cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of WhatsApp in the Process of English Language Learning among Undergraduate Students: A Perception Based Study

Technology has invaded the field of education and has become a major source of gaining and spreading knowledge. Among the various technological advancements currently facilitating teaching and learning in several educational disciplines, mobile technology is noteworthy. These days, almost all students keep a mobile phone and use its applications for different purposes. With the integration of technology in education, mobile devices are also being incorporated in numerous educational disciplines including language learning. This research was carried out to study students’ perception of the impact of WhatsApp in learning English language. A questionnaire of 27 items was administered to find out the perception of 157 students about the impact of WhatsApp in English language learning. Students’ access to internet was also explored to study the influence of the availability of internet on students’ perception. The findings showed that students have a positive perception of the influence of WhatsApp in English language learning. They believe that using WhatsApp for language learning gives them confidence, improves their English language knowledge and enhances their four language skills. They also gave a positive response about the ubiquitous use of WhatsApp and their preference of using WhatsApp as compared to other teaching and learning pedagogies.
The Tradeoff between Knowledge of Mandated Benefits and Moral Hazard

When workers are not aware of a mandated benefit, they cannot take it into account in their employment decision, leading to deadweight loss. On the other hand, lack of awareness of a benefit reduces moral hazard, decreasing deadweight loss. I incorporate these trade-offs into a model of mandated benefits and apply the model to Temporary Disability Insurance, an employment benefit mandated in five states. First, I provide evidence on low awareness of this benefit using data collected through an original survey. Then I use the updated mandated benefits model to show that over a broad range of reasonable assumptions, the additional employee valuation of the benefit outweighs the additional program cost from moral hazard, and thus a public information campaign would increase employment.
Innate-like self-reactive B cells infiltrate human renal allografts during transplant rejection

Intrarenal B cells in human renal allografts indicate transplant recipients with a poor prognosis, but how these cells contribute to rejection is unclear. Here we show using single-cell RNA sequencing that intrarenal class-switched B cells have an innate cell transcriptional state resembling mouse peritoneal B1 or B-innate (Bin) cells. Antibodies generated by Bin cells do not bind donor-specific antigens nor are they enriched for reactivity to ubiquitously expressed self-antigens. Rather, Bin cells frequently express antibodies reactive with either renal-specific or inflammation-associated antigens. Furthermore, local antigens can drive Bin cell proliferation and differentiation into plasma cells expressing self-reactive antibodies. These data show a mechanism of human inflammation in which a breach in organ-restricted tolerance by infiltrating innate-like B cells drives local tissue destruction.
An examination of the relationships between attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and functional connectivity over time.

Previous cross-sectional work has demonstrated resting-state connectivity abnormalities in children and adolescents with attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) relative to typically developing controls. However, it is unclear to what extent these neural abnormalities confer risk for later symptoms of the disorder, or represent the downstream effects of symptoms on functional connectivity. Here, we studied 167 children and adolescents (mean age at baseline = 10.74 years (SD = 2.54); mean age at follow-up = 13.3 years (SD = 2.48); 56 females) with varying levels of ADHD symptoms, all of whom underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and ADHD symptom assessments on two occasions during development. Resting-state functional connectivity was quantified using eigenvector centrality mapping. Using voxelwise cross-lag modeling, we found that less connectivity at baseline within right inferior frontal gyrus was associated with more follow-up symptoms of inattention (significant at an uncorrected cluster-forming threshold of p ≤ 0.001 and a cluster-level familywise error corrected threshold of p < 0.05). Findings suggest that previously reported cross-sectional abnormalities in functional connectivity within inferior frontal gyrus in patients with ADHD may represent a longitudinal risk factor for the disorder, in line with efforts to target this region with novel therapeutic methods.
Dimensions of Space and Time in Protest and Repression

Until Charles Tilly’s (2000) paper, virtually no one addressed the concept of space in protest and repression. The same can be said of time. Perhaps both subjects are too mundane. After all, it is obvious that space is a prerequisite in virtually any dissent event; and protest occurs in time. The fact that the protesters were forced out of Chicago’s Lincoln Park (as opposed to the more spatially advantaged Grant park) at 11:00 pm during the 1968 Democratic convention has always been a matter for journalists, not scholars. In this chapter I follow Tilly (2000) in trying to make space as well as time scholarly matters. We deal first with space, then time, and finally attempt to integrate both. Starting from first principles of attitudes of dissidents and the state, I attempt to link Mark Lichbach’s (1995, 1996) Collective Action research program (CARP) through the spatial dimension.
Models on Spheres and Models for Permutations

It is shown that the space of permutations is naturally ordered in a circular or spherical manner. By exploiting the geometry of the sample space it is shown that Mallows’s ϕ-model with the Spearman metric is essentially equivalent to the Mallows-Bradley-Terry ranking model, which is essentially equivalent to the von Mises-Fisher model on the sphere. Extensions to bi-polar models are discussed briefly. References
Planning for Network Security

The Internet allows an attacker to attack from anywhere in the world from their home desk. They just need to find one vulnerability, while a security analyst needs to close every vulnerability. If that sounds nearly impossible to defend, then implement defense in depth, which requires an attacker to penetrate multiple layers of security to succeed.
Surface and hyporheic transient storage dynamics throughout a coastal stream network

[1] Transient storage of stream water and associated solutes is expected to vary along stream networks in response to related changes in stream hydraulic conditions and morphologic gradients. These spatial changes are relevant to a wide variety of processes (e.g., biogeochemical cycling), yet data regarding these dynamics are limited and almost exclusively confined to the general storage terms of transient storage models with a single-storage zone (1-SZ). We used a transient storage model with two-storage zones (2-SZ) to simulate field data from conservative solute injections conducted in a coastal stream network in Massachusetts to separately quantify surface transient storage (STS) and hyporheic transient storage (HTS). Solute tracer additions were performed at basin-wide, low-flow conditions, and results were compared with respect to stream size. Strong positive relationships with reach contributing area indicated that the size of the main channel and the size and residence time in surface and hyporheic storage zones all increased from small to large streams. Conversely, longitudinal dispersion and the storage zone exchange coefficients had no consistent trends downstream. The influence of storage exchange on median transport time () was consistently large for STS and negligible for HTS. When compared to 1-SZ model estimates, we found that the general 1-SZ model storage terms did not consistently describe either STS or HTS exchange. Overall our results indicated that many zone-specific (STS and HTS) storage dynamics were sensitive to the combination of hydraulic and morphologic gradients along the stream network and followed positive trends with stream size.
Structure of small molecular hydrogen clusters

The ground state energies and structural properties of small (H2) N ,N=2−7, are calculated using the variational Monte Carlo method. These wavefunctions include both short- and long-range correlation effects that are important in the binding of van der Waals clusters. We have investigated these clusters using shadow wavefunctions and found that the coupling to shadow variables raises the energy in all cases, implying that the ground states of these small clusters are properly described as quantum liquids rather than solid structures.
XML security in healthcare web systems

XML has now opened a totally new approach in digital document handling, processing, and message transmission. XML serves as a strong base for healthcare information systems and HL7 standards for healthcare. Therefore, XML security must be integrated into XML in such a way as to preserve the advantages and abilities of XML while adding necessary security capabilities to maintain the patient and healthcare records as readily available and secure. New techniques are being developed as well as standards based on XML and HL7 health industry standards, which are key for healthcare industry expansion and security in the global environment. This work focuses on XML usage for security implementation in Web-based healthcare. The work presents a general introduction to XML, followed by general issues in XML security, XML security application in healthcare, and finally the future of XML in healthcare, focusing in particular on security issues.
Estimation in a Gaussian linear regression model under type II censoring

Abstract In the setting of a Gaussian linear regression model, estimation of the regression parameters is considered when a fixed number of design points are replicated in the experiment, and the response data at each design point are type II censored. A judicious approximation of the likelihood equation leads to closed form solutions which are analogous to the maximum likelihood estimators in the uncensored case. The exact and asymptotic properties of these modified maximum likelihood estimators are investigated, and efficiency comparisons are made with the maximum likelihood estimators.
Internal Carotid Artery Agenesis and Basilar Artery Aneurysm With Third Nerve Palsy

Agenesis of the internal carotid artery is an extremely rare vascular anomaly, occurring in less than 0.01% of the population. In most patients, this vascular anomaly is asymptomatic because the contralateral internal carotid artery, external carotid artery, or vertebrobasilar artery systems provide a sufficient arterial collateral blood supply. Carotid agenesis is evident in adults more often than in pediatric patients. We report on a 2-month-old baby with unilateral agenesis of the right internal carotid artery, basilar artery aneurysm, and right third cranial nerve palsy. These abnormalities were diagnosed incidentally using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance angiogram as part of an evaluation for suspected encephalitis. According to our review of the literature, this report is the first to describe unilateral agenesis of the carotid artery presenting with ipsilateral oculomotor nerve palsy.
TU-D-AUD-06: Cone Beam CT Number Correction Method for Accurate EBRT Dose Calculations

Purpose: Benchmark a method for correcting CBCT Hounsfield numbers in support of accurate dose calculations. Method and Materials: Cone beam CT(CBCT) and Fan Beam CT (FBCT) scans of three phantoms: Head, Thorax and large solid water cylindrical ‘pelvic’ phantom are acquired under identical setup conditions. CBCTimages are then modified by a step‐function correction method, descretizing the Hounsfield units to five discrete CT numbers for the thorax, three discrete CT numbers for HN and Pelvic anatomies. The groups include the three main ranges of 0 HU for gas/air, 1000 HU for water/muscle and 2000 HU for bone. The FBCT, CBCT and corrected CBCT scans for each body site surrogate (HN, lung and pelvis) are used to compute EBRT plans consisting of an IMRT HN, SBRTlung and a prostate IMRT plan, respectively. The CBCT and corrected CBCT plans are paired with the corresponding FBCT‐based plans to perform comparisons using dose difference analyses, DTA analyses and gamma‐analyses. The criteria used are 0.2cm for DTA, 2.0% of maximum dose for dose difference and 1.0 for gamma. Results: Compared with raw CBCT‐based plan, this correction method reduces gamma by about 0.2, reduces DTA by about 0.1 cm and reduces dose difference by about 1% for lung and pelvis. The passing rate of gamma, DTA and dose difference also improved significantly. For HN, with and without correction both give excellent results, which may be due to the fact that the HU numbers or raw CBCT is much closer to those of FBCT for HN than those for lung and pelvis. Conclusion: The HU correction method presented herein effectively improves the accuracy of dose calculation for CBCT‐based treatment plan, supporting CBCT as a viable imaging modality for accurate EBRT dose calculations.
Adaptive exponential smoothing versus conventional approaches for lumpy demand forecasting: case of production planning for a manufacturing line

Production planning in a lumpy demand environment can be tenuous, with potentially costly forecasting errors. This paper addresses the issue of selecting the smoothing factor used in lumpy demand forecasting models. We propose a simple adaptive smoothing approach to replace the conventional industrial practice of choosing a smoothing factor largely based on the analyst or engineer's experience and subjective judgment. The Kalman filter approach developed in this study processes measurements to estimate the state of a linear system and utilises knowledge from states of measurements and system dynamics. Performances of an array of forecasting models that have been shown to work well in lumpy demand environments are compared with respect to the proposed adaptive smoothing factor and the conventional smoothing constant across a spectrum of lumpy demand scenarios. All models using the adaptive smoothing factor based on Kalman filter weighting function generate smaller errors than their conventional counterpart...
The transition from Encomienda to slavery in seventeenth‐century Barbacoas (Colombia)

(2000). The transition from Encomienda to slavery in seventeenth‐century Barbacoas (Colombia) Slavery & Abolition: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 73-95.
Shaft Resistance of Single Vertical and Batter Piles Driven in Sand

An experimental investigation of the shaft resistance of single vertical and batter piles pushed into sand was conducted. A prototype laboratory setup was designed for testing relatively large model piles, inclined at an angle that varied between zero and 30° with the vertical. Two model piles having diameters of 38 and 76 mm were tested at a ratio of the pile’s length to diameter up to 40, and subjected to axial compression loading. The pile models were instrumented to allow direct measurements of the shaft resistance. A theoretical model was developed to take into account the asymmetrical earth pressure distribution around the pile shaft, the level of mobilization of the angle of friction between the pile shaft and the sand, and the pile diameter. The results predicted by the theory developed agreed well with the experimental results of the present investigation as well as other experimental and field results available in the literature. Design charts are presented for use in practice. The results of th...
Photoaffinity labeling of mitochondrial proteins with 2-azido [32P]palmitoyl CoA.

Abstract A long-chain fatty acyl CoA photolabel, 2-azido [ 32 P]palmitoyl CoA, was synthesized and its covalent interaction with mitochondrial membrane proteins examined. On binding of 2-azido [ 32 P]palmitoyl CoA to beef heart mitochondria, two polypeptides were primarily labeled, the 30 kDa ADP/ATP carrier and a 41 kDa protein of unknown identity. Car☐yatractyloside and palmitoyl CoA completely protected against labeling of the 30 kDa protein indicating that it was the ADP/ATP carrier. With inverted submitochondrial particles, only the 30 kDa polypeptide was labeled by 2-azido [ 32 P]palmitoyl CoA. The labeling was inhibited by bongkrekic acid and palmitoyl CoA but not car☐yatractyloside, providing evidence that the ADP/ATP carrier was covalently bound from the matrix side of the membrane. In brown adipose tissue mitochondria, 2-azido [ 32 P]palmitoyl CoA photolabeled the ADP/ATP carrier and the 32 kDa uncoupling protein with some minor labeling of 36 and 68 kDa polypeptides. The results indicated that this physiological photolabeling reagent with the azido group on the CoA portion of the molecule interacts like 2-azido ADP with nucleotide binding sites of a number of important enzymes in cell metabolism. Moreover, the evidence strongly supports the hypothesis that long chain fatty acyl CoA esters are natural ligands for key nucleotide binding proteins.
The chromatin-remodeling enzyme ACF is an ATP-dependent DNA length sensor that regulates nucleosome spacing

Arrays of regularly spaced nucleosomes directly correlate with closed chromatin structures at silenced loci. The ATP-dependent chromatin-assembly factor (ACF) generates such arrays in vitro and is required for transcriptional silencing in vivo. A key unresolved question is how ACF 'measures' equal spacing between nucleosomes. We show that ACF senses flanking DNA length and transduces length information in an ATP-dependent manner to regulate the rate of nucleosome movement. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer to follow nucleosome movement, we find that ACF can rapidly sample DNA on either side of a nucleosome and moves the longer flanking DNA across the nucleosome faster than the shorter flanking DNA. This generates a dynamic equilibrium in which nucleosomes having equal DNA on either side accumulate. Our results indicate that ACF generates the characteristic 50- to 60-base-pair internucleosomal spacing in silent chromatin by kinetically discriminating against shorter linker DNAs.
Method for Evaluating Dissolution Characteristics of Capsules

A simple device is described which is useful for dissolution determinations of capsule formulations. It may be utilized in a visual inspection for capsule dispersion or disintegration, and also in the usual chemical dissolution rate determination for predicting possible problems of drug availability from capsules.
Prevalence of factor V Leiden in a population of patients with congenital heart disease.

Purpose The incidence of thrombotic events following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in patients receiving surgical repair or palliation of congenital heart defects (CHD) is as high as 16%. Protein C, an intrinsic anticoagulation protease which, when activated, breaks down factor Va of the coagulation system, aids in maintaining a normal procoagulant/anticoagulant balance. Resistance of factor Va to degradation by activated protein C occurs and predisposes to thrombotic events. The resistance of factor Va to such degradation is, in the majority of cases, due to a genetic mutation referred to as factor V Leiden (FVLeiden). The presence of FVLeiden can be diagnosed using a DNA based assay. The prevalence of FVLeiden in the with CHD has not been determined. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of FVLeiden in patients with CHD.
Developmental differences in cardiac myocyte calcium homeostasis after steady-state potassium depolarization: Mechanisms and implications for cardioplegia

We previously reported developmental differences in the response of cytosolic free calcium ((Ca i )) to extracellular potassium ((K ex )) depolarization (cardioplegia) in juvenile (4 weeks post partum) and mature (12 to 18 months post partum) cardiac myocytes (rabbit). Our present study explored the physiologic basis for these observations. Single calcium-tolerant cardiac myocytes were isolated by sequential exposure to proteolytic agents, loaded with a fluorescent probe for calcium (fura-2) and (Ca i ) measured by standard fluorescence techniques. The response of (Ca i ) to (K ex ) depolarization (30 mmol/L) was determined in the presence of varying levels of extracellular calcium (Ca ex ), verapamil, ouabain, and amiloride. At nominal levels of (Ca ex ) (0 mmol/L), no significant increases in (Ca i ) from the juvenile (2.1% ± 3.3%) or mature (8.5% ± 3.1%) myocytes were seen. At increasing (Ca ex ), there was a progressive increase in the response of (Ca i ) to (K ex ) depolarization in mature animals' cells (191.8% ± 40.7%) but not in the juveniles' cells (28.0% ± 11.5%). Exposure to verapamil resulted in an approximate 80% reduction in relative increase in (Ca i ) in the mature compared With 60% in the juvenile myocytes. Finally, ouabain exposure resulted in a significant increase in the relative change of (Ca i ) in juvenile cells (30% to 126.4% ± 39.4%) but not in the adults' cells. This increase in the juvenile myocytes was blocked by amiloride. We conclude that increases in cardiac myocyte (Ca i ) after (K ex ) depolarization occur predominantly through the calcium channel in the mature animal and through sodium-calcium exchange in the juvenile.
Eocene Stratigraphy of Chico Martinez Creek Area, Kern County, California

Although the geology of the Chico Martinez Creek area has been studied several times since 1905, the Oligo-Miocene beds have received the most attention, and the Eocene strata have been virtually ignored. The purpose of the present study is to record the detailed stratigraphy and paleontology of these Eocene strata immediately subjacent to the Zemorrian stage at its type locality. Three faults and two folds of importance are mapped. Ecologic analyses of the foraminiferal assemblages of Zemorra Creek suggest that the "Tejon" formation was deposited in the open sea at or below the edge of the continental shelf and at a latitude where surface waters were tropical or sub-tropical. Rapid accumulation of detritus on a steeply sloping bottom profile is also indicated. Comparison of check lists of Foraminifera shows that members 1, 2, and the upper part of member 3 of the "Tejon" formation of Zemorra Creek are probably equivalent in age to the Sagasar shale member of the Kreyenhagen formation of Reef Ridge and that the lower part of member 3 and members 4, 5, 6, and 7 are probably equivalent to the Canoas siltstone member. Thus, while siliceous shales were being deposited in the Reef Ridge district, coarse sandstones were being deposited in the Chico Martinez Creek-Carneros Creek region. Attempted correlation with the type Tejon formation and the type Devil's Den shale was unsuccessful.
Parental Child Murder and Child Abuse in Anglo-American Legal System

In this article, the sociological and historical approaches and literatures are synthesized to present the historical background of the treatment that child-abusing and child-killing parents are receiving in the legal system today. The roots of the formation of contemporary institutional responses to severe child abuse and child homicide are traced and latest developments are examined critically. Durkheim's insights regarding the functions of law are highlighted by pointing out how, throughout history, crimes against children become stand-ins for larger societal problem. The latest innovations in the criminal branch of child protection consist of the specialized prosecution bureaus and court parts dealing with physical and sexual violence against children. Integral to the new developments in child protection are ''multidisciplinary,'' comprehensive approaches to the processing of criminal cases, involving teams consisting of representatives from the police, the prosecution, public and private social work and child protection agencies, and psychiatric, pediatric, and other medical practitioners and community partners. These developments exemplify heightened focus on criminal prosecution of parental crimes against children, inevitably leading to questions and policy concerns regarding resources geared toward punishment rather than prevention.
Mutational analysis of conserved residues in the GCN5 family of histone acetyltransferases.

Abstract GCN5 is a critical transcriptional co-activator and is the defining member of a large superfamily ofN-acetyltransferases. GCN5 catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to the e-amino of lysine 14 within the core H3 histone protein. Previous biochemical analyses have indicated a fully ordered kinetic mechanism. Recent structural studies have implicated several conserved residues in catalysis and substrate binding. Here the roles of Glu-173, His-145, and Asp-214 in yeast GCN5 have been evaluated using site-directed mutagenesis, steady state and pre-steady state kinetics, pH analysis, isotope partitioning, and equilibrium binding studies. The results with wild type and E173Q, H145A, and D214A mutants are consistent with chemical catalysis being rate-determining in turnover. All mutants exhibitedK d values (3.5–8.5 μm) for AcCoA that were similar to wild type enzyme, indicating no functional role for these residues in AcCoA binding. The E173Q mutant demonstrated a ∼500–600-fold decreases in k cat andk cat/K m,H3, consistent with Glu-173 acting as the general base catalyst as proposed previously. No significant effect was observed on substrate binding steps. His-145 was identified as a residue in the peptide binding cleft that must be unprotonated (pK a = 5.8) for peptide binding and likely hydrogen-bonds to the Ser-10 hydroxyl of histone H3. His-145 also contributes to lowering the pK a value (by 0.8 units) of general base Glu-173 through a water-mediated hydrogen bond to the carboxylate side chain. Analysis of D214A revealed an obligate protein isomerization step that occurs after AcCoA binding and permits efficient peptide binding. Asp-214 is part of a conformationally flexible loop that mediates the isomerization by stabilizing distinct conformers of the protein.
Resolution of Holliday junctions by eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase I.

Abstract The Holliday junction, a key intermediate in both homologous and site-specific recombination, is generated by the reciprocal exchange of single strands between two DNA duplexes. Resolution of the junctions can occur in two directions with respect to flanking markers, either restoring the parental DNA configuration or generating a genetic crossover. Recombination can be regulated, in principle, by factors that influence the directionality of the resolution step. We demonstrate that the vaccinia virus DNA topoisomerase, a eukaryotic type I enzyme, catalyzes resolution of synthetic Holliday junctions in vitro. The mechanism entails concerted transesterifications at two recognition sites, 5'-CCCTT decreases, that are opposed within a partially mobile four-way junction. Cruciforms are resolved unidirectionally and with high efficiency into two linear duplexes. These findings suggest a model whereby type I topoisomerases may either promote or suppress genetic recombination in vivo.
Study of the reaction π+n→ωp at 6.0 GeV/c

Abstract An analysis of the reaction π + n→ ω p in a 6.0 GeV/ c bubble chamber experiment is presented. The production differential cross section and spin density matrix elements are compared with Regge exchange models.
What Is Literacy? The Power of a Definition.

People with extensive needs for support represent the last group of people routinely denied opportunities for literacy instruction. One of the major reasons for this lack of opportunity can be related to limited definitions of what constitutes literacy as a whole and reading and writing in particular. This article will explore the way in which definitions of literacy impact literacy opportunities for individuals with extensive needs for supports. We propose a set of core definitional principles and make explicit the assumptions underlying their inclusion. Our hope is that this will lead to a dialogue about how we define literacy and the implications this holds for the lives of people with extensive needs for support. Our work is based on the assumption that all individuals with extensive needs for support are fully capable of benefiting from literacy instruction and further that our field as a whole could benefit from a more optimistic and inclusive approach to literacy instruction. We conclude that the w...
Total structure determination of thiolate-protected Au38 nanoparticles.

We report the total structure of Au38(SC2H4Ph)24 nanoparticles determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography. This nanoparticle is based upon a face-fused Au23 biicosahedral core, which is further capped by three monomeric Au(SR)2 staples at the waist of the Au23 rod and six dimeric staples with three on the top icosahedron and other three on the bottom icosahedron. The six Au2(SR)3 staples are arranged in a staggered configuration, and the Au38S24 framework has a C3 rotation axis.
Migration and Differentiation of Canine Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Transplanted into the Developing Mouse Brain

To evaluate whether canine bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) can migrate and adopt neural phenotypes in the developing mouse brain we transplanted fluorescently labeled BMSCs into the lateral ventricle of immunocompromised neonatal mice. Most fibroblasts, used as a control, and BMSCs isolated from adult dogs remained around the injection site and exhibited a spindle-shaped appearance. A small number of BMSCs from young dogs were found in the subventricular zone, rostral migratory stream, and olfactory bulbs, and retained expression of neuron marker. Our findings suggest that BMSCs isolated from adult dogs have limited ability of migration and differentiation toward neural cells in the developing brain. Bone marrow of young dogs may contain a primitive stem cell population with neural differentiation capacity.
Growth, Feed Intake, and Feed Conversion of Dwarf and Nondwarf Broiler-Type Chickens

Abstract Feed intake and feed conversion patterns of meat-type dwarf (dw) and normal contemporaries were investigated in two trials, with the Athens-Canadian randombred line used as the base population. Dwarf chickens consumed significantly less feed than normal ones the first day posthatching and in all subsequent observation periods. The deviation in body weight ratios and feed intake ratios between lines were greatest during week 1. These data indicate that the action of the dw gene is present at hatching and exerts at least part of its influence through feed intake or appetite. Feed conversion ratios (feed/gain) were lower in dwarf birds than in normal birds during week 1, whereas overall differences across 8 weeks were small. The difference in relative growth rate between genotypes was greatest during week 1; by week 4, relative growth rates were similar.
A multilevel analysis of the effect of cocaine price on cocaine use among arrestees

Abstract Using data drawn from the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring Program, from the Drug Enforcement Administration's System to Retrieve Information from Drug Evidence, and from the 1990 Census, this study examined whether an arrestee's probability of testing positive for cocaine use varied across aggregate levels of cocaine price. Results from a Hierarchical Generalized Linear Modeling analysis revealed that in cities where the price of cocaine was relatively high, arrestees had a lower probability of testing positive for cocaine use. Specifically, a 10 percent increase in the price of cocaine was associated with a 3 percent decrease in the odds that an arrestee would test positive for cocaine use. Findings also showed that individuals arrested for income-generating crimes did not have a higher probability of testing positive for cocaine when the price of cocaine was relatively high. Thus, it appeared that higher cocaine prices were not inducing users to amplify their criminal activity in order to finance a more costly drug addiction. Finally, results failed to furnish support for the hypothesis that individuals substituted opiates or marijuana when cocaine became more expensive.
Properties of “mink cell focus-inducing” (MCF) virus isolated from spontaneous lymphoma lines of BALB/c mice carrying moloney leukemia virus as an endogenous virus

Abstract Mink cell focus-inducing viruses have been isolated from lymphoid cell lines derived from five different spontaneous thymomas of BALB/c (Mo) mice. Mo-MCF isolates grow both in murine and nonmurine cells, are interfered with by both ecotropic and xenotropic MuLV, and are NB-tropic. They also induce cytopathic changes in mouse cells. In cells producing both Mo-MCF and Mo-MuLV, Mo-MCF genomes are predominantly released as pseudotypes with Mo-MuLV envelopes. Mo-MCF virus induces with low efficiency thymomas in NIH Swiss mice. Each cell in a BALB/c (Mo) thymoma line and each cell in a Mo-MCF-induced thymoma has been shown to produce MCF virus. This suggests that MCF viruses are essential in the process of lymphomagenesis. The possibility is discussed that Mo- and AKR-MuLV might play a double role in the development of spontaneous lymphomas: (1) as parental viruses by generating MCF recombinants, and (2) as helper viruses by forming pseudotypes of MCF viruses.
Inconspicuous on-bed respiratory rate monitoring

The monitoring of human respiratory rate is essential in many clinical applications including the detection and monitoring of sleep disorders, the monitoring of newborns for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and identifying patients at high risk up to 24 hours before an adverse event like stroke and cardiac arrest [1]. Traditional noninvasive respiratory rate measurements in a hospital setting rely on clinical staff to visually track a patient's chest movement for a period of time to derive the respiratory rate from the number of movements observed. Failure to perform continuous and quantified measurements of respiratory rate could result in an inability to rescue a patient exhibiting respiratory distress. Severe after effects hinder recovery and result in loss of time, cost, or even life. This paper proposes an e-textile pressure sensitive bed sheet to non-invasively and accurately measure respiratory rate by analyzing time-stamped pressure distribution sequences. The bed sheet provides a 24/7 quantified on-bed respiratory rate monitoring service. It is made of e-textile and is similar to a regular bed sheet in comfort. As a result, it can seamlessly fit in common clinical or home environments, reducing the possible interference with a patient's regular sleeping habits and resulting in a type of inconspicuous monitoring.
Cancer and the constitution--choice at life's end.

The Abigail Alliance for Better Access to Developmental Drugs sued the FDA, objecting to its policy prohibiting the sale of unapproved drugs and arguing that terminally ill patients with cancer should have access to experimental treatments after phase 1 studies. The author discusses this case and explains why he thinks a ruling in favor of the Abigail Alliance is unlikely.
Weathering degradation of a polyurethane coating

The degradation of polyurethane topcoat over a chromate pigmented epoxy primer was examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) after the coated panels were exposed in a QUV chamber. It was found that upon QUV exposure, blisters formed on the topcoat surfaces during the initial phase of coating degradation. As a result of blister formation and subsequent breakage, coating gloss was lost before any pigments were exposed in the coating. XPS and FTIR analysis indicated that urea and urethane group concentrations increased in the coating upon exposure. It is suggested that the build-up of hydrophilic groups in the coating during coating degradation promoted water absorption into the coating system, then the alternating dry and wet environment caused the formation of osmotic cells and thus blisters on the coating surfaces.
Novel IL-15 isoforms generated by alternative splicing are expressed in the intestinal epithelium.

Previous studies have identified mRNA three isoforms encoding interleukin-15 (IL-15) that are produced through differential splicing and encode for the same mature IL-15 protein with two different signal peptides. Our analysis of mouse intestinal epithelial cells revealed two new IL-15 mRNA isoforms generated by different alternative splicing events. In one form (IL-15ΔE6), exon 6 is absent, and in the second form the first 48 nt of exon 7 are absent (IL-15ΔE7) through usage of an alternative 5′ splicing site within exon 7. These mRNA isoforms encoded in-frame IL-15 protein variants lacking either 15aa (IL-15ΔE6) or 16aa (IL-15ΔE7) both utilizing the normal long signal peptide. Significant structural changes were predicted for these new IL-15 isoforms. RNAse protection assays revealed the highest expression of isoform mRNA in the intestinal epithelium and functional analysis of recombinant IL-15 isoform proteins suggested possible regulatory functions.
Gender symptoms, or, peeing like a man

A number of books and articles have been published on the relative merits of queer vs gay and lesbian, on the collisions and coalitions of queer, lesbian and feminist, on queering this and that; more has been written on the meaning of queer, its shifting semantic boundaries, its radical inclusiveness or assimilationist tactics (depending on the point of view), its role in the postmodern global market's commodification of sexuality. This paper, a contribution to social semiotics, does not contribute to the debate on queer, but continues the critical project of rethinking sexuality and gender.
A stable difference scheme for the solution of hyperbolic equations using the method of lines

Abstract A new differencing scheme is proposed for the solution of hyperbolic partial differential equations by the method of lines. The accuracy of the scheme is shown to be between first and second order while the instability associated with the use of centered second-order differences is avoided. The method is successfully demonstrated on problems which have smooth solutions.
A SPICE model of multi-mode optical fiber in mid-channel link for package system SI transient simulations

In high-performance computer system design, optical links are applied to many system channels to replace traditional copper cables as mid-channel links. Multi-mode optical fiber is an important component in the mid-channel link. An accurate multi-mode fiber SPICE model is a key issue in the system signal integrity transient simulation as well as in generating IBIS-AMI optical link model. In this paper, a multi-mode fiber SPICE modeling method is proposed for graded-index core multi-mode fibers to include the signal integrity effects by modal dispersion, chromatic dispersion, attenuation, and even the total time flight. The proposed model can be used together with the VCSEL, photodiode, and trans-impedance amplifier SPICE models to simulate the mid-channel optical link using a general-purpose SPICE or SPICElike simulator which supports the I/O device transistor level models and other interconnect, packaging component SPICE models. Test cases on the 25Gb/s system eye diagram signal integrity simulation are shown using a graded-index multimode fiber.
Ductile-brittle-ductile transition and grain boundary segregation of Mn and Ni in an Fe-6Mn-12Ni alloy

Recently, Heo and Lee reported a ductile-brittle-ductile (DBD) transition in an Fe-8Mn-7Ni ternary alloy, which was caused by manganese segregation to the grain boundaries and its desegregation into the matrix. More recently Heo theoretically analyzed the nonequilibrium segregation behaviors of the elements in the Fe-8Mn-7Ni alloy. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether other Fe-6Mn-12Ni ternary alloy also shows the ductile-brittle-ductile transition, and is additionally to ascertain whether calculated results are consistent with experimental data. The study encompasses experimental procedures and a modeling based on the previous research. A general discussion will show that such an approach allows a comprehensive understanding of the ductile-brittle-ductile transition in the Fe-Mn-Ni ternary alloys.
Reading the future

Purpose – This paper seeks to see how libraries measure up to futurists' predictions of libraries of the future.Design/methodology/approach – Compares the ten points in futurist Thomas Frey's paper, “The future of libraries” with the reality of current library services.Findings – By and large, much of what Frey predicts for future libraries is already a reality.Originality/value – Confirms that librarians and libraries are at the forefront of technology and providing information through different media and methods.
Design Loading on Deeply Buried Box Culverts

The current American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standard specifications for highway bridges and AASHTO LRFD bridge design specifications stipulate the computation of the design load on the box culvert primarily based on research by Marston and Spangler. Although this procedure may be applied conservatively for most ordinary culverts, an opportunity exists to evaluate a more realistic soil-structure interaction behavior based on modern finite element analyses of deeply buried concrete box culverts. The Duncan soil model, represented by hyperbolic stress–strain curves, has been used for properties of backfill and in situ soil. The backfill heights are varied from 15.2 to 61.0 m (50–200 ft) for the embankment condition and 15.2–45.7 m (50–150 ft) for the trench condition. An optimum combination of parameters has been identified for use in the imperfect trench installation method. The data from several hundred hypothetical models with various parameters under three typi...
The Presidential Pulse and the 1994 Midterm Congressional Election

The president's party lost more seats in 1994 than in any midterm election since 1946 The revised theory of surge and decline, which had successfully explained midterm losses since 1868, expected Democrats to lose only about half as many seats as they actually did This research attempts to determine why the theory failed to anticipate the large 1994 losses. The aggregate national-level analysis examines 13 midterm elections from 1946 to 1994. Four hypotheses are examined: (1) that 1992 presidential short-term forces had been mismeasured because of the large Perot vote; (2) that partisan dealignment had weakened surge and decline effects to the point that they no longer accounted for interelection change; (3) that an increased linkage of presidential and congressional voting restored surge and decline effects to their prior levels; and (4) that a Republican realignment had shifted long-term political forces, obscuring the surge and decline in short-term political forces. The analysis supports the Republica...
An evaluation of several controller synthesis methodologies using a rotating flexible beam as a test bed

The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness ofa number of control system synthesis methodologies as practical design tools. The effectiveness is measured by the extent to which a controller obtained by a specific methodology has to be tuned for it to work in a real implementation. For this purpose we consider as a test bed a highly flexible beam attached to a d.c. motor driven rigid hub. Included in the study are five synthesis methodologies. They are (i) classical PD control, (ii) the LQR technique, (iii) robust servomechanism theory, (iv) the Lyapunov method, and (v) Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT). Used are extensive computer simulations and actual experiments with each of the controllers synthesized using these methodologies. Each of the compensators performed satisfactorily in simulations. In actual implementation, however, some of the controllers did not work as predicted by simulations. The higher the d.c. gain and the bandwidth of the synthesized controller it is less likely to work in reality. This was clearly observed with the LQR controller, the servo controller and the Lyapunov based controllers. The QFT controller is the only one that accounted for the bandwidth limit at the synthesis stage. The other controllers require much fine tuning by trial and error for satisfying actual physical limits including the bandwidth. It is established that controllers designed using methodologies which incorporate real practical considerations such as modeling uncertainties, bandwidth limitations and input saturations need very little tuning whereas the others yield controllers which after tuning are quite different from the synthesized ones.
Iron content and spectral properties of highly purified bovine liver monoamine oxidase

Abstract Centrifugation of monoamine oxidase preparations from bovine liver mitochondria in sucrose gradients enabled the removal of most of the iron containing impurities without loss of catalytic activity. The nonheme iron content of the enzyme purified with a gradient was found to be not more than 5%, and the total iron not more than 25% of the flavin content of the enzyme. Thus, iron is not a component of monoamine oxidase. Most of the iron present was in the form of cytochrome impurities, the presence of which, in less pure preparations, obscured the observation of a red semiquinone formed on reduction of the enzyme with sodium dithionite. This semiquinone was not found on substrate reduction.
Immunology and Serology of Some Parasitic Protozoan Flagellates. II. The Hemoflagellate Protozoa, Leishmania donovani and Trypanosoma cruzi*

Antigens consisting of simple fractions of T. cruzi and L. donovani produced high titer antisera in the rabbit after a short immunization series. The antisera resulting from these immunizations showed several types of serologic reactions with the living antigens when the dark-field serial dilution technique, devised for these experiments, was employed.
On the Catalytic Degradation in Fuel Cell Power Supplies for Long‐Life Mobile Field Sensors

Important tasks such as environment monitoring require field devices such as sensors that can operate for long durations. Current power supply technologies such as batteries limit many applications. Fuel cells are a promising alternative to batteries because they can have much higher energy densities. However, their lives may be short due to catalyst degradation. Here, a simplified model of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell catalyst degradation is applied to small fuel cells. The model focuses on the combined effects of catalyst dissolution and migration. The effect of migration on catalyst degradation is found to be substantial and this has not been accounted for in previous models. The model considers the effect of field conditions such as varying power demands, temperature and humidity, and predicts the catalyst life of the fuel cell and its power output. The predicted life is a proposed metric that can quantify the relative importance and effect of field conditions on the catalyst particularly for the design and control of fuel cell power supplies. Experiments are presented that support the model. This model is applied to a study on field sensors and results suggests unless PEM fuel cells are isolated from damaging field conditions, they will have short lives.