cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduction of nitric oxide on iron-based catalysts containing vanadium

Abstract The catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3 on alumina supported Fe-Cr-V (18/1/1 atomic ratios) oxides and Fe-V (1/1 atomic ratio) oxides in simulated flue gas has been investigated. Preliminary experimental results indicate that both show exceptional promise as sulfur-resistant and active catalysts for the control of NOx in power plant exhaust emissions.
Implications of accountability to depository libraries

Why should depository services receive higher priority than the services of other units? How do depository services fit within the overall customer service plan of each library? And what is each library in a position to do? The issue is not one of compiling a endless set of measures; rather, the purpose is to select those few of greatest importance to both customers and libraries/government agencies
Creation and reflexive rights in grammatical protection systems

Abstract In the context of operating system protection mechanism, safety refers to the ability to decide who can obtain certain rights to resources by some future sequence of command invocations. In an earlier paper, a very large class of protection mechanisms. so-called grammatical protection systems , were shown to possess a polynomial time algorithm for deciding the safety question. Those systems, however, did not permit the creation of new nodes. In this paper we show how relaxing some restrictions on grammatical systems with creates results in a polynomial time algorithm generating an upper bound for the safety question.
Proposal for an Expanded Distichlis (Poaceae, Chloridoideae) : Support from Molecular, Morphological, and Anatomical Characters

Abstract The Distichlis clade comprises Distichlis (7 species), Monanthochloe (2), and Reederochloa (1). All species except D. distichophylla (endemic to Australia) and D. spicata (widespread in the New World) are restricted either to North or South America. We investigated phylogenetic relationships within the clade using chloroplast (trnL–F and ndhF) and nuclear ribosomal (internal transcribed spacers and 5.8S) DNA sequences. We also studied lemma micromorphology, leaf blade anatomy, macromorphology, and biogeography in a phylogenetic context. The Distichlis clade is strongly supported in the molecular analyses. A morphological synapomorphy for the clade is the presence of a single papilla on the center of each subsidiary cell of lemma stomata. Other diagnostic features include dioecy, rhizomes or stolons, conspicuously distichous leaves, 5–13 lemma nerves, dumbbell- or flask-shaped bicellular microhairs with sunken basal cells, and growth in alkaline or saline soils. The nuclear and chloroplast phyloge...
Management Challenges in Emerging European Union Eco-Standards

The European Union is 450 million citizens in 25 otherwise sovereign countries, but connected in a multinational federal metastate that claims a combined economy in excess of $9 trillion (US), making it one of the world’s largest economies. As a community faced with massive decontamination and re-industrialization from devastating wars, Europe places due emphasis on issues of environmental sustainability and pollution prevention. Under broad policy guidelines of the New Approach and Integrated Product Planning frameworks, the European Commission is drafting legislation that will mandate eco-standards for all energized end-use equipment for sale in the internal market. These proposed standards may raise controversy in many industry sectors and international arenas (including within Europe itself) because they may not be based on sound and accepted scientific analysis, because they may constitute a de-facto violation at least in spirit of the Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement, and because nobody can yet predict their cost impact and other market effect. Compliance with these emerging energy efficiency regulations will impose considerable management requirements on manufacturers as they devise documentation and certification programs for their products that are likely to be of a scope similar to ISO 14000. This paper assesses the new requirements from a product and design management perspective.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
On chemical reactions in internal flow systems

The basic equations for a non-isothermal homogeneous reaction in an internal flow system with a fully established velocity field are presented. It is shown that the specie concentrations can be found from a single function, i.e. the degree of advancement of the reaction, while the temperature is determined through a generalized enthalpy function which takes into account the thermal exchange with the exterior. Under mildly non-isothermal conditions, to which the analysis applies primarily, the determination of the two basic functions reduces to the solution of two linear parabolic equations and their associated Sturm-Liouville systems. An illustration of the analysis is given and a number of extensions are indicated.
Tourism and Language In Mexico's Los Cabos

The growth of tourism in Baja California's cape region, especially in the coastal towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Josi del Cabo (“Los Cabos” in the jargon of the travel industry), has dramatically transformed the region during the 1970s and 1980s. Field surveys of Los Cabos document the tourist-driven transformation or leisurization of the towns' landscapes and suggest that the region is following a predictable pattern based upon its conformance to normative models. While evidence of the transformation is abundant and varied, language patterns as well as commercial and road signs in the region demonstrate particular utility in revealing the evolution of the towns' hybrid cultural landscapes and the cultural changes associated with tourism. The use of English by tourist industry workers and the presence of signs in English serve as clear indicators of the changes occurring in Los Cabos.
Root Cause Investigation of Catastrophic Degradation in High Power Multi-Mode InGaAs-AlGaAs Strained Quantum Well Lasers

Optimization of broad-area InGaAs-AlGaAs strained-quantum-well lasers has led to successful demonstration of high power and high efficient operation for industrial applications. State-of-the-art broad-area single emitters show an optical output power of over 20W and a power conversion efficiency of over 70% under CW operation. However, understanding of long-term reliability and degradation processes of these devices is still poor. This paper investigates the root causes of catastrophic degradation in broad-area lasers by performing accelerated lifetests of these devices and failure mode analyses of degraded devices using various techniques. We investigated MOCVDgrown broad-area strained InGaAs-AlGaAs single QW lasers at ~975nm. Our study included both passivated and unpassivated broad-area lasers that yielded catastrophic failures at the facet and also in the bulk. Our accelerated lifetests generated failures at different stages of degradation by forcing them to reach a preset drop in optical output power. Deep-level-transient-spectroscopy (DLTS) was employed to study deep traps in degraded devices. Trap densities and capture cross-sections were estimated from a series of degraded devices to understand the role that point defects and extended defects play in degradation processes via recombination enhanced defect reaction. Electron-beam-induced-current (EBIC) was employed to find correlation between dark line defects in degraded lasers and test stress conditions. Time-resolved electroluminescence (EL) was employed to study formation and progression of dark spots and dark lines in real time to understand mechanisms leading to catastrophic facet and bulk degradation. Lastly, we present our physics-of-failure-based model of catastrophic degradation processes in these broad-area lasers.
MATURATIONAL DIFFERENCES IN PULMONARY VASCULAR IMPEDANCE RESPONSE TO INHALED NITRIC OXIDE (NO) IN HYPOXIC PIGLETS. † 1961

Introduction: Inhaled nitric oxide has been shown to be effective in relieving hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in a variety of animal and human studies. The response to inhaled nitric oxide, however, is often variable.
Fluid/chemistry modeling for hypersonic flight analysis

Design studies are underway for a variety of hypersonic flight vehicles. The National Aero-Space Plane will provide a reusable, single-stage-to-orbit capability for routine access to low earth orbit. Flight-capable satellites will dip into the atmosphere to maneuver to new orbits, while planetary probes will decelerate at their destination by atmospheric aerobraking. To supplement limited experimental capabilities in the hypersonic regime, computational fluid dynamics is being used to analyze the flow about these configurations. The governing equations include fluid dynamic as well as chemical species equations, which are being solved with new, robust numerical algorithms. Examples of CFD applications to hypersonic vehicles suggest an important role this technology will play in the development of future aerospace systems. The computational resources needed to obtain solutions are large, but solution-adaptive grids, convergence acceleration, and parallel processing may make run times manageable.
The embarrassed bystander: Embarrassability and the inhibition of helping

Abstract Two studies tested whether individual differences in the tendency to experience embarrassment could predict interpersonal helping behavior (informing another individual about a correctible flaw). In Study 1, 84 participants were given a chance to help an experimenter by telling her that she had ink on her face. Some knew she had an interview immediately following the experiment; some did not. Some participants were there with a confederate; some were alone. The presence of the confederate or of the interview predicted (negatively and positively, respectively) whether the participant would point out the ink. Among those who pointed out the ink, individuals higher in embarrassability were slower to help. In Study 2, participants reported on real-life interactions with others who had a temporary flaw (e.g., food in their teeth). Conceptually replicating Study 1, participants higher in embarrassability were less likely to point out the flaw. These studies suggest that fear of embarrassment is a strong inhibitory factor in social helping situations, and that personality factors can predict who will be inhibited from helping.
Phosphorylation of Phosphophoryn Is Crucial for Its Function as a Mediator of Biomineralization

Phosphoproteins of the organic matrix of bone and dentin have been implicated as regulators of the nucleation and growth of the inorganic Ca-P crystals of vertebrate bones and teeth. One such protein identified in the dentin matrix is phosphophoryn (PP). It is highly acidic in nature because of a high content of aspartic acid and phosphate groups on serines. The 244-residue carboxyl-terminal domain of rat PP, predominantly containing the aspartic acid-serine repeats, has been cloned, and the corresponding protein has been expressed recombinantly in Escherichia coli. This portion of PP, named DMP2 (dentin matrix protein 2), is not phosphorylated by the bacteria and thus provided a means to study the function of the phosphate groups, the major post-translational modification of native PP. The recombinant DMP2 (rDMP2) possessed much lower calcium binding capacity than native PP. Small angle x-ray scattering experiments demonstrated that PP folds to a compact globular structure upon calcium binding, whereas rDMP2 maintained an unfolded structure. In vitro nucleation experiments showed that PP could nucleate plate-like apatite crystals in pseudophysiological buffer, whereas rDMP2 failed to mediate the transformation of amorphous calcium phosphate to apatite crystals under the same experimental conditions. Collagen binding experiments demonstrated that PP favors the formation of collagen aggregates, whereas in the presence of rDMP2 thin fibrils are formed. Overall these results suggested that the phosphate moieties in phosphophoryn are important for its function as a mediator of dentin biomineralization.
Fast and energy-frugal deterministic test through efficient compression and compaction techniques

Conversion of the flip-flops of the circuit into scan cells helps ease the test challenge; yet test application time is increased as serial shift operations are employed. Furthermore, the transitions that occur in the scan chains during these shifts reflect into significant levels of circuit switching unnecessarily, increasing the power dissipated. Judicious encoding of the correlation among the test vectors and construction of a test vector through predecessor updates helps reduce not only test application time but also scan chain transitions as well. Such an encoding scheme, which additionally reduces test data volume, can be further enhanced through appropriately ordering and padding of the test cubes given. The experimental results confirm the significant reductions in test application time, test data volume and test power achieved by the proposed compression methodology.
IS THE DISTRIBUTION OF BETAS STATIONARY

The stationarity of the beta distribution for 1926–1985 is rejected for the entire period as a single sample. However, results for pairs of five-year estimation periods are more consistent with stationarity. Over all possible pairs of five-year periods, stationarity in the pair-wise tests is rejected more often than expected merely by chance. However, excluding two aberrant periods, the number of rejections of stationarity is consistent with chance. Therefore, the distribution of betas is nearly stationary in both the short run and long run. For practical purposes the distribution of betas may be regarded as stationary.
Estimation and prediction of unmeasurable variables in the steel mill soaking pit control system

The objective of the soaking pit operation in the steelmaking process is to equalize the temperature throughout the steel ingot masses at some prespecified temperature before the ingots may be rolled at the rolling mill. The ingot temperature, though, is not measurable directly and must be estimated using some indirect measurements (pit wall temperature, fuel flow, etc.). Another piece of information which is important for the whole operation, and specifically for the operation planning purposes, is the predicted moment of time at which the ingots will arrive at the said prespecified temperature. This paper describes a Kalman filter approach and some results of a joint project of General Electric Company-U.S. Steel Company on the estimation and prediction of the ingot temperature in the soaking pit operation.
Association between polymorphic variation in VDR and RXRA and circulating levels of vitamin D metabolites.

Abstract The vitamin D metabolite 1,25(OH) 2 D is the bioactive ligand of the vitamin D receptor (VDR). VDR forms a heterodimer with the retinoid X receptors (RXRs) that when bound to ligand influences the transcriptional control of genes that regulate circulating levels of vitamin D metabolites. Whether genetic variation in VDR or RXRA affects circulating levels of 1,25(OH) 2 D or 25(OH)D has not been established. We used a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) tagging approach to evaluate the association between SNPs in VDR and RXRA and serum levels of 1,25(OH) 2 D and 25(OH)D. A total of 42 tagSNPs in VDR and 32 in RXRA were analyzed in a sample of 415 participants. Principal components analyses revealed a gene-level association between RXRA and serum 1,25(OH) 2 D concentrations ( P = 0.01), but not 25(OH)D. No gene-level association was found for VDR with either serum biomarker. At the single-SNP level, a significant positive trend was observed for increasing 1,25(OH) 2 D levels with each additional copy of the A allele for RXRA SNP rs9409929 ( P -trend = 0.003). After a multiple comparisons adjustment, no individual SNP in VDR or RXRA was significantly associated with either outcome. These results demonstrate an association between genetic variation in RXRA and 1,25(OH) 2 D serum concentrations.
Clergy and Retirement: An Exploratory Study on Housing and Financial Preparedness

The body of research on retirement has expanded in recent years but the experience of clergy members has rarely been examined. In response to the void, the present study explored the financial and housing options that will be available to members of the clergy of a nondenominational fellowship when they reach the age of retirement. The results indicate that financial preparedness varies greatly based on factors such as age, years in ministry, size of the church being served, and whether one intends to fully retire. Similarly, housing options vary greatly and are related to financial well-being. A primary implication of the findings is the need for preretirement education designed specifically for the unique circumstances of clergy members and those who hire them.
Relativistic Propulsion Using Directed Energy

We propose a directed energy orbital planetary defense system capable of heating the surface of potentially hazardous objects to the evaporation point as a futuristic but feasible approach to impact risk mitigation. The system is based on recent advances in high efficiency photonic systems. The system could also be used for propulsion of kinetic or nuclear tipped asteroid interceptors or other interplanetary spacecraft. A photon drive is possible using direct photon pressure on a spacecraft similar to a solar sail. Given a laser power of 70GW, a 100 kg craft can be propelled to 1AU in approximately 3 days achieving a speed of 0.4% the speed of light, and a 10,000 kg craft in approximately 30 days. We call the system DE-STAR for Directed Energy System for Targeting of Asteroids and exploRation. DE-STAR is a modular phased array of solid-state lasers, powered by photovoltaic conversion of sunlight. The system is scalable and completely modular so that sub elements can be built and tested as the technology matures. The sub elements can be immediately utilized for testing as well as other applications including space debris mitigation. The ultimate objective of DE-STAR would be to begin direct asteroid vaporization and orbital modification starting at distances beyond 1 AU. Using phased array technology to focus the beam, the surface spot temperature on the asteroid can be raised to more than 3000K, allowing evaporation of all known substances. Additional scientific uses of DE-STAR are also possible.
The persistence of selected geographic misperceptions: A survey of junior high through undergraduate college students

Abstract The degree to which students misperceive the relative locations of continents, states, and ocean sizes was assessed. In order to test suspected geographic misperceptions, identical questionnaires were given to more than 700 students from the junior high school through upper undergraduate levels, including future teachers. Misperception rates as a function of class level, gender, and expressed student interests were tested using Chi Square. Geographic misperceptions were found to persist across all measured educational levels. Upper level undergraduate geography and earth science students had the best overall score. Junior high school students scored better than students entering both general elementary and science-related teacher preparation classes. Junior high males did significantly better than females. This gender difference decreased in high school and was virtually absent at the university level. No significant differences in misperceptions were found between students with different subject...
I second that emotion: Effects of emotional contagion and affect at work on leader and follower outcomes ☆

While affect and emotion have been theoretically linked to leadership for decades, only recently has this relationship come under empirical scrutiny. The current research examines the effects of emotional contagion on follower affect at work and examines the outcomes of follower affect at work in a field setting. Leader positive and negative affect at work related to follower positive affect at work via emotional contagion. Follower positive and negative affect at work related to perceptions of charismatic leadership and organizational citizenship behavior. Follower perceptions of charismatic leadership related to organizational citizenship behavior.
Status of magnetic separation

Abstract After a brief review of high gradient magnetic separation the capture process and filter design for strongly magnetic particles—magnetite—is discussed. A method for selective capture of diamagnetic particles is described and experimental results are given.
Solution Treatment Effects on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-(1 to 13 pct)Si-Mg Cast Alloys

The effects of solution treatment time and Si content and morphology on microstructures and mechanical properties of heat-treated Al-Si-Mg cast alloys were investigated systematically. Five alloys, with Si levels ranging from 1 to 13 pct, were tested in as-cast, T4, and T61 conditions. The eutectic Si was both unmodified and Sr-modified. Results show that the microstructures are affected significantly by alloy composition, eutectic Si morphology, and solution treatment time. Si content has significant effects on ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), and elongation as well as a strong influence on solution treatment response. In T61 treatment with different solutionizing times, UTS and YS reach their maximum values in ~1 hour of solutionizing followed by a decrease, then a slight increase, and finally, a plateau close to the maximum level. Elongation of alloys with a high Si content, 7 pct and 13 pct, increases rapidly at solutionizing times of 1 to 2 hours then varies in a wide range, showing improvements in the 4 to 10 hours range. The data indicate that a solution treatment time of ~1 hour is sufficient to achieve maximum strength. The changes in mechanical properties were correlated to changes in microstructure evolution—Mg-Si precipitation, Si particle fragmentation, and microstructure homogenization. Empirical models uniquely relating Si content to UTS and YS are given for T61 heat-treated alloys.
Verbal Interaction and Problem-Solving within Computer-Assisted Cooperative Learning Groups

Verbal interaction and problem-solving behavior of small cooperative peer groups were observed while these groups worked on a computer-assisted (non-programming) problem-solving task. The purpose of the study was to identify problem-solving behaviors which relate to success within this context. Thirty-six fourth grade students were assigned to groups of three to form six groups of high and six of average academic ability. All groups used a nonprogramming version of Logo turtle graphics to reproduce a given line design on the computer screen. Results indicate that there was no relationship between success and ability, and that successful groups asked more task-related questions, spent more time on strategy, and reached higher levels of strategy elaboration than did unsuccessful groups. High ability groups made a greater number of long task statements than did average groups, bindings are discussed within the theoretical frameworks of social cognition and modeling. Instructional implications, including thos...
Adult Student Identity in an Intergenerational Community College Classroom

What is the nature of an adult student identity? Based in social constructivist theory, this study explored coconstructed understandings of culturally and socially mediated student identities throu...
Low moments of current algebra at infinite momentum

Abstract It is shown that even the first few moments of the vector and axial vector charge density algebra at infinite momentum cannot be represented realistically in the space of the non-exotic states.
FUZZY LOGIC CONTROL FOR A CONTINUOUS CROSSFLOW GRAIN DRYER

This paper presents the assembly and the performance of a fuzzy logic control system in regulating a laboratory continuous crossflow grain dryer. With fuzzy control, similar outlet moisture contents and lower outlet breakage susceptibility of corn were obtained as compared to the manually controlled dryer operation. the results verified that drying-induced corn breakage could be reduced through the application of fuzzy logic control. Like the corn drying process, many food processes are difficult to control automatically with conventional control techniques due to their complex nature. Fuzzy logic control provides an attractive solution for control of those processes.
Family Learning: The Missing Exemplar.

As a supporter of informal and alternative learning environments for science learning I am pleased to add to the discussion generated by Adriana Briseno-Garzon’s article, “More than science: family learning in a Mexican science museum”. I am keenly aware of the value of active family involvement in education in general, and science education in particular, and the portrait provided from a Mexican science museum adds to the literature of informal education through a specific sociocultural lens. I add, however, that while acknowledging the powerful the role of family in Latin American culture, the issue transcends these confines and is instead a cross-cutting topic within education as a whole. I also discuss the ease at which in an effort to call attention to cultural differences one can, by the very act, unintentionally marginalize others.
Aperture-synthesis observations of H I in the galaxy M82

Maps of neutral hydrogen emission in the irregular galaxy M82 were obtained with a spatial resolution of 1' and a velocity resolution of 10.55 km s/sup -1/. A velocity map with spatial resolution of 1.5' was also constructed. These maps reveal a close association of the H I with optical features, including the filaments extending from the nucleus along the galaxy minor axis. A bar of H I at the east end of the major axis of M82 was found which may be due to interaction with M81. The H I distribution and velocities agree quite well with CO data near the nucleus of M82; however, both the systemic velocity of M82 and the velocity gradient determined from the radio data disagree with optically measured values. As much as 50% of the mass of M82 may be interstellar, and active star formation seems likely. 5 figures.
Structure and linear viscoelasticity of flexible polymer solutions: comparison of polyelectrolyte and neutral polymer solutions

The current state of understanding for solution conformations of flexible polymers and their linear viscoelastic response is reviewed. Correlation length, tube diameter, and chain size of neutral polymers in good solvent, neutral polymers in θ-solvent, and polyelectrolyte solutions with no added salt are compared as these are the three universality classes for flexible polymers in solution. The 1956 Zimm model is used to describe the linear viscoelasticity of dilute solutions and of semidilute solutions inside their correlation volumes. The 1953 Rouse model is used for linear viscoelasticity of semidilute unentangled solutions and for entangled solutions on the scale of the entanglement strand. The 1971 de Gennes reptation model is used to describe linear viscoelastic response of entangled solutions. In each type of solution, the terminal dynamics, reflected in the terminal modulus, chain relaxation time, specific viscosity, and diffusion coefficient are reviewed with experiment and theory compared. Overall, the agreement between theory and experiment is remarkable, with a few unsettled issues remaining.
Logarithmic Factors in the High-Energy Behavior of Quantum Electrodynamics

The perturbation series for electron-electron elastic scattering in quantum electrodynamics is studied in the limit of high energies. For this matrix element, in addition to the previously known terms which are proportional to $s$ (the square of the c.m. energy) and hence lead to a constant total cross section at high energies, there are found terms of the orders of magnitudes $s\mathrm{ln}s$, $s{(\mathrm{ln}s)}^{2}$, $s{(\mathrm{ln}s)}^{3}$, etc. For $n=1, 2, 3, \dots{}$, the coefficient of $s{(\mathrm{ln}s)}^{n}$ is a power series in the fine-structure constant $\ensuremath{\alpha}$, where the leading term is proportional to ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2(n+1)}$ and is due to Feynman diagrams with $n$ closed electron loops. Physically, through the optical theorem, the presence of these terms is intimately related to the production of low-energy electron-positron pairs in high-energy electron-electron scattering, but is independent of whether the spin-1 particle is a photon with zero mass or massive neutral vector meson. These leading terms of order ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2(n+1)}$ are explicitly found for all $n$, and are all imaginary, representing absorption. The procedure of summing the leading term is carried out, and the result demonstrates dramatically the importance of unitarity in the direct, or $s$, channel for high-energy processes. Generalization to two-body diffraction processes $a+b\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{a}^{\ensuremath{'}}+{b}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ is immediate.
Separation of stray load losses in A-C. generators

This paper describes an experimental attempt to separate the stray load losses of large ac turbine generators, making use of the fact that the loss in any of the various parts is proportional to the initial rate of temperature rise in that part. Comparisons are made between tests conducted with rotor structure removed and short-circuit tests.
Increased thickness of pregnancy-associated melanoma.

The effects of pregnancy on the pathophysiology of melanoma remain unclear. Although a gender-specific advantage for women vs. men is seen for characteristics such as stage at presentation, site of primary tumour, and survival time, an adverse effect of pregnancy on melanoma development and progression has been reported. In a retrospective study, we investigated the tumour characteristics of women who developed pregnancy-associated melanoma, and compared them with melanomas arising in non-pregnant women of child-bearing age. The patient records of the Massachusetts General Hospital Pigmented Lesion Clinic were reviewed, and 465 women of reproductive age (16-45 years) who developed melanoma were identified. Of these, in 45 women (age 21-42 years) there was a close temporal relationship between diagnosis of the tumour and pregnancy. Clinical and histological characteristics of the primary tumours were recorded. Differences in tumour thickness, site and histological type were analysed. The mean thickness of pregnancy-associated melanomas was significantly greater than that of non-pregnancy-associated tumours (2.28 vs. 1.22 mm, respectively ; P < 0.007). No differences in histological type (P = 0.64) or site (P = 0.74) of the primary tumours were found between the two patient groups. Not surprisingly, multivariate analysis revealed that tumour thickness was a statistically significant variable in determining prognosis (P = 0.001). An unexpected finding, on multivariate analysis, was a possible pregnancy-associated prognostic advantage (P = 0.08). Melanomas arising during pregnancy are thicker, but are not necessarily associated with a less favourable prognosis than tumours arising in non-pregnant women of child-bearing age. The mechanisms by which pregnancy may lead to increased thickness of melanoma have yet to be elucidated, and merit further study.
Biochemistry of the Pteridines

Biochemical information about the ubiquitous pteridines has become generally available only within the last fifteen years. This delay can be traced to the chemical lability of these compounds and their small concentrations in organisms. New methods of isolation and isotopic techniques have provided data on the biosynthesis, anabolism, and catabolism of this class of compounds. Hydrogenated pteridines are recognized today as cofactors for various mixed function oxygenases and are involved in cellular electron transport. Further unknown catalytic functions for pteridines in cellular metabolism are indicated by their physiological activity, negative redox potentials, and histoautoradiographic data.
A theoretical and empirical analysis of coherent ray-tracing

The use of coherence has been advocated as a means of reducing the large computational cost of the ray-tracing method of image synthesis. This paper examines the theoretical and empirical performance of a typical coherent ray-tracing algorithm, one that exploits the similarity between the intersection trees generated by successive rays. It is shown that despite the large degree of coherence present in a scene, the need to ensure the validity of ray-object intersections prevents any significant computational savings. This indicates that other algorithmic methods must be used in order to substantially reduce the computational cost of ray-traced imagery.
Congenital coronary artery fistulae: a rare cause of heart failure in adults

Coronary artery fistulae are uncommon, reported in 0.25% of patients undergoing coronary angiography. Two patients with congenital coronary artery fistula and coronary artery disease who presented with symptoms of exacerbated congestive heart failure out of proportion to their atherosclerotic burden were successfully treated by epicardial fistula ligation and coronary artery bypass grafting with marked improvement in functional status.
RAMP1 is a direct NKX3.1 target gene up-regulated in prostate cancer that promotes tumorigenesis.

The homeodomain-containing transcription factor, NKX3.1, plays an important role in the suppression of prostate tumorigenesis. Herein, we identify the receptor activity–modifying protein 1 ( RAMP1 ) as a direct NKX3.1 target gene through analysis of chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to massively parallel sequencing and gene expression data. RAMP1 is a coreceptor for certain G-protein–coupled receptors, such as the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor, to the plasma membrane. We found that RAMP1 expression is specifically elevated in human prostate cancer relative to other tumor types. Furthermore, RAMP1 mRNA and protein levels are significantly higher in human prostate cancer compared with benign glands. We identified multiple NKX3.1 binding sites in the RAMP1 locus in human prostate cancer cells and in the normal mouse prostate. Analyses of Nkx3.1 knockout mice and human prostate cancer cell lines indicate that NKX3.1 represses RAMP1 expression. Knockdown of RAMP1 by shRNA decreased prostate cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo . By using gene expression profiling and pathway analyses, we identified several cancer-related pathways that are significantly altered in RAMP1 knockdown cells, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Further experiments confirmed a reduction in MAP2KI ( MEK1 ) expression and phosphorylated-extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 levels in RAMP1 knockdown cells. These data provide novel insights into the role of RAMP1 in promoting prostate tumorigenesis and support the potential of RAMP1 as a novel biomarker and possible therapeutic target in prostate cancer.
A Kinematics-Based Method For Generating Cartilage Maps and Deformations in the Multi-Articulating Wrist Joint From CT Images

We present a non-invasive method for estimating individual-specific cartilage maps directly from in vivo kine- matic data and computed tomography (CT) volume images, and a novel algorithm for computing cartilage surface deforma- tions. Our proposed cartilage model, a meshless incompressible height-field captures the physical properties important for estimating the shape, contact area, and deformation magnitude of cartilage at each articulation. This cartilage model can serve as an effective building block for a future forward-dynamic predictive model of the human wrist. I. INTRODUCTION The carpal cartilages in the wrist are among the least documented soft-tissue structures in human anatomy, impact- ing negatively our understanding of the many degenerative and repetitive-strain diseases afflicting this versatile joint. The reasons lie in the very versatile nature of the wrist articulation: its complexity and compactness (eight kidney- bean-sized bones) means cartilage is thinner than in other joints. Carpal cartilage is thus hard to image in vivo, although that is where its functional role in wrist kinematics would be most naturally investigated. In turn, examination in vitro requires invasive disruption of the articulation and thus results in artificially-imposed kinematics. We introduce a non-invasive, individual-specific carpal cartilage modeling approach that allows for the in vivo exploration of cartilage functional role. We present a method for estimating individual-specific cartilage maps (location and thickness) directly from in vivo kinematic data and computed tomography (CT) volume images, and a novel algorithm for computing cartilage surface deformations. Our proposed cartilage model, a meshless incompressible height- field captures the physical properties important for estimating the shape, contact area, and deformation magnitude of car- tilage at each articulation. The model is more complex and potentially more realistic than other current in vivo carpal cartilage models (1), while being faster to calculate than finite element approaches (2). Thus our model can serve as an effective building block for a future forward-dynamic predictive model of the human wrist.
Insertion of a yeast metallothionein gene into the model insect Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae) to assess the potential for its use in genetic improvement programs with natural enemies

The use of copper-containing fungicides, such as Kocide, negatively aVects nontarget beneWcial insects in Florida citrus. To determine if the insertion of the yeast metallothionein gene (CUP1) into the genome of beneWcial insects could produce populations resistant to copper, the model insect Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae) was transformed with the Drosophila metallothionein promoter Mtn fused to the CUP1 open reading frame. Two transformed lines, conWrmed by high-Wdelity polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis, were assessed for tolerance to copper hydroxide (CuOH). Transgenic lines 8 and 14 exhibited 1.5- to 2-fold increases in tolerance when held at 24 °C, »75% RH, and 14L:10D. In the absence of copper, lines 8 and 14 exhibited Wtness costs as compared to the ww control line. In addition, each line (ww control, lines 8 and 14), when pretreated with 2.5 mM CuOH and held at »22– 24 °C, »50–75% RH, and 14L:10D, was more tolerant to copper, with line 14 exhibiting the greatest increase. The increased copper tolerance of the pretreated transgenic lines could be a result of induced transcription of both the CUP1 and native metallothionein (MT) genes whereas the increase in the pretreated ww control could be a due to induced transcription of native MT genes. Both transgenic lines exhibited reduced Wtness compared to the ww control line, which could be due to the eVects of inbreeding or to the insertion of the CUP1 construct into the genome. The data suggest that CUP1 may be useful for the genetic improvement of natural enemies where copper is applied.
Light in asymmetric resonators: chaos, tunneling and localization

Dielectric spheres and cylinders can support high-Q modes due to internal reflection of the light. However, small deviations of the shape of these resonators away from symmetry lead to the onset of chaotic ray dynamics and the resulting change of the mode patterns. We demonstrate that in such conditions mode lifetimes are determined by the phenomena of chaos-assisted tunneling and dynamical localization, and develop a quantitative theory of this effect.
Effects of source and level of undegraded intake protein on nutrient use and performance of early lactation cows

Abstract At parturition, groups of six cows (two primiparous) were assigned randomly to experimental diets composed of wheat silage, concentrate containing 11.4% yellow grease, corn, and supplemental protein sources. Protein sources were soybean meal, heated soybean meal, and a combination of corn gluten and heated soybean meals. Intakes of DM, NDF, and NE L were not affected by undegraded protein levels (trial 1). Milk and 4% FCM yields and percentages of CP, lactose, SNF, and total solids were not influenced by protein source. Mobilization of body tissue was accelerated by heated soybean meal. During wk 1 to 4 postpartum, efficiency of NE L utilization was greater for cows receiving the combination treatment than for those receiving the soybean meal treatment. During wk 4 to 8, cows fed the heated soybean treatment utilized NE L more efficiently for milk yield than cows fed the combination treatment. Efficiency of utilization of absorbed protein was not affected by level of undegraded protein. At wk 9, fat was removed from the concentrate, and a second trial was conducted. Intakes of DM and NE L were reduced for cows fed the combination treatment. Milk yield and composition and efficiency of utilization of NE L and absorbed protein were not affected by level of undegraded protein.
An FMI-based Framework for State and Parameter Estimation

This paper proposes a solution for creating a modelbased state and parameter estimator for dynamic systems described using the FMI standard. This work uses a nonlinear state estimation technique called unscented Kalman filter (UKF), together with a smoother that improves the reliability of the estimation. The algorithm can be used to support advanced control techniques (e.g., adaptive control) or for fault detection and diagnostics (FDD). This work extends the capabilities of any modeling framework compliant with the FMI standard version 1.0.
The Normative Limits of Choice Charter Schools, Disability Studies, and Questions of Inclusion

As charter schools continue to attract lots of political and policy attention, research has emerged suggesting that these schools enroll fewer students with disabilities than public schools. Given that the success of the movement is based on charters being more effective than public schools as determined by test scores, it is not entirely surprising that we see exclusionary practices taking place. Responding to this issue, many states have increased oversight to ensure inclusion and equity. At the same time, other charters have opened specifically for students with special needs. Using a disability studies lens, this article asks questions of the charter movement and the policy responses by problematizing the perpetuation of both normative school practices and constructions of ability.
Self-objectification and depressive symptoms: Does their association vary among Asian American and White American men and women?

Abstract Objectification Theory (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997) posits that viewing one's body as an object – i.e., self-objectification – increases depressive symptomatology. Though a handful of studies to date have found self-objectification and depressive symptoms correlated among White American women, few studies have examined whether this finding generalizes to other social groups. We examine whether self-objectification and depressive symptoms are associated among Asian Americans and White Americans in a college sample of women and men ( N = 169). Self-objectification and depressive symptoms were positively associated among White American women but not among White American men or Asian American men or women. These data suggest the parameters of Objectification Theory are circumscribed by both race/ethnicity and gender and self-objectification may put White women, in particular, at risk for depressive symptoms.
The cure of a patient with a very resistant streptococcus viridans endocarditis with massive penicillin therapy (average daily dose of eighty-six million units)

Abstract The effectiveness of penicillin in the treatment of nonhemolytic streptococcal endocarditis is well established. In most cases of subacute endocarditis, cure can be accomplished with conventional doses of penicillin, but now and then it is necessary to administer heroic doses. A review of reported treatment failures due to relapse or continued infection makes it quite clear that many such patients have not been given adequate daily doses of penicillin. If the circulating blood is not promptly sterilized or if relapse occurs subsequent to completion of a course of penicillin, it has been advised that the daily dose of penicillin should be drastically increased five- to tenfold; then the arrest of the infection would probably more nearly approach 100 per cent. 1 More than 90 per cent of the strains of nonhemolytic streptococcus are completely inhibited in vitro by 0.1 unit or less of penicillin per milliliter 2 and are classified as the sensitive group. 1 The moderately to very resistant group requires for inhibition of growth in vitro 0.5 to 10 units or more of penicillin per milliliter. The moderately sensitive group is inhibited by penicillin in vitro in amounts which are between the above two ranges. It has been recommended that patients infected with an organism which requires 1 unit of penicillin per milliliter for in vitro inhibition should receive a daily dose of at least 5,000,000 units of penicillin. 1 The purpose of this communication is to report a case of subacute bacterial endocarditis in which the patient was infected with a very resistant strain of Streptococcus viridans treated with an average daily dose of approximately 86,000,000 units of penicillin for a period of twenty-eight days.
Effects of scale and logging on landscape structure in a forest mosaic.

Landscape structure in a forest mosaic changes with spatial scale (i.e. spatial extent) and thresholds may occur where structure changes markedly. Forest management alters landscape structure and may affect the intensity and location of thresholds. Our purpose was to examine landscape structure at different scales to determine thresholds where landscape structure changes markedly in managed forest mosaics of the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States. We also investigated how logging influences landscape structure and whether these management activities change threshold values. Using threshold and autocorrelation analyses, we found that thresholds in landscape indices exist at 400, 500, and 800 m intervals from the outer edge of management units in our study region. For landscape indices that consider all landcover categories, such as dominance and contagion, landscape structure and thresholds did not change after logging occurred. Measurements for these overall landscape indices were strongly influenced by midsuccessional deciduous forest, the most common landcover category in the landscape. When restricting analyses for mean patch size and percent cover to individual forest types, thresholds for early-successional forests changed after logging. However, logging changed the landscape structure at small spatial scale, but did not alter the structure of the entire forest mosaic. Previous forest management may already have increased the heterogeneity of the landscape beyond the point where additional small cuts alter the overall structure of the forest. Because measurements for landscape indices yield very different results at different spatial scales, it is important first to identify thresholds in order to determine the appropriate scales for landscape ecological studies. We found that threshold and autocorrelation analyses were simple but powerful tools for the detection of appropriate scales in the managed forest mosaic under study.