cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polarographic examination of sialic acids.

WE have investigated systematically the polarographic wave of neuraminic acid derivatives with a dropping-mercury electrode (m = 2.86 mgm./sec., t = 2.98 sec.). The existence of a sialic acid wave was anticipated from the fact that structurally related substances such as pyruvic acid1,2 and fructose3,4 give well-defined polarographic waves. Three type of waves could be observed in N-acetylneuraminic acid solution (NANA): (a) a hydrogen wave in 0.1 M LiCl or in 0.01–0.1 M tetramethylammonium bromide (TMABr) under pH. 7. The apparent half-wave potential is − 1.65 V. (s.c.e.) in 0.01 M TMABr and − 1.48 V. in 0.01 M TMABr. There is a linear relationship between the height of the wave and the square root of the height of the mercury column up to 45 cm. ; and, under defined conditions, a linear relationship between NANA concentration and the height of the wave. Under identical conditions, pyruvic acid (4.05 × 10−4 M in 0.01 M TMABr, under nitrogen) gives a hydrogen wave of the same height (36.7 µamp.) as NANA (39 µamp.). The slope of the straight line in which the height of the wave is plotted as the function of concentration of NANA is 0.3 µamp./µgm./ml. or 92.7 µamp./µ/ml. (at 30° C. in 0.01 M TMABr). There is a marked sensitivity of the wave to ionic strength and also to the presence of oxygen.
The Cdk-Activating Kinase (CAK) from Budding Yeast

Abstract Activation of the cyclin-dependent kinases to promote cell cycle progression requires their association with cyclins as well as phosphorylation of a threonine (residue 161 in human p34 cdc2 ). This phosphorylation is carried out by CAK, the Cdk-activating kinase. We have purified and cloned CAK from S. cerevisiae. Unlike CAKs from other organisms, Cak1p is active as a monomer, has full activity when expressed in E. coli, and is not a component of the basal transcription factor, TFIIH. A temperature-sensitive mutation in CAK1 confers a G2 delay accompanied by low Cdc28p protein kinase activity and shows genetic interactions with altered expression of the gene for the major mitotic cyclin, CLB2 . Our data raise the intriguing possibility that p40 MO15 –cyclin H–MAT1, identified as the predominant CAK in vertebrate cell extracts, may not function as a physiological CAK.
Cachectin - Tumour necrosis factor: A cytokine that mediates injury initiated by invasive parasites

The primary role for which the immune system evolved was a protective one, yet there is no doubt that immune mechanisms can also injure the host. Frequently cited examples of immune-mediated injury include complement-induced disease processes, diseases caused by immune complexes, or those that result from cell-mediated hypersensitivity. During the past few years however, it has become clear that the immune system can also express itself through the action of various cytokines. Gradually, it has been appreciated that these agents may cause disease when produced excessively or inappropriately, and in this article Bruce Beuder and Anthony Cerami discuss one of the most important of these cytokines - cochectin or tumour necrosis factor (TNF).
EXINE DEVELOPMENT IN GERBERA JAMESONII (ASTERACEAE: MUTISIEAE)

The development of the pollen wall in Gerbera jamesonii was studied using light and electron microscopy and histochemical stains. The primexine is patterned while the microspores are encased in the special cell wall. Bacules form at projections of the plasma membrane. Numerous ribosomes and large, single-membrane bound vesicles containing fibrillar material are observed near the developing bacule bases. The tectum and nonhomogeneous layer form simultaneously with the bacules, but do not appear to be outgrowths of them. Following dissolution of the callose cell wall, the lamellate exine-2 is laid down beginning in the apertural region. Polysaccharides are associated with the developing exine- 1 and the pore regions of the exine-2. After exine-2 deposition, the exine- 1 thickens by the addition of sporopollenin. When the exine is completed, a vacuole forms which displaces the nucleus, compresses the exine-2 and expands the incurved exine- 1. As the vacuole shrinks, the intine and storage polysaccharides form. THE EXINE of Gerbera jamesonii is unusually thick and complex (Southworth, 1966). Whatever syntheses are carried out to form this cell wall must be done on a relatively large scale in order to organize and deposit such an abundance of wall material. The thickness further suggests that cellular structures related to exine syntheses might either be large in size or be present in large numbers. Also staining properties of various wall layers should be resolv
Update on Epidemiology and Treatment of MRSA Infections in Children

In 2000–2010, the epidemiology of pediatric MRSA infections in the United States was transformed with an epidemic of CA-MRSA infections. We review the epidemiology of MRSA in the community and in the health care setting, including intensive care units, among infants and CF patients, and in households, as well as the impact that the CA-MRSA epidemic has had on hospitalization with MRSA infections. Risk factors for carriage, transmission, and initial and recurrent infection with MRSA are discussed. New studies on the treatment of pediatric MRSA infections and on the efficacy of MRSA decolonization are reviewed.
Electron microscopic autoradiography incorporation of H3-thymidine in a blue-green alga, Anabaena sp.

Autoradiographic techniques were employed to observe the incorporation of tritiated thymidine into a blue-green alga, Anabaena sp. Labeling was observed in the central and peripheral nucleoplasmic areas of both heterocyst and vegetative cells. The developed silver halide grains appear directly over or closely associated with the nucleoplasmic areas which also give a Feulgen-positive reaction when the cells are subjected to the Feulgen test. These nucleoplasmic areas contain fibrils about 25–30 A in diameter. It is suggested that these nucleoplasmic areas represent the site of the genetic system for this organism and that the fibrils in these areas correspond to the DNA macromolecule.
Benefits and Problems With Student Teams: Suggestions for Improving Team Projects

Business school faculty have been placing students into teams for group projects for many years, with mixed results. Obvious benefits accrue in using teams, but so do numerous problems. One of the main issues is that many business faculty often place students in teams with little or no guidance on how teams properly function. In this article, the author synthesizes a detailed review of the literature on teams and teamwork, examining the benefits and problems of using student teams and then suggests processes business faculty can put in place to maximize the benefits of group projects, while minimizing the problems. A preliminary study of student perceptions of team projects is also included in this review.
Interstitial brachytherapy for salvage treatment of vaginal recurrences in previously unirradiated endometrial cancer patients.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate whether interstitial brachytherapy can effectively salvage vaginal recurrence from endometrial carcinoma. Methods and Materials: Between September 1989 and September 2000, 13 previously unirradiated patients (mean age 70 years) with isolated vaginal recurrences from endometrial adenocarcinoma were treated with interstitial low-dose-rate brachytherapy with or without additional external beam radiotherapy. Brachytherapy was delivered using a modified perineal Syed template loaded with 192 Ir. The central cylinder was loaded with high-activity 192 Ir ( n = 12) or 137 Cs ( n = 1). Results: The patients had initially presented with FIGO Stage I ( n = 11) or III ( n = 2) cancer. Vaginal recurrences were diagnosed at a mean interval of 27.5 months after hysterectomy (range 2–83). The patients were followed for a median of 60 months (range 15–105). Ten patients had recurrence at the vaginal apex and three had recurrence in the lower two-thirds of the vagina. The median time to recurrence was 22 months. The tumor size ranged from 1.5 to 6 cm (mean 2.2, median 2.5). Eleven of 13 patients received 45–50-Gy pelvic external beam radiotherapy, followed by a mean interstitial brachytherapy boost of 28.3 Gy (range 18–35). The 2 other patients received brachytherapy only of 40 Gy and 50 Gy, respectively. All tumors were locally controlled. Three (23%) of 13 patients had a relapse at distant sites (two in the paraaortic region and one in the liver). The overall 8-year actuarial disease-specific survival rate was 77%. Major (Grade 3 and 4) long-term morbidity occurred in 2 patients (15%) and included Grade 3 vaginal ulceration in 1 patient, and Grade 4 colovesical fistula requiring surgical intervention in 1 patient. Additional long-term morbidity included Grade 2 proctitis in 1 patient. Conclusion: Interstitial brachytherapy with or without supplementary external beam radiotherapy can effectively salvage vaginal recurrence from endometrial cancer with very favorable local control and overall survival and acceptable morbidity.
Validity of the sex-role egalitarianism scale: Discriminating egalitarianism from feminism

To explore and to clarify the discriminant validity of the sex role egalitarianism construct, the Sex-Role Egalitarianism Scale (SRES) was administered in conjunction with the Attitudes Toward Women Scale (AWS) and eight personality trait measures to 108 individuals. Results indicated a hypothesized curvilinear relationship between scores on the SRES and the AWS. When personality traits were individually regressed on SRES and AWS, SRES scores uniquely accounted for variance in achievement locus of control, and AWS scores uniquely accounted for variance in need for autonomy and need for succorance. Findings were supportive of the viability of sex role egalitarianism as an attitudinal dimension having meaning beyond that of a traditional — feminist dimension.
Political blog readers: Predictors of motivations for accessing political blogs

This study examines the motivations for why politically interested Internet users in the United States access political blogs and attempts to discover which factors predict motivations for using political blogs. Political surveillance/guidance motives appeared as the strongest motivation for using political blogs, followed by expression/affiliation, convenience/information seeking, and entertainment. Hierarchical regression analysis reveals that blog users with higher levels of political involvement and strength of party affiliation are attracted to political blogs to freely express their political opinion and communicate with other like-minded people, which may indicate the potential of Weblogs as an interactive political discursive space. Based on the findings, this study presents implications and suggestions for future research.
Hydrotreatment reactions with a disposable catalyst

Abstract The residue from the West Virginia University coal cleaning process may contain pyrite in significantly higher concentrations than the raw coal. Accordingly, the residue is used as a catalyst for the hydrodesulphurization (HDS) of benzothiophene and the hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) of quinoline. Grinding improves the performance of the residue catalyst. The results are compared with those when the raw coal or a commercial hydrotreatment catalyst is used. The catalytic activity of the residue is ~15% that of the commercial catalyst for HDS, and ~56% for HDN. The activation energies of the HDN reaction catalysed by the raw coal and by the residue are relatively small, 23–30 kJ mol −1 . This implies that external mass transfer to the surface of the catalyst is the rate-determining step.
Premotor circuits controlling eyelid movements in conjunction with vertical saccades in the cat: I. The rostral interstitial nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus

Saccadic eye movements in the vertical plane are controlled by the rostral interstitial nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus (riMLF) and the interstitial nucleus of Cajal. Eye movements in the vertical direction are accompanied by concurrent upper eye lid movements. These gaze-related lid movements are produced by the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, whose motoneurons are located in the caudal central subdivision (CCS) of the oculomotor nucleus. The neural circuits that direct such gaze-related lid movements were examined by use of both conventional and dual neuronal tracing methods in the cat. Injections of wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) into the area of the CCS revealed a distinctive subset of retrogradely labeled neurons located in the caudomedial portion of the riMLF. This subset of riMLF neurons was not labeled when injections were localized within the oculomotor nucleus proper, without involving the CCS. Injections of biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) that included this caudomedial riMLF region anterogradely labeled axons that projected profusely throughout the CCS. Labeled terminals were seen in close association with retrogradely labeled levator palpebrae motoneurons, which were primarily found contralateral to WGA-HRP muscle injections. Ultrastructural examination revealed that most BDA-labeled terminals contained clear spherical vesicles and formed asymmetrical synaptic contacts, primarily on the proximal dendrites of WGA-HRP-labeled motoneurons. A few had pleiomorphic vesicles. In summary, these results strongly suggest that the caudomedial part of the cat riMLF is a premotor center that monosynaptically controls lid movements in conjunction with vertical saccades.
Double Hit Lymphoma – a Case of Unusual Response After Sequential Aggressive Chemotherapy and Review of the Literature

Lymphomas with recurrent chromosomal breakpoints activating multiple oncogenes, including MYC, BCL2, and BCL6 are often referred to as “Dual Hit” or “Double Hit” lymphomas (DHL). In the updated classification for malignant lymphomas by the World Health Organization (WHO), the novel category of “B-cell lymphoma unclassifiable with features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Burkitt's lymphoma (BL)” was proposed in an attempt to create a (temporary) container for aggressive mature B-cell lymphomas that should not be diagnosed as either BL or DLBCL. DHL make up an important part of this novel WHO category, the other part representing heterogeneous cases of aggressive B-cell lymphoma that have features of BL. DHL are highly aggressive lymphomas with generally poor response to first line and salvage treatment. Limited data is available to guide therapeutic decisions, and despite aggressive measures including high dose (HD) chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT), outcome is unsatisfyingly poor. Herein, we report a case of a patient with DHL and review the relevant literature.
Social Security in a Rapidly Changing Environment: The Case of the Post‐communist Transformation

Overcoming the economic crisis and implementing institutional change in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union has been greatly facilitated by a pre-existing social security network—although adaptations to the new circumstances have been necessary. This paper offers a review of these adjustments and the various strategies that have been employed for mitigating losses in income and in social cohesion with the market reforms. The paper shows how countries first expanded, then curtailed their social programmes, and have started moving away from collective to individualized solutions, not only in the economic but also in the social field. Although this thrust promises many advantages, such as greater personal responsibility and system transparency, several population groups—typically those that fail to form a powerful interest group—risk being left behind by the reform process. The paper concludes that these experiences from the region offer valuable lessons for social programmes assisted by international exchanges that aim to counter the negative impacts of rapid economic and institutional change increasingly a worldwide phenomenon.
A perspective on vascular disrupting agents that interact with tubulin: preclinical tumor imaging and biological assessment

The tumor microenvironment provides a rich source of potential targets for selective therapeutic intervention with properly designed anticancer agents. Significant physiological differences exist between the microvessels that nourish tumors and those that supply healthy tissue. Selective drug-mediated damage of these tortuous and chaotic microvessels starves a tumor of necessary nutrients and oxygen and eventually leads to massive tumor necrosis. Vascular targeting strategies in oncology are divided into two separate groups: angiogenesis inhibiting agents (AIAs) and vascular disrupting agents (VDAs). The mechanisms of action between these two classes of compounds are profoundly distinct. The AIAs inhibit the actual formation of new vessels, while the VDAs damage and/or destroy existing tumor vasculature. One subset of small-molecule VDAs functions by inhibiting the assembly of tubulin into microtubules, thus causing morphology changes to the endothelial cells lining the tumor vasculature, triggered by a cascade of cell signaling events. Ultimately this results in catastrophic damage to the vessels feeding the tumor. The rapid emergence and subsequent development of the VDA field over the past decade has led to the establishment of a synergistic combination of preclinical state-of-the-art tumor imaging and biological evaluation strategies that are often indicative of future clinical efficacy for a given VDA. This review focuses on an integration of the appropriate biochemical and biological tools necessary to assess (preclinically) new small-molecule, tubulin active VDAs for their potential to be clinically effective anticancer agents.
The influences of somatic and dendritic inhibition on bursting patterns in a neuronal circuit model

The balance between inhibition and excitation plays a crucial role in the generation of synchronous bursting activity in neuronal circuits. In human and animal models of epilepsy, changes in both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs are known to occur. Locations and distribution of these excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs on pyramidal cells play a role in the integrative properties of neuronal activity, e.g., epileptiform activity. Thus the location and distribution of the inputs onto pyramidal cells are important parameters that influence neuronal activity in epilepsy. However, the location and distribution of inhibitory synapses converging onto pyramidal cells have not been fully studied. The objectives of this study are to investigate the roles of the relative location of inhibitory synapses on the dendritic tree and soma in the generation of bursting activity. We investigate influences of somatic and dendritic inhibition on bursting activity patterns in several paradigms of potential connections using a simplified multicompartmental model. We also investigate the effects of distribution of fast and slow components of GABAergic inhibition in pyramidal cells. Interspike interval (ISI) analysis is used for examination of bursting patterns. Simulations show that the inhibitory interneuron regulates neuronal bursting activity. Bursting behavior patterns depend on the synaptic weight and delay of the inhibitory connection as well as the location of the synapse. When the inhibitory interneuron synapses on the pyramidal neuron, inhibitory action is stronger if the inhibitory synapse is close to the soma. Alterations of synaptic weight of the interneuron can be compensatory for changes in the location of synaptic input. The relative changes in these parameters exert a considerable influence on whether synchronous bursting activity is facilitated or reduced. Additional simulations show that the slow GABAergic inhibitory component is more effective than the fast component in distal dendrites. Taken together, these findings illustrate the potential for GABAergic inhibition in the soma and dendritic tree to play an important modulatory role in bursting activity patterns.
Motivations and behaviors of software professionals

This paper reports on a study exploring the motivations of professional software workers. We hypothesized that extrinsic motivation is more important to software professionals of today than to those of fifteen to twenty years ago, and that among those in the field today, it is most important for those who had been in the profession for the shortest time. Conversely, we hypothesized that intrinsic motivation is less important to software professionals of today than to those of fifteen to twenty years ago, and that among those in the field today, it is least important for those who had been in the profession for the shortest time. We also expected to find that hours of recreational computer use would be positively correlated with intrinsic motivation and negatively correlated with extrinsic motivation.A review of the literature uncovered a number of studies of DP/MIS personnel which showed that they have high growth needs. This indicates that DP/MIS personnel are concerned with intrinsic factors. We found no longitudinal surveys studying the motivation of computer professionals.Analysis of data from studies in 1969-70 and 1972-73 [26, 27] suggested that at the times of these studies intrinsic motivations were more important to software professionals than to the general workforce, and extrinsic motivations less important. However, the numbers of respondents in these studies who were software professionals were so small (three and eight, respectively) that the results are not statistically valid.We designed and carried out a Survey of Software Professionals (“SSP”), obtaining responses from local businesses and through the Usenet worldwide computer network. After analyzing data from the SSP and from the earlier studies we have concluded (1) that the longer a person has been in the software field the less important extrinsic motivations are to them; (2) that intrinsic motivation has not changed over time, nor does it change the longer one remains in the profession; and (3) software professionals who engage in recreational computer use have higher intrinsic motivation than those who do not.
The effect of neural density and contactor surround on vibrotactile sensation magnitude

Subjective magnitude characteristics for vibrotaction were determined by the method of numerical magnitude balance for three body sites varying in the density of neural innervation: the distal pad of the middle finger, the thenar eminence, and the volar forearm. The effects of a rigid surround upon threshold and the rate of growth of subjective intensity were measured. The results support the suggestion that absolute threshold and the rate of growth of subjective intensity are inverse functions of the total number of sensory neural units stimulated rather than being related simply to the density of neural innervation.
Models of lung transvascular fluid and protein transport.

Transport theory has been applied to lymph flow (QL), protein lymph to plasma concentration ratios (L/P), and permeability surface area for urea (PSu) in unanesthetized sheep. Three models of the plasma-interstitial barrier have been used: a single pathway fiber matrix model, a continuous cylindrical-pore model with log normal distribution of filtration coefficients, and a cylindrical two-pore model. The fiber matrix model was unable to match mesured PSu, QL, and L/P. The continuous-pore model was capable of describing the data, but the fitted median pore size was inconsistent with a continuum theory. The two-pore model described steadystate data and was used in additional model applications. We explored the 90% confidence limits for the fitted structural parameters of the two-pore theory. We found that many sets of model parameters were capable of fitting the available experimental data. We therefore sought combinations of parameters that might characterize the microvascular barrier under baseline and altered permeability situations. One combination that looks promising is the ratio of large-pore to small-pore radius raised to the sixth power and multiplied by the large-pore frequency. This value remains relatively constant following elevations in microvascular pressure, saline infusions, and plasma infusions but increases dramatically after endotoxin infusion.
Automated Testing and Statistical Process Control - From Wafer to Product

In supporting both low-noise and power measurement requirements, many economies of both scale and scope can be utilized. With the increased emphasis today on low-cost products with highly repeatable performance, an integrated approach to on-wafer, packaged and module level characterization is essential. Use of a distributed network of controllers feeding a common database across a network allows the standardization of statistical calculations across products, and rapid response to performance variations in new products. At the wafer level, DC parametric data taken from the HP4142 parametric analyzer is sorted on the fly, and then stored on disk, using a systematic naming system based on the wafer and run numbers. Similarly, noise and s-parameter data taken from the noise figure Summit AutoProber, along with the site location identifiers is also stored on disk using similar naming conventions. Power on-wafer will also soon be available, and pulse power data will be added after that. At the module test level, when the devices are inserted into modules or amplifiers, each product has its data stored in a separate directory in ASCII format, for retrieval later. The module data can then be imported into a relational database such as Paradox, where multiple tables are appropriately keyed in order to link them, and to maintain maximum database integrity by automatically updating the data for retested modules. A wide range of statistics or correlation tests can then be run, comparing the wafer level performance to the module level for particular wafers, based on highly flexible criteria.
Some Immunologic Phenomena in Treatment of and Patch Testing for Ragweed Oil Dermatitis

I THE RELATION OF PATCH TEST REACTIONS TO THE CLINICAL COURSE IN RAGWEED DERMATITIS TREATED BY THE ORAL METHOD Prophylaxis and treatment of contact eczematous dermatitis by specific hyposensitiaztion is still regarded with skepticism. However, there is evidence that contact dermatitis due to oil oleoresins may possibly afford opportunity for specific hyposensitization by administration of the causative allergen.
ADSORPTION DYNAMICS OF CO2 ON HYDROGEN PRECOVERED Zn-ZnO(0001): A MOLECULAR BEAM STUDY

Presented are initial, S0, and coverage, Θ, dependent, S(Θ), adsorption probability measurements, respectively, of CO2 adsorption on a hydrogen precovered, polar, Zn-terminated surface of ZnO, parametric in the impact energy, Ei, and atomic hydrogen precoverage, ΘH. Furthermore, CO2 Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy has been used to estimate ΘH as well as the binding energy of CO2 on H/Zn-ZnO. The S(Θ) curves are below Ei=0.56 eV, consistent with precursor-mediated adsorption (S~const), and above that impact energy with adsorbate-assisted adsorption (S increases with Θ). Although a decrease in the CO2 binding energy from 32.5 to 28.8 kJ/mol with ΘH is present, S(Θ, ΘH) curves are consistent with a physical site blocking, as demonstrated by Monte Carlo Simulations.
Two-dimensional melting

For a decade now the subject of the nature of the two-dimensional melting transition has remained controversial. An elegant theory based on the unbinding of pairs of crystal defects suggested that two-dimensional solids might melt by a transition sequence involving two continuous transitions separated by a novel, nearest-neighbor-bond-orientationally ordered fluid---the hexatic phase. Competing theories predict that the transition is of the usual first-order type observed in three-dimensional systems. This paper is a critical review of the current status of research into the problem of two-dimensional melting, with an emphasis on computer simulations. An attempt is made to point out unresolved issues pertaining to this fascinating and still open question.
Transverse wakefield calculations

Abstract A computer program, DBCI, is described. This program is used to calculate transverse wakefields for relativistic beams passing through cylindrically symmetric cavities. Some examples of results are given, and comparison is made with measurements.
Effects of the antimicrobial sulfamethoxazole on groundwater bacterial enrichment.

The effects of “trace” (environmentally relevant) concentrations of the antimicrobial agent sulfamethoxazole (SMX) on the growth, nitrate reduction activity, and bacterial composition of an enrichment culture prepared with groundwater from a pristine zone of a sandy drinking-water aquifer on Cape Cod, MA, were assessed by laboratory incubations. When the enrichments were grown under heterotrophic denitrifying conditions and exposed to SMX, noticeable differences from the control (no SMX) were observed. Exposure to SMX in concentrations as low as 0.005 μM delayed the initiation of cell growth by up to 1 day and decreased nitrate reduction potential (total amount of nitrate reduced after 19 days) by 47% (p = 0.02). Exposure to 1 μM SMX, a concentration below those prescribed for clinical applications but higher than concentrations typically detected in aqueous environments, resulted in additional inhibitions: reduced growth rates (p = 5 × 10−6), lower nitrate reduction rate potentials (p = 0.01), and decrea...
Efficient Explicit-Solvent Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Molecular Association Kinetics: Methane/Methane, Na(+)/Cl(-), Methane/Benzene, and K(+)/18-Crown-6 Ether.

Atomically detailed views of molecular recognition events are of great interest to a variety of research areas in biology and chemistry. Here, we apply the weighted ensemble path sampling approach to improve the efficiency of explicit solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in sampling molecular association events between two methane molecules, Na+ and Cl− ions, methane and benzene, and the K+ ion and 18-crown-6 ether. Relative to brute force simulation, we obtain efficiency gains of at least 300 and 1100-fold for the most challenging system, K+/18-crown-6 ether, in terms of sampling the association rate constant k and distribution of times required to traverse transition paths, respectively. Our results indicate that weighted ensemble sampling is likely to allow for even greater efficiencies for more complex systems with higher barriers to molecular association.
Continuity or Change: US Policy & Taiwan

Although the government and society of the Republic of China’s (ROC or Taiwan) have changed markedly in the new millennium, the fundamentals of US policy toward the island remain intact. This study outlines recent developments in Taiwan and shows how they represent challenges to the US. It also discusses American policy toward Taiwan and examines several proposals for change that an American administration may wish to consider. In conclusion, the paper explains why the current policy, albeit contradictory and ambiguous, is in the best interest of the United States. There is a strong possibility that any major change in policy would succeed only in undermining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
“You Never Know What’s Gonna Happen” An Examination of Communication Strategies Used by College Student-Athletes to Manage Uncertainty

Student-athletes are regularly faced with uncertainty, particularly at the highest levels of collegiate sports. Although it can result in both adverse and beneficial outcomes, little is known about the nature of this uncertainty. Thus, framed by Uncertainty Management Theory (UMT), this study relied on in-depth interviews of 17 student-athletes at an athletically-and-academically elite U.S. university to uncover what uncertainty scholar-athletes encountered and how they managed this ambiguity communicatively. The investigation found student-athletes experienced personal (e.g., injury), social (e.g., friends), and future (e.g., career) uncertainty. Participants managed this uncertainty through the use of communication strategies such as seeking social support, not disclosing their athlete status, or relying on prayer. While most participants perceived uncertainty as negative and sought to reduce it, some embraced it and learned to adapt. In addition to uncovering tangible uncertainty management strategies,...
Kinetic Shapes: Analysis, Verification, and Applications

A circular shape placed on an incline will roll; similarly, an irregularly shaped object, such as the Archimedean spiral, will roll on a flat surface when a force is applied to its axle. This rolling is dependent on the specific shape and the applied force (magnitude and location). In this paper, we derive formulas that define the behavior of irregular 2D and 3D shapes on a flat plane when a weight is applied to the shape's axle. These kinetic shape (KS) formulas also define and predict shapes that exert given ground reaction forces when a known weight is applied at the axle rotation point. Three 2D KS design examples are physically verified statically with good correlation to predicted values. Motion simulations of unrestrained 2D KS yielded expected results in shape dynamics and self-stabilization. We also put forth practical application ideas and research for 2D and 3D KS such as in robotics and gait rehabilitation.
A SIMULATION-BASED EQUIPMENT ENVIRONMENT FOR FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

This paper discusses a new simulation environment that provides a cell controller to coordinate equipment within a cell to perform a sequence of manufacturing operations. Petri net models mapping to scenario–based simulators of the equipment are described. The intended advantage of the simulation environment is that only one personal computer can make all experimental tests and does not need the actual manufacturing equipment. We start with the tool of scenario to model the operation sequences of the system's equipment. The scenario methodology is able to depict clearly the signals of communication for the equipment. Finally, two examples are proposed for the simulation environment.
Self-monitoring and knowledge-building in learning by teaching

Prior research has established that learning by teaching depends upon peer tutors’ engagement in knowledge-building, in which tutors integrate their knowledge and generate new knowledge through reasoning. However, many tutors adopt a knowledge-telling bias defined by shallow summarizing of source materials and didactic lectures. Knowledge-telling contributes little to learning with deeper understanding. In this paper, we consider the self-monitoring hypothesis, which states that the knowledge-telling bias may arise due to tutors’ limited or inadequate evaluation of their own knowledge and understanding of the material. Tutors who fail to self-monitor may remain unaware of knowledge gaps or other confusions that could be repaired via knowledge-building. To test this hypothesis, sixty undergraduates were recruited to study and then teach a peer about a scientific topic. Data included tests of recall and comprehension, as well as extensive analyses of the explanations, questions, and self-monitoring that occurred during tutoring. Results show that tutors’ comprehension-monitoring and domain knowledge, along with pupils’ questions, were significant predictors of knowledge-building, which was in turn predictive of deeper understanding of the material. Moreover, tutorial interactions and questions appeared to naturally promote tutors’ self-monitoring. However, despite frequent comprehension-monitoring, many tutors still displayed a strong knowledge-telling bias. Thus, peer tutors appeared to experience more difficulty with self-regulatory aspects of knowledge-building (i.e., responding appropriately to perceived knowledge gaps and confusions) than with self-monitoring. Implications and alternative hypotheses for future research are discussed.
Front End to Backpipe: Membrane Technology in the Starch Processing Industry

The starch processing industry is characterized by streams that vary in diversity and complexity and that require extensive processing to achieve high end product quality. Water removal and product separations are two fundamental processing steps that impact product quality and processing economics. Many uses have been found for membrane technology in the starch processing industry; these include pretreatment of fresh water, recovery of solids and wastewater treatment. In many cases, membrane applications have increased quality of products, decreased energy costs and reduced disposal issues relating to waste treatment. Membranes can be used to filter many types of fluids in potato, wheat and corn starch isolation processes with varying degrees of success. Robust membrane materials have been developed with unique processing capabilities suited for the needs of the starch processing industry. Membranes have been used commercially to increase product quality while reducing costs, such as in syrup and sweetener clarification. Membrane technology has shown promise for reducing evaporation costs, improving product recovery and removing solids prior to wastewater treatment. In many applications, the cost of dewatering using membranes was a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. Membranes can be used to recover proteins from dilute process streams, but more work is needed regarding changes in nutrient quality when membranes are used in place of conventional separation technologies such as centrifugation, vacuum belt filtration and evaporation. There is need for detailed discussion of analyses regarding economics of long term operation and maintenance of membranes as part of a processing system.
Murine liver arylsulfatase B processing influenced by region on chromosome 17.

SM/J liver arylsulfatase B has a more rapid electrophoretic mobility and occurs as a series of more acidic isozymes following electrofocusing in narrow pH gradients than the liver enzyme from C57BL/6J mice. The SM/J and C57BL/6J electrofocusing patterns were both converted to a single isozyme with similar isoelectric points by pretreatment with neuraminidase, suggesting that the SM/J and C57BL/6J isozymes differed with respect to their sialic acid content. Arylsulfatase B electrofocusing and thermostability phenotypes segregated independently among progeny of SM/J×C57BL/6J crosses, suggesting that the electrofocusing phenotypes were not determined by different alleles at As-1, the putative structural locus for arylsulfatase B. Comparison of the joint segregation of hepatic acid phosphatase electrophoretic patterns and liver arylsulfatase B electrofocusing profiles revealed that the electrofocusing profiles may be determined by a region on chromosome 17 near or identical to Apl. Kidney, brain, and spleen arylsulfatase B electrofocusing patterns did not appear to differ between SM/J and C57BL/6J mice.
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma tumor grade determination using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether the degree of enhancement of pancreatic adenocarcinoma visualized on arterial phase gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlates with the histopathological tumor grade. METHODS Thirty-nine patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma had MRI within 14 days before tumor resection. Gadolinium-chelate-enhanced (Gd) 3-dimensional gradient echo images were acquired including the arterial phase. Tumor imaging patterns on the arterial phase images were classified for low, moderate, or high degree of enhancement and compared against conventional histological grading. RESULTS Based on histological grading, there were 12 poorly differentiated, 2 poorly to moderately differentiated, 22 moderately differentiated, and 3 well-differentiated adenocarcinomas. There was agreement between the MRI arterial enhancement pattern and histological grading in 30 of 39 cases. The mean size of tumors grouped by enhancement pattern or grade was not significantly different between groups. Although minor discordance was found in 9 of the 39 cases, statistical analysis showed agreement between the degree of arterial enhancement on MRI and histological tumor differentiation; the Cohen's kappa value was 0.64 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.46-0.83. CONCLUSIONS Pancreatic adenocarcinoma arterial phase enhancement correlates with the histological grade of differentiation.
Infrared Absorption in Some II-VI Compounds Doped with Cr

The optical absorption spectra of substitutional ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{2+}$ ($3{d}^{4}$) in single crystals of ZnS (cubic and mixed cubic-and-hexagonal), ZnSe, ZnTe, CdS, and CdTe have been measured for Cr concentrations of ${10}^{18}$-${10}^{20}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ and at 2, 15, and 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K in the wave-number range $5\ensuremath{\le}\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}\ensuremath{\le}30000$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The room-temperature spectrum in the range $500\ensuremath{\le}\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}\ensuremath{\le}30000$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ is dominated by a broad absorption band at 5500 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ arising from the $^{5}T_{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{5}E$ transition. These two levels originate from the crystal-field splitting of the $^{5}D$ free-ion ground state. At helium temperatures distinct lines appear on the low-energy side of the $^{5}T_{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{5}E_{2}$ absorption band in all samples except for CdTe. These lines are associated with zero-phonon transitions and phonon-assisted transitions. As the temperature is increased, the relative intensities of some of the lines change due to the thermal population of low-lying levels belonging to the orbital ${T}_{2}$ state. In the case of ZnSe these levels have been studied in the far infrared in the range $5\ensuremath{\le}\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}\ensuremath{\le}200$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, both with and without a magnetic field. An interpretation of the results is made based on crystal-field theory with a strong, static, Jahn-Teller distortion of $E$ symmetry in the $^{5}T_{2}$ orbital ground state. There is little or no Jahn-Teller effect in the $^{5}E$ orbital excited state. The optical transitions exhibit a strong coupling to $E$-mode phonons of average energy \ensuremath{\sim}70 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.
Crustal structure of the Diablo and Gabilan Ranges, central California: A reinterpretation of existing data

The compressional-wave velocity structure of the crust of the Coast Ranges of central California was modeled from seismic refraction data reported previously. For both the Diablo Range (east of the San Andreas fault) and the Gabilan Range (west of the fault), two alternative velocity models were derived for each range by iterative two-dimensional ray tracing. Each pair of models shows a sedimentary layer and an underlying crust composed of three or four layers. For the Diablo Range, the velocities in the sediments range from 2.9 to 4.8 km/sec, and the depth to basement varies from 0.2 km within the central Diablo Range to a maximum of 3.4 km north of the Livermore Valley. In the Gabilan Range, the velocities in the sediments overlying the granitic basement are higher north of the Gabilan Range (3.6 to 4.6 km/sec) than to the south (2.2 to 3.8 km/sec), and the depth to basement both north and south of the range is less than 2 km. Below the sediments and fractured near-surface material, a resolvable difference in the crustal velocity structure on opposite sides of the San Andreas fault indicates compositional differences at depth. The upper crust has an average velocity of 5.7 km/sec at depths between 3 and 16 ± 3 km in the Diablo Range and an average velocity of 6.1 km/sec at depths between 2 and 9 ± 1 km in the Gabilan Range. The lower crust has an average velocity of 6.9 km/sec at depths between 16 ± 3 and 30 km in the Diablo Range and an average velocity of 6.5 km/sec at depths between 10 and 24 km in the Gabilan Range. The models also show that the depth to Moho differs by several kilometers between the two ranges. In the Diablo Range models, the crust-mantle boundary becomes shallower from south to north, rising from a depth of 30 to 26 km. In the Gabilan Range models, the Moho is at a depth of 24 to 26 km, depending on the velocity assumed at the base of the crust. Laboratory measurements of rock velocities and the mapped surface geology allow us to interpret the velocity models in terms of crustal composition. We conclude that the Diablo Range probably consists largely of metagraywacke to a depth of 16 ± 3 km, and gabbroic material below this depth. The crust of the Gabilan Range probably consists of granitic material to a depth of 9 ± 1 km and gneissic material below this depth. Franciscan rocks are not regionally present in the crust of the Gabilan Range. If the gneissic lower crust consists of the same rocks as are found at the surface in the Gabilan Range, then the presumed large-scale lateral motion of the Salinian block has taken place at or below the crust-mantle boundary, rather than along a mid-crustal slip plane.
Using Social Visualization to Motivate Social Production

In this paper we argue that social visualization can motivate contributors to social production projects, such as Wikipedia and open source development. As evidence, we present CodeSaw, a social visualization of open source software development that we studied with real open source communities. CodeSaw mines open source archives to visualize group dynamics that currently lie buried in textual databases. Furthermore, CodeSaw becomes an active social space itself by supporting comments directly inside the visualization. To demonstrate CodeSaw, we apply it to a popular open source project, showing how the visualization reveals group dynamics and individual roles. The paper concludes by presenting evidence that CodeSaw, and social visualization more generally, can motivate contributors to social production projects if the visualization leaves the laboratory and makes it to the community visualized.
Comparison of efficacy, absorption and translocation of three glyphosate formulations on velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)

Growth analysis, absorption and translocation studies were conducted to compare a 1-aminomethanamide dihydrogen tetraoxosulfate (GLY-A) formulation of glyphosate with two isopropylamine (GLY-IPA-1, GLY-IPA-2) formulations of glyphosate on velvetleaf. The two isopropylamine formulations differed by the presence of a surfactant in the formulation, GLY-IPA-1 containing surfactant whereas GLY-IPA-2 did not. Four- to six-leaf velvetleaf was treated with GLY-A and GLY-IPA-1 and GLY-IPA-2 (0, 50, 67, 89, 119, 158, 280, 420, 560 and 840 g AE ha(-1)) with and without ammonium sulfate (AMS; 20 g L(-1)). GLY-A and GLY-IPA-2 included a non-ionic surfactant (2.5 mL L(-1)) in the spray solution at all herbicide concentrations. No additional surfactant was added to GLY-IPA-1. The IC50 value for GLY-A was 88 g AE ha(-1) compared with 346 and 376 g AE ha(-1) for GLY-IPA-1 and GLY-IPA-2 respectively in the absence of AMS. When AMS (20 g L(-1)) was added to the spray solution, the estimated IC50 values were 143, 76 and 60 g AE ha(-1) for GLY-IPA-1, GLY-IPA-2 and GLY-A respectively. Absorption of 14C-glyphosate into the third leaf of five- to six-leaf velvetleaf was three- to sixfold greater 72 h after treatment (HAT) when applied as GLY-A compared with GLY-IPA-1 and GLY-IPA-2 respectively in the absence of AMS. AMS (20 g L(-1)) increased absorption of 14C-glyphosate in all glyphosate formulations two- to threefold, but differences among the formulations remained. Approximately three- and sixfold more 14C-glyphosate applied as GLY-A had translocated out of the treated leaf compared with GLY-IPA-1 and GLY-IPA-2 respectively by 72 HAT. Adding AMS (20 g L(-1)) increased translocation of 14C-glyphosate out of the treated leaf approximately 2.5-fold for all three formulations. The increased efficacy of GLY-A versus GLY-IPA-1 and GLY-IPA-2 on velvetleaf is due to the greater rate of absorption and subsequent translocation of glyphosate out of the treated leaf. AMS increased the efficacy of all three formulations by increasing absorption and translocation of glyphosate in the plant.