cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Conscious Curriculum: From Novice Towards Mastery in Written Legal Analysis and Advocacy

Setting the recent calls for legal education reform in a smaller frame, this essay proposes targeted curricular reforms to move students towards mastery in written legal analysis and advocacy. While many law schools excel at promoting subject matter mastery, progress in lawyering and legal writing mastery lags far behind. Pitting the typical law school curriculum against the multi-disciplinary research on expertise, the essay pinpoints a solution. Legal education must regain its footing in the social dimension of expertise and broaden its narrow cognitive apprenticeship if law students are to graduate with the writing sophistication that employers want and need. The road to mastery is not paved with expensive curricular overhaul, but instead a coordinated recalibration of legal education's three primary curricular "strands" -- doctrinal, clinical, and legal research and writing. The essay outlines what this recalibrated integrated cognitive and social apprenticeship would look like in law school. It also offers suggested roles for each curricular strand and strategies for faculty collaboration. The essay ends with a legal research and writing curricular case study. This case study offers a concrete example of how law schools can implement the integrated social and cognitive apprenticeship through curricular design and faculty partnership, while controlling costs and maintaining current strengths.
The melatonin antagonist luzindole protects retinal photoreceptors from light damage in the rat

PURPOSE. Systemic administration of melatonin can increase retinal light damage in the rat. The role of retinal melatonin receptors in modulating light-damage susceptibility was investigated by intravitreally injecting the melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole into rats. METHODS. Nine Sprague-Dawley albino rats 8 to 9 weeks of age were kept in 50 lux cyclic light for at least 7 days before receiving an intravitreal injection of 1 /txl 1 mM luzindole in one eye and 1 fx\ vehicle in the other eye. The injection was given just before the beginning of the normal 12-hour dark phase. At the end of this dark period, animals were exposed to constant light of 2500 lux for 48 hours. Animals were returned to dim cyclic light for 7 days, and dark-adapted electroretinograms (ERGs) were then recorded from the two eyes simultaneously. The eyes were processed for retinal morphology. Photoreceptor nuclei were counted in the outer nuclear layer (ONL), and the thickness of the ONL and that of the rod outer-segment plus inner-segment layer were measured at several points along sections through the vertical meridian. Two age-matched control rats were maintained in dim cyclic light but received no injections. RESULTS. Luzindole-treated eyes had ERG b-wave thresholds of 2.7 ± 0.5 (mean ± SEM) log candela (cd)/m 2 lower than the fellow eyes injected with vehicle (P < 0.001), and the maximum b-wave amplitude was 1.0 ± 0.2 log fxV greater in luzindole-treated eyes (P < 0.001). Thresholds of the scotopic threshold response were 0.5 ±0.1 log cd/m 2 lower than those in vehicle-injected eyes (P < 0.05). Luzindole-treated eyes on average had twice as many photoreceptor cells remaining (P < 0.005). In some areas, several rows of photoreceptor nuclei and outer segments remained in the luzindole-treated eye, whereas the fellow control eye showed cells only occasionally and no outer segments. CONCLUSIONS. Eyes pretreated with the melatonin receptor competitive antagonist luzindole before the dark phase preceding constant light exposure were substantially protected from light damage to the retinal photoreceptors. These results implicate the intraocular melatonin-dopamine system in the regulation of light-damage susceptibility. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Set. 1998;39:2458-2465)
Differential Scattering in He–He and He+ -He Collisions at KeV Energies

Publisher Summary Derivation of the interaction energy from measurements of differential scattering is most readily accomplished when the scattering is free from quantal interference patterns. In general, these are a consequence of effects that can be related semiclassically to the presence of two or more trajectories leading to scattering at the same angle and at the same final velocity. Such patterns are observed in both elastic and inelastic scattering and commonly arise from the crossing of two molecular electronic energy curves. The abundance of curve crossings in most atomic and molecular systems ensures that such effects are observed in most differential cross section measurements. Structure also arises due to rainbow, glory, and diffraction effects, while in the case of symmetric systems, oscillations also appear due to both electronic and nuclear symmetry. Where oscillations of more than one origin are superimposed, the interpretation becomes quite complex but it is nonetheless generally possible to distinguish among various effects and ascertain their separate contributions to the scattering. This chapter investigates the He–He collisions at small angles, He++ He collisions at small angles, and He–He scattering at large angles.
Computational geometry column 51

Can a simple spherical polygon always be triangulated? The answer depends on the definitions of "polygon" and "triangulate".Define a spherical polygon to be a simple, closed curve on a sphere S composed of a finite number of great circle arcs (also known as geodesic arcs) meeting at vertices. Can every spherical polygon be triangulated? Figure 1 shows an example of what is intended.1 The planar analog is well-known and a cornerstone of computational geometry: the interior of every planar simple polygon can be triangulated (and efficiently so). The situation for spherical polygons is not so straightforward. There are three complications.
Transport efficiency and workload distribution in a mathematical model of the thick ascending limb

The thick ascending limb (TAL) is a major NaCl reabsorbing site in the nephron. Efficient reabsorption along that segment is thought to be a consequence of the establishment of a strong transepithe...
Consumer Attitudes Toward Pricing Eggs by the Pound

Abstract Consumer attitudes toward pricing eggs by the pound were obtained by personal interviews with egg purchasers. Major concerns were “price” and “sizes of eggs available.” Attitudes on pricing eggs by the pound ranged from strongly negative to neutral to strongly positive. Almost 19 percent of 1,561 original 2 egg purchasers thought there was “no advantage” in pricing eggs by weight, and 18 percent “did not know” of any particular advantage. However, 56 percent named specific advantages, including “unit pricing,” which appealed to nine percent. A majorty (51 percent) thought there was “no disadvantage.” Only five percent mentioned the “extra work weighing, labeling, and pricing eggs.” Of consumers especially concerned about price, more purchased eggs by the pound than by the dozen. Women, who accounted for 80 percent of household food purchasers in this study, preferred pricing eggs by the pound more than men did. Twenty-three percent of the original egg purchasers compared the price or food value of eggs with that of other foods (meat, breakfast cereals, fish and dairy products, in that order). And of those 355 purchasers, 84 percent thought about “protein value.” Sixty-five percent of those who made comparisons thought that eggs were “less expensive.” A higher percentage of those who bought by the pound than by the dozen held that view. Sixty-seven percent of 112 repeat purchasers (by the pound) named specific advantages in pricing eggs by weight. The main advantage was that consumers “can buy the desired weight of eggs.” Sixty-six percent of the repeat purchasers could see “no disadvantage.” The higher their educational level the greater was the tendency among repeat purchasers to prefer eggs priced by the pound. Only 7 percent of 1,561 original egg purchasers knew the correct minimum weight of a dozen large eggs.
Mechanically durable, superoleophobic coatings prepared by layer-by-layer technique for anti-smudge and oil-water separation

Superoleophobic surfaces are of interest for anti-fouling, self-cleaning, anti-smudge, low-drag, anti-fog, and oil-water separation applications. Current bioinspired surfaces are of limited use due to a lack of mechanical durability. A so-called layer-by-layer approach, involving charged species with electrostatic interactions between layers, can provide the flexibility needed to improve adhesion to the substrate while providing a low surface tension coating at the air interface. In this work, a polyelectrolyte binder, SiO2 nanoparticles, and a fluorosurfactant are spray deposited separately to create a durable, superoleophobic coating. Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA) polyelectrolyte was complexed with a fluorosurfactant layer (FL), which provides oil repellency while being hydrophilic. This oleophobic/superhydrophilic behavior was enhanced through the use of roughening with SiO2 particles resulting in a superoleophobic coating with hexadecane contact angles exceeding 155° and tilt angles of less than 4°. The coating is also superhydrophilic, which is desirable for oil-water separation applications. The durability of these coatings was examined through the use of micro- and macrowear experiments. These coatings currently display characteristics of transparency. Fabrication of these coatings via the layer-by-layer technique results in superoleophobic surfaces displaying improved durability compared to existing work where either the durability or the oil-repellency is compromised.
Eserine potentiation of streptomycin activity in bacteria‐infected embryonated chicken eggs

Increases in per cent egg-day survival of eggs treated with combined streptomycin and eserine above the summation of the per cent egg-day survival of the two used separately were interpreted as potentiation of the antibacterial activity of the antibiotic. An attempt was made to correlate the cholinesterase activity of the bacteria with the eserine potentiation of the antibiotic activity of the streptomycin.
Directed, DDQ-Promoted Benzylic Oxygenations of Tetrahydronaphthalenes.

Positional preferences for para benzylic oxygenation of tetrahydronaphthalenes by 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ)−aqueous dioxane were investigated by comparing the tetralone products from 6-hydroxy-7-methoxy- and 6-acetoxy-7-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene. The directing influence by an aromatic substituent on para benzylic oxygenation was in the order OH > OMe > OAc. Consistent with this finding were results obtained from lignan analogues. Treatment of (+)-β-conidendryl alcohol with DDQ in dry dioxane resulted in the intramolecular bridging by one of two primary hydroxy groups to the benzylic position, giving an oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane. Similar treatment of (+)-dimethyl-β-conidendryl alcohol resulted in bridging by the alternate primary hydroxyl group to the benzhydrylic carbon giving an isomeric oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane.
Models of potassium conduction in excitable membrane examined by spectral analysis

Abstract Various models of potassium conduction in neuron membrane are evaluated via computer, as pertain to recently observed deviations from first order kinetics in the form of noise power density spectra with sharp corners, peaks and steep high frequency asymptotic slopes. A certain co-operative lattice model with linear, first order channel kinetics is found to be the only viable alternative to already well explored n-state, noninteractive channels with linear, but higher order kinetics, among a fairly wide range of possibilities. Lattice parameters are optimized with respect to spectral data, and a randomized hexagonal lattice with nearest neighbor interaction is found to be satisfactory. The general class of lattices considered includes spatial inhomogeneities.
ABSOLUTE AND RELATIVE MEASUREMENT WITH THE AHP. THE MOST LIVABLE CITIES IN THE UNITED STATES

Abstract In this paper it is shown that there are two types of measurement involved in the AHP, absolute and relative. The first requires a standard with which to compare elements, but mostly alternatives at the bottom of the hierarchy. The process leads to absolute preservation in the rank of the alternatives no matter how many are introduced. The second is based on paired comparisons among the elements of a set with respect to a common attribute. This process is essential for comparing intangible attributes for which there are no agreed upon measures. At the level of alternatives new elements (i.e. alternatives) do introduce new information generated by the changing number in the set and by their measurement which essentially rescales the criteria and hence can lead to reversals of previous rank orders. Absolute measurement is used on standardized problems whereas relative measurement is used in new learning situations. Absolute measurement is applied to the Rand McNally study that ranks cities according to livability in the United States.
Forced resonance vibrations and dissipative heating of a flexible viscoelastic beam with piezoelectric actuators

We consider the problem of the forced resonance vibrations and dissipative heating of a viscoelastic beam with piezoelectric actuators with regard for geometric nonlinearity in the quadratic approximation. The viscoelastic behavior of passive (without the piezoelectric effect) and piezoactive materials is described in terms of instantaneous and complex moduli. To solve the nonlinear problem of electroviscoelasticity and heat conduction, we use the method of quasilinearization together with the numerical methods of discrete orthogonalization and finite differences. We have studied the influence of geometric nonlinearity on the dynamic characteristics, temperature of vibration heating, and active damping of a beam with using a piezoelectric actuator.
The Effects of Self-Hypnosis for Children with Cystic Fibrosis: A Pilot Study

This pilot study assessed the effects of self-hypnosis on psychological and physiological functioning of children ages 7 to 18 with Cystic Fibrosis (N = 12). The study used a pre- and posttest design, repeated measures, and control group. Control and experimental groups were matched for age and clinical severity. The experimental group demonstrated significant changes in locus of control, health locus of control, and self-concept. State anxiety scores did not differ significantly, but changes in trait anxiety distinguished the experimental group from the control group. The experimental group also demonstrated significant increase in peak expiratory flow rates using an air flow meter immediately after self-hypnosis when compared to the control group. Generalizability of the results is discussed in terms of the small sample size. Recommendations are offered for future studies with larger samples and variations in procedure.
Restructuring the Role of School Nurse in Health Promotion

For more than two decades an enduring relationship between years of formal schooling and improved health status has been emerging as noteworthy. School nurses are currently in place to focus more attention on refining how this relationship can be maximized in clinical practice. A brief review of the theoretical framework, modeling and role-modeling, is presented, including application to a case study depicting how the school nurse used theory-driven nursing process for health promotion.
Effect of culturing on the human lymphocyte locomotion response to casein, C5a, and fMet-Leu-Phe☆

Abstract Cultured and noncultured human peripheral blood monocyte-depleted lymphocytes were studied concurrently to determine the effect of culturing on lymphocyte locomotion in response to different chemokinetic (fMet-Leu-Phe and casein) and chemotactic factors (C5a). This study demonstrates that culturing enhances lymphocyte locomotion as measured by the absolute distance migrated, but does not alter the ability of these cells to elicit a chemotactic or chemokinetic response. Furthermore, when lymphocyte locomotion is expressed as a migration index (difference between migration in response to a locomotor stimulus and that achieved in medium alone) the magnitude of the chemotactic or chemokinetic response observed was similar with both cultured and noncultured lymphocytes. We conclude from this study that culturing lymphocytes prior to the in vitro locomotion assay is not a prerequisite to measure chemotaxis, but only increases the distance that lymphocytes migrate.
Adaptive partial response (PR) signaling for magneto-optic (MO) read channels in the presence of transition noise

Magneto-optic (MO) recording can benefit from partial response (PR) spectral shaping of the readback signal to achieve higher recording densities for similar reasons that PR signaling applies well to magnetic recording. We compare various PR equalization schemes by using the bit error rate (BER) as a means of comparison. We also compare the adaptive partial response maximum-likelihood (PRML) detection schemes in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and transition noise. Our conclusions are for densities in the range of 50 - 60 kbpi, for disks with carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) of 50 dB and optical system with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 0.68 micrometer. We show results which indicate that PR1 equalized signals followed by the Viterbi algorithm have the best performance. They not only perform well in the absence of transition noise, but also do well in the presence of transition noise up to 12 ns.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Measuring tourist motivation.

Abstract The development of a self-report scale to measure leisure travel motivation is described. Under increasingly competitive conditions, effective tourism marketing is impossible without an understanding of consumers' motivations. Unfortunately, motivation is one of the least researched areas of tourism, both conceptually and empirically. A series of three studies describes the development and evaluation of a 20-item, self-report scale that relates leisure travel to specific, generalizable motivators that resemble the taxonomies of functional theorists. Results are discussed in terms of the potential that a functional approach holds for understanding, predicting, and influencing the relationship between tourist motivation and behavior.
Libraries and immersive learning environments unite in Second Life

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the current impact of virtual worlds on librarianship and identify significant gains in a new mode of information delivery and immersive learning.Design/methodology/approach – Through exploratory research and observation, the prospective study addresses a very new trend in information delivery and technology within library services.Findings – Provides evidence of global collaboration among information scientists, significant contributions to library collections, and potential for educational opportunities through immersive learning environments.Research limitations/implications – A small number of librarians are participating in virtual world librarianship in relation to the profession, due to the mode being a very new one. Future research should include studying the needs of library patrons and information seeking behaviors in virtual worlds along with accessibility, security and sustainability.Practical implications – The study implies many educational o...
Design of a 180° electron scattering facility☆

Abstract The study of elastic electron scattering from nuclei, at angles near 180°, permits an examination of nuclear magnetic multipole distributions as well as the testing of certain aspects of quantum electrodynamics. Apparatus has therefore been designed to enable such experiments to be performed at the Stanford Mark III linear accelerator. The special problems connected with 180° elastic scattering are discussed. In general, it is necessary to subtract from the data, contributions from ordinary charge (Coulomb) scattering. This background is mainly due to electrons which scatter at angles other than 180° and yet enter the detector because of multiple scattering in the target, finite beam spread and finite solid angle. 180° scattering is achieved by passing the incident beam through a magnetic field before it strikes the target. Background scattered electrons then pass through the field a second time, bending away from the incident beam, and enter a spectrometer. The momentum range restrictions of the magnet optics and the optimization of the solid angle are discussed. A novel method is presented of varying the scattering angle around 180° without causing significant phase space restrictions. Practical details of the apparatus are discussed and an outline of the data reduction methods used in such experiments is presented.
Higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in African-American women with polycystic ovary syndrome compared with Caucasian counterparts.

Context: Studies have demonstrated lipid differences among African-Americans and Caucasians and between women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and normally ovulating women. However, few studies have examined racial differences in lipoprotein levels in women with PCOS. Objective: This study compared lipoprotein levels in African-American and Caucasian women with PCOS. Design and Setting: We performed a retrospective chart review of 398 subjects seen as new patients for PCOS at the Duke University Medical Center Endocrinology Clinic in Durham, NC. Patients: We identified 126 charts appropriate for review, based on a diagnosis of PCOS (using the 1990 National Institutes of Health criteria), a self-reported race of either Caucasian or African-American, and a body mass index (BMI) higher than 25. We excluded patients taking glucophage, oral contraceptives, or lipid-lowering medications. Main Outcome Measure: Age, BMI, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, random triglycerides (TG), and oral glucose tolerance test measurements were collected and included in the analysis. Results: African-American women with PCOS had higher HDL cholesterol levels (52.6 vs. 47.5 mg/dl, P = 0.019), lower non-HDL cholesterol (134.1 vs. 154.6 mg/dl, P = 0.046), and lower TG levels (97.5 vs. 168.2 mg/dl, P < 0.001) than Caucasian women. These differences could not be attributed to age, BMI, or differences in insulin resistance as determined by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Conclusion: African-American women with PCOS appear to have a more favorable lipid profile than Caucasian women with PCOS having higher HDL cholesterol, lower non-HDL cholesterol, and lower TG when BMI and insulin resistance are equal.
The Tax Reform Act of 1986 A New Era in Tax Politics

This article (1) evaluates The Tax Reform Act of 1986 (TRA) in terms of tax reform criteria; (2) analyzes the historical importance of TRA relative to earlier reform and nonreform tax legislation; and (3) poses three different explanatory models for why this historic tax bill was enacted. The author argues that the 1986 legislation was not only major tax reform, but a radical departure from the usual standards of incremental tax legislation. Of the three explanatory models, the author argues that it is most likely that the act is a combination of epiphenomenal events and reactive legislation, than a true watershed indicating a long-term change of direction in tax policy. The final section of the article summarizes the lessons learned from 1986 and outlines the importance of the various explanations for understanding current congressional behavior on fiscal policy.
Drug interaction between ethanol and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (“ecstasy”)

Alcohol and MDMA (ecstasy) are frequently co-abused, but recent findings indicate a harmful drug interaction between these two agents. In our previous study, we showed that MDMA exposure inhibits the activity of the acetaldehyde (ACH) metabolizing enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase2 (ALDH2). Based on this finding, we hypothesized that the co-administration of MDMA and ethanol would reduce the metabolism of ACH and result in increased accumulation of ACH. Rats were treated with MDMA or vehicle and then administered a single dose of ethanol. Liver ALDH2 activity decreased by 35% in the MDMA-treated rats compared to control rats. The peak concentration and the area under the concentration versus time curve of plasma ACH was 31% and 59% higher, respectively, in the MDMA-ethanol group compared to the ethanol-only group. In addition, the MDMA-ethanol group had 80% higher plasma transaminase levels than the ethanol-only group, indicating greater hepatocellular damage. Our results not only support a drug interaction between MDMA and ethanol but a novel underlying mechanism for the interaction.
Preparation and characterizations of superparamagnetic iron oxide‐embedded poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) nanocarriers

The present study aims at formulating a novel multifunctional biocompatible superparamagnetic nanoparticles carrier system with homogeneously dispersed magnetic material in solid polymer matrix of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA). The nanocomposites were designed by modified suspension polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate followed by in situ coprecipitation of iron oxide inside the nanoparticle matrix yielding magnetic PHEMA (mPHEMA) nanocomposites. The so prepared nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction technique, Raman spectroscopy, electron diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirming the presence of Fe3O4 inside the PHEMA nanoparticles. The magnetization studies of nanocomposites conducted at room temperature using vibrating sample magnetometer suggested for their superparamagnetic nature having saturation magnetization (Ms) of 20 emu/g at applied magnetic field of 5 kOe. Transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering/zeta potential measurements were also performed which revealed that size of mPHEMA nanocomposites was lying in the range of 60–300 nm having zeta potential of −93 mV. The nanocomposites showed no toxicity as revealed by cytotoxicity test performed on L-929 fibroblast by extract method. The results indicated that the prepared superparamagnetic mPHEMA nanocomposites have enormous potential to provide a possible option for magnetically assisted targeted delivery of anticancer drugs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40791.
Distribution‐free Partially Sequential Tests for Treatments Versus Control Setting

In this paper we propose a class of distribution-free tests for the treatments versus control setting using the partially sequential sampling technique. Expressions for the asymptotic distributions and power for the tests are provided and criteria for adapting a particular test to have asymptotic power restrictions against alternatives of interest are discussed. Comparative results of a Monte Carlo power study are also presented.
Uncertainty and quality of life of older men who undergo watchful waiting for prostate cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To explore uncertainty, anxiety, and the personal manner in which uncertainty is understood, and explain the health-related and affective quality of life (QOL) of men who undergo watchful waiting for prostate cancer. DESIGN Descriptive, quantitative, survey approach. SETTING United States. SAMPLE A national sample of 21 men diagnosed with prostate cancer (mean age = 76 years) who had elected to receive no treatment for their disease. METHODS 19 subjects who met the criteria contacted the researcher and completed the mailed questionnaire. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Uncertainty and QOL. FINDINGS Moderate yet significant relationships were found between each of the independent variables. Significant relationships were found among uncertainty, anxiety, and the perception of danger (a dimension of QOL). Using hierarchical multiple regression, a model was built to explain 60% of the variance in this QOL dimension. CONCLUSIONS This study supports that men who undergo watchful waiting are uncertain and that this uncertainty results in their perception of danger and influences their affective health-functioning QOL. This study lends further support for the Uncertainty in Illness Model in the watchful waiting population. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING The findings of this study imply that increased teaching and patient care management regarding watchful waiting are needed both before and after the treatment decision has been made. This study provides the framework for further study on interventions to improve the QOL of this population.
Craniopharyngiomas: a clinicopathological analysis of factors predictive of recurrence and functional outcome.

ABSTRACTPATHOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL data from 56 patients operated on for craniopharyngioma since 1981 were analyzed to determine the utility of dividing patients with this tumor into distinct clinical groups based on recognized pathological type and to determine the prognostic import of brain invasio
Spectral Face Recognition using Orthogonal Subspace Bases

We present an efficient method for facial recognition using hyperspectral imaging and orthogonal subspaces. Projecting the data into orthogonal subspaces has the advantage of compactness and reduction of redundancy. We focus on two approaches: Principal Component Analysis and Orthogonal Subspace Projection. Our work is separated in three stages. First, we designed an experimental setup that allowed us to create a hyperspectral image database of 17 subjects under different facial expressions and viewing angles. Second, we investigated approaches to employ spectral information for the generation of fused grayscale images. Third, we designed and tested a recognition system based on the methods described above. The experimental results show that spectral fusion leads to improvement of recognition accuracy when compared to regular imaging. The work expands on previous band extraction research and has the distinct advantage of being one of the first that combines spatial information (i.e. face characteristics) with spectral information. In addition, the techniques are general enough to accommodate differences in skin spectra.
Burning rates and heat transfer from wind-blown flames

In the first of this two-part series, the authors discussed the effects of wind on flame bending and trailing. This paper describes investigations of liquid fuel burning rates, flame lengths, wake gas temperatures, and flame radiation. Data are taken from the liquid pool fires described in the earlier article.
A measure of equity for public transit connectivity

Abstract An equitable transit system can cater to the needs of captive riders and maximize transit service coverage. Historically transit equity has not considered in planning or has been an afterthought in the process; leading to the underutilization of transit and encouraging travelers to be auto dependent. In this paper, the authors propose a methodology to estimate transit equity using a number of attributes such as frequency, speed, capacity, and built environment in a multi-modal transit network. We propose a methodology to measure transit equity from a graph theoretical approach for all levels of transit service coverage integrating routes, schedules, socio-economic, demographic and spatial activity patterns. The objective of using equity is to quantify and evaluate transit service in terms of prioritizing transit locations for funding; conforming with federal regulations; providing service delivery strategies, especially for areas with large multi-jurisdictional, multi-modal transit networks; providing an indicator of multi-level transit capacity for planning purposes and assessing the effectiveness and efficiency for node/stop prioritization while choosing transit as a mode of travel. The methodology uses a stylized connectivity measure with a Gini index for equity estimation at different levels such as stop, line, zone and area. An example problem is presented to demonstrate the proposed methodology. The approach is then applied to the Washington–Baltimore region in the United States. The results show the existing transit service coverage at different locations. The proposed approach can be utilized as a tool for transit service planning.
Anticoagulation strategies for continuous renal replacement therapies: What works?

Abstract Anticoagulation is a critical component of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) that often determines the efficacy of the technique. Several options now exist for anticoagulation and should be selected based on individual patient characteristics, availability, and local expertise. This article provides an overview of the methods available and outlines and approach for the use of anticoagulants in CRRT.
Characterization and Degradation Behaviour of Anodized Magnesium-Hydroxyapatite Metal Matrix Composites

Recently, magnesium (Mg) alloys have inspired a significant amount of attention from researchers all over the world for implant applications due to their light weight, mechanical integrity and degradation behaviour. The major concerns with Mg implants are its rapid and non-uniform degradation, which can increase the risk of leached ions and can cause premature failure. In this study, Mg based alloys/metal matrix composites (MgZnCa/HA) were mechanically and electrochemically (anodized) surface treated. In-vitro corrosion tests revealed that the addition of hydroxyapatite (HA) and anodizing, stabilizes the corrosion process and lowers hydrogen evolution. Evidence of reduced degradation was provided by the presence of a relatively smooth surface morphology after corrosion. Furthermore, exposure of leached ions on osteoblast cells indicated good cytocompatibility.
Wind erosion control

Wind erosion is a serious problem in many parts of the world. It physically removes from the field the most fertile portion of the soil, pollutes the air, fills road ditches, reduces seedling survival and growth, lowers the marketability of many vegetable crops, and creates new desert landforms and landscapes. It is generally worse in arid and semi-arid than in subhumid climates. A wind erosion equation was developed as a result of many investigations on the factors influencing wind erosion. It is a useful guide to the principles of wind erosion control. The functional relationship is expressed as E = % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9% vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x% fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGaeyOKbykaaa!37B2!\[f\](I,K,C,L,V), where E is potential average annual soil loss per unit area, I is a soil erodibility index, K is a soil ridge roughness factor, C is a climatic factor, L is the unsheltered median travel distance of wind across a field, and V is an equivalent quantity of vegetative cover. Principles suggested by the wind erosion equation for controlling wind include: stabilizing erodible surface with various materials; producing a rough, cloddy surface; reducing field width or the distance wind travels in crossing an unprotected field with barriers and strip crops; and establishing and maintaining sufficient vegetative cover. This last item is sometimes referred to as the “cardinal rule” for controlling wind erosion.
Translocation and assembly of outer membrane proteins of Escherichia coli Selective accumulation of precursors and novel assembly intermediates caused by phenethyl alcohol

Abstract Selective and step-wise inhibition of bioysnthesis and assembly of three major outer membrane proteins of Escherichia coli (matrix protein, tolG protein (DiRienzo et al., 1978), and lipoprotein) was achieved in the presence of phenethyl alcohol. At a lower concentration (0·3% or higher) PEA§ specifically inhibited the processing and assembly of matrix protein, resulting in the accumulation of promatrix protein. The promatrix protein thus synthesized in the presence of PEA was chased into matrix protein and properly assembled into the outer membrane upon the removal of PEA, demonstrating a direct precursor-product relationship between the two proteins. Promatrix protein was sensitive to trypsin and was also solubilized from the membrane fraction by sodium sarcosinate. However, promatrix protein was also found to be loosely associated with the outer membrane fraction. These data indicate that promatrix protein was translocated across the cytoplasmic membrane and localized external to the cytoplasmic membrane, although it was not yet properly inserted into the outer membrane structure. The inhibition of processing of protolG (DiRienzo et al., 1978) protein was observed at higher levels of PEA (0·4% or higher). However, at all concentrations of PEA tested, the accumulation of prolipoprotein was not detected. On the other hand, when PEA was added at concentrations lower than the above critical concentrations for each protein, the precursor was properly processed but the processed proteins (tolG protein, and lipoprotein) were accumulated in the periplasmic space, since they were released by osmotic shock. tolG protein of the soluble cell fraction was chased into the outer membrane after removal of PEA and regrowth of the cells in culture. The processed lipoprotein of the soluble fraction was trypsin-sensitive in contrast to mature lipoprotein. These results indicate that the precursor protein with the peptide extension is transformed into a new assembly intermediate after the extended peptide is cleaved off. This intermediate may be released into the periplasmic space in the presence of PEA before it can be assembled into the outer membrane. These data indicate that the peptide extension is not essential for the insertion of the outer membrane protein into the outer membrane. When PEA (0·3%) was added to a growing culture, the production of not only matrix protein but also promatrix protein was completely inhibited. However, synthesis of promatrix protein was restored when rifampicin was added before the PEA treatment. These results are discussed in terms of control of gene expression for matrix protein. PEA was found to increase the membrane fluidity.
A methodology for evaluation of task performance in robotic systems: a case study in vision-based localization

We investigated the performance of an agent that uses visual information in a partially unknown and changing environment in a principled way. We propose a methodology to study and evaluate the performance of autonomous agents. We first analyze the system theoretically to determine the most important system parameters and to predict error bounds and biases. We then conduct an empirical analysis to update and refine the model. The ultimate goal is to develop self-diagnostic procedures. We show that although simple models can successfully predict some major effects, empirically observed performance deviates from theoretical predictions in interesting ways.
Next steps in near-duplicate detection for eRulemaking

Large volume public comment campaigns and web portals that encourage the public to customize form letters produce many near-duplicate documents, which increases processing and storage costs, but is rarely a serious problem. A more serious concern is that form letter customizations can include substantive issues that agencies are likely to overlook. The identification of exact- and near-duplicate texts, and recognition of unique text within near-duplicate documents, is an important component of data cleaning and integration processes for eRulemaking.This paper presents DURIAN (DUplicate Removal In lArge collectioN), a refinement of a prior near-duplicate detection algorithm DURIAN uses a traditional bag-of-words document representation, document attributes ("metadata"), and document content structure to identify form letters and their edited copies in public comment collections. Experimental results demonstrate that DURIAN is about as effective as human assessors. The paper concludes by discussing challenges to moving near-duplicate detection into operational rulemaking environments.
The torsional shear strength of granodiorite and dunite under near-homogeneous confining stress to about 90 kbar, 2

Abstract Room-temperature torsional-shear strengths of 1.27-cm-diameter × 0.25-cm-high disks of Nevada Test Site “Hardhat” granodiorite and a Mt. Burnette, Alaska, dunite were determined to about 90 kbar. Tests, for the most part, were run under linearly increasing pressure at constant rates of applied twist: about 3–30° at 5.73 · 10 −4 –10 −2 degr./sec for granodiorite, and 18° at 5.73 · 10 −3 and 10 −2 degr./sec for dunite. Transitions are observed in the rate of shear-strength change for the granodiorite at about 15, 35 and 80 kbar. Minor and recoverable instabilities in strength occur over the pressure range 15–80 kbar. Beyond about 80 kbar, the shear strength increases sharply and is terminated with a strain-release of explosion-like violence. Strain rate showed some influence on strength and magnitude of energy-release at higher pressures. Residual microstructures showed that, below 15 kbar, intragranular extensional fracturing, intergranular sliding, and bulk consolidation mainly occur. Between 15 and 35 kbar, intragranular undulatory extinction, random and crystallographic ruptures, and initial intragranular slip are observed. The predominant mechanisms between 35 and 80 kbar are an increasing frequency of intragranular slip, and networks of short, irregular, intragranular ruptures. Bulk fracturing and faulting were not observed. Samples stressed to explosion-like failure showed extensive crystal fragmentation, and series of parallel bands. Alternate bands were birefringent and isotropic, respectively, and extended over a considerable part of the samples. Dunite showed a transition from diminishing to increasing shear strength at about 80 kbar, but no explosion-like release of strain energy to 95 kbar. Comparative data to 70 kbar also are given for a slightly serpentinized dunite, a granite, a gneiss, three extrusive porphyries, and a marble. X-ray diffraction powder patterns of all stressed samples revealed only a broadening of peaks and a reduction of intensities from higher levels of stress.
Payments and Output

Abstract Output declines may be caused or propagated through the payments system by shortages of the reserves required for the payment of factors of production. Appropriate open market purchases are shown to be able to lower the short-run interest rate on liquid assets and to relieve the output disruption. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: E42, E58.
A contribution to the electromagnetic theory of the unmyelinated axon

Abstract The unmyelinated axon of negligibly thin axolemma is idealized as a right circular cylinder of infinite length imbedded in an unbounded aqueous electrolyte. The scalar wave equation is solved in this geometry subject to the boundary conditions (i) that the electric scalar potential vanish at infinity and be a known function along the cylinder axis, and (ii) that the radial current be continuous across the axolemma. Exact solutions for the infinite reluctivity limit are obtained for the interior potential, the total axial current, and the radial current at the axolemma; an approximate solution is obtained for the exterior potential. These solutions are compared with predictions of the classical transmission line theory commonly employed in describing the electrical properties of axons.
AdS black holes, the bulk-boundary dictionary, and smearing functions

In Lorentzian AdS/CFT there exists a mapping between local bulk operators and nonlocal conformal field theory (CFT) operators. In global anti-de Sitter (AdS) this mapping can be found through use of bulk equations of motion and allows the nonlocal CFT operator to be expressed as a local operator smeared over a range of positions and times. We argue that such a construction is not possible if there are bulk normal modes with exponentially small near boundary imprint. We show that the AdS-Schwarzschild background is such a case, with the horizon introducing modes with angular momentum much larger than frequency, causing them to be trapped by the centrifugal barrier. More generally, we argue that any barrier in the radial effective potential which prevents null geodesics from reaching the boundary will lead to modes with vanishingly small near boundary imprint, thereby obstructing the existence of a smearing function. While one may have thought the bulk-boundary dictionary for low curvature regions, such as the exterior of a black hole, should be as in empty AdS, our results demonstrate otherwise.
The effects of NOD activation on adipocyte differentiation.

Objective: Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation. Toll-like receptors (TLR) and NOD-like receptors (NLR) are two families of pattern recognition receptors that play important roles in immune response and inflammation in adipocytes. It has been reported that TLR4 and TLR2 activation induce proinflammatory changes that impair adipocyte differentiation. However, the effects of activation of NOD1 and NOD2, the two prominent members of NLR, on adipocyte differentiation have not been studied. Design and Methods: 3T3-L1 and human adipose-derived stem cells were tested for adipocyte differentiation in the presence or absence of NOD ligand. Adipocyte differentiation was evaluated by the adipocyte markers gene expression and Oil Red O staining for lipid accumulation. Results: Activation of NOD1, but not NOD2, by a synthetic ligand dose-dependently suppressed 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation as revealed by Oil Red O stained cell morphology, lipid accumulation, and attenuated gene expression of adipocyte markers (PPARγ, C/EBPα, SCD, FABP4, Adiponectin). Activation of NOD1, but not NOD2, induced NF-κB activation, which correlated with their abilities to suppress ligand-induced PPARγ transaction. Moreover, the suppressive effect by NOD1 activation was reversed by IκB super-repressor which blocks NF-κB activation. The suppression by NOD1 ligand C12-iEDAP on adipocyte differentiation was reversed by small RNA interference targeting NOD1, demonstrating the specificity of NOD1 activation. In contrast, activation of NOD1 and NOD2 both significantly suppressed adipocyte differentiation of human adipose-derived adult stem cells, demonstrating the species specific effects of NOD activation. In contrast to enhanced leptin mRNA by LPS and TNFα, NOD1 activation suppressed leptin mRNA in adipocytes, suggesting the differential effects of NOD1 activation in adipocytes. Conclusions: Overall, our results suggest that NOD1 represents a novel target for adipose inflammation in obesity.
Renewable Liquid Optics with Magneto-electrostatic Control

We suggest a new class of high-flux renewable optics, in particular, for the use at the X-ray free electron laser, LCLS, which is under discussion now. The size of optical elements we have in mind is from a fraction of a square centimeter to a few square centimeters. We suggest that working fluid be pressed through a porous substrate (made, e.g., of fused capillaries) to form a film, a few tens to a hundred microns thick. After the passage of an intense laser pulse, the liquid film is sucked back through the substrate by a reversed motion of the piston, and formed anew before the next pulse. The working surface of the film is made flat by capillary forces. We discuss the role of viscous, gravitational, and capillary forces in the dynamics of the film and show that the properly made film can be arbitrarily oriented with respect to the gravitational force. This makes the proposed optics very flexible. We discuss effects of vibrations of the supporting structures on the quality of optical elements. Limitations on the radiation intensity are formulated. We show how the shape of the film surface can be controlled by electrostatic and magnetic forces, allowing one to make parabolic mirrors and reflecting diffraction gratings.