cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrating perceptual representation learning and skill learning in a simulated student

One of the fundamental goals of artificial intelligence is to understand and develop intelligent agents that simulate human-level intelligence. This fundamental goal complements another essential goal in education, improving understanding of how humans acquire knowledge and how students may vary in their abilities to learn. Contributing to both goals, a lot of efforts have been made to develop intelligent agents that simulate human learning of math and science. However, constructing such a learning agent currently requires manual encoding of prior domain knowledge, which is both inefficient and less cognitively plausible. Previous cognitive science research has shown that one of the key factors that differentiates experts and novices is their different representations of knowledge. Moreover, for many existing learning algorithms, “better” representations often lead to more effective learning. We [1] recently proposed an efficient algorithm that acquires representation knowledge in the form of “deep features”. In this paper, we integrate this algorithm into a simulated student, SimStudent, which learns procedural knowledge from example solutions and problem solving experience. We show that with the integration, prior knowledge engineering effort is reduced, learning performance is as good or better, and SimStudent becomes a more plausible simulation of human learning.
A design methodology of knowledge-based and object-oriented for CIMS information model

In this paper, the features of data are analysed and some design methods of information model are researched in the CIMS environment. A knowledge-based and object-oriented design methodology for the CIMS information model is introduced. It is based on the ideas of artificial intelligence and object-oriented paradigm. The requirement analysis is represented by the knowledge-based techniques and the information structure is represented by the object-oriented techniques in the conceptual schema of the information model. >
FractBias: a graphical tool for assessing fractionation bias following polyploidy

Summary Following polyploidy events, genomes undergo massive reduction in gene content through a process known as fractionation. Importantly, the fractionation process is not always random, and a bias as to which homeologous chromosome retains or loses more genes can be observed in some species. The process of characterizing whole genome fractionation requires identifying syntenic regions across genomes followed by post-processing of those syntenic datasets to identify and plot gene retention patterns. We have developed a tool, FractBias, to calculate and visualize gene retention and fractionation patterns across whole genomes. Through integration with SynMap and its parent platform CoGe, assembled genomes are pre-loaded and available for analysis, as well as letting researchers integrate their own data with security options to keep them private or make them publicly available. Availability and implementation FractBias is freely available as a web application at https://genomevolution.org/CoGe/SynMap.pl . The software is open source (MIT license) and executable with Python 2.7 or iPython notebook, and available on GitHub ( https://goo.gl/PaAtqy ). Documentation for FractBias is available on CoGepedia ( https://goo.gl/ou9dt6 ). Contact ericlyons@email.arizona.edu. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
High-Voltage Divider Calibration with the Reference Step Method

Abstract:High-voltage DC measurements, from 10 kV up to several hundred kV, are usually traceable through resistive dividers which have a divider ratio on the order of 10,000–100,000. The reference step method [3] provides a highly accurate ratiometric method of calibrating 1,000 V calibrators across a wide range of voltages. We adapt this method for measuring the ratio of high-voltage dividers at low (≤1,000 V) voltages as a first step to establishing traceability at high voltages.
The Development of Spatial Skills in Elementary School Students.

Through five waves of data collection, this longitudinal study investigated the development of spatial skills in 304 elementary school children (Mage = 7.64 years) as they progressed from the second to fourth grade. The study focused on whether multiple latent classes with different developmental profiles best explain development. Spatial skills were measured by tests featuring two-dimensional figures. Mathematics achievement was measured by the statewide end-of-year test and was included as a distal outcome variable. The role of covariates, including socioeconomic status, verbal working memory, and gender, was also explored. The results indicate a need to view two-dimensional spatial skills development as multidimensional with two developmental profiles predicted by socioeconomic status, verbal working memory, and gender. The developmental profiles predicted differences in mathematics achievement.
Gogi Saroj Pal interview with Kathryn Myers

In 2007, exhibitions of contemporary Indian art in the USA were rare. Aside from a few commercial galleries and the Asia Society in New York, and the Chester and Davida Herwitz collection of modern...
Model for how an accretion disk drives astrophysical jets and sheds angular momentum

Clumps of ions and neutrals in the weakly ionized plasma in an accretion disk are shown to follow trajectories analogous to those of fictitious 'metaparticles' having a charge to mass ratio reduced from that of an ion by the ionization fraction. A certain class of meta-particles have zero-canonical angular momentum and so spiral in towards the star. Accumulation of these meta-particles establishes a radial electric field that drives the electric current that flows in bidirectional astrophysical jets lying along the disk axis and provides forces that drive the jets. The entire process converts gravitational potential energy into jet energy while absorbing angular momentum from accreting material and shedding this angular momentum at near infinite radius.
Diversion Ahead: Modeling the Factors Driving Diversion Airport Choice

AbstractWhen airlines and air traffic controllers in the United States decide how to divert flights en route to an airport that is experiencing a complete or partial outage, their decisions determi...
Nutrient Management Planning for Co-Utilization of Organic by-Products

A large quantity of organic by-products are generated in the U.S. annually. Categories of organic materials include animal manure; crop residues and green manures; sewage sludge (biosolids) and septage; municipal solid waste (MSW), yard waste; food processing; industrial organics; and logging and wood manufacturing residues (USDA, 1978). A USDA report (1978) listed annual production of these organic materials in the United States. It showed that crop residues, animal manure, and MSW were produced in the largest quantities. If one excludes crop residues (that largely remain on crop land where they are produced), the two largest quantities of organic materials produced that must be “managed” in our society are animal manure and MSW.
Helping Bereaved Children and Adolescents: Strategies and Implications for Counselors

This article provides an overview of how loss affects young people of different ages and describes methods for helping bereaved children and adolescents. Case examples demonstrate the use of drawings to elucidate the inner experiences of young people who are grieving and to facilitate the counseling process. A format for a bereavement support group is detailed, and guidelines are provided for the use of bibliotherapy. Cultural, ethical, and counselor competency issues are also considered. The importance of counselors' awareness of the impact of their own loss experiences is also discussed.
Bacillus anthracis and the Pathogenesis of Anthrax

Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax, a disease of animals that is transmissible to humans. Because B. anthracis forms spores that can be aerosolized and sprayed with the intent to kill, this pathogen can also be viewed as an agent of biological warfare and bioterrorism (1). The accidental release of spores into the air in Sverdlosk, Russia, and the recent mail attacks in the United States in the Fall of 2001 led to human casualties that sadly document the pathogenic potential and bioterrorism threat of B. anthracis (2,3). Furthermore, it appears that B. anthracis has been a research focus of biological warfare industries and subject to genetic manipulation with the intent of generating pathogen variants with increased virulence or with resistance to medical therapies and vaccine prevention strategies (1,4,5). B. anthracis can be obtained from infected animals or soil and anthrax spores are easily prepared. Furthermore, B. anthracis spores display very low visibility when delivered as an aerosol spray or powder. Inhalational anthrax is the primary target disease of biological warfare schemes (6). The LD50 for human inhalation of anthrax is not known, but has been estimated from animal studies to be of the order of 10,000 spores, corresponding to approx 0.01 µg (2,7), and a kilogram amount of spores, if sprayed intentionally on an urban area, is capable of killing hundreds of thousands of people. Biological warfare is an evolving research enterprise, and B. anthracis strains resistant to the commonly used antibiotic therapies may be available to several countries and terrorist organizations (6). American defense strategies against bioterrorist or biological warfare attacks must focus on the development of novel therapies that circumvent drug and vaccine-resistant B. anthracis strains (8). Much attention is directed toward finding inhibitors that disrupt the function of anthrax toxin. Anthrax toxin is the major virulence factor of B. anthracis (9) and consists of three proteins: lethal factor (LF), edema factor (EF), and protective antigen (PA). PA combines with either LF or EF enzymes to mediate their translocation across the plasma membrane (10). The combination of PA and LF forms lethal toxin (LeTx) and that of PA and EF forms edema toxin (EdTx). Once bacteria have secreted a large amount of anthrax toxin, antibiotic treatment becomes far less effective. At this later stage of anthrax pathogenesis, it might be useful to disrupt the biological activity of the toxin. This chapter reviews current knowledge of the factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of B. anthracis and highlights recent reports of possible strategies for blocking toxin action (11–13). Additionally, based on the known mechanisms of listeria-mediated invasion and virulence, the currently available genome sequences of B. anthracis were searched in an attempt to identify B. anthracis genes that may act early during pathogenesis by contributing to bacterial attachment to host tissues or to toxin secretion
Comprehensive quality by design approach for stable nanocrystalline drug products.

Abstract The novelty of the present research is application of a comprehensive quality by design (QbD) approach to minimize errors in product optimization and validation for the development of a stable nanocrystalline zileuton (BCS class II drug) formulation. A QbD approach was used to identify, optimize and validate the critical processes parameters (wet media milling and spray drying) and critical formulation parameters (drug and excipient concentrations). The milling time, milling speed, inlet temperature, aspirator rate, feed flow rate and drug concentration had a significant influence on the particle size and total product yield of the nanocrystalline zileuton. Trehalose compared to mannitol was determined to be a better stabilizer during spray drying processing. Stability studies revealed the following trend after 12 months: 4 °C (most stable) >25 °C/60% RH > 40 °C/75% RH (least stable) for the optimized spray-dried nanocrystalline zileuton in terms of physicochemical attributes, crystallinity and in vitro dissolution testing. Based on the comprehensive QbD approach, stable spray-dried nanocrystalline zileuton was obtained with exceptionally high total product yield (∼80% w/w) and small particle size (276.4 ± 27.54 nm) with low PDI (0.109 ± 0.056 units). Drug release from the formulations followed a particle size dependent dissolution trend. Additionally, pH switch dissolution testing indicated that complete drug release from the nanoformulations was observed at intestinal pH (pH 6.8) within 1–2 h of the shift from the stomach pH (pH 1.2).
Ferritic stainless steel interconnects for protonic ceramic electrochemical cell stacks: Oxidation behavior and protective coatings

Abstract Protonic ceramic fuel or electrolysis cells (PCFC/PCEC) have shown promising performance at intermediate temperatures. However, these technologies have not yet been demonstrated in a stack, hence the oxidation behavior of the metallic interconnect under relevant operating environments is unknown. In this work, ferritic stainless steels 430 SS, 441 SS, and Crofer 22 APU were investigated for their use as interconnect materials in the PCFC/PCEC stack. The bare metal sheets were exposed to a humidified air environment in the temperature range from 450 °C to 650 °C, to simulate their application in a PCFC cathode or PCEC anode. Breakaway oxidation with rapid weight gain and Fe outward diffusion/oxidation was observed on all the selected stainless steel materials. A protective coating is deemed necessary to prevent the metallic interconnect from oxidizing. To mitigate the observed breakaway oxidation, state-of-the-art protective coatings, Y2O3, Ce0.02Mn1.49Co1.49O4, CuMn1.8O4 and Ce/Co, were applied to the stainless steel sheets and their oxidation resistance was investigated. Dual atmosphere testing further validated the effectiveness of the protective coatings in realistic PCFC/PCEC environments, with a hydrogen gradient across the interconnect. Several combinations of metal and coating material were found to be viable for use as the interconnect for PCFC/PCEC stacks.
Decomposing Long Bond Returns: A Decentralized Modeling Approach

This paper develops a decentralized theory that determines the fair value of the yield-to-maturity of a bond or bond portfolio based purely on the near-term dynamics of the yield itself. The theory decomposes the yield into three components: its expected change, its risk premium, and its convexity effects. The convexity effect can be constructed with a historical variance estimator. The expectation can come from statistical models or expert forecasts, leaving the remaining component of the yield as a risk premium estimate. Comparative yield analysis of different bonds can start with commonality assumptions on their risks, risk premiums, and expected change.
Limits to Infinity

When we studied limits of functions in Chapter 3, we often considered expressions of the form “ \(\lim\limits_{x\rightarrow c}f(x) = L\),” where the symbols c and L both denoted real numbers. However, it is also possible to consider limits involving not only real numbers, but limits to “infinity” and “negative infinity,” which are written \(\lim\limits_{x\rightarrow \infty}f(x) = L\) and \(\lim\limits_{x\rightarrow -\infty}f(x) = L\), and \(\lim\limits_{x\rightarrow c}f(x) = \infty\), and \(\lim\limits_{x\rightarrow c}f(x) = -\infty\). It is also possible to combine these two types of limits, for example \(\lim\limits_{x\rightarrow \infty}f(x) = \infty\). In all of the types of limits that involve ∞ and –∞, it is important to recognize that the symbols “∞” and “–∞” are not real numbers, but are rather a shorthand way of indicating that something is growing without bound either in the positive direction or in the negative direction.
Opine Metallophore Biosynthesis

Abstract Bacterial species biosynthesize and secrete small molecule metallophores to capture essential metal ions from the surrounding environment for use in cellular metabolism. Opine metallophores are a new metallophore class formed by the action of nicotianamine synthase and opine dehydrogenase enzymes. Nicotianamine synthases are S-adenosyl- l -methionine (SAM)-dependent aminoalkyltransferases that use histidine and SAM to produce a nicotianamine-like product that is a substrate for the opine dehydrogenase. Opine dehydrogenases perform the condensation of the nicotianamine-like substrate with an α-keto acid substrate followed by reduction by NAD(P)H forming the opine metallophore product. Opine metallophore production is a virulence factor for several pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, motivating research on opine metallophore biosynthesis.
Estimated plasma volume and mortality: analysis from NHANES 1999-2014.

While estimated plasma volume (ePV) has been studied in some diseases, such as heart failure, the relationship between ePV and all-cause or cause-specific mortality remains unexplored. Therefore, we investigated the association between ePV and all-cause, cardiovascular (CV), and cancer-related mortality among adults in the US. We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2014 and included participants older than 18 years. Mortality data were obtained from the National Death Index and matched to the NHANES participants. ePV was derived using Strauss formula. Cox proportional hazard models were fit to estimate hazard ratios for all-cause and cause-specific mortality without and with adjustment for potential confounders. Of the 42,705 participants, 5194 died (1121 CV deaths) during mean follow-up of 8.0 (range 0–16.7) years. Mean ± SD age and ePV of the participants were 47.2 ± 19.4 years and 4.2 ± 0.84, respectively. In unadjusted models, 1 unit increase in ePV was associated with 29%, 32%, and 16% increased risk in all-cause (HR 1.29; 95% CI 1.24, 1.35), CV (HR 1.32; 95% CI 1.22, 1.43), and cancer-related (HR 1.16; 95% CI 1.05, 1.27) mortality. Risk remained high in adjusted models (all-cause HR 1.24; 95% CI 1.18, 1.30; CV HR 1.22; 95% CI 1.11, 1.34; cancer-specific HR 1.24; 95% CI 1.10, 1.39). When comparing the highest and lowest ePV quartiles, similar results were noted (adjusted all-cause HR 1.64; 95% CI 1.45, 1.86; CV HR 1.52; 95% CI 1.19, 1.93; cancer HR 1.85; 95% CI 1.38, 2.49). An increase in ePV was associated with increased all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanism of this relationship and translation into a better outcome.
Occurrence of Viruses and Clavibacter michiganensis in Winter Wheat in Illinois, 2009 to 2011 and 2019 to 2020

Field surveys in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2019, and 2020 determined the incidence and diversity of viruses present in fields of soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) in Illinois. In addition, the puta...
A Note on Wishart and Inverse Wishart Priors for Covariance Matrix

For inference involving a covariance matrix, inverse Wishart priors are often used in Bayesian analysis. To help researchers better understand the influence of inverse Wishart priors, we provide a concrete example based on the analysis of a two by two covariance matrix. Recommendations are provided on how to specify an inverse Wishart prior.
Thyroid Lobectomy for Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A National Survey of Low- and High-Volume Surgeons.

The 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines endorsed lobectomy for patients with low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) measuring 1–4 cm. Attitudes about the use of lobectomy for these patients are lacking, particularly from low-volume surgeons who perform the majority of thyroidectomies in the US. A survey was mailed to 1000 surgeons stratified by specialty (500 general surgeons and 500 otolaryngologists) registered with the American Medical Association, to evaluate beliefs and practices about the extent of surgery for low-risk PTC. Comparisons examined differences by surgeon volume. Of 320 respondents who have performed thyroidectomy since 2015 (150 general surgeons, 170 otolaryngologists), 206 (64.4%) were low volume ( 1 cm. Awareness of guidelines and concerns about increased risk of recurrence after lobectomy may drive surgeons’ preference for total thyroidectomy.
Effects of pesticides on the reticuloendothelial system.

Pesticide is a rather broad, general term utilized to describe a diverse group of compounds which have been widely utilized to control a variety of organisms considered as pests. In the United States, pesticides are described in the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act as any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest. A pest may be an insect, rodent, nematode, fungus, weed, other forms of terrestrial or aquatic plant or animal life, viruses, bacteria, or other micro-organisms on or inside humans as well as animals, which the Administrator declares to be a pest. Substances which are utilized as plant regulators, defoliants or dessicants are also identified as pesticides. Pesticides discussed in this paper include the following:
A Fracture Instability Data Qualification Limit

The purpose of this work was to identify a fracture instability data qualification limit. Transition regime fracture data were sorted to disqualify those higher J m a x valued fracture instability data which had exhibitedsignificant prior stable crack extension. Qualified data were identified as having J m a x values below the J 1 c scatterband. Disqualified data had more than double the average prior stable crack extension of qualified data and had J m a x values in or above the J 1 c scatterband. The higher J m a x values and significant crack extension of disqualified data appeared to have been associated with a loss of constraint. The data indicated that a specimen size requirement may be needed for elastic-plastic fracture instability data that is different from those for elastic fracture instability or elastic-plastic tearing onset data. However, the value of J m a x relative to the J 1 c scatterband seems more to the point of identifying data that undergo fracture instability prior to significant crack extension.
Moving landscape Architecture into the Digital world: A Practical Approach

HE INFORMATION AGE of the 1980s and 1990s has been challenging for landscape architects and designers. As the production of drawings as designed artefacts is challenged by the notion of drawings as changeable, information-rich data sources, some design professions have simply tried to avoid innovative digital technology. The presentation addresses this issue of non-innovative use of information technology and design computing positively. Many landscape architects still equate design computing with legacy, computer-aided drafting software from the 1960s and 1970s. Modern design computing software, such as Vectorworks Landmark, form • Z, Maya and SketchUp, are quite elegant design tools when compared to the legacy software packages. The presentation focuses on the first steps any landscape architect or student of landscape architecture could take to integrate design computing fully into professional practice or any landscape architecture school. This will serve as an entry into the digital world of converging technologies. The United States federal government, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS), provides extensive digital information for the entire country at a reasonable level of detail. Other federal government initiatives, such as Internet 2, will be searching for content to use with the lOOO-times faster distribution speed. High definition television (HDTV), in its digital incarnation, will also be searching for digital content. Landscape architecture and design could provide some of the digital content. The relatively brief history of the so-called digital revolution in the environmental design arts has recently stalled in the landscape architecture and design fields. The non-expressive visual quality of the lowest common denominator 'industry standard' graphic drawing products from software programs like AutoCAD 2004 and ArcGIS 8.3, provide ample evidence of the lack of visual and emotive qualities of the output. The presentation focuses on the highly expressive graphic quality of true digital output from software products such as Vectorworks Landmark, Sketchup and Alias Maya. According to a design computing software company vice-president and a United States-registered landscape architect, landscape architecture is the least advanced environmental design profession in terms of design computing. The presentation discusses academic experimentation with design computing pedagogy. What are the barriers for landscape architects in academia and practice to the adoption and advancement of design computing?
Two‐dimensional chromatography applied to the study of the thermo‐oxidative degradation of poly(styrene‐b‐butadiene) star block copolymers

Two-dimensional chromatography with gradient polymer elution chromatography in the first dimension and gel permeation chromatography in the second dimension was used to characterize a poly(styrene-b-butadiene) star block copolymer. The data evidence several populations that are clues left by the different steps in the sequential reaction employed to make the polymer. The sample was subjected to thermo-oxidative degradation at 180°C and was analyzed at different times during the process. After a relatively long induction period, the two-dimensional chromatograms show how the different populations are progressively degraded via random chain scission of the polybutadiene block to leave essentially polystyrene as the only soluble component. With longer thermal aging times, the polystyrene also degrades via chain scission.
Lipids in Aqueous Solution

Thus far, we have explored the properties of inorganic aqueous solutions and of bulk water. Yet cells and biological systems are not comprised of simple homogeneous solutions or bulk aqueous phases. We have emphasized that a fundamental conceptual and structural aspect of biological organization is the cell membrane. Cells are defined physically and functionally in relationship to their environment by the cell membrane. The organization of biological systems, and certainly eukaryotic cells, depends on compartmentalization of cellular functions. This compartmentalization, which allows varied microenvironments to exist in close proximity, is dependent on the membranes that constitute the boundaries of the compartmentalized organelles. Virtually all biological membranes are comprised of lipid molecules arranged in bilayers, with inserted or attached protein and carbohydrate molecules playing a variety of roles at or in the lipid phases. While membranes can be formed from a wide variety of polymeric substances including proteins and carbohydrates, biological membranes are generally comprised of lipid molecules which form the membrane structure itself. Although membranes in cells are comprised primarily of hydrophobic lipid elements, they almost always separate two phases whose predominant species is water. Generally, these aqueous-dominated phases are treated as aqueous solutions. Biological membranes are characterized as being permeable to some but not to all of the components of these solutions. The arrangement of these aqueous–lipid–aqueous “phases” leads to a generalized mechanism through which the cell can perform a wide variety of tasks that allow it to sense, judge, and respond to its environment. In other words, the membrane not only defines where the cell as “self” and the environment as “not self” begins and ends, but also it allows the cell to collect information and energy from the environment, process these inputs, and respond in a variety of output patterns. The membrane either is active in or is the site of action for physical separation and protection; mediation of the flow of chemical species into and out of the cell; accumulation and conversion of energy and electric charge for the cell; and information processing and exchange between cellular elements and the environment, both local and remote. How can we understand membrane formation? We start by exploring the interactions of water with nonpolar molecules and then focus on certain biophysical and biochemical aspects of lipid membrane formation from which a more complete description of the cell can eventually emerge.
Surprising Answers to Rising Sea Levels, Storms, Floods, Desertification, Earthquakes and Ever More Environmental Crises in California's Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

Consensus is that California's strategically important Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is headed for all manner of disasters, not least of which are earthquakes and the storms, floods and dry periods associated with global and regional climate change. Added to this list are other environmental problems associated with urbanization, chemical agriculture and declining fish species in the Delta. In this view, there are so many crises that if one does not happen, others will. Therefore, the probability and consequences of something failing are high, whatever way you look at it. But there is no ‘therefore’ there. The chief feature of complexity is surprise, not inevitability. Ecosystems are very complex as are the infrastructure systems mandated to reliably manage ecosystem services, including water, hydropower and renewable energy. Surprises are happening all the time, raising the questions this article answers: Who manages these surprises system-wide in real time? What are the answers this management provides and how do they differ from current approaches environmental crisis scenarios for the Delta?
Roles and Role Morality

A distinct role morality would consist in special norms that are to guide the conduct of those in certain professional or business roles. These norms would elevate the values central to those roles relative to ordinary moral deliberation and limit the authority of agents in those positions to act on ordinary moral considerations. The special norms might be justified by appeal to the fallibility of role occupants in ordinary deliberation or to a moral division of labor. But when such special norms, for example, the pursuit of profit by business managers, override ordinary moral considerations, common moral rights will be sacrificed in the process. Keywords: roles; role morality; Kantian ethics
X-ray observations and the cosmic distance scale

The physics of hot gas in the cores of distant clusters of galaxies can be studied in considerable detail through a specific combination of X-ray, microwave and optical observations. In principle, the X-ray luminosity of the gas can be calculated from these data, providing a measure of the cluster distance. We examine these ideas and their application to Abell 2218, the only cluster for which even marginally suitable data yet exist.
Fiber optic experience with the smart actuation system on the F-18 systems research aircraft

High bandwidth, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and potential weight savings have led to the development of fiber optic technology for future aerospace vehicle systems. This technology has been incorporated in a new smart actuator as the primary communication interface. The use of fiber optics simplified system integration and significantly g reduced wire count. Flight test results showed that fiber optics could be used in aircraft systems and identified critical areas of development of fly-by-light technology. This paper documents the fiber optic experience gained as a result of this program, and identifies general design considerations that could be used in a variety of specific applications of fiber optic technology. Environmental sensitivities of fiber optic system components that significantly contribute to optical power variation are discussed. Although a calibration procedure successfully minimized the effect of fiber optic sensitivities, more standardized calibration methods are needed to ensure system operation and reliability in future aerospace vehicle systems.
Schalldämpfung und Schalldämmung im Fahrzeug

Bei der Schalldampfung wird die Schallenergie in andere Energieformen umgewandelt, und zwar meistens in Warme, wie in Bild 5.1 schematisch dargestellt ist. Das erfolgt durch innere Reibung im Schallausbreitungsmedium, z.B. in Gasen durch Stose zwischen Atomen bzw. Molekulen untereinander oder in festen Stoffen durch nichtelastische Deformationen im Material.
Metabolism and enzymology of fluorosuccinic acids: II. Substrate and inhibitor effects with soluble succinate dehydrogenase

Abstract The interaction of a series of fluorosuccinic acids with soluble succinate dehydrogenase was examined. 2,2-Difluorosuccinate is converted to monofluorofumarate by the dehydrogenase with a Vmax about 0.25% and a Km approximately 15 times higher than succinate. The reaction is a nonoxidative elimination and is competitively inhibited by malonate to the same degree as the natural substrate. Di-, tri-, and perfluorosuccinic acids and mono- and difluorofumaric acids are all competitive inhibitors of succinate oxidation with respective K values of 4.0, 1.3, 1.1, 0.33, and 1.2 m m . Monofluorosuccinate gives a spectrum with the dehydrogenase similar to that produced by succinate. Difluorosuccinate and difluorofumarate give spectra that initially resemble those obtained with malonate or fumarate but change to resemble the spectrum obtained with malate or oxaloacetate. dl -Monofluorosuccinate is also oxidized by soluble succinate dehydrogenase with an apparent Vmax about 45% that of succinate and a Km approximately five times greater. Enzymatically generated l -monofluorosuccinate had a Vmax approaching that of succinate. The reactions of soluble succinic dehydrogenase with succinate and with monofluorosuccinate are treated according to a simplified version of the mechanism previously postulated by Zeylemaker et al. The enzyme catalyzed elimination of HF from difluorosuccinate is used as a model for an ionic hydrogen elimination mechanism occurring with the true substrates that reduce hydrogen acceptors.
Comparative studies of luteinizing hormone from beef, pork, and sheep pituitaries. II. The C-terminal amino acids.

Abstract The C-terminal amino acids of beef and sheep LH have been determined by hydrazinolysis and carboxypeptidase digestion. Each LH contains two polypeptide chains, one terminating in C-terminal aspartic acid (A-chain) and one terminating in C-terminal tyrosylserine (S-chain). Although pork LH also appears to contain a C-terminal tyrosylserine, the best preparations we have obtained do not appear to be sufficiently homogeneous to make a final conclusion. From these studies, C-terminal data appear valuable for the evaluation of purity of an LH preparation.
Extra-Ribosome Functions of Ribosomal Proteins

Ribosome biogenesis is an energetically demanding, but vital process for cell proliferation; therefore, this process is subject to tight regulation. The fully assembled ribosome consists of specific stoichiometric ratios of ribosomal proteins and RNA. In addition to their canonical roles as part of the ribosome free ribosomal proteins exert extra-ribosomal functions independent of the ribosome and protein synthesis. Many of these functions have only recently been identified and the biological roles of these functions remain incompletely understood. Nonetheless, many studies have demonstrated that ribosomal proteins play a major role in coordinating nutrient availability with cell cycle progression through the regulation of p53 stability.
A Review of Perspectives on Alcohol and Alcoholism in the History of American Health and Medicine

This review of alcohol use and alcoholism in the history of American health and medicine reveals a range of ambiguous perspectives. In early America, alcohol was attributed with an array of medicinal uses, while habitual drunkenness was not accepted and was identified as a sin. The reformers of the temperance movement expanded upon what they regarded as the social problems associated with alcohol. In nineteenth century America, medical sectarians developed conflicting and contradictory views on health and healing, including the place of alcohol and how to address alcoholism. As the American hospital system evolved, approaches for the care and treatment that alcoholics received in hospitals had to develop as well. Progressive reforms in the early twentieth century impacted many areas of public health in the United States, but continued to embody moralism. These historical trends profoundly influenced the social and institutional responses to alcoholism that continue today, including the evolution of the modern addiction treatment system and the formulation and promulgation of the disease concept.
Strategies on designing multifunctional surfaces to prevent biofilm formation

Bacteria adhesion and biofilm formation have raised severe problems on public health, food industry and many other areas. A variety of reagents and surface coatings have been developed to kill bacteria and/or limit their interaction with surfaces. It has also attracted many efforts to integrate different bactericidal elements together and maximize antibacterial efficiency. Herein, we review mechanisms for both passive and active approaches to resist and kill bacteria respectively, and discuss integrated strategies based on these two approaches. We also offer perspective on future research direction. Open image in new window
Computing the dependence on a parameter of a family of unstable manifolds: generalized Melnikov formulas

On considere la famille de diffeomorphismes de R 2 donnee par F s : x→F 0 (x)+sF 1 (x,s)+s 2 F 2 (x,s). On demontre que Δ'(o)=Σ ∞ n=1 F 1 (x n ,0)∧v n−1 , Δ''(0)=2Σ ∞ n=1 dF 1 (x n ,0)w n ∧v n-1 +F 2 (x n ,0)∧v n-1 ou w n =y' n (0)
Metabolism of salicylate by isolated kidney and liver mitochondria

Mitochondria are known to contain a P-450 like system similar to that found in microsomes. Since previous in vivo studies from this laboratory have suggested that renal mitochondria may metabolize salicylate (SAL) to a reactive intermediate capable of protein binding, the ability of isolated kidney and liver mitochondria to activate salicylate was investigated. Renal mitochondria were 4 times more active than liver in converting SAL to a reactive intermediate and metabolized approx. 1% of the SAL to 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, the catechol analogue of SAL. The formation of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate (2,3-DHBA) and the amount of radiolabel bound to mitochondrial protein was decreased in the presence of SKF 525-A; however, excess unlabeled metabolite had no effect on binding. These data indicate that kidney mitochondria activate SAL via a cytochrome P-450 like system, but suggest that the binding species is not 2,3-DHBA itself. Oxidation of SAL and covalent binding of radiolabel, however, were also observed after the addition of ferrous iron and ascorbic acid to a model system containing [14C]SAL and bovine serum albumin. Mannitol decreased SAL oxidation and covalent binding, suggesting radical formation may represent a non-enzymatic mechanism for SAL activation.
Transport of inertial particles by Lagrangian coherent structures: application to predator–prey interaction in jellyfish feeding

We use a dynamical systems approach to identify coherent structures from often chaotic motions of inertial particles in open flows. We show that particle Lagrangian coherent structures (pLCS) act as boundaries between regions in which particles have different kinematics. They provide direct geometric information about the motion of ensembles of inertial particles, which is helpful to understand their transport. As an application, we apply the methodology to a planktonic predator–prey system in which moon jellyfish Aurelia aurita uses its body motion to generate a flow that transports small plankton such as copepods to its vicinity for feeding. With the flow field generated by the jellyfish measured experimentally and the dynamics of plankton described by a modified Maxey–Riley equation, we use the pLCS to identify a capture region in which prey can be captured by the jellyfish. The properties of the pLCS and the capture region enable analysis of the effect of several physiological and mechanical parameters on the predator–prey interaction, such as prey size, escape force, predator perception, etc. The methods developed here are equally applicable to multiphase and granular flows, and can be generalized to any other particle equation of motion, e.g. equations governing the motion of reacting particles or charged particles.
DNA delivery from photocrosslinked PEG hydrogels: encapsulation efficiency, release profiles, and DNA quality.

Abstract Sustained DNA delivery from polymer matrices provides a means for enhanced and prolonged gene therapy; however, limitations exist with respect to tailoring the DNA release profiles and maintaining the quality of the encapsulated DNA over time. To address these issues, PEG-based macromolecular monomers were photopolymerized to produce hydrogels with various degradation rates to control the DNA release profiles. Photocrosslinked PEG-based hydrogels were designed that released DNA for periods of 6–100 days with either nearly linear or delayed burst release profiles. Plasmid DNA was released primarily in the relaxed and supercoiled forms, and the released DNA showed high biological activity in plated cell cultures. The addition of both chemical and physical protective agents helped preserve the supercoiled form of the plasmid DNA during photoencapsulation (up to 75% compared to non-encapsulated plasmid controls), thereby enhancing the biological activity of the released DNA.
TEXTURIZATION BY EXTRUSION

Texturization in an extruder occurs as a cereal, or oil seed, flour and water are mixed and cooked to form a dough, which is then shaped by forced flow through a die. Depending on the composition of the dough and the process conditions, the product may be dense, fibrous, or puffed. Under special conditions, expansion may be controlled to give a meat-like texture. The mechanical elements of an extruder include the screw, barrel, and die. The operating parameters are: speed, power, imposed temperature, and flow rate. The dependent variables are: pressure build-up, product temperature, and residence time distribution. The relationships among the design variables, operating parameters, and dependent variables are described by fluid-dynamic equations developed in the polymer industry. These depend on several factors including the apparent viscosity of the cooking dough, which is a function of time and temperature history.
Viginal tumors in mice from methylcholanthrene and prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol

To test the hypothesis that mice exposed prenatally to diethylstilbestrol (DES) develop adenocarcinomas due to sensitivity of vaginal and cervical adenosis to carcinogens, sponges impregnated with methylcholanthrene (MCA) were lodged against the cervix and vaginal fornices of 6-month-old strain CD-1 mice exposed prenatally to DES. Only squamous cell carcinomas developed in these mice, but at a significantly higher rate than in MCA-treated mice not exposed prenatally to DES. An adenosquamous carcinoma and a precursor of adenocarcinoma developed in DES-exposed mice with control sponges.
The plasma inorganic iodine and the pituitary-thyroid axis in pregnancy.

The plasma inorganic iodine (PII), the serum T4, the resin T3 in vitro uptake (RT3U), the free — thyroxine index (FTI) and the serum TSH level before and 30 min after the iv injection of 200 μg TRH were measured serially for several months in 9 pregnant women, whereas in 12 others the TRH test was performed once. The PII was low (<0.08 μg/100 ml) in 6 of the 9 cases, normal in two and greatly increased (probably because of iodine contamination) in one. Excluding this latter case, the PII was significantly lower than the control value for nonpregnant women in Athens (mean ± SE: 0.08 ± 0.01 compared to 0.12 ± 0.01, p<0.02). In spite of this low PII, there was no increased TSH, either before or after the administration of TRH. On the contrary, the TRH response was blunted in 3 of 21 cases. It is concluded that in pregnancy there is a lower PII, because of the increased renal iodide clearance rate, and so iodine supplementation is recommended in countries with a marginal iodine intake, as in Europe. In spite of this low PII, indicating a state of relatively acute iodine deficiency, the thyroid may adapt without an increased serum TSH level. Hence the fact that the serum TSH is normal in endemic goitre with mild iodine deficiency is best explained not by the chronicity of the condition and the establishment of a new steady-state, but by other mechanisms including probably thyroid autoregulation.
Are Managed Care Plans Organizing for Quality

This article examines the degree to which managed care organizations (MCOs) are reorganizing to take responsibility for the quality of care and service they provide. Specifically, factors prompting plans to focus on quality improvement (QI) and how they may be building the capacity to improve quality are considered. The authors' analysis is based on executive interviews with the plan medical directors, QI directors, and chief executive officers (CEOs) in a sample of 24 health plans. The overall response rate was 58.3 percent (medical director = 62.5 percent, QI director = 79.2 percent, CEO = 33.3 percent). The authors queried respondents about (1) perceived drivers and obstacles to the development of an effective QI program, (2) plan organizational structure for QI, and (3) technical capacities for data collection, management, and performance measurement. The results suggest that MCOs are responding to outside pressures to engage in QI. They are reorganizing their management structures and more slowly and tentatively are building technical capacity for QI.
Contrails reduce daily temperature range

A brief interval when the skies were clear of jets unmasked an effect on climate. The potential of condensation trails (contrails) from jet aircraft to affect regional-scale surface temperatures has been debated for years1,2,3, but was difficult to verify until an opportunity arose as a result of the three-day grounding of all commercial aircraft in the United States in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001. Here we show that there was an anomalous increase in the average diurnal temperature range (that is, the difference between the daytime maximum and night-time minimum temperatures) for the period 11–14 September 2001. Because persisting contrails can reduce the transfer of both incoming solar and outgoing infrared radiation4,5 and so reduce the daily temperature range, we attribute at least a portion of this anomaly to the absence of contrails over this period.
The Millimeter and Submillimeter Rotational Spectrum of CaCH 3(X 2A 1)

The pure rotational spectrum of the calcium monomethyl radical, CaCH3( 2A1), has been measured in the laboratory using millimeter/submillimeter direct absorption techniques. CaCH3 was produced by the reaction of calcium vapor and an organometallic methyl compound. Seventeen rotational transitions in the frequency range 136-377 GHz were recorded for this free radical, which is a symmetric top species with one unpaired electron. In every transition, several K-components were observed, as well as fine-structure splittings. The data were analyzed using a2A1 Hamiltonian, and rotational and spin-rotation parameters were determined. These high-resolution measurements for CaCH3 will now enable a search for this molecule in the interstellar medium.
The effects of tantalum on the microstructure of two polycrystalline nickel-base superalloys: B-1900 + Hf and MAR-M247

The effect of changing the content of Ta on the gamma/gamma-prime carbide microstructure was investigated in two crystalline nickel-base superalloys: conventionally cast B-1900 + Hf, and both conventionally cast and directionally solidified MAR-M247. The changes occurring in the microstructure effects were similar in both alloys. The gamma-prime and carbide volume fractions increased linearly with Ta additions, while the gamma-prime phase compositions did not change. Bulk Ta additions increased the levels of Cr and Co (in addition to that of Ta) of the gamma phase, a result of the approximately constant partitioning ratios for these two elements. The addition of Ta led to a partial replacement of Hf in the MC carbides. In addition, Cr-rich M(23)C(6) carbides formed as a result of MC carbide decomposition during heat treatment.