cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Individual Competence and Committee Decision Making: Experimental Evidence

Committee decision making relies on the competence of its members. The individual's competence is driven by the pre‐meeting efforts. These investments constitute a public good and, consequently, free riding is a concern. We build off of previous theoretical results which point out that as committees grow in size, free riding becomes more severe. However, experimental and empirical research suggests that individuals are willing to make voluntary contributions. This motivation should lead to increased effort when the number who benefit increases. To differentiate between these hypotheses we explore experimentally the effect that changes in group size have on competence investment decisions in a committee setting. Decision problems differ by whether the expansion increases the number of voters on the committee or the number who are affected by the committee's decision. We find evidence supporting the hypothesis that as committees grow in size there is a reduction in effort invested. We find some evidence of an adverse reaction to non‐contributing beneficiaries is observed as well. Heterogeneous responses arise and are explored.
Throughput-Speed Product Augmentation for Scanning Fiber-Optic Two-Photon Endomicroscopy

Compactness, among several others, is one unique and very attractive feature of a scanning fiber-optic two-photon endomicroscope. To increase the scanning area and the total number of resolvable pixels (i.e., the imaging throughput), it typically requires a longer cantilever which, however, leads to a much undesired, reduced scanning speed (and thus imaging frame rate). Herein we introduce a new design strategy for a fiber-optic scanning endomicroscope, where the overall numerical aperture (NA) or beam focusing power is distributed over two stages: 1) a mode-field focuser engineered at the tip of a double-clad fiber (DCF) cantilever to pre-amplify the single-mode core NA, and 2) a micro objective of a lower magnification (i.e., $\sim 2\times $ in this design) to achieve final tight beam focusing. This new design enables either an ~9-fold increase in imaging area (throughput) or an ~3-fold improvement in imaging frame rate when compared to traditional fiber-optic endomicroscope designs. The performance of an as-designed endomicroscope of an enhanced throughput-speed product was demonstrated by two representative applications: (1) high-resolution imaging of an internal organ (i.e., mouse kidney) in vivo over a large field of view without using any fluorescent contrast agents, and (2) real-time neural imaging by visualizing dendritic calcium dynamics in vivo with sub-second temporal resolution in GCaMP6m-expressing mouse brain. This cascaded NA amplification strategy is universal and can be readily adapted to other types of fiber-optic scanners in compact linear or nonlinear endomicroscopes.
Self-collection of samples for HPV testing to increase participation in cervical cancer screening by immigrant women: An integrative review.

Objective To examine methods and results of studies assessing self-collection of cervico-vaginal samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing by immigrant women for insights into how future research using this method with unique subpopulations of women may improve the rates of cervical cancer screening (CCS) compared to current strategies. Data sources Four electronic databases were systematically searched through March 2020, with no limits applied. A manual review of reference lists was also completed. Study selection The search resulted in 63 articles. After removal of duplicates, 36 were reviewed against inclusion criteria. A manual review of reference lists yielded two additional studies. The final sample included 15 relevant publications representing 13 unique empirical studies. Data extraction Data related to study methodology and empirical results were extracted into table form. Data synthesis The methods of the studies were summarized and synthesized, including diversity of participants, community engagement, including collaboration with public health nurses or community health workers. In addition, methods and findings related to the educational components of the studies, and empirical findings related to various cultural groups, were described. Conclusion To reduce health disparities in CCS, researchers should focus on diverse groups, such as immigrant women, to understand important individual and group-specific factors that may influence screening, including whether self-collection of samples for HPV testing along with appropriate education and support for follow-up will address these factors.
Multimodal analgesia after thyroid or parathyroid surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Background The opioid epidemic prompted reevaluation of surgeons’ opioid prescribing practices. This study aimed to demonstrate noninferiority of a staged analgesic regimen after endocrine surgery. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing analgesic regimens after thyroidectomy and/or parathyroidectomy. Adult patients (≥18 years) were randomized to study arm (A) as-needed acetaminophen + codeine or (B) scheduled acetaminophen/as-needed tramadol. Patients recorded pain scores and analgesics consumed in a study log. Clinical variables were collected from the medical record. Results Target enrollment was achieved (n = 126), and randomization was even (A: 44.5%, B: 55.6%). There was no difference between enrolled patients and those who returned the study log (52.4%) by sex (P = .667), age (P = .513), final pathology (P = .137), procedure (P = .667), or randomization arm (P = .795). Most patients (50.8%) reported moderate pain scores (4–6) with no difference between study arms (P = .451). There was no difference in average consumption by morphine milligram equivalents (A: 11.5 ± 12.1 vs B: 12.49 ± 18.07; P = .792) nor total analgesic doses (A: 7.29 ± 7.48 vs B: 8.5 ± 5.36; P = .445). However, a significant difference in average percentage of opioid doses was noted (A: 79.71 ± 33.31 vs B: 27.38 ± 31.88; P Conclusion Patients reported moderate pain scores with low requirements for analgesics after endocrine surgery. The staged analgesic regimen is noninferior to combination opioids and led to reduced overall consumption.
Awareness and answers for the public health concern of violence in older adults: An introduction to special issue

Abstract The United States is in the midst of unprecedented demographic change, as the nation increases in age as well as racial and ethnic pluralism (Vespa et al., 2020). As the nation ages and grows more diverse, violence among older adults has been identified as a public health problem (CDC, 2020). As we look toward the demographic turning points projected to occur in the upcoming decades, we are poised to make a real and lasting impact to public health crises, such as violence among older adults, including among racial and ethnically diverse elders. With this in mind, this introduction to the special issue on Violence in Older Adults defines and discusses the seriousness of violence in late life, and outlines the key areas covered including (1) unique factors contributing to aggression and violence in late-life, (2) the perpetration of violence by older adults, (3) assessments and interventions for older adults, and (4) the importance of representation and social context. We close by identifying how the introduction of new public health problem, the COVID-19 pandemic, may impact violence in late-life and summarize important areas for future research and policy.
Voluntary Acknowledgments of Parentage for Same-Sex Couples

The law in all states presumes that a husband is the father of his wife’s children and gives him the status of the children’s legal father. The status of legal parent provides crucial protections to the adults and children in a parent-child relationship. For example, adults who consider themselves parents but who are not legally recognized as such are not obliged to support the child and are not entitled to see the child if the child’s legal parent objects. If a child’s legal parent dies or becomes unable to care for the child, there is no guarantee that an adult who had acted as parent but who did not establish legal parentage will be allowed to continue living with, or even see, the child. While marriage before a child is born automatically brings legal parenthood to both adults, if an unmarried woman has a baby, only she is automatically the child’s legal parent. Unmarried couples must take additional steps to confer legal fatherhood on the man. Today in all states, opposite-sex couples who cannot or do not wish to marry can establish the man as a child’s legal father by signing a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity (VAP) and filing it with the state vital statistics office. In contrast, same-sex couples who cannot or do not want to marry but who would like to be legal parents together do not have a cheap, simple way of achieving this goal. All unmarried parents, including same-sex couples, need to be able to identify themselves as being in a family with their children and to claim the protections of legal parentage for themselves and their children, even though the unmarried parents are not making the commitment to each other that marriage entails. This Article proposes recasting the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity as a voluntary acknowledgement of parentage, available to all unmarried couples, same-sex as well as opposite-sex. Same-sex couples do have ways of establishing both partners as legal parents, at least in some states. The first section of this Article describes these legal devices and explains why they are inadequate for protecting same-sex couples and their children. The second part of this Article describes voluntary acknowledgments of paternity in some detail and how opposite-sex couples use them. Then, this Article argues that voluntary acknowledgments or their legal equivalent should be made available to same-sex couples as well. This part of the Article includes an analysis of possible arguments against my position and my responses. The last section details a proposed set of statutes that would create the equivalent of voluntary acknowledgments for same-sex parents, appropriately adapted to fit the specifics of their situation.
Self-Management in Asthma

National and international consensus bodies have identified asthma education and guided self-management as essential components of efforts to empower patients and reduce asthma morbidity and mortality (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Asthma self-management cannot be achieved without appropriate asthma education (7). Asthma self-management education improves outcomes in asthma (7). Self-management requires effective communication among physician, patient, and those who care for the patient (8). Self-management goals and programs must be individualized to the needs, desires, abilities, and socioeconomic situation of the patient. Each interaction with the patient can be an opportunity to deliver and reinforce self management messages. Education or information must be combined with plans for self-management to be maximally effective (9). Patient nonadherence is a complex and pervasive problem that requires assessment and efforts to manage the psychological issues related to asthma (8). Asthma self-management started in asthma camps but has entered new venues, including schools, doctors’ offices, emergency rooms, hospitals, HMO disease management groups, and communities. The Internet allows physicians and patients to gather information regarding asthma and self-management resources that is available at the local and national levels.
Regulation of DNA Replication Licensing and Re-Replication by Cdt1

In eukaryotic cells, DNA replication licensing is precisely regulated to ensure that the initiation of genomic DNA replication in S phase occurs once and only once for each mitotic cell division. A key regulatory mechanism by which DNA re-replication is suppressed is the S phase-dependent proteolysis of Cdt1, an essential replication protein for licensing DNA replication origins by loading the Mcm2-7 replication helicase for DNA duplication in S phase. Cdt1 degradation is mediated by CRL4Cdt2 ubiquitin E3 ligase, which further requires Cdt1 binding to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) through a PIP box domain in Cdt1 during DNA synthesis. Recent studies found that Cdt2, the specific subunit of CRL4Cdt2 ubiquitin E3 ligase that targets Cdt1 for degradation, also contains an evolutionarily conserved PIP box-like domain that mediates the interaction with PCNA. These findings suggest that the initiation and elongation of DNA replication or DNA damage-induced repair synthesis provide a novel mechanism by which Cdt1 and CRL4Cdt2 are both recruited onto the trimeric PCNA clamp encircling the replicating DNA strands to promote the interaction between Cdt1 and CRL4Cdt2. The proximity of PCNA-bound Cdt1 to CRL4Cdt2 facilitates the destruction of Cdt1 in response to DNA damage or after DNA replication initiation to prevent DNA re-replication in the cell cycle. CRL4Cdt2 ubiquitin E3 ligase may also regulate the degradation of other PIP box-containing proteins, such as CDK inhibitor p21 and histone methylase Set8, to regulate DNA replication licensing, cell cycle progression, DNA repair, and genome stability by directly interacting with PCNA during DNA replication and repair synthesis.
Reply: Triggering of cardiac arrhythmias: the problem of multicollinearity among air pollution and meteorological factors.

Dr. Culic suggests that the associations that we reported [(1)][1] between particulate air pollution (PM2.5) and atrial fibrillation (AF) may be confounded by inadequate control of meteorology. There is a well-developed body of literature suggesting that acute particulate air pollution exposures
Educational Media: Potentials for Learning

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by R.E. Clark, volume 6, pp. 4279–4283, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
The Shock Strength in a Two-Dimensional Nonsteady Flow

ASSUME THAT A SMALL DISTURBANCE starts at origin (r = 0); when t = 0, the linearized theory will give a good approximation to the flow in and outside the Mach cone, r — C0(sonic velocity of the undisturbed fluid)t, with apex at f = 0, / = 0. In order to obtain an approximate solution uniformly valid on the Mach cone, Lighthill's technique ' 2 is applied. Expanding both the independent variable r — Cot, and the velocity potential <p into power series of a small parameter e,
Towards a Guaranteed (X)HTML Compliant Dynamic Web Application

We report on the embedding of a domain specific language, (X)HTML, into Haskell and demonstrate how this web language can be represented and rendered for strong World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) compliance. Compliance of web content is important for the health of the Internet, accessibility, visibility, and reliable search. While tools exist to verify web content is compliant according to the W3C, few systems guarantee that all dynamically produced content is compliant. We present CH-(X)HTML, a library for generating compliant (X)HTML content for all dynamic content by using Haskell to encode the non-trivial syntax of (X)HTML set forth by the W3C. Any compliant document can be represented with this library, while a compilation or run-time error will occur if non-compliant markup is attempted. To demonstrate our library we present examples, performance measurements, and a discussion of library version considerations.
Bait and Switch: Why United States v. Morrison Is Wrong About Section 5

As the title suggests, the article examines Morrison’s creation of the rule that the Section Five power cannot be used to regulate private individuals. This is one of the most meaningful and, thus far, durable constraints that the Court has placed on federal power. It is the more surprising, then, that it turns out to be based on essentially nothing at all. The Morrison Court asserted that its rule was derived by — indeed, “controlled by” — precedent, but a closer reading of the Reconstruction-era decisions it cites shows that this is simply not the case. An independent evaluation of the rule against regulation of private individuals suggests that it cannot be defended on its own merits. Thus, the article urges that Morrison be overruled.
Mobile Production: Spatialized Labor, Location Professionals, and the Expanding Geography of Television Production

This article addresses the spatial challenges facing television laborers amid an increasingly expansive and conngent environment of local production incentives. Pushing away from the term runaway production and its limited engagement with local, spatialized dynamics of labor, I argue for a consideration of “mobile production,” wherein television series are capable of being executed in an increasingly wide range of locations—not necessarily Los Angeles—and capable of being moved should changes in an incentive system create the need to do so. Through personal interviews and analysis of industry discourse, this case study of location professionals considers how the mobility of production affects below-the-line local laborers. Mobile production relies on location workers more than any other job category, but the capacities of these workers are geographically specific: while they make the globalized mobile production apparatus viable, they are also the most likely to be left behind if incentive structures shift and Hollywood producers “go mobile” and move on.
Leave‐K‐Out Diagnostics for Time Series

Abstract : The authors propose diagnostics for ARIMA model fitting for time series formed by deleting observations from the data and measuring the change in the estimates of the parameters. The use of leave-one out diagnostics is a well established tool in regression analysis. This document demonstrates the efficacy of observation deletion based diagnostics for ARIMA models, addressing issues special to the time diagnostics based on the innovations variance. It is shown that the dependency aspect of time series data gives rise to a smearing effect, which confounds the diagnostics for the coefficients. It is also shown that the diagnostics based on the innovations variance are much clearer and more sensitive than those for the coefficients. A leave-k-out diagnostics approach is proposed to deal with patches of outliers, and problems caused by masking are handled by use of iterative deletion. An overall strategy for ARIMA model fitting is given, and applied to two data sets.
Problems Associated with Counterimmunoelectrophoresis Assays for Detecting Clostridium difficile Toxin

Abstract The antitoxins currently used for the detection of Clostridium difficile by counterimmunoelectrophoresis react with other C. difficile antigens in addition to the toxins produced by the bacterium.
Filter-Based Join Algorithms on Uniprocessor and Distributed-Memory Multiprocessor Database Machines

The hybrid-hash algorithm and its parallel variant have been recently found to outperform all other algorithms in joining disk-based large relations on uniprocessor and ring-interconnected distributed-memory multiprocessor database machines. This paper presents several extensions to the centralized and distributed hybrid-hash algorithms. These extensions are based on the usage of one or more bit-vectors as filters. A comparative performance study to the presented algorithms is carried out. In a uniprocessor environment, this study shows that one of the proposed filter-based algorithms outperforms all of the other ones, including the hybrid-hash algorithm. In a distributed environment, the filter-based algorithms are found to suffer from a serious problem, namely, overloading the interconnection network with the transmission of large size bit-vectors. Different compression schemes are proposed to reduce the size of a transmitted bit-vector. The augmentation of the distributed version of best-performing centralized algorithm with one of the proposed compression schemes have been found to outperform all of the other algorithms and substantially improves the performance of the join operation.
First Molecular Evidence of Ehrlichia canis Infection in Dogs with Probable Disease Relapse in the Philippines

Ehrlichia canis is one of the tick-borne pathogens affecting dogs worldwide. In the Philippines, studies using peripheral blood smear examination and serological methods have implicated the presence of E. canis infection in dogs, but the apparent limitations of the used methods have precluded the confirmation of the pathogen. In the present study, E. canis infection was detected in 2 dogs using PCR assay. One of the dogs was also found positive using a commercial E. canis serological test kit. Partial 16S rRNA revealed 100% identities to E. canis sequences registered in Genbank. Both dogs had histories of tick infestation, and exhibited non-specific clinical signs, including fever, lethargy and coughing during first presentation. Hematological examination revealed anemia and thrombocytopenia. Moreover, probable disease relapse after treatment were also observed in both cases. The present study is the first report of E. canis infection in dogs confirmed by molecular methods in the Philippines.
Design and implementation of large-scale wireless sensor networks for environmental monitoring applications

Environmental monitoring represents a major application domain for wireless sensor networks (WSN). However, despite significant advances in recent years, there are still many challenging issues to be addressed to exploit the full potential of the emerging WSN technology. In this dissertation, we introduce the design and implementation of low-power wireless sensor networks for long-term, autonomous, and near-real-time environmental monitoring applications. We have developed an out-of-box solution consisting of a suite of software, protocols and algorithms to provide reliable data collection with extremely low power consumption. Two wireless sensor networks based on the proposed solution have been deployed in remote field stations to monitor soil moisture along with other environmental parameters. As parts of the ever-growing environmental monitoring cyberinfrastructure, these networks have been integrated into the Texas Environmental Observatory system for long-term operation. Environmental measurement and network performance results are presented to demonstrate the capability, reliability and energy-efficiency of the network.
Introduction to the special issue on college student mental health.

Objective This article provides an introduction to the special issue on college student mental health. It gives an overview of the establishment of the Multi-Site University Study of Identity and Culture (MUSIC) collaborative by a group of national experts on culture and identity. Information about the procedures used to collect a nationally represented sample of college students are provided. Method Data were collected from 30 university sites across the United States. The sample comprised 10,573 undergraduate college students, of which 73% were women, 63% White, 9% African American/Black, 14% Latino/Hispanic, 13% Asian American, and 1% Other. Results The special issue comprises a compilation of 8 studies that used the dataset specifically created to examine the issues of emerging adults, culture, and identity. Conclusions Student mental health problems are a growing concern on college campuses. Studies covered in this special issue have implications for policy development regarding college alcohol use and traumatic victimization, include attention to underrepresented minority and immigrant groups on college campuses, and focus on positive as well as pathological aspects of the college experience.
Field Validation of a Remote Sensing Technique for Early Nitrogen Application Decisions in Wheat

Studies have shown that winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) tiller density at growth stage 25 (GS 25) can be used to determine when a GS-25 N application is needed. However, determining GS-25 tiller density is difficult and time consuming. Color infrared aerial photographs have been successfully used to predict GS-25 tiller density. The objective of this study was to validate a previously reported remote sensing technique to predict GS-25 tiller density based on near-infrared (NIR) digital counts and within-field tiller density references across a wide range of environments. The NIR remote sensing technique was evaluated through linear regression and quadrant plot analysis to determine the accuracy of GS-25 tiller density predictions and GS-25 N application decisions based on a critical GS-25 tiller density threshold. The impact of different wheat varieties, soil colors, and weed populations were also evaluated through covariate analysis using 10 site-years of data. At three site-years, a randomized complete block design with three varieties and either two or three seeding rates was used. At these site-years, variety had a significant influence on spectral measurements. Seven additional site-years had a single variety and seeding rate. The NIR remote sensing technique was found to account for 76% of the variation between predicted and measured GS-25 tiller density across 10 site-years of data. Accurate GS-25 N application decisions were made 85.5% of the time by the NIR remote sensing technique across a wide range of environments including six soil types, six wheat varieties, and two systems.
Revisiting wavelet compression for large-scale climate data using JPEG 2000 and ensuring data precision

We revisit wavelet compression by using a standards-based method to reduce large-scale data sizes for production scientific computing. Many of the bottlenecks in visualization and analysis come from limited bandwidth in data movement, from storage to networks. The majority of the processing time for visualization and analysis is spent reading or writing large-scale data or moving data from a remote site in a distance scenario. Using wavelet compression in JPEG 2000, we provide a mechanism to vary data transfer time versus data quality, so that a domain expert can improve data transfer time while quantifying compression effects on their data. By using a standards-based method, we are able to provide scientists with the state-of-the-art wavelet compression from the signal processing and data compression community, suitable for use in a production computing environment. To quantify compression effects, we focus on measuring bit rate versus maximum error as a quality metric to provide precision guarantees for scientific analysis on remotely compressed POP (Parallel Ocean Program) data.
Diversity of coccoid algae in shallow lakes during winter

Abstract Very little is known about the distribution and diversity of freshwater unicellular coccoid algae, primarily because of the simple morphology and small size of these organisms, which make reliable identification extremely difficult. In this study, we examined the diversity of autosporic coccoid algae from under ice in the shallow lakes of Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota. Coccoid algae were isolated from phytoplankton samples collected during three consecutive winters (1994–1997) at four sites in three lakes. Seventy-five isolates were examined by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of photosynthetic pigments, specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers, and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism of the 18S rDNA. Thirteen 18S rDNA types of coccoid Trebouxiophyceae, three types of coccoid Chlorophyceae and one type of coccoid eustigmatophyte were detected. One of the green algae was tentatively identified as Mychonastes homosphaera; the other green algae are ...
Adaptive Policy Design for the Management of Wildfire Hazards

Wildfire disasters threaten numerous communities and ecosystems in America today. An effective policy strategy to counteract the threat of wildfire disasters would entail the reduction of accumulated fuels (flammable organic materials) found across large areas in many American ecosystems. Major uncertainties surround this policy endeavor because fuel reduction has never been attempted on such large scales before. This study outlines an adaptive policy strategy designed to resolve these uncertainties through a systematic process of learning. An adaptive wildfire policy would employ fuel reduction experiments on large scales, with the goal of generating new knowledge to progressively improve the effectiveness of fuel reduction strategies over time.
Steroid-induced convulsions in experimental animals.

High doses of Reichstein’s Cpd. S cause tonic-clonic convulsions in rats and cats. Both the clinical and EEG data clearly indicate that limbic structures are predominantly involved in these convulsions. The progression of the discharges is always initiated in the hippocampus. Possible mechanisms for these seizures are discussed which may be related to the development of convulsions in man.
Ice Influences on Channel Stability: Insights from Missouri’s Fort Peck Reach

This paper presents insights from a comprehensive study of river ice influences on alluvial-channel bathymetry and stability. The study entailed unique wintertime fieldwork along the Fort Peck reach of the Missouri River. The insights show how ice formation, presence, and breakup can influence channel stability in several important ways, especially when channels must convey substantial water flow during winter. Ice may hasten the migration of channel bends, cause transient scour and sediment deposition during winter, and induce cyclic shifts of flow thalweg through sinuous-braided subreaches. The insights are of direct significance for engineering activities along the Missouri’s Fort Peck reach and other alluvial channels subject to frigid winters. They also are significant for understanding the frigid-winter habitat of aquatic life in such channels.
Parastomal Hernia Repair

Occurrence of parastomal hernia is considered a near inevitable consequence of stoma formation, making their management a common clinical dilemma. This article reviews the outcomes of different surgical approaches for hernia repair and describes in detail the laparoscopic Sugarbaker technique, which has been shown to have lower recurrence rates than other methods. Also reviewed is the current literature on the impact of prophylactic mesh placement during ostomy formation.
Computer-controlled collision and the force versus time curve

Computer-controlled collisions between two pendulums are described for use as a laboratory experiment. A force transducer provides a detailed description of the collision in time.
The Effect of Extraneous Stimulation on Aesthetic Preference

Two experiments were conducted in order to test predictions derived from Berlyne's theory of aesthetic preference. According to the theory, preference is an inverted-U function of arousal potential; the determinants of arousal potential are summed, with the consequence that an increase in the amount of one determinant leads to a decrease in the maximally preferred level of other determinants; and arousal induced by extraneous stimulation is pooled with the arousal potential of a focal stimulus. The experiments supported none of these predictions. Preference tended to be related to its determinants by monotonic functions. The predicted trade-off among the determinants of preference was not generally present. Extraneous stimulation seemed to affect preference by distracting attention rather than by influencing arousal. The results are explained in terms of a neural-network theory of aesthetic preference.
Trends and composition of private food and agricultural R & D expenditures in the United States.

This article presents new data on the level and trends in private sector R & D on food, agriculture, and agricultural inputs. Private food and agricultural R & D grew about 4.6% annually between 1960 and 1986. The growth rate went down to 3.8% between 1980 and 1986. Much of the decline was accounted for by the decline in agricultural machinery R & D. Research divided by sales increased during the 1980s, indicating that the slowdown in R & D growth was due to the slowdown in sales rather than mergers or decreasing productivity of R & D.
A General Tchebycheff Rational Function

The principal result of this paper is the derivation of a general rational function having arbitrary poles which approximates zero with a Tchebycheff characteristic. It is shown how this function can be used to obtain transfer functions which possess a Tchebycheff, low-pass filter characteristic and for which either the poles or zeros are arbitrary. Two applications for this function are given: (1) low-pass RC filters having a specified ripple in the pass band, and (2) low-pass filters having a specified ripple in the pass band and points of infinite attenuation at arbitrary frequencies outside the pass band.
Inactivation of energy-linked functions of chloroplasts by polyanions at low pH.

Abstract Various anions when present at low concentrations in the acid stage of an acid-base phosphorylation experiment cause severe inhibition of subsequent ATP formation. Polyvalent anions, such as heparinate, polygalacturonate, polyvinylsulfate, and ferri- or ferrocyanide are most effective; sulfate is much less effective and chloride ions the least so. Brief pretreatment with polyanions at low pH also inhibits Mg-dependent ATPase of chloroplasts activated by acid-base transition, and light-dependent proton uptake and photophosphorylation supported either by cyclic or noncyclic electron flow. A similar sensitivity of the Ca-dependent ATPase activity of solubilized chloroplast coupling factor, and preliminary evidence for its aggregation under these conditions, suggests denaturation of this enzyme as one basis for the action of polyanions. Further evidence indicates that the coupling factor, before or after denaturation, is detached from the chloroplast thylakoid membranes.
Solutions to Johnson's SB and SU

Simple iterative and exact solutions are described depending on symmetric percentage points for the Johnson translation system of distributions. A condition is given for a zero skewness parameter.
A morphological and developmental study of Drosophila embryos ligated during nuclear multiplication.

Abstract In the Drosophila embryo, determination is established at the cellular blastoderm and a mosaic type development is observed after this time. Before the blastoderm stage, however, development is not of the mosaic type, as ligation during the nuclear multiplication stage causes a change in the spatial organization of the larval pattern. An aberration in determination leads to an increase in segment size, an increase in the number of cells per segment, and a decrease in segment number. This abnormal determination of blastoderm cells has also been demonstrated experimentally by marking corresponding regions of the blastoderm in ligated (posterior fragments only) and nonligated embryos. When the blastoderms of nonligated and ligated embryos are punctured at the same site, ligated embryos produce larvae with damage in segments posterior to the segments damaged in larvae from nonligated embryos. Ultrastructurally, no abnormalities were observed in the plasma membrane at the time of ligation or later in blastoderm cells which formed in the ligation area of these embryos. Evidence from this study, as well as other sources, indicates that determination of segmentation is under maternal control.
MIT/LL development of broadband linear frequency chirp for high resolution ladar

The development of a high-resolution laser radar (ladar) exhibiting sub-mm resolution would have a great impact on standoff identification applications. It would provide biometric identification capabilities such as three-dimensional facial recognition, interrogation of skin pore patterns and skin texture, and iris recognition. The most significant technical challenge to developing such a ladar is to produce the appropriate optical waveform with high fideltiy. One implementation of such a system requires a 1.5-THz linear frequency sweep in 75 ms. Previous demonstrations of imaging with such waveforms achieved a 1 THz sweep in > 100 ms, and required additional corrections to compensate for sweep nonlinearity. The generation of high fidelity, temporally short frequency-swept waveforms is of considerable interest to the DoD community. We are developing a technique that utilizes a novel method to generate a 1 THz sweep in 50 ms from a mode-locked laser. As a proof-of-principle demonstration of this technique we have successfully generated a 20 GHz sweep in 1 µs with a fidelity sufficient to produce better than -20 dB sidelobes for a range measurement without using any additional corrections. This method is scalable to produce the entire 1 THz sweep in 50 ms.
A contour-based particle tracking system for the study of cell migratory behavior

Due to a recent focus on cell based therapies in biomedical applications, the ability to accurately track cellular behavior has become an increasingly crucial research tool. Cell motility is of particular importance as it influences basic cellular interactions, effecting macroscale processes such as general tissue development, wound healing, and disease progression. Traditional particle tracking systems focus on intensity thresholds as a means of identifying particles and removing noise. This work presents a contour-based particle tracking algorithm capable of identifying and sorting cells based on nuclear stained images. The two functions presented act cohesively to accurately identify individual cells as particles, capitalizing on a new technique for more accurate depiction of variably stained cells. Based on full-width half maximum theorem fitting, preliminary results demonstrate that this tool has strong potential for use in cell based biomedical applications.
Combinatorial synthesis of novel and potent inhibitors of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase

Abstract Background: NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) is the first of three large enzyme complexes located in the cell's inner mitochondrial membrane which form the electron transport chain that carries electrons from NADH to molecular oxygen during oxidative phosphorylation. There is significant interest in developing small molecule inhibitors of this enzyme for use as biological probes, insecticides and potential chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic agents. Herein we describe the application of novel natural product-like libraries to the discovery of a family of potent benzopyran-based inhibitors. Results: Initially a combinatorial library of benzopyrans, modeled after natural products, was synthesized using a solid phase cycloloading strategy. Screening of this diversity oriented library for inhibitory potency against NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase activity in vitro using bovine heart electron transport particles provided several lead compounds which were further refined through a series of focused libraries. Conclusions: Using this combinatorial library approach, a family of potent 2,2-dimethylbenzopyran-based inhibitors was developed with IC 50 values in the range of 18–55 nM. Cell-based assays revealed that these inhibitors were rather non-cytotoxic in the MCF-7 cell line; however, they were quite cytostatic in a panel of cancer cell lines suggesting their potential as chemotherapeutic/chemopreventive candidates.
Molecular Mechanics of Cardiac Myosin-Binding Protein C in Native Thick Filaments

The heart's pumping capacity results from highly regulated interactions of actomyosin molecular motors. Mutations in the gene for a potential regulator of these motors, cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C), cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, cMyBP-C's ability to modulate cardiac contractility is not well understood. Using single-particle fluorescence imaging techniques, transgenic protein expression, proteomics, and modeling, we found that cMyBP-C slowed actomyosin motion generation in native cardiac thick filaments. This mechanical effect was localized to where cMyBP-C resides within the thick filament (i.e., the C-zones) and was modulated by phosphorylation and site-specific proteolytic degradation. These results provide molecular insight into why cMyBP-C should be considered a member of a tripartite complex with actin and myosin that allows fine tuning of cardiac muscle contraction.
A note on the transition region connecting thin to thick liquid films

Abstract The transition region connecting a thick bulk phase with a thin film of the same liquid is generally thought to be represented by the augmented Laplace equation. Reported here are measurements of the thickness of the transition region as a function of the disjoining pressure. A significant interfacial curvature was found in regions predicted to be planar by the augmented Laplace equation. These findings raise questions regarding the validity of using the augmented Laplace equation to calculate quantities such as the macroscopic contact angle.
Policing Society: the ‘Rational’ Practice of British Colonial Land Administration in the New Territories of Hong Kong c. 1900

This paper examines the formulation and practice of British colonial land policy in the New Territories of Hong Kong shortly after the signing of the lease. Far from having put into operation a set of legal codes and administrative practices which mirrored indigenous custom hence rationally preserving the nature of traditional social organization, as has been put forth repeatedly in the scholarly literature, the machinery of rational administration introduced subtle changes into the system and petrified the social order in a way which came to be confused for native tradition. These events reflect the intrusion of a larger normalizing process and the hegemony of a new kind of moral regulation foreign to the existing order.
University and School-Based Health Initiative Program Collaborate to Integrate Nutrition Education into Comprehensive Health Services for At-Risk School Children and Adolescents

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME : To examine the efficacy of a collaborative effort between a coordinated dietetics program (CPD) and a school-based health initiative program (SBHI) to enhance entry-level community experience for coordinated dietetic students and provide nutrition education for at-risk youth. Providing quality community experiences often presents challenges for CPDs. In an effort to improve the efficacy of the entry-level community experience, the CPD collaborated with a new state-funded SBHI to develop and incorporate a nutrition education component into health education programming. The goal of the urban SBHIs is to provide quality comprehensive health care for at-risk youth. Dietetic students developed and implemented nutrition modules for various school-age groups. Modules included age-appropriate needs assessment, lesson plans, activities and teaching materials, and evaluation of outcomes. From needs assessment data, dietetic students developed topic-specific bulletin boards, nutrition newsletters, and various classroom activities. The collaboration enhanced the SBHI by providing critical nutrition expertise, as they have no nutritionists on staff. Evaluations indicated that 85% of participating students met learning objectives; an important outcome for a predominantly African American population at significantly higher risk for chronic disease. The CPD evaluation showed that the majority of dietetic students (75%) rated the experience as greatly beneficial to their professional development, indicating that the rotation was effective. Additionally, provision of community services in the urban venue helps fulfill the university's urban mission. In summary, the CPD-SBHI collaboration serves as a model for CPDs to incorporate a new health delivery mechanism into dietetic education thus providing students opportunities for gaining special insight into the needs of school-age children and adolescents comprising a vulnerable population.
Divergent Thinking and Hemispheric Dominance for Language Function among Preschool Children

Sttrnmasy.-An investigation of the relationship of hemispheric dominance (dichotic listening) and divergent thinking (Torrance Tescs of Creative Thinking) with 27 preschool children (11 males and 16 females; mean age of 4-8) indicated a positive relationship between right hemispheric dominance and scores on the Product Improvement task. Low intertask correlations suggested chat the Unusual Uses and Product Improvement tasks were not measuring the same consuuct. These findings were discussed with regard to nature of the task (stimulus specificity) and the age of the subjects in this srudy. The findings show that divergent thinking is associated with right hemispheric dominance in children as young as 4 years.
Comparison of nonelectrolyte permeability patterns in several epithelia.

Reflection coefficients (σ's) have been determined for 13 to 36 non-electrolytes in goldfish gallbladder, bullfrog gallbladder, bullfrog intestine, and guineapig intestine. These results have been compared with the results of similar previous studies in rabbit gallbladder, bullfrog choroid plexus, and guinea-pig gallbladder to determine types of species variation, organ variation, and individual variation. Two principal types of variation were established: (1) Branched solutes are much less permeant than straight-chain analogues in gallbladders of all four species studied, whereas this effect is small in intestine and negligible in choroid plexus. This variation in degree of discrimination against branched solutes is attributed to variation in closeness of packing of membrane lipids. (2) In certain epithelia, small polar solutes are more permeant than expected from their bulk nonpolar-solvent/water partition coefficients and from their size. This feature is very marked in rabbit gallbladder, somewhat marked in guineapig gallbladder and intestine and in bullfrog choroid plexus, apparent mainly just for formamide (the smallest polar nonelectrolyte) in bullfrog intestine, and virtually absent in goldfish and bullfrog gallbladders. Analysis of individual variability in preparations of guinea-pig intestine and rabbit gallbladder from different animals shows covariation in σ's of small polar nonelectrolytes uncorrelated with variation in σ's of other solutes. Small polar solutes, in epithelia where their permeability is as expected from size and from nonpolar-solvent/water partition coefficients, resemble other solutes in having markedly temperature-dependent σ's (high apparent activation energies of permeation), but have nearly temperature-independent σ's (low activation energies, as for diffusion in aqueous solution) in epithelia where their permeability is enhanced. These findings suggest that additional size-restricted permeation pathways by-passing membrane lipid (“pores”) are present in some tissues and smaller or virtually absent in others.
Nuclear security breached.

DNA chemistry may provide a solution to the deceptively difficult problem of enhancing DNA nuclear transport in nonviral vectors.
Time-Domain Response Envelope for Structural Dynamic Systems

A transient envelope solution method is developed for payload structural systems. This method requires that the external forcing functions are decomposed into a quasi-static part and a dynamic part. The amplitude of the peak envelope and the corresponding varying frequencies for the generalized forcing functions are required for obtaining the response envelopes. The proposed method is applied to a sample problem as well as a spacecraft structural system and the results are in good agreement with the exact solution.