cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of spectroscopic evidence to diffuse layer model (DLM) parameter estimation for cation adsorption onto ferrihydrite in single- and bi-solute systems

Abstract The diffuse layer model (DLM) is one of the most frequently used surface complexation models (SCM) for predicting cation adsorption onto ferrihydrite. However, the DLM with its existing database sometimes fails to predict cation adsorption, especially in multi-solute systems. Notably, the failure is often attributed to inaccurate selection of the surface complexes and/or underestimation of the site density for DLM formulation. DLM simulations of batch adsorption data conducted with cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc on ferrihydrite in CO2 free systems demonstrates the ability of the DLM to fit single-solute data reasonably well but highlights its limitations with respect to predicting bi-solute data. Modifications to the DLM were made in two steps. First, spectroscopic evidence was used to guide cation complexation reactions at the ferrihydrite surface. Second, surface characteristics (reactive site density, specific surface area, and acidity constants) of ferrihydrite were updated according to recent literature. Results from this study suggest that when spectroscopic verification is employed and surface site density is increased, a simple two-site DLM can predict cation adsorption on ferrihydrite in single-solute systems for pH data above 3.5 and in most of the bi-solute systems tested.
Personalizing head related transfer functions for earables

Head related transfer functions (HRTF) describe how sound signals bounce, scatter, and diffract when they arrive at the head, and travel towards the ears. HRTFs produce distinct sound patterns that ultimately help the brain infer the spatial properties of the sound, such as its direction of arrival, 𝜃. If an earphone can learn the HRTF, it could apply the HRTF to any sound and make that sound appear directional to the user. For instance, a directional voice guide could help a tourist navigate a new city. While past works have estimated human HRTFs, an important gap lies in personalization. Today's HRTFs are global templates that are used in all products; since human HRTFs are unique, a global HRTF only offers a coarse-grained experience. This paper shows that by moving a smartphone around the head, combined with mobile acoustic communications between the phone and the earbuds, it is possible to estimate a user's personal HRTF. Our personalization system, UNIQ, combines techniques from channel estimation, motion tracking, and signal processing, with a focus on modeling signal diffraction on the curvature of the face. The results are promising and could open new doors into the rapidly growing space of immersive AR/VR, earables, smart hearing aids, etc.
Machine Learning Guides Peptide Nucleic Acid Flow Synthesis and Sequence Design

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are potential antisense therapies for genetic, acquired, and viral diseases. Efficiently selecting candidate PNA sequences for synthesis and evaluation from a genome containing hundreds to thousands of options can be challenging. To facilitate this process, we leverage here machine learning (ML) algorithms and automated synthesis technology to predict PNA synthesis efficiency and guide rational PNA sequence design. The training data was collected from individual fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) deprotection reactions performed on a fully automated PNA synthesizer. Our optimized ML model allows for 93% prediction accuracy and 0.97 Pearson’s r. The predicted synthesis scores were validated to be correlated with the experimental HPLC crude purities (correlation coefficient R2 = 0.95). Furthermore, we demonstrated a general applicability of ML through designing synthetically accessible antisense PNA sequences from 102,315 predicted candidates targeting exon 44 of the human dystrophin gene, SARS-CoV-2, HIV, as well as selected genes associated with cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, and various cancers. Collectively, ML provides an accurate prediction of PNA synthesis quality and serves as a useful computational tool for rational PNA sequence design.
Under the Umbrella: Promoting Public Access to the Law

People need to know the law and have access to the law. Allowing copyright claims in “the law” can lead to severe restrictions on public knowledge and access. This article reviews court decisions spanning three centuries that have upheld the people’s needs over the proprietary rights of copyright holders. The review includes a discussion and analysis of three recent decisions that are under the umbrella of the principle that members of the public need unfettered access to the law. The Supreme Court in Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org. reaffirmed and further refined the government edicts doctrine which holds that government edicts are not copyrightable. While this decision was important for ensuring access to the law, it did not address all circumstances. The decision in International Code Council v. UpCodes considered the status of model codes adopted into law. It was the first decision to consider the application of the holding in Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org. to privately created works adopted into law. Meanwhile, the decision in American Society for Testing and Materials v. Public.Resource.Org. addressed how fair use could apply to privately drafted standards that have been incorporated into law. In addition to exploring and assessing these recent decisions, this article undertakes a deeper review of historical decisions that supported access to the law by overriding copyright claims. Included is a review of documents that reveal an additional player and facts in the Banks v. Manchester litigation. The article also discusses open issues and concerns regarding whether “the law” can be copyrighted. The article asserts that supporting unfettered access to the law and the public benefits that flow therefrom should outweigh copyright concerns.
The μ·cosm Project: An Introspective Platform to Study Intelligent Agents in the Context of Music Ensemble Improvisation

The study reported here centers around the question of how to evaluate the performance of creative intelligent machines. In this case, the prototype is a music improvising agent performing Free Music – a genre characterized by the lack of rules. Given this circumstance, evaluating the aesthetic quality of the agent’s performance becomes even more difficult than for traditional music. The degree of ensemble communication between the agent and human musicians is used as a performance measure. Using foot pedals, the participating musicians are asked to track their perceived ensemble states by considering everybody's tension curves. The correlation over time between the ensemble states recorded by the musicians and by the machine is then evaluated. Additionally, an introspective approach to testing the agent is introduced by simulating a trio consisting of the agent and two other instruments (saxophone and bass pedal), both performed by the author.
The Transcerebral Arteries

For precise interpretation of CT brain scan and magnification angiography, an in-depth knowledge of the arteries of the white substance is necessary. Postmortem arteriographic studies on a large series of brains provide us with significant information about morphologic as well as pathologic changes, of which a few interesting aspects are elucidated.
Adult neurogenesis in primate and rodent spinal cord: comparing a cervical dorsal rhizotomy with a dorsal column transection

Neurogenesis has not been shown in the primate spinal cord and the conditions for its induction following spinal injury are not known. In the first part of this study, we report neurogenesis in the cervical spinal dorsal horn in adult monkeys 6-8 weeks after receiving a well-defined cervical dorsal rhizotomy (DRL). 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered 2-4 weeks following the lesion. Cells colabeled with BrdU and five different neuronal markers were observed in the peri-lesion dorsal horn 4-5 weeks after BrdU injection. Those colabeled with BrdU and neuron-specific nuclear protein, and BrdU and glial fibrillary acidic protein were quantified in the dorsal horn peri-lesion region, and the ipsi- and contralateral sides were compared. A significantly greater number of BrdU/neuron-specific nuclear protein- and BrdU/glial fibrillary acidic protein-colabeled cells were found on the lesion side (P<0.01). These findings led us to hypothesize that neurogenesis can occur within the spinal cord following injury, when the injury does not involve direct trauma to the cord and glial scar formation. This was tested in rats. Neurogenesis and astrocytic proliferation were compared between animals receiving a DRL and those receiving a dorsal column lesion. In DRL rats, neurogenesis was observed in the peri-lesion dorsal horn. In dorsal column lesion rats, no neurogenesis was observed but astrocytic activation was intense. The rat data support our hypothesis and findings in the monkey, and show that the response is not primate specific. The possibility that new neurons contribute to recovery following DRL now needs further investigation.
Is hospice associated with improved end-of-life care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities?

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether hospice enrollment for nursing home (NH) and residential care/assisted living (RC/AL) residents near the end of life is associated with symptoms and symptom management, personal care, spiritual support, and family satisfaction. DESIGN: Structured, retrospective telephone interviews with family and staff who attended to NH and RC/AL residents in the last month of life. SETTING: A stratified sample of 26 NH and 55 RC/AL facilities in four states. Participants: Family members (n=97) and long-term care (LTC) staff (n=104) identified as most involved in care of 124 residents who died over a 15-month period. MEASUREMENTS: A variety of reported measures of care and symptoms before death, including the Discomfort Scale for Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type. RESULTS: Of 124 decedents, 27 (22%) received hospice services. Dementia was less common in hospice enrollees than in decedents who did not receive hospice care. Hospice enrollees more often had moderate/severe pain and dyspnea and received pain treatment and were more likely to receive assistance with mouth care and eating and drinking. There were no differences related to unmet need, and observed differences were largely eliminated when comparisons were limited to residents whose deaths were expected. CONCLUSION: Rates of hospice use observed in this study (22%) were considerably higher than previously reported, although persons with dementia may continue to be underreferred. Hospice use is targeted to dying residents with higher levels of reported pain and dyspnea. Because difference in care largely disappears in cases when death was expected, LTC staff seem to be well positioned to provide end-of-life care for their residents and are advised to remain sensitive to instances in which death may be expected.
The internet, sustainable development and ecosystems management

INTRODUCTION Sustainable development promotes the idea that development should be capable of meeting the needs of today without sacrificing the resources needed by future generations. This notion has evolved from recognition of the current problems faced when development occurs without regard for its impact on the surrounding ecosystem. The problems that occur are legion and the solutions complex. They involve many stakeholders with often significantly different perspectives and vastly different goals. New approaches to defining problems, approaches that incorporate multiple perspectives and support communication among multiple stakeholders, are needed to structure the complexity of modern decisionmaking situations and achieve sustainable development. A recent study, sponsored jointly by the United Nations Development Program, the UN Environment Program, the World Bank and the World Resources Institute, identifies the problems at hand. The study assesses the global status of five types of ecosystems: agricultural, coastal, forest, freshwater and grassland. The
Studies of Scholarly Productivity in Social Work Using Citation Analysis

Ideally, an educator’s reputation should be based primarily on that person’s scholarly publications. However, reputation is more than the sum of one’s scholarly efforts. In this article, the authors seek to add objective information to the subjective decision-making process involved in hiring, promoting, or providing tenure to educators. The authors present norms of citations—objective indicators of reputation—for professors, associate professors, and assistant professors. These norms were derived from the Citation Index of the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). Four studies were undertaken to examine scholarly productivity using the same basic methodology: citation analysis. In Study 1, the authors examined a sample of educators listed in the Encyclopedia of Social Work. These experts were used as a national norm against which other educators could compare themselves. Study 2 was based on a citation analysis of deans of all graduate schools of social work. In Study 3, the authors examined “local norm...
Wake up Information Literacy Instruction: Ideas for Student Engagement

ABSTRACTIn this article, three librarians from Santa Fe College, the community college winner of the 2015 ACRL Excellence in Academic Libraries Award, share their successful work in information literacy instruction. While the ACRL award is given for overall achievement, this article focuses upon their creative and varied approaches to instruction, incorporating a wide blend of strategies to reach students across the college. Beginning with targeted approaches to virtual instruction, including broad use of the flipped classroom model, and building in active learning techniques, the librarians at Santa Fe College have built an instruction program that could serve as a model to community college libraries across the country.
A new combined antenna and propagation model

A new linear antenna model (Accessible Antenna Package, APACK) is presented. APACK calculates electric field strength, complete antenna gain patterns for 16 commonly used linear antennas. It has been shown that APACK outputs agree very closely with NEC for antenna patterns, and APACK is very easy to use and substantially faster than NEC. APACK is also a propagation model and agrees very closely with CCIR and other smooth-earth ground wave models for the basic transmission loss predictions.
Spatial Properties of Entangled Twin Beams

We use four-wave mixing in an atomic system to generate twin beams and study the effect of the size and profile of the pump on the minimum size of the spatial correlations, or coherence area. Article not available.
Ciliary body epithelial tumours in the dog and cat; a report of thirteen cases

The veterinary literature regarding ciliary body epithelial tumours is reviewed with a comparative perspective to serve as a background for a discussion of the epidemiological, clinical, morphological, and biological behavioural features of eleven canine and two feline cases. Six of the canine cases were adenomas and five were adenocarcinomas; both feline cases were adenocarcinomas. It would appear that these lesions are relatively common intraocular tumours that may present with a variety of clinical signs and relatively consistent morphological characteristics. The potential for metastasis of malignant tumours exists but metastasis occurs infrequently in the advanced stages of the disease. Differential diagnosis and clinical management are discussed.
Some improvement in the Tc of bismuth-based superconducting compounds

Abstract Bi-based superconducting compounds have been prepared by doping BaBiO 3 with mixtures of alkali carbonates and by calcining the pellets in vacuum at 815 ° C for 30 min and 725 ° C for another 30 min. Then, the pellets were charged with oxygen at 450° C for 2–4 h and thereafter cooled in the furnace to room temperature. A resistivity measured T c of 37 K was obtained for Ba 0.6 k 0.3 Rb 0.1 BiO x . In contrast to the copper-based compounds, the resistivity in the normal state is of the hopping type.
From irritable heart to mitral valve prolapse--World War I, the British experience and Thomas Lewis.

Abstract The lineage of mitral valve prolapse and the mitral valve prolapse syndrome as described in the mid-late 1900s may be traced through the evolution of thought about functional heart disease as defined in the midlate 1800s.1 A key issue in tracing this lineage involves the entity described by DaCosta2 as “irritable heart” in the U.S. Civil War, and redefined in England as “soldier's heart” and the “effort syndrome”3 during World War I. A key figure in the British experience with soldier's heart and the effort syndrome was Thomas Lewis.
The Effect of Temperature on Feed Consumption and Nutrient Absorption in Procambarus clarkii and Procambarus zonangulus

Feeding characteristics of acclimated red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii and white river crayfish Procambarus zonangulus were determined at 8, 14, 20, 26, and 32 C. Food consumption rates of crayfish were directly related to temperature. Feeding was minimal at 8 C. At 14 CP. zonangulus consumed significantly more feed (5.5% body weight (BW/d) than P. clarkii (1.8% BW/d). At 32 C P. clarkii consumed significantly more feed (23% BW/d) than P. zonangulus (10% BW /d), reflecting species-specific thermal optimums for feeding. Differences in food consumption rates correspond to differences in the geographical distributions of these two species. Dry matter absorption rates ranged from 55% to 75% for both species without significant temperature effect. Patterns of protein and carbohydrate absorption were similar in P. clarkii and P. zonangulus. Protein absorption efficiency decreased from 45% to 10% as temperature increased from 8 C to 32 C. The total amount of protein absorbed increased seven- to ten-fold as temperature increased. Soluble carbohydrate absorption efficiency was reduced at low temperatures. However, absorption efficiency increased approximately five-fold as temperature increased from 14 C to 20 C, but did not change substantially as temperature was increased to 32 C. The total amount of carbohydrate absorbed increased approximately 15- to 26-fold as temperature increased. The protein to carbohydrate utilization ratio was similar between species, but varied dramatically with temperature. Both species absorbed between 2.5 and four-times more protein than carbohydrate at low temperatures (8 C and 14 C). At 32 C both species utilized approximately three times more carbohydrate than protein. In spite of reduced consumption at lower temperatures, crayfish absorbed a greater protein portion. At these low temperatures it appears that crayfish maximize the efficiency of protein absorption, presumably for maintenance and growth requirements. At high temperatures it appears that crayfish maximize energy intake, presumably to sustain higher metabolic rates due to increased activity levels. These apparent temperature-dependent nutrient requirements may influence natural foraging strategies or, for species in aquaculture, the effectiveness of commercial feed preparations. At high temperatures P. clarkii was more effective in consuming nutrients than P. zonangulus and may be more successful than P. zonangulus at these temperatures.
Homology of lubricin and superficial zone protein (SZP): Products of megakaryocyte stimulating factor (MSF) gene expression by human synovial fibroblasts and articular chondrocytes localized to chromosome 1q25

We have previously identified megakaryocyte stimulating factor (MSF) gene expression by synovial fibroblasts as the origin of lubricin in the synovial cavity. Lubricin is a mucinous glycoprotein responsible for the boundary lubrication of articular cartilage. MSF has a significant homology to vitronectin and is composed of 12 exons. RNA was purified from human synovial fibroblasts and articular chondrocytes grown in vitro from tissue explants obtained from subjects without degenerative joint disease. RT-PCR was used with multiple complimentary primer pairs spanning the central mucin expressing exon 6 of the MSF gene and individual exons on both the N- and C-terminal sides of exon 6. Exons 2, 4 and 5 appear to be variably expressed by synovial fibroblasts and articular chondrocytes. Lubricating mucin, in the form of MSF, is expressed by both chondrocytes and synovial fibroblasts in vitro. Both lubricin and superficial zone protein (SZP), a related proteoglycan, share a similar primary structure but could differ in post-translational modifications with O-linked oligosaccharides which are predominant in lubricin and with limited amounts chondroitin and keratan sulfate found in SZP. Since most of the MSF exons are involved in the expression of lubricating mucin, a strong homology to vitronectin persists. It is therefore appropriate to consider that both SZP and lubricin occupy a new class of biomolecules termed tribonectins. Screening of a human genome bacterial artificial chromsome (BAC) library with a cDNA primer pair complimentary for exon 6 identified two clones. Both clones were complimentary for chromosome 1q25 by in situ hybridization. This same locus was previously implicated in camptodactyl-arthropathy-pericarditis syndrome (CAP) by genetic mapping. It is hypothesized that CAP, a large joint arthropathy, may be associated with ineffective boundary lubrication provided by synovial fluid.
Signal-to-noise ratio and detective quantum efficiency analysis of optically coupled CCD mammography imaging systems.

Rationale and Objectives. Design considerations for x-ray systems with optically coupled charge-coupled devices require an understanding of the characteristics of cascaded multistage imaging chains. Performance evaluations rely on accurate analyses of signal-to-noise ratio, noise power spectrum, and detective quantum efficiency. Methods. Theoretic models of signal-to-noise ratio, noise power spectrum, and detective quantum efficiency were extended to analyze the optically coupled charge-coupled device and other electronic x-ray imaging systems. The descriptions of how to measure or compute these parameters are provided. Results. The results of our quantitative analysis illustrate that x-ray quantum-noise limitation can be obtained without an image intensifier by using a low additive noise charge-coupled device. Conclusion. This theoretic model and experimental method provide a useful tool for developing optoelectronic x-ray imaging systems for digital mammography and other radiologic procedures.
Subwavelength resolution far-infrared microscopy.

The technique of scanned evanescent wave imaging can be used to obtain microscopic resolution well below the illumination wavelength. This paper describes the first application of this method to imaging in the far infrared using the 118.8-μm emission of an optically pumped methanol vapor laser. Resolution down to 30 μm has been demonstrated. Limitations set by available signal power are discussed.
SEMPA imaging of domain dynamics in amorphous metals

Abstract We show how scanning electron microscopy with polarization analysis (SEMPA) may be used to observe domain wall motion in amorphous ferromagnetic ribbons commonly used in transformer cores. SEMPA images were obtained from both the smooth, air side of the ribbon, as well as the rough, difficult to image, wheel side. Domain wall motion was studied under both quasi-static and low-frequency fields (4 Hz). The domain walls are observed to have a wide range of mobilities and are occasionally pinned by surface defects even in well-annealed samples. Irreproducible domain wall motion was also observed, but was not always obviously related to defects. This has significant implications for future attempts to use stroboscopic measurements in the study of wall mobility at higher frequencies.
Acetylcholinesterase distribution in axotomized frog motoneurons.

: The distribution of acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7) activity was examined in the perikarya and proximal axonal stumps of frog motoneurons injured by ventral root transection. Based upon measurements of net AChE accumulation in the proximal stumps of transected ventral roots, and upon orthograde clearances of AChE reported by others, it was determined that an amount of AChE equivalent to at least 0.7–2 times the perikaryal content of this enzyme enters the motor axon each day. A progressive decrease in the rate of AChE accumulation in transected axons during the first 3 days after ventral rhizotomy raised the possibility that excess enzyme might accumulate elsewhere within the axotomized motoneurons. However, AChE accumulation was detected only near the cut ends of the ventral roots and was not appreciably increased within injured motoneuronal cell bodies and proximal dendrites, which were isolated by a new method combining bulk and single-cell isolation techniques. These data suggest that AChE turnover is altered rapidly in response to axonal injury, thereby avoiding large perikaryal accumulations of this enzyme.
Closed bosonic strings in a covariant phase space

Abstract In a covariant phase space the Poisson bracket Lie algebra of (1+1)-dimensional diffeomorphisms has a three-parameter family of Lorentz- and translation-invariant local string representations. In the second-quantized string theory these parameters appear in the Schwinger term of the commutator algebra and modify the critical dimension, and in the lagrangian formulation they contribute to frame anomalies associated with functional determinants.
Surface properties of potential plastic-bonded explosives (PBX)

Abstract A technique that measures the work of dewetting of a polymer-coated glass slide using a liquid of known surface tension is described. The resultant data are analyzed using solvent pairs that give calculated values for solid-surface tension of the polymers. The solid-surface tension of a pressed TATB plate is similarly measured, and values for interfacial tension and work of adhesion between polymer and TATB are computed based on the experimental data. Resulting values can be used as a scale to evaluate potential TATB binders.
Cell-penetrating peptides: breaking through to the other side

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been previously shown to be powerful transport vector tools for the intracellular delivery of a large variety of cargoes through the cell membrane. Intracellular delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA), oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), proteins and peptides, contrast agents, drugs, as well as various nanoparticulate pharmaceutical carriers (e.g., liposomes, micelles) has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. This review focuses on the peptide-based strategy for intracellular delivery of CPP-modified nanocarriers to deliver small molecule drugs or DNA. In addition, we discuss the rationales for the design of 'smart' pharmaceutical nanocarriers in which the cell-penetrating properties are hidden until triggered by exposure to appropriate environmental conditions (e.g., a particular pH, temperature, or enzyme level), applied local microwave, ultrasound, or radiofrequency radiation.
The Supergiant Shell LMC 2. I. The Kinematics and Physical Structure

LMC 2 has the brightest, most coherent filamentary structure of all known supergiant shells in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The optical emission-line images show active star formation regions along the western edge and long filaments to the east. ROSAT PSPC and HRI images show bright X-ray emission from within the shell boundary, indicating the presence of hot gas. Counterintuitively, neither high-resolution echelle spectra in the Hα line nor aperture synthesis H I 21 cm emission-line observations show LMC 2 to have the kinematics expected of an expanding shell. Rather, LMC 2 appears to consist of hot gas confined between H I sheets. The interior surfaces of these sheets are ionized by the UV flux of massive stars in the star formation regions along the periphery of LMC 2, while the heating is provided by outflows of hot gas from the star formation regions and by SNRs interior to LMC 2. We have compared LMC 2 to other supergiant shells in the LMC and in more distant galaxies. When the spatial resolution of our data are degraded, we find that LMC 2 resembles supergiant shells observed at a distance of 4 Mpc that have previously been interpreted as expanding shells. Therefore, great caution should be exercised in the analysis and interpretation of the kinematics of distant supergiant shells to prevent overestimates of their velocities and total kinetic energies.
Suction dip, liquid residual and slosh wave excitation during liquid draining in microgravity

Abstract The dynamical behavior of vapor ingestion, liquid residual at the incipience of suction dipand slosh wave excitation under normal and various reduced gravity environments and different flow rates of liquid have been investigated during the courses of liquid hydrogen draining. It shows that the liquid residual at the incipience of suction dip increase as the values of gravity environment decrease to lower reduced gravity, and also that the liquid residual increase as the flow rates of liquid increase during the courses of liquid hydrogen draining. In the slosh wave excitation, it shows that slosh waves are unable to excite for flow fields with lower ratio of Bond number to Weber number.
Performance of an N95 Filtering Facepiece Particulate Respirator and a Surgical Mask During Human Breathing: Two Pathways for Particle Penetration

The protection level offered by filtering facepiece particulate respirators and face masks is defined by the percentage of ambient particles penetrating inside the protection device. There are two penetration pathways: (1) through the faceseal leakage, and the (2) filter medium. This study aimed at differentiating the contributions of these two pathways for particles in the size range of 0.03–1 μm under actual breathing conditions. One N95 filtering facepiece respirator and one surgical mask commonly used in health care environments were tested on 25 subjects (matching the latest National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health fit testing panel) as the subjects performed conventional fit test exercises. The respirator and the mask were also tested with breathing manikins that precisely mimicked the prerecorded breathing patterns of the tested subjects. The penetration data obtained in the human subject- and manikin-based tests were compared for different particle sizes and breathing patterns. Overal...
Evaluating strategic effectiveness in the retail sector: A conceptual approach

Abstract In the past, examinations of the strategy-performance relationship have focused on samples from the industrial sector. This study, based on Porter's (1980) generic strategy framework, theoretically evaluates three propositions which may be used to extend this work to the retail sector. This article examines the unique forces affecting the relationship between strategy and performance within the retailing industry. Based on prior research, the authors hypothesize that in terms of both financial performance and operating performance, retailers employing multiple strategies to attain competitive advantage will outperform those using a singular approach.
Wettability of transition metal boride eutectic alloys to graphite

The wetting of nickel, platinum and palladium boride eutectics (Ni55B45, Ni62B38, Pd72B28, and Pt72B28) to polycrystalline graphite has been studied by sessile drop and surface analytical techniques. The wettability is critically influenced by surface segregation of low-level bulk impurities in the alloys. At the melting temperature, the impurities segregate to the surface of the liquid alloy and inhibit wetting. A poorly-wetted droplet with a large contact angle results. Good wetting results by introducing materials into the contact system which possess high chemical reactivity to the major segregant species, either as a surface coating or by incorporation into the alloy during manufacture. The materials act to suppress segregation by tying up the alloy impurities through compound formation. The results indicate that the use of surface sensitive techniques in the study of wetting is essential.
TO SCREEN OR NOT TO SCREEN FOR HIV IN PREGNANT WOMEN : PROS AND CONS OF ROUTINE SCREENING AND USE OF HOME TEST KITS

PREVIEWEmotions run high when it comes to who should and who should not be tested for HIV. Now, as the debate heats up over screening of all pregnant women and their babies, primary care physicians may find themselves caught in the fray. Recent approval of home HIV test kits allows patients to test themselves, but can the results be trusted? Dr Wong summarizes the contentious issues, looks at the debate from both sides, provides supportive documentation when available, and points out the “knowledge gaps.”
Variability of the BL Lacertae object AO0235+164

WE can summarise previous1–3 discussion of the problem of excessive Compton scattering in variable compact non-thermal sources by saying that the small size implied by rapid variability leads to too large a probability that a given electron will Compton-scatter one of the emitted photons, leading to an excessive X-ray flux. The basic assumptions underlying these difficulties are that the time-variable radiation is produced by the incoherent synchrotron process by electrons with large pitch angles in randomly oriented magnetic fields, and that the objects are at the cosmological distances implied by their redshifts. We present here a crude model of the recently observed outburst4 of AO0235+164 in the near infrared and visible, where variability of up to 30% on time scales of 1 or 2 d has been noted. In our model the assumptions of large pitch angle and randomly oriented fields are relaxed5 and the model accords with our previous discussion3 of the low-frequency variability of the radio sources 3C454.3 and CTA 102.
Synthesis and DNA-binding studies of new cationic guanidine and betaineamide tetraphenylporphyrins

Abstract Cationic water-soluble tetraphenylporphyrins with guanidine or betaine groups on the phenyl rings are prepared by the coupling reaction of hydrogen cyanamide and N-chlorobetainylchloride, respectively, with tetraaminophenylporphyrins and the preliminary report of their affinities for ct-DNA is described.
Rendezvous mac protocols for use in cognitive radio networks

This paper examines rendezvous protocols for ad hoc network establishment in cognitive radio networks. Such capability is needed when deploying cognitive radios in an area whose existing fixed communications infrastructure has been destroyed, such as after a natural disaster. A review of previous rendezvous strategies reveals the need for more research and analysis on the multi-channel, asynchronous scenario. We start our research by first considering the analytical models for the single-channel and multiple-channel synchronous problems. We next discuss possible extensions of these analytical models for the corresponding asynchronous cases. We then present an empirical solution for the four node instance using data collected from experiments on a network testbed.
Dexamethasone regulates basic fibroblast growth factor, nerve growth factor and S100β expression in cultured hippocampal astrocytes

Abstract Glucocorticoids regulate hippocampal neuron survival during fetal development, in the adult, and during aging; however, the mechanisms underlying the effects are unclear. Since astrocytes contain adrenocortical receptors and synthesize and release a wide variety of growth factors, we hypothesized that glucocorticoids may alter neuron–astrocyte interactions by regulating the expression of growth factors in hippocampal astrocytes. In this study, three growth factors, which are important for hippocampal neuron development and survival, were investigated: basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and S100 β . Enriched type I astrocyte cultures were treated with 1 μ M dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, for up to 120 h. Cells and culture medium were collected and total RNA and protein were measured at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h after the initiation of hormone treatment. Growth factor mRNA levels were measured and quantified using solution hybridization–RNase protection assays and protein levels were quantified using ELISA methods. We report that DEX stimulates the bFGF mRNA levels over the 120-h treatment. In contrast, DEX suppresses NGF mRNA continuously over the same period of treatment. DEX induces a biphasic response in S100 β mRNA levels. In addition, some of the changes in gene expression are translated into parallel changes in protein levels of these growth factors. Our results demonstrate that dexamethasone can differentially regulate the expression of growth factors in hippocampal astrocytes in vitro. This suggests that one of the mechanisms through which glucocorticoids affect hippocampal functions may be by regulating the expression of astrocyte-derived growth factors.
The structure of minimizing hypersurfaces mod 4

The introduction of the generalized surfaces of geometric measure theory has made it possible to prove the existence of solutions to Plateau's problem or, more generally, the existence of surfaces having a given boundary and minimizing an elliptic integral. Naturally that raises the problem of determining the structure of the solutions and, in particular, of proving regularity properties. Of course the nature of the solutions depends on the class of surfaces one allows. The m-dimensional rectifiable flat chains mod v in IR "+1 are characterized by the property that they agree, except on a set of arbitrarily small m-dimensional measure, with the images in IR "+1 of C 1 singular m-chains with coefficients in the integers mod v, the particular chains depending on the degree of approximation desired. Minimizing m-dimensional flat chains m o d 2 in 1R m+l solve the "unoriented problem" and exhibit the strongest regularity properties; except for closed sets of m 2 dimensional measure 0, they are smoothly embedded manifolds [ASS], Two-dimensional area-minimizing flat chains mod 3 resemble some soap films; in [T] it is shown that they consist of analytic surfaces together with smooth curves along which three such surfaces meet at equal angles. In this paper we determine the structure of any m-dimensional rectifiable flat chain m o d 4 which minimizes the integral of an even elliptic integrand q~. in particular, we show that, except for a closed set of m 2 dimensional measure 0, it is a smoothly immersed manifold, the sheets of which are locally (b minimizing. In case 4~ is analytic, we can also analyze the multiple points of the immersion. For instance, we have as a corollary of the main theorem:
Two new mutations in the human E1β subunit of branched chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase associated with maple syrup urine disease

Abstract Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by defective function of the mitochondrial branched chain α -ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKD) complex. Mutations in both alleles of any of three genes for component proteins result in the clinical phenotype. Two discrete mutant alleles for the E1 β subunit of the decarboxylase component in a proband with MSUD are defined and parental origin of each allele identified. The maternal mutation, an A to T transversion at nucleotide 526 in the coding sequence, potentiates an asparagine to tyrosine change at position 126 (N126Y). The paternal mutant allele contains a C to T transition at nucleotide 970 introducing a stop codon (R274 * ). Western blot analysis revealed a 75% reduction in the E1 β -N126Y protein and an absence of the R274 * truncated protein in proband cells. Both mutant proteins could be synthesized, imported into mitochondria, and processed in vitro. Functional analysis of the mutant proteins provided new information on the role of E1 β in the activity of BCKD. In vivo the E1 β -N126Y protein associated into macromolecular complexes indistinguishable from those formed with the wild type E1 β protein. However, catalytic activity of these complexes in proband cells was β -R274 * protein is unstable and not found in mitochondria from the patient derived cells.
Internship for the engineering graduate

In the medical profession, a period of “internship” during which the young graduate learns to put his knowledge to work has been established as a definite step in the preparation of a doctor for his field. So, too, in the engineering profession is such a period of internship necessary to bridge the transition from theory to practice successfully. This is the third article in a series presented at a symposium on education during the 1949 AIEE Winter Meeting.1,2
Surface spectral emissivity derived from MODIS data

Surface emissivity is essential for many remote sensing applications including the retrieval of the surface skin temperature from satellite-based infrared measurements, determining thresholds for cloud detection and for estimating the emission of longwave radiation from the surface, an important component of the energy budget of the surface-atmosphere interface. In this paper, data from the Terra MODIS (MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) taken at 3.7, 8.5, 10.8, 12.0 micron are used to simultaneously derive the skin temperature and the surface emissivities at the same wavelengths. The methodology uses separate measurements of the clear-sky temperatures that are determined by the CERES (Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System) scene classification in each channel during the daytime and at night. The relationships between the various channels at night are used during the day when solar reflectance affects the 3.7 micron data. A set of simultaneous equations is then solved to derive the emissivities. Global results are derived from MODIS. Numerical weather analyses are used to provide soundings for correcting the observed radiances for atmospheric absorption. These results are verified and will be available for remote sensing applications.
Multiresolution generalized likelihood ratio detection approach to target screening in synthetic aperture radar data

We present a detection concept for initial target screening based on features that are derived from a multiresolution decomposition of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. The physical motivation of the multiresolution feature-based approach is the exploitation of signature oscillations produced by the interference between prominant scatterers in cultural objects when resolution is varied. We develop a generalized likelihood ratio test detector which differentiates between first order autoregressive multiresolution processes attributed to different spatial areas. We then derive two special cases of this detector motivated by arguments regarding the clutter statistics. We show that these schemes significantly outperform a standard energy detector operating on the finest available SAR resolution only.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Viral origin of antiphospholipid antibodies: endothelial cell activation and thrombus enhancement by CMV peptide-induced APL antibodies.

Summary Our observations and those from others, give further support to our hypothesis that “autoimmune aPL” may be generated by immunization with products from bacteria or viruses after incidental exposure or infection. We also were able to generate APS-like syndrome in a strain of mice susceptible to autoimmunity, indicating that other factors such as genetics are likely to be involved in the development of APS. Furthermore, not all aPL antibodies generated by immunization with bacterial or viral products are pathogenic. Based on the clinical experience and on the numerous reports indicating presence of aPL in a large number of infectious diseases, it may be expected that not all aPL antibodies produced during infection will be pathogenic. We hypothesize that a limited number aPL antibodies induced by certain viral/bacterial products would be pathogenic in certain groups of predisposed individuals. Identification of these bacterial and/or viral agents may help to find strategies for the prevention of production of aPL “pathogenic” antibodies. Alternatively, free peptides may be used to induce tolerance against aPL production.
A Case Study of Operational Failure in Home Healthcare

Examination of operational failures in home healthcare could yield important insights into improving patient safety. This article presents a case study of work system breakdowns observed in the home healthcare setting. The findings suggest that the biggest areas of opportunity are failures stemming from (a) insufficient support from home health agencies and (b) inadequate coordination with patients and their families. Factors that impede organizations from learning from employees' experiences with operational failures and steps that managers may take to overcome these hurdles are discussed.
Cellulose propionylpropionate as a side product in the reaction of cotton cellulose with propionyl chloride

In the reaction of cotton cellulose fiber with propionyl chloride in pyridine–DMF medium, the degree of substitution based on weight gain was much higher than that based on saponification. Gas–liquid chromatograms of the pyrolysis products of the samples showed an extra peak. This was identified as 3-pentanone, which arises from the pyrolysis of α-propionylpropionic acid, a substance which was proposed by Malm and co-workers as a possible side product. This conclusion was further confirmed by the infrared and NMR spectra of the liquid, collected fractionally on pyrolysis of the sample. Quantitative GLC showed that one out of every four hydroxyl groups is substituted with an α-propionylpropionyl moiety, the rest with propionyl groups. A possible mechanism for the side reaction has been proposed.
Sex mediated lipid metabolism in human aortic smooth muscle cells

Summary When human aortic smooth muscle cells in culture were treated with pharmacological doses of estrogen and testosterone for 48 hrs, the rate of cholesterol synthesis measured both by acetate incorporation and the 3, hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl Co enzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA) activity declined significantly as compared to control. However, the rate of cholesterol esterification increased by 132% and 45% in response to testosterone and estrogen respectively. Also, acetate incorporation into fatty acids and fatty acid synthetase enzyme activity increased by hormonal treatment but remained in the free form especially by estrogen. Testosterone treatment resulted in more esterification (p 14 C-labeled cholesterol along with increased accumulation of cellular cholesterol. Increased synthesis of phospholipid and triglyceride by estrogen may be responsible for excretion of cellular sterol and fat. These results indicate that sex-hormones have an important effect on the regulation of lipid metabolism in human aortic cells.
HOUSES AND GARDENS OF THE NEW ENGLAND INDIANS

The outline of the round house (fig. 10, c, d) closely approached that of a hemisphere. The ground-plan was circular,' with an approximate diameter of from ten to sixteen feet.2 The probable height of these lodges over the central fireplace was from six to eight feet. They were occupied by one or two families. According to Williams "two families will live comfortably and lovingly in a little round house of some fourteen or sixteen foot over."
Spin-polarized electron transport through nanometer-scale Al grains

We investigate spin-polarized electron tunneling through ensembles of nanometer-scale Al grains embedded between two Co reservoirs at 4.2 K, and observe tunneling-magnetoresistance (TMR) and effects from spin precession in the perpendicular applied magnetic field (the Hanle effect). The spin-coherence time $({T}_{2}^{\ensuremath{\star}})$ measured using the Hanle effect is of order ns. The dephasing is attributed to electron spin precession in local magnetic fields. Dephasing process does not destroy TMR, which is strongly asymmetric with bias voltage. The asymmetric TMR is explained by spin relaxation in the Al grains and asymmetric electron dwell times.