cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling human intention inference in continuous 3D domains by inverse planning and body kinematics

How to build AI that understands human intentions, and uses this knowledge to collaborate with people? We describe a computational framework for evaluating models of goal inference in the domain of 3D motor actions, which receives as input the 3D coordinates of an agent's body, and of possible targets, to produce a continuously updated inference of the intended target. We evaluate our framework in three behavioural experiments using a novel Target Reaching Task, in which human observers infer intentions of actors reaching for targets among distracts. We describe Generative Body Kinematics model, which predicts human intention inference in this domain using Bayesian inverse planning and inverse body kinematics. We compare our model to three heuristics, which formalize the principle of least effort using simple assumptions about the actor's constraints, without the use of inverse planning. Despite being more computationally costly, the Generative Body Kinematics model outperforms the heuristics in certain scenarios, such as environments with obstacles, and at the beginning of reaching actions while the actor is relatively far from the intended target. The heuristics make increasingly accurate predictions during later stages of reaching actions, such as, when the intended target is close, and can be inferred by extrapolating the wrist trajectory. Our results identify contexts in which inverse body kinematics is useful for intention inference. We show that human observers indeed rely on inverse body kinematics in such scenarios, suggesting that modeling body kinematic can improve performance of inference algorithms.
Validation of Model

In this chapter, we validate the generality of the Data State Model visualization framework by showing that it can be applied to a wide range of visualization techniques. We describe the operators in each technique in the context of the Data State Model by using example data domains. In doing this, we illustrate the power of the Data State Model by showing its general comprehensive applicability.
Mechanisms of Electron-Stimulated Desorption

The various phenomena associated with the desorption of neutral and ionic species from surfaces under bombardment by electrons, generally in the 10–300 eV range, are collectively known as ESD (electron-stimulated desorption) or EID (electron-impact desorption). Related effects, for instance, the rearrangement of adsorbates under electron impact or the ejection of weakly bound species by direct momentum transfer from electron des orbed atoms or molecules are also included. The excitation processes and the subsequent evolutions of the substrate-adsorbate systems on excited state potential hypersurfaces are of great intrinsic interest and can illuminate aspects of bonding at surfaces hard to study by other means. ESD also serves as a probe of different binding states, since desorption cross sections and products are sensitive to the details of adsorption. Finally ESD and the closely related photon stimulated desorption (PSD) are of technological importance, for instance in plasma-wall interactions in fusion reactors of the Tokamak type.
Misconceptions of Computing Concepts Among Preservice Teachers

AbstractThis exploratory study examined the development and attainment of computing concepts of preservice teachers during a computer literacy course and the kinds of definitions used in explanation. The specific concepts were command, data, file, language, and program, all fundamental to most computing tasks of teachers. Subjects’ misconceptions were revealed through a pre/post test, personal interviews, and hands-on tasks. They relied on the use of examples and attributes in explanation with virtually no analogies. However, most subjects, with the user-friendly computing environment, were able to perform most computing tasks in spite of confusion and misconceptions. Research is suggested to examine computing misconceptions and the relationship between instructional techniques and the development of computing concepts.
A study of temporal visual composition

With the rapid growth of digital art, the temporal dimension is becoming a more and more important aspect of visual creations. This thesis is an effort to contribute to the construction of a disciplined basis for the composition of visual creations along the temporal dimension. It studies new perceptual phenomena and compositional issues introduced by temporal visual composition; it proposes and develops a set theory-based composition approach; it also presents the applications of this approach in compositional experiments at different levels of abstraction. As another aspect of contributing to the temporal visual composition research, this thesis designs and develops a temporal visual composition interface and a system for color generation and manipulation based on spectral information. This interface and system serve as an indispensable support for the composition experiments in this study. They also present to artists a new level of control over both graphical materials and the composition process. Furthermore, they suggest new creative potentials in temporal art. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Design of resonance damping via control synthesis

Dampers are widely used in power electronics to damp resonances, in order to reduce device stress, power loss, and electromagnetic interference. In this paper we formulate the damping problem so as to expose the fundamental tradeoff between damping amplitude peaks and minimizing power dissipation, and then use a constrained optimization approach to compute optimal Pareto frontier as a function of damper order. We use the procedure to demonstrate the diminishing returns of increasing damper order using a simple filter example, and then we demonstrate the power of the method for multiport converters. In particular, we show that using the constrained optimization procedure dramatically outperforms the standard port-by-port method.
High-efficiency thin-film GaAs bifacial solar cells

Thin-film GaAs bifacial solar cells, which consist of only 5 mu m of GaAs fabricated by the cleavage of lateral epitaxy for transfer (CLEFT) process, are designed to produce power from light entering both the front and back sides of the cells. In terrestrial applications, these cells can efficiently convert scattered light from the ground below and adjacent to the array such as from white sand or white paint. For applications in space, the Earth's albedo would provide back illumination to boost the cell output. A 4 cm/sup 2/ cell was found to be 22.6% and 12.9% efficient for 1-sun AM 1.5 global illumination from the front and back, respectively. With an improved response from the back of the cell and an optimized geometry for the array, effective cell efficiencies of over 30% are achievable for thin-film GaAs bifacial cells. >
The Cannizzaro Reaction

The reaction in which two aldehyde groups are transformed into the corresponding hydroxyl and carbonyl functions, existing separately or in combination as an ester, has been termed the Cannizzaro reaction. Here the discussion is restricted to the dismutation of two similar aldehyde groups into the corresponding alcohol and carboxylic salt function by means of aqueous or alcoholic and alkali. The conversion of benzaldehyde into a mixture of benzyl alcohol and sodium benzoate is an example. Keywords: Cannizzaro reaction; aliphatic aldehydes; aromatic aldheydes; heterocyclic aldehydes; crossed Cannizzaro reaction; experimental conditions
Compensatory growth and nitrogen balance in grower-finisher pigs

Sixteen castrated male pigs (averaging 21.2 +/- 4.9 kg) were used in two trials to investigate the effect of dietary amino acid content during the grower phase on growth performance and N balance. In each trial, pigs were assigned randomly to corn-soybean meal grower diets formulated to contain 5.0 or 11.0 g lysine/kg (as-fed basis). Common Finisher 1 and 2 diets were offered when pigs reached 51.2 +/- 3.3 and 79.5 +/- 3.4 kg, respectively. Pigs were placed in metabolism crates for a 9-d period during each of the grower, Finisher 1, and Finisher 2 phases when they weighed 43.3 +/- 3.9, 70.4 +/- 4.9, and 90.5 +/- 3.8 kg, respectively, to determine N balance. Blood samples were taken from each pig periodically after an overnight fast. Pigs were allowed ad libitum access to feed and water, except during the three adaptation/collection periods. There were no diet x trial interactions; thus, the data were combined. Pigs fed the low-amino acid grower diet grew more slowly and less efficiently (P < 0.001) during the grower phase and had more ultrasound backfat (P = 0.010) at the end of the grower phase than those fed the high-amino acid grower diet. During the Finisher 1 phase, however, pigs fed the low-amino acid diet grew more efficiently (P = 0.012) than those fed the high-amino acid diet, and the grower diet had no effect on overall weight gain, carcass traits, lean accretion, or meat quality scores. Although pigs fed the low-amino acid diet had less serum urea N (P < 0.001) and more glucose (P = 0.009) at 43.3 kg, there seemed to be no clear, long-term effect of the grower diet on serum metabolites. During the grower phase, pigs fed the high-amino acid diet consumed more N (P < 0.001), had higher apparent N digestibility (P = 0.041), N utilization (P = 0.027), and N retention (P < 0.001), and excreted more fecal (P = 0.034) and urinary (P < 0.001) N than those fed the low-amino acid diet. Pigs fed the low-amino acid grower diet, however, had a higher N utilization (P = 0.024) during the Finisher 1 phase, and excreted less urinary N during both the Finisher 1 (P = 0.029) and 2 (P = 0.027) phases than those fed the high-amino acid grower diet. These results indicate that pigs subjected to early dietary amino acid restrictions compensated completely and decreased N excretion during both the restriction and realimentation phases. Compensatory growth can, therefore, have a positive effect not only on the overall efficiency of pig production but also on environment.
Ochratoxin A: Occurrence as Natural Contaminant of a Corn Sample

Ochratoxin A was detected as a natural contaminant for the first time. It was present in a corn sample. Images
Distribution of tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes and glyoxylate cycle enzymes between mitochondria and peroxisomes in Tetrahymena pyriformis.

Abstract Tetrahymena pyriformis cells were grown axenically, harvested in the stationary phase of the cultures when the organism is glyconeogenetically active, homogenized, and fractionated either by isopycnic density gradient centrifugation in a sucrose gradient or by zonal differential sedimentation through a sucrose gradient. Protein and enzyme determinations carried out on the fractions led to the following conclusions. (a) The mitochondria, characterized by a median equilibrium density in aqueous sucrose of 1.21 to 1.22 and by a median sedimentation coefficient in 0.25 m sucrose at 0° of the order of 2 x 104 S, contain about 20% of the total protein, and account for the bulk of the respiratory activity of the homogenates with all tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates as substrates. They contain most or all of the citrate synthase, succinate dehydrogenase, fumarase, and malate dehydrogenase activities of the cells, half or more of the aconitase activity, and small but significant amounts (about 5%) of the NADP-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase. (b) The peroxisomes, with a median equilibrium density in aqueous sucrose of 1.24 to 1.25 and a median sedimentation coefficient in 0.25 m sucrose at 0° of 4 to 5 x 103 S, contain the bulk of the catalase, d-amino acid oxidase (previous work), l-α-hydroxy acid oxidase, glyoxylate oxidase, isocitrate lyase, and malate synthase activities, as well as about half of the NADP-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase, in association with less than 10% of the total protein. (c) The lysosomes are the main bearers of acid phosphatase and other acid hydrolases, contain a small proportion of the total protein, have a median equilibrium density in aqueous sucrose of about 1.14, and comprise a fast moving component sedimenting more rapidly than the mitochondria and a slowly moving component sedimenting together with the peroxisomes. Of the enzymes mentioned, only aconitase and the NADP-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase occur definitely in the soluble phase of the cytoplasm, being recovered to the extent of up to 50% with the supernatant fraction of the homogenates. Small amounts of several other enzymes and larger amounts of acid hydrolases also are present in this fraction, but breakage of particles could be responsible for this finding. The significance of these results is discussed in reference to the partition of important metabolic pathways between the mitochondria and the peroxisomes.
Modeling and data exchange in a concurrent and collaborative design environment for electric ships

Recent advances in the sensor and weapons systems being installed on US Navy ships and the electrification required to power them are now forcing the engineering community to re-evaluate the effectiveness of the tools and processes now in use. At the same time, over the last decade there have been significant changes in the way that software is architected and developed. User expectations for software tools have also radically changed. Newly minted engineers have grown to expect that any needed information can be easily found and that interactions with peers can happen seamlessly, allowing for ideas to freely flow. Now, more than at any other time, the complexity of the design of modern ships calls for new design tools and methods that permit, early in the design process, interactions and the exchange of information and ideas between all major disciplines including electrical, mechanical, thermal, control engineers, and the traditional naval architecture and marine engineering teams. The Electric Ship Research and Development Consortium (ESRDC) has developed a collaborative design environment called S3D (Smart Ship System Design) with the goal of reforming the way in which engineers collaborate, model, design, and simulate complex systems, bringing together, as never before, the various disciplines involved in the ship design process. This paper will focus on the modeling and data exchange concerns that have typically represented major obstacles in the implementation of a collaborative design environment and the approaches taken by ESRDC and others to resolve these problems.
Using Crossword Puzzles to Enhance Students’ Learning of Technical Biological Terms

The goal of this Quick Fix is to inform biology teachers about the availability of online crossword puzzles that can be used to engage students and help them learn technical biological terms.
Nuclear envelope transmembrane proteins (NETs) that are up-regulated during myogenesis

The nuclear lamina is a protein meshwork lining the inner nuclear membrane, which contains a polymer of nuclear lamins associated with transmembrane proteins of the inner nuclear membrane. The lamina is involved in nuclear structure, gene expression, and association of the cytoplasmic cytoskeleton with the nucleus. We previously identified a group of 67 novel putative nuclear envelope transmembrane proteins (NETs) in a large-scale proteomics analysis. Because mutations in lamina proteins have been linked to several human diseases affecting skeletal muscle, we examined NET expression during differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts. Our goal was to identify new nuclear envelope and lamina components whose expression is coordinated with muscle differentiation. Using transcriptional microarray analysis, we found that expression of 6 of the NETs significantly increases during myoblast differentiation. We confirmed these results using quantitative RT-PCR, and furthermore, found that all 6 NETs are expressed at high levels in adult mouse skeletal muscle relative to 9 other tissues examined. Using epitope-tagged cDNAs, we determined that the 5 NETs we could analyze (NETs 9, 25, 32, 37 and 39) all target to the nuclear envelope in C2C12 cells. Furthermore, the 3 NETs that we could analyze by immunoblotting were highly enriched in nuclear envelopes relative to microsomal membranes purified from mouse liver. Database searches showed that 4 of the 6 up-regulated NETs contain regions of homology to proteins previously linked to signaling. This work identified 6 NETs that are predicted to have important functions in muscle development and/or maintenance from their expression patterns during myoblast differentiation and in mouse tissues. We confirmed that 5 of these NETs are authentic nuclear envelope proteins. Four members of this group have potential signaling functions at the NE, based on their sequence homologies.
Time varying CAPM betas and banking sector risk

Abstract This paper employs the Bai and Perron, 1998 , Bai and Perron, 2003 structural break methodology to investigate whether the CAPM betas for banking sector stocks are time invariant. I find evidence for three large structural shifts in my monthly (1941.02–2008.01) sample. The third break corresponds with a decline in the perceived riskiness of banking stocks in the period starting in 2000.04. The banking sector was thus priced to be less risky during the period associated with rising leverage and financial sector risk.
Angioscopic changes in the smaller blood vessels in diabetes mellitus and their relationship to aging.

Observations with the stereoscopic dissecting microscope of the bulbar conjunctiva disclose vascular changes before pathologic changes are seen with the ophthalmoscope. In diabetic subjects lesions concomitant with aging are accelerated and, in addition, specific abnormalities characteristic of diabetes are observed.
Studio-based learning and app inventor for android in an introductory CS course for non-majors

In this study, an experimental introductory CS course was implemented focusing on two pedagogic factors: the use of App Inventor for Android (AIA), a visual blocks programming environment for creating smart phone applications; and the adoption of studio-based learning (SBL) as the main teaching methodology. Participants included 18 non-CS major undergraduates. The Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) was implemented at several stages. With the exception of the Peer Learning scale in the mid-MSLQ, all participants scored in the high range in the three MSLQs. Results indicated that participants were comfortable collaborating with peers and asking questions. Additional data were collected from entry and exit interviews as well as student-created mind maps. The study revealed positive student response to the pedagogic factors and positive attitudes towards CS, and the subjects also demonstrated significant academic achievement. The experimental approach was found to have a positive effect on students' motivation, creativity, achievement, and attitude towards CS.
Computers aid index and glossary preparation

I have written many books but only in the past two years have I had available my own computer and word processor. Now I find the word processor indispensible to my writing endeavors. But my computer can do more than just compose the manuscript. It can help me to compile and organize indexes and glossaries. I have just finished three books and I got assistance from my computer on all of them for the indexes.There are four kinds of things my computer does for me:1. extracts information directly from the manuscript, providing important words I might want to index;2. helps me to make an index file;3. puts this file in alphabetic order;4. prints out the index in the desired format.Some of the help I get is from program packages which I purchase. Other help I get from BASIC programs which I have written to assist me further. I have not seen many articles which describe how to combine purchased software with your programs to facilitate a unified activity.First I will describe the system that I have and how I am using it. Then I will tell you what I wanted done in terms of indexes. Finally I will give you the details of the programs I have written and how I use the packages that you can buy.
Examining Dust Grain Models Using the Reddening and X-Ray Dust Halo of Terzan 2

We use the X-ray dust halo of the low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1724–307, located in the globular cluster Terzan 2, to probe the interstellar medium along this line of sight (LOS). The X-ray dust halo arises from X-rays scattering off of interstellar dust grains. Using a low optical depth sight line to determine the Chandra ACIS point-spread function, we extracted the radial profile as a function of energy and used it to determine the H column density (N H) and cloud location along the LOS for several dust grain models, including the commonly-used models of MRN and WD. The resulting N H values were used to determine the reddening E(B – V), which was then compared with the average E(B – V) for this sight line found by other workers. We found that for this LOS, only the ZDA BARE-AC-S, BARE-GR-FG, and BARE-GR-S models yield reddenings within 1σ of the literature average.
A New Macrocyclic N3S2 Ligand and Its Nickel(II), Cobalt(II), Rhodium(III)-103, and Rhodium(III)-105 Complexes

The synthesis, structural characterization, and electrochemical properties of N3S2-ligated metal complexes of the ligand 4,10-dithia-1,7,13-triazabicyclo[11.3.3]nonadecane are described. Complexes of NiII, CoII, and RhIII have been characterized by X-ray crystallography as six-coordinate complexes of the pentadentate ligand with Cl- anions occupying the position trans to the secondary amine donor. In addition, the chelation of the N3S2 donor ligand to the reactor-produced radionuclide 105Rh was shown to give a single product in high yield (>98% at pH 5). The ligand is prepared by the template reaction of (N,N‘-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)-1,5-diazacyclooctane)nickel(II), Ni-1, with bis(2-chloroethyl)amine, yielding (S,S‘-(3-aza-1,5-pentanediyl)-N,N‘-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)-1,5-diazacyclooctane-N,N‘,N‘‘,S,S‘)nickel(II) chloride, [Ni(amine)Cl]Cl. Removal of nickel from [Ni(amine)Cl]Cl and subsequent reaction of the ligand with CoCl2 or RhCl3·xH2O afforded (S,S‘-(3-aza-1,5-pentanediyl)-N,N‘-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)-1,5-dia...
Reliability and validity of the willingness to communicate scale

The nature and assumptions underlying the Willingness to Communicate (WTC) scale are outlined and discussed. Data are discussed which relate to the reliability and validity of the instrument. It is concluded that the scale is of sufficient quality to be recommended for research and screening purposes.
Feeding and arginine deficient diets differentially alter free amino acid concentrations of hindlimb muscle in young rats

The objective of these experiments was to examine short- and long-term (7 d) effects of arginine-deficient diets on free amino acid concentrations in hindlimb muscle of rats. In rats fed the control diet containing arginine (+Arg), muscle alanine and methionine concentrations were higher 1 and 2h after feeding compared to food-deprived rats, whereas branched-chain amino acids, arginine and asparagine concentrations were lower postprandially. In Experiment 1, rats were fed an arginine-deficient (−Arg) diet with glutamate (+Glu) substituted for arginine; alanine (+Ala), ornithine (+Orn) or citrulline (+Cit) were substituted for arginine in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, arginine concentrations decreased in blood but not in muscle. This contrasts with rats fed −Arg/+Ala or −Arg/+Orn diets which had muscle arginine concentrations less than half the concentrations in controls or in rats fed the −Arg/+Cit diet. Muscle essential amino acids in Experiment 2 did not differ by diet, but muscle branched-chain amino acids were elevated relative to controls in the rats fed −Arg/+Ala or −Arg/+Orn diets; however, rats fed the −Arg/+Cit diet had levels similar to the controls. Also, muscle branched-chain amino acids were correlated with glutamine concentrations in both blood and muscle. The measurements in the post-meal period suggest that muscle amino acid concentrations may more closely reflect dietary amino acid patterns than do blood amino concentrations.
Threshold Effects of Speed-Monitoring Devices on the Speeding Behavior of Drivers

This paper summarizes an evaluation of a speed-monitoring system that provides speed warning feedback to drivers enrolled in a voluntary program. The field study aimed to determine the effects of immediate feedback on drivers, especially chronic speeders. Drivers with at least three speeding violations in the past 3 years were recruited through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. After a 2-week baseline period, the alert system was activated, and driving behavior was monitored for any changes for approximately 4 weeks. Subjects were monitored (silently) for a follow-up phase of 2 weeks. During the treatment phase, drivers received alerts when their speeds exceeded the posted speed limit by more than 8 mph. The findings are encouraging and suggest that verbal alerts are successful in producing short-term changes in driving behavior. Overall, the average proportion of speeding above the alert threshold declined significantly during the treatment phase, an indication that the alerts did have a deterri...
Localization of synapses in rat cortical cultures

Astrocyte-rich and astrocyte-poor cultures derived from embryonic rat cerebral cortex were compared to determine whether differences in the location of neuronal somas, dendrites, axons, synapses or astrocytes, relative to the bulk culture medium, could help to explain the large difference in neuronal susceptibility to glutamate toxicity between the two culture systems. The cultures were processed for electron microscopy, thin sectioned across their depths, and photomontaged. In astrocyte-rich cultures, most of the dendrites, axons and synapses were sequestered from the medium by a nearly continuous layer of astrocyte cell bodies and processes. In contrast, astrocytes did not cover the synapses or neuronal processes in astrocyte-poor cultures. In neither culture system were neuronal cell somas covered by glia. Since neuronal cell somas are freely exposed to the medium in both culture conditions, it seems unlikely that receptors on the somal membrane mediate the greater susceptibility of neurons in astrocyte-poor cultures to glutamate toxicity. The layer of astrocytes in the astrocyte-rich cultures may provide a physical buffer that could hinder diffusion of substances from the medium to the interstitium of the neuropil. This physical buffer combined with avid glutamate uptake mechanisms might allow astrocytes to maintain a sufficiently low concentration of glutamate in the local extracellular space to protect dendrites and synapses in the astrocyte-rich, but not in the astrocyte-poor cultures, from the excitotoxic effects of glutamate. The results of this study demonstrate that local sequestering of neurites and synapses by a physical buffer of astrocytes may help to explain the relative resistance of neurons cultured with astrocytes to glutamate toxicity. A similar physical sequestering by astrocytes, of sensitive regions of neurons in the brain, may help protect neurons from glutamate toxicity in vivo.
1424 RADIONUCLIDE SCANS (RS) AND PLASMA RENIN ACTIVITY IN HYPERTENSIVE NEONATES WHO RECOVER

1424 RADIONUCLIDE SCANS (RS) AND PLASMA RENIN ACTIVITY IN HYPERTENSIVE NEONATES WHO RECOVER
Protein-protein interaction between cPLA2 and splice variants of α-subunit of BK channels

Altering the splice variant composition of large-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium (BK) channels can alter their activity and apparent sensitivity to Ca2+ and other regulators of activity. We hy...
LEPTON POLARIZATION IN PRODUCTION OF N* BY NEUTRINOS

The differential cross sections for the processes ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{l}+N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{N}^{*}+l$ and ${\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{l}+N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{N}^{*}+l$ are considered for a polarized outgoing lepton. The interaction Hamiltonians are expressed in terms of 14 form factors. The differential cross section for a polarized outgoing lepton is put in the form ${(\frac{d\ensuremath{\sigma}}{\mathrm{dt}})}_{\mathrm{pol}}=\frac{1}{2}{(\frac{d\ensuremath{\sigma}}{\mathrm{dt}})}_{\mathrm{unp}}{1+\mathcal{P}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\mathrm{s}}$ where s is the unit vector along the polarization direction so that $\mathcal{P}$ is the polarization vector. The polarization vector contains three types of terms in the laboratory system, one parallel to the outgoing lepton momentum 1, one perpendicular to 1 in the production plane, and one perpendicular to the production plane, respectively. The validity of time-reversal invariance and the current-current form for the interaction Hamiltonian with ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{5}$ symmetry for the lepton current are discussed. The polarization vector can also be obtained experimentally by considering the decay particle of the outgoing lepton. Comparison of the experimental with the theoretical results for the three types of terms in the polarization vector will decide which of the above assumptions for the interaction Hamiltonian is correct. Finally, it is suggested that observation of the polarization of the outgoing ${N}^{*}$ resonance or measurement of the cross section with a polarized target might determine which of the several sets of form factors obtained by various authors is the suitable one when the above assumptions for the interaction Hamiltonian are correct.
Sprouting of optic tract projections in the brain stem of the rat

The present experiments examine axonal sprouting of optic tract projections as a consequence of occipital cortex removal. Eyes were removed bilaterally in experimental rats 16 months following unilateral occipital cortex ablation. Seven animals survived this procedure. Controls included rats sacrificed 16 months after unilateral occipital cortex ablation, one week after unilateral occipital cortex destruction, and one week after bilateral or unilateral eye removal. Brains were serial-sectioned and stained by the Nauta-Gygax method for degenerating axons. Sprouting occurred only at two loci, the caudal half of the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus, pars lateralis, and the caudal portion of lateral nucleus of the optic tract and subjacent medial quarter of pretectal nucleus. These loci have in common that they are regions of convergence in a major fashion of the two fiber systems, the occipitofugal and retinofugal projections on which experiments were done. However, sprouting did not occur in other similarly deafferented regions. Explanations for this specificity of sprouting are discussed. Optic tract sprouting was observed only at paraterminal portions of the axon and not as collateral sprouts along its course. A suggested relationship between axonal sprouting and functional plasticity is discussed.
Multiple Regression Analysis Suggests Motifs for Class II MHC Binding

Multiple regression analysis is utilized to predict peptides that bind major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules of the d haplotype. The predictor variables, obtained from the primary sequence of protein fragments, include pairs of amino acid residues separated by zero to seven intervening residues. The resulting models demonstrate strong predictive validity, and have interpretations in accordance with recent discoveries regarding the binding mechanisms of class I MHC molecules.
Costs and benefits for farmers participating in innovative marketing channels for quality food products

Abstract The extra benefits and costs for farmers participating in six innovative marketing channels for quality products in Belgium are analysed. A theoretical model serves as an analytical device to structure the qualitative comparisons with the common marketing channel and with direct sale. The analysis is mainly qualitative, because many benefits and costs cannot be quantified exactly. In the analysis, transaction costs are explicitly taken into account because they constitute a real cost when switching from a common to an innovative marketing channel. In all six marketing channels, higher costs are compensated for by higher revenues due to higher prices and a higher turnover and by reduced uncertainty. These factors encourage farmers to enter quality food projects. In addition, we found that co-operation decreases transaction costs and that collective initiatives enable farmers to enter the pathway of quality food production without investing excessive labour or capital.
Conformational topology of ribose: A computational study

This work concerns the theoretical study of the configurational topology of the ribose molecule. MP2/6-31G** geometry optimizations of the system have yielded several structures corresponding to local minima on the ground-state potential energy surface and the lowest energy configuration was identified. The stability of a few lowest lying conformations has been recalculated at the CCSD(T)/6-31G** level of theory.
Determination of cortisol production rates with contemporary liquid chromatography―mass spectrometry to measure cortisol-d3 dilution after infusion of deuterated tracer

Abstract Objectives Measurement of 24-h cortisol production rate (CPR) using steady-state infusion of deuterated cortisol and analysis of stable-isotope dilution by MS is a valuable tool to examine hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity in humans. We have developed and validated an improved method for measuring cortisol dilution with contemporary LC-MS technology. Design and methods Plasma samples and calibrators were extracted with ethylacetate. LC-MS was performed with a Surveyor HPLC and TSQ Quantum triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source. Results Selectivity was improved over previous methods via elimination of an interferent identified as 20β-dihydrocortisol. The LLOQ for cortisol-d 3 was 2.73 nmol/L and LOD 1.37 nmol/L. Plasma calibrators were linear over the concentration range 1.5–10% cortisol-d 3 , with correlation coefficients > 0.995. Conclusions This APCI LC-MS method offers simplified sample work-up and analysis and enables selective detection of the low concentration of cortisol-d 3 infused for determination of 24-h CPR.
Features of CMC technologies and their impact on language learners’ online interaction

Abstract This article presents a theoretical analysis of a commonly used and frequently studied technology—computer mediated communication (CMC)—to illustrate how a technology that is often undistinguished in research and practice and often considered passive and neutral in nature is indeed active and biased. We then report an exploratory study of a networked ESL classroom that attempts to test a proposed framework for distinguishing and evaluating CMC technologies with empirical evidence. The findings suggest that differences in the features of the two CMC sub-technologies considered result in different effects on student–student interactions and learner perceptions. We demonstrate both theoretically and empirically that synchronous CMC technology can be realized in multiple forms and shapes, and, therefore, must be considered not as a uniform entity but viewed rather in terms of its own individual characteristics. These different characteristics are delineated across four dimensions: temporality, anonymity, modality, and spatiality. Combinations of these characteristics are shown to have a significant impact on student online behaviors in terms of social, linguistic, and psychological expressions. Although the present study is only preliminary due to its sample size, it confirms the view that individual technologies employed in a computer-assisted language learning (CALL) context must be considered independently in terms of their unique features.
Updated results on the long-term evolution of the space debris environment

Abstract The long-term evolution of artificial debris in earth orbit has been analyzed, taking into account a detailed traffic model, explosions, collisions and the effects of air drag. Several scenarios, most of them implementing mitigation measures discussed at international level, have been simulated over a 200-year time span. Moreover, the sensitivity of the results to different collision model assumptions has been assessed. The simulations confirm the importance of spacecraft and rocket bodies passivation to avoid in-orbit explosions, but the de-orbiting of upper stages is needed as well to curb the debris and collision rate increase and to avert the onset of an exponential growth of artificial objects in the near earth space. The additional removal of end-of-life spacecraft does not improve the outcome dramatically, but may be able to reduce the collision rates in low earth orbit, reversing the historical trend of the last four decades. Of course, the fragmentation models and the simulation assumptions are still affected by a certain degree of uncertainty, but the results of the sensitivity analysis show that our conclusions are consistent and reliable, at least for the first century.
Interproximation : interpolation and approximation using cubic spline curves

Abstract An algorithm for the construction of a cubic spline curve with relatively good shape that interpolates specified data points at some knots and passes through specified regions at some other knots is presented. The curve constructed by the algorithm has minimum energy on each of its components. This algorithm has applications in various fields, such as the reconstruction of natural phenomena where data points cannot be sampled exactly, or computer-aided modeling where some of the fitting points cannot be explicitly specified.
Fermions and bosons in a unified framework. II. Interacting models

In this paper we construct some fully interacting field theories. The first model has a colored, curved Weinberg-Salam-type action. It is formed by taking the Hilbert product of the (generalized) curvature of a (given) superalgebra with an auxiliary (generalized) curvature. Note that pieces of simple superalgebras are gauged; the effective superalgebra of gauge fields is not simple. The auxiliary curvature was needed to obtain the linear pieces of the action, and it thus appears to be somewhat ad hoc. In contrast we show how to construct an action using only the curvature of a local superalgebra without the auxiliary curvature (it is therefore quadratic). Nonetheless, linear terms arise as crossterms between pieces of the curvature. In fact, since we have chosen to use a special-unitary flavor algebra and four-component spinors, we discover we have already specified a unique simple supergroup whose other Bose gauge fields are in U(2,2), the Lie algebra formed by all the Dirac matrices. These fields gauge the spin structure of the fermions. Color causes certain complications discussed in the paper. The tensor piece of the U(2,2) curvature consists of the usual curvature plus a term identifiable as the old auxiliary tensor. Thus both linear and quadratic terms for the space-time curvature arise when the full curvature is squared. The field associated with the identity generator is electromagnetism; with the vector, torsion; with the tensor, curvature and auxiliary terms. We call the fields associated with the axial generators axial torsion and axial electromagnetism. When the fields which couple to Dirac spinors are assumed proportional to their scalar counterparts, an experimental value for a conserved axial electromagnetic coupling is ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}e$. We present a qualitative argument for the renormalizability of this action, since it is almost that of a standard Yang-Mills gauge theory, based on preservation of recoordinatization invariance by the quantization procedure.
Segmenting consumers for food defense communication strategies

Purpose – In the light of lessons learned from recent disasters (The London subway bombings, and Hurricane Katrina), it has become increasingly clear that supply chain partners as well as government agencies need to be prepared to communicate effectively to consumers and customers before, during and after a disaster. Effective communication can minimize confusion and harm to company reputations, to consumers, the economy and the nation. Incorporating consistent communications into supply chain management (SCM) plans used by all parties in the supply chain will enhance competitiveness of the whole chain and speed recovery from potentially disastrous events. Findings from a national survey of consumer's attitudes about terrorism provide information about the development of targeted and effective communications.Design/methodology/approach – Based on a survey of more than 4,000 US consumers, this study used “predictive segmentation” which consists of a canonical factor analysis relating general consumer attit...
DC Standstill Torque Used to Measire Lq of Reluctance and Synchronous Machines

An experimental method for measuring the quadrature axis inductance (Lq) of polyphase synchronous machines is developed. It is based on a measurement of developed torque with the rotor at standstill and with the stator winding supplied with dc currents. While applicable to all synchronous machines, it is developed and explained for reluctance motors primarily. Special techniques are used to minimize measurement errors due to hysteresis and due to air gap permeance harmonics. Detailed results are presented for one reluctance motor which has a highly variable Lq, and correlation with other methods is found to be quite good. The effects of saturation are observed, and Lq is found to depend on quadrature axis current in the tested motor, with direct axis current having a slight effect on Lq at larger currents.
Modulation of Notch signaling by mastermind-like (MAML) transcriptional co-activators and their involvement in tumorigenesis.

Abstract Notch signaling is mediated by cell–cell interactions and is critical for cell fate determination in many species. Recently, a family of mastermind-like (MAML) transcriptional co-activator genes was identified that encode proteins that cooperate with Notch and CSL to activate transcription. Here, we review our current understanding of the roles of the MAML proteins in Notch signaling, and their involvement in certain human cancers. The mounting biochemical and functional evidence indicate that the MAML genes are critical components of the Notch signaling pathway, likely regulating cellular events involved in both normal development and oncogenesis.
Synthesis of ellipticine

Abstract The 6H-pyrido[4,3-b]carbazole system is efficiently synthesized by intramolecular attack of an ester enolate on an unactivated pyridinium salt.
The genetic code: Yesterday, today, and tomorrow

This issue is a tribute to Har Gobind Khorana who received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1968 for the elucidation of the Genetic Code. Here we present our view of the changing and ever-challenging perception of the genetic code over the last 50 years.
Continuous in situ determinations of nitrite at nanomolar concentrations

Abstract Sharp gradients of chemical distributions in the nutricline are poorly resolved via conventional sampling techniques. Resolution of the fine structure of chemical distributions in the water column requires the use of in situ procedures. We describe here a high-resolution method for the measurement of nitrite concentrations in the upper 200 m of the water column. A long-pathlength Teflon AF-2400 liquid core waveguide provides the low nanomolar detection limits required for observations of nitrite in near-surface waters. Our spectrophotometric elemental analysis system (SEAS) has a two second sampling period. Coupled with an 11 cm/s descent rate, SEAS is able to accurately identify the depth of the primary nitrite maximum and provide a detailed inventory for nitrite in the upper ocean.
Differential expression of adhesion molecules by chicken heterophils activated in vivo with Salmonella enteritidis-immune lymphokines

Abstract Chicken heterophils activated in vivo following the intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of Salmonella enteritidis-immune T lymphokines (SE-ILK) have been implicated in the protection against SE organ invasion. SE-ILK induces a heterophilia and directly (or indirectly) activates the granulocytes. The invasion of SE provides the secondary signal for directing activated heterophils to the site of bacterial invasion. We examined the mechanism of adherence within the avian heterophil system using an in vitro bovine serum albumin (BSA) matrix in which neutrophil adherence is primarily CD11/CD18 integrin mediated in mammalian systems. Activated heterophils displayed a four-fold increase in receptor-mediated adherence in vitro to BSA-coated slides as compared to control heterophils from PBS-injected birds. The increased adherence of activated heterophils can be partially blocked by either anti-αM (CD11b) or anti-β2 (CD18) antibodies in a dose dependent manner. Anti-α3 (CD49c) antibody partially blocked adherence of both normal and activated cells. Fluorescence-activated cell scanning (FACS) analysis of the heterophils shows that both control and SE-ILK-activated heterophils collected at 4 h post injection with SE-ILK or PBS display similar amounts of integrin α3 on their surface. This integrin is constitutively expressed and is responsible for the in vitro adherence of both groups. However, antibodies to the Mac-1 complex (CD11b/CD18) block only the adherence of SE-ILK-stimulated heterophils. Thus, the CD11b/CD18 heterodimer is apparently up regulated in response to the injected SE-ILK and plays a major role in the adherence of activated heterophils. Our studies in chickens parallel human and mouse studies showing the importance of the β2 integrins in adherence of activated cells.
The underdevelopment of health of working America: causes, consequences and possible solutions.

This article presents the health conditions of working America, and provides an analysis of the causes of that situation. It is postulated that the main health problems in the U.S. are due not to prevalent life styles-as the behavioralists indicate-but to the dramatic maldistribution of economic and political power in our society, with the absence of control by the majority of the U.S. population-the working and lower-middle classes-over the work process with which they are involved, the economic wealth that they produce, and the political institutions that they pay for. The production of goods and wealth as well as the political institutions of the United States are dominated and controlled by a minority of our population-the corporate and upper-middle classes. Empirical information is presented to support this postulate. In light of this explanation, it is asserted that a major public health task is to deliberately and actively contribute to the political mobilization of forces aimed at bringing about profound changes in the pattern of control of our working insitutions and of the distribution of wealth and political power, changes which seek to shift that control from the few to the many.
Target contact regulates expression of synaptotagmin genes in spinal motor neurons in vivo.

Abstract During neuromuscular development, neuronal contact with peripheral targets is associated with an increase in synaptic vesicle protein (SVP) gene expression, suggesting that target contact and upregulation of SVP genes are causally related. To test this idea, we analyzed the developmental expression pattern of synaptotagmin (syt) mRNAs in the chick lateral motor column (LMC) usingin situhybridization. Syt I mRNA in the LMC is upregulated from Embryonic Day 4.5 (E4.5) to E5.5, coincident with the time these neurons begin to make contact with their muscle targets. In contrast, levels of mRNA for neurofilament do not change during this time. Extirpation of the limb bud prior to motor axon outgrowth eliminates the increase in syt I mRNA ipsilaterally. Later in development, there is a switch in syt isoform abundance in the LMC, with syt II mRNA being upregulated between E15 and E20 and syt I mRNA being downregulated. Our results suggest that contact with targets upregulates syt I gene expression during neuromuscular synapse formationin vivo,and that a later stage of synaptic maturation involves changes in SVP isoform abundance.