cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A call for action: Comparative effectiveness research in asthma

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) has received considerable research attention in recent months, and efforts to promote CER are part of the newly enacted Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. In this article we define CER and how it complements traditional efficacy research in asthma and discuss how CER can help provide the basis for rational decision making about the care of individual patients with asthma and how best to deliver this care in real-world settings. We present information about the challenges and opportunities to conduct CER, including enhanced patient registries for observational CER and effectiveness trials (also called pragmatic trials). We discuss the urgent need to define the appropriate methodologies for CER and to develop and prioritize a research agenda for CER studies in asthmatic subjects with the help of a diverse group of stakeholders.
Stochastic Analysis of a Nonlinear Aeroelastic Model Using the Response Surface Method

An efficient method is presented for quantifying the effect of parametric uncertainty on the response of a nonlinear aeroelastic system. The proposal stochastic model uses a response surface method to map the random input parameters of the system to the specified system output (in this instance root-mean square wing tip response). To handle the bifurcation in the response surface due to aeroelastic self-excited instability, the response surface model is fit using a two region regression. The results from this model are compared to those from a full Monte Carlo simulation for both a one-dimensional random input parameter model (thickness) and a two-dimensional random input parameter model (thickness and modulus of elasticity). The response surface method results compare favorably with the full model results while achieving a 2 to 3 order of magnitude gain in computational efficiency.
Leishmania donovani and L. braziliensis: function of pyruvate kinase.

Abstract Regulatory properties of pyruvate kinase (EC 2.7.1.40) from Leishmania donovani and Leishmania braziliensis were determined in relation to the enzyme's regulation of glycolysis. L. donovani enzyme responded to its substrate, phosphoenolpyruvate, in a sigmoidal manner while L. braziliensis responded hyperbolically. No heterotropic modifiers, with the exception of hydrogen ion, have been found to influence the activity of this enzyme. Activation by hydrogen ion does not appear to be significant physiologically. Enzymes from these organisms were found to differ somewhat in their kinetics from that reported for Crithidia fasciculata, but the regulatory functions are similar. The conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate to oxaloacetate in these Leishmania spp. appears to involve pyruvate kinase and pyruvate carboxylase. In C. fasciculata phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase appears to be more important.
On the reactions of dimethylsulfoxide with acyl fluorides - pummerer rearrangements and formation of monofluoromethyl esters

Abstract In stoichiometry-dependent reactions, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) reacts with acyl fluorides, R f C(O)F (R f = F, CF 3 ), to yield CH 3 SCH 2 F and R f C(O)OCH 2 F, while CH 3 SCH 2 Cl and FC(O)OCH 2 Cl are obtained with COClF. Oxalyl difluoride, C 2 O 2 F 2 , reacts with DMSO to give CH 3 SCH 2 F and FCH 2 OCH 2 F.
Firing dinas goods in an oxidizing atmosphere in a tunnel kiln

The use of oxidizing atmospheres for firing dinas goods will stabilize the temperature regime in the soaking zone and as a result reduce the production loss.
Investigation of molecular structure in solids by two‐dimensional NMR exchange spectroscopy with magic angle spinning

An approach to the investigation of molecular structures in disordered solids, using two‐dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) exchange spectroscopy with magic angle spinning (MAS), is described. This approach permits the determination of the relative orientation of two isotopically labeled chemical groups within a molecule in an unoriented sample, thus placing strong constraints on the molecular conformation. Structural information is contained in the amplitudes of crosspeaks in rotor‐synchronized 2D MAS exchange spectra that connect spinning sideband lines of the two labeled sites. The theory for calculating the amplitudes of spinning sideband crosspeaks in 2D MAS exchange spectra, in the limit of complete magnetization exchange between the labeled sites, is presented in detail. A new technique that enhances the sensitivity of 2D MAS exchange spectra to molecular structure, called orientationally weighted 2D MAS exchange spectroscopy, is introduced. Symmetry principles that underlie the cons...
DataONE: Protecting the future of environmental and ecological data

This interactive panel addresses the theme of the conference “Thriving on Diversity- Information Opportunities in a Pluralistic World” by exploring the role of librarians and information scientists in DataONE (Observation Network for Earth), a cyberinfrastructure project that supports the full data lifecycle for scientists in the diverse domains that are embodied in environmental and ecological science. Collaborations like this between scientists and information professionals ((see Table 1 for full list of DataONE team members), are increasingly important, which is reflected by the “Science and Metadata Community” that is forming within the Dublin Core Metadata Initiative. The research activities of environmental and ecological scientists produce diverse multi-scale, multi-discipline, and multi-national observational data. These data provide insights to address new environmental, social and technological challenges caused by climate variability, altered land use, population shifts, and changes in resource availability (e.g., food, water, and oil). Therefore scientists, educators, librarians, land managers, and the public need open, persistent, and secure access to well-described and easily discovered Earth observational data. These data are critical because they form the basis for good scientific decisions, wise management and use of resources, and informed decision-making. Securing our global scientific knowledge base by preserving these documents and datasets requires active management of the resources and the supporting technology, as well as, an awareness of current research. DataONE is one of two National Science Foundation DataNet Partners. The DataNet Partners serve as exemplars for national and global data management and research infrastructure organizations, and also provide unique opportunities to communities of researchers to advance science and engineering research and learning. Eventually there will be five DataNet Partners. DataONE focuses on multi-disciplinary observational data collected by biological (genome to ecosystem) and environmental (atmospheric, ecological, hydrological, and oceanographic) scientists, national and international research networks, and environmental observatories. However, the DataONE structure is designed to be domain-agnostic, so that it can be extended to serve a broader range of science domains both directly and through interoperability with other DataNet Partners. This panel of DataONE investigators focuses on four areas related to the challenges of the preservation of digital scientific data in any setting, not just for DataONE. The panel will be facilitated to encourage the audience to provide feedback, exchange ideas, and ask questions related to the role of information science, libraries and librarians in the process of creation, discovery, access, and manipulation of electronic scientific data.
Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in acrolein-induced endothelial activation.

Acrolein is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and an endogenous product of lipid peroxidation. It is also generated during the metabolism of several drugs and amino acids. In this study, we examined the effects of acrolein on endothelial cells. Treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with 2 to 10 {mu}M acrolein led to an increase in the phosphorylation of eIF-2{alpha} within 10 to 30 min of exposure. This was followed by alternate splicing of XBP-1 mRNA and an increase in the expression of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone genes Grp78 and Herp. Within 2-4 h of treatment, acrolein also increased the abundance and the nuclear transport of the transcription factors ATF3, AFT4, and CHOP. Acrolein-induced increase in ATF3 was prevented by treating the cells with the chemical chaperone - phenylbutyric acid (PBA). Treatment with acrolein increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK. The increase in JNK phosphorylation was prevented by PBA. Acrolein treatment led to activation and nuclear translocation of the transcription factor NF-{kappa}B and an increase in TNF-{alpha}, IL-6 and IL-8, but not MCP-1, mRNA. Increased expression of cytokine genes and NF-{kappa}B activation were not observed in cells treated with PBA. These findings suggest that exposure to acroleinmore » induces ER stress and triggers the unfolded protein response and that NF-{kappa}B activation and stimulation of cytokine production by acrolein could be attributed, in part, to ER stress. Chemical chaperones of protein-folding may be useful in treating toxicological and pathological states associated with excessive acrolein exposure or production.« less
Proenkephalin a neuropeptides in human epileptogenic tissue

We hypothesize that neuropeptides are involved in temporal lobe epilepsy. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in epilepsy, several opioid neuropeptides were measured in surgically removed human temporal lobe cortex. The opioid neuropeptides studied derived from several different precursor molecules, including proenkephalin A, which produces methionine enkephalin (ME=TyrGlyGlyPheMet=YGGFM), leucine enkephalin (LE=TyrGlyGlyPheLeu=YGGFL), and ME-RGL (TyrGlyGlyPheMetArgGlyLeu), and proopiomelanocortin (POMC), which produces β-endorphin (BE). Opioid neuropeptide receptor activity was measured in tissue obtained from the medial (epileptogenic focus) temporal cortex (MTC) and the lateral (nonfocus) temporal cortex (LTC). The epileptogenic focus was localized previous to surgery by long-term ictal monitoring with surgically implanted subdural strip electrodes. The opioid neuropeptide receptor activity content in the MTC and LTC tissue samples was compared between patients who were seizure-free (or had auras only) and those who were not seizure-free postoperatively. The methionine enkephalin-like receptor activity (ME-lr) measurements were the only values that showed significant difference. The amount of ME-lr in the MTC of patients who remained seizure-free (or had auras only) after surgery was significantly higher ( p = 0.013) (2.53 pmol ME-lr mg −1 protein; n=26; median) versus those patients who continued to have postsurgical seizures (or had no change) (0.64 pmol ME-lr mg −1 protein, n=14; median).
A Bayesian model for joint segmentation and registration

A statistical model is presented that combines the registration of an atlas with the segmentation of magnetic resonance images. We use an Expectation Maximization-based algorithm to find a solution within the model, which simultaneously estimates image artifacts, anatomical labelmaps, and a structure-dependent hierarchical mapping from the atlas to the image space. The algorithm produces segmentations for brain tissues as well as their substructures. We demonstrate the approach on a set of 22 magnetic resonance images. On this set of images, the new approach performs significantly better than similar methods which sequentially apply registration and segmentation.
Quality is not free for U.S. homebuilders

The unique nature of homebuilding gives rise to some quality control problems that cannot be solved by industrial methods. According to the authors' research, quality in this industry can be ensured only by more labor-intensive training and oversight. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dicriticals of pencils and Dedekind's Gauss lemma

The dicritical divisors of a pencil at a simple point of a surface constitute an important tool in affine algebraic geometry, i.e., in the study of polynomial rings. These dicriticals may be viewed as certain nodes of the singularity tree of a generic member of the pencil. Dedekind’s generalization of Gauss Lemma plays a significant role.
From Australia to Chinchilla to Jamaica

A general impairment of liver mitochondrial enzymes is central to Reye's syndrome (RS). The respiration of isolated liver mitochondria was measured after the addition of concentrated normal serum or RS serum derived from 12 patients. RS serum stimulates oxygen consumption in isolated rat liver mitochondria. This effect is due to (a) the oxidation of uric acid by peroxisomes contaminating the preparation and (b) a stimulation of mitochondrial respiration (1.05 ± 0.14 nmole of O2/ min · mg of protein; control 0.30 ± 0.08 nmole O2/min · mg). The stimulation of respiration occurs in the presence of all respiratory substrates, is dependent on the amount of serum added, and represents an uncoupling of oxidativephosphorylation. RS serum reduces ATP formation by 15 to 76%. The uncoupling effect correlates with the amount of free fatty acid in the serum sample and resembles theeffect induced by the addition of a dicarboxylic fatty acid. Dicarboxylic fatty acids, especially long-chain dicarboxylic acids, impair ATP formation. Dicarboxylic acids were found in the serum of all RS patients and comprised as much as 54% of the total serum free fatty acids. Ninety percent of the serum dicarboxylic acids were of 16 to 18 carbon lengths. The amount of dicarboxylic acids in the RS serum corresponded directly with the reduction in ATP formation by the RS serum. This demonstrates that dicarboxylic acids occur in RS and may be important in the general impairment of mitochondrial function in RS and other disorders where they are present.
Symbolic-Substitution-Based Median Filters

The optical implementation of a median filter for optical digital signal and image processing is proposed. The filter is implemented using polarization-coded symbolic substitution logic (SSL) and consists of a thresholder and a summing lens. The implementation of the median filter utilizes two properties of median filters, namely, the threshold decomposition and the stacking property. The thresholder decomposes the M-valued incoming signal into a set of M-1 binary sequences by thresholding the signal at M-1 levels. These binary sequences are then applied to a set of binary median filters, the outputs of which are added together (stacked) one sample at a time by use of the summing lens. The proposed optical implementation offers an increased throughput compared with the conventional electronic implementation by taking full advantage of the parallelism offered by SSL and the inherent massive parallelism of optics.
A microprocessor interactive graphics engineering seismic and computing system

Abstract A general purpose microprocessor graphics computing system has been interfaced to a single channel signal enhancement seismograph to provide a seismic system useful for waveform analysis and geophysical engineering studies. A description is given of the system components, computer processing system organization and use of the system for seismic refraction data analysis. The system represents one application of the new microprocessor technology to the field of geophysics and geotechnical engineering.
Lipophilicity of Selected Bile Acids as Determined by TLC. III. Investigations on RP2 Stationary Phase

Abstract The following bile acids: cholic acid (C), glycocholic acid (GC), glycodeoxycholic acid (GDC), chenodeoxycholic (CDC), deoxycholic acid (DC), lithocholic acid (LC), and glycolithocholic acid (GLC) were investigated with the use of reversed phase thin‐layer chromatography on RP2 plates (E. Merck, # 1.13726) using methanol‐water, organic mixture (acetonitrile‐methanol 50:50, v/v)‐water, acetone‐water, dioxane‐water in different volume compositions as mobile phases. The chromatographic parameters of lipophilicity (RMW and ϕ0) of studied bile acids were determined. Lipophilic parameters (RMW and ϕ0) were compared, both with measured partition coefficients (logPexp) and calculated ones (AlogPS, IAlogP, logPKOWIN, xlogP, clogP, logPRekker). The most significant correlation was found between RMW and ϕ0 lipophilic parameters and logPKOWIN values. IAlogP correlates with the a/m lipophilic parameters slightly more poorly than logPKOWIN does. The values of RMW and ϕ0 lipophilic parameters obtained on both, ...
Towards Scalable Binderless Electrodes: Carbon Coated Silicon Nanofiber Paper via Mg Reduction of Electrospun SiO2 Nanofibers

Towards Scalable Binderless Electrodes: Carbon Coated Silicon Nanofiber Paper via Mg Reduction of Electrospun SiO 2 Nanofibers
Clinical image: MRI during migraine with aura

Migraine refers to severe headaches that are usually unilateral, throbbing, and associated with nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia. Migraine with aura (formerly called {open_quotes}classic migraine{close_quotes}) consists of the headache preceded or accompanied by neurological dysfunction. This dysfunction (aura) usually involves visual and sensory symptoms. The patient described herein experienced migraine with aura. MRI during and after the attack showed a reversible abnormality of the right posterior cerebral artery, with no parenchymal lesions. This appears to be the first report of abnormal MR vascular imaging during migraine with aura. 10 refs., 2 figs.
A Role for Receptor Kinases in the Regulation of Class II G Protein-coupled Receptors PHOSPHORYLATION AND DESENSITIZATION OF THE SECRETIN RECEPTOR

Abstract The secretin receptor is a member of a structurally distinct class of G protein-coupled receptors designated as Class II. The molecular mechanisms of secretin receptor signal termination are unknown. Using transiently transfected HEK 293 cells expressing the secretin receptor, we investigated its mechanisms of desensitization. Binding of [125I]-secretin to plasma membranes of receptor-expressing cells was specific, with aK d of 2 nm. Secretin evoked an increase in cellular cAMP with an EC50 of 0.4 nm. The response was maximal by 20 min and desensitized rapidly and completely. Immunoprecipitation of a functional, N-terminal epitope-tagged secretin receptor was used to demonstrate agonist-dependent receptor phosphorylation, with an EC50 of 14 nm. Pretreatment with protein kinase A or C inhibitors failed to alter secretin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are known to be involved in the desensitization of Class I G protein-coupled receptors; therefore, the effect of cotransfection of GRKs on secretin-stimulated cAMP signaling and phosphorylation was evaluated. GRKs 2 and 5 were the most potent at augmenting desensitization, causing a 40% reduction in the maximal cAMP response to secretin. GRK 5 also caused a shift in the EC50 to the right (p < 0.05). GRK 4 and GRK 6 did not alter dose-dependent signaling, and GRK 3 was intermediate in effect. Receptor phosphorylation correlated with desensitization for each GRK studied, whereas second messenger-dependent kinase phosphorylation appeared to be less important in secretin receptor signal termination. We demonstrate agonist-dependent secretin receptor phosphorylation coincident with profound receptor desensitization of the signaling function in HEK 293 cells, suggesting a role for receptor phosphorylation in this paradigm. Although GRK activity appears important in secretin receptor desensitization in HEK 293 cells, protein kinases A and C appear to play only a minor role. These results demonstrate that the GRK-arrestin system regulates Class II G protein-coupled receptors.
MICROBIAL PROFILE OF SPOILAGE FLORA FROM PORK SAUSAGE STORED UNDER THREE DIFFERENT COOLER CONDITIONS

A microbial examination was made of linked pork sausage stored until off-color development in three cooler arrangements – retail display case, walk-in cooler and walk-in cooler with incandescent illumination (2,200 lumens). Ninety mesophilic and ninety psychrotrophic organisms were isolated from 9 sausage batches held under each cooler condition. Isolates were identified using standard tests for identification of bacteria. The predominate psychrotropic isolate from all three types of cooler conditions was Pseudomonas. The predominate mesophilic isolate from the cooler and the cooler with illumination was Lactobacillus while the predominate mesophilic isolates from the retail display case were Enterobactericeae. High product holding temperatures (12°C) allows the growth of low-temperature mesophiles, such as some Enterobacteriaceae, as well as some mesophilic Pseudomonas, both of which contribute to the unacceptability of pork sausage.
Dissension in the organization as it relates to control expectancies

The purpose of this study was to examine how employees’ strategies for expressing dissent relate to work locus of control expectancies. Employees (N = 280) completed measures of organizational dissent and work specific locus of control. Results indicated that employees reporting an internal control orientation used significantly more articulated dissent than either moderate or external control oriented employees. Additionally, findings indicated that external oriented employees used significantly more latent dissent than employees reporting either moderate or external control orientations did.
Results of H 3 Bombardment of Ag Leading to Pd 109

${\mathrm{H}}^{3}$ has been used as the bombarding particle to effect nuclear reactions. ${\mathrm{H}}^{3}$ was produced by ($d$, ${\mathrm{H}}^{3}$) reaction in Be and Ag and immediately utilized as are neutrons in a fast neutron bombardment. The energy of the ${\mathrm{H}}^{3}$ particles was about 10 Mev. The target was a stack of Ag foils in front of which different thicknesses of Be were placed and a 10-Mev deuteron beam was made to impinge on the Be. The ${\mathrm{H}}^{3}$ generated within Be, produced the 13-hour ${\mathrm{Pd}}^{109}$ activity in Ag foils as confirmed by chemistry. The reaction is believed to be ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{109}$ (${\mathrm{H}}^{3}$, ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$) ${\mathrm{Pd}}^{109}$. Spurious ($n$, $p$) reaction was estimated and corrected for. The observed range of ${\mathrm{H}}^{3}$ in different materials is discussed. The threshold for the ${\mathrm{H}}^{3}$ reaction in Ag is roughly estimated to be between 1.1 and 1.5 Mev.
Modeling and analysis of hybrid energy storage systems for wireless sensor networks

Various energy harvesting technologies have been employed to extend the lifetime of wireless sensor networks. However, the network lifetime is still limited by the cycle life of rechargeable batteries (RBs) for the traditional RB-only storage system. Alternatively, supercapacitors (SCs) have extremely long cycle life-on the order of millions of cycles. A hybrid storage system combining RB and SC can leverage the complementary strengths of RB and SC and therefore significantly extend the lifetime of wireless sensors. This paper presents a generalized model of energy harvesting and hybrid storage system in order to evaluate the performance of hybrid energy storage systems (HESS) with different energy source and consumer profiles. Since high energy conversion efficiency is desired for most energy harvesting systems in addition to the lifetime, the system performance is analyzed in terms of two metrics: wireless sensor lifetime and energy conversion efficiency. A tradeoff is usually observed between the two performance metrics. However, under certain circumstances some specific HESS configurations can outperform the RB-only storage system in terms of both metrics. The results also suggest that an adaptive HESS that dynamically configures the storage devices based on the energy source and consumer profiles may have better performance comparing with a fixed HESS configuration.
Retailer evaluation: the crucial link between in-store processes and shopping outcomes

How shoppers view and evaluate individual retailers is critical due to extreme competition among firms that might carry similar products and brands. While considerable research has examined how satisfaction with purchased products and services affects retailers, retailer-related process satisfaction, and specifically evaluations of the retailers themselves, has not been included in many retail process frameworks. Therefore, the present research identifies the crucial role that evaluations of the retailer play in driving important behavioral outcomes such as store patronage and word-of-mouth recommendations. Manipulating in-store guidance and measuring shopper time pressure, results of a field experiment reveal that retailer evaluations mediate the relationship between process satisfaction and behavioral intentions, even when products and services are not actually purchased. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Résonances dans des champs oscillants successifs

On decrit une methode generale de calcul de la forme des raies de resonance dans differents cas, en se bornant a des applications aux resonances magnetiques de jets moleculaires. bien que la technique employee s'etende aux experiences de resonance en general. Avec cette methode, la distribution des vitesses, l'intensite du champ magnetique uniforme, les amplitudes et les phases du champ oscillant peuvent varier arbitrairement le long du trajet des molecules : jusqu'a neuf frequences perturbant une combinaison quelconque de trois niveaux d'energie peuvent etre presentes. Les resultats obtenus montrent les formes et les distorsions de la resonance observee dans differentes conditions (2, 3, 4 et une infinite de champs oscillants successifs). La forme de la resonance a ete calculee pour le cas ou les atomes emergent au hasard d'un reservoir place entre les deux champs oscillants. L'effet de l'application lente du champ oscillant a ete calcule ainsi que l'influence de la difference d'amplitudes des deux champs oscillants de la methode des champs oscillants separes. La distorsion des resonances par une legere difference de frequence entre les deux frequences successives sera mise en evidence a la fois theoriquement et experimentalement. La presence d'un 3e niveau peut deformer la resonance dans certains cas. Enfin seront montres les effets de la non uniformite des champs magnetiques et des variations de phase du champ oscillant.
A bound for the dimension of HO (FV) of modules V(λi + λj) for Al(q)

Abstract The fixed-point sheaf of the group A l ( q ) acting on the module V ( λ ) for λ = λ i + λ j is studied. It is shown that for i ≠ j and i + j ≠ l , l + 1 or 1 + 2, the dimension of the 0-homology module is “naturally” bounded in dimension by dim( V ( λ i ))·dim( V ( λ j )).
Semantic Tolerance Modeling With Generalized Intervals

A significant amount of research has been performed to explore the mathematical basis for dimensional and geometric tolerance representation, analysis, and synthesis. However, tolerancing semantics such as logical dependency among variations and sequence of specifications is not maintained in these models. Consequently, their numerical results are not interpretable. In this paper, a semantic tolerance modeling scheme based on generalized intervals is proposed to improve the interpretability of tolerance modeling. Under certain optimality conditions, semantic tolerance models allow for true variation range estimations with simple computations. With the theoretical support of semantic tolerance modeling, a new dimension and tolerance specification scheme for semantic tolerancing is also proposed to better capture design intents and manufacturing implications, including flexible material selection, rigidity of specifications and constraints, component sorting in selective assembly, and assembly sequences.
IN SITU SPECTROSCOPIC STUDY OF MICROWAVE POLYMERIZATION

Microwaves provide a commercially advantageous method of rapidly curing polymeric samples. Curing times of several hours with traditional ovens are easily reduced to several minutes by microwave curing. Many commonly used sample monitoring probes (e.g., thermocouples) contain metallic elements that are incompatible with microwave processing. Such accelerated polymer processing via rapid microwave heating would benefit from rapid in situ monitoring techniques using optical spectroscopy.
How Caregiving for Grandchildren Affects Grandmothers’ Meaningful Occupations

Abstract Occupational science research has identified important linkages between occupation and health and well‐being, especially in older women. This study used comparative case analysis to further illuminate the effect that providing care to grandchildren has on grandmothers’ occupational lives and how it affects their well‐being. Seven grandmothers provided different levels of care to their grandchildren, which directly related to the types of occupations they engaged in together and to the grandmothers’ occupational balance and satisfaction. Our major finding was that a threat to grandmothers’ well‐being was caused by the extent of disruption in meaningful occupations resulting from childcare responsibilities and occupations while limited caregiving provided meaningful occupations. These findings indicate a concern for those grandmothers who must assume major new child rearing responsibilities, whereas those participants with enhancing or supplemental grandparent occupations find these to be very posi...
Effects of Mortality Risk and Growth on a Model of Reproductive Effort: Why the Shine and Schwarzkopf Model is Not General

Using data and reanalysis of a model published by Shine and Schwarzkopf (1992) we reject the two unsubstantiated assertions made by Shine et al. (1996) about modeling the evolution of reproductive effort in squamate reptiles: (1) mortality schedules do not affect predictions of the Shine and Schwarzkopf (1992) model; and (2) growth rates that would affect the predictions of the original model are biologically unreasonable. On the basis of these two points alone, we strongly reject Shine et al.'s (1996) claim that a critique by Niewiarowski and Dunham (1994) actually reinforces the original conclusions of Shine and Schwarzkopf (1992). Furthermore, results and data presented here are strong enough to severely circumscribe the generality of the Shine and Schwarzkopf (1992) model. Though we do not provide data or new analyses of the potential effects of offspring size variation, we reaffirm the position of Niewiarowski and Dunham (1994) that the sensitivity of the Shine and Schwarzkopf (1992) model to such effects should be explored before using it as a basis for structuring future research on the evolution of reproductive effort in squamate reptiles.
The avian ceca: Obligate combustion chambers or facultative afterburners?—The conditioning influence of diet

Changes in the anatomy and microbiology of the gut of many galliforme birds are influenced by the amount of crude fiber in the diet; the response is biphasic. As crude fiber in the diet increases, the bird compensates for the dilution of dietary energy content by increasing the amount it eats, which causes an increase in gizzard size. After exceeding a threshold in fiber content, where the metabolizable energy intake is limited by the sheer bulk of the food consumed relative to the ability of the bird to ingest food, there is an increase in hindgut size and a change in the microflora that allows extraction of energy from cellulose through the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The result is a change in the apparent digestibility of the diet. Altering the energy demands through the application of environmental stressors, such as lowered temperature, may alter a hypothalamic or other regulatory mechanism setpoint at which hindgut hypertrophy occurs. The time frame required for such changes is between 4 and 8 weeks. Studies to determine digestibility of nutrients or the response of the gut of birds to altered diets must allow a sufficient period of time for gut adaptation prior to assessing its function. Other factors, such as age, photoperiod, and environmental factors, may affect the response of the gut.
Equivalent line current for cylindrical dipole antennas and its asymptotic behavior

The concept of an equivalent line source for representing the current on a cylindrical dipole antenna is introduced. It is shown that the Fourier series coefficients of this equivalent line source are related to those of the actual antenna current by exponentially growing factors that grow rapidly for the higher order harmonics. This is used to explain why Hallen's integral equation using an approximate kernel does not have an exact solution. The asymptotic behavior of the Fourier coefficients is established. An explanation of why approximate solutions to the approximate integral equation often provide good results for the current and input impedance is also given.
Zinc self-diffusion, electrical properties, and defect structure of undoped, single crystal zinc oxide

Zinc self-diffusion was measured in single crystal zinc oxide using nonradioactive 70Zn as the tracer isotope and secondary ion mass spectrometry for data collection. Crystal mass was closely monitored to measure ZnO evaporation. Diffusion coefficients were isotropic with an activation energy of 372 kJ/mol. Zinc self-diffusion is most likely controlled by a vacancy mechanism. Electrical property measurements exhibit a plateau in conductivity at intermediate pO2 with an increase in reducing atmospheres. An analysis of the defect structure is presented that indicates that oxygen vacancies are probably the intrinsic ionic defects responsible for n-type conductivity in reducing atmospheres.
Prediction of Consensus Tropical Cyclone Intensity Forecast Error

AbstractThe extent to which the tropical cyclone (TC) intensity forecast error of IVCN and S5YY, consensus models routinely used by forecasters at the National Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, respectively, can be predicted is determined. A number of predictors of consensus intensity forecast error, which must be quantities that are available prior to the official forecast deadline, were examined for the Atlantic and eastern North Pacific basins for 2008–11 and the western North Pacific basin for 2012. Leading predictors were found to be forecast TC intensity and intensity change, initial intensity and latitude of the TC, and consensus model spread, defined to be the average of the absolute intensity differences between the member forecasts and the consensus forecast. Using stepwise linear regression and the full pool of predictors, regression models were found for each forecast length to predict the IVCN and S5YY TC intensity forecast errors. Using the regression models, intervals w...
Technical Note-Some Very Easy Knapsack/Partition Problems

Consider the problem of partitioning a group of b indistinguishable objects into subgroups, each of size at least l and at most u. The objective is to minimize the additive separable cost of the partition, where the cost associated with a subgroup of size j is cj. In the case that ci¾· is convex, we show how to solve the problem in Olog u-l + 1 steps. In the case that ci¾· is concave, we solve the problem in Ominl, b/u, b/l-b/u, u-l steps. This problem generalizes a lot-sizing result of Chand and has potential applications in clustering.
Alloy Synthesis by Atomic Layer Laminations for Read Sensor Applications

A novel method has been developed for synthesis of multi-element alloys by planetary magnetron sputter deposition techniques. The alloy is formed by alternating depositions of uniform ultra-thin component layers at a fraction of a mono-atomic layer, or atomic layer lamination. A minimal layer thickness of down to 0.1A can be obtained such that the components can be mixed at atomic level forming a homogeneous alloy. A typical example is demonstrated here for the synthesis of CoxFe1−x alloys by alternating depositions of Co and Fe layers from pure element targets. The compositional dependence of the laminates basically reconstructs the well-known Slater-Pauling curve of the bulk CoxFe1−x alloys. The laminates exhibit a clear structural transition at Co compositions between 60 and 80 % from fcc phase to bcc phase, characteristic of bulk CoxFe1−x alloys. The novel atomic layer lamination has been successfully applied to the composition optimization of CoFe pinned layer with a best pinning strength at Co70Fe30 for exchange biased spin-valve films.
Effect of molecular entanglements on craze microstructure in glassy polymers

Thin films of ten glassy polymers are bonded to copper grids and strained in tension to produce crazes, which are then examined in the transmission electron microscope. The average craze fibril extension ratio λ for each polymer is determined from microdensitometer measurements of the mass thickness contrast of the crazes. The extension ratio λ is found to increase approximately linearly with the chain contour length le between entanglements, as determined from melt elasticity measurements of the entanglement molecular weight of these polymers. These results are analyzed by comparing them with λmax, the maximum extension ratio of an entanglement network in which polymer chains neither break nor reptate (i.e., permanent entanglement crosslinks are assumed). The values of λmax are given by le/d where d, the entanglement mesh spacing in the unoriented glass, is computed from d = k(Me)1/2 with k determined either from small-angle neutron scattering results on isolated chains in the glass or from coil size measurements in dilute solutions of a θ solvent. The craze extension ratios fall somewhat below λmax at low λ but increase to well above λmax for polymers with high le. This comparison suggests a significant contribution due to chain breakage (or reptation) in the higher-λ crazes of large-le polymers, which may arise from the higher true stresses in the craze fibrils (which for a given applied stress increase proportionally to λ). The results also imply that a useful way to increase the “brittle” fracture stress and decrease the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature of a glassy polymer is to decrease its entanglement contour length le.
VCAE: A Virtualization and Consolidation Analysis Engine for Large Scale Data Centers

Server consolidation through virtualization is becoming an effective way to save power and space in enterprise data centers. However, it also brings additional operational risks for the consolidated system because the impacts of hardware failures, human errors, and security breaches can be vastly magnified in that densely packed environment. In order to mitigate the above issues, this paper proposes a new virtualization and consolidation analysis engine(VCAE), which exploits and utilizes various constraints in the consolidation process. VCAE provides a comprehensive framework to discover, represent, check, and combine various constraints in server consolidation. It can assist system operators to effectively deal with the large number of constraints in the consolidation planning. In addition, VCAE proposes an evolution based method to discover the optimal consolidation scheme under multiple constraints. As a consequence, the consolidation solution generated by VCAE can not only maximize the utilization of system resources but also keep the hidden risks as low as possible in the consolidated system. The experimental results from an real enterprise system have demonstrated the advantages of our analysis engine.
Racial and ethnic variations in caregiver service use.

Objectives: This article examines whether race and ethnicity contribute to the differential use of caregiver support services, when controlling for caregiver and care recipient characteristics, as represented by predisposing, enabling, and need factors included in the Behavioral Model of Health Services Use. Methods: The study includes 1,508 individuals who provide care to an ill or disabled adult aged 50 or older, identified through a random digit dial telephone survey of California households. Logistic regression analysis is utilized to examine factors that predict use of caregiver support services. Results: Race and ethnicity do not contribute significantly to caregiver service utilization, when controlling for relevant covarying factors such as age, education, emotional support, family contribution, care recipient service use, and care recipient impairment. A significant interaction exists between ethnicity and family closeness, with reduced rates of service use among Asian and Pacific Island caregive...
A methodology for acoustic seafloor classification

A seafloor classification methodology, based on a parameterization of the reverberation probability density function in conjunction with neural network classifiers, is evaluated through computer simulations. Different seafloor provides are represented by a number of scatterer distributions exhibiting various degrees of departure from the nominal Poisson distribution. Using a computer simulation program, these distributions were insonified at different spatial scales by varying the transmitted pulse length. The statistical signature obtained consists of reverberation kurtosis estimates as a function of pulse length. Two neural network classifiers are presented with the task of discriminating among the various scatterer distributions based on obtained acoustic signatures. The results indicate that this approach offers considerable promise for practical, realizable solutions to the problem of remote seafloor classification. >
Finite difference delay modeling for two-dimenisional time domain integral equations

A new FDDM for the solution of the 2D TDIEs of electromagnetics is presented here. The discretized kernel is computed numerically with an FFT because of the complex analytical form of the 2D frequency domain Green's function. The method has predictable stability and convergence properties. More accurate results can be obtained using higher order spatial bases.
Two-Component Sensor Required for Normal Symbiotic Colonization of Euprymna scolopes by Vibrio fischeri

The light organ of the squid Euprymna scolopes is specifically colonized to a high density by the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri. To date, only a few factors contributing to the specificity of this symbiosis have been identified. Using a genetic screen for random transposon mutants defective in initiating the symbiotic association or in colonizing the light organ to high density, we identified a mutant of V. fischeri that exhibited an apparent defect in symbiosis initiation. This mutant was not defective in motility, luminescence, or growth in minimal medium, suggesting that it lacks an essential, previously unidentified symbiotic function. By sequence analysis, we showed that the locus inactivated in this mutant encodes a predicted 927-amino-acid protein with a high degree of similarity to the sensor component of hybrid two-component regulatory systems. We have therefore designated this locus rscS, for regulator of symbiotic colonization—sensor. Sequence analysis revealed two hydrophobic regions which may result in the formation of a periplasmic loop involved in signal recognition; PhoA fusion data supported this proposed membrane topology. We have investigated the start site of rscS transcription by primer extension and identified a putative promoter region. We hypothesize that RscS recognizes a signal associated with the light organ environment and responds by stimulating a putative response regulator that controls protein function or gene expression to coordinate early colonization events. Further studies on RscS, its cognate response regulator, and the signaling conditions will provide important insight into the interaction between V. fischeri and E. scolopes.
Scientific Knowledge and the Aesthetic Appreciation of Nature

In assessing the aesthetic value of nature, two issues loom large. From the point of view of some contemporary aestheticians, there is the question of whether, aesthetically speaking, nature offers anything like the depth, complexity, and meaningfulness of art. From the point of view of environmental philosophers, aesthetic value may be seen as a source of value that contributes to the overall value of nature, and as a further reason for its preservation. But aesthetic value can also be the enemy of the environmentalist: often decisions made on aesthetic grounds conflict with decisions made on preservationist grounds. Aesthetic considerations often favor preserving parts of nature that strike the eye, places like the Grand Canyon that might be described as grand or majestic, as opposed to areas with more mundane-looking views and features. Yet, the latter may be equally or more environmentally important. One way out of both difficulties is to accept a cognitive account of the appreciation of nature such as the one proposed by Allen Carlson. Carlson argues that scientific knowledge is necessary to correctly determine what categories objects of nature fall into. Drawing on Kendall Walton's well-known "Categories of Art," he argues that just as aesthetically appreciating art requires knowledge of artistic traditions and styles that allow us to perceive works in categories, aesthetically appreciating nature requires knowledge of the different environments of nature and of its systems and elements.1 Carlson describes the relevant knowledge as that of natural science, ecology, natural history, and common sense.2 Scientific knowledge is required for the correct appreciation of objects insofar as appreciation involves an element of knowledge, but in categorizing nature, science also focuses our attention on relevant aspects of nature for appreciation.3 The importance of Carlson's cognitive model is clea , because it offers a response to the central worries raised above. Our aesthetic assessments take into consideration not only formal elements such as color and design, but also the role that an object plays within a system of nature. Thus the account allows for a complex, deep, and meanngfu a sthetic appreciation of nature. Further, with this deeper appreciation of nature, the seemingly mundane may become interesting, and facts about the environmental impact of certain species (for example) can affect our aesthetic appreciation. In this way, our aesthetic and ethical assessments of what ought to be preserved in nature may be more harmonious than previously thought. Carlson's model, while promising, has some seemingly obvious difficulties that have not been adequately addressed. First, there are criticisms that aim at showing that scientific knowledge is not required for the appreciation of (at least some) nature. People frequently appreciate natur without scientific knowledge, and, according to some, there is nothing wrong with these judgments. In other words, it does not take a rocket scientist to find a sunset beautiful.4 An-
The Process of Preventing Pregnancy: Women’s Experiences and Emergency Contraception Use

The model of “unintended“ pregnancy has dominated reproductive health research and policy since the early 1970s. The concept reflects the prevailing highly rational model of behavior in public health and the assumption that the only acceptable points of preventing pregnancy are before or during intercourse. This model is simplistic, overly utilitarian, and does not reflect the experiences of the more than 1 million women who use emergency contraception (EC) and have abortions each year in the United States. Based on stories gathered through open-ended interviews of 32 women seeking EC, the authors propose a dynamic process of pregnancy prevention, spanning the act of intercourse and situated in a complex cultural context. Such a model reconceptualizes efforts to control one’s fertility, normalizes the experiences of women who do not fit the existing models, and generates new ideas for supporting women and their male partners in their efforts to control their reproduction.