cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of metal ions in chemical evolution - Polymerization of alanine and glycine in a cation-exchanged clay environment

The effect of the exchangeable cation on the condensation of glycine and alanine was investigated using a series of homoionic bentonites. A cycling procedure of drying, warming and wetting was employed. Peptide bond formation was observed, and the effectiveness of metal ions to catalyze the condensation was Cu(2+) greater than Ni(2) approximately equals Zn(2+) greater than Na(+). Glycine showed 6% of the monomer incorporated into oligomers with the largest detected being the pentamer. Alanine showed less peptide bond formation (a maximum of 2%) and only the dimer was observed.
The Use of the Stress Response Scale in Diagnostic Assessment with Children

Children's experience with stress provides a useful paradigm for the assessment of their emotional status. Such an assessment must be concerned with identifying the typical behavioral pattern a child is likely to adopt in response to stress. The Stress Response Scale has been developed to assess those response patterns. This study compared the behavior patterns of a group of children referred because of possible emotional disorders with their psychiatric diagnoses. It also examined the agreement between parents and teachers as to the type of response pattern likely to be shown by the child. The results suggested that the scale may be sensitive to selected psychiatric diagnostic categories commonly assigned to children from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.
Elevation of brain prostaglandin E2 levels in rodents by Δ1-tetrahydrocannabinol

An isotopic dilution procedure using specific prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) brain receptors was utilized to determine the changes in brain PGE2 levels subsequent to drug exposure. Delta-1-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 1-THC) stimulated PGE2 synthesis resulting in increased brain concentrations when compared with vehicle treated rats and mice. Indomethacin markedly inhibited the delta 1-THC elevated rise in PGE2 levels presumably by inhibition of prostaglandin synthetase. The delta 1-THC-induced increase in PGE2 brain levels was also suppressed by i.v. administered rabbit PGE2-antiserum. This suggests that one of the sites of delta 1-THC action is extracerebral and from here a portion of the released prostaglandins are transported to the brain. These results add further support to previous data that delta 1-THC given orally results in an increase in brain PGE2 levels.
Mapping the kinetic barriers of a Large RNA molecule's folding landscape.

The folding of linear polymers into discrete three-dimensional structures is often required for biological function. The formation of long-lived intermediates is a hallmark of the folding of large RNA molecules due to the ruggedness of their energy landscapes. The precise thermodynamic nature of the barriers (whether enthalpic or entropic) that leads to intermediate formation is still poorly characterized in large structured RNA molecules. A classic approach to analyzing kinetic barriers are temperature dependent studies analyzed with Eyring's transition state theory. We applied Eyring's theory to time-resolved hydroxyl radical (•OH) footprinting kinetics progress curves collected at eight temperature from 21.5°C to 51°C to characterize the thermodynamic nature of folding intermediate formation for the Mg2+-mediated folding of the Tetrahymena thermophila group I ribozyme. A common kinetic model configuration describes this RNA folding reaction over the entire temperature range studied consisting of primary (fast) transitions to misfolded intermediates followed by much slower secondary transitions, consistent with previous studies. Eyring analysis reveals that the primary transitions are moderate in magnitude and primarily enthalpic in nature. In contrast, the secondary transitions are daunting in magnitude and entropic in nature. The entropic character of the secondary transitions is consistent with structural rearrangement of the intermediate species to the final folded form. This segregation of kinetic control reveals distinctly different molecular mechanisms during the two stages of RNA folding and documents the importance of entropic barriers to defining rugged RNA folding landscapes.
Design properties of polycrystalline silicon

Abstract Polycrystalline silicon is used in a variety of sensor applications, in which stress and other mechanical effects can dominate the device behavior. The
Progressive transmural electrographic, myocardial potassium ion/sodium ion ratio and ultrastructural changes as a function of time after acute coronary occlusion.

Abstract The progressive transmural electrographic, biochemical and ultrastructural changes as a function of time after acute coronary occlusion were systematically assessed in eight dogs. Transmural plunge electrodes with poles 1 mm apart were placed in the ischemic and nonischemic zones, and coronary occlusion was maintained for 4 hours. Transmural full thickness biopsy specimens were obtained from each zone for electron microscopy before, and 1 and 4 hours after occlusion. Endocardial and epicardial layers were also obtained for assessment of myocardial potassium ion (K + ) and sodium ion (Na + ) concentrations. Before coronary occlusion, local Q waves were recorded an average depth of 1.0 ± 0.34 mm from the endocardial surface. After 1 hour of occlusion, Q waves appeared at an average depth of 3.8 ± 0.67 mm and progressed to a depth of 5.2 ± 0.7 mm at 2 hours, 6.2 ± 0.5 mm at 3 hours and 7.0 ± 0.5 mm at 4 hours. After 1 hour, ultrastructural changes of early ischemia, including a decrease in glycogen and mild mitochondrial swelling, were seen in the endocardial layer; the epicardial layer showed normal morphologic features. After 4 hours, the endocardial layer showed well developed ischemic changes marked by the loss of mitochondrial cristae, vacuolization, the appearance of amorphous mitochondrial densities, an increase in interfibrillary space and the appearance of I bands. In contrast, the epicardial layer at this time showed only early ischemic changes. At the end of 4 hours, the endocardial layer showed a marked decrease in myocardial K + concentration and an increase in Na + concentration leading to complete reversal of the K+Na+ ratio (0.7 ± 1.0; P + concentration and an increase in Na + concentration occurred, resulting in a diminution but not a reversal of the K+Na+ ratio (1.4 ± 0.2; P Thus, the dynamic evolution of an acute myocardal infarction involves a sequential progression from endocardium to epicardium as a function of time, resulting in an epicardial "border zone" in the early stages after acute coronary occlusion.
Complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy is associated with detrusor underactivity type of neurogenic bladder.

Objective To test the hypothesis that complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy (CPRE) is associated with detrussor underactivity. For this purpose, we review (1) our experience, (2) the results of the published literature as it pertains to bladder function, and (3) the known anatomic basis on which the mechanism of the observed outcome can be understood. Methods The medical records of all patients who underwent CPRE by the author between 2004 and 2010 were reviewed. Attention was focused on the clinical, imaging, and urodynamic findings. Results Four men and 2 women underwent CPRE. Follow-up ranges from 2 to 8 years. Four underwent bilateral ureteral reimplantation combined with bladder neck repair in 3. Detrusor activity (or overactivity) was not recorded in the 5 patients who underwent urodynamic studies. Four patients achieved short periods of urinary continence. The percent predicted bladder capacity, adjusted for age, ranged from 25 to 70, with a median of 60. Of the 68 publications on CPRE since 1999, none reports the presence of detrusor activity. A description of the pelvic plexus anatomy by Walsh and Donker provides a basis for the mechanism of injury resulting in the previously mentioned results: (1) complete penile disassembly eliminates the distal fixation point of the bladder-urethral plate, (2) the subsequent dissection and mobilization result in shearing injury to the microscopic pelvic plexus branches to the bladder, external sphincter, and prostatic urethra. Conclusion CPRE results in disruption of the branches of the pelvic plexus and a neurogenic bladder (detrussor underactivity).
Thermal conductivity of fibre composites at low temperatures

Abstract If one can define a local value of the thermal conductivity, with a volume average K o and a mean square fluctuation 〈 Δ K 2 〉, then the effective conductivity is K = K o − α〈ΔK 2 〉/K o , where α depends on the orientation of the fibres. For isotropic distributions α = 1 3 . A similar relation can be obtained for the thermal resistivity. Other fibre distributions are also discussed in this paper. When the mean free path of the carriers becomes long compared with the fibre diameter, the relations must be modified, either by regarding the conductivity of the fibre as size dependent or by treating the fibres as scatterers of the carriers in the matrix. In the latter case one must disregard the small scale variations in the conductivity in the estimate of 〈 Δ K 2 〉. In the case of phonons, the spectral variation of the mean free path should be considered.
Click train encoding in primary auditory cortex of the awake monkey: Evidence for two mechanisms subserving pitch perception

Multiunit activity (MUA) and current source density (CSD) patterns evoked by click trains are examined in primary auditory cortex (A1) of three awake monkeys. Temporal and spectral features of click trains are differentially encoded in A1. Encoding of temporal features occurs at rates of 100-200 Hz through phase-locked activity in the MUA and CSD, is independent of pulse polarity pattern, and occurs in high best frequency (BF) regions of A1. The upper limit of ensemble-wide phase-locking is about 400 Hz in the input to A1, as manifested in the cortical middle laminae CSD and MUA of thalamocortical fibers. In contrast, encoding of spectral features occurs in low BF regions, and resolves both the f0 and harmonics of the stimuli through local maxima of activity determined by the tonotopic organization of the recording sites. High-pass filtered click trains decrease spectral encoding in low BF regions without modifying phase-locked responses in high BF regions. These physiological responses parallel features of human pitch perception for click trains, and support the existence of two distinct physiological mechanisms involved in pitch perception: the first using resolved harmonic components and the second utilizing unresolved harmonics that is based on encoding stimulus waveform periodicity.
Atrial fibrillation: A promising new anticoagulant for stroke prevention.

Stroke is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation. Whereas warfarin reduces the risk of stroke, its interactions with other drugs and food, individual differences in its efficacy and the need for frequent monitoring make its use inconvenient. Dabigatran etexilate might represent a step forward in the care of patients with atrial fibrillation.
Explicit proactive handoff with motion prediction for mobile IP

Mobile IP has been widely accepted, but lacks a fast handoff mechanism. In this paper, we introduce an explicit proactive handoff scheme with motion prediction. Since each user has patterns of movement, a mobile node predicts its future motion and explicitly notifies its old foreign agent which subnet it is likely to handoff to. During a handoff, the old foreign agent duplicates and forwards packets to the predicted subnets. With our scheme, network-layer handoff latency can be reduced to the level of link-layer handoff latency, and the number of packets lost during handoffs is also minimized. With a real network activity trace, we demonstrate that this scheme is able to predict motion accurately, with only a small overhead in bandwidth consumption and computation.
COMMERCIAL INTEGRATED ENERGY SYSTEMS PROVIDE DATA THAT ADVANCE COMBINED COOLING, HEATING, AND POWER

The Department of Energy (DOE), though Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), has worked in partnership with industry to develop highly-efficient Integrated Energy Systems (IES) that provide combined cooling, heating, and power (CHP). Equipment configurations and performance have been optimized and system construction has been simplified, resulting in lower design and installation costs. Consequently, government-industry partnerships are achieving the goal of promoting replication of these advanced systems. This paper describes and presents data collected during the operation of on-site power generation systems developed and implemented by DOE/ORNL-industry teams: (1) Burns & McDonnell and (2) Honeywell Labs. The Burns & McDonnell IES is operated by Austin Energy, the municipal utility in Austin, Texas. The gas turbine produces 4.5-MW of electricity, and its exhaust drives a 2,500-ton absorption chiller. The featured project implements a modular system design that is being used to construct a medical district utility at Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas-another government-industry project carried out in partnership with Austin Energy. The Honeywell IES at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, is anchored by 5.7-MW natural-gas turbine that uses turbine exhaust to drive a 1,000-ton absorption chiller and/or an 80,000-lb/h heat recovery steam generator. An optimization software program provides system operators with hour-by-hour information on system costs associated with various operating scenarios. The project developed reference designs for 1.2-5.7 MW turbine-based systems to better communicate options for system design and facilitate feasibility studies. These systems demonstrate the thermal and economic value of "waste heat" by providing space heating and/or cooling with no additional fuel use. Field data confirms that the fuel use efficiency of these combined cooling, heating and power systems approaches 80% based on the higher heating value (HHV) of natural gas.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
The Cholesterol Problem, the Egg and Lipid Metabolism in the Laying Hen

There is little doubt that high blood serum lipid levels are related to a higher incidence of atherosclerotic disease in humans. Experimental evidence to date suggests that dietary intervention can reduce blood lipid levels in most cases and that some small reduction in occurrence of cardiovascular disease will probably result. On the other hand no reduction in total mortality has been demonstrated in the well constructed dietary studies. It appears that there is considerable variation in the human population with regard to their patterns of lipid metabolism. Some apparently regulate body production of cholesterol in response to dietary changes, others do not. Some seem to excrete excess sterols efficiently, while some do not. It seems likely, therefore, that dietary manipulation would be useful for those disposed by heredity and other conditions to accumulation of excessive sterols in the body. On the other hand drug control of cholesterol biosynthesis and/or sterol excretion may be more effective solutions to the problem of sterol accumulation. Irrespective of whether diet or drugs prove to be the best answer to control of sterol balance, these should be applied only to that segment of the population known to require such treatment. The egg is an important dietary source of cholesterol and as a result is used sparingly in low cholesterol diets. On the other hand normal egg consumption of two eggs per day does not appear to overload cholesterol balance in the healthy human adult since depression in cholesterol biosynthesis and increased sterol excretion will result. Investigation of the lipid metabolism of the laying hen has shown that most of the cholesterol found in the egg is synthesized in the liver where it is under both dietary and drug control. Most of the cholesterol deposited in egg yolk may be essential for embryonic development. Drugs that severely limit cholesterol biosynthesis probably also limit synthesis of adrenal and sex hormones and hence limit reproduction. Moderate depressions in lipogenesis achieved without feeding of large amounts of dietary fat may offer a means for moderating cholesterol deposition in eggs. On the other hand, it also seems clear that genetic selection could be used to moderate egg cholesterol concentration. In any event, a great deal more evidence from well constructed human diet studies will be needed before low cholesterol diets can be recommended to the general population as an aid to control of cholesterol balance and heart disease.
An Exploration of Spending Behaviors among Japanese Tourists

This article provides a two-part, exploratory analysis of planned spending on shopping, dining, and other recreational activities among Japanese tourists in Hawaii. The empirical findings from the first study reveal that Japanese tourists primarily plan to engage in duty-free shopping during their stay in Hawaii. In contrast, American tourists plan to engage in cultural activities and fine dining opportunities during their Hawaiian vacation. A second study was used to explore the propensity of Japanese tourists in Hawaii to shop at both high-end boutiques and discounted retail outlets. The results of a two-step cluster analysis reveal that Japanese tourists may be classified into two exclusive groups, shopping enthusiasts and nonshoppers. The data support the conclusion that shopping enthusiasts plan to patronize three types of retail outlets in Hawaii: duty-free stores, factory outlets, and designer boutiques. Managerial implications and directives for future theoretical development are provided.
A switched-capacitor inverter for driving a highly capacitive load

The paper proposes a switched-capacitor approach to generate a high voltage sinusoid at a frequency of few hundred Hertz for driving a highly capacitive load. The need for such a driver stemmed from an ITS (intelligent transportation systems) project that requires efficient inverters for driving electroluminescent (EL) displays. The EL devices are for outdoor use, to be powered by batteries, and low power consumption is a design requirement. The proposed inverter circuit employs the EL device as the hold capacitor and multiple dc levels are switched in to develop a 'stepped' sinusoid around the capacitor. The large time constant of the load necessitates that switching be done in smaller voltage steps. It also reduces stress on the switches and ordinary low voltage transistors can be used in the circuit implementation. The circuitry takes advantage of the floating nature of the load to employ switching at a frequency higher than the desired signal frequency. This leads to simpler filtering to remove the unwanted noise in the 'stepped' signal. The advantages of the proposed inverter are: power efficiency, no use of bulky inductors and capacitors, digital frequency tuning, and a cost effective low profile design. The circuit operations, configurations, and basic experimental results is presented in the paper.
The Methionine Requirement of Young Laying Pullets

Abstract THE methionine requirement of laying pullets has been estimated by a limited number of investigators including Ingram et al. (1951), Leong and McGinnis (1952), Ingram and Little (1958), and Combs (1964). The National Research Council (1960) gives a methionine requirement of either .53 percent of the diet or .28 percent of the diet in the presence of .25 percent cystine. This requirement is specified for diets that contain 2860 kilogram (1300 kilocalories per pound). A critical examination of the aforementioned studies indicated a need for more precisely defining the requirement. A more precise estimate under specified and controlled experimental conditions is essential before proceeding to the important problem of quantitating the effect of various factors upon the methionine requirement. EXPERIMENTAL The White Leghorn pullets for experiments 1–4 were hatched on October 19, 1960, February 22, 1963, July 10, 1963 and November 27, 1963, respectively, and brooded and reared in…
Triggered activity in atrial fibres of canine coronary sinus: role of extracellular potassium accumulation and depletion.

1. Bursts of triggered activity can be induced in atrial fibres of the canine coronary sinus exposed to catecholamines. During a triggered burst there is an initial acceleration of rate accompanied by depolarization of the maximum diastolic potential (m.d.p.) followed by slowing of the rate and termination accompanied by hyperpolarization. 2. We have used extracellular K+-sensitive micro-electrodes (potassium ISE) to monitor extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o) during and following triggered activity, while simultaneously measuring membrane potential with conventional intracellular micro-electrodes. 3. We found that the initial increase in rate during triggered activity is accompanied by increased [K+]o and depolarization. Later rate slowing and m.d.p. hyperpolarization is accompanied by decline of extracellular K+ accumulation. Following termination of triggered activity, extracellular K+ depletion occurred. 4. The decline of [K+]o and slowing of rate are known responses to enhanced Na+-K+ pump activation, as is the post-triggering depletion of extracellular K+. 5. Strophanthidin, which blocks the Na+-K+ pump, also blocks the [K+]o decline, the slowing of rate seen towards the end of the triggered episode, and the post-triggering depletion of extracellular K+. 6. Separate experiments studying the effects of elevated bath K+ and depolarizing current on triggering rate and delayed after-depolarization amplitude support our hypothesis that the rate profile of the triggered episode is to a large extent controlled by variations in m.d.p. subsequent to extracellular K+ accumulation and Na+-K+ pump activation.
Nova Cygni 1975 as a Classical Thermonuclear Runaway Event

We discuss the various features of the optical and spectral developments of Nova Cygni 1975 (V1500 Cygni). The range of more than 19 magnitudes, the rounded maximum and steep decline and the absence of post-maximum absorption systems establish this as a unique object. We are able to explain these features if we assume that a thermonuclear runaway has taken place in the carbon-enhanced, hydrogen-rich, envelope of a single white dwarf where the hydrogen has been accreted by passage of the white dwarf through an interstellar cloud. This would be possible for Nova Cyg since it lies directly in the plane of the galaxy. The carbon enhancement, necessary for ejection, has occurred through the action of a surface convection zone which has mixed a fraction of the accreted hydrogen into the edge of the carbon core. We shall also discuss the observed oscillations and present alternative models for the object.
A New OCT Finding in Tuberculous Serpiginous-like Choroidopathy

AbstractPurpose: To present a case of tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis (SLC) with previously unreported choroidal findings on enhanced depth imaging OCT (EDI-OCT).Design: Case report.Methods: A 60-year-old female presented with decreased vision. Serpiginous choroidopathy was diagnosed. Laboratory workup revealed an infectious etiology. EDI-OCT revealed previously unreported choroidal findings.Results: Laboratory workup revealed nonreactive Treponema pallidum antibodies and positive QuantiFERON Gold. CT chest showed scars of prior granulomatous disease. OCT with EDI of active lesions demonstrated infiltration of the choroid, elevation of the RPE-Bruch’s membrane complex and focal increase of choroidal thickness.Conclusions: Choroidal infiltration with elevation of the RPE was demonstrated on EDI-OCT in active areas of tuberculous serpiginous-like choroiditis in this patient. This finding has not been described in imaging of patients with noninfectious serpiginous choroidopathy and may be a useful to...
In situ localization of a mammalian protamine gene: parameters affecting specificity of hybridization.

Southern hybridization analysis of Indian muntjac genomic DNA with the Eco-Taq bovine genomic protamine probe revealed a simple banding pattern. The pattern of hybridization was identical with that previously observed in the genus Bos. This suggested that the bovine probe specifically hybridized to the Indian muntjac protamine gene. The opportunity was thus provided to assign the chromosomal location of the protamine gene in a comparatively simple system. Accordingly, this probe and the corresponding cDNA probe were used for in situ chromosome hybridization and localization. Various parameters affecting specificity and the resolution of hybridization were examined. Subsequent to optimization, the Indian muntjac gene was shown to be autosomal and distally located in the telomeric region of the p arm of chromosome 1.Key words: chromosomal localization, muntjac, protamine, specificity, hybridization.
What's the matter with biosecurity?

What constitutes a threat in synthetic biology depends on what we think needs to be secured. Research on biosecurity needs to focus more on how to value and govern contesting definitions of security and society.
Anatomical basis for camouflaged polarized light communication in squid.

AbstractCamouflage is a means to defeat visual detection by predators, whereas visual communication involves a signal that is conspicuous to a receiver (usually a conspecific). However, most intras...
LMS electrical filters to reduce intersymbol interference in direct detection optical systems

Intersymbol interference in direct detection optical systems can limit the channel spacing in frequency division multiplexing systems, and limit data rates and transmission distances in long distance transmission systems. We present minimum mean-square-error electrical filters to compensate for optical intersymbol interference. The performance of these filters is compared with a matched filter and the performance of an electrical filter with a rectangular response, for M-ary amplitude modulation. >
A proposal of monolithicly integrated multijunction solar cells using lattice-matched II/VI and III/V semiconductors

High-efficiency multijunction solar cells are highly desirable for space and terrestrial applications. This paper proposes novel multijunction solar cell designs using lattice-matched II/VI (ZnCdMg)(SeTe) and III/V (InAlGa)(AsSb) direct bandgap materials that can be grown on GaSb or InAs substrates. Both material systems have been studied in detail separately for different applications. The combination of these lattice-matched materials uniquely offers very broad and continuous wavelength coverage, from UV to IR. The monolithic integration of the lattice-matched materials enables the growth of solar cells with many junctions without generating misfit dislocations. It is then possible to reach ultrahigh efficiencies of 43% under 1 sun AM0 condition and 52% under 240 suns for a 6-junction cell design. The availability of type-II interface configuration of many of the heterojunctions of the design will enable tunnel diodes with ultralow differential resistance. The use of wide bandgap lattice-matched materials such as ZnMgSeTe gives excellent surface and interface passivation.
Depth from focusing and defocusing

The problem of obtaining depth information from focusing and defocusing is studied. In depth from focusing, instead of the Fibonacci search, which is often trapped in local maxima, the combination of Fibonacci search and curve fitting is proposed. This combination leads to an unprecedentedly accurate result. A model of the blurring effect that takes geometric blurring as well as imaging blurring into consideration in the calibration of the blurring model is proposed. In spectrogram-based depth from defocusing, a maximal resemblance estimation method is proposed to decrease or eliminate the window effect. >
Landscape-scale patterns of shrub-species abundance in California chaparral – The role of topographically mediated resource gradients

We examine the degree to which landscape-scale spatial patterns of shrub-species abundance in California chaparral reflect topographically mediated environmental conditions, and evaluate whether these patterns correspond to known ecophysiological plant processes. Regression tree models are developed to predict spatial patterns in the abundance of 12 chaparral shrub and tree species in three watersheds of the Santa Ynez Mountains, California. The species response models are driven by five variables: average annual soil moisture, seasonal variability in soil moisture, average annual photosynthetically active radiation, maximum air temperature over the dry season (May– October), and substrate rockiness. The energy and moisture variables are derived by integrating high resolution (10 m) digital terrain data and daily climate observations with a process-based hydro-ecological model (RHESSys). Field-sampled data on species abundance are spatially integrated with the distributed environmental variables for developing and evaluating the species response models. The species considered are differentially distributed along topographically-mediated environmental gradients in ways that are consistent with known ecophysiological processes. Spatial patterns in shrub abundance are most strongly associated with annual soil moisture and solar radiation. Substrate rockiness is also closely associated with the establishment of certain species, such as Adenostoma fasciculatum and Arctostaphylos glauca. In general, species that depend on fire for seedling recruitment (e.g., Ceanothous megacarpus) occur at high abundance in xeric environments, whereas species that do not depend on fire (e.g., Heteromeles arbutifolia) occur at higher abundance in mesic environments. Model performance varies between species and is related to life history strategies for regeneration. The scale of our analysis may be less effective at capturing the processes that underlie the establishment of species that do not depend on fire for recruitment. Analysis of predication errors in relation to environmental conditions and the abundance of potentially competing species suggest factors not explicitly considered in the species response models.
Lidar waveform stacking techniques for faint ground return extraction

Innovative algorithm development for small-footprint full-waveform lidar data processing extends this technology's capabilities to more complicated acquisition scenarios then previously determined, namely success of surveys over obscured areas. Waveform decomposition and the extraction of waveform metrics provide a straightforward approach to identifying vertical structure within each laser measurement. However, there are some limitations in this approach as faint returns within the waveform go undetected within the classical processing chain. These faint returns are the result of reduced energy levels due to obscurant scattering, attenuation and absorption. Lidar surveys over non-homogeneous wooded regions indicate that there are meaningful ground returns within dense tree coverage if extracted correctly from the data. By using a waveform stacking technique with appropriate waveforms in near geospatial proximity to the original, these faint returns can be augmented and detected during data processing. In comparison to the traditional approach, the waveform stacking technique provides up to a 60% increase in perceived ground returns with the faint signal extraction for the particular datasets analyzed over a broadleaf forest in Mississippi. The enhanced capability in the presence of foliage provides a decrease in operational effort associated with data density, dwell or targeting techniques, in addition to required survey expense.
HO-1 expression in type II pneumocytes after transpulmonary gene delivery

Somatic cell gene transfer is a potentially useful strategy to alter lung function. However, achieving efficient transfer to the alveolar epithelium, especially in smaller animals, has not been dem...
The Dynamic Programming Approach

This chapter describes general schemes of the Dynamic Programming approach. It introduces the notion of value function and its role in these schemes. They are dealt with under either classical conditions or directional differentiability of related functions, leaving more complicated cases to later chapters. Here the emphasis is on indicating solutions to forward and backward reachability problems for “linear-convex” systems and the design of closed-loop control strategies for optimal target and time-optimal feedback problems.
Some Political Economy of Monetary Rules

This paper compares various proposals for monetary policy rules according to the standard of political economy. It first presents an argument for why rules-based monetary policy is preferable to discretionary policy. Next it discusses at a general level two kinds of rules: those that can be implemented with minimal changes to current monetary institutions, that is, central banking, and those that would require significant institutional changes to implement. The paper closes by calling for a re-orientation of modern macroeconomic and monetary discourse away from economic control and towards the rule of law, whereby the politically inexpediency of the latter proposals becomes an asset.
El romance de Celinos y la adultera entre los sefardíes de Oriente

El presente articulo anticipa un estudio detallado del romance de Celinos y la adultera en que tenemos a la vista un rico caudal de textos peninsulares y sefardies facilitado con extraordinaria generosidad por don Ramon Menendez Pidal. Para dos breves variantes del romance, vease nuestro estudio Diet: romances hispanicos en un manuscrito sefardi de la Isla de Rodas (en prensa), romances 10 y l0a.
On the 100th Anniversary of Lochner v. New York

In 2005, the Supreme Court decided Lochner v. New York, striking down a maximum hour law as violating the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The Court's ruling in Lochner gave enhanced constitutional protection to liberty of contract, while taking a restrictive view of the police power of the states. As a result, the ability of a state to enact remedial legislation to protect workers was severely limited, and this occurred at a time when there was a great need for protective legislation in the workplace. Over the years, the decision in Lochner has been thoroughly discredited, to the point that it has come to signify judicial review gone astray. While recent attempts have been made to defend Lochner, the great weight of authority continues to condemn it. Still, Lochner remains an extremely influential decision, if for no other reason than the sustained reaction against it. Moreover, while liberty of contract has fallen from favor, the Supreme Court has returned to the Due Process Clause as a source of protection for another right, the right of privacy. This Article begins with a thorough analysis of the Court's decision in Lochner that covers the majority opinion, as well as the dissenting opinions of Justices Holmes and Harlan. The Article then considers various theories of what went wrong in Lochner. Was the Court's use of substantive due process review illegitimate? Was the Court's reasoning too formalistic, too wedded to common law categories and assumptions about the natural order of things? Or was it that the Court's approach was unduly activist, improperly expanding the Fourteenth Amendment in order to incorporate the personal values of the Justices? Finally, the Article traces the fall of liberty of contract and the rise of the right of privacy, as well as addressing recent attempts to defend Lochner. There still is much that can be learned from Lochner, and its centennial is an auspicious occasion for a searching examination of this infamous decision.
POLYMORPHISM IN THE ISOPOD SPHAEROMA RUGICAUDA

The spatial variation of gene frequencies has been recorded in several polymorphic species, including Biston betularia (Kettlewell, 1958), Cepaea nemoralis (Lamotte, 1951, 1959; Cain and Sheppard, 1954), C. hortensis (Clarke, 1962), Littorina obtusata (Sacchi, 1961), Homo sapiens (Allison, 1955), Drosophila spp. (Dobzhansky, 1951), and Spaeroma serratum (Bocquet, Levi, and Teissier, 1951; Hoestlandt, various papers). In at least the first five species, there are indications of the reasons for the variation. In some species changes in gene frequencies have been recorded as well (see, for example, Sheppard, 1961, on Panaxia dominula; Dobzhansky, 1958; Clarke and Murray, 1962). The causes of spatial variation and changes in gene frequencies in natural populations are controversial, with more importance ascribed to selection (Cain and Sheppard, 1954; Fisher and Ford, 1947) or to random drift (Lamotte, 1959). As Wright (1948) has emphasized, however, these are not exclusive categories but may interact in certain circumstances. The purpose of this paper is to describe the genetics of the polymorphic isopod, Sphaeroma rugicauda Leach, and to consider some aspects of gene-frequency data from 46 British populations of the species which suggest that natural selection is responsible for differences between populations.
Changes in insecticide resistance gene frequencies in field-collected populations of the German cockroach during extended periods of laboratory culture (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

Bendiocarb resistance was assessed genetically in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), by conventional crossing experiments. It is inherited as a simple, autosomal, incompletely recessive, Mendelian trait. Manipulation of the test procedure clearly identified the resistant homozygote. thus allowing gene frequency estimates to be made using the Hardy-Weinburg equilibrium expression. Gene frequnecies were estimated for 18 field-collected populations at two time intervals. In the initial tests, gene frequencies varied from 0.99 to 0.15. Significant decreases in gene frequency occurred in four populations over time; significant increases were observed in two others. Comparisons were made between gene frequency estimates of the level of resistance and conventional resistance ratios. I concluded that resistance ratios do not provide an adequate evaluation of the status of resistance. The results are discussed from the standpoints of their effect on resistance management and the effect of extended periods of laboratory culture on the assessment of resistance.
Customer’s Cumulative Experience Measures for Reliability of Non-Repairable Aging Multi-State Systems

AbstractIn this paper, the concept of customer-centered reliability measure is discussed and a new customer-centered reliability measure is developed based on the customer’s cumulative experience with the non-repairable multi-state system. The deterioration of the system is assumed to follow the nonhomogeneous continuous time Markov process (NHCTMP) which is a continuous time and discrete state process. The customer’s disutility also changes with the state of the system. An exponential disutility function, which is commonly given in economics, is incorporated with the stochastic model for estimating the total customer’s experience with the system over time. Examples for computations of reliability measures from the viewpoint of the customer are demonstrated using Mathematica 5.0.
Further Evidence of a Uniparental Race of Trichogramma semifumatum at Bishop, California

The egg parasite Trichogramma semifumatum (Perkins) normally reproduces by facultative parthenogenesis. Fertilized eggs produce females and unfertilized eggs produce males.
Behavioral Methods of Contraception

A large proportion of couples rely on behavioral methods of contraception, at least intermittently or at some point in their lives. These methods rely on knowledge about male and female reproductive physiology and the menstrual cycle rather than medications, herbs, devices, or barriers to prevent pregnancy. Behavioral methods can be divided into two categories: methods that do not rely on the menstrual cycle (i.e., abstinence or coitus interruptus) and methods that rely on the menstrual cycle. Methods that rely on the menstrual cycle can be further subdivided into Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM) and “Natural” Family Planning (NFP). FAM includes methods that rely on women to monitor physiologic changes during their menstrual cycle whereas NFP relies on the menstrual calendar to distinguish likely fertile from non-fertile days.
Damping of electron center-of-mass oscillation in ultracold plasmas

Applying a short electric field pulse to an ultracold plasma induces an electron plasma oscillation. This manifests itself as an oscillation of the electron center of mass around the ion center of mass in the ultracold plasma. In general, the oscillation can damp due to either collisionless or collisional mechanisms, or a combination of the both. To investigate the nature of oscillationdamping in ultracold plasmas, we developed a molecular dynamics model of the ultracold plasma electrons. Through this model, we found that depending on the neutrality of the ultracold plasma and the size of an applied DCelectric field, there are some parameter ranges where the damping is primarily collisional and some primarily collisionless. We conducted experiments to compare the measureddamping rate with theory predictions and found them to be in good agreement. Extension of our measurements to different parameter ranges should enable studies for strong-coupling influence on electron-ion collision rates.
Studies on Optimization Combination C Forecasting for Agricultural Gross Domestic Product of China

Regression forcasting method and grey system forcasting method were used respectively to forecast China's agricultural gross domestic product. The weights of optimization combination forecasting model were determined based on the errors of the two methods and the information integration of results of two forecasting methods by optimizing the combination method was performed. The result showed that the combination optimization model's forcasting method had relative rationality, feasibility and usability, which can provide scientific base for planning China's agricultural economic development and making decision for management.
Dealing with teen-age pregnancy.

PIP: The author finds that teenage pregnancy is more complicated than access to contraception or abortion. At risk teenagers are not identifiable, only at risk factors such as isolation, lack of perception of future opportunities, lack of self esteem, lack of self worth, poor performance in school, poor role models or lack of role models at home or in the community. There is indictment of parents who are just as much in need. The focus on teen pregnancy as one dimensional belies the reality that health, family, work, social and cultural experience affect people's decisions and sexual behavior. The recommendation is for a holistic approach, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background. Adolescents need education and jobs as well as preventive health, body image, and nutrition in conjunction with contraceptives. Where success is defined by motherhood or fatherhood, birth control pills sit in drawers at home. Teenagers need to be convinced that there is some benefit in being connected to mainstream society. Support services need to help teenagers answer the question of what's in it for me? Why? Teenagers need assistance in attaining educational success, job success, the ability to handle anger, and leadership opportunities. A holistic approach is not only realistic but also is the most practical with the longest term benefit. With resources for teen pregnancy superseded by the problems of AIDs and crack gangs, there is a constantly changing political agenda for resource allocation. In fact, teenage pregnancy is reflective of social ills in an urban society simultaneous with drug abuse, school dropouts, juvenile crime and gang activity. The common denominator is that teens all need good educational opportunities, good health, and good housing. Parent involvement is needed, and it is presumptuous to believe that a couple of hours of contact a week can change lives. Parents need respect and understanding for their important role; they need information and a role also in order to keep these teenagers moving forward. What others are doing in the community must be taken into consideration. Providing real options and hope involves a personal internal process where growth is essential and evident. Target populations may be the same, and brokering to share services is necessary. Know who the social services agencies are.
Discrete time Kuramoto models with delay

Motivated by the needs of multiagent systems in the presence of sensing and communication that is delayed, intermittent and asynchronous, we present here a discrete-time Kuramoto oscillator model that incorporates delays. Analytical results are derived for certain cases of heading-based stability of synchronized and balanced equilibrium sets both when delay is not present and when it is. In all cases, agents are assumed to be identical and fully connected, with constant and equal network delays. For complex cases, the analysis is supplemented with Monte Carlo simulations, and all results are demonstrated in simulation.
Increasing the pool of academically oriented African-American medical and surgical oncologists.

The commendable article by Newman et al., “Increasing the Pool of Academically Oriented African-American Medical and Surgical Oncologists,” highlights an issue worthy of serious consideration. Not only must more effort be expended to raise the interest of African American medical students and physicians in academic oncology, but the disproportionately low representation of African Americans in medical school also must be recognized as a partly (if not wholly) systemic failure worthy of corrective attention. The oncology community should take an objective look at the factors that gave rise to and continue to perpetuate an unrepresentative oncology workforce excluding African Americans. This state of affairs arose historically on the basis of unabashed white privilege justified by illusions of inseparable racial superiority and inferiority. The beneficiaries of such apartheid-scale privilege are understandably loath to know the magnitude to which their sometimes stellar achievements stand diminished by such contextual foundations of cultural insensitivity and exclusion. Even while notable contemporary academic oncologists condemn the cancer disparities that affect the populations they treat, there is insufficient general recognition of the disparity among too many academic oncologists who were largely self-appointed to the near exclusive privilege of managing the social and institutional resources mandated to research solutions. Scarcely 1% of American medical oncologists are African American. Undoubtedly, this is the case in other oncology subspecialties as well. These figures are best approximations, because no thorough demographic study of the oncology workforce has been published. Our preeminent cancer specialty society, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, described its membership in 2000 as including over 11,000 medical oncologists, with only 94 who described themselves as African American. In academic oncology, surrogate indicators of ‘race’ appear to have supplanted overt racism, preserving deterrents to representative inclusion of African Americans in faculty positions with ‘color-blind’ precision. Because networks of these faculty members influence oncologist staffing in metropolitan community hospitals, the basis for market exclusion of African American cancer specialists is established in communities where African Americans live in large numbers. A superficial validation for this state of affairs may suggest that I am criticizing a rigorously sound meritocracy. The failing of such a conclusion lies in the prevalence of disparities in cancer mortality among the populations being treated by mostly commendable healers who have altruistic intentions with socially evolved boundaries to requisite cultural experiences. I have labored to believe that a better job would be done by all of us working together with curative intentions in 2736