cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of Nutrient-Dense Snack Combinations With Calories and Vegetable Intake

BACKGROUND: With other factors such as general diet and insufficient exercise, eating non–nutrient dense snack foods such as potato chips contributes to childhood obesity. We examined whether children consumed fewer calories when offered high-nutrient dense snacks consisting of cheese and vegetables than children who were offered non–nutrient dense snacks (ie, potato chips). METHODS: Two hundred one children (115 girls) entering the third to sixth grades were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 snacking conditions: (1) potato chips only, (2) cheese-only, (3) vegetables only, and (4) cheese and vegetables. Children were allowed to eat snacks freely provided while watching 45-minute TV programs. Satiety was measured before they started eating snacks, in the middle of the study, and 20 minutes after they finished eating the snacks. Parents completed a questionnaire regarding their family environment. RESULTS: Children consumed 72% fewer calories when eating a combined snack compared with when they were served potato chips, P P P = .02) and those from low-involvement families ( P = .049) CONCLUSIONS: The combination snack of vegetables and cheese can be an effective means for children to reduce caloric intake while snacking. The effect was more pronounced among children who were overweight or obese and children from low-involvement families.
The Nature of the Red Giant Branches in the Ursa Minor and Draco Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxies

Spectra for stars located redward of the fiducial red giant branches (RGBs) of the Ursa Minor and Draco dwarf spheroidal galaxies have been obtained with the Hobby-Eberly telescope and the Marcario Low Resolution Spectrometer. From a comparison of our radial velocities with those reported in previous medium-resolution studies, we find an average difference of 10 km s–1 with a standard deviation of 11 km s–1. On the basis of these radial velocities, we confirm the membership of five stars in Ursa Minor and find two others to be nonmembers. One of the confirmed members is a known carbon star that lies redward of the RGB; three others are previously unidentified carbon stars. The fifth star is a red giant that was found previously by Shetrone and coworkers to have [Fe/H] = -1.68±0.11 dex. In Draco, we find eight nonmembers, confirm the membership of one known carbon star, and find two new members. One of these stars is a carbon star, while the other shows no evidence for C2 bands or strong atomic bands, although the signal-to-noise ratio of the spectrum is low. Thus, we find no evidence for a population of stars more metal-rich than [Fe/H] -1.45 dex in either of these galaxies. Indeed, our spectroscopic survey suggests that every candidate suspected of having a metallicity in excess of this value based on its position in the color-magnitude diagram is, in actuality, a carbon star. Based on the census of 13 known carbon stars in these two galaxies, we estimate the carbon star specific frequency to be , 25-100 times higher than that of Galactic globular clusters.
Residual flexibility test method for verification of constrained structural models

A method is described for deriving constrained modes and frequencies from a reduced model based on a subset of the free-free modes plus the residual effects of neglected modes. The method involves a simple modification of the MacNeal and Rubin component mode representation to allow development of a verified constrained (fixed-base) structural model. Results for two spaceflight structures having translational boundary degrees of freedom show quick convergence of constrained modes using a measureable number of free-free modes plus the boundary partition of the residual flexibility matrix. This paper presents the free-free residual flexibility approach as an alternative test/analysis method when fixed-base testing proves impractical.
Fast computation of low-rank matrix approximations

Given a matrix A, it is often desirable to find a good approximation to A that has low rank. We introduce a simple technique for accelerating the computation of such approximations when A has strong spectral features, that is, when the singular values of interest are significantly greater than those of a random matrix with size and entries similar to A. Our technique amounts to independently sampling and/or quantizing the entries of A, thus speeding up computation by reducing the number of nonzero entries and/or the length of their representation. Our analysis is based on observing that the acts of sampling and quantization can be viewed as adding a random matrix N to A, whose entries are independent random variables with zero-mean and bounded variance. Since, with high probability, N has very weak spectral features, we can prove that the effect of sampling and quantization nearly vanishes when a low-rank approximation to A p N is computed. We give high probability bounds on the quality of our approximation both in the Frobenius and the 2-norm.
Fluorous Synthesis: A Fluorous-Phase Strategy for Improving Separation Efficiency in Organic Synthesis

Recovery and purification difficulties can limit the yield and utility of otherwise successful organic synthesis strategies. A "fluorous synthesis" approach is outlined in which organic molecules are rendered soluble in fluorocarbon solvents by attachment of a suitable fluorocarbon group. Fluorocarbon solvents are usually immiscible in organic solutions, and fluorous molecules partition out of an organic phase and into a fluorous phase in a standard liquid-liquid extraction. Simple yet substantive separations of organic reaction mixtures are achieved without resorting to chromatography. Because fluorous synthesis combines in many respects the favorable purification features of solid-phase synthesis with the favorable reaction, identification, and analysis features of traditional organic synthesis, it should prove valuable in the automated synthesis of libraries of individual pure organic compounds.
Optimized aperiodic highly directional narrowband infrared emitters

In this paper, we present optimized aperiodic structures for use as narrowband, highly directional thermal infrared emitters for both TE and TM polarizations. These aperiodic multilayer structures designed with alternating layers of silicon and silica on top of a semi-infinite tungsten substrate exhibit extremely high emittance peaked around the wavelength at which the structures are optimized. Structures were designed by a genetic optimization algorithm coupled to a transfer matrix code that computed thermal emittance. First, we investigate the properties of the genetic-algorithm-optimized aperiodic structures and compare them to a previously proposed resonant cavity design. Second, we investigate a structure optimized to operate at the Wien wavelength corresponding to a near-maximum operating temperature for the materials used in the aperiodic structure. Finally, we present a structure that exhibits narrowband and highly directional emittance for both TE and TM polarizations at the frequency of one of the molecular resonances of carbon monoxide (CO); hence, the design is suitable for the emitting portion of a detector of CO via absorption spectroscopy.
Statistical Properties of Radio Emission from the Palomar Seyfert Galaxies

We have carried out an analysis of the radio and optical properties of a statistical sample of 45 Seyfert galaxies from the Palomar spectroscopic survey of nearby galaxies. We find that the space density of bright galaxies (-22 mag ≤ M ≤ -18 mag) showing Seyfert activity is (1.25 ± 0.38) × 10-3 Mpc-3, considerably higher than found in other Seyfert samples. Host galaxy types, radio spectra, and radio source sizes are uncorrelated with Seyfert type, as predicted by the unified schemes for active galaxies. Approximately half of the detected galaxies have flat or inverted radio spectra, more than expected based on previous samples. Surprisingly, Seyfert 1 galaxies are found to have somewhat stronger radio sources than Seyfert 2 galaxies at 6 and 20 cm, particularly among the galaxies with the weakest nuclear activity. We suggest that this difference can be accommodated in the unified schemes if a minimum level of Seyfert activity is required for a radio source to emerge from the vicinity of the active nucleus. Below this level, Seyfert radio sources might be suppressed by free-free absorption associated with the nuclear torus or a compact narrow-line region, thus accounting for both the weakness of the radio emission and the preponderance of flat spectra. Alternatively, the flat spectra and weak radio sources might indicate that the weak active nuclei are fed by advection-dominated accretion disks.
Isomerization and disproportionation of trimethylbenzenes with LaY zeolite catalyst

Abstract Trimethylbenzenes undergo both disproportionation and isomerization during conversion over LaY zeolite catalysts. Isomerization occurs primarily by a series of 1,2-methyl shifts. Disproportionation appears to occur by removal of a methyl group from one trimethylbenzene prior to its isomerization to other trimethylbenzenes; the methyl group is transferred to another trimethylbenzene as predicted for the ortho-para directing influence of the methyl groups already on the ring. A set of relative rate constants for isomerization, calculated using the Wei-Prater procedure, obtained for xylene and trimethylbenzene isomerization has a similar pattern.
The generation and reactivity of oxygen centered radicals from the photolysis of derivatives of N-hydroxy-2-thiopyridone.

Abstract Oxygen centered radicals, formed by the photolysis of derivatives of N -hydroxy-2-thiopyridone, have been trapped by vinyl ethers. In the case of the benzoyloxy radical, smooth deoxygenation is effected by III P compounds. Evidence for the formation of the dimethyl t butylsilyloxy and of the hydroxy radical is also presented.
Grasp synthesis for planar and solid objects

This article presents an analysis of the mechanics for multifingered grasps of planar and solid objects. We present a method that is intuitive and computationally efficient. We combine the search for finger grasp positions with finger (manipulation and squeezing) force calculations into a single method. Physically, the squeezing and frictional effects between the fingers and the grasped objects are fully visualized through our approach. Mathematically, we reduced the complexity of finger force calculations when comparing our scheme with previously available schemes. Examples are used to illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our scheme. Based upon the analysis of grasp mechanics, an algorithm for quantatively choosing the grasp points is proposed to ensure stable grasps.
Pro Patria: An Essay on Patriotism

This essay focuses on what patriotism is, as opposed to the value of patriotism. It focuses further on the basic patriotic motive: one acts with this motive if one acts on behalf of one’s country as such. I first argue that pre-theoretically the basic patriotic motive is sufficient to make an act patriotic from a motivational point of view. In particular the agent need not ascribe virtues or achievements to his country nor need he feel towards it the emotions characteristic of love. Why should one ever act on behalf of one’s country as such, if one does not particularly admire it or feel a special affection for it? In answer to this question I offer a further articulation of the basic patriotic motive, invoking a particular understanding of what it is to be the member of a political society. Building on this articulation I then consider how one might characterize a patriotic act, a patriotic person, and the relationship of patriotism and pride.
Modeling the nonlinear behavior of macro fiber composite actuators

Macro Fiber Composites (MFC) are planar actuators comprised of PZT fibers embedded in an epoxy matrix that is sandwiched between electrodes. Due to their construction, they exhibit significant durability and flexibility in addition to being lightweight and providing broadband inputs. They are presently being considered for a range of applications including positioning and control of membrane mirrors and configurable aerospace structures. However, they also exhibit hysteresis and constitutive nonlinearities that must be incorporated in models to achieve the full potential of the devices. In this paper, we discuss the development of a model that quantifies the hysteresis and constitutive nonlinearities in a manner that promotes subsequent control design. The constitutive model is constructed using the homogenized energy framework for ferroelectric hysteresis and used to develop resulting system models. The performance of the models is validated with experimental data.
Algorithmic aspects of multicanonical simulations

Abstract Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of many systems, can be considerably speeded up by using multicanonical or related methods. I shall focus on two aspects: (i) Opinions about the optimal choice of weights. (ii) Recursive weight factor estimates.
The superhot, superdense, supersymmetric universe

Abstract In this talk the following question is addressed: are internal symmetries necessarily restored at high temperature in supersymmetric theories? Contrary to the general belief, we argue that the answer is no when systems possess a net background charge. Our findings are exemplified on abelian models, for both cases of global and local symmetries and possible cosmological implications are also discussed.
The Operation of Solid-State Alpha Counters in Chemical Process Streams

The alpha activity in a chemical process stream may be monitored by placing an etched N-type silicon wafer in the stream to operate as a surface barrier alpha counter. The counters are constructed by the Blankenship technique with the gold cover omitted. The bare silicon surface is immersed in the sample stream. Since the liquid of the stream forms the front contact to the silicon, the stream conductivity must be high. The detectors were operated in solutions of the nitrate salts of thorium, uranium, neptunium, plutonium, and americium. The effect of solution conductivity and acidity was investigated. The effects of aluminum and fluoride ions were studied also. The detector will cease to operate if the oxidation of the silicon surface is allowed to run to completion. The silicon dioxide layer will insulate the P'' inversion layer on the surface of the silicon from the liquid contact. If the bias is operated in the forward direction for short periods, the silicon dioxide insulator will be punctured and contact between the liquid and P ' inversion layer will be restored. A similar result can be achieved by illuminating the silicon surface for short periods to induce a photo-etch process. Both of thesemore » methods were used to maintain detectors in a counting condition for periods of up to nine months. (auth)« less
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Reveals a Possible Mechanism of Activation of the Prokaryotic Proton Activated Channel Glic

Recent bioinformatics and high resolution structural determination revealed prokaryotic ancestors to the superfamily of eukaryotic Cys-loop receptors. One of these channels, called GLIC, is proton-activated and may provide advantages to investigating mechanisms underlying activation of Cys-loop receptors. Here, we used all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to uncover a possible mechanism of activation of the GLIC channel. We started with the x-ray structure of GLIC in the open state and subjected it to simulation under normal conditions. During the 10 ns simulation the channel appeared to close. Then we screened the apparent closed structure for the presence of salt-bridges, and compared the result to salt bridges in the original open x-ray structure. We found 11 salt bridges per subunit that were not present in the open structure. We then protonated the corresponding 11 acidic residues, conducted another 10 ns simulation and found that the channel remained open. We then extracted the final structural frames from the two MD simulations and employed single channel current simulations using the coarse-grained Biology Monte Carlo method. The open structure resulted in a significant ionic current, whereas the closed structure exhibited none. Thus, the 11 acidic residues emerge as likely candidates for mediating proton activation of the GLIC channel.
A design methodology for reliable software systems

Any user of a computer system is aware that current systems are unreliable because of errors in their software components. While system designers and implementers recognize the need for reliable software, they have been unable to produce it. For example, operating systems such as OS/360 are released to the public with hundreds of errors still in them.
Computing Shortest Cycles Using Universal Covering Space

Summary form only given. In this paper we generalize the shortest path algorithm to the shortest cycles in each homotopy class on a surface with arbitrary topology, utilizing the universal covering space (UCS) in algebraic topology. In order to store and handle the UCS, we propose a two-level data structure which is efficient for storage and easy to process. We also pointed several practical applications for our shortest cycle algorithms and the UCS data structure.
Automatic phonetic baseform determination

The authors describe a series of experiments in which the phonetic baseform is deduced automatically for new words by utilizing actual utterances of the new word in conjunction with a set of automatically derived spelling-to-sound rules. Recognition performance was evaluated on new words spoken by two different speakers when the phonetic baseforms were extracted via the above approach. The error rates on these new words were found to be comparable to or better than when the phonetic baseforms were derived by hand, thus validating the basic approach. >
IONS AND ION PAIRS. THEIR MEANING AND SIGNIFICANCE IN ORGANIC REACTIONS

Abstract A brief survey of the developments leading to the concept of ion pairs and of still higher ionic aggregates is followed by detailed discussion of its physical meaning. The distinction between contact ion pairs and covalently bonded molecules is clarified by comparing gaseous dissociation processes with those taking place in solution. Such a comparison reveals clearly the significance and the role of solvent molecules in homolytic and heterolytic dissociations. In the following discussion it is pointed out that a variety of ion pairs may be formed from the pair of oppositely charged ions. An attempt is made to explain under what conditions the structurally different ion pairs may be treated as distinct species and when such a distinction fails. Finally, examples are given to demonstrate how the structural changes of ion pairs nature may affect the rates and the equilibria of reactions in which they participate, an effort being made to provide examples pertaining to polymerization processes.
A Two-Parameter Ratio-Product-Ratio Estimator Using Auxiliary Information

We propose a two-parameter ratio-product-ratio estimator for a finite population mean in a simple random sample without replacement following the methodology in the studies of Ray and Sahai (1980), Sahai and Ray (1980), A. Sahai and A. Sahai (1985), and Singh and Espejo (2003).The bias and mean squared error of our proposed estimator are obtained to the first degree of approximation. We derive conditions for the parameters under which the proposed estimator has smaller mean squared error than the sample mean, ratio, and product estimators. We carry out an application showing that the proposed estimator outperforms the traditional estimators using groundwater data taken from a geological site in the state of Florida.
Peridynamic modeling of membranes and fibers

Abstract The peridynamic theory of continuum mechanics allows damage, fracture, and long-range forces to be treated as natural components of the deformation of a material. In this paper, the peridynamic approach is applied to small thickness two- and one-dimensional structures. For membranes, a constitutive model is described appropriate for rubbery sheets that can form cracks. This model is used to perform numerical simulations of the stretching and dynamic tearing of membranes. A similar approach is applied to one-dimensional string like structures that undergrow stretching, bending, and failure. Long-range forces similar to van der Waals interactions at the nanoscale influence the equilibrium configurations of these structures, how they deform, and possibly self-assembly.
The ethical poverty of cost-benefit methods: Autonomy, efficiency and public policy choice*

The principle of efficiency holds as the basic standard of market decision-making. Routinely however, it has been applied as a standard of judgement to public choices as well. This essay proceeds on the basis of four assumptions. First, that efficiency, outside the market context, has two manifestations (Cost-Effectiveness Analysis and Cost-Benefit Methods) which are made distinct by one's concentration on judging the most cost-effective means to policy ends otherwise arrived at, and the other's use of efficiency to judge both the means and end of policy choice. Second, that although efficiency is a fit primary decision standard within a competitive market a principle with more distinctly ‘moral weight’ is needed to judge ends outside of markets. Third, that one possible source of this ‘moral weight’ is individual autonomy or freedom that is a fit ethical principle upon which to set the ends of public policy. Fourth, that the use of cost-benefit methods rather than cost-effectiveness analysis implies that it can satisfy the requirements of both efficiency and autonomy. If the efficient policy choice also provided protection of individual autonomy then cost-benefit methods could be used for the analysis of public policy ends, but if it fails to have a deeper moral justification then the role of efficiency in the public sector must be limited only to its judgement of cost-effective means to policy ends arrived at by a non-efficiency standard. I will argue that the autonomy of individual choice in a market is a ‘thin’ and morally impoverished ethical standard of judgement that adds no additional ‘moral weight’ to market efficiency for the judgements of policy ends. This conclusion limits efficiency to the consideration of public means alone, eliminating cost-benefit methods as a fit approach to policy analysis while simultaneously promoting cost-effectiveness analysis and the search for an independent moral standard for the assessment of public ends.
Particle flows in pumped DIII-D discharges

The dynamics of particle flows in the DIII-D tokamak for two divertor configurations is considered. Fuel and intrinsic carbon impurity flows are analyzed using experimental data and 2D fluid plasma simulations. The flows in puff and pump experiments done in open and closed divertor geometries are described. It is shown that the flow of fuel particles is sensitive to divertor geometry. The pumping efficiency of the DIII-D cryopumps is a factor of 2 higher in a closed geometry than an open. The core refueling rate of an open divertor is a factor of 2 higher than that of a closed divertor. In contrast, the flow of impurity carbon particles is insensitive to divertor geometry. Both the core carbon content and the fraction of the carbon source which penetrates to the core are unchanged between open and closed divertors. In addition, the core impurity content is found to be insensitive to the amplitude of gas puffing in the simulations.
Specific immunotherapy of experimental myasthenia gravis in vitro: the "guided missile" strategy.

Abstract We describe a strategy for specific immunotherapy of myasthenia gravis (MG) based on genetic engineering of antigen presenting cells (APCs) to present the autoantigen acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and express the “warhead” Fas ligand (FasL). For transduction of APCs we prepared recombinant attenuated vaccinia virus vectors carrying the following three gene constructs: (i) AChR fused to LAMP1 to present AChR and target AChR-specific T cells; (ii) FasL to eliminate the targeted T cells; and (iii) truncated FADD to protect APCs from self-destruction by FasL. The engineered APCs effectively expressed the genes of interest and killed AChR-specific T cells in culture by the Fas/FasL pathway. T cells specific for an unrelated antigen were spared. Our in vitro demonstration that engineered APCs target and kill antigen-specific T cells represents a promising novel strategy for specific immunotherapy of MG and other autoimmune diseases.
The case for evaluating training programs with randomized trials

Abstract This brief paper presents the reasons why I have come to conclude that the evaluation of the economic benefits of training programs will be greatly enhanced by the use of classical experimental methods where control and experimental groups are selected by random assignment (randomized trials). A simple comparison of earnings between control and experimental groups subsequent to participation in the experimental program then provides a simple and credible estimate of program success (or failure). The principal reason why randomized trials should be used in this field is that too much of the non-experimental estimation of the effects of training programs seems dependent on elements of model specification that cannot he subjected to powerful statistical tests.
Discouraging Workers: Estimating the Impacts of Macroeconomic Shocks on the Search Intensity of the Unemployed

Discouraged and marginally attached workers have received increasing attention from policy makers over the past several years. Through slackness in the labor market, periods of high unemployment should reduce the likelihood of receiving a job offer and thus create more discouraged workers. However, the existing literature generally fails to find evidence of such pro-cyclicality in search intensity. Surprisingly, search appears to be acyclical. We hypothesize the observed acyclicality may be the result of coarse measurement of search intensity in previous studies and the failure to account for changes in individuals’ wealth across the business cycle. In this paper we use daily time use dairies from the American Time Use Survey 2003–2011 to examine the cyclicality of search intensity to explain this apparent contradiction between theory and data. Results indicate that workers do reduce their search in response to deteriorating labor market conditions, but these effects appear to be offset by the positive effects on search that are correlated with declines in household wealth.
Minimum test chip sample size selection for characterizing process parameters

A method for determining a test chip sample size to estimate effectively the electrical parameter distributions on an integrated circuit wafer is presented. This method gives relations among sample size and the figure of merit for four statistical techniques (trimmed mean, biweighted mean, median, and arithmetic mean) by which estimates are calculated. To demonstrate its use, the method has been applied to the evaluation of a CMOS fabrication process. Measurements on wafers completely patterned with identical test chips were used to determine actual parameter distributions for an entire wafer (true parameter values). Estimates of true parameters were determined using a site selection plan which is representative of sampling plans employed in industry. The above four statistical techniques were used to compute estimates for electrical parameters and their respective figures of merit. These estimates were compared with the true parameter values determined from testing all test chips on the wafer. This method may be used in conjunction with other criteria for determining test chip sample size and enables one to make judgments on the effectiveness of sampling strategies for various processes and process technologies. The results, reported in this paper for CMOS processes, are interpreted using graphs of the figure of merit versus the sample size.
Prolactin-releasing action of LRF: a central catecholamine mediated event?

Abstract Decline of plasma dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and epinephrine (EP) levels after iv administration of a 100 μg bolus of LRF has been reported in normal men. This finding has been used to support the concept of a central dopamine mediated mechanism for LRF-induced PRL release. In the present study (including 5 postmenopausal women and 4 normal men), no detectable changes were found in plasma levels of DA, NE, EP and the DA metabolite, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) following LRF (100 μg iv) administration. These results pertain to both groups of subjects, although the PRL increment was 2-fold greater in the postmenopausal women than in the normal men. It is concluded that peripheral administration of LRF causes no acute decline of plasma catecholamines, and that the LRF-induced release of PRL may be based on the recent demonstration in vitro of a paracrine effect, gonadotrope to lactotrope.
Release of Skin Reactive Factor from Guinea-pig Lymphocytes by Mitogens

Normal guinea-pig lymphocytes exposed to mitogens in vitro release an inflammatory material similar to the skin reactive factor liberated by sensitized lymphocytes incubated with specific antigens.
The Parafermionic Observable in SLE

The parafermionic observable has recently been used by number of authors to study discrete models, believed to be conformally invariant and to prove convergence results for these processes to SLE (Beffara and Duminil-Copin in arXiv: 1010.0526v2 , 2011; Duminil-Copin and Smirnov in arXiv: 1007.0575v2 , 2011; Hongler and Smirnov in arXiv: 1008.2645v3 , 2011; Ikhlef and Cardy in J. Phys. A 42:102001, 2009; Lawler in preprint, 2011; Rajabpour and Cardy in J. Phys. A 40:14703, 2007; Riva and Cardy in J. Stat. Mech. Theory Exp., 2006; Smirnov in International Congress of Mathematicians, vol. II, pp. 1421–1451, 2006; Smirnov in Ann. Math. 172(2):1435–1467, 2010; Smirnov in Proceedings of the International Congress of Mathematicians, Hyderabad 2010, vol. I, pp. 595–621, 2010). We provide a definition for a one parameter family of continuum versions of the parafermionic observable for SLE, which takes the form of a normalized limit of expressions identical to the discrete definition. We then show the limit defining the observable exists, compute the value of the observable up to a finite multiplicative constant, and prove this constant is non-zero for a wide range of κ. Finally, we show our observable for SLE becomes a holomorphic function for a particular choice of the parameter, which provides a new point of view on a fundamental property of the discrete observable.
Tape bounds for time-bounded turing machines

Let L be a language recognized by a nondeterministic (single-tape) Turing machine of time complexity T(n)>=n^2. Then L is also recognized by a deterministic (single-tape) Turing machine of tape complexity T^1^/^2(n).
Antimicrobial resistance and prevalence of virulence factor genes in fecal Escherichia coli of Holstein calves fed milk with and without antimicrobials

Diarrhea in calves has a significant effect on the dairy industry. A common management practice for preventing or decreasing the effects of such disease in preweaned calves is by the use of antimicrobials in milk or milk replacer. In this study, Escherichia coli antimicrobial resistance in fecal samples collected from calves 2 to 8 d of age that had or had not received antimicrobials in the milk and that had or had not signs of diarrhea by inspection of fecal consistency were investigated. Specifically, resistance of E. coli isolates to individual antimicrobials, multiresistance patterns, and presence of virulence factors were analyzed. Escherichia coli isolates were tested for susceptibility to 12 antimicrobials by use of a Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assay. The study was conducted at 3 farms, 1 administering growth-promoting antimicrobials (GPA) in the milk and 2 not using GPA in the milk (NGPA). All isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and cefepime. From the total isolates tested, 84% (n = 251) were resistant to at least 2 antimicrobials and 81% (n = 251) were resistant to 3 or more antimicrobials. When antimicrobial resistance was compared between GPA and NGPA, it was observed that the GPA group had higher odds of antimicrobial resistance for most of the individual antimicrobials tested. No significant correlation of virulence factors in GPA or NGPA and diarrheic or non-diarrheic (control) fecal samples was found. Of the 32 virulence factors evaluated, 21 were detected in the study population; the incidence of only 1 virulence factor was statistically significant in each of the diarrheic status (diarrheic or non-diarrheic) and treatment status (NGPA or GPA) groups. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequence of the DNA gyrase gene (gyrB) from 31 fecal E. coli isolates revealed 3 main clades.
The Human Rhetorical Potential

This article explores the possible grounds for a research program in cognitive rhetoric that aims to forge a tight link between the structures of meaning and structures of brain, body, and world. I...
Metal free graphene based catalysts: A review

Graphene, a two dimensional, single-atom thick, periodic structure composed entirely of aromatic carbon atoms, and graphene oxide, a highly oxidized form of graphene, are relatively new materials with incredibly interesting chemical and mechanical properties. These materials have already demonstrated their potential importance in the future of nanotechnology, while their application as catalysts is beginning to emerge. Because of its high surface area and/or tunable electrical properties, graphene and graphene oxide have been widely explored as catalyst supports for metal nanoparticles. Recently, graphene oxide has been shown to be able to function as metal-free catalyst for a variety of chemical transformations that typically are catalyzed with precious metals or under very harsh conditions. Additionally, the variety of oxygenate functional groups on graphene oxide makes it an attractive platform to tether other catalytically active groups (e.g. amines). The development of new heterogeneous metal-free catalysts using graphene oxide could lead to “greener” methods for a variety of chemical transformations of interest to the chemicals and other industries. This review explores some of the recent advances that uncover the potential of graphene and graphene oxide for use in metal-free heterogeneous catalysis.
Chandra HETG Observations of the Colliding Stellar Wind System WR 147

We present an extended analysis of deep Chandra HETG observations of the WR+OB binary system WR 147 that was resolved into a double X-ray source (Zhekov & Park). Our analysis of the profiles of strong emission lines shows that their centroids are blueshifted in the spectrum of the northern X-ray source. We find no suppressed forbidden line in the He-like triplets which indicates that the X-ray emitting region is not located near enough to the stars in the binary system to be significantly affected by their UV radiation. The most likely physical picture that emerges from the entire set of HETG data suggests that the northern X-ray source can be associated with the colliding stellar wind region in the wide WR+OB binary system, while the X-rays of its southern counterpart, the WN8 star, result from stellar wind shocking onto a close companion (a hypothesized third star in the system).
Scoring reversals: a major league dilemma

Recent work shows that, in theory scoring methods are very sensitive to the scoring points used. I analyze the results of Most Valuable Player voting in baseball as a test of the practical relevance of this work. I find that Most Valuable Player rankings are indeed quite dependent on the particular scoring points in use.
Ambartsumian's principle of invariance and the reflection of radio waves from plane inhomogeneous slabs

Using Ambartsumian's principle of invariance we investigate for radio waves the reflection coefficient of a plane inhomogeneous slab. We find that the reflection coefficient, as a function of slab thickness, satisfies the Riccati equation. From this equation we deduce a geometric theorem on the upper and lower bounds of the reflection coefficient. We illustrate the theorem by applying it to several special cases.
An intraventricular soft robotic pulsatile assist device for right ventricular heart failure

Due to its more complex geometry and motion, right ventricular heart failure (RVHF) is less understood than left ventricular heart failure and has fewer treatment options. There are currently no mechanical circulatory support devices designed specifically for the right ventricle. This work presents the design of a ventricular assist device (VAD) which leverages the specific geometry and lower pressure of the right ventricle (RV) in order to avoid the major pitfalls of current VADs. The device consists of a contracting linear actuator spanning the RV, bringing its walls together and assisting in the ejection of blood from the ventricle.
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

Over the last 2 decades, we have learnt that focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a ubiquitous phenomenon underlying the progressive deterioration of many different types of renal diseases in both pediatric and adult populations. FSGS may also be the primary renal lesion, whether in new disease entities such as glycogen storage disease and human immunodeficiency virus infection, or in idiopathic FSGS. Although the mechanism which triggers the development of primary FSGS still remains unknown, laboratory and clinical studies have identified several key pathophysiological events leading to end-stage renal disease. While therapeutic modalities have not changed remarkably, a recent study, although uncontrolled, demonstrated an impressive efficacy of intravenous steroid pulse therapy in inducing remission. Nevertheless, it remains largely unknown whether such a forced remission decreases the overall risk of developing chronic renal failure. Studies have revealed an important pathophysiological role of angiotensin and the therapeutic efficacy of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in progressive loss of renal function in diseases where glomerulosclerosis is secondary; however, it remains to be verified whether these results hold true in primary FSGS. As a result of the improvement in allograft survival rate, the benefit of renal transplant outweighs the risk of recurrence of FSGS, hence transplantation continues to be a vital therapy for FSGS patients who have reached renal failure. Thus, FSGS is not one disease, but rather a range of lesions seen in many settings. The type of lesions and the patient's unique genetic factors contribute to prognosis, and also may dictate choice of optimum therapy.
Synthesis of the L-arginine congener L-indospicine and evaluation of its interaction with nitric oxide synthase

Abstract L-Indospicine (Ind), a natural product amino acid analog of L-arginine, was synthesized from L-glutamic acid 2 in nine steps and 29% overall yield. Ind was evaluated as an alternative substrate or inhibitor of two nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isozymes. Ind did not act as either an alternative substrate or inhibitor of either NOS isozyme and these results were interpreted based on a recent model for substrate and inhibitor binding to the active site of NOS.
Universities and the future of high-performance computing technology

Universities have four main roles in the growth of computer technology. (1) Universities provide trained personnel for both the computing industry and industrial users of computing. (2) Universities carry out the majority of very advanced software research and prototype development. (3) Universities can provide an advance market for new computing hardware and can help manufacturers refine innovative products to serve commercial markets. (4) Universities carry out basic research needed to support continued technological growth. There are extraordinary developments taking place in computing that it is difficult for U.S. industry to absorb without the universities' help. Present university support is grossly inadequate for any of these functions. I propose a computer tax as a model of how universities should be supported. It would provide the hundreds of millions of dollars needed to restore the universities' role in computing-technology growth. More importantly, it would ensure that universities' future growth in technological areas is at the same rate as that of computing technology itself.
NEVEU-SCHWARZ FIVE-BRANES AT ORBIFOLD SINGULARITIES AND HOLOGRAPHY

We consider Type IIB Neveu-Schwarz five-branes transverse to C2/Zn orbifolds and conjecture that string theory on the near horizon geometry is dual to the decoupled theory on the branes. We analyze the conformal field theory describing the near horizon region and the world volume non-critical string theory. The modular invariance consistency condition of string theory is exactly reproduced as the gauge anomaly cancellation condition in the little string theories. We comment on aspects of the holographic nature of this duality.
Observation of SOL current correlated with MHD activity in NBI heated DIII-D tokamak discharges

This work investigates the potential roles played by the scrape-off-layer current (SOLC) in MHD activity of tokamak plasmas, including effects on stability. SOLCs are found to be an integral part of the MHD activity, with a propensity to flow in a non-axisymmetric pattern and with magnitude potentially large enough to play a role in the MHD stability. Candidate mechanisms that can drive these SOLCs are identified: (a) non-axisymmetric thermoelectric potential, (b) electromotive force from MHD activity, and (c) flux swing, both toroidal and poloidal, of the plasma column. Other potential magnetic consequences of the SOLC are identified: (a) its error field can introduce complications in feedback control schemes for stabilizing MHD activity, and (b) its non-axisymmetric field can be falsely identified as an axisymmetric field by the tokamak control logic and in equilibrium reconstruction. The radial profile of an SOLC observed during a quiescent discharge period is determined, and found to possess polarity reversals as a function of radial distance.
Wave mechanics of a two-wire atomic beam splitter

We consider the problem of an atomic beam propagating quantum mechanically through an atom beam splitter. Casting the problem in an adiabatic representation (in the spirit of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation in molecular physics) sheds light on explicit effects due to nonadiabatic passage of the atoms through the splitter region. We are thus able to probe the fully three-dimensional structure of the beam splitter, gathering quantitative information about mode mixing, splitting ratios, and reflection and transmission probabilities.
Pineal Region Choroid Plexus Papilloma Treated With Stereotactic Radiosurgery: A Case Study

The treatment of a patient with a third-ventricular choroid plexus papilloma is described. This relatively unusual lesion was treated with stereotactic radiosurgery. Follow-up at 17 months demonstrates substantial reduction in tumor volume and an excellent clinical outcome. The treatment of this patient suggests that radiosurgery may be an effective alternative to open surgical resection.
Condensation reactions to form oxazoline-substituted potassium organotrifluoroborates.

A library of oxazoline-substituted potassium organotrifluoroborates was prepared via the condensation of various potassium formyl-substituted aryl- and heteroaryltrifluoroborates with tosylmethyl isocyanide under basic conditions. The efficient Suzuki−Miyaura cross-coupling of products thus formed to various aryl bromides was achieved in good yields. The method allows the facile preparation of oxazole-containing triaromatic products in two steps from simple potassium formyl-substituted aryl- or heteroaryltrifluoroborates.
THE SURVIVAL RATE OF EJECTED TERRESTRIAL PLANETS WITH MOONS

During planet formation, a gas giant will interact with smaller protoplanets that stray within its sphere of gravitational influence. We investigate the outcome of interactions between gas giants and terrestrial-sized protoplanets with lunar-sized companions. An interaction between a giant planet and a protoplanet binary may have one of several consequences, including the delivery of volatiles to the inner system, the capture of retrograde moons by the giant planet, and the ejection of one or both of the protoplanets. We show that an interesting fraction of terrestrial-sized planets with lunar-sized companions will likely be ejected into interstellar space with the companion bound to the planet. The companion provides an additional source of heating for the planet from tidal dissipation of orbital and spin angular momentum. This heat flux typically is larger than the current radiogenic heating of the Earth for up to the first few hundred million years of evolution. In combination with an atmosphere of sufficient thickness and composition, the heating can provide the conditions necessary for liquid water to persist on the surface of the terrestrial-mass planet, making it a potential site for life. We also determine the possibility for directly detecting such systems through all-sky infrared surveys or microlensing surveys. Microlensing surveys in particular will directly measure the frequency of this phenomenon.
Effects of stand-off bursts on rubble-pile targets: Evaluation of a hazardous asteroid mitigation strategy

Abstract We explore the aftereffects of stand-off burst mitigation on kilometer-scale rubble pile asteroids. We use a simple model of X-ray energy deposition to calculate the impulse transferred to the target, in particular to burst-facing blocks on the target surface. The impulse allows us to estimate an initial velocity field for the blocks on the outer side of the target facing the burst. We model the dynamics using an N-body polyhedron program built on the Open Dynamics Engine, a “physics engine” that integrates the dynamical equations for objects of general shapes and includes collision detection, friction, and dissipation. We tested several different models for target objects: rubble piles with different mass distributions, a “brick-pile” made of closely fitting blocks and zero void space, and a non-spherical “contact binary” rubble pile. Objects were bound together by self-gravity and friction/inelastic restitution with no other cohesive forces. Our fiducial cases involved objects of m=3.5×1012 kg (corresponding to a radius of 0.7 km for the bulk object), an X-ray yield of 1 megaton, and stand-off burst distances of R=0.8–2.5 km from the target center of mass. Kilometer-scale rubble piles are robust to stand-off bursts of a yield ( Y ∼ 1 megaton) that would be sufficient to provide an effective velocity change ( Δ v ∼ 0.05 m s − 1 ). Disaggregation involving some tens of percent of the target mass happens immediately after the impulse; the bulk of the object re-accretes on a few gravitational timescales, and the final deflected target contains over 95% (typically, 98–99%) of the original mass. Off-center components of the mitigation impulse and the target mass distribution cause a small amount of induced spin and off-axis components of velocity change. The off-axis velocity component amounts to an angular deviation of ∼ 0.05–0.1 radians from the nominal impulse vector, which may be important for mitigation planning.
Math Skills and Labor-Market Outcomes: Evidence from a Resume-Based Field Experiment.

Abstract We examine the link between math skills and labor-market outcomes using a resume-based field experiment. Specifically, we send fictitious resumes in response to online job postings, randomly assigning some resumes to indicate stronger math skills, and measure employer responses. The resumes that are randomly assigned to indicate stronger math skills receive more interest from employers than the comparison resumes. Our findings add to the body of evidence showing that stronger math skills positively affect labor-market outcomes.