cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of step polymerization with reactants of unequal functional group reactivity

A general solution is presented for the kinetics of an A–A plus B–C step polymerization. B and C are the same type of functional group but with different reactivities (k1 and k2, respectively) toward A groups. The decay of the concentrations of B, C, and A groups and the increase in the degree of polymerization with time are described for various values of the ratio k2/k1.
Population growth and economic development in Chiapas, 1524-1975.

In a recent work on the Tzotzil (Maya) of Chiapas, Mexico, George Collier has suggested that indigenous groups frequently employ agricultural practices which are in “obvious disequilibrium” with their environment. As a result, he claims, such groups bring about the permanent destruction of their lands and forests. In this article, historical and demographic evidence is presented to demonstrate that the development of commencal agriculture outside of native communities, not overpopulation or technological conservatism within them, lies at the heart of such destruction. Finally, it is argued that anthropologists must consider the evolution of social classes in rural areas if they are to understand the difficulties which economic development entails.
A Comparative Study of U.S. and Foreign Naval Acquisition, Design, and Construction Policy and Practices

In an effort to reduce the cost of Navy ships without significantly reducing capability, the U.S. Navy has performed a series of ongoing investigations into areas of potential cost reduction. One of these investigations was a literature study done at the University of Michigan Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering to identify and compare acquisition, design and construction practices in a number of different countries. Recommendations for potential cost saving changes to the U.S. Navy system, including reduction of administrative costs, design to cost, and changes in labor policies, were made based on the comparisons. This paper is a modified version of the final report submitted to the Department of the Navy.
Model for Rheology of Halloysite Suspensions

A quantitative rheological model was developed for predicting the non-Newtonian flow behavior of aqueous halloysite suspensions. Halloysite clay from the large Utah deposits was used for this investigation because of its unique tubular morphology. The flow behavior of the suspensions was characterized by the semi empirical Ree-Eyring generalized viscosity equation. The β parameter in the Ree-Eyring equation, a measure of the relaxation time for the flow process, was very sensitive to variations in the pH and volume fraction solids. When the logarithm of 0 was plotted versus pH (4 to 11) for halloysite suspensions containing 15, 20, and 25 wt% solids, linear plots with increasing slopes were obtained. Attempts were made to show the physical significance of the parameters introduced in the model.
Women’s Costume and Feminine Civic Morality in Augustan Rome

Augustus claimed that the moral decay of the Roman Republic was especially due to Roman women who had forsaken their traditional role of custos domi (‘preserver of the house/hold’). In reforming feminine morality, Augustus created a new pictorial language that troped the feminine body as a ‘moral sign’ of civic morality and authorized a distinctive costume for women. Sebesta investigates the relationship between women’s garments, the female body and the Roman concept of feminine civic morality.
Delineation and Evaluation of Hydrologic-Landscape Regions in the United States Using Geographic Information System Tools and Multivariate Statistical Analyses

Hydrologic-landscape regions in the United States were delineated by using geographic information system (GIS) tools combined with principal components and cluster analyses. The GIS and statistical analyses were applied to land-surface form, geologic texture (permeability of the soil and bedrock), and climate variables that describe the physical and climatic setting of 43,931 small (approximately 200 km2) watersheds in the United States. (The term "watersheds" is defined in this paper as the drainage areas of tributary streams, headwater streams, and stream segments lying between two confluences.) The analyses grouped the watersheds into 20 noncontiguous regions based on similarities in land-surface form, geologic texture, and climate characteristics. The percentage of explained variance (R-squared value) in an analysis of variance was used to compare the hydrologic-landscape regions to 19 square geometric regions and the 21 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency level-II ecoregions. Hydrologic-landscape regions generally were better than ecoregions at delineating regions of distinct land-surface form and geologic texture. Hydrologic-landscape regions and ecoregions were equally effective at defining regions in terms of climate, land cover, and water-quality characteristics. For about half of the landscape, climate, and water-quality characteristics, the R-squared values of square geometric regions were as high as hydrologic-landscape regions or ecoregions.
Glucocorticoids suppress levels of immunoreactive bradykinin in inflamed tissue as evaluated by microdialysis probes.

Although circulating bradykinin increases during surgery, concentrations remain unknown in the biologically relevant compartment, the inflamed tissue. We have developed a new method, using microdialysis probes, for collecting tissue samples of immunoreactive bradykinin in both postoperative patients and rats injected with carrageenan. In vitro studies determined optimal flow rate, that dialysate levels of immunoreactive bradykinin were linearly related to external concentrations, and that the probes do not activate bradykinin synthesis. In oral surgery patients, tissue levels of immunoreactive bradykinin peaked approximately 3 hours after surgery. Preoperative administration of methylprednisolone (125 mg) reduced immunoreactive bradykinin levels by 62% (p < 0.001) compared with placebo. Comparison of bradykinin levels to concurrent pain revealed a counterclockwise hysteresis, suggesting a delay between peak levels of bradykinin in the effect compartment and pain. In rats, dexamethasone suppressed tissue levels of immunoreactive bradykinin. The glucocorticoid suppression was dependent on de novo protein synthesis. Microdialysis appears to be a novel and useful method for measuring the peripheral release of bradykinin and, possibly, other inflammatory mediators. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1990) 48, 168–178; doi:10.1038/clpt.1990.132
Distributed dynamic partial order reduction

While stateless model checking avoids the memory blow-up problem by not recording the search history, runtime becomes a major limiting factor. In this paper, we present distributed dynamic partial order reduction (DDPOR) which can speed up stateless model checking using computer clusters, and get the benefit of dynamic partial order reduction (DPOR). The experiments show that DDPOR can give out nearly linear (with respect to the number of CPUs) speedup on realistic multithreaded programs, comparing with sequential stateless model checking that uses DPOR.
MULTIPLE OPIOID RECEPTORS: An Examination of the Dissociation of (3H)Leucine Enkephalin from Rat Brain Membranes

The experiments reported in this paper address the hypothesis that [3H]leucine enkephalin labels both mu and delta receptors. As reported by other workers, this peptide dissociates from rat brain membranes in a biphasic manner. This is consistent with a two site binding model which hypothesizes that the peptide labels both opioid mu and delta receptors from which it dissociates at different rates. To test this hypothesis, we determined the dissociation of bound ligand from rat brain membranes incubated to equilibrium with [3H]leucine enkephalin in the absence and presence of 100 nM morphine. The data were not significantly different. We conclude that the biphasic off-kinetics of [3H]leucine enkephalin is not evidence for a two-site binding model.
Crossover of phase qubit dynamics in the presence of a negative-result weak measurement

The coherent dynamics of a superconducting phase qubit is considered in the presence of both unitary evolution due to microwave driving and continuous nonunitary collapse due to a negative-result measurement. In the case of relatively weak driving, the qubit dynamics is dominated by the nonunitary evolution, and the qubit state tends to an asymptotically stable point on the Bloch sphere. This dynamics can be clearly distinguished from conventional decoherence by tracking the state purity and the measurement invariant. When the microwave driving strength exceeds a certain critical value, the dynamics changes to nondecaying oscillations: any initial state returns exactly to itself periodically in spite of the nonunitary dynamics. The predictions can be verified using a modification of a recent experiment.
Two-Dimensional System of Hard-Core Bosons

As a model of a helium monolayer a system of hard-core bosons of mass $m$ and diameter $a$ constrained to motion in two dimensions is considered at absolute zero. In the low-density limit, the ground-state energy per particle and condensate depletion are found to be $\frac{E}{N}=\ensuremath{-}\frac{2\ensuremath{\pi}{\ensuremath{\hbar}}^{2}n}{m\mathrm{ln}n{a}^{2}}$ and ${n}_{0}=n(1+\frac{1}{\mathrm{ln}n{a}^{2}})$, where $n$ is the areal density of the system. The expansion parameter $\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{\mathrm{ln}n{a}^{2}}$ is approximately equal to unity for real helium monolayers. The variation of the above results with temperature is discussed for a system of finite size.
Id1 induces apoptosis through inhibition of RORgammat expression

Basic helix-loop-helix E proteins are transcription factors that play crucial roles in T cell development by controlling thymocyte proliferation, differentiation and survival. E protein functions can be repressed by their naturally occurring inhibitors, Id proteins (Id1-4). Transgenic expression of Id1 blocks T cell development and causes massive apoptosis of developing thymocytes. However, the underlying mechanisms are not entirely understood due to relatively little knowledge of the target genes regulated by E proteins. We designed a unique strategy to search for genes directly controlled by E proteins and found RORγt to be a top candidate. Using microarray analyses and reverse-transcriptase PCR assays, we showed that Id1 expression diminished RORγt mRNA levels in T cell lines and primary thymocytes while induction of E protein activity restored RORγt expression. E proteins were found to specifically bind to the promoter region of RORγt, suggesting their role in activating transcription of the gene. Functional significance of E protein-controlled RORγt expression was established based on the finding that RORγt rescued apoptosis caused by Id1 overexpression. Furthermore, expression of RORγt prevented Id1-induced p38 MAP kinase hyper-activation. These results suggest that E protein-dependent RORγt gene expression aids the survival of developing thymocytes, which provides a possible explanation for the massive apoptosis found in Id1 transgenic mice.
Enumeration of Contact Geometries for Kinematic Registration Using Tactile Sensing Fixtures

This paper uses group theory for enumeration of contacts between geometric elements necessary for kinematic registration or part referencing in robotics. The results are applied to type synthesis of tactile sensing mechanical fixtures. Kinematic registration is an important step in robot calibration and in data driven automation. Although the scope of the paper is limited to geometric contacts involving points, lines, planar surfaces, cylindrical surfaces, and spherical surfaces, the techniques developed are general and can be applied to other geometric features and non tactile sensing elements used in robotic calibration and part referencing.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Commentary on active living research.

The 19th-century lessons from the White Plague of tuberculosis—that crowded and wretched housing, interspersed dirty industries, and dangerous streets affect people’s health and productivity— lent great power to the push for “healthy cities” with adequate sanitary infrastructure, parks, and clean air. In America, we made significant progress toward healthy environments through zoning and environmental controls. An improved standard of living with “labor-saving devices” and abundant automobiles made our lives physically easier. We engineered more convenience and less “community” as our vehicles and tax policies encouraged the spread of houses and highways across the landscape. Over the last 5 years, a number of us who work in environmental health have become concerned that this shift has exacerbated the most prevalent morbidities of the 21st century, namely chronic diseases. At first, the thought that distant green suburbs might have a negative impact on population health and well-being seems strange— clearly these places are healthier than our teeming cities, aren’t they? In the United States, health and activity are considered matters of independent personal choice, rather than the consequence of our physical surroundings. But now, in a nation in which at least one of three adults is overweight or obese, where big-box stores and low-density suburban sprawl have replaced urban parks and walkable town centers, where tenlane highways and outdated zoning policies are transforming America’s agricultural heartland into a sea of automobiles and fast-food purveyors, the connection between the built environment and public health has become self-evident and common sense. Our car-loving, pedestrian-hostile environment has made it increasingly difficult to effect one’s choice to be healthy and active. A few years ago, a number of us began actively to revive the notion that urban planning
Job-embedded professional development policy in Michigan: can it be successful?

This paper evaluates Michigan’s recently implemented job-embedded professional development policy using criteria of relevance, focus, goal orientation and social scope. The authors assert that while Michigan’s policy does address all four criteria detailing effective professional development, there are limitations in the policy that may impact the extent to which the policy improves practice at the local level. The authors provide suggested recommendations to improve the policy’s success: ongoing discussions among state, higher education, intermediate school district and local school district partners; training in assessment and data use; specialized training/workshops; and creation of a state-wide job-embedded professional development committee.
Monitoring aquifer recharge using repeated high-precision gravity measurements: A pilot study in South Weber, Utah

Repeatedhigh-precisiongravitysurveyswereconductedover two infiltration cycles on an alluvial-fan aquifer system at the mouth of Weber Canyon in northern Utah as part of the Weber River Basin Aquifer Storage and Recovery Pilot Project WRBASR. Gravity measurements collected before, during, and afterinfiltrationeventsindicatethataperchedgroundwatermound formed during infiltration events and decayed smoothly following infiltration. Data also suggest the groundwater mound migrated gradually south-southwest from the surface infiltration site.Maximummeasuredgravitychangesassociatedwiththeinfiltration were 111 Gal during the first event 2004 and a net 130-Gal increase during the second event 2005. Gaussian integration of the spatial gravity anomaly yields an anomalouscausative mass within 10% of the 10 6 m 3 10 9 kg of infiltrated water measured in 2004. The spatial gravity field is consistent with a groundwater mound at the end of the infiltration cycle approximatelyequivalenttoacylindricaldiscofheight13.5 m and a radius between 300‐400 m. After infiltration ceased, gravity anomalies decreased to approximately 50% of their original amplitude over a characteristic time of three to four months.The reduction of the gravity signal is simulated by analytical solutions forthedecayofagroundwatermoundthroughasaturatedporous media.Thiscomparisonplacesrelativelytightboundsonthehydraulic conductivity of the alluvial-fan material below the infiltration site with a preferred value of 80 m/day on a length scale ofafewhundredmeters.
Bioenergetics in Oxidative Damage in Neurodegenerative Diseases

A major theory of neuronal damage in neurodegenerative diseases is that activation of excitatory amino acid receptors may play a role. In the case of neurodegenerative diseases activation of excitatory amino acid receptors may occur as a consequence of a defect in energy metabolism, which then leads to partial neuronal depolarization and activation of voltage-dependent NMDA receptors. This leads to calcium influx into the cell which is followed by activation of several deleterious processes. Amongst these are the generation of free radicals by mitochondria and the activation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), leading to production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide can react with Superoxide to produce peroxynitrite, which can then damage lipids, proteins and DNA. Consistent with these proposed mechanisms we found that 3-nitropropionic acid, an irreversible succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor, produces selective striatal lesions in both rats and primates by a secondary excitotoxic mechanism. This compound produces striatal lesions and delayed chorea and dystonia following accidental ingestion in mam. We found that it produces energy depletion in the striatum in vivo, and secondary excitotoxic lesions. Chronic low grade systemic administration of 3-nitropropionic acid produces striatal lesions which show age-dependence, spiny neuron dendritic changes, and selective neuronal vulnerability similar to that seen in Huntington’s disease. Administration of 3-nitropropionic acid to primates resulted in apomorphine inducible chorea. Histologic examination with GFAP and calbindin staining showed a dorsal-vental gradient of cell loss, and sparing of NADPH-diaphorase neuron. These lesions therefore closely resemble Huntington’s disease, and in primates there is an apomorphine inducible chorea. The lesions are accompanied by increased hydroxyl radical generation and they are attenu ated by both free radical spin traps and a selective inhibitor of neuronal NOS. The free radical spin traps attenuate hydroxyl radical production, yet they have no effects on striatal energy metabolism or striatal electrophysiologic activity in vivo, arguing against a direct effect on excitatory amino acid receptors. The NOS inhibitor also attenuates MPTP neurotoxicity. Free radical and NOS inhibitors may therefore be useful in the treatment of Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Improving inferior vena cava filter retrieval rates with the define, measure, analyze, improve, control methodology.

Abstract Purpose To design a sustainable process to improve optional inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval rates based on the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) methodology of the Six Sigma process improvement paradigm. Materials and Methods DMAIC, an acronym for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control, was employed to design and implement a quality improvement project to increase IVC filter retrieval rates at a tertiary academic hospital. Retrievable IVC filters were placed in 139 patients over a 2-year period. The baseline IVC filter retrieval rate (n = 51) was reviewed through a retrospective analysis, and two strategies were devised to improve the filter retrieval rate: ( a ) mailing of letters to clinicians and patients for patients who had filters placed within 8 months of implementation of the project (n = 43) and ( b ) a prospective automated scheduling of a clinic visit at 4 weeks after filter placement for all new patients (n = 45). The effectiveness of these strategies was assessed by measuring the filter retrieval rates and estimated increase in revenue to interventional radiology. Results IVC filter retrieval rates increased from a baseline of 8% to 40% with the mailing of letters and to 52% with the automated scheduling of a clinic visit 4 weeks after IVC filter placement. The estimated revenue per 100 IVC filters placed increased from $2,249 to $10,518 with the mailing of letters and to $17,022 with the automated scheduling of a clinic visit. Conclusions Using the DMAIC methodology, a simple and sustainable quality improvement intervention was devised that markedly improved IVC filter retrieval rates in eligible patients.
Zinc in Relation to Diabetes and Oxidative Disease

Theoretically, zinc can exert a number of indirect antioxidant functions. Researchers at our laboratory have found evidence to support this concept by studying mild zinc deficiency in rats. This state produces low resistance to chemically induced liver oxidant injury, and it produces high vulnerability of lipoproteins to oxidation. We are building on this work in rats to test a hypothesis in humans that increased zinc intake will protect against oxidant stress in persons with tendencies for both moderate zinc deficiency and high oxidant stress. This hypothesis has been tested in postmenopausal, type 2 diabetic women. A 3-wk supplementation with zinc (30 mg/d as glycine-chelate) raised initially low plasma zinc values to above normal values and increased plasma activities of 5'-nucleotidase. However, the latter values were still well below normal. Lipoprotein oxidation tendencies, a measure of oxidant stress, were not altered by the zinc treatment. A new project has been initiated to determine whether both a higher dose and longer duration of zinc treatment will normalize 5'-nucleotidase activities and affect the indices of oxidant stress. The latter will be considered in terms of both zinc supplementation and supplementation of zinc plus vitamin C, another problem nutrient for diabetic persons.
Dynamic response of thin films on substrates subjected to femtosecond laser pulses

Abstract Femtosecond laser pulses can be used to precisely debond the interface between transparent films and substrates, thus providing a critical tool for interface characterization. This paper presents a model for the dynamic response of the film in the debonded region due to excitation from the laser pulse. The model illustrates that the timescale for transfer of energy to the film is typically much smaller than the inertial timescale associated with film bending; in such cases, the film deflection is governed entirely by the impulse delivered to the film and is insensitive to the details of the pressure generated by the laser pulse. Results for the maximum stress in the film and the dynamic energy release rate for debonding are used to generate regime maps that indicate failure modes (e.g. film fracture or interface debonding) as a function of pulse characteristics and film properties. The model is shown to exhibit good agreement with experiments, and hence provides a simple framework to design laser experiments to generate precisely defined interface flaws while avoiding film failures.
Intelligent decision support for manufacturing enterprise

A set of ongoing research activities at the Decision System Laboratory (DSL) at Stanford University is briefly described. These activities address the global issue of strategic integration from the technical point of view of developing intelligent decision support systems (IDSS) which support the management process in strategic integration. The approach is to break the global issue into three basic subissues and organize research projects to focus on the development of subsystems for these subissues with the view that total integration will proceed in stages. The three subissues are: 'Who are you?' 'Where do you play?' and 'How do you play?'. >
Restoring the labral height for treatment of Bankart lesions: a comparison of suture anchor constructs.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate glenoid labral heights before injury and after repair with 2 suture anchors: (1) traditional suture anchor secured with knots and (2) knotless suture anchor. Methods: Ten matched pairs of human cadaveric glenoids were examined. In each specimen the labrum was detached from the 3-o’clock position to the 6:30 clock position on the anteroinferior glenoid, and labral repair was performed with either (1) traditional Bio-SutureTak suture anchors (n 10) (Arthrex, Naples, FL) or (2) knotless PushLock suture anchors (n 10, contralateral side) (Arthrex). By use of a 3-dimensional digitizer, the labral height, measured from the deepest point of the glenoid articular surface to the highest tip of the labrum, was measured in all specimens before injury and after repair at the 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30 clock positions. The degree of labral height increase was computed as a percent increase in labral height from before injury to after repair. Results: Labral height increased significantly for all specimens from before injury (5.35 mm) to after repair (8.05 mm) (159.1% 13.7%, P .0001). Increases in labral height from before injury to after repair were similar (P .05) for Bio-SutureTak suture anchors (164.6% 18.7%, P .0001) and PushLock suture anchors (153.6% 5.8%, P .0001). The amount of labral height increase did not vary by anatomic location (157.0% 50.2%, 168.9% 51.0%, and 150.4% 35.2% at 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30, respectively; P .46). Conclusions: An increase in labral height can be achieved to create a significant height increase from before injury to after labral repair. The difference in labral height afforded by a traditional suture anchor and a knotless anchor is not statistically significant. Clinical Relevance: Both traditional and knotless suture anchor constructs provide a reliable restoration of labral height in an acute Bankart model.
Damping in ceramic matrix composites with matrix cracks

Abstract The paper presents an analytical solution capable of predicting the effect of matrix cracking in ceramic matrix composites (CMC) on damping. The cracking scenarios considered in the paper include through-the-thickness cracks and cracks terminating at the layer interfaces. The increase in damping associated with matrix cracking is mostly due to the frictional energy dissipation along the damaged fiber–matrix interfaces adjacent to the bridging cracks whose plane of propagation intersects the fiber axis. Damping increases with a higher density of matrix cracks. The loss factor is affected by the angle of the lamina relative to the direction of the applied load. The loss factor is also influenced by the frequency and magnitude of local dynamic stresses. Examples of distributions of the local loss factor along the axis of a CMC beam subject to pulsating loads of various frequencies are shown in the paper.
Review of electromagnetic methods in nondestructive testing of wire ropes

Wire ropes are used extensively in many life sustaining situations. Elevator and mine-hoist cables are two notable examples, but the support cable for aerial tramways, ski chairlifts and gondolas, helicopter and suspension cables we might also mention. In this review, we will deal mainly with wire ropes used in mine hoists, but the results are also relevant for testing support cables for ski lifts. There is an obvious need to perform tests of the integrity of such ropes without in any way impairing their function. Apart from careful visual examination and measurements of the external diameter, the nondestructive test methods available utilize electromagnetic fields, X-rays, or mechanical waves. Here, we will review progress in the electromagnetic methods. The early history of the subject will be described briefly, since this provides a remarkably good introduction to the working principles. We will then progress quickly to the current techniques and operating procedures. Next, we will summarize some of the basic papers that deal with the basic concepts and techniques for testing of cylindrical conductors by both electric and magnetic methods. At this juncture, we call our attention to the extensive related work on electromagnetic probing of geophysical targets such as ore bodies and other subsurface conductors. Finally, we turn to the various recent investigations, primarily of theoretical nature, that have been carried out; we include here only the most recent works.
Induction of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Specific CD8 T-Cell Responses by Listeria monocytogenes and a Hyperattenuated Listeria Strain Engineered To Express HIV Antigens

Induction of cell-mediated immunity may be essential for an effective AIDS vaccine. Listeria monocytogenes is an attractive bacterial vector to elicit T-cell immunity to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) because it specifically infects monocytes, key antigen-presenting cells, and because natural infection originates at the mucosa. Immunization with recombinant L. monocytogenes has been shown to protect mice from lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, influenza virus, and tumor inoculation. L. monocytogenes expressing HIV gag elicits sustained high levels of Gag-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in mice. We have examined the ability of Listeria to infect human monocytes and present HIV antigens to CD8 T lymphocytes of HIV-infected donors to induce a secondary T-cell immune response. Using this in vitro vaccination protocol, we show that L. monocytogenes expressing the HIV-1 gag gene efficiently provides a strong stimulus for Gag-specific CTLs in HIV-infected donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Listeria expressing Nef also elicits a secondary in vitro anti-Nef CTL response. Since L. monocytogenes is a pathogen, before it can be seriously considered as a human vaccine vector, safety concerns must be addressed. We therefore have produced a highly attenuated strain of L. monocytogenes that requires D-alanine for viability. The recombinant bacteria are attenuated at least 10(5)-fold. We show that when these hyperattenuated bacteria are engineered to express HIV-1 Gag, they are at least as efficient at stimulating Gag-specific human CTLs in vitro as wild-type recombinants. These results suggest that attenuated Listeria is an attractive candidate vaccine vector to induce T-cell immunity to HIV in humans.
The Sources of Voting Cues in Three State Legislatures

This paper seeks to identify the voting cues used by state legislators when they are deciding how to vote on a specific roll call. It follows a research strategy suggested by John Kingdon's study of congressional voting decisions. The paper applies that strategy to the lower houses of three state legislatures: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. The findings are that certain cue sources are consistently important (fellow legislators and interest groups) or consistently unimportant (the executive branch and personal reading) in all three legislatures, but other cue sources (party leadership, committee reports, and constituency) vary in importance quite substantially from one legislature to another. The data also suggest that some of these differences in the relative importance of cue sources may be related to differences in the level of legislative professionalization. Particularly interesting is the finding that the importance of constituents as a source of voting cues is highest in the least ...
Structural Assimilation Revisited: Mexican-Origin Nativity and Cross-Ethnic Primary Ties

Classical assimilation theory postulates that over time, members of immigrant groups will develop more primary ties with native members of the host society. However, lack of data has led most research to rely on the study of either spatial mobility or other secondary variables as proxies of primary ties. Using data from the Multi-City Study of Urban Inequality, this research examines primary relations, comparing the number of cross-ethnic strong ties among foreign- and native-born generations of persons of Mexican origin in Los Angeles County. The fi ndings indicate that the native-born are substantially more likely to report cross-ethnic ties than immigrants. Spatial variables only partially explain the effect of primary structural assimilation, implying that both primary group and spatial dynamics play important roles in structural incorporation.
Robust Target Localization and Segmentation Using Graph Cut, KPCA and Mean-Shift

This paper presents an algorithm for object localization and segmentation. The algorithm uses machine learning, and statistical and combinatorial optimization tools to build a tracker that is robust to noise and occlusions. The method is based on a novel energy formulation and its dual use for object localization and segmentation. The energy uses kernel principal component analysis to incorporate shape and appearance constraints of the target object and the background. The energy arising from the procedure is equivalent to an un-normalized density function, thus providing a probabilistic interpretation to the procedure. Mean-shift optimization finds the most probable location of the target object. Graph-cut maximization on the localized object window in the image generates the globally optimal segmentation.
The Role of the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Genetic Transformation of Plants

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a pivotal role in diverse cellular and developmental processes of plants. Increasing evidence suggests that the UPS also regulates pathogen infection through degradation of the host or pathogen-derived proteins. Such involvement of the UPS in plant-pathogen interactions is particularly well exemplified by the Agrobacterium tumefaciens -encoded F-box protein VirF. It has been proposed that VirF targets a host protein for the UPS-mediated degradation, thereby facilitating Agrobacterium infection. Furthermore, a recent study elucidated that VirF itself is also targeted for proteasomal degradation presumably via the host defense system against Agrobacterium . The discovery of VirF spurred intensive research on the role of the UPS in the genetic transformation process, leading to identification of many more UPS-associated factors that may be involved in Agrobacterium -plant interaction. Here, we summarize the recent findings on such UPS-related factors and discuss their potential molecular functions in Agrobacterium infection and the resultant genetic modification of the host plant.
Technology in and out of the Classroom: A Counter‐Response to Bowles, A. R., Frumkes, L. R., Harper, D., & Stone, L. (2015)

The author offers a reply to a letter to the editor from Anita R. Bowles, Lisa A. Frumkes, David Harper, and Leeann Stone of language-learning software company Rosetta Stone Ltd. in the current issue responding to her article on computer-assisted language learning (CALL) which appeared in the Summer 2015 issue.
The effects of incentives on reading

Abstract Despite their popularity, reading incentives have not been critically examined as to their effectiveness in promoting more positive attitudes toward reading, more frequent reading, or increases in reading proficiency. This article examines the available evidence on the effect of incentives on reading in school and public library programs for elementary and secondary students. It was concluded that there is no clear causal relationship in any of the studies conducted so far between the use of rewards and an improvement in reading attitudes, achievement, or habits. Implications for instruction are discussed.
Rotational atherectomy in coronary dissection.

Abstract Rotational atherectomy is contraindicated in the presence of coronary dissection. Clinical scenarios of coronary dissection in which rotational atherectomy offers the only option are rare but can occur. This case study presents a challenging circumstance of an extensive coronary dissection resulting from failed angioplasty of a resistant and undilatable lesion. Rotational atherectomy was used as a last resort when the patient became clinically unstable. Standard technique of rotational atherectomy and additional technical considerations for this uncommon but potentially devastating scenario are discussed.
Dynamic Analysis of Staggered Truss Framing System

A procedure for evaluating the lateral response of staggered truss framing system subjected to a prescribed base motion is developed for use on a digital computer. Actual trusses of the system are represented by equivalent trusses, having the same lateral stiffness and strength as the actual trusses but fewer members. The inelastic activity is restricted to the chord members in the central panel of the trusses. The moment-rotation behavior at the ends of these chord members is assumed to be of a bilinear hysteretic type with the stiffness in the yield region taken as 5% of the elastic stiffness. A 20-story structure designed by current code procedure and subjected to 1.5 times the El Centro earthquake of 1940 is analyzed. The results indicate that the columns in the system are primarily axial force carrying members with very small end moments and there is substantial inelastic activity in the trusses.
Effects of modification of the HIV-1 Env cytoplasmic tail on immunogenicity of VLP vaccines

We investigated the effects on assembly and antigenic properties of specific modifications of the transmembrane spanning (TMS) and cytoplasmic tail (CT) domains of HIV-1 Env from a transmitted/founder (T/F) ZM53 Env glycoprotein. A construct containing a short version of the TMS domain derived from the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) Env with or without a GCN4 trimerization sequence in the CT exhibited the highest levels of incorporation into VLPs and induced the highest titers of anti-Env IgG immune responses in a VLP context. Sera from guinea pigs immunized by VLPs with high Env content, and containing the CT trimerization sequence, had increased neutralization activity and antibody avidity. A cross-clade prime-boost regimen with clade B SF162 or clade C ZM53 Env DNA priming and boosting with VLPs containing modified ZM53 Env further enhanced these immune responses. The modified VLPs demonstrate improved potential as HIV-1 vaccine antigens.
O MAL NO MUNDO. UMA BREVE ABORDAGEM FILOSÓFICA COM ENFOQUE EM STO AGOSTINHO E SPINOZA

A problematica classica do mal na Filosofia. As atitudes teoricas diante da questao. As dificuldades enfrentadas no campo racional quando se apresenta Deus como causa de todas as coisas. Como Santo Agostinho (354-430) justifica a existencia do mal a partir da nocao de livre-arbitrio e da distincao daquele em ontologico, moral e fisico. O confronto entre a concepcao calvinista (agostiniana) de Blijenbergh e a de Spinoza (1632-1677) nas cartas do mal. A desantropomorfizacao de Deus e das nocoes de "bem" e "mal" na filosofia secularizada de Spinoza.
The Multiple Organ or System Failure Syndrome

Throughout the short history of modern surgery — whether one begins with Ambrose Pare, John Hunter, or Theodor Billroth — there have been limits to surgical capability. Whether these limits were imposed by pain, requiring the development of anesthesia; hemorrhage and fluid loss, requiring hemostasis and intravenous fluids; or infection, requiring antisepsis, asepsis, and antibiotics, there have always been challenges to develop technical resources and biologic understanding beyond our existing capability. This striving by the surgical practitioner, academician, or investigator to extend the limits of surgery is part, not only of our heritage, but of our responsibility to our patients and the profession. Certainly, there are limits in the treatment of certain types of diseases. There are limits to what we can accomplish by extirpation of cancer and bypass grafts for atherosclerotic occlusions, as prime examples. There are limits or weak links also in our overall capability to care for patients after severe injury, after major life-threatening operations, with catastrophic illnesses requiring operations for treatment, and in patients with significant chronic illness who face many of these problems.
Production of Spasms of the Diaphragm in Animals by Living Cultures, Filtrates, and the Dead Streptococcus from Epidemic Hiccup

During the course of certain experiments on immunization with the streptococcus from epidemic hiccup, it was found that rabbits which were injected intracerebrally with dead bacteria and filtrates of cultures developed spasms of the diaphragm. The significance of this observation, particularly with regard to the mechanism of localization of bacteria, was at once apparent, and the series of experiments reported herewith was undertaken.
Bonding and Vibrational Properties of CO-adsorbed Copper

Accurate density functional calculations are performed to investigate the structure and vibrational dynamics of carbon monoxide adsorbed to the (100) surface of copper. The adsorbate and substrate are considered as a unified system, with atoms of each treated on an equal footing. Coupling between the two components is found to have a significant effect. In particular, frustrated translational motion mixes strongly with transverse phonons of the substrate to form a broad resonance. Direct computation of anharmonic coupling between the internal CO bond stretching mode and other adsorbate-weighted modes confirms the experimental conclusion that the transient CO-stretch response seen in recent pump-probe studies is an indirect probe of the transient dynamics of frustrated translations. In this light, the computed resonance between this mode and substrate phonons suggests a dephasing mechanism to account for the observed relaxation dynamics.
Reactive gas environment induced structural modification of noble-transition metal alloy nanoparticles.

Noble-transition metal ($\mathrm{\text{noble}}=\mathrm{Pt},\mathrm{Au}$; $\mathrm{\text{transition}}=\mathrm{Co},\mathrm{Ni},\mathrm{Cu}$) alloy particles with sizes of about 5 nm have been studied by in situ high-energy x-ray diffraction while subjected to oxidizing (${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$) and reducing (${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$) gas atmospheres at elevated temperatures. The different gas atmospheres do not affect substantially the random alloy, face-centered-cubic structure type of the particles but do affect the way the metal atoms pack together. In an ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ atmosphere, atoms get extra separated from each other, whereas, in an ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ atmosphere, they come closer together. The effect is substantial, amounting to 0.1 \AA{} difference in the first neighbor atomic distances, and concurs with a dramatic change of the particle catalytic properties. It is argued that such reactive gas induced ``expansion shrinking'' is a common phenomenon that may be employed for the engineering of ``smart'' nanoparticles responding advantageously to envisaged gas environments.
Scattering of Lamb waves from a discontinuity: An improved analytical approach

Abstract This paper presents an efficient and accurate analytical method to calculate the scattering of straight-crested Lamb waves from geometric discontinuities. In this method, the scattered field is expanded in terms of complex Lamb wave modes with unknown amplitudes. These unknown amplitudes are obtained from the boundary conditions using a vector projection utilizing the power expression. The process works by projecting the stress conditions onto the displacement eigen-spaces of complex Lamb wave modes and vice-versa. We call this technique “complex modes expansion with vector projection” (CMEP). Unlike other methods, the CMEP approach is versatile and can be readily applied to notches, cracks, or disbonds. In this paper, the methodology is illustrated by applying the CMEP method to a benchmark problem — the geometric discontinuity created by a step in the thickness of a plate. For method verification, the finite element method (FEM) and the axial–flexural analytical model were used. The FEM analysis was conducted in the frequency domain with non-reflecting boundaries. It was found that the CMEP results correspond very well with the FEM results over a wide frequency–thickness range up to 1.5 MHz-mm. The axial–flexural model was used to verify only the CMEP asymptotic behavior toward zero frequency where frequency-domain FEM encounters difficulties. Our study shows that the computational efficiency of CMEP is orders of magnitude higher than FEM. The paper ends with a discussion of how the CMEP method may be extended to the fast and accurate analysis of realistic damage situations.
A multiscale method for nonlocal mechanics and diffusion and for the approximation of discontinuous functions

Abstract A multiscale implementation of hybrid continuous/discontinuous finite element discretizations of nonlocal models for mechanics and diffusion in two dimensions is developed. The implementation features adaptive mesh refinement based on the detection of defects and results in an abrupt transition between refined elements that contain defects and unrefined elements free of defects. An additional difficulty overcome in the implementation is the design of accurate quadrature rules for stiffness matrix construction that are valid for any combination of the grid size and horizon parameter, the latter being the extent of nonlocal interactions. As a result, the methodology developed can attain optimal accuracy at very modest additional costs relative to situations for which the solution is smooth. Portions of the methodology can also be used for the optimal approximation, by piecewise linear polynomials, of given functions containing discontinuities. Several numerical examples are provided to illustrate the efficacy of the multiscale methodology.
Influence of seasonally frozen ground on the seismic response of tanks

In winter,seasonally frozen ground changes the dynamic properties of foundation soil and the predomi- nant periods of soil sites,then the seismic response of tanks on the seasonally frozen ground will be influenced.In this paper,we study eight kinds of liquid-storage steel tanks on the third kind of soil site,compute the seismic re- sponses of the tanks on the sites with or without the frozen layer and compare both of the computing results.The re- sults indicate that the seismic response of the tanks on the site with the frozen layer is much larger than that of the tanks on the site without the frozen layer.
State findings on pesticide residues in food--1988 and 1989

Findings of pesticide and related chemical residues are presented for 27,065 samples of foods collected and analyzed in 10 state food laboratories over 1988 and 1989 (fiscal years (FY) 88 and 89). These laboratories conduct food regulatory programs compatible with national programs of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Of the findings, 6325 samples contained detectable levels of 1 or more pesticide analytes and 418 (or 1.5%) of the total number of samples were deemed to be of regulatory significance.
Factors Affecting Blood Clotting in Immature Sheep and Cattle

SUMMARY Blood clotting was significantly ( P 0.01) affected by sex and age in immature cattle and sheep. Vitamin K 1 administration did not improve clotting in bull calves less than one week old.
Immunohistochemistry and Immunocytochemistry

The principles and practical implementation of immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry are explained. The four common specimen formats are described: paraffin embedded, frozen, free floating and cytological. There is a detailed section on fixation, followed by sections on processing tissue blocks to paraffin wax, the use of microtomy and tissue microarrays. Information is also provided on specimen storage and decalcification. The next section, on antigen retrieval, includes full protocols. Controls are also reviewed. There is a detailed section on optimizing an antibody for immunochemical staining and choosing an appropriate label and signal detection technique, including a table of available fluorochromes. In the next section, protocols are provided for staining and counterstaining. Finally, examples of photomicrographs from immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry/immunofluorescence are provided.