cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dietary Fatty Acids and Temperature Modulate Mitochondrial Function and Longevity in Drosophila

Fluctuations in temperature and resource availability are conditions many organisms contend with in nature. Specific dietary nutrients such as fatty acids play an essential role in reproduction, cold adaptation, and metabolism in a variety of organisms. The present study characterizes how temperature and diet interact to modulate Drosophila physiology and life span. Flies were raised on media containing specific saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fatty acids supplements at low concentrations and were placed in varied thermal environments. We found that dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids improve chill coma recovery and modulate mitochondrial function. Additionally, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid food supplements were detrimental to life span regardless of temperature, and antioxidants were able to partially rescue this effect. This study provides insight into environmental modulation of Drosophila physiology and life span.
FILTER RULE TESTS OF THE ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF SERIAL DEPENDENCIES IN DAILY STOCK RETURNS

In this paper we examine the ability of filter rules to predict variation in expected daily returns for a sample of 120 Dow Jones and S&P 100 stocks from 1963 through 1989. Equally weighted portfolios of filter-rule-traded stocks consistently outperform a buy-and-hold portfolio of the same stocks before accounting for transaction costs. The difference in returns between filter rule and buy-and-hold portfolios is eliminated by one-way transaction costs of 12 basis points. The economic significance of daily stock return autocorrelations is estimated. A marginal 1 percent increase in a first-order autocorrelation increases filter rule returns by an estimated 3.84 percent.
Dynamic modeling and control of welding processes using neural network techniques

Summary form only given, as follows. A scheme for an adaptive network of nonlinear elements and delay lines is proposed, which can learn to model the time responses of a nonlinear, multivariable system. The structure has been applied to build a model of a highly coupled multivariable process: gas tungsten arc welding. The authors present the architecture, the learning algorithm, and the summary of experiments which show the feasibility of the approach, and propose a controller architecture that can regulate the welding process using neural network techniques. >
A Cognitive Social Skills Training Program Evaluation with Young Children

The generalized effects of a social skills training package based on self-instruction and on the social deficits of isolated children were evaluated in a multiple baseline design across subjects. Three preschool children were recommended by teachers as having extreme social withdrawal and were observed during free play in their classrooms. Daily ten-minute classroom free-play observations of four social behaviors in the experimenter's absence were conducted through all phases of the study. Two hour-long social skills training sessions were conducted with each child, practicing a series of graduated social encounters. Expectancy control sessions were conducted with the children not receiving training at that time. Follow-up observations were conducted with two of the children. The results indicated little generalized effect on any of the social behaviors for any subject. These data call into question the clinical utility of cognitive social skills training procedures as they are currently practiced.
Dating violence among urban, minority, middle school youth and associated sexual risk behaviors and substance use.

BACKGROUND: Whereas dating violence among high school students has been linked with sexual risk-taking and substance use, this association has been understudied among early adolescents. We estimated the prevalence of physical and nonphysical dating violence in a sample of middle school students and examined associations between dating violence, sexual, and substance use behaviors. METHODS: Logistic regression models for clustered data from 7th grade students attending 10 Texas urban middle schools were used to examine cross-sectional associations between dating violence victimization and risk behaviors. RESULTS: The sample (N = 950) was 48.5% African American, 36.0% Hispanic, 55.7% female, mean age 13.1 years (SD 0.64). About 1 in 5 reported physical dating violence victimization, 48.1% reported nonphysical victimization, and 52.6% reported any victimization. Adjusted logistic regression analyses indicated that physical, nonphysical, and any victimization was associated with ever having sex, ever using alcohol, and ever using drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Over 50% of sampled middle school students had experienced dating violence, which may be associated with early sexual initiation and substance use. Middle school interventions that prevent dating violence are needed. Language: en
Autoradiography of Progesterone and Model Compound Entry and Distribution in Xenopus Laevis Oocytes

Xenopus laevis oocytes resume meiosis in response to progesterone. The initial interaction involves surface binding to numerous low-affinity receptor proteins. The mechanism of entry and functions of intracellular steroid are unknown. Because the latter are important for understanding progesterone-induced maturation, a dry-mount autoradiographic technique for analyzing entry and intracellular distribution of radiolabeled steroids was developed and tested. The distinguishing feature of this cryo-technique is sample preparation directly in incubation media using uncross-linked polyacrylamide for inert support. The external ligand functions as an internal standard, so quantitation is by simple ratio (bound/free). The entry kinetics and subcellular binding patterns in large oocytes were studied using this method at nM levels of radiolabeled steroids and model compounds. Progesterone, estradiol, corticosterone, and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol all showed rapid entry (P approximately 10(-6) cm/sec). Entry rates were not saturable with unlabeled steroid. Intracellular patterns of these steroids were highly specific and negatively associated with yolk protein and lipid. Intracellular binding in animal hemisphere ooplasm was 10x that of the yolk-rich vegetative ooplasm. In contrast, dexamethasone, ponasterone-A, and ecdysone displayed entry rates 20-60x slower than progesterone with little compartmentalization. Glycerol, glucose, and leucine entered over 10x slower than progesterone. Cholesterol and Ca++ had entry rates below detection. Evidence for mediated entry of progesterone included the rapid saturation of a cortical compartment equivalent in magnitude to reported receptor numbers. The kinetics and specificity of cortical uptake were consistent with low-affinity, high capacity protein binding. Intracellular binding was seen to correlate with rhodamine 123 patterns, suggesting involvement of mitochondrial or other microtubule-associated structures in steroid responses. Mitochondrial binding is consistent with the limited steroid metabolism seen in oocytes. Since several maturation events are consistent with respiratory uncoupling, reported by others for steroids and isolated organelles, and since mitochondria contain nearly all of the oocyte DNA, a role for these organelles in steroid-induced oocyte maturation was proposed.
Restaurant membership fee and customer choice: the effects of sunk cost and feelings of regret.

Abstract Membership marketing is highly prevalent in today's restaurant industry. The purpose of the study was to examine the joint effects of membership fees and competition on customer choice, willingness to join other programs and feelings of regret in a restaurant setting. Using a 2 × 2 × 2 experimental design, the study found that the effect of sunk cost and mental accounting do exist. Moreover, high levels of regret were detected when a higher membership fee was paid and when the competition provided superior service or a lower membership fee. However, when the membership fee was low, customers were more reluctant to go to another restaurant that offered a membership program. Marketing implications for restaurateurs are discussed.
Recent advances in understanding transforming growth factor β regulation of orofacial development

Members of the transforming growth factor (TGF) family have emerged as critical contributors to the choreography of cellular and tissue interactions underlying morphogenesis of the orofacial region...
Competitive Sorption of CO2 and H2O in 2:1 Layer Phyllosilicates

Expandable clays such as montmorillonite have interlayer exchange sites whose hydration state can be systematically varied from near anhydrous to almost bulk-like water conditions. This phenomenon has new significance with the simultaneous implementation of geological sequestration and secondary utilization of CO2 to both mitigate climate warming and enhance extraction of methane from hydrated clay-rich formations. In this study, the partitioning of CO2 and H2O between Na-, Ca-, and Mg-exchanged montmorillonite and variably hydrated supercritical CO2 (scCO2) was investigated using in situ X-ray diffraction (HXRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopic titrations, and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) measurements. Density functional theory calculations provided mechanistic insights. Structural volumetric changes were correlated to quantified changes in sorbed H2O and CO2 concentrations as a function of percent H2O saturation in scCO2. Intercalation of CO2 is inhibited when the clay is fully collapsed (dehydrated interlayer), peaks sharply with the introduction of some H2O and partial expansion of the interlayer region, and then decreases systematically with further hydration of the clay. This behavior is discussed in the context of recent theoretical calculations of the montmorillonite H2O–CO2 system.
Epitaxial growth and the art of computer simulations

The results of kinetic simulations of the aggregates formed during the deposition of atoms on a semiconductor surface are reviewed. Because the kinetic parameters are poorly known and the accuracy of the existing interatomic potentials has not been sufficiently tested, the goal has been to reach a qualitative understanding of the formation of unusual patterns during growth, such as the segregation of aluminum during the growth of aluminum-gallium-arsenide (AlGaAs) coherent tilted superlattices and the formation of thin, long, and parallel islands during the deposition of Si on an Si(100) surface. Kinetic mechanisms for these phenomena are proposed.
Fluorescence2D: Software for Accelerated Acquisition and Analysis of Two-Dimensional Fluorescence Spectra

The Fluorescence2D is free software that allows analysis of two-dimensional fluorescence spectra obtained using the accelerated “triangular” acquisition schemes. The software is a combination of Python and MATLAB-based programs that perform conversion of the triangular data, display of the two-dimensional spectra, extraction of 1D slices at different wavelengths, and output in various graphic formats.
Mammalian MCM Loading in Late-G1 Coincides with Rb Hyperphosphorylation and the Transition to Post-Transcriptional Control of Progression into S-Phase

BACKGROUND Control of the onset of DNA synthesis in mammalian cells requires the coordinated assembly and activation of the pre-Replication Complex. In order to understand the regulatory events controlling preRC dynamics, we have investigated how the timing of preRC assembly relates temporally to other biochemical events governing progress into S-phase. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDING In murine and Chinese hamster (CHO) cells released from quiescence, the loading of the replicative MCM helicase onto chromatin occurs in the final 3-4 hrs of G(1). Cdc45 and PCNA, both of which are required for G(1)-S transit, bind to chromatin at the G(1)-S transition or even earlier in G(1), when MCMs load. An RNA polymerase II inhibitor (DRB) was added to synchronized murine keratinocytes to show that they are no longer dependent on new mRNA synthesis 3-4 hrs prior to S-phase entry, which is also true for CHO and human cells. Further, CHO cells can progress into S-phase on time, and complete S-phase, under conditions where new mRNA synthesis is significantly compromised, and such mRNA suppression causes no adverse effects on preRC dynamics prior to, or during, S-phase progression. Even more intriguing, hyperphosphorylation of Rb coincides with the start of MCM loading and, paradoxically, with the time in late-G(1) when de novo mRNA synthesis is no longer rate limiting for progression into S-phase. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE MCM, Cdc45, and PCNA loading, and the subsequent transit through G(1)-S, do not depend on concurrent new mRNA synthesis. These results indicate that mammalian cells pass through a distinct transition in late-G(1) at which time Rb becomes hyperphosphorylated and MCM loading commences, but that after this transition the control of MCM, Cdc45, and PCNA loading and the onset of DNA replication are regulated at the post-transcriptional level.
Glucose transporter-1 gene expression is associated with pancreatic cancer invasiveness and MMP-2 activity

Abstract Background Overexpression of the facilitative glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) has been observed for a wide range of human cancers, with the degree of overexpression generally being inversely correlated with prognosis. We tested the effects of modulating GLUT-1 expression on pancreatic cancer cellular invasiveness. Methods GLUT-1 expression in MIAPaCa-2, PANC-1, BXPC-3, and CAPAN-2 cells was assayed using Western blotting. Cells were stably transfected with a GLUT-1 expression vector or a GLUT-1 RNA interference vector to alter GLUT-1 expression. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity and expression were assayed using zymography and Western blotting, respectively. In vitro cellular invasiveness was assayed using Matrigel Boyden chambers, and in vivo metastatic potential was assessed using a nude mouse xenograft model. Results Variable baseline GLUT-1 expression levels were detected among the cell lines. Forced overexpression of GLUT-1 induced increases in MMP-2 expression and activity and in cellular invasiveness. GLUT-1 silencing induced reductions in MMP-2 expression and activity, cellular invasiveness, and metastatic potential in vivo. Conclusion GLUT-1 promotes pancreatic cellular invasiveness. The therapeutic implications of this finding warrant further study.
Women and Slavery: Africa, The Indian Ocean World, and the Medieval North Atlantic, Volume 1

Women and Slavery: Africa, The Indian Ocean World, and the Medieval North Atlantic, Volume 1, edited by Gwyn Campbell, Suzanne Miers, and Joseph C. Miller, Athens, Ohio University Press, 2007, 399 ...
A Unified Authentication Framework for Accessing Heterogeneous Web Services

One under-addressed issue in the field of Web services composition is authentication between disparate services using different authentication methods or protocols. A single sign-on (SSO) framework reduces the burden on the end user to provide authentication credentials to these separate services; thus it is a desirable feature for systems and applications that are based on multiple Web services. However, true SSO is not feasible in a Web services context, as individual services can be provided by any parties; they may have arbitrary authentication methods, credential types, or protocols, and may not have an existing trust or federation arrangement with a given external authentication system. Due to these factors, it is valuable to provide a specialized service that can provide authentication information seamlessly to the services selected for a given service-enabled process. This paper introduces a unified authentication framework for accessing heterogeneous Web services. We propose a credential storage and retrieval mechanism to store authentication data and pass that data to corresponding Web services clients. Hence, this framework enables authenticated access to Web services implemented with arbitrary access control methods.
‘My future doesn’t know ME’: Time and subjectivity in poetry by young people

This article explores children’s imaginative representations of time in relation to self-experience. Poems published in a young poets’ anthology edited by Naomi Shihab Nye are analyzed in order to discern models of temporality and subjectivity imagined by young writers. A dynamic temporality is seen in a subset of poems which manipulate time through crossing temporal references, expanding time frames, or claiming power over time. The article argues that poetry written by young people is a valuable lens on their subjectivity and temporality, and concludes by suggesting the value of incorporating arts and humanities approaches in social inquiry concerning childhood.
Walk or Bike to a Healthier Life: Commuting Behavior and Recreational Physical Activity

This study surveyed faculty and staff at universities in three cities: Youngstown (Ohio), Columbus (Ohio), and Washington, D.C.A total of 111 participants (50% women, 45% men, 5% no answer) completed an online survey, which asked about their habits concerning their work commute, physical activity related to their commute, and physical activity engaged in for recreation. The study revealed that a significant relationship exists between the mode(s) of transit used in commuting for work and the amount of time participants reported engaging in recreational physical activity outside of the commute. Commuters who had some physical activity in their commute spent more time engaging in additional physical activity for recreation and exercise and participated in a greater number of physical activities. The study findings suggested that some groups, such as health researchers, governmental entities, planners, and transportation analysts, might benefit from further studying this connection.
Sensitization to noise-mediated induction of seizure susceptibility by MK-801 and phencyclidine.

Abstract The effect of single administrations of MK-801 (5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cylohepten-5,10-imine) or PCP (phencyclidine) on the induction of audiogenic seizure susceptibility by noise in immature rats was examined. Treatments with these non-competitiveN-methyl- D -aspartate (NMDA) receptor antogonist resulted in increases in noise exposure-dependent susceptibility. In neonatally drug-treated rats, seizures during adulthood were found to occur with significantly higher incidence and severity. Furthermore, drug treatments were found to lengthen what is normally a restricted developmental period within which susceptibility can be induced by noise exposure. The 801 exhibited predictable anticonvulsant effects. These data suggests acute PCP or MK-801 exposures may transiently exacerbate risks inherent in certain forms of trauma. The mechanism underlying these effects is unknown although certain inferences are possible and may reveal much about epileptogenesis in this model.
Cervicogenic headache in patients with presumed migraine: missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis?

The differential diagnosis of headache is often challenging, with significant clinical and socioeconomic consequences of incomplete or inaccurate diagnosis. Overlapping symptoms contrib- ute to the diagnostic challenge. Four female patients, ages 26 to 69 with standing diagnoses of migraine, were evaluated and treated for complaints of chronic, severe headaches. All had obtained limited relief from migraine therapies. On physical examination, all had occipital nerve tenderness or positive Tinel sign over the occipital nerve. All responded well to occipital nerve blocks with local anesthetic, achieving complete or substantial pain relief lasting up to 2 months. We conclude that accurate diagnosis of occipital neuralgia or cervicogenic headache as contributing factors can lead to substantial headache relief through occipital nerve blocks in patients with coexisting or misdiagnosed migraine. Perspective: The pathophysiology of many types of chronic headaches is not well understood. Mixed mechanisms such as neurovascular, neuropathic, myofascial, and cervicogenic may all contrib- ute. Our four patients with chronic headaches responded well to occipital nerve blocks. The neuro- anatomical relationship between the trigeminocervical nucleus and occipital nerve may serve as the basis of efficacy for these blocks.
Total Diagnostic Delay in Oral Cancer may be Related to Advanced Disease Stage at Diagnosis

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Is diagnostic delay related to advanced-stage oral cancer? Gomez I, Seoane J, Varela-Centelles P, Diz P, Takkouche B. Eur J Oral Sci 2009;117:541-6. Reviewers Jennifer L. Cleveland, DDS, MPH, Gina Thornton-Evans, DDS, MPH Purpose/Question To assess whether total diagnostic delay in oral cancer is related to advanced stages of the disease at diagnosis Source of Funding CIBER en Epidemiologia y Salud Publica” (CIBER-ESP). Spain provided support to one coauthor (B.T.) Type of Study/Design Systematic review with meta-analysis of data Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited–quality patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Grade B: Inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence
WSN-ANN: Parallel and distributed neurocomputing with wireless sensor networks

This paper proposes wireless sensor networks as a parallel and distributed computing platform for neurocomputing. The proposal entails leveraging the existing wireless sensor networks technology to serve as a hardware-software platform to implement and realize artificial neural network algorithms in fully parallel and distributed computation mode. The study describes the proposed parallel and distributed neurocomputing architecture, which is named as WSN-ANN, and its use as a hardware platform on a case study. A Hopfield neural network, which is configured to solve the minimum weakly connected dominating set problem, is embedded into a wireless sensor network. Simulation study results indicate that the proposed computing platform based on wireless sensor networks, WSN-ANN, is feasible and promising to serve as a parallel and distributed neurocomputer.
Biology and the beasts: individual investigator-driven research in the megaprojects era

Science funding over the past few decades has seen a shift from individual investigator research to the multi-investigator megaproject. But are these large projects the best approach to the life sciences or do they stifle creativity?
Learning Disabilities: A View from Cognitive Science

Abstract The so-called disabled learner is probably afflicted with subtle disorders of the central nervous system. These disorders affect the child's ability to cope with the information-processing requirements of school tasks such as reading and spelling. Diagnosing and remediating these disorders will require laboratory testing methods far more delicate and controlled than those characterizing standardized test batteries. The most we can now offer learning-disabled children is extensive tutoring and drill, thereby maximizing the likelihood that their own brains will forge new ways around the disabilities.
Simultaneous, ensemble-averaged measurement of near-wall temperature and velocity in steady micro-flows using single quantum dot tracking

We present results from a series of experiments demonstrating the use of single quantum dots (QDs) as simultaneous temperature and velocity probes at the micro-scale. The fluorescence intensity of QDs varies predictably with temperature due to changes in quantum efficiency. We use total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to study the region within 200 nm of a fluid-solid interface. A two-color, time-averaged temperature sensing technique based on the ensemble intensity changes of single QDs as compared to a reference dye (rhodamine 110) is presented. Many single QD intensity measurements are used to build intensity distributions which can be mapped to fluid temperature. Simultaneously, we track the motion of individual QDs, building a distribution of particle displacements, where the mean displacement yields the local fluid velocity. We also show that the width of the displacement distribution (or the diffusion coefficient) captures the scaling of the temperature to viscosity ratio, which may allow for independent viscosity measurement.
Bispectral magnitude and phase recovery using a wide bandwidth acousto-optic processor.

A hybrid optical–digital processor has been developed that computes both the magnitude and phase of the bispectrum for wide bandwidth (10 MHz to 1 GHz) rf signals. The overall optical architecture is that of a modified Mach–Zehnder interferometer that contains three acousto-optic modulators and appropriate transforming lenses. The intensity distribution in the output plane of the interferometer contains an interference term that represents the real part of the bispectrum multiplied by a spatial carrier (the interference fringes). To isolate the bispectrum information, the output image is digitized and digitally filtered. The imaginary part of the bispectrum is obtained by Hilbert transforming the real part, and then computing the bispectrum magnitude and phase. The processor is tested with four different combinations of rf test signals. Each signal has a bandwidth of either 6 or 12 MHz. Test results that illustrate the performance of the processor in the recovery of magnitude and phase information for the bispectrum of quadratically related signals are presented.
IL-23 modulated myelin-specific T cells induce EAE via an IFNγ driven, IL-17 independent pathway.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) mediated by myelin-reactive CD4+ T cells. An unresolved issue that has important clinical implications concerns the cytokines produced by myelin-reactive T cells that determine their pathogenicity. Initially, IL-12 polarized, IFNγ producing Th1 cells were thought to be essential for the development of EAE. More recently, IL-23 polarized, IL-17 producing Th17 cells have been highlighted as critical encephalitogenic effectors. There is growing evidence that parallel autoimmune pathways can result in common clinical and histopathological endpoints. In the current study, we describe a form of EAE induced by the transfer of IL-23 modulated CD4+ T cells into IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) deficient hosts. We found that IL-23 stimulates myelin-reactive T cells to produce both IFNγ and IL-17. Surprisingly, in this model the development of EAE is IFNγ dependent. Our findings illustrate a novel mechanism by which IL-23 promotes encephalitogenicity and they further expand the spectrum of autoreactive T cells capable of mediating inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS.
Hearing loss in rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are more likely to have subclinical hearing loss compared with persons without RA. Methods: This is a case-control cross-sectional study of 29 patients with RA with disease duration greater than 5 years. Five males and five females were recruited into each decade category (age 40-49, 50-59, and 60-69). These cases were matched in a 1:1 ratio by sex and age to 30 control subjects. A comprehensive set of audiometric and disease severity assessments were performed. Results: Seventeen (59%) of 29 patients with RA had abnormal hearing for at least one frequency (four in one ear, 13 in two ears) by audiometry as did 14 (47%) of 30 control subjects (five in one ear, nine in two ears). The percentage of patients with hearing loss (% RA vs. % control subjects) was: 45% versus 40% sensorineural, 10% versus 7% conductive, and 3% versus 0% mixed hearing loss. In RA versus control subjects, acoustic reflex threshold was abnormal in 17% versus 7%; speech reception threshold was abnormal in 10% versus 3%. Tympanometry and otoacoustic emission findings were similar in both groups. Word recognition did not differ between patients with RA and control subjects. In patients with RA/control subjects, hearing handicap, dizziness, and health assessment questionnaires were abnormal in 28%/7%, 14%/3%, and 72%/7%, respectively. Conclusion: There was no difference found in objective audiometric measurements in patients with RA compared with non-RA control subjects. Subjectively patients with RA were more likely to perceive themselves as having hearing disturbances, which may be related to overall disease related functional impairment.
Quantitative and visual analysis of the impact of music on perceived emotion of film

This article presents quantitative and visual methods for the analysis of the effect of music on emotion perceived in film. We discover strong, visible, and quantifiable trends in the effect of music on perceived emotion of film. We perform studies using both selected classical and composed music segments annotated with diverse emotions, paired with ambiguous film clips. We collect and analyze viewers' ratings of stress, activity, and dominance in the silent film, and film with various music soundtracks. The results are mapped onto a three-dimensional emotion space for visual and quantitative analysis. Aggregate scatter plots and center of mass results are presented using this emotion space. We find that the center of mass of the perceived emotion of film and music combined is consistently situated on a path between the center of mass of the musicalone response and that of the film-alone response. Regression analysis based on this trajectory observation results in coefficients with high R2 values (R2 = 0.675 for stress, R2 = 0.817 for activity, and R2 = 0.813 for dominance) for the first study with classical music selections, and lower R2 values (R2 = 0.199 for stress, R2 = 0.405 for activity, and R2 = 0.660 for dominance) for the second study with composed music. We conclude that continuous treatment of the two-dimensional emotion space provides a metric for comparing and assessing emotion ratings, and that spatial interpolation in this space provides a viable method for predicting the effect of music on perceived emotion of film.
Threshold Behavior and Non-quasiconvergent Solutions with Localized Initial Data for Bistable Reaction–Diffusion Equations

We consider bounded solutions of the semilinear heat equation $$u_t=u_{xx}+f(u)$$ on $$R$$ , where $$f$$ is of the unbalanced bistable type. We examine the $$\omega $$ -limit sets of bounded solutions with respect to the locally uniform convergence. Our goal is to show that even for solutions whose initial data vanish at $$x=\pm \infty $$ , the $$\omega $$ -limit sets may contain functions which are not steady states. Previously, such examples were known for balanced bistable nonlinearities. The novelty of the present result is that it applies to a robust class of nonlinearities. Our proof is based on an analysis of threshold solutions for ordered families of initial data whose limits at infinity are not necessarily zeros of $$f$$ .
A zero-range treatment of the three-body photodisintegration cross section of 3H and 3He

Abstract A zero-range approach is used to construct bound and continuum state wave functions. The total and differential electric dipole photodisintegration cross sections for three-body breakup of 3 He and 3 H are calculated using these wave functions.
A structure-independent approach to the analysis and synthesis of recursive linear time-variant digital filters

This paper develops a systematic approach to select a timedependent state transformation which can map a linear time-variant (LTV) digital filter to an equivalent filter having diagonal state-feedback matrices. Due to the structural simplicity of the diagonal systems, this time-dependent state transformation is a convenient tool for analyzing recursive LTV filters expressible in the state-variable form. In this paper, we discuss both the theoretical basis and the application of this diagonalization procedure. The properties of two types of recursive LTV filters are examined by using this state transformation technique. Based upon the separable properties of the impulse responses, we have explored a new algorithm for synthesizing desired impulse responses with a major class of recursive LTV filters. This technique, though suboptimal, can substantially reduce the computation required in the synthesis procedure.
Spartina alterniflora genotype influences facilitation and suppression of high marsh species colonizing an early successional salt marsh

Summary 1 Genetically based phenotypic and ecotypic variation in a dominant plant species can influence ecological functions and patterns of recruitment by other species in plant communities. However, the nature and degree of importance of genotypic differences is poorly understood in most systems. 2 The dominant salt marsh species, Spartina alterniflora , is known to induce facilitative and competitive effects in different plant species, and the outcomes of interactions can be affected by nutrients and flooding stress. Clonal genotypes, which maintained their different plant architecture phenotypes throughout 31 months of a field experiment, underwent considerable genet-specific senescence in their centres over the last 12 months. 3 Different clonal genotypes and different locations (robust edges vs. senescent centres) permitted significantly different levels of light penetration of the canopy (14.8‐77.6%), thus establishing spatial heterogeneity for this important environmental factor. 4 S. alterniflora clonal genotype influenced the degree of suppression of the previously dominant Salicornia bigelovii as well as facilitation of recruitment and growth by other plant species. Aster subulatus and Atriplex patula performed better in Spartina clone centres, and experienced reduced growth in Salicornia -dominated areas. 5 Four other high marsh species ( Borrichia frutescens , Aster tenuifolius , Iva frutescens and Limonium carolinianum ) colonized only into Spartina clones but not into the Salicornia -dominated area. 6 These results suggest that differences in clone size, centre senescence, stem density, height, total stem length and biomass in different genotypes of a dominant marsh plant species can influence recruitment and growth of other plant species. The spatial pattern of habitat heterogeneity is, at least in part, dependent on the genotypic diversity, and possibly the genetic diversity, of such foundation species. 7 We hypothesize that as genotypic diversity increases in populations of a dominant plant species like S. alterniflora , the number and diversity of interactions with other species will increase as well.
Paris, Cuba, New York Wifredo Lam and the Lost Origins of The Jungle

This article investigates the complex inscription of modernist Cuban imaginaries within Atlantic cultural and political networks. I consider the tropes of cultural intelligibility and epistemic opa...
Compositions of Random Functions on a Finite Set

If we compose sufficiently many random functions on a finite set, then the composite function will be constant. We determine the number of compositions that are needed, on average. Choose random functions $f_1, f_2,f_3,\dots $ independently and uniformly from among the $n^n$ functions from $[n]$ into $[n]$. For $t>1$, let $g_t=f_t\circ f_{t-1}\circ \cdots \circ f_1$ be the composition of the first $t$ functions. Let $T$ be the smallest $t$ for which $g_t$ is constant(i.e. $g_t(i)=g_t(j)$ for all $i,j$). We prove that $E(T)\sim 2n$ as $n\rightarrow\infty$, where $E(T)$ denotes the expected value of $T$.
Notes on Tetrorchidium (Euphorbiaceae) in Panama

Tetrorchidium brevifolium Standl. & Steyerm. is reported for the first time from Panama and T. trichotocarpum McPherson is described, differing from those of its congeners also furnished with a 3-carpellate gynoecium and a glabrous cuplike pistillate disk, by its combination of subentire leaves, small petiolar glands, small stipules, near absence of pistillate bracteal glands, densely pubescent ovary, and occurrence in central Panama. A key to the six species of Tetrorchidium Poepp. (Euphorbiaceae) now known to occur in Panama is presented.
Explorations in Spatial Demography

In this chapter, we have discussed the role of geographic space in quantitative demography. A re-emerging interest in spatial demography is evidenced by an increasing number of demographers seeking to adopt the formal tools of spatial econometrics to improve on traditional regression models of demographic processes operating in space. The concept of spatial autocorrelation and ways to specify correctly multiple regression models in the presence of spatial autocorrelation are made more concrete through an illustration of spatial modeling of county-level growth in the U.S. Great Plains region during the 1990s.
A Multi-State Constraint Kalman Filter for Vision-aided Inertial Navigation

In this paper, we present an extended Kalman filter (EKF)-based algorithm for real-time vision-aided inertial navigation. The primary contribution of this work is the derivation of a measurement model that is able to express the geometric constraints that arise when a static feature is observed from multiple camera poses. This measurement model does not require including the 3D feature position in the state vector of the EKF and is optimal, up to linearization errors. The vision-aided inertial navigation algorithm we propose has computational complexity only linear in the number of features, and is capable of high-precision pose estimation in large-scale real-world environments. The performance of the algorithm is demonstrated in extensive experimental results, involving a camera/IMU system localizing within an urban area.
THE RELEVANCE OF PREMISES TO CONCLUSIONS OF CORE PROOFS

The rules for Core Logic are stated, and various important results about the system are summarized. We describe its relationship to other systems, such as Classical Logic, Intuitionistic Logic, Minimal Logic, and the Anderson–Belnap relevance logic R. A precise, positive explication is offered of what it is for the premises of a proof to connect relevantly with its conclusion. This characterization exploits the notion of positive and negative occurrences of atoms in sentences. It is shown that all Core proofs are relevant in this precisely defined sense. We survey extant results about variable-sharing in rival systems of relevance logic, and find that the variable-sharing conditions established for them are weaker than the one established here for Core Logic (and for its classical extension). Proponents of other systems of relevance logic (such as R and its subsystems) are challenged to formulate a stronger variable-sharing condition, and to prove that R or any of its subsystems satisfies it, but that Core Logic does not. We give reasons for pessimism about the prospects for meeting this challenge.
Cutting balloon angioplasty for undilatable venous stenoses causing dialysis graft failure.

Dialysis fistulas and bridge grafts frequently develop outflow stenoses in the venous limb, leading to graft failure. The venous stenoses are fibrotic and require percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with high-pressure balloons. We have encountered venous stenoses in 3 out of 219 hemodialysis patients with graft failure that were undilatable with 6-8 mm high-pressure balloons inflated to more than 24 atm. In each of these cases, treatment with a 4 mm cutting balloon successfully facilitated subsequent balloon dilation at lower pressures.
Solar and atmospheric neutrino oscillations from bilinear R-parity violation

We discuss general predictions for neutrino masses and mixing angles from R parity violation in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. If the soft supersymmetry breaking terms are flavor blind at short distance, then the leptonic analogue of the CKM matrix depends on only two real parameters, which are completely determined by fits to solar and atmospheric neutrino oscillations. Either the small angle MSW, large angle MSW, or ``just-so'' solutions to the solar neutrino problem are allowed, although the large angle MSW solution requires substantial fine-tuning. The latter two cases require significant νμ→νe oscillations of atmospheric neutrinos. We present a model which could explain bilinear R parity violation as a consequence of spontaneous symmetry violation by a dynamical supersymmetry breaking sector. The decay length and branching ratios of the LSP are estimated.
Examination of links between herpes zoster incidence and childhood varicella vaccination.

Some speculate whether the increase in herpes zoster in older adults could be due to routine childhood varicella vaccination. Less frequent exposure to varicella could decrease external boosting of...
Chemical gas sensors on silicon

ABSTRACT Gas sensors have been used and available for many years. While there are many different types of gas sensorsand detecting materials, metal oxides are commonly used for the detection of various gases, such as carbonmonoxide (GO), methane (CH4), and other hydrocarbons. Such sensors are used in environmental, commercialHVAC, home, and industrial applications. One of these metal oxides, tin oxide, is very stable in air at temperatures>500°C, and is readily processed using ceramic or thin-film techniques. The thin films on silicon can be doped withimpurities using standard diffusion or spin-on methods, which influence the sensitivity, selectivity, and stability ofthe sensors. Thin-film tin oxide on silicon CO gas sensors have been characterized. The structure, chemistry, andresponse results are reported.Keywords: gas sensors, tin oxide, chemistry, carbon monoxide response, structure, test. 1. INTRODUCTION Gas detectors (defined herein as a system which includes the electronics and gas sensor elements) have beenavailable for the detection of toxic gases for several years. Carbon monoxide detectors are now available in retailstores throughout the world. While there are many different types of detectors and sensing elements, tin oxide isone of the most commonly used materials for the detection of various gases such as methane (CH4), hydrogensulfide (H2S), hydrogen (H2), oxygen (02), carbon dioxide (C02), carbon monoxide (GO), and others. Tin oxide isvery stable in air at temperatures >500°C, and is processed using standard ceramic1 or thin-film technologies.2The thin films can be doped with impurities using common diffusion or spin-on methods, which contribute to thesensitivity, selectivity, and stability of the sensors.The demand for chemical sensors for monitoring gases and liquids is growing rapidly. Such sensors have many
Time-Resolved Electron Beam Diagnostics for the los Alamos Free-Electron Laser Oscillator Experiment

Measurement of the time-dependent electron beam energy distributions in the Los Alamos Free-Electron Laser (FEL) Oscillator Experiment will be accomplished by employing gated proximity-focussed microchannel-plate intensified vidicon cameras, an electron spectrometer employing a fluorescent target, and synchronized electron beam deflection techniques. General diagnostic system design features are described that provide information in the 30-ps, 50-ns, 10 ?s, and 100-?s time regimes. These techniques provide a real-time electron micropulse optimization diagnostic and an on-line, time resolved measurement of the energy lost by the electrons within the optical cavity.
Prevention For College Students Who Suffer Alcohol-Induced Blackouts Could Deter High-Cost Emergency Department Visits

Fifty percent of college students who drink report alcohol-induced blackouts, and alcohol abusers in general put a heavy burden on the medical care system. Using data drawn from a randomized, controlled alcohol intervention trial at five university sites, our study quantified the costs of visits to emergency departments by college students who experienced blackouts from drinking alcohol. Of 954 students in the study, 52 percent of males and 50 percent of females at the outset of the study had experienced an alcohol-induced blackout in the past year. Of 404 emergency department visits among the study participants over a two-year observation period, about one in eight were associated with blackout drinking. Injuries ranged from broken bones to head and brain injuries requiring computed tomography. We calculate that on a large university campus having more than 40,000 students, blackout-associated emergency department visit costs would range from $469,000 to $546,000 per year. We conclude that blackouts are a strong predictor of emergency department visits for college drinkers and that prevention efforts aimed at students with a history of blackouts might reduce injuries and emergency department costs.
Understanding Danger to Critical Telecom Infrastructure: A Risky Business

Malicious acts aimed directly against humans, or indirectly at their critical infrastructures is a real and present danger. However, how does society quantify danger levels? And is danger different from risk? Classic risk assessments require probability assessments, a highly speculative task for rare events. A “Danger Index”, proposed by Randall Larsen in a recent book, is investigated here. In this exploratory research paper, this metric is examined in the context of current views of risk, and investigates its potential application to telecommunication settings. The danger index is deemed to have potential for assessing critical telecommunication infrastructure protection, avoiding difficult, and often impractical, probability assessments.
A Method for Manufacturing a High-Nitrogen–Low-Lactose Product from Whey,

Summary A method of increasing the total nitrogen of Cheddar cheese whey from a normal content of approximately 0.15 to 0.80% has been devised. The method involves the fermentation of cheese whey with Lactobacillus bulgaricus, followed by subsequent treatment of the whey with anhydrous ammonia to neutralize the lactic acid formed during fermentation. Both intermittent and continuous systems of ammoniation were investigated. Concentration of the ammoniated whey was carried to approximately 40, 50, 60, 80, and 90% total solids. Analyses for the concentrated wheys included fat, lactose, ash, and lactic acid. The nitrogen loss during concentration ranged from 4.33 to 8.93% of the total nitrogen present. Nitrogen stability of the concentrated whey stored at room temperature for 153 and 365 days was satisfactory, with a maximum loss of 1.0% nitrogen for 365 days. The concentrated product is syrupy in consistency, salty or acid to the taste, with a color ranging from brown to reddish-brown. Odor descriptions of the concentrated product are silage-like, molasses-like, bouillon-like, and pungent. All concentrations of the ammoniated whey are completely and readily water-soluble. The principal product formed in the process probably is ammonium lactate. Use of nitrogenous bases other than ammonia as lactic acid neutralizers in the process appears feasible; however, this study was limited to an evaluation of ammonia.
Epi-allelic Erk1 and Erk2 knockdown series for quantitative analysis of T cell Erk regulation and IL-2 production

Erk activation is often used as a downstream pathway indicator of TCR signaling, generally in terms of both Erk1 and Erk2 isoforms measured together. In order to investigate potential distinctions between Erk1 and Erk2 regulation and effects downstream of TCR ligation, we generated a series of stable and independent Erk1 and Erk2 shRNA knockdown lines in the 1B6 T cell hybridoma. We observed no compensatory effect by opposite isoform upregulation, and found similar fractions of total phosphorylated Erk1/2 across this epi-allelic series in response to both anti-CD3 and peptide-MHC stimulation of TCR. Moreover, a previous prediction of an isoform-independent linear relationship between Erk activation and IL-2 production was confirmed. The effect of the shRNA-mediated knockdowns in reducing IL-2 production was observed to be stronger than that arising from pharmacological MEK inhibition at comparable degrees of ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels.