cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulations of high-Mach-number collisionless perpendicular shocks in astrophysical plasmas.

A problem of critical importance to space physics and astrophysics is the existence and properties of high-Mach-number shocks. Preliminary results of a simulation of a perpendicular shock with Alfven Mach number 22 are reported. It is shown that for sufficiently small electron resistivity the dissipation for this shock is provided by a periodic rather than time-stationary reflection of ions. The problem of electron heating and the extension to higher Mach numbers are discussed.
BUOYANCY-INDUCED FLOWS IN SPHERICAL ANNULAR SECTORS: A NUMERICAL STUDY

Calculated buoyancy-induced flows and heat transfer are presented for concentric spherical annular sectors defined by two isothermal spherical walls and an insulated radial wall at the sector angle. Over the range of geometric parameters examined, these results resemble published results for spherical annuli at low Grashof number Gr. As Gr increases, multicellular flows develop, followed by a reverse transition to unicellular flows. Reducing Gr reveals a second set of solutions, unicellular flows, for Gr between the transition and reverse transition, defining a hysteresis loop. Significant differences in local heat transfer result from these two solutions at the same Gr.
A Centralcasting Postmortem and a News-Share Projection: Using Market Theory to Assess Alternative Local Television News Strategies

In the wake of decisions by two television station groups in 2006 to end centralcasting experiments, the author of this paper employed market theory to compare both centralcasting and contracted newscast products with traditional newscast products. Twenty-two newscasts that aired between 2004 and 2005 were recorded and analyzed in three southern markets. Results showed in the 2,583 stories analyzed there were more similarities than differences between the traditionally staffed local news operations and the operations produced with alternative staffing. News programs produced in a news share agreement or with a centralized news operation showed no less commitment than the “fully” staffed operations to stories related to state and local politics or government. The results of this study were consistent with data in the State of the News Media 2006 report that found a heavy emphasis on crime and accidents in local news.
Managing the Effects of Divestiture and Layoffs on Employees

How employees react to layoffs after a divestiture depend on how they perceive the fairness of the deal.
The Promises and Perils of “Scientifically Based” Research for Urban Schools:

In this age of high-stakes testing and calls for more stringent measures of accountability, urban schools face a great deal of scrutiny. In fact, the direct benefactors of school reform remain the students most at risk for not reaping the benefits of reform rhetoric. Current legislation that propels the notion of “scientifically based research” to the forefront of debate on what constitutes a high-quality education fails to contextualize the teaching and learning process in urban settings and promises to do more harm than good. This article will examine the challenges and opportunities inherent in scientifically based research and the implications for urban schools.
Comprehensive study of three-object triangulation

Given three landmarks whose location in Cartesian space is known, and a robot with the ability to detect each landmark's heading with respect to the robot's internal orientation, the task is to determine the robot's location and orientation in Cartesian space. Although methods are mentioned in literature, none are completely detailed to the point where useful algorithms to compute the solution are given. This paper presents four methods: (1) Iterative search, (2) Geometric circle intersection, (3) Geometric triangulation, and (4) Newton-Raphson iterative method. All four methods are presented in detail and compared in terms of robustness and computation time. For example, circle intersection fails when all three landmarks lie on a circle, while the Newton-Raphson method fails when the initial guess of the robot's position and orientation is beyond a certain bound. The shortcomings and strengths of each method are discussed. A sensitivity analysis is performed on each method, with noise added to the landmark locations. The authors were involved in a mobile robotics project that demanded a robust three landmark triangulation algorithm. None of the above methods alone was adequate, but an intelligent combination of each method served to overcome their individual weaknesses. The implementation of this overall absolute positioning system is detailed.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
North Atlantic thermal persistence and coherent evolution

[1] North Atlantic thermal persistence and coherent evolution are examined. A region near Cape Cod and the Gulf of Maine is identified as the North Atlantic (NA)'s most thermally persistent, with a unique combination of high-amplitude, long-lasting sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. A mechanism is advanced, whereby that region's surface ocean reflects deep upper ocean dynamics, with thermal evolution that tracks heat advection by the slowly evolving upper ocean. This is consistent with the subtropical gyre playing an active and central role in NA climate variability. The proposed interpretation is supported by broad, high lag correlations between the Bermuda potential vorticity time series (representing the subtropical gyre state) and surface anomalies. Using the Bermuda potential vorticity time series as a “dynamical filter”, successive lag correlation patterns reveal surface oscillations that are not apparent in the raw surface data.
Results of interferon-alpha therapy in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia 60 years of age and older

Purpose To determine the response rate to interferon-alpha (IFN-α) in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) aged 60 years and older. Patients and methods Patients with CML aged 60 years and older included in all protocols with IFN-α therapy for early chronic phase CML at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center were analyzed. They were treated with human leukocyte or recombinant human IFN-α 5 × 10 6 U/m 2 daily alone or in combination with hydroxyurea or IFN gamma. The clinical characteristics of the patients were analyzed and their hematologic and cytogenetic responses to IFN-α and survival from the initiation of therapy were determined. Results were compared with those of younger patients treated in the same protocols. Treatment-related toxicity was also analyzed. Results Thirty-five of 274 (13%) patients included in trials of IFN-α-based regimens for CML were 60 years and older. Older patients had a higher percentage of bone marrow blasts ( P = 0.04) and basophils ( P = 0.09) than younger patients. Sixty-nine percent achieved a complete hematologic remission with IFN-α therapy, and 51% had a cytogenetic response, which was major in 26% and complete (Philadelphia chromosome-positive cells=0%) in 20%. Their median survival was 64 months, and the estimated 5-year survival rate was 62%. These results were not different from those in younger patients. Twenty-two patients (63%) had at least grade 2 toxicity requiring dose adjustment. The most frequent side effects were neurotoxicity in 31% and chronic fatigue in 29%. Conclusions Patients with CML 60 years of age and older respond well to IFN-α therapy, but experience more toxicity. This therapy should be considered for these patients if they are otherwise in good condition, with careful attention to IFN-α toxicity and its management.
Adverse Selection in the Annuities Market and the Impact of Privatizing Social Security

The observation that few Americans purchase life annuities has often been attributed to adverse selection. A still unanswered question is whether observable price increases caused by adverse selection can be generated endogenously in a life cycle model. This paper calibrates a pure life cycle model for a characteristic US cohort and reproduces three stylized facts. Adverse selection increases annuity prices by 7–10 percent; the cost of adverse selection rises with the age of the annuitant; and the cost is smaller for females than for males. Social security privatization could reduce annuity prices by between 2 and 3 percent.
COLLISIONS OF FAST, HIGHLY STRIPPED CARBON, NIOBIUM, AND LEAD IONS WITH MOLECULAR-HYDROGEN

LBL-11732 c. Preprint To be submitted to Physical Review A COLLISIONS OF FAST, HI STRIPPED CARBON, NIOBIUM, AND LEAD IONS WITH MOLECULAR HYDROGEN A.S. Schlachter, K.H. Berkner, W.G. Graham, R.V. Pyle, J.W. Stearns, and J.A. Tanis November 1980 TWO-WEEK LOAN COPY This is a Library Circulating Copy which may be for two weeks. For a copy, Tech. Division, Ext 6782. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract W-7405-ENG-48
Influence of serum proteins on net fluid reabsorption of isolated proximal tubules.

Influence of serum proteins on net fluid absorption of isolated proximal tubules. To determine the direct effect on net fluid absorption of serum proteins in the peritubular fluid, isolated segments of proximal convoluted (PCT) and straight (PST) tubules were studied in vitro . The tubular lumen was perfused at one end with a micropipet; the other end was occluded. Net transtubular isosmotic fluid absorption at 37° C was determined from the clearance of 3 H 2 O out of the perfusion pipet. In a bath of rabbit serum or 6 g/100 ml bovine albumin in Ringer's media, net absorption was approximately three-fold greater in PCT's than in PST's. Net absorption was directly proportional to tubular length and was markedly inhibited by ouabain. Increased intralumenal hydrostatic pressure did not affect net absorption significantly. Rapid lowering of the bath protein to less than 6 g/100 ml caused net absorption to decrease; in both proximal convoluted and straight tubules net absorption was reduced about 40% in a bath containing 0.3% serum protein. When the bath protein was increased from 6% to 10%, net fluid absorption decreased slightly. On the basis of these studies we conclude that net fluid absorption of proximal tubules is relatively independent of the difference in either hydrostatic or oncotic pressure between the tubular lumen and peritubular fluid. It is suggested that peritubular serum proteins may influence net absorption at the antilumenal side of the epithelial cell, perhaps by facilitating the movement of absorbate across the tubular basement membrane.
New Technique for Investigating Noncrystalline Structures: Fourier Analysis of the Extended X-Ray—Absorption Fine Structure

We have applied Fourier analysis to our point-scattering theory of x-ray absorption fine structure to invert experimental data formally into a radial structure function with determinable structural parameters of distance from the absorbing atom, number of atoms, and widths of coordination shells. The technique is illustrated with a comparison of evaporated and crystalline Ge. We find that the first and second neighbors in amorphous Ge are at the crystalline distance within the accuracy of measurement (1%).
Airway hyperresponsiveness and body mass index: The child health and environment cohort study in Hesse, Germany

Increased body mass index has been linked to wheezing, a diagnosis of asthma, and morbidity. We investigated the association between body mass index (BMI), breastfeeding, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in 536 German schoolchildren. We analyzed consecutive surveys in 1994–1995 and 1997, conducted as part of the Child Health and Environment Cohort Study in Hesse, Germany. The questionnaire included questions adapted from the German version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC). A bronchial challenge test using 4.5% hypertonic saline was conducted during the 1997 survey. AHR was defined as a fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) of ≥15%. Of 536 children who participated in the 1997 survey (median age, 10.3 years), 82 (15%) tested positive for AHR. In a multivariate analysis, there was no association between AHR determined at age 10 years and the highest quintile of BMI compared to the lowest quintile at age 4 years (odds ratio (OR), 1.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.5–3.6), 7–8 years (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.1–2.5), or 10 years (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.2–4.3). Breastfeeding for 12 weeks or longer protected against AHR (OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2–0.9). However, when children in the highest quintile of BMI at age 4 years had been breastfed for 8 weeks or less, the prevalence of AHR at age 10 years was significantly increased (27.7%, P = 0.01). In conclusion, our results demonstrate a protective effect of breastfeeding against AHR, and reinforce the need to encourage breastfeeding. Although there was no association between BMI and AHR, our finding of an interactive effect of high BMI and short breastfeeding on AHR suggests a complex etiological pathway that needs to be further explored. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Preferential loss of EC coupling gradation at positive membrane potentials in rat ventricular myocytes.

Rat ventricular myocytes switched from a solution containing 1 mM extracellular Ca to one containing 5 mM extracellular Ca exhibited larger Ca currents that inactivated more rapidly. Their Ca transients exhibited a slower decay. In some cells the amplitude of the Ca transients increased markedly, but not in others. Strikingly, in about half the cells examined, the graded nature of the Ca transients over the range of positive membrane potentials was lost, as were Ca transients elicited upon repolarization. These changes were manifest without equivalent loss of gradation over the range of negative membrane potentials (–35 to 0 mV). Such preferential loss of gradation at positive membrane potentials also occurred in solutions devoid of extracellular and/or intracellular Na, and was abolished by nifedipine. The results suggest that Ca-induced Ca release from the SR at positive potentials can saturate or become regenerative if the Ca entry trigger is increased. The lack of a similar effect at negative potentials indicates that large numbers of activated L-type channels are critical for induction of regenerative behavior.
A class of sorting algorithms based on Quicksort

Bsort, a variation of Quicksort, combines the interchange technique used in Bubble sort with the Quicksort algorithm to improve the average behavior of Quicksort and eliminate the worst case situation of O(n2) comparisons for sorted or nearly sorted lists. Bsort works best for nearly sorted lists or nearly sorted in reverse.
Interaction of Naphthaleneacetic acid and Kinetin in the Senescence of Detached Leaves

Kinetin and naphthaleneacetic acid were applied separately and in combination to excised leaf disks, localized areas of laminae, and petioles of detached leaves of broccoli ( Brassica oleracea L., var. italica) and Xanthium ( Xanthium pensylvanicum Wallr.). Senscence (measured as loss of chlorophyll) was strongly retarded by kinetin, but very slightly influenced by naphthaleneacetic acid. When the 2 substances were applied concurrently, the effect of kinetin was markedly reduced by naphthalene acetic acid. Neither interference with uptake nor transport of kinetin appeared to cause the reduction. In broccoli, the response to kinetin was as great in young leaves as in old leaves, and the reduction of the kinetin effect by naphthaleneacetic acid was greater in young leaves than in old leaves. Results indicate that the prevention of loss of critical material may be more significantly related to the delay of senescence by kinetin than is directed transport and accumulation (mobilization). Kinetin may control 2 or more events which contribute independently to the delay of senescence in detached leaves, and naphthaleneacetic acid may possibly interfere with only 1 of them.
Kidney Cell Survival in High Tonicity

The kidney medulla of mammals undergoes large changes in tonicity in parallel with the tonicity of the final urine that emerges from the kidney at the tip of the medulla. When the medulla is hypertonic, its cells accumulate the compatible osmolytes myo-inositol, betaine, taurine, sorbitol and glycerophosphorylcholine. The mechanisms by which the compatible osmolytes are accumulated have been explored extensively in kidney-derived cells in culture. Myo-inositol, betaine and taurine are accumulated by increased activity of specific sodium-coupled transporters, sorbitol by increased synthesis of aldose reductase that catalyses the synthesis of sorbitol from glucose. Glycerophosphorylcholine accumulates primarily because its degradation is reduced in cells in hypertonic medium. cDNAs for the cotransporters and for aldose reductase have been cloned and used to establish that hypertonicity increases the transcription of the genes for the cotransporters for myo-inositol, betaine and for aldose reductase. The region 5' to the promoter of the gene for the betaine cotransporter and for aldose reductase confer osmotic responsiveness to a heterologous promoter. The 12-bp sequence responsible for the transcriptional response to hypertonicity has been identified in the 5' region of the gene for the betaine cotransporter.
Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) analysis of protein interactions in Caenorhabditis elegans

Protein interactions are essential components of signal transduction in cells. With the progress in genome-wide yeast two hybrid screens and proteomics analyses, many protein interaction networks have been generated. These analyses have identified hundreds and thousands of interactions in cells and organisms, creating a challenge for further validation under physiological conditions. The bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay is such an assay that meets this need. The BiFC assay is based on the principle of protein fragment complementation, in which two non-fluorescent fragments derived from a fluorescent protein are fused to a pair of interacting partners. When the two partners interact, the two non-fluorescent fragments are brought into proximity and an intact fluorescent protein is reconstituted. Hence, the reconstituted fluorescent signals reflect the interaction of two proteins under study. Over the past six years, the BiFC assay has been used for visualization of protein interactions in living cells and organisms, including our application of the BiFC assay to the transparent nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We have demonstrated that BiFC analysis in C. elegans provides a direct means to identify and validate protein interactions in living worms and allows visualization of temporal and spatial interactions. Here, we provide a guideline for the implementation of BiFC analysis in living worms and discuss the factors that are critical for BiFC analysis.
Time and frequency domain analyses of high-frequency hydrologic and chloride data in an east Tennessee watershed

In the realm of sustainability science, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the basal condition of a natural system as well as its long-term behavior. Research is needed to better explain the temporal scaling of water chemistry in streams and watersheds and its relationship with the hydrologic factors that influence its behavior. Persistence of dissolved chemicals in streams has been demonstrated to be linked to certain hydrologic processes, such as interaction between hydrologic units and storage in surface or sub-surface systems. In this study, spectral and wavelet analyses provided a novel theoretical basis for insights into long-term chloride behavior in an east Tennessee watershed. Temporal scaling analyses were conducted on weekly time series data of chloride collected from November 1995 to December 2005 at the West Fork of Walker Branch in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The objectives of the study were to: evaluate chloride concentration (a conservative solute) to determine the presence of statistical persistence and the relationship of the persistence to hydrologic variables (discharge and rainfall) using time and frequency domain analyses of high-frequency hydrologic and chloride concentration data. Results demonstrated that chloride showed some level of statistical persistence that was influenced by rainfall and/or discharge. Short-term statistical persistence (less than a year) was related to the persistence of rainfall and discharge, whereas long-term statistical persistence (more than a year) was related to the persistence of discharge.
THE CONSUMPTION, DIGESTION AND UTILIZATION OF SOLANACEOUS AND NON‐SOLANACEOUS PLANTS BY LARVAE OF THE TOBACCO HORNWORM, PROTOPARCE SEXTA (JOHAN.) (LEPIDOPTERA: SPHINGIDAE)

Maxillectomized tobacco hornworms were raised from the beginning to the end of the fourth stadium on the leaves of Taraxacum officinale, Arctium minus and Verbascum thapsus, non-solanaceous plants which are not fed upon by intact larvae. Intact larvae were similarly raised on the leaves of tomato, potato and Solanum dulcamara. The growth rate, the rate of food intake, the percent digestibility and the gross and net efficiency of the utilization of food for growth were measured on the basis of dry weights. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG ANNAHME, VERDAUUNG UND AUSNUTZUNG VON SOLANACEEN UND NICHTSOLANACEEN DURCH RAUPEN DES TABAKSCHWARMERS, PROTOPARCE SEXTA (JOHAN.) (LEPIDOPTERA: SPHINGIDAE) Maxillektomierte Larven von Protoparce sexta wurden vom Beginn bis zum Ende des vierten Stadiums an Blattern der Nichtsolanaceen Taraxacum officinale, Arctium minus und Verbascum thapsus aufgezogen, die von unbehandelten Tieren nicht gefressen werden. Kontroll-Raupen wurden mit Tomatenlaub gefuttert. Nichtoperierte Tiere wurden in ahnlicher Weise an den Blattern von drei normalerweise angenommenen Solanaceen: Tomaten, Kartoffeln und Solanum dulcamara gehalten. Die Wachstumsrate, der Nahrungsverbrauch, die prozentuale Verdaulichkeit sowie Gesamtund Netto-Wirksamkeit der Nahrungsausnutzung fur das Wachstum wurden auf Grund der Trockengewichte berechnet. Die Nahrungsaufnahme wurde auf der Basis von Frisch- wie Trockengewichten bestimmt. Die Pflanzen unterschieden sich in ihrer Fahigkeit, das Wachstum zu fordern. Mit Ausnahme der an Verbascum gefutterten Raupen konnen Unterschiede in der Wachstumsrate und in der Wirksamkeit der Nahrungsverwertung auf Unterschiede in der Nahrungsaufnahmerate und der Verdaulichkeit der Nahrung zuruckgefuhrt werden. Die verdaulichen Anteile dieser Blatter wiesen ahnliche Nahrwerte auf. Der verdauliche Anteil der Verbascum-Blatter war jedoch dem anderer Blatter ernahrungsmasig unterlegen.
p97 functions as an auxiliary factor to facilitate TM domain extraction during CFTR ER‐associated degradation

The AAA-ATPase (ATPase associated with various cellular activities) p97 has been implicated in the degradation of misfolded and unassembled proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ERAD). To better understand its role in this process, we used a reconstituted cell-free system to define the precise contribution of p97 in degrading immature forms of the polytopic, multi-domain protein CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator). Although p97 augmented both the rate and the extent of CFTR degradation, it was not obligatorily required for ERAD. Only a 50% decrease in degradation was observed in the complete absence of p97. Moreover, p97 specifically stimulated the degradation of CFTR transmembrane (TM) domains but had no effect on isolated cytosolic domains. Consistent with this, p97-mediated extraction of intact TM domains was independent of proteolytic cleavage and influenced by TM segment hydrophobicity, indicating that the relative contribution of p97 is partially determined by substrate stability. Thus, we propose that p97 functions in ERAD as a nonessential but important ancillary component to the proteasome where it facilitates substrate presentation and increases the degradation rate and efficiency of stable (TM) domains.
Adenosine triphosphatase activity within heart homogenates of the turtle, Chrysemys picta.

Abstract 1. 1. Adenosine triphosphatase activity has been estimated in heart homogenates of the fresh-water turtle, Chrysemys picta . 2. 2. Enzymes contained within sucrose-Tris homogenates (pH 7·4) readily hydrolyzed an ATP solution during a 15-min incubation period at 30°C. 3. 3. This activity was enhanced by the presence of low concentrations of magnesium ions, while further stimulation was possible with the addition of 2,4-dinitrophenol. 4. 4. The effect of cold acclimation upon enzyme level was also investigated. No appreciable alteration in enzyme response to magnesium was found in animals maintained at 5°C for periods of time extending to 1 month. However, a fourfold reduction was observed in the DNP response. 5. 5. A discussion is presented regarding the physiological significance of these observations.
DNA Methylation and Flavonoids in Genitourinary Cancers

Malignancies of the genitourinary system have some of the highest cancer incidence and mortality rates. For example prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and ovarian cancer mortality and incidence are near equal. In addition to genetic changes modulation of the epigenome is critical to cancer development and progression. In this regard epigenetic changes in DNA methylation state and DNA hypermethylation in particular has garnered a great deal of attention. While hypomethylation occurs mostly in repeated sequence such as tandem and interspersed repeats and segment duplications, hypermethylation is associated with CpG islands. Hypomethylation leads to activation of cancer-causing genes with global DNA hypomethylation being commonly associated with metastatic disease. Hypermethylation-mediated silencing of tumor suppressive genes is commonly associated with cancer development. Bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids present in fruits, vegetables, beverages etc. have the ability to modulate DNA methylation status and are therefore very valuable agents for cancer prevention. In this review we discuss several commonly methylated genes and flavonoids used to modulate DNA methylation in the prevention of genitourinary cancers.
Folded Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers Fabricated by Focused Ion Beam Etching

The development of compact and efficient laser sources at 1500nm and 1300nm without the need for cleaved edges has been pursued since the early 1980s with the development of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs). These lasers have been widely used for data communications, and are currently applied for high frequency optical interconnects. In the past, much work has been done to define higher power and higher frequency VCSELs. Lithographically defined photonic crystal lasers and annular Bragg reflector lasers have been recently developed within InGaAsP gain material emitting in the telecommunications spectrum. These geometries permitted the reduction of the mode volume to a minimum, but typically suffer from low gain and correspondingly small output power capability. Here, we explore the use of folded cavity lasers to obtain devices that combine large output power with efficient surface emission without the requirement of cleaving short cavities.
RHIC and High Energy Density Matter

The central goal of the RHIC experimental program at Brookhaven National Laboratory is to make and study the Quark Gluon Plasma. Another new form of matter, the Color Glass Condensate may be formed in these collisions. The recent results from RHIC are discussed in this context.
Referential mapping: A technique for attaching functional significance to the innovative utterances of an African Grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus)

A set of procedures called referential mapping has been used to assign meaning to spontaneous vocalizations of an African Grey parrot. These spontaneous vocalizations were combinations and phonological variations of specific vocal English labels that the bird had previously acquired in a study on interspecies communication. These recombinations were not necessarily intentionally used to describe or request novel objects or circumstances, even though our earlier data demonstrated that the bird could use vocalizations referentially and intentionally to identify, request, refuse, and categorize various objects. The procedures for dealing with this bird's spontaneous modifications neither attempted to nor needed to evaluate the intentionality of his behavior. Rather, the procedures instructed his trainers to respond to the novel speech acts as though he were intentionally commenting about or requesting objects, actions, or information. The success of such procedures in attaching functional significance to his spontaneous vocalizations and in encouraging subsequent innovation suggests that the technique might be applicable to intervention programs for humans with specific communicative deficits.
Outer space, Geneva and the Conference on Disarmament: Future directions☆

Abstract Global dependence on the space sector is increasing rapidly. However, the growing challenges outer space poses to international security have not, as yet, been effectively addressed in the United Nations Conference on Disarmament (CD) or in other multilateral fora. This paper briefly reviews the current state of affairs of international security and outer space and explores the challenges the international community faces in building international agreements for improved space security and global stability. It examines some of the hurdles that are faced in tackling space security issues are and provides some thinking on ways to overcome them. The paper concludes that there is a potential role for the disarmament community and the CD in particular. As potential conflicts in outer space emerge, having invested bodies and communities such as the CD and a strong cadre of disarmament diplomats and NGOs to act as an informed hub on space and disarmament issues is essential.
Commitment, fusion and biochemical differentiation of a myogenic cell line in the absence of DNA synthesis

Abstract L 6 E 9 rat myoblasts derived from the L 6 cell line can be induced to differentiate to a very high percentage by manipulating the culture conditions. Under standard differentiating conditions, L 6 E 9 cells divide an average of 2.5 times before differentiating and >99% of them incorporate 3 H-TdR before fusing. By inhibiting DNA replication by a variety of means, data have been obtained which demonstrate that this DNa synthesis is not required to switch from growth to differentiation. After every cell division, L 6 E 9 cells have the option either to fuse or to proliferate without intervening DNA synthesis. Cell cloning and DNA labeling experiments show a direct correlation between the time of culture in differentiating medium and a progressive loss of proliferative capacity of mononucleated L 6 E 9 cells, demonstrating that these cells become irreversibly committed to differentiation and withdraw from the cell cycle prior to and not as a consequence of cell fusion. The commitment step occurs during the G1 phase prior to fusion. This G1 phase has a latent period during which no irreversible step toward differentiation occurs and the cells remain ambivalent toward growth or differentiation. Under proper conditions, this period is followed by an irreversible commitment toward differentiation and a loss of proliferative capacity. The kinetics of this commitment step strongly suggest that L 6 E 9 cells become irreversibly committed in a stochastic manner. Once the cells have become committed, with or without DNA synthesis, they will fuse to form myotubes and biochemically differentiate in a deterministic fashion. The data presented are consistent with a stochastic model of differentiation for L 6 E 9 cells and demonstrate that the switch from a proliferating to a differentiating genetic program can occur in the absence of DNA synthesis.
Partisanship and the Allocation of Federal Spending: Do Same-Party Legislators or Voters Benefit from Shared Party Affiliation with the President and House Majority?

Previous research finds that House majority members and members in the president's party garner additional federal spending in their districts. Using federal spending data in individual districts, we implement two research designs to distinguish elected officials enacting policies that benefit like-minded voters—the party in the electorate—from those that benefit same-party elected officials—the party in government. We find robust evidence that presidential partisanship is associated with large differences in spending correlated with voter preferences, but little evidence that presidents favor areas represented by their party in the House. By contrast, control of the House is associated with differences in spending by voter preferences and with modest increases in spending in districts held by members of the majority. These findings have important implications for understanding presidential influence, as well as the role of parties in the House and in coordinating between elected branches.
Coherent analog optical links: design, performance and potential applications

Coherent analog optical links offer several important advantages over conventional direct detection links: better receiver sensitivity, possible use of angle modulation and easy separation of WDM signals and frequency translation. We propose a novel coherent AM-WlRNA optical link, and analyze and optimize its performance. With proper system design, the coherent AM link is insensitive to the laser linewidth. We then compare the performance of the coherent link with that of a direct detection link for two applications: point-to-point links and distribution networks. For typical system parameters, the coherent AM link provides better performance than the direct detection link. >
Studies on dilute solutions of rodlike macroions. I. Light scattering, densitometry, and cryoscopy

Total integrated and photon correlation light scattering have been used to study two samples of poly(1,4-phenylene-2,6-benzobisthiazole) (PBT) representing two methods of precipitation to recover the polymer from the polymerization solvent. Some details of the light-scattering instrument are given. It is found that the PBT sample is rodlike, with persistence length of at least 50 nm, but that the postpolymerization processing method influences the state of interchain aggregation. The data are augmented by measurements of freezing-point depression to estimate the degree of protonation of PBT in sulfuric acid, and by measurements of partial specific volume to provide an estimate for the geometric diameter of the chain in solution. The results show a degree of protonation of 2–4 protons per repeating unit, and partial specific volumes that are appreciably smaller than the specific volume determined for the polymers. Similar data and results are reported for poly(1,4-phenyl-ene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) and poly(1,4-phenylene terephthalamide).
3D edge-preserving smoothing and applications

This paper presents a new algorithm for reducing noise in seismic-impedance cubes while preserving structural and stratigraphic discontinuities or edges. The method divides the vicinity of every location in a 3D impedance cube into a number of blocks as the analysis point moves throughout the volume. At an interior discontinuity location with any 3D orientation, the process does not average values across the edge because this would blur the feature. Instead, the smoothest neighboring value is used. The main advantage of this 3D smoothing algorithm is that it preserves both lateral and vertical edges (i.e., the impedance boundaries) and improves the contrast in coherence attributes derived from impedance data.
Filamentation-Free Broad-Area Laser Design for Efficient Coupling to Single-Mode Fiber

Although the quest for high-power, diffraction-limited, semiconductor lasers has arguably met with limited success, the drive for higher brightness diode lasers continues, driven by fiber laser systems. Using tailored refractive-index and injection-current profiles, broad-area laser beam propagation method simulations predict simultaneous suppression of free-carrier-induced self-focusing and far-field mode compression at high powers. Asymmetric gain from tailored current profiles generate unconventional, null-less modes and lead to distributed gain- and loss-filtering mechanisms for increased beam quality output. A 5.2-7.7 W of filament-free power enables high-efficiency (70%) coupling into SMF-28, resulting in 3.1-5.5 W of fiber-coupled power for erbium-doped fiber amplifiers pumping with 0.72-W/A slope efficiency. The concept is shown to be robust against the shape of the profiles, inhomogeneities in both injection current and refractive index, and thermal lensing with proper submount design.
Interactions Between NO and cAMP in the Regulation of Vascular Tone

Amajor focus of studies in vascular biology has been the role of the endothelium in modulating tone of vascular smooth muscle by release of nitric oxide (NO), stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase, and the subsequent increase in intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). An alternative second-messenger pathway that plays a key role in eliciting relaxation of vascular muscle involves receptor-mediated activation of adenylate cyclase, formation of cAMP, and activation of protein kinase A and myosin light-chain kinase within smooth muscle cells. In general, cAMP-mediated relaxation of vascular smooth muscle does not involve the endothelium. Although most studies suggest that vasorelaxation to many agents is mediated by release of cGMP or cAMP alone, several studies have suggested that some “typical endothelium-independent” vasodilators may also release NO and activate guanylate cyclase.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Relaxation to some classic endothelium-independent agents, including adenosine, prostacyclin, forskolin, and β-receptor agonists, is reduced by inhibitors of NO synthase (NOS).1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 These studies suggest that relaxation of vascular smooth muscle to selected endothelium-independent agents is mediated by an interaction between cGMP and cAMP pathways. Complex interactions between different vasodilator pathways in vascular smooth muscle have been proposed for cyclooxygenase and NOS. For example, inhibition of …
Simple, accurate time synchronization for wireless sensor networks

Time synchronization is important for any distributed system. In particular, wireless sensor networks make extensive use of synchronized time in many contexts (e.g. for data fusion, TDMA schedules, synchronized sleep periods, etc.). Existing time synchronization methods were not designed with wireless sensors in mind, and need to be extended or redesigned. Our solution centers around the development of a deterministic time synchronization method relevant for wireless sensor networks. The proposed solution features minimal complexity in network bandwidth, storage and processing and can achieve good accuracy. Highly relevant for sensor networks, it also provides tight, deterministic bounds on both the offsets and clock drifts. A method to synchronize the entire network in preparation for data fusion is presented. A real implementation of a wireless ad-hoc network is used to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach.
A Study of Permittivity Measurement Reproducibility Utilizing the Agilent 4291B

In the analysis and design of electrical package and printed circuit board structures, engineers frequently rely on measured values of relative permittivity (epsivr). Typically, these measurements are performed using off-the-shelf instruments provided by a range of manufacturers. One instrument that is commonly used for measuring epsivr over the 1 MHz-1 GHz range is the Agilent 4291B. Using this instrument and Agilent's associated dielectric measurement fixture, a study of epsivr measurement reproducibility was performed. This study included five trained operators measuring nine material samples over three days. The material samples included both stacked and unstacked materials, hard and soft materials, and thin and thick materials. With this study, it was possible to estimate the ability of a typical laboratory to reproduce measurements of dielectric constant. In this case, our study showed that the Agilent 4291B system can be used by multiple operators and at different times to measure samples of ABF and FR5 to tolerances between 6% and 12%. Results for other material samples and measurement frequency effects are discussed
Scaling Up Multiphysics

The present paper summarizes trends in supercomputing and the consequences they will have on coupled problems in computational mechanics. The appearance of parallel machines with more than \(10^6\) cores implies that the prevalent ‘scalar-pre, simple parallel solve, scalar-post’ environment will have to give way to a completely scalable simulation pipeline. The grid size alone will force distributed parallelization of meshing, domain splitting, load balancing and post-processing. Possible ways of addressing parallel meshing and dynamic load balancing for multiphysics are treated, and examples shown.
Trigeminal projections to the superior colliculus of the rat

The deep layers of the rodent superior colliculus contain a vibrissae-related organization that is in “spatial register” with the overlying visuotopic organization (Drager and Hubel, '76). The distribution of vibrissae-related afferents and their cells of origin were determined with a number of anatomical techniques. The brainstem trigeminal complex afferents to the superior colliculus terminate in the lateral portions of the strata album intermediale and griseum profundum and, to a lesser degree, in deep portions of the stratum griseum intermediale. The cells giving rise to these afferents are located mainly in the ventral portions of the contralateral principal sensory nucleus, subnucleus oralis, and subnucleus interpolaris. The majority of tectal projection cells are found in subnucleus interpolaris, and the fewest in the principal sensory nucleus. Further, the density of projection cells in the three components of the brainstem trigeminal complex can be correlated with the density of their projections to the superior colliculus. The afferents from the somatosensory cortex terminate in a continuous band in the strata album intermediale and griseum intermediale. The cells of origin of this projection are located in layer Vb of the agranular zones of the ipsilateral somatosensory cortex. The present results suggest that the organization of trigeminal afferents to the deep portion of the superior colliculus is similar to that of the visual afferents to the superficial laminae. Further, the results suggest that observations on the nature of afferent termination patterns should be made with care, considering both the techniques employed and the idiosyncrasies of the local neuropil.
How Do People Make Continence Care Happen? An Analysis of Organizational Culture in Two Nursing Homes

Purpose: Although nursing homes (NHs) are criticized for offering poor quality continence care, little is known about the organizational processes that underlie this care. This study investigated the infl uence of organizational culture on continence care practices in two NHs. Design and Methods: This ethnographic study explored continence care from the perspectives of NH stakeholders, including residents and interdisciplinary team members. Data were collected through participant observation, interviews, and archival records. Results: Human relations dimensions of organizational culture infl uenced continence care by affecting institutional missions, admissions and hiring practices, employee tenure, treatment strategies, interdisciplinary teamwork, and group decision making. Closed system approaches, parochial identity, and an employee focus stabilized staff turnover, fostered evidence-based practice, and supported hierarchical toileting programs in one facility. Within a more dynamic environment, open system approaches, professional identity, and job focus allowed fl exible care practices during periods of staff turnover. Neither organizational culture fully supported interdisciplinary team efforts to maximize the bladder and bowel health of residents. Implications: Organizational culture varies in NHs, shaping the continence care practices of interdisciplinary teams and leading to the selective use of treatments across facilities. Human relations dimensions of organizational culture, including open or closed systems , professional or parochial identity, and employee or job focus are critical to the success of quality improvement initiatives. Evidence-based interventions should be tailored to organizational culture to promote adoption and sustainability of resident care programs.
Throughput-delay trade-off in energy constrained wireless networks

The random network model assumed in this paper is a generalization of the model that incorporates transmission energy consumption. The throughput, delay and energy-per-bit for a communication scheme are related through the scheme's average transmission range, i.e., average hop distance is considered. For mobile networks, the same model with additional feature that each node moves with velocity according to an independent Brownian motion is considered.
Analysis of advanced flight management systems (FMS), flight management computer (FMC) field observations, trials; lateral and vertical path integration

The differences in performance of various manufacturers' Flight Management Systems (FMSs) and their associated Flight Management Computers (FMCs) have the potential for significant impact on the air traffic control system and as such need to be examined and reexamined. While Area Navigation (RNAV) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) procedures and routes are designed according to criteria contained in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) orders, FMC manufacturers build their systems in accordance with Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards (MASPS) [1] and Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) [2] for area navigation systems, Technical Service Orders and Advisory Circulars. It is anticipated that the resulting performance of the aircraft FMC will meet the procedure design requirements identified in the FAA criteria. Airlines and air traffic controllers have as their goal flight procedures where aircraft operations meet expectations for repeatability and predictability to levels of performance sufficient to support performance based operations in the National Airspace System (NAS). Sometimes, due to the nearly independent development of procedure design criteria and aircraft performance standards, the paths of various aircraft on the same procedure do not overlap and do not match the expectancy of the procedure designer. These differences may result from any or all of the following: variations in FMC equipment installed on the aircraft; variations and errors in procedure coding in the FMC navigation database; variations in aircraft-to-FMC interface and associated aircraft performance capabilities; and variations in flight crew training and procedures. The hypothesis of this paper is that the basic FMCs built by avionics manufacturers and installed as the core of the FMC/FMS combinations in various airframe platforms perform differently and we will attempt to quantify those differences. This paper focuses on aspects of lateral and vertical flight FMC performance when processing mandatory block altitudes, aircraft bank angle on turns above flight level nineteen thousand five hundred feet (FL195), determining the vertical transition point at fly-by waypoints, and execution of Optimized Profile Descents (OPDs). Public instrument procedures flown using RNAV are used as the baseline for measuring performance variations. Controlled field observations trials were made using thirteen test benches and four simulators at seven major FMC manufacturers and three airlines. The intent of this report is to contribute technical data as a foundation for the acceptance of mandatory block altitude usage in RNAV and Basic RNP procedures; allow Standard Instrument Departure (SID) and Standard Arrival (STAR) procedure design criteria to utilize bank angles in excess of five degrees above FL195; satisfy an open FAA/Industry Aeronautical Charting Forum issue concerning the vertical transition point at fly-by waypoints; and assess FMC processing of an Optimized Profile Descent.