cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Network characterization of “viton” ahv fluoroelastomer

Polymer-solvent interaction parameter, elastically effective crosslink density Ce, and crosslinking index γ (the number of crosslinked units per polymer chain) have been determined on several vulcanizates of “Viton” AHV fluoroelastomer by means of swelling equilibrium, swollen compression modulus, and sol-gel analysis. The parameter decreases strongly with increasing Ce for “Viton” AHV/2-butanone, which suggests that Ce in three-dimensional expansion (swelling) may not necessarily be equivalent to Ce calculated from uniaxial compression. The relation between γ and Ce is linear and the intercept at Ce = 0 agrees fairly well with Flory's chain-end correction. The agreement between the initial molecular weight μMn calculated from the slope of this relation is within 25% of μMn measured before crosslinking. In view of the complex cure system the agreement is adequate to conclude that Ce calculated from the swollen compression modulus represents essentially elastically effective crosslinks of chemical nature. For comparable concentrations of the crosslinking agents used, the highest attainable Ce decreases in the order: bisphenol > hydroquinone > diamine. The bisphenol-cured system yields Ce values far in excess of the theoretical requirements for bisether crosslinks, which is indicative of a more complex crosslinking chemistry than assumed heretofore. The γ-Ce relation has been applied successfully to distinguish scission in the crosslinks and in the polymer chain during aging at 250°C.
Individual Variability on the ACT Tests

AbstractThe distribution of inter-test sums of squares for 7,021 freshmen was found to be markedly skewed positively. Formens high variability was usually due to a relatively lower English score; for women, a lower mathematics score. The “high-variables” (sum of squares 100 or more) had higher variances on each of the tests than did the “low-variables.” High-variable men were most likely to have mathematics as their highest score and social studies as lowest; for women, high social studies and low mathematics was the most likely combination. For men, the numbers of “high- variables” majoring In mathematics and “low-variables” in English were disproportionately high. Fathers of high- variable men had an education that was either higher or lower than the modal level for all the fathers.
Dynamics of Articulated Structures. Part I. Theory

ABSTRACT A finite element based method is developed for geometrically nonlinear dynamic analysis of spatial articulated structures; i.e., structures in which kinematic connections permit large relative displacement between components that undergo small elastic deformation. Vibration and static correction modes are used to account for linear elastic deformation of components. Kinematic constraints between components are used to define boundary conditions for vibration analysis and loads for static correction mode analysis. Constraint equations between flexible bodies are derived in a systematic way and a Lagrange multiplier formulation is used to generate the coupled large displacement-small deformation equations of motion. A lumped mass finite element structural analysis formulation is used to generate deformation modes. An intermediate-processor is used to calculate time-independent terms in the equations of motion and to generate input data for a large-scale dynamic analysis code that includes coupled e...
Anisotropic critical properties of the de Gennes model for the nematic to smectic- A phase transition

The generalized de Gennes model for the nematic to smectic-$A$ phase transition in liquid crystals with an order parameter with $\frac{n}{2}$ complex components is investigated using the $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ expansion in the vicinity of four dimensions. It is found that anisotropic critical behavior with correlation lengths in directions parallel and perpendicular to the direction of molecular alignment diverging at different rates described by exponents ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$ is possible. When the splay elastic constant ${K}_{1}=\ensuremath{\infty}$ and $ng{n}_{c2}=238.17$, there is an accessible fixed point with ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}g{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$. If ${K}_{1}$ is large but not infinite and $n=2$, it is expected that there will be a series of crossovers from anisotropic quasicritical behavior to isotropic heliumlike quasicritical behavior and finally to a first-order transition. Present theory and current experiments are compared briefly and found to be in incomplete agreement.
Effect of Ta, Nb and V Additions on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of (W,Ti)C-Co

(W,Ti)C-10%Co system cermets doped with Ta, Nb or V grain growth inhibitor were prepared in this work. The effect of Ta, Nb and V on the microstructure and mechanical properties of (W0.8783Ti0.0976VB0.0242)C-10%Co systems was investigated. The results show that the three elements play an important role on the WC grain growth and shape; the cermets appeared uniformly distributed as whiskers or thin platelets. V results in the hardest material, Ta causes the material to become harder compared with (W0.9Ti0.1)C-10%Co cermets. But the hardness of cermets with Nb addition decrease because of the increasing of porosity.
Memory-efficient state lookups with fast updates

Routers must do a best matching prefix lookup for every packet; solutions for Gigabit speeds are well known. As Internet link speeds higher, we seek a scalable solution whose speed scales with memory speeds while allowing large prefix databases. In this paper we show that providing such a solution requires careful attention to memory allocation and pipelining. This is because fast lookups require on-chip or off-chip SRAM which is limited by either expense or manufacturing process. We show that doing so while providing guarantees on the number of prefixes supported requires new algorithms and the breaking down of traditional abstraction boundaries between hardware and software. We introduce new problem-specific memory allocators that have provable memory utilization guarantees that can reach 100%; this is contrast to all standard allocators that can only guarantee 20% utilization when the requests can come in the range [1 ... 32]. An optimal version of our algorithm requires a new (but feasible) SRAM memory design that allows shifted access in addition to normal word access. Our techniques generalize to other IP lookup schemes and to other state lookups besides prefix lookup.
Hobbes as a Theorist of Natural Law 1

Since the 1950s the number of books and articles devoted to the philosophy of Hobbes has expanded so greatly that by now its quantity has become almost overwhelming and made him one of the most stu...
Genes encoding for branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase are differentially expressed in plants

The final metabolic step in the production of the amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine is a transamination reaction catalyzed by the enzyme branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase (BCAT). Using complementation of an Escherichia coli ilvE mutant we have isolated two different cDNAs from potato (Solanum tuberosum) encoding for BCAT (BCAT1 and BCAT2). BCAT1 and BCAT2 were 86 % identical to each other based on deduced amino acid sequence. Southern analysis indicated that BCAT1 and BCAT2 are not in identical regions of the genome and that BCAT1 may exist in multiple copies. The deduced amino acid sequences for both cDNAs contained putative transit peptides for plastid or mitochondrial localization demonstrating spatial expression of the gene products. Northern analysis showed an induction of BCAT1, relative to BCAT2, in leaf tissues exposed to proliferative hormone treatments suggesting that a response to increased growth, and the need for branched-chain amino acid metabolism associated with that growth, is limited to the expression of BCAT1.
Covering the intangibles in a KM initiative

When we design the way work gets done in an organization, we often speak in terms of people, processes, and technology. In the KM area, the term intangibles refers to aspects that are not well defined or are outside the realm of technology; these likely include people and process issues. KM intangibles include such factors as a reward structure and organizational culture that encourage knowledge sharing; a system's compatibility with the employees' way of working and with the organization's processes; employees' feeling they have control over their work; the amount of effort it takes employees to enter, update, and retrieve content; and the complexity of using the technology (D. Cohen and L. Prusak, In Good Company: How Social Capital Makes Organizations Work, Harvard Business School Press, 2001). In designing products, engineers and computer scientists often deal with intangibles to some extent. User interface is often part of design, for instance, and designers draw upon disciplines dealing with intangibles - such as human factors and ergonomics. Gathering requirements from users often reveals what content they desire and how it should be presented. But the traditional design of technology applications typically doesn't cover motivation for use and for collaboration across parts of an organization - factors critical to the success of a KM initiative. Dealing with the KM (knowledge management) intangibles means actually getting knowledge shared and used. This article discusses the role of intangibles in KM initiatives, describes some specific intangibles, and presents some techniques for identifying and dealing with intangibles. Because IT Pro's readers come primarily from computer and engineering disciplines, this article will draw similarities between the techniques presented to design for intangibles and approaches used in engineering and IT. Addressing intangibles can be part of a more robust requirements phase that makes intangible requirements part of the design along with technology requirements.
Universal Calibration Method for the Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Broadband Diode-Array Detection

Abstract The response of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) at different UV wavelengths was measured using high performance liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric diode-array detection. By utilizing the total UV absorption bandwidth (200-400 nm), it was found that a narrow distribution of normalized response factors (area/g) could be obtained for 16 PAH in a reference mixture of frequently-occurring species, even though the PAH represented a wide variety of different chromophores. Using the mean response factor for the 16 PAH, a universal calibration factor was obtained that formed the basis of a method for the determination of PAH for which calibration data cannot otherwise be obtained. It utilized normal phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a cyanopropyl column and a hexane-dichloromethane mobile phase. The HPLC conditions were optimized for the separation of PAH according to their aromatic ring number. The method was developed for the characterization of complex mixtures ...
Single Set Strength Training Increases Strength, Endurance and Functional Fitness in Community Living Older Adults

Abstract Fifteen men and women (76 ± 8.3 yr., range 65-91 yr.) performed a 12-week single set strength training program designed to increase strength (1RM), endurance/training volume (VOL) and Functional Fitness (FF). Their 1RM increased by 9% (p= 0.04) for Leg Press and by 5% (p= 0.15) for Bench Press. VOL increased by 36% (p< 0.001) for Leg Press and by 26% (p< 0.001) for Chest Press. FF improved for Chair Stand (21%, p= 0.06), Up and Go(20%, p= 0.018), and Lift and Reach (13%, p= 0.03). Single set strength training appears to be a viable approach to increasing strength, endurance and functional fitness in older adults.
Immune signalling in neural development, synaptic plasticity and disease.

Research has long supported the view that the brain is immunologically privileged, in part because normal, uninfected neurons were not thought to express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Recently, however, it has been shown that neurons normally express MHC class I molecules in vivo. Furthermore, accumulating evidence indicates that neuronal MHC class I does not simply function in an immune capacity, but is also crucial for normal brain development, neuronal differentiation, synaptic plasticity and even behaviour. These findings point to new directions for research, and imply that immune proteins could be involved in the origin and expression of neurological disorders.
Highly viscous polysaccharide produced by an Enterobacter isolate on a hemicellulose hydrolysate

A new anionic extracellular polysaccharide (AEPS) with high molecular mass (1700 kD) was produced by an isolate tentatively identified as Enterobacter cloacae isolated from an acid hydrolysate of wood. The sugar composition of this AEPS is glucose, galactose, glucuronic acid, and fucose (5:4:4:11). Under specified conditions this AEPS is rheologically comparable to xanthan.
An ab-initio study of the potential energy surface for the O-H—O bond in KH2PO4

Abstract A methodology is presented for carrying out ab-initio molecular orbital calculation of the potential energy surface as a function of position of the H atom in the O-H—O bonds of KH2PO4 (KDP). The calculations employ the Hartree-Fock Self-Consistent-Field (SCF) approach utilizing the Linear Combination of Atomic Orbital for Molecular Orbital (LCAOMO) procedure with basis in Gaussian form. This approach seems to yield a reliable representation of double-minimum potential well for the O-H—O bond in KDP, as judged from the agreement between the predicted (0.3604 Ŕ) and experimental (0.3674 Ŕ) values for the separation between the two equilibrium positions of the H atom along the O—O direction. The calculated value of the barrier height (0.08 eV) helps clarify some earlier spectroscopic data on the activation energy for the motion of the H-atom in the O-H—O bond in KDP. The same methodology should be applicable for investigating the possible double-minimum wells for the heavier atoms in the KDP-type o...
Cell–Cell Adhesion Molecules and the Development of an Epithelial Phenotype in Cultured Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

For most epithelial cells, the adherens junction protein E-cadherin is an epithelial morphogen, inducing the development of an epithelial phenotype in vitro after cell contact at confluency. Here retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE), which lack E-cadherin but express a cadherin that is also found in many non-epithelial cells (N-cadherin), were examined for the ability to produce an epithelial phenotype in vitro. Subpopulations of grossly epithelioid or fusiform cells were selected for analysis from RPE cultures derived from adult human donors. After confluency, epithelioid RPE cells were observed to undergo time-dependent changes that were similar to those previously found in epithelial cells expressing E-cadherin: the cadherin gradually developed a zonular distribution of detergent-resistant protein that co-localized with forming circumferential actin bundles; Na/K ATPase accumulated at cell contact sites, then polarized to its tissue-specific domain (the apical membrane for RPE); the cells formed elevated domes on the impermeant culture substrate. In contrast to cells expressing E-cadherin, these events in RPE required weeks rater than days at confluency. Additional proteins were examined in epithelioid RPE cells revealing that cytokeratins reorganized after confluency producing a zonular array, and several other adhesion proteins (alpha5beta1 integrin, ICAM-1, PECAM-1, NCAM) became enriched at cell-cell contact sites, each developing a distinct pattern at a distinct postconfluency interval. In contrast to epithelioid RPE, in fusiform RPE the adhesion molecules did not develop discrete distribution patterns after confluency, although the same complement of adhesion proteins was expressed. In cells expressing E-cadherin, the absence of epithelial properties is often due to underexpression of the cadherin or of the catenins, adherens junction proteins that link the cadherin to actin. Fusiform RPE, however, were not deficient in these proteins, expressing amounts of N-cadherin, alpha-catenin, beta-catenin, plakoglobin, p120, alpha-actinin and vinculin that were equivalent to epithelioid cells. It appears, therefore, that a subset of epithelial cells that express N-cadherin can produce a highly-developed epithelial phenotype in vitro through a slow morphogenetic process. However, the expression alone of adhesion molecules, including those with a morphoregulatory function in other cells, is insufficient to produce an epithelial phenotype in all cells derived from the pigment epithelium.
The Ethical Challenge of Providing Healthcare for the Elderly

Populations around the world are aging at a very fast rate, so much so that care for the elderly will soon rupture even the most carefully planned, enlightened care provisions societies can offer. The demographics in advanced countries demonstrate this dilemma, even without projections based on antiaging medications that may be possible in the near future, and a healthier lifestyle that has preoccupied the yuppies for about 10 years.
Photosynthetic traits in C3 and C4 grassland species in mesocosm and field environments

The North American tallgrass prairie is composed of a diverse mix of C3 and C4 plant species that are subject to multiple resource limitations. C4 grasses dominate this ecosystem, purportedly due to greater photosynthetic capacity and resource-use efficiency associated with C4 photosynthesis. We tested the hypothesis that intrinsic physiological differences between C3 and C4 species are consistent with C4 grass dominance by comparing leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence variables for seven C4 and C3 herbaceous species (legumes and non-legumes) in two different settings: experimental mesocosms and natural grassland sites. In the mesocosms, C4 grasses had higher photosynthetic rates, water potentials and water-use efficiency than the C3 species. These differences were absent in the field, where photosynthetic rates declined similarly among non-leguminous species. Thus, intrinsic photosynthetic advantages for C4 species measured in resource-rich mesocosms could not explain the dominance of C4 species in the field. Instead, C4 dominance in this ecosystem may depend more on the ability of the grasses to grow rapidly when resources are plentiful and to tolerate multiple limitations when resources are scarce. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Structural Knowledge Assessment with the Team Performance Lab's Knowledge Analysis Test Suite (TPL-KATS)

Card sorting and concept mapping are two popular techniques used for assessing structural knowledge. However, manual administration of these tasks has been cumbersome in the past. This demonstration serves as an introduction to the TPL-KATS – Card Sort and Concept Map software tool developed at the Team Performance Lab at the University of Central Florida. TPL-KATS is presented as a possible solution to the problems of manual administration. The software contains computerized versions of both techniques, with automatic administration and scoring capabilities. This demonstration provides an introduction to the card sort and concept map tasks, and describes the basic need for this software tool. A full description of TPL-KATS – Card Sort and Concept Map software is presented, along with a demonstration of its advantages over current techniques.
Herpesviral Interaction with Autophagy

Autophagy constitutes a major catabolic hub for the quality control of intracellular entities of eukaryotic cells, and is emerging as an essential part of the host antiviral defense mechanism. However, in turn, viruses have evolved elegant strategies to co-opt various stages of the cellular autophagy pathway to establish virulence in vivo. This is particularly the case in the ubiquitous and persistent herpesvirus infection. In this review, I will focus on recent findings regarding the crosstalk between the herpes virus family and the autophagy pathway, with a look at the molecular mechanisms they use to disturb cells" autophagy regulation and eventually result in persistence and pathogenesis.
A quadruple well, quadruple polysilicon BiCMOS process for fast 16 Mb SRAM's

An advanced, high-performance, quadruple well, quadruple polysilicon BiCMOS technology has been developed for fast 16 Mb SRAM's. A split word-line bitcell architecture, using four levels of polysilicon and two self-aligned contacts, achieves a cell area of 8.61 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ with conventional I-line lithography and 7.32 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ with I-line plus phase-shift or with deep UV lithography. The process features PELOX isolation to provide a 1.0 /spl mu/m active pitch, MOSFET transistors designed for a 0.80 /spl mu/m gate poly pitch, a double polysilicon bipolar transistor with aggressively scaled parasitics, and a thin-film polysilicon transistor to enhance bitcell stability. A quadruple-well structure improves soft error rate (SER) and allows simultaneous optimization of MOSFET and bipolar performance. >
Optimal Routefinding with Unlimited Possible Directions of Movement

Finding optimal paths through raster databases is limited by the very nature of the raster data itself. This limitation restricts the possible directions of movement through the database from the infinite possibilities found in the real world to a finite number of possibilities defined by the cell-to-cell movement that characterizes raster databases. A Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN)-based alternative optimization model that allows unlimited possible directions of movement is presented. While not without its own limitations, this new approach offers a viable alternative to raster-based optimal routefinding.
Multilevel analysis in public health research

Over the past few years there has been growing interest in considering factors defined at multiple levels in public health research. Multilevel analysis has emerged as one analytical strategy that may partly address this need, by allowing the simultaneous examination of group-level and individual-level factors. This paper reviews the rationale for using multilevel analysis in public health research, summarizes the statistical methodology, and highlights some of the research questions that have been addressed using these methods. The advantages and disadvantages of multilevel analysis compared with standard methods are reviewed. The use of multilevel analysis raises theoretical and methodological issues related to the theoretical model being tested, the conceptual distinction between group- and individual-level variables, the ability to differentiate "independent" effects, the reciprocal relationships between factors at different levels, and the increased complexity that these models imply. The potentialities and limitations of multilevel analysis, within the broader context of understanding the role of factors defined at multiple levels in shaping health outcomes, are discussed.
SWIFT: A Low-Power Network-On-Chip Implementing the Token Flow Control Router Architecture With Swing-Reduced Interconnects

A 64-bit, 8 × 8 mesh network-on-chip (NoC) is presented that uses both new architectural and circuit design techniques to improve on-chip network energy-efficiency, latency, and throughput. First, we propose token flow control, which enables bypassing of flit buffering in routers, thereby reducing buffer size and their power consumption. We also incorporate reduced-swing signaling in on-chip links and crossbars to minimize datapath interconnect energy. The 64-node NoC is experimentally validated with a 2 × 2 test chip in 90 nm, 1.2 V CMOS that incorporates traffic generators to emulate the traffic of the full network. Compared with a fully synthesized baseline 8 × 8 NoC architecture designed to meet the same peak throughput, the fabricated prototype reduces network latency by 20% under uniform random traffic, when both networks are run at their maximum operating frequencies. When operated at the same frequencies, the SWIFT NoC reduces network power by 38% and 25% at saturation and low loads, respectively.
Indicators of response to clozapine treatment

Abstract Since its initial landmark trial against chlorpromazine in 1988, clozapine has been the drug of choice for the treatment of refractory schizophrenia. However, variability in clinical response to clozapine treatment is unequivocal. In an effort to preselect patients who are most likely to benefit from clozapine, a number of patient and disease variables and select genetic differences have been studied for their association with positive treatment response to clozapine. Because of small trial sizes and the heterogeneity of study design, findings have resulted in no generalizable conclusion. Future pharmacogenetic studies hold the promise of antipsychotic treatment personalization.
In vivo processing of an intron-containing archael tRNA.

Summary In vitro studies on the processing of halobacterial tRNA introns have led to the proposal that archaeal and eukaryotic tRNA intron endonucleases have distinctly different requirements for the recognition of pre-tRNAs. Using a Haloferax volcanii in vivo expression vector we have examined the in vivo processing of modified forms of the halobacterial intron-containing tRNATrp gene. As observed in vitro, changes in the exon–intron boundary structure of this pre-tRNA block processing. Intron sequences, other than those at the exon–intron boundaries, are not essential for processing in vivo. We also show that conversion of the tryptophan anticodon to an opal suppressor anticodon is tolerated when the exon-intron boundary structure is maintained.
Nitrogen enrichment causes minimal changes in arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization but shifts community composition—evidence from rDNA data

Intracellular arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization was compared between nitrogen (NH4NO3) fertilized (10 g N m−2) and nonfertilized tallgrass prairie plots. In the microscopic analyses of host roots, only intracellular coils showed an increasing trend as a result of N fertilization, whereas intracellular colonization by arbuscules, hyphae, or vesicles did not differ between the N treatments. Clone libraries established from pooled PCR products of AM fungi contained exclusively species of Glomus; no other genera were detected indicating that Glomus spp. dominated the host roots. Comparisons between observed and random topologies indicated that cloned sequence placement covaried with N treatment: unique clades within Glomus originated exclusively from N-fertilized or nonfertilized treatments. We conclude that the communities of dominant and most commonly occurring AM fungi changed in response to N amendment, although the root colonization showed minimal or no response.
Forced-I E pinch-in maximum output voltage limit in SiGe HBTs operating at cryogenic temperatures

We investigate the pinch-in maximum output voltage limit in SiGe HBTs operating at cryogenic temperatures. A decrease of the voltage limit is observed with cooling, and attributed to the increase of intrinsic base resistance due to freezeout as well as increase of avalanche multiplication factor (M-1).
HEDGE FUNDS: WHAT DO WE KNOW?

Hedge funds are attracting increased attention because of their reputation for earning superior (risk-adjusted) returns. Hedge Fund Research Inc. estimates that in 2001 there were about 7,000 hedge funds with investor capital of about $600 billion. And yet the diversity of hedge funds, combined with a general lack of transparency, makes the hedge fund industry something of a “black box.” This article provides an overview of the legal structure of hedge funds, the various fund investment strategies, and the existing research on overall hedge fund performance. Without uniform and comprehensive reporting requirements, it is difficult to ascertain the size and scope of hedge fund investments. Nonetheless, current research provides persuasive evidence that hedge funds earn positive risk-adjusted returns, on average, in contrast to their counterparts in the mutual fund industry. In an attempt to explain these higher returns, the authors begin by noting that hedge funds are subject to considerably less regulation than other investment institutions because their client base is limited to wealthy individuals and institutions. Hedge funds can thus employ investment strategies that mutual funds and pension funds are prohibited from pursuing, such as short selling, high leverage, derivatives, concentrated holdings, and limited redemptions. As a result, the funds may be able to earn excess returns by operating in illiquid and specialized markets where there is a shortage of arbitrage capital. At the same time, and perhaps even more important, hedge funds are in a better position than conventional mutual funds to attract skilled managers because of their use of performance-based incentive fee structures.
Detection of Alamouti Space-Time Encoded Offset QPSK

The Alamouti space-time code (STC) is attractive because of the low complexity of its associated detection algorithm. However, when this code is applied to offset modulations such as offset QPSK (OQPSK), the offset complicates the detection process. The Maximum Likelihood (ML) detector for Alamouti encoded OQPSK is much more complex than the ML detector for QPSK. We present two alternate detection algorithms: one which duplicates the simplicity of the non- offset QPSK Alamouti detector with a cost in bit error rate performance and one which matches the performance of the ML detector with less complexity than the ML detector.
Nanoparticle effects on the morphology and mechanical properties of polypropylene spunbond webs

We report morphology and mechanical properties of natural nanoclay incorporated spunbond polypropylene composite webs. Nanocomposite spunbond webs were produced with up to 5 wt % natural nanoclay additives on Reicofil V R -2 spunbond line. Influence of nano- clay on the resin rheological properties, processibility, and mechanical properties of webs were studied. Wide angle X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis were used to investigate the nanocomposite mor- phology. Intercalated and flocculated morphology was observed for all the concentrates and for all the spunbond fiber webs. The microstructure and polymer morphology in the presence of additives was characterized using a polarized optical microscope. At higher percentage, excess clay platelets were excluded out of the spherulite bounda- ries. About 20-30% increase in tear strength was observed for webs with up to 2 wt % nanoclay additives. Compared with the control polypropylene spunbond web, nanoclay re- inforced samples showed better dimensional stability. Dif- ferent failure mode was observed for spunbond webs with additives. Spunbond webs with even as low as 1 wt % clay retain their morphology and integrity in bond point after thermal bonding. Nanoclay incorporated spunbond webs showed significant improvements in the stiffness. V C 2010
Designing together while apart: The role of computer-mediated communication and collaborative virtual environments on design collaboration

This paper presents an empirical study of two student pairs collaborating on two small products design session in both face-to-face and distributed settings while using Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) technologies and a Collaborative Virtual Environment (CVE). To gain insight about the way designers communicate and collaborate, the observation focused on how much time the students worked together and individually in the design process. The study shows that teams worked together more in the distributed setting than in the face-to-face setting. In the post-test questionnaires, participants reported that they found the distributed setting a more engaging environment to work with teammates. Findings of the study suggest plausible design criteria for a communication system for distributed collaboration that supports interaction and sharing design information.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist effect on rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disease, is associated with insulin resistance. Experimental evidence indicates that the relationship between insulin resistance and inflammation is bidirectional: Inflammation promotes insulin resistance, and insulin resistance promotes inflammation. Therefore, we examined the hypothesis that pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist, would decrease inflammation and disease activity and improve insulin resistance in patients with RA.
Proliferation of maxillary and mandibular periodontal squamous cells in mink fed 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126)

This report characterizes squamous cell proliferation in young farm mink (Mustela vison) fed a diet supplemented with 0.024 ppm 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (polychlorinated biphenyl [PCB] congener 126). One to 2 months of dietary exposure to PCB 126 resulted in gross lesions of the upper and lower jaws consisting of mandibular and maxillary nodular proliferation of the gingiva and loose teeth. The maxilla and mandible of the PCB-treated mink were markedly porous because of loss of alveolar bone. Histologically, this osteoporosis was caused by proliferation of squamous cells that formed infiltrating cords. This report clearly documents the fact that the environmental contaminant PCB 126 can cause osteoinvasive squamous proliferation in young mink, although the dose used in the present study was 7 and 36 times higher than what is typically encountered in contaminated bird eggs and fish, respectively.
Symposium: Diffusing communication into the secondary school curriculum

A consultant role for the K through 12 teacher facilitates disseminating information about the application of communication principles and skills to interactions within educational settings. The article provides an overview of the area of classroom communication and details specific strategies teachers may use to reach their colleagues with information about communication and its application to educational settings.
Methods for Estimating Wind Speed Frequency Distributions.

Abstract The Weibull function is discussed for representation of the wind speed frequency distribution. Methods are presented for estimating the two Weibull parameters (scale factor c and shape factor k) from simple wind statistics. Comparison is made with a recently proposed method based on the “square-root-normal” distribution with mean wind speed and fastest mile data as input statistics. The Weibull distribution is shown to give smaller root-mean-square errors than the square-root-normal distribution when fitting actual distributions of observed wind speed. Another advantage of the Weibull distribution is the available methodology for projecting to another height the observed Weibull distribution parameters at anemometer height.
The THUNDER trial results: clearing the way or ushering the storm?

With the overwhelming expansion of diabetes mellitus across the world [(1)][1], it is of no surprise that peripheral artery disease (PAD) is now a worldwide health hazard [(2)][2]. With improved diagnostic methods and increasing awareness, more patients are being considered for revascularization
Obesity and intestinal epithelial deletion of the insulin receptor, but not the IGF 1 receptor, affect radiation-induced apoptosis in colon

Current views suggest that apoptosis eliminates genetically damaged cells that may otherwise form tumors. Prior human studies link elevated insulin and reduced apoptosis to risk of colorectal adenomas. We hypothesized that hyperinsulinemia associated with obesity would lead to reduced colon epithelial cell (CEC) apoptosis after radiation and that this effect would be altered by deletion of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 receptor (IGF1R) or the insulin receptor (IR). Mice with villin-Cre-mediated IGF1R or IR deletion in CECs and floxed littermates were fed a high-fat diet to induce obesity and hyperinsulinemia or control low-fat chow. Mice were exposed to 5-Gy abdominal radiation to induce DNA damage and euthanized 4 h later for evaluation of apoptosis by localization of cleaved caspase-3. Obese mice exhibited decreased apoptosis of genetically damaged CECs. IGF1R deletion did not affect CEC apoptosis in lean or obese animals. In contrast, IR loss increased CEC apoptosis in both diet groups but did not prevent antiapoptotic effects of obesity. Levels of p53 protein were significantly reduced in CECs of obese mice with intact IR but increased in both lean and obese mice without IR. Levels of mRNAs encoding proapoptotic Perp and the cell cycle inhibitor Cdkn1b/p27 were reduced in CECs of obese mice and increased in lean mice lacking IR. Together, our studies provide novel evidence for antiapoptotic roles of obesity and IR, but not IGF1R, in colonic epithelium after DNA damage. However, neither IR nor IGF1R deletion prevented a reduction in radiation-induced CEC apoptosis during obesity and hyperinsulinemia.
ONSETS, COMPLETIONS AND SPANS OF OSSIFICATION IN THE 29 BONE-GROWTH CENTERS OF THE HAND AND WRIST

The film series of the right hands of 133 Boston children have been studied independently to obtain age equivalents for onset of ossification and completion of ossification in 29 bone-growth centers of the hand. Each of the intervals between onset and completion, namely, span of the osseous stage, has been calculated, and the means and standard deviations of each of the three variables are summarized. The results show age equivalents and age-orders closely resembling the data in two preceding studies, where the assessment procedure was the same as that used in this study. An onset profile and a completion profile have been drawn from these mean and standard deviation values for each sex. The data reported in this paper for the 29 centers of the hand and previously for 21 centers from five regions of the body, show the following: 1) The time-order of onset differs significantly from the time-order of completion. 2) The time-order onset profile reveals a characteristic clustering of onsets. 3) The correlations between onset and completion ages for the 133 children do not show that the time of completion can be routinely forecast by onset ages. However, the later the onset the better the prediction of completion time. 4) A developmental range graph constructed from assessments of skeletal age of the 29 centers of the hand reflects the schedules of onsets and completions for individual children. However, the "lifetime" of each of the onsets and completions is very brief and corresponds closely with the skeletal age curve during the first 4 years and during adolescence.
Pollen hoarding and use by high and low pollen-hoarding honeybees during the course of brood rearing

SummaryHoneybees (Apis mellifera) from a line which had been selected for high pollen-hoarding behaviour (HPH) hoarded more pollen than bees from a low pollen-hoarding line (LPH) when they were kept in observation colonies with known amounts of brood. These differences were not found when brood was in the egg stage and pollen stores were small, but were large and significant when brood was in the larval stage and pollen stores were more abundant. Differences in amounts of stored pollen that were established between the lines during the larval stage were maintained after brood cells were capped, but amounts of pollen stored did not change significantly. HPH bees also hoarded more pollen in the absence of brood. The two lines used similar amounts of pollen and reared similar amounts of brood. Mortality of the LPH bees was higher and varied significantly more than that of the HPH bees. It is suggested that bees which hoard a large amount of pollen are either less inhibited from collecting pollen by the prese...
Participation in Contests

This note shows that participation by many players in deterministic contests arises when different players have different cost advantages in different regions of the competition, and not from incomplete information per se.
CHANGING SITE DESIGNATIONS: A REPLY

Heizer suggests that the trinominal system of site ABSTRACT ABSTRACT Heizer suggests that the trinominal system of site ABSTRACT ABSTRACT Heizer suggests that the trinominal system of site ABSTRACT
A new triad resonance between co-propagating surface and interfacial waves

In a two-layer density-stratified fluid it is known, due to Ball ( J. Fluid Mech. , vol. 19, 1964, p. 465), that two oppositely travelling surface waves may form a triad resonance with an interfacial wave. Ball claims ‘there are no other interactions’ between two surface waves and one interfacial wave. Contrary to this, here we present a new class of triad resonance that occurs between two co-propagating surface waves and one interfacial wave. While in Ball’s resonance the interfacial wave has a wavelength of about half of two surface waves, in the new resonance presented here the interfacial wave has a much higher wavelength compared to those of surface waves. This, together with the unidirectionality of the participant triplet, makes the realization of the new resonance more likely in real ocean scenarios. We further show, via theoretical analysis and direct simulation, that, unique to this new class of resonance, the triad inevitably undergoes a cascade of (near-) resonance interaction that spreads the energy of initial waves to a number of lower and higher harmonics. The significance of the resonance studied here is, particularly, more emphasized in the littoral zones, where the spectrum refracts toward a unidirectional wave train.
Research Review of Marxism with Chinese Characteristics in Recent Year——From the Perspective of Research

The academic circles study Marxism with Chinese Characteristics mainly from the perspective of China at present.The development of times and the innovation of practice request that in the new period we should make " world-history perspective" become the conscientious pursuit of deepening the research of Marxism with Chinese characteristics,thereby establishing parallel and complementary research pattern of "Chinese perspective" and "world-history perspective".
A study of permeability of lysosomes to amino acids and small peptides

Abstract The latency of nitrocatechol sulphatase activity was measured in rat liver lysosomes before and after preincubation in 0.25m solutions of five amino acids, three dipeptides and a tripeptide. Rates of increase in `free' activity were taken as an indication of rates of solute penetration into lysosomes and were correlated with the structure of each molecule studied. In general permeability was greater in solutions of pH7 than of pH5 or 6, and dipeptides entered more rapidly than amino acids or triglycine. The conclusions are in good agreement with those obtained by other methods.
Biological Activity in Weathering

The climate of any region conditions the flora that can grow there; the growth and decay of the flora provide raw organic matter which, through the action of the microflora and chemical processes, produces the soil humus. The effect of the flora and its products reacting with the mineral particles of weathered rocks changes geochemical weathering into pedochemical weathering and affects the consequent development of soils.
Intraocular foreign bodies: management, prognostic factors, and visual outcomes.

Abstract Objective To determine prognostic factors and visual outcomes in patients with intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs). Design Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. Participants Fifty-nine consecutive patients undergoing removal of an IOFB with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up. Intervention Surgical removal of the IOFB and repair of associated ocular trauma. Main outcome measures Final best corrected visual acuity was the main outcome measured. Ocular findings at presentation were compared with final visual acuity to determine prognostic factors for visual outcome. Results Final best corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or more was obtained in 42 patients (71%) and ambulatory vision (>5/200) was achieved in 50 patients (85%). Presenting visual acuity was predictive of final visual outcome ( P P P Conclusions Final visual outcomes were excellent in 71% of patients. Presenting visual acuity was the strongest predictor of final visual outcome in this series. Additional predictive factors included the mechanism of injury, the presence of an afferent pupillary defect, and vitreous hemorrhage.
Developing critical thinking through leadership education.

This chapter provides the critical leadership logic model as a tool to help educators develop leadership-learning opportunities. This proactive logic model includes curricular and co-curricular educational experiences to ensure critical thinking through leadership education.
The frequency profile: An informative method for graphing the behavior of individuals post hoc or in real time.

We describe an informative type of line graph, the frequency profile, which allows a single behavior, multiple behaviors, or the specific behavioral patterns of individuals to be graphed either post hoc or in real time from digital data. The informativeness of the frequency profile curves can be opt
Differential Predictors of Adult versus Juvenile Distributions of Two Coastal Pelagic, Surf Zone Fishes along the Northern Gulf of Mexico

AbstractAs coastal human populations increase and offshore fishery regulations become more stringent in the northern Gulf of Mexico, nearshore fisheries may be subjected to increased exploitation. Spanish Mackerel Scomberomorus maculatus and Florida Pompano Trachinotus carolinus are two nearshore, coastal migratory pelagic species vulnerable to undergoing changes in fishing pressure; however, information is incomplete in regards to understanding their current distributions and movement patterns, both of which are important for effective fishery management. We used a 2-year (2011–2012) gill-net and seine survey to assess surf zone distributions of Spanish Mackerel and Florida Pompano in the northern Gulf of Mexico (Horn Island, Mississippi, to Pensacola, Florida). Unbiased catch-per-unit-effort estimates (by the delta method) were greatest in Alabama and during spring months. Lowest catches occurred during the warm summer months. Overall, subadult–adult Spanish Mackerel presence could be predicted (using a...