cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ammonia production by individual segments of the rat nephron.

Abstract Ammonia production was measured directly in 10 segments of the rat nephron to determine the relative importance of the segments as sites of renal ammonia production. Tubules were microdissected from normal rats and rats drinking 0.28 M NH4Cl or 0.28 M NaHCO3 for 3-8 d. The segments were incubated in vitro with and without 2 mM glutamine. Ammonia concentrations in the incubation fluid were measured by microfluorometry to determine ammonia production rates. All segments produced ammonia from glutamine. In normal rats, production with glutamine was highest (greater than 5 pmol/min per mm) in the proximal convoluted (S-1), proximal straight (S-3), and distal convoluted tubules, and lowest (less than or equal to 2) in cortical and medullary collecting ducts and thin descending limbs. Metabolic acidosis increased production by 60% in the S-1 segment of the proximal convoluted tubule and by 150% in the S-2 segment of the proximal straight tubule without significant effect in any other segment. Bicarbonate loading decreased production by S-1 but had no effect on S-2 or S-3. Thus, acid-base changes altered production only in specific segments of the proximal tubule. We infer that the bulk of ammonia production occurs in the proximal tubules and that production by collecting ducts can account for only a few percent of renal ammonia production and excretion in the rat.
Fate of wastewater effluent hER-agonists and hER-antagonists during soil aquifer treatment.

Estrogen activity was measured in wastewater effluent before and after polishing via soil-aquifer treatment (SAT) using both a (hER-β) competitive binding assay and a transcriptional activation (yeast estrogen screen, YES) assay. From the competitive binding assay, the equivalent 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) concentration in secondary effluent was 4.7 nM but decreased to 0.22 nM following SAT. The YES assay indicated that the equivalent EE2 concentration in the same effluent sample was below the method-detection limit (<2.5 × 10-3 nM) but increased to 0.68 nM in effluent polished via SAT processes. It was hypothesized that test-dependent differences arose because the competitive binding assay responds positively to both estrogen mimics and anti-estrogens; the YES assay responds to estrogen mimics, but test response is inhibited by anti-estrogens. The hypothesis was supported when organics extracted from wastewater effluent inhibited the YES test response to EE2 (anti-estrogenic effect). A similar extract pr...
Industry influences on strategy reformulation

This paper emphasizes the contribution of ‘borrowed experience’ to strategy reformulation. The industry group is described as a particularly important arena in which niche-related problems and solutions are identified and tested. Industry-wide mistakes in environmental interpretation and strategic response provide interesting evidence of the importance of this contribution to organizational decision making. An industry oriented view of strategy reformulation requires two kinds of research which are rarely conducted today. We need to know more about the pool of strategic concepts which a group of organizations holds in common at any given time. Spender's study of fork-lift truck rental companies is reviewed as an example of this kind of work. A second kind of needed research involves change in strategic concepts over time. A study of the perceived import threat to the appliance industry from 1950 to 1975 is summarized as an example of this second kind of research.
Room-Temperature Luminescence Properties of p-Aminobenzoic Acid and 4-Phenylphenol Adsorbed on α-Cyclodextrin/NaCl Mixtures:

The solid-surface fluorescence and phosphorescence quantum yield values and phosphorescence lifetime values were obtained for p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and 4-phenylphenol adsorbed on α-cyclodextrin/NaCl mixtures. From the luminescence quantum yield and phosphorescence lifetime data, the triplet formation efficiency values, the phosphorescence rate constants, and the rate constants for radiationless transition from the triplet state were determined for PABA and 4-phenylphenol on α-cyclodextrin/NaCl mixtures. In addition, the percentages of radiative and nonradiative transitions were calculated for the two compounds. The various luminescence parameters obtained in this work provided important insights into the analyte/α-cyclodextrin substrate interactions responsible for the observed solid-surface room-temperature fluorescence (RTF) and phosphorescence (RTP). Furthermore, the RTF and RTP intensities of PABA and 4-phenylphenol were obtained from several α-cyclodextrin/NaCl mixtures. These data showed the importance of the initial wet chemistry in the sample preparation procedure.
The Role of Psychosocial Treatments in Pharmacotherapy for Alcoholism

Medication treatment for alcohol use disorders often includes a psychotherapy component. The most appropriate psychotherapy to use may depend upon characteristics of the patient, the medication, the setting, and the experiences of the provider. To date, little empirical research has investigated these issues with respect to outcomes in clinical trials that combine pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. This paper reviews seven major types of psychotherapy for treatment of alcohol use disorders: brief interventions, motivational enhancement therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, cue exposure therapy, behavioral treatments, behavioral marital therapy, and twelve-step therapy. The theoretical basis for and empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of the therapies are reviewed, with an emphasis on studies that provided pharmacotherapy in conjunction with psychotherapy. Directions for future research in this area are also suggested.
Scoring rules and the evaluation of probabilities

In Bayesian inference and decision analysis, inferences and predictions are inherently probabilistic in nature. Scoring rules, which involve the computation of a score based on probability forecasts and what actually occurs, can be used to evaluate probabilities and to provide appropriate incentives for “good” probabilities. This paper review scoring rules and some related measures for evaluating probabilities, including decompositions of scoring rules and attributes of “goodness” of probabilites, comparability of scores, and the design of scoring rules for specific inferential and decision-making problems
Hardening the budget constraint: The experience of the post-socialist countries

Abstract The study surveys the typical manifestations of the softness of the budget constraint, such as state subsidies, soft taxation, non-performing loans, the accumulation of trade arrears between firms, and the build-up of wage arrears in the various post-socialist countries. It was widely maintained at the outset of the post-socialist transition that the ‘Holy Trinity’ of liberalization, privatization and stabilization would suffice to produce an efficient market economy. Since then, it has become clear that hardening the budget constraint needs to be given equal priority with these. Unless this occurs, the effects of privatization will fall short of expectations, as they have in Russia.
Distance Learning for Students with Special Needs through 3D Virtual Learning

iSocial is a 3D Virtual Learning Environment (3D VLE) to develop social competency for students who have been identified with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders. The motivation for developing a 3D VLE is to improve access to special needs curriculum for students who live in rural or small school districts. The paper first describes a number of innovative features developed to translate a targeted curriculum and to undertake teaching and learning to meet special needs in a 3D Virtual Environment. Secondly the paper describes results from a field test of iSocial at 3 sites with 11 students. The results show promise for improvements in social competence, but also challenges for distance learning delivery of 3D VLE.
Cerebral Vasospasm in Traumatic Brain Injury

Vasospasm following traumatic brain injury (TBI) may dramatically affect the neurological and functional recovery of a vulnerable patient population. While the reported incidence of traumatic vasospasm ranges from 19%–68%, the true incidence remains unknown due to variability in protocols for its detection. Only 3.9%–16.6% of patients exhibit clinical deficits. Compared to vasospasm resulting from aneurysmal SAH (aSAH), the onset occurs earlier and the duration is shorter. Overall, the clinical course tends to be milder, although extreme cases may occur. Traumatic vasospasm can occur in the absence of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Surveillance transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) has been utilized to monitor for radiographic vasospasm following TBI. However, effective treatment modalities remain limited. Hypertension and hypervolemia, the mainstays of treatment of vasospasm associated with aSAH, must be used judiciously in TBI patients, and calcium-channel blockers have offered mixed clinical results. Currently, the paucity of large prospective cohort studies and level-one data limits the ability to form evidence-based recommendations regarding the diagnosis and management of vasospasm associated with TBI.
Dyslipidemia and Pediatric Obesity

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States despite a reduction in mortality over the past 4 decades. Much of this success is attributed to public health efforts and more aggressive treatment of clinical disease. The rising rates of obesity and diabetes, especially among adolescents and young adults, raise concern for increases in mortality. National vital statistics have shown a leveling of cardiovascular disease death rates in the fifth decade of life. Public health efforts have begun to address childhood obesity. This article reviews the dyslipidemia associated with obesity in childhood and outlines a proposed approach to management.
Prediction of isometric and isokinetic strengths of males in teamwork: further applications of GMDH

Abstract This paper presents non-linear polynomials to predict isometric and isokinetic strengths of males operating in teams of two and three. In addition, a polynomial to predict the maximum weight a team of two males is willing to lift is also presented. All polynomials utilize anthropoemtric characteristics of individuals as inputs and were developed using a heuristic technique, Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH). As shown in earlier cases dealing with individual isometric and isokinetic strengths, the GMDH can also be successfully used to predict strengths of two-man and three-man teams from their body size measurements. Once again it is also demonstrated that even though body size parameters of individuals are weakly correlated with their strengths, they can be used in combination with GMDH to develop reliable and simple strength prediction models.
Corrosion of alumina-forming austenitic steel Fe–20Ni–14Cr–3Al–0.6Nb–0.1Ti in supercritical water

Abstract The oxidation behavior of alumina-forming austenitic (AFA) steel Fe–20Ni–14Cr–3Al–0.6Nb–0.1Ti has been examined after exposure to supercritical water (SCW) at 500 °C and 25 MPa pressure and with a dissolved oxygen content of 25 wppb, for exposure periods of 1300 h, 1700 h and 3000 h. A double layer oxide structure developed on all samples, consisting specifically of a Fe-rich outer hematite layer and an inner layer of Al–Cr–Fe-rich oxide containing a small fraction of FCC Ni-rich metal. Additionally, a thin Ni-rich layer in the bulk alloy close to the oxide/metal interface was also observed. Based on weight gain measurements, the oxidation resistance of the AFA steel was superior to other austenitic alloys, 800H, D9, and 316 stainless steel, tested under similar conditions. The formation of the protective Al–Cr–Fe-rich oxide layer may provide good long-term protection against corrosion in SCW environment.
2,3,8,12,13-Penta­meth­oxy-5H-dibenzo­[c,n]acridin-7(6H)-one toluene solvate

The title compound, C26H25NO6·C7H8, formed by an unexpected tandem reaction of Beckmann rearrangement, electrophilic aromatic addition and subsequent demethyl­ation, was crystallized as its toluene solvate. The crystal under investigation was found to be nonmerohedrally twinned by a rotation around the reciprocal axis [100]; the twin ratio refined to 0.688 (2):0.312 (2). The mol­ecule exhibits an unusual helical arrangement of three six-membered rings that are all connected at one central C atom. The helix effectively performs one full turn around this atom, and the thread pitch, as defined by the distance of the terminal C atoms of the helix, is 4.98 (3) A. The angles around the central atom are between 104.7 (2) and 115.2 (2)°. The middle ring, a cyclo­hexa-2,4-dienimine ring containing only one saturated C atom, is essentially planar, with an r.m.s. deviation from the mean plane of only 0.035 A. The other two rings have conformations best described as between envelope and screw-boat, with puckering amplitudes of 0.527 (2) and 0.544 (2) A, respectively. The packing appears to be dominated by a combination of simple dispersion forces, weak C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and C—H⋯π inter­actions.
Dynamic expression trees

We present a technique for dynamically maintaining a collection of arithmetic expressions represented by binary trees (whose leaves are variables and whose internal nodes are operators). A query operation asks for the value of an expression (associated with the root of a tree). Update operations include changing the value of a variable and combining or decomposing expressions by linking or cutting the corresponding trees. Our dynamic data structure uses linear space and supports queries and updates in logarithmic time. An important application is the dynamic maintenance of maximum flow and shortest path in series-parallel digraphs under a sequence of vertex and edge insertions, series and parallel compositions, and their respective inverses. Queries include reporting the maximum flow or shortestst-path in a series-parallel subgraph.
A Synthesis of Formamidinesulfinic Acids and Formamidines

Abstract We report here a simple synthesis of formamidinesulfinic acids and formamidines. These compounds are useful in several fields of chemistry. Formamidinesulfinic acids are reducing agents for organic synthesis and for photography.1 They also show marked tumor inhibition.2 Formamidines are of interest as synthetic intermediates3 and as anthelmintic drugs.4 Formamidines are commonly synthesized by the reaction of amines with hydrogen cyanide or with triethyl orthoformate.5
Pain state as artifact in the psychological assessment of recurrent headache sufferers.

Abstract The finding that recurrent headache sufferers, particularly tension headache sufferers, obtain higher scores on psychological symptom measures than controls was replicated in 262 recurrent (tension, mixed, and migraine) headache sufferers and 26 controls. However, closer examination of the data revealed that psychological symptoms were elevated only in patients who experienced head pain at the time of assessment. This finding raises the possibility that previously reported elevations in psychological symptoms have resulted from uncontrolled differences in the pain state of respondents. Retrospective reports of headache activity also were related to pain state. In contrast, a measure of perceived control of factors affecting headaches was unrelated to pain state. As a result, locus of control (but not psychological symptoms) successfully differentiated recurrent headache sufferers from controls even when headache sufferers were tested when pain free. These results suggest that psychological symptom measures may yield misleading results when used with individuals with pain disorders.
Another world of experience? Transnational contexts and the experiences of South Asian Americans

Despite discussions about freely circulating people, ideas, media images, money, technology in a flat world in the popular media, new political, economic, and technological formations continue to construct restrictive social hierarchies that disproportionately affect socially marked groups. This paper focuses on South Asian Americans to systematically examine how these forces have created a transnational context that works through and across multiple nations to shape the lives of diasporic groups today. Drawing on a meta analysis of three previous studies, the paper examines three dimensions of this transnational context: the role of global security blocs, companies that market cultures as products, and the World Wide Web as a social space. It shows how ideologies, institutions, and interactions in coalescing real and virtual transnational spaces adds another layer of experience that, in turn, intersects with the multi‐layered diasporic experiences extant within nations.
Coherent states, squeezed fluctuations, and the SU(2) am SU(1,1) groups in quantum-optics applications

The theory of generalized coherent states associated with the SU(2) and SU(1,1) Lie algebras is discussed and applied in an investigation of possible reductions of fluctuations. In the framework of a system of N two-level atoms the squeezing of angular-momentum [SU(2)] fluctuations is exhibited for optical coherent transients involving the photon echo. The SU(1,1) fluctuations are discussed and established for general two-photon processes involving dynamical variables different from the creation and annihilation operators.
Optical phase-locked loop for free-space laser communications with heterodyne detection

Several advantages of coherent free-space optical communications are outlined. Theoretical analysis is formulated for an OPLL disturbed by shot noise, modulation noise, and frequency noise consisting of a white component, a 1/f component, and a 1/f-squared component. Each of the noise components is characterized by its associated power spectral density. It is shown that the effect of modulation depends only on the ratio of loop bandwidth and data rate, and is negligible for an OPLL with loop bandwidth smaller than one fourth the data rate. Total phase error variance as a function of loop bandwidth is displayed for several values of carrier signal to noise ratio. Optimal loop bandwidth is also calculated as a function of carrier signal to noise ratio. An OPLL experiment is performed, where it is shown that the measured phase error variance closely matches the theoretical predictions.
An automated embedded computer vision system for object measurement

Automation is common in many industries. Some tasks, such as object measurement, can easily be automated. The equipment required to perform automated measurements may be cost prohibitive and may prevent widespread deployment in automated point of sale kiosks or product inspection applications. This paper focuses on the development of an optical measurement device that is inexpensive relative to existing systems. The device consists of an image sensor, several laser line projectors, and a microcontroller. The hardware design and configuration of the device is discussed along with the algorithms used to process the captured images and perform the measurement tasks. The conclusion includes a discussion of the performance of the optical measurement device.
Synthesis of unsaturated fluoride containing D- and L-pyranosyl nucleosides

Abstract A series of fluorinated pyranosyl nucleosides in d - and l -configurations, 16, 19–20, 25, 28–29, have been synthesized. Starting from 1,2-O-isopropylidene- d -glyceraldehyde, homologated templates (3S)-6 and (3R)-6 were prepared by vinylation of fluoroenal 3, which were transformed to give allylic alcohols, 8 and 21, in three steps, respectively. The key intermediate triols 9 and 22 were obtained by O-benzoyl group migration from the primary hydroxyl group to the neighboring secondary hydroxyl group. Under basic conditions, ring closure reaction of 9 and 22 afforded unsaturated pyranosyl derivatives 10 and 23, respectively, while under acidic conditions unsaturated furanosyl compounds 12 were formed. N-Glycosylation of the pyranosyl acetates with silylated bases under Vorbruggen conditions then gave the protected nucleosides, which were converted to the free nucleosides. However, condensation of the unsaturated furanosyl intermediate 12 did not provide the desired nucleosides. Structural and stereochemical assignments of the synthesized compounds were based on the NOESY spectra of 16a and 16b, as well as the X-ray crystal structure of 19a.
Flow-through partial-filling affinity capillary electrophoresis for the estimation of binding constants of ligands to receptors

A new approach for estimating binding constants of ligands to receptors, flow-through partial-filling affinity capillary electrophoresis (FTPFACE), is introduced for studying the interaction of carbonic anhydrase B (CAB, EC 4.2.1.1) with arylsulfonamides and vancomycin fromStreptomyces orientalis with D-Ala-D-Ala peptides. In this technique the capillary is first partially-filled with ligand followed by a sample of receptor and non-interacting standards. Upon application of a voltage the receptor and standards flow into the ligand plug where equilibrium is achieved between the receptor and ligand. Continued electrophoresis results in the receptor and standards flowing through the domain of the ligand plug. Analysis of the change in the relative migration time ratio of the receptor, relative to the non-interacting standards, as a function of the concentration of ligand, yields a value for the binding constant. These values are comparable to those estimated using other binding and ACE techniques. Data demonstrating the quantitative potential of this method is presented.
Current challenges in cancer pain management: does the WHO ladder approach still have relevance?

In traditional pain management teaching, several arbitrary distinctions are usually created. Cancer pain, chronic (so-called ‘nonmalignant’ pain) and acute pain are viewed as distinct clinical enti...
Prenatally Elevated Physiological Arousal Interferes With Perceptual Learning in Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus) Embryos

Neonatal studies suggest elevated arousal can negatively influence perceptual and cognitive processes during early development. The authors explored this issue during the prenatal period by pharmacologically elevating physiological arousal in bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) embryos during exposure to a maternal call, then assessing preference for the familiar call following hatching. Embryos receiving norepinephrine showed a prenatal elevation in heart rate and failed to demonstrate a preference for the familiar call following hatching. Embryos not receiving norepinephrine showed no elevation in heart rate and demonstrated a preference for the familiar call. These results indicate elevated arousal can interfere with perceptual learning during the prenatal period and provide additional evidence for an optimal window of arousal necessary to foster species-typical perceptual functioning during early development.
Complexes of mismatched and complementary DNA with minor groove binders. Structures at nucleotide resolution via an improved hydroxyl radical cleavage methodology.

Tumor cell lines can replicate faster than normal cells and many also have defective DNA repair pathways. This has lead to the investigation of the inhibition of DNA repair proteins as a means of therapeutic intervention. An alternative approach is to hide or mask damaged DNA from the repair systems. We have developed a protocol to investigate the structures of the complexes of damaged DNA with drug like molecules. Nucleotide resolution structural information can be obtained using an improved hydroxyl radical cleavage protocol. The use of a dTn tail increases the length of the smallest fragments of interest and allows efficient co-precipitation of the fragments with poly(A). The use of a fluorescent label, on the 5′ end of the dTn tail, in conjunction with modified cleavage reaction conditions, avoids the lifetime and other problems with 32P labeling. The structures of duplex DNAs containing AC and CC mismatches in the presence and absence of minor groove binders have been investigated as have those of the fully complementary DNA. The results indicate that the structural perturbations of the mismatches are localized, are sequence dependent and that the presence of a mismatch can alter the binding of drug like molecules.
Case based reasoning

In rule-based expert systems, knowledge is represented as rules. A rule-based system is one example of deductive reasoning. However, in tasks such as design, diagnosis, planning, management and assessment we often observe a different type of reasoning. An expert facing a new problem is usually reminded of similar situations, recalls their results and perhaps the reasoning. In other words, previous cases are applied to current problems by an analogical reasoning process. Case-based reasoning (CBR) is an area of machine learning research that endeavors to support this process. CBR is based on a memory-centered cognitive model. The basic idea is that past experiences can be remembered and adapted to guide problem solving. Computer systems that solve new problems by analogy with previous ones are called CBR systems, CBR systems base their intelligence and inference on known cases rather than on rules. There are two kinds of CBR systems: problem-solving systems and interpretive systems. A problem-solving system focuses on the construction of solutions suited to the new case by modifying previous case solutions. An interpretive system evaluates and justifies new cases based on the similarities or differences with the previous cases. However, most real-world problems require both types of CBR. AIDS-risky behavior screening, for example, requires both interpreting the behavior and then deriving a conclusion based on the precedents.
The Effect of Granule Size Upon Disintegration Time and Capping in Compressed Tablets

The effect of compressing several mesh sizes of lactose, sodium bicarbonate, and magnesium trisilicate granulations into tablets was determined. A definite relationship was found to exist between the particle size of the granulation of a particular substance and the disintegration rate, per cent of capping, and other physical tablet characteristics. A definition of the term fines was also proposed.
Rapid Periodic Binding and Displacement of the Glucocorticoid Receptor during Chromatin Remodeling

An ultrafast UV laser crosslinking assay has provided novel insights into the progression of the SWI/SNF-mediated chromatin-remodeling reaction and transcription factor binding in real time. We demonstrate site-specific crosslinking between the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), the hSWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex, and the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter assembled in an array of correctly positioned nucleosomes. GR first demonstrates rapid binding to the promoter and then is actively displaced from the template during the remodeling reaction. This displacement reaction requires the hSWI/SNF complex and ATP, is specific to the nucleoprotein template, and is accompanied by a core histone rearrangement. The hSWI/SNF complex associates with random positions on the chromatin template in the absence of GR but is recruited specifically to the B/C region when GR is included. These results indicate that enhancement of hSWI/SNF-mediated factor accessibility, a hallmark of chromatin remodeling, is in some cases transient, reversible, and periodic.
Tetris-XL: A performance-driven spill reduction technique for embedded VLIW processors

As technology has advanced, the application space of Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) processors has grown to include a variety of embedded platforms. Due to cost and power consumption constraints, many embedded VLIW processors contain limited resources, including registers. As a result, a VLIW compiler that maximizes instruction level parallelism (ILP) without considering register constraints may generate excessive register spills, leading to reduced overall system performance. To address this issue, this article presents a new spill reduction technique that improves VLIW runtime performance by reordering operations prior to register allocation and instruction scheduling. Unlike earlier algorithms, our approach explicitly considers both register reduction and data dependency in performing operation reordering. Data dependency control limits unexpected schedule length increases during subsequent instruction scheduling. Our technique has been evaluated using Trimaran, an academic VLIW compiler, and evaluated using a set of embedded systems benchmarks. Experimental results show that, on average, this technique improves VLIW performance by 10p for VLIW processors with 32 registers and 8 functional units compared with previous spill reduction techniques. Limited improvement is seen versus prior approaches for VLIW processors with 64 registers and 8 functional units.
Intelligent data entry assistant for XML using ensemble learning

XML has emerged as the primary standard of data representation and data exchange [13]. Although many software tools exist to assist the XML implementation process, data must be manually entered into the XML documents. Current form filling technologies are mostly for simple data entry and do not provide support for the complexity and nested structures of XML grammars. This paper presents SmartXAutofill, an intelligent data entry assistant for predicting and automating inputs for XML documents based on the contents of historical document collections in the same XML domain. SmartXAutofill incorporates an ensemble classifier, which integrates multiple internal classification algorithms into a single architecture. Each internal classifier uses approximate techniques to propose a value for an empty XML field, and, through voting, the ensemble classifier determines which value to accept. As the system operates it learns which internal classification algorithms work better for a specific XML document domain and modifies its weights (confidence) in their predictive ability. As a result, the ensemble classifier adapts itself to the specific XML domain, without the need to develop special learners for the infinite number of domains that XML users have created. We evaluated our system performance using data from eleven different XML domains. The results show that the ensemble classifier adapted itself to different XML document domains, and most of the time (for 9 out of 11 domains) produced predictive accuracies as good as or better than the best individual classifier for a domain.
Application of a microcomputer to optical spectroscopy

A low-cost microcomputer-based scanning instrument controller is described which has been used with both a Fabry-Perot interferometer and a grating monochromator. The system is based on a commercially available single-board computer. The controller can be used in either a passive mode, where it functions as a replacement for a multichannel analyzer, or in an active-control mode. Only the read-only memory held program need be changed to adapt the device to a scanning instrument in either mode. Interface circuitry and typical programs are described.
From Strangers to Friends: A New Testament Call to Community

Using Biblical passages and reflections from both the Gospels and Paul's writings in the New Testament, the key themes of community, stranger, hospitality, and friendship in the worlds of intellectual and developmental disabilities are explored and discussed. Six other theological themes arising out of inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are also described, with the conclusion that these themes and understandings are about everyone, not just people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Enhanced Identification of Battery Models for Real-Time Battery Management

Renewable energy generation, vehicle electrification, and smart grids rely critically on energy storage devices for enhancement of operations, reliability, and efficiency. Battery systems consist of many battery cells, which have different characteristics even when they are new, and change with time and operating conditions due to a variety of factors such as aging, operational conditions, and chemical property variations. Their effective management requires high fidelity models. This paper aims to develop identification algorithms that capture individualized characteristics of each battery cell and produce updated models in real time. It is shown that typical battery models may not be identifiable, unique battery model features require modified input/output expressions, and standard least-squares methods will encounter identification bias. This paper devises modified model structures and identification algorithms to resolve these issues. System identifiability, algorithm convergence, identification bias, and bias correction mechanisms are rigorously established. A typical battery model structure is used to illustrate utilities of the methods.
Dynamic Exchange Rate Equilibria with Uncertain Government Policy

In this paper we link two exchange rate literatures by showing how threats of asset controls yields determinate exchange rates in general equilibrium models with otherwise perfect capital markets and by showing how, for certain sequences of threats, exchange rate determination may be well explained by monetary variables. We find that in general there exists no natural exchange rate, and market rates may be sensitive to changed perceptions about future exchange rate intervention.
Asymmetrical incest avoidance in the choice of social and genetic mates

Mating with close relatives generally results in reduced reproductive success (inbreeding depression) because it increases the risk that rare deleterious recessive alleles will be expressed in offspring. None the less, incest may occur when animals have incomplete knowledge about relatedness or when the costs of avoiding inbreeding are high. Over a 17-year period, Savannah sparrows, Passerculus sandwichensis ,i n an island population rarely paired incestuously (9 of 1110 pairs, 15 of 1609 nesting attempts). All but one case of close inbreeding (coefficient of inbreeding, F � 0.25) involved 1-year-old males breeding for the first time, whereas more than half of the cases involved females that were 3 years old or older. Father–daughter matings were avoided completely. Incest avoidance was apparent in the choice of genetic as well as social mates. Paternity analysis using microsatellites revealed that birds nearly always refrained from choosing close relatives as genetic mates. These results support a model of asymmetrical incest avoidance, which predicts differences in the likelihood of incestuous matings as a function of sex, age and relationship, even when coefficients of inbreeding are identical. The model and results also emphasize the importance of distinguishing types of inbreeding and considering the social and historical context of animals’ mating choices. The model may help to explain such patterns as female-biased natal dispersal in birds.
Balanced representations for a class of L/sub 2/ systems

The author discusses the concept of balanced state-space representations for the class of systems whose behavior can be described as the solution set of a finite number of ordinary linear differential equations. It is shown that the set of square integrable solutions of differential equations of this type always admits a finite-dimensional balanced state-space representation. The notion of balancing is defined without reference to specific state-space representations, and only invokes the introduction of arbitrary norms on the past and the future behavior of the system. It is more general than the prevailing notion in that it is well defined for nonstable systems, independent of a particular representation, and yields a new set of invariants associated with the system. It is shown how this type of balanced representation may be directly obtained by computing the extremal solutions of algebraic Riccati equations. >
ESD protective I/O serpentine block design

A way to modify the current standard I/O interface cable mating serpentine block design to add the capability of electrostatic charge bleeding of the signal inputs is proposed. This is accomplished during the initial cable plugging period, with the use of an I/O cable presence detection switch through a series resistor to ground (or other equivalent means, such as Zener diodes). When an I/O cable is plugged into the serpentine block, any personnel or cable electrostatic discharge (ESD) across the signal conductor input pin(s) will be bled off through the ground conductor almost upon contact. Then, via the cable presence detecting mechanism (switch), the normal data path will be restored only after the electrostatic charge has been bled off. The proposed I/O connector design has the following advantages over the manual mode of a electrostatic charge removal: it provides permanent ESD protection for I/O interface cards without worry about human error, and it allows concurrent maintenance where ESD events can be one of the detrimental factors to a continuous operating system. Preliminary tests have shown that this approach meets the anticipated preventive result against ESD damages. >
ATTRACTIVENESS OF OPPOSITE-SEX ODOR AND RESPONSES TO IT VARY WITH AGE AND SEX IN MEADOW VOLES (Microtus pennsylvanicus)

Current models suggest that among short-lived mammals, such as rodents, older adults are less attractive to the opposite sex and spend less time associated with the opposite sex than do younger adults. The objective of this study was to test two hypotheses in three different age groups of meadow voles. The first hypothesis is that 3- to 5 month old voles produce scents that are more attractive to opposite sex conspecifics than those of 7- to 12 month old and 14- to 18 month old voles. The second hypothesis is that 3- to 5 month old voles spend more time than either 7- to 12 month old or 14- to 18 month old voles investigating the scents of an opposite sex conspecific. The first experiment shows that when choosing between two conspecifics, females prefer the odor of the older male within each pair and that males prefer the odor of the 7- to 12 month old females to those of either 3- to 5 month old or 14- to 18 month old females. Thus, the data did not support the first hypothesis. The second experiment shows that the 14- to 18 month old males spent more time investigating female odors than did either the 3- to 5 month old or 7- to 12 month old males and that 7- to 12 month old females spent more time investigating male odors than did the 3- to 5 month old and 12- to 18 month old females. These data did not support the second hypothesis. Overall, older adult male meadow voles are more interested in and attractive to females than are younger adult males. The present data raise questions as to whether current models predict the age-related effects on the behavior of short-lived mammals.
Cooperation and the Fate of Microbial Societies

Microorganisms have been cooperating with each other for billions of years: by sharing resources, communicating with each other, and joining together to form biofilms and other large structures. These coopera- tive behaviors benefit the colony as a whole; however, they may be costly to the individuals performing them. This raises the question of how such cooperation can arise from natural selection. Mathematical modeling is one important avenue for exploring this question. Evolution- ary experiments are another, providing us with an opportunity to see evolutionary dynamics in action and allowing us to test predictions arising from mathematical models. A new study in this issue of PLOS Biology investigates the evolution of a cooperative resource- sharing behavior in yeast. Examining the competition between cooperating and ''cheating'' strains of yeast, the authors find that, depending on the initial mix of strains, this yeast society either evolves toward a stable coexis- tence or collapses for lack of cooperation. Using a simple mathematical model, they show how these dynamics arise from eco-evolutionary feedback, where changes in the frequencies of strains are coupled with changes in population size. This study and others illustrate the combined power of modeling and experiment to elucidate the origins of cooperation and other funda- mental questions in evolutionary biology.
Output regulation of general discrete-time linear systems with saturation nonlinearities

SUMMARY This paper studies the classical problem of output regulation for linear discrete-time systems subject to actuator saturation and extends the recent results on continuous-time systems to discrete-time systems. The asymptotically regulatable region, the set of all initial conditions of the plant and the exosystem for which the asymptotic output regulation is possible, is characterized in terms of the null controllable region of the anti-stable subsystem of the plant. Feedback laws are constructed that achieve regulation on the asymptotically regulatable region. Copyright # 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural History: Importance of Size, Site, and Histopathology

The natural history of soft tissue sarcoma is highly influenced by the site of the primary lesion, tumor histopathology, and tumor size. Multiple approaches have been developed to define outcome variables based on these factors, and as data accumulate with sufficient numbers, progressively more refined staging or predictive systems can be provided for rare tumors with multiple variables.
Tea Polyphenols and Theaflavins Are Present in Prostate Tissue of Humans and Mice after Green and Black Tea Consumption

Green and black tea have shown promise in the chemoprevention of prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the bioavailability and bioactivity of tea polyphenols (PP) and theaflavins in human serum and human and mouse tissues. A decaffeinated black tea diet was administered to C57BL/6 mice. PPs and theaflavins were found in the small and large intestine, liver, and prostate in conjugated and free forms. The relative prostate bioavailability of theaflavin was 70% higher than that of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). In the second mouse study, a green tea (GT) diet was administered followed by the control diet for 1-5 d. Epicatechin (EC), EGCG, and epicatechin gallate (ECG) concentrations in prostate tissue were significantly decreased after 1 d of consuming the control diet. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGC), however, did not decrease significantly. For the human study, 20 men scheduled for surgical prostatectomy were randomly assigned to consume 1.42 L daily of GT, BT, or a caffeine-matched soda control (SC) for 5 d before radical prostatectomy. Tea PPs were greater in prostate samples from men consuming BT and GT than in men consuming SC (P = 0.0025). Although tea PP were not detectable in serum, ex vivo LNCaP prostate cancer cell proliferation was less when cells were grown in media containing patient serum collected after BT (P < 0.001) and GT (P = 0.025) consumption relative to baseline serum This is the first human study to show that tea polyphenols and theaflavins are bioavailable in the prostate where they may be active in the prevention of prostate cancer.
Broadband Switching Nonlinear Metamaterial

In this letter, we present a nonlinear metamaterial capable of transitioning between a broadband reflective and broadband nonreflective state depending on the incident power level. Below the activation voltage, broadband reflectivity is created by forbidding propagation through the metamaterial as a result of the effective permittivity and permeability having different signs. Above the activation voltage, reflection is suppressed by matching the effective permittivity and permeability. Full-wave simulations are performed to analyze the electromagnetic characteristics of the structure, with experimental results presented at S-band frequencies in a WR-284 waveguide. These measurements demonstrate a 10 dB reduction in reflected amplitude over an 18% bandwidth, a 3-dB reduction over a greater than 30% bandwidth, and a maximum difference in reflection of nearly 42 dB.
Issues in learning global properties of the robot kinematic mapping

The robotic kinematic mapping generally has multiple distinct solution branches for a given end-effector location, where each branch can have a nontrivial manifold structure (as in the case of a redundant manipulator). Learning techniques that exploit known topological properties of the mapping are used to determine the number and nature of these branches. Specifically, clustering of input-output data is used to map out the preimage branches. Topology preserving networks are used to learn and parameterize the topology of these branches for certain known classes of manipulators. As a practical consequence, the inverse kinematic mapping can be approximated for each branch separately. >
Legislative research bans on human cloning.

Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives voted, for the second time in two years, to ban all human-cloning research, whether the research involves reproduction or creating cells that might be used to understand and treat disease. As I explain in this article, the proposed legislation has important implications not only for human cloning research but also for research in general.
Political Party, Strength of Identification, and Knowledge and Evaluation of Bush v. Gore

Two studies examined knowledge of and attitudes toward Bush v. Gore, the Supreme Court decision that ended Election 2000, to examine the effects of a strong counterattitudinal message about a high-relevance issue. Republicans reported the most positive attitudes, while high-identification Democrats possessed the most accurate knowledge (Study 1); high-identification participants rated Bush v. Gore as more important and personally relevant than those less identified. Upon persuasion, high-identification Republicans maintained positive attitudes unrelated to knowledge and issue importance, while Democrats and low-identification Republicans reported negative attitudes predicted by persuasion (Study 2). High-identification Republicans reported more positive and fewer negative emotions upon persuasion, with emotions most predictive of attitudes. Implications for the role of emotions in resistance to persuasion are discussed.
Natural bond orbital analysis: a critical overview of relationships to alternative bonding perspectives.

We sketch the basic principles of natural bond orbital (NBO) theory, including critical discussion of its relationship to alternative bonding concepts and selected illustrations of its application to a broad spectrum of chemical bonding motifs. Particular emphasis is placed on the close NBO connections to prequantal bonding, and electromerism concepts, as well as the deep roots in quantal eigenvalue, superposition, and Pauli exclusion concepts that are manifested in many aspects of NBO donor–acceptor analysis. With respect to leading alternative perspectives, we identify similarities and differences that distinguish NBO theory from the corresponding precepts of valence bond theory, molecular orbital theory, and Bader's quantum theory of atoms in molecules, with critical discussion of the assumptions underlying characteristic differences in each case. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.