cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Dynamically-Concise Roadmap Framework for Guiding Connected and Automated Vehicles

A new map framework is proposed to improve the guidance and trajectory prediction capabilities of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), even in challenging conditions of low visibility and adverse environmental effects. Based on the fusion of vehicle dynamics and road design standards, the map framework provides a consolidated collection of critical reference points of roadways, such as centerlines and information about the shape of the roadway in the vicinity of a vehicle, including curvature and road alignment angle. Roads are discretized using reference points, and simple parameters are used to connect adjacent segments representing the road shape. Additional data can be appended to the map, including elevation and roadside slope data, variable speed limits, and lane controls.
Relationships Between Reproductive Hormones And Maternal Pregnancy Physiology In Women Conceiving With Or Without In Vitro Fertilization

We evaluated maternal pregnancy adaptations and their relationships with circulating hormones in women who conceived with or without in vitro fertilization (IVF). Pregnancies were grouped by corpus...
Effects of flood-associated stressors on growth and survival of early life stage oysters (Crassostrea virginica)

Abstract Oyster reefs provide essential ecosystem services but are severely degraded worldwide. Extreme flooding events, which can be intensified by water management decisions, reduce water quality in estuaries and further threaten oyster populations. Restoration and conservation of oysters is dependent on the success of early oyster life stages. This study examined the effect of water quality stressors associated with flooding events on the growth and survival of larval and juvenile oysters ( Crassostrea virginica ). In 96-h assays, we exposed D-stage larvae to a range of dissolved oxygen, microcystin-LR, pH, and salinity concentrations. These conditions were selected based on water quality data from the Mississippi Sound during a 2019 freshwater flooding event caused by the Bonnet Carre Spillway opening. There was no negative effect of microcystin-LR or pH on early veligers at the concentrations tested, but low salinity significantly reduced shell growth, and hypoxia ( −1 O2) decreased both larval growth and survival. Post-metamorphosis juvenile oysters were exposed to the same water quality stressors for 24 days in the lab. Low DO, pH, and salinity treatments reduced juvenile change in wet weight and shell growth rates, but had no effects on survival. These laboratory-exposed juveniles were subsequently deployed into the field to assess the ability of juveniles to recover from short-term exposure to simulated flooding-associated stressors. After deployment to natural conditions in the Mississippi Sound, juvenile oysters were able to compensate for reduced growth during the lab exposure, even though survival was reduced for juveniles previously exposed to low pH during the first two weeks in the field. In general, early oyster life stages were relatively tolerant of the duration and stressor concentrations tested, but negative sublethal impacts of flood-associated stressors must be considered in the face of increasing frequency and duration of flooding events due to climate change.
The disposition of audit-detected misstatements : an examination of aggregation effects

While professional standards indicate that auditors have the responsibility to both detect and report material errors, empirical evidence shows that auditors waive approximately fifty percent of material errors (Wright and Wright 1997). Unlike prior research which has examined factors that may affect auditors' decisions to waive single material misstatements, the current study examines auditors' propensity to waive proposed adjusting journal entries (henceforth PAJEs) that exceed materiality, either individually or in aggregate, under several different aggregation contexts. The current paper further investigates whether auditors' decisions to waive PAJEs in excess of a well-defined materiality level are influenced by factors relating to auditors' potential reward (relative client fees) and potential litigation risk (the client's financial health, the PAJE's subjectivity, and the PAJEs' aggregate directional effect on net income). The experimental decisions of 155 audit partners and managers indicate that the risk and reward factors examined are not equally influential across all aggregation settings. While the aggregate directional effect of the PAJEs was significant across all cases regardless of the materiality of the individual PAJEs, the client's relative fees were never a determining factor. The client's financial health and the PAJE's subjectivity were significant factors in many, but not all of the cases. Furthermore, the frequency with which auditors waived PAJEs in excess of materiality varied between cases. Finally, through the use of written retrospective protocols, this study begins to provide insight as to why auditors make the decisions they do, whether they consider individual or aggregate materiality more frequently, and under what circumstances they are willing to book partial adjustments.
Equatorward increase in naticid gastropod drilling predation on infaunal bivalves from Brazil with paleontological implications

Abstract Understanding the influence of spatial variation on temporal trends is important for interpreting evolutionary patterns of predation in the fossil record. Geographic data on naticid gastropod drilling predation are contradictory and mostly limited to the Northern Hemisphere. This study examines latitudinal variation in drilling on ~ 24,000 beach-collected Recent bivalves from 6°S to 34°S in Brazil. Twenty-eight localities representing 16 latitudes were sampled in the Brazilian and Argentinean provinces, further subdivided into four smaller ecoregions (Northeastern Brazil, Eastern Brazil, Southeastern Brazil, Rio Grande). Analyses focused on bivalves exhibiting infaunal life habits. Increased drilling equatorward was observed at the assemblage-level across several spatial scales (localities, latitudes, ecoregions, provinces). Taxon-level analyses for eight genera drilled across multiple ecoregions generally indicated greater drilling among lower latitudes; size standardization did not affect patterns at the genus level. An equatorward increase in drilling was documented also upon restricting the data to localities characterized primarily by softer substrates, fine- to medium-grained sediments, and in limiting data to samples obtained by a single collecting strategy, minimizing concerns regarding the influence of local environmental variation and different methodologies on latitudinal patterns in drilling. Latitudinal patterns in drilling may be related to temperature and seasonality in influencing metabolic rates, as well as diversity and predator–prey size distributions. The results of this study do not correspond to existing patterns previously described for Western Atlantic molluscan assemblages of the Northern Hemisphere. However, they may help explain temporal patterns in the fossil record of naticid predation.
Beyond Plug and Chug: an Analysis of Calculus I Homework

We investigate the nature of Calculus I homework at five PhD-granting universities identified as having a relatively successful Calculus I program and compare features of homework at these universities to comparable universities that were not selected as having a successful program. Mixed method analyses point to three aspects of homework that arose as important: structure, content, and feedback. Selected universities employed more varied homework structure, included more content emphasizing skills as well as solving novel problems, and provided higher amounts of and frequency of feedback to students. Students felt positively towards conceptually driven homework, but their feelings were mixed or negative regarding the logistical aspects of online and group homework assignments. We draw on Herbst and Chazan’s (ZDM – The International Journal on Mathematics Education, 44(5), 601–612, 2012) adaptation of the instructional triangle and Brousseau’s (1997) notion of the didactical contract to make sense of how homework is understood as an instructional resource by instructors and by students.
Advanced Engineering Mathematics with MATLAB

From the Publisher: FROM THE PUBLISHER Incorporates the use of MATLAB to help readers visualize and understand the mathematics and solve problems requiring heavy computation Brings relevance to the material through many examples, most drawn from the engineering and scientific literature Introduces the z transform, of great importance in digital technologies Includes a new chapter on the Hilbert transform, crucial to work in communications Incorporates a wealth of examples from the scientific and engineering literature and an abundance of exercises that help build problem-solving skills A solutions manual is available with qualifying course adoptions. Resoundingly popular in its first edition, Dean Duffy's Advanced Engineering Mathematics has been updated, expanded, and now more than ever provides the solid mathematics background required throughout the engineering disciplines. Melding the author's expertise as a practitioner and his years of teaching engineering mathematics, this text stands clearly apart from the many others available. Relevant, insightful examples follow nearly every concept introduced and demonstrate its practical application. This edition includes two new chapters on differential equations, another on Hilbert transforms, and many new examples, problems, and projects that help build problem-solving skills. Most importantly, the book now incorporates the use of MATLAB throughout the presentation to reinforce the concepts presented. MATLAB code is included so readers can take an analytic result, fully explore it graphically, and gain valuable experience with this industry-standard software.
Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes of Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy and Open Partial Nephrectomy in Patients with a Solitary Kidney

Abstract Purpose: To compare the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) with open partial nephrectomy (OPN) in solitary kidneys. Methods: Records of 1542 consecutive RAPN performed in five high-volume centers (2007–2013) were reviewed for patients with solitary kidneys. Results were compared with solitary OPN cases performed during the same period. Cases were divided into simple (R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score 4–8) and complex (R.E.N.A.L. 9–12) groups. Demographics, surgical, pathologic, and follow-up data were compared between OPN and RAPN in each group. Results: 40 RAPN and 85 OPN cases were identified. For both tumor complexity groups, patients in each treatment modality were comparable. There were higher proportions of OPN cases in the complex group (61.2% vs 25%; P=0.001). For both complexity tumor groups, there was no statistical difference between the treatment modalities in overall intraoperative/postoperative complications, transfusion rate, and positive surgical margin...
Assessing adverse experiences from infancy through early childhood in home visiting programs

The general aim of early intervention and home visiting programs is to support families to minimize Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). However, assessing children's exposure to these risks is complicated because parents serve as the conduit for both measurement and intervention. The primary aims of the study were to develop an assessment of children's exposure to ACEs and to examine concurrently measured parental child abuse and neglect potential and child social-emotional functioning. Home visiting programs in a southern state implemented the Family Map Inventories (FMI) as comprehensive family assessment and child screenings (N=1,282) within one month of enrollment. Children (M=33 months of age, SD=20) were exposed at rates of 27% to one, 18% to two, 11% to three, and 12% to four or more FMI-ACEs. FMI-ACEs were associated with increased parental beliefs and behaviors associated with child abuse and neglect. FMI-ACEs also significantly predicted the likelihood of the child having at-risk social-emotional development; children with 4 or more FMI-ACEs were over 6 times more likely than those with none to have at-risk scores. The findings add to our understanding of the negative impact of trauma on children and families. Assessing these risks as they occur in a family-friendly manner provides a platform for early intervention programs to work with families to increase family strengths and reduce the impacts of adverse experiences for their children.
Twist defects and projective non-Abelian braiding statistics

It has recently been realized that a general class of non-Abelian defects can be created in conventional topological states by introducing extrinsic defects, such as lattice dislocations or superconductor-ferromagnet domain walls in conventional quantum Hall states or topological insulators. In this paper, we begin by placing these defects within the broader conceptual scheme of extrinsic twist defects associated with symmetries of the topological state. We explicitly study several classes of examples, including ${Z}_{2}$ and ${Z}_{3}$ twist defects, where the topological state with $N$ twist defects can be mapped to a topological state without twist defects on a genus $g\ensuremath{\propto}N$ surface. To emphasize this connection we refer to the twist defects as genons. We develop methods to compute the projective non-Abelian braiding statistics of the genons, and we find the braiding is given by adiabatic modular transformations, or Dehn twists, of the topological state on the effective genus $g$ surface. We study the relation between this projective braiding statistics and the ordinary non-Abelian braiding statistics obtained when the genons become deconfined, finite-energy excitations. We find that the braiding is generally different, in contrast to the Majorana case, which opens the possibility for fundamentally novel behavior. We find situations where the genons have quantum dimension 2 and can be used for universal topological quantum computing (TQC), while the host topological state is by itself nonuniversal for TQC.
Meta-analysis: pioglitazone improves liver histology and fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

SUMMARY Background Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have been used in the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the magnitude of treatment response associated with TZDs in improving liver histology in NASH has not been quantified systematically.
Dermatologic toxicity of chemotherapy.

S KIN ERUPTIONS may be caused by many factors in oncology patients. A dermatologic problem may be a simple cosmetic concern or herald severe complications. For example, the skin problem may be simply the exacerbation of a pre-existing skin disease or it may be the result of infection, specific metastatic infiltrates, graft-vs-host disease, other immune phenomenon, a nutritional disorder, or a drug eruption. Although this review specifically concerns chemotherapeutic agents, antibiotics and analgesics are much more likely to cause drug eruptions than are the chemotherapeutic agents. Skin eruptions related to chemotherapy may be the result of direct toxicity on the skin, but may also signal underlying systemic toxicity. It is important to note that some of the chemotherapeutic agents rarely cause skin problems, whereas others are much more likely to cause skin toxicity. The evaluation of a suspected cutaneous drug reaction requires consideration of several factors. This is succinctly reviewed elsewhere.‘y2 Most drug eruptions are nonspecific, the most common type of reaction being a disseminated exanthem (morbilliform eruption). Unfortunately, package inserts and literature references often refer to skin eruptions as nonspecific “skin rashes.” Immunologic reactions constitute a minority of all drug eruptions, with nonimmunologic causes accounting for least two thirds of all cutaneous drug reactions. This would certainly appear to be the case with chemotherapeutic agents, in which most reactions are likely to occur because of the direct toxicity of the drug on the skin and its appendages. This review will provide an overview of major specific cutaneous reaction patterns associated with chemotherapeutic agents. A number of more extensive reviews serve as excellent additional references.3-6 The major patterns of skin toxicity from chemotherapy include stomatitis, alopecia, hyperpigmentation, nail disorders, interactions with radiation and ultraviolet light, extravasation injury, and hypersensitivity reactions. Some interesting additional reactions are specific to certain drugs.
Microwave phase conjugation using antenna coupled nonlinear optically pumped surfaces

An effort to extend phase conjugation techniques to microwave frequencies using optically injected active nonlinear elements is reported. Initial results were obtained using PIN diodes as detectors and microwave mixers as the nonlinear medium. Our current work is based upon optically injected HBTs as nonlinear mixing elements in conjunction with planar antenna arrays. >
Characterization of Canine Mycoplasmas by Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis and Immunodiffusion

Canine mycoplasmas which had been characterized by biological and serological methods were further studied by using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PGE) and double diffusion in agar gel. The three dog mycoplasmas previously characterized, Mycoplasma canis, M. maculosum , and M. spumans showed distinctive patterns by PGE. Five additional representative isolates from dogs had been characterized serologically and biologically into three new groups, A, C, and D. An additional mycoplasma (group B) was indistinguishable from M. canis by growth inhibition and PGE but was more broadly reactive with field isolates serologically. The group A organisms were distinctive in pattern and similar to those studied by Razin and Rottem, tentatively designated M. edwardii . The group C organisms were represented by two isolates which were similar by fluorescent-antibody studies but different by growth inhibition tests. These two isolates were also different from each other by PGE. The group D serotypes were also distinctive by PGE from all other dog mycoplasmas tested. It was found, during these studies, that two different mycoplasmas showed different PGE patterns at different intervals during incubation. Immunodiffusion studies showed a relationship among all the canine mycoplasmas, and bands of nonidentity between the two group C mycoplasmas were demonstrated. Images
Relaxation and nonradiative decay in disordered systems. I. One-fracton emission

Relaxation processes are calculated for the emission and absorption of localized vibrational quanta by a localized electronic state. Vibrational localization can be geometrical in origin (as on a fractal network, with fractons being the quantized vibrational states) or as a consequence of scattering (analogous to Anderson localization, with localized phonons being the quantized vibrational states). The relaxation rate is characterized by a probability density which is calculated here for both classes of localization for two extreme limits: (a) the sum of the electronic and vibrational energy widths independent of the spatial distance between the electronic and vibrational states, and (b) the sum of the energy widths equal to the relaxation rate itself. The time profile of the initial electronic state population is calculated for both cases. The profile for interaction with fractons for case (a) is proportional to , where ${c}_{1}$ is a constant, D is the fractal dimensionality, and ${d}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}$ is defined by the range dependence of the fracton wave ). This decay is faster than any power law but slower than exponential (or stretched exponential). The time profile for the interaction with fractons for case (b) is proportional to const+${c}_{2}$(1/t)(lnt${)}^{(D/{d}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}})\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ 1, where ${c}_{2}$ is another constant. This expression shows that some sites do not relax in this limit. The average relaxation rate is calculated for both cases, along with its frequency and temperature dependence.
Discretization of the Velocity Space in the Solution of the Boltzmann Equation

We point out an equivalence between the discrete velocity method of solving the Boltzmann equation, of which the lattice Boltzmann equation method is a special example, and the approximations to the Boltzmann equation by a Hermite polynomial expansion. Discretizing the Boltzmann equation with a Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook collision term at the velocities that correspond to the nodes of a Hermite quadrature is shown to be equivalent to truncating the Hermite expansion of the distribution function to the corresponding order. The truncated part of the distribution has no contribution to the moments of low orders and is negligible at small Mach numbers.
Exact order of subsets of asymptotic bases in additive number theory

Abstract Let A be an asymptotic basis of order h. Define I k (A)={F|F⫅A,|F|=k and A⧹F is a basis } where |F| indicates the number of elements in the finite set F. We denote by g(A) the exact order of A. Define An open problem in additive number theory is to calculate Gk(h). We prove in this paper that G k (h)⩾( 4 3 )( h k+1 k+1 +O(h k ) as h tends to infinity, which is an improvement of a result of Melvyn B. Nathanson (The exact order of subsets of additive bases, in “Proceedings, New York Number Theory Seminar, 1982,” Lecture Notes in Mathematics, Vol. 1052, pp. 273–277, Springer-Verlag, 1984) . On the other hand, we estimate Gk(h) as k tends to infinity for any fixed integer h. It is proved that Gk(h) has order of magnitude kh−1 as k tends to infinity for any fixed h ≥ 2.
Family tuberculosis contacts: Resource-contingent management

Recent findings in tuberculosis research have questioned the efficacy of bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination and demonstrated the effectiveness of combined-drug chemotherapy and isoniazid (INH) chemoprophylaxis, both in regimens of under 12 months duration. Because of the renewed emphasis on drug treatment in tuberculosis control, family physicians and the health personnel they supervise need to be involved in this effort. Despite differences in health care resources in different regions, rational and effective management of active cases and their contacts in the family can be devised. While the priority remains treatment of the active index case, family physicians have a unique opportunity to utilize family relationships to find and to treat other active cases and to reinforce compliance with INH chemoprophylaxis by high-risk family contacts.
Acute effects of electroconvulsive therapy on brain stem auditory-evoked potentials

The acute effects of electroconvulsive therapy on brain stem auditory evoked potentials were investigated in 6 psychiatric inpatients. Even during the induced seizure, no significant effects were noted, a finding consistent with the stability of these far-field potentials.
Isolation, culture and regeneration to plants of callus protoplasts of Salpiglossis sinuata L.

Summary Viable protoplasts were enzymatically isolated from rapidly dividing callus of Salpiglossis . Isolated protoplasts, when plated in a modified Murashige and Skoog medium, with glutamine and serine replacing ammonium nitrate, divided rapidly to form macroscopic callus. This callus was readily regenerated into shoots which were subsequently rooted.
Surface states on Si(111)-(2×1)

Surface-state energy bands for a single-domain Si(111)-(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) surface have been studied with angle-resolved photoemission using synchrotron radiation. From the angular photoelectron distributions seen with a display-type spectrometer, we conclude that there are two surface states near the top of the valence bands ${E}_{v}$, one at ${E}_{v}\ensuremath{-}0.7$ eV around $\overline{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}$[0.65 eV full width half maximum (FWHM)] and a second at ${E}_{v}\ensuremath{-}0.15$ eV (0.4 eV FWHM) along the line $\overline{J}\overline{K}$. These states are found to be nearly dispersionless along the symmetry lines $\stackrel{-}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}{J}^{\ensuremath{'}}}$ and $\overline{J}\overline{K}$. Their range of existence can be related to different gaps in the projected bulk bands. The lower surface state lies in a band gap above the ${L}_{3}$ point which we find at ${E}_{v}\ensuremath{-}1.5$ eV. Our findings are not well described by band calculations reported to date which use buckled-surface model geometries. Our results also indicate that several discrepancies among different reported experimental results are likely due to multidomain cleavage effects. We conclude that either the geometry of Si(111)-(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) has not yet been determined unambiguously or that the surface states cannot be described by a bandlike model which is the basis of present calculations.
Ethnicity, Perceived Pubertal Timing, Externalizing Behaviors, and Depressive Symptoms Among Black Adolescent Girls

An accumulation of research evidence suggests that early pubertal timing plays a significant role in girls’ behavioral and emotional problems. If early pubertal timing is a problematic event, then early developing Black girls should manifest evidence of this crisis because they tend to be the earliest to develop compared to other girls from different racial and ethnic groups. Given the inconsistent findings among studies using samples of Black girls, the present study examined the independent influence of perceived pubertal timing and age of menarche on externalizing behaviors and depressive symptoms in a nationally representative sample of Black girls (412 African American and 195 Caribbean Black; M = 15 years). Path analysis results indicated that perceived pubertal timing effects on externalizing behaviors were moderated by ethnic subgroup. Caribbean Black girls’ who perceived their development to be early engaged in more externalizing behaviors than Caribbean Black girls’ who perceived their development to be either on-time or late. Age of menarche did not significantly predict Black girls’ externalizing behaviors and depressive symptoms. The onset of menarche does not appear to be an important predictor of Black girls’ symptoms of externalizing behavior and depression. These findings suggest ethnic subgroup and perceived pubertal timing are promising factors for better understanding the adverse effects of early perceived pubertal timing among Black girls.
Periodontal considerations of restorative procedures

M any years ago: G. V. Black recommended that cavity preparations be extended to self-cleansing areas or to areas with minimal susceptibility to caries.’ Thus, extending preparations below the gingival margin w’as suggested to reduce the incidence of recurrent caries. The “extension for prevention” concept was based on clinical experience which suggested that decay did not start in the subgingival portion of the clinical crown. In this report on periodontal considerations of restorative procedures, the following topics will be discussed : ( 1) placement of margins, (2) marginal fit, (3) interdental space and contour of restorations, and (4) surface texture of restorations.
Controlled Synthesis of Polymer Brushes by “Living” Free Radical Polymerization Techniques

The preparation of a wide variety of unique polymer brush structures can be accomplished by “living” free radical polymerization of vinyl monomers from surface-tethered alkoxyamines or from tethered α-halo esters in the presence of (PPh3)2NiBr2. The use of a “living” free radical process permits the molecular weight and polydispersity of the covalently attached polymer chains to be accurately controlled while also allowing the formation of block copolymers by the sequential growth of monomers from the surface. These block and random copolymer brushes have been used to control surface properties.
Regulatory lag and deregulation with imperfectly adjustable capital

Abstract The dynamic effects of regularity lag and deregulation on the behavior of a firm with imperfectly adjustable capital are examined. Given adjustment costs and irreversible investment, the firm reacts in advance to anticipated changes in regulation. In the regulatory lag case, capital increases after regulation is imposed. The Averch-Johnson effect is observed before regulation, but not necessarily afterwards. Sufficient conditions are given for the capital bias to increase. The regulated firm may choose inputs reflecting either a labor or capital bias in anticipation of deregulation. Sufficient conditions are given for the capital bias to be lessened by deregulation.
Transient induction of metallothionein isoform 3 (MT-3), c-fos, c-jun and c-myc in human proximal tubule cells exposed to cadmium

Abstract Cadmium (Cd+2) has been shown to transiently increase the expression of mRNA for the third isoform of the metallothionein (MT-3) gene family in cultured human proximal tubule (HPT) cells. The goal of the present study was to further define the expression of MT-3 in mortal (HPT) and immortal (HK-2) cultures of HPT cells when exposed to lethal and sub-lethal concentrations of Cd+2 under both acute and chronic time periods of exposure. Expression of MT-3 mRNA and protein was determined in cultured HPT cells and HK-2 cells using reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immuno-blotting, and expression of c-fos, c-jun and c-myc mRNA by RT-PCR. The results confirmed that exposure of the HPT cells to Cd+2 induced a transient increase in MT-3 mRNA and extended the induction to include a subsequent transient increase in the level of the MT-3 protein. The induction of MT-3 was rapid and returned to control values within 48 h of exposure despite the continued presence of lethal and sublethal concentrations of Cd+2. It was also demonstrated that the pattern of expression of MT-3 mRNA was similar to that of the early response genes, c-fos, c-jun and c-myc. It was shown that the HK-2 cells did not express MT-3 when exposed to Cd+2, but had similar expression of the c-fos, c-jun and c-myc genes. The results demonstrate that MT-3 expression is metal responsive in HPT cells.
Heat transport in epoxy networks: A molecular dynamics study

In this article, thermal behavior of an epoxy based thermoset polymer has been discussed using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations were performed on crosslinked network of EPON-862 and curing agent-W (DETDA) using consistent valence force field (CVFF). Thermal conductivity was calculated using both equilibrium as well as non-equilibrium molecular dynamics approaches and the results were found to be in good agreement with experimental findings. Different contributions of heat flux vector towards thermal conductivity and their possible coupling are discussed in terms of various convective and virial contributions. In addition, discussion of power spectra analysis of velocity autocorrelation function for crosslinked network shows a broad distribution of low frequency vibrational modes suggesting distribution of relaxation times.
Passive cutaneous anaphylactic reactions as tools in the study of the structure of the IgG molecule.

Abstract By use of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis it has been shown that the structure necessary for fixation to tissue constitutents (receptors) is on the Fc fragment. Fc fragments from rabbit IgG can inhibit passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in guinea pigs by competition for the receptor. The fixation of the Fc fragment to receptors (on mastcells) was shown also by reverse passive cutaneous anaphylaxis using dinitrophenylated Fc fragments and anti-dinitrophenyl antibodies.
Crustacean retinoid-X receptor isoforms: distinctive DNA binding and receptor–receptor interaction with a cognate ecdysteroid receptor

Abstract We have identified cDNA clones that encode homologs of the ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) and retinoid-X receptor (RXR)/USP classes of nuclear receptors from the fiddler crab Uca pugilator ( UpEcR and UpRXR ). Several UpRXR cDNA splicing variants were found in coding regions that could potentially influence function. A five-amino acid (aa) insertion/deletion is located in the “T” box in the hinge region. Another 33-aa insertion/deletion is found inside the ligand-binding domain (LBD), between helix 1 and helix 3. Ribonuclease protection assays (RPA) showed that four UpRXR transcripts [ UpRXR(+5+33) , UpRXR(−5+33) , UpRXR(+5−33) and UpRXR(−5−33) ] were present in regenerating limb buds. UpRXR(−5+33) was the most abundant transcript present in regenerating limb buds in both early blastema and late premolt growth stages. Expression vectors for these UpRXR variants and UpEcR were constructed, and the proteins expressed in E. coli and in vitro expression systems. The expressed crab nuclear receptors were then characterized by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull down experiments. EMSA results showed that UpEcR/UpRXR(−5+33) heterocomplexes bound with a series of hormone response elements (HREs) including eip28/29 , IRper-1, DR-4, and IRhsp-1 with appreciable affinity. Competition EMSA also showed that the affinity decreased as sequence composition deviated from a perfect consensus element. Binding to IRper-1 HREs occurred only if the heterodimer partner UpRXR contained the 33-aa LBD insertion. UpRXR lacking both the 5-aa and 33-aa insertion bound to a DR−1G HRE in the absence of UpEcR. The results of GST-pull down experiments showed that UpEcR interacted only with UpRXR variants containing the 33-aa insertion, and not with those lacking the 33-aa insertion. These in vitro receptor protein–DNA and receptor protein–protein interactions occurred in the absence of hormone (20-hydroxyecdysone and 9- cis retinoid acid, 9- cis RA). Transactivation studies using a hybrid UpEcR ligand-binding domain construct and UpRXR (±33) ligand-binding domain constructs also showed that the 33-aa insertion was indispensable in mediating ecdysteroid stimulated transactivation.
Permeability and conductivity of platelet-reinforced membranes and composites.

We present large-scale simulations of the diffusion constant D of a random composite consisting of aligned platelets with aspect ratio $a/b\ensuremath{\gg}1$ in a matrix (with diffusion constant ${D}_{0})$ and find that ${D/D}_{0}{=1/(1+c}_{1}{x+c}_{2}{x}^{2}),$ where ${x=av}_{f}/b$ and ${v}_{f}$ is the platelet volume fraction. We demonstrate that for large aspect ratio platelets the pair term ${(x}^{2})$ dominates suggesting large property enhancements for these materials. However, a small amount of face-to-face ordering of the platelets markedly degrades the efficiency of platelet reinforcement.
Title: On-Line Analysis of Reactor Noise Using Time Series Analysis

A method to allow use of time series analysis for on-line noise analysis has been developed. On-line analysis of noise in nuclear power reactors has been limited primarily to spectral analysis and related frequency domain techniques. Time series analysis has many distinct advantages over spectral analysis in the automated processing of reactor noise. However, fitting an autoregressive-moving average (ARMA) model to time series data involves non-linear least squares estimation. Unless a high speed, general purpose computer is available, the calculations become too time consuming for on-line applications. To eliminate this problem, a special purpose algorithm was developed for fitting ARMA models. While it is based on a combination of steepest descent and Taylor series linearization, properties of the ARMA model are used so that the auto- and cross-correlation functions can be used to eliminate the need for estimating derivatives. The number of calculations, per iteration varies linearly with the model order, rather than quadratically in the standard approach. This can represent a significant savings for high order models. In addition, the bulk, of the calculations could be performed using fixed point arithmetic. This represents another increase in speed, and would allow building a low cost, high speed processor for analyzing a large number of channels of data.
Ratio of effective temperature to pressure controls the mobility of sheared hard spheres.

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we calculate fluctuations and responses for steadily sheared hard spheres over a wide range of packing fractions φ and shear strain rates γ[over ], using two different methods to dissipate energy. To a good approximation, shear stress and density fluctuations are related to their associated response functions by a single effective temperature T(eff) that is equal to or larger than the kinetic temperature T(kin). We find a crossover in the relationship between the relaxation time τ and the the nondimensionalized effective temperature T(eff)/pσ(3), where p is the pressure and σ is the sphere diameter. In the solid response regime, the behavior at a fixed packing fraction satisfies τ γ∝exp(-cpσ(3)/T(eff)), where c depends weakly on φ, suggesting that the average local yield strain is controlled by the effective temperature in a way that is consistent with shear transformation zone theory. In the fluid response regime, the relaxation time depends on T(eff)/pσ(3) as it depends on T(kin)/pσ(3) in equilibrium. This regime includes both near-equilibrium conditions where T(eff)≃T(kin) and far-from-equilibrium conditions where T(eff)≠T(kin). We discuss the implications of our results for systems with soft repulsive interactions.
Functional characterization of tumor necrosis factor superfamily 15 (TNFSF15) induced by lipopolysaccharides and Eimeria infection

Abstract A full-length cDNA encoding chicken tumor necrosis factor superfamily 15 (TNFSF15) was isolated and its functional role was investigated. TNFSF15 transcripts were primarily expressed in spleen, liver, intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL), peripheral blood lymphocytes and bursa. In vitro infection of HTC macrophages with three species of Eimeria sporozoites induced TNFSF15 gene expression. In vivo experiments revealed that TNFSF15 gene was highly increased following primary infections with Eimeria acervulina or Eimeria maxima. In contrast, no consistent changes in transcript levels were seen following primary infection with Eimeria tenella, or following secondary infection with any of the three Eimeria species. Following infection with E. acervulina and E. maxima, TNFSF15 transcripts were primarily expressed in intestinal CD4+ and TCR2+ IEL, respectively. A dose-dependent cytotoxic effect of recombinant TNFSF15 protein was observed on HTC and LSCC-RP9 tumor cells. These results indicate that TNFSF15 plays an important role in local inflammatory response to Eimeria.
l-NAME, nitric oxide and jejunal motility, blood flow and oxygen uptake in dogs

1. The effects of the inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), on systemic arterial blood pressure and jejunal motility, blood flow, and oxygen uptake have been investigated in anaesthetized dogs. 2. L-NAME (cumulative doses of 0.1-20 mg kg-1, i.v.) dose-dependently increased blood pressure and jejunal motility and decreased heart rate. The maximal response of these three variables occurred at doses, 3, 10 and 10 mg kg-1, respectively. L-NAME (cumulative doses of 0.5-5 mg kg-1) also dose-dependently induced jejunal vasoconstriction. The jejunal vascular resistance returned to control values as the cumulative doses reached 10 and 20 mg kg-1, which corresponded to the maximal increase in jejunal motility. 3. A single intravenous injection of L-NAME (10 mg kg-1) produced a prompt increase in blood pressure, which lasted for at least 50 min. 4. L-NAME (10 mg kg-1) produced a progressive rise in jejunal motility reaching its maximum (47 +/- 6 mmHg) 15 min after the administration, and lasting for 40-50 min. Both the basal lumen pressure and the amplitude of rhythmic contractions increased during this period. 5. L-NAME (10 mg kg-1) produced a triphasic change in jejunal vascular resistance and blood flow measured by timed collection of venous outflow. The blood flow decreased initially (-43% at 5 min), increased (+35%) and returned to control value between 15 and 35 min, then decreased (-35%) 40-50 min post-infusion. Jejunal vascular resistance reflected the blood flow response (+88% at both 5 and 50 min). The time during which the reversal of the vasoconstriction occurred (15-35 min) corresponded to the time of marked increase in motility, and was accompanied by a significant increase in jejunal oxygen uptake (+ 18%).6. The L-NAME-induced increase in motility was prevented by L-arginine (1 g kg-1, i.v.) but not by D-arginine pretreatment. The interim (15-35 min) changes in jejunal blood flow, vascular resistance and oxygen uptake were also prevented by L-arginine pretreatment.7. L-Arginine pretreatment attenuated L-NAME-induced hypertension for 5 min.8. The L-NAME-induced increases in jejunal vascular resistance and motility were inhibited by either local intra-arterial infusion of L-arginine (32 mM local arterial blood concentration) or topical application of 2 MicroM nitroglycerin. Infusion of D-arginine (32 mM local arterial blood concentration) had no such effect.9. The L-NAME-induced increase in blood pressure was not the mechanism by which jejunal motility was increased, because similar increases in blood pressure by mefenamate (10 mg kg-1, i.v.) had no such effect.10. Thus, inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis by L-NAME increased jejunal motility and vascular resistance and the marked increase in motility can abolish or reverse the vasoconstriction. Endogenous nitric oxide may play a role in regulating motility and blood flow in the resting canine jejunum.
Effects of petroleum on feeding and mortality of the American oyster

Adults of the American oyster,Crassostrea virginica Gmelin, were chronically exposed to low concentrations of oil adsorbed onto clay, and to oil-contaminated sediments, in a flow-through system. The oil-clay method may produce more realistic results than water-soluble extracts, because it duplicates the manner by which filterfeeding bivalves are likely to be exposed to petroleum hydrocarbons in a turbid estuary. Heaviest mortality was observed during exposure to a No. 2 fuel oil (nominally, 0.50 ppm). Nigerian crude oil (0.50 ppm) and oil-contaminated sediments (0.50 ppm) also caused significant mortality. Mortality in oysters exposed to lower concentrations of No. 2 fuel oil (0.05 ppm) and Nigerian crude oil (0.15 ppm) was not significantly different from controls. Oysters in treatments experiencing significant mortality demonstrated greater weight loss and reduced chlorophyll clearance rates relative to controls. Results indicate that one consequence of chronic exposure of oysters to low, but toxic, concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons is reduced food intake or utilization.
Line-source excitation of realistic conformal metasurface cloaks

Following our recently introduced analytical tools to model and design conformal mantle cloaks based on metasurfaces [Padooru et al., J. Appl. Phys. 112, 034907 (2012)], we investigate their performance and physical properties when excited by an electric line source placed in their close proximity. We consider metasurfaces formed by 2-D arrays of slotted (meshes and Jerusalem cross slots) and printed (patches and Jerusalem crosses) sub-wavelength elements. The electromagnetic scattering analysis is carried out using a rigorous analytical model, which utilizes the two-sided impedance boundary conditions at the interface of the sub-wavelength elements. It is shown that the homogenized grid-impedance expressions, originally derived for planar arrays of sub-wavelength elements and plane-wave excitation, may be successfully used to model and tailor the surface reactance of cylindrical conformal mantle cloaks illuminated by near-field sources. Our closed-form analytical results are in good agreement with full-wave numerical simulations, up to sub-wavelength distances from the metasurface, confirming that mantle cloaks may be very effective to suppress the scattering of moderately sized objects, independent of the type of excitation and point of observation. We also discuss the dual functionality of these metasurfaces to boost radiation efficiency and directivity from confined near-field sources.
Quantitative versus interpretive: The problem of conducting social inquiry

Discussions of the differences between quanititative and interpretive approaches to social inquiry have been engaged in since the late nineteenth century, even though there is still a need to clarify what is specifically involved.
Binary and ternary superlattices self-assembled from colloidal nanodisks and nanorods.

Self-assembly of multicomponent anisotropic nanocrystals with controlled orientation and spatial distribution allows the design of novel metamaterials with unique shape- and orientation-dependent collective properties. Although many phases of binary structures are theoretically proposed, the examples of multicomponent assemblies, which are experimentally realized with colloidal anisotropic nanocrystals, are still limited. In this report, we demonstrate the formation of binary and ternary superlattices from colloidal two-dimensional LaF3 nanodisks and one-dimensional CdSe/CdS nanorods via liquid interfacial assembly. The colloidal nanodisks and nanorods are coassembled into AB-, AB2-, and AB6-type binary arrays determined by their relative size ratio and concentration to maximize their packing density. The position and orientation of anisotropic nanocrystal building blocks are tightly controlled in the self-assembled binary and ternary lattices. The macroscopic orientation of the superlattices is further t...
Older Bereaved Spouses' Participation in Self-Help Groups:

This study reports on bereaved spouses' assessments of their participation in twenty-six self-help groups which consisted of eight weekly meetings (short-term; N = 82) or ten monthly meetings in addition to the weekly ones (long-term; N = 52). Regardless of the duration of the groups whether they were led by a professional or a widowed peer, assessments were generally positive. The most commonly reported benefit the participants hoped to gain was emotional support. No statistical differences were noted between those in the short- versus long-term condition or between those in the widow- versus professional-led groups regarding perceived helpfulness of the meetings, level of participation, or the extent to which participants' primary needs were filled. Trends, however, seemed to favor those in the long-term groups. Statistically significant correlations were observed between the number of meetings attended and a composite index of perceived value of the meetings. Major recommendations include the importanc...
Deconstructing Darwin: Evolutionary theory in context

The topic of this paper is external versus internal explanations, first, of the genesis of evolutionary theory and, second, its reception. Victorian England was highly competitive and individualistic. So was the view of society promulgated by Malthus and the theory of evolution set out by Charles Darwin and A.R. Wallace. The fact that Darwin and Wallace independently produced a theory of evolution that was just as competitive and individualistic as the society in which they lived is taken as evidence for the impact that society has on science. The same conclusion is reached with respect to the reception of evolutionary theory. Because Darwin’s contemporaries lived in such a competitive and individualistic society, they were prone to accept a theory that exhibited these same characteristics. The trouble is that Darwin and Wallace did not live in anything like the same society and did not formulate the same theory. Although the character of Victorian society may have influenced the acceptance of evolutionary theory, it was not the competitive, individualistic theory that Darwin and Wallace set out but a warmer, more comforting theory.