cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Simple and Inexpensive Caging System for Use in Laboratory Studies with Poultry

Abstract The simple construction of a low-cost, portable, easily cleaned, multiple compartment cage for the maintenance of small numbers of young chickens or Japanese quail is described. This cage permits the accurate measurement of feed and water intake and quantitative excrement collection from individual birds without contamination of the excrement with feed or water. Use of this cage in several experiments has demonstrated its usefulness in a research environment.
Transnational migration and the redefinition of the state: Variations and explanations

In this article, we examine the shifting policies of sending country states towards communities living abroad, demonstrate the ways in which these are redefining the relationship between the state and its territorial boundaries, and highlight how these reconfigure conventional understandings of sovereignty, citizenship and membership. We begin by delineating the ­different types of policies that sending states are adapting in order to break down categories like "global nations policies" and to identify similarities and differences between states. We then suggest some possible explanations both for the convergence we see on the "repertoire" of policies that states employ and divergence we see in how far states are willing to go to ensure that migrants remain enduring long-distance membership. We draw on material from several countries, but look most closely at Brazil, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
The acquisition of positive secondary reinforcement in human subjects

The purpose of the present study was to determine if it is possible to build reinforcing properties into a neutral stimulus and to use the stimulus to influence verbal behavior in a different task. A pencil tap was paired with “right” during a paired-associates learning task and was then tested for reinforcing properties on a subsequent sentence construction task. The results indicated that the tap functioned as a reinforcer on the sentence construction task.
Sex differences in prolactin secretion in parental male and female rats

Abstract The present series of experiments report the behavioral and endocrine responses of male and female rats to rat young. In the first experiment, the behavioral responses of intact male and ovariectomized female rats to foster young were measured. While both of these groups exhibited most components of parental behavior after four to six days of exposure to rat young, males failed to build good nests and to crouch over the young. In addition significantly more males killed young than did ovariectomized females. In the second experiment, treatment of male and virgin female rats with a 21-day hormone regimen of estradiol and progesterone stimulated an equally rapid onset of parental behavior in both sexes. Latencies to exhibit parental responses were approx, two days for both males and females. Pup killing was virtually eliminated in males by hormone treatment. Although the behavioral responses of hormone-primed males and females were similar, their prolactin responses to the presentation of rat young differed. Pup presentation stimulated an increase in plasma prolactin content in hormone-primed parental virgin females similar, but not identical, to that found in lactating control rats, while plasma prolactin levels in hormone-primed parental males did not rise in response to the presentation of young. These data indicate that a sex difference in neuroendocrine, but not behavioral, responsiveness to young exists between parental males and females.
On the Establishment of Stationary Waves in the Northern Hemisphere Winter

The establishment of stationary waves in the Northern Hemisphere winter is investigated using stationary and time-dependent linear primitive equation models. Confirming the results of Nigam and Lindzen, we find that small displacements of the subtropical jet can cause significant changes in the stationary-wave response. The time scale for stationary establishment is found to be on the order of 5 days, both in the troposphere and in the lower stratosphere. The exception is for a northward shift of the subtropical jet, in which case the establishment of the new stationary solution in the stratosphere occurs on a longer time scale, which is mainly determined by dissipation. Implications for low-frequency atmospheric variability and mid- and long-range weather forecasting are discussed.
Mechanism of Ammonia Transport by Amt/MEP/Rh: Structure of AmtB at 1.35 Å

The first structure of an ammonia channel from the Amt/MEP/Rh protein superfamily, determined to 1.35 angstrom resolution, shows it to be a channel that spans the membrane 11 times. Two structurally similar halves span the membrane with opposite polarity. Structures with and without ammonia or methyl ammonia show a vestibule that recruits NH4+/NH3, a binding site for NH4+, and a 20 angstrom-long hydrophobic channel that lowers the NH4+ pKa to below 6 and conducts NH3. Favorable interactions for NH3 are seen within the channel and use conserved histidines. Reconstitution of AmtB into vesicles shows that AmtB conducts uncharged NH3.
The Effects of Legionella pneumophila Toxin on Oxidative Processes and Bacterial Killing of Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes

The effect of Legionella pneumophila toxin on selected functions of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes was investigated. Amounts of L. pneumophila toxin that had no effect on leukocyte viability or phagocytosis significantly decreased hexose monophosphate shunt activity and O2 consumption during phagocytosis and bacterial iodination and killing in a dose-dependent fashion. The mechanism of action of this toxin appears to be unique among bacterial products thus far studied.
An Examination of Potential Mechanisms Underlying Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization Induced Increases in Myocardial Blood Flow

Within the past few years, transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) has attracted the attention of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons as a therapy for patients suffering from otherwise treatable coronary artery disease. Clinical studies have consistently shown symptomatic improvement that lasts at least 1 year in a majority of patients. The original hypothesis that prompted development of the technique was that direct myocardial perfusion from the chamber could be achieved through chronically patent channels, as is the case in reptilian hearts. Results of our early studies failed to support this hypothesis and we turned to investigations aimed at testing other possible explanations. The experiments, which are reviewed in this article, showed that TMR enhances vascular growth in ischemic myocardium.
Sulfur exchange and decomposition kinetics in solid Na2S2O3

Abstract An intramolecular sulfur exchange in solid Na2S2O3 has been confirmed and improved exchange rate constants measured. The exchange occurs without detectable decomposition at a measurable rate from approx. 290°–350°C. The activation parameters are ΔH≠ = 58·5 kcal mole−1 and ΔS≠ = 17·7 cal mole−1 deg−1. At temperatures above 350°C, decomposition to sulfate and polysulfide occurs characterized by activation parameters ΔH≠ = 74·5 kcal mole−1 and ΔS≠ = 39·2 cal mole−1 deg−1. Mechanisms are suggested for the two processes.
Rotation and Activity in Mid-M to L Field Dwarfs

We analyze rotation velocities and chromospheric (H?) activity, derived from high-resolution spectra, in a large sample of mid-M to L field dwarfs. The projected rotation velocity is found to increase from mid-M to L. This is consistent with a lengthening of spin-down timescale with later type, although in the L types the trend may also be a function of the observational bias toward younger objects. From M4 to M8.5 a saturation-type rotation-activity relation is seen, similar to that in earlier types, when activity is measured through either FH? or LH?/Lbol. However, we find that activity saturates at a significantly higher velocity (~10 km s-1) in the M5.5-M8.5 dwarfs than in the M4-M5 ones (4 km s-1). This may result from a change in the dynamo behavior with later type (see also below). We note that the saturation level in H? emission appears to vary somewhat less with spectral type (from M4 to M8.5) when activity is measured through LH?/Lbol instead of FH?. In M9 and later dwarfs, we observe a drastic drop in activity and a sharp break in the rotation-activity connection: H? emission levels in these dwarfs are much lower than in earlier types, and often undetectable, in spite of very rapid rotation. This may be caused by the very high resistivities in the predominantly neutral atmospheres of these dwarfs, which would damp the magnetic energy available for supporting a chromosphere. It is also possible that the rapid formation of dust in these cool atmospheres exacerbates this effect, as charged particles are soaked up by (more massive) dust grains. Finally, we note that spectral type determination from low-resolution spectra may be affected by gravity effects: cooler, lower gravity objects may mimic hotter, higher gravity ones. Therefore, it is possible that the few unsaturated fast rotators from M5.5 to M8.5 (whose presence leads us to ascribe a higher saturation velocity to these spectral types, as noted above) may actually be very low mass objects, with lower Teff (and gravity) than their spectral types suggest. If so, their behavior (low activity, fast rotation) would be compatible with that of the cool M9 and later dwarfs (and no change in dynamo behavior would have to be postulated in the M5.5-M8.5 dwarfs). This interpretation is supported by a preliminary analysis of the high-resolution spectra of these anomolous objects. It is also bolstered by the fact that a saturation-type Rossby number-activity relation is seen in the M5.5-M8.5 dwarfs when these anomalous objects are removed from the sample, while the relationship is much weaker when they are included.
Theoretical analysis of explosively propagating molten layers in pulsed-laser--irradiated a-Si

Nanosecond-pulsed--laser melting of amorphous (a) Si on crystalline (c) Si substrates produces a highly undercooled liquid (l) that solidifies into a complex morphology. Recently developed techniques for including undercooling, interface kinetics, and nucleation in heat-flow calculations are used to analyze the experimental results. It is shown how explosive crystallization, involving the difference in the a- and c-phase latent heats, can produce a nearly self-sustaining crystallization front mediated by a thin l layer.
Intimate Partner Violence, Depression, and Barriers to Service Utilization in Arab American Women:

How intimate partner violence (IPV), depression, and barriers to services affect Arab American women in the United States is not very well documented. This cross-sectional exploratory descriptive s...
The case for integration of the investigator and helper roles in child protection

Social workers who have both investigative and helping roles in child protective cases may find the roles to be in conflict and difficult to integrate. This problem has been exacerbated by recent changes in U.S. law and court procedure which place more emphasis on the quality of child abuse investigations. While it may not be easy for social workers to integrate the roles of investigator and helper, this paper draws on social work theory to show that it is possible and beneficial to their clients when they are able to do so. Social workers who are able to perform successfully in both roles are best prepared to help clients recognize and overcome problems. Division of the investigator and helper roles, on the other hand, may create significant difficulties including staff conflict, denial of problems by clients, and distortion of clients' expectations of the professional and the agency.
Stratification patterns in Taconite Inlet, Ellesmere Island, N.W.T.

The middle arm of Taconite Inlet shows many features in common with high-Arctic fjords and coastal meromictic lakes. The surface mixed layer is fresh, and a relatively constant 5.5 m deep, indicating a layer of ice of approximately the same thickness blocks communication with the Arctic Ocean. Below the primary halocline to a depth of 85 m, at least partial communication with the Arctic Ocean exists as indicated by the oxygen, salinity and thermal structures. A sill is probably found between 40 and 85 m depth, reducing circulation below it and contributing to the oxycline. For a long but undetermined period prior to the separation of lakes C1, and C2 from the middle arm of Taconite Inlet, the surface water of the inlet was probably strongly brackish to marine suggesting that the entrance to Taconite Inlet was not blocked by an ice shelf at the time of separation. The deep water of these future lakes probably became isolated from the general estuarine circulation and began to develop some of their present limnological features prior to actual separation of the surface waters of the lakes from the inlet.
Validation of a DNA mixture statistics tool incorporating allelic drop-out and drop-in

DNA mixture analysis is a current topic of discussion in the forensics literature. Of particular interest is how to approach mixtures where allelic drop-out and/or drop-in may have occurred. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) of The City of New York has developed and validated the Forensic Statistical Tool (FST), a software tool for likelihood ratio analysis of forensic DNA samples, allowing for allelic drop-out and drop-in. FST can be used for single source samples and for mixtures of DNA from two or three contributors, with or without known contributors. Drop-out and drop-in probabilities were estimated empirically through analysis of over 2000 amplifications of more than 700 mixtures and single source samples. Drop-out rates used by FST are a function of the Identifiler(®) locus, the quantity of template DNA amplified, the number of amplification cycles, the number of contributors to the sample, and the approximate mixture ratio (either unequal or approximately equal). Drop-out rates were estimated separately for heterozygous and homozygous genotypes. Drop-in rates used by FST are a function of number of amplification cycles only. FST was validated using 454 mock evidence samples generated from DNA mixtures and from items handled by one to four persons. For each sample, likelihood ratios (LRs) were computed for each true contributor and for each profile in a database of over 1200 non-contributors. A wide range of LRs for true contributors was obtained, as true contributors' alleles may be labeled at some or all of the tested loci. However, the LRs were consistent with OCME's qualitative assessments of the results. The second set of data was used to evaluate FST LR results when the test sample in the prosecution hypothesis of the LR is not a contributor to the mixture. With this validation, we demonstrate that LRs generated using FST are consistent with, but more informative than, OCME's qualitative sample assessments and that LRs for non-contributors are appropriately assigned.
Effect of a superposition of configurations on the generalized oscillator strengths and elastic and inelastic total cross sections for the 3 p to 4 s , 4 p , and nd ( n ≤ 7 ) transitions in aluminum

Generalized oscillator strengths $f(K)$ and total cross sections $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ are calculated within the first Born approximation for elastic scattering and for spin-allowed electronic transitions from the $3{s}^{2}3p$ ground state to the $3{s}^{2}\mathrm{nd}$ ($n=3, \dots{}, 7$), $3{s}^{2}4s$, and $3{s}^{2}4p$ Rydberg states. Exchange effects are included in the cross sections via the Bonham-Ochkur-Rudge approximations. Hartree-Fock and superposition-of-configurations (SOC) wave functions are utilized to examine their effect on $f(K)$ and $\ensuremath{\sigma}$. $f(K)'s$ obtained from SOC wave functions to varying accuracy are plotted and compared, and $\ensuremath{\sigma}'\mathrm{s}$ calculated with HF and SOC wave functions are presented. Results calculated with a one-electron model using scaled hydrogenic orbitals to generate the $f(K)$ are compared with those obtained with Hartree-Fock and SOC wave functions.
Measurement of chronic toxicity using the opossum shrimp Mysidopsis bahia

The chronic toxicity of silver and endosulfan to the opossum shrimp Mysidopsis bahia was determined using continuous-flow bioassays. The 28-day bioassays measured survival, fecundity, and growth (length and weight measurements). Maximum acceptable toxicant concentrations (MATC) were estimated from measured toxicant concentrations. MATC values were similar using either brood size or growth as a criterion for sublethal effects. As an alternative to the determination of fecundity impairment, measurement of growth reduction in response to exposure to toxicants may provide a useful tool in the assessment of chronic toxicity in Mysidopsis life-cycle bioassays.
The fate of the hydroxyl radical in the Earth's primitive atmosphere and implications for the production of molecular oxygen

Behavior of the hydroxyl radical produced by the photolysis of water vapor in the earth's early atmosphere is examined. Because of the substantial OH radical reactivity with trace species (CO, HCl, SO2, H2S, NH3, and CH4) the formation of molecular oxygen may be prevented, even at a trace species mixing ratio. The photolysis rate of H2O, with corrections for hydrogen exospheric escape, is capable of describing the oxidation of the atmosphere and crust but may not be used to determine the rate of molecular oxygen generation without consideration of the various OH-trace species reactions.
Reliability and validity of the faces and word descriptor scales to measure procedural pain

Reliability and validity of the Faces and Word Descriptor Scales to measure pain in verbal children undergoing painful procedures were assessed. Test-retest reliability and construct and discriminant validity were supported for both instruments among a sample of 118 children in three age groups (3-7, 8-12, 13-18). Construct validity was determined by comparisons with a visual analogue scale and a numerical scale with known validity. A majority of the children preferred to use the Faces scale when providing self-report of pain regardless of age. The Faces and Word Descriptor Scales are valid and reliable instruments to measure procedural pain intensity.
Describing one- and two-neutron halos in effective field theory

In this paper, the recent work our group has undertaken on effective field theory (EFT) analyses of experimental data pertaining to one- and two-neutron halo nuclei is discussed. The cases of 19C and 8Li (one-neutron halos) and 22C (two-neutron halo) are considered. For 19C and 8Li electromagnetic processes, such as Coulomb dissociation and radiative capture are considered. In the 22C system the way in which the measured matter radius can be used to derive constraints on the two-neutron separation energy of this very neutron-rich system is shown. In each case the ‘Halo EFT’ ability to correlate different experimental observables with one another, in a model-independent manner, and up to an accuracy that is determined by the separation of scales in the halo system is shown.
The Receptive–Expressive Gap in Bilingual Children With and Without Primary Language Impairment

Purpose In this study, the authors examined the magnitude of the discrepancy between standardized measures of receptive and expressive semantic knowledge, known as a receptive–expressive gap, for bilingual children with and without primary language impairment (PLI). Method Spanish and English measures of semantic knowledge were administered to 37 Spanish–English bilingual 7- to 10-year old children with PLI and to 37 Spanish–English bilingual peers with typical development (TD). Parents and teachers completed questionnaires that yielded day-by-day and hour-by-hour information regarding children's exposure to and use of Spanish and English. Results Children with PLI had significantly larger discrepancies between receptive and expressive semantics standard scores than their bilingual peers with TD. The receptive–expressive gap for children with PLI was predicted by current English experience, whereas the best predictor for children with TD was cumulative English experience. Conclusions As a preliminary expl...
The effect of newly erupting flux on the polar coronal holes

Chromospheric network enhancements that occur along the edges of the polar coronal holes immediately after sunspot minimum are studied. It is shown that these enhancements accompany the eruption of the first large high-latitude bipolar magnetic regions of the new sunspot cycle, and that these eruptions must have encountered relatively concentrated polar fields whose strengths decrease rapidly equatorward of about 60 deg latitude. The helium observations are compared with current-free magnetic field calculations, and it is found that the enhanced helium network occurs where relatively strong fields at high latitude become connected to newly erupted bipolar magnetic regions.
An overview of the pharmacokinetic disposition of darbepoetin alfa

Darbepoetin alfa is a new erythropoiesis-stimulating protein that has five carbohydrate chains compared with three in recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO, epoetin alfa). Owing to its increased carbohydrate content, the terminal half-life of darbepoetin alfa is 2-3-fold greater than that of r-HuEPO in patients with chronic kidney disease or cancer. This pharmacokinetic property may allow for less frequent administration of darbepoetin alfa compared with r-HuEPO. Although several regimens are still being tested, a predictable increase was observed in serum concentrations of darbepoetin alfa and no clinically relevant accumulation was seen with once-weekly administration for up to 48 weeks. Preliminary data in patients with cancer suggest that concurrent chemotherapy may influence the pharmacokinetics of darbepoetin alfa. Therefore, the timing of dosing relative to chemotherapy may be important. Darbepoetin alfa, through its potential for less frequent dosing, offers a more convenient treatment option than r-HuEPO for patients with anemia secondary to cancer or kidney disease.
Verbal aggression by parents and psychosocial problems of children

Analyses of data on a nationally representative sample of 3,346 American parents with a child under 18 living at home found that 63% reported one or more instances of verbal aggression, such as swearing and insulting the child. Children who experienced frequent verbal aggression from parents (as measured by the Conflict Tactic Scales) exhibited higher rates of physical aggression, delinquency, and interpersonal problems than other children. This relationship is robust since it applies to preschool-, elementary school-, and high school-age children, to both boys and girls, and to children who were also physically punished as well as those who were not. Children who experienced both verbal aggression and severe physical violence exhibited the highest rates of aggression, delinquency, and interpersonal problems.
Reactive oxygen molecules, oxidant injury and renal disease

Oxidant injury has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory, metabolic and toxic insults, in ischemic-reperfusion injury, and in carcinogenesis, aging and atherosclerosis. Oxidant injury is initiated by free radicals and reactive oxygen molecules which are generated by activated neutrophils, monocytes, and mesangial cells, during normal and abnormal metabolic processes, and from the metabolism of exogenous drugs and toxins. When cells and organs are exposed to oxidant stress, several different antioxidant defense mechanisms operate to prevent or limit oxidant injury. When antioxidant defense mechanisms are decreased, or when the generation of reactive oxygen molecules is increased, oxidant injury results from the shift in the oxidant/antioxidant balance. Oxidant-induced alterations of proteins, membranes, DNA, and basement membranes leads to cell and organ dysfunction. Several renal diseases including glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, toxic nephropathies, pyelonephritis, acute renal failure, and others are likely to be mediated at least in part by oxidant injury. In the future, mechanisms to decrease the generation of reactive oxygen molecules and/or antioxidant therapy may develop into new avenues of therapeutic intervention.
Sensing Cytoplasmic Danger Signals by the Inflammasome

Introduction The innate immune system depends on molecules collectively known as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to survey the extracellular space and the cytoplasm for the presence of dangerous pathogens, pathogen-derived molecules, or even self-derived molecular danger signals, which arise from tissue damage. Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) is a newly discovered PRR involved in the sensing of dangerous cytosolic DNA produced by infection with DNA viruses.
Siting it Right: Do States Target Economic Distress When Designating Enterprise Zones?

Although economic development incentives have increasingly been targeted to particular geographic areas during recent decades, there has been surprisingly little examination of which areas are actually targeted. This article examines the targeting decisions of 10 states that implemented enterprise zone programs that limited their number of zones. Therefore, in all the states, not all distressed areas received enterprise zone incentives. By examining the relative distress of zone areas prior to designation, this study finds that factors such as population density, local housing market, and demographics help distinguish between distressed areas that received zones and those that did not. In addition, this article suggests that some characteristics of neighboring areas can help predict zone location. By helping to distinguish the types of places likely to be designated as enterprise zones, the article creates a framework for selecting comparison areas for enterprise zone impact evaluation.
Robust Supplier Selection for Changing Product Architectures

Today, a noticeable trend in the US industries is the growing reliance of companies on their supply chain to provide competitive components/sub-assemblies with the desired functionality to not only meet current needs and demands but also the anticipated ones of the future. Supplier consolidation through reduction of the total number of suppliers is being widely practiced by many companies. The increasing dependence on a few key suppliers makes supplier selection critical to a company’s success. Another distinct industry trend is shortening of product and technology lifecycles along with market demands for greater product variety. The direct implication of these trends is continually changing product architectures, which the manufacturers and their suppliers have to manage effectively. Thus, manufacturers need to base their supplier selection process on the robustness of suppliers to deliver components that are compatible with changing product architectures along with the other criterion such as price, reliability, quality, delivery time, etc. Supplier robustness, in the context of this paper, is defined as supplier ability to effectively cater to varying product architectures at minimum supplier costs. The current paper proposes an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) based methodology for robust supplier selection by extending the robust engineering techniques to the supply chain domain. Taguchi’s quality loss concept is used to evaluate how well the individual components/subsystems supplied by the suppliers’ cost-effectively meet the customer needs. The objective is to select suppliers capable of meeting varying product architecture needs over a given planning horizon at optimal costs. The proposed methodology is demonstrated using an example of a cell phone product family.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Reconnaissance of 47 antibiotics and associated microbial risks in seafood sold in the United States.

Abstract Aquaculture production has nearly tripled in the last two decades, bringing with it a significant increase in the use of antibiotics. Using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), the presence of 47 antibiotics was investigated in U.S. purchased shrimp, salmon, catfish, trout, tilapia, and swai originating from 11 different countries. All samples (n = 27) complied with U.S. FDA regulations and five antibiotics were detected above the limits of detection: oxytetracycline (in wild shrimp, 7.7 ng/g of fresh weight; farmed tilapia, 2.7; farmed salmon, 8.6; farmed trout with spinal deformities, 3.9), 4-epioxytetracycline (farmed salmon, 4.1), sulfadimethoxine (farmed shrimp, 0.3), ormetoprim (farmed salmon, 0.5), and virginiamycin (farmed salmon marketed as antibiotic-free, 5.2). A literature review showed that sub-regulatory levels of antibiotics, as found here, can promote resistance development; publications linking aquaculture to this have increased more than 8-fold from 1991 to 2013. Although this study was limited in size and employed sample pooling, it represents the largest reconnaissance of antibiotics in U.S. seafood to date, providing data on previously unmonitored antibiotics and on farmed trout with spinal deformities. Results indicate low levels of antibiotic residues and general compliance with U.S. regulations. The potential for development of microbial drug resistance was identified as a key concern and research priority.
Visfiles: visualizing simulation data

In this issue of Computer Graphics, Allen McPherson, Jamie Painter, and their cohorts, report on several techniques used to visualize simulation data. The resulting animations will be part of a multimedia exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History.
Rebalancing Strategies for Multi-Period Asset Allocation

Alternative investments, such as hedge funds, venture capital, and private equity, can improve portfolio performance, especially for long-term institutional and high net worth individual investors. Difficulties arise when rebalancing a portfolio that includes alternative investments due to the nature of the commitments. Transaction costs can be sizable and money flows are restricted by illiquid markets, covenants, and related restrictions. Following a review of the pros and cons of including alternative investments in a traditional portfolio, the authors show the intrinsic advantages of a multi-period asset allocation strategy and present an optimizing approach for addressing transaction costs.
Applying evolutionary computation to harness passive material properties in robots

Evolution has produced a wide variety of organisms that interact with their physical environment through musculoskeletal systems. Movements are often aided by passive characteristics of an organism's body and the inherent flexibility of muscles. Emulating these characteristics in a robot can potentially increase performance and maneuverability, but requires finding effective solutions among an infinite set of possible morphology and controller combinations. Evolutionary computation provides a means to explore this large search space. However, developing simulation models to account for these material properties presents challenges. In this paper, we present an overview of the challenges in implementing such an evolutionary approach. We also present preliminary results demonstrating the effectiveness of our proposed methods.
School psychology in the Sudan

Abstract Information pertaining to the Sudanese system of education, the practice of school psychology, its administration, school psychology-related training facilities, relevant contributions, apparent problems, and future developments is presented.
An overview of rendering techniques

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present a basic introduction to computer graphics rendering techniques—techniques for the generation of realistic visual images. The paper has four major sections, reflecting the major areas of rendering: visible surface identification; anti-aliasing; lighting, shading and shadows; and texture. The development of rendering techniques is an active research area, particularly with respect to lighting models and texture. Some of the techniques presented in this paper will be superseded within a very short time. Nonetheless, this should still serve as a base from which researchers, practitioners, and students can explore those new developments.
Perron Theorem in the Monotone Iteration Method for Traveling Waves in Delayed Reaction-Diffusion Equations

Abstract In this paper we revisit the existence of traveling waves for delayed reaction–diffusion equations by the monotone iteration method. We show that Perron Theorem on existence of bounded solution provides a rigorous and constructive framework to find traveling wave solutions of reaction–diffusion systems with time delay. The method is tried out on two classical examples with delay: the predator–prey and Belousov–Zhabotinskii models.
Heat transfer effects in extrudate swell of elastic liquids

Abstract Numerical solutions are given which reveal the effects of viscous dissipation, shear-thinning, and elasticity on the extrudate swell of Nylon-6. Results for a cold isothermal free surface are compared with previous solutions for an adiabatic free surface.
In vitro assembly of dogfish brain tubulin and the induction of coiled ribbon polymers by calcium

Abstract Dogfish brain tubulin exhibits properties which differ from mammalian and chick brain tubulin. Polymerization of dogfish brain tubulin occurs optimally between 18 and 21 °C. The high molecular weight proteins which typically co-purify with tubulin are nearly absent as shown by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A “dynein-like” protein occasionally co-purifies with dogfish brain tubulin, but its absence does not affect polymerization. At 0 °C, tubulin exists almost exclusively in the form of 6S dimers as revealed by analytical ultracentrifugation. Samples negatively stained and observed in the electron microscope have insignificant numbers of ring and spiral structures present. In some preparations, short thin filaments, approx. 200 nm in length, are seen. During polymerization, large numbers of coiled sheet polymers appear. These coiled ribbons are present throughout the early stages of polymerization, but not after polymerization reaches a plateau. The helical ribbons have an average width of 35 nm and contain approx. 8 protofilaments. The pitch angle of the helix is 33 ° and two or three turns are usually seen. The addition of 10 mM CaCl 2 to a polymerized or polymerizing solution of tubulin induces the formation of rings which transform into stable coiled sheet polymers. Some of the coiled sheets form tubules when adjacent gyres of the spirals join together. The diameter of these “macrotubules” range between 50 and 100 nm. The data suggest that ring structures are not obligate intermediates of polymerization and bring into question the role of the microtubule-associated proteins.
Live coral repels a common reef fish ectoparasite

Coral reefs are undergoing rapid changes as living corals give way to dead coral on which other benthic organisms grow. This decline in live coral could influence habitat availability for fish parasites with benthic life stages. Gnathiid isopod larvae live in the substratum and are common blood-feeding parasites of reef fishes. We examined substrate associations and preferences of a common Caribbean gnathiid, Gnathia marleyi. Emergence traps set over predominantly live coral substrata captured significantly fewer gnathiids than traps set over dead coral substrata. In laboratory experiments, gnathiids preferred dead coral and sponge and tended to avoid contact with live coral. When live gnathiids were added to containers with dead or live coral, significantly fewer were recovered from the latter after 24 h. Our data therefore suggest that live coral is not suitable microhabitat for parasitic gnathiid isopods and that a decrease in live coral cover increases available habitat for gnathiids.
Ultrashort-pulse, ultrahigh-peak-power Ti:sapphire lasers

Techniques for the production of multiterawatt, sub-20-fs, optical pulses via chirped pulse amplification are discussed. Regenerative pulse shaping is used to control gain narrowing during amplification and an optimized, quintic-phase-limited, dispersion compensation scheme is used to control higher order phase distortions over a bandwidth of approximately 100 nm. Transform-limited, 18-fs pulses of 4.4-TW peak power have been produced in a Ti:sapphire- based, chirped pulse amplification system at a repetition rate of 50 Hz. Extensions to shorter durations and peak powers approaching 100 TW are also described.
Dynamics of protein aggregation at the oil–water interface characterized by single molecule TIRF microscopy

Single molecule total internal reflectance fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the dynamic mechanisms of bovine serum albumin layer formation at the silicone oil–water interface. After an initial induction period, the mean diffusion coefficient of protein objects was observed to decrease as a function of exposure time. Simultaneously, the total adsorption rate was observed to decrease; both observations are consistent with protein layer formation. Importantly, the distribution of diffusion coefficients broadened systematically with exposure time, suggesting the presence of surface objects with a wide range of hydrodynamic radii ranging from a few nm (consistent with monomers) to ∼180 nm. The spatial distribution of the adsorption rate, which was initially uniform, gradually became inhomogeneous, also consistent with the existence of large aggregates. The kinetics of protein layer formation was dependent on the bulk protein concentration in the aqueous phase, and a kinetic population balance model was used to explain the nonlinear concentration dependence.
Full‐text medical literature retrieval for continuing medical education

It can he projected that in the near future plysicians with personal computers connected to telephone lines will routinely have access directly into imst computer-stored medical databases. 7% will permit eflicient online search and retrieval of the full text of relevant medical literature for practice-linked medical education and clinical decision suppotT Thus, the gap between what is known and what is practiced can he narrowed.
Layered Nickel Oxide-Based Cathodes for Lithium Cells: Analysis of Performance Loss Mechanisms

Layered Nickel Oxide-Based Cathodes for Lithium Cells: Analysis of Performance Loss Mechanisms Marie Kerlau, Jeffrey A. Reimer, and Elton J. Cairns Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and University of California, Berkeley 94720 Abstract Spectroscopic and electrochemical diagnostic measurements are reported for the cell components of a Generation 2 (Gen 2) Li-Ion cell from the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Technology Development (ATD) project. The cells are composed of LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2 positive electrodes (cathode), carbon graphite anodes and electrolyte consisting of 1.2 M LiPF 6 in EC:EMC 3:7. Fluorophosphates were observed by 19 F and P NMR in the electrolyte obtained from a Gen 2 cell aged 72 weeks at 45°C and presenting 50 % power fade. These electrolyte decomposition products were also observed by 31 P solid-state NMR on the surface of the cathode of the same cell. Samples were cut from the aged cathode from the original cell, subjected to different treatments (ultrasonic washing in anhydrous DMC, pressing, ultrasonic washing and pressing), and subsequently reassembled into small lab cells for electrochemical characterization. These treatments recovered the capacity of the electrodes to within a few percent of the original value, with the most improvement being obtained with the washed and pressed cathode. The impedance of the cathodes was also lowered after the ultrasonic washing and pressing treatments. Electron microscopy revealed that the ultrasonic washing of the aged Gen 2 cathode material resulted in the removal of small particles covering the surface of the active cathode. These findings are interpreted in terms of a model whereby capacity loss, and thus power capability, is restored by removing the fluorophosphate deposit and restoring electronic contact to the active cathode material.
Insider behavior and R&D changes around seasoned equity offerings

Unlike the IPO research, the SEO research has not examined the relation between insider behavior and R&D changes around offering dates. We tread new ground by examining this relation for SEOs. Like the IPO research, we find a positive association between changes in R&D and changes in insider ownership proportions. However, the comparison of SEOs with IPOs fails to generate complete agreement. For example, our insider results for SEOs are driven as much by five percent owners as by directors and officers, while IPO results are driven by directors and officers. Furthermore, while the IPO research and our SEO study both find evidence for the earnings manipulation hypothesis, our SEO results also offer support for the R&D signaling hypothesis. This latter support is due strictly to the five percent ownership group. Additionally, our insider results for SEOs indicate that endogeneity is just as pronounced during non-bubble periods as bubble periods. For IPOs, the evidence indicated endogeneity was a bubble period phenomenon. The main factor in explaining differences between SEOs and IPOs involves the five percent group consisting of large institutional owners who can amass large holdings and, along with directors and officers, control decision-making around SEOs. This decision-making cannot only reduce R&D to inflate earnings when insiders are lowering their ownership but can also increase R&D when insiders are prone to increase their ownership based on positive sentiments. For this positive situation, firms are more likely to be increasing capital expenditures with the five percent owners pushing this agenda.
The metabolic effects of dichloroacetate

Abstract Dichloroacetate activates the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex of many tissues by inhibiting the kinase responsible for phosphorylation and inactivation of the complex. Dichloroacetate also activates the myocardial branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase complex but apparently not by direct inhibition of the analogous kinase. Oxalate and glyoxylate, metabolites of dichloroacetate, are responsible for some in vitro effects of dichloroacetate. Dichloroacetate stimulates leucine oxidation by isolated hepatocytes because glyoxylate transaminates with leucine. Dichloroacetate inhibits lactate gluconeogenesis by hepatocytes incubated in low bicarbonate buffer because oxalate inhibits pyruvate carboxylase under such conditions. In vivo, dichloroacetate decreases blood glucose by limiting the supply of gluconeogenic precursors to the liver. This effect is a consequence of pyruvate dehydrogenase activation in peripheral tissues. Dichloroacetate lowers blood cholesterol in hyperlipidemic patients by uncertain means. Dichloroacetate has been tried experimentally in treatment of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperlactatemia, but it has neurotoxicity, can cause cataracts, and may be mutagenic.
Deadline-based scheduling of periodic task systems on multiprocessors

We consider the problem of scheduling periodic task systems on multiprocessors and present a deadline-based scheduling algorithm for solving this problem. We show that our algorithm successfully schedules on m processors any periodic task system with utilization at most m2/(2m - 1).
Identity, Conflict, and Coexistence: Life Stories of Israeli and Palestinian Adolescents

Assuming a cultural psychology approach, this study examines the life stories of 30 Israeli and Palestinian adolescent participants in a coexistence program. Prior to participation, youth identity was characterized by polarization in which an ingroup ideology is internalized with little understanding of the outgroup’s ideological perspective. Three identity-related outcomes emerged following participation. Identity transcendence, in which a reduction in salience of ingroup ideology was accompanied by increased recognition of outgroup ideological legitimacy, characterized the most common immediate outcome. Identity accentuation characterized the long-term impact for most youth, whose ideological identifications ultimately conformed to an ingroup identity narrative. Identity conflict occurred among youth who struggled to integrate the experience of coexistence into the life story. Findings suggest (a) the challenges of identity intervention in the context of intractable conflict, and (b) a context-specific ...
THE POSSIBILITY OF GROUP WELFARE FUNCTIONS

This paper gives a brief overview of the well-known impossibility-possibility theorem in constructing a social welfare function from individual functions. The Analytic Hierarchy Process uses a fundamental scale of absolute numbers to represent judgments about dominance in paired comparisons. It is shown that it is possible to derive such a function in two ways. One is from the synthesized functions of the judgments of each of the individuals. The other is obtained by first combining corresponding pairwise comparison judgments made by all the individuals, thus obtaining a matrix of combined judgments for the group and then deriving a welfare function for the group. With consistency the four conditions imposed by Arrow are satisfied. With inconsistency, an additional condition is needed.
Embryonic migration during the prenatal development of palm print patterns

A major landmark on the palm, the t triradius, is usually found near the wrist. Much interest centres on the fact that it is sometimes found to be central in the palm. It is suggested that, during embryonic development, the t triradius migrates from a position in the centre of the palm to arrive near the wrist. According to this hypothesis, those cases where t triradius remained in the centre of the palm would represent arrests of development. This might explain the association of certain chromosome abnormalities with a t triradius in the centre of the palm.
From both sides now: informed consent, organ transplantation, and family-based disclosure.

Drawing on the legal and social development of the right of individual patients to give informed consent to medical treatment, this article explores some implications of heroic life-saving measures in medicine that are made possibly by unprecedented advances in medical technology. Talcing cardiac transplantation as its primary example, the article examines the broader effects, both short-term and long-term, on family members as well as on the patient of this and similar types of heroic treatment. The author then offers a novel legal theory: where the heroic measure holds the risk of serious or life threatening changes, not just for the patients themselves but for their intimately connected family members as well, those members ought to have a legal right to participate in the informed consent process. The author sketches the contours of such a right and defends it in the face of various objections that may be made to it. I've looked at life from both sides now from win and lose, and still somehow it's life's illusions I recall. I really don't know life at all. (“Both Sides Now,” on Colors of the Day: The Best of Judy Collins, Electra Records 1972)
Formulation of Euler–Lagrange equations for fractional variational problems

Abstract This paper presents extensions to traditional calculus of variations for systems containing fractional derivatives. The fractional derivative is described in the Riemann–Liouville sense. Specifically, we consider two problems, the simplest fractional variational problem and the fractional variational problem of Lagrange. Results of the first problem are extended to problems containing multiple fractional derivatives and unknown functions. For the second problem, we also present a Lagrange type multiplier rule. For both problems, we develop the Euler–Lagrange type necessary conditions which must be satisfied for the given functional to be extremum. Two problems are considered to demonstrate the application of the formulation. The formulation presented and the resulting equations are very similar to those that appear in the field of classical calculus of variations.