cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glass fiber reinforced polyamide-6 nanocomposites

Polyamide 6 nanocomposites (PA6/NC) are novel type of composite materials comprising extremely thin, nanometer scale dispersions of smectitic silicate platelets. We prepared such PA6/NC materials via a melt compounding technique using suitably organomodified montmorillonite or hectorite type clays. The high surface to volume ratio of such thin silicate dispersions in PA6/NC leads to a high reinforcement efficiency even at 2 to 5 wt% of clay, achieving high specific modulus, strength and heat distortion temperature under load (DTUL). In addition, the platelet orientation and their surface nucleation effects seem to promote a faster crystallization and higher crystallinity in PA-6/NC (particularly at the surface and in thin-wall injection moldings), as compared to the standard PA-6. Such morphological features in PA-6/NC also result in improved moisture resistance. Recognizing these benefits, we investigated the use of PA-6/NC as a matrix for making both short and long glass fiber (GF) reinforced composites. Significant improvements in modulus were achievable in both the dry and the moisture conditioned state for PA-6/NC compared to standard PA-6, at any given level of glass fiber reinforcement. In general a small amount (3-4 wt%) of the nanometer scale dispersed clay is capable of replacing up to 40 wt% of a standard mineral filler or 10-15 wt% of glass fiber in PA-6 composites to give equivalent stiffness at a lower density or a lower part weight advantage. In addition, improved moisture resistance, permeation barrier and fast crystallization/mold cycle time contribute to the usefulness of such composites.
Three-dimensional synthesis problems in diffractive optics

I present three-dimensional (3D) synthesis problems that appear in diffractive optics, namely the synthesis of light fields in a 3D domain with one-sided and multi-sided illumination and the design of computer generated volume holograms.
Cognitive development and problem solving of Afro-American students in chemistry

The aims of this study were to investigate the level of cognitive development of Afro-American students enrolled in general chemistry courses at the college level and to determine the strategies used by both successful and unsuccessful Afro-American students in solving specific types of stoichiometric problems. It was found that the choice of a strategy is not significantly related to cognitive development of the student in specific types of stoichiometric problems. However, the following trend was noted: Students who are formal-operational in thought are more likely to be successful when solving mole-volume problems and complex mole-mole problems than are their concrete-operational counterparts. Additionally, a systematic strategy proved to be successful for the students, regardless of the cognitive development, when balancing simple and complex chemical equations. Also, algorithmic/reasoning strategies were needed to solve the mole-volume problem. A higher level of cognitive development and reasoning may be crucial factors in solving the more sophisticated types of problems in stoichiometry.
Anti-tumor effect of the amino acid mimosine

Abstract Mimosine, an amino acid derived from Leucaena glauca , is known to have cytostatic effects against growing hair follicles and reproductive organs. In the present study mimosine in drinking water was shown to have dose-related, specific antitumor activity in the Walker 256 carcinosarcoma as measured by reduction in tumor size and prolongation in survival. Because mimosine acts as a tyrosine analogue, these results may be of special interest for certain endocrine tumors and melanoma, in which tyrosine has a special metabolic role.
The effect of excess beta-chain synthesis on cell-surface expression of allele-mismatched class II heterodimers in vivo.

Abstract We have recently described 12 lines of H-2s/s mice carrying from 1 to 65 copies of an A beta k transgene. The transgene was coexpressed with the endogenous allele, and A beta K mRNA expression correlated well with transgene copy number. Overexpression of the transgene was associated with a variety of defects, including a significant reduction in I-A cell-surface expression. In this paper, we assess the effect of increased levels of A beta k mRNA synthesis on I-A cell-surface expression in these mice. Crossing representatives from several lines of A beta k mice to A alpha k transgenic mice demonstrated that the A beta k mRNA was translated and expressed at high levels on the cell surface in association with A alpha k. In H-2s/s (A alpha s /A beta s) mice carrying greater than 10 copies of the A beta k transgene, excess A beta k mRNA and protein synthesis did drive cell-surface expression of the less favored A alpha s/A beta k heterodimers. However, the highest levels of A beta k detected on the cell surface were only 50-70% of those observed in [B10.A(4R) x nontransgenic]F1 controls. Maximum levels of A alpha s/A beta k cell-surface expression were accompanied by a significant reduction in A alpha s/A beta s expression. Unpaired and improperly paired complexes were not detected intracellularly and appeared to be degraded quite rapidly. Thus, only a fraction of the chains competing for pairing reached the cell surface under conditions of asymmetric chain synthesis in these mice. This markedly reduced total Ia cell-surface levels in mice carrying greater than 10 copies of the A beta k transgene.
Model Predictive Control of Structures under Earthquakes using Acceleration Feedback

This paper presents a general formulation of the model predictive control ~MPC! scheme with special reference to accelera- tion feedback in structural control under earthquakes. The MPC scheme is based on a prediction model of the system response to obtain the control action by minimizing an objective function. Optimization objectives include minimization of the difference between the predicted and desired response trajectories, and of the control effort subject to certain constraints. The effectiveness of MPC has been demonstrated to be equivalent to the optimal control. In this study, the prediction model is formulated using a feedback loop containing acceleration measurements from various locations in the structure. The state observer utilizes the Kalman-Bucy filter to estimate the states of the system from the acceleration feedback. Examples of single-story and three-story buildings equipped with control devices are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the MPC scheme based on acceleration feedback. Both buildings are analyzed using an active tendon control device and an active mass damper ~AMD!. A two-story building with an AMD is used to experimentally validate the numerical control scheme. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the MPC scheme using acceleration feedback. The acceleration feedback framework developed in this paper should serve as a building block for future extensions of MPC in capturing and benefiting from the attractive features of MPC, i.e., computational expediency, real-time applications, intrinsic compensation for time delays, and treatment of constraints, for implementation in civil structures. DOI: 10.1061/~ASCE!0733-9399~2002!128:5~574! CE Database keywords: Earthquakes; Predictive control; Models; Acceleration; Structural control.
Effects of Assessorship on Managers' Proficiency in Acquiring, Evaluating, and Communicating Information about People.

This study investigated the developmental effects of assessorship, i.e., serving as a trained member of an assessment center staff, on managers' proficiency in three categories of behavior: acquiring, evaluating, and communicating information about people. Eighty managers selected to serve as assessors in a management assessment center were assigned to one of two experimental groups. Immediately prior to assessor training, one group participated in three exercises designed to measure proficiency in the criterion behaviors. The other group participated in these exercises after they had accumulated at least 3 months of full-time experience as assessors. The results indicate that the experienced assessors were more proficient in interviewing another individual to obtain relevant information about job candidates, verbally presenting and defending information about others' managerial qualifications, and communicating this information in concise written reports. Also, the experienced assessors' ratings of videotaped ratees' managerial ability possessed somewhat superior psychometric properties.
Straight-alley escape behavior in infant mice: effect of shock intensity.

Separate groups of Swiss-Webster mice between 5-15 days of age received 25 training trials in a straight-alley escape task at 1 of 4 shock intensities, ranging from .1-.8 mA. An increase in shock level led to better escape performance at all ages, although the amount of improvement varied directly as a function of age. The results supported earlier work suggesting that the competing response measure was the most useful index of improved escape behavior at the early ages. Running speeds did not indicate improved within-session escape performance at any age or shock level, although speeds clearly reflected maturational and motivational differences between groups.
Prediction of Boiling and Critical Heat Flux Using an Eulerian Multiphase Boiling Model

The present paper concerns the development and validation of an Eulerian multiphase boiling model to predict boiling and critical heat flux within the general-purpose computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver FLUENT. The governing equations solved are generalized phase continuity, momentum and energy equations. Turbulence effects are accounted for using mixture, dispersed or per-phase multiphase turbulence models. Wall boiling phenomena are modeled using the baseline mechanistic nucleate boiling model, developed in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Modifications have been introduced to the quenching heat flux model to achieve mesh-independent solutions. The influences of boiling model parameters have also been systematically investigated. To model non-equilibrium boiling and critical heat flux, the PRI model is extended to the departure from nucleate boiling (DNB) by partitioning wall heat flux to both liquid and vapor phases and considering the existence of thin liquid wall film. Topological functions are introduced to consider the wall boiling regime transition from the nucleate boiling to critical heat flux (CHF), and the corresponding flow regime change from bubbly flows to mist flows. A range of sub-models are implemented to model the interfacial momentum, mass and heat transfer and turbulence-bubble interactions. To validate the Eulerian multiphase boiling model, it has been used to predict nucleating boiling and critical heat flux in a range of 2D and 3D boiling flows. The examples presented in the paper include: (1). Nucleate boiling of sub-cooled water in an upward heated pipe; (2) R113 liquid flows through a vertical annulus with internal heated walls; (3). 3D boiling flows in a rectangular-sectioned duct; and (4). Critical heat flux and post dryout in vertical pipes. The results demonstrate that the model is able to predict reasonably well the distributions of wall temperature, the bulk fluid sub-cooling temperature and cross-sectional averaged vapor volume fraction in the vertical pipe. The computed profiles of the vapor volume fraction, liquid temperature, and the liquid and vapor velocity profiles are generally in good agreement with available experiments in the 2D annular case. In the 3D rectangular duct, the cross-sectional averaged vapor volume fractions are well captured in all the ten cases under investigation. In the case of critical heat flux and post dryout, the model is also able to predict reasonably well the location and the temperature rise under critical heat flux conditions. The computed wall temperature distributions along the pipes are in overall good agreement with available experiments.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
An exploratory multinomial logit analysis of single-vehicle motorcycle accident severity

Abstract Most previous research on motorcycle accident severity has focused on univariate relationships between severity and an explanatory variable of interest (e.g., helmet use). The potential ambiguity and bias that univariate analyses create in identifying the causality of severity has generated the need for multivariate analyses in which the effects of all factors that influence accident severity are considered. This paper attempts to address this need by presenting a multinomial logit formulation of motorcyclerider accident severity in single-vehicle collisions. Five levels of severity are considered: 1. (a) property damage only, 2. (b) possible injury, 3. (c) evident injury, 4. (d) disabling injury, and 5. (e) fatality. Using 5-year statewide data on single-vehicle motorcycle accidents from the state of Washington, we estimate a multivariate model of motorcycle-rider severity that considers environmental factors, roadway conditions, vehicle characteristics, and rider attributes. Our findings show that the multinomial logit formulation that we use is a promising approach to evaluate the determinants of motorcycle accident severity.
IGF-1 and insulin receptor expression in the minor salivary gland tissues of Sjögren's syndrome and mucoceles--immunohistochemical study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of IGF-1 receptors and insulin receptors on the minor salivary gland (MSG) tissues of patients diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and normal salivary gland tissue surrounding mucoceles. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Five MSG tissue sections from SS and seven from mucocele patients were stained immunohistochemically using antibody to IGF-1 receptor and insulin receptor in a horse radish peroxidase and DAB system. RESULTS: The expression of the insulin receptor was increased in the SS sections compared with controls, while the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor was more intensely expressed in the controls. CONCLUSION: The presence of differential expression of receptors for IGF and insulin might suggest a possible role of these growth factors in the pathogenesis of SS.
Chronopharmacology of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol hypothermia in mice.

La temperature rectale de souris ayant subi une unique injection deΔ 9THC (injection administree soit le matin, soit l'apres-midi, ou soit durant la nuit) a ete mesuree 1, 2 et 4 h suivant cette injection. Chez les animaux, injectes l'apres-midi, l'abaissement de temperature etait maximal, mais il fut minimal chez les animaux injectes de nuit.
Spline-backfitted kernel smoothing of partially linear additive model

A spline-backfitted kernel smoothing method is proposed for partially linear additive model. Under assumptions of stationarity and geometric mixing, the proposed function and parameter estimators are oracally efficient and fast to compute. Such superior properties are achieved by applying to the data spline smoothing and kernel smoothing consecutively. Simulation experiments with both moderate and large number of variables confirm the asymptotic results. Application to the Boston housing data serves as a practical illustration of the method.
Acetabular options: Notes from the other side

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been associated with excellent functional outcomes and survival rates (Cushner et al., 2010 [1]). Selection of acetabular shell and technique of implantation is an important factor as is the stem for a successful THA. Both cemented all-polyethylene cups and cementless sockets have benefited from improvements in surgical techniques, cup designs, and bearing surfaces. This paper is a review of the current literature that focuses on the options for the acetabular components of a modern total hip replacement, aiming to answer common questions and controversies on this topic.
In Evolution, the Sum Is Less than Its Parts

Propagating bacteria in a lab for thousands of generations may seem tedious, or even irrelevant, to most evolutionary biologists. Nonetheless, such experiments provide an opportunity to deduce quantitative principles of evolution and directly test them in controlled environments. Combined with modern sequencing technologies, as well as theory, recent microbial experiments have suggested a critical role for genetic interactions among mutations, called epistasis, in determining the pace of evolution. Two papers in this issue, by Khan et al. on page 1193 ( 1 ) and Chou et al. ( 2 ) on page 1190, present precise experimental measurements of these epistatic interactions.
The relation between rectal and brain temperatures following hypothermia

The core temperatures and brain temperatures of rats were simultaneously tracked. Ice water immersion produces almost as marked a decrease in brain temperature as in core temperature. During the unaided recovery of normal temperatures following hypothermia, rectal and brain temperatures follow a parallel course.
Nonlinear Control of Mechanical Systems: A Lagrangian Perspective

Abstract Recent advances in geometric mechanics, motivated in large part by applications in control theory, have introduced new tools for understanding and utilizing the structure present in mechanical systems. In particular, the use of geometric methods for analyzing Lagrangian systems with both symmetries and non-integrable (or nonholonomic) constraints has led to a unified formulation of the dynamics that has important implications for a wide class of mechanical control systems. This paper presents a survey of recent results in this area, focusing on the relationships between geometric phases, controllability, and curvature, and the role of trajectory generation in nonlinear controller synthesis. Examples are drawn from robotics and flight control systems, with an emphasis on motion control problems.
Vaccination markers: designing unique antigens to be added to vaccines to differentiate between natural infection and vaccination.

Some important vaccines, including ones against tuberculosis (Tb) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), are not used in many developed countries because there is no simple way to differentiate between vaccine-induced immunity and infection. Eliminating major protein antigens has not succeeded in the cases of Tb, FMD and some other vaccine preparations. Instead of eliminating antigens, novel antigens can be added to vaccines in order to induce a unique immunological response proving that the vaccine has been delivered. Methods for producing such unique antigens are presented and preliminary test results reported. The technique may also be useful for immunologically “branding” animals.
β-lactam-recognizing enzymes exhibit different structural specificity in acyclic amide and ester substrates: a starting point in β-lactamase evolution?

Abstract Changes in the structure of acyclic substrates, RNHCHR′COXCH(CH 3 )CO − 2 , from R = N,N′-diacetyl-L-lysyl to phenylacetyl and R′ = methyl to hydrogen had little effect on the turnover of esters (XO) and thiolesters (XS) by a DD_peptidase and a structurally similar β-lactamase, but did in the case of amides (XNH) and the DD-peptidase. Amides interact differently with these enzymes than do esters.
Usability and learning in a speech-enabled reading tutor: a field study

In this paper we discuss outcomes of a field study conducted to evaluate usability and learning associated with a speech-enabled reading tutor application for adults. The evaluation compared learning outcomes and usability measures between two versions of the software, as well as with traditional classroom instruction. Findings indicate small usability improvements and no significant difference in learning between versions, and equivalent learning levels between the groups who used the software exclusively and those that had a teacher cover the material instead. We discuss these results and how challenges associated with the field evaluation may have impacted the findings.
Point defect reduction in GaN layers grown with the aid of SiNx nanonet by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

Reduction of deep centers in GaN layers grown employing nano-ELO SiN x porous nanonetworks has been studied by deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). The obtained concentrations of deep traps in layers with SiN x nanonetworks were compared with an otherwise identical reference sample and with another sample grown by employing conventional ELO technique. Two traps, labeled A (0.54-0.58 eV) and B (0.20-0.23 eV), were delineated in all layers with trap A being dominant in the temperature range 80-400 K. The concentration of trap A in SiN x layers was found to be lower by 2-4 times compare to the reference sample. The minimum concentration 7.5x10 14 cm -3 was obtained in the layer grown on SiO 2 stripe pattern which is ~6 times lower compare to the reference sample. We have found the logarithmic capture mechanism up to ~20 ms for deep center A . Considering that the lateral growth mainly reduces the edge dislocations in our films it is tempting to suggest that structural defects that may have a direct and or indirect role in the creation of the dominant trap which we believe are located close to each other along the edge threading dislocation lines. In addition, a small blue shift, compare to a strain free layers, of the neutral-donor-bound-exciton line ( D 0 X A ) observed in the photoluminescence spectra of the samples grown with lateral overgrowth is indicative of partial strain relief.
Body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating in lesbian college students.

Lesbian subcultures have been described to downplay the importance of physical attractiveness and to challenge culturally prescribed beauty ideals. Within this context, one might argue that lesbians should be more accepting of their bodies and less likely to engage in disordered eating, than would heterosexual women. The relationship between sexual orientation and body esteem has not been examined empirically yet. This study compared 30 lesbian undergraduates and 52 heterosexual undergraduates on measures of body esteem, self-esteem, and disordered eating. Few group differences were found. Lesbian students reported lower self-esteem, more ineffectiveness, more interpersonal distrust, and more difficulties in identifying their own emotions, than did heterosexual students. Body esteem was found to be related more closely with self-esteem in lesbians, than in heterosexual students. These group differences may reflect the lesbian experience more than disturbances associated with disordered eating.
Statistical QoS Provisioning in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

In this work, we establish a general framework for investigating statistical QoS provisioning in mobile ad hoc networks. Though the throughput and average delay in wireless ad hoc works have been has been intensively studied in the literature, statistical delay guarantee provisioning in large scale ad hoc networks has not received enough attention. A real time application, e.g., interactive game and real time video, requires stringent delay (delay bound) but may allow a small probability of outage (deadline violation probability). This motivates us to study the relationship among throughput, delay bound and deadline violation probability. We propose to use a triplet $(T, B, R)$, where $T,B,R$ denote throughput, delay bound and deadline violation probability (or, equivalently, the reliability index) respectively, to describe the delay constrained performance of a mobile ad hoc network. Both i.i.d. mobility model and random walk model are adopted to illustrate the tradeoffs among these performance metrics. Since the relation between delay bound and deadline violation probability can be interpreted as a description of the reliability of delay-sensitive communications, our results provide insights into understanding the delay constrained performance of large scale wireless ad hoc networks.
Consuming Counterrevolution: The Ritual and Culture of Cannibalism in Wuxuan, Guangxi, China, May to July 1968

People are eating each other, came the message from southern Guangxi to Peking in the early summer of 1968, as the violent phase of the Cultural Revolution was drawing to a close. When militia reinforcements arrived in Wuxuan, parts of decomposing corpses still festooned the town center (Zheng 1993:2–3). No proper investigation was conducted, however, for this was a county in which order had already been imposed and the rebels had been crushed. Only in 1981–83, long after the Gang of Four had collapsed, was an investigation team sent into the county. It compiled a list of those eaten and a number of the ringleaders in cannibalism. Fifteen were jailed, and 130 Party members and cadres were disciplined. The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region announced the expulsion from the Party of all who had eaten human flesh.1 But the regulations were withdrawn quickly for fear that the document would be slipped out to Hong Kong and reveal this episode of cannibalism to the world (Zheng 1993:52).
New materials from theory: trends in the development of active materials

Active materials are materials that change shape when exposed to an applied field or a change of temperature. We review recently developed theory for active materials, with emphasis on predictions and methods that can guide the search for new materials. Special lattice parameters corresponding to certain special microstructures, texture, new concepts for large strain actuators, and the behavior of active materials at small scales are discussed.
Circadian regulation of sleep–wake behaviour in nocturnal rats requires multiple signals from suprachiasmatic nucleus

The dynamics of sleep and wake are strongly linked to the circadian clock. Many models have accurately predicted behaviour resulting from dynamic interactions between these two systems without specifying physiological substrates for these interactions. By contrast, recent experimental work has identified much of the relevant physiology for circadian and sleep–wake regulation, but interaction dynamics are difficult to study experimentally. To bridge these approaches, we developed a neuronal population model for the dynamic, bidirectional, neurotransmitter-mediated interactions of the sleep– wake and circadian regulatory systems in nocturnal rats. This model proposes that the central circadian pacemaker, located within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, promotes sleep through single neurotransmitter-mediated signalling to sleep–wake regulatory populations. Feedback projections from these populations to the SCN alter SCN firing patterns and fine-tune this modulation. Although this model reproduced circadian variation in sleep–wake dynamics in nocturnal rats, it failed to describe the sleep–wake dynamics observed in SCN-lesioned rats. We thus propose two alternative, physiologically based models in which neurotransmitter- and neuropeptidemediated signalling from the SCN to sleep–wake populations introduces mechanisms to account for the behaviour of both the intact and SCN-lesioned rat. These models generate testable predictions and offer a new framework for modelling sleep–wake and circadian interactions.
Element partitioning during precipitation of aragonite from seawater: A framework for understanding paleoproxies

Abstract This study presents the results from precipitation experiments carried out to investigate the partitioning of the alkaline earth cations Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+ between abiogenic aragonite and seawater as a function of temperature. Experiments were carried out at 5 to 75 °C, using the protocol of Kinsman and Holland [Kinsman, D.J.J., Holland, H.D., 1969. The coprecipitation of cations with CaCO3 IV. The coprecipitation of Sr2+ with aragonite between 16 and 96 °C. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 33, 1–17.] The concentrations of Mg Sr and Ba were determined in the fluid from each experiment by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and in individual aragonite grains by secondary ion mass spectrometry. The experimentally produced aragonite grains are enriched in trace components (“impurities”) relative to the concentrations expected from crystal-fluid equilibrium, indicating that kinetic processes are controlling element distribution. Our data are not consistent with fractionations produced kinetically in a boundary layer adjacent to the growing crystal because Sr2+, a compatible element, is enriched rather than depleted in the aragonite. Element compatibilities, and the systematic change in partitioning with temperature, can be explained by the process of surface entrapment proposed by Watson and Liang [Watson, E.B., Liang, Y., 1995. A simple model for sector zoning in slowly grown crystals: implications for growth rate and lattice diffusion, with emphasis on accessory minerals in crustal rocks. Am. Mineral. 80, 1179–1187] and Watson [Watson, E.B., 1996. Surface enrichment and trace-element uptake during crystal growth. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 60, 5013–5020; Watson, E.B., 2004. A conceptual model for near-surface kinetic controls on the trace-element and stable isotope composition of abiogenic calcite crystals. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 68, 1473–1488]. This process is thought to operate in regimes where the competition between crystal growth rate and diffusivity in the near-surface region limits the extent to which the solid can achieve partitioning equilibrium with the fluid. A comparison of the skeletal composition of Diploria labyrinthiformis (brain coral) collected on Bermuda with results from precipitation calculations carried out using our experimentally determined partition coefficients indicate that the fluid from which coral skeleton precipitates has a Sr/Ca ratio comparable to that of seawater, but is depleted in Mg and Ba, and that there are seasonal fluctuations in the mass fraction of aragonite precipitated from the calcifying fluid (“precipitation efficiency”). The combined effects of surface entrapment during aragonite growth and seasonal fluctuations in “precipitation efficiency” likely forms the basis for the temperature information recorded in the aragonite skeletons of Scleractinian corals.
Supporting Keyword Columns with Ontology-based Referential Constraints in DBMS

Keywords are typically used to qualify rows in a table. However, the fact that a keyword denotes a concept, which belongs to a specific knowledge domain, is not semantically enforced in current database systems. This paper proposes defining ontology based referential constraint for such keyword columns. A query on ontology, specified as part of the referential constraint, is used to identify the domain for the keyword column. Furthermore, since ontology may evolve causing change to the domain of the keyword column, the paper proposes use of ontology based transformation functions to either automatically evolve or to recommend refinements for the values in the keyword column. Also, queries on a keyword column can perform semantic match, that is, match a keyword to related terms based on the associated ontology. Thus, the proposed approach of semantically connecting keyword columns to ontologies 1) enhances semantic data integrity, 2) facilitates evolution of keyword columns with the referenced ontology, and 3) enables semantic match queries on keyword columns.
Distribution of retinol isomerase in vertebrate eyes and its emergence during retinal development.

Abstract Ocular tissue homogenates were incubated in darkness with [11,12- 3 H] all- trans retinol. Formation of radiolabeled 11- cis retinol was used as an index of isomerase activity and was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Isomerase was found in the eyes of cattle, human, rat, chicken, turtle, goldfish and frog, representing the mammals, birds, reptiles, bony fishes and amphibians. The enzyme was concentrated in the pigment epithelium (RPE). Variable activity was found in the retina, where the amount of radiolabeled 11- cis retinol formed under standard incubation conditions at protein concentrations of 0.03–1.08 mg/ml was 6.4 ± 6.0% of that in the RPE-choroid. Using the same methodology, we could not detect isomerase in the retinas of three cephalopods ( Octopus, Sepia and Loligo ). In rats, isomerase was present at postnatal day 10 but not at postnatal days 0 and 4. Therefore, the expression in the RPE of retinol isomerase, which is essential for the formation of rhodopsin in the developing photoreceptors, is coordinated with the emergence of the rod outer segment in the retina. However, the continued expression of this enzyme in RCS rats does not depend on the presence of photoreceptors, because loss of photoreceptors was not associated with an absence of isomerase activity in RCS rats. Our findings suggest that a reciprocal flow of retinoids between the retina and the site of isomerase action in the RPE is a feature common to the visual cycle in all vertebrates.
Performance analysis of repairable cluster of workstations

Summary form only given. In this paper, an analytical model is developed and used to evaluate average response time of repairable cluster of workstations. Employing the queuing theory, closed form solutions for the response time of fault tolerant clusters of workstations are obtained. Workstations (nodes) in the cluster are divided into two sets: active set and backup set. Fault tolerance is achieved by having a set of active nodes replicate their services at a set of backup nodes. Active nodes, periodically, checkpoint their status on the backups. If an active node fails, one of the backups takes over and joins the active set. Two immediate repair mechanisms are considered to repair faulty nodes in the system. In addition to their closed form formats, the analytical results presented in this paper have several advantages over those presented in the previous work. Unlike previous work, there is no need any more to solve a set of recursive equations and the results reveal much of the characteristics of the system.
Hemodynamic effects of cesarean section.

Abstract 1. 1. Thirty patients who had elective low cervical cesarean sections and 2 who had cesarean hysterectomies were studied to determine the effects of these procedures on the cardiovascular physiology. 2. 2. The cardiac output increased on the average from 6.4 L. per minute prior to cesarean section to 9.1 L. per minute after the section was completed. This was a 45 per cent increase. Following cesarean hysterectomy the increase was from 8.4 L. per minute to 11.4 L. per minute or 36 per cent. 3. 3. This increase in cardiac output is reflected in the increase in cardiac work load which was calculated to increase 78 per cent following low cervical section, from 6.7 Kg.-M. per minute to 11.8 Kg.-M. per minute. A similar increase was noted following cesarean hysterectomy and both of these were comparable to the increase work load previously reported following vaginal delivery. 4. 4. Significant increases were also noted in the stroke volume, mean blood pressure, and pulmonary blood volume. 5. 5. The heart rate and total peripheral resistance were decreased following cesarean section. 6. 6. The observed hemodynamic changes offer scientific evidence that emptying of the uterus produces certain hemodynamic alterations that are largely unavoidable. This is true regardless of the manner in which the uterus is emptied. From the cardiovascular standpoint no one method of delivery has any advantage over another method and cesarean section should be reserved for obstetric indications.
The Mean Streets of the Global Village: Crimes of Exclusion in the United States and Darfur

This paper considers similarities as well as differences in state‐based systems of selective exclusion found in the United States and Sudan. Albeit in different ways and to different degrees, large numbers of homeless adults and children are denied the basic human right to secure shelter in the nations of both the Global North and the Global South. Homelessness and imprisonment are pervasive forms of social exclusion in the late modern Global North, while forced migration and mortality are persistent forms of social exclusion in the contemporary Global South. The domestic policies of exclusion in the North—with their legalized use of arrest, due process, conviction, incarceration and homelessness—are a world apart from the policies of criminal exclusion in the Global South—with their death squads, militias, disappearances and displacements. Yet both depend on repression rather than restoration. Mass incarceration and genocidal death and displacement display an awkward symmetry along the mean streets of th...
Dielectric Rotman lens design for multi-function RF antenna applications

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is currently pursuing key technologies for the integration of a low-cost communications and radar system that will allow performing multiple functionalities with a single system and an antenna. These radar and communication functions include active/passive target acquisition, combat identification, weapons guidance, secure point-to-point communications, active protection, networks for situational awareness, and signal intercept. Antennas capable of supporting multiple simultaneous beams that can be scanned over a wide range are desired as part of this objective. Furthermore, these objectives need to be satisfied over a broad band to support multiple functionalities. This work discusses some of the developments on the printed Rotman lens design in order to achieve these objectives.
The retina, private practice and being your own boss

Interview by Jitesh PatelAbdhish R Bhavsar, MD, is a retina and vitreous surgeon who was born in Connecticut, USA, grew up in Michigan and has practiced in the Minneapolis/St. Paul (MN, USA) area since August 1997. He graduated from Dartmouth College with an Honors Thesis in Biochemistry and from the Wayne State University School of Medicine with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. He completed his internship in internal medicine at Duke University (NC, USA), his ophthalmology residency at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary in Chicago, USA, and his retina surgery fellowship training at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA (CA, USA). He was also a Heed Ophthalmic Foundation Fellow.Bhavsar has maintained research interests in macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, endophthalmitis and retinal oxygen metabolism. He is a principal investigator in multiple clinical trials in macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and venous occlusive disease and also maintains a broad range of interests in managin...
Mechanisms of Low Cloud–Climate Feedback in Idealized Single-Column Simulations with the Community Atmospheric Model, Version 3 (CAM3)

This study investigates the physical mechanism of low cloud feedback in the Community Atmospheric Model, version 3 (CAM3) through idealized single-column model (SCM) experiments over the subtropical eastern oceans. Negative cloud feedback is simulated from stratus and stratocumulus that is consistent with previous diagnostics of cloud feedbacks in CAM3 and its predecessor versions. The feedback occurs through the interaction of a suite of parameterized processes rather than from any single process. It is caused by the larger amount of in-cloud liquid water in stratus clouds from convective sources, and longer lifetimes of these clouds in a warmer climate through their interaction with boundary layer turbulence. Thermodynamic effects are found to dominate the negative cloud feedback in the model. The dynamic effect of weaker subsidence in a warmer climate also contributes to the negative cloud feedback, but with about one-quarter of the magnitude of the thermodynamic effect, owing to increased low-level convection in a warmer climate.
Bounded-Momentum Transfer Restrictions on High-Energy Interactions

A discussion is given of experimental implications of the hypothesis that production cross sections die off rapidly with an increase in any of the independent invariant momentum transfers in the process. Consequences are presented for both high-energy laboratory and cosmic-ray conditions. The results are consistent with existing evidence.
Plant improvement for tolerance to aluminum in acid soils – a review

Development of acid soils that limit crop production is an increasing problem worldwide. Many factors contribute to phytotoxicity of these soils, however, in acid soils with a high mineral content, aluminum (Al) is the major cause of toxicity. The target of Al toxicity is the root tip, in which Al exposure causes inhibition of cell elongation and cell division, leading to root stunting accompanied by reduced water and nutrient uptake. Natural variation for Al tolerance has been identified in many crop species and in some crops tolerance to Al has been introduced into productive, well-adapted varieties. Aluminum tolerance appears to be a complex multigenic trait. Selection methodology remains a limiting factor in variety development as all methods have particular drawbacks. Molecular markers have been associated with Al tolerance genes or quantitative trait loci in Arabidopsis and in several crops, which should facilitate development of additional tolerant varieties. A variety of genes have been identified that are induced or repressed upon Al exposure. Most induced genes characterized so far are not specific to Al exposure but are also induced by other stress conditions. Ectopic over-expression of some of these genes has resulted in enhanced Al tolerance. Additionally, expression of genes involved in organic acid synthesis has resulted in enhanced production of organic acids and an associated increase in Al tolerance. This review summarizes the three main approaches that have been taken to develop crops with Al tolerance: recurrent selection and breeding, development of Al tolerant somaclonal variants and ectopic expression of transgenes to reduce Al uptake or limit damage to cells by Al.
Pitch-Class Distribution and the Identification of Key

THIS STUDY EXAMINES THE DISTRIBUTIONAL VIEW OF key-finding, which holds that listeners identify key by monitoring the distribution of pitch-classes in a piece and comparing this to an ideal distribution for each key. In our experiment, participants judged the key of melodies generated randomly from pitch-class distributions characteristic of tonal music. Slightly more than half of listeners9 judgments matched the generating keys, on both the untimed and the timed conditions. While this performance is much better than chance, it also indicates that the distributional view is far from a complete explanation of human key identification. No difference was found between participants with regard to absolute pitch ability, either in the speed or accuracy of their key judgments. Several key-finding models were tested on the melodies to see which yielded the best match to participants9 responses.
Data Cleansing Techniques for Large Enterprise Datasets

Data quality improvement is an important aspect of enterprise data management. Data characteristics can change with customers, with domain and geography making data quality improvement a challenging task. Data quality improvement is often an iterative process which mainly involves writing a set of data quality rules for standardization and elimination of duplicates that are present within the data. Existing data cleansing tools require a fair amount of customization whenever moving from one customer to another and from one domain to another. In this paper, we present a data quality improvement tool which helps the data quality practitioner by showing the characteristics of the entities present in the data. The tool identifies the variants and synonyms of a given entity present in the data which is an important task for writing data quality rules for standardizing the data. We present a ripple down rule framework for maintaining data quality rules which helps in reducing the services effort for adding new rules. We also present a typical workflow of the data quality improvement process and show the usefulness of the tool at each step. We also present some experimental results and discussions on the usefulness of the tools for reducing services effort in a data quality improvement.
Cholesterol homeostasis: role of the LDL receptor.

age, and its metabolism to bile acids, their interests would represent only a small fraction of the overall attention that has been given to this sterol. The major focus on cholesterol by both the medical research community and the lay public is because it is the central feature of two major afflictions, atherosclerosis and gallstones. Curiously, although no one can deny that a major component of most gallstones and most atheromata is cholesterol, its pathogenetic role in these processes is believed by many to be guilt by association rather than by causation. The debate as to whether cholesterol is truly the culprit continues. The purpose of introducing the topic of cholesterol homeostasis in this manner is not
Interstellar Absorption of the Galactic Polar Low-Frequency Radio Background Synchrotron Spectrum as an Indicator of Clumpiness in the Warm Ionized Medium

In the standard model of low-frequency synchrotron radiation propagation through the Galaxy, the absorbing warm ionized medium (WIM) is considered to be a thick slab of thermal electrons of uniform density. When the calculated polar radio spectrum is compared with the observed Galactic background radio spectrum, it is found that this model requires a much higher electron density ne or much lower temperature Te than permitted by current observations. A more realistic plane-parallel model, in which electron density, temperature, and cosmic-ray electron emissivity have smooth distributions with height z above the Galactic plane, is also found to suffer from the same setbacks as the standard model. However, a plane-parallel model in which the absorbing WIM has a clumpy distribution with clump densities of ~0.2 cm-3 and filling factor of 0.08-0.15 agrees with both the low-frequency radio synchrotron spectrum and the observational parameters ne(z = 0) ≈ 0.025 cm-3, Te ≈ 7000 K, and DM ≈ 23 pc cm-3. The clumpy WIM model also supports the idea of a local interstellar cloud (LIC), which is required to provide adequate absorption below ~0.5 MHz. This LIC appears to become optically thick only below ~0.1 MHz where future radio measurements may be used to determine the emissivity spectrum and, therefore, the local interstellar cosmic-ray electron spectrum at energies of ~40 MeV.
Expression of fibronectin mRNA splice variants by rabbit lung in vivo and by alveolar type II cells in vitro

Fibronectin (FN) is a multidomain glycoprotein with putative functions in tissue development and repair. In repair of alveolar injury, FN may promote the transition of type II epithelial cells to type I epithelial cells. Alternative splicing of FN mRNA, including the EIIIA and EIIIB exons, results in protein isoforms that have cell, tissue, and developmental specificity. The present work found that FN mRNA with the EIIIA exon was in fetal, adult, and oxidant-injured lung. The EIIIB splice variant, however, was restricted to fetal lung and adult lung recovering from oxidant injury. Because alveolar type II cells in vitro express FN, we examined the splice variants in two conditions that induce FN [transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) treatment and time in culture]. TGF-beta 1 increased both EIIIA and EIIIB mRNA abundance by 10-fold. Increased EIIIA isoform immunostaining was also noted. Type II cells that spontaneously express FN at 72 h in vitro had increased EIIIA and EIIIB mRNA and increased immunostaining for EIIIA. Nuclear runoff showed induction of FN gene transcription at 72 h in vitro. Together, these data show differential FN splice variant expression in lung, with EIIIB mRNA restricted to fetal and recovering oxidant-injured lung. Furthermore, the transition of type II cells to a type I-like cell is accompanied by increased FN gene transcription and induction of both EIIIA and EIIIB mRNA.