cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nambu—Goto Strings

String theory, at first glance, seems divorced from the standard techniques developed over the past 50 years for second quantized field theories. This is because string theory was first historically discovered as afirst quantized theory.This is the reason why string theory at times appears to be a random collection of arbitrary conventions. Although a second quantized field theory can be derived completely from a single action, a first quantized theory requires additional assumptions. In particular, the vertices, the choice of interactions, and the weights of these perturbation diagrams must be postulated by hand and checked to be unitary later.
Temporal pattern discovery for anomaly detection in a smart home

The temporal nature of data collected in a smart environment provides us with a better understanding of patterns over time. Detecting anomalies in such datasets is a complex and challenging task. To solve this problem, we suggest a solution using temporal relations. Temporal pattern discovery based on modified Allen's temporal relations [5] has helped discover interesting patterns and relations on smart home datasets [10]. This paper describes a method of discovering temporal relations in smart home datasets and applying them to perform anomaly detection process on the frequently-occurring events. We also include experimental results, performed on real and synthetic datasets.
On Relative Degrees and Zero Dynamics from System Configuration

Relative degrees and zero dynamics are intrinsic system properties associated with a given input-output pair. In the design of output tracking controllers, the relative degree and the stability of the zero dynamics of the control plant are usually assumed to be known in advance, and are determined by analyzing the system dynamic equations. With the help of bond graphs and through physical reasoning, a set of rules are proposed in this paper to determine the relative degree and the stability of the zero dynamics for a class of systems independent of the system dynamic equations. The rules establish a connection between these system properties and the physical structures, and are useful guidelines on the adjustment of relative degrees and zero dynamics for the purpose of control design.
Maximum-likelihood methods for phylogeny estimation.

Abstract Maximum-likelihood (ML) estimation of phylogenies has reached a rather high level of sophistication because of algorithmic advances, improvements in models of sequence evolution, and improvements in statistical approaches and application of cluster computing. Here, I provide a brief basic background in application of the general principle of ML estimation to phylogenetics and provide an example of selecting among a nested set of ML models using a dynamic approach to hierarchical likelihood-ratio tests. I focus attention on PAUP∗ because it provides unique ease of switching among alternative optimality criteria (e.g., minimum evolution, parsimony, and ML). Further, examples of parametric bootstrap tests are provided that demonstrate statistical tests of phylogenetic hypotheses and model adequacy, in an absolute rather than relative sense. The increasing availability of clustered, parallelized computation makes use of such parametric approaches feasible.
Effects of Shock Temperature on Biological Systems

The BOD, COD, and oxygen uptake data were used to evaluate equilibrium and shock temperature studies on 35°C and 50°C activated sludge systems. The BOD removals of 96% or greater were obtained for ...
Bentonite-derived materials preferably with nanocarbon incorporation exhibiting exceptionally high dielectric loss at relatively low electrical conductivity

Bentonite-derived monolithic materials with and without distributed nanoscale turbostratic carbon, obtained by hot-pressing organobentonite and bentonite particles, respectively, in the absence of an added binder, exhibit exceptionally high dielectric loss while the electrical conductivity is relatively low. The combination of high dielectric loss and relatively low conductivity has not been previously achieved. An additional advantage of these materials is their high-temperature ability. An application relates to electromagnetic absorption in electronic warfare. Both materials comprise mullite, cristobalite, and disordered clay. The organobentonite-derived material also contains carbon due to organic pyrolysis and exhibits loss angle δ 84.04°–89.52°, the real part of the relative dielectric constant 7.2–25 and conductivity 7.7 × 10−5 to 1.7 × 10−8 S/cm over the frequency range from 10 Hz to 2 MHz (relevant to military communication with submarines and to beacons for aircraft and marine navigation); with increasing frequency, δ decreases, the real and imaginary parts of the relative dielectric constant decrease, and the conductivity increases, all without peaks in the frequency dependence. For the material derived from bentonite, δ is high only above 1400 Hz. The carbon reduces the dielectric connectivity but enhances the conduction connectivity, with the effects decreasing with increasing frequency; it causes the real part of the relative dielectric constant to decrease below 200 Hz, and the absolute value of the imaginary part, conductivity, and δ to increase below ~ 1600 Hz and decrease above ~ 1600 Hz.
Providing flexible services for managing shared state in collaborative systems

To effectively collaborate in Internet environments, it is critical to efficiently manage the shared state of collaboration. However, the management of shared state is highly situational; different collaboration semantics require different measures tailored to their specific needs. Hence, providing a general set of services that meet the management requirements of varying collaboration situations is challenging. In this paper, we discuss our approach to providing such services. The services are made flexible by allowing collaborators to choose appropriate services based on the needs of their collaboration tools and specific characteristics of their shared state. We present the shared state management services provided by our Corona server that embodies our approach and report experience with its use.
Homocysteine Impairs Endothelial Wound Healing by Activating Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5

Please cite this paper as: Chen C-H, Beard RS, Bearden SE. Homocysteine impairs endothelial wound healing by activating metabotropic glutamate receptor 5. Microcirculation 19: 285–295, 2012. Abstract Objective: Hcy is an independent risk factor for cerebrovascular disease and cognitive impairment. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of mGluR5 in Hcy-mediated impairment of cerebral endothelial wound repair. Methods: Mouse CMVECs (bEnd.3) were used in conjunction with directed pharmacology and shRNA. AutoDock was used to simulate the docking of ligand–receptor interactions. Results: Hcy (20 μM) significantly increased Cx43-pS368 by mGluR5- and PKC-dependent mechanisms. Hcy attenuated wound repair by an mGluR5-dependent mechanism over the six-day study period but did not alter cell proliferation in a proliferation assay, suggesting that the attenuation of wound repair may be due to dysfunctional migration in HHcy. Hcy increased the expression of Cx43 and Cx43-pS368 at the wound edge by activating mGluR5. Direct activation of mGluR5, using the specific agonist CHPG, was sufficient to reproduce the results whereas KO of mGluR5 with shRNA, or inhibition with MPEP, blocked the response to Hcy. Conclusions: Inhibition of mGluR5 activation could be a novel strategy for promoting endothelial wound repair in patients with HHcy. Activation of mGluR5 may be a viable strategy for disrupting angiogenesis.
Mismatch repair of heteroduplex DNA intermediates of extrachromosomal recombination in mammalian cells.

Abstract Previous work indicated that extrachromosomal recombination in mammalian cells could be explained by the single-strand annealing (SSA) model. This model predicts that extrachromosomal recombination leads to nonconservative crossover products and that heteroduplex DNA (hDNA) is formed by annealing of complementary single strands. Mismatched bases in hDNA may subsequently be repaired to wild-type or mutant sequences, or they may remain unrepaired and segregate following DNA replication. We describe a system to examine the formation and mismatch repair of hDNA in recombination intermediates. Our results are consistent with extrachromosomal recombination occurring via SSA and producing crossover recombinant products. As predicted by the SSA model, hDNA was present in double-strand break-induced recombination intermediates. By placing either silent or frameshift mutations in the predicted hDNA region, we have shown that mismatches are efficiently repaired prior to DNA replication.
Mars Network operations concept

NASA has initiated at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory the design of a Communications and Navigation Network at Mars. It will consist of a constellation of low-altitude orbiting satellites and one or more aerostationary (of synchronous orbit around Mars) satellites. The key Mars Network operations concept is to provide standard services and pave a way for interoperability of future Mars Missions. It is envisioned that the Mars Network will provide four types of services: telemetry and command data relay, position determination, time synchronization, and proximity link telecom performance data service. Both scheduled and demand access paradigms were considered as options for the user to access these services. The adoption of the Consultative Committee for Space Data System (CCSDS) Proximity Link (proximity-1) protocol ensures the interoperability at the data link layer. The CCSDS File Delivery Protocol (CFDP) ensures the interoperability at the message and file transfer layer. One important feature of the Mars Network operation is that the orbiting satellites of the Mars Network are indistinguishable from the user's point of view. A user's data transfer transaction started with one satellite can be continued with another satellite. This "cloud" topology greatly simplifies the users operations. We also introduce the concept of file based operation. The file based operation for Mars Network promotes autonomous network operations and provides better data accountability.
An integrated modeling approach for facilitating emission estimations of alternative fueled vehicles

Abstract This paper develops an integrated model for reliable estimation of daily vehicle fuel savings and emissions using an integrated traffic emission modeling approach created by incorporating the US Environmental Protection Agency’s vehicle emission model, MOVES, and the PARAMICS microscopic traffic simulation package. A case study is conducted to validate the model using a well-calibrated road network in Greenville, South Carolina. For each transportation fuel considered, both emission and fuel consumption impacts are evaluated based on market shares.
Destruction of low efficiency markers is a slow process occurring at a heteroduplex stage of transformation

Direct evidence is presented that the mechanism which discriminates against low efficiency markers in transformation of Diplococcus pneumoniae of genotype hex+ acts on them after the formation of donor-recipient heteroduplexes. This conclusion is based on assays of the transforming activity of donor markers in lysates made after various times of incubation of recipient cells following exposure to DNA. The activity of a low efficiency marker rises substantially, indicating formation of native-like heteroduplex structures, and then falls. At 37° C the process is essentially completed 10 minutes after entry, and the apparent half life of a susceptible heteroduplex is 1.5 to 2 minutes. Data from these and other experiments imply that about as many of the surviving low efficiency markers have simply escaped attack as have been inserted into both strands by the excision-repair process suggested by Ephrussi-Taylor.
Catastrophe theory of dopaminergic transmission: a revised dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia.

Abstract Mathematical modeling of experimentally observed parameters of dopaminergic neuronal activity suggests the occurrence of multiple equilibrium states in neurons characterized by certain precisely defined properties of the tyrosine hydroxylating system. These equilibria may become unstable under certain conditions and transitions between multiple states are predicted. In addition, modeling of the spatial interactions of dopamine neurons within a neural net leads to domain wall soliton-like solutions of neuronal firing. In the discrete spatial case, these equations are isomorphic to those of the Ising model of phase transitions in lattice spins. The hypothesis is proposed that the occurrence of multiple stable equilibrium states rather than excessive dopaminergic transmission forms the pathophysiological basis of the schizophrenic thought disorder. The model is internally consistent with known clinical effects of drugs such as neuroleptics, reserpine and amphetamine. In agreement with postmortem and other studies, the theory predicts the lack of increased concentrations of dopamine or its major metabolite, homovanillic acid, in brain and cerebrospinal fluid of schizophrenics. The mathematical model is compatible with the theory that postulates an attention deficit as an underlying mechanism of schizophrenic psychosis and allows for a possible genetic heterogeneity of the disease.
A parameter subset selection method using residual force vector for detecting multiple damage locations

An improved parameter subset selection method based on a dynamic residual force measure is proposed for damage localization. Often the original subset selection using the fundamental modal characteristics requires a single damage location and the use of many smaller model updating processes for detecting multiple damage locations. A new approach to subset selection proposed herein is demonstrated to be efficient for identifying multiple damaged elements. Cases in which damage detection must be achieved using incomplete measurements of the structural responses are also considered. Modal expansion is incorporated to deal with this challenge. An advantage of employing this new approach is that it can reliably identify multiple damage locations. The effect of measurement noise on the performance of the proposed subset selection method has also been investigated. Through a series of illustrative examples considering different types of structures, the proposed method is demonstrated and shown to be very efficient in detecting multiple damage locations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relating pseudogaps and pairing fluctuations in underdoped cuprates

We show that pseudogap behavior in the Attractive Hubbard Model is related to 2D-XY critical pairing fluctuations and argue that in the underdoped cuprates which have dramatically enhanced anisotropy, this precursor pairing mechanism also leads to the observed pseudogap behavior.
The Reconceptualisation of Curriculum Studies

(1978). The Reconceptualisation of Curriculum Studies. Journal of Curriculum Studies: Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 205-214.
Ethnic Diversity and Latino/a College Access: A Comparison of Mexican American and Puerto Rican Beginning College Students.

University of Texas at San AntonioPrior research has indicated that there are differences among the diverse Latino/a ethnicgroups in their K-12 educational experiences, but little is known about variations intheir postsecondary experiences. Drawing on a conceptual framework informed by thetheory of French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, this research examined Mexican Amer-ican and Puerto Rican students college choice and enrollment patterns using theBeginning Postsecondary Students: 04/06 national data set ( n 1,620). Descriptive ndings indicated several notable differences between the two ethnic groups, includingage and access to cultural, nancial, and academic capital. Most notably, MexicanAmerican rst-time beginning college students were almost twice as likely as theirPuerto Rican counterparts to start postsecondary education at 2-year institutions.Results of logistic regression analyses revealed that Mexican American and PuertoRicans decisions to enroll at a 2- or a 4-year institution were uniquely in uenced bystudents age, cultural capital, academic capital, and quantity and quality of collegesconsidered. Broader contextual factors that could enhance or hinder Mexican Ameri-cans and Puerto Ricans educational access to 4-year institutions, including citizenshipstatus and geographical location, are also addressed. Implications for promoting edu-cational equity among Latino/as and for promoting racial/ethnic diversity in postsec-ondary institutions are discussed.Keywords:
Intraspecies differences in lung metabolism and granular pneumocyte mitochondria.

Abstract The authors used waltzing and nonwaltzing mice to examine granular pneumocyte mitochondria and lung oxygen consumption and protein synthesis. They found that the oxygen consumption of lung slices from waltzing mice is higher than that of lung slices from nonwaltzing mice. The volume density of granular pneumocyte mitochondria is higher in waltzing than nonwaltzing mice as is their number per 100 μm3 of cytoplasm. The mean length, width, volume and surface density of individual mitochondria are the same in both groups. The incorporation of [14C]leucine by lung slices into protein in a surface active lung fraction is greater in lung slices from waltzing than nonwaltzing mice. This difference occurs in the face of similar levels of free leucine in both groups. The authors conclude that there are intraspecies differences in lung oxygen consumption and protein synthesis and in the volume density and number of granular pneumocyte mitochondria.
Lymphedema secondary to postmastectomy radiation: incidence and risk factors.

Postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) has proven benefits for certain patients with breast cancer; however, one of its complications is lymphedema. This study examines the incidence of and risk factors associated with lymphedema secondary to PMRT. The charts of patients treated with mastectomy at Roswell Park Cancer Institute between January 1, 1995, and April 20, 2001, who received PMRT were reviewed. Univariate analysis of patient, disease, and treatment variables was conducted. Multivariate analysis was performed on variables found to be significant in univariate analysis. One hundred five patients received PMRT. The incidence of lymphedema was 27%. Patient age, body mass index, disease stage, positive lymph nodes, nodes resected, postoperative infection, duration of drainage, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy were not associated with lymphedema. Total dose (P = .032), posterior axillary boost (P = .047), overlap technique (P = .037), radiotherapy before 1999 (P = .028), and radiotherapy at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (P = .028) were significantly associated with lymphedema. Increased lymphedema was noted with supraclavicular, internal mammary, mastectomy scar boost, and chest wall tangential photon beam radiation, but the associations were not statistically significant. The high incidence and debilitating effects of lymphedema must be weighed against the benefits of PMRT. Efforts to prevent lymphedema should be emphasized.
Subgrid Surface Fluxes in Fair Weather Conditions during TOGA COARE: Observational Estimates and Parameterization

Abstract Bulk aerodynamic formulas are applied to meteorological data from low-altitude aircraft flights to obtain observational estimates of the subgrid enhancement of momentum, sensible heat, and latent heat exchange at the atmospheric–oceanic boundary in light wind, fair weather conditions during TOGA COARE (Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment). Here, subgrid enhancement refers to the contributions of unresolved disturbances to the grid-box average fluxes at the lower boundary of an atmospheric general circulation model. The observed subgrid fluxes increase with grid-box area, reaching 11%, 9%, 24%, and 12% of the total sensible heat, latent heat, scalar wind stress, and vector wind stress magnitude, respectively, at a grid-box size of 2° × 2° longitude and latitude. Consistent with previous observational and modeling studies over the open ocean, most of the subgrid flux is explained by unresolved directional variability in the near-surface wind field. The auth...
Catalytic conversion of sugar into hydroxymethylfurfural in ionic liquids

Abstract Triisobutyl(methyl)phosphonium tosylate is discovered as a highly active and selective ionic liquid solvent for conversion of fructose into HMF without any catalyst addition under moderate reaction conditions (80–110 °C). This ionic liquid provides high solubility for sugar and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), does not produce heavy or insoluble by-products, is available at a reasonable cost in large quantities, and thus, is promising for development of a practical HMF production process. This ionic liquid is also effective for conversion of glucose into HMF in presence of CrCl2 catalyst. Formation of some unknown compounds during the sugar conversion is reported first time in the field. In this work, a number of ionic liquid + catalyst combinations are screened using a combinatorial experimental technique with fructose, high fructose corn syrup, and glucose as a feed. Reaction kinetics of sugars in the new ionic liquid is tested in a batch reactor under various reaction conditions, in comparison to [EMIM]Cl – an ionic liquid extensively studied in the previous work. It is found that the catalytic activity of an ionic liquid is determined by choice of both cation and anion, and can also be affected by its production source significantly. Reaction pathways are proposed based on the experimental results.
Hydrosilylation of α,β‐unsaturated esters: Application for the synthesis of functional polysiloxane graft copolymers and macromonomers

L'hydrosilylation catalysee par le platine des acrylates et methacrylates de methyle et de 3,5 di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyle par le poly(hydro methylsiloxane) ou le tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane donne des polysiloxanes fonctionnalises avec une regioselectivite controlable
Oral and Written Story Composition Skills of Children With Language Impairment

In this study 538 children composed 1 oral and 1 written fictional story in both 2nd and 4th grades. Each child represented 1 of 4 diagnostic groups: typical language (TL), specific language impairment (SLI), nonspecific language impairment (NLI), or low nonverbal IQ (LNIQ). The stories of the TL group had more different words, more grammatical complexity, fewer errors, and more overall quality than either language-impaired group at either grade. Stories of the SLI and LNIQ groups were consistently stronger than were those of the NLI group. Kindergarten children with language impairment (LI) whose standardized test performance suggested normalization by 2nd grade also appeared to have recovered in storytelling abilities at that point. By 4th grade, however, these children's stories were less like the children with TL and more like those of children with persistent LI than they had been in 2nd grade. Oral stories were better than written stories in both grades, although the greatest gains from 2nd to 4th g...
Bilateral cochlear ablation in postnatal rat disrupts development of banded pattern of projections from the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus to the inferior colliculus.

Axonal projections from the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (DNLL) distribute contralaterally in a pattern of banded layers in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (IC). The banded pattern of DNLL projections is already in the IC by onset of hearing in postnatal rat pups. Previously, it was shown that unilateral cochlear ablation in neonatal rat pups disrupted the banded pattern in IC for the projections of the DNLL contralateral to the ablation but not those of the DNLL ipsilateral to the ablation. In the present study, bilateral cochlear ablation or sham surgery was performed at postnatal day 9 (P9) after which rat pups were sacrificed at P12 and the brains removed to study axonal projections of the DNLL. A lipophilic carbocyanine dye, DiI, was placed in the dorsal tegmental commissure of Probst to label decussating DNLL axons that end in the central nucleus of the contralateral IC. The distribution of labeled fibers across the central nucleus of the IC was analyzed in digital images by comparing the pattern of labeling with a sine model of periodic distribution of banded layers. In the control group, labeled axons formed a regular pattern of dense banded layers in IC. In the bilateral cochlear ablation group, labeled axons in the IC were distributed diffusely and there was little or no regular pattern of dense bands of axonal labeling. The influence of the cochlea on developing auditory circuits possibly mediated by activity-dependent mechanisms is discussed.
Plasma polymerization of some simple saturated hydrocarbons

Methane, ethane, propane, and n-butane were polymerized in a plasma created by a radio-frequency glow discharge. It was found that the kinetics of polymer deposition were similar for all monomers but methane. It is suggested that the deviation from “normal” behavior of methane may be due to the difference in mechanism of formation of reaction intermediates. The “characteristic map” for the plasma polymerization of ethane was determined. It was shown that, in addition to transparent films, powders may be formed at low pressures and low monomer flow rates and unstable discharges at high pressures and low flow rates. With increasing power input, the unstable regions are decreased while the powdery regions are increased. The rates of polymer deposition were found to depend on pressure, flow rate, and power. An empirical equation is proposed that relates the rates of deposition for ethane, propane, and n-butane to these parameters.
The Neuromodulatory Response: Integrating Second Messenger Pathways

The three themes of this chapter develop upon the nature of the neuromodulatory response. First, the neuromodulatory response is shaped by multiple second messenger pathways acting within positive and negative feedback loops. Second, second messenger pathways are interwoven, and it is their interactions that complete the feedback loops of the response. Third, the evolution of the neuromodulatory response in a special command system for a fixed action pattern of behavior is considered by comparative analysis and found to be elaborated simply from second messenger and ion conductance properties shared by many neurons.
Constructing validity: Basic issues in objective scale development

A primary goal of scale development is to create a valid measure of an underlying construct. We discuss theoretical principles, practical issues, and pragmatic decisions to help developers maximize the construct validity of scales and subscales. First, it is essential to begin with a clear conceptualization of the target construct. Moreover, the content of the initial item pool should be overinclusive and item wording needs careful attention. Next, the item pool should be tested, along with variables that assess closely related constructs, on a heterogeneous sample representing the entire range of the target population. Finally, in selecting scale items, the goal is unidimensionality rather than internal consistency ; this means that virtually all interitem correlations should be moderate in magnitude. Factor analysis can play a crucial role in ensuring the unidimensionality and discriminant validity of scales.
Longitudinal sensitivity of the Fuld cholinergic profile to Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract The diagnostic sensitivity of a profile (Fuld, 1984) thought to mark cholinergic changes in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) was examined in a sample of 53 patients meeting criteria for AD on two occasions and in 19 patients for three occasions. The low obtained sensitivities of the Fuld profile (17%–26%) across testings is consistent with previous studies that used a single time point. The findings also revealed unstable positive and negative profiles over time. There were no performance differences on intellectual or memory measures when comparing subjects identified as positive or negative by the Fuld index. The results demonstrate that the index is insensitive to the dementing process and is a poor diagnostic marker for AD
Changing Race Relations in Organizations: A Critique of the Contact Hypothesis

For several decades the contact hypothesis has provided a major framework for understanding and changing racial and ethnic relations. To a notable degree, thinking about the contact hypothesis has been shaped by social psychologists working with laboratory methodology. The present paper offers a critique of the hypothesis, a potential revision, and an alternative framework based on embedded intergroup relations theory. The alternative perspective is rooted in organization psychology and intergroup intervention methodology. Resume Depuis plusieurs decennies on s'est servi de l'hypothese du contact pour comprendre et changer les relations raciales et ethniques. Or, cette maniere de penser a ete manifestement modelee par des socio-psychologues appliquant une methodologie de laboratoire. Ainsi, l'article presente une critique de cette hypothese du contact, propose une revision et un autre cadre de reflexion fonde sur une theorie des relations inter-groupes integrees. Cette alternative prend racine dans la psychologie organisationnelle et dans la methodologie d'intervention entre les groupes.
Grkpack fitting smoothing spline anova models for exponential families

Wahba, Wang, Gu, Klein and Klein introduced Smoothing Spline ANalysis of VAriance (SS ANOVA) method for data from exponential families. Based on RKPACK, which fits SS ANOVA models to Gaussian data, we introduce GRKPACK a collection of Fortran subroutines for binary, binomial, Poisson and Gamma data. We also show how to calculate Bayesian confidence intervals for SS ANOVA estimates.
Qualitative differences between naïve and scientific theories of evolution.

Abstract Philosophers of biology have long argued that Darwin’s theory of evolution was qualitatively different from all earlier theories of evolution. Whereas Darwin’s predecessors and contemporaries explained adaptation as the transformation of a species’ “essence,” Darwin explained adaptation as the selective propagation of randomly occurring mutations within a population. The present study explored the possibility of a parallel between early “transformational” theories of evolution and modern naive theories. Forty-two high school and college students and three evolutionary biologists were tested on their understanding of six evolutionary phenomena: variation, inheritance, adaptation, domestication, speciation, and extinction. As predicted, a plurality of participants demonstrated transformational reasoning inconsistent with natural selection. Correlational analyses revealed that participants who demonstrated transformational reasoning were as internally consistent as participants who demonstrated an understanding of natural selection, with the exception of one group of participants who appeared to have assimilated two heuristics—“survival of the fittest” and “acquired traits are not inherited”—into an otherwise transformational framework. These findings suggest that the widespread and early-developing tendency to essentialize biological kinds precludes students from conceptualizing species as populations of individuals differentially affected by the environment.
Managing VLSI complexity: An outlook

The nature of complexity in the context of VLSI circuits is examined, and similarities with the complexity problem in large software systems are discussed. Lessons learned in software engineering are reviewed, and the applicability to VLSI systems design is investigated. Additional difficulties arising in integrated circuits such as those resulting from their two-dimensionality and from the required interconnections are discussed. The positive aspects of VLSI complexity as a way to increase performance and reduce chip size are reviewed. With this discussion as a basis, the evolution of VLSI system design environments is outlined for the near-term, medium-term, and long-term future. The changing role of the designer is discussed. Recommendations are made for enhancements to our engineering curriculums which would provide the next generation of designers with skills relevant to managing VLSI complexity.
Racial Differences in Dementia Care Among Nursing Home Residents

Objectives: This article aims to describe potential racial differences in dementia care among nursing home residents with dementia. Methods: Using data from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey (N...
Food selection by western gorillas (G.g. gorilla) in relation to food chemistry

Samples of stems, leaves, shoots and fruit (N=36) from lowland, African rain forest are analyzed for nutrients, digestibility and digestion-inhibiting substances. Plants from which the samples are drawn are all important in the diet of western gorillas, large generalist herbivores in coastal Cameroon. Many of the plants are common in the early succession following disturbance to the forest. Analysis of food chemistry in relation to food preference indicates that lignin, digestibility and crude protein are the most significant factors in food selection for western gorillas at this site. Food chemistry of western gorillas is compared to food chemistry of mountain gorillas in the montane forest of East Africa. Foliage consumed by western gorillas contains more condensed tannin than does foliage consumed by mountain gorillas. The greater content of condensed tannin in the leaves consumed by western gorillas is related to the greater representation of woody plants in the western diet.
Biomechanical evaluation of wrist motor tendons after fractures of the distal radius.

Abstract We conducted a biomechanical study of changes in parameters of wrist motor tendons in fractures of the distal radius in 7 cadaveric extremities. Extra-articular distal radius fractures were simulated by distal radius osteotomy and fracture angulation was maintained by external fixators. Eight positions of the distal radius fractures were studied: dorsal angulation of 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40° and radial angulation of 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20°. Dorsal and radial angulation of the fractures were measured with respect to the shaft of the radius. Excursions of 5 principal wrist motor tendons extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris, flexor carpi radialis, and flexor carpi ulnaris were recorded simultaneously with wrist joint angulation using a computer-assisted recording system. Data were collected from intact wrists and from wrists with fractures at each of 8 positions of angulation during wrist flexion and extension and radical and ulnar deviation. Moment arm of the wrist motor tendons was derived from tendon excursion and joint angulation. The results demonstrated that excursions and moment arms of principal wrist motor tendons are significantly affected by dorsal and radial angulation of distal radius fractures. Amplitude of changes in moment arms increased as the deformities became more severe. Statistical analysis revealed that dorsal angulation of 10° or more significantly affected moment arms of all the prime wrist motors. Dorsal angulation of 30° or 40° changed the moment arms greatly. Radial angulation of 5° did not affect moment arms of the tendons and angulation over 10° had a statistically significant effect on the tendons. We conclude that deformities of distal radius fractures have a significant influence on the biomechanics of the wrist motors. (J Hand Surg 1999;24A:121–132. Copyright © 1999 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)
Subgel Studies of Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine Bilayers.

It is known that when bilayers of some saturated phosphatidylcholines are stored for 3 or more days at approximately 0 degrees C, a lamellar subgel (Lc) phase is detected at temperatures below the pretransition by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). However, the subgel (Lc) phase and the corresponding subtransition (Lc--> Lbeta') for dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) has not been clearly characterized. In this study, using the temperature jump protocol first developed by Tristram-Nagle et al. for the dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) system, new and accurate data characterizing the subgel formation and subtransition of DMPC were obtained through DSC and fluorescence spectroscopy with 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH). It was discovered that the formation of the DMPC subgel phase requires incubation at temperatures of -5 degrees C or lower for 2 h or more. Kinetics of the subgel formation indicate that it is a very complex process and demonstrates that the planar gel phase is merely metastable below the subtransition, and not the thermodynamically stable phase. The subgel growth of DMPC is proven to be the dehydration of the headgroup region, and the subtransition is a process in which poorly hydrated DMPC becomes hydrated.
A counterexample to a conjecture on order statistics

Abstract We give a counterexample to a conjucture in Ma (1992) and find bounds for the covariance between nondecreasing functions of two order statistics.
Risk factors for profuse systemic-to-pulmonary artery collateral burden in hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Risk factors for developing systemic-to-pulmonary artery collaterals (SPCs) in hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) are unknown. We performed a retrospective case-control study to identify risk factors for developing a profuse SPC burden in HLHS. Angiograms of 439 patients with HLHS (performed
Kinematics and functional characteristics of the Pritchard ERS unlinked total elbow arthroplasty

This study examined the kinematic characteristics of the Pritchard ERS elbow-resurfacing system, with special attention paid to the effects of the radial head component. The kinematics between the ulna and humerus were assessed in 6 human cadaveric specimens by an electromagnetic tracking system throughout a full flexion/extension range of motion. The elbows were studied under 2 loading conditions, in 3 orientations (neutral, varus, and valgus), and under 4 surgical conditions. The varus/valgus and internal/external rotation laxities were used to assess the condition differences. Specifically, the maximum laxities throughout the extension motion were compared, as were the laxities at 40 degrees, 75 degrees, and 110 degrees of flexion. Both the varus/valgus and internal/external rotation laxities of the ulnohumeral joint increased after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) implantation, with and without a radial head. This increase was most evident in the extension portion of the arc of motion. At 40 degrees of flexion, the varus/valgus laxity of the intact elbow was 4 degrees +/- 2 degrees versus 11 degrees +/- 8 degrees for a TEA with a radial head and 22 degrees +/- 11 degrees for a TEA without a radial head while the elbow was being subjected to compressive loads via the biceps, brachialis, and triceps. The kinematic data demonstrate a consistent increase in laxity with the Pritchard ERS TEA. They also indicate that a radial head component is necessary for optimal tracking and stability of the ERS arthroplasty.
Gender differences in the impact of core and relational aspects of services on the evaluation of service encounters

Research in services marketing suggests that services consist of two components: (a) the core service (e.g., the dinner served at a nice restaurant) and (b) the relationship between the service provider and the client (e.g., the friendliness of the waiter). These dimensions are logical analogues to those in the social psychological literature describing leaders effective at task-oriented behaviors (i.e., those focused on getting the job done) and social-oriented behaviors (i.e., those leaders focused on maintaining group cohesion). A third literature, on gender differences, consistently describes men as agentic (i.e., goal oriented) and women as communal (socially oriented). A synthesis of the ideas from these literatures suggests hypotheses regarding which factors should be most influential to male and female consumers in determining customer satisfaction with service encounters. The results from three experiments provide support for the hypothesis that women may be generally more sensitive to relational aspects of a service encounter and men to core aspects, though there appear to be several factors moderating these findings which are not easily explained in a simple, unified theory.
Dynamically adjusted cosmological constant and conformal anomalies

Abstract We investigate the dynamical adjustment of the cosmological constant by a “cosmic” physical scalar field φ 0 . We consider the quantization of general matter theories in the gravitational and φ 0 backgrounds. We find that, in general, such adjustment mechanisms do not work without fine-tuning of parameters. We argue, however, that the massless Brans-Dicke coupling for φ 0 , where the ratio of the gravitational constant to all other mass scales is dynamical, is special: adjustment without fine-tuning may then be possible in many instances, provided a Wess-Zumino functional generated by the conformal anomaly (analog of the Liouville action in 2 dimensions) is properly included in the evaluation of the effective action. The mechanism can generate large scalar mass hierarchies.
Philosophy on the closing of facial defects: Choosing the right procedure

The reconstruction of defects created from the treatment of skin cancer can be extremely challenging based on endless variability in location, size and depth. This article attempts to synthesize major principles into a guide with which to approach skin cancer reconstruction. Three major areas are addressed when planning a reconstructive strategy and these include: general principles of head and neck reconstruction and defect closure, patient-specific factors, and lesion-specific factors.
THERAPY OF HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA.

animals suggest that atherosclerosis may be reversed to some extent. Patients with high levels of serum cholesterol, and probably also those with elevated serum triglycerides, are in a high-risk group relative to the development of atherosclerotic heart disease and myocardial infarction. Accordingly, it would seem wise to try to reduce these high concentrations of serum lipids with the aim of influencing the atherosclerotic process. Therapy of hyperlipidemia should be combined with active measures to control all other factors that may be related to atherogenesis, such as hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity, etc. REDUCTION OF SERUM LIPIDS Serum lipid levels can be influenced by diet, hormones, and a number of pharmacologic agents. Reduction of serum lipids can be accomplished by several mechanisms. The dietary supply of lipids can be reduced, absorption can be diminished, or tissue synthesis of specific lipids can be inhibited. Degradation and excretion of lipids can be stimulated. A redistribution of lipids can occur, with an increase in lipids in tissues at the expense of those in the circulating blood. The concentration of cholesterol in serum is tile resultant of the amount ingested and absorbed plus the amount synthesized, as related to the amount degraded to bile acids and excreted in the bile as such, or as cholesterol, and the amount utilized or stored in the tissues. Some of the bile acids and
Modeling of sintering and redispersion of supported metal catalysts

A model, which utilizes a Monte Carlo simulation, of the sintering and the redispersion of supported metal catalysts is presented and compared with experimental data from a Pt/Al2O3 system. The model is based on an atomic migration mechanism, but includes instantaneous diffusion and coalescence of crystallites of size <1 nm in reducing and inert atmospheres. It was found that behavior in reducing, oxidizing and inert atmospheres could be predicted.
The infrared transmission of atmospheric windows

Abstract This paper describes an approach to the practical problem of infrared atmospheric transmission.It compares and relates published data from diverse investigations. The method separates water vapor band absorption, on which there appears to be general agreement, from the less tractable continuous attenuation by fog, haze, and smoke. This separation is effected by a smooth envelope curve drawn tangent to the principal maxima in the observed transmitted spectra.In each window, the monochromatic transmission at the window peak is shown to be representative of the effect of continuous absorption on the total transmission in the window region. A simple empirical relation is developed to represent the dependence of the band absorption on the water path for each window. The dependence of continuous attenuation upon the water path for clear atmosphere is described, and the effects of haze, fog, and smoke are very briefly discussed.
Activity of VIP, somatostatin and other peptides in the mouse vas deferens assay.

Abstract Non-opiate peptides such as vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and somatostatin were tested for their effects on electrically induced contractions of the vas deferens . VIP (ED 50 =2.7×10 −8 M) and to a lesser extent somatostatin (ED 50 =5.2×10 −8 M) were found to be in the same general range of activity as enkephalin and the endorphins in this system. Human pancreatic polypeptide (HPP) exerted a biphasic effect, inhibiting the contractions at high concentrations but enhancing them at lower concentrations. A number of other naturally occurring brain peptides were ineffective at concentrations of 1×10 −6 M. Several somatostatin analogues were tested and their activity on the vas deferens was found to more closely parallel their potency to inhibit the release of gastric acid than of growth hormone. In contrast to the brain opiates, however, the inhibitory effects of VIP, somatostatin and its analogues, and HPP were not reversed by the opiate antagonist naloxone. The results suggest that the vas deferens can be readily used for evaluation of analogues of VIP, somatostatin, and other peptides.
Regional activities within the human hippocampus and hippocampal gyrus

Abstract The rare opportunity to record from electrodes stereotactically implanted in man has made possible the study of the intrinsic electrical activity of several deep structures in the brain. Of necessity the recordings are not from normal brains, the patients in this series being cases of temporal lobe epilepsy in whom the electrodes have been positioned for diagnostic and lateralizing purposes. The results analyzed here are from the normal or less abnormal hemisphere in each case. In the report presented here, the results of exploration of the hippocampus and its relationships with the amygdala and ipsilateral hippocampal gyrus are described. Several types of analysis lead to the conclusion that, in terms of its electrophysiological characteristics, the hippocampus in man does not have uniformity throughout its length nor do all sectors of it share the same relationship with the amygdala or with the ipsilateral hippocampal gyrus.
The effects of nerve growth factor on polyamine metabolism in PC12 cells

Nerve growth factor treatment produces a large increase in the activity of ornithine decarboxylase and a moderate decrease in the activity of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase in PC12 cells. These changes are reflected weakly, if at all, in the levels of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine in the cells. The rates of polyamine synthesis are increased somewhat more than the overall levels, but still are not comparable in extent to the increase in the ornithine decarboxylase activity. Inhibitors of ornithine decarboxylase and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase have their expected effects on the induction of ornithine decarboxylase and on the activities of both enzymes. Neither inhibitor alone, nor a combination of inhibitors, altered the rate or extent of nerve growth factor-induced neurite outgrowth in the cells.