cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relativization Structures in Hindi

We now turn to a consideration of relativization structures in Hindi, which are distinguished by the fact that relative clauses readily occur at the periphery of the main clause. As mentioned in chapter I, central to the issue of locality here is the relation between the adjoined relative clause and the main clause DP with which it is construed. The basic thesis I advance is that there are two different types of relativization involved. While right-adjoined relatives are noun modifiers, left-adjoined relatives are generalized quantifiers. Though they enter into different relations with the nominal in the main clause, locality is respected in each case.1
Effects of land use on population presence and genetic structure of an amphibian in an agricultural landscape

Species distributions are a function of an individual’s ability to disperse to and colonize habitat patches. These processes depend upon landscape configuration and composition. Using Blanchard’s cricket frogs (Acris blanchardi), we assessed which land cover types were predictive of (1) presence at three spatial scales (pond-shed, 500 and 2500 m) and (2) genetic structure. We predicted that forested, urban, and road land covers would negatively affect cricket frogs. We also predicted that agricultural, field, and aquatic land covers would positively affect cricket frogs. We surveyed for cricket frogs at 28 sites in southwestern Ohio, USA to determine presence across different habitats and analyze genetic structure among populations. For our first objective, we examined if land use (crop, field, forest, and urban habitat) and landscape features (ponds, streams, and roads) explained presence; for our second objective, we assessed whether these land cover types explained genetic distance between populations. Land cover did not have a strong influence on cricket frog presence. However, multiple competing models suggested effects of roads, streams, and land use. We found genetic structuring: populations were grouped into five major clusters and nine finer-scale clusters. Highways were predictive of increased genetic distance. By combining a focal-patch study with landscape genetics, our study suggests that major roads and waterways are key features affecting species distributions in agricultural landscapes. We demonstrate that cricket frogs may respond to landscape features at larger spatial scales, and that presence and movement may be affected by different environmental factors.
Ebselen exerts antifungal activity by regulating glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in fungal cells.

Abstract Background Ebselen, an organoselenium compound and a clinically safe molecule has been reported to possess potent antifungal activity, but its antifungal mechanism of action and in vivo antifungal activity remain unclear. Methods The antifungal effect of ebselen was tested against Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, Cryptococcus neoformans, and C. gattii clinical isolates. Chemogenomic profiling and biochemical assays were employed to identify the antifungal target of ebselen. Ebselen's antifungal activity in vivo was investigated in a Caenorhabditis elegans animal model. Results Ebselen exhibits potent antifungal activity against both Candida spp. and Cryptococcus spp., at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 2 μg/ml. Ebselen rapidly eradicates a high fungal inoculum within 2 h of treatment. Investigation of the drug's antifungal mechanism of action indicates that ebselen depletes intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels, leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and thereby disturbs the redox homeostasis in fungal cells. Examination of ebselen's in vivo antifungal activity in two Caenorhabditis elegans models of infection demonstrate that ebselen is superior to conventional antifungal drugs (fluconazole, flucytosine and amphotericin) in reducing Candida and Cryptococcus fungal load. Conclusion Ebselen possesses potent antifungal activity against clinically relevant isolates of both Candida and Cryptococcus by regulating GSH and ROS production. The potent in vivo antifungal activity of ebselen supports further investigation for repurposing it for use as an antifungal agent. General significance The present study shows that ebselen targets glutathione and also support that glutathione as a potential target for antifungal drug development.
Burn-in at the Component and System Level

A variety of engineering systems are assembled from components which have been “burned-in.” That is, the components have been tested, possibly under accelerated stresses, to remove weak items. Components surviving this test period are said to have been burned-in. Often this burn-in procedure is applied to systems. Under certain standard assumptions and various criteria, it is shown that a system burn-in is unnecessary, i.e., effective component burn-in precludes system burn-in.
'Preface to' Theory and Reality in Financial Economics: Essays Toward a New Political Finance

The current literature on financial economics is dominated by neoclassical dogma and, supposedly, the notion of value-neutrality. However, the failure of neoclassical economics to deal with real financial phenomena suggests that this might be too simplistic of an approach.This book consists of a collection of essays dealing with financial markets' imperfections, and the inability of neoclassical economics to deal with such imperfections. Its central argument is that financial economics, as based on the tenets of neoclassical economics, cannot answer or solve the real-life problems that people face. It also shows the direct relationship between economics and politics - something that is usually denied in academic models, given that science is supposed to be value-neutral. In this thought-provoking and avant-garde book, the author not only exposes what has gone wrong, but also suggests reforms to both the academic and the political-economic systems that might help make markets fair rather than efficient. Drawing on interdisciplinary fields, this book will appeal to readers who are interested in finance, economics, business, the political economy and philosophy.
ANALYSIS OF GENE STRUCTURE AND TRANSCRIPTION IN DICTYOSTELIUM DISCOIDEUM

Summary We have isolated several recombinant DNA plasmids carrying Dictyostelium nuclear DNA inserts which are complementary to pulse labeled mRNA from vegetative cells and have analyzed the molecular properties of the Dictyostelium DNA insert and the complementary RNA sequences. Some of the DNA inserts are complementary to a large population of RNA while some are complementary to discrete mRNAs. One of these recombinant plasmids has been tentatively identified as carrying sequences complementary to actin mRNA. Renaturation kinetics indicate that the actin mRNA complementary region is reiterated approximately 15–20 times in the Dictyostelium genome. The analysis of this potential multi-gene family for actin is described.
HOMOGENEOUS CHEMICAL MODIFICATIONS OF CELLULOSE: FURTHER STUDIES ON THE DMSO-PF SOLVENT SYSTEM

A great deal of attention has been given to basic and applied research on cellulose, since it has outstanding physical and chemical properties, including the capability of being transformed into a great variety of products like fibers, films, papers, plastics, food additives, etc. Also, cellulose is obtained from renewable resources, principally from trunks of trees and cotton.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Directed Transgastric ERCP (EDGE): a Single-Center US Experience with Follow-up Data on Fistula Closure

Endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) by creating an anastomosis from the gastric pouch or jejunum to the excluded stomach allows performance of ERCP in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) anatomy. Concern for persistent fistula following stent removal and sparse data limit adoption. Retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing EDGE over a 2-year period. Nineteen RYGB patients underwent EDGE; three had previously failed ERCP by the device-assisted method. Indications for ERCP were choledocholithiasis (8), recurrent acute pancreatitis (6), benign post-surgical stricture (3), elevated bilirubin, and papillary stenosis (1 each). EDGE was technically successful in all 19 patients with jejunogastric anastomosis in 11 patients and gastrogastric in 8 using a 15-mm lumen-apposing metal stent. Stent malposition occurred in six and was managed by rescue maneuvers. ERCP was performed in the same session in four patients; the remainder were delayed after a mean of 48 days. Diagnostic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was performed in four patients. No severe adverse events occurred; clinical success was 100%. Stents were removed after a mean dwell time of 182 days. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) was used to promote fistula closure in 12 patients. Upper GI series to assess fistula closure was obtained in 11 patients after a mean of 182 days following stent removal. One persistent fistula was identified and closed endoscopically. EDGE is an effective modality for performing ERCP in patients with RYGB anatomy and can be performed via gastrogastric or jejunogastric approaches. Persistent fistula is uncommon and can be managed endoscopically. APC may promote fistula closure.
Leadership in Sustainability a Case Study: Green Globe Certification and Financing and the Impact on a Multifamily Property's Rate of Return

Environmental sustainability in real estate continues to be of interest, and various government incentives have emerged to encourage investment in sustainability efforts. In this detailed case stud...
Modeling and Control of a Multiphase Modular High-Frequency Converter/Inverter for Vehicle Applications

This paper presents a novel control algorithm for a modular high-frequency converter. This control algorithm is designed to achieve an effective frequency higher than the switching frequency on the...
Safety and efficacy of sphenopalatine artery ligation in recalcitrant pediatric epistaxis.

Abstract Background Epistaxis is a common cause for emergency department visits for both children and adults. In particular, posterior bleeds can be difficult to identify and treat. In adults, endoscopic sphenopalatine artery (SPA) ligation has been shown to be safe, cost-effective, and curative. Conversely, very few studies have delved into the safety and efficacy of SPA ligation in children. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of SPA ligation for treatment of recalcitrant epistaxis in children. Methods A retrospective analysis of outcomes in pediatric patients who underwent SPA ligation at a tertiary academic center was performed. Patients with coagulopathies or other underlying conditions were excluded from the study. Results Data obtained from 5 patients demonstrated 60% of the population were female, with ages ranging from 2 to 13 years. 7 SPA ligations were performed among the 5 patients, with 3 undergoing unilateral SPA ligation only. The remaining 4 underwent contralateral SPA ligation subsequently. No postoperative complications were observed, and all patients experienced resolution of significant epistaxis. Conclusion Although additional studies are necessary to further support our findings, SPA ligation in the pediatric population appears to be a safe and effective treatment to control persistent posterior bleeds.
Management of peptic ulcer: clinical appraisal of therapeutic measures.

The most serious fallacy in the management of patients with peptic ulcer is to employ a fixed and rigid pattern of therapy. When we realize that how little we know of the etiology and appreciate how variable are the manifestations in each patient, we can understand the importance of an approach designed to fit the pattern of the specific individual ulcer patient. No presently known therapeutic regimen will effectively prevent recurrences. Relief and healing of the peptic lesions may occur spontaneously, but a program which includes an adequate diet, intermediate feedings, proper antacids and anticholinergics, and a desirable doctor-patient relationship will result in a satisfactory response in most patients. The use of intragastric drips, hormones, cabbage juice, aminoacids, histidine, Exul, tissue extracts, etc., has little or no value in the management of the ulcer patient. While results of recognized surgical procedures cannot be predicted, surgery should not be denied good-risk patients with truly intractable ulcers. It is in this group of individuals that the best results are experienced. Tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine are probably not ulcerogenic and may have no appreciable effect on the healing of an ulcer. However, there is some clinical evidence to suggest that continued smoking will result in an increase in the recurrence rate of benign peptic ulcer. Finally, if one considers his own experience and objectively reviews all the available literature, he will become quite skeptical and will probably conclude that none of the recommended therapeutic procedures are of more value than placebos prescribed by an understanding physician.
“If you’re gonna help me, help me”: Barriers to housing among unsheltered homeless adults

Despite a legally-mandated right to shelter and extensive outreach efforts, an estimated 3,675 homeless individuals were living on the streets of New York City in 2018. Through interviews with 43 unsheltered homeless individuals in the borough of Manhattan (age range 21-74 years), this qualitative study examined barriers they face in accessing housing and other services as well as experiences surviving on the street. Through thematic analysis of the interview data, the most common barriers found were obtaining required identification documents, lack of accessibility of shelters amid complex healthcare needs, waiting as part of the process, and exclusion of pets from shelters and housing options. Themes capturing survival on the street included sleeping safe, avoiding shelters, and meeting daily needs. Virtually all barriers street homeless New Yorkers face stem from bureaucratic policies that, however well-intentioned, do not address their diverse needs. Thus, long delays and poor communication, combined with crowded, unsafe shelters, lead to frustration and alienation. While homelessness is ultimately the result of a severe and chronic shortage of affordable housing, creating accessible, safe, pet-friendly shelter and safe haven options and instituting a smoother, more transparent process for moving from the streets could substantially reduce street homelessness.
Smart Software Can Increase Sit-Stand Desk Transitions During Active Computer Use

The objective use of table top adjustable sit-stand desks has yet to be determined, due to the lack of an effective digital evaluation method. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of computer prompt software on table top sit-stand desks to determine if there was a difference in the frequency of desk position changes. This five month, pre-post pilot study on 47 university staff members used a novel USB accelerometer sensor and computer software reminders to continuously record and prompt increases in desk usage to promote physical activity at the workstation. During the baseline phase (3 months), desk usage data were continuously recorded for all workers. Following the baseline, the results from a two-month intervention of personalized computer reminders doubled the number of desk position changes per work day from 1 desk position change every 2 work days to 1 change every work day. Furthermore, those who changed desk positions once or twice a day increased from 4% to 36% from baseline to intervention. Overall, the intervention was encouraging, but longer intervention studies are warranted to determine if the desk usage behavior change can be improved and sustained for years and whether that change results in health gains.
Density‐dependent effects on salmonid populations: A review

We reviewed 199 published data sets (21 species) to assess the relative frequency of various density‐dependent processes in salmonids. We examined studies for the presence or absence of density‐dependence: in growth, mortality, fecundity and recruitment. Based on data from all studies pooled 71% showed density‐dependence in growth, 23% found density‐dependence in mortality, 2% detected density‐dependence in fecundity and 4% displayed density‐dependence in recruitment. Most studies at the population level (e.g. changes in abundance or means of growth, mortality or fecundity) demonstrated density‐dependence; however, these studies were not common, likely because they require long time series of data (at least 3–4 times mean generation time for the species). Our review indicated there was no evidence that the probability of finding density‐dependent effects differed among the 21 species examined, but the number of studies per species varied substantially (5 [minimum for analysis] – 20+); hence, this finding should be viewed as tentative. Most salmonid species showed evidence of density‐dependence in growth; however, few studies examined density‐dependent effects on fecundity or recruitment, and further study is needed on these phenomena. There was no evidence that density‐dependent effects were restricted to a particular habitat type or geographic region.
New flavor-kinematics dualities and extensions of nonlinear sigma models

Abstract Nonlinear sigma model (nlσm) based on the coset SU(N)×SU(N)/SU(N) exhibits several intriguing features at the leading O ( p 2 ) in the derivative expansion, such as the flavor-kinematics duality and an extended theory controlling the single and triple soft limits. In both cases the cubic biadjoint scalar theory plays a prominent role. We extend these features in two directions. First we uncover a new extended theory for SO( N + 1 )/SO(N) nlσm at O ( p 2 ) , which is a cubic bifundamental/biadjoint scalar theory. Next we provide evidence for flavor-kinematics dualities up to O ( p 4 ) for both SU(N) and SO(N) nlσm's. In particular, we introduce a new duality building block based on the symmetric tensor δ a b and demonstrate several flavor-kinematics dualities for 4-point amplitudes, which precisely match the soft blocks employed to soft-bootstrap the nlσm's up to O ( p 4 ) .
A ten-year retrospective evaluation of acute flaccid myelitis at 5 pediatric centers in the United States, 2005–2014

Background Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a severe illness similar to paralytic poliomyelitis. It is unclear how frequently AFM occurred in U.S. children after poliovirus elimination. In 2014, an AFM cluster was identified in Colorado, prompting passive US surveillance that yielded 120 AFM cases of unconfirmed etiology. Subsequently, increased reports were received in 2016 and 2018. To help inform investigations on causality of the recent AFM outbreaks, our objective was to determine how frequently AFM had occurred before 2014, and if 2014 cases had different characteristics. Methods We conducted a retrospective study covering 2005–2014 at 5 pediatric centers in 3 U.S. regions. Possible AFM cases aged ≤18 years were identified by searching discharge ICD-9 codes and spinal cord MRI reports (>37,000). Neuroradiologists assessed MR images, and medical charts were reviewed; possible cases were classified as AFM, not AFM, or indeterminate. Results At 5 sites combined, 26 AFM cases were identified from 2005–2013 (average annual number, 3 [2.4 cases/100,000 pediatric hospitalizations]) and 18 from 2014 (12.6 cases/100,000 hospitalizations; Poisson exact p<0.0001). A cluster of 13 cases was identified in September–October 2014 (temporal scan p = 0.0001). No other temporal or seasonal trend was observed. Compared with cases from January 2005–July 2014 (n = 29), cases from August–December 2014 (n = 15) were younger (p = 0.002), more frequently had a preceding respiratory/febrile illness (p = 0.03), had only upper extremities involved (p = 0.008), and had upper extremity monoplegia (p = 0.03). The cases had higher WBC counts in cerebrospinal fluid (p = 0.013). Conclusion Our data support emergence of AFM in 2014 in the United States, and those cases demonstrated distinctive features compared with preceding sporadic cases.
The shape of the transverse arch in high heels while standing.

Introduction High heeled shoes have long been worn in society and they are known to cause biomechanical imbalances to not only the foot, but the whole musculoskeletal system. This study aims to show the detailed changes that happen to the shape of the transverse arch of the foot in high heels, using two different inclination degrees. Methods 68 women participated in this study. Two custom-made high heels were made with inclinations of 15 degrees and 30 degrees (cm). A weight-bearing ultrasound was used to assess the coronal view of the transverse arch in standing. ANOVA and Tuckey tests were used to compare the results between 0 degrees, 15 degrees and 30 degrees inclinations. Results The transverse arch height was slightly increased as the heel height increased (0DI-15DI: p = 0.5852 / 15DI-30DI: p = 0.395 / 0DI-30DI: p = 0.0593). The transverse arch length (0DI-15DI: p = 0.0486 / 15DI-30DI: p = 0.0004 / 0DI-30DI: p = 0.1105) and the area under the metatarsal heads (0DI-15DI: p = 0.0422 / 15DI-30DI: p = 0.0180 / 0DI-30DI: p = 0.9463) significantly decreased as the heel height increased. Discussion The main changes were viewed in the 30 degrees inclinations compared to 0 degrees inclination. When the toes are dorsiflexed in high heels, it stimulates the Windlass mechanism which in turn stiffens the plantar fascia and adducts the metatarsal heads, while the soft tissues shrink in response to loads. Conclusion High heels affected the shape of the transverse arch even in short term standing, and these effects increased as the height of the heel increased.
Anatomy of a 20 MW Electrified Aircraft: Metrics and Technology Drivers

Development of electric, hybrid and turboelectric propulsion technologies for electrified aircraft propulsion system is essential for improving fuel consumption, reducing emissions and noise pollution, lowering maintenance costs and improving reliability of the air transportation systems. The future needs and key benefits of aircraft electrification has made it a highly persuaded common technology trend across the aerospace industry ranging from very large airplanes to small aircrafts, all alike. For very high power (20MW) propulsion system, with the inadequacies of current and near future state-of-the art of electric energy storage technologies, all electric aircraft solution faces enormous technology gaps that needs to be bridged. Advanced turbo-electric technology offers potential solutions towards successful realization of the benefits of electrification of aircrafts. However, this represent a grand challenge in many fronts to realize electric drivetrain (EDT) designs that would significantly improve fuel burn reduction, design flexibility, and operational improvements in next generation of aircrafts. This work focuses on the underlying technological elements to enable such high power turbo-electric aircraft. A preliminary study is carried out to find that to achieve the key benefits of electrifications, the ETD system efficiency has to be > 93% and the specific power density of the system is required to be > 7.5 kW/kg. Furthermore, it is found that that to achieve such system level performances, the EDT components is required to be ≥ 99% and with specific power densities > 40 kW/kg to achieve the 7.5 kW/kg target. These necessitates orders of magnitude of improvements at all technological fronts and requires radical improvement in design and integration methodologies. Major technologies and design trades for various components and system architectures are presented to provide guidelines and framework to address this grand challenge. Key results are provided to support the design study.
Thromboelastometry-guided anticoagulation reversal in a patient with ventricular assist device with intracranial hemorrhage.

Abstract Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a known complication in patients with ventricular assist devices (VAD). We present a case of a 42-year-old male with a VAD and on warfarin who presented to the emergency department with ICH necessitating anticoagulant reversal. An attenuated dose of 15 units/kg of 4-factor prothrombin complex-concentrates (4F-PCC) was given and the patient’s coagulation profile was subsequently assessed using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) to determine appropriateness of reversal. ROTEM® analysis showed adequate reversal at the time of assessment and the patient ultimately returned home without further functional deficits, highlighting the role of ROTEM® to guide anticoagulation reversal in the VAD patient population.
Gray zone in red: China revisits the past

With the United States having shifted its defense emphasis to peer and near-peer rivals, study of irregular warfare has likewise expanded its scope to applicable lessons for the strategic level, wi...
Keeping it simple: Zebrafish directly sense spinal cord stretch to regulate swimming.

Picton et al. show that in zebrafish, a class of neurons located in the spinal cord sense spinal cord stretch during the lateral bends of undulatory swimming and provide inhibition to the swimming motor patterning generating network, thus acting as both mechanosensors and inhibitory interneurons.
Design, Synthesis, Anti-inflammatory & Anticonvulsant Activity of Substituted Heterocyclic Compounds

Aim: To design, synthesize, anti-inflammatory & anticonvulsant activity of substituted coumarin acetohydrazide derivatives. Study Design: Experimental work related to Anti-inflammatory & Anticonvulsant activity. Methodology: Coumarin acetohydrazide derivatives were synthesized by reacting substituted isatin with 7-hydroxy-4-methyl-coumarin in glacial acetic acid to determine their anti-inflammatory & anticonvulsant activities. Molecular docking study was performed against the COX enzyme for anti-inflammatory activity & carbonic anhydrase II enzyme for anticonvulsant activity. Anti-inflammatory activity was done by carrageenan induced paw edema method in rats at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight. Anticonvulsant activity was studied in rats at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight; in the maximal electroshock (MES) induced seizures model. Results: (Z)-2-(4,8-dimethyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl)oxy)-N-(5-nitro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidine) aceto-hydrazide and (Z)-2-(4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7yl) oxy)-N-(1-methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene) acetohydrazide showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity as compared to Celecoxib after 5 h with 71.94 to 77.96 % inhibition. Most of the compounds displayed anticonvulsant activity in the MES screen at a dose 200 mg/kg. Out of twelve compounds (Z)-N-(5-chloro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-2-((4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl) oxy) acetohydrazide and (Z)-2-((4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7yl) oxy)-N-(1-methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene) acetohydrazide shown most significant activity with remarkable protection (67%) against MES induced convulsions. The structure-activity relationship concluded valuable pharmacophoric information, that the substitution on isatin ring has a significant effect on preventing inflammation & the seizure formation. Conclusion: From the molecular docking study & biological activity determines that all synthesized coumarin acetohydrazide derivatives shows anti-inflammatory activity as compared to Celecoxib & anticonvulsant activity as compared to Phenytoin.
Statistics for diagnostics: What makes a diagnostic test informative

AACR Centennial Conference: Translational Cancer Medicine-- July 20-23, 2008; Monterey, CA FO02-03 For a diagnostic test to be informative, it needs to identify a greater proportion of patients with the condition as positive compared to the proportion of patients without the condition. This is often stated as sensitivity and specificity adding up to more than 100%. For a random test which arbitrarily identifies a patient as positive or negative, sensitivity and specificity add up to 100%. For a perfect test which identifies every patient with the condition as positive and every patient without the condition as negative, sensitivity and specificity add up to 200%. Similarly, for a random test, predictive value of a positive test and predictive value of a negative test add up to 100% and for a perfect test they add up to 200%. In terms of the area under the ROC curve, a random test will have an area of 0.5 and a perfect test will have an area of 1.0. But a test which narrowly meets these conditions is not necessarily useful and there are few tests which are perfect. It is also common sometimes to consider a test to be useful when the relative risk is greater than a set level, say 2. When the prevalence is low, as it is for cancer, this can result in very low values for predictive value of a positive test. We will discuss some of the details.
Meson trajectories with increasing multiplicities and trilocal fields

A quark model with a core that was previously suggested is used to define a trilocal field to describe mesons. The field is taken to satisfy a second-order equation which is Lorentz invariant and invariant under the linear group acting on the two internal co-ordinates. The local fields occurring in the expansion of the trilocal field then describe mesons with spinJ and multiplicityJ on the leadingρ-A2 linear trajectory. This result shows that such a scheme can accommodate the doubling of the A2-meson and predicts tripling for the R-meson.
TEACHER KNOWLEDGE AND STATISTICS: WHAT TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE ARE USED IN THE PRIMARY CLASSROOM?

School curricula are increasingly advocating for statistics to be taught through investigations. Although the importance of teacher knowledge is acknowledged, little is known about what types of teacher knowledge are needed for teaching statistics at the primary school level. In this paper, a framework is described that can account for teacher knowledge in relation to statistical thinking. This framework was applied in a study that was conducted in the classrooms of four second-year teachers, and was used to explore the teacher knowledge used in teaching statistics through investigations. As a consequence, descriptions of teacher knowledge are provided and give further understanding of what teacher knowledge is used in the classroom.
Mitochondrial resistance to massive irradiation in vivo—II: Density-gradient distribution of the mitochondrial fraction and associated enzymes☆☆☆

Abstract Sucrose density gradient centrifugation was utilized to discern effects of massive γ-irradiation (250 and 1000 krad) on the mitochondrial fraction in pear fruit cells. Protein content and three enzymes, cytochrome oxidase, catalase and acid phosphatase were used to detect the presence of specific organelles along the sucrose gradient. A dose of 250 krad deterred mitochondrial fragmentation and losses in enzyme activities known to occur in the unirradiated, aging control cells. A 1000-krad dose, however, produced obvious manifestations of massive stress to the fruit and augmented the degenerative processes associated with cellular aging.
Abstract 17037: CTCF Regulates Fetal Genes and is Inversely Correlated with Cardiac Muscle Size Across 100 Mouse Strains

Heart failure is accompanied by abnormal gene expression, however the global chromatin structural mechanisms responsible for transcriptional changes are unknown. We hypothesized that specific chromatin structural proteins orchestrate gene expression in the normal and diseased myocyte. The conserved zinc finger protein CTCF has been shown in diseases such as cancer to regulate transcription, enhancer function, and maintenance of 3D chromatin structure. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of CTCF in cardiac growth and pathology. We conducted an unbiased systems genomics analysis-in which ~100 strains of mice were treated with isoproterenol (3 wk) followed by transcriptome and phenotype analyse-to investigate the genetic architecture of heart failure. This analysis revealed a strong negative correlation between CTCF mRNA expression and cardiac hypertrophy as measured by heart weight (r2=0.076, p=9.7E-9), left ventricular mass (r2=0.053, p=9.8E-8) and left ventricular internal diameter in diastole (r2=0.033, p=1.6E-5; association with ejection fraction was not significant, r2=0.007, p=0.63). We observed an 80% down-regulation of CTCF at the mRNA level, and 60% at the protein level, in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) 48h following treatment with either isoproterenol (1umol) or phenylephrine (10umol). RT-PCR in agonist-treated NRVMs confirmed activation of the fetal gene program. However, siRNA mediated CTCF knockdown resulted in the opposite scenario, wherein SERCA and alpha-MHC were up-regulated while ANF and beta-MHC were down-regulated. The effect of CTCF KD on fetal gene expression is still observed when cells are simultaneously treated with hypertrophic agonists, suggesting that loss of CTCF partially prevents activation of these genes following acute hypertrophic stress. Lastly, CTCF KD induced cell death in NRVMs, implying that CTCF is an essential protein for myocyte survival. These data indicate that CTCF is involved in preservation of normal gene expression patterns in the healthy heart and its levels are genetically correlated with cardiac muscle size.
Goodbye, Sustainable Growth Rate—Hello, Merit-Based Incentive Payment System

On 16 April 2015, President Obama signed the Medicare Access and Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, or MACRA. In addition to repealing the sustainable growth rate formula, thi...
Communication in distributed computing environments

Computing is often viewed as a tool and a computing system is typically treated as a toolbox of applications for performing operations such as calculations and data storage and transfer. Currently, humans develop these application tools and apply, or specify how to apply, them. Recognizing that computing is a fundamental discipline challenges us to accept the notion that a computing system could play other roles than merely serving as a toolbox. An active player will require massive parallelism and mechanisms for abstracting over interactions. >
Equivalence Ratio-EGR Control of HCCI Engine Operation and the Potential for Transition to Spark-Ignited Operation

This research investigates a control system for HCCI engines, where equivalence ratio, fraction of EGR and intake pressure are adjusted as needed to obtain satisfactory combustion. HCCI engine operation is analyzed with a detailed chemical kinetics code, HCT (Hydrodynamics, Chemistry and Transport), that has been extensively modified for application to engines. HCT is linked to an optimizer that determines the operating conditions that result in maximum brake thermal efficiency, while meeting the peak cylinder pressure restriction. The results show the values of the operating conditions that yield optimum efficiency as a function of torque and rpm. The engine has high NO{sub x} emissions for high power operation, so the possibility of switching to stoichiometric operation for high torque conditions is considered. Stoichiometric operation would allow the use of a three-way catalyst to reduce NO{sub x} emissions to acceptable levels. Finally, the paper discusses the possibility of transitioning from HCCI operation to SI operation to achieve high power output.
Getting Specific About Specific Ion Effects

Recent studies are shedding light on the mechanisms that drive the properties of salt solutions.
Grid‐connected PV‐APF system with anti‐islanding protection

SUMMARY A multi-string grid-connected two-stage photovoltaic system acting as an active power filter with anti-islanding and fault protection is presented. The inverter is current controlled for harmonic compensation. Harmonics in the load current are detected by a time-domain technique. A time-domain technique based anti-islanding method is proposed. Moreover, our time-domain technique is also utilized to detect faults in the dc bus of the inverter. The simulations were performed in PSCAD/EMTDC, and experimental results are provided to validate the concept. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probable L-Forms of Nocardia asteroides Induced in Cultured Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages

Mouse peritoneal macrophages were infected with varying numbers of Nocardia asteroides 10905, and the fate of the ingested organisms was determined by viable plate count (VPC), light microscopy (LM), immunofluorescent microscopy (IM), and electron microscopy (EM). The results obtained with these methods differed. VPC indicated that intracellular Nocardia decreased in numbers during the first 12 days, followed by significant increases after 16 days. LM suggested that N. asteroides 10905 was slowly degraded by macrophages with no subsequent increases observed. In contrast, IM demonstrated large numbers of intracellular Nocardia throughout the experiment. EM studies of infected macrophages failed to demonstrate intact bacteria after 8 days; however, wall-less and spheroplast-like organisms were seen. These results suggested that N. asteroides 10905 was present within the macrophages in an altered form. By using hypertonic culture medium, we were able to isolate, from infected macrophages, organisms which exhibited many of the properties of bacterial L-forms. IM demonstrated these variants to be of nocardial origin. These altered forms also reverted to typical nocardial cells either spontaneously or upon transfer into broth. These findings indicate that N. asteroides 10905 is capable of existing within macrophages in an altered state. Further investigation is in progress to determine whether these altered forms represent L-forms or transitional-phase variants.
Hydrodynamics and sediment-transport in the nearshore of Poverty Bay, New Zealand: Observations of nearshore sediment segregation and oceanic storms

Abstract Nearshore regions act as an interface between the terrestrial environment and deeper waters. As such, they play important roles in the dispersal of fluvial sediment and the transport of sand to and from the shoreline. This study focused on the nearshore of Poverty Bay, New Zealand, and the processes controlling the dispersal of sediment from the main source, the Waipaoa River. Hydrodynamics and sediment-transport in water shallower than 15 m were observed from April through mid-September 2006. This deployment afforded observations during 3–4 periods of elevated river discharge and 5 dry storms. Similar wind, river discharge, wave, current, and turbidity patterns were characterized during three of the wet storms. At the beginning of each event, winds blew shoreward, increasing wave heights to 2–3 m within Poverty Bay. As the cyclonic storms moved through the system the winds reversed direction and became seaward, reducing the local wave height and orbital velocity while river discharge remained elevated. At these times, high river discharge and relatively small waves enabled fluvially derived suspended sediment to deposit in shallow water. Altimetry measurements indicated that at least 7 cm was deposited at a 15 m deep site during a single discharge event. Turbidity and seabed observations showed this deposition to be removed, however, as large swell waves from the Southern Ocean triggered resuspension of the material within three weeks of deposition. Consequently, two periods of dispersal were associated with each discharge pulse, one coinciding with fluvial delivery, and a second driven by wave resuspension a few weeks later. These observations of nearfield sediment deposition contradict current hypotheses of very limited sediment deposition in shallow water offshore of small mountainous rivers when floods and high-energy, large wave and fast current, oceanic conditions coincide. Consistently shoreward near-bed currents, observed along the 10 m isobath of Poverty Bay, were attributed to a combination of estuarine circulation, Stokes drift, and wind driven upwelling. Velocities measured at the 15 m isobath, however, were directed more alongshore and diverged from those at the 10 m isobath. The divergence in the currents observed at the 10 and 15 m locations seemed to facilitate segregation of coarse and fine sediment, with sand transported near-bed toward the beach, while suspended silts and clays were exported to deeper water.
Differences in the IR Methylene Rocking Bands between the Crystalline Fatty Acids and n-Alkanes: Frequencies, Intensities, and Correlation Splitting

Detailed low-temperature infrared spectra in the methylene rocking-twisting progression band region from 700 to 1000 cm -1 are presented for the C-phase crystalline fatty acids with even numbers of carbons from 16 through 22. There are significant differences between these spectra and those of the corresponding crystalline n-alkanes. The differences in band frequencies, intensities, and splitting are relevant to the interpretation of infrared spectra of complex assemblies of chain molecules such as biomembranes. They are due to chain end and chain-packing differences and can be accounted for using simple models developed in earlier studies, particularly those on the n-alkanes. Band frequency differences result from shifts imposed on the unperturbed frequency by the end groups. Shifts associated specifically with the methyl and acid end groups were estimated from the observed frequencies of the fatty acids, fatty diacids, and n-alkanes and unperturbed frequencies obtained from the dispersion curve for the infinite polymethylene chain. The shifts observed for rocking band frequencies are found to be the sums of the shifts assigned to the end groups. The differences in intensity and intensity distribution can be explained using a model in which the contribution of the individual methylenes to the dipole moment derivative associated with a given band is assumed to be the same except for the terminal methylenes. These methylenes are distinguished by the adjoining chain end group. The intensity differences between a fatty acid and an n-alkane occur because the contribution from the acid-end methylene is much greater than that from the other methylenes. The methylene bands in the spectra of the orthorhombic and monoclinic n-alkanes and C-form fatty acids are split because of interchain vibrational coupling. Their splitting patterns depend on the chain tilt angle. The three different patterns can be accurately reproduced using a simple coupled oscillator model, the different tilts, and three methylene -methylene interchain interaction constants.
Stable positive periodic solutions of the time-dependent logistic equation under possible hereditary influences

Abstract The logistic equation, generalized to include time-dependent but periodic coefficients and a functional, hereditary interaction term, is shown to have a positive periodic solution provided the time-dependent net birth rate has a positive average. Under more restrictive conditions on the interaction term and the net birth rate, this solution is shown to be uniformly asymptotically stable. The approach is to treat the problem as one of the bifurcation of nontrivial positive solutions from the identically zero solution using, roughly speaking, the average of the net birth rate as a nonlinear eigenvalue.
Dissociation by piroxicam of degranulation and superoxide anion generation from decrements in chlortetracycline fluorescence of activated human neutrophils

Abstract Human neutrophils (PMN), activated by appropriate stimuli, aggregate, generate O 2 • , secrete lysosomal enzymes, and exhibit a characteristic decrease in chlortetracycline (CTC) fluorescence, which has been attributed to mobilization of membrane-bound Ca, a possible requirement for stimulus-secretion coupling in PMN. Preincubation of PMN with piroxicam (50 μM) before stimulation with the chemotactic peptide f-met-leu-phe (FMLP) inhibited each of these responses. In addition, binding of 3 H-FMLP was significantly reduced in the presence of piroxicam. In contrast, when either concanavalin A (Con A) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) were used as stimuli in the presence of piroxicam, aggregation and secretion of lysozyme proceeded normally, whereas O 2 • generation and CTC fluorescence decrements were significantly inhibited. The binding of 3 H-Con A was unaffected by piroxicam. Since secretion and aggregation could be dissociated from the CTC-fluorescence response, it is unlikely that an event monitored by decrements in CTC fluorescence is necessary for stimulus-secretion coupling.
A review of the strength of iceberg and other freshwater ice and the effect of temperature

Abstract Based on literature results, the temperature of an iceberg around the Grand Banks of Newfoundland is shown to vary from about 0 °C at the water–ice interface to approximately − 20 °C in the interior. This temperature variation affects the strength of the ice. A review of the strength of iceberg ice shows that its uniaxial compressive strength is 1.7 times less than other freshwater ice at a strain-rate of 10 − 3 s − 1 , probably due to pre-existing healed cracks or flaws. Using an activation energy of 80 kJ/mol., the uniaxial compressive strength of iceberg ice is shown to vary from 5 MPa at 0 °C near the surface, to 8.5 MPa at − 20 °C, 10–20 m inside the iceberg.
Kinetics of Reactions of H Atoms With Ethane and Chlorinated Ethanes

The reactions of H atoms with ethane and three chlorinated ethanes (C2H5Cl, 1,2-C2H4Cl2, and CH3CCl3) have been studied experimentally using the Discharge Flow/Resonance Fluorescence technique over...
Clock Tree Synthesis with XOR Gates for Polarity Assignment

A novel clock tree synthesis (CTS) method is proposed that improves the reliability of an integrated circuit system through reducing the peak current on the power/ground rails drawn by the clock tree buffers. The proposed CTS method entails the integration of XOR gates at one level of the clock tree to enable polarity assignment for peak current reduction. Unlike previous polarity assignment methods, the skew of the generated clock tree with XORs is preserved as the physical layout of the clock tree is preserved during the polarity assignment process. Furthermore, the proposed clock tree permits the implementation of most of the previous polarity assignment methods through configurability of the control input of the XOR gates. Experimental results show that the peak current on the power/ground rails of the clock tree is reduced by an average of 55.2% without any degradation in the original clock skew.
Specific fatty acids as metabolic modulators in the dairy cow

This review summarizes recent developments on the utilization of specific fatty acids to modulate bovine energy metabolism, with emphasis on the periparturient dairy cow. A number of experiments have assessed the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on bovine hepatic energy metabolism using in vitro and in vivo models. Treatment of hepatocytes with specific fatty acids altered energy metabolism in vitro. For example, linolenic acid seemed to decrease hepatocyte triacylglycerol accumulation. This effect was confirmed in vivo, using parenteral infusions of emulsions derived from different fat sources to feed-restricted non-lactating cows. Additionally, polyunsaturated fatty acids can increase whole body response to insulin, potentially enhancing antilipolytic effects of insulin and muscle protein anabolism in the bovine. There is limited literature on the effects of feeding fat sources rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as fish oil and linseed oil, on metabolism of periparturient dairy cows. Available research has yielded conflicting results which need further clarification. On the other hand, specific isomers of conjugated linoleic acid consistently induce milk fat depression and are able to decrease energy export in milk by periparturient dairy cows. Nonetheless, research is still needed to assess whether these effects will ultimately benefit productivity and health status of periparturient dairy cows. Limitations of available methods to protect fatty acids from ruminal biohydrogenation are also addressed.