cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Structure and Morphology of Amorphous Steel Produced Using Spray Metal Forming

In order to investigate the effect of heat treatment on the structure and morphology of spray formed structurally amorphous steel, several small samples were cut from one spray formed amorphous steel ingot (DAR – 35). The samples were heat treated at 700oC in a tube furnace under a constant flow of 99.9% argon for up to 120 hours. The samples were furnace cooled to 300oC. Later they were quenched in water. The structure was investigated using x-ray diffraction and the morphology of the polished and lightly etched samples was examined under both optical and scanning electron microscopes. The results indicate that the spray formed steels were amorphous. However, their microstructure is not homogeneous. The microstructure is composed of three distinctively different phase contrasts (viz. light gray, dark gray and bright white contrasts). The bright white phase contained maximum amount of tungsten and molybdenum, it had the least amount of iron. Both light and dark gray phases contained nearly the compositionally expected amount of iron, and more chromium than compositionally expected. The effect of heat treatment at 700oC had no effect on the three different phase contrasts. However, the heat treatment at 700oC showed some effect on the crystallization of the structure. The heat treatment for up to 24 hours has very little effect on the structure and morphology of the amorphous steel samples. However, if the samples were heat treated at 700oC for more than 24 and below 72 hours, it appears that a partial crystallization of the steel occurs. Significant crystallization of the spray formed amorphous steel occurs due to prolonged heat treatment above 72 hours.
Distributed Coordination in Modular Precision Assembly Systems

A promising approach to enabling the rapid deployment and reconfiguration of automated assembly systems is to make use of cooperating, modular, robust robotic agents. Over the past 5 years, the authors have been constructing just such a system suitable for assembly of high-precision, high-value products. Within this environment, each robotic agent executes its own program, coordinating its activity with that of its peers to produce globally cooperative precision behavior. To simplify the problems associated with deploying such systems, each agent adheres to a strict notion of modularity, both physically and computationally. The intent is to provide an architecture within which it is straightforward to specify strategies for the robust execution of potentially complex and fragile cooperative behaviors. The underlying behaviors use a runtime environment that includes tools to automatically sequence the activities of an agent. Taken together, these abstractions enable a designer to rapidly and effectively de...
Loss of control: legislature changes and the state–local relationship

There are a variety of methods that state legislatures can use to pass legislation which relates to municipalities. This paper explores why, how and when states changed their constitutions from allowing special legislation for municipalities to requiring general laws which would apply to all municipalities. Historians have put forward several explanations for why special legislation was harder to maintain as the nineteenth century progressed. A new way of framing the story is presented here by considering how the passage of special legislation was maintained through a logroll; legislators formed a coalition to vote on each other’s local legislation. As the size of the legislature expanded and the composition of the legislature changed, it may have been harder for legislators to maintain a coalition in order to logroll each other’s proposed local legislation. The previous theories along with the new one presented here are empirically tested. Evidence suggests a link between the size of the state legislature and the probability of instituting general legislation for municipalities, indicating that one motivation for adopting general laws was the dissolution of a stable logroll.
Simulation modeling and the web: Simfone': an object-oriented simulation framework

This paper presents an overview of a software design framework for the development of object-oriented simulations. The framework is documented using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and is divided into packages to organize the collection of classes into important functional areas. The purpose of the framework is two-fold. First, the framework is useful in understanding the concepts and abstractions within simulation modeling and languages. Secondly, the framework can serve as the basis for the development of object-oriented simulation libraries. We illustrate the latter through a Java implementation.
Solid-state ( 1 H and 13 C) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of insoluble organic residue in the Murchison meteorite: a self-consistent quantitative analysis

Abstract Complementary, double- and single-resonance solid-state (1H and 13C) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments were performed on a solvent extracted and demineralized sample of Murchison meteorite organic macromolecule. These NMR data provide a consistent picture of a complex organic solid composed of a wide range of organic (aromatic and aliphatic) functional groups, including numerous oxygen-containing functional groups. The fraction of aromatic carbon within the Murchison organic residue (constrained by three independent experiments) lies between 0.61 and 0.66. The close similarity in cross-polarized and single-pulse spectra suggests that both methods detect the same distribution of carbon. With the exception of interstellar diamond (readily detected in slow magic angle spinning single-pulse NMR experiments), there is no evidence in the solid-state NMR data for a significant abundance of large laterally condensed aromatic molecules in the Murchison organic insoluble residue. Given the most optimistic estimation, such carbon would not exceed 10% and more likely is a fraction of this maximum estimate. The fraction of aromatic carbon directly bonded to hydrogen is low (∼30%), indicating that the aromatic molecules in the Murchison organic residue are highly substituted. The bulk hydrogen content, H/C, derived from NMR data, ranges from a low of 0.53 ± 0.06 and a high of 0.63 ± 0.06. The hydrogen content (H/C) determined via elemental analysis is 0.53. The range of oxygen-containing organic functionality in the Murchison is substantial. Depending on whether various oxygen-containing organic functional groups exist as free acids and hydroxyls or are linked as esters and ethers results in a wide range in O/C (0.22 to 0.37). The lowest values are more consistent with elemental analyses, requiring that oxygen-containing functional groups in the Murchison macromolecule are highly linked. The combined 1H and 13C NMR data reveal a high proportion of methine carbon, which requires that carbon chains within the Murchison organic macromolecule are highly branched.
A cost-efficiency principle of spatial interaction behavior

Abstract A new macro-statistical principle of spatial interaction behavior is proposed. This cost-efficiency principle asserts in essence that, other things being equal, interaction patterns involving higher total costs are less likely to be observed than those involving lower costs. The main result of the paper is to show that this principle completely characterizes the important class of exponential gravity models. This characterization resolves the ‘sign’ problem inherent in the maximum- entropy derivation of these models. Moreover, since this principle focuses directly on the cost- minimizing nature of spatial interaction choices, it appears to have more behavioral content than the simple maximum-entropy approach. A number of extensions and generalizations of the cost-efficiency principle are also outlined which suggest that the principle may have a much wider range of application.
An Optimal Bivariate Ranked Set Sample Design for the Matched Pairs Sign Test

Abstract An optimal alternative bivariate ranked set sample designs for the matched pairs sign test are obtained. The exact null distributions, asymptotic distributions and Pitman efficiencies of those designs are derived. Numerical analysis of the power of the proposed optimal designs is included. Illustration using real data is used.
Healing of Lithographically Introduced Cracks in Glass and Glass‐Containing Ceramics

The morphological evolution of lithographically defined cracklike flaws in glass and glass-containing ceramics was studied at elevated temperatures. The systems studied have glass contents from 100 to approximately 0.5 vol%, providing insight to the contribution of viscous flow of the glass to crack healing over a range of glass contents spanning many industrial ceramics. Healing behavior is found to be controlled by viscous flow of glass in all cases except the lowest glass content, for which significant mass transport is only accomplished by diffusional mechanisms. This implies a change of mechanism below some critical glass content.
Studies of murine complement

We have utilized a new assay for murine complement components to explore the relationship of complement titers to other parameters of disease activity in individual NZB/W female mice. Titers had fallen significantly by 6 months of age, concomitantly with the appearance of antiDNA in serum and of C3 and immunoglobulin in renal glomeruli. The period of hypocomplementemia antedating proteinuria was extremely variable. Heat stable anti-complementary material was found in serum from older NZB/W mice.
Nonstationary covariance modeling for incomplete data: Monte Carlo EM approach

A multi-resolution basis can provide a useful representation of nonstationary two-dimensional spatial processes that are typically encountered in the geosciences. The main advantages are its flexibility for representing departures from stationarity and importantly the scalability of algorithms to large numbers of spatial locations. The key ingredients of our approach are the availability of fast transforms for wavelet bases on regular grids and enforced sparsity in the covariance matrix among wavelet basis coefficients. In support of this approach we outline a theoretical proposition for decay properties of the multi-resolution covariance for mixtures of Matern covariances. A covariance estimator, built upon a regularized method of moment, is straightforward to compute for complete data on regular grids. For irregular spatial data the estimator is implemented by using a conditional simulation algorithm drawn from a Monte Carlo Expectation Maximization approach, to translate the problem to a regular grid in order to take advantage of efficient wavelet transforms. This method is illustrated with a Monte Carlo experiment and applied to surface ozone data from an environmental monitoring network. The computational efficiency makes it possible to provide bootstrap measures of uncertainty and these provide objective evidence of the nonstationarity of the surface ozone field.
Citrus juice modulates bone strength in male senescent rat model of osteoporosis

Abstract Objective An experiment evaluated the effect of citrus juice on enhancing serum antioxidant status and on osteoporosis prevention in orchidectomized rats. Methods Thirty-six 1-y-old male rats were randomized to two groups: a sham-control group ( n = 9) and an orchidectomized group ( n = 27). The orchidectomized group was divided into three groups of nine and assigned to one of the following treatments: orchidectomy, orchidectomy plus orange juice, and orchidectomy plus grapefruit juice. Sixty days after initiation of the study, all rats were killed, blood was collected, and serum was harvested for total antioxidant status and indices of bone formation and resorption. Femoral density and biomechanical properties were monitored. Results Orchidectomy decreased ( P P P P P = 0.07) femoral density, increased ( P P Conclusion The present study supports the supposition in that drinking citrus juice positively affects serum antioxidant status and bone strength.
Strong Axioms of Infinity in NFU

This paper discusses a sequence of extensions of NFU , Jensen's improvement of Quine's set theory “New Foundations” ( NF ) of [16]. The original theory NF of Quine continues to present difficulties. After 60 years of intermittent investigation, it is still not known to be consistent relative to any set theory in which we have confidence. Specker showed in [20] that NF disproves Choice (and so proves Infinity). Even if one assumes the consistency of NF , one is hampered by the lack of powerful methods for proofs of consistency and independence such as are available for use with ZFC ; very clever work has been done with permutation methods, starting with [18] and [5], and exemplified more recently by [14], but permutation methods can only be applied to show the consistency or independence of unstratified sentences (see the definition of NFU below for a definition of stratification). For example, there is no method available to determine whether the assertion “the continuum can be well-ordered” is consistent with or independent of NF . There is one substantial independence result for an assertion with nontrivial stratified consequences, using metamathematical methods: this is Orey's proof of the independence of the Axiom of Counting from NF (see below for a statement of this axiom). We mention these difficulties only to reassure the reader of their irrelevance to the present work. Jensen's modification of “New Foundations” (in [13]), which was to restrict extensionality to sets, allowing many non-sets (urelements) with no elements, has almost magical effects.
Intra- and interobserver variability in interpretation of DMSA scans using a set of standardized criteria

A set of criteria was developed to standardize assessment of DMSA renal scintigraphy which were performed to evaluate children for acute pyelonephritis and renal scarring. This study was undertaken to assess intra- and interobserver variability in the interpretation of DMSA renal scintigraphy using these criteria. Renal contours and parenchyma were assessed in three zones. Contours were assessed as normal or abnormal and parenchymal defects were evaluated in terms of character, shape and degree in three regions (upper and lower pole and midzone). Two nuclear medicine physicians blindly reviewed 57 DMSA scintigraphy on two occasions each. Disagreement of each observer's evaluation of the same scintigraphy on two different occasions was described as intraobserver variability, and the comparison between readings by each of the two observers was described as interobserver variability. High levels of intra-(95.9% and 90.6% respectively,p<0.05) and interobserver agreement (84.4%,p<0.05) were demonstrated. There were minor differences in inconsistencies between the two kidneys or different kidney zones. We conclude that standardization of criteria resulted in higher intra- and interobserver consistency in interpretation of DMSA scintigraphy.
Too Little, Too Late? Research Policies on the Societal Implications of Nanotechnology in the United States

‘Nanotechnology’ is still in its infancy. Nevertheless, and despite ongoing disagreements about how ‘nanotechnology’ ought to be defined, narratives emerging from a diversity of sources share the n...
Deformation quantization on cotangent bundles

Abstract In this note we construct natural star-products on cotangent bundles of Riemannian manifolds. Hereby we essentially use a parameter dependent symbol calculus for pseudo-differential operators on manifolds. The constructed star-products generalize the well-known λ-ordered quantization scheme on R 2n. In particular we thus extend Weyl quantization but also normal and antinormal order quantization to cotangent bundles of Riemannian manifolds.
Extension of the Lifshitz-point concept to first-order phase transitions: Incommensurate NaNO2 in a transverse electric field.

The theory of the Lifshitz point, a triple point in the phase diagram of systems with incommensurate phases, is extended to systems in which the direct para-ferro transition is first order. The structure of the phase diagram is shown to be considerably more complex than in the usual case of a second-order direct transition. There is a virtual Lifshitz point at which the ${T}_{\mathrm{I}}$ and ${T}_{0}$ phase-transition lines cross, but it is not a triple point. A new tricritical point is found at which the para-to-incommensurate transition changes from second to first order, and a new triple point is found, distinct from the virtual Lifshitz point. We present the results of an elastic neutron scattering study of the incommensurate ferroelectric ${\mathrm{NaNO}}_{2}$ in transverse electric fields which exhibits behavior resembling that found in the theoretical analysis. We therefore extrapolate the experimental phase diagrams to construct a plausible picture of the region of the virtual Lifshitz point in ${\mathrm{NaNO}}_{2}$.
Editorial: Contemporary research on the menstrual cycle.

The Society for Menstrual Cycle Research (SMCR) was formed in 1977 by a group of multidisciplinary scholars who understood the centrality of the menstrual cycle in women's health and more broadly i...
Stratospheric geoengineering impacts on El Niño/Southern Oscillation

Abstract. To examine the impact of proposed stratospheric geoengineering schemes on the amplitude and frequency of El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variations we examine climate model simulations from the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP) G1–G4 experiments. Here we compare tropical Pacific behavior under anthropogenic global warming (AGW) using several scenarios: an instantaneous quadrupling of the atmosphere's CO2 concentration, a 1 % annual increase in CO2 concentration, and the representative concentration pathway resulting in 4.5 W m−2 radiative forcing at the end of the 21st century, the Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 scenario, with that under G1–G4 and under historical model simulations. Climate models under AGW project relatively uniform warming across the tropical Pacific over the next several decades. We find no statistically significant change in ENSO frequency or amplitude under stratospheric geoengineering as compared with those that would occur under ongoing AGW, although the relative brevity of the G1–G4 simulations may have limited detectability of such changes. We also find that the amplitude and frequency of ENSO events do not vary significantly under either AGW scenarios or G1–G4 from the variability found within historical simulations or observations going back to the mid-19th century. Finally, while warming of the Nino3.4 region in the tropical Pacific is fully offset in G1 and G2 during the 40-year simulations, the region continues to warm significantly in G3 and G4, which both start from a present-day climate.
Design of Optimal PI Controllers for Doubly Fed Induction Generators Driven by Wind Turbines Using Particle Swarm Optimization

When subjected to transient disturbances in the power grid, the variable frequency converter (VFC) is the most sensitive part in the variable-speed wind turbine generator system (WTGS) equipped with a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). The VFC is normally controlled by a set of PI controllers. Tuning these PI controllers is a tedious work and it is difficult to tune the PI gains optimally due to the nonlinearity and the high complexity of the system. This paper presents an approach to use the particle swarm optimization algorithm to design the optimal PI controllers for the rotor-side converter of the DFIG. A new time-domain fitness function is defined to measure the performance of the controllers. Simulation results show that the proposed design approach is efficient to find the optimal parameters of the PI controllers and therefore improves the transient performance of the WTGS over a wide range of operating conditions.
Resolving brain regions using nanostructure initiator mass spectrometry imaging of phospholipids.

In a variety of neurological diseases, pathological progression is cell type and region specific. Previous reports suggest that mass spectrometry imaging has the potential to differentiate between brain regions enriched in specific cell types. Here, we utilized a matrix-free surface mass spectrometry approach, nanostructure initiator mass spectrometry (NIMS), to show that spatial distributions of multiple lipids can be used as a ‘fingerprint’ to discriminate between neuronal- and glial- enriched brain regions. In addition, glial cells from different brain regions can be distinguished based on unique lipid profiles. NIMS images were generated from sagittal brain sections and were matched with immunostained serial sections to define glial cell enriched areas. Tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS QTOF) on whole brain extracts was used to identify 18 phospholipids. Multivariate statistical analysis (Nonnegative Matrix Factorization) enhanced differentiation of brain regions and cell populations compared to single ion imaging methods. This analysis resolved brain regions that are difficult to distinguish using conventional stains but are known to have distinct physiological functions. This method accurately distinguished the frontal (or somatomotor) and dorsal (or retrosplenial) regions of the cortex from each other and from the pons region.
Using genetically engineered mice for radiation research.

The laboratory mouse has been used for many decades as a model system for radiation research. Recent advances in genetic engineering now allow scientists to delete genes in specific cell types at different stages of development. The ability to manipulate genes in the mouse with spatial and temporal control opens new opportunities to investigate the role of genes in regulating the response of normal tissues and tumors to radiation. Currently, we are using the Cre-loxP system to delete genes, such as p53, in a cell-type specific manner in mice to study mechanisms of acute radiation injury and late effects of radiation. Our results demonstrate that p53 is required in the gastrointestinal (GI) epithelium to prevent radiation-induced GI syndrome and in endothelial and/or hematopoietic cells to prevent late effects of radiation. We have also used these genetic tools to generate primary tumors in mice to study tumor response to radiation therapy. These advances in genetic engineering provide a powerful model sys...
Systematic review of the surgical treatment for symptomatic os acromiale

The optimal surgical treatment for symptomatic os acromiale that has failed nonoperative management is unclear in the literature. We conducted a systematic review of multiple medical databases for level I-IV evidence. Both radiographic and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria (118 subjects, 125 shoulders). One hundred and fifteen subjects were treated surgically (122 shoulders). The mean age of the subjects was 49±11 years. The mean preoperative duration of symptoms was 12±8.6 months. Mesoacromiale was the most common type treated (94%). Internal fixation was the most common surgical technique used (60%), followed by excision (27%) and acromioplasty (13%). Rotator cuff repair was the most common concurrent surgical technique (performed in 59% of the surgically treated shoulders), followed by distal clavicle excision (25%). All surgical techniques resulted in improvement in clinical outcomes. Surgical management of symptomatic os acromiale that has failed nonoperative measures may predictably lead to improved outcomes.
Municipal government in soviet russia iii. municipal finance

This is the third and last of a series of article on the government o Russian cities, the previous articles having appeared in the December adn January issues of the REVIEW
Early host-pathogen interactions in marine bivalves: Evidence that the alveolate parasite Perkinsus marinus infects through the oyster mantle during rejection of pseudofeces

Parasites have developed myriad strategies to reach and infect their specific hosts. One of the most common mechanisms for non-vector transmitted parasites to reach the internal host environment is by ingestion during feeding. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of oyster host colonization by the alveolate Perkinsus marinus and focused on how oysters process infective waterborne P. marinus cells during feeding in order to determine the portal(s) of entry of this parasite to its host. We also compared the infectivity of freely-suspended cells of P. marinus with that of cells incorporated into marine aggregates to link changes in particle processing by the feeding organs with infection success and route. Finally, we evaluated the effect of oyster secretions (mucus) covering the feeding organs on P. marinus physiology because these host factors are involved in the processing of waterborne particles. The ensemble of results shows a unique mechanism for infection by which the parasite is mostly acquired during the feeding process, but not via ingestion. Rather, infection commonly occurs during the rejection of material as pseudofeces before reaching the mouth. The pseudofeces discharge area, a specialized area of the mantle where unwanted particles are accumulated for rejection as pseudofeces, showed significantly higher parasite loads than other host tissues including other parts of the mantle. Aggregated P. marinus cells caused significantly higher disease prevalence and infection intensities when compared to freely-suspended parasite cells. Mucus covering the mantle caused a quick and significant increase in parasite replication rates suggesting rapid impact on P. marinus physiology. A new model for P. marinus acquisition in oysters is proposed.
Minimum description length approach to detecting chemicals via their Raman spectra

Raman spectroscopy has provided a powerful means of chemical identification in a variety of fields, partly because of its noncontact nature and the speed at which measurements can be taken. Given a library of known Raman spectra, a common detection approach is to first estimate the relative amount of each chemical present, and then compare the estimated mixing coefficients to a threshold. We present a more rigorous detection scheme by formulating the problem as one of multiple hypothesis detection and using the maximum a posteriori decision rule to minimize the probability of classification error. The probability that a specific target chemical is present is estimated by summing the estimated probabilities of all the hypotheses containing it. Alternatively, since we do not typically have reasonable priors for the hypotheses, it may be preferable to interpret the result as an abstract score corresponding to the minimum description length approach. The resulting detection performance of this approach is compared to that of several other classification algorithms.
Fine-resolution mapping of spontaneous and double-strand break-induced gene conversion tracts in Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals reversible mitotic conversion polarity.

Abstract Spontaneous and double-strand break (DSB)-induced gene conversion was examined in alleles of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ura3 gene containing nine phenotypically silent markers and an HO nuclease recognition site. Conversions of these alleles, carried on ARS1/CEN4 plasmids, involved interactions with heteroalleles on chromosome V and were stimulated by DSBs created at HO sites. Crossovers that integrate plasmids into chromosomes were not detected since the resultant dicentric chromosomes would be lethal. Converted alleles in shuttle plasmids were easily transferred to Escherichia coli and analyzed for marker conversion, facilitating the characterization of more than 400 independent products from five crosses. This analysis revealed several new features of gene conversions. The average length of DSB-induced conversion tracts was 200 to 300 bp, although about 20% were very short (less than 53 bp). About 20% of spontaneous tracts also were also less than 53 bp, but spontaneous tracts were on average about 40% longer than DSB-induced tracts. Most tracts were continuous, but 3% had discontinuous conversion patterns, indicating that extensive heteroduplex DNA is formed during at least this fraction of events. Mismatches in heteroduplex DNA were repaired in both directions, and repair tracts as short as 44 bp were observed. Surprisingly, most DSB-induced gene conversion tracts were unidirectional and exhibited a reversible polarity that depended on the locations of DSBs and frameshift mutations in recipient and donor alleles.
Volume sensitivity of the bestrophin family of chloride channels

Bestrophins are a newly identified family of Cl(-) channels. Mutations in the founding member of the family, human bestrophin-1 (hBest1), are responsible for a form of early onset macular degeneration called Best vitelliform macular dystrophy. The link between dysfunction of hBest1 and macular degeneration remains unknown. Because retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells may be subjected to varying osmotic pressure due to light-dependent changes in the ionic composition of the subretinal space and because RPE cells may undergo large volume changes during phagocytosis of shed photoreceptor discs, we investigated whether bestrophin currents were affected by cell volume. When hBest1 and mBest2 were overexpressed in HEK 293, HeLa, and ARPE-19 cells, a new Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) current appeared. This current was very sensitive to cell volume. A 20% increase in extracellular osmolarity caused cell shrinkage and a approximately 70-80% reduction in bestrophin current. Decreases in extracellular osmolarity increased the bestrophin currents slightly, but this was difficult to quantify due to simultaneous activation of endogenous volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) current. To determine whether a similar current was present in mouse RPE cells, the effect of hyperosmotic solutions on isolated mouse RPE cells was examined. Mouse RPE cells exhibited an endogenous Cl(-) current that resembled the expressed hBest1 in that it was decreased by hypertonic solution. We conclude that bestrophins are volume sensitive and that they could play a novel role in cell volume regulation of RPE cells.
Using food to reduce stress: Effects of choosing meal components and preparing a meal

Abstract Many people experience stress as a part of their daily lives. Chronic stress can have an impact on physical and mental health. Since food and eating are generally associated with positive moods, we explored how aspects of meal preparation can relieve stress and improve measures related to mood. Our main objectives were to determine whether choosing meal components and/or preparing a meal would improve measures related to mood and reduce stress. Participants came individually to our lab at dinner time. We measured stress (salivary cortisol, heart rate and blood pressure) and took measures related to mood on arrival. We then induced stress (Trier Social Stress Task) and took measures related to stress and mood again. Each participant was assigned to one of four experimental conditions. In the prepare-choice condition participants prepared a meal (pasta + sauce + inclusions) and had control over selection of meal components. In the prepare-no-choice condition participants prepared their meal, but had no control over the menu. In the choice-no-prepare condition participants had control over the menu, but the meal was prepared by someone else. In the no-prepare-no-choice condition participants were provided with a meal prepared by someone else. Food preference questionnaires conducted before the stress induction ensured that all participants received foods they liked. Having no choice produced greater reductions in the mood-related measures of anxiety and anger compared with the choice condition. Systolic blood pressure was reduced more in the no choice than in the choice condition after the meal. Preparing versus not preparing had little effect on measures related to stress and mood. People may find choosing to be a depleting task on their limited psychological resources; hence, choosing can add to their general stress. Not faced with choosing, one avoids this unnecessary stress. Consuming a meal without the burden of choosing has potential as a stress-reduction strategy.
Mergers, jobs, and wages in the United States telecommunications industry

This article evaluates the human capital consequences of several mergers of local exchange companies that took place between 1988 and 2001 in the telecommunications industry of the United States. Most firms in the sector underwent one merger event while other firms underwent two events. The levels of jobs and average wages in the firms are assessed after the merger events and analysis reveals that, while the first merger events experienced by firms led to growth in employment and compensation, second merger events, which included several mega-mergers of the late 1990s and early 2000s, have led to stagnation and decline in employment levels and to negative human capital outcomes with declines in wage levels.
A user-centered approach to visualizing network traffic for intrusion detection

Intrusion detection (ID) analysts are charged with ensuring the safety and integrity of today's high-speed computer networks. Their work includes the complex task of searching for indications of attacks and misuse in vast amounts of network data. Although there are several information visualization tools to support ID, few are grounded in a thorough understanding of the work ID analysts perform or include any empirical evaluation. We present a user-centered visualization based on our understanding of the work of ID and the needs of analysts derived from the first significant user study of ID. The tool presents analysts with both 'at a glance' understanding of network activity, and low-level network link details. Results from preliminary usability testing show that users performed better and found easier those tasks dealing with network state in comparison to network link tasks.
Calcium-Mediated Activation of c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase (JNK) and Apoptosis in Response to Cadmium in Murine Macrophages

Cadmium is a well-known carcinogenic and immunotoxic metal commonly found in cigarette smoke and industrial effluent. An altered intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) level has been implicated in the pathophysiology of immune dysfunction. The present study was designed to determine the possible involvement of calcium (Ca(2+)) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways on cadmium-induced cell death in J774A.1 murine macrophage cells. Cadmium caused a low-amplitude [Ca(2+)](i) elevation at 20 microM and rapid and high-amplitude [Ca(2+)](i) elevation at 500 microM. Exposure to cadmium dose-dependently induced phosphorylation of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) and deactivated p38 MAPK. Use of the selective JNK inhibitor SP600125 suggested that activation of JNK is pro-apoptotic and pro-necrotic. Buffering of the calcium response with 1,2-bis-(2-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetrakis (acetoxy-methyl) ester (BAPTA-AM) and ethylene glycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) completely blocked cadmium-induced apoptotic response. The pretreatment of cells with BAPTA-AM and EGTA suppressed the cadmium-induced cell injury, including growth arrest, mitochondrial activity impairment, and necrosis, and it also recovered the cadmium-altered JNK and p38 MAPK activity. Chelating [Ca(2+)](i) also reversed cadmium-induced hydrogen peroxide generation, suggesting that production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is related to [Ca(2+)](i). The present study showed that cadmium induces a [Ca(2+)](i)-ROS-JNK-caspase-3 signaling pathway leading to apoptosis. Furthermore, cadmium-induced [Ca(2+)](i) regulates phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of JNK and p38, and it modulates signal transduction pathways to proliferation, mitochondrial activity, and necrosis.
Distributed models and algorithms for survivability in network routing

We introduce a natural distributed model for analyzing the survivability of distributed networks and network routing schemes based on considering the effects of local constraints on network connectivity. We investigate the computational consequences of two fundamental interpretations of the meaning of local constraints. We consider a full-duplex model in which constraints are applied to edges of a graph representing two-way communication links and a half-duplex model in which constraints are applied to edges representing one-wall links. We show that the problem of determining the survivability of a network under the full-duplex model is NP-hard, even in the restricted case of simply defined constraints. We also show that the problem of determining the survivability of network routing under the half-duplex model is highly tractable. We are able to effectively determine fault-tolerant routing schemes that are able to dynamically adapt to withstand any connectivity threats consistent with the constraints of the half-duplex model. The routing scheme is based on a multitree data structure, and we are able to generate optimal multitrees of minimum weighted depth. We also investigate an optimization problem related to achieving survivable network routing using a small sets of retransmission or landmark sites. Although the associated optimization problem is NP-hard, we show that sufficiently dense graphs can achieve survivable routing schemes using a small sets of landmarks. We prove an associated extremal result that is optimal over all graphs with minimum degree /spl delta/.
Exposing undergraduate engineering and computer science students to the asian business culture in a project-based abroad program: An assessment of program challenges

Conducting an international summer program is difficult enough, but combine that with a project-based program that combines undergraduate and graduate technology and business majors from the United States, Europe, and China; working on real project for real companies and providing meaningful results in six short weeks; and you have a uniquely challenging program. The 15 program (immersion into international interdisciplinary innovation) is a program about technology innovation that itself had to be innovative to meet the growing ABET requirements for meaningful global experience for engineering and computer science majors. It also had to provide the learning experiences that would apply directly to the various engineering, computer science, and business fields to make it worthwhile and desirable for the students. While the coursework and various project plans were demanding, one of the real challenges came in the recognition and accommodation of the cultural differences and the language barriers within the teams, as well as those between the teams and their program sponsors. This paper will document the challenges faced in the deployment of this new study abroad program. It will also include an summary of the student evaluations, especially the impact of the program on the American, the European, and the Chinese students in terms of how they now approach their perspective of the world, different cultures, their chosen discipline, and their outlook on the future.
Whole Beetroot Consumption Acutely Improves Running Performance

Nitrate ingestion improves exercise performance; however, it has also been linked to adverse health effects, except when consumed in the form of vegetables. The purpose of this study was to determine, in a double-blind crossover study, whether whole beetroot consumption, as a means for increasing nitrate intake, improves endurance exercise performance. Eleven recreationally fit men and women were studied in a double-blind placebo controlled crossover trial performed in 2010. Participants underwent two 5-km treadmill time trials in random sequence, once 75 minutes after consuming baked beetroot (200 g with ≥500 mg nitrate) and once 75 minutes after consuming cranberry relish as a eucaloric placebo. Based on paired t tests, mean running velocity during the 5-km run tended to be faster after beetroot consumption (12.3±2.7 vs 11.9±2.6 km/hour; P=0.06). During the last 1.1 miles (1.8 km) of the 5-km run, running velocity was 5% faster (12.7±3.0 vs 12.1±2.8 km/hour; P=0.02) in the beetroot trial, with no differences in velocity (P≥0.25) in the earlier portions of the 5-km run. No differences in exercise heart rate were observed between trials; however, at 1.8 km into the 5-km run, rating of perceived exertion was lower with beetroot (13.0±2.1 vs 13.7±1.9; P=0.04). Consumption of nitrate-rich, whole beetroot improves running performance in healthy adults. Because whole vegetables have been shown to have health benefits, whereas nitrates from other sources may have detrimental health effects, it would be prudent for individuals seeking performance benefits to obtain nitrates from whole vegetables, such as beetroot.
Organoboranes: XXVIII. Convenient procedures for the synthesis of borinane☆

Abstract Convenient syntheses of the six-ring boracyclane, borinane, have been developed. Hydroboration of 1,4-pentadiene with two molar equivalents of 9-borabicyclo-[3.3.1]nonane (9-BBN) in a suitable solvent, followed by reaction of the resulting trialkylborane with one molar equivalent of the borane-tetrahydrofuran complex (BH 3 ·THF) or the borane-dimethyl sulfide complex (BH 3 ·SMe 2 , BMS), leads to the cyclization of the pentadiene moiety, forming borinane with the regeneration of two molar equivalents of 9-BBN. Complete separation of the two dialkylboranes by fractional crystallization from solvents such as THF, 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME), 1,3-dioxolane, n-hexane, n-pentane and hexane plus dioxolane was unsuccessful. Treating the reaction mixture in hexane with the requisite amount of triethylamine (Et 3 N) led to selective complexation with borinane. By cooling the reaction mixture to −78°C, it was now possible to crystallize out the uncomplexed 9-BBN almost quantitatively (98%). Alternatively, borinane could be precipitated selectively from the hexane reaction mixture as its bis-adduct with either N, N, N′, N′ -tetramethylethylenediamine (TMED) or 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO). Free borinane was readily liberated from its amine adducts by treatment with boron trifluoride etherate (BF 3 ·OEt 2 ). Finally, the two dialkylboranes were readily separated by fractional distillation, using a specially designed reaction setup. Distillation at about 70–80°C and 0.01 mm pressure led to the clean distillation of borinane, leaving the 9-BBN, as a residue, readily recycled in subsequent preparations. Alternatively, once free borinane has been obtained, it can be used to hydroborate 1,4-pentadiene in place of 9-BBN. Treatment of the product with BH 3 ·THF or BH 3 ·SMe 2 converts two moles of borinane into three, without the formation of a by-product.
Case-base reduction for a computer assisted breast cancer detection system using genetic algorithms

A knowledge-based computer assisted decision (KB-CAD) system is a case-based reasoning system previously proposed for breast cancer detection. Although it was demonstrated to be very effective for the diagnostic problem, it was also shown to be computationally expensive due to the use of mutual information between images as a similarity measure. Here, the authors propose to alleviate this drawback by reducing the case-base size. The problem is formalized and a genetic algorithm is utilized as an optimization tool. Appropriate for the problem representation and operators are presented and discussed. A clinically relevant index of the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve is used as a measure of the system performance during the optimization and testing stages. Experimental results show that application of the proposed method can significantly reduce the case-base size while the classification performance of the KB-CAD, in fact, increases.
Clarifying the Enigma of Energy, Philosophically Speaking:

Diverging philosophic worldviews of energy are revisited. The idea of energy as one phenomenon that is responsible for all things is contrasted with that of the mechanistic view of energy as part of causal processes. The idea of energy implied by Rogers' conceptual model is revisited in an attempt to lend clarity to the concept of energy as it is used in nursing science, especially from the perspective of the simultaneity paradigm.
Effects of the 1996 and 1998 positive sea-surface temperature anomalies on corals, coral diseases and fish in the Arabian Gulf (Dubai, UAE)

Two positive sea-surface temperature anomalies occurred in the Arabian Gulf in short sequence. Between May and August 1996 and 1998, sea-surface temperatures in the southern Arabian Gulf were elevated by 2°C above average. The consequences for coral fauna, coral diseases and coral regeneration were studied in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) between Jebel Ali and Ras Hasyan. In 1996, coral death was widespread, affecting primarily the genus Acropora. In Acropora-dominated areas, live coral cover was reduced from 90% to about 26% in 1996, while in 1998 only a reduction from 26% to 22% of the remaining coral cover occurred. In the study area, all six Acropora species suffered total mortality in 1996, thus the coral fauna was reduced from 34 species to 27. The nearest areas with surviving Acropora were 30 km to the east (Deira) and 20 km to the west (Al Jazira). Massive coral species suffered negligible mortality, and slowly increased in space cover. The Acropora overkill turned 7.9 km2 (19.7% of total coral-covered area) of previously lush coral gardens into a dead framework that was increasingly bioeroded. Acropora recruitment only started in 1998, average recruit size in 1999 was 7±3 cm, and recruits were rare. Prior to the mass mortality event, coral diseases were common and seasonal (14±5% of corals, mainly Acropora, affected in summer, in winter 7±6%, mainly massives), after the mortality event seasonality was lost and infection remained below winter levels (6±5%, only massives infected). In fish, overall species richness decreased from 95 to 64 species in point counts, but frequency only decreased in one species (Pseudochromis persicus). Guild structure changed inasmuch as herbivores and planktivores increased, and invertivores decreased, although differences were not statistically significant. The most abundant family, both prior to and after the coral mass mortality, was Lutjanidae. It appears that even though much of the coral was dead, the maintenance of structural complexity allowed the fish assemblage to avoid a similar catastrophic change to that experienced by the coral assemblage.
Exploring Myths: Exploring Islam in Western Societies

Building upon the 'Clash of Civilizations' hypothesis of Samuel Huntington, and the works of Bernard Lewis, eight years after the events of September 11th, 2001, Western media continue to produce images about Muslims in the US and other Western societies as pending demographic and social threat to the western way of life. Even though Muslims have lived in non-Muslim societies for centuries, they continue to be visible in their own communities. Two types of contradictory messages were expressed by western states about Muslims: as part of society, and as a threat to society. Through the use of the Muslim American Public Opinion Survey (MAPOS), this paper explores this relatively-understudies population in the US and examines whether Muslims are any different than other groups in American society.