cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A structural equation model of pre‐service teachers' perceptions of future goals and current course‐related motivation

This study examined relationships between pre-service teachers' perceptions of future goals and motivation to complete current tasks required in teacher education courses. Using 351 pre-service teachers' survey responses from two southern universities in the USA, a full-structural modeling was conducted. Results showed pre-service teachers' perceived endogenous instrumentality (value of the current course “content” to attain future goals) had a direct effect on their intrinsic motivation, and their perceived exogenous instrumentality (value of the current “grade” to attain future goals) had a direct effect on their extrinsic motivation. This research suggests students' understanding of a relationship between their course content and future goal encourages their motivation to learn for enjoyment. Furthermore, students' understanding of a relationship between the course grade of the current course and their future goal encourages their motivation to get a high course grade, not necessarily because they enjoyed the course content. This study contributes to understanding pre-service teachers' cognitive/motivational characteristics and to developing appropriate learning environments of teacher education that align with pre-service teachers' learning characteristics to promote their effective learning.
Quantitative Imaging of Membrane Mechanics with Molecular Resolution

Atomic force microscope (AFM) is a powerful tool to study the surface morphology of biological samples. High-resolution topographical images allow visualization of nanomaterials and characterization of nanostructures to understand functional properties in detail. However, in general, morphology is not sufficient to link structure and function of materials and biomolecules. Complementary information on optical, electronic, mechanical, thermal, chemical, and magnetic properties with nanometer-scale spatial resolution can be extremely helpful. Recently, progress has been made in the measurement and characterization of dynamic nanomechanical properties with high spatial resolution using specially designed AFM cantilevers. High-resolution mechanical measurements can be particularly useful in providing insights into biological membranes, because these membranes comprise biomolecules whose mechanical properties are tailored to assist their biological function. With this perspective, we review the recently developed experimental technique and its applications in quantitative imaging of membrane mechanics. Keywords: atomic force microscope; purple membrane; quantitative nanomechanical measurements; force spectroscopy torsional harmonic cantilever
Application of Hybrid Machine Learning to Detect and Remove Malware

Anti-malware software traditionally employ methods of signature-based and heuristic-based detection. These detection systems need to be manually updated with new behaviors to detect new, unknown, or adapted malware. Our goal is to create a new malware detection solution that will serve three purposes: to automatically identify and classify unknown files on a spectrum of malware severity; to introduce a hybrid machine learning approach to detect modified malware traces; and to increase the accuracy of detection results. Our solution is accomplished through the use of data mining and machine learning concepts and algorithms. We perform two types of data mining on samples, extracting n-grams and PE features that are used for our machine learning environment. We also introduce a new hybrid learning approach that utilizes both supervised and unsupervised machine learning in a two-layer protocol. A supervised algorithm is applied to classify if a file is considered malware or benign. The files classified as malware will then be categorized and then assigned on a severity spectrum using the SOFM unsupervised algorithm.
Activation of invariant natural killer T cells impedes liver regeneration by way of both IFN-γ- and IL-4-dependent mechanisms

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a major subset of lymphocytes found in the liver. These cells mediate various functions, including hepatic injury, fibrogenesis, and carcinogenesis. However, the function of iNKT cells in liver regeneration remains unclear. In the present study, partial hepatectomy (PHx) was used to study liver regeneration. α-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), a specific ligand for iNKT cells, was used to induce iNKT cell activation. After PHx, two strains of iNKT cell-deficient mice, CD1d−/− and Jα281−/− mice, showed normal liver regeneration. Injection of α-GalCer before or after PHx, which rapidly stimulated interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-4 production by iNKT cells, markedly inhibited liver regeneration. In vitro treatment with IFN-γ inhibited hepatocyte proliferation. In agreement with this in vitro finding, genetic disruption of IFN-γ or its downstream signaling molecule signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 significantly abolished the α-GalCer-mediated inhibition of liver regeneration. In vitro exposure to IL-4 did not affect hepatocyte proliferation, but surprisingly, genetic ablation of IL-4 or its downstream signaling molecule STAT6 partially eliminated the inhibitory effect of α-GalCer on liver regeneration. Further studies revealed that IL-4 contributed to α-GalCer-induced iNKT cell expansion and IFN-γ production, thereby inhibiting liver regeneration. Conclusion: iNKT cells play a minor role in controlling liver regeneration after PHx under healthy conditions. Activation of iNKT cells by α-GalCer induces the production of IFN-γ, which directly inhibits liver regeneration, and IL-4, which indirectly attenuates liver regeneration by stimulating iNKT cell expansion and IFN-γ production. (Hepatology 2014;60:1356–1366)
Discovering User Behavior: Applying Usage Statistics to Shape Frontline Services

This investigation sought to develop a broad view of discovery service user behavior by analyzing vendor-provided and Google Analytics usage data from discovery service implementations at two Indiana University campuses. The results of this analysis demonstrate how usage data can communicate both intermediary and end results of user interactions within discovery services. The findings reveal user behavior trends, which may be used to develop strategies to improve information literacy instruction techniques, as well as discovery service interface enhancements.
Network-based controller adaptation based on QoS negotiation and deterioration

Networks and their applications have been evolving substantially in the last two decades. A new and promising use of networks is in the area of high performance control and automation, which is developing into attractive and widespread applications. Some of the major concerns in using networks to perform remote network-based control are QoS issues such as time delay and bandwidth constraints. Disturbances and unanticipated events often happen to network-based applications. When anomalies happen, if the network cannot provide the required QoS, the application may have to lower its performance requirement and use the assigned QoS to do the best as it can to maintain the application availability. This paper proposes the use of real-time application gain adaptation to compensate for QoS variations and deterioration. A numerical and an experimental simulation of a network-based controlled DC motor are used in this paper to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Have We a Darwin of Biocultural Evolution

Genes, Mind, and Culture is the much heralded synthesis of biological and cultural evolution by Charles J. Lumsden and Edward O. Wilson. It has been awaited by both proponents and opponents of sociobiology. Until now, sociobiological theory has suffered the schizophrenic division of: (1) a set of discrete mathematical models that establish that behavioral evolution could possibly proceed in a certain fashion; and, (2) a set of hyperteleological speculations about genes that plot, connive, and exercise free will in order to increase their kind. Genes, Mind, and Culture undertakes a broader theoretical approach. The authors avoid teleological blind alleys quite successfully. How well they succeed in other ways will require some discussion. Lumsden and Wilson suffer no modesty in the breadth of their objectives for this book. They wish to trace behavioral development "from genes through the mind to culture." They elaborate a theory of "gene-culture coevolution." Such ambitious goals suggest a difficult book, and on this the authors deliver. Genes, Mind, and Culture is not light reading. Lumsden and Wilson proceed from a consideration of cognitive processes in the brain (mind), to the frequency distribution of culture traits, and then to the joint evolution of genes and culture traits. The two chapters on the mind, "The Primary Epigenetic Rules" and "The Secondary Epigenetic Rules," deal with the significance of some cultural universals and with some of the findings of cognitive psychology in terms of perception and information coding and processing in the brain. The phrase "epigenetic rules" is a result of the authors' tendency to coin new and gratuitous terms. An "epigene" is a gene that affects development, as most genes do. An "epigenetic rule" is a reification of the existence of cannalization in development. "Culturgens" are culture traits. "Euculture" is culture as we know it among humans. In the two chapters on the mind, Lumsden and Wilson come to the unexceptional conclusion that humans handle some sensory inputs and data categories better than other data categories; that we are biased to learn certain distinctions better than other distinctions. They go on to the less common conclusion that the genetic evolution of these cognitive biases (epigenetic rules) influence cultural evolution and does so rather rapidly. They next devote one chapter, "Gene-Culture Translation," to the influence of
Quarrelsome Committees in U.S. Defense Acquisition: The KC-X Case

When the US Air Force set out to acquire a new aerial tanker (the KC-X), two highly suitable alternatives were offered. What could have been a short and simple source selection turned into a prolonged embarrassment. The original selection of 100 leased KC-767s was made in May 2003. But the KC-46 is expected to be operational in 2017 – more than a decade later. Our primary purpose here is to narrate and explain key events in the KC-X program. We search for useful paradigms, based in part on the US Government being better viewed as a quarrelsome committee than a monopsonist. In addition, we consider what this case might tell us about the US defense acquisition system.
Fornicotomy: Effect on the primary and secondary punishment of mouse killing by LiCl poisoning

When paired with mouse killing LiCl poisoning successfully inhibited mouse killing in the absence of prey ingestion. It was also demonstrated that subsequently the injection procedure could become a conditioned punisher, inhibiting mouse killing. Fornix lesions did not disrupt the primary inhibition of mouse killing but eliminated the secondary punishment effect. Implications for the neural circuitry of interspecific aggression are discussed.
A comparison of species ordination results from plot and stand data

Species ordinations are constructed for northern Wisconsin forest tree species using two levels of plot and stand data. Ordination results are similar regardless of whether they are based on plot data or on stand data. They are more similar when based on quadrant frequeney data, less so when based on stem density or basal area. Adopting a species ordination approach, plot data such as that extensively available from forest resources surveys of state and federal agencies are suitable for phytosociological analysis.
An Instrument For The Measurement Of Spectral Attenuation Coefficient And Narrow Angle Volume Scattering Function Of Ocean Waters

A new instrument has been developed for the study of those optical properties of ocean water that affect the transmission of image-forming light. The instrument performs simultaneous measurements of the volume attenuation coefficient and the volume scattering function at three angles. Any of ten wavelengths covering the spectral range from 400 to 670 nanometers may be used. A depth capability of 500 meters permits the examination of water below the euphotic zone and of the bottom waters on the continental shelf. The considerations leading to the design of the instrument, its capabilities and the unique features it incorporates are discussed. Some examples of the data obtained with the instrument are presented.
Toll-like and adenosine receptor expression in injured skeletal muscle.

Introduction: Many aspects of skeletal muscle regeneration are now considered to be controlled by the innate immune system, specifically macrophages, but the mechanisms for activation and modulation of the innate immune system dur- ing injury are not well understood. Methods: We analyzed the expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and adenosine receptors during traumatic skeletal muscle injury. mRNA expression and immunostaining of these receptors were evaluated in mouse skeletal muscle injured by freezing. Results: Expression of nearly all mammalian TLRs was induced at 1 and/or 3 days postinjury with a common trend for higher expression at day 3. Injury also elicited a dramatic increase in the expression of adenosine receptors A2B and A3 but not A1 and A2A. Conclu- sions: Both receptor types may be potential targets for stimula- tion of skeletal muscle tissue regeneration and functional restoration after injury. Muscle Nerve 000: 000-000, 2011
Phenotypic and functional characterization of rhesus monkey decidual lymphocytes: rhesus decidual large granular lymphocytes express CD56 and have cytolytic activity.

Abstract In this study, we carried out a phenotypic and functional characterization of lymphocytes isolated from the uterine endometrium of the pregnant rhesus monkey. A majority (80%) of these cells were CD56 bright+ , CD3− had typical large granular lymphocyte/uterine natural killer (NK) cell morphology and contained numerous cytoplasmic granules. Flow cytometric evaluation showed that rhesus decidual CD56 bright+ cells shared other phenotypic features of human uterine NK cells, including low levels of CD45RA and CD62L expression. A majority of the rhesus uterine CD56 bright+ cells expressed low levels of CD 16 but were CD2−. In contrast, most rhesus CD16+ peripheral blood cells were CD56−. In addition to the primary population of CD56 bright+ cells, a minor subset of smaller and less granular CD56 intermediate+ decidual lymphocytes was identified, the majority of which were CD16−, CD2 + . Decidual CD56+ cells did not express monocyte/macrophage markers, including CD14, CD64 and CD68. Decidual lymphocytes effectively lysed K562, Raji and particularly 721.221 targets in cytotoxicity assays. Together, these results suggest that as in human pregnancy, rhesus decidual CD56 bright+ cells represent a distinct lymphocyte subset that belongs to the NK cell lineage.
Amyloid double trouble

A new study shows that some cases of early-onset Alzheimer disease result from duplications of the APP locus, which encodes the amyloid β precursor protein. This finding fulfills a 20-year-old prediction that genetic variability in APP expression could lead to disease and provides further, perhaps definitive, evidence for the amyloid hypothesis of the disorder.
Reconstruction following partial and total sacrectomy defects: An analysis of outcomes and complications

Summary Background Reconstruction of sacrectomy defects following ablative surgery remains a challenge, with high complication rates in the reported literature. The size of the defect is the primary consideration for flap choice; however, the cause of intra-abdominal and flap complications remains unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate our results for sacrectomy flap reconstruction in order to determine predictive or protecting factors for complications. Methods A 13-year retrospective review was performed of all patients who had reconstruction for partial and total sacrectomy defects at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, USA. Demographics, flap choice, and complications were analyzed. Multivariate analysis was used to determine factors causing flap and intra-abdominal complications. Results Fifty-four patients underwent reconstruction. Partial sacrectomy was performed in 38 (70.4%) patients, while total sacrectomy was performed in 16 (29.6%) patients. The average wound defect volume was 2136 cm 3 (range 196–13,980 cm 3 ). Flaps used included gluteal ( n = 15; 27.8%), rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) ( n = 37; 68.5%), and combined gluteal/RAM ( n = 2; 3.7%). Obesity was significantly associated with intra-abdominal complications ( p Conclusions Gluteal advancement and vertical RAM or transverse RAM flaps are both reliable options for reconstruction of sacrectomy defects. The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for reconstructing the posterior abdominal wall provides a barrier between the intra-abdominal contents and flap, preventing bowel adhesions/obstruction and fistulas as well as prevents sacroperineal hernia.
Xenology: The enigma of xenon in carbonaceous chondrites.

The isotopic composition of the enigmatic xenon component (the so-called Renazzo-type fission xenon, CCF or X), which is said to be released from carbonaceous chondrites at temperatures 600 to 1, 000°C, is explained in terms of the variation of the isotopic ratios due to a combined effect of massfractionation, neutron capture and cosmic-ray irradiation processes, which took place during the early history of the solar system.
Mother knows best: medical record management for patients with spina bifida during the transition from pediatric to adult care.

The personal health record has potential to improve health care transition for an emerging population of pediatric patients with complex chronic conditions who survive to adulthood. In this study qualitative techniques were used to assess how young adults with spina bifida and their parents interact with their medical records. Condensation and categorization strategies for inductive research based on Grounded Theory were used to analyze 1) Who is involved in record keeping 2) How the information is stored 3) What information is kept and shared among the different constituencies and 4) When patients and parents need the information. Theme analysis revealed that mothers play a central role in the medical record management of adolescents with spina bifida. The parent-maintained home based records served as a linking pin in a heterogeneous healthcare information environment. These records tended to be organized as time-lines. Both parents and patients were concerned about how best to transition health information management to adult children. Patients and parents uniformly supported the idea of accessing medical record on-line.
Fourier domain versus time domain optical coherence tomography of the prostate nerves

Theoretical comparisons of detection performance for Fourier domain (FD) and time domain (TD) optical coherence tomography (OCT) have been previously reported. In this study, we compare several image quality metrics including signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and equivalent number of looks (ENL) for TD-OCT and FD-OCT images taken of the rat prostate, in vivo. The results show that TD-OCT has inferior CNR, but superior SNR compared to FD-OCT, and that TD-OCT is better for deep imaging of opaque tissues, including the prostate gland.
Effects of 7-keto Dehydroepiandrosterone on Voluntary Ethanol Intake in Male Rats

Administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a neurosteroid that can negatively modulate the GABA A receptor, has been shown to decrease voluntary intake of ethanol in rats. In vivo, DHEA can be metabolized to a variety of metabolites, including 3β-acetoxyandrost-5-ene-7,17-dione (7-keto DHEA), a metabolite without the prohormonal effects of DHEA. This study compared the effectiveness of 7-keto DHEA with DHEA for reducing ethanol intake in the same group of rats. The subjects, previously trained to drink ethanol using a saccharin-fading procedure, had access to ethanol for 30 min daily and the amount consumed was recorded. Subjects were administered 10 and 56 mg/kg of DHEA or 7-keto DHEA intraperitoneally 15 min before drinking sessions. Subjects received each particular dose daily until one of two criteria was met, that is, either ethanol intake did not differ by more than 20% of the mean for 3 consecutive days or for a maximum of 8 days. Both 10 and 56 mg/kg of 7-keto DHEA significantly reduced the dose of ethanol consumed. Although 10mg/kg of 7-keto DHEA produced decreases similar to those found with DHEA, the 56-mg/kg dose of 7-keto DHEA was significantly more effective at decreasing the dose of ethanol consumed than the same dose of DHEA. These results show that 7-keto DHEA is comparable with, or possibly more effective than, DHEA at decreasing ethanol consumption in rats, and that 7-keto DHEA is a compound deserving further investigation as a possible clinical treatment for alcohol abuse without the prohormonal effects of DHEA.
Ovule survivorship, brood size, life history, breeding systems,and reproductive success in plants.

The percentage of ovules developing into seeds (seed-ovule ratios, S/O ratios) is about 85% in annuals but only approximately 50% in perennials.In both annuals and perennials, these typical S/O ratios occur regardless of the kind of breeding system, although many annuals are normally self-pollinating whereas perennials are virtually all cross-pollinating. The mean number of seeds maturing within individual fruits is defined as brood size, and is correlated with different modes of dispersal and strategies of ovule packging. Annuals also have significantly higher brood sizes (21.7) than perennials (<9.9). Among perennials, woody plants have both lower S/O ratios (32.7%) and brood sizes (3.3) than herbaceous perennials (57.2%, 13.5). S/O ratios appear to be largely determined genetically, whereas resource limitations are perhaps more critical in terms of regulating flower production. Among perennials, increased exposure to predators and pathogens is suggested as the best explanation for theevolution of breeding systems favoring genetic recombination. The maintenance of genetic polymorphisms, however, inevitably increases the frequency of lethal and sub-lethal allelic combinations (and perhaps mutations?), that appear to be responsible for the lower S/O ratios in perennials.
Coping imagery and relaxation instructions in a covert modeling treatment for test anxiety

The present study compared the efficacy of instructing test-anxious subjects to use personalized coping imagery based on nonacademic experiences of competence with coping imagery based on academic experiences of competence. The effect of relaxation was also examined and the relationship of imagery elaborateness and content to treatment effectiveness was assessed. Sixty-three subjects were randomly assigned to one of four treatments or a waiting list control group. Test anxiety as measured by self-report instruments significantly decreased in all treatment groups. Improvement in grade point average occurred for all treatment groups except for academic coping imagery without relaxation which was also the least efficient treatment. The waiting list control group significantly deteriorated in academic performance. Relaxation training did not appear to enhance treatment effectiveness or influence the elaborateness or content of the imagery used. Test anxiety scenes elicited highly response-oriented images by all subjects. However, the stimulus/response content of the subjects' images was not influenced by treatment outcome. In contrast, successful treatment was primarily associated with reduction in negative coping imagery descriptions, although an increase in positive coping statements occurred as well.
Atraumatic Removal of a Polyethylene Catheter from the Superior Vena Cava

CHEST, VOL. 57, NO. 4, APRIL 1970 that the platelet count might fall further with iron therapy.11 This was not observed (Fig 1). Thrombocytopenia has apparently not been reported in this situation. In the seven previously reported patients with sideroblastic anemia associated with similar antituberculous drugs, the platelet counts were normal2’3 or not mentioned.1 In these patients, the anemia was less severe and the duration of therapy with the suspect drug shorter than in our patient. Folate deficiency is frequent both in patients with tuberculosis (whether on antituberculous therapy or not)7 and in patients with sideroblastic anemia.12 It is possible that a concomitant folate deficiency contributed to or was responsible for the thrombocytopenia. However, the thrombocytopenia disappeared on PZA withdrawal alone while a hospital diet was continued without folate supplementation.
High levels of expression of the tumor suppressor gene APC during development of the rat central nervous system

The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene is a tumor suppressor gene that is mutated in human familial adenomatous polyposis, an autosomal dominant condition with predisposition to colorectal carcinoma and brain tumors. Although tumor suppressor genes appear to play a general role in regulating cellular proliferation, the normal biological function of the APC gene product is unknown. In the present study, we cloned fragments of the rat homolog of the APC gene and examined its tissue distribution by Northern blot analysis. These studies demonstrated particularly high levels of APC mRNA in brain. To gain clues to the role of the APC gene in brain function, we examined the neuroanatomical distribution of APC mRNA using in situ hybridization. In the adult, prominent expression of APC mRNA was observed in the olfactory bulb, hippocampus, and cerebellum, with low levels of hybridization in other regions of adult rat brain. In contrast, during embryonic and early postnatal development (1–2 weeks), high levels of APC expression were found throughout the brain and then decreased to adult levels by 6 weeks after birth, except in the olfactory bulb where the high levels of APC mRNA found in development persist in the adult. During development of cortex, cerebellum, and retina, APC mRNA expression was particularly prominent in layers containing newly formed postmitotic neurons, with lower levels observed in the proliferative zones where neurogenesis occurs. The high levels of APC expression from early neurogenesis until late stages of neuronal maturation suggest that APC may contribute to suppressing neuronal proliferation during this period of intense growth.
The reliability of rainfall data from a volunteer observer network in the Central United States

Summer weekly rainfall data collected by approximately 120 untrained volunteers (mainly farmers) using unofficial gauges in McLean County, Illinois, reveal unambiguous mesoscale patterns. The volunteers collected rainfall data for the County Extension Service as part of an ongoing project spanning many years. All volunteers used the same clear plastic, funnel shaped gauge that could measure up to 140 mm of rain. We found few problems of rainfall distribution, and correlation decay with distance was compatible with decay rates reported elsewhere. Yet local variations in rain day frequencies suggest variable thresholds in the reporting of light rainfalls, and recurrent seasonal patterns of rain day frequency and total rainfall possibly imply data problems or local control. But the large number of sites precludes random observer bias as a factor. Our analysis illustrates that climatologists can safely utilize volunteer observers for research.
Disinformation usage in corporate communications: CI'ers beware

All CI practitioners are leery of being victims of disinformation. Yet, disinformation is one of the many devices commonly used in corporate communications strategies. This article discusses various types of disinformation tactics and why CI professionals should be aware of such usage. Outright lying, for example, is perhaps the most disturbing form of disinformation, but it is also the most easily confronted. Statements also may be true in meaning, but falsified by exaggeration, understatement, or facetiousness. CI professionals should be sensitive to the passive component of disinformation in which one, usually through silence or non-reaction, creates a high-potential for influenced interpretation. Finally, any company planning to use disinformation within a communications campaign should consider the risks involved, from legal liability issues to having one's own customers fall prey to the intended false conclusions, and one's own employees mired in confusion. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Endogenous and exogenous ARC in serum withdrawal mediated PC12 cell apoptosis: a new pro-apoptotic role for ARC.

The role of ARC (Apoptosis Repressor with Caspase Recruitment Domain) in PC12 cell serum withdrawal driven apoptosis was studied. A progressive and massive increase in ARC protein occurs during serum withdrawal that correlates with declining survival and processing of caspase-2, previously shown to associate with ARC.1 This accumulation of ARC occurs in a transcriptional and translational independent manner. Additionally, ARC is localized exclusively in the nucleus of PC12 cells. Furthermore, transfection of PC12 cells with hARC-Flag promotes death and fails to protect the cells from apoptosis by serum withdrawal. Therefore, ARC functions in a pro-apoptotic manner in PC12 cell serum withdrawal induced apoptosis. Cell Death and Differentiation (2001) 8, 640–648
The evolution of α/β barrel enzymes

Abstract Of the enzymes whose structure is known, roughly one out of ten has an eight-stranded α/β barrel domain. Structural and chemical evidence suggests that all of these domains may have diverged from a common ancestor.
The politics of government-NGO relations in Africa

Abstract Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), deservedly or not, have gained a reputation as the leading practitioners of rural development in Africa. African governments have responded ambiguously to the presence of these new agencies, on the one hand valuing the economic resources NGOs can raise, but resisting the political pluralization implied by popular development action. This article describes the growth of NGOs in Africa and proposes a framework for analyzing the dynamics of government-NGO relations. By means of examples drawn from Kenya and Zimbabwe, among other African countries, the article illustrates the strategies used by governments to exercise control, and by NGOs to assert autonomy. An argument is made that politics, rather than economics, best explain the contribution of NGOs to development, as well as the attitude of governments toward the burgeoning voluntary sector.
Simulation Testing Of Rate Allocation Control To Relieve Transmission Overloads During Emergencies

Rate allocation control is a feedback algorithm for dynamic rescheduling of power flows to alleviate transmission link overloads. For computation speed, the control algorithm uses simplifying approximations including linearization. To investigate the potential of rate allocation control as a tool for on-line emergency control, it is tested with a simulation program with detailed modeling of prime mover dynamics, nonlinear load flow, and conventional governors and voltage regulators. The test case is a realistic emergency scenario developed from a well-known power system upset. Two of the simulations are presented to demonstrate several features of the rate allocation control.
Photovoltaic properties of MIS-Schottky barriers

Abstract The photovoltaic properties of MIS-Schottky barriers (metal-semiconductor contacts with insulating interfacial layers) are derived analytically from a consideration of the transport (tunneling) properties of majority and minority carriers. A simple expression is obtained for the dependence of the open circuit voltage on the interfacial parameters, which is in agreement with experimental results on Au-Si MIS-SB solar cells, for which the interfacial parameters are reasonably well known. The rather puzzling observation that the dark (majority-carrier) current is reduced by the interfacial layer, without at the same time decreasing the short circuit (minority-carrier) current is explained without having to assume any asymmetry in the tunneling probabilities for electrons and holes. The theoretical prediction for the maximum thickness of the interfacial layer (20 A) for a constant short-circuit current and maximum conversion efficiency is also in good agreement with experiment.
Partial purification and characterization of NAD-dependent 7α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron

Abstract A NAD-dependent 7α-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase was purified 18-fold over the activity in crude cell extracts prepared from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron NCTC 10852 using Bio-Gel A 1.5-M column chromatography. A molecular weight of 320000 was estimated for the partially purified intact enzyme. Substrate saturation kinetics were performed using the 18-fold purified enzyme and the lowest K m values were obtained for 3α,7α-dihydroxy bile acid and bile salt substrates including chenodeoxycholic acid ( K m 0.048 mM), glycochenode-oxycholic acid ( K m 0.083 mM) and taurochenodeoxycholic acid ( K m 0.059 mM). In contrast, 3α,7α,12α-trihydroxy bile acid and bile salts had higher K m values, i.e. cholic acid ( K m 0.22 mM), glycocholic acid ( K m 0.32 mM) and taurocholic acid ( K m 0.26 mM). NAD had a K m value of 0.20 mM. The possible physiological significance of 7α-hydroxy bile acid oxidation to intestinal bacteroides strains was accessed by determining the rate of conversion of [ 14 C]-cholic acid to 7-ketodeoxy[ 14 C]cholic acid by whole cell suspensions under different incubation conditions. The rate of biotransformation of bile acid to keto-bile acid incubated anaerobically under N 2 gas increased markedly when potential electron acceptors such as fumarate (10 mM) or menadione (4 mM) was added exogenously. These results suggest that bile acid oxidation reactions may be linked to energy-generating systems in this bacterium.
Economic inequality and ideological roll-call votes: Income stratification, minority threat and support for conservative legislation

Abstract This study assesses whether the growth in economic inequality since the late 1960s produced enhanced support for conservative policies in the U.S. House of Representatives. Tests of the effects of inequality and tests of hypotheses derived from minority threat theory are conducted using a pooled time-series, fixed-effects design. The political influence of the most menacing street crime the public blames on underclass minorities is captured as well. Analyses based on 1.488 state-years show that income inequality, minority presence, and the murder rates reduce liberal roll-call votes. Interactions that assess period contrasts in the strength of relationships show that increases in inequality led to greater congressional support for conservative measures particularly in the later years of the post civil rights era. Such tests also support racial threat theory because they show that a strong negative relationship between African American presence and liberal roll-call votes persisted throughout this period. Such results corroborate claims ( Bartels, 2008 , Krugman, 2006 ) that the expansion in economic inequality since the late 1960s helped increase support for conservative legislation.
Effects of boron addition on some properties of hard-type carbons

The boron-containing hard-type (HT) carbons were prepared by heating the raw coke compacts with 1.6 wt% boron at temperatures ranging from 1000 to 2800° C. Some physical and mechanical properties of boron-doped HT carbons have been measured and compared with those for boron-free materials. It was confirmed that the boron enters the HT carbon at a relatively low temperature of 1400° C and enhances the densification process of compacts during heat-treatment above 1800° C. The addition of boron caused increases in Young's modulus and thermal conductivity, and decreases in hardness and electrical conductivity of HT carbons. The effects are discussed, and compared with those for graphitizable carbons.
Metabolic regulation of protein-bound glutamyl phosphates: insights into the function of prothymosin alpha

Prothymosin alpha gene expression accompanies growth of all mammalian cells. The protein, which is abundant, exceedingly acidic, and localized to the nucleus, is further distinguished by the presence of clustered phosphorylated glutamic acid residues (Trumbore et al., 1997, J Biol Chem 272:26394-26404). These glutamyl phosphates are energy rich and unstable in vivo and in vitro (Wang et al., 1997, J Biol Chem 272:26405-26412). To understand the function of prothymosin alpha in greater detail, the turnover of its phosphates was examined in metabolically manipulated cells. Phosphate half-lives in growing, mock transfected, and vector-transfected COS cells were compared with the half-life in cells transfected with the prothymosin alpha gene to determine the fate of the predominantly ectopic phosphorylated protein. The values obtained--72-75 min in cells with normal levels of the protein, but 118 min in cells with surplus prothymosin alpha--led us to conclude that underutilized phosphates persist whereas functioning phosphates disperse. Cell-cycle-specific differences in the half-lives were observed in NIH3T3 cells: 72 min while cycling, 83 or 89 min during arrest in or progression through S phase, but 174 min during M-phase arrest. In the presence of actinomycin D, the value was about 145 min regardless of whether cells were quiescent or growing. In these experiments, reduced utilization of prothymosin alpha's glutamyl phosphates, signaled by an increase in their half-lives, accompanied the attenuation or abolition of transcription. Our data suggest that prothymosin alpha fuels an energy-requiring step in the production, processing, or export of RNA.
Brief paper: Control of dynamic keyhole welding process

Weld joint penetration control is a basic research topic in the welding research community. The authors propose using an innovative plasma arc welding process referred to as the quasi-keyhole process to achieve less application-dependent weld joint penetration sensing and control. To control the quasi-keyhole process, the peak current and keyhole sustaining current are selected as the control variables to maintain the keyhole establishment and sustaining periods at desired values. The dynamic quasi-keyhole process is approximated by a linear model with interval parameters. A control algorithm has been developed for the multivariable interval quasi-keyhole process based on a predictive control algorithm for interval SISO models. Experiments have been conducted to test the effectiveness of the control system developed.
Neurotransmitter regulation of thyroid activity.

Thyroid-catecholamine and thyroid-acetylcholine interrelation has been known for a number of years. Catecholamines and thyroid hormones affect the peripheral response to each other (1). Catecholamines and acetylcholine also affect the thyroid directly, stimulating some functions and inhibiting others, in conjunction or not with TSH. This review covers only catecholamine and acetylcholine effects on the thyroid gland.
pH effects on the adsorption of saxitoxin by powdered activated carbon

Abstract Increasing occurrence of cyanotoxins in surface waters worldwide pose significant problems, including those for drinking water utilities. In this study, the removal of saxitoxin (STX) from three different powdered activated carbons (PACs) was studied. STX is one of the most toxic paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), albeit not the most prevalent. The results showed that a wide range of non-electrostatic and electrostatic interactions appeared to play a role in the sorption of STX on PAC, depending on the solution pH, NOM concentration, and other factors. A bituminous coal-based PAC, that was studied in greatest detail, showed a trend of increasing sorption capacity for STX with increasing pH. NOM appeared to significantly inhibit adsorption when the pH was nearly neutral (e.g. 7.05), yet it had less effect at higher pH levels of 8.2 and 10.7.
Image Analysis of Brain Physiology

To understand the mechanisms responsible for behavior, neuroscientists need a holistic, 3D view of the brain.
Normalization of Compton profiles

Abstract When the Debye-Waller factor is small (e −2M ≪ 0·1), the unmodified line in Compton profile measurements can provide a convenient method for normalization since its intensity can be simply related to the free-atom scattering factor. Measurements of KCl, Ca, and black and yellow sulphur with Ag Kα (sin θ/Λ=1·757 A−1) show agreement with the calculated ratios of the total Compton to the unmodified intensities.
The Social, Political, and Judicial Contexts of Queer Marriage in the United States

The queering of marriage in the United States is one of the most contentious current civil rights debates. For many queer families, great ambiguity in their current and future legal statuses and choices exists. However, some ambiguity has decreased given the recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings. As a result of these rulings, queer couples in California are able to legally marry again and the federal government now recognizes queer marriages. As the queering of marriage gains momentum, it is important to examine the contextual pathways leading to this point. In doing so, we can look forward by looking back. Here, we use a framework for understanding civil rights issues by presenting the impact of social, political, and judicial contexts on the queering of marriage from 1969 to the present. We also forecast the future of same-sex marriage in the United States.
EFFECT OF A HEPATOCATALASE PREPARATION (CAPERASE) ON ADRENAL FUNCTION IN THE GUINEA PIG.

Abstract The ability of a bovine hepatocatalase preparation to interfere with the in vitro function of the guinea pig adrenal has been studied. Administration of native or heat-denaturated hepatocatalase, but not of horse-radish peroxidase, resulted in a decreased production of Porter-Silber chromogens by adrenal slices. Furthermore, such adrenals were also less responsive to ACTH stimulation. Adrenal slices or adrenal homogenates from animals treated with hepatocatalase metabolized progesterone-4-C14 to C14-adrenal steroids at the same rate as adrenals from normal animals. Hepatocatalase interfered, however, with the capacity of the guinea pig adrenal to incorporate acetate-1-C14 into adrenal sterols and steroids.
Aeroelastic Wing with Leading- and Trailing-Edge Control Surfaces

It is well known that the effectiveness of a trailing-edge control surface can be substantially diminished due to the elastic twist of an airfoil or wing. This aeroelastic phenomenon is known as control surface reversal when the lift or roll rate vanishes at a sufficiently large ratio of flow dynamic pressure to wing stiffness. However, a leading-edge control surface can be used to counteract control surface reversal, and indeed, in principle, a leading-edge control surface may entirely cancel the tendency of the trailing-edge control surface to undergo reversal. Moreover, analysis shows that by using a simple control strategy one can use a combination of leading- and trailing-edge control surface rotations to maintain lift and roll effectiveness and minimize control surface rotations. The beneficial effects of leading-edge control surfaces on control surface reversal are known to practioners. However, the present simple model makes these especially transparent and suggests an advantageous strategy using a combination of leading- and trailing-edge control surfaces.
Cell wall structure and mechanical properties of Phycomyces.

Abstract The cell wall of the sporangiophore of the fungus Phycomyces is modeled assuming the primary microstructural elements consist of stiff chitin microfibrils embedded in a Newtonian viscous matrix. The structural parameters of the model are estimated from scanning electron micrographs taken of the inside of the growth zone of the sporangiophore, published X-ray data and published transmission electron micrographs of the cell wall. The plastic extension rate normalized with respect to imposed crosshead speed is calculated from the model and compared to measured rates obtained from a tensile test. Reasonable agreement is observed for the most natural choice of the microstructural parameters employed in the model.
Multiple receptor tyrosine kinases converge on microRNA-134 to control KRAS, STAT5B, and glioblastoma

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are co-deregulated in a majority of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and most deadly brain tumor. We show that the RTKs MET, EGFR, and PDGFR regulate microRNA-134 (miR-134) in GBM. We find that miR-134 is downregulated in human tumors and cancer stem cells and that its expression inversely correlates with the activation of MET, EGFR, and PDGFR. We demonstrate that miR-134 inhibits cancer cell and stem-cell proliferation, survival, and xenograft growth, as well as cancer stem-cell self-renewal and stemness. We identify KRAS and STAT5B as targets of miR-134, and establish molecular and functional links between RTKs, miR-134, KRAS/STAT5B and malignancy in vitro and in vivo. We show that miR-134 induction is required for the anti-tumor effects of RTK inhibitors. We also uncover the molecular pathways through which RTKs regulate miR-134 expression and demonstrate the involvement of MAPK signaling and the KLF4 transcription factor. We therefore identify miR-134 as a novel RTK-regulated tumor-suppressive hub that mediates RTK and RTK-inhibitor effects on GBM malignancy by controlling KRAS and STAT5B.
A Tunable Magnetomechanical Thermal Switch for Thermal Management Purposes

This work proposes a new design for a thermal switch that exploits the temperature dependence of a ferromagnetic material situated between a hot and cold surface. A numerical model is presented which predicts the behavior of the thermal switch. It is shown that with modifications to the physical structure, the device can be tuned to turn on at different heat source temperatures. The time-averaged heat flux and effective conductance compare favorably to existing thermal switch technologies over a range of heat source temperatures. Additionally, it is shown that the contact conductance of the surfaces has a large influence on the device performance.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
In Defense of Rhetoric: Or How Hard It Is to Take a Writer Seriously: The Case of Nietzsche

Interpretations of Nietzsche, particularly about politics, cover an exceptionally wide range. Additionally, Nietzsche is often said to commit “rhetorical excesses.” I argue and show that Nietzsche consciously crafted his published works to allow this range of interpretations, that he did this for critical purposes, and that his so-called rhetoric is there to serve this purpose.