cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The logic of generalization: Five principles common to experiments and ethnographies

Both experiments and ethnographies are highly localized, so they are often criticized for lack of generalizability. The present article describes a logic of generalization that may help solve such problems. The logic consists of five principles outlined by Cook (1990): (a) proximal similarity, (b) heterogeneity of irrelevancies, (c) discriminant validity, (d) empirical interpolation and extrapolation, and (e) explanation. Because validity is a property of knowledge claims, not methods, these five principles apply to claims about generalization generated by any method, including both ethnographies and experiments. The principles are illustrated using Rizzo and Corsaro's interesting ethnographies as examples.
On the homogeneity/heterogeneity of solid copper oxide precatalysts in the oxidative homocoupling of ethynylbenzene

Abstract The heterogeneity of copper oxide supported on γ-Al 2 O 3 (10CuO-Al 2 O 3 ) and TiO 2 (10CuO-TiO 2 ) precatalysts is assessed in the oxidative homocoupling of ethynylbenzene in piperidine, with a focus on the effect of temperature, support, and solvent on copper leaching and catalyst reactivity. It is demonstrated that for this alkyne homocoupling reaction, elevated temperature is needed to solubilize copper and activate it, likely by production of soluble molecular copper-piperidine complexes. Once this activation occurred, the reaction can occur at room temperature, giving good yields of the desired product. Copper oxide is shown to interact differently on the two supports; CuO supported on TiO 2 is more dispersed and accessible than CuO supported on γ-Al 2 O 3 . Less copper leaches from 10CuO-TiO 2 than from 10CuO-Al 2 O 3 at room temperature. Nevertheless, copper species that leach from 10CuO-TiO 2 are more active than the species leached from 10CuO-Al 2 O 3 , as some of the copper leached from alumina likely exists as fine, inactive CuO nanoparticles. Piperidine has multiple roles in this reaction: it acts as solvent, base, as well as an important ligand. The precatalyst 10CuO-TiO 2 is reused three times, with improved performance after each cycle. Nevertheless, it cannot be considered a recyclable catalyst, but rather a reusable solid precatalyst that produced new soluble active copper species in each cycle.
Coordinated discharge of a collection of batteries

Collections of batteries are used to supply energy to a variety of applications. By utilizing the energy in such a collection efficiently, we can improve the lifetime over which energy can be supplied to the application. We say that the discharge of a collection of batteries is coordinated when, at the end of discharge, the difference in the remaining capacity of individual batteries is small. This paper presents a decision-maker based on a goal-seeking formulation that coordinates the discharge of a collection of batteries. This formulation allows us to use a simple battery model and simple decision-making algorithms. We present results from MATLAB simulations that demonstrate the performance of the decision-maker when energy is drawn out of the collection in three different discharge scenarios. The new decision-maker consistently improves the discharge efficiency obtained using scheduling methods. Our results show that when the discharge is coordinated, the lifetime of the collection is extended.
Commercial GaInNAs VCSELs grown by MBE

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) emitting in the 1260-1650 nm band are desired for low-cost, low-power optical communications on single-mode fibers. Use of the GaInNAs material system [3], grown on GaAs substrates by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), has yielded the best reproducibility, performance and reliability [1, 2]. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A New Approach to the Study of Ticket Splitting

A new solution to the ecological inference problem is used to examine split-ticket voting patterns across states and congressional districts in the 1988 elections. Earlier studies of ticket splitting used either aggregate data, which suffer from the “ecological fallacy” and threaten individual-level inferences, or survey data from small, unrepresentative samples. We produce more accurate estimates of the proportions of voters splitting their ballots in each state and district, which enables us to examine variations across geographical units. We also clarify the connection between ticket splitting and divided government and test several competing theories about the causes of both. We find, contrary to balancing arguments, that voters are not intentionally splitting tickets to produce divided government and moderate policies. In most cases split outcomes are a by-product of lopsided congressional campaigns that feature well-funded, high-quality candidates versus unknown competitors.
Impaired transformability of Bacillus subtilis mutant sensitive to mitomycin C and ultraviolet radiation.

A mutant, MC-1, of the transformable Bacillus subtilis 168M, was isolated with properties similar to those reported for the “recombination-deficient” mutants of Escherichia coli . MC-1 was recognized by its sensitivity to mitomycin C, and although sensitive itself to ultraviolet irradiation, it could effect host cell reactivation of ultraviolet-irradiated phages. The capacity of MC-1 for transformation was impaired to a greater extent than its capacity to take up bacterial DNA. The incorporation of transforming DNA into MC-1 was demonstrated by re-extracting biologically active DNA of donor origin from recipient cells of the mutant. The altered competence of MC-1 could not be attributed to host-induced modification of donor DNA. Susceptibility of MC-1 to infection with DNA extracted from phage SP02 was equal to that of the parental B. subtilis 168M. Numbers of infective centers produced by SP02 DNA, using either MC-1 or B. subtilis 168M as competent host, were directly proportional to DNA concentration. Susceptibility of MC-1 to infection with DNA from another B. subtilis phage, SPOl, was impaired to about the same extent as its capacity for transformation with bacterial DNA. Recombination of incorporated DNA seems to be required to initiate infection of B. subtilis 168M with SPOl DNA. When sensitivity to mitomycin C of MC-1 was decreased by mutational reversion to that of the parental strain, the normal transformability characteristic of B. subtilis 168M was regained. Sensitivity to mitomycin C was transformed into several bacterial recipients by exposing them to donor DNA extracted from MC-1. These mitomycin C-sensitive transformants subsequently showed the altered transformability characteristic of MC-1. These results suggested that in one mutational step B. subtilis can acquire sensitivity to mitomycin C and ultraviolet light, and that this mutation also impairs at least one reaction involved in recombination.
A Model for Programming Data-Intensive Applications on FPGAs: A Genomics Case Study

Genomics computing is indispensable in basic medical research as well as in practical applications such as disease prevention, pharmaceutical development, and criminal forensics. DNA sequencing, assembly and analysis are key components of genomics computing. Coupled with the increased use of computation for both synthesis and analysis of data in genomics is the astounding increase in the rate at which next-generation sequencing platforms are producing genomic data. Keeping up with the combination of increasing levels of algorithmic demands and an exponential increase in data represents a huge computational challenge that requires a corresponding revolution in how we process the data. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are particularly well suited to the type of highly parallel, bit-level computations found in genomics algorithms. Unfortunately, the use of FPGA platforms among genomics researchers has been limited by the specialized hardware design expertise currently required to use these platforms. Another limiting factor has been a proliferation of FPGA platform architectures, each generally requiring a re-implementation of the algorithm. This paper describes a new programming model called Elan and an associated compiler that we are developing for FPGA-based genomic applications. The Elan model and compiler allow a programmer to use familiar concepts from parallel and distributed computing to develop an application at a relatively high level of abstraction, which can then be compiled automatically to large-scale FPGA platforms. One of the goals of Elan is to allow an application to be run seamlessly across both the CPU and FPGA portions of a platform, and to be parallelized easily across a system comprising many FPGAs and CPUs. We use the short read alignment application as the motivating example.
Purification of sexual agglutination factor from the yeast Hansenula wingei by chromatography and gradient sedimentation.

Abstract The agglutination factor from mating type 5 of Hansenula wingei was fractionated by various techniques. The factor was heterogeneous in chromatography on phospho-cellulose and notably broad in its sedimentation distribution diagram. Highly active fractions could be obtained either from chromatography on phospho-cellulose or from fractions sedimenting at rates greater than 100 Svedbergs. The most active fractions had particle weights greater than 108, and only a few of these particles per cell were required to agglutinate the opposite mating type. The agglutinating factor appears to be a protein-mannan complex.
Energy related mathematical models: Annotated bibliography

Abstract The evaluation of various options for energy sources, energy conversion, and efficient use of energy has led to the use of computer-based mathematical models. To insure that these models are reasonably accurate representations of the situation being studied, it is desirable to have available information concerning the analysis of error propagation in mathematical models when implemented on computers. As an aid to energy model builders who seek methods of analysis for their own work, as well as to provide a helpful guide for the research computer scientists working on the development of new methods for analysis of propagation of error, a classification scheme of error propagation methods is presented and an annotated bibliography of energy-related mathematical models classified by validation and error analysis methods is provided.
Inferring facts from fiction: Reading correct and incorrect information affects memory for related information

People can acquire both true and false knowledge about the world from fictional stories. The present study explored whether the benefits and costs of learning about the world from fictional stories extend beyond memory for directly stated pieces of information. Of interest was whether readers would use correct and incorrect story references to make deductive inferences about related information in the story, and then integrate those inferences into their knowledge bases. Participants read stories containing correct, neutral, and misleading references to facts about the world; each reference could be combined with another reference that occurred in a later sentence to make a deductive inference. Later they answered general knowledge questions that tested for these deductive inferences. The results showed that participants generated and retained the deductive inferences regardless of whether the inferences were consistent or inconsistent with world knowledge, and irrespective of whether the references were placed consecutively in the text or separated by many sentences. Readers learn more than what is directly stated in stories; they use references to the real world to make both correct and incorrect inferences that are integrated into their knowledge bases.
The Perspectives of Latina Mothers on Latina Lesbian Families

The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes and perceptions of 15 Latina mothers towards Latina lesbian parents. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect the data. While most respondents reported that Latina lesbians' parenting children was normal, they were concerned that by being raised by the Latina lesbian mothers, the children would be confused about their own sexual preference and that they would be teased by their peers. Respondents also reported that children raised in a lesbian household without having a male figure might experience difficulties in adjustment. Respondents reported that religion, how they were raised, and the Latino culture impacted attitudes toward lesbians as parents. Implications of findings are discussed.
Exploring the failure of foreign aid: The role of incentives and information

The stated purpose of foreign aid is to promote economic and human development. Recently, the ability of foreign aid to achieve its goals is called into question. Widespread conceptual and empirical literature suggests that foreign aid is ineffective. This paper explores the failure of foreign aid relying on the role of both incentives and information. The success of aid depends on incentives faced by all parties in donor and recipient countries. In addition, both donors and recipients must obtain the necessary information to actually target and achieve desired goals. This analysis provides a double-edged sword to explain why foreign aid fails to achieve development goals.
Experimental Study and Modeling of Equilibrium Point Trajectory Control in Single and Double-Joint Arm Movements

This paper discusses a new model of neuromuscular control of elbow and shoulder joints based on the Equilibrium Point Hypothesis (EPH). The earlier model [1] suggests that the incorporation of relative damping within reflex loops can maintain the dynamic simplicity of the EPH, while being robust over the range of human joint velocities. The model presented here, extends previous work with the use of experimental Electromyography data of 2 muscles to determine the timing parameters of the virtual trajectories and the inclusion of physiological time delays to account for neural transmission and muscle stimulation/activation delays. This model uses delays presented in the literature by other researchers, with a goal of contributing to a resolution of arguments regarding the controversial arguments in the planning sequences. Therefore, this study attempts to demonstrate the possibility for using descending CNS signals to represent relatively simple, monotonic virtual trajectories of the time varying Equilibrium Point for the control of human arm movement. In addition, the study demonstrates that these virtual trajectories were robust enough to control and coordinated movement of elbow and shoulder joints discussed.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
9-cis retinoic acid regulation of rat growth hormone gene expression: potential roles of multiple nuclear hormone receptors

Rat GH (rGH) gene expression is increased by both thyroid hormone (T3) and all-trans retinoic acid (RA) via a composite hormone response element (HRE) containing three putative half-sites (rGH-HRE). However, it is not known whether 9-cis RA (9cRA) also can regulate rGH gene expression. In this study, we performed a Northern blot analysis that demonstrated that 9cRA, as well as T3 and RA, increased rGH messenger RNA expression in rat pituitary GH3 cells. Transient transfection studies in GH3 cells, using reporter plasmids containing the rGH-HRE and mutated half-sites, revealed that 9cRA-stimulation of rGH transcription was mediated by the rGH-HRE and that all three half-sites are necessary. Additionally, we performed cotransfection studies to elucidate the particular receptor complexes involved in 9cRA regulation of rGH gene expression using CV-1 cells, which contain little or no endogenous RA receptors, and thyroid hormone receptors. Interestingly, in the presence of either retinoid X receptor alone, RA r...
Lifetimes and Modes of Decay of Sulfur-Centered Radical Zwitterions Containing Carboxylate and Phenyl Groups

The fates of sulfur-centered radical zwitterions were determined following triplet-sensitized electron transfer from thioether-containing aromatic carboxylic acids. 4-Carboxybenzophenone was used as the triplet sensitizer and four carboxylic acids, (phenylthio)acetic acid (1), S-benzylthioglycolic acid (2), 4-(methylthio)phenylacetic acid (3), and 4-(methylthio)benzoic acid (4), were the electron-donating quenchers. Following laser-induced electron transfer, the time development of the ensuing free-radical reactions was monitored by optical spectroscopy. The reference spectra of the photoinduced transients were selectively generated by a complementary pulse radiolytic method in order to determine extinction coefficients and spectral shapes. By use of these reference spectra, the observed transient spectra from laser flash photolysis were resolved into their components. From this information, concentration profiles and initial quantum yields of the radicals were determined along with triplet quenching rate...
Corner Solutions in Duality Models: A Cross-Section Analysis of Dairy Production Decisions

Comrner solutions are often observed in cross-section samples of farm-level production decisions. An estimation strategy is presented and applied to a uniquely comprehensive data set for Pennsylvania dairy farms. A complete set of choice functions is derived consistent with multiple outputs and multiple inputs, expected profit maximation, and the existence of comrner solutions with respect to the labor hiring decision. Results illustrate that substantial estimation bias may occur if the existence of comrner solutions is not recognized. Estimated elasticities of choices with respect to input and net output prices indicate substantial responsiveness of choice to price. Results indicate that changes in education and acreage operated result in substantial changes in output and input mixes and that the differences in results for farms, with and without hired labor, are substantial.
Shaping online consumer choice by partitioning the Web

This research explores how partitioning attributes in online search interfaces changes the valuations of those attributes—and impacts subsequent choice—such that attributes that are displayed as separate categories tend to receive greater decision weight than attributes grouped under umbrella categories. Across several choice domains—cars, dates, and hotels—we show that different attribute partitions impact the importance assigned to attributes (Studies 1 and 2), as well as consumer choices (Studies 3 and 4). We argue that these effects are due in part to users' willingness to use the implicit recommendations of interface designers to determine the importance of attributes, a willingness that extends to following explicit recommendations of online agents based on those attributes (Study 5). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Symmetric Shape Completion Under Severe Occlusions

In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm for completing rotationally symmetrical shapes under severe occlusions. The intuitive idea is to use the existing contour, under a carefully estimated similarity transform, to fill in the missing portion of a symmetric object due to occlusions. Our algorithm exploits the invariant nature of the curvature under similarity transform and the periodicity of the curvature of a symmetric object contour. To arrive at the appropriate transform, we first estimate the fundamental period in the curvature. We use the fundamental period and the harmonic components to estimate the fundamental angle of rotation and the centroid of the unoccluded shape, which in turn establish different modes of symmetry. By following each mode of symmetry we compute the corresponding transform and select the ones that best complete the missing portion of the contour.
Continuum-based FEM Modeling of Alumina Powder Compaction

Software has been developed and extended to allow finite element (FE) modeling of ceramic pow­ der compaction using a cap-plasticity constitutive model. The underlying, general-purpose FE soft­ ware can be used to model even the most complex three-dimensional (3D) geometries envisioned. Additionally, specialized software has been developed within this framework to address a general sub­ class of axisymmetric compacts that are common in industry. The expertise required to build the input deck, run the FE code, and post-process the results for this subclass of compacts is embedded within the specialized software. The user simply responds to a series of prompts, evaluates the quality of the FE mesh that is generated, and analyzes the graphical results that are produced. The special­ ized software allows users with little or no FE expertise to benefit from the tremendous power and insight that FE analysis can bring to the design cycle. The more general underlying software provides complete flexibility to model more complicated geometries and processes of interest to ceramic com­ ponent manufacturers but requires significantly more user interaction and expertise.
Exploring the Role of Funders’ Performance Reporting Mandates in Nonprofit Performance Measurement

I examine the extent of outcome measurement in nonprofit organizations and the relationship that outcome measurement has to funders’ reporting mandates. Conclusions are derived from analysis of FY2002 survey and site visit data for 237 Detroit nonprofits and a comparison of FY2002 and FY2007 performance measures for 110 of those nonprofits that were subjected to new outcome reporting requirements instituted by the City of Detroit. Resource dependence and institutional theory frameworks are used to interpret the findings. The data support the conclusion that funders’ outcome reporting mandates affect the extent of outcome measurement among nonprofits, even where resource constraints limited measurement prior to the mandates. Yet the impact is not universal. Further research to better understand the contextual factors that affect responses to measurement mandates is proposed.
Optoelectronic switch performance in double heterostructure-emitter bipolar transistor

Abstract The behavior of optoelectronic switch is examined in GaAs–AlGaAs double heterostructure-emitter bipolar transistors with exposed p + -GaAs surface, n-GaAs surface, and N-AlGaAs passivated surface. Due to the symmetric structure with respect to the base layer, the devices operate as bi-directional switches which result from the avalanche multiplication and transistor action in the transport mechanism. The devices also show optical functions related to the potential barrier height and breakdown voltage controllable by incident light. Moreover, the device with AlGaAs passivated surface exhibits a highest optical sensitivity and a lowest holding power among the studied devices because of the effective decrease of the surface recombination current.
The evolution of body mass and relative brain size in fossil hominids

Abstract The observation that absolute brain size increased over the past 2 million years is one of the few uncontested facts of hominid evolution. There is, however, less agreement about how the size of the brain evolved relative to that of the body. Relative brain size has proven to be difficult to quantify because fossil hominid crania that offer the endocranial measurements, and postcrania that generally provide the body-mass estimates, can only rarely be attributed to the same individual. If it could be established that some aspect of the cranium is strongly correlated with body mass, then relative brain size could be calculated for each fossil hominid cranium that has a measured endocranial volume. This paper investigates one such cranial feature, the area of the orbital aperture, and its correlation with body mass in a large sample of extant primates. The results demonstrate that orbital area is correlated with body mass atr=0·987. Predictions of body mass on the basis of orbital area measured for fossil hominids suggest that body mass inHomoincreased through time, and that body mass sexual dimorphism was possibly somewhat greater for some fossil hominid species than it is in living humans. Combining these body mass estimates with measures of endocranial volume demonstrates increased relative brain size for bothAustralopithecusand archaicHomo, with the values forAustralopithecusexceeding those of the living hominoids, and archaicHomoexceeding those ofAustralopithecus. The step-like differences among these taxa stand in contrast to the observation that there appears to have been no or only a negligible increase in relative brain size through the subsequent nearly 2 million years of evolution in the genusHomo. The most dramatic changes occur with the appearance of modernHomo sapiensat about 100,000 years ago and include a decrease in body mass and an increase in relative brain size that appears to have been driven by selection for smaller body mass.
Coherent Generation of Short Terahertz Pulses in Doped Optical Crystals

We show that a coherently driven solid state medium can produce short pulses of THz radiation. Ruby can generate THz pulses with energy hundreds pJ - nJ at room temperature with ps pulse durations.
Etiology and retrieval of retained central venous catheter fragments within the heart and great vessels of infants and children

Abstract Background: The use of centrally positioned venous catheters plays an indispensable role in the care of infants and children. Methods: Since 1992 the authors have seen nine patients who experienced fragmentation and migration of catheter fragments into the central circulation. The patients ranged in age from 6 days to 15 years. Results: Sites of migration included pulmonary artery (five patients), superior vena cava (two patients), hepatic vein and innominate vein (one patient). The elapsed time from recognition of retained catheter fragments until retrieval ranged from a few hours to 6 weeks. Conclusion: All retained fragments were successfully removed during cardiac catheterization without complications.
SNPdetector: a software tool for sensitive and accurate SNP detection

Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and mutations is important for the discovery of genetic predisposition to complex diseases. PCR resequencing is the method of choice for de novo SNP discovery. However, manual curation of putative SNPs has been a major bottleneck in the application of this method to high-throughput screening. Therefore it is critical to develop a more sensitive and accurate computational method for automated SNP detection. We developed a software tool, SNPdetector, for automated identification of SNPs and mutations in fluorescence-based resequencing reads. SNPdetector was designed to model the process of human visual inspection and has a very low false positive and false negative rate. We demonstrate the superior performance of SNPdetector in SNP and mutation analysis by comparing its results with those derived by human inspection, PolyPhred (a popular SNP detection tool), and independent genotype assays in three large-scale investigations. The first study identified and validated inter- and intra-subspecies variations in 4,650 traces of 25 inbred mouse strains that belong to either the Mus musculus species or the M. spretus species. Unexpected heterozgyosity in CAST/Ei strain was observed in two out of 1,167 mouse SNPs. The second study identified 11,241 candidate SNPs in five ENCODE regions of the human genome covering 2.5 Mb of genomic sequence. Approximately 50% of the candidate SNPs were selected for experimental genotyping; the validation rate exceeded 95%. The third study detected ENU-induced mutations (at 0.04% allele frequency) in 64,896 traces of 1,236 zebra fish. Our analysis of three large and diverse test datasets demonstrated that SNPdetector is an effective tool for genome-scale research and for large-sample clinical studies. SNPdetector runs on Unix/Linux platform and is available publicly (http://lpg.nci.nih.gov).
Failure Prediction-Hardware or Software

As electronic systems have grown larger, more complex and costly, the cost of support has made it necessary to place additional emphasis upon many aspects of reliability. Large ground-based support systems require costly maintenance and supply forces. It is shown that, through proper use of the failure statistics and engineering judgment, the addition of failure prediction equipment to an electronic system will help reduce system costs even though it is only partially employed.
Hormonal Control of Serum Albumin Synthesis

SummaryEight to ten weeks after implantation of a functional pituitary tumor, MtT/F4 (Furth), into young male Fischer strain rats the following ratios were increased in relation to controls: Liver weight and plasma volume per gram body weight, the rate of albumin synthesis and the total microsomal RNA per liver, and the microsomal RNA per gram liver. However, the albumin concentration per milliliter plasma, the rate of albumin synthesis per gram liver or per milligram microsomal RNA were decreased. It is concluded that in rats with MtT the ribosomal units are less effective in albumin synthesis, but that the total amount of albumin synthesized is larger because of the considerable increase in liver size and total microsomal RNA. The effect of MtT on the function of the endoplasmic reticulum is discussed.
Comparison of two cluster-expansion methods for the energetics of Pd-V alloys

The formation energies of substitutional transition-metal alloys are examined by several means. First, two types of direct total-energy calculations are considered, namely, (i) the local-density approximation (LDA), and (ii) a tight-binding (TB) approximation thereof. Second, these directly calculated total energies are used to construct two Ising-like cluster expansions that, if sufficiently accurate, could be used to construct the full statistical mechanics of transition-metal alloys. These are (a) the Connolly-Williams (CW) method, and (b) direct configurational averaging (DCA). Finally, the ability of these two cluster expansions [(a) and (b)] to fit and predict a large number of the underlying directly calculated [(i) and (ii)] total energies is tested, by the average prediction error [chi]. These tests are performed for a large number of Pd-V alloys, and also, to a more limited extent, for the Pd-Rh, Pd-Ti, and Pt-V systems. We find for Pd-V that (i) direct TB calculations show significant overbinding (too-negative formation energies) relative to the LDA, with average error of [chi]=112 meV/atom (a typical formation energy of Pd[sub 0.50]V[sub 0.50] is [similar to][minus]250 meV/atom); (ii) the CW cluster expansion mimics quite well the results of the respective direct calculations, whether LDA ([chi]=19 meV/atom) or TB ([chi]=19 meV/atom); (iii) themore » DCA cluster expansions provides a less accurate depiction of the TB energies on which it is based ([chi]=65 meV/atom); (iv) the prediction errors for the equimolar random alloys are significantly larger using the DCA than using the CW method. In light of (i) above, it appears that the tight-binding model needs to be refined before it can be used systematically for (either DCA or CW) cluster expansions.« less
NFκB Activation During Ischemia/Reperfusion in Heart: Friend or Foe?

Eukaryotic cells possess a number of distinct signal transduction pathways that couple environmental stimuli to speci®c changes of gene expression. One such pathway, that of the transcription factor, NFkB orchestrates the rapid cellular response to a multitude of seemingly unrelated exogenous and endogenous stress-induced agents. NFkB is a dimeric transcription factor that is primarily involved in immune, in ammatory and stress-responses. The major proteins belonging to the family of NFkB/Rel regulators include NFkB 1 (p50), NFkB 2 (p52), Rel A (p65), relB and c-rel. They all share the presence of a Rel homology domain of about 300 amino acids displaying a 35±61% identity between various family members. Several members of NF-kB family are induced simultaneously as groups of homo and heterodimers in response to extracellular signals. Various types of NF-kB dimers are p50-p50, p65-p65, c-rel-c-rel homodimers and p50-p65, p50-crel, p50-relB, p65-crel heterodimers. The nature and levels of these dimers vary from cell-type to cell-type. It has been shown that activated dimers are dynamic and further undergo qualitative and quantitative timedependent changes in several biological scenarios including cell differentiation and pathophysiological states. NFkB resides in the cytoplasm of many cells complexed to an inhibitory protein, IkB. Several IkBs have been identi®ed although most important appear to be IkBa and IkBb. In response to stimulation by oxidants, pro-in ammatory
Spreading speeds for monostable equations with nonlocal dispersal in space periodic habitats

Abstract The current paper is devoted to the study of spatial spreading dynamics of monostable equations with nonlocal dispersal in spatially periodic habitats. In particular, the existence and characterization of spreading speeds is considered. First, a principal eigenvalue theory for nonlocal dispersal operators with space periodic dependence is developed, which plays an important role in the study of spreading speeds of nonlocal periodic monostable equations and is also of independent interest. In terms of the principal eigenvalue theory it is then shown that the monostable equation with nonlocal dispersal has a spreading speed in every direction in the following cases: the nonlocal dispersal is nearly local; the periodic habitat is nearly globally homogeneous or it is nearly homogeneous in a region where it is most conducive to population growth in the zero-limit population. Moreover, a variational principle for the spreading speeds is established.
Navier-Stokes calculations for laminar and turbulent hypersonic flow over indented nosetips

A time-accurate finite-difference Navier-Stokes code has been used to calculate the viscous flow over a severely indented blunt body in a supersonic stream. An algebraic turbulence model is used and the results are compared with experimental data from wind-tunnel tests. Qualitative agreement is obtained for the surface pressure distribution and flow-field structure, including the separated bubble in the indented region. However, uncertainties still exist in the heating calculations, which are attributed to the turbulence model. For both laminar and turbulent calculations, the flow exhibits a fundamental unsteady character at a frequency of about 50 kHz.
Perspectives on prophylactic and therapeutic immunization against hepatitis B and C viruses

Resume Les virus des hepatites B et C sont les agents etiologiques responsables de la plupart des cas du cancer le plus commun dans le monde, a savoir celui du carcinome hepatocellulaire. L’incidence de ce cancer augmente a l’echelle mondiale, principalement en raison de la dissemination endemique de l’infection VHC. Il est donc essentiel de trouver des moyens de prevenir cette maladie mortelle par immunisation prophylatique et therapeutique. L’immunisation basee sur l’utilisation d’ADN peut induire a la fois une immunite cellulaire et humorale, et donc conduire a des strategies d’immunisation therapeutique. Ce type d’approche peut aussi conduire a la mise au point d’immunogenes multivalents capables de cibler divers agents pathogenes. Une telle strategie devrait faciliter l’implantation de techniques bon marche d’immunisation dans les pays en voie de developpement. L’immunisation basee sur l’utilisation d’ADN a permis de proteger des chimpanzes de l’infection VHB, et, en combinaison avec des rappels de virus recombinants de la variole du canari, est capable de reduire l’infection chronique VHB chez le chimpanze. En ce qui concerne l’infection VHC, l’immunisation basee sur l’utilisation d’ADN est une technologie encore jeune. Une immunogenicite substantielle de ces vecteurs a ete demontree chez la souris, mais une augmentation importante sera necessaire pour obtenir une efficacite prophylactique ou therapeutique.
Niacin Saturation Constants for Lactobacillus plantarum and Treponema bryantii

Abstract Lactobacillus plantarum 17-5 and Treponema bryantii RUS-1 were grown in batch culture with niacin as the growth-limiting nutrient. Growth rates determined from linear portions of plots of natural log optical density versus time were used to estimate the saturation constants for niacin. These were .00066 μ g/ml (5.36 n M ) for Treponema bryantii and .0012 μ g/ml (9.75 n M ) for Lactobacillus plantarum . These saturation constants suggest that .012 to .022 μ g/ml, respectively, would provide for 95% of their maximum specific growth rates. Niacin concentrations usually present in rumen fluid of animals not receiving supplemental dietary niacin are sufficient to support maximum growth rates of these two bacterial species that require niacin.
Direct Numerical Simulations of a Two-dimensional Viscous Flow in a Shocktube using a Kinetic Energy Preserving Scheme

This paper presents the results of ∞ow computations done using Jameson’s flnite volume kinetic energy preserving scheme. Direct numerical simulations were performed in a twodimensional viscous shocktube. This testcase proves that the method is stable, extremely low dissipative and computationally fast. Finally unexpected patterns observed in the ∞ow are described.
A Synthesis of the Diazonamide Heteroaromatic Biaryl Macrocycle/Hemiaminal Core

Stille coupling of an arylstannane aminal 19 with the palladium complex 23 leads to atropisomeric esters 28 and 29. Conversion to macrocycle 30 is demonstrated, a potential precursor of natural and unnatural diazonamides.
The electrical resistance of intact integument of Periplaneta americana (L.)

Abstract 1. 1. Electrical d.c. resistance across live, intact integument of adult Periplaneta americana was measured using electrolyte contacts on the external surface. 2. 2. This technique involved little apparent injury and numerous measurements over a period of months could be performed on the same animals. 3. 3. Large changes in integument resistance were found during the first day after molting and after the animals had been kept in separate containers for several months. 4. 4. No evidence was found for a specific layer near the outer surface being responsible for the measured resistance. 5. 5. Interpretation based on specific channel rather tha a layer of grease as being more important in regulating ion permeability across this integument is discussed.
Justifying Political Assassination: Michael Collins and the Cairo Gang

A travers l'episode tragique du Bloody Sunday qui a marque l'histoire de l'IRA, l'A. souleve la question de la justification morale de l'homicide volontaire comme forme d'action politique. Distinguant les notions de terrorisme et de crime, ainsi que la perspective retributiviste et la perspective des evenements futurs, l'A. montre que l'action revolutionnaire irlandaise a confondu le statut des espions ou des informateurs gouvernementaux avec la conception du tyrannicide chez Jean de Salibury, Saint Thomas ou Locke.
Distribution and bioaccumulation of selenium in aquatic microcosms.

Abstract Closed-system microcosms were used to study factors affecting the fate of selenium (Se) in aquatic systems. Distribution and bioaccumulation of Se varied among sediment types and Se species. A mixture of dissolved 75Se species (selenate, selenite and selenomethionine) was sorbed more rapidly to fine-textured, highly organic pond sediments than to sandy riverine sediments. Sulfate did not affect the distribution and bioaccumulation of 75Se over the range 80–180 mg SO4 liter−1. When each Se species was labeled separately, selenomethionine was lost from the water column more rapidly than selenate or selenite. Selenium lost from the water column accumulated primarily in sediments, but volatilization was also an important pathway for loss of Se added as selenomethionine. Loss rates of dissolved Se residues were more rapid than rates reported from mesocosm and field studies, suggesting that sediment: water interactions are more important in microcosms than in larger test systems. Daphnids accumulated highest concentrations of Se, followed by periphyton and macrophytes. Selenium added as selenomethionine was bioaccumulated preferentially compared to that added as selenite or selenate. Organoselenium compounds such as selenomethione may thus contribute disproportionately to Se bioaccumulation and toxicity in aquatic organisms.
The Many-Headed Hydra: Sailors, Slaves, and the Atlantic Working Class in the Eighteenth Century

Abstract This article uses the myth of the many-headed Hydra, commonly employed by members of various ruling classes around the Atlantic to describe the class struggles that surrounded them, to illuminate the history of the working class in the eighteenth century. It concentrates on two groups of workers, wage laborers (especially sailors) and slaves, two zones of the Atlantic, Europe and North America, and four moments in the history of the Atlantic working class: 1747, when, in the Knowles Riot in Boston, sailors and slaves fought the King's press gangs and in so doing created one of the central ideas of the ‘Age of Revolution’ 1768, when, in the London port strike, sailors, Irish coal heavers, and others pioneered one of the central ideas and activities of the modern working-class movement, the strike; 1776, when, in the American Revolution, sailors and slaves helped to instigate and win the world's first colonial war for liberation; and 1780, when, in the Gordon Riots, the polyglot working class of London liberated the prisons amid the greatest municipal insurrection of the eighteenth century. It argues that fixed, static notions of race, ethnicity, and nationality among historians have obscured a vital world of cooperation and accomplishment within a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, international working class.
Local and global instabilities in nanosize rectangular prismatic gold specimens

Abstract We use molecular mechanics simulations with the tight-binding potential to study local and global instabilities in initially defect-free nanosize rectangular prismatic specimens of gold deformed in tension/compression and simple tension/compression. Whereas in simple tension/compression atoms on end faces are constrained to move axially but are free to move laterally and the cross-sectional dimensions of end faces can change, in tension/compression all three components of displacements of atoms on end faces are prescribed and the cross-section of an end face does not change. The three criteria used to delineate local instabilities in a specimen are: (i) a component of second-order spatial partial derivatives of the displacement field has large value relative to its average value in the body, (ii) the minimum eigenvalue of the Hessian of the potential energy of an atom is negative, (iii) a relatively high value of the common neighborhood parameter. A specimen becomes globally unstable when its potential energy decreases noticeably with a small increase in its deformations. It is found that the three criteria for local instability are met essentially simultaneously at the same atomic position. Deformations of interior points of a specimen are different when it is deformed in simple tension/compression from those in tension/compression. It is found that the initial unloaded configuration (or the reference configuration) of the minimum potential energy has significant in-plane stresses on the bounding surfaces and non-zero normal stresses at interior points. This initial stress distribution satisfies Cauchy’s equilibrium equations for a continuum. In deformations of a nanobar studied here, the yield stress defined as the average axial stress when the average axial stress vs. the average axial strain curve exhibits a sharp discontinuity depends upon the specimen size. It is shown possibly for the first time that deformations of the specimen are reversible if it is unloaded prior to yielding but have a permanent strain if unloaded after it has yielded. Because of residual stresses in the reference configuration, the average axial stress at yield in compression is nearly one-half of that in tension. The slope of the average axial stress vs. the average axial strain curve during unloading after it has yielded is the same as that during initial loading up to the yield point.
Using vision-based control techniques for grasping objects

We present additions to the controlled active vision framework that focus upon the autonomous grasping of a moving object in the manipulator's workspace. Our work extends the capabilities of an eye-in-hand robotic system beyond those as a "pointer" or a "camera orienter" to provide the flexibility required to robustly interact with the environment in the presence of uncertainty. The proposed work is experimentally verified using the Minnesota Robotic Visual Tracker (MRVT) to automatically select object features, to derive estimates of unknown environmental parameters, and to supply a control vector based upon these estimates to guide the manipulator in the grasping of a moving object. The system grasps objects in the manipulator's workspace without requiring the object to follow a specific trajectory and without requiring the object to maintain a specific orientation.
Effect of Crack Sealant Material and Reservoir Geometry on Surface Roughness of Bituminous Overlays

Many state, county, and municipal highway agencies have experienced the formation of bumps when placing single-lift overlays or the first lift of a multiple-lift overlay. These bumps are produced at the location of a previously existing crack, and even then almost exclusively when the crack has been sealed in advance of the overlay. When such bumps are not covered with a subsequent lift, what remains is often a rough ride on a newly overlaid roadway. The effects of crack sealant material type and geometry (shape) of the routed cracks in the existing surface on the formation of bumps in bituminous overlays are described. A matrix of four sealant type treatments and six geometries was designed and implemented in a test section in Jackson County, Minnesota. The overlay on the test section was constructed in September 2007. Results of this investigation indicate that cooler pavement surface temperatures, no overband, hot-poured crumb rubber, and hot-poured elastic sealants provide the best resistance to the f...
Estimating the timing and location of shallow rainfall‐induced landslides using a model for transient, unsaturated infiltration

[1] Shallow rainfall-induced landslides commonly occur under conditions of transient infiltration into initially unsaturated soils. In an effort to predict the timing and location of such landslides, we developed a model of the infiltration process using a two-layer system that consists of an unsaturated zone above a saturated zone and implemented this model in a geographic information system (GIS) framework. The model links analytical solutions for transient, unsaturated, vertical infiltration above the water table to pressure-diffusion solutions for pressure changes below the water table. The solutions are coupled through a transient water table that rises as water accumulates at the base of the unsaturated zone. This scheme, though limited to simplified soil-water characteristics and moist initial conditions, greatly improves computational efficiency over numerical models in spatially distributed modeling applications. Pore pressures computed by these coupled models are subsequently used in one-dimensional slope-stability computations to estimate the timing and locations of slope failures. Applied over a digital landscape near Seattle, Washington, for an hourly rainfall history known to trigger shallow landslides, the model computes a factor of safety for each grid cell at any time during a rainstorm. The unsaturated layer attenuates and delays the rainfall-induced pore-pressure response of the model at depth, consistent with observations at an instrumented hillside near Edmonds, Washington. This attenuation results in realistic estimates of timing for the onset of slope instability (7 h earlier than observed landslides, on average). By considering the spatial distribution of physical properties, the model predicts the primary source areas of landslides.