cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of shifted multiplicative model, rank correlation, and biplot analysis for clustering winter wheat production environments

Categorization of locations with similar environments helps breeders to efficiently utilize resources and effectively target germplasm. This study was conducted to determine the relationship among winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield testing locations in South Dakota. Yield trial data containing 14 locations and 38 genotypes from 8 year were analyzed for crossover genotype (G) × environment (E) interactions according to the Azzalini-Cox test. G × E was significant (P < 0.05) and contributed a small proportion of variation over the total phenotypic variation. This suggested that for efficient resource utilization, locations should be clustered. The data were further analyzed using the Shifted Multiplicative Model (SHMM), Spearman’s rank correlation and GGE biplot to group testing locations based on yield. SHMM analysis revealed four major cluster groups in which the first and third had three locations, with four locations in each of the second and fourth groups. Spearman rank correlations between locations within groups were significant and positive. GGE biplot analysis revealed two major mega-environments of winter wheat testing locations in South Dakota. Oelrichs was the best testing location and XH1888 was the highest yielding genotype. SHMM, rank correlation and GGE biplot analyses showed that the locations of Martin and Winner in the second group and Highmore, Oelrichs and Wall in the third group were similar. This indicated that the number of testing locations could be reduced without much loss of grain yield information. GGE biplot provided additional information on the performance of entries and locations. SHMM clustered locations with reduced cross-over interaction of genotype × location. The combined methods used in this study provided valuable information on categorization of locations with similar environments for efficient resource allocation. This information should facilitate efficient targeting of breeding and testing efforts, especially in large breeding programs.
Biology and rearing of the fruit fly parasitoid Biosteres arisanus: clues to insectary propagation

Aspects of Biosteres arisanus (Sonan) (= Opius oophilus Fullaway) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) development on the oriental fruit fly. Bactrocera (= Dacus) dorsalis (Hendel), were investigated to facilitate mass production in the insectary. Life table statistics were generated for cohorts of B. arisanus females. Overlap in the emergence of fruit flies and parasitoids necessitated a procedure for segregation, preferably before adult eclosion. Rate of parasitization by B. arisanus increased with host clutch size reaching a plateau at 20: 1 host egg to female parasitoid ratio. Duration of the oviposition period influenced the level of host parasitization: host eggs were exposed to parasitoids for 24 h with minimal superparasitism. Females were highly productive within 3 weeks after emergence producing 40-70% females in the progeny. Adult males were shorter lived than females by 5 days. Based on a net reproductive rate (R 0 ) of > 16 daughters per female parent, a population increase of 10% was predicted each day. Handling procedures that could facilitate efficient production of parasitoids are discussed.
Ultra‐low frequency wave coupling in the ionospheric Alfvén resonator: Characteristics and implications for the interpretation of ground magnetic fields

[1] In cold magnetospheric plasmas, ultra-low frequency (ULF) waves occur in either the Alfven or magnetosonic mode. Owing to the strong inhomogeneity of the near-Earth plasma, these waves can produce cavity-like or waveguide-like eigenmodes which are mutually coupled by wave-driven ionospheric currents and perpendicular plasma inhomogeneity. Here we present results from a numerical study of the ionospheric Alfven resonator (IAR) and the ULF waves generated by wave-driven field-aligned currents (FACs) in the ionosphere. We demonstrate the excitation of cavity and waveguide eigenmodes of the IAR by a localized field-aligned current, and examine the polarization patterns of the resultant ground magnetic fields. We find that the distribution of ellipticity reflects the configuration of the magnetospheric source while the distribution of polarization angles depends primarily on the localization of the signal. The pattern of magnetosonic waves generated by ionospheric Hall currents is generally isotropic, but its configuration is representative of the structure of the incident FAC. Apparent preferences for wave propagation eastward and to lower latitudes are identified, and implications for the interpretation of ground magnetic signatures are discussed.
Utilizing Genotype Imputation for the Augmentation of Sequence Data

Background In recent years, capabilities for genotyping large sets of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has increased considerably with the ability to genotype over 1 million SNP markers across the genome. This advancement in technology has led to an increase in the number of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for various complex traits. These GWAS have resulted in the implication of over 1500 SNPs associated with disease traits. However, the SNPs identified from these GWAS are not necessarily the functional variants. Therefore, the next phase in GWAS will involve the refining of these putative loci.
On the electric dipole moments of asymmetric tops: measurement by high-resolution electronic spectroscopy in the gas phase.

Reported here are Stark-effect measurements of the permanent electric dipole moments of two structural isomers of aminobenzonitrile, 2ABN and 3ABN, using high-resolution laser molecular beam techniques. When combined with previous results on 4ABN, the data show that each structural isomer has a unique dipole moment, in both its ground (S 0 ) and electronically excited (S 1 ) states, thereby providing a means of distinguishing them. Possible applications of the method to other, biologically relevant molecules are discussed.
BLOOD SERUM AND SKELETAL CHANGES IN TWO BREEDS OF DUCKS RECEIVING ESTROGENS1

FLUCTUATIONS in the serum calcium level and in the degree of hyperossification of the long bones in the pigeon are correlated with ovarian function (1, 2). Similar changes also occur in sparrows in relation to the ovarian cycles (3), and follow the injection of estrogens in pigeons (4) and fowl (5, 6). Fowl, however, differ from pigeons in their response to estrogen in that the levels of serum calcium are much higher and hyperlipemia is grossly apparent. These differences in response might be associated with the fact that pigeons lay only 2 or 3 eggs in a clutch, whereas fowl lay more or less continuously. On this assumption, the amount of calcium and lipoid material mobilized under the influence of estrogen treatment would be to some extent proportional to egg production.
Conjugated polyelectrolyte based real-time fluorescence assay for phospholipase C.

A fluorescence turnoff assay for phospholipase C (PLC) from Clostridium perfringens is developed based on the reversible interaction between the natural substrate, phosphatidylcholine, and a fluorescent, water-soluble conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE). The fluorescence intensity of the CPE in water is increased substantially by the addition of the phospholipid due to the formation of a CPE−lipid complex. Incubation of the CPE−lipid complex with the enzyme PLC causes the fluorescence intensity to decrease (turnoff sensor); the response arises due to PLC-catalyzed hydrolysis of the phosphatidylcholine, which effectively disrupts the CPE−lipid complex. The PLC assay operates with phospholipid substrate concentrations in the micromolar range, and the analytical detection limit for PLC is <1 nM. The optimized assay provides a convenient, rapid, and real-time sensor for PLC activity. The real-time fluorescence intensity from the CPE can be converted to substrate concentration by using an ex situ calibration curv...
THE NATURE OF TESTIMONY

I discuss several views of the nature of testimony and show how each proposal has importantly different problems. I then offer a diagnosis of the widespread disagreement regarding this topic; specifically, I argue that our concept of testimony has two different aspects to it. Inadequate views of testimony, I claim, result either from collapsing these two aspects into a single account or from a failure to recognize one of them. Finally, I develop an alternative view of testimony that captures both aspects of the nature of testimony and thereby provides the basis for an illuminating theory of testimony's epistemological significance. Is testimony a reliable source of belief ? When are we justified in accepting the testimony of a speaker? Is testimony just as basic a source of know- ledge as sense perception, memory, and reason? These sorts of questions pervade the literature in the epistemology of testimony, and yet it is seldom recognized that there is substantive disagreement about what testimony even is, with theories being offered about what conditions need to be met for a person to testify that scarcely resemble one another. Even more importantly, when attempts are made at answering these ques- tions, the epistemological consequences of competing views of the nature of testimony are often ignored. In this paper, I plan to remedy this by, first, clearing up much of the current confusion about the nature of testimony and by, second, sketch- ing an account of what it is to testify that is suitable for the epistemology of testimony. I shall proceed as follows: I shall first discuss various sub- stantively different views of testimony and show how each proposal has importantly different problems. I shall then offer a diagnosis of why the disagreement over the nature of testimony is so deep; specifically, I shall argue that our concept of testimony has two different aspects to it. Inadequate views of testimony, I claim, result either from collapsing these two aspects into a single account or from a failure to recognize one
Response: hematopoietic defects in 12/15-lipoxygenase–deficient mice

Based on the comments and data from Taylor et al,[1][1] we conclude that the various 12/15-lipoxygenase–deficient (Alox15) mice exhibit more similarities than differences. The majority of Alox15 mice in our colony and those we purchased from The Jackson Laboratory appeared healthy although they
Exploration in the service of prospective control

Abstract We propose a sequential process of exploration that can account for perception-action coupling in infant locomotion. Each phase in the sequence is a process of obtaining progressively more information leading to a motor decision—exploration from a distance, exploration via direct contact, and exploration of alternative means. Quick glances and prolonged looking from afar serve to alert the perceiver to important changes in the terrain. Intentional touching and testing alternative ways to traverse an obstacle are only prompted when prior information indicates a potential threat to balance. We further propose that depth information is privileged because it can be detected from a distance more readily than other surface properties such as rigidity and friction. Studies of infants walking down slopes and across “hole/patch” transitions illustrate the important role of exploration in prospective control of locomotion.
Shallow Versus Deep Uncertainties in Natural Hazard Assessments

In Shakespeare's Henry IV, Glendower says, “I can call spirits from the vasty deep,” and Hotspur replies, “Why, so can I, or so can any man; but will they come when you do call for them?”
Second Language Writing Development in English and in Spanish in a Two-Way Immersion Programme.

Whereas most research on child second language acquisition has focused on the oral production of children, studies are needed to illuminate patterns of literacy development in a second language. This paper aims to shed some light on this process, focusing on the English writing development of a native Spanish speaker, and on the Spanish writing development of a native English speaker, both enrolled in a two-way immersion program in the USA. Data for this particular study come from a longitudinal, national study, involving 484 students in 11 programs across the country. In this paper, we will present a case study of two students in the project, from the beginning of third grade through the end of fifth grade. The students' writing samples will be discussed using an analytic rubric developed for the project. This rubric addresses three major aspects of writing – composition, grammar and mechanics – and provides a clear framework for investigating changes in writing ability over time.
Co-option of an anteroposterior head axis gene network for proximodistal patterning of appendages in early bilaterian evolution

Program/Abstract # 62 Co-option of an anteroposterior head axis gene network for proximodistal patterning of appendages in early bilaterian evolution William McGinnis, Jens H. Fritzenwanker, John Gerhart, Christopher J. Lowe, Derek Lemons Dept of Cell & Dev Biol, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA Dept of Organismal Biol and Anatomy, University of Chicago, IL, USA Dept of Molec and Cell Biol, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
Don't Smile before Christmas: The Role of Humor in Education.

In teacher training programs across the country, the last thing they tell newly certified teachers is "Don't smile before Christmas!" Veterans of the chalkboard jungle know the dangers that lurk be...
Human response to climate during the Younger Dryas chronozone in central Alaska

Human response to climatic conditions during the turbulent terminal Pleistocene has long concerned archaeologists and paleoecologists alike, especially with regards to the Younger Dryas. In some regions of the Northern Hemisphere the Younger Dryas was not significantly felt; however, in far northern regions affects of climate change are often acute. This paper focuses on the central Alaskan record to explore human–environment interactions during the terminal Pleistocene and tackle questions regarding human response to the Younger Dryas. This region of Beringia preserves a wealth of both paleoecological and archaeological data. Relative to other northern landscapes, proxy data from central Alaska indicate the Younger Dryas signal was somewhat muted but still characterized by return to cooler and/or more arid conditions. This phenomenon likely affected distributions and character of both floral and faunal resources, altering human perception of the surrounding landscape and potentially leading to reorganization of technologies, subsistence behavior, and land-use strategies.
Design Aspects of a Homopolar Inductor-Alternator

A design procedure for homopolar inductor-alternators is worked out. Special features such as field factors on an open circuit, reactances of armature reaction, computation of the short-circuit characteristic, and copper and iron losses are discussed. The stator leakage reactance, which forms an important parameter in the design and operation of these alternators is reviewed. The design of an eventual damper winding for these alternators is carried out, and the design details of a typical alternator are computed as an example.
Safe control of thermostatically controlled loads with installed timers for demand side management

Abstract We develop safe protocols (SPs) to control ensembles of thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs) in order to provide power pulses to the grid without a subsequent oscillatory response. Such pulses can alleviate power fluctuations by intermittent resources and maintain balance between generation and demand. Building on a prior work [1], we introduce timers to endpoint TCL control enabling better shaping of power pulses. We demonstrate that such an upgrade can be used to create new safe protocols and enable load following applications with response at minute time scales. The advantage of this strategy is the use of only minimal aggregate information about a TCL ensemble and no need for additional control of TCLs to alleviate unwanted power oscillations.
The quaternary hemoglobin conformation regulates the formation of the nitrite-induced bioactive intermediate and the dissociation of nitric oxide from this intermediate

Deoxyhemoglobin reduces nitrite to nitric oxide (NO). In order to study the effect of the hemoglobin quaternary conformation on the nitrite reaction, we compared T-state deoxyhemoglobin with R-state deoxyhemoglobin produced by reacting hemoglobin with carboxypeptidase-A prior to deoxygenation. The nitrite reaction with deoxyhemoglobin was followed by chemiluminescence, electron paramagnetic resonance and visible spectroscopy. The initial steps in this reaction involve the binding of nitrite to deoxyhemoglobin followed by the formation of an electron delocalized metastable intermediate that retains potential NO bioactivity. This reaction is shown by visible spectroscopy to occur 5.6 times faster in the R-state than in the T-state. However, the dissociation of NO from the delocalized intermediate is shown to be facilitated by the T-quaternary conformation with a 9.6 fold increase in the rate constant. The preferred NO-release in the T-state, which has a higher affinity for the membrane, can result in the NO diffusing out of the RBC and being released to the vasculature at low partial pressures of oxygen.
Is there a doctor in the house

As out-of-hospital emergencies become more commonplace, so does the call for a “doctor in the house”. New York City paediatrician Mitchell Rubin has responded to numerous such crises over the past 25 years. He explores reactions on all sides of this peculiar physician–victim relationship, his growing concerns and fears, and possible reasons why many doctors hesitate to act. His thoughts and experiences instigate the discussion about the need for a universal system of Good Samaritan physician responders While flying to Italy last spring, the pilot’s voice came over the loudspeaker: “Is there a doctor on board”? How many times have I heard this request in the last 25 years? A passenger had fainted. As I began caring for her, the pilot asked me, “Should we take the plane down?”. Surprised to be given this responsibility, I took my best guess and answered “no”. After a stressful landing, while I gave oxygen to the prostrate woman, we were met by an ambulance on the tarmac. The woman was appreciative and gracious, the pilot scarcely offered thanks, and I began my vacation exhausted. Having been trained as a paediatrician, I have responded to nearly two dozen “Good Samaritan” scenarios, where a person was injured or became critically sick in a public setting. Perhaps I have had more than my fair share, but I wonder if this is an important and mounting phenomenon. With America growing older and more and more people with serious, chronic illnesses remaining active in the community, we should not be surprised to see increasing numbers of out-of-hospital emergencies. And, as this becomes more commonplace, I become less and less certain of the role I—and other physicians like me—should have. When I was young, cocky and fearless, the call to meet an emergency was exciting. Shortly after training, an …
The relationship among bronchial blocker cuff inflation volume, proximal airway pressure, and seal of the bronchial blocker cuff.

Abstract The resting volume and diameter of the bronchial blocker cuff (defined as inflation of the cuff to just its natural shape) of the Univent (Fuji Systems Corp, Tokyo, Japan) tube are 2 mL and 5 mm. However, much larger inflation volumes may be required to seal an adult mainstem bronchus and the surface area of contact between the resultant spherical or ellipsoid-shaped cuff and the wall of the mainstem bronchus may be small and susceptible to leak with the application of high proximal airway pressures. This experiment determined the relationship among airway diameter, proximal airway pressure, inflation volume of the bronchial blocker cuff, and leakage of air around the bronchial blocker cuff in an in vitro model. The experimental model consisted of silicon tubing of 12.8-, 16.0-, and 19.2-mm ID as the mainstem bronchus. The main tracheal cuff sealed the Univent tube into the proximal end of the mainstem bronchus and the bronchial blocker cuff was inflated with various volumes near the distal end of the mainstem bronchus. The space between the tracheal cuff and the bronchial blocker cuff was then progressively pressurized in either a static or pulsed manner. The very distal end of the bronchus was functionally submerged under a beaker of water so that a bronchial blocker cuff leak would be indicated by bubbling. It was found that the Univent bronchial blocker cuff sealed the 12.8- and 16.0-mm ID mainstem bronchi against airway pressures as great as 100 cmH 2 0, with inflation volumes that were within the manufacturer's recommendation of 6 to 7 mL. Clinically, there was little difference in the cuff volume required to seal the bronchial blocker cuffs of the 6.0- and 9.0-mm ID Univent tubes against static and pulsed proximal airway pressures of the same magnitude. If an intraoperative leak develops, then intra-cuff volume should be increased to 6 to 7 mL and, if the leak is still present, then the surgeon may need to rearrange the surgical field so that the relationship between the mainstem bronchus (a cylinder) and the bronchial blocker cuff (a sphere or ellipsoid shape) is no longer distorted.
The effects of implicit anxiety on the performance of skin self-examinations

This study examined the effects of implicit anxiety on the performance of skin self-examinations. It was hypothesized that implicit anxiety would contribute to the prediction of skin self-examinations beyond the contributions of variables suggested by social-cognitive models of health behavior. In addition, it was hypothesized that implicit anxiety's impact on self-examinations would not be influenced by deliberative cognition about efficacy. To test these hypotheses, 128 participants completed measures of explicit anxiety, self and task efficacy, and an implicit associations test designed to measure implicit anxiety. As expected, self-examination behavior was better predicted when implicit anxiety was added to models containing explicit anxiety and efficacy. Furthermore, thoughts about efficacy did not moderate the effects of implicit anxiety on self-examination behavior.
A realistic approach to locating dental practices: further considerations

Methods that practitioners can use to determine a community’s potential market size and share are related, and ways to evaluate specific office sites are discussed . Precise methods can be used to measure and compare qualitatively the suitability of communities and specific sites as practice locations.
Association of goals of care meetings for hospitalized cancer patients at risk for critical care with patient outcomes

Background:Caring for cancer patients with advanced and refractory disease requires communication about care preferences, particularly when patients become ill enough to be at risk for critical care interventions potentially inconsistent with their preferences.Aim:To describe the use of goals of care discussions in patients with advanced/refractory cancer at risk for critical care interventions and evaluate associations between these discussions and outcomes.Design:Cohort study describing patients/families’ perceptions of goals of care meetings and comparing health care utilization outcomes of patients who did and did not have discussions.Setting/participants:Inpatient units of an academic cancer center. Included patients had metastatic solid tumors or relapsed/refractory lymphoma or leukemia and were at risk for critical care, defined as requiring supplemental oxygen and/or cardiac monitor.Results:Of 86 patients enrolled, 34 (39%) had a reported goals of care discussion (study group). Patients/families r...
The Management of Chronic Distal Radioulnar Instability

The stabilizing constraints of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) include its bony geometry and the surrounding soft tissue support. Given the shallow nature of the sigmoid notch, reconstruction of the palmar and dorsal ligamentous sleeve provides the best solution for restoring stability in cases of chronic DRUJ instability. The pertinent anatomy, indications, contraindications, soft tissue stabilizing procedures, and rehabilitation for the management of chronic DRUJ instability are highlighted in this review.
Family Perspectives on Inclusive Lifestyle Issues for People with Problem Behavior

Interviews were conducted with 17 families of children, youth, and adults with problem behavior (e.g., aggression toward others, property destruction, self-injurious behavior, and pica). From a larger study addressing many questions, the data reported in this article focus on inclusive lifestyle issues that are important to families. Results are organized into categories that emerged from the qualitative analysis, including family life, friendship issues, school issues, community inclusion, and supported living/supported employment. Themes suggest extremely scant and tenuous inclusive lifestyle supports for these people and their families. Key recommendations focus on expanded family support and priority topics for research and training.
The energetics of the interaction of BamHI endonuclease with its recognition site GGATCC

Abstract The interaction of BamHI endonuclease with DNA has been studied crystallographically, but has not been characterized rigorously in solution. The enzyme binds in solution as a homodimer to its recognition site GGATCC. Only six base-pairs are directly recognized, but binding affinity (in the absence of the catalytic cofactor Mg2+) increases 5400-fold as oligonucleotide length increases from 10 to 14 bp. Binding is modulated by sequence context outside the recognition site, varying about 30-fold from the bes t (GTG or TAT) to the worst (CGG) flanking triplets.BamHI,EcoRI and EcoRV endonucleases all have different context preferences, suggesting that context affects binding by influencing the free energy levels of the complexes rather than that of the free DNA. Ethylation interference footprinting in the absence of divalent metal shows a localized and symmetrical pattern of phosphate contacts, with strong contacts at NpNpNpGGApTCC. In the presence of Mg2+, first-order cleavage rate constants are identical in the two GGA half-sites, are the same for the two nicked intermediates and are unaffected by substrate length in the range 10-24 bp. DNA binding is strongly enhanced by mutations D94N, E111A or E113K, by binding of Ca2+ at the active site, or by deletion of the scissile phosphate GpGATCC, indicating that a cluster of negative charges at the catalytic site contributes at least 3-4 kcal/mol of unfavorable binding free energy. This electrostatic repulsion destabilizes the enzyme-DNA complex and favors metal ion binding and progression to the transition state for cleavage.
Liberal Gender Role Attitudes and Academic Achievement among Mexican-Origin Adolescents in Two Houston Inner-City Catholic Schools:

This study examines the relation of liberal attitudes toward women to academic achievement among 97 seventh-and eighth-grade Mexican-origin adolescents attending two Houston inner-city Catholic schools. These liberal attitudes refer to views regarding the rights and roles of women in society. Results show that liberal attitudes toward women are significantly related to Mexican-originfemales'academic achievement, as measured by their grades in mathematics and language arts. This association suggests thatfemales modify their achievement as a result of theirperceptions of compatibility between liberal attitudes and academic success or socioeconomic mobility. Moreover, to the degree that such attitudes reflect the social and cultural resources of educational institutions, they may correspond implicitly to cultural capital.
Active Exploration in Networks: Using Probabilistic Relationships for Learning and Inference

Many interesting domains in machine learning can be viewed as networks, with relationships (e.g., friendships) connecting items (e.g., individuals). The Active Exploration (AE) task is to identify all items in a network with a desired trait (i.e., positive labels) given only partial information about the network. The AE process iteratively queries for labels or network structure within a limited budget; thus, accurate predictions prior to making each query is critical to maximizing the number of positives gathered. However, the targeted AE query process produces partially observed networks that can create difficulties for predictive modeling. In particular, we demonstrate that these partial networks can exhibit extreme label correlation bias, which makes it difficult for conventional relational learning methods to accurately estimate relational parameters. To overcome this issue, we model the joint distribution of possible edges and labels to improve learning and inference. Our proposed method, Probabilistic Relational Expectation Maximization (PR-EM), is the first AE approach to accurately learn the complex dependencies between attributes, labels, and structure to improve predictions. PR-EM utilizes collective inference over the missing relationships in the partial network to jointly infer unknown item traits. Further, we develop a linear inference algorithm to facilitate efficient use of PR-EM in large networks. We test our approach on four real world networks, showing that AE with PR-EM gathers significantly more positive items compared to state-of-the-art methods.
Regioregular poly(thiophene-3-alkanoic acid)s: water soluble conducting polymers suitable for chromatic chemosensing in solution and solid state

Regioregular polythiophenes with pendant carboxylic acid functionality, poly(thiophene-3-propionic acid) (PTPA, 3) and poly(thiophene-3-octanoic acid) (PTOA, 4), were prepared as water soluble conducting polymers and their chemosensory response was studied. Treatment with aqueous base generated intensely colored water soluble conducting polymer salts, with the color varying both as a function of counter ion size and length of the carboxyalkyl substituent. PTPA showed a different colorimetric response to each of the alkali earth metals whereas the longer chain PTOA was only sensitive to ions larger than Et4N C. Distinct color changes were also noted in studies of divalent cations known to selectively bind carboxylates, such as Zn 2C ,M n 2C , and Cd 2C. Cast films of PTPA have been found to act as sensors to acid vapor (Dlmax of up to 132 nm). IR shows that the polymer self-assembles upon HCl vapor exposure, and that the process is completely reversible, leading to a good solid-state sensor for acids. This work demonstrates that regioregular polythiophenes containing acid side-chains have tremendous potential in the development of new sensors. q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Laser multispectral polarimetric diffuse-scatter imaging

Laser multi-spectral polarimetric diffuse scattering (LAMPODS) imaging is an approach that maps object intrinsic optical scattering properties rather than the scattered light intensity like in conventional imaging. The technique involves comprehensive measurements to parameterize object optical responses with respect to wavelength, polarization, and diffuse scattering. The derived parametric properties constitute LAMPODS images, which are more fundamental than conventional images. The application is to uncover and discriminate features that are not obvious or obtainable with conventional imaging. The experiments were performed for a number of targets, using near-infrared lasers. A system architecture design configured similarly to optical wireless network is described, which can be used as a design for a LAMPODS "camera". The results for a number of targets indicate unique LAMPODS capabilities to distinguish and classify features based on optics principles rather than phenomenological image processing. Examples of uncovering, enhancing, and interpreting target features, which are unseen or ambiguous in conventional images, are described.
Minimizing energy consumption of banked memories using data recomputation

Banking has been identified as one of the effective methods using which memory energy can be reduced. We propose a novel approach that improves the energy effectiveness of a banked memory architecture by performing extra computations if doing so makes it unnecessary to reactivate a bank which is in the low-power operating mode. More specifically, when an access to a bank, which is in the low-power mode, is to be made, our approach first checks whether the data required from that bank can be recomputed by using the data that are currently stored in already active banks. If this is the case, we do not turn on the bank in question, and instead, recalculate the value of the requested data using the values of the data stored in the active banks. Given the fact that the contribution of the leakage consumption to overall energy budget keeps increasing, the proposed approach has the potential of being even more attractive in the future. Our experimental results collected so far clearly show that this recomputation based approach can reduce energy consumption significantly.
Evolutionizing grief: Viewing photographs of the deceased predicts the misattribution of ambiguous stimuli by the bereaved.

We propose a cognitive-evolutionary model of grief where the function of grief is to reunite a person with an absent partner where this is possible, and where it is not, to disengage and reorientate the individual from the lost agent. The present study investigates the potential factors that affect reunion-promoting symptoms by focusing on the misattribution of external stimuli to the deceased by the bereaved - which we term 'false recognitions'. We propose three factors that relate to false recognitions: First, we propose that strong attachment to the deceased predisposes one to false recognitions; second, we predict that viewing photographs of the deceased (that were taken when the individual was alive) perpetuates false recognitions; and third, we propose that time elapsing since the death diminishes the frequency of false recognitions. In a survey of 164 recently bereaved (<25 months) pet owners in the U.S. and U.K., predictions concerning the association of the predictor and outcome variables were confirmed. The strongest predictor was the frequency of viewing photographic images of the deceased, a pattern consonant with our premise that, being evolutionarily novel, realistic photographs are treated as reliable cues that the agent remains a viable relationship partner. This research demonstrates the potential of evolutionary theory to inform mainstream bereavement research.
Antiretroviral therapy in patients with hepatitis and HIV: weighing risks and benefits.

Liver disease is an important complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. As HIV-infected patients live longer, they develop long-term manifestations of chronic HIV infection and/or treatment complications. Progressive liver disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in this patient group. Underlying hepatitis B and/or C virus infection is extremely common. All classes of antiretroviral drugs have been associated with some hepatotoxicity, and patients often receive other potentially liver-damaging drugs. Alcohol use is common and frequently underestimated. All of these issues make liver disease an important factor in making antiretroviral decisions. Clinicians should weigh underlying disease, behavioral issues such as drugs and alcohol, and concomitant therapy when choosing antiretrovirals in such patients. We need more research in this area, especially with regard to mechanisms, risks, and management-for specific drugs and regimens-to ensure that our patients receive the benefits of antiretroviral therapy in the safest manner possible.
Dislocation dynamics in LiF and MgO single crystals

Dislocation dynamics studies have been conducted in highly pure LiF and MgO single crystals using strain rate cycling and stress relaxation methods between 77 and 673°K. In both materials, the values of the dislocation velocity-stress exponent m*, obtained by these indirect methods do not compare well with m* values determined using direct dislocation velocity measurements; in addition, m* values obtained by indirect methods agree with each other only to a limited extent. Using the indirect methods at room temperature for example, m* values between 3 and 16 are obtained in LiF, and values between 3 and 55 are obtained in MgO. The results indicate that the indirect methods for the determination of m* are unreliable since its value depends on structural variables and the methods of measurement. Es wurden versetzungsdynamische Untersuchungen von hochreinen LiF- and MgO-Einkristallen mittels Dehngeschwindigkeitsschwankung und Spannungs-Erholungs-methoden zwischen 77 und 673°C durchgefuhrt. Die Werte des Versetzungsgeschwindigkeit-Spannungsexponenten m*, die mit Hilfe dieser indirekter Methoden gefunden wurden, sind nicht in guter Ubereinstimmung mit den Ergebnissen von m*-Bestimmungen durch direkte Versetzungsgeschwindigkeitsmessungen; weiterhin stimmen m*-Werte, die durch indirekte Methoden bestimmt werden, nur im begrenztem Umfang uberein. Zum Beispiel wurden Raumtemperaturwerte von m* zwischen 3 und 16 in LiF und zwischen 3 und 55 in MgO mittels indirekter Methoden gefunden. Die Ergebnisse deuten an, das die indirekten Methoden fur die m*-Bestimmung auf Grund einer Abhangigkeit der Meswerte und Mesmethoden und der strukturellen Variablen unzuverlassig sind.
Field Testing Diorhabda elongata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) From Crete, Greece, to Assess Potential Impact on Nontarget Native California Plants in the Genus Frankenia

When laboratory host specificity tests on weed biological control agents produce ambiguous results or are suspected of producing false-positive findings, field cage or open field tests can be used to help determine the true ecological host range of the agent. The leaf beetle Diorhabda elongata (Brulle) from Crete, imported to the United States for the control of saltcedar (Tamarix spp., Tamaricaceae), showed a low but variable ovipositional response to nontarget Frankenia spp. (Frankeniaceae) in previous laboratory tests conducted in small cages, where up to 11.4% of eggs were laid on these native plants. Results from field tests presented in this article show that no eggs were laid on Frankenia palmeri S. Watson and significantly more eggs were always laid on Tamarix ramosissima Ledebour than Frankenia salina (Molina) I. M. Johnston. Furthermore, the ovipositional response to F. salina was substantially lower than that recorded in laboratory tests. The percent of eggs laid on F. salina in field tests was 3.7 in a paired choice cage test, 4.3 in a multiple choice cage test, and 2.5 in a multiple choice open field test, suggesting that the true acceptance rate of the nontarget by D. elongata in the field will be lower than laboratory tests predicted. However, some damage was caused to F. salina by adult and larval feeding in the field, although this occurred only at the very end of the open field test, when D. elongata densities were extremely high, and all of the surrounding saltcedar had been totally defoliated. Scientific representatives from various stakeholder organizations (state, county, university, and environmental groups) viewed the open field test when in progress and reviewed the final results before advising State regulatory agencies on beetle redistribution. These test results, and the open review process, led regulators to conclude that redistribution of D. elongata in California was warranted owing to its significant ability to defoliate saltcedar, and its low rate of feeding on nontarget Frankenia spp. The introduction of D. elongata provides an interesting case study for risk assessment of a potentially efficacious weed biocontrol agent that may also be capable of using nontarget native plants.
Ultrafast electron transfer in arene - Br atom charge transfer complexes

Abstract Ultrafast pump-probe transient absorption spectroscopy was applied to study, return electron transfer in the areneBr atom charge transfer (CT) complexes. Ultrafast optical excitation of the charge transfer band, of the complex, yields an excited Franck-Condon state of the CT complex, which relaxes to form an ion pair. The rate of charge recombination between the bromide and arene cation strongly depends on arene concentration, indicating on efficient quenching of the ion pair by another donor molecule. The return electron transfer has been studied in various solvents. In general, the observed kinetics is nonexponential, with distribution of relaxation times from 1 ps to ∼1000 ps. The slowest component in the relaxation is attributed to charge recombination of the ion pair in an equilibrium configuration. The rate of charge recombination of the excited areneBr complex does not depend significantly on the donor strength.
Rescripting Shakespeare: Adjustments and improvements

“But in this changing, what is your intent?” Love's Labor's Lost , 5.2.137 A variety of motives – practical, commercial, and conceptual – lie behind the various forms of rescripting. Streamlining is often a pragmatic choice linked to a lack of resources (a shortage of personnel, a limited theatrical space), a judgment that the targeted playgoers will not stomach the full length of a given script, or merely a director's impatience with the original language and theatrical practice (so “cut to the chase” thinking). Of greater interest are the varied conceptual concerns that lead to rescripting. Like The Fawn, The Revenger's Tragedy , and The Duchess of Malfi , Shakespeare's plays are replete with problematic moments, many of them linked to the material conditions or cultural practices of the 1590s and early 1600s, that have troubled editors, critics, and students. Directors, with their own resources in mind (variable lighting, sets, actresses rather than boy actors to play female roles), therefore regularly adjust or improve the situation in their effort to find a common language with playgoers who lack scholarly glosses. This chapter will deal with several directorial strategies designed to deal with perceived difficulties and anomalies and at times advance specific agendas. SOLVING PROBLEMS Over the years scholars have expressed dissatisfaction with some of Shakespeare's narratives as set forth in the Quartos and the Folio and as a result have postulated supposed missing scenes. Directors in turn have factored in additional material to bridge such apparent gaps.
Bessel fourier orientation reconstruction: an analytical EAP reconstruction using multiple shell acquisitions in diffusion MRI

The estimation of the ensemble average propagator (EAP) directly from q-space DWI signals is an open problem in diffusion MRI. Diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) is one common technique to compute the EAP directly from the diffusion signal, but it is burdened by the large sampling required. Recently, several analytical EAP reconstruction schemes for multiple q-shell acquisitions have been proposed. One, in particular, is Diffusion Propagator Imaging (DPI) which is based on the Laplace's equation estimation of diffusion signal for each shell acquisition. Viewed intuitively in terms of the heat equation, the DPI solution is obtained when the heat distribution between temperatuere measurements at each shell is at steady state. We propose a generalized extension of DPI, Bessel Fourier Orientation Reconstruction (BFOR), whose solution is based on heat equation estimation of the diffusion signal for each shell acquisition. That is, the heat distribution between shell measurements is no longer at steady state. In addition to being analytical, the BFOR solution also includes an intrinsic exponential smootheing term. We illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method by showing results on both synthetic and real MR datasets.
Effects of Some Antibiotics and Other Compounds on Fertility and Mortality of Orchard Mites

Egg laying of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus telarius (L.), was found to be inhibited by fairly low concentrations of a number of antibiotics. Although data are not given, similar results were achieved with the European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch). Listed in the apparent order of their effectiveness, these antibiotics were: cycloheximide, streptovitacin A, antimycin A, hygromycin B, and amphotericin B. Amphotericin A and several derivatives of cycloheximide were also fairly effective in suppressing egg laying of both species. Cytovirin was as effective against the European red mite as previously reported against the two-spotted spider mite. At the higher concentrations, especially with antimycin A, the antibiotics also caused some mortality of the adult mites. The antibiotics seem to interfere with some process in the division and growth of the egg cells. The more active materials were phytotoxic and especially injurious to apple and pear trees. Cycloheximide at 50 and 100 p.p.m. gave good control of the two-spotted spider mite in field tests on mature peach trees without appreciable injury to the foliage. The more active antibiotics were obviously systemic in the leaves. Cycloheximide was not systemic in soil treatments and in spray oil or ethylene glycol was not appreciably translocated to the leaves when painted on the trunks and basal limbs. Several antibiotics, including cycloheximide, moved to the leaves when injected into the trunks of peach seedlings in the greenhouse. Cyelohximide, when used with different surfactants or added to some of the more common insecticide sprays, was also active in suppressing egg laying of both species of mite.
Clifford Theory of a Finite Group that Contains a Defect 0 p-Block of a Normal Subgroup

Let G be a finite group with a normal subgroup N that has a p-block b of defect 0. As is well-known, we may assume that b is G-stable. Then we show that there is an extension of G/N by a central cyclic p′-subgroup and a p-block of such that the blocks of G covering b biject with the blocks of that cover and corresponding blocks have several equivalent properties. These results extend the known results in the situation that N is a normal p′-subgroup.
Interlocutor differential effects on the expressive language skills of Spanish-speaking English learners

AbstractPurpose: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between language use with different interlocutors, maternal education level and the expressive language skills of US English learners (ELs) in Spanish and English.Method: Two hundred and twenty-four Spanish-speaking ELs in kindergarten provided narrative language samples in Spanish and English. Parents completed a questionnaire of maternal education level and language use with parents, older siblings and peers.Result: Multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated that language used with different interlocutors and maternal education level had unique effects on participants’ expressive language skills. ELs’ expressive language skills in English were predicted by interactions with older siblings, peers and maternal education level; Spanish expressive language skills were predicted by interactions with older siblings.Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that the determination of language experience of scho...
Electrochemical Studies of L-Cysteine

The electrochemical behavior of L-cysteine has been studied at platinum, gold, and glassy carbon in various media. In 0.10 M KNO3, L-cysteine undergoes a one-electron oxidation at platinum to form cystine. At gold in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer, evidence has been obtained for an abrupt change in surface structure as L-cysteine is added. Addition of L-cysteine to ZnSO4 in 0.10M KNO3 has a dramatic impact on both Zn deposition / stripping and the L-cysteine electrochemistry. The electrochemical behavior of L-cysteine in formamide has been found to be somewhat similar to that in aqueous solutions.