adversely affected.
Cross-layer detection of stealthy jammers in multihop cognitive radio networks

The introduction of cognitive radio enables systems awareness of their environment and internal state, fulfills the need of dynamic spectrum access for higher spectrum utilization. However, at the same time, the use of cognitive radios further complicates the security problems in wireless networks and introduces additional challenges for a counter measure. Due to the intelligence of the attackers, many of the attacks may be stealthy by nature. In this paper, we propose a cross-layer model for stealthy attacks detection with stealthy jammer as a prime example. Quickest detection technique is adopted and embedded in the proposed framework since the attacks usually happen at unknown time and are unpredictable due to the lack of prior knowledge of the attackers. A case study is performed by combining physical layer spectrum sensing with multipath routing at the network layer. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Improving sensor data delivery during disaster scenarios with resilient overlay networks

In this paper, we consider many-to-one communication, in particular Internet-connected sensors and their relation to disaster response. We explore the application of resilient overlay networks to aid these devices, or individuals if we consider participatory sensing, in quickly and effectively routing around geographically correlated failures in the underlying network infrastructure, as would occur during a large-scale natural disaster. We develop a formal model of this system, a heuristic for choosing overlay paths without relying on any knowledge of the underlying network infrastructure, and show its merit through simulations using real Internet topologies.
Visualization of specific angiotensin II binding sites in the rat limbic system

Abstract The present study examined the distribution of angiotensin-binding cells by using a fluorescence-coupled angiotensin II in fixed horizontal sections that contained several limbic structures. In normal female rats, dense staining was found in the CA3 and CA1 regions and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus — in the subiculum as well as in the entorhinal cortex and piriform cortex. Moderate staining was found in the CA2 region, in the central and medial nuclei of the amygdala. Low-level staining was obtained in the basolateral and lateral nucleus of the amygdala as well as in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. The co-incubation of fluorescence-coupled angiotensin II together with angiotensin II in excess and with saralasin, respectively, suppressed the angiotensin staining in structures investigated.
Ideal Cervical Epidural Injection Route: Interlaminar or Transforaminal

Cervical epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat cervical radicular pain, but not without some controversy. Opinions differ about the relative safety and effectiveness of the two available routes, interlaminar verses transforaminal. The purpose of this review article is to compare the risks and risk reduction profiles associated with both cervical epidural routes, and to make practical recommendations based on the current literature.
Comments on "An Optimal Algorithm for Testing Stuck-at Faults in Random Access Memories"

An efficient, optimal test sequence for detecting multiple stuck-at faults in random access memories (RAM's) for any decoder implementation is presented. Another algorithm which does not assume any particular wired logic behavior of simultaneously accessed storage locations, is also presented.
The Role of the Unconscious in Thinking and Problem Solving

Among the questions being asked during the recent flurry of activity in the experimental study of the unconscious is whether the unconscious simply carries on routine operations or performs ‘smart’ operations as well. This paper takes the position that the unconscious is very smart indeed and that it is not simply that well‐learned routines are stored there, but also that creative reorganisations that reduce the information processing load are produced there. These creative reorganisations include the instantiation of new relationships which are the basis of new insights. The performances of child prodigies and idiots savants illustrate these processes and, in addition, provide evidence for individual differences in innate propensities and skills. The implications of this view for education are briefly discussed.
The Design of Cruciform Test Specimens for Planar Biaxial Testing of Fabrics for Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators

A preliminary analytical study was conducted to investigate the effects of cruciform test specimen geometries on strain distribution uniformity in the central gage section under biaxial loads. Three distinct specimen geometries were considered while varying the applied displacements in the two orthogonal directions. Two sets of woven fabric material properties found in literature were used to quantify the influence of specimen geometries on the resulting strain distributions. The uniformity of the strain distribution is quantified by taking the ratio between the two orthogonal strain components and characterizing its gradient across the central area of the gage section. The analysis results show that increasing the specimen s length relative to its width promotes a more uniform strain distribution in the central section of the cruciform test specimen under equibiaxial enforced tensile displacements. However, for the two sets of material properties used in this study, this trend did not necessary hold, when the enforced tensile displacements in the two orthogonal directions were not equal. Therefore, based on the current study, a tail length that is 1.5 times that of the tail width is recommended to be the baseline/initial specimen design.
Fe and Ni AB initio effective potentials for use in molecular calculations

Abstract We present effective potentials to replace the Ar core electrons of Fe and Ni. These effective potentials are obtained from ab initio ground state wavefunctions of Fe and Ni and are tested by comparing with ab initio SCF calculations for excited states of Fe, Fe + , Fe 2+ , Fe 3+ , Ni, Ni + , Ni 2+ , and the FeH + molecule.
Using Current Research To Make "Good" Decisions About Grouping:

High-abitity and gifted students tend to benefit most from like-ability grouping, because the strategy provides them with the opportunity to access more advanced knowledge and skills and to practice deeper processing. Most likely, this access can be provided when instructors are not forced to divide their teaching energies and efforts among widely diverse tevels of ability and achievement.
Fostering the Development of Conservation Leadership at Minority-Serving Institutions

Between 1996 and 2006, non-white Hispanic, African American, and Native American/Alaska Native students (collectively called “underrepresented students” [URS]) made up only 7% of students graduatin...
Regulation of body temperature in the white shark, Carcharodon carcharias

Stomach temperatures of three white sharks, Carcharodoncarcharias, (one reported previously and two new individuals) were intermittently recorded by acoustic telemetry at the South Farallon Islands, central California. Temperature profiles of the water column were obtained concurrently. Stomach temperatures were elevated over ambient water temperatures by as much as 14.3 °C. Stomach temperatures varied within a narrow range while ambient water temperature fluctuated over a much larger range, showing that this species regulates its body temperature. These data, in combination with previous work on the physiology and anatomy of white sharks, indicate that the white shark is endothermic. It appears that the heat retention system in lamnid sharks has allowed them to inhabit cold water and remain active predators of swift and agile prey.
The cellular level of prostatic acid phosphatase and the growth of human prostate carcinoma cells

Abstract Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAcP) is a prostate epithelium-specific differentiation antigen. It has been demonstrated that human PAcP exhibits endogenous protein tyrosine phosphatase (PYP) activity, and that it represents the major PYP activity in normal prostate cells. Thus, it has been postulated that cellular PAcP may play a role in the tyrosine phosphorylation-mediated signal transduction. In this paper, we used LNCaP human prostate carcinoma cells, which express the endogenous PAcP, to study changes in cellular PAcP activity during cell growth. Our results demonstrated that PAcP activity increased when the cells reached confluence. Stimulation of cell growth by fresh culture medium or 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a classical stimulator of prostate epithelial growth, resulted in a decline in PAcP activity. Moreover, transfection of PC-3 cells, which do not express PAcP, with a PAcP-expressing vector led to diminished cellular growth rate. These data established an inverse relationship between the cellular level of PAcP and the cell growth rate, suggesting that PAcP may be involved in regulating the growth of human prostate carcinoma cells.
A System for Neural Recording and Closed-Loop Intracortical Microstimulation in Awake Rodents

There is growing interest in intracortical microstimulation as a means of providing sensory input in neuroprosthetic systems. We believe that precisely controlling the timing and parameters of stimulation in closed loop can significantly improve the efficacy of this technique. Here, we present a system for closed-loop microstimulation in awake rodents chronically implanted with multielectrode arrays. The system interfaces with existing commercial recording and stimulating hardware. Using custom-made hardware, we can stimulate and record from electrodes on the same implanted array and significantly reduce the stimulation artifact. Stimulation sequences can either be preprogrammed or triggered by neural or behavioral events. Specifically, this system can provide feedback stimulation in response to action potentials or features in the local field potential recorded on any of the electrodes within 15 ms. It can also trigger stimulation based on behavioral events, such as real-time tracking of rat whiskers captured with high-speed video. We believe that this system, which can be recreated easily, will help to significantly refine the technique of intracortical microstimulation and advance the field of neuroprostheses.
Comparison of the Breeding Biology of Sympatric Red-Tailed Hawks, White-Tailed Hawks, and Crested Caracaras in South Texas

Abstract We compared the breeding biology of sympatric nesting Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), White-tailed Hawks (Buteo albicaudatus), and Crested Caracaras (Caracara cheriway) in south Texas during 2003 and 2004. We monitored 46 breeding attempts by Red-tailed Hawks, 56 by White-tailed Hawks, and 27 by Crested Caracaras. Observed nesting success was similar for Red-tailed Hawks (62%) and Crested Caracaras (61%), but lower for White-tailed Hawks (51%). Daily survival rates (0.99) were the same for all three species. Red-tailed Hawks and White-tailed Hawks both fledged 1.13 young per nesting pair and Crested Caracaras fledged 1.39 young per nesting pair. All three species nested earlier in 2004 than in 2003; in addition, the overall nesting density of these three species almost doubled from 2003 (1.45 pairs/km2) to 2004 (2.71 pairs/km2). Estimated productivity of all three species was within the ranges reported from other studies. Given extensive and progressive habitat alteration in some areas of s...
Observations of Tropical Cyclones With the SSMIS

Passive microwave (PMW) radiometric observations of tropical cyclones (TCs) from the special sensor microwave imager/sounder (SSMIS) continue the legacy monitoring capabilities initiated with the special sensor microwave/imager (SSM/I) that began in 1987. The SSMIS has the following several important differences that should be factored into applications when compared to SSM/I data: 1) channel changes from 85 to 91 GHz result in a 2-8-K brightness temperature depression for many TC inner core scenes; 2) the inclusion of bore-sighted 150-GHz data can help in detecting rapidly growing convective cells that are frequently obscured by upper level clouds in visible and infrared data and are often associated with rapid intensification; and 3) the sensor swath increases by 300 km and permits enhanced spatial and temporal coverage of global TCs. All three attributes can be incorporated to maintain and/or enhance the satellite analyst's ability to monitor critical TC structure via these PMW observations.
Edmonston Measles Virus Prevents Increased Cell Surface Expression of Peptide-Loaded Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Proteins in Human Peripheral Monocytes

Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) induces expression of the gene products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), whereas IFN-α/β can interfere with or suppress class II protein expression. In separate studies, measles virus (MV) was reported to induce IFN-α/β and to up-regulate MHC class II proteins. In an attempt to resolve this paradox, we examined the surface expression of MHC class I and class II proteins in MV-infected peripheral monocytes in the presence and absence of IFN-α/β. Infection of purified monocytes with Edmonston B MV resulted in an apparent increase in cell surface expression of HLA-A, -B, and -C class I proteins, but it had no effect on the expression of HLA-DR class II proteins. MV-infected purified monocytes expressed IFN-α/β, but no measurable IFN-γ expression was detected in supernatant fluids. Class II protein expression could be enhanced by coculture of purified monocytes with uninfected peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) supernatant. MV infection of PBMCs also did not affect expression of class II proteins, but the expression of HLA-A, -B, and -C class I proteins was increased two- to threefold in most donor cells. A direct role for IFN-α/β suppression of MHC class II protein expression was not evident in monocytes since MV suppressed class II protein expression in the absence of IFN-α/β. Taken together, these data suggest that MV interferes with the expression of peptide-loaded class II complexes, an effect that may potentially alter CD4+-T-cell proliferation and the cell-mediated immune responses that they help to regulate.
Reconfigurable computer application design considerations

The notion of a reconfigurable computer (RC) is nearly 50 years old. However, practical RCs, which were made possible by the advent of large capacity field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), have only been available for about a decade and have been primarily used for integer and fixed-point applications. The jury is still out on whether RCs will become part of mainstream high performance computing. One of the primary roadblocks is the relative difficulty of mapping floating-point scientific applications onto reconfigurable platforms. This paper deals with some important high performance reconfigurable computer application design considerations. In particular, it takes a detailed look at ";the three p's,"; which addresses the crucial relationship among performance, pipelining, and parallelism. It also expands upon ";the FPGA design boundary,"; which addresses some of the heuristics that allow developers to determine which application modules can be mapped onto the FPGAs. Finally, it looks at some of the RC design observations made by other researchers. By way of a few simple examples, these ideas are illustrated and then tied back to some recent research efforts to speedup applications using RCs.
CONFLICTING RIGHTS AND THE OUTBREAK OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR

Austria was no more wrong in opposing our claims than we were in making them.—Bismarck, on the Austro-Prussian War of 1866.ROBERT K. MASSIE, DREADNOUGHT 59 (Random House 1991).Is it possible for good men to come to blows without anyone being to blame? And was World War I a real-life realization of that possibility? Those are the two questions this essay means to pursue.
Classification of chronic suppurative otitis media

A classification is proposed for chronic suppurative otitis media that includes six different types of pathological involvement, in addition to a normal ear and one with complications such as brain abscess, meningitis, labyrinthine fistula, or facial paralysis. The classification is determined primarily by otoscopic examination of the tympanic membrane and ear canal but is augmented by patient history and other physical tests. Each category requires specific different treatment or combinations of procedures. The categories of classification are: (1) Perforation of the tympanic membrane alone without evidence of other disease. (2) Conductive hearing loss with intact tympanic membrane. (3) Tympanic membrane perforation with disease confined to the middle ear and tympanum. (4) Attic cholesteatoma. (5) Disease involving the middle ear, epitympanum, and mastoid without cholesteatoma. (6) Disease involving the middle ear, epitympanum, and mastoid with cholesteatoma.
Mapping and revising Markov logic networks for transfer learning

Transfer learning addresses the problem of how to leverage knowledge acquired in a source domain to improve the accuracy and speed of learning in a related target domain. This paper considers transfer learning with Markov logic networks (MLNs), a powerful formalism for learning in relational domains. We present a complete MLN transfer system that first autonomously maps the predicates in the source MLN to the target domain and then revises the mapped structure to further improve its accuracy. Our results in several real-world domains demonstrate that our approach successfully reduces the amount of time and training data needed to learn an accurate model of a target domain over learning from scratch.
Accounting for Spatial Characteristics of Watersheds in Evaluating Water Pollution Abatement Policies

This study evaluates three agricultural nonpoint pollution abatement policies: regulating the spatial pattern of agricultural activities, ambient tax, and abatement tax/subsidy. All three policies incorporate spatialcharacteristicsof agriculturalemission loading and movement for an agriculturalwatershedin the Midwest. The effects of spatialvariationin natural conditions and landscape features on agricultural emissions and crop yield are evaluated using a newly developed biophysical simulation model and experimental data. While the policies are equally cost effective in reducing agriculturalnonpoint source pollution, their implementation feasibility is quite different.
Pattern transfer: Self-assembled monolayers as ultrathin resists

This review includes three sections: (i) preparation, structure, and properties of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs); (ii) techniques for patterning SAMs, including microcontact printing (@mCP), UV-photolithography, and e-beam writing; and (iii) use of patterned SAMs as ultrathin resists (2-3 nm thick) in processes for pattern transfer based on selective chemical etching and selective deposition. Microcontact printing is a non-lithographic technique for forming patterned features with dimensions @?100 nm; the initial product of patterning is organized monolayers of alkanethiolates on Au, Ag, Cu and GaAs, and of alkylsiloxanes on Si/SiO"2 and glass. In this technique, an elastomeric stamp having a surface patterned with a relief structure is used to generate patterned SAMs on the surfaces of solid materials. These patterned SAMs are resists that protect the underlying substrates from dissolution in selective etchants (for example, for evaporated thin films of Au and Ag, aqueous solutions of K"2S"2O"3, K"3Fe(CN)"6 and K"4Fe(CN)"6). Patterned structures of gold or silver that are produced by the combination of @mCP and selective etching can be used as the secondary masks for subsequent processes such as isotropic etching of SiO"2, isotropic or anisotropic etching of Si, anisotropic etching of GaAs, and reactive ion etching (RIE) of Si. Patterned SAMs can also be used as templates for selective deposition of metals by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), electroplating, or electroless deposition.
ENERGY CONSERVATION IN CHINESE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: Progress and Opportunities in Design and Policy

▪ Abstract Energy conservation in Chinese residential buildings merits attention in part due to China's large population, increased standard of living, and high volume of construction. This paper focuses on three major themes: issues exerting an upward pressure on residential energy use, policy for promoting energy conservation, and technical opportunities to decrease energy use and increase comfort. An increase in total floor area, increasing electric appliance ownership, and an increase in demand for heating and cooling characterize the residential sector. Space heating remains the dominant energy end-use. Relatively new buildings in cold regions of China, while a marked improvement over earlier construction, still suffer from inadequate insulation, leaky windows, and lack of attention to construction quality. Energy-conservation standards have addressed these issues in part, but further effort is needed to ensure code compliance. A survey of prospective homeowners shows that energy-efficient housing wo...
Genetic variation in rates of nondisjunction: association of two naturally occurring polymorphisms in the chromokinesin nod with increased rates of nondisjunction in Drosophila melanogaster.

Genetic variation in nondisjunction frequency among X chromosomes from two Drosophila melanogaster natural populations is examined in a sensitized assay. A high level of genetic variation is observed (a range of 0.006-0.241). Two naturally occurring variants at the nod locus, a chromokinesin required for proper achiasmate chromosome segregation, are significantly associated with an increased frequency of nondisjunction. Both of these polymorphisms are found at intermediate frequency in widely distributed natural populations. To account for these observations, we propose a general model incorporating unique opportunities for meiotic drive during female meiosis. The ootid competition model can account for both high mean rates of female-specific nondisjunction in Drosophila and humans as well as the standing genetic variation in this critical fitness character in natural populations.
Lobbying FASB On Accounting For Investments

The development of SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, serves as a case study illustrating the forces that underlie the standard setting process in the United States. This study describes the events leading to the development of the exposure draft (ED) that preceded SFAS No. 115 and analyzes the contents of the comment letters received by FASB in response to the ED; it illustrates how compromises have helped FASB maintain its role as a private sector standard setter.
Hypoxic pulmonary endothelial cells release a diffusible contractile factor distinct from endothelin

Hypoxia (0% O2) evokes a late-phase, endothelium-dependent contractile response in porcine isolated pulmonary arteries that may be caused by a cyclooxygenase-independent, endothelium-derived contra...
Fast, cheap and out of control — Insights into thermodynamic and informatic constraints on natural protein sequences from de novo protein design☆

The accumulated results of thirty years of rational and computational de novo protein design have taught us important lessons about the stability, information content, and evolution of natural proteins. First, de novo protein design has complicated the assertion that biological function is equivalent to biological structure - demonstrating the capacity to abstract active sites from natural contexts and paste them into non-native topologies without loss of function. The structure-function relationship has thus been revealed to be either a generality or strictly true only in a local sense. Second, the simplification to "maquette" topologies carried out by rational protein design also has demonstrated that even sophisticated functions such as conformational switching, cooperative ligand binding, and light-activated electron transfer can be achieved with low-information design approaches. This is because for simple topologies the functional footprint in sequence space is enormous and easily exceeds the number of structures which could have possibly existed in the history of life on Earth. Finally, the pervasiveness of extraordinary stability in designed proteins challenges accepted models for the "marginal stability" of natural proteins, suggesting that there must be a selection pressure against highly stable proteins. This can be explained using recent theories which relate non-equilibrium thermodynamics and self-replication. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biodesign for Bioenergetics--The design and engineering of electronc transfer cofactors, proteins and protein networks, edited by Ronald L. Koder and J.L. Ross Anderson.
Turning the focus to workforce surveillance: a workforce data set we can count on.

This collection of reports on the public health workforce embodies and amply demonstrates the value of the workforce component of the public health services and systems research (PHSSR) agenda. Building and maintaining—and continuously improving —the public health infrastructure requires concerted efforts at enhancing public health programs, organization, finance, and, of course, the public health workforce. To be most successful, these efforts will be based on rigorous and ongoing collection of the evidence and formulation of evidentiary frameworks within which to frame them. Let us celebrate together the publication of this supplement issue, signaling the “coming of age” of public health workforce research to provide this muchneeded evidence base. Ad hoc efforts at workforce research will always be important to answer particular questions or respond to a time-sensitive issue; many of the papers here fit this description. However, fundamental to the field of workforce research is the ongoing collection of nationwide public health workforce data using a consistent terminology and methods that ensure unduplicated numbers. The surveillance approach to public health workforce data begins as all surveillance does, with agreement on the terminology and taxonomy, followed by agreement on the sampling frame for its collection and where the combined data will be housed. Finally, a long-term investment in regular, periodic surveys of the workforce using these agreed classifications and samples to provide reliable evidence is needed—“data we can count on!” Such data will elucidate the evolving pattern of the public health workforce and allow demonstration of potential contributing factors within the public health system, which may drive/change the workforce. This data-based understanding is essential to effective evidence-based advocacy for educating, building, and maintaining an effective workforce. In short, the sector has needed a shift in the paradigm of workforce data collection from occasional and ad hoc surveys to the time-honored public health approach of ongoing surveillance.
Dynamic Response to Nonstationary Nonwhite Excitation

The root mean square responses of linear multidegrees-of-freedom system to nonstationary, nonwhite random excitation are computed analytically using the state space formulation. Each modal equation is augmented by a filter and the augmented system is driven by evolutionary white noise. Analytical expressions for the evolutionary covariance matrix of the augmented system are given. Modal RMS responses are then superposed to obtain the desired responses; all cross-correlation terms among modes are included. Nonstationary responses are computed for a four-degree-of-freedom system. The effects of nonstationary and nonwhiteness are quantified and examined. Responses are compared with those obtained by using an unfiltered formulation with different white noise intensities driving the modes.
D2O effect on ΔH++ and ΔS++ in the ironII-ironIII electron-exchange reaction

Abstract The equilibrium constant of the reaction Fe 3+ + D 2 O → FeOD 2+ + D + has been measured at 0.500 ionic strength at 5°, 15° and 25°. The ΔH and ΔS of this reaction are 9.32 ± 0.56 kcal mole −1 and 17.7 ± 2.0 cal. deg. −1 mole −1 , respectively. The rates of the electron-exchange reactions Fe 2+ + ∗ Fe 2+ → Fe 2+ + ∗ Fe 2+ and Fe 2+ + ∗ FeOD 2+ → FeOD 2+ + ∗ Fe 2+ have been measured at 0 500 ionic strength at 5°, 15° and 25°. The enthalpy and entropy of the latter reaction are 11.5 ± 0.5 kcal, mole −1 and −4.0 ± 1.8 cal. deg. −1 mole −1 , respectively.
A MEMS tunable asymmetric Fabry-Perot quantum well modulator

Asymmetric Fabry-Perot quantum well modulators have proven difficult to optimize due to the sensitive dependence of the cavity mode and exciton wavelength on layer thicknesses, alloy composition, temperature, and angle. We demonstrate that a tunable optical cavity using a MEMS mirror removes this sensitivity.
Gender Differences Regarding Motivation for Physical Activity Among College Students: A Self-Determination Approach

Previous research has shown a decline in physical activity (PA) across college years, females being less physically active compared with males. Scholars have suggested studies to understand gender differences in PA and to examine motivational processes to facilitate college students’ PA. Grounded in self-determination theory, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between college students’ exercise motivation and weekly PA participation. The study included 96 college students (33 males, 63 females, aged 18 to 24) in a metropolitan college. Findings confirmed a significant gender difference, with males responding more positively concerning intrinsic motivation (t = 3.40, p = .001). In addition, through an analysis of variance, we found level of PA had a significant interaction with intrinsic motivation, F(1, 94) = 9.45, p < .001, and identified regulation, F(1, 94) = 6.45, p = .003. Furthermore, least significant difference tests showed that the differences occurred between inactive and moderately active groups and inactive and very active groups (p values between .011 and .000). Results from this study concerning motivation for PA with this age group support the premise that self-determined motivation is strongly linked to higher PA participation. The findings of this study provide a better understanding of how to assist college-aged students to live a more physically active and healthy lifestyle.
Mixing Models And Frame Moduli Bounds In Complex Lithologies

Summary This paper investigates the use of bounding equations in complex porous multiminerallic lithologies to determine limits for frame elastic moduli by considering different scenarios for porosity distribution. Two different schemes for selection of end-member components are considered. A porosity–explicit mixing model considers each of the mineral constituents and the pore fluid as end–members of the mixture. This approach requires the mixing of dissimilar constituents such as solids and fluids, resulting in elastic moduli bounds, which are, generally too wide to be useful in porous composites. Alternatively, a porosity– implicit mixing model incorporates the porosity into singlephase end–member components. This model is theoretically exact for dry rocks. For an evenly distributed porosity in a quartz-calcite mixture, Hashin-Shtrikman bounds (KHS) derived from the porosity–implicit mixing model are close. However, these bounds are violated by the assumption of a linear relationship between velocity and composition and suggest a relationship of compressional velocity to the 3/2 power of calcite fractional volume. When the effect of uneven porosity distribution is added to the model, significant deviations may occur.
Development of Large Directional Wind Speed Databases

For structures sensitive to wind directionality, methods for the estimation of wind effects require the use of time series of directional wind speeds with length exceeding the length of the MRIs of interest. This study proposes a procedure for generating such time series from relatively short synoptic wind data sets. The focus in this paper is on the estimation of the parameters of a probabilistic model of the wind speeds and on errors in the estimation. The wind speed data being generated can be used in the Database-Assisted Design approach to account for directional wind effects.
Nonlinear acoustic propagation predictions with applications to aircraft and helicopter noise

A new and efficient numerical method to solve nonlinear sound propagation is presented. The frequency-domain Burgers equation, which includes nonlinear steepening and atmospheric absorption, is formulated in the form of the real and imaginary parts of the pressure. The new formulation effectively eliminates possible numerical issues associated with zero amplitude at higher frequencies occurring in a previous frequency-domain algorithm. In addition, to circumvent a high frequency error that can occur in the truncated higher frequencies, a split algorithm, in which the Burgers equation is solved below a cut-off frequency and a recursive analytic expression is used beyond the cut-off frequency, is developed. Finally, the Lanzcos smoothing filter is incorporated to remove the Gibbs phenomenon. The new method is found to successfully eliminate high frequency numerical oscillations and to provide excellent agreement with the exact solution for an initially sinusoidal signal with only a few harmonics. The new method is applied to a broad range of applications with a comparison to other methods to assess the robustness and numerical efficiency of the method. These include sonic boom, broadband supersonic jet engine noise, and helicopter high-speed impulsive noise. It is shown that the new method provides the most accurate and fast predictions compared to the other methods for all the application problems.
Swelling of Collagen-Hyaluronic Acid Co-Gels: An In Vitro Residual Stress Model

Tissue-equivalents (TEs), simple model tissues with tunable properties, have been used to explore many features of biological soft tissues. Absent in most formulations however, is the residual stress that arises due to interactions among components with different unloaded levels of stress, which has an important functional role in many biological tissues. To create a pre-stressed model system, co-gels were fabricated from a combination of hyaluronic acid (HA) and reconstituted Type-I collagen (Col). When placed in solutions of varying osmolarity, HA-Col co-gels swell as the HA imbibes water, which in turn stretches (and stresses) the collagen network. In this way, co-gels with residual stress (i.e., collagen fibers in tension and HA in compression) were fabricated. When the three gel types tested here were immersed in hypotonic solutions, pure HA gels swelled the most, followed by HA-Col co-gels; no swelling was observed in pure collagen gels. The greatest swelling rates and swelling ratios occurred in the lowest salt concentration solutions. Tension on the collagen component of HA-Col co-gels was calculated from a stress balance and increased nonlinearly as swelling increased. The swelling experiment results were in good agreement with the stress predicted by a fibril network + non-fibrillar interstitial matrix computational model.
Immune Suppressive Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Cancer

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) accumulate in individuals with a variety of conditions. These conditions typically involve inflammation and range from an inflammatory tumor microenvironment to infection and stress. MDSCs also accumulate with aging. The cells are present at low levels in healthy and young individuals; however, when elevated, MDSC are profoundly immune suppressive cells that neutralize natural immunity and impede strategies for activating the immune system to cancer or infectious diseases. A variety of proinflammatory mediators acting through multiple receptors drive the accumulation of MDSC from myeloid progenitor cells. In the tumor microenvironment, MDSC facilitate tumor progression not only through the multiple mechanisms they use to inhibit both the innate and adaptive immune systems, but also through their nonimmune effects that promote angiogenesis and tumor invasion and metastasis. Various therapeutic strategies have been tested to neutralize or eliminate MDSC. However, none of these therapies are universally effective due to the heterogeneity and diversity of MDSC. The goal of eliminating or neutralizing MDSC in cancer patients is currently being pursued both experimentally and in clinical trials.
Behavioral indices of neurotoxicity.

There are many classes of chemicals widely used in a number of commercial and industrial processes having a potential to affect adversely the nervous system. Because of their relative sensitivity t...