cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The differential quadrature method for irregular domains and application to plate vibration

By its very basis, the differential quadrature method may be applied to domains having boundaries oriented along the coordinate axes. In this paper, it is shown that quadrature rules may also be formulated for irregular domains using the natural-to-Cartesian geometric mapping technique. The application of the technique is demonstrated through the vibration analysis of thin isotropic plates of general quadrilateral and sectorial planforms.
An integrated micro-electro-fluidic and protein arraying system for parallel analysis of cell responses to controlled microenvironments

Living cells have evolved sophisticated signaling networks allowing them to respond to a wide array of external stimuli. Microfluidic devices, facilitating the analysis of signaling networks through precise definition of the cellular microenvironment often lack the capacity of delivering multiple combinations of different signaling cues, thus limiting the throughput of the analysis. To address this limitation, we developed a microfabricated platform combining microfluidic definition of the cell medium composition with dielectrophoretic definition of cell positions and protein microarray-based presentation of diverse signaling inputs. Ligands combined at different concentrations were spotted along with an extracellular matrix protein onto a glass substratum in alignment with an electrode array. This substratum was combined with a polydimethylsiloxane chip for microfluidic control of the soluble medium components, in alignment with the electrode and protein arrays. Endothelial cells were captured by dielectrophoretic force, allowed to attach and spread on the protein spots; and the signaling output of the NF-κB pathway in response to diverse combinations of IGF1 and TNF was investigated, in the absence and presence of variable dose of the pathway inhibitor. The results suggested that cells can be potently activated by immobilized TNF with IGF1 having a modulating effect, and the response could be abolished to different degrees by the inhibitor. This study demonstrates considerable potential of combining precise cell patterning and liquid medium control with protein microarray technology for complex cell signaling studies in a high-throughput manner.
A physical map of the human Y chromosome

The non-recombining region of the human Y chromosome (NRY), which comprises 95% of the chromosome, does not undergo sexual recombination and is present only in males. An understanding of its biological functions has begun to emerge from DNA studies of individuals with partial Y chromosomes, coupled with molecular characterization of genes implicated in gonadal sex reversal, Turner syndrome, graft rejection and spermatogenic failure. But mapping strategies applied successfully elsewhere in the genome have faltered in the NRY, where there is no meiotic recombination map and intrachromosomal repetitive sequences are abundant. Here we report a high-resolution physical map of the euchromatic, centromeric and heterochromatic regions of the NRY and its construction by unusual methods, including genomic clone subtraction and dissection of sequence family variants. Of the map's 758 DNA markers, 136 have multiple locations in the NRY, reflecting its unusually repetitive sequence composition. The markers anchor 1,038 bacterial artificial chromosome clones, 199 of which form a tiling path for sequencing.
Direct Evaluation of DLVO Theory for Predicting Long-Range Forces between a Yeast Cell and a Surface

Using a combined gradient optical trap and evanescent wave light-scattering force-measurement technique, long-range colloidal forces were measured between a single Candida albicans yeast cell and a flat, bare glass surface in electrolyte concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 100 mM NaCl. The Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory was compared to experimentally measured equilibrium force curves and found to provide a close approximation to the decay length of the measured forces for electrolyte concentrations up to about 0.23 mM NaCl. At higher electrolyte concentrations (>/=0.5 mM NaCl), decay lengths of force curves in experimental measurements were consistently longer than Debye lengths calculated from the electrolyte concentrations. In electrolyte concentrations of 10 and 100 mM NaCl, most cells attached rapidly, which prevented measurements of long-range forces. The small fraction of cells remaining unattached in these higher electrolyte concentrations displayed purely repulsive forces. These results show that the DLVO theory accurately describes cell-surface interactions when the Debye length is in the range of 20-30 nm but underpredicts the decay length of the interactions at higher electrolyte concentrations.
Further studies on nitrofurantoin excretion in dog hepatic bile

Summary 1 . Results obtained with a dog donor-recipient model indicate that following intravenous administration of nitrofurantoin sodium, nitrofurantoin is subjected to enterohepatic cycling. At least one-third of the nitrofurantoin originally excreted in the donors' bile after a nitrofurantoin dose of 3 mg/kg is reabsorbed intestinally in the recipients within 3 hours. 2 . After intraduodenal administration of a nitrofurantoin suspension to dogs at doses ranging from 2 to 12 mg/kg, about 10% of the dose is recovered in bile as nitrofurantoin within 6 hours. A hydrocholeretic effect was also observed which correlated with the amount of drug administered. Both biliary drug excretion and the related hydrocholeresis appeared linearly related over the drug dose range. 3 . The hydrocholeresis observed in dogs within 3 h after intravenously administered nitrofurantoin sodium, equivalent to 3 mg/kg nitrofurantoin, was at least ten times that seen following the intravenous administration of an equimolar dose of dehydrocholic acid given as its sodium salt.
Non-uniform Pricing, Output and Welfare under Monopoly

which the price varies with the quantity purchased) than by charging a uniform price. In general, the profit maximizing non-uniform price schedule and the welfare maximizing schedule do not coincide. Thus, there may be scope for improving market performance through regulation. The paper considers a regulator who has limited information and authority. The issues addressed centre around the question of whether the level of total market output can be taken as a measure of market performance. Conditions under which welfare is a monotonic function of the level of total output are derived.
Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Its Association With Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia and Thrombocytopenia

Four patients with primary pulmonary hypertension, microangiopathic hemolysis, and thrombocytopenia were seen at the Charleston (WVa) Area Medical Center between 1983 and 1988. Characteristic laboratory and clinical features of these patients were the following: mild anemia, reticulocytosis, low serum haptoglobin value, microangiopathic red blood cell changes on peripheral blood smear, mild to moderate thrombocytopenia, normal clotting studies (ie, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen), negative direct Coombs' test, negative glucose water test, normal serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, lack of improvement of hemolysis and thrombocytopenia in response to vasodilators or calcium channel blockers, and severe plexiform lesions in the pulmonary vasculature with fibrin deposition at autopsy. The hemolysis and thrombocytopenia probably developed as a result of flow through the fibrin deposition in the plexiform lesions in the pulmonary circulation and subsequent shearing of red blood cells and platelets. ( Arch Intern Med. 1991;151:1221-1223)
Autoxidative Transformation of Chiral ω6 Hydroxy Linoleic and Arachidonic Acids to Chiral 4-Hydroxy-2E-nonenal

Recently, we established that 13S-hydroperoxy-linoleic acid is converted to 4S-hydroperoxy-nonenal (4S-HPNE) during autoxidation, implicating hydrogen abstraction from C-8 as an initiating step [Schneider, C., et al. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 20831-20838]. On the basis of the proposed mechanism, an equivalent initiating reaction could occur from the corresponding 13S-hydroxy acid. Herein, we examined the outcome of autoxidation reactions of the omega6 hydroxy fatty acids, 13S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid and 15S-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, as compared with reactions of the corresponding hydroperoxy substrates. Autoxidation of the hydroxy starting materials (37 degrees C, dry film) yielded 4-hydroxy-nonenal (4-HNE) as a prominent polar metabolite (and not the 4-hydroperoxide), whereas the hydroperoxide starting materials gave rise to 4-HPNE. Stereochemical analysis showed that the optical purity of the 4-hydroxy group of 4-HNE precisely matched the optical purity of the 15S- or 13S-hydroxy group of the starting fatty acid substrate (98 and 90% S, respectively). The hydroperoxide 15S-HPETE (98% 15S) gave rise to 4S-HPNE, also with retention of optical purity (98% 4S). The preservation of stereochemical configuration provides evidence that aldehyde formation does not involve participation of the hydro(pero)xy group and indicates a similar mechanism for the formation of 4-HNE and 4-HPNE during autoxidation of omega6 hydro(pero)xy fatty acids. Our results establish, moreover, that omega6 hydroxy fatty acids are potential precursors of reactive cytotoxic aldehydes in biological systems.
Sea-water and the origins of life

Abstract Molybdenum is more abundant in sea-water than chronium or nickel, which does not support the panspermia hypothesis as proposed by Crick and Orgel.
Self‐assembled, wormlike‐cylinder network of polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) micelles in solution

We report the formation of a highly entangled and interconnected, self-assembled, wormlike-cylinder network of polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide) in N, N-dimethylformamide/water. In this system, N,N-dimethylformamide was a common solvent and water was a selective solvent for the poly(ethylene oxide) blocks. The degrees of polymerization of the polystyrene and poly(ethylene oxide) blocks were 962 and 227, respectively. The network was formed at copolymer concentrations higher than 0.4 wt % and consisted of self-assembled, wormlike cylinders that were interconnected by Y-shaped, T-shaped, and multiple junctions. The network morphology was visualized with transmission electron microscopy. Capillary viscometry measurements revealed an order-of-magnitude increase in the inherent viscosity of the colloidal system upon the formation of the network. A similar effort to obtain a wormlike-cylinder network in an N,N-dimethylformamide/acetonitrile system, in which acetonitrile was a selective solvent for the poly(ethylene oxide) blocks, was unsuccessful even at high copolymer concentrations; instead, the wormlike cylinders showed a tendency to align. The viscosity measurements also did not show a substantial increase in the inherent viscosity. Thus, the solvent played a critical role in determining the formation of the self-assembled, wormlike-cylinder network. This formation of the network resulted from an interplay between the end-capping energy, bending energy (curvature), and configurational entropy of the self-assembled, wormlike-cylinder micelles that minimized the free energy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 3605–3611, 2006
The pn-Junction with Light

Open circuit conditions are discussed first. A thin symmetric Si diode with abrupt junction is used first. The current distribution in a symmetric pn junction is computed. Solution curves for symmetric pn junctions are given. A recombination overshoot is identified that influences V oc. The influence of device thickness, of recombination center density, of generation rate, energy of the recombination centers and of doping density is discussed. The parameter dependence of V oc for insufficient minority carrier supply is discussed. Thin asymmetric Si diodes with abrupt junctions are then analyzed. The recombination through charged recombination centers is discussed. Inhomogeneous optical excitation is discussed. Optical excitation only in a thin front layer of the device is computed as example. A thin asymmetric junction design is introduced. Asymmetric bulk thickness, asymmetric recombination rate, and asymmetric generation is discussed. A thick asymmetric Si solar cell is introduced. Non-vanishing bias is discussed. Thin symmetric pn junction devices with bias are analyzed. A Si solar cell with bias is analyzed.
A case study in software portability: the UNIX symbolic debugger

The widespread use of high-level languages and portable operating systems such as the UNIX operating system has greatly facilitated the development of portable utilities and application programs. The activity of “porting” software from one environment to another differs from both maintenance and implementation activities and raises a different set of considerations. This paper discusses the porting of the UNIX symbolic debugger (SDB) from the VAX 11/780 to the M68000 based EXORmacs® development system. This was done as part of the first complete AT&T-sanctioned UNIX System V port which was performed by Motorola Microsystems. We first present a brief discussion of the objectives and methods of the UNIX port in which we participated, followed by a short description of the functionality and operation of SDB. We then describe some of the most significant problems as well as our most useful techniques for porting this highly machine-dependent utility. It is argued that there are really two distinct types of software portability problems, namely host dependencies and target dependencies and that the difference between this two is often obscured. We conclude with several recommendations for building more portability into a program such as a symbolic debugger.
Dissociative photodetachment of SO2·SO2−: evidence for the S–O bound dimer

Abstract Studies of the dynamics of the dissociative photodetachment of (SO2)2− reveal a strong preference in translational energy partitioning that can be related to the structure of (SO2)2− using a simple impulse model. An anisotropic product angular distribution was also observed, indicative of a rapid dissociation on a repulsive potential energy surface. Over a wide range of available energies the translational energy distributions for this DPD process peak at ≈36% of the available energy, consistent with the soft-bond impulse model prediction that 33% of the available energy would appear in translation for an OSO–SO2 geometry (S–O bound) dimer anion.
Current vanes for measuring tidal currents in estuaries

Abstract Current vanes used as submerged drags are simple, reliable and inexpensive instruments for measuring instantaneous currents in shallow, tidal estuaries. They are superior to current crosses and well-suited for environmental surveys of estuarine current distributions. The vanes have been designed for current measurements in the range 0.1–1.6 m s −1 and have an average standard error of the mean of 0.04–0.06 m s −1 , depending on the choice of current speed range. The drag coefficient for the vane is calculated to vary between 1.39 and 1.48.
Use of fluorescence to probe the surface dynamics during disorder-to-order transition and cluster formation in dihalonaphthalene–water thin films on Al2O3(0001)

Abstract Amorphous dihalonaphthalenes that are prepared by vacuum deposition onto a cold Al2O3 surface form electronically excited dimers when optically pumped, and their emission is characteristically red-shifted, broad and featureless compared to the monomeric fluorescence. If the surface is heated, the adlayer undergoes a disorder-to-order transition at a temperature characteristic of the molecule. Since pure crystalline dihalonaphthalenes typically fluoresce and do not exhibit excimeric features, the transition was studied by taking advantage of the changes in the spectral characteristics of the adlayer. These included transmittance, and emission from fluorescence and excimer. The combination of these methods allowed a close look at the surface dynamics of molecules on the surface of Al2O3 as the adlayer was heated from the deposition temperature to desorption. If a bilayer is formed by depositing water onto the surface with the organic adlayer on top, water, with its lower desorption energy, can be made to percolate into the organic layer. The optical probes indicate that the water clearly associates with the organic molecules while the excess water desorbs. By varying the coverage of either the water or the dihalonaphthalene, the stoichiometric composition of the cluster can be determined and are reported here.
Is psychological aggression as detrimental as physical aggression? The independent effects of psychological aggression on depression and anxiety symptoms.

The differential effects of psychological and physical victimization on depression and anxiety symptoms were examined via APIM and growth curve modeling techniques in a sample of newlyweds (N = 103 couples) assessed four times over the first 3 years of marriage. On average, husbands and wives reported moderate levels of psychological aggression, and there were no sex differences in prevalence rates or mean levels. Changes in psychological victimization were associated with changes in depression and anxiety symptoms, even after controlling for the effects of physical victimization. This study demonstrates the severe impact of psychological aggression on its victims and expands on previous studies of battering samples to demonstrate that psychological victimization may be more damaging than physical victimization in nonbattering, community couples. Language: en
Surface phonons of the Si(111)-7×7 reconstructed surface

We have determined the phonon spectrum of bulk silicon and the Si(111)-7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}7 reconstructed surface by performing molecular-dynamics simulations based on the Car-Parrinello fictitious Lagrangian and a tight-binding Hamiltonian. The calculations are performed on parallel distributed memory computers. The phonon-dispersion relation of bulk silicon is obtained from a 128-atom simulation by the fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the ionic velocity data. The vibrational spectrum is reproduced with a resolution of 0.1 THz. Dynamical simulations of the Si(111)-7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}7 surface consisting of a 400-atom cell are performed over 8 ps and surface phonons are extracted from the ionic velocity-velocity autocorrelation function using the FFT. Localized vibrations on adatoms are found at 15 and 16.3 THz, which we identify as the localized phonons at adatomic sites as observed experimentally by electron-energy-loss (EEL) spectroscopy. We also find surface phonons on the adatomic sites in a lower-frequency range (6\char21{}10 THz), which have been previously observed by EEL. We observe a highly symmetrical collective mode of the first-layer atoms at 12.5 THz. This mode involves out-of-phase breathing modes of the two subcells, into which the supercell is divided by the dimer row. Three surface-free atoms in one subcell are incoming while the rest of the atoms are outgoing.
Two Conceptions of Subjective Experience

Do philosophers and ordinary people conceive of subjective experience in the same way? In this article, we argue that they do not and that the philosophical concept of phenomenal consciousness does not coincide with the folk conception. We first offer experimental support for the hypothesis that philosophers and ordinary people conceive of subjective experience in markedly different ways. We then explore experimentally the folk conception, proposing that for the folk, subjective experience is closely linked to valence. We conclude by considering the implications of our findings for a central issue in the philosophy of mind, the hard problem of consciousness.
Recovery and viability of an acute myocardial infarct after transmyocardial laser revascularization

Abstract Objectives. The short- and long-term effectiveness of transmyocardial laser revascularization was evaluated in the setting of an acute myocardial infarction. Background. Theoretically, transmyocardial laser revascularization allows direct perfusion of the ischemic area as ventricular blood flows through the channels to the myocardium. Methods. Infarcts were created by coronary occlusion in 30 sheep. Eighteen of these sheep were studied to assess short-term efficacy. The infarct was reperfused after 1 h by either removing the occlusion or by laser drilling using a high power carbon dioxide laser. The occlusions were left in place for the control group. To monitor regional recovery, percent systolic shortening was measured. To evaluate long-term effectiveness, 12 additional sheep underwent creation of an infarct. Six were treated with the laser, and six were untreated. The animals were restudied 30 days later. Results. In the short-term experiment, the control and reperfusion groups exhibited no recovery of regional contractility. The laser group demonstrated improvement throughout the recovery period. There was a significant difference in the area of necrosis within the same area at risk (reperfusion group 44 ± 6% and control group 39 ± 5% vs. laser group 6 ± 2%). After 30 days, none of the control animals showed evidence of contraction in the infarct, whereas the laser-treated animals did. Histologic analysis of the laser-treated infarcts revealed patent channels surrounded by viable myocardium. The control-group infarcts were necrotic and scarred. Conclusions. On the basis of both short- and long-term improved contractility, as well as diminished necrosis in the area at risk, these results indicate that transmyocardial laser revascularization may be an alternative method of treating ischemic heart disease.
Sequence relationships between putative T-cell receptor polypeptides and immunoglobulins

Comparison of the sequence of a cloned T cell-specific cDNA with those of cross-reacting cloned cDNAs isolated from a thymocyte library indicates the presence of variable, constant and joining regions remarkably similar in size and sequence to those encoding immunoglobulin proteins. Together with the evidence for somatic gene rearrangements reported in the accompanying paper, this strongly suggests that the TM86 cDNA clone encodes one chain of the T-cell receptor for antigen.
Diagnostic Discrepancies: A Reply to North and Cadoret

In Reply. — The appetite disturbance noted by the Weissmans was not included in our table because, as stated in our "Methods" section (p 133), To be included in a particular diagnostic syndrome, a symptom had to be a temporally related part of the symptom cluster. For example, the weight loss experienced by Mark Vonnegut during his manic episode was not included in the diagnosis of a possible depression, which occurred temporally before the manic episode. For similar reasons, the suicidal behavior was not included in the depression table. It is possible that the admixture of suicidal ideation with the manic episode (if not literary license) represented a mixed affective condition, since the author does report marked mood swings (eg, "My happiness and sadness was all out of proportion to anything that was happending." 1(p108) ).
Changes in the Experimentalist's Role in the Future of Mechanics

At present there exist considerable opportunities for experimental studies. In large part this prognosis derives from the observation that analytical capability has, to some extent, outstripped our detailed understanding of many aspects of engineering concerns, so that there exists a need for providing input into the modeling of mechanics (of materials) problems. This favorable situation is supported by increasingly sophisticated experimental methods which, in turn, depend heavily on the computer, as well as on optical and other field methods. Examples are given that illustrate the gradual transition of macroscopic material related studies to those that require submicron resolution as demanded by ever increasing relevance in advanced materials related research.
A non-iterative estimator for the concentration parameter of the relative phase distribution

In this paper, we propose an approximation of the relative phase probability function (RP pdf) and use it to find a non-iterative estimator for the concentration parameter of the pdf. In particular, we approximate the log-likelihood equation which is highly nonlinear by another equation where we can use the proposed pdf's approximation to solve for the estimator. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed estimator, the comparisons between the proposed method and the maximum likelihood (ML) estimation method are displayed in terms of both numerical accuracy and computational saving in the estimation. The results show that the proposed method yields a good and comparable estimator with the ML estimator but with less computational time in estimating the parameters from the simulated samples, and also works well in histogram fitting of the relative phase samples of complex wavelet coefficients extracted from several standard test images.
Aggressive behavior in hypertensive and normotensive rat strains

Abstract Shock induced fighting, mouse killing, and jump thresholds were measured in gentically hypertensive or hypertensive-prone rat strains and in normotensive and surgically induced (renal) hypertensive rats. Differences in levels of shock induced agression and jump thresholds were observed, but were not a direct effect of hypertension and appeared to be traits genetically separate from the susceptibility to hypertension.
4'-alkylated analogs of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion are potent inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration.

Abstract 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion, a major brain metabolite of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, is an inhibitor of Complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. We have synthesized several analogs of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion containing various alkyl groups in the 4′ position of the phenyl ring and have tested them for their abilities to inhibit the oxidation of NADH-linked substrates by intact mouse liver mitochondria. These compounds are considerably more potent inhibitors than MPP + itself, with potency increasing as the length of the alkyl chain increases. The most potent inhibitor, 1-methyl-4-(4′heptylphenyl)pyridinium ion, was about 200 times as effective as MPP + . These analogs should prove to be useful tools for studying the nature of the process whereby MPP + and its pyridinium analogs interact with Complex I to inhibit mitochondrial respiration.
Femtosecond Studies of the Photoisomerization of cis-Stilbene in Solution

Femtosecond laser studies on cis-stilbene photoisomerization in alkane solvents show a weak friction dependence on the excited state lifetime. A possible barrier crossing process is indicated when these results are compared with various potential models. The anisotropy values of the transient absorptions allow the assignment of the various excited states to A type in C2 symmetry. Anisotropy measurements in the regions of product ground state absorptions demonstrate a high alignment between reactant cis and product trans and a low alignment between cis and product dihydrophenanthrene (DHP) transition dipoles. These results indicate a significant angular displacement of the ethylene bond during isomerization. In addition, time resolved absorption studies detecting product trans fluorescence estimate an initial internal temperature of 725 ± 100 K which decays with ca. 14 ps time constant.
SU‐DD‐A3‐02: Slice Based Image Guidance with Tomotherapy

Purpose: To improve the temporal resolution of image guided radiation therapy with slice based CTimages from treatment beams of tomotherapy. In slice based image guidance (SBIG), the patient position would be monitored nearly concurrently at the time treatment.Method and Materials: The experiment was performed on a benchtop tomotherapy (BT) and on a regular TomoTherapy Hi.Art 2.0 (TH2). BT consists of a 6MV source, a kV source, a standard CT detector and an actuator. A Rando phantom was scanned by BT with two different dose levels of 1 cGy and 0.1 cGy and a ROI was contoured on the lower doseimage. The treatment beams that delivered conformal dose to the ROI were used to filter the sinogram of the higher dose scan. Based on multi‐resolution analysis, the incomplete filtered sinogram was locally reconstructed to obtain ROI, which was fused back to lower doseimage. A similar process was repeated with lung phantom on the TH2 with MLC modulation. The number of projections for BT is 600/rotation and for TH2 is 51/rotation. Results:Imagesreconstructed from the conformal beams on BT shows that without additional beams, the ROI can be reconstructed with good quality. Fine structures with width of 2–4 mm are clear. The MLC reproducibility is higher than 99.97% but the ROI image from TH2 was degraded by severe artifacts. Conclusion: The fusion image from BT suggests that a positioning accuracy of 2mm is achievable. The SBIG image from TH2 shows substantial artifacts, which mainly because that the number of projections are too few and the scatters from the multi‐leaf collimator. The first problem can be solved by using pulses instead of the 51 angles from optimization. The second problem would require a modified optimization by adding conformal beams without MLC modulation.
Evaluation and Implementation of the OGC Web Processing Service for Use in Client-Side GIS

The Open Geospatial Consortium Web Processing Service specification is intended as a solution for creating and distributing web-based functions. This paper seeks to evaluate the WPS specification with respect to feasibility and utility, to identify areas for improvement, and to provide a demonstration implementation approach including a client-side tool and a server-side wrapping technique for exposing geoprocessing functionality through WPS using an asynchronous approach. Challenges with the WPS specification, some of which are already being addressed in the newest WPS revisions, are discussed together with proposed solutions. Several potential enhancements to the WPS proposal are introduced and considered, including a mechanism to guide client applications in prompting for correct data and a means to list the data available on a server.
THE SQUIRREL FLEA TARSOPSYLLA OCTODECIMDENTATA (KOLENATI, 1863): DISTRIBUTION AND HOST PREFERENCES (SIPHONAPTERA: CERATOPHYLLIDAE)

ABSTRACT The distribution and host associations of the ceratophyllid flea, Tarsopsylla octodecimdentata (Kolenati, 1863), are discussed. Tarsopsylla o. coloradensis (Baker, 1895) is synonymized with the nominate taxon on the grounds that the slight variations in the only anatomical feature distinguishing the two taxa, the contours of the seventh sternum in the females, is insufficient to justify their separation. The species is distributed from Great Britain, east to the western region of North America. It is a parasite of squirrels belonging to the genera Sciurus Linnaeus, 1758, Tamiasciurus Trouessart, 1880, and Glaucomys Thomas, 1908. Judging from the lack of a metapleural arch it is thought to be a “nest flea.”
Analysis of superconducting magnet (SCM)-ground coil interactions for EDS Maglev coil configurations

The performance of electrodynamic magnetic levitation systems is dominated primarily by the electromagnetic interactions between the onboard superconducting magnets (SCMs) and the normal levitation and propulsion coils situated on the guideway. Alternative designs are examined for coil configurations in terms of the resulting SCM-ground coil interactions. In particular, the modified null flux configuration and the ladder-on-box-beam approach are compared. Magnetic drag, levitation, and guidance forces are considered on an absolute and per (kg/m) of ground coil basis. >
Effect of Salts of Organic Acids on Listeria monocytogenes, Shelf Life, Meat Quality, and Consumer Acceptability of Beef Frankfurters

The objective of this study was to evaluate anti-listerial efficacy of salts of organic acids, and their impact on the quality of frankfurters. Beef frankfurters were manufactured by incorporating organic acids in 5 different combinations: (1) control (no marinade addition; C); (2) sodium lactate (2% wt/wt; SL); (3) potassium lactate (2% wt/wt; PL); (4) sodium citrate (0.75% wt/wt; SC); and (5) sodium lactate (2% wt/wt)/sodium diacetate (0.25% wt/wt; SL/SD). Cooked frankfurters were inoculated with streptomycin-resistant (1500 μg/mL) L. monocytogenes (7 log₁₀ CFU/frank). Inoculated and noninoculated frankfurters were vacuum packaged and stored at 4 °C. Samples were taken weekly up to 10 wk for estimation of L. monocytogenes as well as aerobic plate count (APC) and psychrotrophs (PSY), respectively. Total of 2 independent trials of the entire experiment were conducted. Noninoculated beef frankfurters were evaluated weekly by untrained sensory panelists for 7 wk. SL, PL, and SC treatments did not (P > 0.05) adversely affect consumer acceptability through 8 wk although, SL/SD treatment was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) less preferred across all sensory attributes. SL/SD treatment negatively affected product quality, but was able to control APC, PSY, and L. monocytogenes levels. SC performed similar to the control throughout the 8, 9, and 10 wk storage periods, providing no benefit for inhibiting L. monocytogenes (increasing from 7 logs CFU/frank to 10 logs CFU/frank throughout storage) or extending shelf life of the beef frankfurters. In conclusion, 2% SL and PL, and 2% SL/0.25% SD may be effective L. monocytogenes inhibitors (maintaining inoculation levels of 7 logs CFU/frank during storage), but changes in SL/SD treatment formulation should be studied to improve product quality.
Effect of the phase of the coupling constant on the self-organization of light in potassium niobate

We investigate self-organization of a laser beam into a scattering ring in photorefractive potassium niobate when the phase of the coupling constant is arbitrary. We find that for a range of values of the phase and amplitude of the coupling gain, the calculated forward and backward scattered ratios are in reasonable agreement with experimental observations. The phase of the coupling constant is determined by an interplay of both diffusive and photovoltaic nonlinearities, as well as phase shifts in the induced grating profile with only photovoltaic nonlinearities but for strong modulation depths of the intensity grating.
The small-molecule CDK inhibitor, SNS-032, enhances cellular radiosensitivity in quiescent and hypoxic non-small cell lung cancer cells

In solid tumors, including non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) the existence of radioresistant subpopulations, such as quiescent or hypoxic tumor cells, is well established, thus posing a critical therapeutic problem. Although small-molecule inhibitors targeting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) were demonstrated to enhance cellular radiosensitivity preferentially in proliferating tumor cells, cell cycle-independent activities of these substances were recently suggested. In this study, the potential of a newer generation small-molecule CDK inhibitor, SNS-032, to sensitize radioresistant tumor cells to ionizing radiation was tested in vitro using two NSCLC cell lines (NCI-H460 and A549). Exposure of quiescent and hypoxic lung tumor cells to SNS-032 at a clinically achievable concentration (500 nM) prior to irradiation resulted in a significant increase in cellular radiosensitivity indicating cell cycle-unrelated mechanisms. The effect of SNS-032 on non-cycling cells was not attributed to an enhanced toxicity of the drug. A SNS-032 mediated delay in the resolution of radiation-induced gammaH2AX foci a surrogate for DNA double-strand breaks was determined in non-cycling cells, suggesting a modulation of DNA double-strand break repair. These results indicate a modulation of DNA double-strand break repair to be partially attributed to the radiosensitization effects of SNS-032 observed in hypoxic and quiescent lung tumor cells. Considering the importance of therapy resistance for the radiocurability of solid tumors, our findings may provide the basis for an improvement of the well-established treatment regimens in clinical oncology.
What's wrong with epistemic circularity

Dans plusieurs articles importants et dans son recent livre, The Reliability of Sense Perception, William Alston a soutenu que la resistance traditionnelle a l'endroit de l'externalisme en theorie de la connaissance repose sur une crainte injustifiee de la circularite epistemique que l'externalisme entraine. Nous maintenons, pour notre part, qu' Alston a tort d'absoudre la circularite epistemique de toute consequence sceptique, et que sa defense de la circularite epistemique, par l'idee d'un «self-support significatif», echoue. Nous concluons, par consequent, que l'internalisme traditionnel, assorti d'une position ferme quant a la fiabilite des principes epistemiques, represente le seul espoir de reponse au scepticisme epistemique.
Functional Inactivation of the Retinoblastoma Protein Requires Sequential Modification by at Least Two Distinct Cyclin-cdk Complexes

The retinoblastoma protein (pRb) acts to constrain the G1-S transition in mammalian cells. Phosphorylation of pRb in G1 inactivates its growth-inhibitory function, allowing for cell cycle progression. Although several cyclins and associated cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks) have been implicated in pRb phosphorylation, the precise mechanism by which pRb is phosphorylated in vivo remains unclear. By inhibiting selectively either cdk4/6 or cdk2, we show that endogenous D-type cyclins, acting with cdk4/6, are able to phosphorylate pRb only partially, a process that is likely to be completed by cyclin E-cdk2 complexes. Furthermore, cyclin E-cdk2 is unable to phosphorylate pRb in the absence of prior phosphorylation by cyclin D-cdk4/6 complexes. Complete phosphorylation of pRb, inactivation of E2F binding, and activation of E2F transcription occur only after sequential action of at least two distinct G1 cyclin kinase complexes.
STAR FORMATION HISTORY SINCE z = 1.5 AS INFERRED FROM REST-FRAME ULTRAVIOLET LUMINOSITY DENSITY EVOLUTION

We investigate the evolution of the universal rest-frame ultraviolet luminosity density from z = 1.5 to the present. We analyze an extensive sample of multicolor data (U, BAB, VAB = 24.5) plus spectroscopic redshifts from the Hawaii Survey Fields and the Hubble Deep Field. Our multicolor data allow us to select our sample in the rest-frame ultraviolet (2500 A) over the entire redshift range to z = 1.5. We conclude that the evolution in the luminosity density is a function of the form (1 + z)1.7 ± 1.0 for a flat lambda (Ωm0 = 0.3, Ωλ0 = 0.7) cosmology and (1 + z)2.4 ± 1.0 for an Einstein–de Sitter cosmology.
Representations of the Patient: Conflicts of Expertise in a Psychiatric Emergency Department

Representations are the socially and textually produced patients as presented in clinical discussion and the clinical chart. An understudied aspect of representations in medicine is the way in which they are used to highlight contests of expertise and authority between clinicians, which have consequences over control of critical hospital resources. The author uses ethnographic research in a public urban hospital psychiatry department in New York City to examine the rounds meetings of a psychiatric emergency room, exploring the way in which representatives of a variety of occupational groups portray patients as they present and debate alternative diagnoses. He uses narratives of rounds meetings to illustrate the interactions, debates, and work of psychiatric and nonpsychiatric clinicians as they struggle to diagnose and develop treatment plans for patients. The enhanced authority of nonpsychiatrist clinicians that emerges from successful contests of representations illustrates a possible future for psychia...
On the feasibility of impulse reflection response data for the two-dimensional inverse scattering problem

Layer stripping algorithms for inverse scattering problems are very fast but have the reputation of being numerically unstable, especially when applied to noisy data. The goal of this paper is to provide an explicitly discrete framework for layer stripping algorithms for the two-dimensional (2-D) Schrodinger equation inverse scattering problem. We determine when 2-D layer stripping algorithms are numerically stable, explain why they are stable, and specify exactly the (discrete) problem they solve when they are stable. We reformulate the 2-D Schrodinger equation as a multichannel two-component wave system by Fourier transforming the Schrodinger equation in the lateral spatial variable. Discretization results in new 2-D layer stripping algorithms which incorporate multichannel transmission effects; this leads to an important new feasibility condition on impulse reflection response data for stability of these algorithms. A 2-D discrete Schrodinger equation is defined, and analogous results are obtained. Numerical examples illustrate the new results, especially how rendering noisy data feasible stabilizes layer stripping algorithms.
Tiling and recursion

A tiling problem is presented that demonstrates the power of recursion in the design of algorithms. When implemented as a program, the solution can be shown using a computer graphics display.
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION AS PHILOSOPHY: A METAPHILOSOPHICAL INQUIRY

Abstract What is the philosophical status of the philosophy of education? Is it philosophy, no different from the philosophy of science and the philosophy of mind? Much depends on where these latter derive their philosophical bona fides from. There are two ways of viewing the matter. On one account, they are subdivisions of the veritable philosophy branches of metaphysics and epistemology. It being impossible to view philosophy of education as comparably emanating from any of the philosophical originals, this approach effectively deprives it of proper philosophical standing. On the other account, nonoriginal philosophy branches may be viewed as attaining philosophihood, each on its own. Such a purview provides the maneuverability needed to countenance the philosophical nature of philosophy of education as well. Still, George Pollack argues in this essay that if it is to fully accommodate philosophy of education, philosophy will need to be reconceived to include the unearthing of the philosophical foundations of a social practice.
Non–destructive near–infra–red analysis for the identification of dyes on textiles

A pattern–recognition algorithm combined with near–infra–red reflectance spectroscopy has been modified to function as a non–destructive analysis technique for identifying dyes present on textiles. Samples of 261 dyes and textiles were measured in the 1100–2500 nm region to form a near–infrared (reflectance) spectral library. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to generate an orthonormal reference library from the library of original spectra. The PCA algorithm treats the spectra in the library as an n component quantitative analysis problem in which each spectrum represents a standard mixture having a concentration of 1. 0 for that component. Spectra of dyed textiles were used as an unknown set in a library search. This new method saves time and materials in comparison with traditional methods of analysing dyes present on textile fibres. The library of dye spectra can be developed from measurements made directly on dye powder without interference from inorganic diluents. The method was successfully used to identify the dyes present on five textiles. The technique is particularly well suited for studying forensic, historic and archaeological textiles because of its non–destructive nature and ability to analyse small amounts of sample.
Why are there four bases in DNA

The universal genetic code of living organisms consists of a linear sequence of four different nucleotides. The evolutionary choice of a four-symbol code is examined from the perspective of the code's biological roles of information storage and transmission. Maximization of the information content of a linear sequence of symbols under the constraint of a constant number of units in a symbol pool leads to an optimum number of symbol types near three. Complementary (Watson-Crick) replication requires that the number of symbol types be even. Reasons are presented for the choice of four rather than two symbols in the code. It is suggested that free energy considerations may have played a role in the natural selection of the coding form.
Estradiol Valerate/Dienogest: A Novel Oral Contraceptive

Objective:To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of the new oral contraceptive estradiol valerate/dienogest.Data Sources:Searches of PubMed (1966-July 2011) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-July 2011) were conducted using the key words estradiol valerate, dienogest, Natazia, and Olaira. Bibliographies of retrieved articles were reviewed to identify additional references.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All identified studies published in English and involving efficacy and safety of estradiol valerate/dienogest as an oral contraceptive were reviewed.Data Synthesis:Estradiol valerate/dienogest is a 4-phasic oral contraceptive approved for the prevention of pregnancy. The 4-phasic design allows for acceptable cycle control with this hormonal combination. In efficacy trials of estradiol valerate/dienogest in women aged 18–35 years, the Pearl Index ranged from 0.40 to 1.64, a range comparable to that of other combination oral contraceptives. The safety profile was...
Addressing Mathematics Computation Problems: A Review of Simple and Moderate Intensity Interventions

In order for school professionals to make informed decisions about appropriate interventions, it is imperative that they are informed as to what is available to aid students. The purpose of the present literature review was to examine specific interventions that could be employed with students identified as needing additional support in mathematics. The focus was on computation interventions (e.g., simple or moderate intensity) that could be implemented within the structure of the classroom utilizing the resources available and skills of school professionals. Thirty-seven studies were identified that met inclusion criteria. Results of this review indicate that there are numerous interventions with documented effectiveness at these levels of intensity for students needing additional mathematics support. These interventions were shown to be effective, with most studies demonstrating moderate to large effect sizes. In addition, interventions could be implemented with relatively little time, resources, and training. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Monitoring vegetation phenology using an infrared-enabled security camera

Abstract Sensor-based monitoring of vegetation phenology is being widely used to quantify phenological responses to climate variability and change. Digital repeat photography, in particular, can characterize the seasonality of canopy greenness. However, these data cannot be directly compared to satellite vegetation indices (e.g. NDVI, the normalized difference vegetation index) that require information about vegetation properties at near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. Here, we develop a new method, using an inexpensive, NIR-enabled camera originally designed for security monitoring, to calculate a “camera NDVI” from sequential visible and visible + NIR photographs. We use a lab experiment for proof-of-concept, and then test the method using a year of data from an ongoing field campaign in a mixed temperate forest. Our analysis shows that the seasonal cycle of camera NDVI is almost identical to that of NDVI measured using narrow-band radiometric instruments, or as observed from space by the MODIS platform. This camera NDVI thus provides different information about the state of the canopy than can be obtained using only visible-wavelength imagery. In addition to phenological monitoring, our method should be useful for a variety of applications, including continuous monitoring of plant stress and quantifying vegetation responses to manipulative treatments in large field experiments.