cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of an agent interaction network

Knowledge of some particular fact, subject, or event is conveyed among disparate agents affecting their respective activities and, in turn, the generation of new information. The author's main objective is to reconstruct the flow of information in the form of a weighted digraph, based on data that reflect agent activities. Embarking from the principles of maximum entropy, the author casts the digraph identification in the Bayesian estimation framework.
Why Theater? Sociological Reflections on Art and Freedom, and the Politics of Small Things

In this paper using reflections on a dramatic moment in the life of the author’s ethnographic study of theater in Poland as a starting point, the relationship between art and politics is analyzed. The relationship between two central propositions is explored, leading to a conclusion: (1) Cultural freedom is a definitive characteristic of modern social life and (2) the freedom constituted by culture as the arts and sciences opens up public space for alternative social and political practices, and thus: cultural freedom is a base for political freedom. Applying these propositions to a study of theater in Poland, it is shown that art constitutes cultural freedom through its relative autonomy, and the politics of small things results. Societies are transformed.
A solid-state crossbar switch for automatic analog-computer patching by

An all-electronic crossbar switch consisting of FET series-shunt switches inside the feedback loops of operational amplifiers was designed and constructed. Time-shared solution of five different differential equations was obtained by using four integrators on ASTRAC II, with a new solution being generated 25C times per second.Crossbar switches for automatic patchingStudies of practical automatic patching schemes for electronic analog computers indicate that it will be economical to employ sets of relatively simple crossbar switches somewhat in the manner of tele phone exchanges. This report describes the con struction and test of a small all-solid-state cross bar switch which permits very fast switching for analog-computer time-sharing, is suitable for integrated-circuit construction, and should be much more reliable than the relay instrumentation sug gested in Reference 1.The feedback multiplexerThe new crossbar switch is based on the feedback
Detecting Clusters of Mutations

Positive selection for protein function can lead to multiple mutations within a small stretch of DNA, i.e., to a cluster of mutations. Recently, Wagner proposed a method to detect such mutation clusters. His method, however, did not take into account that residues with high solvent accessibility are inherently more variable than residues with low solvent accessibility. Here, we propose a new algorithm to detect clustered evolution. Our algorithm controls for different substitution probabilities at buried and exposed sites in the tertiary protein structure, and uses random permutations to calculate accurate P values for inferred clusters. We apply the algorithm to genomes of bacteria, fly, and mammals, and find several clusters of mutations in functionally important regions of proteins. Surprisingly, clustered evolution is a relatively rare phenomenon. Only between 2% and 10% of the genes we analyze contain a statistically significant mutation cluster. We also find that not controlling for solvent accessibility leads to an excess of clusters in terminal and solvent-exposed regions of proteins. Our algorithm provides a novel method to identify functionally relevant divergence between groups of species. Moreover, it could also be useful to detect artifacts in automatically assembled genomes.
The Defense Industry Initiative: Ethics, self-regulation, and accountability

In 1986, President Reagan created the Packard Commission, a blue-ribbon commission to investigate defense contracting procurement fraud. The Packard Commission's major recommendation was for defense contractors to adopt ethics programs. Out of this recommendation emerged the Defense Industry Initiative (DII). This paper examines this Initiative and focuses on the DII's six principles. In particular, this paper explores the implications the DII has had with respect to (1) pursuing intra-industry cooperation and setting industry-wide standards; (2) monitoring compliance; (3) the paradox inherent to the DII as a facilitator for industry self-regulation; and, (4) why companies have enthusiastically adopted the directive. This paper concludes that the DII falls short of being an effective method of self-regulation because: (1) it does not achieve complete industry-wide cooperation; (2) it does not establish uniform standards of ethical conduct within the industry; (3) it does not hold the signatory companies accountable for creating a strong system of ethical conduct; and, (4) it does not relieve the organizational and market pressures to be unethical.
Women's Status, Fertility Decline, and Women's Health in Developing Countries: Direct and Indirect Influences of Social Status on Health

In the present three-wave study of 72 developing countries, we use growth curves to examine how changes in fertility and level of fertility mediate the effect of women's social status on women's health as measured by infant mortality, maternal mortality, and female life expectancy. We find that level of female education, average age at marriage, and the percentage of married women using contraceptives influence attained level of fertility, with controls for economic growth and dependency status. Change in fertility, however, is predicted only by average age at marriage and by level of education. Change in fertility, in turn, predicts improvement in all three women's health indicators, while the level of fertility predicts improvement in maternal mortality and infant mortality. In addition to the mediating effects of fertility, both age at marriage and education contribute directly to reduced level of infant mortality; level of primary education contributes directly to reduced levels of maternal mortality; and use of contraceptives contributes directly to improvement in female life expectancy. These findings provide strong evidence that women's social status makes direct contributions to women's health which cannot be attributed to economic growth, dependency status, and/or the mediating effects of level and change in fertility. The policy implication for developing countries is that greater gains can be made in women's health, particularly maternal health, by improving women's social status, especially in rural areas.
Spectral interpolation: zero fill or convolution

Zero fill, or augmentation by zeros, is a method used in conjunction with fast Fourier transforms to obtain spectral spacing at intervals closer than obtainable from the original input data set. In the present paper, an interpolation technique (interpolation by repetitive convolution) is proposed which yields values accurate enough for plotting purposes and which lie within the limits of calibration accuracies. The technique is shown to operate faster than zero fill, since fewer operations are required. The major advantages of interpolation by repetitive convolution are that efficient use of memory is possible (thus avoiding the difficulties encountered in decimation in time FFTs) and that is is easy to implement.
MHD EQUATION OF STATE WITH RELATIVISTIC ELECTRONS

The Mihalas-Dappen-Hummer (MHD) equation of state does not include the effect of relativistic partially degenerate electrons, although nonrelativistic partial degeneracy is taken into account. The discovery of a relativistic correction in helioseismology forces us to perform an appropriate upgrade of the MHD equation of state. We have adopted the method of J. M. Aparicio to evaluate the relativistic Fermi-Dirac functions. Our calculations confirm the validity of the approximation used, which works well for the weakly relativistic electrons under solar-center conditions. However, our results will also provide reliable thermodynamic quantities in the stronger relativistic regime as found in more massive stars. Since a particular feature of the original MHD papers was an explicit list of the adopted free energy and its first- and second-order analytical derivatives, we give the corresponding relativistic quantities in the Appendix.
Superconvergence of finite volume methods for the second order elliptic problem

Abstract This paper derives a superconvergence result for finite volume approximations of the second order elliptic problem by using a L2 projection post-processing technique. The superconvergence result is applicable to different kind of finite volume methods and to general quasi-uniform meshes.
Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxious Youth: Feasibility and Initial Outcomes

We developed and evaluated a brief (8-session) version of cognitive-behavioral therapy (BCBT) for anxiety disorders in youth ages 6 to 13. This report describes the design and development of the BCBT program and intervention materials (therapist treatment manual and child treatment workbook) and an initial evaluation of child treatment outcomes. Twenty-six children who met diagnostic criteria for a principal anxiety diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and/or social phobia were enrolled. Results suggest that BCBT is a feasible, acceptable, and beneficial treatment for anxious youth. Future research is needed to examine the relative efficacy of BCBT and CBT for child anxiety in a randomized controlled trial.
Binding and aging

In many respects, we take the age of things for granted. Age is assumed to be an inherent quality, dictated by the time a thing has been in existence and put to use. Many of us have even developed an appreciation for the wear associated with age. The worn leather covers of old books, their mottled pages and the creases along their spines are all considered, in some circles at least, to be signs of age and thus value. This article examines such ideas of age through the practices of restoration bookbinding. First and foremost, it illustrates how age can be something produced through the interleaving of both social and material practices. Age is seen here not as an intangible, definite attribute. Rather, it is something actively worked on; it is co-produced through an ongoing relationship between materials, craftsmen and the world they work in. The article focuses, specifically, on the craft of restoration binding. From 200-year-old antique books to the most mundane paperbacks, restoration binding requires t...
The Timing for Specialty Optical Fibers

The Combination of factors as Silicon photonics, spatial division multiplexing, bend insensitive technology and sensors enabling the “internet of things” are creating a syzygy that can be a turning point for the Specialty Fibers opportunity landscape
ON PLEISTOCENE EVOLUTION OF THE NILE VALLEY IN SOUTHERN EGYPT

RESUME L'evolution geomorphologique de la vallee du Nil dans la partie meridionale de l'Egypte durant le Quaternaire fut surtout caracterisee par l'erosion et la denudation. Au debut du Pleistocene, il se forma une pediplaine au niveau de 200–210 m. et, plus tard, divers glacis d'erosion en contrebas et meme sur les versants. La marche de l'erosion fut interrompue cinq fois par des phases d'accumulation de sables et de graviers d'origine locale. Ces terrasses fluviatiles ont ete preservees aux niveaux de 50–55 m., 48 m., 42 m., 32 m. et 24 m. au-dessus de la ligne des inondations contemporaines. Tous ces depots sont rubefies par des paleosols rouges. Le Pleistocene superieur fut marque de trois phases d'accumulation nilotique: (1) des sables et marnes meles a des materiaux du Paleolithique moyen, (2) des limons d'inondation quasi steriles et (3) des limons et sables de chenaux meles a des depots du Sebilien et du Paleolithique superieur. Ces formations ont chacune une epaisseur de 30–40 m. et, a l'exception des limons de la phase moyenne, elles correspondent a des crues pluviales dans les oueds locaux.
Two-dimensional vectorial photonic crystals formed in azo-dye-doped liquid crystals

A 2D, square lattice, vectorial photonic crystal is formed by vectorial holography using an azo-dye-doped liquid-crystal material. Four coherent beams are interfered to generate a highly stable, switchable polarization holography structure. The formation of the vectorial lattice by the liquid-crystal molecular orientation is confirmed by diffraction pattern and polarization microscopy analysis. Simulations of the alignment and diffraction pattern are in good agreement with the experimental results. Polarization sensitive diffraction behavior is also consistent with the Kakichashvili model.
Reengineering Biomedical Translational Research with Engineering Ethics

It is widely accepted that translational research practitioners need to acquire special skills and knowledge that will enable them to anticipate, analyze, and manage a range of ethical issues. While there is a small but growing literature that addresses the ethics of translational research, there is a dearth of scholarship regarding how this might apply to engineers. In this paper we examine engineers as key translators and argue that they are well positioned to ask transformative ethical questions. Asking engineers to both broaden and deepen their consideration of ethics in their work, however, requires a shift in the way ethics is often portrayed and perceived in science and engineering communities. Rather than interpreting ethics as a roadblock to the success of translational research, we suggest that engineers should be encouraged to ask questions about the socio-ethical dimensions of their work. This requires expanding the conceptual framework of engineering beyond its traditional focus on "how" and "what" questions to also include "why" and "who" questions to facilitate the gathering of normative, socially-situated information. Empowering engineers to ask "why" and "who" questions should spur the development of technologies and practices that contribute to improving health outcomes.
Biosynthetic studies of marine lipids 15. Conversion of parkeol (lanosta-9(11),24-dien-3β-ol) to 14α-methylcholest-9(11)-en-3β-ol in the sea cucumber Holothuria arenicola

Abstract Tritium labeled parksol ( 2 ), but not lanosterol ( 4 ) or cycloartenol ( 3 ), was transformed by the sea cucumber Holothuria arenicola into 14α-methyl-5α-cholest-9(11)-en-3β-ol ( 5 ), thus implying that squalene-2,3-oxide cyclizes directly to parkeol ( 2 ).
COMPARISON OF QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF THREE NONMELTING CLINGSTONE PEACH SELECTIONS

The effect of maturity and ripening on the quality characteristics of three nonmelting clingstone peach cultivars was compared. In general, size, weight, Minolta “a” values and SS/TA increased significantly with increased degree of maturity of fruit as harvested; whereas, firmness, hue angle, acidity and total pectins decreased significantly. Ripening for 7 days at 20C resulted in softening of L9-A47–33 and Babygold 7 peaches but had no significant effect on the firmness of FLA 9–20C. Ripening appeared to have little effect on the chemical characteristics of all three cultivars except for water soluble pectin, which increased slightly. L9-A47–33 peach selection was significantly more fruity, peachy, sweet, juicy and had a higher overall acceptance score than Babygold 7 or FLA 9–20C, indicating it might have potential for fresh market use.
Methodological Problems In Determining Media Effects On Criminal Justice: A Review And Suggestions For The Future:

Arguably, the relationship between the mass media and the criminal justice system is one of the more important, especially regrading the formation of criminal justice policies and general decision-...
Early nifurtimox-induced biochemical and ultrastructural alterations in rat heart:

Nifurtimox (Nfx) and Benznidazole (Bz) are being used for the treatment of the acute phase of Chagas’ disease. Recently, they were also considered for use in the indeterminate phase. Both the nitroheterocyclic drugs have serious toxic side effects. The mechanism of Nfx toxicity is associated with the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during nitroreduction. Potential effects on cardiac function have not been established yet, despite the well-known cardiopathy often produced by the disease itself. We describe experiments testing some acute effects of Nfx on the male Sprague Dawley rat heart. Nifurtimox was present in the heart at 1, 3 and 6 h after intragastric (i.g) treatment. In vitro studies on Nfx microsomal and cytosolic nitroreductase activities showed that only the microsomal fraction had the ability to nitroreduce it. Cytochrome P450 and cytochrome P450 reductase would be involved in the process as suggested by their response to specific inhibitors. Nifurtimox increased the cardiac protein carbonyl content at 1 and 3 h and decreased the protein sulfhydryl content at 3 h. In addition, 24 h after treatment ultrastructural alterations such as marked cytoplasmic vacuolization, separation and loss of myofibrils and mitochondrial swelling were observed. Results suggest that Nfx administration might aggravate pre-existing adverse cardiac conditions. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26, 781‐788
A routine of general anesthesia for hospital dentistry

Abstract A precise routine and adequate personnel are essential for the successful administration of a general anesthetic for selected dental emergencies.
Counterion binding in the solvation shell of ionic colloids in aqueous solution

Abstract Spatial correlations in ionic colloidal solutions are studied within the hypernetted chain approximation, applied to the charged hard sphere model for highly asymmetric electrolyte solutions, and modified to account for stronger binding of the counterions within the solvation shell of the polyion. This enhanced ion—colloid attraction gives rise to stronger screening of the coulombic repulsion among the polyions. The reduced order in the solution conforms with experimental observations. In extreme cases, a partial association of the colloidal particles linked by the common counterions is observed.
Perturbation analysis of steady and oscillatory onset in a Bénard problem with two similar liquids

In a recent paper, Renardy and Joseph [Phys. Fluids 28, 788 (1985)] studied the Benard problem for two layers of different fluids lying on top of each other and bounded by walls. Their study shows that, in contrast to the Benard problem for one fluid, the onset of instability can be oscillatory. The number of parameters involved in the problem is large, and there is as yet no comprehensive picture of when the instability is oscillatory and when it is not. The study of limiting cases, accessible by perturbation methods, may be helpful in this respect. In this paper, an analysis is given for the case when the properties of the two fluids are nearly equal and the fluids are allowed to slip at the boundaries.
Objective methods for testing potato flake quality as influenced by free starch and surfactants

A method was developed which uses changes in rates of retrogradation measured by a Brabender Amylograph to assess the complexing ability of surfactants for free starch in potato flakes during cooling. The rate of retrogradation was linearly related to surfactant concentration. A Blue Value Index method, adapted from use with cereal flours for determination of starch damage, was used to monitor the amount of free starch created by the required particle size reduction for Amylograph analysis. The change in Blue Value Index was also used to monitor the ability of surfactants to complex free starch and thereby influence potato flake quality. Distilled monoglyceride appeared to be more effective than sodiumor calcium stearoyl–2-lactylate. However, the combination of 0.3% distilled monoglyceride with 0.2% sodium stearoyl–2-lactylate was nearly as effective as 0.5% distilled monoglyceride in terms of free starch complexing ability. Instron back extrusion tests for mealiness of reconstituted flakes were found to be influenced by the level of free starch; therefore, back extrusion data should be accompanied by Blue Value Index data.
Some Thoughts on Reading Research: Revisiting the First-Grade Studies

In this commentary, the author describes the lasting implications and effects of the First-Grade Studies on the literacy field.
Model Predictive Control of Wind-Excited Building: Benchmark Study

In this paper, a “third generation” benchmark problem that focuses on the control of wind excited response of a tall building, using the Model Predictive Control (MPC) scheme, is presented. A 76 story, 306 m tall concrete office tower proposed for the city of Melbourne, Australia, is being used to demonstrate the effectiveness of MPC. The MPC scheme is based on an explicit use of a prediction model of the system response to obtain the control actions by minimizing an objective function. Optimization objectives in MPC include minimization of the difference between the predicted and desired response trajectories, and the control effort subjected to prescribed constraints. By incorporating input/output hard constraints, the MPC scheme provides an optimal control force that satisfies the prescribed constraints.
Ciprofloxacin-sensitive and ciprofloxacin-resistant Campylobacter jejuni are equally susceptible to natural orange oil-based antimicrobials

A total of 10 ciprofloxacin-sensitive (ciprofloxacin minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC T mutation in codon 86 of gyrA. Both groups of ciprofloxacin-sensitive and -resistant C. jejuni isolates were most susceptible to cold-pressed terpeneless Valencia orange oil (C4) which yielded inhibition zones from 44.0 +/- 1.4 to 80 +/- 0.0 mm. Less inhibitory responses were recorded for 5-fold concentrated Valencia orange oil (C3) and distilled d-limonene (C7) which exerted similar effects on both ciprofloxacin-sensitive and -resistant C. jejuni isolates. In general, ciprofloxacin-resistant and -sensitive C. jejuni isolates were equally susceptible to the respective orange oil fractions.
Brain nitric oxide synthase expression in the developing ferret lateral geniculate nucleus: analysis of time course, localization, and synaptic contacts.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a diffusible neurotransmitter that has been implicated in key developmental events, including the refinement of retinogeniculate axons into ON/OFF sublayers in the ferret lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), and in the formation of eye-specific laminae in other species. To understand the role of NO in the LGN, it is critical to fully characterize the pattern of brain nitric oxide synthase (bNOS) expression within the nucleus, including the phenotype of the neural elements that express it. We have examined the temporal and spatial pattern of bNOS expression in the ferret LGN during the first 6 weeks of postnatal development, and in the adult, by detecting bNOS with a monoclonal antibody as well as beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase histochemistry. We have found that bNOS is expressed in neurons in the A laminae of the LGN as early as postnatal day 7 (P7), a time coincident with eye-specific segregation of retinal axons. This expression continues through P35, with peak somatodendritic expression at P21. Fluorescent double labeling using antibodies to bNOS and glutamic acid decarboxylase indicate that bNOS is expressed in gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic interneurons within the A laminae. Electron microscopic examination of bNOS-labeled cells showed synaptic contacts from terminals with two distinct morphologic profiles. Expression of bNOS within interneurons that receive contacts from multiple sources indicates that the synaptic circuitry associated with bNOS activation and the potential targets of NO may be more complex than originally thought and supports a potential new role for interneurons as cellular intermediaries in the refinement of pathways in the LGN. Our findings broaden the window of time that bNOS may be active within the developing LGN, suggesting an expanded role for NO during early postnatal development.
Optical properties and electronic structures of single crystalline RAl3(R=Sc, Yb, and Lu)

The optical conductivities of single crystals of ${\mathrm{ScAl}}_{3},$ ${\mathrm{LuAl}}_{3},$ and ${\mathrm{YbAl}}_{3}$ were measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry in the energy range of 1.5--5.5 eV. The conductivity spectra of all show peaks between 1.5 and 2.0 eV originating from interband transitions. Two additional peaks around at 2.9 and 4.2 eV are observed for ${\mathrm{ScAl}}_{3},$ and a weak shoulder is observed around at 2.8 eV for ${\mathrm{LuAl}}_{3}.$ Band structure, density of states, and optical conductivity were calculated using the full-potential linear augmented plane wave method. The calculated conductivity spectrum for ${\mathrm{ScAl}}_{3}$ shows peaks around at 2.7 and 4.3 eV. The distinctive feature of the optical conductivity for ${\mathrm{ScAl}}_{3}$ comes from the extraordinary large Sc d unoccupied density of states compared to those of Yb d and Lu d. Oxidation effects on the optical properties of the sample were studied using a three-phase model. The calculated optical conductivity of the clean surface using the three-phase model is larger than that of the oxidized surface.
Murine metapodophalangeal sesamoid bones: morphology and potential means of mineralization underlying function

Normal murine metapodophalangeal sesamoid bones, closely associated with tendons, were examined in terms of their structure and mineralization with reference to their potential function following crystal deposition. This study utilized radiography, whole mount staining, histology, and conventional electron microscopy to establish a maturation timeline of mineral formation in 1- to 6-week-old metapodophalangeal sesamoids from CD-1 mice. An intimate cellular and structural relationship was documented in more detail than previously described between the sesamoid bone, tendon, and fibrocartilage enthesis at the metapodophalangeal joint. Sesamoid calcification began in 1-week lateral sesamoids of the murine metacarpophalangeal joint of the second digit. All sesamoids were completely calcified by 4 weeks. Transmission electron microscopy of 2-week metacarpophalangeal sesamoids revealed extensive Type I collagen in the associated tendon and fibrocartilage insertion sites and Type II collagen and proteoglycan networks in the interior of the sesamoid. No extracellular matrix vesicles were documented. The results demonstrate that murine sesamoid bones consist of cartilage elaborated by chondrocytes that predominantly synthesize and secrete Type II collagen and proteoglycan. Type II collagen and proteoglycans appear responsible for the onset and progression of mineral formation in this tissue. These data contribute to new understanding of the biochemistry, ultrastructure, and mineralization of sesamoids in relation to other bones and calcifying cartilage and tendon of vertebrates. They also reflect on the potentially important but currently uncertain function of sesamoids as serving as a fulcrum point along a tendon, foreshortening its length and altering advantageously its biomechanical properties with respect to tendon-muscle interaction.
Harnessing Community Capitals for Livelihood Enhancement: Experiences From a Livelihood Program in Rural Uganda

This study assesses how community capitals can be harnessed to improve food security using the “sustainable livelihoods” and “community capitals” frameworks. We demonstrate how the dimensions of th...
Photodecomposition of CFCl3 and CF2Cl2

Abstract The photochemical decomposition of CFCl 3 and CF 2 Cl 2 has been investigated, using added CH 4 and C 2 H 6 as chlorine atom interceptors. From the quantum yields of the stable products formed at 213.9, 184.9, 163.3 and 147 nm, quantum yields of the primary photofragments CFCl 2 , CF 2 Cl, CFCl, CF 2 , CF and Cl, were derived. At wavelengths close to the absorption threshold, detachment of one chlorine atom from CFCl 3 and CF 2 Cl 2 occurs with a quantum yield of 0.95 ± 0.05. As the photon energy is increased, there is a rapidly increasing probability that absorption of a photon will lead to the release of two chlorine atoms: The CFCl or CF 2 formed in these processes (which are most likely in the ground singlet state) are unreactive towards the parent halocarbons, or alkanes. They combine with other free radicals to form stable products. No evidence was found for the cleavage of CF bonds, or the elimination of stable chlorine molecules. In the vicinity of the absorption threshold, the absorption cross-sections of CF 2 Cl 2 and CFCl 3 diminish sharply with a decrease in temperature.
Heat Stress Injury in Relation to Membrane Lipid Peroxidation in Creeping Bentgrass

Understanding physiological and biochemical factors involved in heat-stress injury would help improve heat tolerance of cool-season grasses. The objective of this study was to investigate lipid peroxidation of cell membranes in relation to heat-stress tolerance in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.). Two creeping bentgrass cultivars differing in heat tolerance, L-93 (heat tolerant) and Penncross (heat sensitive) were grown under two temperature regimes: 22/16 degrees C (day/night) and 35/25 degrees C for 56 d in growth chambers. Photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and chlorophyll content of leaves; and electrolyte leakage (EL); content of the lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde (MDA); and activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) in leaves and roots were determined biweekly during heat stress. Leaf Fv/Fm ratio and chlorophyll content decreased, whereas EL and MDA contents of both leaves and roots increased under heat stress in both cultivars, but to a greater extent in Penncross. The activities of SOD and CAT decreased, whereas POD activity increased in both leaves and roots, which occurred to a greater extent for Penncross. The increases in MDA content and POD activity under heat stress were greater for leaves than for roots in both cultivars. These results suggest that decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes could result in an increased level of lipid peroxidation. Thus, decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes could contribute to damage of cell membranes and to leaf senescence as demonstrated by increased EL and reduced Fv/Fm, and by decreased chlorophyll content during heat stress. Cultivar variations in antioxidant enzyme activities were associated with their differences in heat tolerance as evidenced by Fv/Fm ratio, chlorophyll content, and EL.
Regulation of alternative pre-mRNA splicing by hnRNP A1 and splicing factor SF2

When messenger RNA precursors (pre-mRNAs) containing alternative 5' splice sites are spliced in vitro, the relative concentrations of the heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A1 and the essential splicing factor SF2 precisely determine which 5' splice site is selected. In general, an excess of hnRNP A1 favors distal 5' splice sites, whereas an excess of SF2 results in utilization of proximal 5' splice sites. The regulation of these antagonistic activities may play an important role in the tissue-specific and developmental control of gene expression by alternative splicing.
Systems Analysis of Diesel Based Fuel Cells for Auxiliary Power Units

The near-term commercial success for many fuel cell technologies will rely on their ability to utilize current infrastructure fuels. Several large ready-markets exist for fuel cell systems that utilize middle distillate petroleum fractions like diesel fuel. One particular application is diesel-based auxiliary power units (APU). Unfortunately, very little research and development has been devoted to this application. Ongoing research at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and other organizations is trying to address this need. In order for a fuel cell to utilize diesel fuel, it must be reformed into a synthesis gas containing primarily hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, steam and possibly methane. Because catalytic reforming of hydrocarbon fuels is conducted at the same relative operating temperatures of technologies like solid oxide fuel cells (800–1000°C) a high degree of thermal integration is possible. Unfortunately, carbon deposition and sulfur poisoning of catalysts in the reformer and fuel cell make system operation potentially complicated and costly. To help understand and quantify the impact of these issues on technology development and component, a number of systems analysis was conducted for a diesel-based fuel cell system. One particular system based on a hybrid combustor/reformer concept allowed for excellent utilization of available heat from the fuel cell and yielded an overall fuel to electric conversion efficiency of nearly 50%. This paper discusses its salient features and compares its characteristics to other possible system configurations.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Survey of Recent Progress in Polymerization Studies of Selected Heterocycles

Abstract The last symposium exclusively on the polymerization of cyclic ethers and sulfides held at an ACS meeting took place in Atlantic City in September 1965 [11. This survey is intended to give a general overview of the areas of active research since then and to summarize the progress that has been made in these areas. The polymerizations of cyclic ethers and cyclic sulfides are compared and contrasted. The influence of the size of the heterocyclic ring on the polymerization is described. In addition, the survey is intended to anticipate in a general way what the other participants in this symposium will discuss in detail so that the conference will seem more a single unit rather than a series of disconnected papers. As usual, limitations of time and space compel a certain selection process and no attempt has been made to be all-inclusive.
Dysferlin overexpression in skeletal muscle produces a progressive myopathy.

Objective The dose-response effects of dysferlin transgenesis were analyzed to determine if the dysferlin-deficient myopathies are good candidates for gene replacement therapy.
PERMEATION THROUGH KAPTON® POLYIMIDE AT ELEVATED TEMPERATURES

Abstract The permeabilities of CH4, CO2, CH3OH, H2O, O2, and CO through films of Kapton® polyimide were measured at temperatures of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250°C and pressures below 1 atm. Apparent activation energies for the permeation of the pure components ranged from 31.6kJ mol−1 for CH4 to nearly 0 for H2O under the conditions studied. The ideal permselectivity for methanol relative to methane decreased from over 100 to under 10 as the temperature was increased from 50 to 250°C.
Limits to Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry for atomic mass measurements

Abstract The application of Fourier transform—ion cyclotron resonance to precision atomic mass measurements is considered including a computer analysis of several facets of ion motion in an ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry cell. Numerical methods were used in conjunction with the analytical equations of motion to model cyclotron motion, including the effects of inhomogeneities in the electric and magnetic fields. Limits on mass accuracy are discussed and results are compared with those of several other studies.
An ATM service architecture for the transport of adaptively encoded live video

The transport of high quality live video requires a video service that does not rely heavily upon accurate a priori traffic parameter estimation (as VBR does) and does not unnecessarily sacrifice multiplexing gain and visual quality (as CBR does). A new service capable of supporting the transport of video on a guaranteed, as well as on a best effort, basis is introduced. This service, called quasi-VBR service, is based on an early version of the ATM Forum's EPRCA rate control algorithm [ATM Forum Traffic Management Specification, Version 4.0, ATM Forum Document 95-0013R9], a modified version of Sriram's T"1T"2 service discipline [K. Sriram, Proc. IEEE Globecom, 1990, pp. 1003-1009], and an adaptive video encoding scheme. The results of a simulation study in which quasi-VBR video and ABR data traffic interact are presented. Actual MPEG-1 video sequences are used. Results show that quasi-VBR video service is capable of rapidly adapting to changes in network conditions, providing high quality video service and good network resource utilization.
Occurrence and properties of a macroglobulin dimer in some hyperglobulinemic sera.

A 22S human γM-globulin component has been subjected to various study. It appears to be a dimer of 19S proteins and can undergo reversible molecular transitions which are both pH and temperature dependent. The 22S material regenerated from its 8S subunits no longer undergo similar transformations. Efforts to demonstrate that the 22S material was an antigen-antibody complex of 19S molecules were unsuccessful. Complex precipitin reactions in gels are given by macroglobulins containing this component with antibody to L chains.
Defeatist Beliefs as a Mediator of Cognitive Impairment, Negative Symptoms, and Functioning in Schizophrenia

Poor social and vocational outcomes have long been observed in schizophrenia. Two of the most consistent predictors are negative symptoms and cognitive impairment. We investigate the hypothesis that cognitive content--defeatist beliefs regarding performance--provides a link between cognitive impairment, negative symptoms, and poor functioning in schizophrenia. A total of 77 individuals (55 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 22 healthy controls) participated in a cross-sectional study of psychopathology. Tests of memory, abstraction, attention, and processing speed, as well as current psychopathology, functioning, and endorsement of defeatist beliefs, were employed. Greater neurocognitive impairment was associated with elevated defeatist belief endorsement, higher negative symptom levels, and worse social and vocational functioning. Notably, statistical modeling indicated that defeatist belief endorsements were mediators in the relationship between cognitive impairment and both negative symptoms and functioning. These effects were independent of depression and positive symptom levels. The results add to the emerging biopsychosocial understanding of negative symptoms and introduce defeatist beliefs as a new psychotherapeutic target.
Classification of choroidal neovascularization by digital indocyanine green videoangiography

Purpose: The majority of patients with exudative maculopathy due to age-related macular degeneration present with poorly defined or occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) that cannot be imaged adequately by fluorescein angiography. Digital indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography is a new technique that allows enhanced imaging of these poorly defined or occult vessels. The authors studied 1000 consecutive cases of occult CNV using digital ICG angiography to describe the various types of neovascularization observed by this technique and to determine the frequency and natural history of the various lesions. Materials and Methods: Digital ICG videoangiography was performed as described previously on 1000 consecutive eyes with occult CNV by fluorescein angiography. Results: One thousand consecutive eyes with occult CNV by fluorescein angiography were imaged using digital ICG videoangiography. Three morphologic types of CNV were noted by ICG videoangiography, which included focal spots, plaques (well-defined or poorly defined), and combination lesions (in which both focal spots and plaques are noted). Combination lesions can be subdivided into marginal spots (focal spots at the edge of plaques of neovascularization), overlying spots (hot spots overlying plaques of neovascularization), or remote spots (a focal spot remote from a plaque of neovascularization). The relative frequency of these lesions was as follows: there were 283 cases (29%) of focal spots; 597 cases (61 %) of plaques, consisting of 265 cases (27%) of well-defined plaques and 332 cases (34%) of poorly defined plaques; and 84 cases (8%) of combination lesions, consisting of 35 cases (3%) of marginal spots, 37 cases (4%) of overlying spots, and 12 cases (1 %) of remote spots. In seven additional cases (1 %), a mixture of the above lesions was noted. In 13 additional eyes (1%), no lesions were noted on the ICG angiogram. The studies of 16 eyes were unreadable or unobtainable. Conclusions: There are three types of CNV that can be observed by digital ICG videoangiography. Plaques are the most common type and have a poor natural history. Focal spots or hot spots are the next most frequently seen lesion and can potentially be treated by ICG-guided laser photocoagulation. Combination lesions, in which both focal spots and plaques are present, are rare. This study of 1000 consecutive cases of eyes with occult neovascularization that were imaged with digital ICG vc~eoangiography serves to classify the various types of neovascularization observed by this technique. Digital ICG videoangiography is an important tool in better delineating eyes with occult CNV. Future studies are necessary to validate our findings.
Plant Closings and Control Over the Workplace: A Case Study

There is growing literature focusing on the effects of plant closings on displaced workers. Although the gist of this literature is that plant closings have substantial negative economic, social/psychological, and physical health effects on workers, this “social problems” approach, by not placing capital mobility in the larger politicaleconomic context, is far too restrictive. We contend that plant closings need to be seen as playing an important role in the struggle between labor and management for control in the workplace. We examine this notion by analyzing the 1980-1981 relocation of GM's Corvette plant from St. Louis to Bowling Green, Kentucky. By analyzing interviews with relocated workers and company and union officials, along with various company and union documents, we trace the role that this relocation had in restructuring labor-management relations. In our concluding section, we note the implications of this both for the study of plant closings and for the study of the workplace struggle betwe...
Villous Adenoma of the Colon Associated with Severe Hypopotassemia

Introduction A copious mucoid discharge is a frequently mentioned and characteristic symptom of villous adenoma of the colon. The association of this discharge with severe hypopotassemia has not hitherto been noted in the literature. This report concerns such an instance in which potassium balance presented the major problem in management. Villous adenomas of the rectum and colon are uncommon, representing 1.4% to 2.3% of surgically resected neoplasm of this region.* They occur equally in males and females and in an older age group than do adenomatous polyps or carcinoma. They are more likely to be solitary tumors than carcinomas or adenomatous polyps of the large bowel. The overwhelming majority are in the rectum, but cases have been reported from other sites in the colon.† They are characteristically large broadbased growths with innumerable finger-like projections into the lumen. They are soft to the touch and move freely over the underlying muscularis,
The First Atypical Pneumonia: The History of the Discovery of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

The subject of atypical pneumonias is of great medical and historical interest to modern physicians. Although these diseases have no doubt affected humans throughout our history, it is not until the mid-twentieth century that physicians first began to differentiate certain atypical pulmonary infectious processes from typical pneumonia. Physicians at the time were unclear as to the precise etiology of these infections. As time progressed and study of these organisms continued, physicians were better able to identify the causative agent and devise tests with which to detect the disease. This article focuses on the description and ultimate identification of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Brain-Computer Interface Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation System for Ankle Movement

Many neurological conditions, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury, can cause chronic gait function impairment due to foot-drop. Current physiotherapy techniques provide only a limited degree of motor function recovery in these individuals, and therefore novel therapies are needed. Brain-computer interface (BCI) is a relatively novel technology with a potential to restore, substitute, or augment lost motor behaviors in patients with neurological injuries. Here, we describe the first successful integration of a noninvasive electroencephalogram (EEG)-based BCI with a noninvasive functional electrical stimulation (FES) system that enables the direct brain control of foot dorsiflexion in able-bodied individuals. A noninvasive EEG-based BCI system was integrated with a noninvasive FES system for foot dorsiflexion. Subjects underwent computer-cued epochs of repetitive foot dorsiflexion and idling while their EEG signals were recorded and stored for offline analysis. The analysis generated a prediction model that allowed EEG data to be analyzed and classified in real time during online BCI operation. The real-time online performance of the integrated BCI-FES system was tested in a group of five able-bodied subjects who used repetitive foot dorsiflexion to elicit BCI-FES mediated dorsiflexion of the contralateral foot. Five able-bodied subjects performed 10 alternations of idling and repetitive foot dorsifiexion to trigger BCI-FES mediated dorsifiexion of the contralateral foot. The epochs of BCI-FES mediated foot dorsifiexion were highly correlated with the epochs of voluntary foot dorsifiexion (correlation coefficient ranged between 0.59 and 0.77) with latencies ranging from 1.4 sec to 3.1 sec. In addition, all subjects achieved a 100% BCI-FES response (no omissions), and one subject had a single false alarm. This study suggests that the integration of a noninvasive BCI with a lower-extremity FES system is feasible. With additional modifications, the proposed BCI-FES system may offer a novel and effective therapy in the neuro-rehabilitation of individuals with lower extremity paralysis due to neurological injuries.
The Spike-Triggered Average of the Integrate-and-Fire Cell Driven by Gaussian White Noise

We compute the exact spike-triggered average (STA) of the voltage for the nonleaky integrate-and-fire (IF) cell in continuous time, driven by gaussian white noise. The computation is based on techniques from the theory of renewal processes and continuous-time hidden Markov processes (e.g., the backward and forward Fokker-Planck partial differential equations associated with first-passage time densities). From the STA voltage, it is straightforward to derive the STA input current. The theory also gives an explicit asymptotic approximation for the STA of the leaky IF cell, valid in the low-noise regime σ → 0. We consider both the STA and the conditional average voltage given an observed spike “doublet” event, that is, two spikes separated by some fixed period of silence. In each case, we find that the STA as a function of time-preceding-spike, τ, has a square root singularity as τ approaches zero from below and scales linearly with the scale of injected noise current. We close by briefly examining the discrete-time case, where similar phenomena are observed.