cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhancing no-tillage systems for corn with starter fertilizers, row cleaners, and nitrogen placement methods.

No-till production of corn (Zea mays L.) often gives slower early plant growth, lower yields, and reduced profitability in the northern Corn Belt. The objective of this field experiment was to determine if N source/placement method and row cleaner and starter fertilizer use on high-phosphorus testing soils would enhance no-till production of continuous corn (CC) and corn after soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (CSb). Experiments were conducted for each cropping system on a tile-drained Nicollet-Webster clay loam complex (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Aquic Hapludoll and fine loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Endoaquoll, respectively) from 1996 to 1998. A 2 3 factorial design included combinations of with or without row cleaners, 0.0 or 93.5 L ha -1 (0 or 10 gal acre -1 ) of 10-15-0 starter fertilizer, and N sources anhydrous ammonia (AA) or spoke-injected urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN). A preplant broadcast application of UAN plus N-(n-butyl)thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) also was compared with spoke-injected UAN. Averaged across 3 yr, surface residue coverage during the growing season remained >60% for CC and >40% for CSb for all treatments, but was about 8% lower with knife application of AA compared with spoke-injecting UAN. Grain yields were not affected by N source. Yield response to starter fertilizer depended on N source and row cleaners. Continuous corn responded to starter fertilizer (0.5 Mg ha -1 or 7 bu acre 1 ) when AA was used, but not when UAN was used. Yields of CSb were increased 0.5 Mg ha -1 (8 bu acre -1 ) by starter fertilizer when row cleaners were not used, but by only 0.2 Mg ha -1 (3 bu acre -1 ) when row cleaners were used. Injecting UAN increased CC and CSb yields 0.7 Mg ha -1 (10 bu acre -1 ) and 0.4 Mg ha -1 (6 bu acre -1 ), respectively, compared with preplant broadcasting of UAN plus NBPT. The data suggest that no-till corn yields on fine-textured, high P testing soils can be enhanced most consistently by using starter fertilizer and by injecting N below the soil surface.
Variations in stable carbon isotope ratio of the copepod Acartia tonsa during the onset of the Texas brown tide

The Laguna Madre of South Texas is a shallow coastal lagoon whose dominant primary producers shifted from seagrasses to phytoplankton with the onset of the Texas brown tide, which persisted from 1990 through 1997. Acartia tonsa is the dominant component of the mesozooplankton and forms an important link in both the phytoplankton and detritus-based pelagic food webs. Stable carbon isotope ratios of A. tonsa, as well as the two major primary producers: phytoplankton (as particulate organic carbon) and seagrasses, were measured from March 1989 to October 1991. Zooplankton samples were collected at four locations in the Laguna Madre: two in shallow water (c. 1 m) over seagrass beds and two in slightly deeper water (c. 2–3 m) over a muddy bottom in a secondary bay without seagrasses. We found seasonal trends in the isotopic composition of A. tonsa collected within both habitats as well as distinct differences between the average {ie995-1} values of individuals collected in the two regions. Isotopic ratios of animals collected during the summer months were generally 4–8‰ enriched in 13C compared with those collected in the winter, at all stations. A. tonsa collected over seagrass beds were 2–5‰ more enriched in 13C than those collected over muddy bottoms. These observations suggest carbon derived from seagrasses can be an important source of nutrition for these copepods in summer, especially for copepods living over seagrass beds. The effects of the persistent brown tide decreased the contribution of seagrasses as a carbon source for A. tonsa during the summer of 1991. The pathway by which seagrass carbon enters the diet of A. tonsa is unclear, but the two pathways considered most likely are through copepods feeding on microzooplankton that have fed on bacteria nourished on seagrass carbon, or by copepods feeding directly on particles of seagrass detritus.
Persistence of the immunoprotective effects of leukemia × fibroblast hybrid cells toward leukemia in histocompatible mice☆

Hybrids of ASL-1 murine leukemia cells and LM(TK-) cells, a cultured line of mouse fibroblast origin, stimulate partial immunity toward ASL-1 cells in (AJ × C3HHeJ)F1 mice (F1 mice). Such mice ordinarily exhibit no resistance to the malignant proliferation of ASL-1 cells. Unprotected animals invariably die within 14–18 days after receiving as few as 200 ASL-1 cells. The hybrid cells, the mice used in the experimental studies and the leukemia cells used for challenge all share the same histocompatibility antigens. ASL-1 cells are H-2a; LM(TK-) cells are H-2k, both ASL-1 × LM(TK-) hybrid cells and AJ × C3HHeJ)F1 mice are H-2a/k. The long-term persistence of the immunoprotective properties of the hybrid cells toward murine leukemia was investigated by using cells that had been in continuous culture for approx. 36 months. (AJ × C3HHeJ)F1 mice injected previously with hybrid cells in continuous culture and then challenged with up to 107 ASL-1 cells survived longer (p 200 days). The median survival time of F1 mice injected simultaneously with 107 hybrid cells and 200 or 2000 ASL-1 cells was significantly (p < 0.001) prolonged as well, although the differences between experimental and control groups are less pronounced than if the hybrid cells were injected before challenge with ASL-1 cells. The hybrid cells like those freshly prepared continue to be rejected by histocompatible precipients. In no instance has there been evidence of a progressively growing tumor of hybrid cells in immunocompetent F1 mice. Hybrid cells like those investigated previously do form rapidly growing metastasizing tumors in immunodeficient nu/nu (BALB/c) or X-irradiated (550 R) F1 mice. The cells possess approx. 70 chromosomes (reduced from 85) including chromosomes identified as having originated in each parental source. Like (AJ × C3HHeJ)F1 animals, they continue to express both H-2a and H-2k antigenic determinants.
Infrared Magnetic Circular Dichroism in the Study of Metalloproteins

MAGNETIC circular dichroism (MCD) is the differential absorption of left and right circularly polarized light induced by a magnetic field1–4. By contrast with natural circular dichroism (CD), MCD is a property of all materials. Until now no instrumentation has been available for measuring CD and MCD in the near infrared (IR) spectral region with the high sensitivity routine in the visible and near ultraviolet. Some CD studies at wavelengths greater than 1 µm have been made on iron-sulphur proteins5,6. No MCD measurements have been made in this region. The recent development of photoelastic modulators (PEM)7 has made this possible and at the University of Southern California we have built a near IR CD and MCD instrument incorporating an ‘infrasil’ quartz PEM8. The instrument has a sensitivity of close to 10−5 absorbance units over its spectral range of 800–3,000 nm and employs magnetic fields up to 60 kgauss. We believe this will permit important new studies of metalloproteins and here report initial results on haemoproteins.
Increased CTP synthetase activity in cancer cells.

AN insight into the biochemical strategy of cancer cells has been achieved by the conceptual and experimental approach provided by the molecular correlation concept1,2. Studies carried out using this approach with model systems of rat hepatomas and kidney tumours of different growth rates revealed a biochemical imbalance in cancer cells, which manifested itself in progressive changes in activities of key enzymes and overall metabolic pathways that correlated with tumour growth rate1,2. Some of these biochemical alterations have been shown to apply to human primary liver3 and kidney4 carcinomas. Those alterations in gene expression that are linked to the increase in the expression of malignancy are manifested in the increased activities of key glycolytic-, purine-, pyrimidine-, DNA- and polyamine-synthesising enzymes1–8. Concurrently, decreases occur in the activities of the key enzymes of gluconeogenesis, purine and pyrimidine catabolism and of the urea cycle1–5,9,10. In addition to such a progression-linked (growth-rate-linked) metabolic imbalance, the reprogramming of gene expression in cancer cells entails transformation-linked alterations that are present in all hepatomas irrespective of growth rate or extent of differentiation1,2,11–15.Here we report that CTP synthetase (UTP:L-glutamine amido ligase, EC 6.3.4.2) increased in all the hepatomas examined, the activity being highest in the rapidly growing tumours. Thus, in liver neoplasia the activity of this enzyme is both transformation- and progression-linked. CTP synthetase activity was also markedly increased in transplantable kidney tumours in the rat and in primary renal cell carcinomas in man.
Toward an understanding of the health status of black adolescents: an application of the stress-coping framework.

The transition from adolescence to adulthood for many urban black youth today contains a number of formidable barriers and often results in a variety of adverse developmental and behavioral outcomes. Nurses and other health providers have an obligation to answer the urgent need for improvements in the health status of black adolescents. This paper reviews the current psychosocial functioning of black youth while emphasizing the disadvantaged social contexts in which most live, which place them at a higher risk for a variety of negative outcomes. Data concerning mental and social health indicators for black adolescents suggest (a) a negative mental health trajectory with high rates of depression, psychiatric hospitalization rates, and suicides, and (b) a poor social health status with alarming school dropout and juvenile delinquency rates, and chronic violence exposure, substance use, and teen pregnancy. An application of the stress-coping framework to black adolescents is suggested as a way to conceptuali...
Reflective Teachers: Tensions between Abstractions and Realities:

The theme of teacher as reflective prac titioner has become an important rally ing point in current efforts to reform teaching. Wildman and Niles discuss the rhetoric of reform and balance it against the realities of promoting teacher reflec tion. The authors caution that reform ef forts will fail if crucial conditions for reflection are disregarded.
Waterpipe smoking among American military recruits.

Abstract Background. Waterpipe smoking, a traditional Middle Eastern tobacco use method, has increased dramatically among Arab adolescents and young adults. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that usage is on the rise among young people in the U.S., but epidemiological data are lacking. Methods. From self-report health surveys collected during 1999–2002, we examined the prevalence and predictors of waterpipe use among U.S. Air Force recruits (n = 20,673; mean age = 20.0 years; range = 17–35). Results. Waterpipe use was reported by 0.3% (n = 59) of recruits and was unrelated to age, gender, ethnicity, or family income. Compared to non-users, waterpipe users were more likely to plan to smoke cigarettes in the coming year (P value Conclusion. Despite concerns that waterpipe smoking is increasing among young people in the U.S., use was low among military recruits.
Decomposition of citrate in electroless CoP baths

The citrate concentration of electroless CoP plating solutions was found to decrease slowly with long-term use. The mechanism of citrate loss is most likely a thermal decarboxylation. In the electroless CoP solution, the decarboxylation reaction is catalyzed by the Co(II) ion and does not depend on any of the other solution components. The reaction occurs only in oxygen-containing solutions and its rate is limited by the rate of oxygen diffusion. The effect of other metal cations on citrate decomposition has been examined. Only those cations with a readily available 3+ oxidation state in aqueous solution seem to act as catalysts.
Identifying nongenetic risk factors for inhibitor development in severe hemophilia a

The development of inhibitory antibodies against infused factor VIII (FVIII) is a major challenge in hemophilia treatment. As the antibodies swiftly inactivate administered therapeutic FVIII concentrates, FVIII is no longer effective in controlling bleeding. To achieve adequate hemostasis, bypassing therapies are required, with accompanying clinical challenges and financial expense. Extensive research has aimed to elucidate the multifactorial etiology of inhibitor development. Both genetic and nongenetic causes have been identified. Identification of treatment-related risk factors would offer the possibility to modify treatment strategies in high-risk patients, thereby reducing the risk of inhibitor development. Have we presently gained sufficient knowledge to make a prediction of the inhibitor risk possible and justify changes in treatment regimens for specific patient groups? This review summarizes and evaluates the research findings on nongenetic risk factors of inhibitor development, with special focus on treatment-related factors.
Carbon-13 NMR studies of some iron carbonyls: An unexpected trend in the chemical shifts of disubstituted complexes

Abstract The Carbon-13 NMR spectra of a series of Fe(CO) 4 L and Fe(CO) 3 L 2 complexes (L = P(cyclohexyl) 3 , PMe 3 , PPh 3 , P(OMe) 3 or P(OPh) 3 ) have been measured. A good correlation is observed between 13 C chemical shift of the carbonyls and the donor-acceptor properties of the phosphorus ligand. However, an unexpected trend is observed for Fe(CO) 5 → Fe(CO) 4 L → Fe(CO) 3 L 2 showing high field shifts of δ( 13 C) upon successive substitution for some complexes. A variable temperature study was conducted on H 2 Fe(CO) 4 and the axial and equatorial carbonyls have been resolved. The energy of interconversion is estimated at ca. 8.1 kcal. In addition the 13 C spectrum of [HFe(CO) 4 ] − is reported for the first time.
The Greek donatus and the study of Greek in the renaissance

This article analyzes the teaching of Greek in the Renaissance through the Greek Donatus or Pyle, a translation of Ianua, the elementary Latin grammar book used in medieval schools. Conceived as a tool for Greeks who wanted to learn Latin, Pyle became a textbook for Westerners interested in learning Greek. The text is in Greek and definitions and paradigms are given correctly, but Greek grammar is often modified to fit into the Latin grammatical categories. Students, who had learned Latin on Ianua, perhaps memorized Pyle in full and learned Greek by ?superimposing? the Greek onto the Latin text. The extant four versions of Pyle are all connected with Venice and/or its colony, Crete. This tradition of Greek studies, certainly inferior to Florentine scholarship, is still important in the cultural history of the Renaissance
Evaluating Pricing Strategy Using eCommerce Data: Evidence and Estimation Challenges

As Internet-based commerce becomes increasingly widespread, large data sets about the demand for and pricing of a wide variety of products become available. These present exciting new opportunities for empirical economic and business research, but also raise new statistical issues and challenges. In this article, we summarize research that aims to assess the optimality of price discrimination in the software industry using a large ecommerce panel data set gathered from Amazon.com. We describe the key parameters relating to demand and cost that must be reliably estimated in order to successfully accomplish this research, and outline our approach to estimating these parameters. This includes a method for reverse engineering actual demand levels from the sales ranks reported by Amazon, and approaches to estimating demand elasticity, variable costs and the optimality of pricing choices directly from publicly available ecommerce data. Our analysis raises many new challenges to the reliable statistical analysis of ecommerce data, and we conclude with a brief summary of some salient ones.
Systematic review of primary prevention human papillomavirus interventions targeting college students

ABSTRACT. Objectives: The purpose of this research was to systematically analyze human papillomavirus (HPV) interventions targeting college students. Methods: Completed interventions targeting general HPV prevention, HPV vaccine uptake, or antecedents of HPV vaccination uptake that used any quantitative design, published from January 2000 to January 2014 in the English language, were reviewed. Results: Twelve interventions met the criteria. Ten interventions produced 1 or more significant outcomes on primary or secondary variables of interest. Conclusions: Efficacy of interventions can be enhanced through tailoring materials and pretesting by sex, operationalizing theories, incorporating process evaluations, employing HPV vaccine uptake outcome measures, and utilizing Web-based delivery of programs.
AN INTERFERING RNA PROTOCOL FOR PRIMARY PORCINE ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES

RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular process of post-transcriptional gene silencing in which a short interfering dsRNA (siRNA, 21-23 nt) targets a homologous mRNA for degradation by ribonuclease. RNAi has been used successfully to inhibit targeted gene expression and viral replication in mammalian cells. In this study we established an RNAi transfection protocol for primary porcine alveolar macrophages and evaluated potential off-target effects of siRNA introduction into these cells. Porcine alveolar macrophages were transfected using a fluorescence-labeled siRNA to compare transfection reagents from different suppliers. Under optimized transfection conditions, up to 95% of macrophages were fluorescent at 12 and 24 h post-transfection using an amine-based transfection reagent. An siRNA targeting GAPDH suppressed macrophage endogenous GAPDH transcript levels as much as 60% through 24h. Further, we did not detect a significant interferon response following siRNA transfection. These data suggest that RNAi will be an efficient and convenient approach for studying loss of gene function in primary porcine alveolar macrophages.
Influence of Secretin-Cholecystokinin and Secretin-Pentagastrin on Pancreatic Secretion of Glycosidases

Discussion and SummaryWe had previously described the presence in canine pancreatic juice of several glycosidase enzyme systems. The present data indicate that the outputs of β-glucosaminidase, β-galactosaminidase, α-mannosidase, and α-fucosidase in pancreatic juice increase in response to pancreatic hormonal stimulation to the same degree as those of trypsinogen and amylase. This suggests that these glycosidase enzyme systems may belong to the physiologic complement of enzyme protein in pancreatic juice. It is, of course, important to recognize that the ability of a glycosidase to remove a glycosyl group from a synthetic substrate, which forms the basis of our enzyme assay, does not prove that the enzyme can release the same group from a naturally occurring large molecular substrate. However, the suggestion of a physiologic role for at least one of these enzymes, β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, is strengthened by our finding (to be reported) that this enzyme releases N-acetylglucosamine from ovomucoid.
Control of Forced Vibration Using Multi-Electrode Electro-Rheological Fluid Dampers

Vibration control of cylindrical, electro-rheological fluid (ERF) dampers were studied. Single- as well as multi-electrode cylindrical ERF dampers were designed, built and tested under a forced vibration motion. Closed-loop, on-line control systems utilizing bang-bang and linear proportional controller were implemented to control the damping capacity of the ERF dampers. In addition, the designs were modified to reduce the required activation voltage. These modifications include increasing the electrode surface area as well as the number of electrodes. The damping ability of the dampers was further enhanced by using two identical dampers in series connection.
Thermal Performance and Key Challenges for Future CPU Cooling Technologies

Over the past few years, thermal design for cooling microprocessors has become increasingly challenging mainly because of an increase in both average power density and local power density, commonly referred to as “hot spots”. The current air cooling technologies present diminishing returns, thus it is strategically important for the microelectronics industry to establish the research and development focus for future non air-cooling technologies. This paper presents the thermal performance capability for enabling and package based cooling technologies using a range of “reasonable” boundary conditions. In the enabling area a few key main building blocks are considered: air cooling, high conductivity materials, liquid cooling (single and two-phase), thermoelectric modules integrated with heat pipes/vapor chambers, refrigeration based devices and the thermal interface materials performance. For package based technologies we present only the microchannel building block (cold plate in contact with the back-side of the die). It will be shown that as the hot spot density factor increases, package based cooling technologies should be considered for more significant cooling improvements. In addition to thermal performance, a summary of the key technical challenges are presented in the paper. This paper was also originally published as part of the Proceedings of the ASME 2005 Heat Transfer Summer Conference.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Constant access to the circulation and intestinal tract of the unrestrained rat

Abstract A new less stressful and less expensive apparatus for continuously infusing the unrestrained rat is described. The system has been used for gastrostomy feeding and for infusing both the systemic and portal circulations. Within 2 days of leashing rats are acclimated to the apparatus and when fed ad libitum, they maintain a rate of weight gain (4.6g/day) comparable to ad libitum fed unleashed rats (4.7 g/day). A liquid diet which results in near normal weight gain (4.4 g/day) is presented. The incidence of renal infarction secondary to cannulation of the aortic arch with PE 50 tubing can be reduced by making the cannula tip of pliable Silastic tubing.
Damage resulting from single and multiple waterdrop impacts on coated and uncoated LWIR substrates

The amount and type of damage a sample receives during waterdrop impact experiments depends not only on the size and impact velocity of the waterdrop, but also on the microstructure of the underlying substrate, and its impact history. The geometry of the ring fractures resulting from single impacts is strongly affected by the morphology (i.e. grain size and orientation) of the substrate material. Furthermore, repeated impacts on or near previously impacted sites will create damage which depends not only on the morphology of the substrate material, but also on nature of the previous damage. Impact resistance refers to a previously unimpacted samples ability to withstand damage from individual waterdrop impacts. Durability refers to a samples ability to withstand extended exposures to high speed rain fields. Rain protective coatings can be applied to substrates to significantly enhance their survivability. Coating have been shown to increase a substrate's Damage Threshold Velocity (DTV) and to significantly reduce the cumulative damage that samples receive during prolonged exposures to high speed rain fields.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Stochastic modeling of fatigue crack growth

Abstract A stochastic model for the variations of a material's resistance to fatigue crack growth along the path of a crack is integrated for fatigue life. The results are compared against a well known data set and against the predictions of a more conventional probabilistic model. It is shown that it is important to model the statistical correlation of resistances at different points along the crack path, especially for small increments of crack growth.
Orientation Dependence of the Photochemical Reactivity of BaTi4O9

BaTi4O9 is a photocatalyst with a pentagonal prism tunnel structure. It has been hypothesized that the tunnels promote the separation of photogenerated carriers and, therefore, lead to the spatial separation of oxidation and reduction half reactions. This hypothesis has been tested by observing the distribution of reduced and oxidized reaction products on BaTi4O9 surfaces over a wide range of orientations. The surface orientations were determined by electron backscattered diffraction and atomic force microscopy was used to examine the structure of the surface both before and after the deposition of reaction products. Reduction products (Ag0) are distributed uniformly. The distribution of oxidation products (PbO2) is also not correlated to the surface orientation or to the orientation of the tunnels with respect to the surface. Based on these observations, we conclude that the tunnels in this structure do not separate photogenerated charge carriers and that this mechanism is not responsible for this compound’s relatively high photocatalytic activity.
Diet-induced obesity alters the differentiation potential of stem cells isolated from bone marrow, adipose tissue and infrapatellar fat pad: the effects of free fatty acids

Obesity is a major risk factor for several musculoskeletal conditions that are characterized by an imbalance of tissue remodeling. Adult stem cells are closely associated with the remodeling and potential repair of several mesodermally derived tissues such as fat, bone and cartilage. We hypothesized that obesity would alter the frequency, proliferation, multipotency and immunophenotype of adult stem cells from a variety of tissues. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), subcutaneous adipose-derived stem cells (sqASCs) and infrapatellar fat pad-derived stem cells (IFP cells) were isolated from lean and high-fat diet-induced obese mice, and their cellular properties were examined. To test the hypothesis that changes in stem cell properties were due to the increased systemic levels of free fatty acids (FFAs), we further investigated the effects of FFAs on lean stem cells in vitro. Obese mice showed a trend toward increased prevalence of MSCs and sqASCs in the stromal tissues. While no significant differences in cell proliferation were observed in vitro, the differentiation potential of all types of stem cells was altered by obesity. MSCs from obese mice demonstrated decreased adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic potential. Obese sqASCs and IFP cells showed increased adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, but decreased chondrogenic ability. Obese MSCs also showed decreased CD105 and increased platelet-derived growth factor receptor α expression, consistent with decreased chondrogenic potential. FFA treatment of lean stem cells significantly altered their multipotency but did not completely recapitulate the properties of obese stem cells. These findings support the hypothesis that obesity alters the properties of adult stem cells in a manner that depends on the cell source. These effects may be regulated in part by increased levels of FFAs, but may involve other obesity-associated cytokines. These findings contribute to our understanding of mesenchymal tissue remodeling with obesity, as well as the development of autologous stem cell therapies for obese patients.
Preparation and Characterization of Magnetically Active Polymeric Particles (MAPPs) for Complex Environmental Separations

Magnetic separation technique has the potential to achieve environmental separation by selectively removing target toxic compounds from the background of complex matrices such as sludge, sediment, viscous or radioactive liquid, biomass slurry, and others. A host of commercially available and/or tailored polymeric sorbents exhibit specific affinities toward a wide array of dissolved environmental contaminants. They are, however, nonmagnetic. Thus, they do not respond to magnetic field. This study presents a refined experimental protocol to transform nonmagnetic polymeric particles into super paramagnetic ones by dispersing submicron magnetite crystals within the polymer phase. Careful control of redox conditions and use of elevated temperature help favor formation of magnetite crystals within the polymer phase which are independently identified through X-ray diffraction. Magnetically active polymeric particles (MAPPs), thus prepared, offer new opportunities for enhanced separation in complex environmental ...
Comment on RbHe bound and quasibound states

Abstract A theoretical study of the RbHe system leading support for recent evidence for a l =1 quasibound state.
The problem of indeterminacy in approval, multiple, and truncated voting systems

It is well known that a plurality election need not reflect the true sentiments of the electorate. Some of the proposed reform procedures, such as approval and cumulative voting, share the characteristics that there are several ways to tally each voter's preferences. Voting systems that permit truncated ballots share this feature. It is shown that the election results for any such procedure can be highly indeterminate; all possible election results can occur with the same choice of sincere voters. This conclusion of indeterminacy holds even when measures of voters' sentiments, such as the existence of a Condorcet winner or even much stronger measures, indicate there is considerable agreement among the voters. Then, multiple systems are compared with all standard tallying procedures. For instance, a corollary asserts it is probable for the plurality voting method to elect the Condorcet winner while approval voting has an indeterminate outcome.
DDVS: distributed dynamic voltage scaling

Dynamic voltage scaling (DVS [1]) is a popular technique in energy-aware systems: when a CPU is under-utilized, reduce its speed and voltage, thereby trading off increased execution times with reduced energy costs, while meeting real-time tasks' deadline constraints. However, DVS and other energy-saving techniques are 'selfish' in nature, i.e., they are only concerned with reducing their local energy consumptions, disregarding the consequences their use may have on other devices. Consider two devices A and B, where A captures and compresses video images, sends them to B, where they will be decompressed, processed, and displayed. The latest point in time an image has to be received, processed, and displayed by B denotes an end-to-end deadline (E2E) Td. Figure 1 visualizes the problem: the shaded areas show periods of CPU activity (image processing), with the height of the area indicating the power costs, the arrows denote communications between devices, and the vertical line shows Td for a given image. When both A and B use DVS, their processing times increase, introducing delays that may cause the deadline to be missed. The consequence is that A and B need to negotiate the allowable slow-down (and delay) each device can introduce. This negotiation is driven by the current battery charge levels and the overall goal of the system, e.g., if B is essential to the operation of the distributed system, but at the same time the more energy-constrained device, it should be allowed to fully utilize DVS, while A can utilize DVS only to an extent that does not cause deadlines misses.
Visualizing Ribosome Biogenesis: Parallel Assembly Pathways for the 30S Subunit

Ribosomes are self-assembling macromolecular machines that translate DNA into proteins, and an understanding of ribosome biogenesis is central to cellular physiology. Previous studies on the Escherichia coli 30S subunit suggest that ribosome assembly occurs via multiple parallel pathways rather than through a single rate-limiting step, but little mechanistic information is known about this process. Discovery single-particle profiling (DSP), an application of time-resolved electron microscopy, was used to obtain more than 1 million snapshots of assembling 30S subunits, identify and visualize the structures of 14 assembly intermediates, and monitor the population flux of these intermediates over time. DSP results were integrated with mass spectrometry data to construct the first ribosome-assembly mechanism that incorporates binding dependencies, rate constants, and structural characterization of populated intermediates.
Mummy, A UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase, modulates DPP signaling in the embryonic epidermis of Drosophila.

Abstract The evolutionarily conserved JNK/AP-1 (Jun N-terminal kinase/activator protein 1) and BMP (Bone Morphogenetic Protein) signaling cascades are deployed hierarchically to regulate dorsal closure in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. In this developmental context, the JNK/AP-1 signaling cascade transcriptionally activates BMP signaling in leading edge epidermal cells. Here we show that the mummy (mmy) gene product, which is required for dorsal closure, functions as a BMP signaling antagonist. Genetic and biochemical tests of Mmy's role as a BMP-antagonist indicate that its function is independent of AP-1, the transcriptional trigger of BMP signal transduction in leading edge cells. pMAD (phosphorylated Mothers Against Dpp) activity data show the mmy gene product to be a new type of epidermal BMP regulator – one which transforms a BMP ligand from a long- to a short-range signal. mmy codes for the single UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase in Drosophila, and its requirement for attenuating epidermal BMP signaling during dorsal closure points to a new role for glycosylation in defining a highly restricted BMP activity field in the fly. These findings add a new dimension to our understanding of mechanisms modulating the BMP signaling gradient.
Interpretive criteria for DU-6859a disk diffusion tests using 5-μg disks

Abstract In vitro disk diffusion test interpretive criteria were developed for DU-6859a, a new difluorinated quinolone, using a 5-μg disk. Included in the 494 organisms tested were 84 (17%) ciprofloxacin-resistant (⩾4 μ g/ml) clinical isolates. The following interpretive criteria were proposed for two possible susceptible breakpoint minimum inhibitory concentrations: ⩾16 mm (⩽2 μ g/ml) = susceptible and ⩽12 mm (⩾8 μ g/ml) = resistant and; ⩾19 mm (⩽ 1 μ g/ml) = susceptible and ⩽15 mm (⩾4 μ g/ml) = resistant. These criteria demonstrated ⩾97% absolute interpretive agreement between test methods with no major (false resistant) or very major (false susceptible) errors.
Polypeptides synthesized in vitro by Biomphalaria glabrata hemocytes bind to Schistosoma mansoni primary sporocysts

Abstract In vitro labeled polypeptides secreted by schistosome-susceptible and -resistant Biomphalaria glabrata were tested for their ability to bind the surface tegument of Schistosoma mansoni primary (=mother) sporocysts. Out of a complex pattern of SDS-PAGE-separated hemocyte polypeptides, only two (19 and 46 kDa) bound to sporocysts. The 19-kDa polypeptide consistently bound to both live and fixed sporocysts, although fixed larvae usually bound more than living sporocysts. The 46-kDa component bound primarily to fixed sporocysts. A similar pattern of binding was seen when sporocysts were exposed to polypeptides secreted into culture medium by both resistant and susceptible snail hemocytes. However, previous work indicates that sporocyst secretory products, in the presence of homologous snail plasma components, can differentially influence the quantity of these two polypeptides. Therefore, it is hypothesized that "regulation" of the interaction of snail hemocyte polypeptides with the parasite may lie in the sporocyst-mediated differential effect on synthesis and/or secretion of the 19-and 46-kDa polypeptides by hemocytes of these two snail strains. Thus, the hemocyte polypeptides reported in this study may represent potential mediators of self/non-selfrecognition or hemocyte activation in the B. glabrata internal defense system.
Are ionic liquids kosmotropic or chaotropic? An evaluation of available thermodynamic parameters for quantifying the ion kosmotropicity of ionic liquids

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology (81: 877–891).
Lingual electrotactile stimulation as an alternative sensory feedback pathway for brain–computer interface applications

This article describes a new method of providing feedback during a brain–computer interface movement task using a non-invasive, high-resolution electrotactile vision substitution system. We compared the accuracy and movement times during a center-out cursor movement task, and found that the task performance with tactile feedback was comparable to visual feedback for 11 participants. These subjects were able to modulate the chosen BCI EEG features during both feedback modalities, indicating that the type of feedback chosen does not matter provided that the task information is clearly conveyed through the chosen medium. In addition, we tested a blind subject with the tactile feedback system, and found that the training time, accuracy, and movement times were indistinguishable from results obtained from subjects using visual feedback. We believe that BCI systems with alternative feedback pathways should be explored, allowing individuals with severe motor disabilities and accompanying reduced visual and sensory capabilities to effectively use a BCI.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for perineal Crohn’s disease

Perineal lesions are a frequent and troublesome complication of Crohn's disease. Although there are various surgical and medical therapeutic regimens available to treat these lesions, all have significant associated morbidity, mortality, and toxicity. Recently, the beneficial effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) have been described in patients with severe or refractory perineal disease, but the role of HBOT in larger groups or less severely affected patients has not yet been studied, nor has the minimum number of treatments required for initial or complete healing of perineal disease in this population been described. This article reviews the known and theoretical tissue effects of HBOT and discusses its potential role in treating patients with perineal Crohn's disease.
Impact of wheel running on chronic ethanol intake in aged Syrian hamsters.

Introduction Alcohol dependence in aging populations is seen as a public health concern, most recently because of the significant proportion of heavy drinking among “Baby Boomers.” Basic animal research on the effects of aging on physiological and behavioral regulation of ethanol (EtOH) intake is sparse, since most of this research is limited to younger models of alcoholism. Here, EtOH drinking and preference were measured in groups of aged Syrian hamsters. Further, because voluntary exercise (wheel-running) is a rewarding substitute for EtOH in young adult hamsters, the potential for such reward substitution was also assessed.
Endogenous adenosine reduces glutamatergic output from rods through activation of A2-like adenosine receptors.

Adenosine is released from retina in darkness; photoreceptors possess A2 adenosine receptors, and A2 agonists inhibit L-type Ca2+ currents (ICa) in rods. We therefore investigated whether A2 agonis...
Erratum to: Crop Residue Considerations for Sustainable Bioenergy Feedstock Supplies

Two regrettable errors occurred in citing a critical funding source for the multi-location research summarized in the 2014 article entitled “Crop Residue Considerations for Sustainable Bioenergy Feedstock Supplies” by Douglas L. Karlen and Jane M. F. Johnson (BioEnergy Research 7:465–467 DOI 10.1007/ s12155-014-9407-y). Within the abstract, the sentence stating that: “This overview highlights ... as part of the National Institute for Food and Agriculture Sun Grant Regional Feedstock Partnership Corn Stover Team” should read “This overview highlights ... as part of the Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office’s Regional Feedstock Partnership Corn Stover Team (as part of the Sun Grant Initiative). Also, in the second paragraph of the article, the sentence stating that: “The SOC and GHG concerns ... Therefore, working through the Office of Biomass Products” (now known as the Biomass Energy Technology Office the DOE... through the NIFA Sun Grant Association to address those needs” should read “The SOC and GHG concerns ... through the DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office, the DOE ... through the Sun Grant Initiative to address those needs.” We deeply regret these errors and want the readers of BioEnergy Research to know that the USDA-ARS Resilient EconomicAgricultural Practices (formerly theRenewable Energy Assessment Project) REAP team is very grateful for the collaborative research that was enhanced by these DOE fiscal resources.
Approximate analysis and optimization of batch ordering policies in capacitated supply chains

Devising manufacturing/distribution strategies for supply chains and determining their parameter values have been challenging problems. Linking production management to stock keeping processes improves the planning of the supply chain activities, including material management, culminating in improved customer service levels. In this study, we investigate a multi-echelon supply chain consisting of a supplier, a plant, a distribution center and a retailer. Material flow between stages is driven by reorder point/order quantity inventory control policies. We develop a model to analyze supply chain behavior using some key performance metrics such as the time averages of inventory and backorder levels, as well as customer service levels at each echelon. The model is validated against simulation, yielding good agreement of robust performance metrics. The metrics are then used within an optimization framework to design the supply chain so as to minimize expected total system costs. The outcome of the optimization framework specifies how to move inventory throughout the supply chain and how to set inventory control parameters, i.e., reorder levels and replenishment batch sizes.
Speaker adaptation in continuous speech recognition via estimation of correlated mean vectors

Recent attempts to improve the recognition performance of a semi-continuous version of the CMU SPHINX system (SPHINX-SC) through the use of speaker adaptation are described. The authors' approach to speaker adaptation is to use multivariate parameter estimation procedures to update the mean values of the component densities which comprise the system's codebook, given the speaker-specific observations. The authors have developed a least mean square (LMS) algorithm which produces a faster rate of convergence than the Bayesian estimator, at the expense of a finite misadjustment. This estimate is similar in form to an LMS transversal filter, and is computationally more efficient than the Bayesian estimate. Results show an overall reduction of 2.0 to 3.4% in word error rate due to adaptation for a set of 11 speakers from the DARPA resource management task. >
An application of adaptation-level theory to transposition responses in a conditional discrimination

Adult human Ss were required to learn a conditional discrimination in which the choice response of “left” or “right” was made to a series of two lifted-weights stimuli. The correct response to the lighter member (100 g) was left while right was correct for the heavier (200 g). Upon completion of the learning of this discrimination Ss were presented a test series of seven weights which ranged from 160 to 450 g. The training stimulus of 200 g was one member of the seven test series. The A-L theory prediction that Ss would respond left to weights lighter than the calculated A-L, and right to weights heavier than A-L, was strongly supported by the data. The prediction that Ss would shift their choice response from right to left for the 200 g weight when it was a member of the test series was also confirmed.
Radioimmunoassay of contraceptive steroids. I. Synthesis of 6-oxomestranol 6-(O-carboxymethyl) oxime.

Abstract A synthesis of 6-(O-carboxymethyl) oxime of 6-oxo-mestranol (3-methoxy-17-ethinyl-17β -hydroxy-1,3,5 (10)-estratrien-6-one) which was required for coupling with bovine serum albumin in order to produce a specific anti-sera for mestranol (3-methoxy-17-ethinyl-1,3,5 (10)-estratrien-17β-ol) has been described. 6-Oxoestradiol-17β 3-methyl ether was prepared from estradiol-17β 3,17-diacetate by chromic acid oxidation, followed by hydrolysis and methylation. It was converted to its O-carboxymethyloxime derivative which was smoothly oxidized by Jones reagent to the corresponding es estrone derivative. This was easily ethinylated with lithium acetylide-ethylenediamine complex to the desired compound. In an alternate approach to the desired compound, it was found that 6-oxoestradiol-17β 3- methyl ether could not be converted to its ketal under any of a variety of conditions. Ethinylation of 6-oxoestrone 3-methyl ether with limited amount of lithium acetylide reagent probably gave the 17α -ethinyl derivative as was indicated from IR and UV spectra, but its identity could not be further confirmed due to its extremely poor yield.
Expectancies and Communication Behavior in Marriage: Distinguishing Proximal-Level Effects from Distal-Level Effects

This study investigates the relationship between married couples' communication behavior during problem-solving conversations and their pre-conversation expectancies. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to distinguish between proximal-level and distal-level effects. A proximal-level effect is when fluctuations in a person's expectancies are followed by immediate changes in communication behavior. A distal-level effect is when a person's average expectancies across multiple conversations correlate with average communication behavior across multiple conversations. Married couples completed measures of pre-conversation expectancies and engaged in a sequence of four, videotaped problem-solving discussions. At the proximal level, wives' expectancies predicted communication behavior for both wives and husbands. Husbands' expectancies were largely nonsignificant at the proximal level. At the distal level, both wives' and husbands' expectancies predicted communication behavior.
Transforming LEND leadership training curriculum through the maternal and child health leadership competencies.

The purpose of this article is to describe how the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Leadership Competencies (v 3.0) were used to examine and improve an MCH Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) training curriculum for New Hampshire and Maine. Over 15 % of the nation’s children experience neurodevelopmental disabilities or special health care needs and estimates suggest 1 in every 68 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Across the Unites States critical shortages of qualified MCH professionals exist, particularly in poor and rural areas. A continued investment in training interdisciplinary leaders is critical. The MCH Leadership Competencies provide an effective foundation for leadership training through identification of requisite knowledge, skills, and dispositions required of MCH leaders. This paper describes a three-step process, which began in 2010 and included utilizing the MCH Leadership Competencies as a tool to reflect on, develop, and evaluate the NH LEND leadership curriculum. Curriculum development was further supported through participation in a multi-state learning collaborative. Through a series of intentional decisions, the curriculum design of NH LEND utilized the competencies and evidence-based principles of instruction to engage trainees in the development of specific MCH content knowledge and leadership skills. The LEND network specifically, and MCH leadership programs more broadly, may benefit from the intentional use of the MCH competencies to assist in curriculum development and program evaluation, and as a means to support trainees in identifying specific leadership goals and evaluating their leadership skill development.