cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Generative Model for Discovering Action-Based Roles and Community Role Compositions on Community Question Answering Platforms

This paper proposes a generative model for discovering user roles and community role compositions in Community Question Answering (CQA) platforms. While past research shows that participants play different roles in online communities, automatically discovering these roles and providing a summary of user behavior that is readily interpretable remains an important challenge. Furthermore, there has been relatively little insight into the distribution of these roles between communities. Does a community’s composition over user roles vary as a function of topic? How does it relate to the health of the underlying community? Does role composition evolve over time? The generative model proposed in this paper, the mixture of Dirichlet-multinomial mixtures (MDMM) behavior model can (1) automatically discover interpetable user roles (as probability distributions over atomic actions) directly from log data, and (2) uncover community-level role compositions to facilitate such cross-community studies. A comprehensive experiment on all 161 non-meta communities on the StackExchange CQA platform demonstrates that our model can be useful for a wide variety of behavioral studies, and we highlight three empirical insights. First, we show interesting distinctions in question-asking behavior on StackExchange (where two distinct types of askers can be identified) and answering behavior (where two distinct roles surrounding answers emerge). Second, we find statistically significant differences in behavior compositions across topical groups of communities on StackExchange, and that those groups that have statistically significant differences in health metrics also have statistically significant differences in behavior compositions, suggesting a relationship between behavior composition and health. Finally, we show that the MDMM behavior model can be used to demonstrate similar but distinct evolutionary patterns between topical groups.
Impact of bladder cancer (BC) on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in 1,476 older Americans.

9549 Background: The impact of BC on HRQL is poorly understood. To our knowledge, this is the first and largest cross-sectional study that compares HRQL of patients before and after BC diagnosis (D...
Diagnostic Dilemma for the Orthopedic Surgeon

1. Compartment syndrome is associated with serious long-term morbidity. 2. Appropriate treatment is invasive and involves its own risks. 3. The presentation of compartment syndrome is variable. 4. The diagnosis of compartment syndrome relies largely on clinical findings. 5. Pressure monitoring may provide supplemental but imperfect diagnostic guidance.
Boundary layer transition in the leading edge region of a swept cylinder in high speed flow

Experiments were conducted on a 76 degree swept cylinder to establish the behavior of the attachment line transition process in a low-disturbance level, Mach number 1.6 flow. For a near adiabatic wall condition, the attachment-line boundary layer remained laminar up to the highest attainable Reynolds number. The attachment-line boundary layer transition under the influence of trip wires depended on wind tunnel disturbance level, and a transition onset condition for this flow is established. Internal heating raised the surface temperature of the attachment line to induce boundary layer instabilities. This was demonstrated experimentally for the first time and the frequencies of the most amplified disturbances were determined over a range of temperature settings. Results were in excellent agreement to those predicted by a linear stability code, and provide the first experimental verification of theory. Transition onset along the heated attachment line at an R-bar of 800 under quiet tunnel conditions was found to correlate with an N factor of 13.2. Increased tunnel disturbance levels caused the transition onset to occur at lower cylinder surface temperatures and was found to correlate with an approximate N factor of 1 1.9, so demonstrating that the attachment-line boundary layer is receptive to increases in the tunnel disturbance level.
A Universal Low Complexity Compression Algorithm for Sparse Marked Graphs

Many modern applications involve accessing and processing graphical data, i.e. data that is naturally indexed by graphs. Examples come from internet graphs, social networks, genomics and proteomics, and other sources. The typically large size of such data motivates seeking efficient ways for its compression and decompression. The current compression methods are usually tailored to specific models, or do not provide theoretical guarantees. In this paper, we introduce a low–complexity lossless compression algorithm for sparse marked graphs, i.e. graphical data indexed by sparse graphs, which is capable of universally achieving the optimal compression rate in a precisely defined sense. In order to define universality, we employ the framework of local weak convergence, which allows one to make sense of a notion of stochastic processes for graphs. Moreover, we investigate the performance of our algorithm through some experimental results on both synthetic and real–world data.
Variability of Electrolaryngeal Speech Intelligibility in Multitalker Babble.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to report the variability of electrolarynx (EL) users' speech intelligibility in quiet and in multitalker babble. Method Ten EL users (five Servox® Digital, fi...
Fully automated real-time recipe verification : SM: Smart Manufacturing, APC: Advanced Process Control

The verification of a new or changed recipe is a common process control task in a semiconductor factory. It is also a prime example of the demanding integration challenges that Advanced Process Control (APC) is facing today. State-of-the-art process control solutions must be fully integrated with the work-in-progress (WIP) fabrication control solutions to enable full automation and to find the optimal tradeoff between competing Fab Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The recipe verification presented in this paper illustrates a holistic strategy that brings these areas together.
The Hidden Costs of Securing Innovation: The Manifold Impacts of Compulsory Invention Secrecy

Compulsory invention secrecy has been long considered as a policy to prevent the leakage of technology in the interest of national security---and with the rise of global technological competition, it is increasingly so today. This paper uses a historical natural experiment to study the impacts of compulsory secrecy on firm invention and the broader innovation system. In World War II, the U.S. patent office issued secrecy orders to over 11,000 patent applications, which halted examination and prohibited disclosure until these orders were rescinded en masse at the end of the war. I show that compulsory secrecy caused incumbent firms to shift the direction of their innovation away from treated classes, with effects persisting through at least 1960. It interfered more broadly with the ordinary functioning of the innovation system by restricting commercialization and impeding follow-on innovation. Yet as part of the security policies in place during the war, it appears to have been effective at keeping sensitive technology out of the public view. These results offer evidence for recent debate over potential measures to protect U.S. invention against misappropriation by foreign competitors in both crises and regular times.
Assessing the Value of Emerging Technologies: The Case of Mobile Technologies to Enhance Business-To-Business Applications

In this paper, we propose a two-step framework to advance our knowledge of how to identify and evaluate opportunities presented by emerging information technologies (IT). As a first step, we match the features and limits of the IT innovation with the requirements of the application areas in question, typically on the business process level. As a second step, we sketch out guidelines to evaluate these windows of opportunity in a quantitative way. To further explain the framework and showcase its applicability, we provide a proof-of-concept case study, reporting on the application of wireless technologies to enhance an electronic procurement application at Motorola, Inc. Judith Gebauer, Michael J. Shaw, Kexin Zhao
JOB LEWIS SMITH AND THE GERM THEORY OF DISEASE

"If these doctrines (evolution and germ theory of disease with its concomitant disproof of spontaneous generation) are true, all talk of creation or methods of creation becomes absurdity; for just as certainly as they are true, God Himself is impossible. . . . No, if this after all is the best that science can give me, give me then, I pray, no more science."1 These are not the words of a modern-day creationist, but those of the President of Columbia College, F.A.P. Barnard, speaking at the first meeting of the American Public Health Association in 1873. Barnard was no religious fanatic but a sophisticated scientist who had summarized the work of Pasteur and Lister earlier in his talk.
Variable switching noise mitigation in hysteretic power converters using spur-free control

This paper introduces a control scheme for hysteretic power converters that results in a spur-free switching noise spectrum irrespective of the actual switching frequency of the converter. The proposed control scheme enables powering noise-sensitive loads directly from hysteretic converters without requiring the rather complicated switching frequency control loops that have been traditionally employed within hysteretic power converters in order to maintain a constant and predictable switching frequency and switching noise spectrum. Therefore, the key advantages of hysteretic power converters, i.e. simple design, cost-effective implementation and fast transient response, can be preserved by eliminating any additional frequency control overhead. A step-down buck converter is used to demonstrate the proposed control scheme.
Rethinking Juvenile Justice in the Wake of Katrina

There are several proposals and ideas worth being presented in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the Gulf Coast disaster. Two of these are broadly defined approaches to changing juvenile justice: first using evidence-based approaches to identify and retain current intervention programs and strategies that appear to work and, second rethinking juvenile justice as a public health problem in hopes of entertaining early-intervention services for high-risk juveniles and adopting universal day care as a mechanism to reduce delinquency and recidivism rates for young offenders. We should acknowledge that certain components of the present juvenile justice system should pass scrutiny and remain intact. However, there are myriad problems that even well-funded state delinquency systems exhibit. Katrina only helped highlight the many shortcomings of the New Orleans delinquency system.
Energetic Consistency and Coupling of the Mean and Covariance Dynamics

The dynamical state of the ocean and atmosphere is taken to be a large dimensional random vector in a range of large-scale computational applications, including data assimilation, ensemble prediction, sensitivity analysis, and predictability studies. In each of these applications, numerical evolution of the covariance matrix of the random state plays a central role, because this matrix is used to quantify uncertainty in the state of the dynamical system. Since atmospheric and ocean dynamics are nonlinear, there is no closed evolution equation for the covariance matrix, nor for the mean state. Therefore approximate evolution equations must be used. This article studies theoretical properties of the evolution equations for the mean state and covariance matrix that arise in the second-moment closure approximation (third- and higher-order moment discard). This approximation was introduced by EPSTEIN [1969] in an early effort to introduce a stochastic element into deterministic weather forecasting, and was studied further by FLEMING [1971a,b], EPSTEIN and PITCHER [1972], and PITCHER [1977], also in the context of atmospheric predictability. It has since fallen into disuse, with a simpler one being used in current large-scale applications. The theoretical results of this article make a case that this approximation should be reconsidered for use in large-scale applications, however, because the second moment closure equations possess a property of energetic consistency that the approximate equations now in common use do not possess. A number of properties of solutions of the second-moment closure equations that result from this energetic consistency will be established.
Incommensurate DDW order

We consider various incommensurate (IC) order parameters for electrons on a square lattice which reduce to $d_{x^2-y^2}$-density wave (DDW) order when the ordering wavevector ${\bf Q}\to (\pi,\pi)$. We describe the associated charge and current distributions and their experimental signatures. Such orders can arise at the mean-field level in extended Hubbard models. We compare the phase diagrams of these models with experiments in the underdoped cuprates, where (1) DDW order is a possible explanation of the pseudogap, and (2) there are experimental indications of incommensurability. We find various types of IC DDW and discuss their possible relevance to the physics of the cuprates. Our main finding is that IC DDW order is generally accompanied by superconducting order, but the magnitude of the IC wavevector can be small. A comparison with the analogous AF-ICSDW transition is given.
Identification of Propionate as an Endogenous CO2 Acceptor in Rhodospirillum rubrum and Properties of Purified Propionyl-Coenzyme A Carboxylase

A heat-stable endogenous CO(2) acceptor has been found in extracts of Rhodospirillum rubrum grown photoheterotrophically on acetate. Evidence is presented which suggests that this factor is propionic acid. Thus, paper and gas chromatographic analyses have indicated that propionic acid is present in boiled extracts prepared from R. rubrum cells. The products of (14)CO(2) fixation obtained with either the boiled extract or propionic acid as the CO(2) acceptor were identical and were identified as methylmalonic acid and succinic acid by paper chromatography. The enzyme which catalyzes the carboxylation of propionyl-coenzyme A (propionyl-CoA carboxylase) was purified from R. rubrum cells grown on acetate and its properties were studied. The enzyme is similar to propionyl-CoA carboxylases isolated from mammalian sources.
The p55 TNF-α receptor plays a critical role in T cell alloreactivity

TNF-alpha is known to be an important mediator of tissue damage during allograft rejection and graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), but its role in supporting T cell responses to allogeneic Ags is unclear. We have studied this question by comparing normal mice with those lacking the p55 (p55 TNFR-/-) or p75 (p75 TNFR-/-) TNF-alpha receptors as donors in well-defined bone marrow transplant (BMT) models. Recipients of p55 TNFR-/- cells had significantly reduced mortality and morbidity from GVHD compared with the other two sources of T cells. In vitro, T cells lacking the p55 (but not the p75) TNF-alpha receptor exhibited decreased proliferation and production of Th1 cytokines in MLC. This defect was only partially restored by exogenous IL-2 and affected both CD4+ and CD8+ populations. CD8+ p55 TNFR-/- proliferation was impaired independently of IL-2 whereas CTL effector function was impaired in an IL-2-dependent fashion. Inhibition of TNF-alpha with TNFR:Fc in primary MLC also impaired the proliferation and Th1 differentiation of wild-type T cells. BMT mixing experiments demonstrated that the reduced ability of p55 TNFR-/- donor cells to induce GVHD was due to the absence of the p55 TNFR on T cells rather than bone marrow cells. These data highlight the importance of TNF-alpha in alloreactive T cell responses and suggest that inhibition of the T cell p55 TNF-alpha receptor may provide an additional useful therapeutic maneuver to inhibit alloreactive T cell responses following bone marrow and solid organ transplantation.
Carcinogen exposure, p53 alteration, and K-ras mutation in synchronous multiple primary lung carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Synchronous multiple primary lung tumors (SMPLT) have been estimated to occur in 1% of lung carcinoma patients. Criteria for SMPLT diagnosis include different cancer histologies, location in different lobes of the lung, or genetic discordance. Patients with SMPLT have a poor clinical prognosis with decreased 5-year disease survival, despite diagnosis at an early stage. Field cancerization (the induction of somatic mutation in large clones of epithelial cells after carcinogen exposure) has been proposed to be an integral process involved in the development of SMPLT. Host factors also may contribute to the development of SMPLT. METHODS The authors investigated the occurrence of p53 and K-ras alterations in tumors from SMPLT patients and also studied the association between carcinogen exposure and polymorphic metabolic traits in SMPLT patients, comparing these patients with individuals with one primarily lung tumor. RESULTS In a case-control study of lung carcinoma susceptibility, 6 patients were identified whose 33 multiple tumors met the criteria of SMPLT. The incidence was 3.6% (16 of 451 patients), which was higher than many previously published series. Among the multiple tumors, 73% (24 of 33 tumors) were adenocarcinomas. Patients with SMPLT smoked more (73.0 pack-years vs. 56.2 pack-years; P = 0.07) and longer (45.8 years vs. 37.0 years; P < 0.03) than patients with only 1 tumor. For those patients who stopped smoking, patients with SMPLT had stopped smoking more recently than those with a single primary tumor (3.4 years vs. 7.3 years; P = 0.08). A total of 39% of SMPLT tumors (13 of 33 tumors) had detectable p53 alterations; 36% had genetic changes in p53 measured by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism, and 33% showed positive immunostaining for p53 protein. This was comparable to the occurrence of p53 mutations and immunostaining in single tumor cases (30%). Age, gender, family history of cancer, and the prevalence of polymorphic metabolic traits previously associated with lung carcinoma susceptibility did not differ among SMPLT patients compared with patients with a single tumor. CONCLUSIONS The patients with SMPLT had significantly more tobacco exposure, and their tumors apparently had independently arising p53 and K-ras mutations, suggesting that field cancerization may be important in lung carcinogenesis. Cancer 1999;85:1734–9. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
The linkage between reverse gyrase and hyperthermophiles: a review of their invariable association.

With the discovery of reverse gyrase in 1972, from Yellowstone National Park, isolated from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, it has been speculated as to why reverse gyrase can be found in all hyperthermophiles and just what exactly its role is in hyperthermophilic organisms. Hyperthermophiles have been defined as organisms with an optimal growth temperature of above 85°C. Reverse gyrase is responsible for the introduction of positive supercoils into closed circular DNA. This review of reverse gyrase in hyperthermophilic microorganisms summarizes the last two decades of research performed on hyperthermophiles and reverse gyrase in an effort to provide an up to date synopsis of their invariable association. From the data gathered for this review it is reasonable to hypothesize that reverse gyrase is closely tied to hyperthermophilic life.
Autonomous navigation of wireless robot swarms with covert leaders

The integration of advanced computation, wireless communication, and control technologies has facilitated the creation of autonomous robot swarms for many civil and military applications. In nature, animals that travel in groups often rely on social interactions among group members to make movement decisions. In many cases, few individuals within the group have pertinent knowledge about the destination and/or migration routes. In this paper, we adapt a swarm model developed for animal groups to study the unique problems associated with covert leadership in the context of wireless robot swarms. We term this problem autonomous navigation with covert leaders. In this covert leadership problem, only a small subset of robots in a robot swarm possess extra information that guides their movement, and both this information and the identities of those individuals possessing this information remain covert (to minimize the chance of being compromised). We describe a distributed navigation algorithm, where each robot locally makes its movement decision solely based on one-hop information collected via wireless communications. The effectiveness and merits of the described navigation algorithm are demonstrated through extensive simulations.
Killing of Edwardsiella ictaluri by macrophages from channel catfish immune and susceptible to enteric septicemia of catfish

The role of peritoneal macrophages in immunity to enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC) after infection with live Edwardsiella ictaluri was investigated. Channel catfish macrophage-mediated bacteriocidal activity was dependent on the macrophage:bacteria ratio. Ratios of 1:1 to 1:12 exhibited significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in killing between macrophages from immune fish when compared to killing by macrophages from susceptible fish at 2.5 h. At 5 h, macrophages from immune fish were capable of effective killing (83.3%) at a 1:24 effector:target ratio, whereas macrophages from susceptible fish killed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) less (56.9%). Macrophage bacteriocidal activity was significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) in macrophages from individual immune fish (93.4%) compared to macrophages from individual susceptible fish (85.4%). The kinetics of macrophage killing showed a linear increase in bacteriocidal activity from 1 to 3 h. Opsonization with immune serum enabled macrophages from immune fish to kill bacteria more effectively (93.8 vs. 75.9%) at 2.5 h. Opsonization of E. ictaluri with immune serum significantly suppressed the killing ability of macrophages from susceptible fish (46.2%) at 2.5 h. The results suggest that macrophages from fish immune to ESC had a greater capacity to kill E. ictaluri than macrophages from susceptible fish especially when E. ictaluri were opsonized with anti-E. ictaluri antibody.
Positive Pion Production in p-p Collisions at 420 Mev with Polarized Protons

The asymmetry in the production of positive $\ensuremath{\pi}$ mesons in $p\ensuremath{-}p$ collisions has been studied, using a 420-Mev, 62% polarized proton beam from the Chicago synchrocyclotron, with nuclear emulsions as the pion detector. The asymmetry at 65\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} in the laboratory for the entire spectrum above 20 Mev in the center-of-mass system is found to be 0.151\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.021, in the direction opposite the elastic scattering that produced the polarized beam. In the region of the spectrum above 40 Mev, results are consistent with those found by other authors for the reaction $p+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+d$; at lower energies where pions associated with final nucleon $p$ states become predominant, the asymmetry decreases rapidly and may possibly reverse.
SU-FF-T-389: A Method to Treat GammaKnife Shots Otherwise Untreatable Due to Collison

Purpose: To develop a technique enabling Gamma Knife shots deemed untreatable because of collision to be delivered using an appropriately shifted stereotactic frame placement without requiring re‐imaging of the patient. Method and Materials: A Leksell stereotactic frame with a CT fiducial box was applied to a head phantom. The assembly was imaged (1 mm slice thickness), allowing localization of its stereotactic space. Using GammaPlan, the (x,y,z) coordinates of the centers of four 0.5‐mm diameter steel spheres positioned as targets within the frontal, temporal, and occipital regions of the head phantom were recorded. A Leksell biopsy arc was then attached to the stereotactic frame and the (r,θ,φ) coordinates of 6 points marked on the phantom surface were recorded. The stereotactic frame was removed from the phantom and re‐attached in a different position. The biopsy arc was then used to determine the new (r,θ,φ) coordinates of the same surface points. A transformation algorithm using the two sets of (r,θ,φ) coordinates was applied to the (x,y,z) coordinates of the steel spheres in the original stereotactic space to determine the corresponding coordinates in the second stereotactic space. To test algorithm accuracy, a repeat CT‐scan of the phantom was done and the actual (x,y,z) coordinates of the targets in the second stereotactic space were found. Results: The mean distance between the algorithm‐predicted value and actual value of the target coordinates in the second frame placement was 1.03 (σ = 0.3) mm, demonstrating acceptable accuracy in most clinical situations. Conclusion: This technique may be used for treating patients with multiple lesions where collisions prevent treatment with a single frame application. Once all treatable shots are delivered, the frame is shifted and a transformation based on the spherical coordinates of surface points is applied to the untreatable shots which are then delivered in the new stereotactic space. Re‐imaging is not necessary.
Calculation of the collector signal delay time of HBT's based on a piecewise-linear velocity profile

Abstract We present a systematic method for calculating the frequency-dependent collector signal delay time τ′ CT and the cutoff frequency f T of the heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT). The method is developed based on the assumption that f T is limited by τ′ CT . Furthermore, a piecewise-liner drift velocity profile is employed to account for velocity overshoot in the base-collector junction. Previous works employing the low-frequency approximation or the step-wise drift velocity profile, which assumes a constant velocity in the overshoot region, are also briefly reviewed and discussed.
A FINE DREAM

We shall develop further N. J. Fine's theory of three parameter non-homogeneous first order q-difference equations. The object of our work is to bring the Rogers–Ramanujan identities within the purview of such a theory. In addition, we provide a number of new identities.
The relation between self-efficacy and sport performance: Evidence from a sample of youth baseball players

Abstract The relation between self-efficacy and hitting in a baseball batting cage was tested in a sample of 205 youth and adolescents (9 yr. to 17 yr. old males). Hitting performance and self-efficacy were assessed during four opportunities in the cage. Initial efficacy did not predict baseline hitting, and in the three subsequent trials, efficacy also failed to predict hitting. However, in each case, subsequent hitting was predicted by previous hitting performance, and subsequent self-efficacy was predicted by previous efficacy. Finally, subsequent efficacy was predicted by previous hitting performance. Discussion focuses on the relationship between performance and ability efficacy in athletic skill development.
A Clostridium cellulovorans gene, engD, codes for both endo-β-1,4-glucanase and cellobiosidase activities.

A 5.8 kbp DNA fragment from Clostridium cellulovorans (ATCC 35296) containing endo-β-1,4-glucanase (1,4-β-d-glucan glucanohydrolase, carboxymethylcellulase, CMCase; EC 3.2.1.4) gene, engD was cloned in Escherichia coli. The clone harboring a subcloned 3.8 kb fragment in plasmid, pEQ52V, produced an enzyme that showed both endo-β-1,4-glucanase activity as well as cellobiosidase activity. Zymograms with the engD encoded enzyme with carboxymethyl-cellulose as the substrate indicated that the molecular mass of the active protein was 50 000.
Some Factors Influencing Toxicity of Linear Alkylate Sulfonate (LAS) to the Bluegill

Abstract Some factors influencing toxicity of linear alkylate sulfonate (LAS) on the early life history stages of the bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus (Rafinesque), were studied in raw Mississippi River water under ambient conditions and under controlled conditions in well water. Median response varied from 0.2–10 mg/1 LAS with the life history phase and environmental conditions. Variation in estimation of TLm values within and between similar tests was small in comparison to the influence of external factors. The most important environmental factors related to lethal threshold concentration of LAS were dissolved oxygen, water hardness, and acclimation to LAS. High temperature decreased the median tolerance limit only during tests of short exposure. Sublethal concentrations of LAS increased toxicity of fuel oil mixtures while bentonite suspensions up to 200 mg/1 had little influence on LAS toxicity. The most sensitive stage of development was the feeding sac-fry, while the most tolerant stage was the newly h...
A mechanism and an evaluation of surface specific iodination by the chloramine-T procedure.

Abstract Both internal and external proteins in vesicular stomatitis virus were labeled when intact virions were iodinated with 50 μ m iodide; however, only the surface proteins were labeled when the same procedure was carried out at low iodide concentrations (below 0.5 μ m ). This result together with similar observations reported earlier with another enveloped virus, Rous-associated virus-61 (RAV-61), suggest that viral envelopes provide a barrier to iodination by chloramine-T at low, but not at high, iodide concentrations. By monitoring the permeability of the RAV-61 envelope to successive iodinations and to iodination in the presence of chaotropic thiocyanate ions, it was shown that the permeability of the viral envelope was not altered at the higher concentrations of iodide. Further results support the hypothesis that iodination mediated by chloramine-T inolves two different iodinating species: (a) a membrane impermeable one, possibly “iodamine-T,” which predominates at low iodide concentrations, and (b) a membrane permeable species, possibly molecular iodine, which predominates at high concentrations of iodide. These results reinforce the proposal that the chloramine-T procedure is a useful method for specifically labeling surface proteins of lipid-enveloped structures.
Renal hemodynamics and glomerular morphology in repetitively pregnant aging rats

Renal hemodynamics and glomerular morphology in repetitively pregnant aging rats. Measurements were made of renal and glomerular hemodynamics and glomerular morphology in repetitively pregnant and age-matched virgin female Munich-Wistar rats. Repetitive pregnancies and lactation provide a stimulus to chronic increases in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and these rats were studied, by micropuncture, ˜ 4 to 6 weeks after the end of the fifth gestation/lactation cycle. No differences were seen in GFR or renal plasma flow (RPF) rate nor in any of the determinants of single nephron filtration rate (SNGFR) in repetitively pregnant compared to virgin rats, although SNGFR itself was slightly but significantly elevated in repetitively pregnant rats. There was no evidence of systemic hypertension, proteinuria, or abnormal glomerular morphology in either group despite their advanced age (˜ 42 to 46 weeks). Thus, the moderate chronic increase in GFR due to the stimulus of repetitive pregnancy and lactation does not lead to eventual deterioration in renal function or structural abnormalities.
Why it won't happen to me: Perceptions of risk factors and susceptibility.

Four studies were conducted with college student subjects to examine: (1) perceptions of susceptibility to health and safety risks; (2) factors that subjects see as important in determining their susceptibility; and (3) subjects' actual standing on objective risk factors. Subjects were generally unbiased about hereditary risk factors and were even somewhat pessimistic about environmental risk factors. Their views of their own actions and psychological attributes, however, were excessively optimistic. Few acknowledged actions or psychological attributes that increased their risk. This pattern of findings helps to explain why risks thought to be controllable (i.e., preventable by personal action) are likely to evoke unrealistic optimism about susceptibility. Family histories of health problems were incorporated into judgments of susceptibility, but, except for smoking, correlations between behavioral risk factors and judgments of susceptibility were surprisingly weak. Self-esteem enhancement is suggested as a motive that could explain many of the present findings. Several recommendations are offered for health campaigns that seek to produce more realistic perceptions of susceptibility to health and safety problems.
Reviewing the Reviews: A Modest History of Policies and Practices.

This essay traces the history of MLJ editorial policies and practices as seen in the reviews section, traced mainly through the voices of the MLJ editors. These editorial messages reveal the role of the editor in shaping the function of the reviews and also provide a window on the issues and events that each generation of editors deemed important enough to merit public exposure. As shown in graphic displays, the reviews section reflects the history of the foreign language teaching and learning field in the 20th century in the distribution of the reviews across languages and topics, as well as trends over time. The essay concludes by considering the current issues and challenges for the reviews section and also possible future directions for this part of the MLJ.
Transmission of Dengue Virus without a Mosquito Vector: Nosocomial Mucocutaneous Transmission and Other Routes of Transmission

We report a case of dengue fever in a Boston-area health care worker with no recent history of travel but with mucocutaneous exposure to infected blood from a febrile traveler who had recently returned from Peru. Serologic tests confirmed acute dengue virus infection in both the traveler and the health care worker. We believe that this is the first documented case of dengue virus transmission via the mucocutaneous route. We present case reports and review other ways that dengue virus has been transmitted without a mosquito vector.
The provision of walking aids to the overtly aggressive older adult who is a high risk of falls: a careful balancing act

Older adult psychiatric inpatients may have impaired balance and have an increased risk of falling for many reasons (Pellfolk et al., 2009; Ko et al., 2009). This population may be on psychotropic medication, which is in itself an independent risk factor for falls (Stubbs et al., 2009). This is a group that may also be at elevated risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia; should they fall, they are more susceptible to osteoporotic fractures which are associated with high morbidity and mortality (Stubbs et al., 2009). To counteract this risk, older adult psychiatric services should seek to adopt the strategies identified as being “gold standard” in general older adult rehabilitation settings, such as a multifactorial falls intervention program (Gillespie et al., 2009). This would typically include a review of medication; environmental falls risk assessments, the provision of walking aids and strength and balance training (Gillespie et al., 2009).
The scope of thin-layer chromatography

Abstract The broad applications of thin-layer chromatography are discussed, including some of the fundamental aspects and various parameters of the method.
Multilevel methods for mixed finite elements in three dimensions

In this paper we consider second order scalar elliptic boundary value problems posed over three–dimensional domains and their discretization by means of mixed Raviart–Thomas finite elements [18]. This leads to saddle point problems featuring a discrete flux vector field as additional unknown. Following Ewing and Wang [26], the proposed solution procedure is based on splitting the flux into divergence free components and a remainder. It leads to a variational problem involving solenoidal Raviart–Thomas vector fields. A fast iterative solution method for this problem is presented. It exploits the representation of divergence free vector fields as ${\bf curl}$ s of the ${\bf H}({\bf curl})$ –conforming finite element functions introduced by Nedelec [43]. We show that a nodal multilevel splitting of these finite element spaces gives rise to an optimal preconditioner for the solenoidal variational problem: Duality techniques in quotient spaces and modern algebraic multigrid theory [50, 10, 31] are the main tools for the proof.
Synthesis strategy for protected metal nanoparticles

A method for synthesizing metal nanoparticle catalysts with a structured environment using atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been developed. The method involves growing uniform, dispersed Pd nanopa...
The lizard ear: Gekkonidae.

The gecko ear was studied in 36 species belonging to 24 genera. This receptor has attained an advanced level of structure and performance in this group of lizards, but there are many variations among species. To a large extent these variations follow subfamily lines as represented in Kluge's system of classification. Brief consideration is given to features of the outer and middle ear, but chief concern is with inner ear structures and their relations to auditory sensitivity as represented by the cochlear potentials. The auditory papilla is segmented, with a dorsal portion whose hair cells have their ciliary tufts attached to a tectorial membrane, and a ventral portion in which these cells form tow assemblages, one with tectorial connections and the other with connections to a line of sallets. The dorsal segment varies greatly in length and in the form of ciliary orientation. In Eublepharinae and most Gekkoninae the ciliary orientation is unidirectional, and the degree of sensitivity relates to the length of this segment. In Diplodactylinae and Sphaerodactylinae the orientation is bidirectional, and this segment functionally hardly differs from the ventral segment. Auditory sensitivity as measured in terms of the cochlear potentials shows close relations with subfamily groupings, except for the Gekkoninae in which considerable diversity is found. The evidence from structural differentiation, along with that derived from the forms of the cochlear potential functions, leads to the suggestion that these ears possess a high degree of pitch discrimination and capability for the analysis of complex sounds.
Comparison of quantitative methods for cell‐shape analysis

Morphology is an important large-scale manifestation of the global organizational and physiological state of cells, and is commonly used as a qualitative or quantitative measure of the outcome of various assays. Here we evaluate several different basic representations of cell shape - binary masks, distance maps and polygonal outlines - and different subsequent encodings of those representations - Fourier and Zernike decompositions, and the principal and independent components analyses - to determine which are best at capturing biologically important shape variation. We find that principal components analysis of two-dimensional shapes represented as outlines provide measures of morphology which are quantitative, biologically meaningful, human interpretable and work well across a range of cell types and parameter settings.
Greener PCs for the Enterprise

PC energy use is a growing cost to enterprises, with most machines remaining fully powered on, even while idle, for most of the time. The Network Connectivity Proxy maintains network presence for PCs but lets them sleep while idle, thus saving energy and reducing total cost of ownership.
A simple control policy for achieving minimum jerk trajectories

Point-to-point fast hand movements, often referred to as ballistic movements, are a class of movements characterized by straight paths and bell-shaped velocity profiles. In this paper we propose a bang-bang optimal control policy that can achieve such movements. This optimal control policy is accomplished by minimizing the L"~ norm of the jerk profile of ballistic movements with known initial position, final position, and duration of movement. We compare the results of this control policy with human motion data recorded with a manipulandum. We propose that such bang-bang control policies are inherently simple for the central nervous system to implement and also minimize wear and tear on the bio-mechanical system. Physiological experiments support the possibility that some parts of the central nervous system use bang-bang control policies. Furthermore, while many computational neural models of movement control have used a bang-bang control policy without justification, our study shows that the use of such policies is not only convenient, but optimal.
RNA Unwinding by NS3 Helicase: A Statistical Approach

The study of double-stranded RNA unwinding by helicases is a problem of basic scientific interest. One such example is provided by studies on the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 helicase using single molecule mechanical experiments. HCV currently infects nearly 3% of the world population and NS3 is a protein essential for viral genome replication. The objective of this study is to model the RNA unwinding mechanism based on previously published data and study its characteristics and their dependence on force, ATP and NS3 protein concentration. In this work, RNA unwinding by NS3 helicase is hypothesized to occur in a series of discrete steps and the steps themselves occurring in accordance with an underlying point process. A point process driven change point model is employed to model the RNA unwinding mechanism. The results are in large agreement with findings in previous studies. A gamma distribution based renewal process was found to model well the point process that drives the unwinding mechanism. The analysis suggests that the periods of constant extension observed during NS3 activity can indeed be classified into pauses and subpauses and that each depend on the ATP concentration. The step size is independent of external factors and seems to have a median value of 11.37 base pairs. The steps themselves are composed of a number of substeps with an average of about 4 substeps per step and an average substep size of about 3.7 base pairs. An interesting finding pertains to the stepping velocity. Our analysis indicates that stepping velocity may be of two kinds- a low and a high velocity.
On nationalizing private property and the present value of dictators: Reply

John Lott and David Reiffen (1986) argue that our explanation of socialism is both inconsistent with rational behavior on the part of government leaders and empirically unsupported. They also assert that our revenuemaximizing inframarginal taxes are incorrectly specified. We feel that their comments are a result of a misreading of our paper (1984). Our primary concern was with the capture of the inframarginal rents of labor suppliers, rather than the return on capital. Labor returns in a capitalistic society typically comprise 70 to 80 percent of income, and are therefore a potentially large source of governmental wealth. Although in framing our argument in a way consistent with Brennan and Buchanan's (1980) framework we choose to evaluate alternative tax regimes, such taxes actually take the form of a governmental labor monopsony. All firms are nationalized and workers become government employees. By choosing wages which just cover substance, governmental 'profits' are increased by what would be workers' 'rent' in a capitalistic economy. Although 'substance' may vary from worker to worker, the government would not know this variation and wages would realistically be set at a level sufficient to draw most of the population into the work force. Any variation in wages seen would reflect not differences in productivity in the usual sense, but rather differing political 'pay-offs' according to the worker's service towards maintaining the political regime, or conversely, his potential to disrupt it. The resulting wage structure would be independent of economic productivity, and the government would have to rely on some form of directed labor allocation. The resulting economy would correspond to the Soviet model of communism, with a total elimination of non-governmental employment opportunities. In Western European countries socialism does not appear to be motivated by the desire to maximize governmental revenue, but rather as part of an attempt to achieve employment or other political goals. The existence of a private sector economy of a significant size precludes the exercise of monopsony power in the labor market. (It is interesting to note that these Western 'socialized' economies do not prohibit out-migration. Coun-
Automated System for Analytical Microbiology IV: Accuracy of Measurements

The automated parts of a system designed for performing microbiological turbidimetric assays were tested for accuracy and precision of photometric and volumetric measurements. The system was tested with potassium ferricyanide solutions. The photometric measurements were accumulated and processed by an on-line computer. They had an average standard deviation of about 0.020. The diluter apparently could contribute an additional small variance to the measurements. The answers had a slight positive bias. Uncorrected multiple reflections in the cell can cause significant errors. The use of a multipoint standard curve makes it unnecessary to correct for multiple reflections in the cell in high precision measurements. Digitizing errors were very small.
Fate by RNA methylation: m6A steers stem cell pluripotency.

The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of mRNA has a crucial function in regulating pluripotency in murine stem cells: it facilitates resolution of naive pluripotency towards differentiation.
Folate antagonists covalently linked to carbohydrates: synthesis, properties, and use in the purification of dihydrofolate reductases.

Abstract The folate antagonists, aminopterin and amethopterin, have been linked covalently via their carboxyl groups to various high molecular-weight water-soluble (starch, dextrans) and water-insoluble (cellulose, agarose) carbohydrates. The amount of folate compound incorporated into these polymers was determined by absorbance measurements and by radioactivity when 3H-labeled precursors were used. Optimal yields (ca. 150 mg/g) were obtained by using carbodiimides to effect amide linkages between the folate compounds and aminoalkyl derivatives of the carbohydrates. The soluble antagonist-carbohydrate complexes were characterized with respect to absorbance spectra, molecular weight, and ability to inhibit dihydrofolate reductase. Folate antagonists bound to carbohydrates retained an appreciable affinity for dihydrofolate reductases. This property has provided the basis for two different procedures for purification of these enzymes: (1) complex formation with amethopterin-aminoethyl-soluble starch and isolation of this complex via Sephadex G-100; and (2) affinity chromatography on amethopterin-aminoalkyl-Sepharose. Both methods were facilitated by the ability of dihydrofolate reductases to bind tightly to the antagonist at acidic pH values and the tendency for such complexes to dissociate at alkaline pH values, especially in the presence of dihydrofolate or folate.
RNase protection assays and RNA gel blots: a direct comparison of sensitivity.

Abstract RNase protection assays are commonly thought to be a more sensitive means of detecting and quantitating specific mRNAs than are RNA gel blots (Northern blots). We have directly compared the sensitivity of these two approaches by assaying for known amounts of in vitro synthesized β-glucuronidase mRNA. With the probes and protocols employed here, the ability to detect a specific mRNA was similar whether RNase protection or RNA gel blot analyses were performed.
High-Speed Beam Steering With Phased Vertical Cavity Laser Arrays

We demonstrate electronic beam steering using phased vertical cavity laser arrays at record high speed (1.4·108 deg/s) and sensitivity to current (1.2 deg/100 μA). The relative phase and coherence between the array elements are extracted with a Fraunhoffer propagation method. The spatially resolved spectrum and beam steering dynamics are also analyzed. The thermo-optic effect is found to dominate the phase-shifting mechanism at lower speed steering, while the electronic variation in index dominates at higher speeds (≥10 MHz).