cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From Reconciliation to Revolution: The Student Interracial Ministry, Liberal Christianity, and the Civil Rights Movement. By David P. ClineLynched: The Power of Memory in a Culture of Terror. By Angela D. Sims

There are numerous lenses scholars use to analyze African American struggles for freedom and equality: song, food, political action, children and family, gender, class, and religious faith, among o...
Definition of the Apollonian Gasket

Circles and disks on spheres. Conformal transformations, group properties, Descartes’s theorem. Proof of Descartes’s theorem using the geometry of Minkowski space, four interpretation of the space of disks on the 2-sphere.
The role of perception in quality communication.

There is evidence that physicians' communication styles and ability to perceive others' emotional states correlate with better health outcomes and patient adherence.
Sparsity-based time-frequency representation of FM signals with burst missing samples

Abstract In this paper, we present an effective time-frequency (TF) analysis of non-stationary frequency modulated (FM) signals in the presence of burst missing data samples. The key concept of the proposed work lies in the reliable sparse recovery of non-parametric FM signals in the joint-variable domains. Specifically, by utilizing the one-dimensional Fourier relationship between the instantaneous auto-correlation function (IAF) and the TF representation (TFR), the proposed approach iteratively recovers missing samples in the IAF domain through sparse reconstruction using, e.g., the orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) method, while maintaining the TF-domain sparsity. The proposed method, referred to as missing data iterative sparse reconstruction (MI-SR), achieves reliable TFR recovery from the observed data with a high proportion of burst missing samples. This is in contrast to the existing sparse TFR recovery methods which work well only for random missing data samples. In particular, when applied in conjunction with signal-adaptive TF kernels, the proposed method achieves effective suppression of both cross-terms and artifacts due to burst missing samples. The superiority of the proposed technique is verified through analytical results and numerical examples.
Removal of Arsenic(III) from Aqueous Solution Using Metal Organic Framework-Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite.

MIL-53(Al)-graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites of different GO to MIL-53(Al) mass ratios (1% to 25% GO) were synthesized and tested for removal of arsenite (As(III)), which is a well-known groundwater contaminant. The properties of MIL-53(Al)-GO nanocomposites were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurements, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Batch experiments were performed on MIL-53(Al)-GO nanocomposites for As(III) adsorption in aqueous solutions to investigate adsorption kinetics and isotherm behavior under varying environmental conditions. The effects of solution pH (2 to 11), initial As(III) concentrations (10–110 mg/L), adsorbent dosage (0.2–3.0 g/L), and temperature (298–318 K) on As(III) adsorption were investigated. MIL-53(Al)-GO nanocomposites showed higher adsorption of As(III) than pristine MIL-53(Al) and GO individually. As (III) removal was optimized at a ratio of 3% GO in the MIL-53(Al)-GO nanocomposite, with an adsorption capacity of 65 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms followed pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isotherm models, respectively. Overall, these results suggest that MIL-53(Al)-GO nanocomposite holds a significant promise for use in the remediation of As (III) from groundwater and other aqueous solutions.
Expression and Preparation of a G-Protein-Coupled Cannabinoid Receptor CB 2 for NMR Structural Studies.

Cannabinoid receptor type II, or CB2 , is an integral membrane protein that belongs to a large class of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR)s. CB2 is a part of the endocannabinoid system, which plays an important role in the regulation of immune response, inflammation, and pain. Information about the structure and function of CB2 is essential for the development of specific ligands targeting this receptor. We present here a methodology for recombinant expression of CB2 and its stable isotope labeling, purification, and reconstitution into liposomes, in preparation for its characterization by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Correctly folded, functional CB2 labeled with [13 C,15 N]tryptophan or uniformly labeled with 13 C and 15 N is expressed in a medium of defined composition, under controlled aeration, pH, and temperature conditions. The receptor is purified by affinity chromatography and reconstituted into lipid bilayers in the form of proteoliposomes suitable for analysis by NMR spectroscopy. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Resection of a Mediastinal Ectopic Parathyroid Adenoma

Abstract Introduction: Mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenomas (MEPAs) are a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism, constituting 1%–2% of all parathyroid adenomas.1 Traditional surgical manage...
Effect of application rate on chloropicrin half-life and simulated emissions across a range of soil conditions.

Abstract The volatile release of agricultural fumigants from soil to air is a critical concern in terms of human and environmental health. A major control on the release of fumigants from soil to air is their degradation rate within the soil; however, this is a function of human/soil/environmental conditions and their inter-relationships. For the common fumigant chloropicrin (CP), it is known that application rate has a marked effect on degradation rate, with a potential further influence on CP emissions. We conducted batch degradation studies to better understand how CP degradation rate changes in response to application rate (56, 224, 392 kg ha−1) under gradients of soil temperature (10, 25, and 40 °C), soil moisture content (1, 8, and 15%), and organic matter content (1, 2, and 3%). A general trend of degradation rate decreasing with increasing application rate was observed across almost all such gradients, which is likely attributable to decreased microbial numbers and activity (i.e., degradation) at high (toxic) application rates. The effects of these ranges in degradation rate on emissions from soil to air were predicted using an analytical solution model, indicating that between the low and high application rates, total emissions percentage increased markedly (increases ranging from 69 to 99.8 percentage points, depending on prevalent conditions). The work will be useful to state and federal regulators in assessing the likely impact of CP use on air quality and human health.
Reproducible Tract Profiles (RTP): from diffusion MRI acquisition to publication

Abstract Reproducible Tract Profiles (RTP) comprises a set of methods to manage and analyze diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) data for reproducible tractography. The tools take MRI data from the scanner and process them through a series of analysis implemented as Docker containers that are integrated into a modern neuroinformatics platform (Flywheel). The platform guarantees that the entire pipeline can be re-executed, using the same data and computational parameters. In this paper, we describe (1) a cloud based neuroinformatics platform, (2) a tool to programmatically access and control the platform from a client, and (3) the DWI analysis tools that are used to identify the positions of 22 tracts and their diffusion profiles. The combination of these three components defines a system that transforms raw data into reproducible tract profiles for publication. Graphical abstract Reproducible Tract Profiles (RTP) comprises a set of methods to manage and analyze diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) data for reproducible tractography. The RTP methods comprise two main parts. Server side software tools for storing data and metadata and managing containerized computations. Client side software tools that enable the researcher to read data and metadata and manage server-side computations. The server-side computational tools are embedded in containers that are linked to a JSON file with a complete specification of the computational parameters. The data and computational infrastructure on the server is fully reproducible.
Risk factors for 90-day readmission and return to the operating room following abdominal operations for Crohn's disease.

Abstract Background This study aimed to determine timing and risk factors for 30- and 90-day unplanned hospital readmissions and return to the operating room. Methods Retrospective case series, including consecutive adult patients with Crohn’s disease, undergoing a major abdominal surgical procedure during a 3.5-year inclusion period was performed. The primary outcomes were 0- to 30-day and 30- to 90-day readmission and return to the operating room rates. Univariate and multivariable risk factors for both outcomes at 30 and 90 days were assessed through Cox regression analysis. Results Of 680 included patients with Crohn’s disease, 89 (13.1%) were readmitted within 30 days, 55 (8.1%) within 30–90 days, and 11 (1.6%) in both follow-up periods for a combined 90-day readmission rate of 24.4% (n = 166). Multivariable risk factors for 30-day readmissions were type of procedure performed, corticosteroid use (hazard ratio [HR] 1.71, P = .01), younger age (HR 0.98 per year, P = .01), and prolonged disease duration (HR 1.03 per year, P = .03). No significant risk factors identified for 30- to 90-day readmissions. By 90 days, 76 patients (11.2%) had a return to the operating room (of which 8.8% was within 30 days). Risk factors for 30-day return to the operating room included tobacco use (HR 1.86, P = .04), diabetes (HR 3.30, P = .01), corticosteroid use (HR 3.51, P Conclusion Type of surgery, corticosteroid use, younger age, and prolonged disease duration were associated with 30-day hospital readmission, and tobacco use, diabetes, corticosteroid use, and preoperative immunomodulator therapy were risk factors for 30-day return to the operating room. Postoperative biologic therapy did not increase hospital readmission or return to operating room rates within 90 days of surgery.
Cultivating Place: Urban Development and the Institutionalization of Seattle's P‐Patch Community Gardens

How does culture influence the political and economic processes shaping cities? Socially rich but unprofitable land uses, such as community gardens, create a trade–off between maintaining local cha...
Quasi-Stochastic Approximation and Off-Policy Reinforcement Learning

The Robbins-Monro stochastic approximation algorithm is a foundation of many algorithmic frameworks for reinforcement learning (RL), and often an efficient approach to solving (or approximating the solution to) complex optimal control problems. However, in many cases practitioners are unable to apply these techniques because of an inherent high variance. This paper aims to provide a general foundation for "quasistochastic approximation," in which all of the processes under consideration are deterministic, much like quasi-Monte-Carlo for variance reduction in simulation. The variance reduction can be substantial, subject to tuning of pertinent parameters in the algorithm. This paper introduces a new coupling argument to establish optimal rate of convergence provided the gain is sufficiently large. These results are established for linear models, and tested also in non-ideal settings. A major application of these general results is a new class of RL algorithms for deterministic state space models. In this setting, the main contribution is a class of algorithms for approximating the value function for a given policy, using a different policy designed to introduce exploration.
Vulnerability market as a public-good auction with privacy preservation

Abstract Exploitations of zero-day vulnerabilities cause enormous damages to organizations. Hence, organizations would invest in buying zero-day vulnerabilities to patch their systems. On the other hand, hackers are interested in buying zero-day vulnerabilities to exploit their targets. Considering such a market, the vulnerability finder decides whether to sell the vulnerability information to the organizations or to the hackers in the black market. In this paper, we model the vulnerability market as a public-good auction where the organizations collaboratively bid for the vulnerability information. In this case, an organization determines how much to invest in the vulnerability information to maximize its payoff. First, we characterize the auction and study the bidding strategies in centralized and decentralized approaches, and then, we compare the efficiency of the coalition. Moreover, as the bidding value in such an auction is sensitive information, we present a novel privacy-preserving mechanism based on cryptographic primitives to protect the organizations’ bidding value. Our mechanism can also be applicable in other public-good auctions. Security analysis and performance evaluation are conducted showing the practicality of our proposed mechanism.
Rationalization as representational exchange: Scope and mechanism

The commentaries suggest many important improvements to the target article. They clearly distinguish two varieties of rationalization - the traditional "motivated reasoning" model, and the proposed representational exchange model - and show that they have distinct functions and consequences. They describe how representational exchange occurs not only by post hoc rationalization but also by ex ante rationalization and other more dynamic processes. They argue that the social benefits of representational exchange are at least as important as its direct personal benefits. Finally, they construe our search for meaning, purpose, and narrative - both individually and collectively - as a variety of representational exchange. The result is a theory of rationalization as representational exchange both wider in scope and better defined in mechanism.
Influence of Ether Solvent and Anion Coordination on Electrochemical Behavior in Calcium Battery Electrolytes

The emergence of magnesium and calcium batteries as potential beyond Li ion energy storage technologies has generated significant interest into the fundamental aspects of alkaline earth metal catio...
Acetaminophen Inhibits the Neutrophil Oxidative Burst: Implications for Diagnostic Testing

Background Chronic granulomatous disease is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent bacterial and fungal infections, granuloma formation, and inflammatory disease. Impaired neutrophil oxidative function is an essential diagnostic criterion. In vitro exposure of neutrophils to acetaminophen, a commonly used over-the-counter medication, has been associated with reduced neutrophil oxidative function. The clinical implications of acetaminophen intake for dihydrorhodamine (DHR) testing remain unknown. Objective To evaluate the effect of in vivo administration of therapeutic doses of acetaminophen on DHR diagnostic testing. Methods We performed DHR testing in 15 healthy adults before and after administering a single dose of acetaminophen. We retrospectively reviewed 195 DHR test results from hospitalized patients who had received acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or corticosteroid before testing. Results DHR testing result was abnormal in 100% (n = 15) of healthy adults 2 hours after acetaminophen intake. We identified 195 instances of DHR testing less than or equal to 72 hours after acetaminophen ingestion in hospitalized patients who did not have chronic granulomatous disease. DHR results were abnormal in 43 of 195 cases (22.1%). Frequency of false-positive testing was increased in patients who received acetaminophen within 24 hours of testing, and in patients who received more than 1 dose of acetaminophen. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and corticosteroid intakes were not associated with abnormal DHR result. Conclusions Patients treated with acetaminophen have decreased neutrophil oxidative burst as measured by DHR testing. To avoid falsely abnormal testing for chronic granulomatous disease, patients should be advised to avoid acetaminophen for at least 24 hours before DHR testing.
Dynamics of Elastic Systems

This chapter gives an introduction to the dynamics of elastic systems. We restrict the emphasis to those concepts that will be used directly in later chapters. The response of a simple spring-mass system will be used to motivate these concepts. References [25, 40, 44] are good sources for additional details on the material covered.
Heerfordt-Waldenström Syndrome Manifesting as Cardiac Sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease histologically characterized by non-caseating granulomas. Although it usually affects the lungs, it can affect any organ system and present with a wide variety of symptoms. Heerfordt-Waldenstrom Syndrome, or uveoparotid fever, is a rare form of sarcoidosis that presents with a combination of fever, parotitis, facial paralysis, and uveitis. In this case report, we demonstrate a rare manifestation of sarcoidosis in a patient who presents with both the aforementioned syndrome and cardiac involvement. This case serves to highlight the importance of identifying the various clinical manifestations and management of systemic sarcoidosis.
The Effects of Flow-inhomogeneities on Molecular Cloud Formation: Local versus Global Collapse

Observational evidence from local star-forming regions mandates that star formation occurs shortly after, or even during, molecular cloud formation. Models of molecular cloud formation in large-scale converging flows have identified the physical mechanisms driving the necessary rapid fragmentation. They also point to global gravitational collapse driving supersonic turbulence in molecular clouds. Previous cloud formation models have focused on turbulence generation, gravitational collapse, magnetic fields, and feedback. Here, we explore the effect of structure in the flow on the resulting clouds and the ensuing gravitational collapse. We compare two extreme cases, one with a collision between two smooth streams, and one with streams containing small clumps. We find that structured converging flows lead to a delay of local gravitational collapse ({sup c}ore formation{sup )}. Hence, the cloud has more time to accumulate mass, eventually leading to a strong global collapse, and thus to a high core formation rate. Uniform converging flows fragment hydrodynamically early on, leading to the rapid onset of local gravitational collapse and an overall low core formation rate. This is also mirrored in the core mass distribution: the uniform initial conditions lead to more low-mass cores than the clumpy initial conditions. Kinetic (E{sub k} ) and gravitational energymore » (E{sub g} ) budgets suggest that collapse is only prevented for E{sub k} >> E{sub g} , which occurs for large scales in the smooth flow, and for small scales for the clumpy flow. Whenever E{sub k} ≈ E{sub g} , we observe gravitational collapse on those scales. Signatures of chemical abundance variations evolve differently for the gas phase and for the stellar population. For smooth flows, the forming cloud is well mixed, while its stellar population retains more information about the initial metallicities. For clumpy flows, the gas phase is less well mixed, while the stellar population has lost most of the information about its origin.« less
Region or Continent: O/AU Development and Regional Economic Communities

This chapter addresses Africa’s most pressing issue at independence and since: economic development, overwhelmingly neglected during colonization, but now, major global organizations were procuring the opportunity to right these wrongs especially through the RECs and global IGOs, to achieve economic development. It explores the OAU’s Department of Economic Affairs, and OAU’s persistence in elevating global development agencies and agendas in IGOs. It studies the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the UN Development Program (UNDP) and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) based in Ethiopia. Globally, it examines trade-based IGOs such as UNCTAD, GATT and its successor, the WTO. Other institutional arrangements are considered: the (Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Group of 77 (G77) that convened in the shadow of UNCTAD, and the New International Economic Order (NIEO) and the (as of April 2020 Organisation of) Africa(n), Caribbean and Pacific States ([O]ACPs) are some of these avenues discussed. The African Economic Community (AEC) stemmed from the 1991 Abuja Treaty, which also set in place the integration of RECs into regional cooperation and ultimately, the foundation of the nascent Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Probing Exotic Higgs Sectors in $\ell^-\ell^-$ Collisions

I review extended Higgs sectors and constraints thereon arising from $\rho=1$, gauge-coupling unification and $b\to s\gam$. The couplings and decays of the Higgs boson eigenstates are outlined for triplet representations. Direct experimental probes of exotic Higgs bosons are reviewed with a focus on the important role that would be played by an $e^-e^-$ or $\mu^-\mu^-$ collider.
Experimental Search for Quantum Spin Ice

At the most general level, Quantum Spin Ice refers to a pyrochlore system in which ice-rule obeying configurations are endowed with dynamics from quantum fluctuations. To generate such a state experimentally, material candidates must support anisotropic exchange interactions between localized spins on the pyrochlore lattice. Quantum fluctuations result from smaller XY-like interactions that compete with the dominant ferromagnetic Ising interactions required for classical spin ice. These quantum fluctuations modify the experimental signatures associated with classical spin ice, and may also generate novel ground states, such as a U(1) Quantum Spin Liquid. In the search for such exotic phases there have arisen several material candidates; Yb\(_2B_2\)O\(_7\) (B = Sn, Ti), Tb\(_2B_2\)O\(_7\) (B = Sn, Ti) and Pr\(_2B_2\)O\(_7\) (B = Sn, Zr, Ir, Hf) all display properties consistent with a dynamic version of spin ice, but their lowest temperature properties are not yet understood. The status of the current literature on these materials is reviewed here.
A New Class of Nonlinear PID Controllers

Abstract This paper introduces a new class of simple nonlinear PID-type controllers comprised of a sector-bounded nonlinear gain in cascade with a linear fixed-gain P, PD, PI, or PID controller. Two simple nonlinear gains are proposed: the sigmoidal function and the hyperbolic function. The systems to be controlled are assumed to be modeled or approximated by second-order transferfunctions, which can represent many robotic applications. The stability of the closed-loop systems incorporating nonlinear P, PD, PI, and PID controllers are investigated using the Popov Stability Criterion. A numerical example is given for illustration.
Biological activity of polyene antibiotics.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses polyenes in clinical use and those polyenes with properties that contribute to the understanding of the mechanism of action of the group as a whole. The antimicrobial action of polyenes depends upon hydrophobic interaction between the antibiotic and membrane-located sterols. The use of polyene antibiotics in topical and especially systemic antifungal therapy depends upon the greater binding affinity between the polyene and fungal ergosterol than that between the antibiotic and mammalian cholesterol. Filipin and amphotericin illustrate two extremes of polyene action. Filipin exhibits its greatest potency against erythrocytes, while amphotericin is most effective against fungi. The syntheses of polyene methyl esters were a significant advance, producing derivatives that were water-soluble with reduced nephrotoxicity and equivalent systemic antifungal activity. Polyenes reduce serum sterol levels and prostatic hyperplasia and it has been suggested that they could be used clinically in the treatment of atherosclerosis and acne.
A digital optimal controller for VSCF wind generators

A design technique for a class of gain-scheduling adaptive controllers for a variable-speed constant-frequency (VSCF) wind generator system using wound rotor induction generators with a AC/DC/AC rotor link is discussed. The controller will affect the system performance by controlling the firing angle of the rotor circuit inverter at different wind speeds. For wind speeds above the rated level, the generator will tend to be overloaded, and the output is controlled to keep the stator current close to its rated value to prevent machine overloading. When the wind speed is lower than the rated value, the generator is driven below its rated speed, and there is no danger on the generator from excessive currents. The generator speed will then be controlled so that the generator output is maximized. The control action is derived in an optimal state feedback form based on a digital linearized system model at various operating points. The operating points are chosen to cover the entire range of system operation between cut-in and cut-out wind speeds. Results obtained using a simulated system are presented in order to show the effectiveness of the proposed controllers. >
Boundaries: The Primal Force and Human Face of Evil

Philosophy can be, rarely perhaps, a call to a sane place, a resolve to take time to consider the Other, to understand and overcome the space between. In quite ordinary and extraordinary ways, this begins over again the elemental process of healing, of becoming whole. This is not the only or even the primary task of philosophy; but in a secular age, one in which everything is negotiable and most things for sale, the convergence of the philosophical and poetic is a still point of access to such elemental passions of the soul.
Negotiating Entangled Contradictions About Being Well Educated: Nudos (Knots) in the Lives of Bilingual Latina Teachers

In this paper I draw from a qualitative study examining how bilingual Puerto Rican teachers in an urban elementary school conceptualized and enacted being a well-educated person. The research design was inspired and informed by the Chicana/Latina feminist concept of trenzas (braids) and explores how multiple strands of identity shape teachers’ perspectives and experiences. I use trenzas as an analytical tool to strategically examine cultural views of education and schooling from the perspective of Latina/o teachers. In the findings I emphasize experiences when personal, professional and community identities merge to (re)affirm bilingual-bicultural perspectives, as well as collide and reflect points of entanglement in the lives of the participants. I forward the concept of nudos (knots) to explain when participants negotiated entangled contradictions grounded in cultural differences and conflicting expectations. In the discussion and conclusion, I discuss implications for teacher education.
Hunting and sociodemographic trends: older hunters from Pennsylvania and Colorado.

Future hunting trends may be related to growth in Sunbelt states, declining residential stability, urbanization, increasing education, and increasing participation in nonconsumptive activities. I used mail surveys to study relationships among these trends, wildlife value orientations, and participation in hunting, fishing, and gathering wild foods among Pennsylvania and Colorado hunting license holders >50 years old (n=598). State of residence predicted perceived similarity in value orientations of family members, hunting frequency, and fishing and gathering participation. Rural upbringing predicted perceived similarity in value orientations. Rural residence as an adult predicted gathering participation. Residential stability predicted perceived similarity in value orientations. Education related positively to strong utilitarian value orientations, perceived differences in value orientations, and gathering participation. Participation in nonconsumptive activities related positively to hunting frequency and participation in fishing and gathering. Complex findings and generally modest effect sizes suggest that the future of hunting is being shaped by many variables. Findings also suggest that hunting frequency, rural-urban differences, and residential stability should be measured on multiple scales and across many studies.
Dynamic Coverage Optimal Control for Multiple Spacecraft Interferometric Imaging

In this paper, we study and generalize a class of optimal control problems known in the literature as ?-elastic variational optimal control problems. In the ?-elastic optimal control, we want to minimize a cost function over trajectories that evolve on a Riemannian manifold and satisfy a second-order differential equation together with some smoothness and motion constraints. The cost function is a weighted sum of the squared norm of the acceleration and the squared norm of the velocity. Here, we generalize the ?-elastic variational problem to the dynamic coverage optimal control problem, which is a class of optimal control problems motivated by multiple spacecraft formation flying for imaging applications. The main novelty of this paper is an interesting connection between multiple spacecraft formation flying and the ?-elastic and coverage optimal control problems.
The moderating influence of variability on belief revision.

The variability of the information on which a belief was initially based should moderate the degree to which the belief is revised when new disconfirming information is received. Reasoning from everyday intuitions, psychological theories of concept representation, and a rational mathematical analysis, we inferred that as variability increased, resistance to disconfirming information would also increase. Participants’ judgments of the central tendencies of distributions of numerical information confirmed this prediction.
Age of maturity and life span in herbaceous, polycarpic perennials

A review of age of maturity in herbaceous, polycarpic perennials found that the most common year of earliest maturity for wild and cultivated conditions was the second year of life, followed by the first year and then the third year. A comparison of age of maturity in wild and cultivated conditions for individual taxa confirmed the assumption that perennials generally do not mature sooner in the wild than in cultivation. This validated use of the pattern for maturity in cultivation (second year or later) against which to judge that for maturity in the wild. For plants of the same age of maturity, those with clonal growth had longer life spans than did those with little or no clonal growth. This difference in life span was more pronounced for plants of first- and second-year maturity than it was for those of later maturity. Herbaceous, polycarpic perennials in the wild generally were either short-lived with first-year maturity or long-lived with later maturity. These results were also true for nonclonal taxa only. For application to the real world, theoretical plant-population models must take these results into account.
Active and passive scene recognition across views.

Recent evidence suggests that scene recognition across views is impaired when an array of objects rotates relative to a stationary observer, but not when the observer moves relative to a stationary display [Simons, D.J., Wang, R.F., 1998. Perceiving real-world viewpoint changes. Psychological Science 9, 315-320]. The experiments in this report examine whether the relatively poorer performance by stationary observers across view changes results from a lack of perceptual information for the rotation or from the lack of active control of the perspective change, both of which are present for viewpoint changes. Three experiments compared performance when observers passively experienced the view change and when they actively caused the change. Even with visual information and active control over the display rotation, change detection performance was still worse for orientation changes than for viewpoint changes. These findings suggest that observers can update a viewer-centered representation of a scene when they move to a different viewing position, but such updating does not occur during display rotations even with visual and motor information for the magnitude of the change. This experimental approach, using arrays of real objects rather than computer displays of isolated individual objects, can shed light on mechanisms that allow accurate recognition despite changes in the observer's position and orientation.
Black Male Graduation Rates in Community Colleges: Do Institutional Characteristics Make a Difference

The purpose of this study was to investigate Black male graduation rates in public two-year, degree-granting institutions. Specifically, the researchers were interested in determining the influence (if any) of select institutional characteristics (e.g., attendance intensity, degree of urbanization, geographic region, institutional size) on graduation rates among this populous. Using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from 646 public two-year, degree-granting institutions, findings illustrated that Black male graduation rates differed by institutional characteristics. Black males are more likely to achieve at institutions with higher full-time attendance and institutions that have smaller enrollments. Rural and town colleges were found to have higher graduation rates than suburban and city colleges. Further, findings from this study also indicated that Southeast colleges have higher graduation rates than are seen in several other regions (e.g., New England, Mid-East, Great...
Performance of Some Airborne Thermometers in Clouds

Abstract The ability of airborne instruments to measure temperature in cloud is studied using theoretical analyses and experimental data. Theoretical predictions of the effects of sensor wetting are reviewed and modified, and are then compared to measurements. Two airborne immersion thermometers, the NCAR “reverse-flow” thermometer and the Rosemount 102 thermometer, are compared to each other and to a new radiometric thermometer. The comparisons show that out of cloud all three thermometers agree well with each other. However, there is clear evidence that the immersion thermometers become wet in some clouds and measure erroneously low temperatures as a result. The evidence, particularly from measurements in unmixed parcels, supports the validity of the measurements from the radiometric thermometer both inside and outside clouds. Supporting evidence that the immersion sensors are susceptible to wetting is provided from tests in a wind tunnel and from measurements using a conductivity sensor placed at the l...
Patenting the sun: Enclosing the scientific commons and transforming the university—ethical concerns

University and corporate interests have grown increasingly close during the past quarter century, particularly, but not exclusively so, in the life science areas. Legislation passed in 1980 specifically encouraged universities to seek patents on their basic science discoveries and to develop and license such patents. Universities are now significant players in the life sciences area, although the rewards are confined to a very small number of institutions. Questions arise concerning the influence of such commercial activities on the character of the universities, on their roles as public institutions, on the integrity of science and scientists, and on the progressive enclosing of the basic science commons, to which universities have traditionally been major contributors. Drug Dev Res 63:139–149, 2004. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A model for plate tectonic evolution of mantle layers.

In plate tectonic theory, lithosphere that descends into the mantle has a largely derivative composition, because it is produced as a refractory residue by partial melting, and cannot be resorbed readily by the parent mantle. We suggest that lithosphere sinks through the asthenosphere, or outer mantle, and accumulates progressively beneath to form an accretionary mesosphere, or inner mantle. According to this model, there is an irreversible physicochemical evolution of the mantle and its layers. We make the key assumption that the rate at which mass has been transferred from the lithosphere to the mesosphere is proportional to the rate of radiogenic heat production. Calculations of mass transfer with time demonstrate that the entire mass of the present mesosphere could have been produced in geologically reasonable times (3 x 109 to 4.5 x 109 years). The model is consistent with the generation of the continental crust during the last 3 x 1O9 years and predicts an end to plate tectonic behavior within the next 109 years.
Oxygen storage capacity and tolerance of submergence of a non-aquatic reptile and an aquatic reptile.

Abstract 1. 1. The oxygen storage capacities and the tolerance to submergence of an aquatic snake, Natrix sipedon, and a non-aquatic snake, Crotalus viridis, were determined and compared. 2. 2. C. viridis was found to have a larger oxygen storage capacity, hemoglobin content and blood volume than N. sipedon. 3. 3. The submergence time for C. viridis was 30.13 min which was less than the estimated time for submergence based on the oxygen storage capacity. 4. 4. N. sipedon exceeded its estimated dive time of 24.00 min and remained submerged for 65.57 min without signs of stress. 5. 5. During submergence, the heart rate of N. sipedon fell to 9% (5 beats/min) of the resting rate, while the heart rate of C. viridis fell to only 75% (27 beats/min) of the resting rate during this activity. 6. 6. These data indicate that N. sipedon responds to submergence via a typical diving reflex and extends its oxygen stores beyond that expected of a non-diver such as C. viridis.
Human climbing with efficiently scaled gecko-inspired dry adhesives

Since the discovery of the mechanism of adhesion in geckos, many synthetic dry adhesives have been developed with desirable gecko-like properties such as reusability, directionality, self-cleaning ability, rough surface adhesion and high adhesive stress. However, fully exploiting these adhesives in practical applications at different length scales requires efficient scaling (i.e. with little loss in adhesion as area grows). Just as natural gecko adhesives have been used as a benchmark for synthetic materials, so can gecko adhesion systems provide a baseline for scaling efficiency. In the tokay gecko ( Gekko gecko ), a scaling power law has been reported relating the maximum shear stress σ max to the area A : σ max ∝ A −1/4 . We present a mechanical concept which improves upon the gecko9s non-uniform load-sharing and results in a nearly even load distribution over multiple patches of gecko-inspired adhesive. We created a synthetic adhesion system incorporating this concept which shows efficient scaling across four orders of magnitude of area, yielding an improved scaling power law: σ max ∝ A −1/50 . Furthermore, we found that the synthetic adhesion system does not fail catastrophically when a simulated failure is induced on a portion of the adhesive. In a practical demonstration, the synthetic adhesion system enabled a 70 kg human to climb vertical glass with 140 cm 2 of adhesive per hand.
Destabilizing Domains Derived from the Human Estrogen Receptor

Methods to rapidly and reversibly perturb the functions of specific proteins are desirable tools for studies of complex biological processes. We have demonstrated an experimental strategy to regulate the intracellular concentration of any protein of interest by using an engineered destabilizing protein domain and a cell-permeable small molecule. Destabilizing domains have general utility to confer instability to a wide range of proteins including integral transmembrane proteins. This study reports a destabilizing domain system based on the ligand binding domain of the estrogen receptor that can be regulated by one of two synthetic ligands, CMP8 or 4-hydroxytamoxifen.
Do blending and offsetting commute for Dupin cyclides

Abstract A common method for constructing blending Dupin cyclides for two cones having a common inscribed sphere of radius r >0 involves three steps: (1) computing the (− r ) -offsets of the cones so that they share a common vertex, (2) constructing a blending cyclide for the offset cones, and (3) computing the r -offset of the cyclide. Unfortunately, this process does not always work properly. Worse, for some half-cones cases, none of the blending cyclides can be constructed this way. This paper studies this problem and presents two major contributions. First, it is shown that the offset construction is correct for the case of e ≠− r , where e is the signed offset value; otherwise, a procedure must be followed for properly selecting a pair of principal circles of the blending cyclide. Second, based on Shene's construction in “Blending two cones with Dupin cyclides”, CAGD, 15 (1998) 643–673, a new algorithm is available for constructing all possible blending cyclides for two half-cones. This paper also examines Allen and Dutta's theory of pure blends, which uses the offset construction. To help overcome the difficulties of Allen and Dutta's method, this paper suggests a new algorithm for constructing all possible pure blends. Thus, Shene's diagonal construction is better and more reliable than the offset construction.
Weathering and vegetation effects in early stages of soil formation

Abstract Bedrock surfaces in the Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas, exposed by spillway construction and which had not previously been subjected to surface weathering environments, developed 15–20 cm thick soil covers in less than three decades. All open bedrock joints showed evidence of weathering and biological activity. Rock surfaces and fragments also showed evidence of significant weathering alteration. The results suggest a soil production function whereby weathering and increases in thickness are initially rapid. The rapid initial rate (5 to 10 mm year − 1 ) is facilitated by a weathering-favorable regional climate, local topography favoring moisture and sediment accumulation, and aggressive vegetation colonization. The ages of the trees on the bedrock benches suggests that a short period (
An integrative aproach to public participation and knowledge generation in design

Abstract This paper describes the process and results of a community development project that provided an opportunity to implement and evaluate an integrative approach to planning and design. The approach is aimed at addressing some of the most vexing procedural and substantive issues in planning and design, including the integration of planning with design activities, generation and use of situational knowledge, and meaningful and active participation of the public in all phases of the planning and design activity. It reflects a worldview that acknowledges the need for a new definition of rationality based on the integration of knowledge, subject domains, and places across space to understand the connectedness among phenomena, a search for causes and solutions locally, collective appreciation by participatory action, and a shared vision of the future which embodies solutions generated within the community by the participants rather than imposed from without or by experts. The procedures used in the approach aimed at achieving collaborative social interaction and dialogue among participants who represent the breadth of community residents as well as cognitive facilitation to enhance the participants' capabilities to deal with complexity. The case study describes the setting, selection of participants and their characteristics, the procedures and techniques and the outcomes of the planning and design process. The process began with structuring the situation, followed by identification of future visions and their evaluation by the community residents, culminating in community designs. The results and methodological implications are discussed in the conclusions.
Sensitivity factors of CAR electron-beam resists

Over the years for enhanced resolution, electron beam exposure tools have migrated to higher accelerating potentials. High kV exposure requires faster resist to offset the loss of absorbed radiation. In addition, in order to maintain throughput in mask writing tools, photoresist sensitivities of the order of 5(mu) C/cm2 at 50 kV are needed and likewise 5 (mu) C/cm2 at 100 kV for projection exposure tools. To meet this sensitivity requirement there is a keen interest in using chemically amplified resists (CAR). The CAR resists offer additional benefits such as high contrast, improved resolution, larger process windows, and dry resistance. This study is focused on enhancing the sensitivity of a low activation ketal protected polyhydroxystyrene. One such resist, which has been reported previously, is insensitive to the post apply bake temperature and does not require a post exposure bake. To enhance the resolution, process latitudes, and chemical contrast, base quenchers are usually added to limit the diffusion of the acid after exposure. To improve the sensitivity of the formulation, the effect of the acid generator (AGX), type of base, base concentrations and ratios in combination with the polymer protection level has been studied. Yields of acid formed were measured by titration and NMR. It was also found that both the AGX and base has an inhibition effect on dissolution. By increasing the among of AGX and decreasing the polymer protection level, the sensitivity of the formulation was improved while maintaining the resist contrast, resolution, vacuum stability, and bake latitudes. In addition, the sensitivity of the resist can be altered by quantity and type of added base. We have also investigated the effect of Pka of the base on the sensitivity, and process exposure latitude. The ionic onium acid generators or non ionic hydroxyimides provide adequate acid when coupled with adjusted concentrations of base to achieve 5 (mu) C/cm2 at 100 kV.
Photodegradable vinyl plastics. III. Comparison of ultraviolet light and sunlight exposure

Polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE) films, blended with additives to enhance photodegradability, were irradiated with UV light and sunlight. In almost every case, photodegradation was greater with outdoor exposure than under laboratory conditions. Explanations for the differences in degradation obtained by the two methods of irradiation are discussed. Based on IR measurements and molecular weight determinations, photo-oxidative changes that occur in PS induced by UV light appear similar to those induced by sunlight. In addition to the additives previously reported, several new classes of photoinitiators were evaluated. These include selected halocarbonyl compounds, haloalkyl sulfur compounds, and halogen compounds containing certain electron-withdrawing groups. The performance of the additives in vinyl polymer blends is discussed.