cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential phosphorylation and turnover of nuclear acidic proteins during the cell cycle of synchronized HeLa cells.

Abstract The phosphorylation of non-histone nuclear proteins has been studied in HeLa S-3 cells during synchronous growth. The uptake of [32P]orthophosphate into individual protein bands separated on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels varies at different stages in the cell cycle while the banding patterns themselves are remarkably constant. Rates of phosphate uptake into most major phosphoprotein species are increased during the early G1 and early S phases and are minimal during the late G2 to M period. The turnover of previously incorporated phosphoryl groups during a cold chase following a 23-hour exposure to [32P]orthophosphate shows that some proteins lose their phosphoryl residues much more rapidly than do others. The halflives vary from 5 to 12 hours, with an over-all half-life of 6.7 hours. In contrast, the 14C specific activity of the proteins falls to 50% of the original activity in about 25 hours. The retention of [32P]phosphate is a more sensitive index of differential phosphoryl group turnover in different nuclear acidic proteins than is the uptake of [32P]phosphate in short term labeling experiments. If the nuclear phosphoproteins play a role in differential transcription during the cell cycle, changes in phosphorylation would appear to be more significant than changes in relative concentrations of individual protein species.
Indeterminacy in general equilibrium economies with incomplete financial markets

Abstract We consider the structure of the set of equilibrium allocations in a two-period, pure exchange economy with incomplete financial markets. There are N second period spots and 0
Mining in a sustainable world: program; bios and abstracts; commentaries:

This section contains three documents: Commentaries: which are short versions of papers that were presented at the Mining in a Sustainable World conference (UNE, 13 to 15 October 2013). The papers were submitted by authors for inclusion in the journal but not for peer review. Program of the Mining in a Sustainable World conference (UNE, 13 to 15 October 2013). Bios and Abstracts of presenters at the Mining in a Sustainable World conference (UNE, 13 to 15 October 2013).
From Sexual Assault to Sexual Risk A Relational Pathway

Among women and gay and bisexual men, sexual assault is associated with increased rates of sexual risk behavior and negative sexual health outcomes. Although the mechanisms of these effects are potentially myriad, the current analyses examine the role of perceived partner pressure for condomless sex in mediating the association between adult sexual assault (ASA) and recent anal or vaginal sex without a condom. In a sample of 205 young adult women and gay and bisexual men, ASA was indirectly associated with condomless anal and/or vaginal sex via perceptions of partner pressure for condomless sex, χ2(1) = 5.66, p = .02, after controlling for race, age, gender and sexual identity, and relationship status. The elucidation of this relational mechanism points to several potential intervention and prevention strategies that may reduce actual and perceived pressure for sex without a condom, including strategies designed to facilitate the prioritization of health and safety over relational goals and the improvemen...
Thermal degradation of the solvent employed in the next-generation caustic-side solvent extraction process and its effect on the extraction, scrubbing, and stripping of cesium

As part of the ongoing development of the Next-Generation Caustic-Side Solvent Extraction (NG-CSSX) process, the thermal stability of its process solvent, the Next-Generation Caustic-Side Solvent (NGS) was investigated and shown to be adequate for industrial application. The solvent was thermally treated at 35°C over a period of 13 months whilst in dynamic contact with each of the aqueous phases of the current NG-CSSX process, namely SRS−15 (a highly caustic waste simulant), sodium hydroxide scrub solution (0.025 M), and boric acid strip solution (0.01 M). The effect of thermal treatment was evaluated by assessing batch extract/scrub/strip performance as a function of time, by monitoring the sodium extraction capacity of the solvent, and by analysis of the solvent using electrospray mass spectrometry. Current studies indicate that the NGS should be thermally robust without replenishment for a period of 7 months in the Modular Caustic-Side Solvent Extraction Unit (MCU), which has been treating waste using ...
Bacteriorhodopsin spatial light modulators for optical processing applications

Bacteriorhodopsin (BR) is an organically-based material that exhibits many desirable properties for use as a real-time optically addressed spatial light modulator for optical processing applications. Potential applications for BR include real-time holography for optical correlation, reconfigurable optical interconnects, optical data storage, and phase correction in a one-way coherent imaging situation. We discuss an experiment conducted to accomplish the latter application, in which BR offers the prospect of a real-time, high-resolution, thin hologram with which to record the phase aberration information. Image beams that pass through the same aberrating medium are diffracted by the hologram in such a way as to cancel out the effects of the aberration, and thus recreate the original unaberrated image-bearing wavefront. If the phase aberrations are changing at a rate comparable to the exposure/erase cycle of the BR holograms, then this technique could be used to obtain high-quality images through a time-varying aberration. >
A rest period does not affect in vitro storage properties in apheresis platelets collected from the buffy coat layer.

BACKGROUND: A previous study demonstrated that several in vitro storage properties of apheresis platelets (PLTs) that are isolated by sedimentation against the collection container and subsequently resuspended can benefit from a rest period before continuous agitation. This study examines whether the in vitro storage properties of apheresis PLTs isolated by collection from the buffy coat layer benefit from a rest period before agitation. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Freshly collected apheresis PLTs (Trima, GambroBCT) were divided into five 60-mL aliquots. One aliquot was immediately placed on a flat-bed agitator; the other aliquots were held on a laboratory bench for 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours before continuous agitation. Samples were obtained on Days 1, 5, and 7 for standard in vitro PLT assays. The experiment was repeated 12 times. RESULTS: For each sampling day, no significant differences were observed in aliquots held with or without a rest period for any of the following PLT properties: PLT content, mean PLT volume, pH, pCO2, bicarbonate, glucose, lactate, hypotonic shock response, extent of shape change, aggregation, morphology, CD62P, CD63, and CD42b. Although regression analysis identified several in vitro properties whose mean levels appeared to improve with increasing length of the rest period, maximum differences in mean levels were small (<6%). CONCLUSION: The in vitro storage properties of Trima apheresis PLTs isolated from the buffy coat layer do not benefit from a rest period.
Secretory Phospholipase A2 Mediates Human Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Cell Growth and Proliferation via ERK 1/2 Pathway

Background/Aim: Secretory phospholipase-A 2 (sPLA 2 ) mediates growth and proliferation of human esophageal adenocarcinoma cells (HEAC). Two major molecular pathways of cancer growth regulation include extracellular signal- regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) and protein kinase-B (AKT). Phospholipase enzymes have been demonstrated to significantly influence these two growth regulating pathways in other tumor cells. We hypothesize sPLA 2 to mediate HEAC growth control through ERK 1/2 and AKT. Materials and Methods: Verified HEAC (FLO-1), treated with either the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase selective inhibitor (PD98059) or with group IIa sPLA 2 -specific inhibitor, were assessed for ERK1/2 phosphorylation and AKT activation after tumor necrosis factor- alpha stimulation, as well as for viability, proliferation, and apoptosis responses. Results: PD98059 significantly inhibited ERK 1/2 activation, reduced cell viability, and reduced proliferation (p<0.05). sPLA 2 inhibition attenuated ERK 1/2 activation (p<0.01) but had no effect on AKT activation or apoptosis. Conclusion: Specific inhibition of group IIa sPLA 2 directly reduces HEAC viability and proliferation by attenuating ERK 1/2 activation with no effect on AKT activation or apoptosis. This may indicate that the mechanism of action of sPLA 2 is mainly the induction of growth arrest.
Regulation of protein biosynthesis in mouse kidney by androgens.

The activity of the amino acid activating enzymes of mouse kidney changed in direct proportion with the changes in weight after 3–90 days of castration and 7–28 days of testosterone propionate administration. Furthermore, no changes in the specific activities of these enzymes were revealed by altering the pH (5.5–8.5) of the reaction mixture, or with individual amino acids or various mixtures of amino acids as substrate. On the other hand, the rate of incorporation of leucine-1-C14 into protein of the Si2,Ooo g fraction of the kidney homogenates was greatly decreased after castration and markedly accelerated by testosterone propionate administration. The increase was progressive during the period of stimulated growth of the kidney to a maximum of 900% after 21 days, which coincided with the stimulation of maximal increase in kidney weight. As the kidney was maintained at maximal weight with continued administration of testosterone propionate, the rate of amino acid incorporation showed a small progressive...
Persons with C5 or C6 tetraplegia achieve selected functional gains using a neuroprosthesis.

Abstract Alon G, McBride K. Persons with C5 or C6 tetraplegia achieve selected functional gains using a neuroprosthesis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:119-24. Objective: To test the efficacy and safety of the NESS Handmaster[trade ] neuroprosthesis with subjects with C5 or C6 tetraplegia. Design: Interventional, nonrandomized case series. Setting: Subjects' residence and university research laboratory. Participants: Men, 3 to 17 years after C5 (n=5) and C6 (n=2) spinal cord injury (SCI). Intervention: Subjects practiced with the neuroprosthesis daily to regain grasp, hold, and release ability and to restore selected functions of 1 of the 2 paralyzed hands. Subjects were observed 2 to 3 times weekly for 3 weeks. Main Outcome Measures: Three activities of daily living (ADL) tasks: (1) pick up a telephone, (2) eat food with a fork, and (3) perform 1 individually selected ADL task and 2 grasp, hold, and release tasks (lift a videocassette, lift a 150-g weight). Secondary outcomes were grip strength, electrically induced finger motion, and Fugl-Meyer spherical grasp. Nonparametric data were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and parametric data (grip strength and finger motion) were analyzed by analysis of variance. All tests were considered significant at P equal to .01. Results: At study completion, all 7 subjects were 100% successful at using the Handmaster in the studied ADL and grasp, hold, and release tasks. Significant improvements occurred in grip strength (from .57[plusmn].98N at baseline to 16.5[plusmn]4.4N), finger linear motion (from 0.0cm at baseline to 8.4[plusmn]3.2cm), and Fugl-Meyer scores. No safety issues were encountered. Six of 7 subjects rated their overall performance as [ldquo ]excellent.[rdquo ] Conclusions: The Handmaster is a safe, noninvasive neuroprosthesis that improves hand function of selected subjects with C5 or C6 SCI. [copy ] 2003 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
A chicken ain't nothin' but a bird: local food production and the politics of land-use change

As discourses of sustainability and the awareness of the environmental and health impacts of factory farming have become more widespread in recent years, many residents of urban and suburban communities have become interested in producing their own food. Spurred by popular writers like Michael Pollan and Barbara Kingsolver, celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver, and First Lady Michelle Obama who planted an organic garden at the White House in 2009, gardening and food production has gained popularity in recent years. While much of this activity is allowable (and encouraged) by local governments, some urban agricultural activity falls outside the limits of permissibility in local zoning codes and land use ordinances.
Analysis of the allergenic composition of rat dust

Summary Background Allergy to rats is an important occupational health problem. The allergens of rat urine have been well defined but those in rat room dust, a potentially important source of inhalant exposure, have not. Objective To describe the allergens present in rat room dust and to identify a suitable marker protein which may be used to quantify airborne rat allergen. Methods Dust collected from the air-conditioning system (bulk dust, ‘bd’) and with an air sampler (airborne dust, ‘ad’) were analysed by radioallergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition, immunoblotting and immunoblot inhibition techniques and comparisons made with hair and urine extracts prepared from adult male Wistar rats. Results Extensive crossreactivity was found between the extracts by RAST inhibition under different experimental conditions. Dust was more potent as an inhibitor than other extracts. The immunoblotting patterns of both dusts were similar although ‘ad’ contained an allergen at 29kDa not found in ‘bd’. Forty-two sera from rat allergic subjects were used to identify 18 allergens in ‘bd’. Three ‘major’ allergens were found; 100% of subjects had immunoglobulin (Ig)E to a 44 kDa allergen and 74% and 88% of subjects had IgE with bound to the 20.5 and 17 kDa allergens respectively. Immunoblot inhibition experiments identified the 17 kDa dust allergen as α2u-globulin (Rat nI). Conclusions Rat dust is a complex allergenic source. The 17 kDa dust allergen has immunological identity with Rat nl and is a suitable marker protein for the quantitation of airborne rat allergen.
Further observations on tubulobulbar complexes formed by late spermatids and sertoli cells in the rat testis

The present study extends earlier findings (Russell and Cler-mont, '76) by describing additional details of the structure, relationships, distribution, origin, and fate of tubulobulbar complexes. Freeze-fracture and thin section observations reveal few membrane associated particles and no appreciable cell coat in the membranes forming the tubulobulbar complex. The opposing plasma membranes of the complex do not appear to form a junction, although junctional formation might be expected by the close proximity (4.0 nm apart) of the Sertoli and spermatid plasma membranes. Sertoli filaments of the network which encircle the tubular portion of the complex measure 5.0-7.0 nm across and appear to insert into the Sertoli plasma membrane. Tubulobulbar complexes initially form in association with a cell surface modification (bristle-coated pit) of the Sertoli plasma membrane. The first tubulobulbar complexes develop large bulbous components (up to 2.5μm across), which soon lose connection with the spermatid and become incorporated into large phagocytic vacuoles (secondary lysosomes). As bulbs undergo dissolution, newly formed tubulobulbar complexes are observed to replace these structures. Thus, the data indicate that more than one generation of tubulobulbar complexes develop. Moreover, the tubular and bulbous portions of most dissociating complexes (as well as neighboring Sertoli lysosomes) show acid phosphatase activity. Near the time of sperm release, all complexes at the concave aspect of the spermatid head are resorbed. New tubulobulbar complexes, many lacking terminal bulbous dilations, form at the dorsal and lateral aspects of the spermatid head. These persist even after all ectoplasmic specializations and most Sertoli cytoplasm have been withdrawn from a position facing the spermatid head. The presence of tubulobulbar complexes just prior to the time of sperm release is in support of previous findings indicating that tubulobulbar complexes participate in anchoring the head of the late spermatid prior to sperm release. Past the zone of sperm release a few abnormally shaped cells, which had not been released with other spermatids of the same generation, display intact tubulo-bulbar complexes. The persistence of these and other structures may be the means by which abnormally shaped spermatids are retained and prevented from traversing the male duct system.
GPU-based parallel implementation of 5-layer thermaldiffusion scheme

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) is a system of numerical weather prediction and atmospheric simulation with dual purposes for forecasting and research. The WRF software infrastructure consists of several components such as dynamic solvers and physical simulation modules. WRF includes several Land-Surface Models (LSMs). The LSMs use atmospheric information, the radiative and precipitation forcing from the surface layer scheme, the radiation scheme, and the microphysics/convective scheme all together with the lands state variables and land-surface properties, to provide heat and moisture fluxes over land and sea-ice points. The WRF 5-layer thermal diffusion simulation is an LSM based on the MM5 5-layer soil temperature model with an energy budget that includes radiation, sensible, and latent heat flux. The WRF LSMs are very suitable for massively parallel computation as there are no interactions among horizontal grid points. More and more scientific applications have adopted graphics processing units (GPUs) to accelerate the computing performance. This study demonstrates our GPU massively parallel computation efforts on the WRF 5-layer thermal diffusion scheme. Since this scheme is only an intermediate module of the entire WRF model, the I/O transfer does not involve in the intermediate process. Without data transfer, this module can achieve a speedup of 36x with one GPU and 108x with four GPUs as compared to a single threaded CPU processor. With CPU/GPU hybrid strategy, this module can accomplish a even higher speedup, ~114x with one GPU and ~240x with four GPUs. Meanwhile, we are seeking other approaches to improve the speeds.
Spatial updating after imagined self and object movement: translation is similar to rotation

References Updating the positions of objects in space is easier after imagined viewer rotation compared to object rotation (Wraga, Creem, & Proffitt, 2000). The advantage remains even when the required self-rotation is physically impossible to perform (Creem, Wraga, & Proffitt, 2001). This ease of imagined self-rotation contrasts with the findings of research that has compared imagined and real rotation and translation. These studies suggest that updating is difficult after imagined self-rotation compared to imagined selftranslation (Presson & Montello, 1994; Rieser, 1989). The present studies examined whether the advantage for imagined selfversus object-rotation seen in previous studies was primarily a result of the rotational component, or whether this difference would be apparent in translation tasks as well. The studies compared imagined viewer and array translations in the sagittal and frontal planes. The results indicated a consistent advantage for imagined selftranslation versus array-translation.
Acquisition of Responses to a Methamphetamine-Associated Cue in Healthy Humans: Self-Report, Behavioral, and Psychophysiological Measures

Drug-associated cues elicit conditioned responses in human drug users, and are thought to facilitate a drug-seeking behavior. Yet, little is known about how these associations are acquired, or about the specificity of the conditioned response modalities. In this study, healthy, nondependent volunteers (N=90) completed a conditioning paradigm in which they received a moderate dose of methamphetamine paired with one stimulus and placebo with another stimulus, each on two separate occasions. Their responses to these cues were measured with a behavioral preference, self-reported 'liking', emotional reactivity, and attentional bias measures, both before and after the conditioning. Following the conditioning procedure, subjects exhibited a behavioral preference, positive emotional reactivity, and attentional bias toward the methamphetamine-associated cue, compared with the placebo stimulus. In addition, subjects who reported greater positive subjective drug effects during the conditioning displayed a more robust conditioning. This work demonstrates that healthy nondependent volunteers readily acquire conditioned responses to neutral stimuli paired with a drug. The procedure has significant value to study individual variation in acquisition of conditioned responses as a possible risk factor for drug taking, and to study the neural basis of conditioned drug responses.
Quitting cigarette smoking produces minimal loss of chronic tolerance to nicotine.

Rationale: Long-term exposure to nicotine is associated with chronic tolerance to its acute effects, adaptation that may lead to tobacco dependence. The time course for loss of this tolerance after cessation of exposure is not known in humans but could relate to risk of smoking relapse. Objectives: We examined changes in responses to nicotine as a function of days, weeks, or years of smoking cessation in formerly dependent smokers to determine at what point sensitivity to nicotine is reinstated (i.e., loss of tolerance). Methods: Acute subjective, cardiovascular, performance, and reinforcing (self-administration) effects of nicotine nasal spray (0–20 µg/kg) were assessed prospectively in men and women smokers before and then day-by-day (study 1) or 3 weeks (study 2) after stopping smoking. A smoking resumption period (study 1) and a group of non-quitting smokers (study 2) were included to control for the passage of time. These effects were also compared cross-sectionally between those who had quit for 1–4 years and those who had for 6–19 years in a separate sample of long-time ex-smokers to determine whether lengthier abstinence causes greater loss of tolerance (study 3). Results: No clear loss of tolerance was observed on any measure in studies 1 or 2, suggesting that chronic tolerance is fully maintained for at least weeks after quitting smoking. Sensitivity to nicotine's effects was also not different as a function of years quit in study 3. Conclusions: Chronic tolerance to nicotine is not lost within several weeks of quitting smoking and may not change even after years of abstinence from tobacco use.
RARE-EARTH IONS IN THE ALKALI HALIDES. III. ELECTRON-LATTICE COUPLING AND THE DETAILS OF THE VIBRONIC SPECTRA

Electron-lattice interaction is discussed for the case of rare-earth ions in the alkali halides. A selection rule is derived to show that for the present defect electronic transitions can be coupled only to vibrational modes of ${A}_{1}$ symmetry. Under the assumption of electrostatic coupling between the electron and the lattice vibrations, a coupling function is derived which is proportional to the projection of the field of the electron under-going a transition on to the eigenvectors of the vibrations. It is further shown that this coupling function can be determined from the details of the structural form of the vibronic spectra. A number of other features of the vibronic spectra are accounted for through the properties of Franck-Condon integrals.
State of the Art Review: Promoting Physical Activity in Primary Care Settings: A Review of Cognitive and Behavioral Strategies

Despite recognition that physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits, many Americans do not meet current guidelines for physical activity. Primary care providers are in a unique position to influence physical activity, though conflicting evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of primary care—based physical activity promotion. The present article provides a qualitative review of the literature on physical activity promotion within primary care settings, focusing specifically on types of cognitive and behavioral intervention strategies that can be implemented into routine practice by primary care providers. The authors searched MEDLINE and identified 16 studies that met relevant experimental, intervention, and outcome criteria. Intervention types were defined as those involving education, advice, self-monitoring, face-to-face counseling, and telephone follow-up. Most interventions included multiple components. Within the limitations of the review, results suggest that a variety of int...
Radio tracking of finback (Balaenoptera physalus) and humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) whales in Prince William Sound, Alaska☆

Abstract Finback whales ( Balaenoptera physalus ) and humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae ) were tracked by radio tags in Prince William Sound, Alaska during June, 1978. Tracks of the whales show details of their movements. The tag remained implanted for over 16 days in humpbacks and for over 17 days in a finback (24 days tracking of one whale, visually and by radio). The whales appeared to be undisturbed by the tags. During the tracking, both species had distinct shifts in behavior, their activities were often in unison with conspecific companions, and they had shorter dive times during the dark. The finbacks returned periodically to the same area and the humpbacks roamed for as much as 100 km in a day. The radio tags provided positive individual identification needed for continous tracking and for detailed behavioral observation.
Non-Local Self-Energy Models for XAS

Ab initio calculations of X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) and its fine structure (XAFS) are dependent on the many-body exchange and correlation interaction between the photoelectron and the Fermi sea. Non-local Hartree-Fock (HF) exchange provides a better description of exchange with core electrons while the local density approximation (LDA) is usually better for valence electrons. The GW approximation for the self-energy Σ provides a systematic way of joining HF and LDA, using the natural separation of Σ into core and valence parts. This exchange model is implemented in FEFF7, a new Dirac-Fock based generalization of the FEFF6 code for XAS calculations. Improvements are found compared with LDA based codes, namely more accurate excitation energies, phase shifts, amplitudes. These lead to improved near edge calculations and improved distance and coordination number determinations from XAFS analysis. Spin dependent self-energies and applications to XMCD are also discussed.
If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It

In a recent essay in this Journal, 'The Value of a Fixed Methodology,'' John Worrall has taken me to task for having claimed in my Science and Values [1984], that not only have the theories of science changed through time but so alike have the methods and aims of science. He and I disagree both about the factual claim that the methods have shifted and about our appraisals of the philosophical significance of such shifts. This dispute goes well beyond differences between Worrall and me about historical and philosophical matters. It is one of the two or three central issues which divide philosophers in the so-called historical school, both from other camps of philosophy and amongst themselves. This debate pits Popper against Kuhn, Lakatos against Toulmin, McMullin against Shapere, and Worrall against me. Because the topic is thus of relatively broad interest and provenance, I want to respond briefly to some of Worrall's criticisms of my work on this score. (1) Worrall is disturbed by the prospect that the methods, aims and standards of the scientific enterprise might change through time. I shall, in due course, present some reasons to think not only that they do change, but that something would be very bizarre about the scientific enterprise if they did not. However, before I deal with that question, there is a prior issue which must be grappled with. Worrall makes it vividly clear that what really frightens him about the prospect of changes in scientific rationality is that such changes, in his view, open the floodgates to relativism. As he puts it at one point: 'If no principles of evaluation stay fixed, then there is no 'objective viewpoint' from which we can show that progress occurred ... However this is dressed up, it is relativism'. (p. 274) Again, he says that 'without such an ('invariant core of methodological principles') the model (viz., Laudan's) collapses into relativism'. (p. 275) And early on in his essay, he insisted that 'laying down fixed principles of scientific theory-appraisal is the only alternative to relativism'. (p. 265). The initial point I wish to make is that Worrall has wholly misconstrued the threat from relativism. The central claim of the epistemic relativist, at least where standards and methods are concerned, is not that those standards change but that-whether changing or unchanging-those standards have no independent, non-question begging rationale or foundation. Even if man had been using exactly the same inferential principles ever
Law and Economics: The Road Not Taken

Since both law and society and law and economics apply social science concepts and methods to the problems of the legal system, one might think that the two disciplines are natural allies. Indeed, with the largely empirical focus of law and society and the strong emphasis on theory in law and economics, the benefits from collaboration between the two would seem to be particularly great. Perhaps surprisingly, though, they have often been at odds with one another, with both groups willing to concede only grudgingly that the other has made useful contributions to the study of legal and public policy issues. The hostility is reflected in the fact that, at recent law and society meetings, very few devotees of law and economics have been in attendance, either as speakers or as members of the audience. What then can explain this chill?
STUDY PROGRAM DETERMINATION BY DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING

The problem this paper deals with is the selection of an optimal study program or curriculum, tailored to an individual student, by maximizing educational potential. Educational potential in a subject area is defined as a non-linear function of the number of courses taken in the respective subject area. Parameters of the educational potential function include a type of learner parameter, a type of teaching parameter, and a subject area parameter. The latter is a function of the number of courses available in the subject area. The educational potential or learning function is based on a body of empirical data accumulated by experimental psychologists, and has the shape of a stretched-out letter S. The optimal study program is obtained by finding the maximum sum of the subject areas' educational potentials. The technique used to find this maximum sum is called dynamic programming. A computer program was written to perform the solution procedure on a digital computer.
Why adult children return home

Abstract This article examines the question of why more young adults are living with their parents. The expectation of the 1960s and 1970s that grown children establish separate residence, even before marriage, began to erode in the 1980s. We asked a small, convenience sample of parents and coresident adult children to respond to two possible interpretations of the trend: (1) that children return home due to economic hardship, or (2) that children return home because they feel entitled to a particular standard of living. Parents and children concluded that economic factors drive adult children home again, but few of the adult children in this study had come home because of genuine economic hardship.
Ozone absorption into excised porcine and sheep tracheae by a bolus-response method.

The absorption of ozone (O3) into excised porcine and sheep tracheae was characterized by a bolus-response experiment in which a bolus with a peak O3 concentration of 1 ppm was rapidly injected into a steadily flowing airstream entering the trachea. Using a fast-responding chemiluminescent analyzer of the authors design, the O3 concentration curves at the proximal end (i.e., the bolus input) and at the distal end (i.e., the response) of the trachea were monitored. Each concentration curve was numerically integrated, and the fraction of O3 absorbed in the trachea was obtained by subtracting from unity the ratio of the response integral to the bolus input integral. Average values of ozone-absorbed fraction decreased from about 0.50 to 0.15 at increasing airflows from 50 to 200 ml/sec. A diffusion theory that includes the effects of bulk convection, axial dispersion, and first-order absorption was developed to relate the fractional absorption to an overall mass transfer coefficient (K). The results indicate that K is independent of airflow, suggesting that the diffusion resistance in mucus is much greater than that in the gas phase. The time-weighted integrals of the concentration curves were also computed, allowing the mean residence time of O3 in the trachea (deltamore » tau) to be determined. As predicted by the diffusion theory, delta tau was inversely related to the rate of O3 absorption.« less
The typology of the Arab individual: implications for management and business organizations

Takes a look at the state of Arab society. Classifies Arab individuals into eight categories – traditionalist, spectator, idealist, illusionist, transitional, revivalist, manipulator, and existentialist. Explores each of these in more depth, providing some specific illustrative examples. Claims that work values have changed in Arab society, with the new generation taking part in political and economic decision making. Reflects on the implications this could have for multinational corporations. Concludes that Arab society is in transition, discarding its old tribal and traditionalist beliefs to move towards the basis for a more modern economy. Provides some tables summarizing each typology of individual and the attributes required to conduct business successfully.
Convenient Synthesis of Bis(alkoxy)rhenium(VII) Complexes.

The title compounds can be conveniently prepared by this reaction, for which a plausible mechanism can be suggested.
Thermal Constriction Resistance of Phase-Mixed Metallic Coatings

A phase-mixed coating using plasma-enhanced deposition onto a cold surface can offer excellent characteristics of adhesion of coatings to a wide range of base materials, and very close control of coating thickness. These physical characteristics are of great importance to the control of surface contact situations and in particular to the thermal constriction resistance of contact joints, with many applications in thermal control systems. Analytical expressions were developed for the thermal constriction resistance of cylindrical contact spots in such coatings. The thermal constriction parameter was presented in the dimensionless form as a function of the contact geometry, coating thickness, and thermal conductivity ratio of the two different coating materials. Finally, the results of analytical thermal constriction resistance were compared with experimental investigation using copper-carbon and silver-carbon phase-mixed coating materials. Conclusions on selecting phase-mixed coating materials were based solely on the thermal point of view. 11 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.
Radioactive Wastes: A Comparison of U.S. Military and Civilian Inventories

Contrary to widespread belief, the accumulated inventory of fission products generated by the still small U.S. civilian nuclear power industry may already be comparable to that generated in the past by U.S. military nuclear programs. Although the volumes of the military wastes are very large, they are on the average almost 100 times more dilute than projected commercial high-level wastes.
Collaboration in teacher education to improve instruction of science for students with special needs

Collaboration between science educators and special educators is essential for the improvement of teaching and learning in an inclusive elementary classroom. This paper describes the successful modeling of collaboration between the science methods professor and the special education professor in preparing their mutual preservice teachers to adapt instruction. Factors leading to the effective partnership are outlined. An example of a science lesson that was modified and jointly presented is included. As a result, preservice teachers effectively collaborated to modify science instruction in practicum classrooms to meet the needs of all learners.
Prevention of Urinary Incontinence by Behavioral Modification Program: A Randomized, Controlled Trial Among Older Women in the Community

ABSTRACTPurpose: We determined whether a behavioral modification program (BMP) taught to groups of continent older women would decrease the incidence of urinary incontinence, increase pelvic muscle strength and improve voiding control.Materials and Methods: We performed a randomized, controlled trial comparing a BMP treatment group to a control, no treatment group in ambulatory, postmenopausal, continent women (0 to 5 days of incontinent episodes in the previous year) 55 years and older who were followed for 12 months. Qualified volunteers from 4 Michigan counties were randomly assigned to a control or a treatment group, consisting of a 2-hour classroom presentation on BMP followed 2 to 4 weeks later with individualized evaluation to test knowledge, adherence and skills in behavioral techniques, and brief reinforcement of the technique as needed. Followup was done by telephone and mail every 3 months except month 12, when all participants underwent final clinical evaluation. Outcome measures were continen...
Disentangling the Power Bases of Sexual Harassment: Comparing Gender, Age, and Position Power

Abstract To better understand the effects of organizational and sociocultural power on decisions in a sexual harassment case, harasser gender (male/female), position power (supervisor, subordinate, and coworker), harasser age (older/younger), and target age (older/younger) were manipulated. Participants read a sexual harassment case and rated their verdicts, perceived unwelcomeness of the behavior, and the organization's responsibility. Subordinate-to-supervisor cases were rated more harshly than coworker cases. Behavior by older males and younger females was perceived as more welcome. Female mock jurors rated the organization as more responsible than did males, but males and females did not differ on verdict or unwelcomeness ratings. Findings for harasser gender were inconsistent. Results suggest more support for a role-discrepant model of sexual harassment (Pryor, 1985) than either the organizational or sociocultural model.
Electroactivity of polymeric suspensions

Two types of the electroactive response in polymeric suspensions can be considered - dielectrostriction and piezoresistance. Dielectrostriction is a variation of dielectric properties of a material with deformation while piezoresistance involves a change in conductivity with deformation. Both phenomena have similar microscopic foundation - they arise from variation of local electric field due to the redistribution of polarized or conductive inclusions. Both dielectrostriction and piezoresistance are determined by the pair distribution function of inclusions and are sensitive to a material's microstructure, which renders them effective for material characterization. In this study, dielectrostriction effect of silicone/aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and piezoresistance effect in silicone/graphite suspensions during oscillatory shear deformations are detected by a rosette of planar sensors with mutually perpendicular electrodes. In both measurements, the electric responses are found to be scaled with the deformation-induced stresses. Moreover, the variation of dielectrostriction response with suspensions having various particle size distributions indicates the high sensitivity of dielectrostriction to material's microstructure. Dielectrostriction and piezoresistance constitute new approaches to study the rheological properties of suspensions and compliment each other for revealing the microstructure in various systems.
Evaluation of Metameric Colors

A method is described which allows a quick evaluation of a large number of spectral reflectance (transmittance) curves which with respect to a given light source and the 1931 C.I.E. standard observer produce metameric colors. The method is based on a precalculated set of linearly independent metameric blacks and demonstrated by a numerical example.
Exploration of optimal strategies for the development of an oil-based economy: the case of Saudi Arabia

This study deals with the subject of development planning in the oil-based economy of Saudi Arabia. The main objective was to explore optimal strategies for the development of the Saudi economy. That was done through the development of a two-sector planning model. The model is a long-run optimal planning model using the technique of dynamic linear programming. The structure of the model involves an objective function and a set of constraints. The objective function reflects the main goal of the development planning of Saudi Arabia, which emphasizes the development of the nonoil sector, and the constraints are specified through a two-sector macroeconomic model. The results of solving the model give optimal values of the endogenous variables at the beginning of different discrete intervals. Each interval is five years. The base year is 1980 and the terminal year is 2014. The model assumes a lifetime of the oil resource extraction which is compatible with the long-term strategy of developing the nonoil sector;The results of the optimization indicated the possibility of developing a nonoil sector in the oil-based economy, but that requires a high level of investment compared with production in the nonoil sector for a long time. It also indicated the continuous dependence of the nonoil sector on expatriate labor in the future. This conclusion emphasizes how careful the country should be when designing any policy to limit foreign labor, and the urgency of increasing the participation in the labor force of Saudi citizens, including women. The two-sector model developed could be a helpful tool to explore the long-run perspective of intertemporal investment strategies of the Saudi economy given the lifetime of the oil resource.
Colored reflections from the black-billed magpie feathers

The structural origin of the weak iridescence on some of the dark feathers of the black-billed magpie, Pica pica (Corvidae), is found in the structure of the ribbon-shaped barbules. The cortex of these barbules contains cylindrical holes distributed as the nodes of an hexagonal lattice in the hard layer cross-section. The cortex optical properties are described starting from a photonic-crystal film theory. The yellowish-green coloration of the bird's tail can be explained by the appearance of a reflection band related to the photonic-crystal lowest-lying gap. The bluish reflections from the wings are produced by a more complicated mechanism, involving the presence of a cortex "second gap".
An ethical evaluation of web site linking

As the World Wide Web has grown in popularity, the propriety of linking to other web sites has achieved some prominence as an important moral and legal issue. Hyperlinks represent the essence of Web-based activity, since they facilitate navigation in a unique and efficient fashion. But the pervasive activity of linking has generated notable controversies. While most sites welcome and support incoming links, others block them or seek to license them in some way. Particularly problematic are so-called 'deep links,' which bypass the home page along with the extensive advertising and promotional material that is usually found there. While some contend that a site's mere presence on the web is implicit permission for virtually any form of linking, others argue that at least in some circumstances deep linking is unfair and constitutes misappropriation of intellectual property.In this paper we will explore the issue of deep linking from a distinctly moral vantage point. While legal scholars have vigorously debated this issue, it has received little attention from moralists. But deep linking raises a plethora of complex property issues with subtle moral implications, and hence it deserves our careful scrutiny. The most fundamental question concerns the appropriate scope of property rights for a web site and how those rights can be properly balanced against the common good of free and open communications on the Web. It is our contention that there is no presumptive claim to the liberty of deep linking at will, since it may be disrespectful of property rights in certain situations. In order to defend this position we first make the case that a web site is a form of intellectual property, drawing support from the major theories that justify property ownership. Once we have established that a web site is really property, we consider the specific rights implied by such ownership. We conclude that on the basis of those rights, a prima facie case can be made that because of the potential for negative effects, users should not presume that deep linking is acceptable unless they first seek out the permission of the target web site.We also fully appreciate the dangers inherent in propertizing the web and the need to encourage the most flexible forms of linking. Therefore, we argue that any arbitrary or unnecessary restrictions against deep linking should be eschewed for the sake of the common good of open communications, flexibility, and maximum porosity in the Internet environment. While web site authors may indeed have a property right in their creative work they have a correlative obligation to promote the sharing and free flow of information when their specific ownership rights are not put in jeopardy by deep linking.
Evaluation of monoclonal antibodies for identification of subpopulations of myeloid cells in bone marrow obtained from dogs.

Objective—To evaluate monoclonal antibodies that may be useful for immunophenotyping myeloid cells in bone marrow of dogs. Sample Population—Bone marrow specimens obtained from 5 dogs. Design—Specimens were labeled with monoclonal antibodies that detected CD18, major histocompatability antigen class-II (MHC class-II), CD14, and Thy-1. Cells labeled with each of the antibodies were isolated by use of a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Differential cell counts of sorted cells were used to determine cells that were labeled by each of the various antibodies. Results—Myeloid cells labeled with anti-CD18 antibody included granulocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes-macrophages. Immature and mature granulocytes were labeled. Lymphocytes, monocytesmacrophages, and eosinophils were labeled with antiThy-1 antibody. Cells labeled with anti-MHC-class II antibody included approximately 9% of bone marrow cells, which consisted almost exclusively of lymphocytes and monocytes-macrophages. Approximately 4% of bone marrow cells were labeled with antiCD14 antibody, with > 90% of sorted cells being monocytes-macrophages. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Four monoclonal antibodies for use in detecting subpopulations of canine bone marrow cells were evaluated. These antibodies should be useful in differentiating the origin of leukemic cells in dogs. (Am J Vet Res 2001;62: 1229–1233)